Sunday, 30 September 2012

Pomegranate

Pomegranate - The Magickal and Health benefits!

Folk Names: Carthage Apple, Grenadier, Malicorio, Malum Punicum, Pound Garnet,

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Fire

Powers: Divination, Luck, Wishes, Wealth, Fertility

Magical Uses: The seeds have long been eaten to increase fertility and the skin carried for the same reason.

The Pomegranate is a lucky, magical fruit. Always make a wish before eating one and your wish may come true.

A branch of pomegranate discovers concealed wealth, or will attrack money to it's possessor. The skin dried is added to wealth and money incences.

Women who wish to know how many children should throw a pomeganite hard on the ground. The number of seeds which fall out indicate the number of their offsping.

Branches of Pomegranate hung over doorways guard against evil, and the juice is used as a blood substitute or a magical ink...

*** For your health ***

Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice. Here are eleven:

Fights Breast Cancer
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.

Lung Cancer Prevention
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

Slows Prostate Cancer
It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

Keeps PSA Levels Stable
In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

Protects the Neonatal Brain
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.

Protects the Arteries
It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.
Alzheimer's Disease Prevention It may prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice and they performed mental tasks better.

Lowers Cholesterol
It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).

Lowers Blood Pressure
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.

Dental Protection
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

Pomegrantes are great for you all around!! Please do not eat them if you are allergic! ♥

Blessings ♥

Yvonne )o(

Resources: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs.
Health Diaries .com

Saturday, 29 September 2012

Pumpkin shortage threatens Halloween supply

Farmers say there will be a shortage of pumpkins this Halloween as the bad summer weather means the crop is down by 20 per cent and many are still green.

Pumkins will not be orange in time for halloween because of the bad weather, producers has warned Photo: ALAMY

By Telegraph Reporters

12:19PM BST 26 Sep 2012

Farmers say there will be a shortage of pumkins this Halloween as the bad summer weather means the crop is down by 20 per cent and many are still green.

Pumpkin growers in Lincolnshire are now racing against time to get the harvest finished before the frost claims more of their crop.

At David Bowman Pumpkins, near Spalding, which is Europe's largest producer of the vegetable, around 40 per cent are still green because of the cold weather.

"It's terrible, pumpkins don't like the wet and cold and that's what we've had all summer," said Mr Bowman, whose farm normally produces two million a year, around three quarters of the British crop.

"The harvest is 10 days behind schedule and it looks like there will be a shortage of pumpkins for Halloween this year.

"The pumpkins should be orange by now but around 40 per cent are still green because it has been so cold."
Most pumpkins sold in the UK are used for lantern carving, as part of Halloween celebrations leading up to October 31.
But this year's poor crop, with many smaller and yellower than normal, means prices are likely to rise and shops could sell our early.
Mr Bowman, 64, who has been harvesting pumpkins for 40 years, added: "The harvest normally starts on September 1 but we didn't get started until the 10th.
"Some of the pumpkins are reasonably coloured where they've been sheltered from the cold wind, but most are yellow.
"They'll go into the store to ripen and hopefully they should turn orange by Halloween."
Mr Bowman, who supplies all the major supermarkets, grows his pumpkins on 500 acres.
The farm workers process around 100,000 pumpkins a day during the harvest.
Gareth Jones, a spokesman for FARMA (National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association) said: "The weather has been bad and there won't be as many pumpkins around as usual so people will need to get to festivals early to buy their pumpkins this year.
"There is a chance that prices may be higher this year if the supply is down."

Are you talkin' to me? Seagull comes face-to-face with its own reflection as it skims across surface of water

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 03:34, 29 September 2012 | UPDATED: 07:05, 29 September 2012

Images of birds in flight have always fascinated artists, but sometimes it is pure luck rather than careful composition that yields the most stunning works featuring nature's feathered creatures.
Earlier this year, a Norwegian photographer was at the right place and the right time to capture a series of breathtaking photos depicting a seagull studying its reflection in the water.
Geir Magne Sætre, 40, of Gursken, Norway, has been photographing birds mid-flight for some time now, but several months ago, he managed to snap three unique and inspiring images of a seagull.

