:Wise Money Tips

During fourth grade we performed in the schools talent show and did a cool break dance routine. We trained every together after school for three months straight. A few days we would go over to his house and then a few over at my house. We both had basements that we turned into dance rooms. We even put a disco ball up and had lights that were florescent in color. We worked so well together that we ended up winning the school talent show and took home the first place trophy. I let him have it because he worked so hard. Having a best friend when you are growing up during Elementary school makes life so much more fun. We still talk to this day, but now we have our own families and jobs where we can’t see each other that much

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Many in academia believe that the United States of America by going into Iraq has created millions of new terrorists. The common phrase is that we have stirred up the hornets nest. In the book; “Taking Stock of The Forever War” by Mark Danner he states that the Al Queda small group has become a the concept of “Al Queda’ism” and thus a call sign bringing people together against the West.

Mr. Mark Danner believes that the United States has failed to earn the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people and Moslems throughout the region in the world. This would hardly be deniable, however how can you win the hearts and minds of the people when clerics are able to incite violence in recruits international terrorists suicide bombers simply by using a cartoon that was published in some obscure publication over 4000 miles away? Indeed went looking at that point of view; it is impossible to win the hearts and minds of the Islamic people and only a fool would try.

It appears that these liberal professors in their liberal skewed view of the world have not taking into consideration the human characteristics of mankind or the long history of violence and war in religious doctrine, which reap power to clerics who promote war. It seems their psychological arguments are totally out of context. From a Machiavellian point of view, sure it makes sense to be loved and respected, but that is simply is not possible.

So it is better to be feared it respected and be tough on international terrorists and if necessary use unthinkable force to gain that respect. As fear is the only thing with the international terrorists respect anyway and in fact is there only weapon. We cannot allow it to destroy us and therefore we must fight fire with fire and forget about rationality, for the other side has none, nor do they care about human innocent life. Consider this in 2006 you liberals.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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You don’t have to be a gift basket designer to create a nice gift for someone special. If you have a little extra time to do some shopping and some downtime at home to do the creating, personalized gift baskets are a wonderful way of expressing yourself to someone special for any occasion.

There are many benefits to creating your own, personalized gift. One being, you can select the perfect products for your basket and even include personalized items, such as a framed picture. I’ve even had clients give me hand knit items they made to include in custom gift baskets.

The key to creating a pleasing gift basket is to find one focus item and place it in the center of the basket. If you are looking for a professional look, find several items that somewhat match in color and theme and place them around the main item. Go for a balanced look, with items on either side, in front and/or behind the main product.

Adding embelishments is a fun way to dress up the gift basket. Many craft and discount stores have plastic flowers, fruits, and many other items that you can easily add to your baskets to make them look nice.

Now that you have the basics of what to put in the basket, here’s a simple and inexpensive way to put it all together. Find a nice gift basket, or any “container” type of item, such as a flower pot, colander or gift box. Bunch up some newspaper or tissue paper and put it in the container. Top with shredded paper of your desired color. Place your items in the container as described above, so they are all visible at the top of the container. Don’t be afraid to use some tape or glue dots to hold things in place. Many professionals use floral foam on the bottom and skewer the items into place with wooden sticks, although this is not necessary.

Wrap your basket with cello wrap or use cello basket bags and tie off with a nice ribbon and bow. Most craft stores carry cello wrap and bags, the latter being much simpler to use. Add a personalized card by hole-punching the corner and tie on with the ribbon. You’re all set!

Creating a gift basket definitely takes time, patience and creativity. Many gift basket professionals charge anywhere from $10 - $40 per hour to create custom gift baskets! In the interest of saving money, try it yourself. If your interest lies in saving time or you need the gift shipped, you may opt to buy a unique and affordable basket from the gift basket professionals.

