Philippine Folk Dance History

INTRODUCTION AND DANCES

Countries in the world have their own cultures made more colorful, beautiful and vibrant because of Folk Dances that are reflection of who they are. In the east, the Chinese have their symbolic Dragon Dance, the Japanese have the ancestral dance Bon Odori. In the west the Americans have their Square Dance. On the other hand, the Philippines will not be left behind. "The Pearl of The Orient" boast of a varitey of Filipino Folk Dances.

The Philippines consist of 7107 islands, and is broken down in three groups of islands. The Luzon, Mindano, and Visayas. Each of these regions contain different languages,history, regligon, and traditions. With each region having different influence in thier arts, crafts, and ancestorical dances. Lets take a trip through each region and explore the different styles, costumes, Dances and Talents from Each Region.... As we explore each of the regions and styles, please remember alot of these Cultural and Folk dances represents hardships and daily back breaking tasks, that has turned into a art form. Many of the dances you will read about here were actuall activities or chores that the Filipino endured to survive the poor economy and state of the nation.....

Philippine Folk Dance History

The history of Philippine folk dancing incorporates influences from immigrants and conquerors while at the same time maintaining distinctly Filipino roots. Philippine folk dancing is a true reflection of daily life in past centuries while enchanting modern audiences at the same time.

Folk Dance History in the Philippines

It is impossible to know when exactly dancing became a part of life in the Philippines. Many traditional dances were designed to thank the gods for natural and agricultural events, such as rain and harvests. The dances were performed during festivals and remembrances of past military victories, and still are performed at celebrations of births and weddings in modern times. Many modern folk dance festivals still feature ancient dances performed in costume of the tribal period of the Philippines.

Some dances such as the Palok and the Lumagen are performed with traditional percussion instruments such as the gangsa (a small copper gong), a tobtob (brass gong) or a hibat (a gong played with a soft wooden stick). For many tribal dances there are no external musicians; the dancers generate their own accompaniment with stomping and hand clapping.

Later Dances in Philippine History

More recent dances done in the Philippines derive from historical events such as the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century and the conflicts with the Moors. While certain words and movements from those cultures have been integrated into the dances, the Filipino dance genre remains true to its ancient tradition and roots.

Philippine Folk Dances

From courtship dances to those portraying various elements of nature, many different sub-genres exist within Philippine folk dancing.

Courtship Dances

Several dances, especially those influenced by Spanish dance forms, re-enact the courtship of a man and a woman in all its many aspects from the sublime to the ridiculous. For example, the Maria Clara is named after the main female character in Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere.

Epitomizing virtue and nobility in a Filipina, the dancers wear traditional Spanish-style gowns and flirt coquettishly behind fans. The addition of bamboo castanets lend a distinctly Philippine feel.

Idudu: A Snapshot of Ancient Culture

From the area of Abra, Cordillera comes the Idudu, which is a celebration of the family as the fundamental building block of Philippine culture. Depicting a typical day in the life of a family, the father is shown working in the fields while the mother cares for the children. As soon as the father is done, the mother goes into the fields to continue the work while the father goes back to the house to put the baby to sleep.

A singer usually provides a well-known lullaby during this part of the dance, and it emphasizes the necessity of cooperation and mutual support in the Tingulan family structure.

Maglalatik: The Dance of War

A dance from before the conversion of the Philippines to Christianity is called the Maglalatik. It represents a fierce battle between the Moro tribesmen (wearing red trousers) and the Christian soldiers from Spain (wearing blue). Both groups wear harnesses with coconut shells attached tightly to their bodies which are struck repeatedly with other shells held in the hands.

Originally from the Binan, Laguna province, it is now one of the most common dances in Philippine folk dance performances.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw: Grace and Balance

Derived from the Spanish word fandango, this dance is one of several designed to show off the grace, balance, and dexterity of the performers. Three glasses of wine (or, in modern times, water) are held in hands and on top of the dancers' heads as they move, never spilling a drop.

This is similar to the Binasuan dance from the Pangasinan Province which is done with drinking glasses.

Tinikling: Birds Dancing Over Bamboo

Perhaps the best-known dance in Philippine folk dance history, the Tinikling mimics the high-stepping strut of birds in the Philippine jungles over the bamboo traps the hunters would set for them. Two dancers, usually male and female, gracefully step in and out of crossed sets of bamboo poles being moved together and apart to the music.

