Researched by Ray Duarte, RN
March 2010
ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR - However! Mark A. Stengler, NMD, a naturopathic medical doctor and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine says -
Zinc — Boosts Libido, Preserves Sight, Defeats Colds
“Do you know zilch about zinc? Let’s rectify that, as this essential trace element is vital to your health and well-being. According to some reports, as many as 12% of Americans may have a zinc deficiency, a figure that may rise to as much as 45% in people over age 60. Among the important functions of zinc in our bodies — it boosts the immune response… protects cell membranes from harmful oxidants and structural damage… repairs DNA… and supports nearly 100 different enzymes that regulate the chemistry of cells and organisms.
Regular Daily Health News contributor Mark Stengler, NMD, says zinc is also helpful in stabilizing blood glucose… contributes to neurological function… and helps the formation of testosterone, thereby potentially boosting sexual function. (So the reputation of oysters as an aphrodisiac has a scientific basis — they have more zinc than any other food.) And, of particular interest to the older population, says Dr. Stengler, is that zinc helps prevent or reduce the damage of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in adults over age 60.
Why Do We Lack Zinc?
Our ability to absorb zinc may decline with age. On top of that, many older folks take medications known to deplete zinc, in particular thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors (used to control blood pressure) and acid-suppressing medications. Additionally, having a digestive disorder that prevents proper nutrient absorption — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease — can contribute to deficiency. And since animal products are a primary source of zinc, eating a vegetarian diet can also mean that you don’t get enough.
With so many people at risk, you’d think there would be good tests to measure zinc levels, but alas, the only ones available are not sensitive enough to be useful — so it is important to be aware of deficiency symptoms. Severe deficiency causes severe problems (such as rashes, chronic diarrhea and night blindness), but that’s rare in developed countries. Lower level deficiency is far more common, but its symptoms can be troublesome, too — including depression, a loss of appetite and libido, and frequent colds and other infections.
Zinc and Colds
When you get a cold or respiratory infection, supplementing with zinc can help relieve your sore throat and shorten your suffering, a benefit that has been demonstrated in many studies. This has made zinc-based cold fighters, including the Zicam Cold Remedy line, quite popular. There was considerable concern last year when the FDA issued a warning about use of Zicam products delivered nasally (its gels and sprays). These are no longer being sold, and according to Dr. Stengler, Zicam lozenges are safe (a daily dose — six lozenges — has 80 mg of elemental zinc). Dr. Stengler likes even better lozenges that contain 15 mg to 25 mg of elemental zinc, and in particular the brands Bluebonnet and LifeExtension. At the first sign of a cold, have one every two hours away from meals, since zinc supplementation may also interfere with the absorption of iron and calcium, and competes with copper for uptake from the gut. Note: Zinc may hinder absorption of antibiotics, so if you’re on them, be sure to use it at least two hours before or after the time you take the drug.
For Health in General
The zinc Recommended Daily Allowance is 11 mg a day for men and 8 mg for women. You can obtain this much from food (see below), but if you have signs of deficiency or are not eating a zinc-rich diet, Dr. Stengler says 15 mg per day is generally a good supplemental dose. The upper limit for a zinc supplement is 40 mg — too much zinc has been associated with prostate cancer. Pregnant and nursing women should not take zinc unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
Zinc-rich foods include…
- Beef
- Crab
- Turkey
- Oysters
- Liver
- Dairy including milk, yogurt and cheddar cheese
- Cashews, almonds, peanuts
- Crimini mushrooms
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds
For most people at most times, he says, eating a varied, healthful diet and taking a daily multivitamin with zinc should be sufficient to prevent deficiency.”
Source(s):
Mark A. Stengler, NMD, a naturopathic medical doctor and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. He is editor of Bottom Line’s Natural Healing newsletter, author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies (Bottom Line Books), director of the La Jolla Whole Health Clinic in La Jolla, California, and adjunct clinical professor at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about his work, visit www.drstengler.com and www.lajollawholehealth.com.
February 2010
As we all watched, listened, and prayed, a huge tragedy in Haiti unfolded; bringing me recollections of yet another time which seems to have been more a warning of what could happen to us here in California. The earthquake in Haiti comes at a time when my story “Fate Glistens” has just been published as part of an anthology of stories about FATE.
“Fate Glistens,” is a true short story about a moderately strong earthquake that struck the suburb of Los Angeles - Sylmar, California; and how that 6.5 temblor on Tuesday morning, February 9, 1971, impacted me and my family.
A story written from the heart sometimes carries a double-edged sword, because as an author, when you write from your heart, just to see it in print makes you feel that the work is done. However, in reality, the manuscript has just been born and it is through the process of countless rewrites that it finally reaches a state readable by others.
But the second edge of the sword I carry is a story behind the story. Five months after the Sylmar quake, I received my degree in Nursing and my license as a California Registered Nurse. I became a critical care nurse-specialist in dialysis, and as a result of the Sylmar earthquake experience, carried with me deeply seated concerns: What would we do as healthcare professionals if a larger quake were to strike San Francisco or Los Angeles?
In 1986, I formulated Task force One; to ask and hopefully answer some of the many questions each possible scenario would present. My committee and I met for nearly a year. I published my article “Seismic Risks in Nephrology” in October of 1988 (Dialysis and Transplantation Magazine, a peer- reviewed publication).
On December 7th of the same year, Soviet Armenia shook with a 7.2 magnitude quake—25,000 people died. The realities I had imagined were greater than the fears I had harbored. I put together and readied an airlift response in less than 72 hours after that quake. One plane with 17 dialysis machines, water, generators, lighting, supplies, one surgeon, one nephrologist, 2 dialysis technicians and 4 nurses readied for a flight to Armenia. We knew that dialysis acute care would be required for hundreds buried under tons of concrete, and as they would be extricated after hours of immobilization with crushing injuries causing them to be in kidney failure, only dialysis for most of them would reverse their life-threatening conditions, helping some to survive. Our plane with supplies was accepted by the Soviet Union, but visas were not granted and therefore, I and my team of specialists were denied entry into the Soviet Union.
I did not realize it at the time, but my article “Seismic Risks in Nephrology” became the first article in Global Medical publications to connect earthquakes with dialysis. It has been referenced several times over the years, including references in the New England Journal of Medicine (
I am forever grateful to Author/Editors Arlene Uslander and Brenda Warneka, and to Publisher Rebecca Buckley because without their hard work and dedication to the publication of true Fate stories, my story “Fate Glistens” would not have been published in the anthology: “The Mystery of Fate: Common Coincidence or Divine Intervention?” This inspirational book, which includes stories from all over the world about Fate (which I think of as Divine Intervention), can be ordered through Amazon.com, the publishing company, http://www.rjbuckleypublishing.com/index10.html and through book stores.
I cannot express fully to My Friend, Mentor and Colleague Sally Franz my sincerest appreciation. She has continuously inspired me to write. She and I always seem to be able to “dream of things that never were, and say why not!”
Ray Duarte -
5-year-old Savannah’s Calm Call with 911 - THE BONNIE HUNT SHOWhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDARfDJw80s&feature=player_embedded
More than any other research, it was a study published in British medical journal the Lancet in 1998 that helped foster the persisting notion that childhood vaccines can cause autism. On Tuesday February 2, 2010, that flawed study, led by gastroenterologist Dr. Andrew Wakefield, was officially retracted by the journal’s editors - a serious slap and rare move in the world of medicine. http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100203/hl_time/08599195874400
Boomers and Technology: An Extended Conversation is a unique, qualitative study of how the boomer generation thinks about technology, sponsored by AARP and Microsoft. The paper offers a fresh perspective on a generation often not considered when experts chart consumer appetites for technology, and it forecasts how boomers’ use of technology will evolve in the years ahead.The insights used to produce the paper were gathered during May 2009 in San Francisco, Phoenix, Chicago, and New York, when more than 60 boomers dined and then voiced their opinions in a directed discussion led by author and futurist Michael Rogers. Together, they shared their thoughts on, frustrations with, and enthusiasms as well as hopes for modern technology. The participants all had broadband Internet access at home and were clear and ready communicators. They represented what technology marketers call “influencers”—the vocal consumers whose opinions shape others’ behavior.Participants were encouraged to talk about the improvements they wanted to see in technology and to speculate about what they’d like to see next. As a result, the report includes both present attitudes and an extrapolation of the technologies boomers are likely to embrace in the future.http://www.aarp.org/leisure/activities/articles/boomers_and_technology.1.html
Why Pine Nuts Help You Lose Weight
Jodi Citrin Greebel, RD, CDN
Citrition, LLC
ost weight-loss diets are hard to stick to. Reason: You have to eliminate 3,500 calories to lose just one pound. That’s 500 calories a day if you want to lose one pound a week. That degree of calorie restriction can make people feel hungry all the time — and reluctant to stick with any diet for very long. That’s also why it is hard for people to maintain the weight that they do lose. Roughly 95% of those who lose weight are unable to maintain the weight loss longer than a year or two.
