What Your Dog Says About Your Personality

                     

They can't talk, but dogs say a lot about their owners' personalities, a new study has found.

"People tend to report that their dog's personality is quite similar to their own, but we wanted to see if these stereotypes actually stand up to scrutiny," said study author Lance Workman, a psychologist at Bath Spa University in the U.K.

Using an online survey, Workman and colleagues probed the personalities of 1,000 dog owners and found some surprising trends.

"Among the owners of seven breed groups, there were differences in personality," said Workman, who is presenting the study today at the British Psychological Society annual conference in London.

Read on to see what your canine companion says about you.

Sporting Dogs

 

People who owned sporting dogs, like Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniels, appeared more agreeable and conscientious in the survey.

"I used to have a cocker spaniel," said Workman. "I'd like to think that's me to a tee."

Labrador retrievers are the most common breed registered in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club, or AKC. They are regarded as gentle, obedient and eager to please.

 Herding Dogs

 

People who owned herding dogs, like German shepherds or sheepdogs, were more extroverted.

"I think people pick a dog that fits into their lifestyle," said Workman. "If they're outgoing, they tend to want an outgoing dog. They say, 'Yeah, that sounds like me.'"

German shepherds are the second most popular breed in the U.S. They're fearless, but not hostile, eager and alert, according to the AKC. They serve as watchdogs, service dogs and herding dogs.

 Hound dogs

 

People who owned hound dogs, like greyhounds and beagles, were more emotionally stable, according to Workman's survey.

"That means calm and consistent," said Workman, who pointed out that President Lyndon Johnson had a beagle.

Beagles, known for their happy-go-lucky, family-friendly demeanor, are the third most popular breed in America. Greyhounds are the fastest breed, according to the AKC.

 Toy Dogs

 

People who owned toy dogs, like Chihuahuas or Yorkshire terriers, were more agreeable, more conscientious and more open to new experiences.

"Openness to new experiences is sometimes lumped in with intelligence," said Workman. "There's this view that people who own toy dogs are air heads, so this was quite nice to see."

Celebrity toy dog owners include Paris Hilton, who has a Chihuahua named Tinkerbell. The breed is known for its confidence and sense of self importance, according to the AKC.

 Non-Sporting Dogs

 

People who owned utility dogs, like English bulldogs Shar-Peis and Chow Chows, were more conscientious and extroverted.

The English bulldog, which muscled its way into the AKC's top 10 breeds in 2008, is known for its kindness, courage and "dignified" demeanor. They're also gentle and protective.

 Terriers

No personality traits stood out in the survey among people who owned terriers, like the Staffordshire bull or the Scottie dog.

"Terrier owners were kind of middling," said Workman. "They weren't high or low on anything in particular."

The Staffordshire bull mixes courage and tenacity with affection for friends, children in particular. Scottie dogs, on the other hand, "exude ruggedness and power," according to the AKC.

Working Dogs

Like terrier owners, people who owned working dogs, such as Dobermans or schnauzers, had no standout personality traits.

"They tend to be agreeable, but most dog owners are," said Workman.

When asked whether dog owners were more agreeable than cat owners, Workman paused.

"It's really difficult to say," he said. "Some studies suggest cat owners are more intelligent and dog owners are more social. But obviously it's debated."

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Charming Quotes About Cats

From literary giant and cat lover, Ernest Hemingway, to the slinky French Actress, Brigitte Bardot, many famous (and not so famous) people have accurately captured the essence of feline in a pithy sentence or two. Here are a few of my favorites:



I really am a cat transformed into a woman. ~Brigitte Bardot



There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast. ~Author Unknown



If the claws didn’t retract, cats would be like Velcro. ~Bruce Fogle

If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace, I would surely vote for the purr.

~Barbara L. Diamond



Most beds sleep up to six cats. Ten cats without the owner.  ~Stephen Baker

My husband said it was him or the cat… I miss him sometimes. ~Anonymous


What greater gift than the love of a cat? ~Charles Dickens

 

 

A cat has absolute emotional honesty. ~Ernest Hemingway



I wish I could write as mysterious as a cat. ~Edgar Allan Poe

I gave my cat a bath the other day… he loved it. He sat there, he enjoyed it, it was fun for me. The fur would stick to my tongue, but other than that… ~Steve Martin


One cat just leads to another. ~Ernest Hemingway

Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.

~Jim Davis (creator of Garfield )



People that hate cats will come back as mice in their next life. ~Faith Resnick

 

 

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Study: Happiness IS Contagious

It looks like Bobby McFerrin was right when he sang, "don't worry be happy." According to a study published in Statistics in Medicine and conducted at Harvard University and the University of California, happiness is contagious.
That's good news for friends, neighbors, and spouses of happy people. The study found that when a person becomes happy, a friend who lives close to the happy person has a 25 percent higher likelihood of becoming happy too. The spouse of the happy person has an 8 percent increased chance of happiness, and the next-door neighbors have a 34 percent chance. But there's more.