The dance gets faster and faster as it goes on, and it has been an audience favorite for Philippine dance companies touring the world.

More on Cultural Dances

A recent rebirth in interest for folk and cultural dances has spurred many resources to appear online. You can watch these folk dances on YouTube, read about the cultural history on informational sites, and even learn some of the dances through instructional videos. Check out some of these resources to further develop your knowledge of Philippine folk dancing:

Sayam Pilipinas: 

Plenty of information is available through this informational website, where the dances are divided into categories and then explained with the help of pictures.

Bayanihan: 

The official website of the national folk dance company of the Philippines, this site, written in English, provides authentic glimpses into folk dance of the Philippines, as well as performance dates.

Parangal: 

A Filipino dance company based out of San Francisco which brings the art of the Philippines to American audiences.

ArtsBridge America: The way that dance and culture intertwine all around the world is explored in this performance curriculum designed to teach about cultural dances of the world.

Ritwal: 

A DVD featuring several different types of Philippine folk dancing, this is a visual feast for anyone interested in the genre.

Ancient to Modern Dance History

The history of dancing in the Philippines is a long and rich story that shows how intertwined the dances are with daily life and important events. Learn a few of the dances in order to really increase your understanding and appreciation of this dance genre; while the choreography may seem difficult at first, a little focused study can go a long way.

HISTORY OF FOOTWEAR

History of footwear in India can be traced back through centuries old Hindu, Buddhist and Jain scriptures as well as several sculptures, coins and paintings.  Footwear have been in usage in ancient India as a necessity as well as luxurious  item. There are found a large number of written and physical evidences, which  prove that history of footwear goes back to centuries old Vedic period. Let's cast a glance over the history of shoes and sandals along with interesting facts.

Written evidences of the origin of footwear in India Footwear find mention in plenty of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain scriptures thereby  testify that these were being worn by Indians since an erstwhile era.

* In ancient Indian texts Rigveda, Yajurveda Samhita, Atharvaveda, Brahmans  and Panini Grammer, footwear has been mentioned with Sanskrit term ' Upanah' or 'Upanat'. These footwear (sandals and shoes) were made from  grass, wood and leather.

* As per great epic Ramayana, Bharata rerurned from Chitrakuta carrying the  Rama's paduka (toe-knob sandal or khadau) and ruled the Ayodhya after  placing the paduka on a throne in Nandigram, as Rama's proxy. Ravana also holds an umbrella and wears shoes while assuming the form of ascetic for Sita's  abduction.

* According to Mahabharata,once Jamadagni got enraged seeing her wife Renuka exhausted in scorching sun and started sending arrows against Sun god. Then Sun god presented him a pair of sandals and an umbrella to protect against the heat from below and above. In this great epic, shoes (upnate) and sandal or toe knob sandal (paduka or padu) are clearly differentiated. It also mentions that footwear stealer is born as an “Otikyata” (a lizard)

* In Shrimad Bhagwat Puran, Lord Vamana is mentioned wearing umbrella and shoes. Lord Krishna never wore shoes while herding the cows.

* As per Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one should not wear the shoes already worn by others.

* According to Garud purana, sandals and umbrella should be gifted on `Sraddha' day. Shoes stealer is born from sheeps' wombs.

* As per Vasstue shastra, footwear should be placed in south-west direction of hall and never in bedroom.

* While leaving the princely life in 5th century BC, Lord Buddha is mentioned in scriptures having taken off his sandals.

* n Mahavagga, a section of Buddhist scripture Vinaya Pitaka (5th century BCE ), sandals made of fancy materials were forbidden for monks and nuns. It mentions 4 types of shoes, which include Putabaddha (covering ankle), Tittirapttika (shape like partridge wings and adorned with horns of ram or goat), Padigunthima (full boot) and Tulapunnika (padded with cotton wool). Sandals with separate point like scorpion's sting and adorned with peacock feather were largely demanded but were forbidden for Buddhist monks.

* Banabhatta, the court-poet of emperor Harsh Vardhan has mentioned in his book Harshacharita (7th century) footwear.

