Decorating with Tablecloths

Posted by admin on May 30th, 2009 — Posted in Design + Layout, Home Improvement Parlor, Shopping Stuff

Whether you are looking for lace, linen, laminate, spandex or vinyl tablecloths you will discover that decorating your dining room or kitchen can be an enjoyable experience. A tablecloth provides attitude to the decor of any room, deck or outdoor patio. They also protect a table from dents and/or scratches whether the table be made of wood, glass or other material.

When the time comes for you to decide which tablecloth you are going to use, searching through magazines can be a great way to get some ideas on how you wish to decorate. Modern home interiors - kitchens, living rooms and hearths are often shown with tablecloths.

Whimsical garden theme tablecloths depicting an abundance of Birds and Butterflies are as popular today as they were in the past. Screen printed tablecloths with logos or initials could be used for the home as well as special events.

There are a number of terrific colors, styles and materials to select from when you shop for the perfect table covering. You will also discover a stunning selection of intricately designed lace tablecloths such as Lucerne, Poly Cove and Vienna.

Buy coordinating napkins and place mats at the same time as the tablecloth. This permits you to better match the color and fabric of the tablecloths to the table linens you plan to use with it. Helpful Hint. Keep table linens in sets — the tablecloth, table napkins, and place mats used together should be kept together.

A wholesale store is a great place to buy table linens when you are on a limited budget. Better yet, buy a tablecloth via the internet. Internet retailers and online wholesalers offer great prices on everything from tablecloths for the home to banquet and restaurant tablecloths. Online wholesalers also offer a wider assortment of size, colors and fabrics to select from then what you will find at a local shop.

You will be able to get the most for your money when you remember to keep your budget in mind while shopping. You can put together a beautiful table setting and still have money left over for other things. The ideal tablecloth is not difficult to find. You can accent any table with flair because there are numerous fabrics and colors to select from.

Banks Cut Back Office Space by 80%!

Posted by admin on May 27th, 2009 — Posted in Advertising Industry, Doing Business, Your Commerce

Banks are feeling the effects of the global economic crisis along with the rest of the financial world as banks in Warsaw, London, and Moscow are reporting that they have reduced office space occupancy by 80% during early 2009.

Cushman & Wakefield led the study, and said that says it expects banks to begin to bounce back in the real estate market as they continue to increase sales of real estate and promote leaseback programmes that will help raise capital. Unicredit, BBVA, and HSBC have already announced commitment to European programmes of similar interests.

This is in addition to many banks which have received bailout money from the government including UK banks.

Cushman said that banks will continue to renegotiate leases to combat falling rental and capital values. Banks earn more revenue by working with tenants than losing them altogether.

Yet, even though many banks have merged to help reduce costs Cushman reports that open tenant space is still not being marketed within the UK and European markets because banks are still attempting to reduce costs. Still, Cushman expects banks to start renting deskspace as 2009 continues.

JP Morgan did play a part in the office space increase in 2008 by purchasing a large site in Docklands commercial district, but it has been forced to reduce its projected growth plans substantially. This was the largest failure to take up in London as the plans called for a reduction of space from 407,305 square feet to 43,630 square feet.

Docklands has the most tenant space with 42% available for banks to let.

Remedy to Pass a Drug Test

Posted by admin on May 27th, 2009 — Posted in Lifestyles, Shoppers Advice, The Healthy Way

Remedy To Pass A Drug Test

Drug test has become a frequent problem around the world. Some companies perform drug trials on freshly employed people or active employees to guarantee a drug-free environment at workplace.

Insurance bureaus and courts guide drug tests on a regular ground on distrusted individuals. The main enquiry that comes to your brain, when you go for such test is how to beat the drug test?

Cyber sites such as Drug Home Pass Test Ways proposes the up-to-date detox products including perm cleaners, artificial urine products, and saliva purifying products, cleansing drinks and home drug screen kits.

Employer Drug Testing

Passing The Drug Test proposes master support for every item, with support offered by drug test persons which are highly veteran with different types of drug testing ways and issues. Support is available by e-mail and telephone. Transportation is immediate, with complete secrecy assured, using plainly and discrete boxing materials to preserve complete customer privateness.

