The world will end in 2012, say experts

SCIENTIFIC EXPERTS from around the world are predicting that five years from now, all life on Earth could well come to an end. Some are saying it’ll be humans that would set it off. Others believe that a natural phenomenon will be the cause. And the religious folks are saying it’ll be God himself who would press the stop button. The following are some likely arguments as to why the world would end by the year 2012.

Reason one: Mayan calendar

The first to predict 2012 as the end of the world were the Mayans, a bloodthirsty race that were good at two things -- building highly accurate astrological equipment out of stone and sacrificing virgins.

Thousands of years ago they managed to calculate the length of the lunar moon as 329.53020 days, only 34 seconds out. The Mayan calendar predicts that the earth will end on December 21,2012. Given that they were pretty close to the mark with the lunar cycle, it’s likely they’ve got the end of the world right as well.

Reason two: Sun storms

Solar experts from around the world monitoring the sun have made a startling discovery. Our sun is in a bit of strife. The energy output of the sun is, like most things in nature, cyclic and it’s supposed to be in the middle of a period of relative stability. However, recent solar storms have been bombarding the earth with lot of radiation energy. It’s been knocking out power grids and destroying satellites. This activity is predicted to get worse and calculations suggest it’ll reach its deadly peak sometime in 2012.

Reason three: The atom smasher

Scientists in Europe have been building the world’s largest particle accelerator. Basically, its a 27 km tunnel designed to smash atoms together to find out what makes the universe tick. However, the mega-gadget has caused serious concern, with some scientists suggesting that it’s properly even a bad idea to turn it on in the first place. They’re predicting all manner of deadly results, including mini black holes. So when this machine is fired up for its first serious experiment in 2012, the world could be crushed into a super-dense blob the size of a basketball.

Reason four: The Bible says it

If having scientists warning us about the end of the world isn’t bad enough, religious folks are getting in on the act as well. Interpretations of the Christian Bible reveal that the date for Armageddon, the final battle between good an evil, has been set for 2012. The I Ching, also known as the Chinese Book of Changes, says the same thing, as do various sections of the Hindu teachings.

Reason five: Super volcano

Yellowstone National Park in United States is famous for its thermal springs and old faithful geyser. The reason for this is simple -- it’s sitting on top of the world’s biggest volcano and geological experts are beginning to get nervous sweats. The Yellowstone volcano has a pattern of erupting every 650,000 years or so, and we’re many years overdue for an explosion that will fill the atmosphere with ash, blocking the sun and plunging the earth into a frozen winter that could last up to 15,000 years. The pressure under the Yellowstone is building steadily, and geologists have set2012 as a likely date for the big bang.

Reason six: The physicists

This one’s case of bog -- simple maths mathematics. Physicists at Berkely University have been crunching the numbers. They’ve determined that the earth is well overdue for a major catastrophic event. Even worse, they’re claiming that their calculations prove that we’re all going to die, very soon. They are also saying that their prediction comes with a certainty of 99 per cent; and 2012just happens to be the best guess as to when it occurs.

Reason seven: Earth’s magnetic field

We all know the Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field that shields us from most of the sun’s radiation. What you might not know is that the magnetic poles we call North and South have a nasty habit of swapping places every 750,000 years or so -- and right now we’re about 30,000 years overdue. Scientists have noted that the poles are drifting apart roughly 20-30 kms each year, much faster than ever before, which points to a pole-shift being right around the corner. While the pole shift is under way, the magnetic field is disrupted and will eventually disappear, sometimes for up to 100 years. The result is enough UV outdoors to crisp your skin in seconds, killing everything it touches.

The Grief of Losing a Loved One

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most difficult experienced people go through, but when a person commits suicide, there is an added element of guilt left behind.

Suicide may seem like an easy way out of a tough situation or an unhappy life,but suicide is never easy on the survivors of suicide. Family and friends of those who take their own lives are left with a list of unanswered questions:

• Why did he do it?
• Were things so bad?
• Was it painful?
• Did he guarantee himself an eternity in Hell?
• Can he be forgiven for taking his own life?
• Did he consider the family he was leaving behind?
• What was the deciding factor in taking his life?
• Did he try to tell someone he was thinking about suicide??
• Would professional advice have helped?
• Was it someone’s fault?
• Could someone have prevented the suicide?
• How can survivors of suicide move on?
• How can survivors get past the way he ended his life and remember him for the good times?