* Mahavyutpatti (800-815 CE), which contains the Sanskrit and Tibetan terms for understanding Buddhist texts has mentioned the footwear as Padavestanika, Pula, Manda-pulah etc.

* And Jain scripture Brihat Kalpa Sutra Bhasya the guidelines for the attires and footwear of monks and nuns are given.

* Abhidhan Cintamani of Hemchandracharya (11th century) footwear are classified in several categories including Upanat (shoes), Paduka (sandals), Padarakasana etc.

* Paduka Sahasram” of Swami Vedantha Desika (1269 AD-1370 AD) contains the 1000 verses on the padukas of Lord Vishnu, whose statue is enshrined in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Tamil Nadu).

Physical evidences of the footwear in India

Following sculptures, coins and paintings also throw a light upon the centuries old history of footwear in India:

* During the archeological excavation in Chandraketugarh (West Bengal), footwear of 200 BC with raised heel and floral motifs are found. Further, a terracotta sculpture (1st century) also wears a V shape sandal or chappal.

* Buddhist statues (3rd & 4th century) of Gandhara are portrayed wearing strapped sandals

* Numismatics have found the coins of Kushan period (130BC to 185AD) and Gupta period (320 to 550 AD), which feature kings wearing full boots.

* Ajanta cave paintings (4th to 5th century) also portray the people wearing stockings along with full boots.

* And some early Sanchi sculptures (3rd to12th century BCE) foreigners are depicted wearing boots.

* Amongst all Hindu deities, only Sun god is portrayed wearing the footwear. Modhera Sun temple ( 11th century CE) of Gujarat shows him wearing a belt  and long shoes. The granite Sun statue of Dakshinaarka Sun Temple (13th century) of Gaya depicts him wearing a jacket, waist girdle and high boots.

* Bronze statue Chola period (11th to 2th century AD) also depicts the Bharat holding Ram's paduka over his head. Pahari Miniature painting of (17th century)  shows Bharat worshiping Ram's paduka.

Interesting facts about the footwear

Below mentioned are some interesting facts about the footwear in Indian during modern era:

* Paduka of Lord Rama are worshiped even now also in Ram Paduka temples situated in Rameshwaram (Tamilnadu), Ramtek (Maharashtra) and other  places.

* In Chencherimali Temple of South India, devotees carry leather sandals in  honor of Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya, Murugan), as he is believed to wear leather shoes. His wife Valli is worshiped in form of sandal pairs in Marudhamalai, Chennilais, Palani and Sivanmalai (Tamil Naidu).

* In Vithoba festival, pilgrims travel to Pandharpur temple (Maharashtra)  carrying the Padukas of saints Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar in a silver palanquin.

* In dian oleograph of Ravi Varma (19th century) shows Rama’s padukas and  sword placed on a throne.

* Mahatma Gandhiji learnt the art of handcrafting shoes in South Africa and made a pair of shoes in African jail. While leaving the Africa, he presented shoes to president General Smutts, who was cruel towards Indians. Smutts kept  it for 24 years and returned it to Gandhi on latter's 60th birthday. Gandhi also  set up a tannery in Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad) and made simple chappal  a symbol of India's self-sufficiency during 20th century independence  movement.

The History of The Kohlapuri Chappals

Introduction

Kohlapuri chappals or Kolhapuri are kitschy handcrafted slippers made form  leather. A pair of kohlapuri chappals can can compliment a jeans and tshirt look as well as ethnic fashion wear like saree and Salwar Kameez. These chappals have gone through various innovations in the last decade, and have gained  popularity across India and the world.

They are open toed in design with a T-Strap

Kolhapur Chappal

BACKGROUND

Origin

According to historical evidence, the kohlapuri chappals were first worn in the early 13th century and originated in the state of Maharashtra. They were initially known as ‘Kapashi’, Pie-taan’, Kachkadi’, Bakkalnali’, and Pukari, since  these were the names of the various villages where the chappals were made and hand crafted. The royal family of Maharashtra ‘Saudagars’ were the first ones to discover the uniqueness of the kohlapuri chappals and lent their creativity to what is today known as the kohlapuri chappal. The Saudagars created a thinner version of the chappal, which had two flaps on either side.  They named it ‘Kanwali’, which literally meant a chappal with ears! The Chappals had a little decorative fur like ball in the centre which gave it a royal and elaborate appeal.

