Spiritualism, What U Should Know

You know, before my father passed on to the other side, he left me with one good bit of philosophy, "the only thing worse than going backwards, is standing still doing and going nowhere". This is so true and applies to all facets of life. Including your beliefs, or, lack there of. Yes, we were all raised with certain "religious" beliefs, but, does that make them "set in stone" or close the door to anything else? I think not, and, anyone with an
"opyn mind" should feel the same way and be receptive to other philosophies and thoughts. Especially since most religious teachings cannot be proven or ratified one way or the other.

In recent months, I have come to realize that there is alot more going on on this planet and dimension than most people realize, or, even care to explore. Much of it is way more substantive and realistic than the so called "religious" beliefs most people carry. A bunch of my peers and clients have asked me about some of the things I have learned. One is, the term, spirituality. This posting is for the folks that would like to know just what "spirituality" is. Enjoy and, "opyn your mindz".

What is Spiritualism?

Spiritualism is a common sense religion, one of knowing and living. We accept all truths and endeavor to prove their validity. Truths are found in nature, both physical and spiritual, in other religions, in writings, in science, in philosophy, and in Divine Law. Truths are also received through spirit communication.

A number of the tenets of other religions are found in the beliefs of Modern Spiritualists, and are reflected in the Declaration of Principles. One constant in all religions is the Golden Rule, expressed in many ways, conveying the message of humanity and love in all interactions.

The Modern Spiritualist movement began in Hydesville, New York in March, 1848. Two sisters in the Fox family began to hear rationally unexplainable rappings in the house. With time, communication with a spirit began first with “Yes” and “No” raps, and then with raps identifying letters of the alphabet. The Fox sisters were invited to a number of public forums in which they were asked to demonstrate their mediumistic abilities to a skeptical audience. Their gifts, and those of a number of legitimate psychics and mediums, spurred great public interest in Spiritualism into the early 1900s when that interest lagged.

In the present day, there appears to be a renewal of spiritual awareness as people look for answers in troubled times.

Definitions of Spiritualism

Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World. (1919)

"Spiritualism Is a Science" Because it investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life.

"Spiritualism Is a Philosophy" because it studies the Laws of Nature both on the seen and unseen sides of life and bases its conclusions upon present observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts of past ages and conclusions drawn therefrom, when sustained by reason and by results of observed facts of the present day.

"Spiritualism Is a Religion" because it strives to understand and to comply with the Physical, Mental and Spiritual Laws of Nature, which are the laws of God.

A Spiritualist is one who believes, as the basis of his or her religion, in the communication between this and the Spirit World by means of mediumship and who endeavors to mold his or her character and conduct in accordance with the highest teachings derived from such communication. (1914, Rev. 1938)

A Medium is one whose organism is sensitive to vibrations from the spirit world and through whose instrumentality, intelligences in that world are able to convey messages and produce the phenomena of Spiritualism. (1914)

A Spiritualist Healer is one who, either through one's own inherent powers or through mediumship, is able to impart vital, curative force to pathologic conditions. (1930, 1993)

The Phenomena of Spiritualism consists of Prophecy, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Gift of Tongues, Laying on of Hands, Healing, Visions, Trance, Apports, Levitation, Raps, Automatic and Independent Writings and Paintings, Voice, Materialization, Photography, Psychometry and any other manifestation proving the continuity of life as demonstrated through the Physical and Spiritual senses and faculties of man. (1950)

For more info and insight to "spiritualism", visit CSE Ministers .

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Blood And Chocolate-The Movie

Now, most of you that have been reading my postings, and, used to listen to me on the radio, you know how I basically feel about "movie reviewers/critics"! They suck, for the most part. They throw all that technical "critic" crap at us that we really don't care about. So, forget them. Check this out!

I went to the advance screening of a movie I had not even heard about before this past Monday. The movie is, "Blood And Chocolate", from the people who gave us the "Underworld" movies with Kate Beckinsale. Which I freaking LOVED!

This movie is so different from Underworld though. Where as the Underworld movies focused on the war between the Vampires and Werewolves, this movie deals strictly with the wolves. Why did I say "wolves" and not "werewolves"? Because, these are NOT werewolves in the true sense of that term. These are "loup-garoux". Humans changing into wolves with 4 legs. The transformations are pretty cool too.

There is plenty of action, however, this is not an over the top gore fest, shoot 'em up, violent action film as is Underworld. This is a tastefully done horror/action/love story. Yes, and a tear jerker also. That is all I'm giving up.