Narcissus: Norwegian photographer Geir Magne Sætre captured a seagull coasting over calms waters and staring at its reflection

The first of the three shots taken in February and March shows the bird, its white wings with black tips stretched forward, coasting just inches away from calm, crystal-clear waters and staring intently at its reflection like a feathered Narcissus.

In the second shot, the bird's feet are in the water, its wings raised high over its head with the yellow and red beak slightly ajar.
The final image shows the graceful feathered creature taking off, its feet barely touching the surface of the water like a ballerina on point and the wings poised to soar into the sky.

Bird of a feather: In another image, the seagull's feet are in the water, its wings raised high with the yellow and red beak slightly open

Natural beauty: In another image, the seagull's feet are in the water, its wings raised high with the yellow and red beak slightly open

Graceful: A third image shows the bird in the moment of takeoff, with its feet barely touching the surface of the water like a ballerina on tiptoe

Sætre has drawn much praise since posting the poignantly poetic images online on Thursday, with thousands of views on the site Fotogigen and hundreds of ‘likes’ on Facebook.
The 40-year-old Norwegian photographer specializes in wildlife and nature, with an emphasis on birds. In his day job, Sætre works for a company that designs and engineers boats.

Is this the most extravagant coffee house in the world? Shop established in 1720 has incredible murals restored to former glory

Caffe Florian on San Marco Square in Venice, Italy, has reopened the doors to its exquisite Hall of the Illustrious Men
The room features opulent portraits of prominent Venetian figures
The coffee house has welcomed famous visitors including Lord Byron, Casanova and Charles Dickens over the centuries

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 10:47, 29 September 2012 | UPDATED: 11:58, 29 September 2012

Italy's oldest coffee house has opened the doors to one of its most opulent halls once again after restoring it to its former glory.
Caffe Florian first opened on San Marco Square in Venice in 1720 as a place for Venetians to taste hot chocolate, a symbol of wealth, against a backdrop of exquisite murals.
However, after nearly three centuries of being open to the elements, the coffee house closed the doors to one of its rooms, the Hall of the Illustrious Men, for restoration.

The Hall of the Illustrious Men at the Caffe Florian on San Marco Square in Venice, Italy, has reopened after an extensive restoration

The coffee house first opened in 1720 and has welcomed famous visitors including Charles Dickens, Casanova and Lord Byron

The hall is named after influential Venetian figures who are portrayed in the oil paintings.
Caffe Florian also has a number of other magnificent rooms.
The Room of Season or of Mirrors is often called 'The Restaurant' because it served as the coffee house's dining room in the 1930s.
The Oriental Room and the Chinese Room both feature oriental motifs and the Senate Room depicts scenes from the arts and sciences.
The Liberty Room is elegantly decorated with hand-painted mirrors.

Caffe Florian became a popular coffee house in the 1800s where people met to discuss politics and culture.
Over the years it has hosted many famous visitors including Charles Dickens and Lord Byron.
Caffe Florian also became Casanova's hunting ground because it was the only coffee house to admit women at the time.

The Hall of the Illustrious Men is one of a number of rooms at the coffee house that is still open to the public

A view of the ceiling of the Sala degli Uomini Illustri (Hall of the Illustrious Men) in the Caffe Florian

A portrait of Doge Pietro Orseolo, pictured left, is on display at the Hall of the Illustrious Men at Caffe Florian

Bullie Sketch

Just love this sketch

You say tomato, I say APPLE: Rare red-fleshed fruit that looks and tastes like a Raspberry Ripple hits supermarket shelves

By Helen Collis
PUBLISHED: 00:34, 29 September 2012 | UPDATED: 00:34, 29 September 2012

It has been a strange year for fruit, with the long wet summer and the subsequent detrimental effect on our bees.
While some varieties of apples seem few and far between this season, one unusual harvest is making a inaugural appearance in the supermarkets.
The rare variety of red-fleshed apple is to go on sale to UK shoppers for the first time next week.

