Astro Planets that Rule in March

 Which planets will remain influential this month? How to make the most of these alignments? Retrograde Mercury may stall things a bit. Are you ready? Get an analysis of what’s in store based on astrology beliefs.

Jupiter moving into communicative air sign Gemini indicates a time of mind expansion and new lessons in life. We seek out the truth and are ever willing to open our minds to new possibilities. The bigger the challenge, the more attractive it will seem to us during this Jupiter ruled phase. When it comes to matters of the heart, this is a good phase to go all out and give it your best shot. Love will most likely happen for those of you willing to put your heart on the line. A certain someone may express an interest in you. Be quick to read between the lines. Do not miss out on new opportunities the planets bring your way. Things will remain busy on the work front. You will be occupied with a project that demands your attention and focus. Those of you who take decisions after thinking them through are indicated to gain. Opportunities for success and growth are likely to come your way through written channels. Knowledge will be the key to success.

Uranus, the planet of sudden change as per western astrology moves into Aries. This combination may result in surprising situations. You will gain by remaining in control and not losing yourself in the heat of the moment. Life’s an adventure and you enjoy the ride. The planets work in your favour during this astrologically powerful month. You accomplish your goals with ease and will benefit by believing in yourself. Stand by what you feel is right and try to let go of the past and things that are holding you back. The twelve astrology sun signs will react differently under the influence of the planets but almost all of you will feel the power of the planets on your luck. Your choices will decide your fate. Important aspects of your life may take a new direction but this will only prove to be for your good in the future.

Life takes an unfamiliar turn for most of you with Mercury going Retrograde in Pisces 11° 23". This will be a day of mixed experiences and some testing situations. Your inner desires come to the fore and urge you to get a little impulsive. Say ‘yes’ to adventure but do not go overboard. Communication channels may go haywire under the influence of retrograde Mercury. You may find yourself being misunderstood. Delays are also indicated during this phase. Do not lose your temper and avoid using harsh words while discussing things with someone close to you. The waves of change may create a few hassles but you will have a wonderful day ahead if you use your creative right brain. This is a day of revelations! Some facts which were not known to you earlier will be revealed. A new level of awareness is indicated. Enjoy this break from your usual routine and live your life to the fullest.

It's Wednesday And Come To This Thing Tonight!

Further to yesterday's post, a commenter commented the following commentary in the comments section:

Anonymous said...

Snob,

I miss when you would blog about just riding your damn bike around Brooklyn and Manhattan, taking pictures of all the goofy sights and encounters you'd find along the way...

Can we do more of that, plz?

thxu :-*

March 5, 2013 at 3:34 PM


I can sympathize, because there's lots of stuff I miss too.  For example, I miss the days before CBGB got replaced by a clothing store for douchebags.  Then again, if CBGB were still open today I wouldn't go near the place anyway because I'm an old fuddy-duddy.  Come to think of it, that's also why I don't live in Brooklyn anymore, which is why Anonymous isn't seeing as many pictures of it.  Plus, when you're an aging blogger (or aging anything, really) it's very important to disavow things in which you once enthusiastically took part: tattoos, fixies, bike couriering, living in Brooklyn, taking pictures of it, etc.

Yes, it sucks that things change, but I'm happier now, and that's all that counts.

Still, that doesn't mean I don't still go to Brooklyn, and tonight I have to do just that.  Moreover, I have to go to the most offensive part--Williamsburg, epicenter of the New Douchery--because I'm the master of ceremonies for this thing that's happening at 8pm tonight at the Knitting Factory, which I thought was still in Manhattan because I'm an old fuddy-duddy:

I hope to see at least some of you there, and by way of enticement I managed to dig up some Knog Blinders, which I'll find a way to distribute during the proceedings:

And you're going to need them because there's a shitstorm a-comin' our way:

I can't wait to trek home to the real world in it tonight.

By the way, I was also intrigued by this headline on the same site:

I don't know who compiled this list, but if it was/were me number one would be the Williamsburg Bridge during rush hour.  If you've ever been stuck in the midst of a full-on Cat 6 run you know it's remarkably similar to the embassy-storming scene at the beginning of "Argo."

Anyway, please come tonight, and you can RSVP here.  Also, here's a video about another one of the builders:


Handcrafted presented by Jack Daniel's... by TheLMagazine

I don't mean to sound ignorant, but what are "Polish drops?"

There's a Polish joke in there somewhere, but since I'll be somewhat close to Greenpoint tonight I'm not going to make it because I don't feel like getting beaten up.