The movie is rated PG-13. And yes, I would pay to go see this film again. I LOVED IT! I'll give it 3 STARS out of 4! Oh, by the way, the soundtrack is awesome also! You can hear some of the songs on the movie's soundtrack myspace profile. Blood and Chocolate. Once you click on the movie link, click on the soundtrack myspace profile link on the official movie homepage where the trailer plays.

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Lost Planet:Extreme Condition X-BOX 360

Review: 'Lost Planet: Extreme Condition'

Simple controls and excellent graphics turn out to be a fun combination in "Lost Planet: Extreme Condition," a new T-rated, $59.99 video game for the Xbox 360 where deciding what to blow up first will be your only tough decision.

The action is brisk and constant in a science-fiction setting featuring human colonists trying to establish a presence on an unforgiving ice world. Things are going well until some locals on planet E.D.N. III - a swarm of hulking enemies that look like giant bugs - decide humans aren't welcome.

In typical fashion, the stubborn Homo sapiens aren't so willing to give up, especially once they discover that the killer critters - called Akrid - contain an important new natural resource in the form of thermal energy.

If you can stomach the plot so far you'll have no trouble ignoring what I found to be an extremely confusing story in the single-player mode.

There's a young man with amnesia named Wayne who tries to unravel the circumstances of his father's death. It gets fuzzy fast, but this isn't a game you'll enjoy because of its absent-minded hero.

Blowing stuff up, repeatedly, is the real thrill here.

Redundant? Yes. But "Lost Planet" manages to spice up the genre with some killer visuals, a roster of powerful weapons and a selection of mighty "Vital Suits" - large robotic battle mechs you can hop into for supreme command of the battlefield.

The high-definition graphics on the Xbox 360 have become commonplace, but games like "Lost Planet" still manage to impress. What's particularly awesome in "Lost Planet" are the battle scenes against the many giant, screen-filling Akrid bosses you'll fight against at the end of each level.

These critters mean business and will take a lot of firepower to bring down. There isn't whole lot of strategy involved - just target their glowingly obvious weak points - and any experienced console gamer will probably be able to zoom through this title in a few days of consistent play.
In this regard, "Lost Planet" is probably best played as a weekend rental from the local video store.

As with most action games on the Xbox 360, "Lost Planet" includes some endless replay value with various online multiplayer modes such as "Elimination" and "Post Grab."

It actually works really well. It's the sort of game that's perfect for fast-paced, frenzied online action, and I had a blast even though my real-life foes were able to make quick work of me.

What could have been an interesting gameplay element goes largely unused. During your rampages, you'll collect glowing blobs of thermal energy, called "T-Eng," which recharge your health bar.
But "T-Eng" drops in copious amounts and I never had to worry about running out, so there was no feeling of being rushed, which might have added a nice sense of urgency to the game.

It's worth noting that in two separate instances, the game locked up on me for no apparent reason and I had to restart my console to fix the problem. Fortunately, both occurred after a save point so I wasn't starting all the way over.

If you're looking for a solid, simple action game for the Xbox 360, "Lost Planet" is a great choice. Just don't expect it to keep you interested for too long.

Two and a half stars out of four.

If you like blowing up stuff and just generally "warring" and "kicking booty", this game is for you! Go on, get rid of some of that stress you picked up at the office or on the road with non drivers. Check out the really cool site for this game atCAPCOM LOST PLANET EXTREME CONDITION/ƒƒXƒg ƒvƒ‰ƒlƒbƒg ƒGƒNƒXƒgƒŠ[ƒ€ ƒRƒ“ƒfƒB

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

"Back To Nature" Needs Our Help

Dear Friends of Back To Nature

Life has given our refuge a new obstacle to overcome. The land that Back To Nature has existed on for the past 20 years is intended on being sold.

We have overgrown the 3 acres we have thrived on and are in a location that is not suitable for our wildlife.

By 2008, we will have no choice but to relocate the refuge or close down forever.

These animals need us! We need new land(10 acres+) and money to move onto this land so that we can build a new refuge. We are hoping to stay within the county that we exist in, Orange County, FL.

It doesn't matter where you live, or how much you donate. Please help us, tell your friends, go to www.btn-wildlife.org to donate or mail us at: Back To Nature 18515 East Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32820

We need your help! HELP US TO HELP THEM

Alright people, you know how I feel about the animals, "let's get busy and help these animals out"! Some of these animals may be in the process of evolving, and, who are we to retard that process. C'mon, pitch in and help out a really worthy cause.

You can also check out some cool pictures atwww.myspace.com/back2naturewildliferefuge

Thanks!!