The rare, red-fleshed Raspberry Ripple apple is to go on sale to UK shoppers for the first time next week in Tesco

Cultivated by a Worcestershire fruit tree specialist, the apples, named Raspberry Ripple to reflect their unusual appearance, will hit the shelves at three branches of Tesco on Monday.
The supermarket giant hopes trial sales of the 'stunning' apple at three sites in London - including its Kensington Superstore - will pave the way for its introduction across a wider area next year.
The naturally-occurring variety was discovered by chance growing in an orchard near Hereford nine years ago and has been developed by Tenbury Wells-based fruit tree nursery Frank Matthews Ltd.
The nursery was contacted almost a decade ago by a local grower who informed them he had an extremely rare red-fleshed apple, and cuttings were then grafted on to rootstock to create an initial batch of 100 trees.

Growers are now satisfied the red flesh is consistent in apples from each of the trees, which are said to produce fruit with a hint of the flavour of raspberries.
Although trees yielding a different variety of red-fleshed apple have been available in the UK since 2010 from a Devon-based seed company, no red-fleshed varieties have previously been available through supermarkets.

The unusual variety is likely to be a big hit during its inaugural supermarket season in a nation of apple-loving consumers

Frank Matthews' owner, Nick Dunne, said: 'When I first saw the red flesh I thought right away that this could be big news in the apple industry and that has been borne out by the interest we are now getting from growers around the country.
'Tesco will have the first batch to ever go on sale in the UK and we hope that if they are well received by shoppers that we could establish the variety as a top-seller very soon.'
Hailing Raspberry Ripple as a fantastic addition to Tesco's existing range of 21 British apple varieties, the supermarket's apple buyer, Gill Getty, said: 'Not only do they look amazing but, as the name implies, they have a hint of a raspberry flavour to add to their generally tangy, sweet flavour.
'There are very limited amounts of these apples as this is the first year that they have been commercially grown, but if shoppers like them then we will have plenty for next year.'

“It’s the one day that is given to you. It is a gift. And the only appropriate response is gratefulness.”

Source: domesticexecutiveonline.com via Mary Nell on Pinterest

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”

~ Maya Angelou

Complaining is like a virus. I’m all for being honest about the present moment—and sometimes the present moment isn’t pretty—but when we keeping passing along gripes and complaints about every little thing it becomes insidious.
I was doing some Facebooking earlier and got a little fed-up/sad at all the complaints I saw. The government sucks. The weather sucks. My family sucks. Blah Blah Blah. So I took a few minutes to write up what I was feeling thankful for to share that instead.

We get to decide what we pass along. When we pass along joy, gratitude and delight at the simple things in life, we are being of benefit. It might not clean up the oceans, it might not end the wars, but guess what? It’s a start.
Before you start your weekend, take a minute and thank someone, give thanks for something—even for something as simple as the rain.

What Does it Mean to Stand in your Power?

photo: AmandaLouise

I’m just coming down from an emotional life-evolving summer.

It was by far the most challenging summer for me personally and professional.
I decided to make a change in my life; to take a leap and broaden my horizons. To do that, I needed to find my courage. I needed to stand more powerfully. I was confused for most of my life, I have let people take advantage and use me. I allowed myself to be less then who I was. I often give away my power too freely.
People who I thought were friends, and even yogis, took it willingly as I gave it away. I can’t be angry with them, I allowed it to happen. My friends pointed it out to me but I was still blind. But now as I stand at the tail end of 2012, I have come to realize what I need to do to.

Stand more powerfully. Stand for truth, stand for integrity, stand for what I believe in and stand for what works for me.

I need to be courageous…what does that mean? My new Yoga Bestie Michelle Marchildon speaks about a Fearless Heart in her book Finding More on the Mat. I’m going to get me one of those fearless hearts. Life lessons tell me I need this. I need to really find my courage. It starts first with observing the world around me. It’s an abundant world so we need not be hoarders. We must not take what is not ours, and we must not take it all!

photo: Shahram Sharif

p> Don’t hoard or grasp at something. If you hold on too tight you lose your power. Grasping and hoarding is a symptom of insecurity. Insecurity creates fear, and fear contributes to powerlessness.
Don’t get me wrong, fear can be a gift. There’s a difference between fear that keeps us safe from harm, and fear that keeps us from living a full life. Being afraid of sky diving or bungee jumping may be valid. The fear that lives in our imagination, the fear that limits our existence is not valid. We must work to overcome it.
Have the courage to let go and have faith that the Universe is abundant.