In the later years, these chappals were discovered by one of Bombay’s  prominent shoe retailers J.J and Sons, who ordered 20 pairs from the Saudagar family and sold it in Bombay. Since the Kohlpauri chappals gained immense popularity, there was no turning back, and several craftsmen, who were mainly  from the city of Athani in Maharashtra, mastered this art, but since the actual origin of these chappals was supposed to be kept secret, the name given to these chappals was that of Kohlapur. There are several craftsman and places in kohlapur who are masters of this craft as well, but the actual craftsman were from the Athani village.

Style

Originally, the Kohlapuri chappal was made using Buffalo-hide, and thread, and  the sole was enormously thick which made the chappals weigh up to 2 kilos! The purpose of making such thick chappals was so that the wearer could endure the heat and the mountainous terrains of Maharashtra. These days however, the kohlapuri chappals are as light as a feather and have a thin and flat sole. The chappals are made from fine quality leather, and come in different styles, colors and designs.

Kolhapur Chappal Shop

Innovations and Trends

The traditional kohlapuri chappals come in a tan brown color, with intricate thread designs woven onto the flap, with a bright red fur ball placed in the center. However, with the passage of time these chappals have gone through various new designs and styles, each made for people with different preferences. These days one can find kohlapuri chappals in all sorts of colors ranging from green, red, pink, gold, silver, purple, blue, yellow, black, orange; the list is endless. Certain twists in the basic design are also available, with double sided flaps, or extra embellishments such as sequins, pearls, or stones, which make the kohlapuri chappal suitable for more elaborate events such as weddings, parties, engagements, and religious occasions. Kohlapuri chappals basically come with a flat sole, however with recent innovations in Indian fashion, one can also find kohlapuri chappals with heels which add more glamor to this unique footwear.

Geometric patterns and funky designs have also been incorporated in the traditional kohlapuri chappals which make them a must-have for any young college girl. The price range for these chappals varies depending on the store or the retailer. One can find inexpensive kohlapuri chappals in local street markets, while the more expensive kind is available at high end handicraft stores. These chappals are also available online on different shopping sites, and can be delivered anywhere in the world. The most unique thing about these chappals is that they are uni sex, and can be worn by men as well. The kohlapuri chappals add instant traditional and ethnic appeal to any ensemble, whether it’s a simple kurta, sari, or a lehenga. They are mostly worn for casual attire, but the more elaborate kind can be worn for occasions that require more pomp.

Making Process of Kolhapuri Chappals

There are templates are used for making a basic design which is then cut on the processed leather. This cut piece is dipped in natural colours or dyes. Then the upper part of the Chappals and the sole are stitched with leather cords. Once they are joined, the outer decorations and designs are made which gives these chappals a trendy look. But people still prefer the traditional design of the chappals. The sole of the chappals is made of two or more leather pieces which are pasted and stitched together to give extra strength.  The design patterns include golden strings that are locally called as gota. Today  there are many designs available from simple designs to complicated designs. 

The traditional designs are known as bakkalnali, pukari and kachkadi. Design of Kolhapuri Chappals Though leather foot wears are comfortable to wear they get easily torn due to the daily wear and tear, it is here that the importance of Kolhapuri chappals come to light. Kolhapuri chappals are thin and light weight chappals that are handmade in Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra. These chappals are made from processed leather. Mainly buffalo, goat or bull hides are used in the manufacturing of these chappals. This leather is processed and grazed. The grazing makes the chappals more sturdy and durable for daily use that it can withstand the wear and tear. As only natural colours are used for dyeing these chappals, it can be worn without fear of allergies. Another important feature of Kolhapuri chappals is that there is no iron nails used in them.

With the increase in demand and popularity many other neighbouring areas like Dogari and Kapashi in Kolhapur have also started the manufacturing of the chappals.  The popularity of this is mainly because of the fact that these are very trendy as well as formal which makes its suitable for any occasion.  Moreover they are not expensive as well. The Kolhapuri chappals are still popular because of the intricacy in the craftsmanship and also due to the fact that it goes well with any outfit. It is comfortable, sturdy, trendy as well as cost effective.

Global Appeal

For any person who visits India, kohlapuri chappals are always on top of the list  of ‘thing to buy’. Their stylish, ethnic, and comfortable quality have made them popular amongst several people in India and in western countries such as America, U.K, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and in other Asian countries as well like Pakistan and China.

Reference

http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/arts-and-crafts/kolhapuri-chappals.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolhapuri_chappal

http://www.kolhapurichappal.co.in/

http://www.kolhapurichappalhouse.com/

Prayer For Creating Positive Karma

Prayer For Creating Positive Karma

We all need to create more positive karma, and there are hundreds of ways we can do so throughout our day.

Saying this prayer is a wonderful way to begin or end the day. 

We can say it anytime, even parts of it, and the more sincere feeling we have when we say it, the positive karma that is created is even more powerful.

May all beings everywhere
Plagued by sufferings of body and mind,
Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy
By virtue of my merits.

May no living creature suffer,
Commit evil or ever fall ill.
May no one be afraid or belittled,
With a mind weighed down by depression.
May no one ever have depression.

May the naked find clothing
The hungry find food
May the thirsty find water
And delicious drinks.

May the poor find wealth,
Those weak with sorrow find joy;
May the hopeless find hope,
Constant happiness and prosperity.

May there be timely rains
And bountiful harvests;
May all the medicines be effective
And wholesome prayers bear fruit.

May all who are sick and ill
Quickly be freed from their ailments.
Whatever diseases there are in the world,
May they never occur again.

May the frightened cease to be afraid
And those bound be freed;
May the powerless find power
And the people think of benefiting each other.

For as long as space remains,
For as long as sentient beings remain,
Until then may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world

In the highest vibration of numbers,
Aiden Powers
______________________________________________________________________

THE BULL AND BEAR MARKET

BULL AND BEAR MARKET

DEFINITION of 'Bull Market'

A financial market of a group of securities in which prices are rising or are expected to rise. The term "bull market" is most often used to refer to the stock market, but can be applied to anything that is traded, such as bonds, currencies and commodities.

INVESTOPEDIA EXPLAINS 'Bull Market'

Bull markets are characterized by optimism, investor confidence and expectations that strong results will continue. It's difficult to predict consistently when the trends in the market will change. Part of the difficulty is that psychological effects and speculation may sometimes play a large role in the markets.

The use of "bull" and "bear" to describe markets comes from the way the animals attack their opponents. A bull thrusts its horns up into the air while a bear swipes its paws down. These actions are metaphors for the movement of a market. If the trend is up, it's a bull market. If the trend is down, it's a bear market.

Learn how you can profit in a bull market by reading Banking Profits in Bull and Bear Markets and also How to Adjust Your Portfolio in a Bull or Bear Market.

Bull Market

A bull market is when the market appears to be in a long-term climb. Bull markets tend to develop when the economy is strong, the unemployment rate is low, and inflation is under control. The emotional and psychological state of investors also affects the market. For example, if investors have faith that the upward trend in stock prices will continue, they are likely to buy more stocks. If there are more buyers interested in buying shares at a given price than there are sellers who are willing to part with their shares at that price, stock prices will continue to rise.

Bear Market

A bear market describes a market that appears to be in a long-term decline. Bear markets tend to develop when the economy enters a recession, unemployment is high, and inflation is rising. Investors lose faith in the market as a whole, which in turn decreases the demand for stocks. Keep in mind that a sustained bear market is something that you should expect to occur from time to time, and that, in the past, the stock market has risen more than it has declined.

Some analogies that have been used as mnemonic devices:

Bull is short for "bully", in its now somewhat dated meaning of "excellent".

• It relates to the speed of the animals: Bulls usually charge at very high speed, whereas bears normally are thought of as lazy and cautious movers—a misconception, because a bear, under the right conditions, can outrun a horse.
• They were originally used in reference to two old merchant banking families, the Barings and the Bulstrodes.
• The word "bull" plays off the market's returns being "full", whereas "bear" alludes to the market's returns being "bare".
• "Bull" symbolizes charging ahead with excessive confidence, whereas "bear" symbolizes preparing for winter and hibernation in doubt.