Speaking of taking pictures, I was IN MY CAR THAT I OWN (click here to see what David Byrne thinks of that) not too long ago when I spotted this vanity plate:

Which is amusing if you're the giggly sort, but not quite as amusing as this article (forwarded to me by the proprietor of World's Greatest Coffee Co-Op In The World Just Coffee):

Which features extensive quotes on the subject of celibacy from a man named "Father Wang:"

Father Stephen Wang, dean of studies at Allen Hall Seminary, says it is a sacrifice that many priests manage. "It's possible when people have an inner maturity and the faith and support structures are in place." For him it is no different to the challenge of a husband trying to be faithful to his wife.

Forget celibacy--I don't even have the "inner maturity" not to giggle about the name "Father Wang."

Oh, and no masturbating either:

There is no celibacy get-out in the form of masturbation, says Wang. "For every Christian, masturbation, sex before marriage and sex outside marriage are wrong and something you shouldn't be doing.

Just when I thought I knew every euphemism for "foffing off" I discover another one.  Next time someone excuses himself from the table for a "celibacy get-out" I'll know what he's talking about.

Meanwhile, in more Fredly news, a reader informs me that the new measure of bicycle quality is the "peel a banana at speed" test:

While many machines are billed as 'neutral', the Madone defines the term with intuitive manners that practically require just a thought to go where you want. Neither overly twitchy nor somnabulantly boring, the pitch-perfect geometry – 73-degree head tube angle, 976mm wheelbase, and 72mm bottom bracket drop on our 52cm sample – carves a wicked arc through sinuous high-speed descents, confidently switches lines mid-corner, and still nails the proverbial 'peel a banana at speed' test.

Given the Madone's pedigree this stability is hardly surprising, since Lance Armstrong's Discovery Channel team demanded rock-steady handling for those on-the-bike blood transfusions.  Particularly impressive is the fact that the bike requires "just a thought to go where you want," because I know I'm tired of shouting at my bike in order to make it change direction--to say nothing of its "somnabulantly boring" (he's missing an "m" in there by the way) character, though that could be a function of the handlebar-mounted loudspeaker that plays Garrison Keillor recordings as I ride.

Anyway, while this bike may nail the proverbial "peel a banana at speed" test, I wonder how it does at the "celibacy get-out at speed" test.  They should turn it over to Mario Cipollini next, though when he's done Trek had better turn it over to the CDC for disinfecting.

Lastly, from another reader comes this moving video of late Venezuelan President Hugo "JRA" Chávez riding a bicycle:




Looks like it failed the "peel a banana at speed" test.

VENEZUELANS MOURNS LATE PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ

HUGO CHAVEZ, VENEZUELAN
PRESIDENT, DIES AT AGE 58

www.cbsnews.com - Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela for the last 14 years, died Tuesday following his treatment for cancer. His death was announced by the country's vice president Nicolas Maduro, ending a months-long period of speculation surrounding his health - a period often marked by secrecy and rumor. He was 58. The popular but controversial leader had won his fourth presidential term in 2012 but was never sworn in due to his failing health.
The career military officer-turned-politician won friends and enemies as he launched poverty-fighting programs, nationalized key industries and forged alliances with other leftist leaders in Latin America - particularly the Castro brothers in Cuba. The Associated Press reported that Maduro will serve as interim president and that elections will be called within 30 days, Foreign Minister Elias Jaua told the Telesur network.

Just hours before Chavez' death was announced, Venezuelan Vice President and Chavez chosen successor Nicolas Maduro suggested the fatal cancer may have been introduced by "enemies" and declared two U.S. diplomats persona non grata accusing them of trying to organize government opposition among the Venezuelan military. Chavez's political development took him from social democracy to what he called "Socialism of the 21st Century." 
His opponents, mostly from the upper-middle class and the wealthy, accused him of becoming a dictator in the mold of his mentor, Fidel Castro, who Chavez once described as being like a father to him. Chavez supported Latin American and Caribbean cooperation and developed close ties with Evo Morales in Bolivia, Rafael Correa in Ecuador and Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, in addition to Fidel and then Raul Castro in Cuba.

With the passing of Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez, at age 58, a chapter on one of the most controversial modern leaders in Latin America has come to a close. Chavez loudly opposed the United States and claimed capitalism was destroying the world and tried to transform Venezuela into a socialist state. Despite criticism that his government has received, there is no doubt that Chavez was an exceedingly popular leader, especially among poor and working class Venezuelans. Since our life in this material world is very short, we must strive to occupy our minds with God issues and our future spiritual life because at any time - even if you don't want it - we will be forced to leave here.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Our duration of life is not very long, and there is no certainty of when we shall be ordered to leave everything for the next stage. ... A living being is eternal by constitution. He is, so to speak, in the whirlpool of birth and death due to his contact with material energy. Freed from such material energy, a living entity is liberated and is eligible to return home, back to Godhead. Those who want to live forever without changing their material bodies should not waste valuable time with topics other than those relating to Lord Krishna and His devotees. ... Every human being dislikes meeting death, but he does not know how to get rid of death. The surest remedy for avoiding death is to accustom oneself to hearing the nectarean pastimes of the Lord as they are systematically narrated in the text of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. It is advised herein, therefore, that any human being who desires freedom from death should take to this course of life as recommended by the rishis headed by Śaunaka.

