Sixty-nine years have passed since the day that the Japanese bombed American troops at Pearl Harbor. The US military sufferred tremendous losses of life and destruction that day. But we press on.
It is my honor to have served as a soldier in the United States military. For us veterans and for those still serving, we know there is no greater sacrifice than to give your life for God, country, and family.
This blog entry is in memory of all those men and women who have died while serving our country. Your sacrifice is appreciated...and you are not forgotten.
- Honorably Discharged Veteran, SSgt, USAF.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Cancer detection using jellyfish!
A revolutionary new concept in cancer detection uses proteins from jellyfish.
Some cancers in the human body develope too deep for modern X-ray's to penetrate. Scientists at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Laboratory at York University are getting around this problem by using virimaging technology.
Green flourescent proteins (GFP) derived from the common jellyfish are attached to a virus which are then manipulated to search out cancerous cells. A specialized camera causes the cells to "flare-up"...making them easier to be seen.
Both scientific and medical communities are enthusiastic about the technique's potential impact on early cancer detection, however, clinical trials won't start for another five years.
May God grant cancer patients hope and a cure.
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Special recognition goes to 2008 Nobel Prize winner and American biochemist Roger Y. Tsein for his leadership in isolating the flourescent cells.
Some cancers in the human body develope too deep for modern X-ray's to penetrate. Scientists at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Laboratory at York University are getting around this problem by using virimaging technology.
Green flourescent proteins (GFP) derived from the common jellyfish are attached to a virus which are then manipulated to search out cancerous cells. A specialized camera causes the cells to "flare-up"...making them easier to be seen.
Both scientific and medical communities are enthusiastic about the technique's potential impact on early cancer detection, however, clinical trials won't start for another five years.
May God grant cancer patients hope and a cure.
******************************************************************************
Special recognition goes to 2008 Nobel Prize winner and American biochemist Roger Y. Tsein for his leadership in isolating the flourescent cells.
Did You Know: Presidential Trivia
Did you know that President...
1. John Adams got lost and wandered around for hours before finally finding his way to the White House. Why won't men ask for directions?)
2. James Monroe was shot in the shoulder during the Revolutionary War; the bullet was never removed.
3. Martin Van Buren was given two tiger cubs by a Sultan; he planned to keep them for himself at the White House, but Congress made him give them to a zoo. (Imagine what they would have done to the White House?)
4. James Polk had gallstone surgery without anesthesia. (Ouch!)
5. While in office Franklin Pierce was arrested for running an old lady over with his horse; he got off on lack of evidence. (I wonder what that did to his popularity?)
6. Richard Nixon used money won from gambling to fund his first political campaign. (Can't say I'm surprised over that one.)
7. When FDR was a child Grover Cleveland told him to never become president. (Obviously he didn't listen.)
8. William Taft was so overweight that he got stuck in his White House bathtub. (That's embarrassing.)
9. JFK could speak 350 words per minute. (He was a silver tongue devil.)
10. Barack Obama collects Spiderman and Conan the Barbarian comic books. (I would never have guessed that.)
11. James Buchanan was forced to sleep in a hallway when the Prince of Wales visited the White House; the Prince had too many servants with him. (Talk about needing to "downsize.")
12. Having already been shocked once, Benjamin Harrison slept with the lights on because he feared touching the lightswitch. (There goes our tax money.)
References: Farmer's Almanac 2011 and the internet.
1. John Adams got lost and wandered around for hours before finally finding his way to the White House. Why won't men ask for directions?)
2. James Monroe was shot in the shoulder during the Revolutionary War; the bullet was never removed.
3. Martin Van Buren was given two tiger cubs by a Sultan; he planned to keep them for himself at the White House, but Congress made him give them to a zoo. (Imagine what they would have done to the White House?)
4. James Polk had gallstone surgery without anesthesia. (Ouch!)
5. While in office Franklin Pierce was arrested for running an old lady over with his horse; he got off on lack of evidence. (I wonder what that did to his popularity?)
6. Richard Nixon used money won from gambling to fund his first political campaign. (Can't say I'm surprised over that one.)