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Chakra-What You Need To Know

Chakra: Background
The word comes from the Sanskrit cakra चक्र meaning "wheel" or "circle" (also cognate to both words), and sometimes also referring to the "wheel of life". The pronunciation of this word can be approximated in English by chuhkruh, with ch as in chart and both instances of a as in yoga (the commonly found pronunciation shockrah is incorrect). Some traditional sources describe five or seven chakras, others eight.

The chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. In new age practices, each chakra is associated with a certain color. In various traditions chakras are associated with multiple physiological functions, an aspect of consciousness, a classical element, and other distinguishing characteristics. They are visualised as lotuses with a different number of petals in every chakra.

The chakras are thought to vitalise the physical body and to be associated with interactions of a physical, emotional and mental nature. They are considered loci of life energy, or prana, (also called shakti, chi (Chinese), coach-ha-guf (Hebrew), bios/aether (Greek, English)), which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis ). The function of the chakras is to spin and draw in this Universal Life Force Energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance.

Traditional Chinese medicine also relies on a similar model of the human body as an energy system.

The New Age movement has led to an increased interest in the West regarding chakras. Many in this movement point to a correspondence between the position and role of the chakras and those of the glands in the endocrine system. Some people in New Age also claim that other chakras, besides the above, exist — for instance, ear chakras — and have described many more chakras than made reference to in traditional texts. Frequent references are made to the chakras in the New Age "sacred sexuality" or neotantra movement.

The chakras are described in the tantric texts the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, and the Padaka-Pancaka, in which they are described as emanations of consciousness from Brahman, an energy emanating from the spiritual which gradually turns concrete, creating these distinct levels of chakras, and which eventually finds its rest in the Muladhara chakra. They are therefore part of an emanationist theory, like that of the kabbalah in the west, lataif-e-sitta in Sufism or neo-platonism. The energy that was unleashed in creation, called the Kundalini, lies coiled and sleeping at the base of the spine. It is the purpose of the tantric or kundalini forms of yoga to arouse this energy, and cause it to rise back up through the increasingly subtler chakras, until union with God is achieved in the Sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head. In Microcosmic_orbit energy also comes back down the front torso nadi (and can branch to limb nadis in Macrocosmic_orbit) and enters the tantiens: when it returns to the heart (and cycles down and reascends to the head) further meditation/contemplation or union with deity develops.

Apart from this primary text from India, different Western authors have tried to describe the chakras, most notably the Theosophists. Many New Age writers, such as the Danish author and musician Peter Kjærulff in his book, The Ringbearer's Diary, or Anodea Judith in her book Wheels of Life, have written their opinions about the chakras in great detail, including the reasons for their appearance and functions.

The seven chakras are said by some to reflect how the unified consciousness of humanity (the immortal human being or the soul), is divided to manage different aspects of earthly life (body/instinct/vital energy/deeper emotions/communication/having an overview of life/contact to God). The chakras are placed at differing levels of spiritual subtlety, with Sahasrara at the top being concerned with pure consciousness, and Muladhara at the bottom being concerned with matter, which is seen simply as crudified consciousness.
Origins and development

The earliest known mention of chakras is found in the later Upanishads, including specifically the Brahma Upanishad (Mahavadana 1953) and the Yogatattva Upanishad. These Vedic models were adapted in Tibetan Buddhism as Vajrayana theory, and in the Tantric Shakta theory of chakras.[citation needed]

The seven chakras and the five elements in Tantra. Origin : Chakras Images Database
It is the shakta theory of 7 main chakras that most people in the West adhere to, either knowingly or unknowingly, largely thanks to a translation of two Indian texts, the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, and the Padaka-Pancaka, by Sir John Woodroffe, alias Arthur Avalon, in a book entitled The Serpent Power.

This book is extremely detailed and complex, and later the ideas were developed into what is predominant western view of the Chakras by the Theosophists, and largely the controversial (in theosophical circles) C. W. Leadbeater in his book The Chakras, which are in large part his own meditations and insights on the matter.

That said, many present-day Indian gurus that incorporate chakras within their systems of philosophy do not seem to radically disagree with the western view of chakras, at least on the key points, and both these eastern and western views have developed from the Shakta Tantra school.

