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Monthly Archives: January 2012

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

26 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: World

≈ 49 Comments

Tags

Accidental Spy Series, Arbat, Author Lada Ray, Bolshoi Theater, Gold Train, KGB, Lenin's Mausoleum, Moscow, Moscow Kremlin, Moscow Metro, Red Square, Russian culture, Saint Basil's Cathedral, St Basil's Cathedral, Tverskaya Street

“Want to talk about Russian history? Got a Millennium?” – Anthony Bordain, TV show host: No Reservations.

Russia‘s history is overflowing with revolutions, wars, change, as well as incredible achievements in science, technology, art, sport and literature. And its capital, Moscow, has always been at the forefront of it all.

I was born in Moscow, but my parents moved a lot for work and so, I spent part of my childhood in Kishinev (Chisinau), Moldova, and Odessa, Ukraine. However, I always maintained close ties with Moscow.

My aunt lived on famous Tverskaya Ulitsa (Tverskaya Street), Moscow’s principal street starting at the Kremlin Wall and Red Square and stretching all the way to the outskirts, where it would become the highway to St. Petersburg. Lined with posh hotels, restaurants and homes of the rich, it was the street used by the Russian Tsars and dignitaries on their visits to Moscow. More about Tverskaya here.

In GOLD TRAIN, Jade Snow walks along the “always noisy Tverskaya Street,” until she makes a sudden turn onto a quiet alley, leading to the fateful encounter with a mysterious and handsome stranger which would forever change her life.

Upon arrival, Jade and her Russian journalist friend Svetlana take a tour of Moscow, including the Red Square, complete with Lenin’s Mausoleum (above).

Above: The iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square. The most photographed building in the world.

Above: One of the Golden-domed Kremlin cathedrals.

Above: Russian Tsars’ crowns and scepters adorned with priceless furs, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. From the Kremlin’s Armory exhibit.

Above: Alexander Gardens by the Kremlin Wall, named after Russia’s Emperor Alexander.

Above: Spasskaya Tower with its famous clock. Kremlin’s main tower.

Above: New Year’s on Red Square.

Above: British Buckingham Palace Guards marching in the Victory Day Parade, May 9th, Red Square.

Below: For the winter months, part of the Red Square turns into the giant skating rink. Here you can skate to your heart’s desire, while enjoying some of the most dramatic and magnificent views in the world.

Together with Svetlana, Jade also visits Moscow’s pedestrian artists’ district, called Arbat.

It is here, on Arbat, that Jade hears the strange and disturbing predictions of the clairvoyant Gypsy, Rada. These predictions will set the wheels of Gold Train’s fast-paced action into motion.

Above: historic pedestrian street Arbat.

Alone in the unfamiliar country, Jade unwittingly finds herself embroiled in the net of lies, glamour, intrigue and alien ideals. In fact, she becomes so popular that it may be hazardous to her health. And Jade deals with this unwanted and dangerous popularity in the way that is guaranteed to surprise even the most seasoned reader!

Above, the FSB Building (former KGB), the infamous Lubyanka, which plays no small part in the book.

Later, Jade and Alexei take a stroll in the ancient city’s new attraction, the Sculpture Park, where scores of Soviet statues, monuments and plaques, complete with the statue of the KGB’s infamous first boss, Felix Dzerzhinsky, have found their final resting place.

In Gold Train, Jade says: “Moscow was indeed the city of contrasts. Noisy and quiet, in your face and retrospective, old and new – all at the same time.”

More views of Moscow – old and new, noisy and quiet – all at the same time:

Above and below: Modern Moscow.

Below: Beautiful Novodevichy Convent, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below: Moskva River.

Below: The famous main building of Moscow University.

Below: The Friendship Fountain, The historic All-Russia Exibition Center, formerly VDNKH (USSR).

Famous Bolshoi Theater, which just re-opened after a major renovation.

Bolshoi Ballet.

Dancing in Alexander Gardens

Moscow has so many facets and attractions, that all I can do here is barely scratch the surface. But I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope it will come handy when you decide to visit Moscow. :)

Companion posts:

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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How My Family Celebrates Chinese New Year of the Dragon!

24 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Chinese New Year, Chinese Year of Dragon, CULTURE: China, CULTURE: World, Feng Shui

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

ChineseNewYear, CULTURE: China, Dragon, Dragon dance, Dragon Year, Fireworks, Hong Kong, Lion dance, New Year of the Dragon, New York Chinatown, Red Auspicious Packets

I love celebrating Chinese New Year! My husband’s family is from Hong Kong, so Chinese New Year has a special meaning for us. My husband’s parents always have auspicious red Chinese envelopes stuffed with money, waiting for us when we visit.

The family dinner includes fish, shrimp and lots of auspicious vegetables – the symbols of prosperity. The house has to be brimming with red lanterns and envelopes, as well as oranges and mandarins, also symbols of prosperity and abundance.

Whenever we get a chance, we go to New York Chinatown to watch the Dragon and Lion Dances. All Chinatown restaurants are packed, reservations being made well in advance, each restaurant trying to outdo themselves and each other with the most creative and prosperous dishes imaginable. In addition to sharing the New Year’s festivities with family, it is also a fabulous idea to share your New Year’s meal with close and dear friends.

Above: Dragon Dance

During the Chinese New Year Celebration, various ceremonies are conducted to ensure the fortunate year ahead. This includes New Year’s parades, as well as Dragon and Lion dances. My personal favorite is the Prosperity Cart Ceremony, which I learned from my Hong Kong Feng Shui teachers.

Above: Lion Dance

Traditionally, the New Year’s celebrations last 15 days. Therefore, this year, the celebrations will continue from 1/23 through 2/6.

The year 2012 is very special, as it is the year of the Dragon, considered to usher in a very powerful energy of prosperity and renewal.

During the New Year, Chinese people will greet each other with pleasant words like:

Xin nian kuai le  – Happy New Year in Mandarin. Simplified Chinese: 新年快乐; trad. Chinese: 新年快樂.

Hao yun  – Good Fortune. Simplified Chinese: 好运, trad. Chinese: 好運,

Kung Hei Fat Choi  – Happy New Year in Cantonese (Literally: Congratulations and best wishes for a prosperous New Year!)

Cantonese language: shares the written word with Mandarin, but sounds different in its spoken version. It is the #2 dialect of China, spoken in Hong Kong and south of China.

Finally, Gong Xi (or ‘Gong Hei’ in Cantonese) means ‘Congratulations’, derived from the legend of ‘Nian’, congratulating each other to have escaped the harm of the beast.