Beat Drug Test

Enclosed on the new internet site is a big order of products for cleansing and screening aims. Permanent cleaners are proposed in 3, 5 and 7, 10, 14, 21 and 30 day products, with a assortment of herbs, roots, barks and minerals that are known lipides destroyers which work to break down fat cells and extinguish toxins completely. Fake weewee is provided, which accommodates all elements normally found in piss, particularly balanced for pH with specific gravity, creatin and other piss characteristics. A saliva cleaning mouthwash is offered up will remove toxins from your mouth with exactly 3 minutes of use. We sell a range of health drinks, for each one containing the most active herbs and fiber to help rid the body of toxins that may have accumulated.

If you use Google to search the wide world web for us here are 10 Marvellous words to utilize to obtain our website.

Drug Testing Question

Drug Information Passing Test as well provides drug examination kits including saliva, hair and weewee based tests to ensure that detox efforts are effective. For more information, visit Drug Blood Test If you have any questions, please call us at: 800-727-7123

Violence

Posted by admin on May 26th, 2009 — Posted in Education + Training

Flashes of memory stream into my consciousness. They take me back thirty years plus. I was a boy then, a newcomer to a poor and tough neighborhood. My parents, of moderate means and daring to a fault, had decided to move there after my father had accepted an editing job in the federal government. They had taken a lease on a low-rent brick house, which was also run-down, covered in filth, and littered with trash. I do not mince my words: Previous tenants had been pigs that got along with bugs and rats.

“The house has potential,” my mother had said to reassure me, seeing that I was aghast at its sordid aspects. Its one redeeming feature, besides its solid construction, was a large woody front yard, neglected, allowed to become a large dumping ground, as weedy as it was woody, but potentially attractive and pleasant, to be sure.

My mother was a hard worker with a great deal of stamina, creativity, and tastefulness. She mastered the art of doing wonders with little money. After three months of intense labor - which for the first week involved a carpenter and two garbage collectors plus two dump trucks - the house was transfigured, quite presentable, even nice, much to my amazement. It now contrasted sharply, cuttingly, with the slums at the rear of the house and on the left of it. On the right was a school and at the front, across the street, was a nunnery on a large piece of land. My parents had conveniently focused their attention on these establishments, as if the good education and good disposition of their teachers and sisters could shield us from the evils of the slums.

Needless to say, they did not. Violence was rampant in this neck of the woods and I was elected punchbag with only one dissenting vote: mine! At the root of this violence was malevolence, which grows from resentment, after one has been subjected to mistreatment. As much as my family projected an image of distinction, the neighborhood boys were malevolent and violent toward me. To them this image of distinction was an act of humiliation; their feelings were hurt and it was natural for them to hurt me. Of course it is a lot worthier to elevate oneself than to abase someone else. It is also a lot harder, and nature spontaneously levels everything the easy way. Moral excellence relates to culture, is an acquired trait, by virtue of which a human is courageous and just, worthy of praise.

One winter evening, I was crossing the field next to the rink where I had played hockey, when a gang of hoodlums encircled me like a pack of wolves. There were six of them, one of whom - a weakling who always relied on others to feel powerful - lived three doors down, east of my house, across the back street. The leader stepped forward and turned around with a snicker. “Hey shithead, come and kiss my ass.” I was tempted to kick it, not kiss it. “No thanks. Please let me go; I don’t care for trouble.” As I was finishing my sentence, one of the boys lunged toward me from behind and shoved me forward. I dropped my hockey equipment and braced myself to fight and suffer. I was big for my age, but big is small when outnumbered by six to one.

Again the leader took the initiative; the fight was on. With several thrusts, punches, and kicks, I repelled my assailants momentarily, until I was knocked and wrestled to the ground. Fists and feet hit me everywhere, nonstop, from all directions. Suddenly I heard a menacing shout and everyone slipped in a last blow before fleeing. A brave and kind man had caught sight of their misdeed and chosen to intervene, armed with a hockey stick. I was hurt but saved.