Better: Eat foods that curtail appetite and increase feelings of fullness. People who do this naturally take in fewer calories overall and are more likely to maintain their weight loss.
What to eat…
Protein at every meal. Protein is a natural appetite suppressant. People who often feel hungry probably aren’t getting enough protein. Self-test: Eat a regular meal or snack. If you’re hungry again within two hours, the meal probably didn’t include enough protein.
Protein should make up about 25% of every meal — three ounces to six ounces of protein is ideal. Good protein sources include chicken, seafood, lean red meats, egg whites, beans and low-fat or nonfat dairy.
Trap: Many traditional breakfast foods, such as a bagel or a Danish, are high in calories but low in protein. People who start the day with these foods invariably want to eat more within a few hours, adding unnecessary calories.
Always include protein with your morning meal — by spreading peanut butter on whole-wheat toast, for example. Also helpful: High-protein snacks, such as string cheese or yogurt. They’re more satisfying than high-carbohydrate snacks, such as pretzels or chips.
More fat. Until recently, weight-loss experts advised people to eat less fat. This made intuitive sense because fat has about twice the calories as an equal amount of protein or carbohydrate. But today, after about 15 years of low-fat dieting, Americans are heavier than ever. Reason: People who don’t feel satisfied on a low-fat diet often eat excessive carbohydrates to make up the difference.
Fat is a satisfying nutrient. You may feel full after eating a lot of carbohydrates, such as pasta or bread, but you’ll still want more. Fat, on the other hand, makes you crave less food, so you’ll be less likely to fill up on calories from other sources.
Have a little fat with every meal. If you’re having a salad, for example, use full-fat dressing in moderation rather than fat-free. Add a tablespoon of olive oil when making pasta sauce. A slice of cheese or a serving of cottage cheese also provides satisfying amounts of fat.
Easy does it: Use fats only in small amounts to avoid excess calories. One tablespoon of olive oil, for example, has about 120 calories. Small amounts curtail your appetite without adding too many calories.
A handful of pine nuts. A hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) has been found to increase feelings of fullness. About one ounce or a small handful of pine nuts (which actually are seeds, not nuts) stimulates the body to release CCK. This reduces appetite and helps you feel fuller even when you take in fewer calories overall.
Fiber, especially early in the day. High-fiber diets increase feelings of fullness and aid in weight loss. High-fiber foods also may stimulate the release of appetite-suppressing hormones.
Virtually all foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, are relatively low in calories. People who eat a lot of these foods tend to feel full even when they take in fewer calories during the day.
Try to get 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Beans are high in fiber, with about six grams in one-half cup. Blackberries are another excellent source, with about eight grams of fiber per cup.
Spicy foods as often as possible. Cayenne, jalapeños, curries and other spicy foods contain capsaicin and other compounds that may increase metabolism and cause the body to burn slightly more calories. More important, these foods appear to affect the “satiety center” in the brain, causing people to feel more satisfied and consume fewer calories.
Water before a meal. Drink a full glass of water before you start eating, and keep sipping water throughout the meal. Water takes up space in the stomach. Or you can start your meal with a broth-based soup (not a cream soup, which is higher in calories). People who consume liquids before and during meals consume fewer calories than those who go straight to the main course.
Caution: Avoid high-calorie liquids. Americans consume about 20% more calories now than they did 20 years ago. Many of these calories come from soft drinks, sports drinks and coffee beverages that include sugar and cream. Some of these drinks contain 400 calories or more, which could result in almost one extra pound of weight a week if consumed daily.
Jodi Citrin Greebel, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian and president of Citrition, LLC, a nutrition consulting company in New York City. She is coauthor, with Melissa Gibson and Katie Nuanes, of The Little Black Apron: A Single Girl’s Guide to Cooking with Style & Grace (Polka Dot).
On February 3rd, 1959 the Mission City of San Fernando
California lost its Favorite son. His life was lost at the age
of 17, but loss was also felt deeply in Texas, for along with
Ritchie Valens 3 others also lost their lives, and it became
the day the music died.
American Pie : http://solosong.net/pie.html
Ritchie Valens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHPBObnlmuk&feature=related
Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5×9PPtPmoy4
The Big Bopper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TcC_ni0ojo
And now a dedication to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and
J.P. Richarson - “The Big Bopper”
Celine Dion: And My Heart will Go On:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHyJTpDFgc8
“My Heart Will Go On”
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go onFar across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you’re here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go till we’re one
Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we’ll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you’re here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
There is some love that will not go away
You’re here, there’s nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We’ll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
January 2010
Happy New Year
How to Find the Best Auto Mechanic
(David Solomon
MotorWatch)
“
n the old Andy Griffith Show, the friendly auto mechanic Goober could pop a car’s hood, listen for a moment, make a tiny adjustment to the engine with a screwdriver — and poof, the car was fixed. If only we could find such reliable and efficient service nowadays.
Well, we can — with a little help.
Here’s how to find the best auto mechanics today…
PICK THE RIGHT KIND OF SHOP
There are several types of repair shops…
Dealerships usually have the best equipment and mechanics trained in the specific technology used for the cars they sell. A dealership is the obvious place for warranty repairs and for some service contracts. However, dealers also tend to have the highest prices.
Mass merchandisers or chain stores tend to charge lower prices than dealerships, but the staff typically consists of entry-level employees and the quality of work often is below industry standards.
Independent repair shops usually provide good service for a more reasonable price than dealerships. The shop owner often is on the premises, and each mechanic in the shop may specialize — some may work only on domestics, others on European vehicles.
CHECK TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
To begin your search for an independent repair shop, check with the automotive trade associations that list preferred repair shops. Look for shops that are listed by at least two of the following organizations…
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) boasts that an average of 78% of customers are repeat customers. ASA shops adhere to a code of ethics that outlines professional business practices. 800-272-7467. www.asashop.org.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides locations of shops that employ ASE-certified repair technicians. Note: Having ASE certification means only that the technician can pass a written test — it has no bearing on repair skill. 703-669-6600. www.ase.com.
The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) comprises mainly independent transmission-repair facilities. Members apply an ATRA code of ethics to their automatic-transmission diagnostic and repair services. Member shops have at least one ATRA-certified technician. 866-464-2872. www.atra.com.
I-CAR technicians are trained in industry-accepted, uniform collision repair procedures to produce quality paint and body repairs. Go to www.i-car.com, click on “Gold Class Professionals” and enter your zip code. 800-422-7872.
The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (IATN) has more than 69,000 members worldwide who share and exchange technical knowledge. Look for shops where the owner is listed, in particular those that are named after the owner. 714-257-1335. www.iatn.net.
The Motorist Assurance Program provides auto-repair industry standards and has developed a series of guidelines to help consumers decide what kind of repairs they need. The site also lists repair shops. 703-532-2027. www.motorist.org.
NAPA AutoCare helps consumers find a shop that performs quality work at a fair price. 800-452-6272. www.napaautocare.com.
TALK RADIO
Radio stations in many communities have call-in talk shows on auto topics. Often the host and the shops that advertise on these programs are consumer-oriented and honest because they don’t want a listener to call in and complain on the air about a bad experience.
WARNING SIGNS
There are clues to alert you to problems with a particular repair shop…
Ban on checks. If signs on the wall say, “No Checks, Cash Only” or “$35-a-Day Storage After 24 Hours,” consider taking your business elsewhere. The cash-only and storage-charge signs may suggest that the shop has been stung by unhappy customers who have put stop payments on their checks or abandoned their cars.
