Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Lucky charms really do work | Buzz 7

Lucky charms really do work

News | Mani | July 27, 2010 at 4:46 pm

New York, July 27 (ANI): Want to succeed in an upcoming job interview? Well, then don’t forget to wear your lucky charm, suggests a new study.

In a German study, when volunteers used their key chain, special stone or sentimental jewelry, they did better at a computer memory game than those who didn’t have anything special to hold onto, according to msnbc.com.

“Superstition increase people’s confidence,” the New York Daily News quoted study co-author Lysann Damisch as saying.

And the University of Cologne social psychologist added: “In other words, if you have your lucky charm close by, you feel more confident and secure about the following task, which makes you try harder and perform better.”

Lucky charms may just boost your confidence enough that when you are in the midst of something scary, you may be more confident and at ease if you’re wearing your favorite necklace. (ANI)

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Researchers Find Gene Behind Four-Leaf Clover - KVOA Tucson News

Researchers Find Gene Behind Four-Leaf Clover

Posted - 7/5/2010 at 6:06PM

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FRIDAY, July 2 (HealthDay News) -- One of the leprechauns' secrets has been uncovered by U.S. scientists.

A University of Georgia team has pinpointed the gene that turns an ordinary clover, with three leaves, into the supposedly lucky four-leaf type.

The researchers also identified genes that control two other leaf traits in the white clover -- the red fleck mark and the red midrib, a herringbone pattern that runs down the center of each leaflet.

Some believe that manipulating these three newly identified genes may enable breeders to turn clover into an ornamental plant for use in flower beds.

A report on the finding is published in the July/August issue of Crop Science.

"This is a great time to be involved in clover breeding," senior researcher Wayne Parrott said in a Crop Science Society of America news release. "We now have the tools to make it easier to breed important traits in this species, which has historically proven to be a challenging plant to work with. In addition, we can hasten the development of new white clover cultivars bred for a variety of uses by screening new generations of plants for traits of interest before they even reach the field trial stage, significantly reducing the time and resources needed for new releases of white clover."

White clover is highly nutritious forage for all types of livestock, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More information

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has more about white clover.

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UGA research team unlocks secret to producing lucky four-leaf clovers - Online Athens

UGA research team unlocks secret to producing lucky four-leaf clovers071210uganews1lee.shearer@onlineathens.com Researchers led by a University of Georgia plant scientist have figured out the genetic secret of the four-leaf clover.

UGA research team unlocks secret to producing lucky four-leaf clovers

By Lee Shearer - lee.shearer@onlineathens.com

Published Monday, July 12, 2010

Researchers led by a University of Georgia plant scientist have figured out the genetic secret of the four-leaf clover.

Richard Hamm || University of Georgia professor Wayne Parrott shows off some of the varieties of clover he has been developing at the UGA Center for Applied Genetic Technologies greenhouse.
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Richard Hamm
University of Georgia professor Wayne Parrott shows off some of the varieties of clover he has been developing at the UGA Center for Applied Genetic Technologies greenhouse.

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But Wayne Parrott didn't find the gene for the rare four-leaf trait through a lucky stroke or help from leprechauns.

It took 18 years of research and modern DNA analytical techniques to find the gene, said Parrott.

Parrott, who came to UGA in 1988, worked with UGA graduate student Rebecca Tashiro and other researchers at UGA and Oklahoma's Noble Foundation to find the four-leaf gene.

Looking for the lucky four-leaf clover gene has been a sort of sideline from Parrott's more traditional research projects, such as trying to improve switchgrass to be a better raw material for biofuel production. He's also developing soybeans that can resist insect pests and nematodes.

"This has been a sort of fun project," he said.

Parrott has been fascinated by the genetically complex clover plant since he was a Kentucky teenager.

He remembers the day one of his dad's cousins taught him how to find four-leaf clovers.

The secret: Don't get on your hands and knees to look for the rare four-leafers leaf by leaf - that will take forever. Just look around for a break in the pattern formed by thousands of little plants with three leaves - and that break in the pattern is likely to be the rare four-leaf clover.

Scientists have been trying for a century to tease out the secret of why clover sometimes produces a plant with four leaves instead of the usual three.

"It's such an incredibly cool plant," said Parrott, who treasures the plant's seemingly infinite color and pattern variations and its genetic complexity.

In addition to the four-leaf gene, Parrott and his fellow researchers found the rare gene that gives some clover plants red flecks, and another rare gene that lends other variants a pattern of red leaf veins.

Now Parrott is using traditional breeding methods to develop new clover varieties that will show off the plant's hidden beauty.

"There's just so many combinations of colors and shapes that we can do; we should be able to develop a whole series of varieties," Parrott said.

The plant scientist has filled much of a UGA greenhouse with pots of potential varieties. Small flower beds outside the UGA AGTEC building off Riverbend Road, where Parrott's laboratory is, serve as trial gardens for some of Parrott's clover plants.

Most people think of clover as forage or a lawn weed, but Parrott hopes to see some of the new clover types he's developing planted in Southern flower gardens.

"I really think it has great potential as a bedding plant," Parrott said. "I think it can fill a niche, something besides pansies and ornamental kale."

To find the right plants to breed, the researchers first used a modern technology called genetic fingerprinting that finds plants with the right genes - the genes for color and for the color variations Parrott likes.

Cross-breeding clover plants with different genetic traits, Parrott grows about 1,000 new plant types a year. But only a small fraction have the color or leaf pattern characteristics he's looking for.

"If you start out with about 1,000, one to four will be suitable for a variety," he said.