There are various other models of chakras in other traditions, notably in Chinese medicine, and also in Tibetan Buddhism. Even in Jewish kabbalah, the different Sephiroth are sometimes associated with parts of the body. In Islamic Sufism, Lataif-e-Sitta ( Six Subtleties ) are considered as psychospiritual "organs" or faculties of sensory and suprasensory perception, activation of which makes a man complete. Attempts are made to try and reconcile the systems with each other, and notably there are some successes, even between such diverged traditions as Shakta Tantra, Sufism and Kabbalism, where chakras, lataif and Sephiroth can seemingly represent the same archetypal spiritual concepts. In Surat Shabda Yoga, initiation by an Outer Living Satguru (Sat - true, Guru - teacher) is required and involves reconnecting soul to the Shabda and stationing the Inner Shabda Master (the Radiant Form of the Master) at the third eye chakra.[citation needed]

The Seven basic chakras

Sahasrara
Sahasrara or the crown chakra is said to be the chakra of consciousness, the master chakra that controls all the others. Its role would be very similar to that of the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones to control the rest of the endocrine system, and also connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus. The thalamus is thought to have a key role in the physical basis of consciousness. Symbolised by a lotus with a thousand petals. Color violet. It is located above the head outside the body.

Ajna
Ajna or the third eye is linked to the pineal gland. Ajna is the chakra of time and awareness and of light. The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland, that produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates the instincts of going to sleep and awakening. It has been conjectured that it also produces trace amounts of the psychedelic chemical dimethyltryptamine. Symbolised by a lotus with two petals. Color- indigo
(Note: some argue that the pineal and pituitary glands should be exchanged in their relationship to the Crown and Brow chakras, based on the description in Arthur Avalon's book on kundalini called Serpent Power or empirical research.)

Vishuddha
Vishuddha or the throat chakra is said to be related to communication and growth, growth being a form of expression. This chakra is paralleled to the thyroid, a gland that is also in the throat, and which produces thyroid hormone, responsible for growth and maturation. Symbolised by a lotus with sixteen petals. Color- blue

Anahata
Anahata or the heart chakra is related to higher emotion, compassion, love, equilibrium, and well-being. It is related to the thymus, located in the chest. This organ is part of the immune system, as well as being part of the endocrine system. It produces T cells responsible for fighting off disease, and is adversely affected by stress. Symbolised by a lotus with twelve petals. Color- Green

Manipura
Manipura or the solar plexus chakra is related to the transition from base to higher emotion, energy, assimilation and digestion, and is said to correspond to the roles played by the pancreas and the outer adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex. These play a valuable role in digestion, the conversion of food matter into energy for the body. Symbolised by a lotus with ten petals. Color- yellow

Swadhisthana
Swadhisthana or the sacral chakra is located in the groin, and is related to base emotion, sexuality and creativity. This chakra is said to correspond to the testicles or the ovaries, that produce the various sex hormones involved in the reproductive cycle, which can cause dramatic mood swings. Symbolised by a lotus with six petals. Color- Orange

Muladhara
Muladhara or the base or root chakra is related to instinct, security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. This centre is located in the region between the genitals and the anus. Although no endocrine organ is placed here, it is said to relate to the inner adrenal glands, the adrenal medulla, responsible for the fight and flight response when survival is under threat. In this region is located a muscle that controls ejaculation in the sexual act. A parallel is drawn between the sperm cell and the ovum, where the genetic code lies coiled, and the kundalini. Symbolised by a lotus with four petals. Color Red

Thanks to some really good friends and cool people, I have been learning quite a bit about life and the spiritual side of things. The best way I can thank these people and fellow souls, is by passing on what they are showing me. Hopefully, it will help some of you that are asking questions and looking to elevate your consciousness.

A couple of sites that may give you more are:Chakra - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and New Age, metaphysical, bookstore, spiritual, enlightenment

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Lapis Lazuli, The Blue Jewelry Gemstone

Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a gemstone of the kind that might have come straight out of the Arabian Nights: a deep blue with golden inclusions of pyrites which shimmer like little stars.

This opaque, deep blue gemstone has a grand past. It was among the first gemstones to be worn as jewellery and worked on.

At excavations in the ancient centres of culture around the Mediterranean, archaeologists have again and again found among the grave furnishings decorative chains and figures made of lapis lazuli – clear indications that the deep blue stone was already popular thousands of years ago among the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome.

It is said that the legendary city of Ur on the Euphrates plied a keen lapis lazuli trade as long ago as the fourth millennium B.C., the material coming to the land of the two great rivers from the famous deposits in Afghanistan.

In other cultures, lapis lazuli was regarded as a holy stone. Particularly in the Middle East, it was thought to have magical powers.

Countless signet rings, scarabs and figures were wrought from the blue stone which Alexander the Great brought to Europe. There, the colour was referred to as 'ultramarine', which means something like 'from beyond the sea'.

The most expensive blue of all time.

