New Year's Eve Traditions Around The World

Ringing in the New Year is one of the few holiday celebrations that is marked in nearly every country in the world. International New Year’s festivities may look remarkably similar on television, with large crowds of people gathered in central locations in countries around the globe.

Though billions watch the Times Square celebration worldwide, many countries have their own traditions when it comes to welcoming the new year. However, many countries also have their own unique and sometimes offbeat traditions to welcome in the New Year. Find out where revelers traditionally eat 12 green grapes at midnight, throw furniture out the window, offer white flowers to a goddess, and more. Below is a list of how people celebrate in nations across the globe.

Russia: One New Year’s custom in Russia is to write a wish for the upcoming year on a piece of paper, then to burn the paper and place the ashes in a glass of champagne, which needs to be consumed right before the New Year is rung in for the wish to come true.

Peru: Peruvian New Year’s traditions are a dime a dozen, with everything from wearing new clothes and lighting candles to writing down wishes, all practiced with the intention of bringing good luck for the upcoming year. One of the most interesting of these is the tradition of foretelling the next year’s fortunes with the use of potatoes. According to the tradition, three potatoes are placed under a chair or sofa-- one peeled, one half peeled and one unpeeled. At midnight, one potato is chosen at random, which forecasts the state of next year’s finances, with the peeled potato signifying no money, half-peeled a regular year and unpeeled a great financial bounty in the year ahead.

Philippines: Another country where New Year’s traditions outnumber the months of the year, the Philippines has a number of rituals designed to bring good luck in the year ahead. One of these is to open all doors and windows in your house on New Year’s Eve in order to allow negative energy to leave and good energy to enter.

South Africa: Throwing furniture out of windows has become a tradition in the South African city of Johannesburg-- one that local authorities have been keen to stamp out in the face of rising pedestrian injuries. 

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Source:

International Business Times

www.boston.com/travel 

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited


Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

All Rights Reserved©™

Looking Back on 2014

  While I have been more than happy to see a few years disappear, 2014 wins the achievement award for reaching the all time highs of lows.    I don't know about you guys, but I am so very glad to see 2014 go!  

When asked what was most profound in 2014, the sudden death of Robin Williams immediately comes to mind.  The follow up question was of course Why?  Why, out of all the other celebrities who have died in 2014 and years past, why did Robin Williams' death hit so hard?  Because I could so easily relate.  Not claiming to understand 100% or know anything definite.  No.  I can only say how I feel.  And it is those feelings that allow me a certain understanding to his situation.  I get it.  Doesn't mean I like it.  Cause I don't.  But I do get it.   

For me personally, 2014 will be forever remembered as being the year that laughter died.    

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There were some things that occurred in my personal life that are personally profound.   

In April of 2014, Chewie de La Fur, one of the original cats born in the house I currently live in.  She was the last of the litter and the only one to survive the longest.  Sweet little baby.  And sadly, that August, my little tuxedo baby cat,Maddie Boots, crossed the Rainbow Bridge as well.  Maddie was on death row when I found her in July 2009.  She suffered from heart and lung ailments and had severe allergies.  No one wanted the burden of caring for a sickly cat. So I took her home.  I was told she wouldn't survive more than 6 months.      *BIG SMILE*  That adorable loveable incredible bundle of fur stayed with me a little over 5 years.  

In  June of 2014 my youngest child (and only daughter) graduated from High School.     While I was (and am) very thrilled...I was also heart broken over the realization that my baby is all grown up and heading towards a life of her own.  Yea, well I got over it.  Not entirely...but I'm getting there.

On July 24th Children of the Luminaries Book One: The Coming Storm was published and made available to the public.

In September,  I said good-bye to my oldest sister Shelby; then one month later good bye to my youngest sister Bobbie.

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2014 has been the year of baiters and haters.  Race, sex, gender orientation, you name it, the haters baited it and most of the population got hooked and reeled in the snares of social networking freezed dried bullshit!

The one good thing that came out of 2014?  Well, if you want to call it a good thing.  2014 revealed the number of out right ignorant fuck-tards that are out there who, quite sadly, all have access to a computer and the internet.  

You know, I can see why the governments around the globe are doing their utmost to "regulate" this internet thing.     Of course it's like closing the damn gate after the horse got out.   Too little too late.

Hopefully in the new year some genius will come up with a cure for stupid.  


At any rate....Here's hoping 2015 will be better!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited



Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

All Rights Reserved©™

New Year 2015 Sig Tags

Counting down to 2015 with some New Year Sig Tags!

