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"Umbrella" – The Occult Masonic Connection
By Roger Marshall*
"If music is used outside of God's intent, i.e., to promote sex, violence and the occult, it can tear down the very fabric of a society." 1
Christian News review
"Pop music is sex and you have to hit them [teenagers] in the face with it" 2
Andrew Oldham, manager of the Rolling Stones
The sex in your face philosophy, delineated above by Andrew Oldham, still prevails in much of today's pop music culture. Rihanna's highly acclaimed, Grammy Award winning single "Umbrella", from her Good Girl Gone Bad album, is no exception. On top of that, the music video is also punctuated with occult imagery.
Rihanna herself told her music video director Chris Applebaum that she was prepared to "Take more chances. Musically, lyrically and even visually" and assured him that she was prepared to do something "sexy" in the "Umbrella" music video. 3
That desire of hers to do something sexy has been accomplished in the music video in no uncertain terms.
In reviewing the music video of "Umbrella", the feminist website "Femtique: feminist critique of pop media" has observed: "For the rest of the music video, Rihanna subjects herself to utter objectification. It is the sexual fantasy all men are wanting . . . a "good girl gone bad" — that's the name of her entire album, by the way. The [accompanying] snapshot is one of the most sexually submissive posses she performs in the video. There are many parts of the video in which she dances around the umbrella as if the umbrella was some phallic sculpture to be worshiped. While she dances around the umbrella in between her legs, she taunts and chants to the video watcher by saying 'Baby come into me' repetitively…"4
The music video and pop culture blog, Obtusity, observes: "At about 2 minutes and 30 seconds into this glossy new video, a nearly-nude Rihanna poses provocatively inside a huge triangle. But long before that blatant moment of female sexuality director Chris Applebaum establishes "Umbrella" as a multi-faceted metaphor. From the way Rihanna's short skirt mimics the look of an open umbrella to the suggestive way she places a closed one between her legs, the artist presents her femininity as a sensual and protective attraction."5
As mentioned earlier, during Rihanna's "Umbrella" music video she poses provocatively in the nude, covered with nothing but body paint, in a huge triangle/pyramid. Since (as the commentators cited earlier have clearly shown) the umbrella is used as a "multi-faceted metaphor" representing at one and the same time the male sex organ (phallus) and her skirt under which is the female sex organ, could it be that the triangle/pyramid also has a symbolic sexual meaning? When we search the occult literature the answer is yes.
Masonic author, R. Swinburne Clymer, in speaking of the Masonic symbolism of the triple Tau within the triangle states: "The Phallus, or Lingam, and the Yoni, the male and female emblems of generation, are found in the triangle and the tau." 6
(For more information on the phallic nature of the pyramid see appendix, Note A)
During one of Rihanna's postures in the triangle/pyramid she forms what appears to be the out line of an inverted triangle/pyramid, if that is the case it proves to be yet another Masonic occult sex symbol known as the Hexagram, which is the same as the Masonic Compass and Square (for more information on this see appendix, Note B)
Masonic author, Albert Mackey, tells of the sexual connotation of the hexagram: "The triangle pointing downward is a female symbol corresponding to the yoni and the upward pointing triangle is the male, the lingam ... When the two triangles are interlaced, it represents the union of the active and passive forces in nature; it represents the male and female elements." 7
In other words the interlacing triangles of the hexagram depict sexual intercourse.
The same is true of the compass and square emblem of Freemasonry. Albert Pike explains this fact to members of the 32nd Degree. He wrote: "The Compass, therefore, is the Hermetic Symbol of the Creative Deity [the phallus], and the Square of the productive [the yoni]…" 8
Standing under her "Umbrella"
The erection and worship of phallic monuments/images (known as obelisks in Egypt and there constructed as towering stone columns capped with a pyramid) was common place throughout the ancient Near East. Such practices were strongly condemned by God (Leviticus 26: 1; Jer. 43:13; Micah 5:13) but unfortunately they still penetrated the Jewish faith (I Kings 14:23; 2 Kings 17: 9-12; cf. 2 Kings 18:4; 23:14). In the Bible these phallic images were identified as "standing images" (Hebrew: Matzebah). The term speaks at one and the same time of the erect "standing" stone monument and the erect "standing" male sex organ (phallus) which the image represented (See Appendix Note A, p. 2).
In occult circles it is said that the sublime posture for sex magick is to have the female on top the male (the so called "goddess position") with the male phallus "standing" erect in the female vagina/yoni. 9 Could this be the hidden (occult) imagery and meaning of the line in Rihanna's song when she sensually calls for her lover to "stand" under her "umbrella"? Personally, bearing everything in mind which has been discussed so far, I think it is and that it is graphically portrayed in the music video when, Rihanna, with her legs sprawled open holds a closed umbrella in an erect position standing from the base line of the floor vertically up to and between the mid-line of her genital area, upon which she slowly and provocatively descends on the perpendicular line of the erect standing umbrella in what appears to be the simulation of the sex act upon a phallus. The imagery is complete when, on her knees and haunches with her legs straddled apart, in the mid point of the triangle's base line and at the bottom of the plane of the perpendicular line, she bows over her head as if to kiss the base line with her two arms extended back touching the two sides of the triangle to form the outline of an inverted triangle/Masonic square (the yoni). As Masonic author, R.H. MacKenzie, states: "among Egyptians, the base [of the triangle] represented Osiris, or the Male Principle; the perpendicular, Isis, or the Female Principle…"10
The article entitled Free Masonry Proven to Worship Satan, its Symbols Venerate the Sex Act notes that"in Masonic symbolism, the sex act is portrayed as the union of the perpendicular and the base line of the triangle" 11
Scene from Rihanna's "Umbrella" music video **
When we connect all the dots in light of this analysis thusfar, Rihanna's provocative dancing throughout the "Umbrella" music video (flanked by men wallowing in the rain) and her sexy, seductive taunts towards the end of the video when she, almost in an orgasmic tone says: "Ooh baby it's raining" and beckons with her index finger to the video watcher to "Baby come into me", smacks of an ancient pagan sex ritual (also enshrined in the teachings of Freemasonry) which obligated a woman to offer her body to a stranger at least once in her life time. As Dr. Sanger Brown II, Assistant Physician at Bloomingdale Hospital, points out: "A custom which shows even more clearly that prostitution was held as a sacred duty to women was that in Babylonia every woman, of high rank or low, must at one time in her life prostitute herself to any stranger who offered money. In 'Ancient Sex Worship' we read: 'There was a temple in Babylonia where every female had to perform once in her life a (to us) strange act of religion, namely, prostitution with a stranger. The name of it was Bit-Shagatha, or 'The Temple,' the 'Place of Union.' " 12
In keeping with this conclusion arrived at heretofore, one observer said: "It is so obvious, but I'll just mention it for no one did before: If you read "ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh" backwards, it says, "he he he.. alle alle" alle is german, in english "all" so she is singing: "you can stand under my umbrella, hehehe, everybody is. And just something to add:
Virgin Records has some nasty symbols also! For instance one of their symbols [is] something like this freemason sign, which was looking like a woman (virgin) with spread open legs …also, this is talked about in this song. She is the virgin that spreads her legs." 13
Interestingly enough, and reminiscent of the rock song: "We sold our souls for Rock'n' Roll", Rihanna has been highly rewarded monetarily both on the international stage and even in her homeland Barbados for her "Umbrella" song and music video.
