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VintageTamaleçš„ä¸»é¡µ http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:51 EST Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:51 EST Zorpia.com Display Pic Hover Effect http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2089092 I got an interesting effect to work for the display pic on my homepage. I'm sharing that code with all of you here for use in your homepage designs. I originally built my theme around Chrome. As I like to insure cross-browser compatibility among my themes, I've tested my current homepage theme on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer 9. The effects work in Chrome and Firefox browsers well. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for IE 9. Below is the code:  <textarea style="border-bottom-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: dotted; width: 200px; font-family: 'courier new'; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); height: 100px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; border-top-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: dotted; ">.profile li.photo img{border-radius:64px; width:128px; margin: auto; -webkit-transition: all 1s 0.1s; -moz-transition: all 1s 0.1s; -o-transition: all 1s 0.1s; transition:all 1s 0.1s;} .profile li.photo img:hover { border-radius:5px; -webkit-transition: all 0.7s; -moz-transition: all 0.7s; -o-transition: all 0.7s; transition:all 0.7s;}</textarea> Feel free to leave any comments or questions you may have in a reply.For more tips, join me at<a href="http://www.zorpia.com/group_utilities/gfx_share/signup"><img src="http://ths.zpcdn.com/0/5128/32823651.6275a3.jpg" /></a>  Zorpia Related http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2089092 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:20 EST Blame http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2048577   <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color" align="center">BLAME</h3> <img src="http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7135/zebrabycreateillusionsfu0.jpg" /> <img src="http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/6649/blamebycreateillusions1xd7.jpg" /> <img src="http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/7646/mysophobiabycreateillussp3.jpg" /> All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy. ~Wayne Dyer I am the creator of my experiences and in that truth is the freedom to love every part of myself and the consequences of my decisions. I am at peace with the choices that lead me on my path to the discovery of who I am.   Religion & Ethics http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2048577 Mon, 23 May 2011 19:57 EST How to Frame a Video http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2045079 <table width="329" height="254" align="center" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px outset; BORDER-LEFT: 0px outset; BORDER-TOP: 0px outset; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px outset"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="329" height="254" align="center" valign="middle" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://org111.zpcdn.com/0/5404/34588216.c15f22.png)"> <table width="200" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table><embed allowNetWorking="internal" AllowScriptAccess="sameDomain" width="225" height="144" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IlTswpvOIhE&rel=0&fs=1&color1=0xffff00&color2=0xCC0000&border=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allownetworking="internal" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" allownetworking="internal" /></embed /> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Have you ever wanted to "frame" a video to give it a different presentation? Below is a code you may use to "frame" videos from Zorpia, Youtube, or any other host. Just replace where noted the appropriate link and embed code. Be sure to pay close attention to sizes when incorporating this code into your own designs.     <textarea style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #222222 1px dotted; BORDER-LEFT: #222222 1px dotted; WIDTH: 130px; FONT-FAMILY: courier new; BACKGROUND: #ffffff; HEIGHT: 60px; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 11px; BORDER-TOP: #222222 1px dotted; BORDER-RIGHT: #222222 1px dotted"><table width="329" height="271" align="center" style="background-color:; border-color:; border-width: 0px; border-style: outset;"><tr><td width="329" height="271" align="center" valign="middle" style="background-color:; background-image: url(PASTE IMAGE URL HERE)"><table width="200" border="0" align="center"><tr><td align="center" style="background-color: transparent;margin-top=15px;"></td></tr></table><PASTE YOUTUBE VIDEO CODE HERE></td></tr></table> </textarea>   For more codes and lots of great images to share, join me at    <a href="http://www.zorpia.com/group_utilities/gfx_share/signup"><img src="http://ths.zpcdn.com/0/5128/32823651.6275a3.