Guilt

The guilt you feel after losing a loved one to suicide can be consuming and overwhelming. Though feeling guilty is a normal for suicide survivors, it is not accurate or fair to assume any responsibility for their actions. It is important to remember that you are only responsible for your actions and how your respond to the actions of those around you. A person who is desperate enough to commit suicide is most likely trying to flee from unending pain and it has no reflection on the people in his life.

Grief Counseling

The emotions you feel as a survivor of suicide can be overbearing. Sorting through your emotions on your own can be a difficult experience as you move from anger and shame to guilt and regret. Grief counseling is one option that may help you get through the difficult time and sort out your feelings in attempt to heal from the tragedy without accepting the blame for it.

Another option for suicide survivors is to seek out a grief support group. You’ll be amazed by how opening up about the tragedy in the company of supportive strangers who know what you are going through can help. Sometimes it feels good to talk about your loss, fears, guilt, grief and sorrow. It’s also okay to just listen until you are ready to share your own story.Grief Support Groups

Steps Towards Healing

Healing from the loss of a loved one doesn’t happen overnight, but there are some steps you can take to make peace with your loved one and their decision to commit suicide.

1. Forgiveness. This may be difficult at fist when you are blaming him for leaving you the way he did, but it is an important step in the healing process. Try to understand where he was coming from and why his life might have seemed overwhelming.
2. Closure. Finding closure is another way to begin healing after a suicide. Come to terms with what happened. Write a heartfelt letter to your loved one.
3. Remember and Honoring. It is important to remember your loved one for the good he did, for the times you shared and for the kind of person he was. Displaying pictures, holding memorials, telling future family members about him, etc are all ways to remember and honor your loved one’s life.

When a Loved One Commits Suicide

Suicides are nearly twice as common as homicides, says Indiana University professor of psychology John McIntosh. He’s an expert in suicide prevention, and offers insight into people who kill themselves, suicide notes, social isolation, and feelings of grief.

Signs of Suicide RiskThe effects of suicide are similar to the effects of any sudden loss: shock, disbelief, and feelings of anger or guilt. Searching for answers is common when people kill themselves.

What to Say to the Survivors of Suicide

McIntosh offers suggestions for what to say and do when someone has lost a loved one to suicide.

“Tell them you are sorry for their loss, give them instrumental support with their daily needs, and don't dwell exclusively on the way that their loved one died. Recognize that they may feel very sensitive about the circumstances and try to avoid platitudes like, 'I know how you feel,' if you haven't experienced the same situation," he said.

Suicide and Depression

s a hugely relevant topic for today’s generation. Many suicidal individuals go largely unnoticed or are often shunned and ignored by most of society. They are often seen as weak and bothersome individuals who require too much attention.

This perception is completely and shamefully misguided. Few can understand the immense weight and pain that a suicidal person carries. To view someone suffering from this kind of pain as somehow insufficient is devastatingly ignorant and arrogant.

Suicide Stats Over Last 60 Years

Suicide has escalated to magnificent proportions over the past 60 years. Suicide is now the leading cause of death among people of 15- to 25-years-old, according to CapeFearHealthyMinds.org, a project developed by the Mental Health Association of North Carolina.

This is an extremely frightening indication of how many people suffer from suicidal tendencies in the modern day and age.

There are many reasons for Suicidal thoughts or actions. When confronted by those who are suicidal or express suicidal tendencies, it is imperative that these people who are in immense psychological pain are treated with affection and tenderness. Suicide threats are an outward hint that something is gravely wrong within a person’s life and mental state.

Dealing with Someone who is Suicidal

One should never attempt to counsel or rehabilitate someone with suicidal thoughts themselves. In most cases, those most prone to suicide and suicidal thoughts are people who suffer from serious clinical depression. It's estimated that between 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from some form of depression or another psychological disorder such as bipolar (manic depression).

This fact denotes that these cases need to be dealt with professionally and that in most instances, the problem is of a psychiatric nature and the result of a mental disorder or imbalance in brain chemistry. Anti-depressant medications can lead to dramatic improvements in one's condition. Often, it is just a matter of finding the right drug, combined with therapy. Many people’s lives have been completely changed for the better through the use of medication and therapy.