The researchers conducted a review of other studies, including the ongoing Framingham Heart Study and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Upon analysis the scientists not only found that certain relationships are most impacted by happiness, they propose a theory called the "social contagion theory" of "three degrees of influence" This is where the study results get exciting. Lead researcher and professor at Harvard Medical School, Nicholas Christakis, says that "Everyday interactions we have with other people are definitely contagious, in terms of happiness." While that may seem obvious, he adds that the effect goes well beyond the people with whom we have direct contact. When one person becomes happy, the effect can spread by three degrees, which includes friends of friends.
The researchers assessed people's responses to survey questions, including: "How often during the past week would you say: 'I enjoyed life? I felt hopeful about the future? '"
Of course, happiness may come in waves and, as a result, there are challenges linked to studying happiness. But, when you consider the belief that there are only 6 degrees of separation linking people, and that we can influence 3 degrees of those people, it is quite a remarkable notion that if we make an effort to be truly happy (no, not the fake stuff!) then we can have a profound effect on those around us.

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An idea that you can change your life

A few years ago I was lost. Frustrated. Scared. Unsure. Anxious. Trapped. Unfulfilled. Stuck in a dead-end job. Smothered by society's expectations. Didn't have a clue what I wanted to do with my life.I cared for myself enough to change my life, but I didn't have the slightest clue where to start. I spent my days wishing that things would change-that I could escape a life that my soul could no longer bear.The worst part of all, I was living the life that society had always told me to live. "Find a secure job, work hard," they would say. "Get a solid job and work your way up the ladder."I don't know about you, but it turns out that for me, the "right thing to do" sucked the joy out of life.Imagine feeling trapped in an unsatisying existence. Wasting your precious time doing things that you really don't want to be doing. Being afraid to express your uniqueness. Having fun on the weekends then dreading the upcoming week. Maybe you don't have to imagine it; maybe your life is just like mine was, few moments of satisfaction drowned out by a constant grind of work that doesn't fulfill you.Then something hit me. It was a proverbial hammer to my head. I'd heard it before, but it had never sunk in. Then, as if out of nowhere, a voice in my head spoke loudly and clearly.

"Discover who you truly are and fully give every aspect of your uniqueness to the world. This is your path to an extraordinary life. "I followed this wisdom as if my life depended on it. And I can tell you that my life has changed for the better since I followed this guidance.I can tell you without any doubt that the greatest piece of wisdom that I've discovered in my life thus far is this:

If you want to live an extraordinary life it is imperative that you know who you truly are, and to do so you must explore who you truly are.These 6 questions changed my life forever. They will also change your life forever by allowing you to find your true self, and in doing so, discover why you've been born into this great world.I'm not talking about the "self '" that others demand you to be or the self that acts a certain way to fit in and conform with what society accepts. I'm talking about the true you-the you who wants to authentically express your special and unique qualities to the world.By answering these questions you will discover your unique passions, strengths, values, desires, and motivations, which are all yearning for your expression.You have a unique purpose. Discovering the answers to these questions will allow you to align yourself with that purpose and bring real magic into your life.Self-knowledge is the greatest knowledge that you will ever acquire. Why? Because your ability to fulfill your unique internal drive will determine your ability to fulfill your potential, which in turn determines the quality of your life.The questions below are designed to help to know yourself deeply and find what is truly important to you. We all have an unexpressed potential; the exercises are specifically designed to help you find yours.

1. What do I absolutely love in life?
List anything that you love about the world and the people in your life. Think about any activities that get you excited and enthusiastic and make you feel most alive. This can be absolutely anything: music, sports, cooking, teaching others, learning, watching movies-anything. Within your love for these things lies deep passion.
2. What are my greatest accomplishments in life so far?List all of the moments that you are proud of as well as the times that you've succeeded. To have accomplished these, you would have used some of your key strengths. See if you can identify why you succeeded. Also, list any activities, hobbies, or anything else that you do that you complete with ease. Within these lie greatest strengths.

3. What would I stand for if I knew no one would judge me?List everything that you would do if you weren't afraid, even your wildest dreams. This will help you discover your greatest values.

4. If my life had absolutely no limits and I could have it all and do whatever I wanted, what would I choose to have and what would I choose to do?Describe your ideal lifestyle. List what you would do throughout the day if you knew that you were bound to be successful, what kind of person you would be, how much money you would earn, and where you would live.This question allows you to realize who you would truly want to be if there were no limits. By aligning with this you can begin working towards the life that you truly want to create. Know that you wouldn't have a desire if you didn't also have the ability to fulfil it.

5. What would I do if I had one billion dollars?List everything that you would really love to do if you had all the money in the world. Okay, so you would probably travel the world, buy a house or two, and give some money to your family. Then what would you do with your time?This question helps you to think without limitations. When we are able to remove limitations and boundaries, we can discover what we really want to do.
6. Who do I admire most in the world?List your greatest inspirations and the qualities that you admire about these people. Think about what really inspires you in this world. What you admire about others is also a quality that is in you. Know that you admire someone because they have similar qualities to you.Taking the time to answer these question will change your life. The more that you can implement your passions, strengths, values, desires, and motivations into your days, the happier your life will become!You can study to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or anything else, but this knowledge will only take you so far. Meanwhile, discovering the deep wisdom of self-knowledge will ensure that your life is far more meaningful and fulfilling. I've got a feeling that is what Einstein meant when he said "Information is not knowledge."The most valuable knowledge that you will ever discover is, and always will be, within.