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /></a>   <a href="http://www.zorpia.com/group/gfx_share">GFX SHARE</a> Personal http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2045079 Wed, 04 May 2011 11:34 EST I Love You Too Much http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2044287 <a href="http://www.zorpia.com/group/gfx_share/photo/37109389.ad5288"><img style="FILTER: Alpha(Opacity=100, FinishOpacity=0, Style=2, StartX=20, StartY=40, FinishX=0, FinishY=0)" border="0" alt="Zorpia Photo Sharing: Free Unlimited Storage & Bandwidth" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/5798/37109389.ad5288.jpg" /></a> <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color" align="center">I Love You Too Much</h3> Ø§ØÙ€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ø¨Ùƒ ÙƒØ«Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€ÙŠØ±Ø§ How I love you? I love you very much ÙˆØ§Ø¹Ø±Ù Ø§Ù† Ø§Ù„Ø·Ø±ÙŠÙ‚ Ø§Ù„ÙŠÙƒ Ù…Ø³ØªØÙŠÙ„Ø§ ÙˆØ³Ù‡Ù„Ù‡Ø§ ØµØ¹Ø¨ And I know the way to you is almost impossible ÙˆØ§Ø¹Ø±Ù Ø§Ù†Ùƒ Ù…Ù„Ùƒ Ù‚Ù„Ø¨ÙŠ Ùˆ Ø³Ù„Ø·Ø§Ù†Ù‡ ÙŠØªØ±Ø¨Ø¹ Ø¹Ù„Ù‰ Ø¹Ø±Ø´Ù‡ and I know you are the Sultan of hearts ÙˆÙ„ÙƒÙ† Ù„ÙŠØ³ Ù„Ø¯ÙŠ Ø®ÙŠØ§Ø± Ù„Ø§ Ù…ÙØ± Ù…Ù†Ùƒ Ø§Ù„Ø§ Ø§Ù„ÙŠÙƒ but I have no choice ÙˆØ§Ø¹Ù„Ù… Ø§Ù† Ø§ÙŠØ§Ù… Ø§Ù„ØØ¨ Ù‚Ø¯ Ø®Ù„Øª Ø§Ø¹Ø±Ù Ø§Ù† Ø²Ù…Ø§Ù† Ø§Ù„ØØ¨ÙŠØ¨ Ø§Ù†ØªÙ‡Øª and I know the days of love are over Ùˆ Ø±ØÙ„ Ø§Ù„ÙƒÙ„Ø§Ù… Ø§Ù„Ø¬Ù…ÙŠÙ„ Ùˆ Ø¨Ø§Øª Ù‡Ø¨Ø§Ø¡ Ù…Ù†Ø«ÙˆØ±Ø§ and the beautiful words are gone Ù„Ø§ ØªØ³Ø£Ù„Ù†ÙŠ .. Ù„Ø§ Ø§Ù…Ù„Ùƒ Ø§Ø¬Ø§Ø¨Ø© Ø§Ù…Ø§Ù… Ø³Ù„Ø·Ø§Ù† Ù‚Ù„Ø¨ÙŠ so what could I say to the Sultan Ù„Ø§Ø´ÙŠØ¦ Ø¹Ù†Ø¯ÙŠ Ù„Ø§ Ø§Ø¬Ø¯ Ø³ÙˆÙ‰ ØØ¨Ùƒ ÙˆØ§Ù† Ø§ØØ¨Ùƒ nothing but I love you way much Ø§Ù†Ø§ Ø§ØØ¨Ùƒ Ùˆ Ø§Ø¹Ø±Ù Ø§Ù† ØØ¨Ùƒ Ø³Ø¬Ù†ÙŠ Ø§Ù†Ø§ Ø§Ø¹ÙŠØ´ Ø§Ù„Ø§Ù† ÙÙŠ Ù…Ù†ÙÙ‰ I love you and I know I live in exile Ùˆ Ø§Ù†Øª ÙÙŠ Ù…Ù†ÙÙ‰ Ø§ÙŠØ¶Ø§ ÙˆÙ„ÙƒÙ† Ø¨ÙŠÙ†Ù†Ø§ Ø§Ù„Ø§Ù† and you are in exile, and between us Ø±ÙŠØ ÙˆØ¨Ø±Ù‚ ÙˆØºÙŠÙ… ÙˆØ±Ø¹Ø¯ ÙˆØ«Ù„Ø¬ ÙˆÙ†Ø§Ø±Ùˆ ØµØ¹ÙˆØ¨Ø§Øª Ø§Ù„ØÙŠØ§Ù‡. wind, storms, clouds, thunder, snow and fire Ø§Ø¹Ø±Ù Ø£Ù† Ø§Ù„ÙˆØµÙˆÙ„ Ø§Ù„ÙŠÙƒ...Ø§Ù„ÙˆØµÙˆÙ„ Ø§Ù„ÙŠÙƒ ÙŠØ¹Ù†ÙŠ Ø§Ù†ØªØÙ€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ø§Ø± and I know getting to you is like suicide Ù…Ù‡Ù…Ø§ ÙŠÙƒÙ† ÙˆÙ…Ù‡Ù…Ø§ Ø¬Ø±Ù‰ however Ù…Ø¹Ùƒ..... ØªÙƒÙˆÙ† Ø³Ø¹Ø§Ø¯ØªÙŠ Ø§ÙƒØ¨Ø± ØØªÙ‰ ÙˆÙ„Ùˆ ØªÙ…Ø²Ù‚Øª Ø§Ø±Ø¨Ù‰ Ù„Ø§Ø¬Ù„Ùƒ it makes me happy to tear my soul for you Ù„Ù† Ø§Ø¨Ø§Ù„ÙŠ Ø¨Ù…Ø§ ØØ¯Ø« Ø§Ùˆ Ø³ÙˆÙ ÙŠØØ¯Ø« Ù„Ùˆ Ø®ÙŠØ±ÙˆÙ†ÙŠ Ù„Ø³ÙˆÙ Ø§Ø®ØªØ§Ø± Ø§Ù† Ø§ØØ¨Ùƒ Ù…Ø±Ø© Ø§Ø®Ø±Ø© and if I have to choose again, I will choose to love you again Ø£ØØ¨Ùƒ Ø¬Ø¯Ø§ ÙˆØ§Ø¹Ø±Ù Ø£Ù†ÙŠ Ø£Ø³Ø§ÙØ± ÙÙŠ Ø¨ØØ± Ø¹ÙŠÙ†ÙŠÙƒ Ø¯ÙˆÙ† ÙŠÙ‚ÙŠÙ† Ø§Ø³Ø§ÙØ± ÙÙŠ Ø°ÙƒØ±Ø§Ùƒ Ø§Ù„Ù‰ Ù…Ø§Ù„Ø§ Ù†Ù‡Ø§ÙŠØ© I love you way too much and I know I travel in your eyes without end Ø§ÙÙƒØ± Ø¨Ùƒ ÙÙŠ Ù‚Ù„Ø¨ÙŠ...... Ùˆ Ø£ØªØ±Ùƒ Ø¹Ù‚Ù„ÙŠ ÙˆØ±Ø£ÙŠÙŠ.... ÙˆØ£Ø±ÙƒØ¶..Ø£Ø±ÙƒØ¶..Ø®Ù„Ù Ø¬Ù†ÙˆÙ†ÙŠ and I reject my mind , my opinon, and run behind my craziness for you Ø§Ù†Øª Ø§Ù„Ø±Ø¬Ù„ Ø§Ù„Ø°ÙŠ Ø§ØØ¨Ø¨Øª Ù‚Ù„Ø¨ÙŠ Ø§Ù„Ù…ØØ·Ù… Ø¨ÙŠÙ† ÙŠØ¯ÙŠÙƒ you are a man with broken hearts between your hands Ø³Ø£Ù„ØªÙƒ Ø¨Ø§Ù„Ù„Ù‡ ..Ù„Ø§ ØªØªØ±ÙƒÙŠÙ†ÙŠ I asked you, please do not leave me Ù„Ø§ ØªØ¨ØªØ¹Ø¯ .... Ù„Ø§ ØªØªØ±ÙƒÙŠÙ†ÙŠ Ø§Ø±Ø¬ÙˆÙƒ please do not be away from me ÙÙ…Ø§ Ø£ÙƒÙˆÙ† Ø£Ù†Ø§ Ø§Ø°Ø§ Ù„Ù… ØªÙƒÙˆÙ† Ø§Ù†Øª ØØ¨ÙŠØ¨ÙŠ because who am I, if you are not with me Ø§ØÙ€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ù€Ø¨Ùƒ............. Ø§Ù†Øª Ø§ÙƒØ«Ø± Ù…Ø§ Ø§ØØ¨Ø¨Øª I love you too much Ø£ØØ¨Ùƒ Ø¬Ø¯Ø§ ..Ùˆ Ù„Ø§ .....Ø§Ø±ØªØ¶ÙŠ Ø§Ù„Ø¬Ù†Ø© Ø¨Ø¹ÙŠØ¯Ø§ Ø¹Ù†Ùƒ.....ÙˆÙ…Ù† Ù†Ø§Ø± ØØ¨Ùƒ Ù„Ù† Ø£Ø³ØªÙ‚ÙŠÙ„ I love you too much, and I refuse to quit your love ÙˆÙ‡Ù„ ØªØ³ØªØ·ÙŠØ¹.. Ø§Ù„Ø¹Ø§Ø´Ù‚Ø©.. Ø§Ù„Ù…ØªÙŠÙ…Ø© ..Ø¨ØØ¨Ùƒ Ø£Ù† ØªØ³ØªÙ‚ÙŠÙ„ does any mad lover quit Ù„Ø§ Ø§Ø±ÙŠØ¯ Ø§Ù† Ø§Ù†Ø¬Ùˆ ÙˆÙ„Ø§ Ø§Ù‡ØªÙ…..Ø§Ù† Ø®Ø±Ø¬Øª Ù…Ù† Ø§Ù„ØØ¨ ØÙŠØ§ and who cares, if I get out of this alive or survive Ù„Ø§ Ø§Ø±ÙŠØ¯ Ø§Ù† Ø§Ù†Ø¬Ùˆ ÙˆÙ„Ø§ Ø§Ù‡ØªÙ…..Ø§Ù† Ø®Ø±Ø¬Øª Ù…Ù† Ø§Ù„ØØ¨ ØÙŠØ§ Who cares if I die in love with you. Literature http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2044287 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:46 EST Love is... http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2043189 <img border="0" hspace="0" align="baseline" src="http://lrg131.zpcdn.com/1/6551/41929553.16fedb.jpg" width="425" height="571" />   Love is something that is not easily explained No one word can express it And no one person feels the same about it Itâ€™s waking up in the morning wanting to be with that one person And going to bed feeling the same way Itâ€™s knowing that you want to spend the rest of your life with him And it's a feeling so great that no matter what anyone says will never be taken away Itâ€™s crying every night when the one you love doesnâ€™t love you back Itâ€™s feeling that pain in your heart when you lose that one person. But to just hear those three little words come from his mouth And actually know he means it Thatâ€™s the best feeling in the world To know that someone loves you for you And wants to be with you forever Love is hard to find, and even harder to keep It takes time and effort to keep it going But you donâ€™t mind because you would do anything in the world to keep it Itâ€™s knowing that when you come home youâ€™ll have someone to share your day with Itâ€™s that last conversation of the night before you fall asleep Heâ€™s the first one you want when you wake up The only thing thatâ€™s on your mind all day, every day It's knowing that someoneâ€™s always there for you to cry on Someoneâ€™s