Ethiopian Coffee

By Doc Ethio

The coffee ritual plays a momentous role in Ethiopians culture. An invitation to the Ethiopian coffee ritual is usually a clear sign of acceptance as a friend, as well as a show of respect. It is a wonderful example of their neighborliness.

If you find yourself as a guest in an Ethiopians house, you would be quick to notice the never-failing coffee service they prepare for their guests.

The adoration Ethiopians show to coffee is sometimes ornate, and always beautifully ceremonial.

The Ethiopian coffee ritual is hardly a brief affair, and it usually starts with the ceremonial equipments being arranged upon a bed of long scented grasses. Thereafter, the coffee goes through a long process starting with the coffee being roasted on a flat roaster over a small charcoal stove.

The lady who is conducting the ceremony gently washes a handful of coffee beans on the heated pan, then stirs and shakes the husks away. When the coffee beans have turned black and shining and the aromatic oil is coaxed out of them, they are ground by a pestle and a long handled mortar.

Next, it is time to cautiously stir the ground coffee into the Jebena, or flat-bottomed pot.

Due to the archaic method used by Ethiopians, the ground result can be called anything but even, so the coffee is strained through a fine sieve several times.

As the coffee gets ready to be served, the youngest individual is picked to announce the start of the coffee ritual. At which time, the very person (usually) will stand by prepared to hand over the coffees being poured in the small china cups, by the woman in charge. The first cup is, almost all the time, served to the eldest person in the room, with the youngest being the last.

Finally, the lady in charge of the Ethiopian coffee ritual will serve the coffee to friends, who would have patiently watched the Ethiopian coffee ceremony for the last, almost, hour. - 33385

About the Author:

There is more tips Ethiopia, Ethiopia news and Ethiopian songs, visit www.abeshabunnabet.com

Centuries Old Khmer Culture And Its Uniqueness

By Kevin Meas

The Khmer Empire varied in size under different rulers and Khmer culture came into prominence during the period between 802-1431. The language belongs to the Austroasiatic language family that is related to a number of Asian languages. The writing is derived from Indian systems as early as the third century C.E.

Hinduism was embraced in the first centuries and then Buddhism spread in the later years of the Khmer Empire. Brahmanistic practices are a part of the Khmer culture and are now deeply intermingled with the practice of Buddhism, so much so that they are not considered as separate religions. Brahmanist and spirit practices are localized and Buddhism is a national tradition.

The culture of Khmer is strong and is experienced through the lifestyle of Cambodians. Everything that happens in their lives has a cultural backdrop, right from birth to death, from marriage to divorce and from music to literature. In Khmer culture, the older generation receives greater respect from this completely patriarchal society, where the father heads the household and is responsible for the family's welfare. Their clothing and fashion is also based on the financial status of the person, and this distinction is clearly visible throughout Cambodia.

The Khmer belief in spirits is a long-standing one and has been around for centuries. Childbirth is considered as a happy occasion, but it is also a period when the spirits may bring harm to the mother and child. A woman who dies in childbirth is believed to turn into an evil spirit. Infants are observed keenly to note the character, which they are believed to be born with, and those who are seen to have a good character are respected. Cambodians also believe in reincarnation.

How can we not talk about the food of Cambodia, when talking about its culture? Rice and fish are the staples and a home-cooked meal is served on a mat on the floor, with the diners sitting on a slightly raised platform. Khmer culture dictates that the head of the family and other men eat first, with the women eating last.

Khmer art flourished during the Angkor period. Graphic arts, performance arts and literature are the lifeline of Khmer culture. Domestic storytelling and narrative singing to the playing of a Banjo like instrument are important culturally. They have a long tradition of writing religious texts, epic poetry and royal chronicles; although, no modern text exists. Classical dance and music associated with the courts originally, enjoy a huge popularity even to this day. They have a unique way of expressing emotions through the use of hands and feet. These local traditions are kept alive by the small-time singers, theater artists and musicians.

While the Khmer culture flourished until the--th century; the Khmer rouge era saw the devastation of the culture, but the pieces have long been picked up, and the rich Khmer traditions of science, art, architecture and spirituality again resonate throughout Cambodia, an exotic region located at the crossroads of India and China. - 33385

About the Author:

Visit KhmerArticles.com to learn more about the Khmer culture and the Cambodian people.

New Flirt Quiz Teaches Novel Approach to Flirting

By Tyler Paxon Ph.D.

Flirting. Is there really anything new under the sun? T.P. thinks so. T.P. has a Ph.D. from a major university, and recently left academia to teach men how to be more attractive to women. His main tool? A flirting quiz/assessment tool.

There has been a lot written in the last 10 years on the topic of dating and attracting women. T.P. has read a lot of this material and thinks he has a way to improve things for the average guy.

Here are some of the things that frustrate him about the current dating guides:

1. They're geared toward "speed" seduction. Some talk about "getting a woman into bed in 7 hours flat" and stuff like that. The emphasis on speed leads to many problems.

2. These guides talk about the benefits of seduction without considering the downside (such as STIs and emotional fallout) much at all.