Also, read my special posts:

‘Ultimate Energy and Power: Chinese Dragon’

‘Feng Shui Master’s Advice: Secret of True Prosperity’

Watch live! January 23 2012 Year of the Dragon Fireworks – Shangahai, China. Courtesy, Michael Edwards, who resides in Bangkok, Thailand and is currently visiting Shanghai for Chinese New Year.

I am very pleased to announce that Michael Edwards will be doing the eyewitness guest blog on 2012 New Year’s Celebrations in China right here, on Lada Ray Blog! His post will appear in the beginning of February! Don’t miss this very special event!

From our family to yours: Have a wonderful and prosperous 2012 – Year of the Water Dragon! Xin nian kuai le! Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Lada Ray

Author and Feng Shui Master

January 24, 2012

If you liked this post, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

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GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

22 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: World

≈ 21 Comments

Tags

Accidental Spy Series, action adventure, Author Lada Ray, Gold Train, Jade Snow Russia Adventure, Moscow, Moscow Metro, mystery thriller, New York City, Russian culture, Russian Metro, Saint Petersburg Metro, Soviet art, Soviet Union, St Petersburg

Above: Komsomolskaya Metro Station, Moscow

If you are used to the gloomy, dungeon-like New York Subway (sorry, dear New Yorkers,) as I am, absolutely nothing can prepare you for the gorgeous Russian Metro! Don’t get me wrong – I love New York, and it is my second home, but the City’s unbelievably ugly and outdated subway is a different story all together.

When I complain about it, my husband – a consummate New Yorker – just shrugs his shoulders: “It gets you from point A to point B!”

Yeah, right… Point A to point B. But what about beauty? Style? Aesthetics?

Well, in all truth, even if you come from Paris, London, or Vienna, with their much nicer underground transportation systems, you’ll still be amazed at the Russian Metro!

One of Moscow’s most popular tours is “A Day in the Moscow Metro.” I am not kidding! They actually take you on a day-long tour to ride from station to station, during which time they tell you all about the history and art featured in each. And the day, spent doing that, is likely to become one of the major highlights of your Russian trip!

Can you imagine doing something like this in New York? Ouch! Not a chance! The best I can do, if I have absolutely no choice but to take subway, is to try and get in and out as soon as possible. And I’d gladly ride it with my eyes closed, if it wasn’t too risky to walk up and down the stairs without looking.

In GOLD TRAIN, Jade Snow also samples the sumptuous Moscow Metro on the day of her arrival. But it is the St. Petersburg Metro that has special significance in the book.

Without further ado, presenting The Magnificent Russian Metro! 

Moscow Metro (Moskovsky Metropoliten) first opened in 1935. It is the second busiest metro system in the world after Tokyo’s Twin Cities subway. Length, 305 kilometers, 185 stations. Moscow Metro carries 7 million people per day!

Are you listening, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York Mayor and City Council?! Not only they get 7 million people from point A to point B each and every day, but also do it on time, in style and much more affordably, than New Yorkers could ever dream of! How do they do it? And why can’t you?

Above: Arbatskaya Metro Station, Moscow. As on this picture, tourists happily snap pictures of beautiful statures, chandeliers, frescoes and paintings.

Above: Kievskaya Metro Station, Moscow. One of the original stations, built in the 1930s. As in this mosaic, exquisitely performed Soviet art dominates some of the historic stations.

One of the absolutely amazing facts about the Russian Metro is that during WWII, it doubled as a giant bomb shelter – by far the most luxurious, comfortable and spacious bomb shelter in the world.

Above: Another historic Moscow Metro Station, complete with beautiful marble paneling and bronze statues. Take a look on the right! See the famous statue of the “good luck dog?” Notice his nose? It’s almost white. That’s because everyone who passes by this dog, rubs his nose for good luck. :)

More magnificent classic stations:

Below: several newer Moscow Metro Stations.

Below: One of the Museum Metro cars, complete with art decking its walls. No cattle car here!

And now, the beautiful St. Petersburg Metro!

Rivaling Moscow Metro in its splendor, and mainly built in the 1950s, it’s the 5th busiest metro system in the world. In addition, it is also the deepest underground system in the world, with some stations placed well beneath the Neva River bed.

Above: Pushkinskaya Station, St. Petersburg. Monument to the Russian writer, Alexander Pushkin.

Above and below: more palacial St. Petersburg Metro Stations.

One of GOLD TRAIN’s most dramatic and crucial episodes takes place at  Sportivnaya Station. “Sportivnaya” translates as “Sports,” and the theme is that of the Ancient Greek Olympic Games.

I chose Sportivnaya Station for a reason. I don’t want to give away the plot for those, who haven’t read the book yet, so I’ll just remind everyone that Ancient Greece is considered the cradle of democracy and that all wars stopped during the Greek Olympic Games. Both of these facts have special significance, as those, who read the book, would recognize.

Below: Sportivnaya Station with its Ancient Greek theme.

More images of Sportivnaya Station.

  The incredibly deep Metro escalator, reaching all the way under the Neva River bed, much like the one, Jade Snow boarded in GOLD TRAIN.

One of the St. Petersburg Metro entrances, much like in the dramatic GOLD TRAIN episode.

Companion posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

20 Friday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: World

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Accidental Spy Series, action adventure, Author Lada Ray, Gold Train, high speed train Sapsan, Jade Snow, Moscow, Moscow-St. Petersburg express, mystery thriller, Odessa Ukraine, Russian culture, Russian Empire, Russian Railways, Russian trains, St Petersburg

Trains and travels are in my blood. I was born in Moscow, and my parents both worked for Russian Railways. When I was barely two, they were transferred first to Kishinev (now, Chisinau) Moldova, and later, to Odessa, the beautiful city on the Black Sea, now part of the Ukraine. As part of my parents’ job benefits, I always had free railroad tickets, the privilege, I enthusiastically abused for years.

There is a huge train-centric culture in Europe in general, and in Russia in particular. Something, that is probably very difficult to understand in the US, with its car dependent culture. There is always something romantic and breathtaking about a train journey through the night, when everyone’s asleep and the rythmic song and sway of the rails makes you think about far away lands and the fascinating discoveries awaiting you at tomorrow’s destination.

Trains have always had a soothing effect on me and when I was little, I loved sleeping on a train. In GOLD TRAIN, Jade rides on a sleeper express from Moscow to St. Petersburg, sharing a compartment with a retired Russian teacher. This scene resonates deeply with my childhood memories.