always there for you to talk to about anything And wonâ€™t judge you for that Itâ€™s the person you feel the most comfortable with in the world And to know that you have that That you share that special bond with one other person Thatâ€™s the best feeling in the world. But when you lose that feeling When you lose the only thing that ever mattered to you It seems like life has no purpose, no point at all You feel like you could just curl up and die That nothing or no one else matters to you And the only thing that youâ€™ve ever wanted is now gone And you will do anything to get him back, Because heâ€™s worth it Youâ€™ll try and try until one day you realize That things will never be the same again. Your love is still there, deep inside of you So you try your best to just be friends, And it works for a while But the feelings are still there And no matter how hard you try friend will never be good enough So you want to forget about him, but thatâ€™s even harder Thereâ€™s too many memories, to many good times to just forget And no matter what you do, heâ€™s always there Everywhere you look, everything you do, every place you go, Every song you hear, every guy you see Reminds you of him And you hope some day youâ€™ll be back together But until then thereâ€™s nothing you can do But sit and cry, to go through that pain when he talks about Another girl he likes, or how good his life is going And that pain breaks your heart day after day Tear after tear, until you have no mores tears to cry Until you just get used to that hole in your heart that wonâ€™t go away, That pain that never leaves you That lonely feeling that stays with you forever And you may have other guys, but nothing or no one could ever compare, and you know that. Personal http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2043189 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:22 EST How Far You've Come http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2043054 Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. ~Henry David Thoreau <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6550/41922602.71c557.jpg" border="0" complete="true" complete="true" />   <h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">How Far You've Come</h3>   There was a time when you could not do many of the things you can do now. Yet you learned, and now those skills that once were out of reach have become second nature.   There was a time when you felt uncomfortable venturing into new places, situations and relationships. Even so, you did it, and now you feel perfectly at home with those people and places. There was a time when you could not comprehend many of the things you now understand so well. And you took the time to listen, to learn, to think and to challenge yourself.    You've come a long way already, and because of that, the challenges now are even greater.  That means they're filled with even more valuable opportunities for you to move higher and higher. Though you're not yet where you truly want to be, you've come a long way in that direction.   The knowledge, the experience, the strength you already have is more than enough to move you forward today.   Make use of it all, and tomorrow you'll have even more. ~ Ralph Marston ~ Religion & Ethics http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2043054 Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:15 EST Leave Heartprints http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2040820   <h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Leave Heartprints</h3>   We often feel that we don't have the time or energy to extend ourselves to others with the small gestures that compose what we call common courtesy. It sometimes seems that this kind of social awareness belongs to the past, to smaller towns and slower times. Yet, when someone extends this kind of courtesy to us, we always feel touched. Someone who lends a helping hand when we are struggling with our groceries makes an impression because many people just walk right by. Even someone who simply makes the effort to look us in the eye, smile, and greet us properly when entering a room stands out of the crowd. It seems these people carry with them the elegance and grace of another time, and we are always thankful for our contact with them. Common courtesy is a small gesture that makes a big difference. <a href="http://www.zorpia.com/VintageTamale/photo/41856048.7f4d40"><img width="213" height="172" alt="Zorpia Photo Sharing: Free Unlimited Storage & Bandwidth" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6540/41856048.7f4d40.png" border="0" complete="true" complete="true" /></a> An essential component of common courtesy is awareness and common sense; looking outside yourself to see when someone needs help or acknowledgment. As a courteous person, you are aware that you are walking into a room full of people or that your waiter has arrived to take your order. Then, awareness leads to action. It is usually quite clear what needs to be done-open the door for the woman holding the baby, move your car up two feet so another person can park behind you, acknowledge your sister's shy boyfriend with a smile and some conversation, apologize if you bump into someone. <a