The euphonious name is composed from 'lapis', the Latin word for stone, and 'azula', which comes from the Arabic and means blue.

All right, so it's a blue gemstone - but what an incredible blue! The worth of this stone to the world of art is immeasurable, for the ultramarine of the Old Masters is nothing other than genuine lapis lazuli. Ground up into a powder and stirred up together with binding-agents, the marble-like gemstone can be used to manufacture radiant blue watercolours, tempera or oil-paints.

Before the year 1834, when it became possible to produce this colour synthetically, the only ultramarine available was that valuable substance made from genuine lapis lazuli that shines out at us from many works of art today.

Many pictures of the Madonna, for example, were created using this paint. But in those days, ultramarine blue was not only precious and so intense that its radiance outshone all other colours; it was also very expensive.

But unlike all other blue pigments, which tend to pale in the light, it has lost none of its radiance to this very day. Nowadays, the blue pigment obtained from lapis lazuli is mainly used in restoration work and by collectors of historical paints.

The stone of friendship and truth

Lapis lazuli is regarded by many people around the world as the stone of friendship and truth. The blue stone is said to encourage harmony in relationships and help its wearer to be authentic and give his or her opinion openly.

Lapis lazuli is an opaque rock that mainly consists of diopside and lazurite. It came into being millions of years ago during the metamorphosis of lime to marble. Uncut, lapis lazuli is matt and of a deep, dark blue colour, often with golden inclusions and whitish marble veins. The small inclusions with their golden shimmer, which give the stone the magic of a starry sky, are not of gold as people used to think, but of pyrites. Their cause is iron. The blue colour comes from the sulphur content of the lazurite and may range from pure ultramarine to a lighter blue. At between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, this stone is among the less hard gemstones.

As they did more than 5000 years ago, the best raw stones still come from the steep Hindu Kush in the north-east of Afghanistan. The lumps of blue rock, extracted from the inhospitable mountains by blasting, are brought down into the valley in the summer months by mules.

Nature also created deposits in Russia, to the west of Lake Baikal, and in the Chilean Andes, where the blue rock often has white or grey lime running through it. In smaller amounts, lapis lazuli is also found in Italy, Mongolia, the USA and Canada, Myanmar and Pakistan, but in really good qualities it is rare all over.

That is why the prices of jewellery with lapis lazuli vary very widely, from luxurious to quite inexpensive. The prices of this gemstone are largely dependent on the beauty and intensity of the colour. The most popular is an intense, deep blue. Women with a pale complexion, however, often prefer the lighter shades of blue. Finely distributed crystals of pyrites which shimmer in gold and look like sequins will increase the value of the gemstone, whilst a restless, rough or blotchy grain will reduce it. Lapis lazuli is a versatile and popular gemstone which has shown extraordinary stability in the turbulent tides of fashion. No wonder, since it has fascinated both men and women for thousands of years with its fabulous colour and those golden points of light formed by pyrites.

Thought I would post this info on lapis lazuli to give you something to think about. Lapis has and is also used for metaphysical and spiritual properties.

It is ironic how things come together sometime. I suppose synchronicity might have something to do with it. But, recently, I read an article that said that "blue" is the most popular color in the world. In that very same vein, I overheard 2 females talking about how tired they were and bored with gold and silver jewelry and wanted to get something different. Something "blue" like their cell phone light color. I didn't know it then, but, seems like maybe they should look at some "lapis lazuli" jewelry.

Hey guys, Valentines Day is coming up! If you celebrate that. lol For more info on "lapis lazuli", check out Gemstones Meanings Spiritual Healing Directory Crystal Energy Power Stones Google Image Result for http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/66/La

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

They R Killing Our Animal Souls-Wolves and Gorillas

Two rare gorillas are killed in Congo

DAKAR, Senegal // Rebels in eastern Congo have killed and eaten two silverback mountain gorillas, conservationists said yesterday, warning that they fear more of the endangered animals may have been slaughtered in the lawless region.

About 700 mountain gorillas remain in the world.

One dismembered gorilla corpse was found Tuesday in a pit latrine in Congo's Virunga National Park, according to the London-based Africa Conservation Fund. Another was killed in the same area Jan. 5, the group said.

The Slaughter of My Bretheren



Another season of aerial gunning is underway in Alaska. And this year could be the bloodiest in decades, with the state seeking to eliminate as many 664 wolves through aerial gunning and other means in areas slated for aerial control.

Last year, more than 150 wolves were killed, shot down by gunners using low-flying aircraft. At least ten wolves have already been killed this year.

