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Many people believe that the stars can provide a lot of insight into ourselves, our past and our future. This information can include how, when, and with whom we are most likely to fall in love, although it can go a lot further than that too. This is not to say that astrology is the same as a chart of your destiny, so although the one you love may not be a perfect match for you in astrological terms, it does not mean that you should not create a relationship.

There are a few methods by which you can start to appreciate the universal forces that draw someone to their partner or anyone else. If you learn to interpret or even master these forces, you will also gain knowledge of how to make any relationship work better and learn to know yourself at the same time as well.

One of the best ways to begin, is to find a horoscope of yourself that seems fairly truthful. In this way you will discover a writer of horoscopes that you can trust. Not everyone is at the same level of advancement and this goes for horoscope writers too. Some are novices some are experts, most are in the middle and some are charlatans.

Once you have your own fairly accurate horoscope, get one done by the same person for the one you love or would like to get on with better. Try not to read too much into what you think you know until you know that you know it. For example, you might be a Capricorn (a ram), so it might sound logical to be weary of a Leo (a lion) as the two animals are enemies in real life. But learn more; do not jump to conclusions.

You can start to compare the two zodiac signs for complementary and contrasting qualities, likes and dislikes though.You can go into as much depth of detail about the ideal zodiac mate for you as you want. However, be very suspicious of letting the zodiac reading rule your life and decision-making. Do not give up on someone just because their horoscope appears to conflict with yours. Rather, use the information you read about the other person to connect better with them.

There actually are rather a lot of very informative books and web sites to help you on your mission to figure out the particulars of your zodiac match. So do some research and have some fun with it. However, be prepared to unearth a few surprises. You will most likely find that the author of the book or web site is closer to understanding you by your zodiac sign than you would ever have believed, which means that the author is probably fairly correct with your partner too.

Once you have been studying the zodiac for a time, you will look at people differently and you will be very inquisitive about other peoples’ star signs. You will want to know whether you can deduce a person’s sign of the zodiac and whether you can predict his or her reactions.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Welsh love spoons, or Wales in general, go to our website at Welsh Products Online

Barry Castle belonged to William de Barri in the 12th. Century, but was destroyed by Llewellyn Bren in 1316. Some say it was later rebuilt and used by the Cavaliers only to be destroyed again by the Roundheads, never to be reconstructed.

The Normans were hated by the locals and they had to build large mansions to protect themselves from the frequent attacks carried out on them from the people of the valleys and mountains. During the time of Henry III, there were 12 castles within six miles of Barry. In Glamorgan, there were 30 castles and in south Wales as a whole, 150.

Porthkerry and its church which lies on the wooded hill to the west of it are said to have taken their name from Ceri, who, in turn, is said to have founded a port there, ie ‘Port Ceri’. People say that Ceri ap Caid, the King of Essyllwg, lived in Porthkerry before the Christian era and that his bard, Corvinor, was the first to build a ship with sails and a rudder for the ‘race of Cymru’. Some believe that Ceri was a nephew or grandson of Caractacus (Caradog) and that he took over the leadership of the government in South Wales when Caractacus had to journey to Rome.

John Wesley preached in the Porthkerry Church and sometimes outside in the churchyard too between 1741 and 1743. Today, there are two very old churches still in use in Barry: St. Cadocs Church in Cadoxton and Merthyr Dyfan Church in Merthyr Dyfan. One-hundred-and-fifty years ago, Cadoxton was the largest village in the Barry area: thus, in 1844 the Parliamentary register contained 25 names: 20 from Cadoxton and five from Barry. The one church was dedicated to St. Cadoc, who had been accustomed to spend Lent on Flat Holm and Barry Island. The village (Cadoc’s Town)took its name from the church, which was founded in 800 AD.