I am not as smart as, as well read as, or as educated as someone I know and admire. Therefore I am less then whole, not as good or as worthy.

That’s crazy talk, and intellectually I know it, but there is still part of me that believes it.
What I’m striving for now is balance. Balance is stability, and stability is powerful! I always have choices. I can choose to be taken advantage of, I can choose who to be friends with, I can choose how to react to situations, and this is where we find power. Every time I come to a place were I feel shaky, how do I shift my thinking to create balance and power. I ask myself, “What can I do in moment to change the way I am feeling?”
I can breath, I can observe and I can do things that makes strong. I can practice gratitude for the moment. This moment is a learning opportunity. What can I learn from this experience so that it doesn’t happen again? How I can feel more powerful? This is an opportunity to become more skillful.
Much of feeling powerful is wrapped up in how we feel about ourselves. Practicing self love is the first step to empowerment. If you love yourself deeply you will stand tall in your life and you will treat others with respect.

“How we treat ourselves in truth is how we treat those around us.”~ Deborah Adele

As I create a more powerful me. I will embrace all the things that make me courageous and help me to stand in my power.

Observing these five things truthfully will make me more skillful and powerful in my life. If you feel this share it and do the same:

1. Gratitude: thanking my life experience for showing me what I need and what I don’t want.
2. Compassion: is knowing that I can’t help everyone. Trying to do what I think is best for people steals their power
3. Balance: I cannot do everything and I must take care of myself first.
4. Truthfulness: live and stand with integrity. I need to really own my shit.
5. Do not steal or take advantage of others: Think about your actions

“travel light, spread light, be the light”

~
Editor: Kate Bartolotta

Can The Secret work for me if I Don’t Believe in It? ~ Olga Feingold

Ask and you shall receive…or so “they” say.

The story of a closet doubter, Reiki healer, and astrology follower.
You wouldn’t guess it if you met me. You can find me reading US Weekly at the check out line of a grocery store. Better yet, hear me on the street yelling into my decorated iPhone, “no, she didn’t!”
You wouldn’t guess that I think psychics might be real, believe in reincarnation and that the full moon makes women crazy and men lonely.
I do. I believe all that.
I was once called the most grounded spiritual person someone know. That’s an honorary title I accept.
There’s a significant amount of literature discussing the power of manifestation. How to do it. Why it doesn’t work. It goes on and on. I struggle, just like you, to manifest a billion dollars. I’m wondering, does this stuff really work? I know, gurus, don’t judge me. Apparently, my cent of doubt overrides my dollars of belief.
I can imagine these poor spirits, as they’re described, standing over me in giddy anticipation. “What will she ask for next? Oooh, Olga, come on we want to play worldly architects.”

Okay spirits, here I am, let’s go to Thailand.

I imagine them running around quickly connecting the Universe to guide me to this open door. They’re constructing a pixie dust railroad. I imagine myself, standing at the door, ready to turn the knob. On the other side, the magical fairies shush each other to feel my much ado excitement for their gift. Then…Boom.

You know, instead, maybe I’ll go to India.

Sigh, they shrug their shoulders. But, of course, they aren’t disappointed. Apparently, in this candlelit happy place they are all forgiving, all accepting. They merely turn with a wave of new energy to create another track, another door, another path. These poor little suckers, I’ve been playing this game with them for months.
For months, I’ve been planning a travel adventure. I don’t have any money but I have time. I want to manifest a trip. I want to manifest money for my trip. I want to travel. It’s not happening. It’s simply not working. No doors. No windows. Not even a crack of light in a direction I can follow.
So, maybe it’s not them. Maybe they don’t exist. Maybe it’s me. If only I could hold one idea long enough for the Universe to conspire it to me. Maybe I’m the one who isn’t dedicated to my vision.
Isn’t it so much better to think that The Secret doesn’t exist than to admit that I may not really be dedicated to my dreams?
So you know what I did? I outsmarted The Secret. I figured out a way to put Her to the test. I would win this round. I would find out once and for all the power of these magnificent imaginary creatures.

Boy, was I whooped. Into tiny drops of ocean shreds.

I said to them,

Okay, Universe, guide me to the direction that best serves me.

