Dr. Stephen Hawking is one of our best-known cosmologists, a person who studies the universe and develops theories to explain its creation. Dr. Hawking suffers from a debilitating disease, is in a wheel chair, and speaks with a special computer. You may have seen him on television at times.

Dr. Hawking is an example of a man that did not let adversity conquer him. Despite his illness, he has outlived the prediction of his doctors by years. He has children and a loving wife who cares for him despite what his outcome was supposed to be. He is known and respected worldwide. He should be admired by youth and held up as an example of a person who did and does very difficult things despite his physical short comings. All of us have shortcomings. All of us can succeed.

When my children were young I told them to do things that were difficult for others. Many people shy away from mathematics, chemistry, physics, foreign languages, political science and other difficult subjects. When you do difficult things, you improve your ability to do still more difficult task. Why are engineers, scientist, medical doctors, nurses and architects paid more than other people. It’s because they form a smaller part of our population with special skills. Rarity has always paid off. That is why gold and diamonds are worth more than iron and coal.

So what happened to my children. My oldest son is a neurosurgeon, hand surgeon, and neurologist, my second son, a ventriloquist and juggler in his spare time, is a pediatric anesthesiologist, my daughter married a cardiac anesthesiologist and is a professional portrait artist, my second son, who has 13 children here in my hometown (9 adopted), is a veterinarian, and my youngest son, who has triplets, is an attorney. All of my children have musical ability and music is a major part of their lives and the lives of their children.

One thing that some youth don’t know is that people who are not as smart or able are doing things that they themselves could be doing. The difference is hard work and desire. Be like Dr. Hawking. You can ask Dr. Hawking questions at
http://www.hawking.org.uk/home/hindex.html Please be patient for an answer to your question.

Would you like a more detailed explanation of cosmology? There is a good article at
http://www.reference.com/search?q=cosmology

I have asked Dr. Hawking for answers to universe questions before and I got an answer from his staff. I have some more questions for Dr. Hawking but first we must explore the universe a bit.

Here is the time-line for a Big Bang theory universe:

Too-Big Boom: Energy blows everything apart too rapidly, matter that form never coalesce into stars, everything is dark and boring. God takes not-so-deep a breath and tries again.

Too-Little Boom: Too little poop to pop. Not enough time for stars to form. All is black. God again decides to start over.

Ah, Ha! Just Right!: God gets it right this time. The universe is created from nothing everywhere at the same time (that’s what one member of Dr. Hawking’s staff told me in an e-mail some years ago).

As the universe expands, stars form. I think black holes may be already around from “incomplete combustion.” (Well what do you expect from a ceramic engineer?)

Anyway, black holes form at some time as stars and galaxies get confused and forget that they are supposed to be moving apart from each other.

Stars go supernovae spreading the stuff that men are made of into the surroundings. Planets form and gather up the star dust as they do so. A planet of just the right size and composition forms at just the right distance from just the right size star and Taylor Jones, the Hack Writer, is created in Salt Lake City in January of 1932. The universe continues to expand, things get colder as even the background radiation of the universe dissipates (well, it wasn’t enough to keep us warm anyway) everything gets so far apart that except for local traffic, entropy wins.

I’m sorry I threw “entropy” in there. Now you will have to read about thermodynamics at http://www.reference.com/search?q=laws%20of%20thermodynamics

Read about entropy at http://www.reference.com/search?q=entropy

Here are the Three Laws of Thermodynamics in simple terms if you are a gambler who likes Texas Hold’em (read my EzineArticles.com article Texas Hold’em is Not a Sport:

First Law: You can’t win.

Second Law: You can’t break even.

Third Law (entropy): You aren’t even in the game!

Back to cosmology.

Here is a homework assignment: Read the article at http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101010625/story.html

Here is an excerpt from that article:

“THE FATE OF THE COSMOS

“That means that the 100 billion or so galaxies we can now see though our telescopes will zip out of range, one by one. Tens of billions of years from now, the Milky Way will be the only galaxy we’re directly aware of (other nearby galaxies, including the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Andromeda galaxy, will have drifted into, and merged with, the Milky Way).

“By then the sun will have shrunk to a white dwarf, giving little light and even less heat to whatever is left of Earth, and entered a long, lingering death that could last 100 trillion years—or a thousand times longer than the cosmos has existed to date. The same will happen to most other stars, although a few will end their lives as blazing supernovas. Finally, though, all that will be left in the cosmos will be black holes, the burnt-out cinders of stars and the dead husks of planets. The universe will be cold and black.