In addition to new, colorful clover varieties, Parrott also wants to breed plants with the four-leaf gene. His aim is a variety that will produce more four-leaf sprigs than the plants you'd normally find in your frontyard - but not a variety with nothing but four-leaf sprigs.

That would be boring, he figures.

Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Monday, July 12, 2010

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Chattanooga News, Weather & SportsUGa. scientist unlocks four ... - WRCB-TV

Associated Press - July 12, 2010 3:24 PM ET

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - A University of Georgia plant scientist has helped unlock the genetic secret of the four-leaf clover.

Wayne Parrott says it's the result of 18 years of research and modern DNA analytical techniques that shed light on the four-leaf trait.

Scientists have spent a century trying to figure out why clover sometimes produces a plant with four leaves instead of the usual three.

Parrott says he and his fellow researchers also found the rare gene that gives some clover plants red flecks, and another rare gene that lends other variants a pattern of red leaf veins.

In addition to new, colorful clover varieties, Parrott wants to breed plants with the four-leaf gene.

Information from: Athens Banner-Herald, http://www.onlineathens.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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UGA Scientist Says He's Unlocked Genetic Secret Of Four-Leaf Clover - WJBF-TV

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - A University of Georgia plant scientist is looking over a four-leaf clover. Wayne Parrott says he's unlocked the genetic secret of the unusual clover. And it has nothing to do with luck.

Parrott has put 18 years and modern DNA analysis into his research. It's a rare gene that makes for the extra leaf.

The researchers also found a rare gene that changes the color of clover.

Parrott says the work could lead to breeding a four-leaf only plant.

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Cramlington crash survivor Raymond Curry returns to scene of impact - Cramlington

Miraculously, the stake missed all of his vital organs. When he was examined by A&E medics, they found a four-leaf clover stuck to his back. Today, still recovering at his Oulton Close home, in Cramlington, Ray said: "I could just see lots of smashed plastic when I got there. The crash happened much further down the road than I thought.

"It was very eerie going back there and seeing where the fence was supposed to be and how big the poles are. I was just interested to see it. It really brought it home to me how big the crash was and how lucky I am.

"It made me feel sick. But I was impressed at how the air ambulance managed to land in such a small space."

Ray's survival came while he was making his way to work in Alnwick, just after 9am on June 1.

With no time to spare, the Great North Air Ambulance Service flew the casualty to Newcastle General Hospital, where skilled surgeons removed the stake and then found Ray's car air-freshener inside him.

Aware how lucky he is to be alive, the driver has refused to bin his lucky clover, instead giving it pride of place in his bedroom.

Ray said: "My thoughts have turned back to driving a car.

"I found it difficult getting back in to begin with, but my dad refused to let it become a problem for me."

To donate to the GNAAS call 01325 489819, or go to www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk

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Research team unlocks secret of of four-leaf clover - Foster's Daily Democrat

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Researchers led by a University of Georgia plant scientist have figured out the genetic secret of the four-leaf clover.

But Wayne Parrott didn't find the gene for the rare four-leaf trait through a lucky stroke or help from leprechauns.

It took 18 years of research and modern DNA analytical techniques to find the gene, said Parrott.

Parrott, who came to UGA in 1988, worked with UGA graduate student Rebecca Tashiro and other researchers at UGA and Oklahoma's Noble Foundation to find the four-leaf gene.

Looking for the lucky four-leaf clover gene has been a sort of sideline from Parrott's more traditional research projects, such as trying to improve switchgrass to be a better raw material for biofuel production. He's also developing soybeans that can resist insect pests and nematodes.

"This has been a sort of fun project," he said.

Parrott has been fascinated by the genetically complex clover plant since he was a Kentucky teenager.

He remembers the day one of his dad's cousins taught him how to find four-leaf clovers.

The secret: Don't get on your hands and knees to look for the rare four-leafers leaf by leaf — that will take forever. Just look around for a break in the pattern formed by thousands of little plants with three leaves — and that break in the pattern is likely to be the rare four-leaf clover.

Scientists have been trying for a century to tease out the secret of why clover sometimes produces a plant with four leaves instead of the usual three.

"It's such an incredibly cool plant," said Parrott, who treasures the plant's seemingly infinite color and pattern variations and its genetic complexity.

In addition to the four-leaf gene, Parrott and his fellow researchers found the rare gene that gives some clover plants red flecks, and another rare gene that lends other variants a pattern of red leaf veins.

Now Parrott is using traditional breeding methods to develop new clover varieties that will show off the plant's hidden beauty.

"There's just so many combinations of colors and shapes that we can do; we should be able to develop a whole series of varieties," Parrott said.

The plant scientist has filled much of a UGA greenhouse with pots of potential varieties. Small flower beds outside the UGA AGTEC building off Riverbend Road, where Parrott's laboratory is, serve as trial gardens for some of Parrott's clover plants.

Most people think of clover as forage or a lawn weed, but Parrott hopes to see some of the new clover types he's developing planted in Southern flower gardens.

"I really think it has great potential as a bedding plant," Parrott said. "I think it can fill a niche, something besides pansies and ornamental kale."

To find the right plants to breed, the researchers first used a modern technology called genetic fingerprinting that finds plants with the right genes — the genes for color and for the color variations Parrott likes.

Cross-breeding clover plants with different genetic traits, Parrott grows about 1,000 new plant types a year. But only a small fraction have the color or leaf pattern characteristics he's looking for.

"If you start out with about 1,000, one to four will be suitable for a variety," he said.