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Although a craft not as old as other needle arts, knitting has a long history and currently used tools and techniques have come quite some distance from nalbinding (nalbinding employs the thumb and a needle as tools for looping). Examples of nalbinding dating from the third century have been found in destroyed Roman outposts. Evidence of nalbinding is also found in early Scandinavian cultures.

Older examples, dating from the Iron Age (400 B.C. - 1 B.C.) have also been discovered. Knitted socks dating back to the fourth to fifth century A.D. as on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Some of the first knitted gloves had been produced by the thirteenth century. Luxury knitting for Liturgcal clothing such as gloves was state of the art.

Queen Elizabeth I preferred knitted silk stockings, and with good reason: Knitting adds flexibility to a garment even while adding warmth. Knitted stockings were worn mostly by men, however. An appetite for knitted stockings spread through the Royals of the time, which created a growing guild of knitters throughout Europe. However, it wasn’t long before knitted hosery was the preference of the masses, and a competitive hand-production throughout England was underway with peasants willing to knit for low wages. Fashions change, and men started to wear long pants during the time of the French Revolution, and that brought a swift end to the peasants’ trade due to the reduced demand for the long hose.

The knitted sweater is quite young as a form of garment; the first known sweaters date back only to the seventeenth century. Fishermen word hand-knitted sweaters so they could stay warm and free to move about their boats without being caught on the rigging and other parts of the boat. Sweaters knit for and worn by fishermen were known as Guernseys or Ganseys. Each village had its signature pattern. Sadly, one of the reasons for this was to help identify the bodies of men who had died at sea.

Knitwear’s popularity increased as the Industrial Revolution allowed for more leisure time for the wealthy. Men found that playing gold or tennis was much more comfortable in flexible knitting clothing rather than stiff woven fabrics. Women of today who enjoy the freedom of knitted clothing can thank the wives of those wealthy golf-club swinging men. The women of leisure enjoyed sports as well and quickly abandoned the corset in favor of the comfort of knitted garments.

Knitting found is way to America with the Puritans and was taught to all young girls, no only to prevent the evil dangers of idle hands, but to teach a valuable skill that could provide income. Once knitting in factories was in play, hand knitting became a pastime rather than a necessity for middle and upper class women. Social class was not to be ignored, however. Since peasants still also knitted, a class line was drawn in that the leisure knitters developed new ways to hold their needles so as to not be associated with the lower social strata.

Eventually knitting became a medium for creative expression and fashion statements. Colorful and different pattens emerged as the art circled the globe. Coco Chanel introduced her first collection of knitted clothing in 1916, made from surplus knitted fabric intended for undergarments.

Knitting has its own language today, including abbreviations, guage sizes, increases and decreases, special stitches, and shaping symbols. There is a plethora of tools and gadgets available to assist the knitting enthusiast, and a wide variety of knitting needles is also available. Even the simple knitting needle, once only a thumb tip or a branch of a tree, is now a basis for decoration and ornamentation. As with everything else we do, we like to leave our mark. Although not often found in a mass merchandise or larger chain craft stores, an internet search for decorative knitting needles can turn up hundreds of options: Needles with beads that look similar to hat pins on the button end, some have wire coiled around the last 1/2 inch of the needle, some are decorated with polymer clay beads. Filigree caps and other decorative jewelry findings can also make attractive embellishments for knitting needles.

When decorating knitting needles, there are a number of concerns that need to be taken into consideration. You don’t want the finding or embellishment to be getting in the way of the yarn, which leaves the button end of the needle the only place available for easy decorating. Challenges arise in decorating plastic knitting needles because the ability to use a head pin or any sort of sharp point to hold findings or beads is eliminated, therefore embellishments can only be affixed with glue or another adhesive. Since knitting needles come in so many shapes and sizes with the buttons also being of different shapes, it makes it very hard to standardize the decorating unless you use a beading technique on wooden needles. Decorated knitting needles can certainly be as extravagant as the user wants them to be within the limitations of obstructing the ability to knit efficiently.