You can help put an end to this brutal practice. Please donate $25, $50, $100 or more now to support our Campaign to Save America’s Wolves.

Because they are such social animals, each wolf’s death can be damaging to its pack’s ability to hunt and survive. Yet gunners can indiscriminately kill any wolf, including pack leaders and pregnant mothers. Allowing private individuals, rather than state personnel, to conduct aerial gunning also leads to increased wounding and suffering.

We need your support to end aerial gunning. Please make a donation online now to support our work in Alaska, on Capitol Hill and in the courts to help save wolves.

Defenders of Wildlife opposes aerial gunning, and we’re not alone. Alaskans have twice voted to restrict the use of aircraft to shoot wolves. Not surprisingly, many wildlife supporters and hunters alike consider airborne wolf killing to be unsporting and cruel. Scientists and conservationists worry that the programs’ goals of artificially inflating game numbers threatens not only Alaska wolves but also the long-term health of local ecosystems that wolves help keep in balance.

Our emergency action to save wolves in the Northern Rockies and our ongoing work in Alaska have stretched our time, resources and funds to the breaking point. That’s why we need your help to raise $25,000 by January 31st to support these and other efforts to save wolves…

Grassroots mobilization.
In Alaska and around the world, we’ve mobilized hundreds of thousands of dedicated activists in opposition to aerial gunning. Working with local conservationists and sportsmen, along with our sister organization, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, we’ll also do everything in our power to support an upcoming state-based ballot initiative to restrict aerial gunning.

Legal advocacy. Along with our ongoing litigation to end Alaska’s aerial gunning programs, Defenders is seeking a preliminary injunction that would ground the aerial gunners until the courts hear our case.

Federal lobbying. The new Congress offers a remarkable opportunity to finally spur federal action to end aerial gunning in Alaska. We’re already working to introduce and pass legislation to strengthen and clarify the Federal Airborne Hunting Act, the law passed in the 1960s to prevent programs like Alaska’s.

Wolves are dying right now. Please make the most generous donation you can to support this important campaign and help us save wolves.

Once again, man has proven that there is NO compassion for his fellow souls that are here in the form of animals. Man's innate ability to remember how we are supposed to get along with all life forms has apparently shown just how many bad choices we make with our "free will". I know this is a bad free will thought, but, wouldn't it be nice to be able to teach the wolves to use surface to air missile launchers?

Here are a couple of websites you can go to for more info and, maybe make a donation.Defenders of Wildlife The African Conservation Fund - Home

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

World Of Warcraft Expansion Pack Update

Late 'Warcraft' Expansion Pack to Debut

DALLAS (AP) - Each day, millions of people around the world gaze at their computer screens to explore a dangerous fantasy world of treasure-filled dungeons and flame-breathing dragons, a land where mortal enemies lurk around every corner.

It's the "World of Warcraft," the most successful online game ever, and it's a world about to get a whole lot bigger with Tuesday's release of a $39.99 enhancement called "The Burning Crusade."

From China to the United States, from Australia to Europe, more than 8 million registered users now pay up to $15 a month to gather with hundreds of other real people who masquerade as digital avatars in the never-ending fantasy world of Azeroth.

"The Burning Crusade" adds new locales such as Karazhan, Hellfire Citadel and Tempest Keep to Azeroth, and presents a spiraling war against demonic forces where the game's two opposing factions - the Alliance and the Horde - will face powerful new enemies.

Players will have access to the new realm of Outland that's nearly as large as the existing game world, and the highest level characters can achieve has been raised from 60 to 70.
There are two new races to choose from as well: the remnants of an ancient space-faring civilization called the Draenei, and the Blood Elves, who are addicted to arcane magic.

But in a market already overpopulated with dwarves, paladins and trolls, is there room for even more of the same? If fans are any indication, the answer is a definite yes.

Trey Hancock, 26, has been shooting fireballs and frost novas to crush his mortal enemies in the video game "World of Warcraft" since it first launched in 2004. In his years of playing, the Houston resident led a guild of more than 200 people and raised four characters to the current top level of 60 - including his main character, a mage named Oraj.

Like many others, Hancock said he took a break in anticipation of the expansion, where his first goal will be to take Oraj to level 70.
"I haven't played for the last week because I know once it comes out I'm going to be playing it nonstop," he said.

It's just the sort of enthusiasm the company behind the game, Blizzard Entertainment Inc., is banking on.

"We were going to be happy if we got a million worldwide subscribers, we didn't feel like that was shooting the moon," said Rob Pardo, Blizzard's vice president of game design and the lead designer for "World of Warcraft.""The way it blew up is far beyond our wildest expectations. But now that we are at the mark we are, we feel there's still an ability to grow that customer base even further."