In addition to new, colorful clover varieties, Parrott also wants to breed plants with the four-leaf gene. His aim is a variety that will produce more four-leaf sprigs than the plants you'd normally find in your front yard — but not a variety with nothing but four-leaf sprigs.

That would be boring, he figures.

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Dublin isn't all shamrocks and beer - News & Observer

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BY L.A. JACKSON - Correspondent
Tags: travel

DUBLIN -- St. Patrick's Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells, Temple Bar, Trinity College - mention these famous Celtic icons and thoughts of Dublin come to mind. But while those must-see attractions are forever linked to Ireland's capital, they aren't the only sites worth visiting.

Dublin is a sophisticated European city that will surprise those expecting to find a four-leaf clover slant to every activity and attraction. Sure, the spirit of "Erin go bragh" is strong in this historic city, but it is also an enjoyable, diverse destination enhanced by such unexpected pleasures as:

Phoenix Park: At 1760 acres, Phoenix Park is twice as big as New York City's Central Park. On sunny days, the wide-open spaces are magnets for Dubliners wanting to bask and play in the fair weather.

Originally a Royal Hunting Park, it was opened to the public in 1745 and has been the home of a herd of wild fallow deer since the 17th century. Two monuments that are hard to miss in the park are a large papal cross that commemorates Pope John Paul II's visit in 1979 and the Wellington Monument, a towering 210-foot obelisk honoring the Duke of Wellington, a native Dubliner who gained fame at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Phoenix Park is also home to Aras an Uachtarain, the official residence of the president of Ireland.

Dublin Zoo: Inside fPhoenix Park, the 66-acre Dublin Zoo ( www.dublinzoo.ie) is the fourth-oldest zoo in the world, having been established in 1830 by the Zoological Society of Dublin. It is home to more than 235 species of animals, including such endangered species as the white-faced saki, Goeldi's monkey, Moluccan cockatoo and golden lion tamarin.

Its paths are abundantly landscaped with plants from around the world, and they lead visitors through eight themed areas that display animals in roomy simulations of their natural habitats. Last year, the zoo welcomed almost 1 million visitors, making it one of Ireland's top attractions.

Dublinia: Dublin is the capital of Ireland, but it began as an outpost for Norsemen who raided the Irish countryside in the ninth century. Dublinia ( www.dublinia.ie) is a museum that takes visitors back to the time of the Vikings and shows the city's transition from a Nordic settlement to an important medieval European city. Housed in the architecturally impressive neo-Gothic masterpiece that used to be Synod Hall of the Church of Ireland, the museum is a time capsule of Ireland from the Dark Ages to the Reformation in the 16th century.

National Botanic Gardens: Nowhere in Ireland is it greener than at the National Botanic Gardens ( www.botanic gardens.ie ), where more than 20,000 plant species live on 48 acres along the banks of the Tolka River. Established in 1795, this must-see destination for plant lovers takes visitors through a horticultural wonderland of plants from around the world. History also has a presence in the form of two magnificent Victorian greenhouses: The Curvilinear Range, built in 1848 to house Southeast Asian plants, cycads and specimens from the Southern Hemisphere, and the restored Great Palm House (1884), which contains tropical trees, bamboos, bromeliads, orchids and cacti.

Millennium Spire: Officially called the "Monument of Light" or simply "The Spire" by Dubliners, it was built in 2003 in the center of the city to commemorate the new millennium. At 390 feet, this stainless steel beauty is the tallest sculpture in the world.

The needlelike monument's base is 10 feet in diameter and gradually narrows to 6 inches at the top. Standing on bustling O'Connell Street close to the historic General Post Office, the spire also serves as an excellent point of reference for tourists who stroll the busy shopping district that surrounds the monument.

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    Saline Celtic Festival shares amazing feats - Heritage Newspapers


    By Steven Howard, Heritage Newspapers

    Lilliane Aittama, 5, cautiously approached what appeared to be a statue of Cearbhall A'Danu, a lord of Celtic mythology, as she stood totally still on a podium Saturday at the Saline Celtic Festival.

    As Lilliane stepped closer, however, the statue came to life and bowed to the girl, much to her amazement.

    Lilliane's face bore elements of excitement and confusion as the majestic statue offered her a magic stone, sprinkled her with dust and offered a piece of rolled up parchment.

    The small note explained how Cearbhall had become stone at the hands of a dreaded enemy, but was "brave and strong" and "defended his lands and his people from every foe."

    Similar amazing feats abounded at the Saline festival over the course of Friday and Saturday, amazing the adults and children in attendance with traditional Celtic activities.

    Friday brought the Skill at Arms competition to the jousting fields, with costumed men on horseback using 10-foot jousting poles to capture small rings off of stationary posts.

    Competitor Stephen MacPherson told the crowd "this is an actual competition" sanctioned, he said, by the International Jousting Association.

    The following day, the same men donned full suits of armor for the full-contact joust.

    The announcer for the event said the competitors reached speeds of about 30 miles an hour as they rode toward each other extending 10-foot poplar poles with the objective of hitting the other directly in the shoulder.

    Though the top 3 feet of the poles were said to be balsa wood, the explosions were fierce when full contact was made.

    Before the joust, people in designated stands were assigned a Knight and country of origin to root for as spectators might have done in medieval times.

    One Knight of English origin yelled to the crowd that he would "put the Scotts and French in their place," which solicited loud booing from those sections.

    A bit more of a tame, but every bit as educational, activity was also going on in the Textile Arts Tent as Barbara Schutzgruber and others were weaving tartans of all varieties using time-tested methods.