The idea for the Gold Train took root, when I first heard the story of the lost Russian Imperial Treasure. I knew right away that it was my book to write.

It starts in 1918, during the Russian Civil War, as the special steam engine train, carrying the Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire by Lenin’s personal decree, is attacked, and the treasure disappears into the night.

Then, the action fast forwards to present day New York, as international journalist, Jade Snow, prepares for her unexpected and exotic assignment to Russia, to investigate the mystery of the Gold Train.

Action steams full speed ahead, as Jade arrives to Moscow and finds herself a pawn in a deadly game – the game, she is forced to play.

Various trains play a big role in the story, including the high-speed train Sapsan, the Moscow-St. Petersburg sleeper express, as well as the luxurious, one-of-a-kind Russian Metro. I’ll have a separate post for the Russian Metro, with beautiful pics and videos – well worth watching – in  a couple of days.

But today, let’s talk about the fascinating world of Russian trains!

Russia is a relative new-comer to the high-speed train market. Its new high-speed train is called Sapsan (Moscow-St. Petersburg-Moscow.) The name was chosen well, as “Sapsan” is a variety of hawk, considered to be the fastest bird in the world.

Sapsan, the first Russian bullet train, currently shares tracks with regular train traffic and because of that, “only” achieves speed of 250 km/hr. It is also larger, than its European counterparts. New tracks, being built now, will allow it to travel at its optimal speed of 360-380 km/hr. More high-speed lines are porjected to be built in the next several years.

It takes 3 hrs 45 min to get on Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg, while an overnight express takes 7-8 hrs.

Check out these cool videos:

Sapsan at High Speed http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay?feature=mhee#p/f/83/MqtWZZDxqes

Another video ‘The Fastest Trains of Russia’ starring the cutest kitty :)  http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay?feature=mhee#p/f/82/9eURuvwG3Lo

Moscow – St. Petersburg trains:

Nikolayevsky Express

Red Arrow Express

First Class compartment, much like the one in which Jade traveled from Moscow to St. Petersburg

 Russian express train corridor

Companion Posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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Secrets of Effective De-Cluttering: Reclaim the Health of Your Space

19 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Chinese New Year, Chinese Year of Dragon, Feng Shui

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Chi, clutter, de-cluttering, Energy, Feng Shui, Home, South East, your space

Secrets of Effective De-Cluttering: 

Reclaim the Health of Your Space

Originally published in Magic Bird Feng Shui, 2005

when several people in one day approached me with the same question: “How do I de-clutter my home?  And how do I de-clutter my business space?”  I knew the time for this article has come! 

In Feng Shui terms, clutter represents stagnant, old, dying energy.  It prevents the free flow of Chi, the life giving force that is necessary for us to feel vibrant, positive, successful, and have you guessed? …HAPPY. 

It has become a cliche of sorts, everyone knows they need to de-clutter. In our consumer oriented society having many things – some unfortunately useless – is a norm. 

We buy things & clothes when we feel down, when we need a boost, when we want to lift our spirits. The logic behind that is correct: new items brought into our space bring fresh energy with it. However, here is a problem: when you buy while feeling sad or depressed, chances are you will buy the wrong item(s). Items you have no use for will reflect your low energy level & your state of mind at the time. It is like eating cake when we feel lonely or depressed – we want to boost our energy, instead we are cluttering our body with waste. 

The same happens with our home or office. When feeling lonely, depressed, or wanting to bring a new energy into your space, buy high quality uplifting art, crystals, great music, or acquire high quality & effectiveness Feng Shui remedies & energizers, designed specifically to boost the CHI level! Much like eating fruit instead of cake, and vitamins & minerals instead of beer will strengthen the life force of your body, such items will increase health & vitality of your space! 

Going back to the issue of de-cluttering. While you may know you need to de-clutter, you may feel it is too much of an effort. Some get discouraged in the middle of the project & abandon it all together. How to start & what to focus on seem to be the main questions.

Here is some advice I give to my clients when I hear such complaints:

Do your de-cluttering little by little. When you de-clutter, you stir up a ton of wasteful, stagnant energy. Much like when you are cleansing, all those toxins get stirred up in your body and temporarily you feel worse before you start feeling better. Same happens to your house. When you cleanse, if you do too much too fast, you may get sick. When you de-clutter too fast, your life may get worse temporarily as well! That is why sometimes de-cluttering projects get abandoned before completion.

Solution: de-clutter slowly, one room, or corner at a time. Gradual de-cluttering will allow your space & your psyche adjust to the new energy flow. Then rest a little & start a new corner, or a new room. Pace yourself over a course of a few weeks or months. At that time, bring only meaningful items into your space.  Use highly effective, thoughtfully acquired Feng Shui remedies & energizers (do not buy cheap trinkets – they are ineffectual & sometimes even harmful).  

Another important point: let your space tell you what your de-cluttering priorities are. Do not assume anything. One of my clients, when I told her this, said, “This makes sense! Sometimes, I would start de-cluttering the office, but it is like some kind of force is pulling me to the bedroom instead”. Do not resist that force! Our home, or office, believe it or not, is a living, breathing entity.  It has its own mind, its own needs & preferences.

Listen to it, tune into its vibrations. You may be amazed how much it will tell you! 

An example I often cite is that of my uncle. It took me several years to convince him to de-clutter the South East corner of his property. The South East in Feng Shui is responsible for wealth & prosperity. I had a hunch that my retired uncle never allowed himself to travel because he felt insecure spending his retirement money & the clutter in the South East corner was a contributing factor. We systematically cleared stacks of old magazines & papers accumulated there for years. The whole project took us a few weeks & in the end we felt exhausted. After it was complete, we uncovered some important missing papers, including cash & some greatly appreciated stock certificates. My uncle thought it was a miracle!  Apparently our de-cluttering efforts have liberated the energy of prosperity, as well as my uncle’s wealth luck that has been suffocating in that corner for years. His space literally started breathing. My uncle sold his stocks just on time: right before the crash & at the top! He used that money to boost his energy & horizons through world travel with his newly found sense of prosperity.

Just like with the above example, clutter in any corner of your home or office usually is a sure sign & a contributing factor to all kinds of problems in your life. When I am called on a Feng Shui Consultation, clutter immediately tells me what area of my client’s life is not flowing right. Invariably, my conclusions are confirmed by client’s complaints. 

Try to develop mindfulness toward clutter-induced life problems. For example, clutter in the kitchen indicates that residents are overwhelmed by the house maintenance. Clutter in closets indicates unwillingness or inability to deal with hidden issues. And clutter in the attic is a sign of not being able to part with the past. 