Professionals who deal with cases like these will provide help through psychological training as well as counsel. Often, depression results from major problems within a person’s social or family life. These issues need to be dealt with by careful counseling with a qualified professional.It is extremely important that when dealing with a suicidal person, one acts out of love and complete compassion. Often all the victim desires is an ear to hear. The worst thing one can do is to lecture or to preach to the person who is suffering. It can be beneficial provide information on the local mental health facilities and organizations that can provide assistance.

Hope for Recovery From Depression

Suicide or threats of suicide are a direct expression of a dire need for help. One should always approach those in this position with openness and warmth. One person on Suicidial.com recorded his/her feelings toward suicide, saying, “At times, I felt it almost as an entity, darkly drawing me into the dark universe, an eternal vacuum of death ...a wrenching, twisting, turning emotional agony.” This is the reality of depression and it's indicative of the depth of pain that patients can suffer.

64 Ways to Say I Love You

64 Ways to Say "I Love You":

1. Don't compare them to anyone.
2. Be courteous at all times.
3. Embrace the present moments without fear or guilt.
4. Live by the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you).
5. Give your full attention when talking.
6. Become their biggest fan and cheerleader!
7. Toast each other over breakfast or dinner to say I love you.
8. Tell them how they bring love to your life.
9. Laugh about kids quotes on love or events.
10. Talk about your day during mealtimes.
11. Read books aloud together.
12. Say you're sorry.
13. Recall good and bad memories.
14. Let go of the past to say I love you.
15. Do nothing together.
16. Encourage health in all its forms.
17. Trust your partner enough to cry together.
18. Act silly together.
19. Be lavish in praise.
20. Ask questions about opinions, feelings, thoughts.
21. To say I love you, forget about labels.
22. Encourage adventures and risks!
23. Show your joy when they come home.
24. Bake cookies.
25. Leave stress at work to say I love you.
26. Use flannel sheets in the winter.
27. Solve problems together - such as crosswords or Suduku.
28. Show your gratitude for them.
29. Be a good sounding board.
30. To say I love you, take pride in them -- and show it.
31. Compliment them in front of others.
32. Spend time with them.
33. Listen.
34. Ask for hugs and kisses.
35. Take vacations together.
36. Tell the truth to say I love you.
37. Use pet names to say I love you.
38. Practice self-acceptance.
39. Hunt for treasure together.
40. Be interested in their interests.
41. To say I love you, let go of jealousy.
42. Accept their weaknesses and flaws.
43. Ditch work or responsibilities to play with them.
44. Be yourself.
45. Share chocolates, ice cream sundaes, milkshakes.
46. To say I love you, ignore slights.
47. Pray or meditate together.
48. Practice forgiveness.
49. Watch classic movies together.
50. Leave notes or send letters.
51. To say I love you, buy a "for no reason at all" gift.
52. Don't gossip or judge.
53. Give the benefit of the doubt to say I love you.
54. Give space when they're in a bad or sad mood.
55. Learn something new together.
56. Go dancing.
57. Keep your promises to say I love you.
58. Make them laugh.
59. Consider their feelings.
60. Learn ways to rekindle the romance.
61. Hide a treat in their lunch.
62. To say I love you, make home a fun place to be.
63. Let them make their own decisions.
64. Say what you mean when you say I love you. Say why.

Sex and Desire IV

The Science of Sexual Desire

For four weeks, we have explored various aspects of desire. We have looked at the way desire emerged from the Indian myth of Radha and Krishna, and last week, we looked at the evolutionary roots of casual sex. I think it's fair to say that at the root of the desire for casual sex lies that pesky sense that passionate sexual desire can only be found in the transcendence of the mundane routines of domestic life- exactly Jayadeva's point.

Here we will explore what contemporary research on desire has to say about desire.

Contemporary Research on Desire

Despite the archaic attraction, and despite the fact that our ancestry is filled with casual sex (despite even the evolutionary significance of casual sex), much of the research of sexuality is focused on marriage. This is in part, of course, because of the secrecy that accompanies the illicit, and in part because of the brief and fleeting nature of the affair.

Research on desire is relatively new and for the longest time deemed rather insignificant. It was up until fairly recently commonly assumed that sexual interest was a given and that it came about more or less instinctively. This changed when people who experienced problems with sexual arousal became a source of scientific interest. Desire is now more and more seen as a distinct aspect of sexuality and is receiving much scholarly attention. Here, I will briefly touch on two of those new studies on desire.