“But that’s not the end, according to University of Michigan astrophysicist Fred Adams. An expert on the fate of the cosmos and co-author with Greg Laughlin of The Five Ages of the Universe (Touchstone Books; 2000), Adams predicts that all this dead matter will eventually collapse into black holes. By the time the universe is 1 trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion years old, the black holes themselves will disintegrate into stray particles, which will bind loosely to form individual “atoms” larger than the size of today’s universe. Eventually, even these will decay, leaving a featureless, infinitely large void. And that will be that—unless, of course, whatever inconceivable event that launched the original Big Bang should recur, and the ultimate free lunch is served once more.”

If you read the article as you were supposed to, you know that “dark energy” and “dark matter” confuse things. Present thinking is that there is little or no curvature to our universe. Now that is confusing. Here’s why:

The universe didn’t exist until about 15 billion years ago. We know that because everything we see in the universe seems to be moving away from us that we are on the surface of a great celestial sphere. Like two dots on a balloon, if we blow the balloon until the circumference has doubled in length, the distance of the two dots will have doubled too. Cosmologist do not thing in three dimensions as we do. They like to think in “n” dimensions where “n” is any whole number they want it to be. Solid state physicists do this to. They like to think of “momentum space” and “energy space,” and such.

Since I’m a simpleton, I like to think of the universe as a spherical annulus. Draw a circle inside a circle both having the same center. I’m talking about the space between the circles.

So, you can blow a balloon up inside a balloon, can’t you?

Of course you can.

If you can center the smaller balloon, the space between the two balloons is my “spherical annulus.”

Okay, so you couldn’t center the inner balloon. Neither could I. Actually, old men have an evolutionary discrepancy in their DNA. We can’t blow air into balloons without our teeth flying across the room.

So, here are my questions for Dr. Hawking and his staff (other cosmologist may jump in—we will assume that cosmological forces have not yet completely pancaked the universe):

If Galaxy “A” is on one side of the annulus and Galaxy “B” is on the other side of the annulus on the same diameter line, can I turn my super-telescope around 180 degrees and see the galaxy from the other direction?

What if I draw a straight line across the balloon to the galaxy? Will the galaxy look different from this view or will light refuse to enter a “central forbidden zone” and refuse to look in that direction?

What if I hop into my super-spaceship (For those who read my UFO articles at http://www.ezinearticles.com this is the spaceship owned by Xrytspet© from
Fanton in G10009845788899990766, the FnL7 Time Craft), can I fly in any direction from Galaxy “A” and get to Galaxy “B” as long as I stay in the annulus of the sphere? (Will my FnL7 Time Craft ignore the annulus and shoot across to Galaxy “B” following a diameter line? (String theory says it might do more clever things.)

Back to the flat universe idea: What does a cosmologist mean when he or she says that the flat universe lets him or her see God? Was he obscured by the curvature back in the old days?

Well, that should do it.

Dr. Hawking and you other cosmologist, send me your answers by e-mail: tjbooks@yahoo.com

I thank you!

The End

copyright©2007 John Taylor Jones, Ph.D.
About the Author:

Even though cosplay originates in Japan it does not mean other countries are not interested in the phenomenon. The United States and Canada along with other western countries definitely participate in cosplay but the cosplay costumes are often different. These countries are more interested in dressing up for Star Wars, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings.

Now that anime, manga, and video games have all become popular in western societies you can see more cosplay costumes similar to the traditional Japanese versions.

One problem faced by people interested in cosplay is that anime characters are often not like regular people. Their bodies are often not proportional especially in the females, which makes it hard to look like the characters exactly.

A series which has always been great for cosplay is Final Fantasy. This anime series has wonderful character development that is unmatched by any other video game. Especially the main characters provide strong emotions that will make you feel attached to them and be interested in Final Fantasy cosplay costumes. Below are short bios about the main characters from Final Fantasy VII-XIII.

Cloud Strife

He was the lead in FF VII. What most people remember about Cloud is his extremely spiky hair, which is always used by cosplayers. Also he had a huge sword, which was bigger than him. Cloud is not just a onetime character he was so popular that Square Enix put him in Final Fantasy Tactics, Dirge of Cerberus, and many of the Kingdom Heat games. Also he is the main character of the Final Fantasy based movie Advent Children.

Squall Leonhart

He is from FF VIII, considered one of the best games ever made. Squall is much different from past FF lead characters; he was extremely emotional which caused him to be disliked. However, the story of FFVIII made him become a favorite and appear in the Kingdom Heart series.