Andrea Twombly

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Pastels are unique and versatile because of their ability to be used as both a drawing and painting medium. They are also unique because colors are worked and blended on the paper as opposed to a palette. Whether you work with hard pastels, soft pastels, or both, the following tips will prove to be helpful.

Drawing is an essential part of mastering the art of pastels. You should learn the basic fundamentals of drawing and practice as often as possible. Drawing will teach you about value and line so that you can build a good foundation for mastering pastels.

Your pastel art can be quite interesting and expressive if you combine different types of pastels, or by incorporating other mediums and tools. You can use charcoal, toothpicks, knives, and work with the already applied layers of pastels. This will help to break up the drawing a bit and make it more interesting. Next time you feel uninspired, grab some charcoal and some hard and soft pastels, turn on some music, and just let your imagination go.

Hard pastels are really useful when you want to create detailed lines in your drawings and paintings. Use soft pastels if you want to cover large areas or if you want to create bold strokes or other unique textures.

When choosing the right paper for your pastels remember that pastels will interact differently depending on the papers surface. If you work with soft pastels on a rougher paper surface for instance, you may have to use more pastel to really work the pigment into the paper. At the same time, you will also be able to work with more layers.

If you are on a tight budget and concerned about using too much of your pastels too quickly, try colored paper. With a colored paper, you can utilize more of the papers color as a background as opposed to blocking in large areas of color.

Some artists use fixatives to protect their pastels or to keep the pastels in place while working. Be very careful while using fixatives. Use only in a well ventilated area. Fixatives come in both workable and permanent forms.

Use a workable fixative on your drawings while working to protect layers from mixing or interacting in any way.

Permanent fixatives are used to protect and preserve the final drawing. Do not spray on too many layers and make sure you don’t spray in any one area for too long a period of time. There is a difference of opinion as to whether the use of fixatives is harmful or helpful to a pastel drawing or painting. Some artists swear by them, while other artists feel they dull or darken the colors, or possibly even ruin the drawing all together. It is recommended to experiment with fixatives on a few practice drawings to decide whether or not they are beneficial to your style of drawing.

Some basic pastel techniques:

Scumbling - When you apply loose broken color over another layer of color.

Hatching - When you apply parallel strokes close to one another.

Cross Hatching - Apply one set of hatch lines over another, usually in the opposite direction, and you have cross hatching.

Blending - Blending with pastels can be accomplished using two different techniques. You have optical blending where the colors are not actually mixed together but instead lines are drawn closely together as in hatching for instance. The other type of blending is when the colors are actually mixed together, by rubbing with your fingers or using tools like blending stumps.

I hope these pastel tips have helped. Remember that there is no substitution for practice and experimentation. Only then will you discover what materials and techniques you are most comfortable working with.

For more pastel tips & techniques be sure to visit : http://www.creativespotlite.com/pastel-painting.htm. You may also find http://www.artsymmetry.com of interest where you will find even more art & craft related articles.

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Nanominerals defy rules. These subatomic minerals exist separately from the regular minerals that we encounter. Nanominerals are known by other names like ormus, manna, and white gold. Like naturally occurring minerals, nanominerals are also natural, but these crystalline materials exist only in the nanoscale size range which is anywhere from 1 to 100 nanometers.

These nanominerals cannot be seen or viewed with the naked eye, and there are some elements in non-metallic crystalline form called Trans Platinum, which make them undetectable even by chemical analysis. Sometimes, these nanominerals may also adopt inert and superconductive properties.

A good example of the Trans Platinum concept is gold. Gold can exist in two different forms and can behave differently in each state. When it is in solid yellow metallic form, it is shiny, more conductive, and pliable. On the other hand, if it takes on its crystallized form, it will appear diamond-like.

If you’re wondering where nanominerals come from, there is actually no need to look any further. Nanominerals can be found in or produced from some of the most common natural resources. A good example is salt water. They take on the form of calcium or magnesium carbonate and only when one takes an extremely close look at it will one notice the crystallized metals.

