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On a global scale every year we can expect approximately 100 extremely disruptive earthquakes, around 10,000 floods, roughly 100,000 thunderstorms, hundreds of landslides and tornadoes as well as scores of hurricanes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, droughts and tsunamis. Fortunately, not all of these events will occur in areas that will harm the human population, but many will.

What can man do to even the score? How can we know beforehand where calamity will strike? How can we foresee the evil and protect others and ourselves? Providentially, earth's inhabitants have a built-in early warning system that could aid in turning the tables and would more than reimburse man for his efforts in studying its secrets. According to the exogenic theory of climate, forces outside of earth's atmosphere exercise an influence on terrestrial weather. A correlation has been observed since the dawn of time between certain planetary phenomena and earth's atmospheric conditions. Unfortunately, modern man has viewed as quixotic even the most brilliant of history's minds that have studied and successfully employed this knowledge. Johannes Kepler, discoverer of the planetary laws of motion, first became famous for his long-range weather forecasts such as the one that foretold of the bitter cold winter that put Styermark, germany on ice in 1593. Isaac Newton's prediction, based on certain celestial conditions, of the destructive gales and sharp earthquakes that would rock london in 1750 materialized right on schedule-twenty-three years after his death!

One need not be of superior scientific stature to effectively forecast coming weather patterns. The twentieth century produced a few excellent astrometeorologists one of whom was G.J. McCormack. In 1962-3, Mr. McCormack published a series of long-range forecasts months in advance in Analog-Science Fiction, Science Fact magazine. He was judged as 93 percent accurate. Mr. McCormack was an electrical engineer by profession.

In a similar vein, John Nelson, a radio propagation analyst for RCA and amateur astronomer, shocked the scientific world in the 1950s by announcing his discovery of the influence of planetary angular relationships on earth's magnetic storms. For years afterwards he published his long-range forecasts pinpointing the dates of severe magnetic storms that would wipe out short wave radio transmissions.

Based on Keplers long-range forecast method, the Southeast US through the ohio Valley is in for a round of severe weather around August 14th and 15th. One scenario shows a tropical system approaching the west coast of Florida and pushing inland with soaking rains. Another model suggests strong storms with damaging winds and possible flooding over the same area. Either way, there should be a very active weather pattern that should not go by unnoticed.

Ken Paone has been working with Kepler's long-range weather forecasting method for about 15 years. His published forecasts have appeared internationally. You can email Ken at kensweather@msn.com. Check out more long-range weather forecasts for August 2006 as well as the results of his past forecasts at http://www.theweatheralternative.blogspot.com

You're stepping onto the stage, amidst opening night flurry and last minute stage directions. In the audience are the director you'd like to work with, the reviewer everyone listens to, and your first acting coach. The blood pumps in your ears, your heart is racing, and your throat is so dry you can't possibly speak your lines. Every muscle is tense and you want to run.

It's called the "fight or flight" response. It's also called stage fright. Stage fright comes in many different forms. For some, it's a nervous energy that disappears as soon as they begin performing, or a familiar sensation that's always under the surface but feels manageable most of the time. For others, it's so debilitating that they can't get through an audition to even be part of a performance.

Stage fright has huge repercussions to the health and well-being of the performer.

Dr. louise Montello of Musicians Wellness, Inc. has worked with injured, blocked and anxious performers for many years, and has developed a rich set of tools that we can use in moments of stress and anxiety.

One of her most powerful techniques, from the yoga tradition, is breath. Breath is a key link between the mind and the body. Our body's autonomic nervous system is made up of the parasympathetic nervous system (related to relaxation, creativity and awareness) and the sympathetic nervous system (related to analytical thinking and action). When we're in "fight or flight" mode, our sympathetic nervous systems are in charge, and our bodies, minds and emotions are locked into battle with an imaginary enemy (while our creative expression gets caught in the crossfire).

Deep breathing and the specific techniques that will be described in this article can reawaken your parasympathetic nervous system.

Note: In yogic breathing exercises, it's important to always breathe in and out through the nose.

1. Diaphragmatic breathing ("belly breathing")

Why? It allows you to move more air into your body and also to send more stale air out on the exhalation.

How? practice this type of breathing while holding your hands on your belly, to feel it expand as you inhale, and contract as you exhale. Your back and sides should expand and contract as well. Watch a baby sleeping to get a really good demonstration of belly breathing.

2. Even breathing

Why? Will smooth out your breathing and help you to feel grounded.

How? Breathe in and out for the same number of counts.