If they’re anything like new age gurus, then they’ll eat that line right up. They love that stuff. Surrender. Apparently, we’re all just stubborn two-year-olds who insist on doing things the hard way. Apparently. So surrender. That’s all you have to do, They say.
Well, I gotta tell you. The next morning, while perusing the news page of Facebook, popped up a friend’s friend new company. This gentleman was a life coach who put all of his secrets for free on his site. After reading for about an hour, I had a plan of attack to make some extra money. The very same night, my mentor invited me to travel with her on her next yoga retreat to assist. Three weeks later, I was offered an all paid, month long expedition to Botswana and Namibia for work.
Coincidences? Maybe.
Timing’s pretty interesting though. Did it tell me where to go? No, but it reminded me that I am the maker of my Universe.
That conviction is what got Mandela out of prison. Gandhi freedom. MLK liberty for his people. Conviction and hard work. So, without an ounce of doubt. I’m going to keep asking for guidance. I will do the work though. That’s on me.
What do you think? Has the Secret worked for you? Have you outsmarted that little trickster?

Olga Feingold is a traveling vagabond goddess, who found a passionate full-time job in Boston. She keeps her soul smiling with her dedicated yoga practice, running away to the wilderness in her free time, and practicing gratitude. She loves finding things to climb, people to hug, and harnessing her inner domesticated side. If you like what you see, you can catch her meandering inspirational tidbits here. She can be reached at feingold.olga@gmail.com.

Friday, 28 September 2012

Via Kate Bartolotta

on Jan 19, 2012

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Your Heart.

Which is more valuable—your heart or your head?

trust your heart
if the seas catch fire
(and live by love
though the stars walk backward)
~ e e cummings

Last year, my doctor heard my heart doing something unusual and sent me on a several month adventure of tests. Trust me, one thing you never want to hear during a cardiac echo is, “Hmmm…I’ve never heard that before!” Long story short, they decided that everything was exactly where it was supposed to be. I have the optimum textbook in flow and out flow. My heart is amazingly healthy. It just has a rhythm all it’s own. (Anyone that’s known me for more than a minute probably already knew that.)
We put our minds in charge most of the time, but our minds deceive us. Trusting your gut is a step in the right direction. But your heart? Listening to your heart sometimes gets an undeserved bad rep.

Your heart is amazing.

10. Your heart is incredibly strong. Your heart muscle is strong enough to lift 3,000 pounds.
9. But, you can actually break your heart. Deep emotional hurt releases stress hormones like cortisol which damage your heart.

(Photo: Wikimedia)

8. Your heart is a great indicator of your innate responses. What makes your heart race? Who makes it calm? You can convince your mind of all sorts of things. If your mind is telling you you don’t know what you want, listen to your heart. It knows.
7. The six quarts of blood in your body travel a distance of 12,000 miles around and around your body every single day.
6. The blood vessels fed by your heart are over 60,000 miles long; they could wrap around the earth–twice.
5. It used to be believed that the physical heart controlled emotions. Now we know the opposite is true. The cycle of your heartbeat is mainly regulated by your parasympathetic nervous system. When you are calm and happy, you relax into a regular rhythm.
4. Your heartbeat is strong enough to project blood over 30 feet.
3. Your heart beats–on average–100,000 times a day.
2. When you laugh, the blood flow to your heart is increased for about 45 minutes.
1. Your heart pumps over 31,000,000 gallons of blood in a lifetime.
All the things we attribute to our “hearts” may not be true. But when you feel something, in that ever-raw broken open place in your chest, when something makes you skip one of those 100,000 beats—pay attention. Your heart doesn’t lie.

15 Quotes on Waking Up.

Source: 126.com.au via Marie on Pinterest

Something to Take Home

One of my favorite things in a yoga class is when the instructor reads a poem or shares a quote either at the beginning or the end of the class. Something to get you thinking; something to take home with you. I try to do this in most of my classes and through doing the reading and the research to find little drops of inspiration, I’ve come across some real gems.

Here are my favorites.