Word of caution! While de-cluttering, do not inadvertently create the opposite problem. It is important not to get carried away & overdo things.  Try not to clutter your space, but do not make it look too bare or clinical either. That applies not only to your living space, but also to your office.  Avoid the sterile, impersonal appearance that government offices, hospitals, and military installations are notorious for. Such places possess too much lifeless metal energy. Other examples are computer, machinery or trading rooms.

One of the neatest homes I have ever seen belonged to a financial consultant with a major wirehouse. He was certainly in no danger of clutter! In fact he feared clutter so much, that he would obsessively clean every day. Frankly, I’ve never seen a man’s home so neat. So neat in fact, that you felt uncomfortable staying there. Have you guessed, that the man had no life, except for his job?

So, remember that balance is key in Feng Shui! 

Ok, so we have successfully completed our de-cluttering process. Now what?

Exceptionally good compliment to de-cluttering is Space Clearing. There are some very good space clearing methods available on the market. Do your research to come up with the space clearing method that suits your needs. 

After all the dust (literally & figuratively speaking) has settled, we have made room for new, fresh energies. So fill it only with positive, life affirming energies of success, prosperity, joy, great relationships & wisdom. Just like filling your body only with good foods will give you more energy, filling your home or office only with high quality meaningful items, music, flowers, Feng Shui symbols & energizers will propel your life to the new exciting levels of accomplishment, peace & happiness. 

Good Luck & God Bless! 

Copyright 2005, Lada Ray

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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Feng Shui Master’s Advice: Secret of True Prosperity

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Chinese New Year, Chinese Year of Dragon, CULTURE: China, CULTURE: World, Feng Shui

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

abundance, Chinese Coins, ChineseNewYear, Energy, Feng Shui, flow of Chi, I ching coins, Kuan Kung, Laughing Buddha, Luck, Lucky bamboo, Prosperity, Red envelope, Symbol, Wealth

First, to answer a question I received from some of my followers: ‘Feng Shui‘ is pronounced: (feung-shway)

This article was originally published in Magic Bird Feng Shui, as well as The World of Feng Shui Magazine, 2004.

Feng Shui Master’s Advice: Secret of True Prosperity

I hear many complaints from clients, who despite making big money “have nothing to show for it”. Meanwhile, I also know some other people, who while having much smaller incomes live full, happy and truly prosperous lives.

In observing various cultures from around the world I can’t help but notice that the amount of cash in the bank, or a fat paycheck are not synonymous with prosperity. True prosperity is so much more than that! And alarmingly, a disproportionate number of complaints about lack of it originate from my American clients – some of the highest paid in the world.

What makes life prosperous and abundant is the feeling of life’s fullness, which in turn is generated by balanced enjoyment of fruits of one’s labor. This very positive energy can be attracted into one’s life by certain actions and attitudes, and discouraged by others.

Prosperity likes positive thoughts and dislikes negative ones. It is drawn to bright colors, space, light, and generosity. It doesn’t care for dull, dark and cramped atmosphere. And it certainly hates appearance and mentality of scarcity.

That’s why, no matter how much money you have, you will never have the feeling of prosperity and abundance in your life if your fridge is empty – not full; dining table brimming with papers – not fruit; and your house is dark and cluttered – not bright and tasteful.

So, what is the secret of true prosperity? And what can those, who lack the feeling of security and abundance, do to attract this valuable energy?

The bad news is that if you lack a feeling of true security, abundance and prosperity, the reason may be karmic. Karma belongs to the “Heaven Luck” portion of our trinity of Luck (Heaven – Mankind – Earth), while Feng Shui governs its Earth portion. They seem to belong to different “Universes” of our being.

The good news is that afflicted Feng Shui always seems to come with the territory. And any Feng Shui affliction can usually be minimized or reversed through clever use of specific remedies and enhancers. How exactly does this work?

Well, I like to define karma as “Lessons we must learn in this lifetime”. Therefore, positive intention of change helps overcome karma. If we focus our intention on correcting a Feng Shui affliction, we are on our way to learning our karmic lesson.

So whether your concern is karmic, or plain bad Feng Shui, don’t fret. Just start making positive changes and prosperity will come knocking on your door before you know it!

Some ways to make it happen:

1. Keep the front door into your residence or office brightly lit at all times! Light attracts yang energy, which brings activity, good news and, consequently, prosperity.

2. Keep a prosperous looking bowl of fruit on your dining table!  Eat at your dining table as often as possible, and make it look brimming with goodies. Eat only high quality nutritious foods. You’ll rip dual benefits: acquiring better health & sending the right message to the Universe: I am prosperous!

3. Always keep your fridge full of good, nutritious foods! In the old days in China, people kept rice in porcelain rice urns. Since rice was the main food staple in Asia, the family rice urn was considered a depository of family’s prosperity. To ensure a never-ending prosperity, the urn was kept full at all times. Today, we consider the fridge an equivalent of the ancient rice urn. Therefore, even if you live alone or eat out a lot, keep your fridge prosperous!

4. De-clutter your house – who knows what treasures you may uncover, when you do! Last year I finally convinced my Uncle to clean up the Wealth Corner of his house. After removing several years’ worth of papers and rubbish, we recovered several valuables, including $10,000 in cash! My Uncle was pleasantly “shocked” at this miracle, but, his forgetfulness notwithstanding, the simple fact is that de-cluttering liberates energy that has been confined and suffocating, and may bring unexpected wonderful things into your life.

5. Always take good care of the universal Wealth Corner of your home or office. That’s where, according to Feng Shui, the energy of Wealth resides! Located in the Southeast, it is the area of small wood, thus, fill it with healthy, green plants. Plants are synonymous with growth and prosperity. Include here Lucky Bamboo, Money & Orange Trees. Yang, moving water is also a good energizer. (Note: do not keep plants or water in the bedroom.)

6. Take very good care of your Personalized Success Direction. This direction is different for everyone and is determined by calculating you Lucky (KUA) number, based on your year and date of birth.

7. In traditional Feng Shui, it is considered very important to preserve wealth and avoid flushing it away. Therefore, make sure you don’t have a toilet in one or more of the following locations: 1. The Southeast – Universal Wealth Sector; 2.Your Personalized Success Sector; 3. Right next to the main entrance; 4. Facing the door into the kitchen or dining room. Flushing a toilet in these areas symbolically flushes away all your wealth and prosperity.