Abandoned cars. If there are many cars with flat tires and expired tags, they were probably deserted because the repair shop couldn’t fix them or wanted to charge too much. An empty shop also is a bad sign, indicating little business.
No cars like yours. If you see only one particular brand of foreign car or other kinds of cars that are not at all similar to yours, the shop may not have expertise in your type of vehicle.
Dirty shop. Is the shop well-lit and properly ventilated… or is the air foul, with a decade of grease and grime on the floor and piles of junk? The condition of the shop is a good indication of what kind of job it does. On the other hand, if it seems more like an operating room than a garage, look out. The staff may not have anything to do but clean floors all day.”
Painless Ways to Save $2,000 a Year on Your Energy Bills
John Krigger
Saturn Resource Management
ost families could trim their energy bills significantly without sacrificing any quality of life. Using the following easy energy savers could cut as much as 40% from home energy-expenses.
HEATING
Use an electric space heater when everyone in the home is gathered in one room. Turn the home’s thermostat down to 55°F or 60°F so that the vacant sections of the house are not heated unnecessarily.
Savings: This could trim your heating bills by 10% to 30% if done regularly. Some families in cold climates, who pay as much as $5,000 per year for heating, could save $500 to $1,500.
Unblock heating registers. Move furniture, rugs and drapes clear of your system’s vents. Impeded airflow can undermine a system’s efficiency.
Savings: Depends on your overall system and how badly airflow was blocked. You might save very little, or you might save hundreds of dollars a year.
WATER HEATING
Set your water heater to 120°F. Most household water heaters are set between 130°F and 145°F, but 120°F is hot enough for washing dishes and showering.
Savings: It’s been estimated that every 10 degrees of temperature reduction can reduce water-heating costs by 5%, so lowering the water heater temperature by 20 degrees could save the typical family $30 to $50 per year.
Install a modern low-flow showerhead. Most showerheads use about three gallons of hot water per minute. The best low-flow showerheads offer equally enjoyable showers using just 1.5 to two gallons per minute. Quality varies, so read product reviews on shopping Web sites such as Amazon.com. Helpful: A low-flow shower may initially feel less satisfying than a three-gallon-per-minute shower, but give it a week or two. After an initial adjustment period, most people agree that it’s fine.
Savings: Varies greatly, depending on how much time your family spends in the shower — but it has been estimated at as much as $150 a year.
Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket. Do-it-yourself wrap kits are available at hardware stores for less than $25. The blanket pays for itself in less than a year and offers savings after that. It is worth wrapping any water heater that does not carry a label specifically warning against this.
Savings: Usually around 4% to 9% of total water-heating costs, according to the US Department of Energy. That translates into an annual savings of $12 to $45 for most households.
refrigerator
Replace your refrigerator if it is more than 15 years old. Avoid models with through-the-door ice and water dispensers. They detract from energy efficiency.
Savings: A new refrigerator could save you about $80 per year in electricity costs compared to a similarly-sized refrigerator made in the early 1990s or earlier.
Clean your refrigerator’s coils at least once a year — every six months if there’s a dog or cat that sheds heavily in the house. Dirt, dust and pet hair on refrigerator coils can impede airflow and make heat transfer less efficient, forcing the appliance to work harder. Refrigerator coil brushes are available at home centers and hardware stores.
Savings: The Sacramento Municipal Utility District estimates that coil cleaning can cut a refrigerator’s energy use by 6% — a yearly saving of about $15 on an old fridge and $5 on a modern one.
Set your refrigerator’s temperature to between 30°F and 40°F. Set your freezer temperature to between 0°F and 10°F. Colder temperatures increase your electricity bills without significantly improving food freshness.
Savings: Setting your refrigerator 10 degrees higher and freezer five degrees higher has been estimated to cut the appliance’s electricity consumption by at least 20%. This could save you $50 a year with an old fridge and about $10 with modern one. If you don’t have a temperature dial in your refrigerator, place an ordinary household thermometer inside for 10 to 15 minutes. Read it the moment you open the door.
Dryers
Replace your dryer’s flexible plastic-vent ducting material with a four-inch rigid (not corrugated) metal duct. This creates less airflow resistance, allowing your dryer to dry more efficiently.
Helpful: It might be necessary to use a small section of flexible ducting material to connect the back of your dryer to this smooth metal duct so that you can move the dryer away from the wall for cleaning or service.
Savings: As much as 20% of drying costs, or $10 to $40 per year for the average household.
Clean lint from your dryer vent at least once a year by disconnecting the vent from the dryer and the wall and reaching in as far as you can to pull out lint. Clean lint from the dryer’s lint trap before every load of laundry. Lint buildup can increase drying time and energy consumption by more than 50%.
Even better: Hang clothes from a clothesline outside, weather permitting.
Savings: Serious lint congestion could cost you more than $50 per year if you do a lot of laundry. Hanging laundry from a line could save you as much as $200 per year.
LightBulbs
Use name-brand compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescents consume one-quarter to one-third as much electricity as incandescents. Stick with brand-name bulbs — store-brand or no-name-brand bulbs might be cheaper but are likely to burn out sooner.
Savings: Your annual savings might be less than $20 if you typically have just one or two bulbs burning — but more than $150 if your house tends to be lit up like a jack-o’-lantern.
Rocking Chair Therapy Helps Constipation
Good things happen in rocking chairs — grandmothers knit, babies are fed, iced tea is enjoyed on summer afternoons on shady porches… and there’s more. Evidence is mounting that rocking can be an effective therapy for improving numerous physical conditions, including constipation and arthritis, and also can help speed recovery after surgery. “Rocking chair therapy” has long been recommended to ease lower back pain — and in fact, a certain style of rocking chair was popularized by President John Kennedy, who had one on Air Force One to help his severe back problems. Recently, a study conducted at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated that, all other things being equal, cancer patients recovering from abdominal surgery who spent time rocking in a rocking chair resumed bowel activity more quickly than patients who did not… and that means that they felt better sooner and recovered faster.
This Rocks!
Robert Massey, PhD, RN, director of clinical nursing at the center and lead author of the study, reports that bowel dysfunction is a normal and expected side effect of abdominal surgery, but many patients tell him it is the most difficult part of their recovery. The problem can last as long as three to five days.
Previously, while working on a different unit, Dr. Massey had observed that patients who rocked in rocking chairs experienced an earlier return of bowel function than those who did not rock. Also, previous research in women recovering from C-section and abdominal hysterectomy demonstrated earlier resolution of bowel dysfunction in those who rocked in a rocking chair than in those who received other treatments. Dr. Massey decided to try the rocking chair intervention in both male and female cancer patients recovering from surgeries for abdominal cancers, as well as from gastric, colon, small bowel, pancreatic or liver surgeries.
The Study
The study involved 66 patients, 34 of whom were instructed to rock for periods of between 10 to 20 minutes for a total of at least one hour a day, and also to walk, adding more time each day as tolerated. They were compared with 32 others who did not rock (but who did walk) who served as a control group. The results: Those in the rocking group first passed gas (a post-op healing benchmark) 16.8 hours earlier on average than the other group. Dr. Massey says that 17 hours doesn’t sound like a lot, “but it is a long time if you are experiencing postoperative nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention and inability to eat.” He added that there’s also evidence that having these side effects may impact recovery in a way that can negatively affect your quality of life much later — so it may be that rocking has long-term health benefits as well.
Some of the study participants had trouble filling their rocking quotient because it was so relaxing that they fell asleep in the rocking chair, Dr. Massey told me. Though rocking does use some abdominal muscles, he said it did not seem to increase abdominal pain.
Dr. Massey believes the positive results are due to the way rocking stimulates the vestibular nerves in the ear that, in turn, send signals to the reticular activating system (RAS), which is the source of the fight-or-flight reaction that plays a pivotal role in bodily and behavioral alertness. The bowel dysfunction associated with abdominal surgery is thought to be a response to the stress of surgery. It seems that rocking modulates this response and mobilizes the digestive system. Dr. Massey is hoping to start a new study soon that will investigate more fully what it is about rocking that is so effective for post-op patients.
Who Should Rock?