Keeping in mind what we have learnt thus far PR-Inside.com Entertainment News notes: "R&B singer/songwriter THE DREAM has hinted RIHANNA's chart smash UMBRELLA has a dirtier meaning behind it, because he penned the song using the word simply as a "metaphor". The Def Jam artist - real name Terius Youngdell Nash - has written songs for stars like B2K and Mya, but points to Umbrella's more adult-orientated theme which he penned in just 12 minutes. He says, 'That's right, (Umbrella took) 12 of them nice lil' minutes. I've gotten to the point where songwriting is like freestyling - you enter the booth and let it come out. I'll use certain things for metaphors, like 'Umbrella'… 'Once I get the thing I'm attaching the song with, then I'm running all the other tricks through the song to create that element' " 14
Whereas the Bible warns Christian youth to "flee youthful lusts" (2Tim. 2: 22), songs and music videos like "Umbrella" are designed to arouse youthful lusts, particularly sexual lusts, in this our lust saturated world. The fact of arousing sexual lust is borne out by comments from some of Rihanna's male fans. In responding to the symbolism of her "Umbrella" hit song one fan said: "She is gorgeous. If I wasn't married, I'd find my way under her umbrella too...haha. I really like this song…"15 yet another said: "The umbrella is her skirt, and the rain is, well….lets not go there. It's a pop song about sex….just like 99 million other pop songs about sex." 16 Still another, this time a professed consultant for several music labels in Chicago, who describes himself as one who has "been involved in hip-hop off and on for about ten years and have many friends in the industry" also says that "Umbrella" is "really about sex" 17
Understanding the Occult Masonic Connection
Finally, the question must be asked: Why is there such apparent use of Masonic symbolism in "Umbrella"?Answer: Jay-Z (Rihanna's boss and mentor) from all the available evidence is himself a Freemason who is deeply involved in the occult. His music/music videos communicate his beliefs. The website theforbiddenknowledge.com observes: "It is a trademark of most proud Masons to leave key symbols veiled into pictures and also to use various keywords in speeches or secret handshakes."
In fact, the triangle or pyramid (the"R.O.C."/"Diamond") is Jay-Z's own peculiar grand hailing sign and that of his hip-hop comrades Kanye West and Nas et al, which they throw up and flash at will. Of this practice the website Illuminati Archives notes: "When the symbol is held against the face it is vital that the left eye be featured prominently within the pyramid shape. It is deliberately meant to match the eye at the top of the Masonic pyramid." 18 This pyramid which is found on the back of the US one dollar bill bears the eye of the Egyptian sun-god Horus (see appendix C) and is actually the insignia of the Illuminati (anoverarching secret society that controls Freemasonry) – the so called "illumined" or "enlightened" ones who follow Lucifer "the light bearer."
In its conspiracy to abolish Christianity and Christian morality the Illuminati has long espoused the objectification of women as displayed in 1789 during the French Revolution (engineered by an Illuminati conspiracy) when a half-naked prostitute was placed on the altar of the Cathedral of Notre Dame and extolled as the 'Goddess of Reason.'19
Further still, Jay-Z's recording company, Roc-a-fella records, was named after Illuminist and New World Order architect David Rockefeller.20 Additionally, his Rocawear company logo is the astrological symbol of Virgo and alchemical symbol for Mercury which are both employed in the Masonic Craft. 21
One observer, DocMoreau (a twenty plus years hip hop vet and Jay-Z fan), on the website Above Top Secret.com notes: "There are numerous accounts surrounding Jay-Z and illuminati symbolism in his lyrics and videos. While much of it seems to be conjecture, there is enough 'truth' in the findings that the story continues to have legs. Perhaps they are examples of overzealous attempts by Jay-Z to seem 'connected', or perhaps they are examples of him actually being so.
"However, here is one example that is not conjecture. In his 1996 song D'Evils, from his debut album, the chorus is a sample that states: 'Illuminati want my mind, soul, and my body. Secret society, tryin to keep they eye on me'
"The whole song is about rising through organized crime, but the following lyrics give some insight to his mindstate:
'That's right it's wicked, that's life I live it
Ain't asking for forgiveness for my sins, endz
I break bread with the late heads, picking their brains for angles on
all the evils that the game'll do
It gets dangerous, money and power is changing us
And now we're lethal, infected with D'Evils...'
"More examples of Jay-z's use of occult/illuminati/masonic symbolism can be found extensively throughout his work. So either Jay-z was 'enlightened' or he himself accumulated a vast knowledge of the esoteric on his own. Either way, he is spot on with his use of symbolism. Plus his reputed cocaine dealings in his past (glorified in his lyrics) point to at least some connection to the 'shadow government' and the CIA. Jay-z is connected, that much is for sure…There are many others out there questioning Jay-Z and his possible connection to the Illuminati. A simple Google search will unearth many discussions on the topic. So yes, I believe that Rhianna's Umbrella song probably does have 'something' more to it" 22 (For further insight into why Freemasonry would be appealing to Black Hip Hop artists like Jay – Z see appendix, Note D)
Even the imagery, in which the umbrella is used as a sex symbol representing at one and the same time the male sex organ and the woman's skirt under which is the female sex organ, is not without Masonic significance as it is in keeping with the androgynous Masonic/occultic doctrine of Baphomet.
According to the Creed of the Masonic Gnostic Catholic Church (one of which is located in Barbados on River Road) also known as the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) "Baphomet can be seen as the Dialectic Union of Opposites… the sperm and egg united in the zygote; Yod the Father and Heh the Mother united in Vav the Son… the Androgyne, the Hermaphrodite… the double-headed eagle of the Freemasons… the Demiourgos which manifests in the Middle Space between the male Great Power and the female Great Thought… the Sun and Moon conjoined; the Point [the phallus] within the Circle[the vagina]… the Hexagram (as union of Fire & Water)… the Unicursal Hexagram (as Sun [male/female] and Moon [female/male] united by the 4 Elements)… the Emblem of Venus[female]; the Emblem of Mars[male]… the Square [female] and Compasses [male]..." 23
This doctrine allows for all sorts of sexual immorality among Masons and other occultists.