7. When FDR was a child Grover Cleveland told him to never become president. (Obviously he didn't listen.)
8. William Taft was so overweight that he got stuck in his White House bathtub. (That's embarrassing.)
9. JFK could speak 350 words per minute. (He was a silver tongue devil.)
10. Barack Obama collects Spiderman and Conan the Barbarian comic books. (I would never have guessed that.)
11. James Buchanan was forced to sleep in a hallway when the Prince of Wales visited the White House; the Prince had too many servants with him. (Talk about needing to "downsize.")
12. Having already been shocked once, Benjamin Harrison slept with the lights on because he feared touching the lightswitch. (There goes our tax money.)
References: Farmer's Almanac 2011 and the internet.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Did You Know: Gilligan's Island
Here are some interresting tidbits about the TV show Gilligan's Island.
The Skipper and Gilligan are supposed to have served in the Navy together. The Skipper rescued Gilligan when he fell overboard the ship they were stationed on.
Gilligan's first name is rumored to be Willie according to the show's creator Sherwood Schwarz. Bob Denver (Gilligan) say's he wasn't aware of this until after the show was already off the air.
Shapely actress Jane Mansfield turned down the role of Ginger.
In the show's opening credits (season one) a flag can be seen flying at half mast in the background; this is because JFK had just been assassinated.
The props on the show were limited to materials that could be scavenged on an island. Later, though, the coconut cups were replaced with plastic repplicas because the real ones leaked.
The S. S. Minnow was named after a man...not a fish. The creator of the show disliked the boat and named it after Newton Minow, whom he also disliked. Minow refered to television as "America's vast wasteland."
The Skipper and Gilligan are supposed to have served in the Navy together. The Skipper rescued Gilligan when he fell overboard the ship they were stationed on.
Gilligan's first name is rumored to be Willie according to the show's creator Sherwood Schwarz. Bob Denver (Gilligan) say's he wasn't aware of this until after the show was already off the air.
Shapely actress Jane Mansfield turned down the role of Ginger.
In the show's opening credits (season one) a flag can be seen flying at half mast in the background; this is because JFK had just been assassinated.
The props on the show were limited to materials that could be scavenged on an island. Later, though, the coconut cups were replaced with plastic repplicas because the real ones leaked.
The S. S. Minnow was named after a man...not a fish. The creator of the show disliked the boat and named it after Newton Minow, whom he also disliked. Minow refered to television as "America's vast wasteland."
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Miner's Miracle
After 69 days of being trapped underground in the San Jose Mine, all 33 Chilean miners have finally emerged at the surface. It is the longest time anyone has been trapped underground and come out alive.
Families and nations celebrate as miners were rescued one-by-one via a custom-made capsule that descended down a 2,041 escape shaft. It was equipped with oxygen and sensors were attached around the miner's midsection's to monitor pulse, respiration rates and skin temperature.
Aspirin was taken and compression socks used to keep the miners blood from clotting during the trip to the surface. Sweaters were donned in order to combat the drastic change in climate temperature.
A major concern throughout the rescue process was the potential for panic and claustrophobia. The capsule design allowed for room to stand-up, but was only 2 ft. wide. It narrowly fit through the hole burrowed to reach them.
The equipment could have failed at any point in the operation potentially trapping a man yet again...and with an even more limited oxygen supply. The trip to the surface took no less than 25 minutes per man and was no doubt one of the scarriest rides on earth. It was truly a life or death situation.
News camera's captured the varied emotions of family members as they stood by anxiously awaiting the safe retrieval of their loved ones. Cheers, tears, and seemingly endless clapping serenade the couples as they embrace for the first time in over two months. It has been hell for both the miners and their families.
Throughout the ordeal the miner's steadfastly held to their promise to "never give up." Their triumphantly positive attitudes have given hundreds of thousands of people around the world a renewed sense of inspiration, hope, and a belief that miracles do happen.
Praise the Lord!
Families and nations celebrate as miners were rescued one-by-one via a custom-made capsule that descended down a 2,041 escape shaft. It was equipped with oxygen and sensors were attached around the miner's midsection's to monitor pulse, respiration rates and skin temperature.
Aspirin was taken and compression socks used to keep the miners blood from clotting during the trip to the surface. Sweaters were donned in order to combat the drastic change in climate temperature.