A few days later, still aching all over, I saw the weakling, alone by his house - his hovel to be exact, which was covered with old imitation brick, torn in places, and infested with cockroaches, rats, and woodworms. His face was bruised and wet from weeping, as he screamed with rage, “Fucking bastard, fucking bitch, fucking life, fuck, fuck, fuck!” My anger was now tempered with compassion. I unclenched my fists, prompted by a desire to spare him. I could not demean myself to add pain to his pain, already so excessive that it overflowed in streams of tears and curses.

His father was an illiterate and idle drunkard who collected welfare and spent considerable time and money at the tavern. At home, slouching in an armchair, he forever watched TV and drank beer or liquor. When grossly intoxicated, he sometimes vomited before reaching the bathroom and, without cleaning up his mess, fell unconscious on his bed, the armchair, the floor, or wherever. He was also vulgar and brutal. He often battered his son and his wife, and heaped insults on them.

His wife was an abusive and sluggish woman who had grown obese from attempting to fill her inner void with chips, cookies, and pop. Day after day she wore the same tattered nightgown and constantly found reasons for bawling out her son and swiping him. She drove him insane, then used this insanity as another reason for persecuting him.

These two loathsome and pitiful parents rendered his life at home unbearable. He usually roamed the streets with fellow-sufferers from similar - miserable and violent - backgrounds. Together they ganged up and took their resentment out on other kids such as me. My aggressors, first, were victims.

My insight into the origin of violence came to me at that time and has never left me. I saw then and still see a victim in every aggressor. Some say there is such a thing as gratuitous violence, committed by individuals whose youth was favorable to all appearances. Violence for the sake of violence, an exercise in brutality at the expense of others, without provocation, past or present? I beg to differ.

Appearances are not a valid means of assessing someone’s youth, whose favorableness or unfavorableness is a subjective, not objective, matter. Circumstances have no value in themselves, but in relation to people who consider them favorably or not. Attitude is here the only relevant concept. Also, brutality cannot be exercised at the expense of others unless these others are viewed heartlessly as expendable. This heartlessness is greatly suspicious, unlikely to belong to someone who regards humans with favor, thanks to a feeling of solidarity, of mutual benefit.

In my opinion, aggressiveness is triggered by hostility, without which it is dormant: a mere potentiality incapable of harm. It may include an abnormal sensitivity or intellect that intensifies or alters someone’s perception of the environment. The fact remains hostility, as perceived by someone who feels painfully antagonized and proportionally victimized, is always a factor. Therefore, aggression cannot be dissociated from victimization, not only that of the victims but also that of the aggressors. These aggressors are victims of their sick minds or of the ill treatment they have endured. They deserve compassion, besides indignation.

They are liable to a punishment that ought to be effective and exemplary, not vengeful. Vengeance and violence are one and the same thing. Both are resentful and harmful. Both are reprehensible. The harm inflicted does not remedy the harm suffered; it simply compounds one harm with another, and invites yet another harm. It lengthens the chain of savagery from x (a frightening number of savage links) to x+1, potentially +2, +3, +4, etc., instead of breaking it and helping to free humanity from it. There is no worse slavery than savagery. The best course is to make every effort to get over a wrong and forgive it, while bringing the wrongdoer to justice.

In sum, justice should not serve to avenge people. It should serve to prevent crime and protect the public, by intimidating or incarcerating those who are a menace to others except under threat or behind bars. It should never push the severity of this mandate to the point of cruelty, in which case it would be a perversion of justice, an ominous sign of barbarity. On the contrary, it should be a jewel in the crown of civilization and foreshadow the coming of a better humanity, more consistent with its true nature and purpose - in a word, more humane.

The difference between severity and cruelty is radical yet subtle; it must be emphasized. Cruel law enforcers delight in the punishments they inflict and readily overstep the mark. They are vicious and blameworthy, like the criminals they punish. Law enforcers who are severe, but not cruel, administer punishments reluctantly or regard them as a necessary evil they would gladly forgo if they could. They deplore the criminal element in society and strive to neutralize it through intimidation, or incarceration as a last resort, and preferably through reformation, a fundamental change of the criminal mind for the better. Their ideal, as unattainable as it is elevated, is the supremacy of justice without the institution of justice: no threats, no prisons, only people who deeply understand and freely exercise the principle of justice.