In 1914, the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, a 33˚ Mason and the self styled "Beast whose number is 666", took over leadership of the O.T.O. in Britain and Ireland. He was an influential member in several occult organizations, including the Golden Dawn. His influence extends into much of today's pop music culture. Crowley's stated purpose for the O.T.O. was "to restore Christianity to its real status as a solar-phallic religion."24
One Rihanna fan that saw her perform "Umbrella" at the February, 2008 Brit awards said: "Last week Rihanna performed at the Brit awards, and she was inside a neon lit pyramid for the entire performance, with an animated backdrop of rising pyramids. I thought it was odd at the time and completely irrelevant to the song. It was a duet with a band called the Klaxons…The rest of the show was full of occult symbology, with a winged reptile over the award rostrum." 25
In regard to the performance in question, it is worth noting that there was flashing blue laser light emitting from the apex of the neon lit pyramid. The light came on and flashed brilliantly every time she sang the line "When the sun shines, we'll shine together…" Simultaneously, the lighted outline of the pyramid turned to green, and green laser lights flashed on the stage bathing the pyramid and the darkened stage in brilliant green. 26 To the observant eye the pyramid seems to be a depiction of the pyramid at the back of the "green back" US one dollar bill, which is based on the Great Pyramid at Giza, Egypt, and as noted earlier, is the insignia of the Illuminati/Masonic conspiracy for world control. Even Rihanna's garb (a tribal-print hooded gown) used during the performance was probably not without occult significance either, as it bore some resemblance to the hooded robes worn by occultists like Druids, Satanists or members of the Golden Dawn. While one fan approvingly said the gown looked "bizarre"27, the celebrity entertainment site Faded Youth Blog in a review of the performance said "She appeared in a hooded cloak on a platform above her collaborators Klaxons, who were wearing primitive sci-fi-style costumes, as if they were all part of a post-apocalyptic pagan pop cult." 28
Incidentally, the Klaxons, who backed Rihanna at the Brit awards, is a rock/new-rave band that are also into the occult and have cut songs revering Aleister Crowley and the Order of the Golden Dawn! Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia in describing the Klaxons musical style said: "Klaxons' music is often supernatural and magic-realist in theme, as shown in a number of song titles and lyrical content. Examples of this are "As Above, So Below" (favourite saying of Aleister Crowley), "Atlantis to Interzone" (a William Burroughs reference) [and] "Magick" (Crowley)…" 29
Interestingly enough, there is currently (at the time of writing this article) a discussion on line asking the question: "Music Artist, Rihanna- 4th degree pagan?" The question was raised by a woman who described herself as one who has some nominal experience in pagan religious teaching/training. She indicates: "I witnessed a (semi-Greek) Masonic ritual…the Masonic rituals I've experience have been set up in Greek style or Egyptian style." Her question goes as follows: "Is Music Artist, Rihanna- a 4th degree pagan initiate? I was born catholic but am not so naiive that I don't educate myself beyond Catholicism. I read somewhere in pagan books that some initiated pagan women wear belts on their thighs that symbolize (also to fellow pagans) what degree initiate they are. Since Rihanna was clearly showing off the belts on her legs during her aired concert recently, are these the same leg belts I've read of but never seen in pagan culture? Can any of the pagans on here give me a serious answer?" 30
On top of the issue of wearing what appears to be pagan initiate belts, Rihanna has been photographed (as seen below) flashing the occult hand sign known as the "Il Cornuto" which stands for the pagan god Pan and more so "allegiance to Baphomet/Satan"!
Backmasked messages
Further to all this, there appears to be some evidence that backmasked messages (words only heard when the song is played backwards) with sexual obscenities are on the "Umbrella" song track. 31 If this charge stands, this would yet be another occult technique that has been employed by several rock bands in the past.
For example, the song Stairway To Heaven by the occult rock group Led Zeppelin, when played backwards, reveal the words: "Satan is Lord". "I'll give you 6-6-6." "Jesus betrayed us". "I sing because I live with Satan". 32
Another example is the song We'll see if eternal life is meant to be by the group ELO/Electric Light Orchestra. The backmasked message says: "For He is the nasty one - Christ, you're infernal." 33
Jay-Z himself has been accused of having a backmasked message on a song which says: "666 Murder, Murder Jesus". 34 However, some point out that the backmasked message is really the work of Underground DJ Danger Mouse who remixed an album from Jay – Z's "The Black Album" and the Beatles' "The White Album" and called it "The Grey Album" on which he edited the voice of Jay – Z to make him say the villainous words mentioned. 35
Be that as it may, it appears that the whole idea of backward messages may have come from Alister Crowley, who trained his disciples to think backwards by writing backwards, listening to phonograph records reversed, speaking backwards and walking backwards. Therefore (as Crowley instructed) instead of saying, "I am he" one would say, "eh ma I".36
The Christian Response
Jesus' statement that the world loves its own (John 15: 19) explains why non-Christians would sing the praises of Rihanna's accomplishments (regardless of her song's immoral overtones). On the other hand, the Bible commands Christians to "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" (Eph. 5:11). Instead of singing the praises of Rihanna's accomplishments the Christian community needs to speak out against the message of this kind of music since it is diametrically opposed to the high moral standards of the Judaeo-Christian faith which Christians are enjoined to up-hold and defend.
Further still and has been rightly suggested, we also need to pray for Rihanna and many more like her that "…God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Tim. 2: 25 – 26)
*Roger Marshall is executive director of Project PROBE Ministries a Barbadian Christian apologetics organisation.
End Notes
**Outline of inverted triangle on page 3 is traced by the author from Rihanna's posture in upright triangle/pyramid.
***Picture on page 4 from Racy Rihanna performs in an eye-popping S&M outfit posted at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=521694&in_page_id=1773
© All rights reserved 2008 Project PROBE Ministries
Note A, p. 2.
Phallic nature of the pyramid
Obelisks crowned with the pyramid-shaped Benbenet/Benben
From the booklet Pockets Ancient Egypt under the heading Sacred Shapes we get the following information:
"According to legend, the rays of the sun fell first of all upon the primeval mound, or ben-ben. This sacred shape was recreated in obelisks and may have been the reason for the structure of pyramids" (Pockets Ancient Egypt, © 1995 Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, p. 103).
From the article The Benben Stone & Obelisks posted on the Discovery Channel website we read: "Some scholars believe the conical Benben stone represented the very first mound of earth and marked the point where the first rays of sunlight fell from Re [the sun god]. The conical shape marked the Pharoah's way to heaven by ascending the rays of the sun.
"Others believe the stone was actually an iron-rich meteorite [rock] and represented the seed of the earlier god, Atum [identified as one and the same as Re/Ra/Osiris] who created the earth through masturbation: the word 'benben' means 'to copulate'. The pyramid-shaped cap on an obelisk is called a Benbenet and, combined with the shaft, obelisks could represent Atum's divine phallus and his seed" (posted at http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/egypt/monuments/benben/index.shtml ).
The pyramid is thus a huge Benbenet/ Benben. It is a phallic symbol representing sun worship through copulation (i.e. the act of sexual procreation) and ultimately the "rock" (penis) of the sun god Atum-Re [Ra] that begat the earth "through masturbation." By extension the pyramid represented the "rock" (phallus) of the Pharaoh who was believed to be resurrected (rather reincarnated) through his seed or offspring, much like Osiris was resurrected/reincarnated as Horus.
Interestingly enough Jay-Z's pyramid symbol is also called the "R.O.C". ("rock")
Note B, p. 2.