Some orthopedic surgeons recommend rocking to help patients recover from knee surgery. And, it seems to help patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, ADHD, autism and sensory disorders. It also has been used for chronic fatigue and to help patients recover from stroke and heart attack. Rocking may help relieve arthritis and has been found helpful for varicose veins. Dr. Massey told me that he plans future research to also investigate whether the use of rocking therapy will help surgical patients avoid post-op deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially serious and sometimes lethal situation that creates clots that can go to the lungs. “In rocking you are flexing and relaxing the muscles in the lower legs, which may enhance the compression stockings’ effectiveness,” says Dr. Massey.
Rocking can even be helpful for everyday complaints, such as the common cold, insomnia and some forms of constipation, though Dr. Massey said there is a need for further research to learn more. Rocking chairs have been in homes for centuries — and I think we will be seeing lots more of them in high-tech medical centers of the future.
Source(s):
Robert Massey, PhD, RN, director of clinical nursing, The University of Texas M.D. http://advancedprostatecancer.net/?p=1066
December 2009
‘Love Again’ Christmas Gift Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FW_GJZ608o&feature=PlayList&p=9369527753911F70&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=49
It’s Christmas Time Again In Santa Barbara: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cOZ-gNDY0c
Feliz Navida: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihW56Xa3XGQ&feature=related
Merry Christmas Darling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I
November 2009
“Scrambled Leggs”(By Sally Franz)
A Review by Ray Duarte, RN:
Sally’s story speaks for it self. It is a cornucopia of truth fictionalized with GREAT humor. She is spiritually powerful with a wonderful sense of humor. As a nurse I have always experienced that it is always the patients who teach us courage in spite of the fear, the pain, and the unknowns. I find Sally’s curious adventure of “Scrambled Leggs” as an excellent read for all who may suffer debilitating conditions, and especially for those of us who care for them. What is unique is Sally’s ability to tell her story with intelligent and loving humor. I have my experiences as a clinical instructor along with the memory of 38 years in a critical care specialty that clearly testify to one indisputable fact – All will gain from reading Sally’s true story, but in particular health care professionals, and especially, nursing students stand to gain tremendous insights from Sally’s true story of “Scrambled Leggs”
Ray Duarte, RN www.rayduarte.com
Situation Update:
During the week of October 18-24, 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States as reported in FluView. Flu activity is now widespread in 48 states. Nationally, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness continue to increase steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to go up nation-wide and are above what is expected for this time of year.
The new H1N1 is like the avian flu on steroids.
http://www.earthfiles.com/news.php?ID=1636&category=Environment
“Herald Wave” Before 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/biofacts/panflu.html
http://www.pnas.org/content/102/31/11059.full
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/index.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/us/
CDC FluView Surveillance Report: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
World Health Organization (WHO): http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
October 17, 2009 update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_10_23/en/index.html
W.H.O. Global A/H1N1 Statistics: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_27a/en/index.html
U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS): http://www.hhs.gov/diseases/index.html
U. S. Dept. of Education: http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/index.html
October 2009
The Marvelous WonderettesWestside Theatre- 407 West 43rd Streetwww.marvelouswonderettes.com
THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES is a cotton-candy colored, non-stop musical blast from the past! Featuring your favorite songs from the ‘50s and beyond, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet the Wonderettes – Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match!
You’ve never had this much fun at a prom and you will never forget THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES – a must-take musical trip down memory lane!
Here what the critics have to say:
Ø “AN EFFERVESCENT AND IRRESISTIBLE MUSICAL! AN UTTTER CHARM!” - The New York Times Ø “THE FUN NEVER STOPS!” -Associated Press Ø “DON’T BUY A TICKET-BUY TWO!”- Backstage
Brimming with such classic hits as “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” “It’s My Party” and “It’s In His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song),” The Marvelous Wonderettes is a high-octane musical blast from the past.
For performances through 12/20/09:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: $45
Saturday and Sunday: $55 Three Easy Ways to Save on tickets to The Marvelous Wonderettes 1. Visit BroadwayOffers.com and mention code MAINT01
2. CALL 212.947.8844 and mention code MAINT01
3. VISIT the Westside Theatre Box Office, 407 West 43rd Street (b/w 9th and 10th Aves) with a printout of this offer.
Restrictions:PRINT OUT OF OFFER MUST BE PRESENTED BEFORE PURCHASE AT THE BOX OFFICE. Regularly $79. Regular service charges apply to online and phone orders. Subject to availability. Not valid for prior purchases or in combination with any other offer. Limit 8 tickets per order. Offer may be revoked at any time. Offer expires December 20th, 2009. Box Office Hours: For advance sales, box office is open daily from Noon to 6PM. For day of performance orders- open Noon until curtain.
Link for code to be included in e-blast
http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=MAINT01
The Marvelous Wonderetts Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd0fQFI6fYM
SEPTEMBER 2009
Only Time: http://www.mshepp.com/onlytime.htm
(1)University of Minnesota Newest Apple to
be in High Demand:
http://kstp.com/news/stories/s1111809.shtml
(2) Can Bill Gates stop hurricanes?:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/08/28/hurricanes.gates.gray/index.html
(3) World’s Stocks Controlled by Select Few:
http://www.livescience.com/culture/090826-stock-market.html
(4) Science fiction breaks free from fantasy:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8221009.stm
(5) Satellites Used to Predict Infectious Disease Outbreaks:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=satellites-predict-infectious-disease
(6) Upwards lightning caught on film:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8214290.stm
(7) Scientists design plant filtration system that lets you drink your own SHOWER water
Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1208895/Scientists-design-plant-filtration-lets-drink-SHOWER-water.html#ixzz0Ppigyp6V
(8) Snorkel rice could feed millions :
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8208411.stm
(9) Tests Begin on Drugs That May Slow Aging:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/science/18aging.html?_r=1
(10) Cave complex may lie beneath Giza Pyramids:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32417238/ns/technology_and_science-science/
(11) The fat that makes you thin:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327211.200-the-fat-that-makes-you-thin.html
(12) White tea could keep you healthy and looking young
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810085312.htm
MEMORY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-L6rEm0rnY&feature=related
August 2009
If you love the rain, if you love music, you will love
Perpetuum Jazzile: http://fm1071.com/show_elements/link.php?entryID=6862&show=IM
http://www.waze.net/china/africa.php
A Walk in the Clouds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS-LFRuf9ncJuly 2009:
(1) American FactFinder:
Your primary source for population, housing,
economic and geographic data, from the U.S.
Census Bureau. Looking for average family
income, racial mix or other data for a
state, county or city? This is the pace to find
what you’relooking for quickly!
http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en
(2) One Look Online Dictionary: Need to find a word quickly? Don’t drag out
your dictionary.. .visit this site! This site
consolidates all the online dictionaries,
including over 4.2 MILLION words! Even
links to dictionaries with internet and
computer terms (e.g.-enter YAHOO).
This site also has a wildcard spellcheck that
will find words beginning with, ending with,
or containing, a string of characters!
Also, check out WWWebster Online Dictionary,
which includes a Thesaurus!
http://www.onelook.com/
(3) MapQuest Enter an address and get an instant map, with
a star marking the location of the address.
Then zoom in or out, request local shopping,
dining or lodging locations, and even get
turn-by-turn directions with mini
maps to help get you there! Maps On Us
is another excellent source
for the same thing.
http://www.mapquest.com/
(4) NoNags Looking to try some new software? NoNags
specializes in finding freeware or shareware
that does not NAG you to register, and has
HUNDREDS of software titles you can download
and try, listed by category and rated by the site’s
owner. Other great source for software
are TuDogs and TuCows:
http://www.nonags.com/
(5) Bored.com If you’re BORED, go here. It will keep you
entertained for HOURS. Actually an extensive
list of interesting, unique and off-beat sites on
the internet, like the BIRTHDAY SERVER, where
you can look up her birthday, if you have her
name and zipcode (doesn’t have everybody in
the U.S. - only 135,000,000
- about 50%)!
http://www.bored.com/
(6) Purportal.com -
The bunk stops here! Few things bog down the internet as much as
emails urging you to “Forward this to everyone
you know.” It might involve a missing child or a
supposed new virus going around or a chance to
make money because the number of emails you
send are being “tracked.” To find out if it’s legit,
go to this site first and check it out. They have
five searches to real info on just about every
rumor, hoax or urban legend on the `Net. Enter
a few keywords from the email in question
into their search, and get the truth!:
http://purportal.com/
(7) The Secret Guide
to Computers The online version of the book makes this one
of the better places on the web to get all your
answers to your computer questions. PC Magazine
says, “Whether novice or expert,
you’ll learn from the Guide and have a good
time doing so. No other computer book
is a better value.”
http://secretguide.net/read/index.php
(8)USPS Zipcode+4
Lookup Quickly find the 9-digit zipcode for any delivery
address in the U.S., and speed up delivery of
your mailing:
http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp
(9) FirstGov
“Your First Click to the U.S. Government” No
matter what you’re looking for within the U.S.