3. They focus on picking up girls at bars and night clubs, and not other venues, like coffee shops, book stores, or social circles.

4. Men are often encouraged to approach women with cheesy tricks, corny clothing and accessories, and even fake stories.

5. Women are often talked about as though they're mere objects to be conquered or targets to be hit.

After considering these drawbacks, T.P. decided to develop a more sensible system for quality men to learn how to attract quality women.

It uses a method he calls "slow seduction", and it solves all the problems mentioned above. The full system allows men to find the right attraction stories for them. It teaches them how to create their own material. And it gives them a web-based planning tool to manage their material and the women they're trying to attract.

So, how does T.P. introduce men to his new concepts? With a flirt quiz. - 33385

About the Author:

T.P. (PhD) is the author of "Flirting Decosntructed". Take his free flirting quiz and learn how to flirt at http://how2flirt.com

Texas Marriage License Records And State Marriage Records

By Carl Hung

Texas marriage records are vital information maintained and updated for future reference and studies. As public records, they are normally managed according to each state's jurisdiction. People search for these important documents in the pursuit of conducting genealogical research, concrete documents for any legitimate purposes and to simply verify on the marital status or background of the prospective spouse. Texas marriage records are just one of the many well-documented records where individuals can gather reliable data.

Normally, the documentation of the records and the free marriage records search depend solely on the authority of each state. In Texas, marriage records are stored at the Texas Vital Statistics Office under Texas' Department of Health Services. For those who wish to obtain such information may visit at this office and start processing the request to obtain the vital public marriage records.

The search on public marriage records results to the disclosure of someone's previous marriage relationship and status in the state. Marriage license records, marriage records and certificate are legally recognized to be the public domain in Texas. For this reason, such documents are searchable and obtainable by the general public. Details that can be derived from the marriage records include the personal particulars of the couple, parents, witnesses and the officer who made the ceremony legitimate.

Records reveal that most people in Texas search for such important files in order to check on their future partner. They are also obtained as a requirement in getting a marriage license. These are some of the common uses of the Texas marriage records. Everyone must be grateful that such records are made available for the consumption of the people, more especially those who will use them for any legal proceedings.

The free marriage records search back in the old days was obviously time-consuming because of the paper requirements that you need to submit at a certain records office prior to processing your request. But, with the advancement of modern technology these days, there is no need to go through the old piles of paper documents just to retrieve the needed records.

Such pertinent records are now available via online. They come in two versions, the free-of-charge and the subscription-based versions. The former only supplies few details of the records while the latter provides complete and all-encompassing information about the marriage records. Fee-based version is more useful and reliable when being used for any serious and legal matters. - 33385

About the Author:

Free Texas Marriage Records or Paid Marriage Records? The answer lies within your self. Learn all about them and make the right choice by visiting us at Marriage License Records.

The Unforgettable Trauma Of The Khmer Rouge

By Kevin Meas

The Khmer Rouge is the communist party of Cambodia, ruled by Pol Pot from'75 to'79. It is the worst nightmare that the world has ever seen.

In'70, the Khmer Rouge soldiers began an insurgency against the government. They were helped by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, and used this combined power to gain control over more than two-thirds of the country in a short time. The popularity of the Khmer Rouge is witnessed by the dramatic rise in strength from 3,000 in the year'70 to 30,000 in'73. With this, most of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops had withdrawn.

Finally, led by Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge overthrew the Cambodian government in'75, after which the "Democratic Kampuchea" was established. Literally overnight, the new governance took cruel and drastic measures. Entire cities were evacuated. Property was abolished. Factories were closed. Schools were shut down. Money did not hold any value. Hundreds of thousands of taxi drivers, cooks, factory workers, clerks and everyone else became farmers suddenly. They even assassinated skilled workers and intellectuals, and many others died due to starvation. Records show that at least 2 million people died. Cambodia was reduced to nothing but a nation of slaves.

Things were not hunky dory with Vietnam too, leading to the invasion of Cambodia by the Vietnamese in'79. This helped bring down the Khmer Rouge; however, its 30,000 strong army continued to flourish on the Thai border, to the extent that the United Nations gave it the recognition of the official Cambodian government.

In'82, this government entered into a coalition with former premier Norodom Sihanouk and Son Sann, who was a non-Communist leader. Leadership also changed hands from Pol Pot to Khieu Samphan, although it was widely believed that the real leader was still Pol Pot. In'91, all the Cambodian factions signed a treaty asking for UN-supervised elections and in'92; the UN assumed the administrative functions of the government. It was at this time that the Khmer Rouge disconnected itself from the peace process and started fighting. It also rejected the results of the UN-run elections that saw the beginning of a coalition government in Cambodia.

As is wont to happen, in'97, due to factional fighting within themselves, Pol Pot was oustered and imprisoned by the Khmer Rouge and he died in'98. That was the end of the Khmer Rouge, as most of the members were either captured, had surrendered or defected by'99.

Initially, reports of the mass murders in Cambodia were not taken seriously by most people, until the Vietnamese overpowered the Khmer Rouge. It was then the horrors of Cambodia came to fore.