Merthyr Dyfan Church, which is situated in the north of Barry, was founded in 600 AD and the name means Dyfan The Martyr. There were two saints of this name. The one travelled to Barry to convert the local people to Christianity and the other lived in the sixth century. He was the son of a Welsh chieftain. His sister was also martyred and the town of Merthyr Tydfil is named in her memory.

The Christian faith grew exponentially in the Vale of Glamorgan and in the middle of the 2nd. Century, Llewrwg, Prince of Siluria, became the first king, anywhere in the world of all time, to be baptized into the Christian faith. He sent to Rome for more Chritian teachers and was sent Dyfan and Fagan. The former was martyred near the site of the church and the latter was canonized. St. Fagan’s just outside Cardiff was named after him.

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South America will host the Summer Olympic Games for the first time in 2016, as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil was awarded the honor on Friday. Rio beat out the US choice of Chicago, Illinois along with Tokyo, Japan and Madrid, Spain to earn the right to host the games. Despite a high pressure effort from the American power elite–including President Barack Obama and TV gabfest queen Oprah Winfrey–Chicago was the first city eliminated from contention.

Bookmakers offered odds on the host city choice, with Rio listed as second favorite at +200. Chicago had been the wagering favorite at most books, particularly after President Obama got involved personally in the US bid effort. Chicago was bet as high as a -300 favorite, while Madrid and Tokyo were priced in the +250 range. Some suggest that Tokyo didnt deserve to have such short odds, but was the beneficiary of regional pride from the notoriously enthusiastic betting population of Japan.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, got the better of his US counterpart with a passionate speech that stood in marked contrast to Obamas typically baleful collection of talking points;

“It is a time to address this imbalance. It is time to light the Olympic cauldron in a tropical country.”

The Olympic committee was apparently swayed by this presentation and paid no mind to Rios many downsides. It is without a doubt the most dangerous of the finalist cities, where drug cartels and armed bands of thugs roam without impunity. Well do to Rio citizens are used to removing watches and jewelry before they drive anywhere lest they be targeted by carjacking brigands. Rios murder rate is also one of the highest in the world. Brazilian bid officials have stressed that security will be a priority at the games and it better be lest the Olympics turn into a bloodbath.

Some IOC members suggested that the summary dismissal of Chicagos bid was more of a rebuke of the notoriously corrupt USOC. The last two Olympics held in the US were tainted by crime and corruption. The’96 Atlanta Olympics were disrupted by a terrorist bombing, while the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games were marred by a well known bribery and corruption scandal. Some suggested that US President Obama’s quick and perfunctory visit was taken as more of an insult by the delegates than anything else.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on football betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory 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.

In the 18th. Century evidence of Neolithic man was discovered in the form of dishes, saws, knives, flints, a scraper, a prehistoric horn celt with obscure markings, a spokeshave and some arrowheads, amongst other things. Unfortunately, although these things reside safely in the Museum of Cardiff, no one thought it worth excavating at the time and now residences stand on the sites.

They also found an ancient Roman kitchen complete with utensils and food remains which appeared to have been abandoned in a hurry like the Marie Celeste. That wasn’t investigated either. In 1533, the King’s Antiquary, Leland, was told to tour all places where records were held. It took him nine years and his description of the island was as follows:

“It is about a mile in circumference and has good corn, grass and some wood, and there is no dwelling on the Island, but in the midst of it is a fair little Chapel of St. Baruch which is visited by many pilgrims. It took the name Barri from this holy man who was buried there and whose remains are yet on the Island”. (The Welsh name for Barry is Y Barri).

Vikings ravaged the coast of South Wales in the tenth century. They often took hostages from the monasteries, but they did not seem to want to live in the area. For a long tim, the island was known as the “Saints’ Retreat” or the “Island of Saints”. Afterwards, in the sixteenth century, it was inhabited by smugglers and pirates and was called the “Smugglers’ Fortress”. This became serious as it grew simultaneously with the rise of Bristol, Britain’s second largest port.