A major concern throughout the rescue process was the potential for panic and claustrophobia. The capsule design allowed for room to stand-up, but was only 2 ft. wide. It narrowly fit through the hole burrowed to reach them.
The equipment could have failed at any point in the operation potentially trapping a man yet again...and with an even more limited oxygen supply. The trip to the surface took no less than 25 minutes per man and was no doubt one of the scarriest rides on earth. It was truly a life or death situation.
News camera's captured the varied emotions of family members as they stood by anxiously awaiting the safe retrieval of their loved ones. Cheers, tears, and seemingly endless clapping serenade the couples as they embrace for the first time in over two months. It has been hell for both the miners and their families.
Throughout the ordeal the miner's steadfastly held to their promise to "never give up." Their triumphantly positive attitudes have given hundreds of thousands of people around the world a renewed sense of inspiration, hope, and a belief that miracles do happen.
Praise the Lord!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Deaths linked to 1924 storm.
"I don't think you actually conquer the mountain. You sneak up on it and then get the hell off!" - Krakaur
On June 8, 1924 British explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine attempted to reach the summit of Mount Everest; they were last sighted by their comrades at 28,000 feet. Then...nothing.
Down at base camp their comrades, knowing full well the perils of the mountain and what little tolerance it had for the tiniest mistake, waited anxiously for their return. It soon became clear that tragedy had struck.
At the first opportunity, search parties scoured the area hoping against all odds for some sign of life; it was not to be. The tempestuous mountain left no trace of Mallory or Irvine and their mysterious dissappearance became legend.
Some decades later, in 1999, a group of scientists calling themselves "The Mallory-Irvine Research Expedition" made an amazing discovery. They found Mallory's mummified body face down in a mixture of ice and gravel on the side of the mountain.
Forensic analysis suggests that Mallory fell some distance and, although knowing he would surely die, it is clear that he fought for survival right to the bitter end. His arms were frozen in place above his head and his fingers clawed out as if still unwilling to let go of the phantom stone or ice chunk that broke his fall. Having little oxygen, water, or warmth he wouldn't have sufferred long.
But what went wrong?
Members of the original expedition agree that all was going well up until their last sighting of them (at approximately 28,000 feet). The weather on that day had been as obliging as one could possibly hope for. Without realizing it, they may have already had the answer.
When the 1999 expedition took barometric readings they recorded 8mbar. A look back at the 1924 recordings revealed a shocking 18mbar... making the chances for disastrous weather most imminent.
But how can the weather be different for the climbers vs. the men back at camp? Remember they are on a mountain. With the changes in elevation also comes changes in atmospheric conditions. What one person sees at the base of a mountain is not necessarily what is going on at the top.
The fluctuation in barmoetric pressure could warn of sudden blizzard-like conditions and a drop in available oxygen..which is now almost certainly the case with Mallory and Irvine.
It is not known if they ever made it to the top.
In the end, Mallory and Irvine received the fame they were longing for, although, now their names are forevermore synonymous with that of the dark mystique of the mountain.
Irvine has never been found.
On June 8, 1924 British explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine attempted to reach the summit of Mount Everest; they were last sighted by their comrades at 28,000 feet. Then...nothing.
Down at base camp their comrades, knowing full well the perils of the mountain and what little tolerance it had for the tiniest mistake, waited anxiously for their return. It soon became clear that tragedy had struck.
At the first opportunity, search parties scoured the area hoping against all odds for some sign of life; it was not to be. The tempestuous mountain left no trace of Mallory or Irvine and their mysterious dissappearance became legend.
Some decades later, in 1999, a group of scientists calling themselves "The Mallory-Irvine Research Expedition" made an amazing discovery. They found Mallory's mummified body face down in a mixture of ice and gravel on the side of the mountain.
Forensic analysis suggests that Mallory fell some distance and, although knowing he would surely die, it is clear that he fought for survival right to the bitter end. His arms were frozen in place above his head and his fingers clawed out as if still unwilling to let go of the phantom stone or ice chunk that broke his fall. Having little oxygen, water, or warmth he wouldn't have sufferred long.
But what went wrong?
