Friday, January 25, 2008

Read on....

I wanted the title and some of the material to symbolise China. I took the oldest known tree (Ginkgo), which just happens to live in China and the Chinese symbol that we all recognise (the dragon) and combined the two to form the eternal name "GinkgoDrgon". I'm sure that after posting this blog, I'll see "GinkoDragon" inked on some biker's arm as he rides off on his metric HOG. Man, that would be a dream come true...then perhaps we would not be subjected to images of muscle shirts exposed with hairy armed tattoos of barb-wire and Chinese images around some ruffian's bicep (many that could use a little time in the gym!)

Kevin

The Dragon is the ultimate representation of the forces of Mother Nature, the greatest divine force on Earth.


Chinese Dragons


The symbol of the dragon represents the path into greater enlightenment.


The Celestial Chinese Dragon is comparable as the symbol of the Chinese race itself. Chinese around the world, proudly proclaim themselves "Lung Tik Chuan Ren" (Descendents of the Dragon). Dragons are referred to as the divine mythical creature that brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune.


As the emblem of the Emperor and the Imperial command, the legend of the Chinese Dragon permeates the ancient Chinese civilization and shaped their culture until today. Its benevolence signifies greatness, goodness and blessings.


The Chinese Dragon, or Lung , symbolizes power and excellence, valiancy and boldness, heroism and perseverance, nobility and divinity. A dragon overcomes obstacles until success is his. He is energetic, decisive, optimistic, intelligent and ambitious.


Unlike the negative energies associated with Western Dragons, most Eastern Dragons are beautiful, friendly, and wise. They are the angels of the Orient. Instead of being hated, they are loved and worshipped. Temples and shrines have been built to honor them, for they control the rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. Many Chinese cities have pagodas where people used to burn incense and pray to dragons.


The Dragon brings upon the essence of life, in the form of its celestial breath, known to many as sheng chi. He yields life and bestows its power in the form of the seasons, bringing water from rain, warmth from the sunshine, wind from the seas and soil from the Earth.


The Dragon is the ultimate representation of the forces of Mother Nature, the greatest divine force on Earth.


The Chinese Dragon is often seen as the symbol of divine protection and vigilance. It is regarded as the Supreme Being amongst all creatures. It has the ability to live in the seas, fly up the heavens and coiled up in the land in the form of mountains. Being the divine mythical animal, the Dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all that hold his emblem.


The Chinese Dragon is look upon as the ultimate symbol of Good Fortune.

Just a clinical explanation of the Ginkgo...nothing really mind shattering


Gi n k g o
Ginkgo biloba

Not only is the tree an old fellow, he has healing power.

The best-selling phytomedicine is derived from the leaves of an ancient tree, known to survive only in China. Sales are in excess of 280 million dollars per year. The tree is ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, a living fossil. Ginkgo is considered the oldest tree species to survive on earth, with a history dating back over 200 million years. Ginkgo species were once common in North America and Europe. Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving member of the ginkgo family. While its relatives became extinct in other parts of the world Ginkgo biloba survived in China.


Ginkgos have survived over millions of years because of their genetic tenacity. They are long-lived trees, remarkably resistance to disease, pests, and fires. They also are extremely tolerant of air pollution, and are often planted in harsh city environments where most trees will not survive. The most common tree along Manhattan sidewalks is ginkgo. The trees will get to be over 100 feet tall. In Japan and China trees over a thousand years old are found at ancient temples.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine the seeds are considered more important than the leaves. The seeds are used as an astringent for the lung, to stop asthma. It is thought to benefit ch'i (energy), cough, and regulate urinary frequency.


Ginkgo leaf extracts have been shown to have a wide range of biological activities. The most well-known use among Americans is the perceived ability of the products to improve short term memory. Other important effects include a protective effect on the blood-brain barrier and an anti-radical (antioxidant) effect. The leaf extracts has also been shown to increase vasodilation and peripheral blood flow rate in capillary vessels and end-arteries in various circulatory disorders. Ginkgo leaf helps to maintain integrity and permeability of cell walls. Yes, you know where this is heading….


New uses for Ginkgo leaf extracts are emerging as more is learned about the extracts usefulness in various clinical situations, especially those involving circulatory problems. A 1991 study published in the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy evaluated the effect of Ginkgo leaf extract in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Following treatment with the ginkgo leaf extract, all patients regained sufficient and spontaneous erections following six months of treatment. Rigidity at both the tip and base of the penis were found to significantly improve after six months. ….talk about a GinkgoDragon!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Just a thumbprint of me and my taxi.


Camel done....elephant next. T-Shirts on order!

Welcome to the land of the old trees and mystic dragons

GinkgoDragon is just a dot on the incredibly and incalculable huge portfolio of the Internet. I will talk a little about China and whatever else comes up in the next 3 months. Hopefully, it'll be as interesting as my peers' sites in "The Dragon Awakens" at The University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Check back later and learn how such a blog name was conceived. Rookdaddy 是…看見ya!