The island soon became the centre for smuggling and piracy in the Bristol Channel. In 1784, Barry Island became known as ‘The Fortress of Knight’. Kight was the most frequent and feared pirate in the channel but people were too afraid to speak out against him. He was also a local celebrity. His ship was armed and named ‘John O’ Combe’. The navy eventually routed him and he moved down to Lundy Island, which he also turned into a fortress. However, he and his successor, Arthur, went back to Barry so often that Customs requested the government to send a cutter to Penarth and 60 soldiers to Barry on permanent duty.

Rhoose was infamous for its wreckers and George II sent troops to break up the smugglers and wreckers. They landed at Aberthaw “the Rhoose men’s favourite landing zone, from where they could easily transport the contraband along Port Road to Cardiff, the main market for such things”. Several large caves were filled in while constructing the present day docks and it is likely that they were used by the pirates until they were moved on in about 1850.

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Portuguese politics managed at several various levels. The particular constitution and the laws made the first level. This formal framework of government often seemed strict, legalistic, and impenetrable, especially to outsiders. Yet, these types of constitutional and legal structures had been more obvious and much more easily understood compared to other levels of the Portuguese system of government.

The next level contains political parties and interest groups. Because of its legalistic tradition, a stringent separation endured within Portugal between the formal governmental system and the sphere associated with political parties and awareness groups. Portuguese were known to adhere to the official system of government yet to denigrate interest groups and political parties. While Portuguese democracy prospered through the 1980s, nevertheless, political parties and interest groups gained higher popularity as an integral part of the program of government.

Not like these first couple of levels, the third level of Portuguese politics was largely invisible and was probably the toughest for outsiders to go into and comprehend. This particular level contains the informal connections, family associations, interpersonal ties, kinships, and patronage systems which were so much the heart of the Portuguese political system. Seldom been vocal of or described by the Portuguese, had these interactions enabled the Portuguese system to work and to cut with vast layers of red tape.

Most of the informal networks that had long steered Portuguese matters were severely interrupted through the Revolution of 1974 when many displaced their property as well as their positions. On the other hand, several systems had been regained in succeeding years, and others were formed through the making new of completely new political and financial affairs. Understanding of this particular third level of Portuguese politics was crucial for the complete understanding of the particular formal and also the informal dynamics within the Portuguese politics.

Since the formation of the democratic republic and its constitution in 1976, four main political parties emerged; the CDS (Centro Democratica Social), PPD/PSD (Partido Popular Democratico/Partido Social Democratica), PS (Partido Socialista) and PCP (Partida Comunista Portuges). The PS and the PSD dominate the regional and national governments and also have similar base politics, both with focus on market economic system and pro- Europe. The particular President is chosen for five years, is commander in chief of the armed forces, and can serve a couple of consecutive terms. Other main parts of the government would be the Council of Ministers (the government), the Assembly of the Republic (the parliament) and the judiciary. The parliament comprises 230 members whom serve terms of 4 years and are elected using a form of proportional manifestation. The two independent areas of the Azores and Madeira also have their own legislative power and governments ever since 1976, and distribute legislative proposals to the Portuguese Parliament (Assembleia da Republica).

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Talented newcomers and well established Irish artists are well represented in the many artistic and cultural exhibits that Ireland offers visitors. From art centres and galleries in smaller towns to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, you will find a wonderful variety of artwork and artists here.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art showcases the work of well-established as well as fresh, new talent, most of it homegrown. They of course have international artistic and cultural exhibits as well, but if you are visiting Ireland, you may prefer to take in the local talent in paintings, sculpture, photography, installation and performance art on show here.

Throughout Ireland there are theatres and art centres exhibiting artistic work of various forms. The Signal Arts Centre in County Wicklow, The Old Market House Arts Centre in Waterford, The Dock in County Lentrim and the Inishaven Art Gallery in Donegal all offer the visitor an opportunity not only to view local artistic exhibits, but also to take in the heritage of the buildings they are housed in. Belfast has supplemented its thriving nightlife with a number of late-night art galleries, including the Belfast Print Gallery, Naughton Gallery at Queens, Catalyst Arts and many more. These galleries are open late into the night for visitors who want an alternative to another night in the pub, offering a variety of artistic and cultural exhibits.