Governement, this is the place to start. Everything
from applying for student loans to tax information
can be found here!:
http://www.usa.gov/
(10) Mail 2 Web
Ever been at the AIA convention and
seen a bank of free computers on the
convention floor, and wished there was
some way to check your email? Or been
visiting a friend in another city who has a
computer, and wished you could
check your email from his computer? Well,
now you CAN! Go to this site, enter your
complete email address and email
password for any POP email account, and
check your email from any computer with a
browser. You can also selectively
delete junk mail, reply, and forward!:
http://www.mail2web.com/
(11) My Yahoo There are lots of Portals available on the Web,
but My Yahoo is still my portal of choice. You
can modify the portal to meet your needs: local
weather, sports and news, what’s showing at
local theatres and local TV, track your stock
portfolio, and TONS more to give you just what
you want at the click of a button. It’s been my
start page for years, and if you give it a good look,
I’m sure it will be yours, too!:
http://my.yahoo.com/?_bc=1
(12)Information Please Online Almanac with loads of information on just
about any topic. Also check out their Fact Monster:
http://www.infoplease.com/
(13) Google
There is an estimated 1,500 search engines on the web,
but this one is the one I use, because I find what I’m looking
for EVERY TIME using this one. The only truly intelligent
`Net Search!: http://www.google.com/
(14) About Quotations: All-in-one Quotations Search
Looking for a quotation? There are several sources
to search for a quotation on the web, but this one
searches all the major quotation databases for your
quote!:
http://quotations.about.com/
(15) The Internet
Movie Database What’s coming out at the theatre soon,
or on TV or DVD or Video? And is it worth seeing?
You can find out on this site, the most complete
database on the topic of movies anywhere. Characters,
plots, star biographies, quotes and ratings on every
movie ever made!:
http://www.imdb.com/
(16)The Internet
Public LibraryAn entire library at your fingertips! By the University of Michigan School of Information. Special areas for Teens and Youth, too!
http://www.ipl.org/
(17) Price Watch Thinking about buying a new digital camera,
printer, PDA, notebook, computer, memory, etc.?
Then you really should check here first, because
it will help you.
http://www.pricewatch.com/
(18) How Things Work Ever wondered how something works?
You can find out here. Sponsored by the
University of Virginia, the people who run
this site will try to answer any question you
may have about how things work, from how
a paper towel absorbs water to how the
universe is expanding, and everything in
between!
http://www.howeverythingworks.org/
(19) HyperHistoryIf you’re into World History, you should really get into this site. 2,000 files covering 3,000 years of world history! You might also want to check out TheHistoryNet, tauted as “the World’s Best History Archives.”http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html
(20) Global Dining
Find restaurants by country, state or zipcode, FAST! For more information on dining establishments, visit Fodor’s Restaurant Guide Online:http://www.cuisine.net/
(21) iTools
The consumate Virtual Reference Desk! A virtual compendium of search tools for everything you’re looking for!http://www.itools.com/
(22) The Why Files
The science behind the news. You can literally spend HOURS on this site. Be sure to visit their archives, and I guarantee you’ll learn something you didn’t know!http://whyfiles.org/
(23) Cindi’s List of Geneology Sites
If you plan to do geneological research on your family, this is the place to start, with over 126,600 links in 150 categories to geneology resources!http://www.cyndislist.com/
(24) So You Wanna
Teaches you how to do all the things nobody taught you in school: how to avoid getting a traffic ticket, how to fake being a wine expert, how to talk with the dead, how to lose weight, how to be a movie extra, and much more.http://www.soyouwanna.com/
La Paloma:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y5ikAyE64Y&feature=related
June 2009: I Dream A Dream
(1)Women of Valor:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/22/woman.pilots/index.html
http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/wings/index.htm
http://publishing.yudu.com/Freedom/Ah32t/WASPWWIISCRAPBOOK/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wingsacrossamerica.us%2Fwasp%2Fgallery%2Findex.htm
(2) Why We’re Superstitious:
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1890165,00.html
(3) Report From Antarctica: Heaps of Trash or Historical
Treasures?:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/04/antarctictrash/
(4) Enormous ‘foot-shaped’ enclosures discovered in Jordan
Valley:
http://www.astigan.com/2009/04/06/enormous-foot-shaped-enclosures-discovered-in-jordan/
(5) Gamma-Ray Burst Caused Mass Extinction?:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090403-gamma-ray-extinction.html
(6) Russia Charges NASA 51 Million Dollars For Soyuz Seats:
http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Russia_Charges_NASA_51_Million_Dollars_For_Soyuz_Seats_999.html
(7) Obama Must Choose Between Cars And Rockets:
http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Obama_Must_Choose_Between_Cars_And_Rockets_999.html
(8) River Delta Areas Can Provide Clue To Environmental
Changes:
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/River_Delta_Areas_Can_Provide_Clue_To_Environmental_Changes_999.html
(9) Scientists Map West Coast Areas Most Affected By Humans:
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Scientists_Map_West_Coast_Areas_Most_Affected_By_Humans_999.html
(10) Duke Energy To Build Up To 400 ‘Mini’ Solar Power Plants:
http://www.solardaily.com/reports/Duke_Energy_To_Build_Up_To_400_Mini_Solar_Power_Plants_999.html
(11) APS Pilot Envisions Interconnected Solar Rooftops:
http://www.solardaily.com/reports/APS_Pilot_Envisions_Interconnected_Solar_Rooftops_999.html
(12) The Asteroids Are Coming:
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/The_Asteroids_Are_Coming_999.html
(13) Conficker worm dabbling with mischief:
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Conficker_worm_dabbling_with_mischief_999.html
(14) You Pay, Computer Prays For You:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510788,00.html
(15) OH MOMMY! ‘Missing link’ primate likely to stir debate:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30826552/?GT1=43001
May 2009:
(1)Signs of Earliest Scots unearthed:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7992300.stm
(2) Knights Templar worshipped the Turin
Shroud
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/5113711/Knights-Templar-worshipped-the-Turin-Shroud.html
(3) Google Earth satellite images ‘alphabet’
created by graphic designer:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/google/5214077/Google-Earth-satellite-images-alphabet-created-by-graphic-designer.html
(4) U.S. declares swine flu public health
emergency:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30398682/
(5) Scientists make super-strong metallic
spider silk:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090423/sc_nm/us_spider_silk
(6) Who Owns the Rain? Hint: It’s Not Always Homeowners:http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/4314447.html
(7) Longest place name spelt wrongly :
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_3291913.html
(8) ‘Bone voyage’ as pets get airline:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8004122.stm
(9) HOW HOUSTON REHEARSED ITS WORST EVER PROBLEM :
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/95902/How-Houston-rehearsed-its-worst-ever-problem
(10) China finds another 1,000 miles
of the Great Wall:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6134158.ece
(11) After 96 years, message received:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/apr/04/after-86-years-message-received/
(12) Having a sister makes you happier
and more optimistic, say psychologists:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/5089197/Having-a-sister-makes-you-happier-and-more-optimistic-say-psychologists.html
(13) Five Inventions That Will Change Your Life:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511181,00.html
(14) You Pay, Computer Prays For You:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510788,00.html
(15) This one is for you Five Foot Two and a quarter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH0lEVMuzzw
April 2009: A Soul On Fire:
In a legend of olden times, Faith came with
Doubt, and Hope entered by the side of fear.