8. Feng Shui is very symbolic. Keep Good Luck Symbols that attract wealth and prosperity in your house. Some of the preferred symbols are: the Lucky Money Toads, I Ching Coins tied with red ribbon, Laughing Buddha, Kuan Kung (God of Wealth), images of Auspicious Birds, and a Citrine Crystal Money Tree with 9 I Ching Coins tied to the branches.

9. Donate your hard-earned money to charity & give presents to your loved ones. My friend’s mother-in-law often says: “Money has to change hands, otherwise it gets stale”. Every family gathering she gives out envelopes full of money to all four of her grandchildren. This old Russian lady is neither Ph.D. in Economics, nor a Feng Shui Master, but she’s got it right! Instead of fear: “What if I don’t have enough money to last me in retirement?” she confidently declares to the Universe: “The pie is big, there is enough for everyone!” Meanwhile, her grandchildren are taught from an early age the true meaning of abundance. Interestingly enough, this old lady never made more than $30,000 a year, but she always has money. In fact, Feng Shui hates the void, so when you spend money for a good cause or for your loved ones, the Universe rushes in to fill your wallet again.

There are many other powerful ways to bring prosperity into your life. But the above suggestions are a good start. Start the New Year right by making the above changes and by sending your intention to the Universe. Don’t postpone abundance, and don’t skimp on prosperity. Life is short – enjoy it to the fullest here and now!

Original photography: Lada Ray

Copyright 2004 Lada Ray. All rights reserved.

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray


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GOLD TRAIN: Who is This Mysterious Alexei?

14 Saturday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Accidental Spy Series, action adventure, Author Lada Ray, Da Vinci Code, FSB, geopolitical thriller, Gold Train, Jade Snow, KGB, Moscow, mystery thriller, romance, Russia, Russian Emperor, Upper West Side

For the fans of the Da Vinci Code and Jason Bourne, comes this gripping new mystery/thriller, set in Russia and based on true historic events!

“Alexei” is pronounced (Ah-lek-sáy) with emphasis on “say.”

Alexei is the iconic Russian name, whose popularity never dwindled through many centuries of use. The name “Alexei” is especially symbolic in GOLD TRAIN as those who read the book would appreciate, because it is also the name of the last Russian Tsar Nicolas’s son and Heir to the Russian Throne.

In GOLD TRAIN, international journalist Jade Snow travels to Russia to investigate tantalizing mystery of the lost Imperial Treasure, instead, she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy threatening to change the fate of the world’s largest country and, perhaps, the future of the entire world.

At the same time, Jade finds something she, a happily married woman with a small child and a lovely apartment on New York’s Upper West Side, never expected – forbidden passion defying time and space. The man Jade meets is unlike any she’d ever known. Who is this mysterious Alexei with a sexy smile no woman seems to be able to resist? And can she trust him?

As Jade and Alexei race against time and their destiny unfolds, we learn all about Alexei’s incredible background and amazing abilities.

If I had to draw Alexei, this is what he’d look like. See the picture above.

Read companion articles:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro 

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories 

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Accidental Spy Series

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Accidental Spy Series

13 Friday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN, CULTURE: Russia

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

5 star thriller, Accidental Spy Asia Adventure, Accidental Spy Russia Adventure, Accidental Spy Series, Author Lada Ray, Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, Gold Train, Green Desert, Iraq, Jade Snow, Moscow, mystery thriller, Russian culture, Russian Empire, Stepford USA

The JADE SNOW INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE SERIES idea was born several years ago, when I was flying through Dubai to Asia. In Dubai I met American journalists, returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, who told me stories of their adventures. As I was leaving Dubai, the picture of Jade Snow, a young, beautiful and spirited international journalist, who’d worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, appeared before my eyes. It occured to me that she would make a great heroine for an international mystery/thriller series.

A beautiful and witty red-head with unusual blue-green eyes, budding psychic powers and rare talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Jade Snow is the protagonist of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series and of GOLD TRAIN, the gripping mystery/thriller, set in Russia and based on true historic events. When she gets married, this international journalist gives up her promising career to raise her little daughter, Lara.

But as the unexpected and exotic assignment drops in her lap, she jumps at the chance to restart her career and reconnect with her Russian roots. She gets much more than she’d ever bargained for!

When Jade travels to Russia, amid the magical settings of St. Petersburg and Moscow, she must uncover a dangerous conspiracy, find the world’s largest treasure and experience forbidden passion, defying time and space.

As she finds herself a pawn in a struggle between forces beyond her control, she also meets the man, who’ll change her life forever.

Click to watch GOLD TRAIN Book Trailer!

Companion posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Who is This Mysterious Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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Ultimate Energy & Power: Chinese Dragon

12 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Chinese New Year, Chinese Year of Dragon, CULTURE: China, CULTURE: World, Feng Shui

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Chi, Chinese Zodiac, ChineseNewYear, Dragon, Dragon dance, Dragon Turtle, Dragon Year, Feng Shui, New Year, New York Chinatown, Year of the Dragon

Unleash the Power of the Dragon!

Original photography by Lada Ray

The Year of the Black, or Water, Dragon starts January 23, 2012. Note, the Chinese New Year Celebration normally lasts 15 days, so, January 23 is referred to as the first day of the New Year. More about how to celebrate Chinese New Year, in my future post.

The New Chinese Year is always celebrated with Dragon Dances. Each store and business in China, Hong Kong, New York’s Chinatown, as well as other Chinatowns around the world will welcome the Dragon and Lion Dancers inside during the 15 day celebration period, as it is believed to usher in the brand new, yang and auspicious energy of prosperity and success for the entire year.

And this goes double for the Year of the Dragon.

The beloved symbol of Chinese folklore and ancient art, Dragon is also considered the most recognized and important Feng Shui symbol to have in one’s home or office.

In the Imperial times, Chinese Emperor‘s robes were always decorated with a number of dragons. Because the power of the dragon was considered so overwhelming, there were restrictions, or even prohibitions on wearing clothes and displaying dragon images on part of Emperor’s subordinates, so that the power of underlings wouldn’t threaten that of the Emperor.

According to the System of 5 Elements, there are 5 types of Dragons. Each type of dragon visits us once every 60 years. Year 2012 is the year of the Water (Black) Dragon.

 

What to expect in the YEAR OF THE DRAGON? How does it differ from the other years of the Chinese Zodiac?

Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful years for business and innovation. It ushers in more Yang – aggressive, assertive – energy, than almost any other year in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Therefore, this year we should expect new developments in various revolutionary and alternative technologies. By the way, fellow Indie authors, this could be the year for you!