The Compass and Square
And its relationship to the vertical and inverted pyramids/triangles of the Hexagram
Zachary P. Gremillion, 90˚ Mason, passed Master Mason of O.J. Dunn Lodge # 85, adept of York and Scottish Rite Prince Hall Freemasonry, and founder of The Ancient Grand Lodge of Khamet and the Imperial Cushite Order of Ancient African Freemasons and nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in giving a partially veiled interpretation of the Masonic Compass and Square, in his book African Origins of Freemasonry, p. 239, said: "The most sacred and well known symbol of Freemasonry [is] the square the compass and the letter "G". The square is a symbol of righteousness [a veiled interpretation intended to mislead all but the adepts. For the unveiled interpretation see Albert Pike's (recognized by Gremillion as "the most knowledgeable American Freemason"*) statement on p. 2 of this article] and when turned upside down forms a pyramid. The compass is a spiritual symbol and is also a symbol of the Great Pyramid. When lines are drawn upon the top of the square and the most bottom parts of the compass a six pointed star is formed. The six pointed star is a sacred symbol of the ancient Israelites and also the ancient Egyptians called the star of Osiris, etc…"
* African Origins of Freemasonry: The True History of Freemasonry in Africa and its Resurrection among Africans in the Diaspora, Introduction, p. XI
Note C, p. 5.
Eye of Horus, Eye of Ra (Udjat, Wedjat)
"Designed to resemble the eye of a falcon, this symbol is called the Eye of Ra or Eye of Horus represents the right eye of the Egyptian Falcon God Horus. As the udjat (or utchat), it represented the sun, and was associated with the Sun God Ra (Re).
The mirror image, or left eye, represented the moon, and the God Tehuti (Thoth). (A very similar concept of the sun and moon as eyes appears in many religious traditions)
According to legend, the left eye was torn from Horus by his murderous brother Seth, and magically restored by Thoth, the God of magick. After the restoration, some stories state, Horus made a gift of the eye to Osiris, which allowed this solar deity to rule the underworld. The story of this injury is probably an allusion to the phases of the moon as the eye which is "torn out" every month.
Together, the eyes represent the whole of the universe, a concept similar to that of the Taoist Yin-yang symbol. Spiritually, the right eye reflects solar, masculine energy, as well as reason and mathematics. The left eye reflects fluid, feminine, lunar energy, and rules intuition and magick. Together, they represent the combined, transcendent power of Horus.
The Eye of Horus was believed to have healing and protective power, and it was used as a protective amulet, and as a medical measuring device, using the mathematical proportions of the eye to determine the proportions of ingredients in medical preparations) to prepare medications.
The Masonic all seeing eye, the Eye of Providence symbol found on American money, and our modern Rx pharmaceutical symbol are all descended from the Eye of Horus" (posted at: http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/bldefswedjat.ht )
With regard to the same eye of Horus which is also depicted in the Masonic Compass and Square, Masonic author Zachary P. Gremillion said: "The letter "G" when turned sideways looks like an eye. Thus it represents of [sic] the Supreme Being of the Universe. The all seeing eye of the Creator. The All Seeing Eye is an ancient African symbol for God. It is seen on the ruins of the temples of Khamet" (African Origins of Freemasonry, p. 239).
Note D, p. 7
The Afrocentric roots of Freemasonry's influence on
Black Hip Hop artistes
Jay- Z giving Nas the Lion's paw Masonic handshake*
Freemasonry is defined as "a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
The website theforbiddenknowledge.com observes: "It is a trademark of most proud Masons to leave key symbols veiled into pictures and also to use various keywords in speeches or secret handshakes."
One may ask: What does Afrocentrism have to do with all this? Answer: a whole lot. Many hip hop artists are under the influence of Afrocentric philosophy and teaching. In acknowledging that "Most of the symbols of the Masonic Order came directly from the Egyptian Mystery System" (African Origins of Freemasonry: The True History of Freemasonry in Africa and its Resurrection among Africans in the Diaspora, p.10) there is a belief among several Afrocentrists that since Africans are the true "mothers and fathers of the 'lodges of knowledge' throughout the world" (African Origins of Freemasonry, p.21) then black people should re-claim Freemasonry as there own heritage and legacy. As Zachary P. Gremillion, a 32˚ Prince Hall Freemason and 90˚ Mason and founder of The Ancient Grand Lodge of Khamet (Egypt) and the Imperial Cushite Order of Ancient African Freemasons said: "Before the organization of the Grand Lodge of England or any other grand Masonic order of Rosicrucians (Rose-Croix) and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners), the supreme honorable and mystical teachings of Freemasonry had its origins among the ancient Black civilizations of the east. These sublime teachings were carried in what is called the Mystery schools. These Mystery schools started in Africa of Old i.e., the African Eden. The respective lands were: Egypt (Khamet) Ethiopia (Kush), Morocco…West Africa (Ghana, Mali, Songhai, etc.) where noble tribes such as the Dogon of Mali held secret brotherhoods with great hidden knowledge…Their age old knowledge was responsible for creating the modern-day Masonic order…the true history of the ancient African society is bottled up in the symbols of the lodges and the literature of its libraries" (African Origins of Freemasonry, pp. 23-24).
Again Mr. Gremillion says: "…Masonry came from [the] early Africans in Egypt and the Great lakes region…that Freemasonry was carried down from them (Africans) to the present" (African Origins of Freemasonry, p. 26). Yet again he said: "Freemasonry was founded in Africa among Black people in ancient times" (African Origins of Freemasonry, p. 27). Further still he says: "Therefore, being that our ancestors invented the Order of Freemasonry or invented the symbols and principles of what became modern Masonry we have an undeniable right to reestablish the ancient African mystery system that is called [the] Masonic order in modern times. We the original Free Masons and our authority is derived from the Ancient Grand Lodge of Khamet [Egypt], which is established to re instituted (sic) our original claim to the knowledge of Freemasonry which has been hidden from us for over 500 years…that the Black man was the original man and founder/father of the Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons" (African Origins of Freemasonry, pp. 104-105).
Aware that they are people in academia who dispute his and other Afrocentrists claims about the African origins civilization of Freemasonry (in particular), Mr. Gremillion, on citing the supportive woks of various Caucasian Masonic authorities, puts forward the following argument: "The scholars that debate the historical accuracy of 'Afrocentrism' state that African Americans have no claim to Egypt because most of the 'slaves' were taken from West Africa. The debaters that make the above claim do so not in concern for historical accuracy, but to take any claim of a great heritage from the ex-slaves of America and to keep us in a state of total ignorance. A person that does not his or her true heritage and culture does not know his or her future. They can be secretly made a slave again...[what the scholars] will not tell you is that the West African empires were descendants and brothers/sisters of the east Africans. Groups such as the Yoruba, Ashanti, Dogon, etc…The Dogon of Mali and the Yoruba have cosmologies and teaching similar to the ancient Egyptians…There is a secret society in West Africa called the Purrah or Purroh…which descended from Khamet (Egypt)" (African Origins of Freemasonry, pp. 32-33, emphasis added).
This kind of romanticism about Egyptology and Freemasonry among Afrocentrists is very potent and offers "good" reasons (among other influencing factors) for Jay-Z's and Nas' et alia involvement in the Masonic Order.
