August 2008 horoscope and Week of July 28, 2008

Here is the horoscope for fhe week of July 28, 2008 which also happens to welcome in the month of August:

Sometimes our best laid plans take an unexpected turn. Expect to spin in these new circles this August as Sun opposes Neptune and Uranus. If you are intent on following your dreams, don’t be surprised to find yourself wafted on clouds. Happy landings!

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Rams seem to rely too much on friends to do the heavy social lifting this August. It is not that you want to be totally out of the picture or behind the scenes, its just that you think that they have all the right answers. But as the month progresses you will discover that often you are your own best advisor. So consider all their opinions and then wait.

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Retirement sounds pretty good right about now, doesn't it? But don't count your nest egg before it is hatched. This August, Bulls think they can slide off the corporate grid, work from home and still get the job done. But deep down you know that this will only serve to reinforce bad habits and lead you into wasteful diversions. Or is that the plan...?

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Great thoughts have even greater impact this August, that is if you can sugarcoat the message so everyone swallows it. Twins may desire to pursue personal glory but any notoious actions will impact your professional reputation. So if you have a hankering to join the nude Olympics, expect to see your photo on the front page of the company newsletter.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
If you are asked to fund someone's pet project, find a way to politely decline. This August Crabs find themselves in the unusual position of being hit up for money by folks who weave tall tales of riches. (Usually you are passed over for this honor.) If something is too good to  be true it probably is. And that goes double for any international venture.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Lions will have to find the happy balance between their personally goals and the needs of partners this August. One thing can lead to another and before you know it, the lines are drawn. Don't let things come to that. You will find that by mid month sexual sparks fly and you can either rejuvenate current relationships or ignite new scratchy ones.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Are you tired and bored at work? Don't listen to your inner voice when it comes to any job-related actions. August could be a great time to unwind and bake on the beach. It is not the best time to change work processes or introduce any “creative” solutions around the office. When in doubt, stick to the tried and true, boring as it is, Virgin.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Libras love an adoring entourage and August continues to bring friends and followers to your door. Excitement brews and the good times roll. Your social calender revs into overdrive where too much can soon become too too much. And this is bad?? By mid month, you need to get back down to work. Now that will be difficult!

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)S)
corps must be careful not to neglect their home and family this August, Your career takes off and offers wonderful opportunities and rewards. Unfortunately this can come at the expense of other areas of your life. There is only so much time in a day and only so much energy and attention that you can focus at one time. Make your money and then spend it generously.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
People view you as a sage this August and why not? Not only do you have some fairly good ideas, you can express them in a wise and profound manner. Of course all bets are off as the month progresses. If you insist on pushing your point around and at the top brass you might find yourself talking to yourself.... from the mailroom.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Love is certainly for sale this August. Caps find that their wallet can become an aphrodisiac as lovers ask and receive. It all results in fabulously heady times. But expect a morning after headache when the bills come due. Well, maybe by then you will find someone who can support you instead of vice versa. I suppose we can only dream...

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
August is a good month to reinforce current partnerships or develop new exciting ones. Aquarians can capture the attention of anyone they want. Not only are you especially generous and considerate, you are also sexy and attractive. Hurry before the magic dissipates and you revert back into a frog... or at least your usual aloof self. 

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Stress levels can build up this August and Fish are well advised to find outlets to lower the tension. A relaxing vacation is in order. But if time and money are tight, consider various forms of meditation, yoga or even massage. The benefits will be felt by mid-month when you can more easily focus on personal projects without feeling like roadkill.

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Randy Pausch, "Last Lecture" Author and Carnegie Mellon Professor Dies

When Randy Pausch, a popular professor, was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer he responded by delivering what he called his "last lecture." This lecture was about fulfilling ones dreams and not letting obstacles stand in ones way. This lecture became such a phenomenon that he published a book of the same name.

I am filled with sadness to learn he has now died, I have written about him previously. We could all honor his memory and improve our own lives if we take this opportunity to once again, right this moment, reflect on what matters the most in our lives and to contemplate the legacy we will leave behind.
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Related Post: Death, Acceptance and Advice - Randy Pausch

Do You Hear A Ghost?

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette Bob and Leona Ehrfurth have an unusual problem. They say that there is a mysterious unexplainable noise that's rumbling through their house that started two years ago. They have lived in the house for 42 years.

It sounds something like a rumbling motor, with a subtle vibration that won't quit. Then it stops — especially when they try to show others like city officials or acoustic experts what they're hearing. Its very strange and it keeps Leona from sleeping. "It's like there's a semi parked right outside with the engine running, but when you look out, there isn't one," she said. Her husband can sleep through it but also finds it irritating. "It doesn't matter if the windows are open or closed — you still hear it," he said. "It's worse in the winter." They don't hear it when they are out of the house so it is not "in their heads".

City officials hired a company for $1,000 worth of testing in the house this spring, but the tester came up with no noise and no significant vibration. Alderman Andy Nicholson knows exactly what's bugging the Ehrfurths. "Yeah, I've experienced it," Nicholson said. "It's like an engine thing, a low-frequency vibration. I think it would be an annoyance."

Investigations have turned up nothing: The couple said the noise started soon after St. Bernard's Parish across the street had the roofing, chimney and ductwork on a wing of its school redone. However, when the parish staff turned off all of its equipment as a test, the noise continued.

It is all very mysterious and while I am sure there is some reasonable explanation, none has turned up yet.

Good Luck Wiccan Ceremony Ends when Sword Stabs Foot

Wiccans are not usually headliners in the news but I guess the irony of this unfortunate accident somehow caught the attention of the press. It seems that Katherine Gunther, a 36 year old Hoosier (that's the term for Indiana residents), took a 3 foot long sword to a local cemetery in order to perform a ceremony giving thanks for her recent run of good luck.

When she got to the part of the ritual where she was to drive the sword into the ground, she accidently hit her foot instead. She did experience one more bit of good luck in that her companions were able to get her to the hospital for treatment. And let's hope that she is lucky enough to make a full recovery. Although the embarrassment may take a bit longer. . .

Inari Shrine in Kyoto Japan

There is a wonderful Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan that is not to be missed. It is the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine located about 2 miles outside of downtown Kyoto - easily accessible by train. This shrine winds through a very large park and what makes it so amazing are the miles and miles of orange Torii Gates. Each gate is sponsored by a patron and together they form beautiful winding covered lanes.

As you wend your way through the 4 kilometers of gates (thinking all the time - at least I did - of Christos "Gates" in Central Park in 2005) you pass amazing altars of all designs, a prayer rock (said to feel lighter if your prayers are to be answered), many statues of a cat-like god (which I later learned is a fox or kitsune and has the power to take possession of human spirits) and even a Buddah or two. And if you looking for the perfect gift, you can purchase a small Torii gate (made of wood), some good luck charms (for every need) or even a small pair of kitsune (hold on to your spirit though....) - there are small stands, tea shops and shops throughout the park. Related reading: A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine and Kyoto: A Cultural History.

Following are two more photos of the shrine and a photo of Christos Gates in Central Park. Looks familiar...?