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Traditional Handicrafts of Morocc

If there is but one travel tip Journey Beyond Travel can impart before your Moroccan adventure, it would be this: pack light. After all, the less you pack, the more room you’ll have for the endless number of crafts and souvenirs you’re bound to pick up along the way!

Morocco is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, dynamic colors, and amazing diversity, all of which comes through in its art. Even if you think you’re not the type to get weighed down with trinkets, be prepared; your first glimpse of a Tafraouti slipper may convince you otherwise.

Moroccan handicrafts are as diverse and unique as the country itself, and the perfect memento of Fes will be altogether different from what jogs your memory back toEssaouira. What’s more, what you find will truly be in the spirit of the place. After all, Morocco has not fallen prey to mass-produced goods. Indeed, almost everything you see will have come from just a few yards away, where traditional artisans still ply their trade in small workshops and community cooperatives.

The following are just a few of the goods Morocco has on offer:

Slippers – Moroccan footwear, often called babouches, is handmade from locally produced leather. While they are ubiquitous throughout the country, Fes is the place to find some truly unique and well-made slippers. The famous Fes tanneries supply the raw materials, and you can watch as master craftsmen sew their latest creations in the small shops that line the medina alleyways. If you stay further south, Tafraout is also known for its footwear. However, unlike the more monotone Fes variety, Tafraouti slippers are embroidered in bright, almost psychedelic patterns.

Rugs – Marrakech and Fes are both excellent places to hunt down the perfect carpet. A guide can help you pick out the different patterns, colors and sizes, as well as give you some background on the origins of the many symbols and motifs in use. Don’t rush past smaller cooperatives, though. Many small towns have carpet and weaving co-ops that would happily show you their wares. In fact, if you already have something in mind, these smaller outposts are often happy to make a custom rug to order.

Lanterns – Moroccan lanterns are wonderful pieces of craftsmanship and can truly dazzle at night. Marrakech is home to most of the country’s lantern makers, but you can find them almost anywhere. Shop assistants can often help you track down certain shapes, sizes and colors, so be open and honest about what you’re looking for. Even if they don’t have it, odds are they know someone who does!

Wood Carving – This is where Essaouira truly shines. While wood carvers ply their trade throughout Morocco, there is something special to be said about the twuia wood found only on the south coast, and locals have been making good use of it for centuries. From larger chess boards and plates, to small boxes and children’s toys, sculptors have perfected the technique of drawing the beautiful from the seemingly mundane, and few visitors leave without at least a small trinket to remind them of the relaxed Moroccan sea coast.

Pottery – Moroccan pottery can vary wildly from place to place, but a few cities have truly put their mark on the ceramics trade. Safi is perhaps the most notable ceramic city, with large markets dedicated to their sale as well as a wide variety of shops and styles. Safi also offers a more relaxed atmosphere for shopping, and since the pottery is made onsite, you’re often dealing with the very men who created the plate in your hands. Outside Zagora,Tamegroute is known for its unique green-glaze pottery.

All this is to say nothing of the natural oils and dyes, knitwear, cooking supplies, tapestry, leather and innumerable other finds you’ll come across as you wander through the souks. Like so much in Morocco, you’ll get the most from your market day with an open mind and a little curiosity. Be prepared to take your time, and be open to whatever strikes your fancy!

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the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu

Welcome to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru. Prepare yourself as you are about to embark on a virtual tour exploring one of the most intriguing destinations on the planet. Don’t worry ... you won’t need heavy hiking gear or an experienced guide to tour the spectacular views and scenery the magnificent complex has to offer.

Start by viewing a virtual tour of Machu Picchu and then follow the map on your left to continue your journey....

A Brief Overview

 

7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range, the majestic city soars above the Urabamba Valley below. The Incan built structure has been deemed the “Lost Cities”, unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911. Archaeologists estimate that approximately 1200 people could have lived in the area, though many theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers. Due to it’s isolation from the rest of Peru, living in the area full time would require traveling great distances just to reach the nearest village.

Separated into three areas - agricultural, urban, and religious - the structures are arranged so that the function of the buildings matches the form of their surroundings. The agricultural terracing and aqueducts take advantage of the natural slopes; the lower areas contain buildings occupied by farmers and teachers, and the most important religious areas are located at the crest of the hill, overlooking the lush Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below.

Hikers, tourists, and the early explorers describe similar emotions as they climb their way through the Inca Trail. Many call the experience magical. Glancing out from the Funerary Rock Hut on all the temples, fields, terraces, and baths seems to take you to another time. Blending in with the hillside itself, many say the area creates a seamless and elegant green paradise, making it a must for anyone who travels to Peru.

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