Released in November 2004, "World of Warcraft" brought several new elements to the genre of massive multiplayer online roleplaying games, or MMORPGs. Most significantly, it was simple to play and a had high level of polish, according to Jon Wood, managing editor of the gaming Web site MMORPG.com.

"I think Blizzard looked at what was out there and found out what worked and what didn't work," he said. "The truth of the matter is, the game is very polished. The fact that it's very smooth and easy to learn has put them out front."

Pardo said polish has always been the mantra for the game's creators.

"It's extremely complicated, all the things we have to get right," he said. "We were on track for a Christmas release but we really felt like we should make sure the product's right for our customers."

"Warcraft's" popularity has transcended video game culture and spawned a series of action figures, comic books, novels and trading cards.

The game was even the focus of a recent "South Park" episode where Eric Cartman and friends balloon into overweight, pimply video addicts bent on defeating a rampaging player who threatens the very existence of the game.

The pop culture references extend into the game world, too. If you type "/dance" as a male Blood Elf, for example, your character will strut around with moves similar to the uberdorky hero of the movie "Napoleon Dynamite."

"We're all entertainment geeks ourselves," Pardo said. "Part of our design process is having fun and putting in those references. It's kind of our way of giving homage to the things that inspire us."

David Daryani, owner of Tru-Gamerz video gaming center in Dallas, said his customers regularly queue up to play the game, especially on the weekends. As a longtime "WoW" player himself, Daryani, 38, said he hasn't played much lately but was looking forward to seeing the new content and returning to his favorite activity: player versus player combat.

"If you have a bad day, you get on and say 'I'm just going to kick some Alliance butt,'" he said. "It just relieves some stress."

Okay people, get your $39.95 together and get ready for Tuesday. If you are NOT a WOW player, pal up with somebody that is and have some FUN! To check out a place where you can actually go and play this game, go to www.myspace.com/orlandonetcenter

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Orlando vs The World In Tourism

The Orange County Convention Center

You know, I am the kind of person that believes in giving credit where it is do. Even if it is to someone who doesn't really care for me for whatever the reason. Actually, it's probably because he cannot handle my "real world New York" approach to things. Little to over the top for his "good ole' boy" perspectives I suppose.

Anyway, the person I am referring to is, Orlando Sentinel Columnist, Mike Thomas. He wrote an outstanding column in Thursday January 11, 2007 's Sentinel about the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau's advertising campaigns new slogan, "Built for families. Made for memories".

With the world throwing up new "Universal Studios", new "Disney Worlds", new and better "convention centers", "state of the art technological/interactive theme parks", "state of the art casinos/resorts", we, the Orlando/Orange County market, expect to create some feel good come visit me vibe with the super lame and outdated slogan, "Built for families. Made for memories"? Hello, are you people dead or, just in a stupor? What nerds came up with this gem?

Let me fill you in a little bit. As someone who is involved in the tourism/convention industry, and, has been for awhile, we have our work cut out for us. And this insipid slogan is NOT going to help. Tourism is down and slipping for a variety of reasons. let me list some for you:

1)In this country, theme parks are NOT the draw they once were. With the advance in technology, kids, and adults, have alot more intriguing things to spend time on than an out dated theme park and it's components.

2)Most of the "attractions" around our area, have priced themselves out of reach for the average guy. Yeah, they have "special" offers etc. You have to be a freaking rocket scientist to figure them out though.

3)Foreign tourism is down bigtime for a variety of reasons:

a)The rude and crude welcomes foreigners get when coming to the US now
b)The expensiveness of coming to the States when they can get the same things
for a lot less and closer to home
c)They can experience some of these things in an atmosphere that is more in line
with their own culture

It is time for "our neck of the woods" to come up with some new inventive ideas and attractions that are indemic to our area and culture. It is time to give our "adult" conventioners some adult oriented entertainment that will make them want to come here instead of going to Vegas, Europe, or Asia. Adults that are here for conventions are NOT interested in Mickey Mouse, Spiderman or Shamu. Or, 132 bpm at 112 decibels in tacky clubs.

Wake up Central Florida and get off the "wussy wagon" or, we will be sitting around looking at a bunch of weather worn used to be empty "resorts"!

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Life, Spirituality, Seeking Answers

You know, if you are conscious and have a brain, at some point in whatever life you are in, you start saying to yourself, "hmm, I have been listening to this same stuff, albeit in different forms and spins, for most of my conscious life, and, I still have a million unanswered questions with bogus, unsubstantiated, run of the mill, safe "answers".