On opening your heart

Stop the words now.
Open the window in the center of your chest,
and let the spirits fly in and out.
~ Rumi

On opening your mind

I want to unfold.
Let no place in me hold itself closed, for where I am closed,
I am false.
~ Ranier Maria Rilke

Full circle
We are here to do.
And through doing to learn.
And through learning to know.
And through knowing to experience wonder.
And through wonder to attain wisdom.
And through wisdom to find simplicity.
And through simplicity to give attention.
And through attention to see what needs to be done.
~ Ben Hei Hei

On Feelings

Feel your emotions, live true your passions, keep still your mind.

~ Geoffrey M. Gluckman

On Stillness

Be still.
Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity.
~ Lao Tzu

On Yoga

Yoga is the study of balance, and balance is the aim of all living creatures:
It is our home.
~ Rolf Gates

On Gratitude

The best things in life are nearest.
Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet,
duties at your hand, the path of right just before you.
Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain work as it comes,
certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

On acceptance

Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing, there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.
~ Rumi

On angels

Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers “Grow, Grow.”
~ The Talmud

On Peace

Peace is every step.
The shining red sun is my heart.
Each flower smiles at me.
How green, how fresh all that grows.
How cool the wind blows.
Peace is every step.
It turns the endless path to joy.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

On Waking Up

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don’t go back to sleep.

~ Rumi

Because Rumi said so:

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty
and frightened. Don’t open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
~ Rumi

Because Patanjali said so:

The mind becomes clear and serene when these qualities of the heart are cultivated.
Friendliness toward the joyful
Compassion toward the suffering
Happiness toward the pure
and understanding toward the impure
Peacefulness towards all beings.
I am blessed with peace.
I am peace itself
Joyfullness towards all beings.
I am blessed with joy.
I am joy itself.
Kindness towards all beings.
I am blessed with loving kindness.
I am loving kindness itself.
Compassion towards all beings.
I am blessed with compassion.
I am compassion itself in action.

~ Yoga Sutra of Patanjali 1:33

Because St. Theresa said so:

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you
are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite
possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing,
dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
~ St. Theresa’s Prayer

Because Gandhi said so:

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.
~ Mahatma Gandhi

20 Celebs And Their Adorable Adopted Pups

Anyone can own a dog, but it takes a special type of person to adopt one. Take a look at some adorable pups and their celebrity parents. And to make a difference and adopt a pup of your own, check out PEDIGREE® Woofer. posted about a month ago

Atticus (Adopted by Jake Gyllenhaal)

Jake Gyllenhaal and his best friend Atticus have been inseparable since they first found each other at an LA shelter many years ago.

Via: backalleysoapbox.files.wordpress.com

2. Baylor (Adopted by Selena Gomez & Justin Bieber)

Taking a break from their busy schedules, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber stopped by an animal rescue center and decided to take home a new friend. After hours of deliberating, they walked out with a brand new puppy called Baylor.

Via: msnbcmedia4.msn.com

3. Baxter (Adopted by Ryan Reynolds)

Meet Baxter, Ryan Reynold's adopted pup. As if we needed another reason to fall in love with Ryan.

Via: img2.timeinc.net

4. Thurmen Murmen (Adopted by Rachel Bilson)

Rachel Bilson's got tons of love for all of her pups. And over the years, she's taken in quite a few of them from rescue centers, but her most loyal companion remains the darling Thurman Merman.

Via: photos.posh24.com

5. Tucker (Adopted by Charlize Theron)

Meet the love of Charlize Theron's life, her adopted buddy, Tucker!

Via: dailystab.com

6. Kola (Adopted by Kellan Lutz)

Kella Lutz adopted Kola a few years ago and has since worked closely with PETA to raise awareness for pet adoption.

Via: cdn03.cdn.justjaredjr.com

7. Tiffany (Adopted by Joey Lawrence)

When Joey met Tiffany it was love at first sight. While filming a movie in Australia, he stopped by a local shelter and spotted a true jewel: a female black Labrador-Australian heeler mix. He then made it his mission to get her back home with him no matter what the cost. Today, Joey and TIffany are living happily ever after.

Via: img2-3.timeinc.net

8. Wink (Adopted by Selma Blair)

Selma Blair is one actress who chose to adopt her best friend. Selma also has a passion for animal advocacy. She's also a regular volunteer at the Lange Foundation in L.A. where she helps care for injured and disabled pups.