In general, starting your business is considered especially auspicious during the Year of the Dragon. This year will also be good for anything alternative.

On the other hand, the Year of the Dragon could signify more turmoil in both social and political spheres, as well as in nature. Sorry to say, natural, as well as man-made disasters won’t subside.

Famous Dragon: Vladimir Putin, who is guaranteed to win this year’s Russian Presidential Elections. For more on that, read my yesterday’s post ‘Year 2012 Predictions.’

Wishing you a Prosperous and Happy Year of the Dragon!

Remember to leave comments and subscribe to my blog!

Also, please read my future posts during THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON EXTRAVAGANZA!

Cheers to All!

Below is another beloved Chinese image, that of the Dragon Turtle, believed to combine the power of the Dragon with the Protection of the Turtle.

Copyright 2012, Lada Ray

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

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Year 2012 Predictions

11 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Chinese New Year, Chinese Year of Dragon, CULTURE: China, CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: USA, CULTURE: World, Feng Shui, Geopolitics & Economics, PREDICTIONS: 2012 & Beyond

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

12/21/12, Alternative, Angela Merkel, astrology, Chinese Year of the Dragon, crisis, Democrats, E-Publishing, End of the World, EU, Euro Zone collapse, Europe, Feng Shui, finance, French Presidential Elections, future, Indie Publishing, Kindle, markets, Mayan Calendar, New Year of the Dragon, Obama, Prophecies, Putin, Republicans, Romney, Russian Elections, Sarkozy, Social Media, United Russia, US Elections, world disasters, Year 2012, Year 2012 Predictions, Year of the Elections

Year 2012 Predictions

by Author and Feng Shui Master, Lada Ray

Scroll down to the end for the US Presidential Election prediction

and 10/28 update! 

First, a quick announcement: I’ve been planning to write:

BOOK OF PREDICTIONS – AFTER 2012

for some time now, but it’s been on hold due to other priority projects. I hope to write and release it this year, depending on my schedule.

What qualifies me to predict the future? In the past decade, I taught a number of my proprietary Feng Shui courses and did lots of consultations, in addition to writing about Feng Shui and spirituality for various publications around the world. As part of my speaking and writing, I made predictions about certain events in society and our lives, as well as advised clients on various real estate and investment-related matters.

My various predictions usually came true. As a quick example, I sold my own real estate property in 2005 – at the top – and advised my clients to do the same. Those, who followed my advice, cashed in very nicely. To find out more about me, check out my bio.

My predictive methodology is complex and consists of several parts.

  1. As a former financial consultant with Smith Barney (Citigroup,) I understand the market movements.
  2. Having lived in various countries, under various social systems, including socialism and capitalism, and having observed and studied the geopolitical mechanisms that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as those in the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America, I understand the driving forces in the world today.
  3. I also draw on Western Astrology, which, together with other predictive methods, is a great tool.
  4. Feng Shui, especially the Theory of Five Elements, along with Chinese Astrology,  is also helpful.
  5. An important element in my predictions is the powerful Oriental System of Long Cycles, very little known, and even less understood today. Feng Shui, in its most profound and true manifestation, shares the same philosophy. I studied this system with revered Hong Kong Masters of Feng Shui. Since space in a blog post is limited, I intend to talk more about it in the upcoming BOOK OF PREDICTIONS.
  6. Last, but not least: While I do not consider myself psychic, although some may beg to differ, in my predictions, I rely heavily on my intuition, which has never let me down.

Without further ado, let’s get to the core of the issue. The Year 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese system, and it also has been called the Year of Elections. So, what does this year hold in store for us all?

First, something that has been done to death (no pun intended) in books and film: Should we expect the End of the World on 12/21/12?

The short answer is – ABSOLUTELY NOT! The above date, when Earth forms a direct line with the Galactic Center, will be a non-event and will go absolutely unnoticed by most humans. Some may feel more emotional and high strung, but it could be because these people are feeling the nervousness of others around them. However, the world will keep spinning, and life on Earth will go on.

The long answer is more complex. There are very powerful, LONG TERM changes at work. Those of us who are currently involved with, say, Indie Publishing, or Social Media, and some other areas, are actually at the forefront of these changes.

Suffice it to say that humanity is going through a massive transformation of consciousness, which will last for the foreseeable future, and at times, may be painful and confusing.

But these changes are gradual, although some manifestations are visible in cataclysms and events of today. Examples include: Japanese tsunami and Fukushima disaster, Gulf of Mexico oils spill, the Occupy Movement, Egypt Revolution, US/Europe Economic Problems, The BRICS, Kindle and Indie Publishing Revolution and many others.

Please read more about these events and changes in my upcoming books: THE EARTH SHIFTER (a fantasy/thriller) and BOOK OF PREDICTIONS (non-fiction.)

For more about my books, please visit: LadaRay.com

What to expect in the YEAR OF THE DRAGON? How does it differ from the other years of the Chinese Zodiac?

Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful years for business and innovation. It ushers in more Yang – aggressive, assertive – energy, than almost any other year in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Therefore, this year we should expect new developments in various revolutionary and alternative technologies. By the way, fellow Indie authors, this could be the year for you!

In general, starting your business is considered especially auspicious during the Year of the Dragon. This year will also be good for anything alternative.

On the other hand, the Year of the Dragon could signify more turmoil in both social and political spheres, as well as in nature. Sorry to say, natural, as well as man-made disasters won’t subside.

Read more about the powerful Dragon in my tomorrow’s post, right here, on Lada Ray Blog!

2012 is called THE YEAR of ELECTIONS, with something like 40 countries going to the polls to elect new Heads of State. This includes the big three: Russia, USA and France.

My friends will tell you that I could talk for hours about geopolitics, but due to the confines of the blog space, I’ll be brief and discuss the big three. Also, just to mention, I am a ‘political atheist’ and do not participate in any political party. My analysis is based on logic, facts, intuition, Chinese Astrology and Theory of Long Cycles.

I will go with plus 2, minus 1.

RUSSIA, Presidential Elections, March 4, 2012: Vladimir Putin will win easily enough, although, due to the crowded field and according to the Russian electoral rules, he may only get clear majority in the second round. Protests on part of the Communists and assorted opposition will continue, and electoral fraud will be alleged again, whether it took place, or not.

However, between now and March, Putin and the ruling United Russia Party will make all the right moves, and Putin will end up securing anywhere between 55 – 68% of the votes. 55% may be way too low. Low to mid 60s is probably the right percentage.