Pretty much most of my life, I have been a rebel that never took anything as gospel. If you could not show me substantive proof of something, I'm not buying it, and, I want the other side of the story. Then, which ever side lines up the best with my consciousness, knowledge, reality and sensibility, that is the side I strive to learn more about. This is probably a good part of the reason I did not adapt well to the military. Their philosophy, "when I say jump, you ask, how high". My philosophy, "when you say jump, I say, why"? You don't have a decent answer, "screw you".

As I have gotten older, and, I hope a little wiser, I am looking for some answers and all the knowledge I can consume. I feel that if I don't do this, then I have been pretty much a waste of time. Learned nothing in this life to take back to prepare for the next go round for myself, or, for other souls.

So, NO, I am NOT GETTING WEIRD! I am exploring all avenues for answers I may seek. These avenues have absolutely NOTHING to do with "black magic, witchcraft or satanism"!

The symbol at the top of this page is the Sanskrit Symbol for OM, the word representing GOD. It represents the entire range of creation. OM is uttered to achieve unity with the Universal Mind. It is the Life and Light of the Universe.

OM is all-powerful, almighty, therefore It is Omnipotent; It is everywhere, therefore It is Omnipresent.

I have put these writings on OM here to explain the symbol and background. Nothing more. If you would like more information or knowledge on this, go to New Age, metaphysical, bookstore, spiritual, enlightenment . There, at the Spiral Circle site, you can ask questions or get reading materials to expand your knowledge.

As I have said since I started this blog, "free your mind, and, your soul and being will follow"!

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Great Day For Women & Politics

Today, January 4, 2007, is a "great day" for women, and, USA politics. It is historical for the the fact that the "speaker of the house" is a woman, Nancy Pelosi!

Nancy Pelosi is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and, a no-nonsense, forward thinking, liberated hard working politician. It is so refreshing to see women finally start to get their just places in the grand scheme of things. They can, and should, be a significant improvement over what we have been pretty much force fed for the last 8 billion years.

Speaker Pelosi should be a rallying point for all women to raise their sights and step up their pursuits of goals that most thought they could never reach. Now is the time for women to take their rightful position, side by side with men, or, in a lot of cases, ahead of men.

Congratulations Speaker Pelosi!

Peace & Soulz,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe

New Birthday Tradition, Bogus Holidays

Before we really get started, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Which, just so happens to be, one of our "biggest bogus holidays". Based on conversations I have had over the last few days or so of this holiday season, myself, and, a number of my clients, think that we spend far too much time and money on "bogus holidays". In this posting, we will address a number of these. Some for your humor, and, some to show why the "stupid people" moniker fits You.

1)New Years: Why is this such a big deal? Nothing important happened on this date. The new year varies from culture to culture. Starting new and placing the old behind is flexible, and, subjective. Don't companies and businesses have various starting points for their fiscal years? What warrants going to your favorite club and spending $100 for the same crap you spent $10 on the week before? Think about it!

2)Valentines Day: Look, if you need a designated day to tell you to be nice and loving to your special someone, you are obviously a "loser" and that someone certainly is not all that "special"! It is no more than commercialisms way of getting the "stupid people" to spend more money!

3)St. Patricks Day: Yeah, 99% of people have "NO CLUE" what this day is about. Not to mention that a vast majority of people that celebrate this are NOT IRISH! Basically, the PRIMO day for drinking and getting intoxicated in the name of something, on the planet. Pretty lame!

4)Cinco de Mayo: Are you kidding me? As with St. Patricks's Day, most people have "NO CLUE" what this is about. Not to mention, most people that celebrate this are NOT Mexican. Or, even Spanish! It is just another "let's get drunk day"! Please.

5)Mother's Day and Father's Day: These two pretty much fit the same category as Valentines Day.

Though there are other holidays that may not represent exactly what they were intended to do, they still nonetheless, for the most part, come across as legit.

NEW Birthday Tradition

After a conversation with two of my buddies this week, we have come to the conclusion that "birthday celebrations" are screwed up. YOUR birthday, should first and foremost, be a day of giving thanks and appreciation to the entity that brought you into this world, YOUR MOTHER! That's right, your mother deserves the birthday cake, presents from you and an all around celebratory day. After all, if it weren't for the nine months she had to endure, YOU, would not be here!

After taking care of mom, then, you can celebrate your birthday as the joyous day it is for you. Remember though, "mom is first". If your mom is no longer present, then, you may come first on your day. But only then! Make this your new year resolution!

Peace & Soulz for 2007,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe