Monday 13 January 2014

Predictions for 2014 - The Year of the Horse

Predictions for 2014 - The Year of the Horse




The magnificent horse with his strength, agility and tenacity has always been a good servant and companion to men. Used in early transport, for plowing fields, as cavalry, for various sports and for leisure; his numerous qualities will be quite evident during the year of the Horse, 2014. 


Suffice to say the Horse has always been associated with activity and the key feature of this Horse year will be one that favours action and innovation. Whether on the world stage or in the arts, in technology, medicine, electronic media or other spheres of human civilization there will be significant innovations and new advances. 



The political arena will also see some exciting events. Internationally, the focus will be on advancing the current situations and forging some landmark agreements that will bring salvation and hope to troubled regions. Previous Horse years had seen such events: the reunification of East and West Germany following the collapse of the Berlin Wall; the release of Nelson Mandela which resulted in dramatic changes in South Africa; the ending of the First World War in 1918. We can therefore look forward to some significant resolutions to conflicts that had oppressed certain regions in 2014. Middle East and African countries for instance, can expect continued principal changes during the year of the Horse.

The horse year will also witness some lively debate in several countries as governmental and constitutional issues are discussed and new ideas proposed; these could affect national identity and ways of governance. One such example could be the Scottish referendum and its constitutional implications.

Another area of concern is of course is the World Economy. After the austerity and fiscal measures imposed by some governments last year 2014 is poised to have some encouraging results. True enough the budding shoots of recovery, already manifest in some economies, will flourish and grow stronger during the year 2014, with many governments taking continued measures to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth.

Horse years favour enterprise and initiative, thus vigorous approaches will result in steady growth in many sectors. Industries that are poised to fare especially well during 2014 are technology, transport, fashion and those industries that are associated with the manufacture of renewable energy.

Now while the economic considerations will take center stage, attention will once again focus on reducing pollution and other environmental concerns in heavily industrialized areas.

It can’t be all good news right? Well here it is: there will unfortunately be some acts of aggression such as it was in prior Horse year of 1990, when the Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait. Fear not, however, such troubles will be short lived as the reaction from the International community will be swift.

Another thing to look out for will be the Weather. Natural forces and the vagaries of world weather patterns will bring about certain disasters. There will also be some apprehension concerning the world’s resources. This would include mounting difficulties in meeting the ever-growing demands and apt compensations for crop failures in disaster struck regions. 



On lighter side of things the Horse year, renowned for its energy, passion and resoluteness of mind, will see tremendous successes in Fine Arts. The stage, screen and music industries will all flourish. Interestingly enough it was in 1894 (Horse year) when Louis Lumiere invented the cinematograph, and again it was a Horse year when Sony made the first Walkman, a device that so drastically transformed the listening habits of the masses. The entertainment industry should enjoy another pioneering episode in 2014. There could be some interesting television series and film releases that will attract a mass following while some influential new figures could emerge on the music scene. Star Trek and the American reality series like The Osbournes, both aired in a Horse year 2002. Movies such as The Lord of The Rings, The Two Towers and Spider-Man had also enjoyed great successes in that year. And let us not forget the fashion industry, for they too will enjoy a certain revival with new trends and styles quickly coming to prominence. A more elegant look could be a feature in 2014.

I won’t be forgiven if I didn’t mention the Sports. Well here it is, The 2014 Winter Olympics and then the World cup in Brazil will be colourful and exciting to say the least. And there are sure to be some spectacular historic moments as new sporting milestones are achieved. It was 60 years ago, in a previous Horse year, when Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile, a record that had made sporting history.

For the individual, too, this is a year for being willing to take that one step further and work towards their goals. With willingness and purpose much can be achieved this year.

A subsequent post will be all about the predictions for Animal signs in 2014.

Till then, I wish you all Good luck in the coming year of the Horse.

The End.

Sunday 29 December 2013

Happy New Year 2014

Happy New Year 2014



Sentimental human beings that we are, we now look back wistfully on the year gone by.

2013 like all previous years had its share of ups and downs; our preference, however, is to dwell on the fun times experienced during the course of the year. Some of these are presented below in pictures and by the short YouTube video.