Via: 4.bp.blogspot.com

9. Lila (Adopted by Kate Bosworth)

While in Morocco filming "The Girl in the Park," Kate Bosworth found a dog living on the streets. So she brought Lila back home with her, and the two have been best buds since.

Via: 1.bp.blogspot.com

10. Karoo and Rumi (Adopted by Hillary Swank)

Hilary Swank loves animals so much that she even works at animal adoption centers. And her adopted pals definitely get to enjoy the perks of having a famous mommy, as they travel with her everywhere and sometimes get cameos in her films.

Via: 3.bp.blogspot.com

11. Ziggy And Charlie (Adopted by Mischa Barton)

Mischa Barton loves doggies so much that she's adopted two! -- Ziggy and Charlie -- who go everywhere she does!

Via: crushable.com

12. Sidi (Adopted by Orlando Bloom)

While filming “The Kingdom of Heaven,” Orlando Bloom also found his best friend. He adopted a black Saluki mix while he was in Africa and the dog has stayed by his side since.

Via: sodahead.com

13. Poppy & Ruby (Adopted by Sandra Bullock)

Sandra Bullock is another celebrity who has elected to adopt her dogs from rescue groups and shelters. So far, her clan includes Poppy, a tripod, and Ruby, a two-legged Chihuahua (both shown above).

Via: celeb-trend.up.seesaa.net

14. Foxy (Adopted by Matthew McConaughey)

Matthew McConaughey and his adopted Australian cattle dog Foxy make quite a dashing pair.

Via: img2.timeinc.net

15. Pixie (Adopted by Wynonna Judd)

Wynonna Judd, a huge supporter of animal adoption, shares her Nashville ranch with her numerous best friends, including Pixie, a Rat Terrier who suffers from arthritis. Judd adopted Pixie from Animal Haven in New York City in May 2003 while she was helping promote National Arthritis Month.

Via: 2.bp.blogspot.com

16. Einstein (Adopted by George Clooney)

Clooney may not be ready to settle down with a lady, but that doesn't mean he's not ready to commit to a furry friend. Clooney's recently adopted hound Einstein has totally won over his heart.

Via: ecorazzi.com

17. Charlie (Adopted by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne)

Sharon Osbourne met her rescue pup Charlie at a charity auction to benefit Holly's HollyRod Foundation. Not only did Charlie find a great home, but he also raised over $10k for Autism. Double win!

Via: i.usatoday.net

18. Francis (Adopted By Jane Lynch)

Meet Francis, Lynch's newest addition to her growing clan of rescue pets.

Via: omgnews.com.au

19. A Pack Of Retired Greyhounds (Adopted by Trent Reznor)

Trent Reznor may come off as a badass, but he's got a much softer side when it comes to his Greyhounds. Trent is an avid animal lover and longtime supporter of rescuing retired greyhounds.

Via: x929.ca

20. George (Adopted by Ryan Gosling)

What's sexier than adopting a dog? Ryan gosling adopting a dog. This heart-throb adopted his shaggy dog George when he saw him at the Los Angeles Pound in 2000.

Via: celebritydogwatcher.com

Pictures: 11 Sacred and Iconic Trees

A picture of a Montezuma cypress, Mexico

Tule Tree, Mexico

Photograph by Infinita Highway, Getty Images

Some call this Montezuma cypress the largest tree in the world, thanks to its bulky base. According to its UNESCO World Heritage site nomination, the so-called Árbol del Tule, or Tule Tree, measures 115 feet around and 98 feet high. (The Tule Tree has not yet made the official UNESCO list.)
Its stout trunk and evergreen branches are named after the Santa Maria del Tule church in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where the tree has grown for centuries. The possibly 2,000-year-old giant may have been planted by an Aztec priest.
The Montezuma, or Mexican, cypress is native to the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala.
(Read more about World Heritage sites.)

To see in full see -

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/photos/sacred-and-iconic-tree-worship-gallery/?source=link_fb20120927env-iconictrees&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=link_fb20120927env-iconictrees&utm_campaign=Content%2F#/04-environment-iconic-trees-tule_58539_600x450.jpg