Desirous Genes

One of these recent theories on desire suggests that sexual desire may not be an entirely psychological thing, as common understanding would have it. Rather, it might be, at least in part, in our genes. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that differences in the way sexual desire is experienced could be explained by genetic variations.

The scientists looked at the genetic blueprints of both male and female university students and compared these blueprints with the students' self-described sexual desire, arousal and sexual function. Turns out that there is a connection between variants in a gene (the D4 receptor) and the students' descriptions of their own sexuality. The researchers suggest that the presence of particular genes either increase or decrease arousal and sexual charge.

In that same study, researchers also found that women and men were equally aroused by certain magazines and films, but women reported much more sexual dysfunction. And I thought that the stereotypical idea of women as not having strong sexual desires was a thing of the past! Cory Silverberg notes that indeed, as women increasingly take charge of and possess their own sexual agency, clichés about women avoiding sex with lines like "not tonight dear, I have a headache" are slowly disappearing.

Headaches and Sex

And this is where the second study I want to discuss comes in. This study, published in the journal Headache, looks at the relationship between headaches and sexual desire and suggests that the opposite of that old cliché might be true.

The study looked at the connection between migraine headaches and sexual desire. Researchers expected that migraine sufferers would experience stronger sexual desire. This is because of serotonin, a brain chemical. Serotonin overkill kills libido, but it turns out that migraine sufferers have low levels of serotonin. The results confirmed that indeed, male and female migraine sufferers have stronger sexual desire in comparison to, as they themselves see it, their non-migraine suffering peers, and also in comparison to people with tension headaches.

In their closing comment, the researchers commented:

The excuse, "Not tonight honey I have a headache," will probably remain a valid option in eluding sexual activity, but those suffering from migraine may be the least likely to use it (as cited by Cory Silverberg)

In the past four weeks, we have explored a wide array of aspects of desire, from myth, to genetics, serotonin, evolution and the freedom from the mundane routine of domestic life. Whichever we use to explain our own desires and or how we act on them (or not!) is, as with all things, simply a matter of which argument we find most desirable?

Men & Women's Sexual Arousal Rates Do Men & Women Get Excited at the Same Rate? Read more at Suite101: Men & Women's Sexual Arousal Rates: Do Men &

he sexual arousal rates in men and women may be more similar than you think.

Sexual arousal rates in men and women

The psychology of sexual arousal rates was fascinating long before Alfred Kinsey researched it. Kinsey was the first to make men and women's sexual arousal rates public and acceptable (though how acceptable his research was is debatable!). New research about sexual arousal rates reveal that men and women get excited at the same rate, which seems hard to believe. Don't men think of sex hundreds of times a day, thus increasing their sexual arousal rates?

Sexual arousal rates in men and women: McGill's study

McGill University researchers found that men and women have sexual arousal rates that are more or less equal. However it's important to remember that any time humans or animals are involved in laboratory studies, their responses aren’t quite the same as in “real life.” Researchers do their best to simulate real life situations when they're studying sexual arousal rates in men and women – and they can come really close – but it’s not quite the same. Would these research results about sexual arousal rates be the same if study participants were in their own homes, with their own lovers?

Maybe, maybe not. The psychology of sexual arousal rates in men and woumen may color the results of the research.

Many factors are involved in a research study on the sexual arousal rates in women and men:

Place affects men and women's sexual arousal rates. The subjects watched a movie with video goggles and other measurements of their sexual response rates. This is much different than having sex at home (or on the train, plane, desk, photocopier, etc). How applicable are the lab findings to "real" sexual arousal situations and sexual arousal rates? It's difficult to say.

Lover versus movie affects men and women's sexual arousal rates. With a real-life lover, most men and women (especially women) are affected by their surroundings, who is nearby making noise, how fat they feel, whether they have gas, if birth control is available, how hairy their legs are, how intimate their relationship is, what a colleague said as they were leaving the office, if they're fighting with their sister, and so on… In light of this, do the study’s results about sexual arousal rates in women and men transfer to real-life sexual situations? It may be easier for women to become aroused by watching a movie in a quiet, unpressured research situation than at home with all sorts of real-life distractions.