ADULT CONTENT

Tips for the New Year

Well, it’s the New Year -- again.  Time to make those resolutions that we usually don’t keep.  Did you know that a little over 97% of the people who make New Year’s resolutions abandon them within thirty days after starting?  Oy vey!   97%!  With a failure rate like that, why  even bother!?!

The main cause for not keeping our first of the year resolution is setting goals that are unreasonable and just not us!  I mean let’s face facts, how many of us actually get up at 5 a.m. to jog 3-5 miles or head off to the gym for that work-out before work?  Yea, I’m sure there are some out there, but I’m talking to the 97% of us who don’t!  

There is hope for us who fall into that 97% bracket.  And no, it’s not making resolutions to watch more TV,  gain weight and never making it off the couch longer than it takes to get our beverage or make a bathroom run!  Although, those seem to be the easiest resolutions to keep!  No! No!  No!  We are going to make it out of that 97% this year!  

And here are a few helpful tips to help you make a resolution (or more) and actually keep them!

One of the main reasons the 97% folks can’t keep their resolutions is because they set goals that are way too lofty.  So let’s take a look at  Tip #1

Tip #1: Start with small steps.  Instead of resolving to lose that annoying 50 pounds you been packing around since your high school graduation or that “baby fat” you gained with your last child (who is now 30 years old) why not just resolve to skip dessert once a week and exercise once a week.

After these small changes become habits, implement bigger changes and increase your exercise time.

It has been proven that small successes  inspire us to move forward. If we set our goals too high,  we are doomed to failure.

So remember to Start small and work your way up to bigger and better things over time.

Sounds easy enough, I can go without dessert once a week.  And I know I can exercise at least once a week.  Yea, Tip #1 sounds like a winner. 

Let’s see, another reason for not keeping resolutions is not planning ahead.  I was told a very long time ago that you should treat yourself like a business.  Businesses don’t get started nor are they ran successfully without a good solid plan, right?  Same holds true about how you want to improve yourself.  Be the improvement come in the guise of better and healthier eating habits to exercising to being a better person overall.  Let’s take a look at Tip #2

Tip #2: Be specific - Don’t set general goals.  If you resolve to be a better spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend this year, you don’t have a plan, that‘s a good start, but what‘s your plan?  With no plan the chances are it won’t happen.  So think of just one specific thing your spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend would like you to do for him or her.  Keep in mind folks,  “Little Things” DO mean a lot!  Back rubs at the end of the day, picking up your underwear,  taking out the garbage without being asked, washing the dishes once a week, not hogging the remote, etc.

Just resolve to make the effort to do that one thing on a regular basis.

Believe it or not, even the smallest of changes can and do make a big difference in your relationship.

Tip #2 sounds great!  And too, very simplistic!  Personally, I am hoping for someone at my house to make that resolution at being a better person and give me that back rub!  Heck! I would settle for once a month back rubs just so my significant other can keep his resolution! 

Now another reason people don’t keep their resolutions is that they aren’t motivated to take hold of being personally responsible for what they have set out to do.  They think that because no one is looking or knows, they can slack off and eventually just stop doing it.  Having to take responsibility and being held accountable is motivation to keep on keeping on.  Let’s take a look at Tip #3

Tip #3: Have some accountability.   We all need someone who will check up on us. Just knowing someone is going to  ask how we are doing will motivate us to work toward the goal.

So the tip here is, share with a friend what you’ve determined to do and ask them to check back with you each week. Believe it or not, there is a greater chance that you’ll put forth some effort when you’re expecting to give a report on your progress.

Those who attend weekly weight loss meetings and have a friend or partner who supports them in their efforts have stated that their success was due in part of being held accountable for their actions! 

Also, if your goal is to lose weight and begin eating healthier, keeping a food diary each and every day provides motivation as well.  The diary lets you see where you need to improve with respects to your eating habits.

Ahhh!  Accountability thy name is responsibility!  I can attest to Tip #3 with respect to weight loss.  Having someone check on my progress or just knowing I can call my buddy when I am on the verge of an eating binge does in fact keep me straight as it were!  So yea, Tip #3 is pretty nifty!

Okay, so I have the tips to getting things started, I got my goals, I got my plan and I got my buddy system in place.  Oh yea, one last thing to successfully keeping my new year goals is the payoff!  Years ago there was a movie called “Dangerous Minds” starring Michelle Pfieffer.  This movie was based on a true story of an inner-city teacher who was sent to teach kids that everyone had given up hope on.  These where the kids who were considered “throw-aways” a total waste to society.  But this teacher,  determined that no child is hopeless,  set out to teach the unteachable and motivate these kids to actually learn.

