The Southeast Asia gallery at the Denver Art Museum features several important and beautiful stone sculptures from various ages in the history of the Khmer empire in Cambodia. The monumental torso depicted here represents Rama, the hero of the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Rama was considered the ideal Hindu king. By the mid-sixth century he came to be regarded as a god, and ultimately the tenth avatar of Vishnu. The image’s power and strength is conveyed through its stance and great size. Its size and the drapery style identify it with the ancient site of Lingapura, the capital of the Khmer under king Jayavarman IV, who ruled from 928 to 941 CE.

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“One World, One Dream.”

That was the slogan of the 2008 Olympics. As I anticipated these games, as I have every time they come up, that slogan would have new meaning for me. As a trainer and athlete, I always desired to one day go to the Olympics. As a martial artist and historic enthusiast, I always dreamed of one day visiting China. I never thought I would get paid to go to the games with the U.S. Olympic Team, much less visit the grand historical sites of China.

In 2008, that dream would come true. It all began when 24 Hour Fitness, the company in which I am a Master trainer, would expand their sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team by building a facility in China where the athletes could train. That brought upon the need to have qualified trainers and staff to run the facility and assist the Olympic coaches as they trained the athletes for their events. Each trainer would have their travel and accommodations provided to work at the High Performance Training Center for two week shifts during the course of the Olympics.

The selection process would involve recruiting the top trainers of the company through a screening process of qualifications, certifications, experience, and client testimonials. Of the 4,000 trainers in the company, only 125 applications would be accepted. And of those, only the top 16 trainers in the company would have the opportunity to join the U.S. Team and assist in their goal of bringing home some medals.

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Look into the 2010 Chinese Zodiac to get a forecast of what the year holds for you!

The story of the Chinese Zodiac is fascinating! It is said that Buddha summoned all the animals to come see him before he departed earth, but only twelve animals appeared. As a reward, Buddha named a year after each one of them. The sequence was determined by a race. It started with the rat that won the race and ended with the last animal, the pig.

It's thought that each animal represented in Chinese Zodiac bestows certain characteristics on individuals who are born during the year that particular animal "rules." The Year of the Tiger 2010 is a year of much action, drama, change, crisis, and unpredictability. For every Chinese horoscope sign, this year is one to be active – seizing opportunities and making the most of your talents. Everything happens quickly and dramatically – blink and you could miss an important chance of a lifetime.

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)
Rats are charming, influential, sociable, and clever. They can be a bit gossipy and prone to being distracted. Family and close friends are exceptionally important to them. Throughout his/her long life he/she will always be popular and will have many friends.

Forecast for 2010 2010 will bring changes. The year is likely to be quite busy. Use your considerable wits to handle the uncertainties that are likely to come to you this year. Avoid overspending. February and March can bring interesting work offers to you. It is essential to go with the flow and seize opportunities. 2010 is strong for you for love, particularly in the middle of the year. You must be extra thoughtful and caring throughout the year – an inadvertent remark or gesture could lead to discord with loved ones.

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