Zidane Tribal

He is the main character from the old school FF IX. Zidane would never be considered too emotional like Cloud or Squall, he was actually extremely happy and energetic. Zidane is not an extremely popular protagonist but he does have some fans.

Tidus

He was the main character from FF X. His outfit was supposed to be a uniform for the game Blitzball and was similar to that of football. He has a sad story in the game but is not loved by all fans. Tidus was also somewhat emotional like Squall but had some fans and comes back in the sequel Final Fantasy X-2.

Vaan

Vaan is the narrator of FF XII. Vaan is a much more mature main character than the past overly emotional characters. He is going to make a cameo appearance in the game Final Fantasy Tactics A2.

Those were the main characters of the most popular Final Fantasy games. If you want Final Fantasy cosplay costumes these characters are probably your best choice because they are well recognized and loved. Final Fantasy cosplay costumes do not need to stop with the male leads however, because every FF game has had an equally important female counterpart also great for Final Fantast cosplay costumes.
About the Author:

The Major Arcana depict images, characters that convey deeper meanings,
messages, insights to encourage you to delve deep into your soul, reveal the shadows,
the secret longings or pain, fears as well as hopes, forgotten blessings and joys. It may
even point to possibilities you have never thought of. Tarot also paves the path
to healing of deep wounds suffered in solitude; it helps one in the grieving process.
It is also a helpful meditative tool. And if you are feeling a bit whimsical
and magical, try casting a tarot spell!

What the cards hold for you:

There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana

Part I: Who you are, what you are and the world around you:CARDS I-VII

I Magician

Before him are the tools he needs on his journey, perhaps minor ones but needed.
Above him is the sign of infinity, a symbol of the Holy Spirit reflecting his Intellect that
gathers all knowledge and pours it out into Life and the attainment of the spirit.

This reflects self-confidence, strong will power, ability to transform ideas into action; he meets life’s crises and dilemma head on, with clear resolve and common sense.

II High Priestess

Described as the great feminine force that controls the very source of life. She gathers all the energy and pours it to the spirit when the time of release is right. At times stands for religion and the church.

She brings about the female creativity, she shows the hidden influences that can be detected by those who seek foresight and insight to try to understand what is to be.

III Empress

She is the creative and positive side of Nature, with Venus as her symbol; she stands for the aspect of love. Some regard her as a symbol for Occultism, the door to the inner mysteries.

This card stands for strong maternal love, nurturing and supportive. She is eager to participate in productive and creative endeavors. She brings with her abundance and prosperity. She takes initiative and her practical side overshadows the emotion.

IV Emperor

Authoritative, dominant, the Emperor exudes all that is powerful, passionate and impetuous in love and war. He stands for the positive masculine. He sees both sides of an issue, resolves conflict with his broad view of the picture, he also stands for mental rulership.

This card reflects maturity, regardless of age. The dominant side is influential in the decision -making process; he is strong-willed and purposeful.

V Hierophant

He is the counterpart of the High Priestess.He is the reflective or mystical aspect of the masculine. Whereas the Emperor is a doer, the Hierophant is the thinker. It is thought that this card indicates the hidden guardianship of the Masters. This card offers the chance to go beyond the physical realm, it is possible to stimulate the flow of esoteric forces into the physical plane. It also indicates emotional health.

This card brings out the compassion and sensitive nature of man, a desire to adhere to tradition, respect rituals and the law. There is a strong reliance on intuition and the higher self. Rituals in this respect may indicate marriage or acceptance to an order. It also represents contemplation, endurance and reconciliation.

VI Lovers

When Adam and Eve first entered Paradise, they were without fetters. They were inspired, intuitive and free from the shackles of materialism. They are a picture of innocence, virginity and pure love, without lusty desire.

This card that shows the way to human love, truth and life. It is deep love that brings harmony and peace. It points to decisions and choices to be made to bring happiness and contentment. It shows the male figure as the protector, the female secure in his presence although she is strong-willed.

VII Chariot

A card that symbolizes the spirit of man in control of mind, body and spirit.The Chariot rises above the cloud of illusion and is able to penetrate the higher realm. He is endowed with the occult energy to overcome evil forces; he is ready to do battle.

This card represents the cyclic rhythm of changes to show that nothing in life is static. He represents the conquest on all planes, mental, physical, scientific and even the process of initiation.