Although there is really no specific data of the overall mass distribution of nanominerals, it has been observed that they affect various chemical, biological, and physical processes - and these effects may happen within the Earth’s oceans or inside our own bodies.

There are companies like Nanominerals corp, founded by Dr. Charles Ager (Chuck Ager), that are pioneering the nanomineral mining industry. Chuck Ager is the forerunner of the patented technology to both locate and extract nanominerals from the earth.

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Gemstones have long been attributed with healing powers. Gemstones were used for healing in ancient Persia, India and Greece. Ancient Indian scriptures contain descriptions of gemstones complete with prescriptions for their use.

The western system of birthstones traces its origin to the Bible, where Moses set rules regarding the “Breastplate of Judgement” which was set with 12 gems. To this day gems adorn the mitre of the Pope and Bishops of the Christian churches.

During the renaissance period in Europe, the great physician Paracelsus used medicines made from crushed gems. Kings and Queens from around the world wore gems on their crowns, originally as a means of expanding their influence throughout the kingdom. Most crowns sat upon the head so that the main gem in the centre would touch the middle of the forehead (third eye).

Gemstones have had little place in modern medicine, although in recent times they have enjoyed a revival in popularity. Whether you wear gemstones for their sparkle, colours and beauty, or for their healing properties, they remain as popular as ever.

In gemstone healing, the greatest benefit is generally achieved by holding the stones close to the skin. What better way then to take advantage of any energies they may hold, than to use gemstones in jewellery. Below is a guide to the healing properties of many gemstones, which may aid the jewellery designer in deciding which combinations of gemstones to use to gain the maximum beneficial effects for the wearer. Combine the beauty of colour with the mystical properties and you can both heal and sparkle!

The healing properties of gemstones

African Turquoise / Chrysocola - Strengthens and aligns all chakras & subtle bodies, Brings any & all energies to a higher level, Stimulates Throat & Navel Chakras. Grounding, healer of the spirit. Calms & soothes the mind. Dissipates negativity.

Agate - A cooling stone, it reduces fever, quenches thirst, beneficial in stomach area. It quiets the pulse and heart palpitations and insures good health and a long and prosperous life. Botswana Agate: Use with high-pressure oxygen therapy. Fire Agate: Master healer with colour therapy, enhances all essences. It grounds and balances, binds sexual & heart chakra, burns energy. Moss Agate: Emotional priorities, mental priorities; circulatory, pancreas & pulses, blood sugar balance. Agate guards against danger. Wearers become temperate, continent and cautious. It helps one view oneself with more clarity, and see the world through a broader viewpoint. Wearing Agate is believed to cure insomnia and to ensure pleasant dreams.

Alexandrite - Helps fight low self-esteem. Improves central nervous system disorders. Alexandrite relieves spleen & pancreas problems. Alexandrite is a stone of good omen. Alexandrite can assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and increases ones ability to experience joy.

Amazonite - Improves your skin. Releases fear and anxiety. Amazonite makes your married life happier.

Amber - Excellent for eyes, and for glandular swellings of the throat and lungs. Amber balances endocrine and digestive network. Amber brings good luck. It is associated with time, cycles and longevity. Amber is also regarded as being highly sensual and magnetic. Amber has long been associated with healing energy and mental stimulation, and is said to balance aggressive traits.

Amethyst - Magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches, improves blood sugar imbalance. Named from the Greek word “amethystos” which can be translated as “not drunken”, amethyst was believed to protect its owner against drunkenness. As the myth goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety. Amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy. Because of that, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops still often wear amethyst rings. Amethyst is associated with a number of superstitions, being regarded as a love charm, and as a protection against thieves. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it. Placed under the pillow at night, the beautiful amethyst is believed to produce a calm and peaceful sleep. Amethyst is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.