Among the other influencing factors, mentioned above, is the Nation of Islam (inaugurated by Noble Drew Ali and founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad and Elijah Muhammad) and one of its offshoots; The Nation of Gods and Earths a.k.a. the Five-Percent nation/Five-Percenters (founded by Clarence 13X, a disciple of Elijah Muhammad). As it turns out, both Noble Drew Ali and Elijah Muhammad were Freemasons! Wallace Fard Muhammad was also possibly a Freemason as well (see African Origins of Freemasonry, pp. 245,249,250).
From the website Abovetopsecret.com we get the following information about the Five-Percent nation:
"Origin of Five-Percent title
"Five Percenters also teach that Black people specifically, and the entire world population more generally, can be divided into three groups:
The 85%, easily led in the wrong direction hard to be led in the right direction, who are the humble masses, mentally deaf, dumb , and blind to the truth about themselves and the world in which they live.
"The 10%, who understand much of the truth but use it to their advantage to keep the 85% under their control through religion, politics, entertainment, economics, and other methods.
"The 5%, who are the enlightened divine beings, having repossessed knowledge of the truth regarding the foundations of life and of oneself, and seek to punitively liberate the 85% through education.
"The percentages presented, according to most Five Percenters, are not meant to be exact but are instead meant to represent the public, the religious and political rulers, and the few truly enlightened people on earth, respectively. The numbers used point out common traits to identify the members of these three groups and can be fully understood using the language of Supreme Mathematics.
"Supreme Mathematics
"The Supreme Mathematics, in the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths, is a system of understanding numbers alongside concepts that are used along with the Supreme Alphabet.[8][5] Despite its name, the Supreme Mathematics is not actually a system of mathematics. It instead is a variety of numerology specific to the theology and philosophy of the the Nation of Gods and Earths, derived from Sufism elements.[2][1]
1. Knowledge 2. Wisdom 3. Understanding 4. Culture/Freedom (40 or more) 5. Power of Refinement 6. Equality 7. God 8. Build/Destroy 9. Born 0. Cipher
"Supreme Alphabet
"In the Nation of Gods and Earths, the Supreme Alphabet is a system of interpreting text and finding deeper meaning in the original 120 Questions written by Elijah Muhammad and Wallace Fard Muhammad by assigning actual meanings to the letters of the Roman alphabet. It was developed by Clarence after splitting from the Nation of Islam, after which he developed his Supreme Understanding.
"From the early 1980s to today, many Five Percenters are found among the American
East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest, in cities such as New York City, Trenton, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles, especially among the hip-hop scene. Hip-hop artists such as Tupac Shakur, Rakim, Wu-Tang Clan, Brand Nubian, Sho&Prove, Nas, Prodigy, SHARE3F, Jus Allah, Poor Righteous Teachers, Gang Starr, J-Live and many others had success spreading the theology of the Five Percenters. This spread, in part, uses the language of Supreme Mathematics, which represents universal law and order, and the Supreme Alphabet, which represents universal principles of life, ostensibly to forge solidarity with the inner-city youth through a common language.[8] The main theme of the Five-Percenter doctrine that can be heard on hip-hop records is the teaching that the Original Blackman [sic] is God, the Original Blackwoman [sic] is the planet Earth, and through the inner esoteric powers of the Gods and Earths, the youth can transform and possess its true potential, which seems to overthrow the overbearing oligarchy by becoming just rulers of themselves.
"Many terms that originated as Five-Percenter jargon have been adopted into the hip-hop lexicon as well. For example, the term "G" in hip-hop originally was short for the Five-Percenter greeting of "God," which, through its spread to the American West Coast and the rise of gangsta hip-hop music, it eventually evolved into "gangsta," a stretch from its origin. Other popular terms such as "word is bond," while having significantly older roots than the Five Percenters, were believed to have gained prominence through its use of the term, referring back to the Nation of Islam and the NGE's shared 120 Degrees." (posted at: http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread337743/pg2
The Nation of Gods and Earths – The Masonic connection
As I mentioned earlier Clarence 13X, the founder of The Nation of Gods and Earths, was a disciple of the Black Freemason Elijah Muhammad; the founder/prophet of the Nation of Islam. Elijah Muhammad taught his disciples that the Black man is God and the white man is the devil. Over the years a number of rap groups such as "Public Enemy", "K.R.S. One", "Cool Moe Dee" and others have promoted the teachings of the Nation of Islam through their songs.
In his book, The African Origins of Freemasonry, Zachary P. Gremillion, while admitting that he did not agree with everything Clarence 13X had to say during a debate encounter they had, he nevertheless commended his work via The Nation of Gods and Earths movement.
In Gremillion's own words he said: "…I did not agree with everything he [Clarence 13X] said, but I was not willing to dismiss the basis of truth upon which that brother stood. I interpreted the basic premise of what the brother was saying, and summed it up as the following points:
"On those topics I could not disagree with thst brother, and if being a "God" or a "divine being/person" is composed of high levels of intelligence, science, mathematics, spirituality, philosophy, character then history shows that Africoid mankind fit the description. This was not blasphemous or anything new. God-man has been taught in the ancient Proto-Masonic Order or old Mystery Schools since the beginning of time. It is even taught in the Bible by the Messiah Jesus whom quoted it from the book of Psalm (Please see Palms (sic) 82:6-8 and John 10:34-35 [Note: according to this worldview Jesus was also a Black God-man, who "was an initiate of the Egyptian Mystery System" {The African Origins of Freemasonry, p. 109}])."
Gremillion goes on to say: "The ancient Masonic order of the continent of Africa and those Masonic Mystery Schools of Asia always taught that man could obtain divinity on earth through acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and through workings of discipline in ethics and morality. So I must say again that Fard, Elijah, Clarence 13X was not strange or weird in teaching this doctrine. They (Fard and Elijah) more than likely got the "God-Man" doctrine from their earlier Freemasonic associations" (The African Origins of Freemasonry, pp. 54-55).
That the "God-Man" doctrine mentioned above is indeed part and parcel of Masonic teaching is borne out by yet another Masonic author, this time a white man. J. D. Buck in his book Mystic Masonry, said: "The only personal God Freemasonry accepts is humanity in toto. God (the G.A.O.T.U.) personifies himself, that is expresses that potency of himself which personality is, through man. Humanity therefore is the only personal God that there is" (Mystic Masonry, p. 216).
This background information sheds more light on why Jay-Z refers to himself as the "God MC" and "Jay-HOVA" (a play on the Jehovah; the Biblical name for God; see the Urban Dictionary posted at: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jayhova )
In keeping with the first human quest for godhood, as recorded in the Bible (Genesis 3) and the spiritual and moral disaster it brought on the whole human race, the Masonic "God-man" philosophy is similarly wreaking havoc in the hip hop arena. For an insightful critique of this problem see the article: Hip Hop Fridays: The Sins of the God MC by Hadji Williams, posted at: http://www.blackelectorate.com/articles.asp?ID=1410
*for further information on the photo above go to


text:
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Hermann Goering - Germany Reborn #567
#567 GERMANY REBORN by Hermann Goering. Translated from the Third Reich original published in 1934, this book covers the Nazi party rise to power and the first year of rule, including a chapter on Goering's tasks. Softcover. 58pp. $10.00. - Add this item to shopping cart.