While Russians could afford to play around with the results of the Duma elections in 2011, they’ll treat Presidential Elections much more seriously. Putin means stability, and everyone will remember that. Russian social, economic, political, financial, police and army reforms will continue in a controlled fashion during Putin’s Presidency. I will try to discuss Russia’s future in detail in my BOOK OF PREDICTIONS.

There is one more, esoteric, reason for Putin’s win: He is a DRAGON, according to his Chinese Zodiac sign. 2012 will be much better for Putin, than 2011, as the power of the Dragon is fully behind him this year! ;)

USA, Presidential Elections, November 6, 2012: Republicans will pick Romney, who is perceived as the man of the middle, and therefore, appears a safe bet. And Romney will NOT beat Obama. Because, as one rapper said, speaking at Occupy Wall Street, “Obama is ten times the campaigner, as he is the President.” The rapper, whose name I won’t mention here, added, “And I mean it as a compliment, Mr. President!”

In short, USA will remain sharply divided along partisan lines. Obama will narrowly win another 4-year term.

Meanwhile, various protests will continue and intensify. Emergence of a third party is very possible, fueled with disillusionment with the establishment and election results.

What happens during Obama’s second term is another story altogether, and I’ll  discuss it later in my BOOK OF PREDICTIONS, as well.

Ah, yes, in case anyone’s wondering, Barack Obama’s Chinese Zodiac sign is the OX, considered along with the Dragon, one of the most powerful signs. Obama is in good company here, as the Ox is the sign of a world leader and can also be rather charismatic. He shares it, infamously, with Saddam Hussein. But also, with Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana and Jane Fonda. ;)

France, Presidential Elections, April 22-May 6, 2012: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, together with Angela Merkel of Germany (whose re-election is not until 2013, and I’ll talk about her chances on another occasion) will do everything in their power to reassure the Europeans and the markets in 2012, and will pull a rabbit out of the hat, if necessary. Watch for various announcements from the Eurozone, directed at flooding the system with cheap money, more bailouts, etc.

However, the Eurozone crisis will deepen, with more countries teetering on the brink of collapse, and French elections will happen at the most inopportune time for Sarkozy. Openly right wing and considered the only neo-con, able to win the election, he’s deeply disliked in his country, and will lose.

Again, in case anyone’s wondering, Sarkozy’s sign is the HORSE. Maybe, that’s why the long face. ;) Just kidding, all you, fabulous Horses, out there! The Horse is a very cool and fortunate sign!

Wishing you a terrific and auspicious Year of the Dragon! Please like and comment to let me know what you think about my predictions!

P.S. On 1/13/12, only two days after I posted my prediction about Sarkozy losing the French elections, S&P downgraded French debt, stripping it of it’s coveted AAA rating. France was downgraded along with 8 other Eurozone countries. This move, as analysts unanimously agree, spells disaster for Sarkozy in the upcoming elections. And it also signals that the Eurozone problems are bound to intensify this year.

Update 10/28/12:

Russia and France voted exactly as I originally predicted on 1/11/12, GOP nominated Romney, and there are clearly 3rd parties emerging in the USA. Two Third Party Presidential debates are being hosted by Larry King and aired by RT America (First debate took place several days ago and is available on Youtube; second – foreign policy – debate will air and be posted on Youtube on 10/30).

Upcoming US Presidential Elections: no change from the original 1/11/12 prediction! Obama wins narrowly, with less than 5%, possibly less than 3% advantage.

It is interesting to note that, while in the USA the vote will be very close, abroad it’s not even a contest. Based on multiple surveys and polls from over 20 countries, Romney gets more support only in Pakistan, which is attributed to the Pakistanis’ irritation with deadly drone strikes, not so much to their preference of a specific candidate. Most countries have Romney in single digits, with Western Europe, especially France, favoring Obama by the widest margin.

My prediction: while Obama is far from ideal, no world leader (except, perhaps Israel’s Netanyahu) wants Romney as US President, in fact he scares everyone with his bellicose posturing. Foreign perception is that his angry rhetoric, lack of reason and restraint would make his presidency into Bush 2.0. By the way, this is also perception of much of the international investment community – and international investment community is seldom wrong.

It is naive to think that American elections happen in a vacuum. In our globalized and interconnected world, it should not be underestimated how much influence other countries and global community hold over any country’s policy and elections. In fact, I noticed that global opinion is the most accurate barometer of presidential election results in any country. For example, the international community at large (excluding USA and UK) wanted Putin to win (of course, there was really no contest anyway). In France, both the country and international perception were against Sarkozy, and sure enough – he lost.

 

Read my follow up articles/predictions regarding the elections in Russia, France and USA.

1. Russia Votes: Crash Course in Russian Politics

2. 2012 Predictions Update: Russian Elections

3. 2012 Predictions Update: French Elections and Eurozone

4. 2012 Predictions. Year of Elections: Russia, France – USA next!

I will be posting a follow up after the US elections, including my new predictions regarding the very important for the Eurozone German Chancellor Election 2013, including Angela Merkel’s chances.

Many have asked me to expand my predictions and talk about the future of financial markets, economic outlook for various countries and continents, as well as the future of world peace. I will try to post more of my predictions going forward. Stay tuned!

Copyright 2012, Lada Ray

Check out GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), rip-roaring thrill ride from Moscow to St. Petersburg, based on true historic events. It’s mystery, thriller, magic, and hot romance…

Paperback

Ebook

Paperback/ebook available everywhere

All buy links: Book Store

More about Gold Train: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For blurbs/excerpts/trailers – GOLD TRAIN and other books: LadaRay.com

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada

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Year of the Dragon Extravaganza

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Chinese New Year, Chinese Year of Dragon, CULTURE: China, CULTURE: World, Feng Shui

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

12/21/12, 2012, Author Lada Ray, Chinese calendar, Chinese dragon, Chinese New Year, Chinese Year of the Dragon, de-cluttering, Dragon, Prosperity, Year 2012 Predictions

.
CHINESE YEAR of The DRAGON
starts January 23, 2012
It is believed that the Dragon ushers in a special energy of prosperity and protection

To celebrate the New Year of the Dragon
AUTHOR & FENG SHUI MASTER, LADA RAY, announces:
YEAR of the DRAGON EXTRAVAGANZA
on New Lada Ray Blog!
January 11 – February 6, 2012

Event Schedule
January 11: LADA RAY’S PREDICTIONS: YEAR 2012
January 12: Ultimate Energy & Power: Chinese Dragon
January 13: GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, the GOLD TRAIN heroine
January 14: GOLD TRAIN: Who is this Mysterious Alexei?
January 16: Feng Shui Master’s Advice: Secret of True Prosperity
January 19: Start Year of the Dragon Right: How to De-Clutter Your House!
January 20: GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories
January 21: Lada Ray Interview with Larisa Vicente
January 22: GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro
January 24: How My Family Celebrates Chinese New Year of the Dragon!
January 26: GOLD TRAIN’S MAGICAL SETTING: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
February 1: Tsars, Oligarchs and Treasure: ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
GOLD TRAIN’S MAGICAL SETTING: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
January 25: GOLD TRAIN’S MAGICAL SE

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please like, comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

.
ForWishing Everyone a Happy & Prosperous Year of the Dragon!
.
.