    As she worked on a scarf, Schutzgruber said she loves to practice the craft and that she has been weaving for about 25 years.

    "I used to watch the weavers at Greenfield Village," she said of the artisans that inspired her.

    She manipulated the wool to make a multi-colored pattern she said was based on other specific tartans.

    Schutzgruber is part of the Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild as were others in attendance making textiles.

    At the dancing stage, Michael Patrick Farrell, Art Director for Brogue in Toronto, could be seen teaching workshops and performing traditional dances at various times throughout the day.

    He said he welcomed all skill levels at the dance classes because the lessons were really about finding the heart of the activity.

    "What I like to teach is an enthusiasm course," he said, saying more technical concerns were not a worry. "What is more important is the soul of the dancing."

    Farrell said things got off to "an auspicious start" shortly after arriving in Saline, finding the first four-leaf clover of his life near the stage of the dancing tent.

    "I feel it found me," he said.

    Watching the opening ceremonies was Milan resident Robert Puckett, who was wearing the traditional Scottish kilt and related ornamentation.

    Puckett, who has traced his heritage to the Stewart of Appin clan, said he has been participating in similar events for about four years.

    "After talking with the relatives, I found out I was part Scottish," he said.

    Puckett said there were a few festival activities he looked forward to most of all.

    "First of all, the music," he said, "then there's the rugby, and the people."

    He also mentioned enjoying a traditional Scottish dish that seems to only appeal to certain tastes.

    "People look at me weird, but I love my haggis," he said.

    Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com.

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    Research team unlocks a lucky four-leaf secret - Paducah Sun

    5 072410_HOME_4-LeafClover

    ATHENS, Ga. — Researchers led by a University of Georgia plant scientist have figured out the genetic secret of the four-leaf clover.

    But Wayne Parrott didn’t find the gene for the rare four-leaf trait through a lucky stroke or help from leprechauns.

    It took 18 years of research and modern DNA analytical techniques to find the gene, said Parrott.

    Parrott, who came to UGA in 1988, worked with UGA graduate student Rebecca Tashiro and other researchers at UGA and Oklahoma’s Noble Foundation to find the four-leaf gene.

    Please login to see the full article

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    Ruth Ham: Shapleigh Community Day is this Saturday - Foster's Daily Democrat

    The big day — Saturday, July 24 — is almost here for all of Shapleigh to turn out to celebrate 225 years of being incorporated. Shapleigh Community Day will be held at Shapleigh Commons from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    There will be something for every member of the family. Shapleigh Corner Restaurant will host a barbecue. Children will be able to play games. Wildlife Encounter will bring exotic animals. Also, Conjuring Carol, a magician for the young at heart, will give a presentation.

    The 4-H Four Leaf Clover Club will serve freshly squeezed lemonade for the thirsty. Craft tables will be set up. Raffle tickets will be sold, and there will be a silent auction too.

    Early on Saturday morning, there will be a Native American Music and Cultural Experience before the animal exhibit.

    Also on Shapleigh Community Day, the fire department will showcase its new vehicle, and the Emergency Management Agency will display its trailer with all the aids to be used in case of an emergency.

    The Acton-Shapleigh Lions and their famous popcorn machine will provide a tasty snack for all.

    The Shapleigh Conservation Committee will set up its booth. Shapleigh commemorative coins, license plates, and brochures will be available. Also, the Shapleigh Community Library will hold a book sale.

    The Shapleigh First Baptist Church will hold its clothing giveaway and will have a thrift sale to benefit the Needy Families Winter Oil Fund.

    Generally, there are other businesses in the area that will be open and folks with yard sales and other events may also attract your attention.

    Stony Road Septic has donated a portable toilet for the occasion. Emery Mills Energy also donated funds for the special day. Please take note of the area businesses, individuals and non-profits that support Community Day and help to make it special.

    Condolences

    Condolences are expressed to the family of Elwyn Lowe, who passed away at age 88 on Saturday, July 10, at the Newton Center in Sanford.

    Dozens of people gathered at the Highland Grove Cemetery in North Shapleigh on Tuesday, July 13, for the graveside service. Rev. Kenneth Keating presided. A gentle rain fell briefly as tears from heaven for this man who, with the exception of his time spent in the Army Air Corps during World War II, had spent his entire life in Shapleigh.

    A self-employed carpenter, Elwyn worked for many people throughout the town. He was well-liked by everyone who came in contact with him.

    Elwyn served the town for many years flagging the graves of known veterans until he was physically unable to do so. He provided the town with a map marked with the locations of the various cemeteries, some deep into the back woods, which was helpful to his successor, Ron Rivard.

    Elwyn was a treasure trove of information about the Shapleigh of years gone by and will be sadly missed by many.

    TRANSFER STATION WORKERS COMPLETE TRAINING

    Transfer station employees Art Ingersoll and Michael Roy attended and completed the Core Training Session Number 2 (Reporting Requirements and Report Preparation), Elective Training Session 1 (Managing Recyclables) and Elective Training Session 3 (Safety) on May 20.

    The sessions were sponsored by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management and the Division of Solid Waste Management.

    The administrator of the program provided certificates to Ingersoll and Roy.

    CHECKING IN WITH THE LOCAL LIBRARY

    Librarian Gene Smith reported to selectmen a few statistics regarding Shapleigh Community Library in June 2010 versus June of 2009.

    The library collected $23.60 in fines last month, compared to the $81 it collected in June of last year. The library also generated $4 in sales last month, which is lower than the $11 collected in June of 2009.

    Also, the library welcome three new patrons in June 2010. Last year at this time, it welcomed six. In all the library had 393 patrons in June 2010, up from the 375 it had last year at this time.