Here is an Excerpt:
I welcome this opportunity of presenting to the English-speaking peoples a few of my ideas about the struggle of the German people for freedom and honour. I hope that these words will also be accepted by our opponents as a frank expression of my boundless love for my country, to whose service alone 1 have pledged my whole life.
Hermann Göring - Berlin, February, 1934.
The lack of understanding and sympathy which many foreign peoples show for Germany is very largely due to ignorance of the special and peculiar character of german history.
'Human history is the history of war,' and the history of the German people is also a long tale of cruel wars: 'From the battle against Ariovistus to the struggle of the unarmed on the Ruhr an iron chain stretches' (Stegemann). Since the idea of Germany and a German people has been known in history, we see that the bond which it implies has been only the bond of blood and of common culture and a common language. Now and then the loose conglomerate has seemed to take on a firmer form, but right down to modern times it has never coalesced to form a German Nation. This is one of the reasons why the German people as a whole has never taken part in great wars of conqest. Usually the different parts of Germany have fought against each other, very often to the advantage of other peoples. But for centuries the Germans were compelled to defend their own homes and their own land - the land first of their tribe and finally of the people. Germany possesses no natural boundaries. It was never a castle whose fortifications were sea and mountains, but lay like an open camp in the midst of Europe, protected only by the bodies of its men. And that is also the reason why the Germans never fought their wars for foreign crowns, but always for their own honour; not to conquer foreign countries, but to defend their own freedom; not to subdue others, but to ensure their own security.
The arduous path of the German people through their history begins with the partition of the German Empire by the Treaty of Verdun in the year 843 and leads past the 'Testament of Richelieu' and the Peace of Westphalia, which claimed to have assured for ever the 'Libertés germaniques,' to the Dictate of Versailles in the year 1919. These 'German Freedoms' meant nothing less than the perpetual partition of the Reich into countless little kingdoms and principalities, which were played off against one another by the neighbouring countries, according to Louis XI's principle 'Divide et impera.'
And then at last Prussia took over its great mission in world history. That was - to fight for the unity of the German Reich. That was a task formidable enough for that incomparable genius, Frederick II. Even his enemies called him 'the Great.' He was at once 'the most kingly of men and the most human of kings.' In a life of unexampled austerity he made of little Prussia the foundation of the coming Reich. As he lay on the simple camp-bed that had seen so many campaigns, and alone in the arms of his hussar breathed his last breath, his last words remained as a Testament to his successors, 'I see the promised land from afar, but I shall not set foot in it.'
After Frederick the Great came the Reichsfreiherr vom Stein who fought passionately for his great ideal: 'I know only one Fatherland - and that is called Germany!' But he, too, after a valiant life of work, battles and defeats, the victim of slander and treachery, could only win a partial victory. He, too, knew of the coming unity, but was not to experience it.
After Stein - Bismarck. Born on an estate in the Mark Brandenburg, he continued and almost completed the gigantic task begun by Frederick and Stein. But Bismarck at the moment of death, as if death itself had torn a veil from his eyes, cried, full of sorrow and misgiving, these last words - 'Germany - Germany'.
Under the flags in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, in which Bismarck's Reich was born, stood Lieutenant von Hindenburg. He had fought on the battlefield of Königgrätz and in the war against France. In the greatest of all wars his imperial master called him to the head of the mighty army which for four years withstood a hostile world.
Somewhere in this vast bulwark of German men, there stood one who, unknown like the countless others, and brave as so many others were brave, was destined to write his name in the eternal book of History as the saviour of the German people, the man who was to consummate her solidarity and unity. That man was Adolf Hitler.
In the three great wars won by Prussia in the last century, Germany was born: on the battlefields of Leipzig and Waterloo, of Königgrätz and Sedan, men of German blood found each other again. Before the guns of Paris and in the palace of Louis XIV the age-old German dream of a German Empire was fulfilled. Through the concentration of all national forces an unprecedented advance took place. A peace of nearly 50 years under the protection of a strong army and a good fleet enabled the young Reich brilliantly to build up its industry and ensure prosperity.
Whereas the population of Germany in 1871 was 41 millions, in 1914 it had risen to nearly 70 millions. A vast host of human beings was pressing onward, was working in fields and factories, in laboratories and mines, behind counters and desks or in harbours and wharves all over the world. This great success is known to the world and can be statistically demonstrated.
Germany was first in the markets of the world as regards electrical apparatus, the glass and toy industry, and smelting and mining. The German chemical industry alone supplied four-fifths of the world market. German trade with harbours outside Europe had increased 500 per cent up to the beginning of the century. Thus Germany, in peaceful competition, by hard work, efficiency and organization, had grown to be a mighty factor in the economic life of the world. This position, won through peaceful work, led finally to the most terrible of all conflicts, the World War. The encirclement of Germany was complete, and the peoples of Europe plunged into a sea of blood and misery, and the whole world into a catastrophe of incalculable extent.
On the 28th June, 1914, a 19-year-old student in Sarajevo shot the Austrian heir apparent. This shot suddenly and pitilessly let loose the thunderstorm which had been brooding over Europe for years. The first rumblings were produced by the never ending railway trains which brought the already mobilized Russian army corps to the German frontier. The gigantic engine of war began its deadly pounding. Europe was mobilizing! The die had been cast. Threatened from all sides, Germany had the sword thrust into her hand. The German people, guiltless of the outbreak of this greatest of wars, had to fight in order to defend their life and honour.
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Submitted by JRoessler-Smith on Fri, 2013-12-06 12:24
The Mash HQ at The Abbey Brewing Company
When: (Ended) December 10, 2013 - December 13, 2013 6:00 PM
Price: Open to the Public
Price: Open to the Public
The Abbey Brewing Company
1115 16th Street
Miami Beach FL 33139
The Abbey Brewing Company
1115 16th Street
Miami Beach FL 33139
Brooklyn Brewery takes over The Abbey Brewing Company for three days of specials, pairings, and beer insight shared by the Brooklyn Brewery House Chef, Andrew Gerson as a part of their MASH festival.
From launches to signature cocktails and snack menus, the breweries invite you to join them from Tuesday, December 10th to Friday, December 13th for this and more.
For further information, visit www.brooklynbrewerymash.com.


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iO Blog
Find Power Cordz at the Sea Otter Classic
The Power Cordz team is staying in Boise this week, enjoying beautiful, wet spring weather. But many of our friends are at the Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California to participate in one of the largest bike expos in the world.
A fish-eye view of the 2011 Sea Otter village.
In support of all the bike people at Sea Otter this year, we set up a special discount code for attendees. To get the code, you have to visit our friends from the Boise Young Riders Development Squad (B.Y.R.D.S.) or from Core Concepts, a Boise-based, high tech/high style clothing maker, and pick up one of the glossy post cards we sent along with them. You will find a discount code on the card!
(Hint: The B.Y.R.D.S have booth #629, west of the Food Court, and Core Concepts is displaying their wares at booth #178 in the first Exhibitor Pod. Map here.)