Adventurine - Is said to increase libido. Releases fear and anxiety. Green adventurine strengthens one’s blood and muscle tissues. Adventurine is said to increase confidence, and gratitude, promotes emotional tranquillity and positive attitudes. Adventurine is a wonderful stone to use daily, especially during meditation and prayer.

Bloodstone - in ancient times bloodstone was thought to be able to stop haemorrhages with the merest touch. Bloodstone relieves stomach and bowel pain. It strengthens blood purifying organs and improves blood circulation. Bloodstone has a positive influence on a bladder. Bloodstone is used to help one become more knowledgeable in the ways of the world. Bloodstone is also believed to be a very magical stone.

Calcite (Orange)- Balancer, Alleiviates fear, Lightness of being.

Carnelian - Governs and increases passion, Solar Plexus Chakra.

Chalcedony - Believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. Chalcedony reduces fever. Wearing chalcedony is believed to be excellent for eyes. Chalcedony prevents from touchiness and melancholy. Worn by many to promote calm and peace. Chalcedony also stimulates creativity.

Charoite - Put beneath your pillow, especially if you are prone to disturbed sleep or fears which surface in dreams. In combination with amethyst, it will help to release these fears. Charoite is said to be useful for the cleansing and purification of one’s energy body as well as for the transmutation of negative energies within oneself. Work with Charoite to foster a synthesis between the heart and crown chakra, walk your spiritual path with awareness, and manifest your soul’s wisdom and light in daily life. The purple colour of Charoite, among its other roles, helps to bring us closer to spirit by showing us that everything, even the thoughts we hold as true, can be dissolved and replaced with more empowering energies. The colour black in this stone grounds the purple ray, and enables us to explore the nature of our fears; while white represents the connection to spirit.

Citrine - Valuable in the treatment of depression, it eliminates self-destructive tendencies. Citrine is said to stimulate memory. It aids digestion, and removes toxins from the body. Citrine is a good healing stone, especially for heart, kidney and liver. It helps fight diabetes. Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness. Citrine is a great protective talisman. It calms and soothes. Citrine is the signature of wisdom and peace. It stimulates the mental body and aids the opening of the bridge between higher mental body and intuitional levels. Citrine is said to help one connect with Spirit. It enhances creativity, and motivates writers.

Coral - Used in difficulties of the lungs and digestion. It relates to the circulation of the blood and to the heart. Coral helps restore harmony in the event of emotional conflict. It works against nutritional deficiencies, depression and lethargy. Coral is said to cure madness and give wisdom. Coral is used to build an emotional foundation. Coral protects children. It aids in the safe crossing of rivers, passages through tempests. It excites nerve power, brilliancy and gladness and is a true health-giver. Note that coral loses its powers when broken.

Diamond - Assistance for all brain diseases. It is beneficial in stomach area. Diamonds strengthen the owner’s memory. Diamonds symbolise faith, purity, life, joy, innocence and repentance. They assist in developing concentration and in being honest. It is believed the diamond loses its brilliance with the health of the wearer, regaining it only when the owner recovers. Diamond is an antidote to poison and is capable of detecting poison by exhibiting a moisture or perspiration on its surface. Supposedly, the higher quality the diamond, the better it supports these qualities.

Emerald - Extensively used for physical and emotional healing. Emerald has refreshing soft green colour, which has amazing healing powers for eyes, and it is a good talisman for any eye trouble. If worn about the neck or finger, emerald prevents convulsions in children. Emeralds are also an antidote for poisons and poisonous wounds. It aids with ailments of the spine. Emeralds help fighting all mental illness and neurological disorders. It is said to drive away evil spirits, and to preserve the chastity of the wearer. Emerald is said to bring wisdom. Believed by the ancients to empower the owner with foresight into the future, an emerald is regarded as an amulet for good fortune. The emerald gives faith and success in love. It changes colour in the presence of false friends or false witnesses. It promotes constancy of mind, true friendship, and felicity in domestic life. As a love token, it registers the degree of love. If pale, love is waning. An emerald symbolizes rebirth and youth. According to legends, emeralds strengthen the owner’s memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future. When worn, the stone is supposed to prevent epilepsy attack, and when held in the mouth it is believed to be a cure for dysentery. It is supposed to assist women at childbirth.