href="http://www.zorpia.com/VintageTamale/photo/41856046.7ca12b"><img width="209" height="185" alt="Zorpia Photo Sharing: Free Unlimited Storage & Bandwidth" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6540/41856046.7ca12b.png" border="0" complete="true" complete="true" /></a> A third component is to give courtesy freely, without expecting anything in return. People may not even take notice, much less return the kindness, but you can take heart in the fact that you are creating the kind of world you want to live in with your actions. When you are out in the world, remember to be aware of others, lend your hand when one is needed, and give this help without an ulterior motive. Through these small actions, you make this world a better place in which to live. Live http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2040820 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:08 EST The Wind http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2040042 <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824495.e45c28.gif" complete="true" complete="true" /> The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.  <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824496.71e91e.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824498.46c488.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> If you reveal your secrets to the wind you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the tree. <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824499.a1118d.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824500.a0bdca.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> <img width="323" height="496" style="WIDTH: 323px; HEIGHT: 496px" src="http://lrg103.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824501.96b0d9.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> <img width="323" height="218" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824503.bec881.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> <img width="321" height="666" style="WIDTH: 321px; HEIGHT: 666px" src="http://lrg103.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824505.0d5529.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824508.3d8ba3.gif" complete="true" complete="true" /> Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great. <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824509.c8d146.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> <img width="365" height="235" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824528.c420e2.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.   TAKE THE WIND AS IT BLOWS IN YOUR FACE, AT YOUR BACK,LET IT CARRY YOU...  <img width="447" height="223" style="WIDTH: 447px; HEIGHT: 223px" src="http://lrg103.zpcdn.com/1/6535/41824494.2cd276.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> Personal http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2040042 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 19:45 EST Mardi Gras Traditions: Rex http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2033815 While Mardi Gras has become a broad and varied celebration, many of Carnival's symbols, images, sights and sounds can be traced to the traditions of the Rex Organization, founded in 1872. Rex's traditional colors of purple, green, and gold, have become Carnival's colors, and "If Ever I Cease to Love," played for Rex since the very first Rex parade, has become its most enduring anthem. A more recent contribution to Mardi Gras tradition was the introduction of specially struck coins or doubloons as parade throws. The gold Rex doubloon continues to be a sought-after throw on Mardi Gras day.   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484745.2ada0e.jpg" />   <h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Official Name</h3><div align="center"> While generally referred to as "The Rex Organization," or simply "Rex," the organization's official name is "The School of Design." The Rex motto, frequently seen on official documents, is "Pro Bono Publico" ("for the public good").   </div><h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">The Title of the King</h3><div align="center"> Rex is known as the "King of Carnival" and the "Monarch of Merriment," but should not be called "King Rex." That would be redundant, since "Rex" means "King."   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484733.734d76.jpg" />   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484736.7fbc12.jpg" />   </div><h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Early Edicts and Proclamations </h3><div align="center"> Historically Rex has issued a proclamation declaring the date of the Carnival celebration and commanding his subjects to gather and join in the festivities. When Rex began his reign over Mardi Gras in 1872 New Orleans was struggling through the years of reconstruction, and civic leaders wanted to attract more visitors to the city. Proclamations were posted in train depots around the country, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans became a major tourist destination.  </div>  <h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color"> Royal Invitation</h3><div align="center"> Since Rex issued his first edict in 1872, commanding his subjects to gather to New Orleans, millions and millions of happy visitors have accepted his invitation and traveled to the Crescent City to enjoy Carnival. During the 2009 Mardi Gras Season, Rex revisited the early tradition of formally extending his "Royal Invitation," inviting all to gather to New Orleans to join in the "Great Carnival Celebration." This new document, incorporating art and text from a century ago, was used by tourism officials and others to warmly welcome our Mardi Gras guests.  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484738.b408c7.jpg" />   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484739.f4b09f.jpg" />   </div><h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">The Rex Proclamation</h3><div align="center"> This tradition continues with the release each year of a beautiful Rex Proclamation created by a well-known artist. These proclamations relate to the theme of the Rex parade and have become sought-after works of art. The 2004 Proclamation was created by Tim Trapolin.   </div><h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Colors and Flags</h3><div align="center"> The royal colors of purple, green, and gold have been used since Rex's founding, but the original symbolism intended was never made clear. It would make sense that purple, associated with royalty, and gold, the metal of choice for crowns and scepters, would be chosen, and various rules of heraldry may have been applied. The 1892 Rex Parade's theme, "The Symbolism of Colors," suggested that purple, green, and gold symbolized justice, faith, and power, respectively. The Rex flag displays these colors, arrayed diagonally, with a crown in the center field, and is flown during Carnival season at the homes of past Kings and Queens of Carnival.   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484740.6b8688.jpg" />   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484741.d7619c.jpg" />   </div><h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">The Rex Anthem</h3><div align="center"> The official anthem of Rex is "If Ever I Cease to Love," a song from a popular musical comedy of the 1870's called "Blue Beard." This catchy tune was part of the repertoire of Lydia Thompson, a popular British singer whose American tour came to New Orleans in 1872, the year Rex was organized. The Grand Duke Alexis of Russia was also making an American tour, and was the honored guest for the first Rex parade. Legend has long romantically linked the Grand Duke with the singer, and suggested that "If Ever I Cease to Love" was performed for the Grand Duke because of his romantic interest in Miss Thompson. While this is a good story, it is probably not quite true. Bands performed the Russian national anthem for the Grand Duke, and when Rex dismounted on Canal Street to review the parade the bands played "If Ever I Cease to Love." It has been the Rex anthem ever since, played for Rex and his Queen when they arrive at the Grand Ball, for the presentation of the court, and after the meeting of the Rex and Comus counts on Mardi Gras night.   </div><h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">The Arrival of Rex</h3><div align="center"> It has long been the tradition that Rex arrives in his "capital city" by boat. Images from the early years show elegant old sail and steam vessels arriving at a dock on the Mississippi River for the welcoming ceremonies. In more recent years Rex has arrived as part of the Lundi Gras celebration on the night before Mardi Gras. This has become a very popular part of the city's Carnival calendar.   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484742.d8dbbd.jpg" />   <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484743.8ee839.jpg" />   </div><h3 align="center" class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Boeuf Gras</h3><div align="center"> Since the middle ages there have been celebrations and feasts leading up to the forty day Lenten fast. One of the oldest symbols of these ancient pre-Lenten celebrations was the boeuf gras, signifying the last meat consumed before the fast begins. This symbol had a place in the earliest celebrations of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and for the first thirty years the boeuf gras was part of the Rex parade. For some reason it disappeared from the parade after 1900, but was restored in 1959. Traditionally the float carrying the boeuf gras and masked riders dressed as cooks is one of the lead floats of the parade.</div>  Personal http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2033815 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:43 EST Mardi Gras History: Rex http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2033784 How did Rex become King of Carnival, and how did the city of New Orleans become virtually synonymous with the celebration of Mardi Gras? The histories of Rex, Carnival, and this old and unique American city weave together in fascinating ways.  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484089.aee9bd.jpg" />  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Carnival</h3>Celebrations preceding Lent have ancient origins, and those who settled in New Orleans brought with them the symbols and celebrations of Carnival (from the Latin carnelevamen, "farewell to flesh"). These customs and symbols, primarily French, included the "Boeuf Gras" and masked balls and street parades.  