Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:20:09 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/ News Of Interest To The Magickal Community As It Happens en-us http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/images/logo.gif http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/ chall@alternativeapproaches.com http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4629 Our editor reports that this hasn't been the best of summers for her - and offers some advice on how you interpret your stars. What's In a Number? by Christine Hall As I usually do on my birthday, when I turned 57 on May 27th I figured out my "life lesson" number for the upcoming year. This is the number that gives me a clue as to what will be my major lesson to learn during the upcoming year, until my next birthday. This year, my lesson number is a six, which corresponds to The Lovers card in the Tarot, which I thought was great. The Lovers is Gemini, and since I'm a Gemini this would be a pie year. All I'd have to do is to just learn to be myself - and I've already had 57 years experience doing that. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:20:09 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4628 The 2nd Annual Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights will be held Sept. 14-20, 2008. Last year the project featured nighttime vigils in 36 American cities led by straight Americans showing support for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) friends and neighbors. This year's events will be held amidst a changing cultural and political landscape which includes greater support for LGBT Americans. Straight Americans to Make a Difference at "Seven Straight Nights" Event There's never been a more exciting time for straight Americans to take a stand for their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) friends and neighbors. That's according to Soulforce and Atticus Circle, the sponsors of Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights 2008, a project that will spotlight straight Americans' support for equality over the week of September 14-20, 2008. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4627 Internationally-renowned spiritual leader to tour North America, spreading the message of "inner peace for world peace" and celebrating International Peace Day. Swamiji Arrives in U.S. for 2008 World Peace Tour One of the world's foremost proponents of peace and social responsibility, His Holiness Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, known around the world as Swamiji, will kick-off his 2008 World Peace Tour in New York City on August 11, 2008. The central messages of Swamiji's humanitarian mission are "inner peace for world peace" and "peace starts with you." Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4626 Recent survey results show that there are still significant gaps in consumer awareness regarding important environmental issues, and these gaps are likely at the root of the U.S.'s thorniest environmental challenges. At the same time, there are key opportunities for leading companies to connect with their customer base by partnering for a better environment. Environmental "Consumer Awareness" Survey Results Announced EcoUnit, the rewards program connecting consumers with environmentally-responsible products and services, announced the results of its "Consumer Awareness" survey which was sent to its members in July 2008. The EcoUnit membership base, a cross-section of North American consumers across geographies, genders, and ages, serves as a ready-made online community for businesses looking to better understand the pace and extent of consumers' intentions to become more environmentally responsible, particularly in how they choose which products to buy and where to buy them. EcoUnit's "green categorization" provides insights into how various issues are perceived by hard core environmentalists ("dark greens") versus the vast majority of consumers who have just recently awakened to our planet's challenges ("light greens"). Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4625 With the world's eyes turned towards China for the start of this week's Olympic Games, ears turn towards two albums from today's Chinese punk-rock scene. This is underground China. China's Underground Music Scene When Chicago-based musician, producer and label owner Martin Atkins visited Beijing in the fall of 2006, he had no idea what to expect. What he found was a thriving underground culture of rock bands that reminded him of his time in London in the late '70s, and of the downtown scene in early '80s NYC. He signed several bands while he was there, shot 80 hours of video footage, and rented out High End Sound Studios, where he recorded tracks from well over a dozen bands. He recorded live shows at the D-22 club - a venue that embodies the spirit that CBGBs had when Martin arrived in NYC over 25 years ago - just as news of the final show at the legendary NY nightclub was breaking on CNN. Article Continues After Illustration Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:11:59 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4624 An environmental web site has added a graphic presentation that should demonstrate to every American that using plastic bags is just an insane idea that has to stop immediately. Disturbing but Informative Video - Plastic Bags are Killing the Planet The environmental web site GoingGreenResources.com has added a graphic presentation that should demonstrate to every American that using plastic bags is just an insane idea that has to stop immediately. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4623 Thayer White's new book, "Finding Your Soul in the Spirituality Maze," helps people navigate successfully through the complex maze of available spiritual tools, systems and choices. He describes about 101 New Age traps and treadmills, including the seductive trap of the Law of Attraction and the addictive use of God's love, meditation and prayer. The Law of Attraction Usually Fails Most New Age People Thayer White's new book, Finding Your Soul in the Spirituality Maze, helps people navigate successfully through the complex maze of available spiritual tools, systems and choices. He describes about 101 New Age traps and treadmills, including the seductive trap of the Law of Attraction and the addictive use of God's love, meditation and prayer. Article Continues After Illustration Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:45:47 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4622 King Reginald is murdered and his son, Robert, fearful he will experience the same fate, must rely on a sister who knows magic and a time-traveler masquerading as a duke to protect him from a mysterious woman. Will the unlikely duke be able to help his 'prince in need' before it is too late? Of Murdered Monarchs and Time-Travelers Return to Myrridia where magic makes anything possible, even unique forms of murder. Mysterious villains kill a king and then seek his son's demise. They can even plant evil in a person's mind so it can trigger another's death. Excitement builds as an unlikely duke and his friends fight to save their sovereign in Debra Killeen's A Prince in Need: Book Two in the Myrridian Cycle. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4621 The meaning of life has long perplexed humanity. We wonder where we came from and whether life exists after death. In "Honeycomb," Israel del Rio explores the possibility that we can choose the lives we are given. Reincarnation Novel Explores Life's Multiple Possibilities Many questions exist about the nature of good and evil. Karma is the belief that our kind acts and evil deeds follow us into our next life. But one man is allowed to choose his next life in Israel del Rio's thought-provoking and inspiring Honeycomb. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4620 Meier foretold water discovery on Mars in 1976; Larry King show deluged with requests to cover the Billy Meier UFO case. UFO Skeptics Throw in the Towel - How Did Meier Beat NASA by 32 Years? The subject of UFOs is no longer just fodder for the tabloids, as several recent Larry King TV shows indicate. Though primarily dominated by discussions about sightings of lights in the sky, and perennial dead-end conjecture about Roswell, the recent shows have engaged viewers everywhere. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:49:40 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4619 A human rights group is raising concerns about the harms and costs of male circumcision, stating that circumcision programs will be a dangerous distraction in the HIV battle. Rights Group Says Male Circumcision is a Dangerous Distraction in HIV Battle The human rights group, International Coalition for Genital Integrity, is continuing to raise concerns about the harms and costs of male circumcision at their booth in the AIDS 2008 conference in Mexico City this week, stating that circumcision programs will be a dangerous distraction in the HIV battle. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4618 The Wrecking views their music as a means to end child sex trafficking and other crimes against children. Their CD, "A New Abolition," releases August 19. Rock Band Creates Music Video to Bring Awareness to Child Slavery Gearing up for their national debut CD in late August, The Wrecking is releasing the music video, "In Your Eyes," a remake of the Peter Gabriel hit. The video was produced in conjunction with Love 146, a non-profit organization dedicated to the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation. Article Continues After Illustration The Wrecking. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4617 Writer Brian Joseph returns to AlternativeApproaches.com, this time with a story about regaining a lost spiritual childhood. That Which Is Without Words by Brian Joseph Strange how a word or phrase used in a certain way can evoke a memory. That is how it was for Marissa as she sat on the beach. It was early fall and late in the day so there weren't many people around. She sat close to the shore, a few feet from the reach of the aftermath of the waves. This was something she did from time to time. It was relaxing to hear the rhythmic sound of the waves interspersed with the occasional cawing of seagulls. Sometimes she would come to this spot to watch the sunrise. It would look like it was rising out of the water out on the distant horizon. But on this day the sun was behind her. She was lost in empty thought and thinking nothing in particular when she heard the voice. Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:51:53 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4616 The Asis project foundation in support to the national "Neutral Carbon" plan has launched a voluntary environmental program called "Zero Carbon Volunteer," so that people around the world can participate in Costa Rica's reforestation effort. Save the Planet, Volunteer for Costa Rica's Zero Carbon Project Reforestation to fix carbon is the environmental policy priority of the Nobel Prize winning president of Costa Rica, Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez. It is intended that the country is Carbon Neutral, that is, to remove carbon from the atmosphere as much as it's added with the emissions of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Along with controlling the of such emissions of harmful gases from different sources, the plan also calls for the sowing of seven million trees throughout the territory which is 52,000 square kilometers, which although small in size, is high in biodiversity, being at this point one of the richest worldwide. Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:21:30 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4615 Swami Ramdev recently put on his first ever yoga camp in the Washington D.C. area. The event was a success and completely sold out. More events are scheduled to follow around the United States and Europe. Swami Ramdev's Washington D.C. Yoga Camp a Success Swami Ramdevji, the Indian yoga guru and one of the most important figures in the "Yoga for Health" movement conducted his first ever yoga camp in the Washington D.C. area July 23-27, 2008. Presented by Tathaastu: So Be It, the spiritual and holistic lifestyle magazine, in its effort to promote global well-being partnered with Divya Yog Mandir and Swami Ramdev. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:46:41 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4614 With an African-American expected to accept the Democratic nomination for president Aug. 28, many voters are examining their attitudes toward one of the nation’s most perplexing and pervasive issues – race. At the University of Mississippi, the examination has been going on since 1962. Historic Presidential Election, Debate Focus Spotlight on Racial Progress With an African-American expected to accept the Democratic nomination for president Aug. 28, many voters are examining their attitudes toward one of the nation’s most perplexing and pervasive issues – race. At the University of Mississippi, the examination has been going on since 1962. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:00:10 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4613 It's summertime and self-help obsessed celebs are looking for good beach reads. Stars like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Oprah, Nicole Kidman, Fergie, and Meg Ryan have all been spotted reading the self-help tome by Denise Coates to attract their desires. The only question is: What more could these stars want? Britney, Paris, and Other Celebrities Embrace Self Help Book Maybe stars are more like us than we realize. When we're feeling stuck in some area of our lives, many of us look for answers by perusing the self-help section of our local Barnes and Nobles. With the latest trend of celebrities buying and even endorsing self-improvement literature, regular folks who read about how to spice up their love lives or manifest more money may just spot a famous face pouring through the same self improvement books as them. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:48:08 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4612 According to a new study, two compounds linked to soy-based foods can cause irreversible changes in the structure of the brain, resulting in early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause. Soy Compounds Affect Brain, Reproductive Development Two hormone-like compounds linked to the consumption of soy-based foods can cause irreversible changes in the structure of the brain, resulting in early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause in research animals, according to a new study by researchers at North Carolina State University. The study is a breakthrough in determining how these compounds can cause reproductive health problems, as well as in providing a key building block for how to treat these problems. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:08:55 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4611 Potentially preventable medical errors that occur during or after surgery may cost employers nearly $1.5 billion a year, according to new estimates. Surgical Errors Cost Nearly $1.5 Billion Each Year In a study published in the July 28 issue of the journal Health Services Research, AHRQ’s William E. Encinosa, Ph.D., and Fred J. Hellinger, P.D., found that insurers paid an additional $28,218 (52 percent more) and an additional $19,480 (48 percent more) for surgery patients who experienced acute respiratory failure or post-operative infections, respectively, compared with patients who did not experience either error. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4610 An estimated 2 million children in developing countries die each year from diarrhea, but simple zinc treatment could reduce the risk of such deaths. Researchers reached this conclusion in a new review of studies involving more than 6,000 children of all ages. Zinc Could Saves Lives of Children With Diarrhea An estimated 2 million children in developing countries die each year from diarrhea, but simple zinc treatment could reduce the risk of such deaths. Researchers reached this conclusion in a new review of studies involving more than 6,000 children of all ages. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4609 New research published in the Journal of Food Science suggests that marinating meats may decrease the cancer-forming compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are produced during grilling, by over 70 percent. Marinating Meats May Decrease Cancer-forming Compounds Outdoor cooking season is at its peak, and now there are even more reasons to marinate meats before grilling. New research published in the Journal of Food Science suggests that marinating meats may decrease the cancer-forming compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are produced during grilling, by over 70 percent. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:09:33 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4608 The sponsors and organizers of the Telluride Festival of the Arts announced a surprise addition to this year's festival schedule - a special one-night performance by Taj Mahal and the Trio Band on Friday, August 15, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. on Sunset Plaza in Mountain Village, CO. The performance will be free and open to the public. Taj Mahal to Perform at 2008 Telluride Festival Composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and two-time Grammy® winner Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. With a professional career that spans more than four decades, Taj Mahal's artistic scope extends beyond American Blues to include musical influences from around the world, including west Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Hawaiian islands. Article Continues After Illustration Taj Mahal in a photograph by Jay Blakesberg Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:37:01 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4607 Curious students will be gathering in Culver City the weekend of August 1st - 3rd for a three-day workshop that promises to teach everyone in the class how to hypnotize themselves and others in just one weekend. Look Into My Eyes - Students Learn to Hypnotize If you've ever wondered if hypnosis is real, now you just might get the chance to find out. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:32:53 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4606 Film offers scorching look at the way our government contributes to and profits from disasters both here and abroad Richard Dreyfuss to Narrate Documentary, "America Betrayed" Academy Award Winner Richard Dreyfuss is set to narrate the heavily anticipated documentary America Betrayed, from Eclipse Entertainment and filmmaker Leslie Cardé. The film, slated for release in late summer of 2008, places the spotlight front and center on the specific ways our government contributes to and profits from disasters both here and abroad…from the way it shields itself from blame when all roads point to their culpability, to the friends in high places in corporate America who continue to benefit from the very disasters that leave the rest of us reeling. Article Continues After Illustration Richard Dreyfuss Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:13:29 -0400 http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/pnuke1/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4605 What if we all lived our lives as if anything was possible? As if everything was possible? This is the one of the key messages in Linda Thompson's recently published novel, "I Am My Own Dragon." Metaphysical Novel Asks Readers To Find The Dragon Within We all have a dragon that burns deep inside, because we all have the power to make anything we want to happen, happen. Article Continues After Illustration Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:30:11 -0400