It asks that you open your eyes to the resolution of problems by taking a look at all sides and endeavor to bring about peace and harmony. Even when you have a strong desire to forge ahead and you know you can, self-control is advised. Exercise positive physical and mental attitude in all that you do.

Part II: Forces you encounter along the way, sometimes beyond our control CARDS: VIII-XIV

VIII Strength

It is the mastery of the lower self by the higher one. It is the power of the Spirit that gives the strength to subdue and check the rising tide of passion. In its exalted aspect, Strength connects with the Divine; she fosters virtue that applies in all planes.

It suggests that which is steadfast and enduring. With feet solid on the ground, passions is kept in check, do battle for the right reasons. This card brings a strong sense of mental power when faced with adversity. Honor is ultimate with this card.

IX Hermit

He is the eternal seeker- the Pilgrim Soul. His beacon of wisdom and knowledge illuminates the world below him as he beckons: “Where I am, you also may be.”
Eternal Spring is in his heart.

Think things over evaluate carefully your options. Sometimes it helps to
Withdraw or retreat from a situation or issue. Being too emotionally involved with the problem may cloud the decision making process. Let a bright light come on to help you gain a better perspective.

X Wheel of Fortune

On the Tree of Life, the Wheel is placed on the Pillar of Mercy. As it revolves, you can see the changing influence of Light and Dark, the steps that eventually lead to liberation. It signifies the perpetual motion of the universe and highlights the continuous changing cycles of human existence. It shows that equilibrium is attainable.

The Wheel stands for the cycles of life, changes that are in store. Man does not stand still, neither does time. Sometimes it calls attention to recurring patterns in your life.

It is may also reflect the laws of Karma, cause and effect. This card may allude to the mystery of life, to seek higher consciousness, to appreciate the essence of being. Look forward to new opportunities, be in sync with the cyclical patterns, at times, it may be the destiny calling.

XI Justice

This card shows the scales of Justice. She has the authority to pass judgment, so that laws are obeyed. She protects law and order and moral principles. It is with enlightenment that she passed judgment.

It depicts the balance that is possible after a stressful time. It requires that Justice will be served according to principles, and dealt with love and compassion. It calls your attention to look at your life. Are you in balance and harmony with the cosmos? Take time to honor yourself, and not give up your personal power.

XII The Hanged Man

This is a card of sacrifice. It speaks of the submission to the material bonds in order to bring out what is sublime in the higher consciousness. This requires a quiet time for contemplation, to emerge stronger .For those who seek higher illumination, the work is never complete thus the recurring visit of the Hanged Man.

Take a rest, give yourself some time alone, after going through tough times New ideas will come forth to help smooth out difficulties, a better perspective, new attitude emerging.

XIII Death

This is a most feared card, feared for the drastic events it may bring. The skeleton survives the destructive power of time, but is the basis for re-structuring. It symbolizes rebirth, renewal, new beginnings.

This card denotes drastic changes lessons learned from past mistakes and failures, the chance to rise from the ashes of destruction. It restores the faith in love, it will conquer the darkness that fear brought. It offers new beginnings. Rarely does the Death card signify actual physical death.

XIV Temperance

This card projects equilibrium. It calls you to be moderate in every endeavour you pursue. An angel blends fire and water- inspiration and intuition the element Fire evokes and the emotions that Water symbolize.

Temperance encourages you to understand the hidden energies available to you. Exercise moderation in all that you do, to avoid being a slave to life’s excesses. Listen, look deep within, and be in tune with your inner self.

This card indicates one who has learned lessons about patience and living in the moment. It is a realization that moderation in life is necessary, if you are to maintain balance and harmony.

Part III :what is meant to be will be; experience the cosmic influences along the way . Cards :XV-XXI

XV The Devil

The Devil and Death are great controlling forces of the Universe. The destruction and havoc these cards wreak. Clear the way for renewal and rebirth. Nothing is permanent in Life. Sometimes, disintegration clears the fear, it paves the way for you confront these and find renewal, stability and strength after a struggle.

The Devil card opens your eyes to the fears, anger, greed, passions and lusts in your life. Look at your life, ask yourself, what can you change? These are strong powerful and destructive emotions that will bring nothing but more pain and bury you deeper in the mire. This card may represent the pursuit of all that is material, it may be time to re-assess your spiritual self.

XVI The Tower

Lightning strikes a tower with tremendous destructive force. What is toppled is symbolic of the necessity, or possibly the only way to allow the light to emerge from the darkness. It calls your attention to examine the walls you build around your life, what are behind those walls that you must give up to put your life in order, once again.