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Carnival in Early New Orleans</h3> Such Carnival celebrations were common in early 19th century New Orleans. Impromptu and haphazard street celebrations and processions, some including decorated wagons or primitive floats, had been part of Mardi Gras in New Orleans since the city's founding. These celebrations often got out of hand, and by the 1850's city authorities were ready to ban them altogether. In 1857 a group of young men founded the Mistick Krewe of Comus, and produced the first themed nighttime parade. Other organizations followed.  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484094.d76b31.jpg" />  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484095.974d00.jpg" />  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">The Birth of Rex</h3> Rex entered the picture in 1872. New Orleans was struggling to recover from the lingering effects of the civil war, and divisions and isolation prevailed. At the same time, many city leaders saw the need to bring some order to the chaotic street parades of Mardi Gras day. The news that Russia's Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff would visit Mardi Gras and New Orleans provided another impetus to add order and brilliance to the day. This portrait shows the Grand Duke as a dashing young man, about the time he made his visit to New Orleans.  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">"Pro Bono Publico"</h3> The group of young men who founded the Rex Organization hoped not only to entertain the Grand Duke, but also to create a daytime parade that would be attractive and fun for the citizens of the city and their guests. True to the Rex motto, "Pro Bono Publicoâ€”for the public good," they succeeded beyond their hopes. They selected one of their members, Lewis J. Solomon, to be the first Rex, King of Carnival. Before he could begin his reign he had to borrow a crown, scepter, and costume from an actor who happened to be performing in town at the time.  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484096.b704dd.jpg" />  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484097.bd29f3.jpg" />  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Early Rex Parades</h3> The first Rex Parade bore little resemblance to the Rex Processions of later years. Rex rode a horse, not a float. The parade that followed was made up largely of the informal maskers and marchers who were on the streets anyway. The 1873 Rex Procession was better organized and far more grand, beginning a long tradition of colorful and creative parades illustrating a theme selected from the worlds of literature or mythology.  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Carnival Balls</h3> In 1873 Rex held its first ball, and selected the first Queen of Carnival. Carnival balls traditionally were formal and very private affairs, with elegant decorations, tableaux presentations, and with dancing limited to the masked and costumed members and their guests.  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484098.a285fb.jpg" />  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484099.d6a6d6.jpg" />  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">The Rex Ball</h3> The Rex Ball, in keeping with the organization's more public role, was not a masked ball, but rather a formal presentation of Carnival Royalty, followed by grand marches and general dancing. This tradition continues to this day. Elaborate ball invitations were created each year, and have become sought-after and valuable remembrances, another tradition that continues today.  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Rex Arrives in New Orleans</h3> Other traditions developed, including Rex's arrival in his Kingdom by boat on the Monday before Mardi Gras. Accompanied by costumed officials, Rex would step grandly from his decorated ship to be conveyed in a grand carriage to City Hall. There city leaders surrendered the keys of the city to the new sovereign of this fanciful and temporary realm.  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484100.335ba2.jpg" />  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484101.9036b1.jpg" />  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Rex Proclaims Carnival</h3> Rex's reign as "King of Carnival" had begun. The Rex Organization, incorporated as "The School of Design," went to work to achieve the twin goals of presenting a grand daytime procession as the highlight of Mardi Gras day, and to encourage visitors to come to New Orleans to enjoy the celebration. In subsequent years, and to this day, Rex has issued his Official Proclamation of Carnival, and invited his subjects to gather in his "Capital City" to celebrate.  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Attracting Visitors</h3> Rex's proclamations and invitations found their way to railroad stations and other public places in faraway cities, and had the desired effect. Mardi Gras in New Orleans helped to heal and strengthen the city almost a century and a half ago, and continues to be a major component of New Orleans' economy.  