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Green Desert

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Green Desert

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Allah, American Sergeant, anti-war, Barnes & Noble, BOOK: Green Desert, International Journalist Jade Snow, Iraq, Iraqi insurgency, Jade Snow Novella, mystery thriller, smart bomb, suicide bombing, terrorist, United States, University of Baghdad

GREEN DESERT

He dreamed about turning the Iraqi desert into a garden – what made him become a terrorist? When international journalist Jade Snow comes to Iraq to shoot a documentary about the Iraqi insurgency, she witnesses a suicide bombing of a truck, full of American soldiers. When two letters drop in her lap, she must take a chilling journey, as the suicide bomber and an American sergeant, killed in the attack, tell their stories from the grave. A riveting tale of tragedy, loss and undying hope!

A Jade Snow Novella

Category: short novella, anti-war, thriller, mystery

Word count: 12,000

Bonus: this edition of Green Desert Includes an excerpt from the upcoming thriller GOLD TRAIN, set in Russia!

Watch book trailer!

Sample a riveting excerpt below!

Sample/buy GREEN DESERT:

Amazon US

Smashwords 

Barnes & Noble

Complete information at http://www.LadaRay.com

GREEN DESERT

One day, the Iraqi desert will be a garden…again.

Mohammed al-Tikriti, suicide bomber, former University of Baghdad student

2008, Iraq

He looked up and wiped the sweat streaming down his face with a trembling hand. Eight am… Baghdad sun knew no mercy even at this hour. He must concentrate, just a few more minutes! He stood next to his shabby, dusty Corolla, with faded taxi markings on it. The alley was deserted and deathly quiet, as expected. But just down the hill, barely thirty meters away and fully visible from his vantage point, was the intersection of the busiest road in the city.

Almost time. They should be here any moment.

He took an envelope out of his pocket and almost decided to leave it by the gate of the nearest house, securing it with a rock, when he saw an American press crew – a cameraman and a tall, slim woman, disguised as a man (who was she kidding?) – setting up their camera straight on the intersection.

He simply couldn’t believe his luck! Allah is merciful, he didn’t desert him in this hour of judgment! He cast a quick glance around – and another stroke of luck! A young boy, no more than eight or nine, rounded the corner, carrying a heavy jug of water, and made his way through the alley.

“Hey, boy! Come here, little boy,” he called, waving temptingly his last two dollar bills. “Want to make some real American money?”

The boy nodded and cautiously edged closer.

He handed the boy the envelope. “I want you to give this after the explosion to that pretty lady, dressed as a man. Do you see her?”

The boy’s shrewd eyes shot in the direction of the American press crew, and he nodded, giggling. Then, another thought made him frown.

“What explosion?” he asked suspiciously.

“You’ll see,” said the mysterious man. “The most important thing, stay hidden right here until after it happens. Understood?”

The boy nodded.

The man gave him an encouraging smile and got into his Corolla. Time!

He started the motor and quietly rolled closer to the intersection. Immediately, he heard the rumbling noise of a huge American truck, then he saw it. Praise Allah! Yet another stroke of luck – the monstrosity was full of soldiers. A big man with sergeant’s insignia sat in the cabin, next to the driver. Good! He’ll aim right at him. An officer is even better than mere soldiers.

“Allaaaaaaaaaaaah!” He slammed his foot on the accelerator and with a desperate cry launched his car forward, like a missile.

The big sergeant in the front seat turned his head towards him. The last thing the man’s mind registered was a surprise in sergeant’s blue eyes.

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Stepford USA

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Stepford USA

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5 star thriller, Accidental Spy Adventure Series, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, E-book, Jade Snow World Adventure Series, Kindle, murder, mystery thriller, psychological thriller, rape, small town mystery, Smashwords, Stepford Wives, United States

STEPFORD, USA
Sample prologue and chapters 1-4 below!
 

“I enjoyed reading this uplifting book by Ms Ray, filled with intrigue and irresistible characters.” From Amazon review by a reader.

“Very well written and gripping tale that will leave you guessing to the very end! Excellent storytelling!” From Amazon review by a reader.

A small town mystery with psychological twists. Alternative title: Virtual Paradise.

Stepford USA will dazzle you with an array of funny, outlandish and utterly realistic characters. Who committed rape and murder: a corrupt police chief, a crooked politician, a millionaire-nerd, or a womanizing banker? Ladies from the Stepford Knitting Club know it all, except that the town has been hijacked by criminals, posing as pillars of local community. That’s where Jade Snow comes in. A new breed of amateur sleuths and investigative journalist, she’s thoroughly at home in the brave, new, globalized world, but unprepared for one challenge – the dull existence in this sheltered American town. And that’s exactly where she ends up after getting married and pregnant. Aided by a super-intelligent calico cat and a psychoanalyst from New York, Jade’s on a mission to solve baffling mysteries and to turn upside down this sleepy paradise… if she can survive the attraction to an enigmatic convicted rapist, and the encounter with a desperate killer. Enough romance, psychology, mystical happenings, amazing pets, virtual reality and humor to delight fans of six different genres, Stepford, USA is a read to enjoy and remember!

Includes an excerpt from the gripping new thriller GOLD TRAIN, set in Russia. On digital shelves Holiday Season 2011! Paperback – April 2012!

Accidental Spy Adventure #1

Category: novel, mystery/thriller, cozy mystery with a twist, women sleuths, psychic, paranormal, pet lovers, psychological mystery

Word count: 69,000

(Includes an excerpt from the upcoming thriller GOLD TRAIN set in Russia!)

Watch Book Trailer!

Buy STEPFORD USA eBook:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon DE

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Read extensive excerpt (prologue & first 4 chapters) here!

Complete information at http://www.LadaRay.com

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