    ZAP!

    The Shapleigh Transfer Station was unable to operate on Tuesday, July 13, because of a lack of power.

    A lightning strike a day or so earlier is blamed for the fact that the electricity was not available. The compactor was unable to function until power was restored later in the day.

    The town regrets any inconvenience that this outage may have caused to anyone wishing to use the facility.

    BOOK SIGNING SCHEDULED FOR 'SHAPLEIGH AND ACTON' BOOK

    Release of Debbie Peterson's book "Shapleigh and Acton" will take place at the Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society at 122 Emery Mills Road on Route 109 on Saturday, July 24. Folks can purchase this volume and have it autographed from 9 to 11 a.m. At noontime, the book-signing will adjourn to the Shapleigh Commons, where the procedure will continue until 2 p.m.

    "Incorporated in 1785, Shapleigh and Acton once comprised a single town covering approximately 32,000 acres," according to the book's description. "Due to the several large lakes at its center, the land was divided into east and west parishes. After much controversy and disagreement, the west parish was incorporated as the Town of Acton in 1830. With its abundant timber, fertile farmland, and extensive bodies of water, the area grew quickly and prospered. Today many local farmers work the same land and live in the same homes as their forefathers. Each summer, countless families throughout New England migrate to the numerous lakes that lie within the Shapleigh and Acton area, and motorists enjoy the area's rolling hills, stone walls, picturesque mountains, and sparkling lake views. Nestled between the rocky Maine coastline and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Shapleigh and Acton are charming, historic towns that capture the spirit of Maine and 'The Way Life Should Be'."

    Petersen is the president of the Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society. Her book is a compilation of images from the Society's archives and the private collections of the towns' residents to bring Shapleigh and Acton together once again between the covers of this book.

    Peterson also will sign the book at the Acton Public Library on Saturday, July 31, from 9 to 11 a.m. and at the Acton Fair on Aug. 26 through 29.

    Books also will be available for sale at local businesses.

    STORE'S RAFFLE TO BENEFIT DIABETES RESEARCH

    Alissa Laitres, the owner of the One Earth Natural Food Store, offers many thanks to those of you who purchased raffle tickets last month. With the help of your donations, $79 was raised for Three Rivers Land Trust.

    Marlene Parent, of Springvale, won the store's raffled gift basket in June. She was asked to choose the recipient of the July raffle. This month's recipient will be the Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walk to Cure Diabetes: Cure for Caroline, a resident of Back Road, Shapleigh.

    More than 3 million Americans have Type 1 diabetes, a disease that is often diagnosed in childhood that strikes suddenly, lasts a lifetime, and carries the constant threat of deadly complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. JDRF's mission is constant — to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Thanks to dramatic research progress, a cure is now within reach.

    This month will mark the third anniversary since the Jacobs family of Shapleigh was changed when daughter Caroline was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. On July 20, 2007, Caroline was admitted to Maine Medical Center on the day before their family vacation to Cliff Island. Since that day, the family has had many ups and downs.

    Thanks to JDRF, there have been huge strides made in improving the lives of people living with diabetes. Caroline benefits from one of the greatest advancements in treatment already. She has gone from having 7-plus insulin shots a day to having one insertion every three days by using an insulin pump.

    Join the efforts to raise money for the 13th annual Walk to Cure Diabetes! If you'd like to learn more about joining the Cure for Caroline Team, visit online at http://walk.jdrf.org.

    MORE 'PROPRIETORSHIP'

    (This is a continuation of the "History of Shapleigh," written by Rev. Amasa Loring in 1854, which is being printed here in honor of Shapleigh's 225 years of incorporation.)

    "In 1676 the heirs of Gorges conveyed their right to the colony of Massachusetts; reserving those tracts which had been deeded to certain individuals by the native Sagamores.

    "The Provincial officers were disposed to respect the Indian titles, and the holders of them usually retained, undisturbed, the tracts thus conveyed. Therefore all scruples concerning a moral and equitable title to the soil of York County are removed: for it comes primarily from the natives, and has been sanctioned and confirmed by Provincial and State authority.

    "So it was, with the title to the town of Shapleigh: which was obtained in the following manner: In 1661 Captain Sunda, an Indian Chief of the Ossipee tribe, deeded to Francis Small of Scarboro', the Ossipee tract, embracing what are now called the "Ossipee towns," to wit, Cornish, Parsonsfield, Newfield, Limerick and Limington, a record of which is on the County Registry.

    "A tradition has come down which makes this conveyance characteristic of those adventurous times-It runs thus:

    "Small, in the winter, was keeping a 'trading house,' upon this tract somewhere in the present town of Limington or Cornish. Many of the Indians became largely indebted to him, promising furs in the spring. Plotting upon an easier way to extinguish their debt, they conspired together to surround his house, on a certain night, and to reduce it, with its contents and occupant to ashes. This chief, being apprised of it, went and secretly informed Small, and besot him to make a timely escape.

    "Small at first regarded this as a cunning contrivance to deprive him of his property; but for this, the Chief generously promised to remunerate him, by a conveyance of lands. But knowing something of savage vengeance, and reflecting that 'discretion is the better part of valor,' on the day previous to the night named for the attack, he left his house in its usual state, and retired to a neighboring hill, where he concealed himself, to see whether the Sachem's account was a friendly warning or a wily trick.

    "When the shades and silence of the night had come, the flames of that trading house lighted up the surrounding forest, and revealed a host of ferocious savages, carousing over the supposed destruction of its inmate.