My favorite scene in the movie was where she would ask a question to the class, the person who got the answer right received a candy bar.  This simple act sparked interest in the class and motivated the kids to start learning again.  This teacher knew the importance of pay-offs.  Pay-offs, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant to others, creates a sense of pride for the person who worked hard to reach their goals.

Tip #4: Choose to do something that has a payoff.  Setting goals that will provide a sense of satisfaction upon completion keeps us motivated.  If your goal is to lose weight, then promise yourself a nice piece of jewelry when you have lost a certain amount, make it small, like a pound or two to start off or maybe a nice bottle of perfume for faithfully keeping your food diary that week.  Or for you guys, maybe you could set as your payoff that new pair of running shoes or a new tool or that new grill for summer cook outs, etc. 

You don’t have to spend a lot of cash, the payoff could be something like a nice long bubbly bath with your favorite music playing softly in the background or a movie rental.  Remember to keep it small at first and work your way up!  Determine to do something or purchase something that you’ll enjoy so much that you’ll want to continue doing it.

Well, there you have it folks!  Tips for getting out of that 97% bracket in 2015!  I’m feeling empowered and motivated already! How about you?

May 2015 bring you closer to your dreams and your goals!

Happy New Year!

From the Pay It Forward Files: Undercover Elves

 Inside a home on Powell Avenue, in the Jacobs neighborhood on Christmas Eve, the stockings were hung ready for Christmas. However, under a small Christmas tree, there were no gifts in sight.

Outside, an undercover operation was going on as several LMPD officers pulled up to the home. 

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SOURCE:  http://www.wdrb.com

Organizers Talk Respect, Leadership During Rally In Jefferson Square

“We (the African American community) have not had proper leadership since Martin Luther King,” Man Up chairman MeShorn Daniels told those gathered shortly before noon. “All the religious leaders we've had? Where are they?”

“People like Al Sharpton do not speak for the black community and I know he does not speak for me,” said Midwest Church of Christ Pastor Jerry Stephenson. “We want you in West Louisville. We will honor you in West Louisville.”

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Source:  Wave TV-3 Louisville

A few more Christmas Sig Tags for 2014

WARNING:  ADULT CONTENT

What Are Policemen Made Of?

Wanted to share this with all of you this Christmas Eve 2014.   Please feel free to pass it around on your social networks.  

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What Are Policemen Made Of? 
By Paul Harvey

Don't credit me with the mongrel prose: it has many parents-at least 420,000 of them: Policemen.

A Policeman is a composite of what all men are, mingling of a saint and sinner, dust and deity.   Gulled statistics wave the fan over the stinkers, underscore instances of dishonesty and brutality because they are "new". What they really mean is that they are exceptional, unusual, not commonplace.

Buried under the frost is the fact: Less than one-half of one percent of policemen misfit the uniform. That's a better average than you'd find among clergy!

What is a policeman made of? He, of all men, is once the most needed and the most unwanted. He's a strangely nameless creature who is "sir" to his face and "fuzz" to his back

He must be such a diplomat that he can settle differences between individuals so that each will think he won.

But...If the policeman is neat, he's conceited; if he's careless, he's a bum. If he's pleasant, he's flirting;if not, he's a grouch.

He must make an instant decision which would require months for a lawyer to make.    But...If he hurries, he's careless; if he's deliberate, he's lazy. He must be first to an accident and infallible with his diagnosis. He must be able to start breathing, stop bleeding, tie splints and, above all, be sure the victim goes home without a limp. Or expect to be sued.

The police officer must know every gun, draw on the run, and hit where it doesn't hurt.He must be able to whip two men twice his size and half his age without damaging his uniform and without being "brutal". If you hit him, he's a coward. If he hits you, he's a bully.

A policeman must know everything-and not tell. He must know where all the sin is and not partake.    A policeman must, from a single strand of hair, be able to describe the crime, the weapon and the criminal- and tell you where the criminal is hiding.

But...If he catches the criminal, he's lucky; if he doesn't, he's a dunce. If he gets promoted, he has political pull; if he doesn't, he's a dullard. The policeman must chase a bum lead to a dead-end, stake out ten nights to tag one witness who saw it happen-but refused to remember.

The policeman must be a minister, a social worker, a diplomat, a tough guy and a gentleman.

And, of course, he'd have to be genius....For he will have to feed a family on a policeman's salary.

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Share this with those you know in Law Enforcement or who has family in Law Enforcement.  Take the time to show  your support to the men and women who are in the percentage of GOOD GUY!

Christmas 2014 Sig Tags!

Here are some of my sig tags for Christmas 2014

Please Be Advised:  ADULT CONTENT