The B.Y.R.D.S. are a premier youth cycling team based in Boise and they have some 25 riders in Monterey this week to race and gain critical exposure. We have been installing Cordz on their bikes for a few months now, so watch for these guys at the finish line!
The B.Y.R.D.S on a recent hill training ride.
Core Concepts offices are just down the hall from us at our Boise HQ. We have to walk past their sample racks every morning, eyeballing the high performance fabrics. Check out their new stuff if you are down at Sea Otter and say hi to Matt and Josh!
We'll post updates on the B.Y.R.D.S. and other Sea Otter news on our Facebook page, so look for us there.
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Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon pointed to the recent sales figures of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One by Sony and Microsoft as ammunition that the console gaming industry hasn't kicked the bucket, according to a report today from GameSpot.
Boon took to Twitter after a Sony reveal today and a Microsoft announcement 24 hours before that showed the two platform holders had combined to push out more than 7 million Xbox One and PS4 units by the end of 2013.
"3 Million Xbox Ones + 4.2 Million PS4s = 7.2 Million next-gen consoles = Reports of consoles death have been greatly exaggerated! :)" Boon said.
Sony made the announcement at the International Consumer Electronics Show today, seemingly responding to Microsoft's reveal. You can read that full Examiner report by clicking here.
However, not all seemed impressed with the next-gen console figures. Valve co-founder Gabe Newell shrugged at the Xbox One figures in a question and answer session at CES, joking that "it it'd take a while" for Microsoft to catch up to the 65 million Steam subscribers.


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Madoff Prosecutor Heads To Private Sector
Here's another marker around the second anniversary of Bernie Madoff's arrest: Marc O. Litt, who led the prosecution of the convicted fraudster, is leaving the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York as of today.
Litt, who spent eight years at the office, is taking a job at Baker & McKenzie LLP, the largest law firm by gross revenue, according to AmLaw.
Litt, who declined to be interviewed Wednesday, had stopped working on the ongoing Madoff investigation in May, as he began looking for a job in private practice.
Since nearly every law firm in New York has some tie to the case, staying on it would have presented some conflicts. But at the time, his willingness to stop working on it was interpreted by some to mean that the probe of other high-level accomplices in the global scheme was not making great progress.
Litt got quite a bit of attention prosecuting Madoff. Here is a Time magazine story. Here is his New York Times marriage announcement from 20 years ago, when he was a law student at Columbia. And here is an excerpt from an earlier LB Post that detailed the burden of the role he took on.
A big weight must be sitting on Litt, 46 years old, who is tasked with investigating whether anyone else knowingly helped Madoff carry out the biggest fraud in U.S. history. He's making some progress in understanding how Madoff carried out the scheme but he has many more months of work ahead of him. "The investigation is continuing," Litt said last week.
It is still unfinished, and prosecutors Lisa Baroni and Julian Moore have taken over. Litt leaves having obtained a 150-year sentence for the architect of the multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme, who turned himself in, and guilty pleas from Madoff's top lieutenant and accountant. Five other former employees are facing charges. The investigation continues as to Madoff's brother Peter and his son Andrew, following the suicide of Madoff's older son Mark on Saturday.
Neither his old boss, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, nor his new employers at Baker & McKenzie immediately commented.
In an earlier AmLaw profile, Litt was seen as an ideal prosecutor for the Madoff case.
"He moves deliberately," said Cahill Gorden & Reindel partner David Kelley, who oversaw Litt when he was Manhattan's U.S. attorney from 2003 to 2005. "He's quiet and low-key, but he's extremely sure-footed." Added former assistant U.S. attorney Steven Peikin: "[Litt is] low-key, not excitable, very methodical. He's a good prosecutor for a case like this, in which there is a lot of opportunity to become distracted by all the media hype and attention."
People familiar with Litt's job search say he moved deliberately on that front too; although it had long been known that he was leaving, he took time, did a lot of interviews, and largely kept the details to himself.


text: Check this out. I read an article last week, I think, that described a deal in the works with the Chinese Co. Lenovo and Google. The deal would have Google selling off its Motorola handset division for a cool $2.91 billion(here) only 2 years after Google purchased Motorola Mobility for $13 billion (here). Now, Reuters is reporting that Google purchased an almost 6% stake in Lenovo a month ago for $750 million (here). WTF is up with that? Some suggest insider trading? I say we ask Jim, since he is an accountant! This smells like some kind of gimmick like Enron might run! Picaboo Accounting tricks as Max Keiser calls it! Shell games! I call Bullshit!


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Xiang Jia Hotel - Xian
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text:
During Nolan's Christmas party, one of our Italian cousin's over at Motoblog.it was one of the several journalists present at the party and had the opportunity to interview reigning World champion Jorge Lorenzo and he seemed very impressed not only by the Yamaha rider's immense talent on track, but also by his smiling and savvy PR confidence.
Here's the translated interview for you:
Jorge, in 2013 you'll be in Yamaha with the weight of four world titles. Is it a burden or a relief?
"I see everything from a postive point of view. Four World titles aren't absolutely a weight, but an incentive. Certainly 2013 will be difficult with Pedrosa, and Marquez who is very strong and Valentino who is back in Yamaha "
At the last edition of the EICMA you were surrounded by enthusiastic Italian fans, but you're a Spaniard riding a Japanese motorcycle …
"Yes it is true. I've had a great feeling with Italian fans for several years, but now they are getting to know me better because of the events I take part in."
Will you miss Casey Stoner as a rival?
Miss is a big word … He'll definitely be missed by everyone for the incredible perfomances he was able to give, his invincibility at Phillip Island and his aggressive riding style. It'll be difficult to find another hugely talented rider like him, but without Stoner it will be easier for everyone (laughing).
After your last World title what was the the best compliment your received?
"This morning at the airport. I was buying some magazines and a woman told me I was much better looking in person than on TV or in the papers.
Which rider inspired you?
"I've always liked Max Biaggi since I started watching the races on TV in 1995 and also "King" Carl Fogarty.
Lorenzo and Rossi together in Yamaha again, but now with the roles reversed …
"I don't think Valentino will be a number two rider. In Yamaha we'll have the same bike and we're both very ambitious, both champions and we both want to win. It'll be difficult that there won't be be some friction between us but I think the situation will be better than four years ago."


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Oily Hair Shampoo
We all have struggles with our hair, but one of the most frustrating and exhausting issues you can experience is chronically oily or greasy hair. We work so hard to make our hair shiny, bouncy and lush, but some of us can't get away from limp, thin and greasy hair, clinging and clumping together. Not only that, the regimens advised for solving this common problem can be elaborate, messy and often contradict each other!
What's a greasy haired guy or gal to do? Well for one, it's important to know the root causes of the problem. Then, there are some lifestyle tricks and homespun remedies that work great for a lot of people. And finally, there are some solid products out there with us in mind. Stay tuned.
What causes oily hair?
Oily hair is caused by overactive sebaceous glands. These are the glands that naturally lubricate the entire outside of the body, namely the skin and hair. They are found everywhere on the skin, except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Sebaceous glands secrete an oily, waxy substance called sebum, which waterproofs and protects the skin and hair, keeping them supple and healthy. The idea of sebum may be gross, but it's good stuff. Think of it as the body's natural conditioner or lotion.