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484102.74921b.jpg" />  <img border="0" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/1/6481/41484087.50de1b.jpg" />  <h3 class="mod_head_txt m_head_bg m_head_txt_color">Mardi Gras in New Orleans</h3> Visitors have come to New Orleans and enjoyed Mardi Gras year after year, and many new parading organizations have taken to the streets in a Carnival season that now stretches over two weeks. But the culmination of the celebration is still Mardi Gras day, when Rex climbs onto his float and greets his subjects as his Procession passes through the streets of his kingdom. The visitor who sent this postcard home to New Jersey in 1904 was obviously thrilled! Philosophy & History http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2033784 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:01 EST THE END http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2027115 <style type="text/css"></style><style type="text/css"></style> <div id="top"> I can still see him, the way I did then, in those first moments we met. I can still see that shining light that surrounded him. That part of me, that sweetest memory, will never fade nor grow old. I remember how we laughed and smiled, moving our chairs from side to side in a sort of mock dance of swiveling chairs. There was a tension between us that was strong and moving. It was beautiful how we both shared the same thoughts at the same time and would simultaneously write the same words. </div> <div id="content"> <h2>Why can't we be happy?</h2> Now our meetings feel somewhat dreaded, yet still anxious. The same sadness seems to exist between us. We know that the remainder of our time will be nothing but a long, painful goodbye. It's so frightening to know our days together are numbered. With him, I believed in forever and ever! It really does exist, you know. Even in our reluctance to keep "in check" with reality, we know it is time to move forward. <img width="329" height="271" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6398/40952560.52a06f.jpg" complete="true" /> I can see his face, so soft and sweet in my mind. Yet, I see his face so sad and hurting and all because of me! I can see his breath leave his lips in tearful sighs. Dear God, what I wouldn't give to stay within his warm embrace for the rest of my life. I could bury my head in his shoulder, and become consumed by his presence. I didn't want to give him up. I didn't want to give up believing. I didn't want to give up our dreams. I didn't want to give up my hopes. The tears keep falling from each of our eyes for the same pain. I know this pain will only grow worse, only more intense as that time comes near for no more words. Still, the tears flow. Even in my heartache, I want to remember these moments, I want to remember them forever. The true end to our precious love. <img width="325" height="272" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6398/40952563.e04ac3.jpg" complete="true" /> <h2>The tears. The pain.</h2> We're not just saying goodbye to each other, we're saying goodbye to everything. To spending all of our nights with each other, to our mornings with tea, to our afternoons with cola. To everything we've come to know in the past two years. Everything is changing. We're saying goodbye to it all. Even if we return to each other in the time to come, we will never be the same. Oh, how it kills me to see it all go! So we start something new. It won't be easy. God knows, it won't be easy. I'm already jealous of my replacement. She's out there, somewhere, right now at this moment. I'm trying to smile. I know that time will come, when he smiles remembering me. I know he won't forget me. I will never be able to forget him. No matter how hard I may try, I will never. I will never. <img width="351" height="273" src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6398/40952556.d360d2.jpg" complete="true" /> The tears pour down my face like a silent stream. I will have no regrets. He has all my love. And life goes on for the both of us. I know that we'll be together forever, somewhere in our hearts. We each have a place for one another. There is a far off place, nested in the past where we can always return to uncover the times we were together. Uncover the love we shared, the love that's frozen, but still burning with a passion just as strong as ever, in our pasts. Our past never leaves us, no matter how hard we may try to lose it. I know that wherever I am, and wherever I may be going, I can always go back and return to him, if only in my mind. And I will. And I do. And I know that somewhere out there, he does, too. <h2>THE END</h2> </div> Personal http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2027115 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:39 EST The Ripple Effect http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2019253 The Ripple Effect <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6314/40409948.5badeb.jpg" /> In a world of six billion people, it's easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain. Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make can have far-reaching consequences. You can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world. Should the opportunity arise, the recipient of a good deed will likely feel compelled to do a good deed for someone else. Someone feeling the effects of negative energy will be more likely to pass on that negative energy. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, snowballing until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone's life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin. You must believe in your ability to be that point of origin if you want to use the ripples you create to spread goodness. Consider the effect of your thoughts and actions, and try to act graciously as much as possible. A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and associates, out into your community, and finally throughout the world. You have the power to touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with and everyone those people come into contact with. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples moves onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of love and kindness. Philosophy & History http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2019253 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:35 EST Real Confidence http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2019237 <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6313/40408996.9fbf84.jpg" complete="true" complete="true" /> Real Confidence by Ralph Marston   The strongest confidence is quiet, inner confidence. The surest sign of inherent weakness and lack of confidence is the need to boast. Practice humility and what you will build is confidence. The less you care about impressing others, the more impressed they will be. Be honest and authentic, and your confidence will grow. The more fully you realize that there's no need to hide who you are, the more confident you'll become in every endeavor. Approach each task with understanding and patience. Don't let arrogance infect your attitude, for arrogance is a feeble imitation of confidence that drives real confidence away. Know where you are going and why. True confidence flows naturally from a clear sense of purpose. There is a solid, genuine confidence within you, and it can empower all that you do. Live and act to nourish and grow that confidence, and it will surely serve you well. Religion & Ethics http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2019237 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:29 EST Knowledge and Half-knowledge http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2019236 Knowledge and Half-Knowledge by Kahlil Gibran <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6313/40408770.710326.jpg" /> Four frogs sat upon a log that lay floating on the edge of a river. Suddenly the log was caught by the current and swept slowly down the stream. The frogs were delighted and absorbed, for never before had they sailed. At length the first frog spoke, and said, "This is indeed a most marvelous log. It moves as if alive. No such log was ever known before." Then the second frog spoke, and said, "Nay, my friend, the log is like other logs, and does not move. It is the river that is walking to the sea, and carries us and the log with it." And the third frog spoke, and said, "It is neither the log nor the river that moves. The moving is in our thinking. For without thought nothing moves." And the three frogs began to wrangle about what was really moving. The quarrel grew hotter and louder, but they could not agree. Then they turned to the fourth frog, who up to this time had been listening attentively but holding his peace, and they asked his opinion. And the fourth frog said, "Each of you is right, and none of you is wrong. The moving is in the log and the water and our thinking also." And the three frogs became very angry, for none of them was willing to admit that his was not the whole truth, and that the other two were not wholly wrong. Then a strange thing happened. The three frogs got together and pushed the fourth frog off the log into the river. Follow the man who seeks the truth; run from the man who has found it. ~Vaclav Havel Philosophy & History http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2019236 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:08 EST A Soulmate http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2005535 It is very romantic to say that now that your special other has entered your life you feel complete... Yet the purpose of a relationship is not to have another who might complete you; but to have another with whom you might share your completeness. Neal Donald Walsch <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6198/39671522.51399c.jpg" /> A Soulmate <img src="http://org121.zpcdn.com/0/6198/39671593.821ebf.gif" /> A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who weâ€™re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person weâ€™re safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When weâ€™re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are weâ€™ve found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life. Richard Bach Romance & Relationships http://www.zorpia.cn/VintageTamale/journal/2005535 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:26 EST