I hereby dedicate my thoughts to these:“We
began to dance. My first step back to the left
brought her forward as we turned, two mov-
ing as one we swirled nearer to our fidelity.
Our silence speaks for our hearts breaking.
Each of us knowing our silent truth, but dare
not speak of it. The waters of all the seas
glisten about our feet with the setting sun
capturing our silhouettes against the mixture
of sand and pebbles shining like a billion stars, reminding us how small the universe truly is, and that those of us who truly love, never die.” (An excerpt from Ray Duarte’s short story “For Those Who Would Dance”)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5cVmV_SZho&NR=1
(1)Regarding The Mechanism of Pain:
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Chilli_Peppers_Continue_To_Help_Unravel_Mechanism_Of_Pain_Sensation_999.html
(2) Here’s Lookin at You Kid ( or not!)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29550120/
(3) Only A Dream, Maybe not:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/DyeHard/story?id=7009297&page=1
(4)Otzi The Prehistoric Iceman Goes online:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1159632/Otzi-prehistoric-iceman-goes-online-allowing-users-virtually-tour-body.html
(5) Shocking cancer treatment may also yield
weapon:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16706-shocking-cancer-treatment-may-also-yield-weapon.html
(6) Two supermassive black holes spiraling
towards collision:
http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2009/03/supermassive-black-hole-binary-spiraling-towards-collision.ars
(7) Aussie cobbles together Get Smart shoe
phone:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/aussie-boffin-cobbles-together-get-smart-shoe-phone/2009/03/02/1235842299035.html
(8) Dial H for Happiness:
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2009/03/neuroengineering2
(9) Solar calendar secret revealed in Suffolk
church:
http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=edponline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED27%20Feb%202009%2008%3A32%3A23%3A680
(10) A Sketchy Brain Booster: Doodling:
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/02/doodlerecall.html
(11) Homeland Security seeks next-generation
REAL ID:
http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=90008
(12) Do these mysterious stones mark the site of the
Garden of Eden?:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1157784/Do-mysterious-stones-mark-site-Garden-Eden.html
(13) Guidelines Updated for Physical Activity
Intervention for Weight Loss
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588611
(14) Belief and the brain’s ‘God spot’:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/belief-and-the-brains–god-spot-1641022.html
(15) This one is for YOU - five foot two and a
quarter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2oJ_Ps2w7g&feature=related
(16) And for those who have the right directions
to the WRONG PLACE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MafmEh4NNk&feature=related
“Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time,
carrying our hopes for love, joy, and celebration.
The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life
is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal
connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s
sweetest creation.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY45DkaP9Ls
March 2009: The World On Fire:
(1) RECOVERY.gov:Your Money at Work
http://www.recovery.gov/
(2) the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7892272.stm
(3) Economic Downturn, OPINION:
“Art Bell was joined by Wall St. insider Michael J.
Panzner, who discussed the dire economic cir-
cumstances in America and around the globe.
According to Panzner, the U.S. is not in a typical
recession. Instead, he believes the crisis more
closely resembles a depression, in which we can
expect an extended period of economic contrac-
tion accompanied by deflation. Panzner said the
largest players in our banking system are insol-
vent. He suggested their current situation was
brought on by a combination of factors, includ-
ing exposure to trillions of dollars of mortgage
backed securities, derivatives, and default swaps,
and suggested that bailouts and stimulus pack-
ages will only postpone the inevitable, not
resolve the nation’s financial troubles. “What
got us here, decades of excesses, decades of
imbalances, you can’t just stop them by saying,
‘OK, we’re determined and we’re going to think
positive,’” Panzner remarked.What does Panzner
see on the horizon then? Our currency will
continue to be devalued by the ongoing ‘print-
ing press’ policies of our government, he said,
and we can expect an inflationary environment.
Real estate prices will fall even further, perhaps
not reaching final lows until 2012 at the earliest.
There will be multiple “lurches down” in the
stock market, Panzner continued, noting the
DOW might fall by as much as 75% from its
current level. The retail sector could be wiped
out as the “religion of consumerism seems to
be dying,” he said. At the extreme, Panzner
forsees the U.S. breaking apart, conflict with
Mexico, and perhaps another world war.Parts
of the country will become “suburban waste-
lands” due to water and energy issues, Panzner
further speculated. He exhorted listeners to
adjust their attitudes and lifestyles accordingly,
and to accept the reality that the current eco-
nomic downturn is not short term — it’s the
new norm. He recommended people pay down
debt and live within their means, and advised
investors to look at precious metals like gold,
silver, and platinum.”
http://www.michaeljpanzner.com/
http://www.coasttocoastam.com/
(4) The sky is falling? Reports of falling debris a
mystery in Texas:
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090215_ks_fireball-satelite.1c318fe4.html
(5) A World Without Chocolate:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Business/story?id=6871539&page=1
(6) Researchers say animals plan for the future:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iZiz9B4vnhKoHO1me09V9O0SnbOwD96AAG9O0
(7) Cure for the common cold? Not yet, but possible:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/13/healthscience/13cold.php
(8) It’s All Relative: UCSD’s Einstein Robot Has
‘Emotional Intelligence’ (Video):
http://www.physorg.com/news153760125.html
(9) How your looks betray your personality:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126957.300-how-your-looks-betray-your-personality.html
(10) Antarctic bulge could flood Washington DC:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16545-antarctic-bulge-could-flood-washington-dc.html
(11) Evidence reveals that ancient Egyptians
thought color held sacred energy:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29035229/
(12) “Ancient” Syriac bible found in Cyprus:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090206/lf_nm_life/us_cyprus_bible;_ylt=Anb4rc.dT1HQDf_ijS0tvjCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTFhaWxobm1rBHBvcwM2BHNlYwN5bl9tb3N0X3BvcHVsYXIEc2xrA3F1b3RhbmNpZW50cQ
(13) Canada’s Stonehenge: scientist says
Alberta sun temple has 5,000-year-old calendar:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5io8DJMYkhiWKCUshwFVc2dTnvmxw
(14)For that Special Someone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhyST3UGCag&feature=related
February 2009: Celine Dion: And My Heart will
Go On:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHyJTpDFgc8
On February 3rd, 1959 the Mission City of San Fernando
California lost its Favorite son. His life was lost at the age
of 17, but loss was also felt deeply in Texas, for along with
Ritchie Valens 3 others also lost their lives, and it became
the day the music died for all of America.
Ritchie Valens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHPBObnlmuk&feature=related
Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5×9PPtPmoy4
The Big Bopper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TcC_ni0ojo
American Pie : http://solosong.net/pie.html
Peggy Sue: http://www.peggysueonline.com/index.htm
Winter Dance Party: http://winterdanceparty.com
(1) In Less than 10 years, age 50+ consumers will
control the economy for the first time I history.
By 2015, the U.S. baby boomer generation will
Command almost 60 percent of the net U.S
Wealth and 40 percent of spending.
http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/publications/serving_aging_baby_boomers/index.asp
(2) Skipping Sleep Hardens Arteries:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7796922.stm
(3) The Will to Disbelieve!
http://deanradin.blogspot.com/2008/12/will-to-disbelieve.html
(4)Dinosaur Dads Watched Over Eggs :
http://www.livescience.com/animals/081218-dinosaur-dads.html
(5) If you are concerned about staying healthy and
enjoying a high quality of life for many years
to come… or if you suffer from heart disease,
depression, arthritis, diabetes, or skin ailments and
you’re looking for a natural solution… then ask
your Doctor about Omega 3 Fish Oil!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_3
(6) Brain health and neurodegenerative diseases,
ask your Doctor about Coenzyme Q10.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co_Q-10
(7)Coffee, the new health food!:
http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food
(8) Grape Seed Extract Kills Cancer Cells:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7803619.stm
(9)World’s Strangest Liqours:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-strangest-liquors
(10) 3D coming to a living room near you:
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10142957-100.html?tag=newsCategoryArea.4
(11) “English Galileo” Moon Maps Displayed:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7827732.stm
(12) How Goggle is making us smarter:
http://discovermagazine.com/2009/feb/15-how-google-is-making-us-smarter
(13) The Strangest Sleep Disorders:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/23/medicine-sleep-biz-healthcare-cx_wp_1223sleep.html
(14) Is a Katrina-Like Space Storm Brewing:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/JustOneThing/story?id=6615005&page=1
(15)For that Special Someone:
http://www.blueyze.us/keeperofthestars.html
By Sally Franz: Headache Relief Is
Finally Here!
http://babyboomertalkradio.com/ear_cooler/
JANUARY 2009: Peace Through Music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A_ma2h0idk&feature=related
Happy New Year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NmdFgFyhnk&feature=related
(1)From AOL.COM:15 Dangerous emails
you should immediately DELETE:
http://www.switched.com/2008/12/07/15-dangerous-e-mails-you-should-delete-immediately/
ALSO from AOL.COM: Popular Sites get hacked:
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/05/checkfree-com-hacked-users-financial-info-could-be-at-risk/
(2) Leonardo Solaas’ intriguing site Dreamlines
creates an interactive visual experience based
on user input. The system pulls images off the
Web related to the users’ suggested words or
topics and turns them into a perpetually changing
drawing, that’s reminiscent of how dreams in-
corporate memory and free association.