ORIGIN OF THE STOCK MARKET TERMS “BULL” AND “BEAR”

For those who don’t know, a “bear” market, or when someone is being “bearish” in this context, is marked by investors being very conservative and pessimistic, resulting in a declining market generally marked by the mass selling off of stock.  A “bull” market is simply the opposite of that, with investors being aggressive and positive, with stock prices rising as a result of this optimism.  This “bull” and “bear” terminology first popped up in the 18th century in England.

There are a couple different possible sources for the “bear” part of this tandem, but the leading theory is that it derived from an old 16th century proverb: “selling the bear’s skin before one has caught the bear” or alternatively, “Don’t sell the bear’s skin before you’ve killed him,” equivalent to, “Don’t count your eggs before they’re hatched.”

By the early 18th century, when people in the stock world would sell something they didn’t yet own (in hopes of turning a profit by eventually being able to buy the thing at a cheaper rate than they sold it, before delivery was due), this gave rise to the saying that they “sold the bearskin” and the people themselves were called “bearskin jobbers”.

The use of the word “bear” in this way was popularized thanks to one of the early market bubbles known as the South Sea Bubble.  While it was a long and incredibly complex market scheme that led to the bubble, the gist of it was that the South Sea Company, formed in 1711, was granted by Britain a monopoly on all trade to South America and would be given an annual sum (6% interest plus expenses) from the government.  In exchange, the new company agreed to take over large portions of the government’s debt. (In fact, this was primarily how the company actually made money throughout its century and a half it was in business, simply by dealing in government debt.)

Thanks to this deal and an amazing amount of government corruption, insider trading, and other unscrupulous practices by certain shareholders who knew well that the company’s trade business had little hope of ever being profitable, the burgeoning company’s stock soared. At its peak, based on the stock price, the company was worth about £200 million (by purchasing power, today this would be about £24 billion or $37 billion; by average earnings, it would be £350 billion or $537 billion).

Besides the fact that they didn’t even have their first trading shipment until 1717, 6 years after the trading company first formed, one of the problems was that having an exclusive monopoly on trading to South America from the British government at the time wasn’t saying much as most of the region was almost entirely held by Spain, who Britain was at war with.  Nevertheless, amid rampant and widely published rumors (deftly planted by certain stock holders to jack up the price) of the vast wealth from gold and other resources in those regions and the potential promise of soon securing trade rights from Spain, the stock prices soared, even though the company itself wasn’t really doing any actual trading and their main asset, the monopoly on trade to Middle and South America, was essentially worthless, as the core stock holders knew well.

Spain did eventually grant the South Sea Company rights to trade in the regions held by Spain, but only one ship load per year total was allowed in exchange for a percentage of the profits.  Needless to say, the inability to do any actual real volume of trading and the fact that war once again broke out in 1718 between Spain and Britain causing much of the company’s scant physical assets to be seized by Spain, the market crash that followed wasn’t pretty.

As to the “bull” name for rising markets, in this case we have to do a little more speculation as the documented evidence just isn’t there. The leading theory is that it came about as a direct result of the term “bear”.  Specifically, the first known instance of the market term “bull” popped up in 1714, shortly after the “bear” term popped up.  At the time, it was something of a common practice to bear and bull-bait. Essentially, with bear baiting, they’d chain a bear (or bears) up in an arena, and then set some other animals to attack the bear(s) (usually dogs) as a form of entertainment for spectators seated in the arena.

While bears were one of the more popular animals to use in these games, bulls were also commonly used. More rarely, other animals were used such as in one instance where an ape was tied to a pony’s back and dogs were set on them.  According to one spectator, the spectacle of the dogs tearing the pony to shreds while the ape screamed and desperately tried to stay on the pony’s back, out of reach of the snapping jaws of the dogs, was “very laughable”…

In any event, the popularity of bear and bull baiting, along with perhaps the association with bulls charging, is thought to have probably been why “bull” was chosen as something of the antithesis of a “bear”, shortly after “bear” first popped up in the stock sense.  But, of course, we can’t be at all sure on this one as there wasn’t the more lengthy documented progression of definition as with the “bear”  term.