Belfast’s variety of art galleries now offers late night openings at a number of its well-known artistic exhibits, including Catalyst Arts, the Engine Room Gallery, the Belfast Print Workshop Gallery and others. A welcome addition to Belfast’s nightlife, these galleries provide visitors with longer hours and an evening’s entertainment. Theatre-goers have a plethora of choice in Ireland too, with most towns and cities having a good variety of productions on show throughout the year. Some theatres form part of the local art centres, allowing visitors to soak up the cultural side of Ireland in a single location.

Children are not neglected either, with Dublin offering an 8000 square foot interactive museum with artistic, cultural and scientific exhibits to keep them entertained for hours. Imaginosity will enthral children of all ages.

No matter where you are in Ireland, you are bound to find an artistic exhibit of some sort. So many of the artistic exhibits are found in historic buildings, surrounded by beautiful countryside, that a trip to a gallery can take half a day just to take it all in. Ireland’s literary history is showcased as well, with many famous authors having roots in Ireland.

To find the best artistic and cultural exhibits in Ireland, look no further than the next town. Many smaller galleries provide a deeper glimpse into Irish artists and their work than their bigger city counterparts, and give you a good excuse to visit more of beautiful Ireland.

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Ireland’s rich history makes it the ideal tourist destination for those interested in the heritage of this beautiful country. No matter what part of Ireland you visit, you will find a wealth of historical places, buildings and sites to visit, some with fascinating legends behind them. In each county you will find Irish museums and historical places filled with fascinating artefacts and information about the history of the area.

If you are in Dublin, a visit to the National Museum of Ireland is a must. With four different locations, 3 of them in Dublin city itself, the exhibits feature over 4 million artefacts tracing the archaeological findings, natural history and heritage of Ireland. The fourth exhibit, in County Mayo, is the country life exhibit, tracing the roots of country life in Ireland. The decorative arts exhibit in Collins Barracks in Dublin provides a fascinating look at the history of artistic crafts for which Ireland is famous, including lace work, ceramics, metalwork and glasswork. The museum was opened in 1877, so the buildings the exhibits are housed in have historical value as well.

Each city in Ireland is home to a museum, exhibiting artefacts pertinent to the area. The Ulster Museum, Cork Museum, Galway Museum and others provide an opportunity to learn about the heritage of each county as you travel around Ireland. There is a Toy Museum, a Transport Museum and a Historic Science Centre in Dublin, but perhaps most fascinating is Dublinia, a museum dedicated to the Viking and Medieval history of Dublin.

There are about 83 castles in Ireland, featuring prominently on the itinerary for visitors wanting to see historical places in Ireland. Most of the castles were built between the 13th and 16th centuries, each with its own history and legends. Limerick Castle is of course home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone will give the kisser the ‘gift of the gab’, or the power of persuasion. Dublin Castle is now the seat of Irish Government, but was once the site of King John of England’s fortress, built around 1230. The Bedford Tower is the centrepiece of this building, which was built in 1761. Grange Castle in County Kildare boasts a 15th century tower house.

Religious sites to visit in Ireland include St Patrick’s Cathedral, where the present building dates from 1220, although the first church built on the site dates back to 1191. Ennis Friary, Glendalough, a sixth century monastery, St Colman’s Cathedral and many other magnificent churches and cathedrals are a must-see. Of equal interest are the many smaller churches in villages on the routes between towns. The magnificent architecture of these buildings, the beautiful interiors and fascinating history will interest most travellers to Ireland. Belfast City Hall, built in 1898, is another example of Irish architecture that should not be missed, with its classical Renaissance style exterior and distinctive green domes, the main one about 53 metres across.