Śrīla A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda : 
“The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam”
Purport in Canto 1, Chapter 16:
“How Parīkshit Received the Age of Kali” - Texts 6 - 8.
Bhaktivedanta VedaBase 2003 (Folio)

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

10,000 hours of practice

 This is one of those posts that seems like it's about sports but it's more about life and has a funny payoff.  Non-sports fans are invited to give it a try. 

They say you need 10,000 hours of practice. I say that’s true – give or take 7,000 hours. It’s true in writing and certainly in learning how to do sports play-by-play. There is no substitute for experience. At least when you try

Mahashivratri and Your Astro Sign

On March 10, 2013 Hindus in India will be celebrating Mahashivratri, a festival celebrated every year on the 13th or 14th day of Krishna Paksha or the Waning Moon. As the name implies, this festival is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. According to popular folklore, Lord Shiva is believed to have performed the Tandava Nritya on this night. Apart from the Tandava, he also married Parvati. Astrologically, the new moon is indicated to rule your luck during this auspicious time.  How to enhance your fortune during Mahashivratri? Get astrology predictions!

Aries: Aries will find the new moon time auspicious for beginning new activities. This may be related to a new job, a new course that you wish to pursue or maybe a new business venture with someone you trust. Your luck will change if you act on your instincts.

Taurus: As per Vedic astrology, the new moon phase is a time for following your heart and doing something that you have always aspired to do. The waiting game gets over for you as something new and thrilling comes your way. You are more than happy to devote your time to this welcome distraction.

Gemini: You will find yourself feeling confused and betrayed during this new moon phase. You are not happy with the current state of affairs and you wish to sort things out with someone close to you. Speak out and clear the air.

Cancer: Cancer natives you will be emotional and satisfied with your love life during this new moon phase. New beginnings make you glad and you embrace the changes happening in and around you. Life takes a positive turn for you water born folks. Your work life will remain pleasant too.

Leo: Leo will feel blessed under the positive influence of the New Moon. During this time you will gain by making investments and taking important decisions regarding your finances. Lord Shiva will bless those who are thinking of tying the knot.

Virgo: Virgo will benefit from the New Moon during this time and will find luck in a new project. Attention to detail and your persistence helps you make strides in a positive direction.

Libra: Libra must remain calm and not delve deep into too many things at the same time. A new love interest may make life rosier for you during this new moon phase.

Scorpio: The new moon urges you to give your best to work related assignments. Don’t let difficult times pull you down. Someone may stand by you and prove to be the kind of friend you have always been looking for.

Sagittarius: Sagittarians will get opportunities to travel and be on a mind expansion mode during this time. As per Indian Astrology, the new moon phase is a good time for exploring new cultures and new experiences in life.

Capricorn: Capricorn natives are indicated to remain busy with work under the influence of the new moon. With Lord Shiva’s blessings you will be the beneficiary of praise and rewards. This may be personal in nature or accolades may come your way as a result of hard work.

Aquarius: Aquarians will shine during this phase with the new moon acting in their favour. You will gain from your financial investments. Profits are highly indicated.

Pisces: You will seek knowledge and for this you may consider pursuing a new line of study. The new moon makes you emotional and sensitive. You will also be generous towards others. People will be grateful to you for your kindness. ous towards others. People will be grateful to you for your kindness.

The Art of Asian Pole

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Well, this weekend was hella fun... because our first stop was to finally see the Asian Art Museum that I had heard so much about... and they had a special exhibit of the Terra Cotta Warriors. I was blessed to have seen the site in Xi'an about seven years ago... but this was still VERY cool... and the rest of the museum is pretty amazing. BEHOLD!!!

And as I said... the rest of the museum was pretty amazing as well, here are some quick pics...

 

"Make a move & the chick gets it..."

 

Monkey Attack

I like the look on the demon's face on the ground...

 

Cock fights... they're not just in the South

That's odd...

I may get this tattoo...

After the museum, we headed over to Studio Botan to see a choreographed presentation of pole dancing. Yes, the lights were on. Yes, they were lovely ladies gettin' down on the pole. No, they do not have change for a twenty. No, they didn't have booze (unless you premixed your own drink... WINNING!). It was pretty amazing... and I highly recommend checking them out of you get a chance. Here are some quick pics... since video is kind of forbidden because some of these ladies are going to the International Pole Dancing Championships in a few weeks. No, that wasn't a joke. There really is an International Pole Dancing Championship. You're welcome...

Anyway, now that you're heart is chuck full of art... Have a great night everybody!!!