This card is the “wake-up call” you need to shake yourself out of your false illusions or delusions, living in the edge of disaster, be it personal or financial. You have thrown caution to the wind; this card beckons you to mend your way, with prudence and optimism. Sometimes, a collapse is the only way for you to open your mind, and be in touch with your inner spirit.

XVII The Star

The Star offers a guiding light, opens your heart to love, in all its forms. It lights up your soul. It is an inspiring card-with the promise of ultimate attainment. Enjoy the beauty of the heavens above, feel the gifts of the spirit flow within you.

This card offers great insight, new expectations, dark clouds are clearing. The shining star is a symbol of realization, of hope amid difficult times. It asks you to attune to your higher self, align to a higher purpose. Feel the optimism, enjoy good health as you look at the stars.

XVIII The Moon

Dark shadows lurk in the brightness of the Moon, shadows of unrewarded toils, unrequited love, fear and possible failure. Everything looks still in cool brightness of the Moon- yet intimidating. The moon moves the intellect to follow the reflective light to the far beyond of unknown mysteries, yet to be revealed. It shows the psychic, the unconscious waiting to be reconciled with the conscious.

This card speaks of a need for security and fulfillment. It reflects the illusions and delusions you live with It promotes confusion and lack of clarity. There are unconscious forces within, work with these, do not be fearful, for eventually, you will see the path clearer in full light of the moon.

XIX The Sun

The Sun is a life source, it provides warmth and vitality. Nothing can hide from the brightness of the sun. The sun is a predominant symbol of strength , energy and divine potential. However, it may also bring out the arrogant and disdainful qualities, a scorching sun is unbearable.

This is a good card to turn up in a reading. It offers inspiration as it casts its brightness on your path. Feel its warmth, absorb its radiance, and let it shine through your being. It offers the possibility of great achievement, success and all the trappings of fame.

XX Judgment

An angel sounds the trumpet, experience the forces beyond human realm. What is the sum total of your life, your undertakings, your hopes and fears. Have you known the strength, have you felt the power from your higher self? From the power above, man transcends the limitations of his human experience and environment. Feel the wonder and the ecstasy of the summons from above, find the answers deep within.

This card calls for more spiritual outlook, a time for self-redemption. Ride the turbulent tides of your difficulties with a positive attitude, seek the enlightenment from your spirit and behold the transformation that springs from within.

XXI The World

This is the final message of the Major Arcana. It symbolizes the rapture of the universe when it connects with the cosmos, the ultimate power above whose light descends upon the spirit to the physical being. It is the great Mother, the wheel of Life and Death, it includes the elements, the stars shining brightly in the darkness, it is the present, and it is NOW.

Gather all your experience, for good or bad, learn what you can and make yourself whole again as the World offers it hand, as life once again comes full cycle. Be enlightened by it all, walk with faith and confidence, savor the moment of reward and success. Find your balance with the elements and the Universe. Live in the moment and let life flow.

Card 0 The Fool

The Fool is a card unto itself. At every step, there he is, evolving step by step as he walks his path, stumbling at times, then rises, and keeps going till he reaches the final step in his journey. Did he tread along the path that is meant for him, is the destination the ultimate goal, or is it the journey that counts?

The Fool goes on without pretense. He shows no hint of the Divine as he embarks on his journey. He shows no care in the world, he probably forgets that in his “bundle”he carries with him the tools he needs as he goes on his journey. He is surrounded by worldly wisdom held in check by his innocence or naivetë. He walks his path on an early Spring day, taking his steps without caution.

The Fool card shows one with an open mind, full of hopes and dreams and a very vivid imagination. This card indicates inexperience, unrealistic goals and very high hopes. It is a card of happenings, the beginning of all endeavours. Great caution is advised when this card turns up. Decisions are left to chance or to others.

REVERSALS

Disaster is not for the cards to tell. Caution is strongly recommended, so is the ability to rise from the pain, from the ashes of a destructive human experience. It opens your eyes to the pitfalls of negative emotions, of fear, greed, anger, apathy, neglect of duties, power struggle and particularly neglect of the spirit. I believe in drawing upon the energy of the “right side -up” card when in reverse it speaks of doom and gloom.

May you find some inspiration, may you eventually be able to walk the path meant for you, as you navigate through the potholes and detours along the way and weather the storms and look forward to the dawn of a new day!

Ref:

Mystic Secrets of the Tarot- Globe Communications Group

Mastering the Tarot by Eden Gray
baptism favors