Before you leave the Irish museums and historical places behind, be sure to visit some of the ancient sites dating back thousands of years. Megalithic passage tombs, though to have been built 5000 years ago, can be found at Fourknocks and Newgrange with its unexplained celtic spirals on the surface. If you manage to see a third of the Irish museums and historical places in a month, you will be fortunate. This beautiful country has a rich and fascinating heritage that will take months to fully explore.

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With so many causes to support, you may find it difficult to decide which charity organization in Ireland to support. The many charities found in Ireland address the needs of different people, and your choice of a cause to support will probably be based on your personal experience and a cause that is close to your heart.

There are many national charities in Ireland that depend on donations from members of the public and businesses to continue their work. National charity organizations in Ireland include various associations and foundations for particular diseases such as cancer, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis as well as mental health problems. The Carers’ Association, Hospice Foundation and other charities care for the terminally ill, elderly and disabled.

International charity organizations are represented through branches in Ireland as well. Organizations like the Irish Red Cross and Oxfam Ireland help relieve poverty and suffering in other countries, often brought on by war or natural disasters. Like most charities, they rely on the kindness of individuals who offer donations or volunteer to do some work for the organization. There are many local charities as well, many of which are located in areas where the most need is found. Homeless shelters such as the Simon Community and the Peter McVerry Trust as well as various support groups for suicide, abuse and addiction are found in smaller towns throughout Ireland.

The charity organizations and support groups for people suffering from specific illnesses or diseases do far more than just look after the patients. They offer counselling and support to members of the patient’s family, raise community awareness of the disease, which is often vital to help prevent the disease, and also raise funds to support research into cures. The Irish Deaf Society and Blind Society help to educate employers and their staff, providing employment opportunities for people that may otherwise be overlooked, despite their capabilities.

Perhaps the best known charity for children in Ireland is Barnatos. President Mary McAleese is the patron of this charity – the largest children’s charity in Ireland. The Bubblegum Club was established in 1994 to look after children with life-threatening diseases, and CARI provides sexual abuse counselling for children and their families. The ISPCC cares for children as well. The elderly are well represented too, with Age Action Ireland providing care for the elderly throughout Ireland.

No matter which charity organization in Ireland tugs at your heart strings, they all need support in the form of donations or volunteers to help them care for those in need. Supporting a charity organization need not take up huge amounts of time or money. Even a small monthly donation can make a big difference to someone’s life, and a few hours of volunteer work can help a charity continue to provide care to those who really need it. Many feel this is a small price to pay for the rewards you receive – in appreciation and the knowledge that you have given kindness and care to those less fortunate than you.

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There is far more to Ireland’s countryside than hills and mist. The spectacular beauty of the mountains, lakes and forest should not be missed, but there are many unexplained natural tourist attractions with fascinating legends that will amaze and delight tourists of all ages.

The Burren may not sound interesting, but is well worth a visit. A huge area covered in limestone, visitors can crawl through caves or rock climb to explore this amazing area. Home to plant species that are found nowhere else in the world, this area is also home to almost every species of butterfly in Ireland.

For the most spectacular views in Ireland, visit the Cliffs of Moher. These are the highest cliffs in Europe, and offer breathtaking views as far as the Connemara and Kerry mountains. Explore the ruins of ancient watchtowers, where approaching Vikings could be seen and warnings sent to keep them at bay.

The Giant’s Causeway may have a scientific explanation, but the legend seems far more reasonable. Huge basalt rocks are uniformly laid out, vertically, to create a walkway into the sea. Legend has it that Fionn MacCumhaill, a giant, threw the rocks into the sea to reach his wife in Scotland. Although science says the causeway was created by an eruption, the uniformity and almost paved nature of this natural attraction certainly lends more credence to the legend.

If mountains appeal to you, Ireland has no shortage of them. MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in County Kerry, apart from the wonderful name, is the mountain range that includes Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantushill. On the Inveragh peninsula, this mountain range is truly spectactular.