    "Small, of course, hastily and secretly left those regions and returned to Scarboro'.

    "Captain Sunda, faithful to his promise, afterward met him at Saco, and gave him the above-mentioned deed to indemnify him for his loss.

    "No one will endorse this story, but certain points in it are well authenticated. It is a well established fact that Francis Small kept a trading house at that time, in those regions, the claimants under him so stated in a petition to the General Court of Massachusetts.

    "A Mr. Chadbourne of Berwick filed an affidavit, which is still preserved, stating that 'when he was out on a scouting party, scouring those regions, in the Indian wars, another man observed to him, that they were near the place where Small's trading house was, and on going a little further, they saw the spot where the house had stood, and drank water from a well there.' It is also an established fact, that Major Nicholas Shapleigh of Kittery, was in company with Small in the trading house enterprise; and that Small deeded to him, an undivided half of all the lands conveyed by Sunda's deed.

    "A long period of Indian wars now commenced. Small, perhaps fearing that he should be an object of savage vengeance, went to Cape Cod and died there, but his family continued in Scarboro'.

    "These wars suspended all new settlements, and carried desolation into many of the towns already settled. Hence deeds of these new sections, from any source, were for a long time, but a 'dead letter.'

    "At length these cruel and destructive wars were ended. The foe no longer lay in ambush by the path of the white man, nor drove him to the crowded block house. The settlements began to recover from their reduced state, and the tide of civilization, began to set back into the unbroken forest. Sanford, including Alfred, was surveyed in 1734, and the settlement commenced about six years later. This was at first called Phillipstown from the Phillips family, to whom it was deeded by the Indians.

    "Lebanon was surveyed in 1733, and the permanent settlement of it commenced about ten years later. This retained its Indian name, Tow who, till its incorporation.

    "Lyman began to be settled in 1764, and Waterboro soon after, called Massabesic, from the pond lying west of 'Shaker Village,' as it was pressing back the forest frontier, and claimants began to look up their titles.

    In 1770, the original 'Deed' from Captain Sunda to Francis Small was found by his family among his papers, having lain unrecorded more than one hundred years. The heirs of Nicholas Shapleigh, it seems, well knew that they had an interest in the tract thus deeded. Honestly supposing that the 'Shapleigh Township' was included in the tract conveyed, they called a legal meeting of said heirs, at the Inn of William Leighton in Kittery, on the first Monday in March 1772, and took preliminary measures 'to go up and possess the land.'

    "After several adjournments and meetings, they appointed Joshua Hubbard and Dependent Shapleigh a Committee, to go and run out the tract.

    "This committee, accompanied by James Warren, Surveyor, and Joseph Hasty and Gilbert Warren, Chainmen, went into the wilderness in May 1773, and run a line around it, which eventually became its original boundary. The Committee also cleared a small opening, enclosed it with a fence, and planted it with corn and potatoes, in presence of this survey company, as a formal act of possession."

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    Monday, July 26, 2010

    Study Shows Superstition Can Increase Confidence In Tasks

    This Article from RttNews.com has been sent to you by luckycharm4me@gmail.com
     
     
    Study Shows Superstition Can Increase Confidence In Tasks
    A study published in the current edition of the journal Psychological Science suggests that superstitions and good luck charms may actually improve performance on tasks by increasing confidence. German researchers recently tested 151 university students and found that those who had a good luck charm performed better on tasks than those without.
     
    Click here for read the complete article
    This article can also be accessed by copying and pasting the following address into your web browser.
    http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?id=1365661
     

    Posted via email from fourleafclovergoodluckcharms's posterous

    Sunday, July 11, 2010

    Good Luck Charms That Really Work

    Good Luck Charms That Really Work

    51
    rate or flag this page

    By wavechild


    Luck.  Is it real or isn't it?  Is it something that happens to us, or do we create our own luck?  Do some people have good luck, while others are doomed to a sad life because they were born under a bad sign?  Or is luck just a product of our thoughts- think positive, and you'll have good luck?  People have pondered this throughout the centuries.  Or perhaps people have taken for granted the existence of luck, and only recently have we begun to question the concept in our jettisoning of superstition and silly beliefs.  However, I believe it would be silly to just outrigth dismiss the concept of luck.  Even some superstitions may be based on reality, or seem to work to produce a desired effect even if it defies common sense.  Certainly, a large amount of "luck" is made.  Take the truth of the idea that the way to become lucky is through hard work.  I think that's a healthy approach to the idea of luck.  If you can make your own, more power to you.  If you need the assistance of certain objects believed to be endowed with that often elusive thing known as luck, I say why not?  Who knows if they work or not.  As long as you don't depend on them to create miracles, I don't see any harm in using a rabbit's foot to make you feel better (well, okay, rabbit's feet needed to be cut off a dead rabbit, which is pretty harmful- I advise against using such sacrificial charms for luck).  The best relationship to have with a good luck charm is one of respect.  If an object can give you a feeling of safety and help, then it probably will help to bring good things into your life.


    The Indian Swastik, infinitely more positive than the co-opted Nazi one.
    The Indian Swastik, infinitely more positive than the co-opted Nazi one.

    What Makes a Thing Lucky?