Impossible as this supremacy is, it is usefully pursued. The institution of justice can become less and less necessary for the manifestation of justice, which can become more and more customary. This progress depends on the wisdom and willpower of its proponents who make it their duty to educate, assist, and encourage potential followers. It also presupposes that these potential followers take an active part in this endeavor. They cannot be actual followers unless they welcome this education, assistance, and encouragement, and display intelligence and determination of their own.

How much can we collectively be civilized - that is, mutually respectful and helpful, in the knowledge that this high goal can unite our wills toward a common good of colossal proportions? In other words, what is the ceiling of our possible civilization, which implies responsibility and solidarity, an elevation of life to love? Nobody knows the limit, so none should be set but the sky!

Generally, in a loving environment, human beings show humanity as naturally as fruit trees give fruit in the summer. Love is to these beings as sunshine is to these trees. It helps them grow into what they are meant to grow into (unless their nature is flawed from the start, which is an exception to the rule): beautiful and bountiful creations, as opposed to ugly and puny aberrations. Yet, beware of love; it can be possessive and manipulative, selfish and devilish! Yes, some angels have horns, unnoticeable at first sight under their pretty hair; their paradise is hell.

True love is in the image of God (by God I simply mean the fundamental cause of everything. It brings us into existence and, within the limits of its might, supports us in our quest for fulfillment). It is a desire to nurture, not to capture. Under its divine rule, one always has the other’s best interests at heart. No one, however, should be supportive to the point of being an accomplice in someone’s oppressive or destructive acts of egocentricity, folly, or injustice. These evils should not be loved and served; they should be hated and combated.

Hate is legitimate toward them, whereas the people who embody them are worthy of love because they exceed them by their ability to do good. They are indeed greater than the sum of their evil ways; they include the power to improve them. Therefore hate is directed at these ways, and love at this power: It promotes the people’s ability to do good. What if a person who is oppressively or destructively egocentric, foolish, or unjust never responds to this love? In that case it is lost and the life of this person shamefully amounts to a waste of soul.

By a stroke of luck, my parents were bright and warm people who helped me blossom into a joyful and respectful individual. Their love was true and so was the love of many others who took part in my life. I was also lucky enough to be a good seed. I was a strong and healthy boy, extremely lively and moderately clever, cheery and gentle-natured, though impatient and self-assertive. In my eyes, until my family moved to the poor and tough neighborhood, civility was the norm among the members of society; it made sense. Barbarity, on the other hand, was a stupefying rarity. The abused weakling gave me an understanding of barbarity - which was common in this neighborhood - and replaced my stupefaction with commiseration.

Laurent Grenier’s career as a writer and philosopher spans over twenty years. During this time he has broadened and deepened his worldview, through much reflection and study, and in the end has crafted A REASON FOR LIVING, his best work to date.

Official web site: laurentgrenier.com/ARFL.html

Article Directory In Australia

Posted by admin on May 25th, 2009 — Posted in School of SEO

One of the most significant facets of any online marketing campaign is how do I deliver the goods in the major search engines. How do I get my site to rank comfortably in Google?

One of the most consequential facets in doing better in the search engines (forgetting the basic principle like outstanding content are already set up) is driving links for your website. You can produce this a lots of different ways, some looked at positively by the search engines and some not so favorably.

A trusty methods, that the search engines think is O.K. is link building with articles.

Basically this involves writing a sound article, preferably about something from your business, and then publishing it to a free article directory.

You really cannot underrate the importance of link building. If there is one point that takes precedence to the search engines, on the whole, it is links. Sure, there are stacks of other signals, like the domain name, but you are deluding yourself if you reckon you are going to be listed well, and easily seen, if you do not expect any links.