The Blasket Islands, off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, are a fascinating group of red sandstone rocks well known for their cultural and literary heritage. Great Blasket Island was abandoned in 1953, and has since been designated a National Historic Park.

The Connemara countryside is one of Ireland’s beautiful national parks. Covering 2000 hectares, the park is made up of bogs, lakes and forests, with the Twelve Bens crowning this landscape. Two nature trails provide spectacular views of Ballinakill Harbour, Inishbofin and Inishark. Within Killarney National Park you will find the three Lakes of Killarney, surrounded by mountains and amazing countryside.

Mystery surrounds the Celtic spirals on the surface of New Grange, one of three megalithic passage tombs found in Ireland. Fourknocks and Hill of Tara are the other two, believed to date back 5000 years. Hill of Slane is the site of the ruins of a Franciscan monastery built in 1512.

Awe-inspiring, logic-confounding and most definitely beautiful, the natural attractions in Ireland will provide scenes and landscapes that you will remember forever, and want to visit again and again. Whether you want to climb a mountain, drive through a national park, or take one of the myriad nature trails to see the views, you will love the natural attractions in Ireland.

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The scenic cycling tours and popularity of cycling in Ireland is playing an important role in helping Ireland become eco-friendly. As more people use bicycles as their primary mode of transport, Ireland is becoming a shining example for the rest of Europe.

Used as a way to exercise or for relaxation, cycling is already quite popular in Ireland. Government has introduced a ‘Bike to Work’ scheme intended to motivate more people to use a bicycle for their daily commute to and from work. The scheme offers tax exemption to employees for the purchase of a bicycle and related safety equipment, up to the value of 1000 Euros. The incentive is driven by employers, but the employees will benefit most. Not only do they receive the tax benefit, but they also save on fuel, spend less time in traffic, and stay fitter and healthier at the same time.

Although there is a need for improved cycling lanes, parking facilities and cyclist safety education, the number of cyclists in Ireland is growing. In 2009, 35 000 people cycled every day, an increase of 8% from 2007 figures. In Dublin alone, the number of cyclists grew by 4% that year. There are 209km of cycle lanes in Dublin, although at least a quarter of it is shared with buses. This number is expected to increase year-on-year as government initiatives continue to change the face of cycling in Ireland. At present only 3% of the total trips made in Ireland are by bicycle, a figure that the government is hoping the Bike to Work scheme will increase dramatically.

Comparatively speaking, Ireland is one of Europe’s most eco-friendly countries in terms of the number of cyclists they have. The tourist industry has long taken advantage of the scenic surroundings, offering cycling tours and holidays throughout much of the country. Whether you have planned a cycling holiday or not, you can easily find a bike to rent and set off on the many well-kept routes through the countryside. Instead of using a fuel-guzzling taxi or rental car, use your bicycle to ride to nearby sightseeing spots, or into town for a bite to eat or to grab a pint. Just think – you can eat as much as you want, since you’ll be working it off on the ride back to your guesthouse or hotel.

Out of the big city, cycling holidays are offered in many parts of Ireland, offering a relaxed, scenic trip through the country without leaving a carbon footprint behind you. Bicycles can often reach spots that cars cannot, particularly if you opt for a mountain bike, and you’ll be out in the fresh air – helping to keep it that way. There are many well-developed cycling routes in Ireland that afford visitors the opportunity to take in the sights and visit the attractions without the need for a car.

Various local initiatives are contributing the growth of cycling as a means of transport in Ireland. One ‘bike scrapping’ scheme in Mayo County allows you to trade your old bicycle for a discount on a new one. Not only does this help people to better equip themselves for cycling, it helps to improve bike safety and therefore the safety of the cyclists on them. It also ensures that the old bikes are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Whether you live in Ireland or are just visiting, help Ireland become eco-friendly, and use a bicycle to get around.

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