    Many of our classic good luck charms are based on finding something hard to find.  This scarcity makes it special.  Take the four leaf clover.  Despite a few occasions of having tried to find a four leaf clover in a sea of three leaved ones, I can't remember if I have ever actually found a clover with four leaves.  This has gotten to the point where I wonder if they even exist.  Because they seem so rare-mystical, even, I know that if I ever did find a four leaf clover, I would be sure it was my lucky day and that good things were coming my way.  Now, that would be the fun, lucky part of me thinking this.  The rational part of me would be able to rationalize it away, saying "Yeah, so they're real.  Big Whup.  Doesn't mean a thing".  But the kick I would get from finding the real deal would make me feel lucky nonetheless, and there's a lot of evidence out there to suggest that how we feel and how we think create our realities. 
    Some good luck charms in this category transcend luck and go into the realm of the spiritual- just think of the faces of the Virgin Mary people find in their breakfast rolls- the mother of all Italian good luck charms.  You could easily say it's just a random pattern, but could you not also say that it's a mystery unexplained?
     

    Personally, I believe more in energy and its cultivation than looking at things as "good" or "bad". Having an upbeat attitude and a clear mind seem like a better strategy for making things go your way. This requires going into oneself and accessing the power from within. I think good luck charms mainly serve as helpers and reminders of the importance of being connected to our deeper selves. That's why there's such a huge variety of good luck charms from around the world, and even within cultures. The number "4" is considered highly unlucky to the Chinese and Japanese because it sounds like the word for 'death' in those countries, but in Thailand it is a lucky number. You're not going to see any Japanese good luck charms featuring the number four, or even four of an object. Many Native Americans also hold the number 4 to be sacred, as it represents the four directions. A lot of times, luck has more to do with attitudes. Death is a natural event- is it better to be afraid of it and forestall it at all costs, or to learn to face and accept it? Chinese good luck charms are interesting because they are so common in the culture and many people don't think twice about using them, unconcerned if they appear to be superstitious. If you consider charms by sheer numbers, Chinese people should be really lucky, right? Well, how does the reality bear this out? You'll have to make your own decisions, but let me save you some work and tell you that this is something that will be hard to determine.  But I do believe that those people who use the charms more as inspiration for doing things rather than relying on them to produce results FOR them will have charms that work;)

    Because a good luck charm doesn't really have to be anything specific, meaning it's usually not an object that is important but the perception and use of it, charms that are personal can often work the best.  Such charms are often imbued with stronger meanings for the owner.  They are objects that have had work put into them.  Some people believe that objects can take on energy, and personal good luck charms may have had prayer and wished directed at them constantly, taking on good vibes.  It doesn't seem so far fetched when you consider how you can enter a room and feel its energy, even if there's nothing visibly indicating what usually takes place there or what happened there.  Almost any good luck charm will work if it's the right one for you- good luck in developing your own healthy relationship with luck!
      

    Links

    • Chinese Rugs
      Compared to rugs from the other great rug making traditions of the world, such as Persia, Turkey, and even the Southwestern United States, Chinese rugs tend to not be as immediately appealing to most...
    • Types of Flowers that are Both Beautiful and Useful
      Flowers are one of the greatest things we have in the world. They give us beauty, brightening up any place with their cheerful and dignified presence. They announce the changing of seasons, greeting us...
    • French Quotes
      The French language is considered by many to be the pinnacle of beauty. As support for this opinion, they cite things like its sensuality, its poetry, and all the cultural associations that go with the...

    Comments

    Good Luck Charm 13 hours ago

    a four leaf clover is good luck and lucky

    wavechild profile image

    wavechild 5 hours ago

    Lucky like you, Good Luck Charm?


    Posted via email from fourleafclovergoodluckcharms's posterous

    How To Combine Angels, Law Of Attraction, And Good Luck Charms ...

    If you Love Angels and You enjoy Good Luck Charms, and would like to combine the two with the Law Of Attraction, then maybe you need a Good Luck Attracting Angel Charm to help you with finding a better job, meeting a soul mate, or winning some money!

    People have always been fascinated with angels and also with magical, mystical things, and they have always liked and enjoyed good luck charms. In recent years, this Law Of Attraction has sparked a lot of interest in people, and the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne has become enormously popular! Maybe a powerful good luck charm that resembles an Angel, can be just what you need to win at Cards, Mah Jongg, Bingo, in a Casino, or when you Buy Lottery Tickets!

    Perhaps an Angel Good Luck Charm can also help you attract Love, Romance, Affection and happiness into your life! You just might get a better job or have better business success with an Angelic bit of Good Luck! Be sure to also use the Law of Attraction and let God or the Universe know what you desire!

    ArticlesBase.com always has the coolest articles! Please share this with someone you know who might need it! By the way, you DID NOT stumble upon this piece by chance or by accident…this was meant to be! This is your lucky day!

    Protection and being guarded from jinxes and curses can also come from a powerful and effective Good Luck Amulet or Charm in the form of a happy and smiling angel! My name is Father Time, and I am a self-help writer and speaker. My fabulous website features awesome Good Luck Charms, Money-Attracting Amulets, and Love-Attracting Charms. These Angel Good Luck Charms Seen Here are our newest product and will soon be a huge seller! Made by an elderly mystic woman, and ritually super-charged and blessed, these Angels Charms are good for attracting many different things into your life! 

    You will love the protection and luck attracting effectiveness of these awesome handmade angel good luck charms! Even though mystical items are always sold as an entertainment item, we all know that good luck charms sometimes have amazing powers! The website at www.FatherTimePublishing.com also has many other awesome items, and also some cool jewelry and gift items!

    For those who need some motivation, inspiration, or daily words of wisdom, I also write and send a Daily Motivational e-mail Message, Click Here for a FREE Subscription! That’s a gift from me to you as a random act of kindness.

    Good Luck, God Bless, and Have a Great Day!