Building links with articles is easy. It is something the search engines say is okay. And, it adds value to the web, by providing valuable content that might be interesting or useful to users. The real question is what are you waiting for?

Tired of Paying Ridiculous Prices for Riedel? An Answer’s on Its Way!

Posted by admin on May 25th, 2009 — Posted in Food And More, Help For You, Info, Products Tips

Professor Claus Riedel was the first to suggest that for absolute delectation, the form of a wine glass was as critical as the properties of the wine itself. To explore the notion, he began to craft a series of wine glasses; each tailored to heighten the best qualities of various types of wine, and in the process transformed the process of wine tasting for evermore.

Presently, Riedel is the industry leading maker of new and innovative stemware. Through rigorous designing and evaluation with the knowledge of master sommeliers, they regularly work towards fine-tuning their inventions. The form of each design is intended to bring out the best flavours and odours from the vino it’s intended for. Whether you’re drinking Burgundy, Bordeaux or Merlot, only a Riedel offers the particular glass with ability to make a good wine taste its best.

Whether made by hand like the Sommeliers collection, or constructed by one of Riedel’s unique machine procedures, all glasses are of unprecedented quality. Made in both lead crystal and crystal glass, this Austrian business is renowned for the purest enduringness and lucidity. The trademarks of a Riedel are outstanding fineness and the refinement of sheer rims, the only manner to attain a perfect mouth feel. With wine glasses and decanters for every circumstance, they proffer classic and contemporary solutions at all cost levels.

Here at GlasswareDirect.com.au, we are happy to inform you that we will be selling the most expansive selection of Riedel glassware you’ll find in Australia. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional awaiting the perfect glassware, you’ll find all you want here at an unbelievable cost. Here’s a preview of what we’ll be offering.

Buy Riedel Glassware at GlasswareDirect.com.au

Riedel Ouverture

An alternative in non lead crystal glass, this essential but comprehensive pattern is cost effective. It includes all-purpose choices for wine and pilsner to give a foremost experience without costing an arm and a leg.

Riedel Sommeliers

Hand blown from 24% lead crystal, the Sommeliers series is the best wine tasting glasses available. With designs for over 50 different types of wine and spirits, this is the gold standard.

Riedel Vinum

Vinum is high-performance stemware at a catchpenny cost. Each piece is machine blown from 24% lead crystal. The collection is extensive with glasses for a number of red wines, white wines, champagne, and primary liquors like cognac, grappa, and single malt scotch.

Riedel O Series

This particular stemless pattern brings a sophisticated ultramodern atmosphere to any situation. These are constructed from non lead crystal glass and easily affordable but still offer a number of alternatives.

Riedel Vitis

A counterpart to Sommeliers, this machine blown collection proffers the same quality at a smaller cost. It is a basic range designed for restaurants with all-purpose designs for red and white wines.

Article sponsored by Kitchenware Direct Australia - Australia

Having Great Expectations Means Meeting Fun People

Posted by admin on May 24th, 2009 — Posted in Dating, Help For You, Info, Self Improvement Parlor

Now, I couldn’t characterize myself as pleasantly comfortable being picky and remain an honest woman. However, I’m not uncomfortable with the reality of life, either. I merely mention it in this blog as a delicious personal tidbit foreshadowing what I will shortly explain in grand style.

This time last week yours truly was talking to Sandy, thinking of joining Great Expectations Dallas. As of this minute, I write to my readers as a surprisingly pleased member of the dating service. Seriously, and I almost don’t believe it myself! Its very comfortable and full of nice people! If you’ve been paying attention, you’re probably thinking, “Stop blabbering and tell me about it already.”

Well, I saw these Great Expectations Reviews and liked what I saw. They’re for the honest singles who know dating should mean something.

Because in all honesty I’d never been too big on what a lot of singles so aptly entitled “Dating.” I got it all the time. Every night friends nagg, “You’re still single? ” and “Just get out there and date him!”

“That’s rubbish,” I reply, without missing a beat. “Not after that last blind date you set me up on.”

“You’re as ridiculous as you are hilarious,” they say. “You haven’t dated in a year, you wouldn’t know!”