Here are the Lyrics should you wish to sing along:

Auld Lang Syne Lyrics by Robert Burns
Note: Burns’ original Scots verse[4]
(as Scots speakers would sound)
(Burn's own Ayrshire dialect)


Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?
CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !
and gie's a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS



Auld Lang Syne
(Modern Lyrics)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.









Wishing you all good health, happiness and prosperity in the coming Year.

 

Wednesday 11 December 2013

BoSt Dragon Gallery

BoSt Digital Art

(Digital Art by Steve Caunce)

Smelling the Daisies

Two Dragons stop to examine the trail of flowers left by the passage of their cousin the Quilin. (more about the Quilin at The Gentle Quilin). One of them loves to eat the daisies, the other seems to be content just to smell the fragrance.

Smelling the Daisies






Dragons by the Shore


Dragons enjoy hunting for sea creatures and quite often you can see them hovering over the shallows looking for whales and Great White Sharks.

Dragons by the Shore



The Long Way Home

After a full day hunting whales it is time for the Dragon to return to its own home territory to rest and enjoy a full belly.

The Long Way Home


Dragon Country

Even though the Dragon may enjoy an occasional trip to the seaside their home territory still provides vistas of natural beauty and abundant game.
Dragon Country




The Rustler

The increase in human population brought mankind into the Dragon's traditional domain and Dragons soon came to prefer the soft, fatty animals men brought with them. Men were so nice to keep their cows and sheep all together in fenced pastures and on ranges, and so smart to breed an animal that doesn't even have the sense to run when they see a Dragon swooping down on them.

The Rustler




Dragon Sunset

Another day ends for the Dragon and he heads home for a well-earned rest.
The Dragon at Sunset





Pendragon

As Dragons encountered mankind more often they, and man, got used to each other. Legends arose about Dragons helping and being equal partners with certain heroic figures. But Dragons live a long time and men usually don't. It was usually the Dragon who had to say goodbye to their friend.
Pendragon
















Return to Dragon Hall

Mankind was given rule over the earth, and used their technology to despoil the land and lay waste to the entire planet. Dragons went into hiding, mourning for the beauty they once knew. Finally, after most of the humans died out the Dragons returned and helped the survivors subsist in the new, harsh land.
Return to Dragon Hall













Otherworldly Dragon

When the desert winds pick up and the sand swirls in sheets the Dragon's sparse home gets very harsh indeed. Luckily Dragons are a hardy race and have evolved protection against the elements.
Otherworld




(All pictures are digital artwork by Steve Caunce- Partner in BoSt Productions)


Posted by Bo Caunce
Digital Artworks by Steve Caunce








Sunday 1 December 2013

Dragons Celebrate the Festive Season

The Dragons Celebrate the Festive Season



In the Northern Hemisphere the Winter Solstice is when the Sun appears at noon at its lowest angle above the horizon which usually occurs on December 21 to 22 each year. In the Southern Hemisphere the Winter Solstice usually occurs on June 20 to 21 each year.


The Winter Solstice is celebrated as a holiday season and many festivals and celebrations of different religions and cultures take place around this time.


The mythical Dragon is no exception; however, he is a shy one. Look about you, you may be fortunate enough to spot one when and where you least expect it.






The Twelve Days of Christmas



Lyrics:






On the first day of Christmas, 

my true love sent to me

A partridge in a pear tree.




On the second day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 



On the third day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 


On the fourth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 




On the fifth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 



On the sixth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 



On the seventh day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 



On the eighth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 



On the ninth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 



On the tenth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 


On the eleventh day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 



On the twelfth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Twelve drummers drumming,

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,



And a partridge in a pear tree!


Happy Holidays Everyone.


Saturday 19 October 2013

Gargoyles

Gargoyles



Halloween will soon be upon us and we will be mercilessly bombarded with all that is dark and scary. This is the time when ugly is beautiful and fear mongering is the norm. My thoughts turn therefore to a varied yet common motif donning mainly historical buildings of most western metropolises, Toronto being no exception. Blissfully unaware we all go about our daily business under the protective gazes of grotesque gargoyles.


Gargoyles are actually the good guys for they are said to frighten off and protect those structures, old buildings or churches from any evil, harmful spirits.