3. Two-to-one breathing

Why? Since exhalation is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system (related to relaxation, creativity and awareness), long exhalations also help to induce relaxation. This exercise is helpful in times of great stress (i.e. auditions).

How? Breathe in for a certain number of counts, and then breathe out for twice as many counts (count evenly in your own time), pushing the breath out from the belly.

4. Alternate nostril breathing

Why? By alternately breathing through our right nostril (connected to our sympathetic nervous system) and our left nostril (connected to our parasympathetic nervous system), we can balance our entire autonomic nervous system.

How? To prepare for this exercise, clear your nostrils by breathing in and out quickly several times in a row (another technique called "cleansing breath"). Now, fold the index finger and middle finger of the right hand into the palm, and use the thumb to close your right nostril and your ring finger to close your left nostril.

Begin by inhaling through both nostrils. Then breathe out through one nostril, while blocking the other, and then switch and breathe in through the other nostril.

After three complete breaths, exhale without switching sides, and do three more breaths. This means you're now inhaling on the opposite side that you started from.

Now rest and breathe deeply and evenly through both nostrils for a few minutes. Then repeat that cycle two more times (with a rest in between), so you've done three cycles in total.

You'll be amazed at the difference these simple breathing exercises can make, with a few short minutes of practice every day. Then, at times of stress, you'll have a valuable tool to support your performance, and all your creative dreams.

Copyright 2005, Linda Dessau. All rights reserved.

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, helps artists enhance their creativity by addressing their unique self-care issues. Visit www.preparingforperformance.com for more help with performance anxiety.

When you visit the festive city of Baton Rouge, youre never out of interesting places to visit. Thankfully, the wonderful Baton Rouge hotels will accommodate you generously until you feel fully satisfied with your journey to this historical city. In terms of the quality of service, not only do the hotels of Baton Rouge match the top of their peers, but they also offer something special and unique to the flavor of the locality.

If youre looking for a top notch hotel, look no further than the magnificent Embassy Suites Hotel of Baton Rouge. Situated at 4914 Constitution Avenue, its location is walking distance away from the Louisiana State University Campus and the LSU Rural Life Museum. It is also at a convenient distance to the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, the Pentagon Barracks, the Greater Baton Rouge Zoo and the Audubon Golf Trail.

The Embassy Suites Hotel offer luxurious suites with a spacious living room. The bedrooms features either one king bed or two full size beds. cable television, pay-per-view movies, and nintendo games are available for a very enjoyable entertainment suite. Additional furnishings include a mini-refrigerator and microwave oven. And oh, dont forget High-speed internet access, for the busy business people. Check-In takes place at 3:00PM, and check-out occurs at 12:00PM. More details about the Embassy Suites Hotel are available at http://www.embassysuites.com. You may also contact the staff members at 225-924-6566.

If youre looking to settle in downtown Baton Rouge, then be sure to take a good look at the Sheraton Baton Rouge Convention Center Hotel. The address is at 102 France Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, United States. The staff can be contacted by phone at (225) 242-2600. Among the Baton Rouge hotels here, it boasts being the newest hotel around as well as the only downtown hotel that provides full hospitality services for its clients. The Sheraton Baton Rouge Convention Center Hotel has around 300 guest rooms & suites. common sought after services like High-speed internet access and wireless connections are available. It also features meeting facilities, airport shuttle, valet, laundry and many more other services to take good care of you. Be sure to check out the main website at http://www.starwoodhotels.com. Take a tour and find all the reasons why this is one of the most talked about hotels in Baton Rouge.

Of course, your choice of lodging is not limited. There are plenty of other hotels available in Baton Rouge with more economic pricing. One such hotel is the Baton Rouge Marriott Hotel, located at 5500 Hilton Avenue. Its only 15 minutes away from the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. This Marriott hotel has around 300 guest rooms, featuring both one and two bedroom suites. Among the furnishings provided include cable TV, in-room coffee makers, irons, and two telephone lines - for DATA ports and voice mail functions. For more details, get in contact with their staff at 1-225-924-5000, or fax them at 1-225-926-8152.

Choosing among the Baton Rouge hotels available is not an easy task. Hopefully, that will be the hardest part of your trip to Baton Rouge. Depending on your purpose of visit, duration of your stay, and your own personal preference, Baton Rouge has enough customized hotel rooms to make you feel at home.

Tael Marco is a native of Baton Rouge, Lousiana. He now resides in Boston due to occupation, but he still travels back to Baton Rouge at least twice each year to participate in festivities and to meet old friends. His favorite food was and still is spicy, cajun crawfish steamed to perfection.