Fluorite - Gives courage and dispels anxiety. Aids sleep. Heart Brow & Crown Chakra (Purple).

Fossils - Enhance telepathy to past worlds. Heightens business accomplishments. Stimulates the thymus.

Garnet - Excellent for blood deficiency diseases. It stimulates bloodstream and pituitary gland, relieves rheumatism and arthritis pain. Garnet combats depression and lethargy. Garnet also stimulates the spleen. Cures fever and promotes good health. Garnet should be carried close to the body. Its energy is balancing and peaceful. This stone of passion stimulates the sexual drive. Garnet gives energy and courage. It is said to encourage robust good health and sexual desire, enhance the wearer’s imagination. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It also offers protection to the traveller.

Goldstone - Vitality, contains copper which helps blood flow. Cleans out toxins and brings back natural energy.

Hematite - Anti-depressant. Aids oxygenation of the bloodstream. Hematite helps fight against venereal diseases. It has a positive influence on a bladder. This stone also helps to treat hysteria. Hematite is said to be a good healing and grounding stone, it strengthens the body and improve resistance to life’s stresses. Hematite inspires inner life and helps to keep inward peace.

Howlite - Aids & deepens sleep. Helps bring back wisdom from dreams. Strong calcium content/vibration so excellent for bones & nursing mothers.

Jade: Nephrite - Balances male/female energies. Talisman of protection. Blood cleansing.

Jasper - Energy, Planet: Mercury, Element: Air. All mottled jasper should be worn for protection Medicinal values were long attributed to jasper, including a belief that wearing it strengthened the stomach. Jasper was also believed to cure gynaecological problems. Leopard skin jasper is said to bring its wearer whatever they need. Poppy Jasper is said to help bring joy into life. Opalite Jasper is said to help one sleep. Jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. Picasso Stone Jasper - Aids Digestion. Promotes weight loss. Helps circulation & anxiety/stress. Picture Jasper - Understanding. Happiness. Red Jasper - Good Luck. Passion. Happiness. Brecciated (Poppy) Jasper - Harmony. Happiness.

Labradorite - Communication. Reactivate ancient/future memories.

Lapis Lazuli - Self-Confidence. Understanding. Third Eye & Throat Chakras. The stone is said to increase psychic abilities. Lapis is said to be a cure for melancholy and for certain types of fever. Lapis lazuli eliminates negative emotions. It relieves sore throat pain. Traditionally believed to increase mental clarity, virility, and calm. Lapis Lazuli is energy focuser for teachers, lecturers and speakers. Enhances creative self-expression. Lapis Lazuli is also powerful during meditation.

Malachite - Thoughtfulness, Romance, Assists tissue regeneration, Aids sleep. Malachite is worn by many to detect impending danger. This beautiful green stone offers bands of varying hues and is believed by many to lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at Malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one’s life. It is also believed that malachite gives knowledge and patience. Malachite is used as a children’s talisman to ward off danger and illness. It is attached to infant’s cradles.

Marble - Dark Green & White - Gives strength of self-control & serenity, Enhances common sense, Helps disorders of bone marrow, viral & bacterial infections, Helps lower back pain.

Mookaite - Aids concentration.

Moonstone - Aligns vertebrae. Is a good digestive aid. Moonstone also soothes and balances the emotions. Moonstone is believed to be protective for women and babies. It’s also associated with the sea and planting cycles. Moonstone is said to balance yin and yang. In India, moonstone is regarded as a sacred stone. It is believed to bring good fortune. Legend says that Moonstone is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses tender passion.

