What rockhound just isn't acquainted with the red and yellow flowers, orbs, and poppies within this highly preferred cutting material? We have all 'ooohed and aaahed' viewing the slabs and cabs at gem shows. With each cut exposing a succession of unexpected patterns I have often been surprised at my finished gems, (though I would always say, "Yep, that is the look I was opting for.") 1. The attractiveness of the person Having marked my ten-year anniversary of first arriving with this country on August 3, 2011 I pointed out that although my environment has changed drastically from those of ten years ago I have never really release my 'old self.' Rather, I have learned to check out my beliefs while using natives' list of eyes. After all, 'you cannot enter your neighbor's garden with your own personal declaration!' In this article, I would like to contrast and compare a number of the superstitions in the Mediterranean cultures which are practiced underneath the guise of 'scientific' premises from the United States.