And yet, to be covered with an excessive amount of conditioner or lotion would be icky, and that's the equivalent of what's happening with overactive sebaceous glands. And that's exactly what's happening in people with greasy or oily hair. It's also the same thing that's happening when people suffer from acne problems.
Hormones can cause overactive sebaceous glands, so oiliness can be a problem during adolescence and during pregnancy. But for the most part, it's just the way some of us are wired. It's also common among people with fine hair, since they typically have more hair follicles on the scalp, and therefore, more glands.
There's one more thing to note, however. Oily hair isn't always from excessive sebum. Sometimes it's excessive…other stuff. Namely, hair product. Sometimes our best efforts to have beautiful, lustrous hair can backfire. Beauticians often find that when people come in complaining of oily hair, it's often due to an accumulation of hair product or heavy conditioner and shampoo.
Prevention and treatment
If your problem is this latter scenario, you'll notice it because your scalp may be quite dry, but the strands of hair themselves will be heavy and greasy. In this case, your solution is simpler than others. For one, lay off the moisturizing shampoos, conditioners and hair products. Then, treat the hair with a clarifying solution, either a store bought super clarifying shampoo or a homemade treatment. These will work for any kind of oily hair, but in the case of too much buildup one good soak can wash away the gunk.
Tea tree oil is a great natural remedy for this problem. Mixing a bit into water and rinsing hair in the solution can be very effective. A mixture of two tablespoons vinegar to one cup of water can be effective. Also try alcoholic drinks (I know it sounds weird), a few tablespoons of booze mixed with water, or diluted tea, which contains an astringent.
Another tip for cutting back on oiliness is going easy on brushing the hair, and switching to a hair pick instead of a comb or brush. A pick will untangle the hair while minimizing the spread of oil.
Finally, if it's a persistent problem, see a dermatologist. There can often be underlying health issues that lead to oily hair. Rule them out first before throwing every trick in the book at your poor hair.
Oily Hair Shampoos
Unless you're trying the bold but trendy approach of ditching shampoo altogether, the fact of the matter is that, oily hair or not, you probably gotta keep shampooing your hair. And while some claim that scaling back on shampooing will actually reduce the hair's oiliness, that's not a great option for a lot of people and it's disputed. You might want to try shampooing just every other or third day, but even taking that approach, it's crucial to find the right shampoo.
It's also very irritating, sifting through the sea of marketing, flashy labels and celebrity testimonials to get to the truth of what a person with oily hair should be using. There are, however, a few guiding principles that should help to find a product that's right for you.
First off, look for shampoos that are clear. I know it sounds simplistic, but shampoos that are opaque or creamy often have conditioning ingredients that can contribute to oiliness. See, people on the other end of the spectrum are trying to rejuvenate and repair their dry hair, and many products are, labeled that way or not, actually adding moisture and oils. On that same note, avoid shampoos with never-ending lists of ingredients.
You'll also want to look for shampoos with a high pH (this is how acidic or basic a liquid is). Most hair needs a shampoo with a pH between 4.5 and 6.7, but oily hair should be treated with a more basic, or alkaline shampoo, higher than 6.7. Most shampoos labeled for oily hair should have such a pH.
This may seem obvious, but avoid shampoos that are advertised as hydrating, moisturizing or smoothing. Instead, you want to seek out words like volumizing, strengthening or balancing.
Daily clarifying shampoos, or for times when oily hair is out of control, a super clarifying treatment can be effective. But don't use such products too often. When you dry your hair and scalp out too much, it actually torments those little sebaceous glands into running overdrive, swinging the pendulum back into the oily end of the spectrum. Remember, you're not trying to eradicate all oil from your hair; it's all about finding the right balance.
Another set of magic words to seek out when hunting for your perfect shampoo are tea tree oil. We've discussed the benefits of this above, but many shampoos include this magical substance, which for many people absorbs oil naturally without irritating the sebaceous glands.
One important thing to keep in mind, you should buy small sample or travel bottles first. Trial and error is, unfortunately, important to striking the right balance. Here are a few shampoos that hair care specialists have recommended:
1. Phyto's Phytopanama Daily Balancing Shampoo for Oily Scalp
This balancing shampoo is a favorite, as it regulates excessive sebum production without sending the glands into mass production mode. Key ingredients are oils from the bark of the Panamanian Quillaja tree, as well as juniper berry oil.
For conditioner, the Phyto Phytobaume Volume Express Conditioner is solid, with its total absence of silicone.
2. Whole Foods 365 brand shampoo in Herbal Mint.
For one, it's a great deal. But it's also very light and clear so won't weigh down the hair.
3. Aveda's Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo.
Aveda makes high quality products all around, and this well-rated shampoo is all about cleaning the hair down to the root and removing excess buildup of sebum.
4. Neutrogena Shampoo, Anti-Residue formula.
Also very affordable, Neutrogena is all about pure and clean treatments. This shampoo is crystal clear with only ten ingredients. It's recommended for use just once a week in place of usual shampoo. Very powerful.
5. Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair.
Some of these are downright criminal in price, but this option is not one of them. Suave is available and affordable to anyone, and this clear, simple, popular and highly rated shampoo is a great standby for people with oily hair.


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If you are looking for something fun and creative for your kids to do this summer, don't miss the amazing art classes happening every Thursday (from 5:00 – 6:30pm) at Practical Art. In association with the Bergamot Institute, the youth art classes will run through the end of August, providing the valley's youth with fun and instructional art activities.
Kids ages 7 – 12 are invited to participate in an hour and a half of learning and engaging in hands-on arts activities. Classes will cover a variety of different artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, and sculpture making using upcycled materials. Classes are $15 per session, and limited to 10 students per class to provide the best learning experience. Please call 602.264.1414 or visit the website to purchase classes.
Practical Art is the only gallery in downtown Phoenix that features "functional art," handmade by local artisans. Practical Art is a teaching gallery, a community hangout, and the home to usable handcrafted artwork from over 100 local artisans. The gallery also hosts an emerging local visual artist for a month long solo exhibition on the gallery walls; making your trip to Practical Art a truly unique shopping and art appreciation experience.
Founded by two Arizona artists, the Bergamot Institute is a non-profit organization whose aim is to provide work spaces and supplies to those in our community who might not otherwise have access to them. Through partnering with various local spaces, the Bergamot Institute inspires community and creativity through workshops, events, shows, and collaborative projects.
Make sure to check back in to the Practical Art website often, as they will also be hosting youth Pop-Up Workshops lead by guest artists and instructors throughout the summer.
For more information on Practical Art, visit their Website, Follow the gallery on Twitter, and like them on Facebook.
Practical Art
5070 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012


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If you missed this week's episode of WWE Main Event, it was announced that Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar will appear live on next week's WWE Raw in Indianapolis to answer the challenge of Triple H.
Lesnar has been advertised for quite some time. As noted Wednesday, The Undertaker is also on the show.
We'll have exclusive live play-by-play coverage here at WrestlingNewsWorld.com.