Bonus Fact:

A common myth often put forth as to the origin of “bull” and “bear” market terminology is that it comes from the last names of two prominent banking businesses, the Bulteels and the Barings, the former supposedly tending to be extremely aggressive in their investments and the latter supposedly being much more conservative.  While both the Barings bank and the Bulteel bank did in fact exist, there are a couple problems here. The first is that the only Bulteel bank around this era wasn’t prominent at all, certainly not enough to spawn such a term. Second, and more importantly, is that both the Barings bank and the Bulteel bank were founded well after “bull” and “bear” were already common stock market terms.

The actual origins of these expressions are unclear. Here are two of the most frequent explanations given:

The terms "bear" and "bull" are thought to derive from the way in which each animal attacks its opponents. That is, a bull will thrust its horns up into the air, while a bear will swipe down. These actions were then related metaphorically to the movement of a market: if the trend was up, it was considered a bull market; if the trend was down, it was a bear market.

Historically, the middlemen in the sale of bearskins would sell skins they had yet to receive. As such, they would speculate on the future purchase price of these skins from the trappers, hoping they would drop. The trappers would profit from a spread - the difference between the cost price and the selling price. These middlemen became known as "bears", short for bearskin jobbers, and the term stuck for describing a downturn in the market. Conversely, because bears and bulls were widely considered to be opposites due to the once-popular blood sport of bull-and-bear fights, the term bull stands as the opposite of bears.

Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/

WED June 5 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. 

Consume with Care.

June 5  WORLD  ENVIRONMENT DAY

The well-being of humanity, the environment, and the functioning of the economy, ultimately depend upon the responsible management of the planet’s natural resources. Evidence is building that people are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide.

Many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development. By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our ways of living and consumption.

The WED theme this year is therefore "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care." Living within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future. Human prosperity need not cost the earth. Living sustainably is about doing more and better with less. It is about knowing that rising rates of natural resource use and the environmental impacts that occur are not a necessary by-product of economic growth.

Water

Even though households are relatively low consumers of water, population growth and expanded water use have outweighed the effect of water saving technology and behavior.

Less than 3% of the world’s water is fresh (drinkable), of which 2.5% is frozen in the Antarctica, Arctic and glaciers. Humanity must therefore rely on 0.5% for all of man’s ecosystem’s and fresh water needs.

Man is polluting water faster than nature can recycle and purify water in rivers and lakes.

More than 1 billion people still do not have access to fresh water.

Excessive use of water contributes to the global water stress.

Water is free from nature but the infrastructure needed to deliver it is expensive.

Energy

Despite technological advances that have promoted energy efficiency gains, energy use in OECD [Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development] countries will continue to grow another 35% by 2020. Commercial and residential energy use is the second most rapidly growing area of global energy use after transport.

In 2002 the motor vehicle stock in OECD countries was 550 million vehicles (75% of which were personal cars). A 32% increase in vehicle ownership is expected by 2020. At the same time, motor vehicle kilometres are projected to increase by 40% and global air travel is projected to triple in the same period.

We can shift our consumption patterns towards goods and services with lower energy and material intensity without compromising quality of life.

Households consume 29% of global energy and consequently contribute to 21% of resultant CO2 emissions.The cost of renewable energy is increasingly competitive with that derived from fossil fuels. One-fifth of the world’s final energy consumption in 2013 was from renewables.

Globally, energy consumption grew most quickly in the transport and service sectors, driven by rising passenger travel and freight transport, and a rapid expansion in the service economy.

Food

While substantial environmental impacts from food occur in the production phase (agriculture, food processing), households influence these impacts through their dietary choices and habits. This consequently affects the environment through food-related energy consumption and waste generation.

1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year while almost 1 billion people go undernourished and another 1 billion hungry. Over consumption of food is detrimental to our health and the environment. 1.5 billion people globally are overweight or obese.

Land degradation, declining soil fertility, unsustainable water use, over fishing and marine environment degradation are all lessening the ability of the natural resource base to supply food. 

The food sector accounts for around 30% of the world’s total energy consumption and accounts for around 22% of total Greenhouse Gas emissions.

Increased consumption adversely affects food security.

Increase in food prices. Upsurge in production methods that use more resource-intensive food products.

Resource-intensive foods deplete the agro-ecological resource base, affecting its ability to produce plentiful food.

- See more at: 
http://www.unep.org/