A chill runs down the spine of every Cambodian when they think back on the Khmer Rouge. It shocked the world with the atrocities that were considered to be the worst ever the world had to face. The wounds of the rule remain raw even today, as they changed the lives of the population of Cambodia, like nothing else has before. - 33385

About the Author:

Visit KhmerArticles.com for more information about khmer people and the country of Cambodia.

Accessing Divorce Court Records And Divorce Search Online

By Maxine Trawney

The label itself tells us that Public Divorce Records are open to people's access. That is based on the policy that's indicated in the Freedom of Information Act. Literally, that means that anyone who wants to access these records have all the rights to do so as long as the proper procedures have been done. Not all organizations agree on that Act, but Public Divorce Records does.

These divorce records, as mentioned above, are stored or kept by certain government agencies or departments. Aside from those agencies, they are also found in a state courthouse since all filed divorces are documented here. However, for legality purposes, only certified true copies of divorce certificate are accepted in serious cases that's why you have to watch on that matter.

Still in line with the FoIA policy, Divorce Court Records are not close for people's access. These records reveal personal details such as both parties, their parents' and children's, the time, place and the reasons for the divorce. Other information like filing number, decree, asset division and settlement, restraining orders, the children custody and others are also included.

County Divorce Records are vital in any legal proceedings. They usually contain the same information or details found in divorce court records. Added to that is the disclosure of the information about the person who solemnized the marriage; therefore, privacy is no longer in existence.

One of the reasons why people research on divorce records is to check about a future spouse who was divorced since this record tells us of the cause of one's divorce and other relevant information as well as if the person is legally divorced. It can also be performed for genealogy research, in legal proceedings, or if an adopted child is searching for his/her biological parents.

Researching is now made easier than ever with the help of the internet. It becomes faster that you'll get what you need in just few clicks. However, caution is given that for you to have the desired result without any trouble, you should know the exact courthouse where the divorce proceedings have been conducted first. Free and paid services are available in County Divorce Records. The first gives out minimal information while the latter gives better result and is the one that is useful for legitimate purposes. - 33385

About the Author:

Now that you know the benefits of accessing Divorce Court Records Online, find the resources at Public Divorce Records Website. A popular site that offers great tips and resources.

Japanese Pro Wrestling Legend Mitsuharu Misawa Remembered

By Ross Everett

Mitsuharu Misawa died in Hiroshima, Japan earlier this year less than a week before his 47th birthday. He was in a tag team match for his Pro Wrestling NOAH promotion with Go Shiozaki against Bison Smith and Akitoshi Saito. Saito hit a back suplex on Misawa, which appeared to knock him unconscious. Medical staff attempted to revive him in the ring, but when CPR failed he was taken to a hospital by ambulance. Initial reports in the Japanese media suggest that he was pronounced dead at the hospital, but a number of eyewitness accounts have speculated that he may have died in the ring.

Thats at least a small bit of solace amid the tragedy of Misawas death"he died in the ring doing what he loved, and what he did better than just about anyone on the planet. Misawa's last moments were spent working the kind of brutally stiff, athletically realistic match that got a generation hooked on Japanese wrestling.

Misawa was a top level high school wrestler, and that got him noticed by All Japan Pro Wrestling majordomo Shohei Giant Baba. He made his professional debut in'81, and got his first big break in'84 when he was chosen as the second Tiger Mask replacing Satoru Sayama. In'90, he had his longtime tag team partner (and occasional rival) Toshiaki Kawada unmask him.

Misawa would wrestle as himself from then on, and become an even bigger star in the process. In June,'90 he became one of the top stars in All Japan Pro Wrestling when he defeated Jumbo Tsuruta. That match was his first main event appearance at the venue Cheap Trick made famous in America, the Nippon Budokan. He soon faced Triple Crown Champion Stan Hansen in an unsuccessful challenge for the title, and would become arguably the biggest native star in Japanese pro wrestling for the next decade.

Hed have legendary battles against Kawada, Hansen, Kenta Kobashi, Jun Akiyama and Steve Dr. Death Williams in singles competition. Hed also become a force on the tag team scene along with Kawada facing Williams and Terry Gordy along with Tsuruta and Akira Taue. Misawa would continue as a mainstay in AJPW until the early part of this decade. After the death of Giant Baba, he repeatedly bumped heads with his widow over the companys direction and in 2000 quit to establish Pro Wrestling NOAH. He would serve as the companys president while wrestling a full time schedule until his untimely death.

Japanese pro wrestling served as an introduction for many American fans into shoot fight sports and MMA. Before the Internet, fans would trade videotapes to stay up on the latest matches from Japan and along with Jushin Thunder Liger and The Great Muta Keiji Mutoh it safe to say that Misawa is one of the wrestlers most responsible for getting a generation of American fans hooked on the product. Were it not for the subculture he created in America, later wrestling promotions like Ring of Honor and MMA promotions like the UFC wouldn't have had a ready made audience to tap into. - 33385

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.