(3) Hubble Captures Images of Rare Mammoth Stars:
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/11/hubble-captures.html
(4) Invention: Microscopic bio-robot slaves:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16119-invention-microscopic-biorobot-slaves.html
(5)Biological Terror Attack due by 2013:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/02/terror.report/index.html
(6) International Space Station:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/the_international_space_statio.html
(7)DNA Solves Mystery: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2008/11/20/dna-test-solves-the-mystery-of-copernicuss-remains/
(8) Scientists Discover: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/11/19/elusive.primate/index.html
(9) The Miracle of William (Willy) and Faith:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG59PaCiiDg
(10) Never again find yourself stranded in a transport-
tation terminal with no place to sleep! The Mini
Motel provides you with comfortable sleeping
accommodations no matter where your travels
take you.
http://www.minimotel.net/
(11) When you plan your trips, plan ahead by
logging phone numbers of hotels near each
connecting airport – if flights cancelled due
to weather you will know who and where
to call. http://www.sleepinairport.com/
(12) Sally Garden:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE1OQAoSWAU&feature=related
(13) For that Special Someone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyjr4GSA1Vc&feature=related
DECEMBER 2008
Headache Relief Is Finally Here!
http://babyboomertalkradio.com/ear_cooler/
Festive Fun now and Always:
http://shopping.aol.com/holiday-gift-ideas?ncid=AOLCOMMshopDYNLprim0001&icid=200100397×1215191449x1200966660
(1) Merry ChristmasDarling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnT8sYz_ASk
(2) A 1000 feet below ground, a cavern
filled with water at 120 degrees Fahr-
enheit incubates Gypsum for a period
of 500,000 years. A silver mining op-
eration discovers this cavern the size
of two football fields in the Mexican
State of Chihuahua. The Crystals are
Up to 40 feet in height!
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/11/crystal-giants/shea-text
(3) GOT MILK?
Physcian directed Vitamin-D supplements
to protect against cancer!
If the advise to take vitamin – D supplements to prevent
osteoporosis isn’t enough to convince patients to do so, accumulating evidence showing a protective effect
against cancer may help to tip the argument. In fact, in view of the increasing data showing a link between
vitamin-D deficiency and an increased risk of certain cancers (colon, breast ,prostate, and ovarian) and in
view of the high prevalence of vitamin-D deficiency in the US, researchers argue the case for taking vitamin-D
supplements to protect against cancer in a paper published online before print December 27, 2005 in the
American Journal of Public Health.Vitamin D is considered deficient?with respect to osteoporosis?when serum
levels of 25(0H)D fall below 15¿to 20¿ng/mL, but the review points out that levels below 30¿ng/mL have been
associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. In two studies, the risk of colon cancer was doubled at this level.
Vitamin-D deficiency may account for several
thousand premature deaths from cancers annually,
it says. “The preponderance of evidence, from
the best observational studies the medical world
has to offer, gathered over 25 years, has lead
to the conclusion that public-health action is
needed,” lead author Dr Cedric Garland
(University of California, San Diego) comments
in a prepared statement. “Primary prevention of
these cancers has largely been neglected, but
we now have proof that the incidence of colon,
breast, and ovarian cancer can be reduced
dramatically by increasing the public’s
intake of vitamin D.”
Sources:
http://sira.ucsd.edu/pdf/garland041906.pdf
RELATED LINKS -
Experts clash over sun exposure to
Boost Vitamin D:
http://bcbsma.medscape.com/viewarticle/537784
Is too little sun exposure leading to Vitamin D
Deficiency?
http://bcbsma.medscape.com/viewarticle/538338
Musculoskeletal pain symptoms linked to
Vitamin D deficiency, again!
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/538290
Vitamin-D deficiency increases knee pain
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/538061
Osteoporosis:
http://www.ashp.org/DocLibrary/BestPractices/TPS_Osteo.aspx
(4) Health Guide to the Common Cold:
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/common-cold/overview.html?WT.mc_id=NYT-E-I-NYT-E-AT-1119-L20
(5) A 12 year old is a food critic:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/nyregion/17bigcity.html?ex=1242622800&en=08543ab5ea51f814&ei=5087&WT.mc_id=NYT-E-I-NYT-E-AT-1119-L19
(6) The Key fof Sharp Old Minds:
http://www.livescience.com/health/081117-sharp-minds.html
(7) Google Earth revives Ancient Rome:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7725560.stm
(8) “Elixir of Youth” Drug could fight HIV and Ageing:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16035-elixir-of-youth-drug-could-fight-hiv-and-ageing.html
(9) Which Came First?
http://www.livescience.com/animals/081114-chicken-or-egg.html
(10) Mountain Dulcimer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi1XBDbUN_g&feature=related
(11) For that special someone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbN0g8-zbdY
NOVEMBER 2008
IMPORTANT INFO STUFF:
There are many stores that are closing due to the
“recession” and to the fact that people are not
shopping. If you have any “gift cards” from these
stores, make sure you use them, or you will lose
them! Watch those store money cards and gift
cards.. and credit slips! Stores that informed the
Security Exchange of closing plans between
October 2008 and January 2009:
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FAMILY AND
FRIENDS.
Circuit City stores… most recent (? how many)
Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide are to be
shuttered.
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine’s to
close 150 store nationwide.
Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more
after January.
Cache will close all stores.
Talbots closing down all stores.
J. Jill closing all stores.
GAP closing 85 stores.
Footlocker closing 140 stores more to close
after January.
Wickes Furniture closing down.
Levitz closing down remaining stores.
Bombay closing remaining stores.
Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after
January.
Whitehall closing all stores.
Piercing Pagoda closing all stores.
Disney closing 98 stores and will close more
after January.
Home Depot closing 15 stores, 1 in
NJ (New Brunswick)
Macys to close 9 stores after January.
Linens and Things closing all stores.
Movie Galley Closing all stores.
Pacific Sunware closing stores.
Pep Boys Closing 33 stores.
Sprint/ Nextel closing 133 stores.
JC Penney closing a number of stores after
January.
Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores.
Wilson Leather closing down all stores.
Sharper Image closing down all stores.
K B Toys closing 356 stores.
Loews to close down some stores.
Dillard’s to close some stores.
Source of forecast:http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/13/171212/32
Holidays Filled with Love
“Every year as we close the door on ghosts, goblins and
Halloween candy, the countdown begins. It’s the fast-forward
march to the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s,
when ordinary life turns into plans, conversations, dreams and
anxieties about where you are going, who you will be with, what
you’ll wear and on and on… and on. For those who have suffered
a loss or are far from family, thoughts about the holidays bring up
not only feelings of joy but also of sadness. If you are one of those
sighing in despair, take heart. According to life coach and Daily
Health News regular contributor Lauren Zander, chairman of the
HandelGroup, it is possible to acknowledge and use those feelings
to deepen the meaning of the holidays and bring about a new kind
of joy. Holiday merriment — forced and real — can also magnify
feelings of grief. Whether the loss was recent or some time ago,
memories collide with family traditions and emphasize the sense
of loss. Don’t move robotically through these occasions as if
nothing has changed, advises Lauren — instead, create a new
activity that will at once honor the missing loved one and perhaps
introduce a new tradition as well. One way is to start the season by
asking family and friends to talk about what they miss most about
the departed person — perhaps Dad’s keen sense of the absurd
or Mom’s unfailing graciousness. These stories can be shared
at the holiday table — at Thanksgiving for instance, celebrants
can tell what the person brought into their life for which they
are most thankful. Lauren suggests that another idea is to adapt
a Jewish tradition that honors the lost loved one — called Yahrzeit,
a long-burning candle remains lit for 24 hours around the
anniversary of his/her death. You might make this a Thanksgiving
tradition, lighting a candle that burns all day as a way to keep your
loved one present and also to help children and grandchildren
understand the concept of memorializing loved ones.