Leave it to my sister The One-And-Only hah! Patty McCarthy. She offers rational thought directly to my core to put me back on course. Caring souls I depend on to offer perspective. No countering that, and I joined.

Coming home to the point of this blog entry. As I picked from hundreds of outfits (hah) and desirable, honest singles for my first Great Expectations date, I acknowledged something honest. For the longest time, I hadn’t held the greatest of actual great expectations for dating and myself in the adventurous journey of this world. It’s good to be single, only if you take the opportunity to meet new people. Having great expectations makes a difference on a cynics social life.

~Monica Rodriguez

The Gambling Pastimes Betting Fans like to Participate in: Gaming Room Taking a Risk

Posted by admin on May 24th, 2009 — Posted in Internet Gambling, Online Betting, Recreation Stuff

If you haven’t caught on to gaming room games of chance, feel free to read on —

casino

Generally speaking a betting establishment is an edifice that focuses on betting. Patrons are expected to test their luck by challenging one armed bandits or trying out some other games. Betting saloon games commonly have well calculated odds informing them that ensure the organization reserves an advantage over the gamers. Countless betting saloon games can result in you becoming overly dependent speedily. For example the notorious slot-machine, a coin operated gadget with three drums that whirl when a knob affixed to it is started. The contraption regularly renders in alignment with a range of glyphs observable on the dials on the gadget. Lamentably, betting hall games suggest an appearance of power, thus conning the gambling fan — the addressee is passed choice, but in reality these can’t match up the patron’s long term handicap. This is brought about by the the betting saloon not paying out the entire wager as expected. This philosophy is often found in acclaimed casino games like Texas hold’em, craps, roulette or blackjack.

Five card stud poker is indeed a highly fashionable casino game. The patrons, studiously guarding their either fully or partially hidden cards, wager in a principal pot which is finally awarded to the last player controlling the leading set of cards. (And as eveyone knows, the bluff may well prevail too!) Analogous to seven card stud, blackjack too is a highly popular casino pastime. An amount of its is caused by the mix of chance and ingenuity and choice making, and a process named card counting. The aforementioned is a particularly demanding strategy in which gambling fans may force the probabilities of the game in their interest both by wagering & strategic opetations correlating with the hands dealt. Craps is yet another highly popular game using the throw of two dice. Patrons are placing bets on the score of one roll, or on a string of rolls on two dice. Contrary to blackjack, there’s no viable bona fide winner betting system punters could exploit to boost the chances. Roulette is another eminently popular casino game; here, a croupier twirls a roulette wheel incorporating a set of 37 (French roulette) or thirtyeight (American or Vegas roulette) differently tagged places in which a ball will then come to lie, thereby defining the winner as well as the other chances that will come with it. When the participant has bet on a single number and actually makes it so they’ve got a lucky hand, the promised recompense is going to be 35:1, the initial bet being repaid. So in totality it is multiplied by thirty-six.

Please take care to be very wary all the same because each of these gaming establishment gambling pastimes can be particularly habit forming. Indeed an incredible number of lives may well have been ruined in the course of gambling & even though it indisputably may be enjoyable, do attempt to restrain your wagers.

An Easy to Expand Your Horizons with the Aid of Audiobooks

Posted by admin on May 23rd, 2009 — Posted in Multimedia Stuff, Reading Books, Web Of Language

Roberto the Robot by Andrew Segal is definitely tremendous reading, however today’s busy life styles often make that troublesome to achieve. Long journey times to the office and day-to-day activities might eat up large amounts of your day everyday. Favorite pursuits get pushed aside for more urgent jobs. You can use the time you spend driving to get up to date on novels you can’t find the time to read. With modern media files, you can spoil yourself with Chain Gang by Richard McCord by Download Audio Book Online, or audible books recounted by J. M. Barrie without ever lifting a book. In the modern busy environmant multi-tasking quickly becoming a must. Audible books such as Rich Dad’s Advisors: Own Your Own Corporation by Garret Sutton by Download Audio Book Online occupy the dead hours in life, whether it is minutes spent waiting in a dentist’s surgery or grocery shopping. Audible books are now obtainable to download as media data files suitable for your PC, laptops and ipods for example Pimsleur Arabic (Egyptian) I Part 1 by Dr. Paul Pimsleur, and if you have an iPod or other mp3 player and headphones you have the opportunity to discover the current best seller, such as audiobooks by L.M. Boston without carting a heavy book around. The benefits of audible books include hiring or buying the instructional volume which interests you then listening to it in your own time. Need to learn another language? Why not give audio-books a shot? Perhaps new sales techniques matter to you, you can even find out about the paranormal.