    -
    About the Author:
    Father Time has been a published writer for over 33 years. He has a fabulous Online SuperStore featuring many unique and interesting items, including Good Luck Amulets, Psychic Readings via e-mail, Indian Medicine Bags, and other Mystical Items and Good Luck Attracting Jewelry!
    Father’s website is www.FatherTimePublishing.com where he also offers an Awesome Daily Motivational e-mail Service!
    Article Source

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    Posted via email from fourleafclovergoodluckcharms's posterous

    Saturday, July 10, 2010

    Good Luck Charms That Really Work

    Good Luck Charms That Really Work

    48
    rate or flag this page

    By wavechild


    Luck.  Is it real or isn't it?  Is it something that happens to us, or do we create our own luck?  Do some people have good luck, while others are doomed to a sad life because they were born under a bad sign?  Or is luck just a product of our thoughts- think positive, and you'll have good luck?  People have pondered this throughout the centuries.  Or perhaps people have taken for granted the existence of luck, and only recently have we begun to question the concept in our jettisoning of superstition and silly beliefs.  However, I believe it would be silly to just outrigth dismiss the concept of luck.  Even some superstitions may be based on reality, or seem to work to produce a desired effect even if it defies common sense.  Certainly, a large amount of "luck" is made.  Take the truth of the idea that the way to become lucky is through hard work.  I think that's a healthy approach to the idea of luck.  If you can make your own, more power to you.  If you need the assistance of certain objects believed to be endowed with that often elusive thing known as luck, I say why not?  Who knows if they work or not.  As long as you don't depend on them to create miracles, I don't see any harm in using a rabbit's foot to make you feel better (well, okay, rabbit's feet needed to be cut off a dead rabbit, which is pretty harmful- I advise against using such sacrificial charms for luck).  The best relationship to have with a good luck charm is one of respect.  If an object can give you a feeling of safety and help, then it probably will help to bring good things into your life.


    The Indian Swastik, infinitely more positive than the co-opted Nazi one.
    The Indian Swastik, infinitely more positive than the co-opted Nazi one.

    What Makes a Thing Lucky?

    Many of our classic good luck charms are based on finding something hard to find.  This scarcity makes it special.  Take the four leaf clover.  Despite a few occasions of having tried to find a four leaf clover in a sea of three leaved ones, I can't remember if I have ever actually found a clover with four leaves.  This has gotten to the point where I wonder if they even exist.  Because they seem so rare-mystical, even, I know that if I ever did find a four leaf clover, I would be sure it was my lucky day and that good things were coming my way.  Now, that would be the fun, lucky part of me thinking this.  The rational part of me would be able to rationalize it away, saying "Yeah, so they're real.  Big Whup.  Doesn't mean a thing".  But the kick I would get from finding the real deal would make me feel lucky nonetheless, and there's a lot of evidence out there to suggest that how we feel and how we think create our realities. 
    Some good luck charms in this category transcend luck and go into the realm of the spiritual- just think of the faces of the Virgin Mary people find in their breakfast rolls- the mother of all Italian good luck charms.  You could easily say it's just a random pattern, but could you not also say that it's a mystery unexplained?
     

    Personally, I believe more in energy and its cultivation than looking at things as "good" or "bad". Having an upbeat attitude and a clear mind seem like a better strategy for making things go your way. This requires going into oneself and accessing the power from within. I think good luck charms mainly serve as helpers and reminders of the importance of being connected to our deeper selves. That's why there's such a huge variety of good luck charms from around the world, and even within cultures. The number "4" is considered highly unlucky to the Chinese and Japanese because it sounds like the word for 'death' in those countries, but in Thailand it is a lucky number. You're not going to see any Japanese good luck charms featuring the number four, or even four of an object. Many Native Americans also hold the number 4 to be sacred, as it represents the four directions. A lot of times, luck has more to do with attitudes. Death is a natural event- is it better to be afraid of it and forestall it at all costs, or to learn to face and accept it? Chinese good luck charms are interesting because they are so common in the culture and many people don't think twice about using them, unconcerned if they appear to be superstitious. If you consider charms by sheer numbers, Chinese people should be really lucky, right? Well, how does the reality bear this out? You'll have to make your own decisions, but let me save you some work and tell you that this is something that will be hard to determine.  But I do believe that those people who use the charms more as inspiration for doing things rather than relying on them to produce results FOR them will have charms that work;)

    Because a good luck charm doesn't really have to be anything specific, meaning it's usually not an object that is important but the perception and use of it, charms that are personal can often work the best.  Such charms are often imbued with stronger meanings for the owner.  They are objects that have had work put into them.  Some people believe that objects can take on energy, and personal good luck charms may have had prayer and wished directed at them constantly, taking on good vibes.  It doesn't seem so far fetched when you consider how you can enter a room and feel its energy, even if there's nothing visibly indicating what usually takes place there or what happened there.  Almost any good luck charm will work if it's the right one for you- good luck in developing your own healthy relationship with luck!
      

    Links

    • Chinese Rugs
      Compared to rugs from the other great rug making traditions of the world, such as Persia, Turkey, and even the Southwestern United States, Chinese rugs tend to not be as immediately appealing to most...
    • Types of Flowers that are Both Beautiful and Useful
      Flowers are one of the greatest things we have in the world. They give us beauty, brightening up any place with their cheerful and dignified presence. They announce the changing of seasons, greeting us...
    • French Quotes
      The French language is considered by many to be the pinnacle of beauty. As support for this opinion, they cite things like its sensuality, its poetry, and all the cultural associations that go with the...

    Comments

    No comments yet.


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