(Long-burning candles are available in specialty stores and even
supermarkets.) If your loss is solitary, perhaps because you’re not
with family at thanksgiving or you are mourning a failed relationship
or a different sadness, make your own private list of memories.
You could also use your feelings as a spur to call your family or
friends for connection.”
Source(s):
Lauren Zander, life coach and chairman, HandelGroup, www.handelgroup.com.
(1*) Quick headache relief is finally here!
http://babyboomertalkradio.com/ear_cooler/
(2) Life’s Little Lessons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-YDPtOc_zc&feature=related
(3) A Blast from the PAST!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVvIfoNBY3w
(4) In July 1997, one of Stephen Tvedten’s neighbors
noticed flooding on his property and traced it back to
a dam on Tvedten’s stream. He complained to the Michigan
Department of Environment of En-
vironmental Quality (DEQ) on July 28:
http://www.snopes.com/humor/letters/dammed.asp
(5) The best way to buy Gold or Silver:
http://goldmoney.com/?gmrefcode=globalecon
(6)Influenza activity Estimates:
http://www.weather.com/activities/health/coldandflu/nationalreports/national.html
(7) THE BEST WAY to find a story you may be looking
for is to use SEARCH(http://www.truthorfiction.com/search.htm)
Use just one or two unique words from the story.
http://www.truthorfiction.com/
(8) Emergency Alerts: http://www.alertnet.org/
(9) Foxfire Magazine: http://www.foxfire.org/index.html
(10) The Story of My Life: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=NwP6mkoImkM&feature=related
OCTOBER 2008
Dialog from one of my favorite Movies
“Keeping The Faith”
Bartender: Um, let me get this
straight.I am talking to a priest…
who went on a bender because
his best friend, a rabbi…
stole his girl.
Priest: Right.
Bartender: Thank you.
I want to thank you for telling
me this story.
Priest: why? –
Bartender: Because now I can retire.
Priest: You have to give me advice.
That’s what this is supposed
to be about.
Bartender: Oh, God. What do I know?
I’m a haIf Punjabi Sikh…
one-quarter Tamil separatist.
My sister’s married to a Jewish
doctor from New Jersey…
and our other grandmother…
was an Irish nun who left me
this bar, which is a very long story.
Priest: You’re a Sikh Catholic Muslim with
Jewish in-laws?
Bartender: Yes. Yes.
It gets very complicated.
I’m reading Dianetics.
Priest: I don’t blame you.
I thank you for listening to me.
I feel like I should ask you
for my penance.
Bartender: I don’t do penance. I do shots.
I’ll tell you what I know.
May those who love us, love us.
And those who don’t love us…
may God turn their hearts.
And if He cannot turn their hearts…
may He turn their ankles…
so that we may know them by their
limping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VVaQwV3hFA&NR=1
(1) Meru Made Easy:
“Like most web surfers I am impatient. I want my
information in the most expedient and simple
format and language. If it doesn’t grab me within
30 seconds I am on to the next subject. So I
am faced with an interesting challenge.
Attempting to reduce thirty years of research
on one of the most widely read documents on
Earth, the Bible, is extremely difficult. Meru
findings challenge a wide range of academic
theories concerning the roots of language, the
origins of sacred texts, and the relationship
between science and religion. Meru Made Easy
is not written for the academic. It is presented
as an introduction for those of us without formal
technical or religious training. It is targeted
towards people like myself – somewhat
educated, curious, open minded, seeking
viewpoints that demonstrate unity rather than
divisiveness.”
http://www.meetingtent.com/MMEintro.htm
(2) America’s Digital Goddess, Kim Komando:
http://www.komando.com/
(3) Rheumatoid arthritis diet: Information
contained on this website is for general
information purposes only and must not be
used to treat or diagnose medical conditions,
and all health problems must be referred to a
health care professional. Statements made
regarding the products, ingredients and general
information have not been evaluated by the FDA,
or any other health authority, and should not be
seen as health claims.
http://www.ageless.co.za/free_rheumatoid_arthrists_diet.htm
(4) How the Neocons stole Freedom:
http://howtheneoconsstolefreedom.blogspot.com/
(5) Heart Disease and treatment:
http://www.abigon.com/page/page/448087.htm
(6) It usually takes a well-funded scientific break-
through or an overwhelming catastrophe to
facilitate change that truly makes a difference.
People don’t easily embrace new scientific
information because anything fundamentally
different from the status quo is rejected. Although,
a major catastrophe can force transformation,
people don’t often adjust willingly or quickly.
The most profound way to cause a shift in
perception is through life experience. If you live
it, it becomes real.
http://www.nanovoice.org/
(7) Trends Research Institute:
http://www.trendsresearch.com/
(8) Solari, Inc. is a online media company focused
on ethical investment and preserving
family wealth. http://solari.com/
(9) The Wonderful Ancient World of Egypt:
http://www.egyptologyonline.com/introduction.htm
(10) I will Always Love You: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hUZPwBXySQs&feature=relatedSeptember 2008Hello everyone, Ray Duarte here – your official “Cool Stuff Editor”, AKA (also known as) Guadalajara Gonzalez, world traveler extraordinaire. We shall be Earth Voyagers, YES, the quintessential TERRANAUGTS, but we won’t have to jog with language barriers, such as a touring group of 4 friends asking if the “cruise ship has an elevator” with the non committal response of “No problem” by crew members, and the rephrasing of the question by another “does the ship have a lift?” “No problem, we are here” Yes, (and a third person asks) but DOES THE SHIP HAVE AN ELEVATOR” and then one of your friends begins to draw a picture of a square with a stick figure in it as she physically raises and lowers it – the response, “No problem, we are here.” Nor will you have to stand in an elevator with 3 others in one of the plushest hotels in Cairo built to be a PALACE in 1869 and then have a “skinny mini” step in with the elevator refusing to operate, and after waiting for just a few moments she (the skinny mini) storms out of the lift verbalizing a disparaging remark of how “there is too much weight in the hoist,” and as the thin one leaves the elevator doors close as if to confirm the miserable truth. No! The trip we are about to take is a dance of our fingers through the keyboards of our computers, as we surf the world of the Internet in search for COOL STUFF! Okay fellow TERRANAUGHTS – here we go, as Dorothy says to Toto, in ”The Wizard of Oz” “Toto, I don’t think we are Kansas anymore!” Or better yet, as the Good Witch of the East said to Dorothy “close your eyes and tap your heels together three times. And think to yourself, ‘There’s no place like home’.” (1) Star Date Online – StarDate is a public education and outreach arm of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory. Their English and Spanish radio programs air daily on more than 500 stations. And our popular bimonthly astronomy magazine is the perfect skywatching companion for amateur astronomers or anyone interested in celestial events and space exploration. They also offer astronomy resources to teachers, the media, and the public. http://stardate.org/ (2) Metagrid: Find 8000 Newspapers and online magazines. http://www.metagrid.com/ (3) Need help with operating your computer? Contact Jeff Levy!http://www.jefflevy.com/default.aspx (4) HEY! Up to some heavy reading? Login at the Library of Congress! http://www.loc.gov/index.html (5) For those who believe! http://www.viloria.com/viloria/adi/guardian.shtml (6) Shall we to the Museum? http://www.si.edu (7) A powerful search engine! http://www.faqs.org/faqs (8) Positive thought! http://greatday.com/motivate/index.html (9) If you live properly, the Dreams will come to you: http://www.sonnyradio.com/lastlecture.html (10) And for that special someone – (This one is for YOU five foot two and a quarter): http://www.stinalisa.com/Wind.html
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