Mother of Pearl - Aids money and financial issues.

New Jade (Bowenite) - Romance. A great Talisman. Causes enemies to withdraw feeling danger. Eases clean break from past traumas. Brings success in pursuits. Increases abundance in trade. Dispels sorrow.

Nunderite (brown with bright green spots, Australian) - Safety for water travel. Helps one to blend with environment to remain unnoticed. Helps the recording of diaries/journals. Stimulates hindsight.

Obsidian - Often used for gaining clear insight into problems. Obsidian stabilizes and is a chastiser. Mahogany Obsidian influences friendship. Male energy. Stomach & Digestion. Clears subconscious blocks.

Onyx - Used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair, eye and nail strengthener. Onyx is said to help one sleep. This gemstone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders. Onyx eliminates negative thinking, it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is a great assistance in holding emotions and passions under control. Black Onyx is used to help one change habits.

Opal - A cure for diseases of the eye. Fire Opal: Red corpuscle & blood disorders; depression; apathy; lethargy. Black Opal: Reproductive organs; spleen & pancreas; filters red corpuscles & aids white corpuscles; bone marrow; depression, especially of sexual origin. White Opal: Balances left and right brain hemispheres for neurological disorders; stimulates white corpuscles. Black opal is regarded as an extremely lucky stone. In ancient times opal was accepted as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence. It has reputed healing properties, especially to increase mental capacities such as creative imagination. Black opals worn near the heart on necklaces made of gold are said to protect one from the evil eye and protect travellers on journeys to far away lands. Opals have been ground up and used as magic potions to heal the body, ward off bad dreams, and used an energy enhancement tools.

Pearls - Eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra, aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems. Pearl is said to help improve self-worth. As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness.

Peridot - Increases strength & physical vitality. Peridot protects against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings. It helps liver & adrenal function. Peridot is also thought to protect lungs, sinuses, and wrists from illness and injury. Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. This very popular stone is believed to attract love. The deep green hue of the peridot also suggests a connection in wealth-attracting. Peridot calms a raging anger. It is also useful to dispel negative emotions, and it is believed to promote sleep when worn to bed.

Quartz - Strength, luck & fortune. All the chakras. Dispels negativity. Smoky Quartz - Stability, reassurance, releases old negativity. Mildly sedative. Blue & White - Throat Chakra, promotes speaking of what’s on one’s mind. Comfort. Spleen, endocrine system & the blood . Rose Quartz - Love, Heart Chakra, increases fertility. Rutilated Quartz - All the chakras, clears mental & spiritual blockages. Eases depression.

Rhodonite - Positive thinking, Root Chakra.

Sardonyx (Red) - Combines properties of Onyx, Carnelian & Chalcedony. Assists in happiness in marriage & live-in relationships. Use to attract friends & good fortune. Diminishes hesitation.

Serpentine Chrysotile - ‘Serpentine’: Clear clouded areas of Chakras, stimulates the crown, helps with disorders of the body. ‘Chrysotile’: Helps to find the true self, helps telepathy, helps with disorders of veins & arteries & skin pores.

Sodalite - Cleansing, enhances communication.

Snowflake Obsidian - Power, balance of polarities, Root Chakra.

Tiger Eye - Tiger eye relieves high blood pressure. Very helpful with bronchial asthma, kidney diseases, rheumatic heart disease and psoriasis. Tiger Eye is used for focusing the mind. It is said that Tiger Eye offers protection during travel, strengthens convictions and confidence. This very warm stone is beneficial for the weak and sick.
Tourmaline - Calms nerves, regulates hormones, fights against genetic disorders. Tourmaline induces a tranquil sleep. Tourmaline is said to dispel fear, negativity and grief. According to legend, the tourmaline of all colours protects the wearer against many dangers and misfortune.