Please hop over to our trusted prime source for how to learn a new language pointers

A sizable choice of genres and titles exist. It really doesn’t matter if you’re a travel devotee, nuts over politics or interested in health and physical fitness, most can be downloaded at once. Options are wide open; you can simply subscribe to a program and rent or buy them online. Reading will invariably be an essential skill, however audio-books offer a wonderful alternative. Numerous narratives, for instance audio-books recounted by Kenneth A. Tucker, can be even better when performed by the writer or an illustrious actor. Simply reading a title isn’t the same as listening to an audio book recounted by Charles Chilton, including the additional nuances of an real rendition. Your enjoyment of the story can be heightened when you listen to an audio book like Daily Readings From Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen and can mean more than written word.

The next time whenever you are considering buying a volume that could simply gather dust on the bookshelves, do not forget an audiobook as another alternative.

Mermaid Mythology - Origins

Posted by admin on May 21st, 2009 — Posted in Education + Training

I think that people who are unfamiliar with mermaid stories will be surprised by them. Most probably think that the mermaid is a passive, vulnerable creature like the mermaid in the movie “Splash”. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are powerful beings with strong personalities. In various legends they cause storms, sink ships and drown the crews, cure illness, foretell the future and, of course, bewitch men.

The origin of the mermaid reveals the source of their strength: they were goddesses - and important ones at that. In the oldest religions the creator god is usually a goddess. Later goddesses are often associated with fertility which is another form of the power of creation. Long before the theory of evolution, the ancient philosophers believed that life came from the sea. From the intersection of these two ideas we have Aphrodite and Venus. Goddesses of love, and therefore fertility and creation, they are also associated with the sea. ‘Aphrodite’ means foam-born (born from the foam of the ocean waves). Venus is often associated with the sea as in Botticelli’s famous picture “The Birth of Venus” which shows the goddess riding in a scalloped seashell. Do not let the title “goddess of love” fool you. Aphrodite was also called the goddess of Life-in-Death, and was said to be the oldest of the Fates and punisher of the sinful. She was frequently cruel, jealous and proud.

I am using Aphrodite and Venus as examples of the fertility goddess but there are many others that share some or all of their attributes. From these goddesses come the legends of the mermaid. Mermaids are beautiful and Aphrodite and Venus are known for their beauty. There is a popular image of a mermaid combing her hair while she holds a mirror in her hand - the mirror and comb are symbols of Venus. Raising storms and dominion over the creatures of the sea are common attributes of sea gods.

Folk tales about mermaids incorporated these ideas. In folklore, mermaids are usually the aggressors. They are strong and willful and sometimes murderous. In some folk tales mermaids go on land to search for lovers. Lovers they will destroy when they are finished with them. If the local population gives them trouble they will call down on them monsters and foul weather. They have used their magical powers to curse individuals and entire families.

Mermaids, like the goddesses they evolved from, have a sunnier side, too, especially if they are treated with respect. They can be kind, generous, affectionate and loving. There is a family in Ireland that claims descent from a mermaid. She taught them the secrets of healing and made many of them famous physicians. Mermaids have given men the boons of wealth and knowledge, and sometimes their own love. It should be noted that having the love of a mermaid is a dicey affair. The men involved have come to bad ends more often than not. It is the same for men who have had the love of goddesses like Aphrodite or Venus.

To read a selection of mermaid tales and the myths of various sea gods and goddesses visit my site http://www.beautiful-mermaid-art.com I also have some of the best mermaid images on the net.