About AD 631-641, a colourful French legend sprang up about St. Romanus (“Romain”). In this the former chancellor of the Merovingian king Clotaire II who was made bishop of Rouen, recounted the tale of how he’d delivered the country around Rouen from a diabolical monster called Gargouille or Goji.

Rouen-gargoyles courtesy of Jon Marc & Mary Carol's Ex-pat adventures


The description of La Gargouille pegged him to be a typical dragon, with bat like wings, long neck, and the ability to breathe fire from its mouth.  At that time this dragon had engendered much fear and perpetrated much destruction with its fiery breath. Spouting water, he supposedly devoured men and ships whole. Each year, the residents of Rouen were forced to placate Gargouille with an offering of a victim, usually a criminal, though it was said that the dragon much preferred maidens.  St. Romanus promised to deliver the townspeople from this terrible danger and in recompense they would all be baptized and later construct a church. 

rouen-cathedral-gargoyle by ShironekoEuro



It is natural to have multiple versions of such a popular fable: In one scenario, St. Romanus purportedly subdued the creature using a crucifix and led the then docile beast back to town on a leash made from his priest’s robe. In another version St. Romanus captured the beast with the help of the only volunteer, a condemned man.

In both cases the monster was led back to Rouen and burned, but only partially. You see the head and neck, being tempered by its own fiery breath, could not be incinerated. Undaunted, the head of Gargouille was still utilized for protection and was promptly mounted on the wall of the newly built church to scare off evil spirits.

Since then, in commemoration of St. Romain, the Archbishops of Rouen were granted the right to set a prisoner free on the day that the reliquary of the saint was carried in procession.



During the 12th century when gargoyles were manifest in Europe the medieval world already held the view that many creatures exhibited varied mystical powers and several animals were privileged by being anthropomorphized, (that is to say, human qualities ascribed to them). 


The Roman Catholic Church, by then an influential entity, seizing this opportunity, utilized these images to convey certain ideas to the illiterate populous and also to convert pagans to Catholicism.



Gargoyles were viewed in two ways by the church; the primary use was to convey the concept of evil through the form of the gargoyle. Some medieval clergy viewed gargoyles as a form of idolatry, for example, in the 12th century St. Bernard of Clairvaux was famous for speaking out against gargoyles. Also gargoyles were said to scare evil spirits away from the structure, thereby reassuring the congregants that their church was a safe haven from evil spirits.


On the practical side, Gargoyles serve another vital purpose in architecture. Usually an elongated, granite beast with a spout, was designed to direct the flow of rainwater off of the roof. A trough, cut in the back of the gargoyle (the length of the gargoyle determines how far water is thrown from the wall) directed rainwater to exit through the open mouth. Ingeniously therefore, the damaging rainwater was also steered away from the masonry walls and the mortar between to prevent erosion.


Gargoyles had their humble beginnings in the form of fountainheads. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Etruscans and Romans fancied these animal configured waterspouts. The term gargoyle was most often applied to medieval work, but throughout history some means of water diversion, when not conveyed in gutters, were adopted. In ancient Egyptian architecture, gargoyles showed little variation, typically carved in the form of a lion's head. Similar lion-mouthed water spouts were also seen on Greek temples, modeled in the marble or terracotta cymatium of the cornice.


Many medieval cathedrals included gargoyles and chimeras. Although most had grotesque features, over the years the term gargoyle had come to include all types of images. Some gargoyles were depicted as monks, or as combinations of real animals and people, many of which were humorous. Unusual animal/human hybrids, or chimeras, did not act as rainspouts and are more properly called grotesques. They served more as ornamentation, but are now synonymous with gargoyles.


Both ornamented and unornamented water spouts projecting from roofs at parapet level were a common device used to shed rainwater from buildings until the early eighteenth century. After that time more and more buildings installed drainpipes to carry the water from the roof gutters to the ground and only very few buildings using gargoyles were constructed. This was because some people found them frightening and sometimes heavy ones were eroded and fell off, causing damage.


In 1724, the London Building Act passed by the Parliament of Great Britain made the use of downpipes compulsory on all new construction spelling the general demise of Gargoyles and relegating them to place in history and fable.


Still Gargoyles are popular as ornamentation on distinctively styled modern buildings. There they not only live but also thrive, frightening and fuelling the imaginations of new generations.


The End