Rubellite - Is believed to enhance creativity, to increase fertility, to smooth away passive or aggressive nature.

Turquoise - Is said to guard against all diseases. It assists in tissue regeneration, subtle body alignment & strengthening. Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing colour. In the 13th century, turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling, especially from horses. Turquoise is also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. It’s said that turquoise attracts healing spirits, making it a premier healing stone. Believed to be a protective stone, turquoise is worn to guard against violence and accidents. Turquoise is also a valuable amulet for travellers.

Unakite - Self-Growth

Zircon - Relieves pain. It is said to whet one’s appetite. Zircon also prevents nightmares and ensures a deep tranquil sleep. Zircon supposedly helps one be more at peace with oneself. Zircon is believed to provide the wearer with wisdom, honour and riches. The loss of lustre on a Zircon stone is said to warn of danger. Jacinth (orange zircon) helps raise one’s self-esteem.

At Magpie Jewellery, we retail qualtiy beads and findings at amazing prices. Find your gemstone beads for healing jewellery here, in all shapes and sizes. Free UK shipping and loyalty points for registered customers.

Visit us today at http://www.magpiejewellery.net for some of the best deals around.

You can also visit our Ebay store at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Magpie-Jewellery.

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Going back to the time of the Civil War most people don’t realize that over one thousand different kinds of cartridges were used. This is one explanation that Civil War cartridge collecting has become a favorite diversion. Another explanation is that during the time of the Civil War we saw changes occurring in the development of firearms and ammunition. The old circular musket balls of the Revolutionary War were being substituted with cartridges in the form we are used to.

While musket balls are found on Civil War battlefields, the most ordinary class of cartridge utilized was the .58-caliber projectile with three rings around the bottom. Numerous cartridges discovered are splattered out of form. If you’ve many times been fascinated by the Civil War and firearms, Civil War cartridge collecting is an avocation you probably will appreciate.

With the invention of the Internet and buying and selling on Ebay, Civil War cartridges have become more collectible, and the prices have gone up rapidly. Occasionally, sellers are not informed and ask more than the cartridge is valued. For these reasons, if you are just now starting out in Civil War cartridge collecting, you will most likely wish to buy a value manual. You may even discover a cost guide on line if that works better for you.
Numerous Civil War cartridge collectors also amass cartridge molds and other relics from the Civil War era. A genuine fan may even study the possibility of becoming a Civil War reenactor, acting out battles with other collectors in towns and fields across the Southeast.

Civil War cartridges can be collected by purchasing them from other collectors, or you can start by going straight to the battlefields to dig and search. A metal detector will make Civil War cartridge collecting much easier. You may also discover buttons from uniforms, cartridge molds, sash buckles, and other metal items from the conflict. A few of the cartridges may be buried very deep. You will probably need to put on a headset and pay very close attention to the changes in sound in your metal detector. Chasing after Civil War relics is not allowed on guarded battlefields, but there are still a few old home sites where battles were fought. Be certain to get consent from the proprietor and fill up any holes you dig.

Some individuals have the concept that searching for cartridges with a metal detector indicates a lack of consideration for the soldiers who died at that location. They get this notion because occasionally cartridge hunters find bones along with the cartridges. The truth is, nonetheless, that many of the cartridge hunters who have discovered cartridges this way have chronicled and mapped out their finds, resulting in many of the facts that we now understand about the Civil War.

The Civil War fascinates Americans because of everything it stands for. While most everyone agrees that slavery is a terrible stain on the history of the U.S., there are a few persons who still deliberate the issue of states’ rights versus a strong centralized government. Civil War cartridge collecting is an interesting hobby, although rather sobering at times when looking at the huge number of casualties. The recollection of kinsman fighting against kinsman out in the cornfields and pastures will not ever go away. Civil War cartridge collecting is one way to consecrate this staggering recorded episode.

Glen Stevens

Civil War Era Secrets

Amazing American Civil War Discoveries

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