Members of the original expedition agree that all was going well up until their last sighting of them (at approximately 28,000 feet). The weather on that day had been as obliging as one could possibly hope for. Without realizing it, they may have already had the answer.
When the 1999 expedition took barometric readings they recorded 8mbar. A look back at the 1924 recordings revealed a shocking 18mbar... making the chances for disastrous weather most imminent.
But how can the weather be different for the climbers vs. the men back at camp? Remember they are on a mountain. With the changes in elevation also comes changes in atmospheric conditions. What one person sees at the base of a mountain is not necessarily what is going on at the top.
The fluctuation in barmoetric pressure could warn of sudden blizzard-like conditions and a drop in available oxygen..which is now almost certainly the case with Mallory and Irvine.
It is not known if they ever made it to the top.
In the end, Mallory and Irvine received the fame they were longing for, although, now their names are forevermore synonymous with that of the dark mystique of the mountain.
Irvine has never been found.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Guilty Then Proven Innocent!
History is ripe with stories of injustice. Below are six examples of people who were punished only to later be found innocent...as mentioned on MSN.com.
1. John D. Lavelle - Vietnam-era General who was blamed for actions President Nixon ordered. Lost two of his four stars and was forced to retire from the Army. He devoted his life to clearing his name, but he didn't live to see it happen. Our current President Obama pardoned him only recently on August 4, 2010.
2. Joan of Arc - French peasant girl who claimed God told her to lead the French army to victory over the English. She was caught by her enemy, accused of heresy, and burned at the stake. Her conviction was later reversed; Pope Benedict XV made her "Saint" Joan of Arc.
3. All victims of the Salem Witch Trials were formally declared innocent by the state of Massachusetts.
4. Gouoverneur Warren, leader of the Union's V Corp, was fired by General Sheridian for supposedly moving too slowly at the battle of Five Forks (even though he won the battle). A panel later ruled that Warren had been in the right. Unfortunately, Warren died three months earlier.
5. Thomas and Meeks Griffen - Two black landowners (brothers) who were executed for the murder of a white landowner (who also happened to be a veteran of the Confederate Army). Even then the judge saw no evidence of their guilt, but the governor had them convicted. It is believed the brothers were victims of an elaborate plot to steal their land.
6. Captain Charles McVay - Commander of the sunken USS Indianapolis which was attacked by a Japanese submarine. The crew had abandoned ship and suffered hunger, dehydration, and shark attacks. Their SOS calls went unanswered and hundreds of men died. McVay was courtmartialed for losing a ship during wartime; the surviving crew members believed McVay was innocent and was used as a scapegoat for the Navy's mistakes.
1. John D. Lavelle - Vietnam-era General who was blamed for actions President Nixon ordered. Lost two of his four stars and was forced to retire from the Army. He devoted his life to clearing his name, but he didn't live to see it happen. Our current President Obama pardoned him only recently on August 4, 2010.
2. Joan of Arc - French peasant girl who claimed God told her to lead the French army to victory over the English. She was caught by her enemy, accused of heresy, and burned at the stake. Her conviction was later reversed; Pope Benedict XV made her "Saint" Joan of Arc.
3. All victims of the Salem Witch Trials were formally declared innocent by the state of Massachusetts.
4. Gouoverneur Warren, leader of the Union's V Corp, was fired by General Sheridian for supposedly moving too slowly at the battle of Five Forks (even though he won the battle). A panel later ruled that Warren had been in the right. Unfortunately, Warren died three months earlier.
5. Thomas and Meeks Griffen - Two black landowners (brothers) who were executed for the murder of a white landowner (who also happened to be a veteran of the Confederate Army). Even then the judge saw no evidence of their guilt, but the governor had them convicted. It is believed the brothers were victims of an elaborate plot to steal their land.
6. Captain Charles McVay - Commander of the sunken USS Indianapolis which was attacked by a Japanese submarine. The crew had abandoned ship and suffered hunger, dehydration, and shark attacks. Their SOS calls went unanswered and hundreds of men died. McVay was courtmartialed for losing a ship during wartime; the surviving crew members believed McVay was innocent and was used as a scapegoat for the Navy's mistakes.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Goofed-up Headlines !
Here are some goofed-up headlines that say one thing yet mean another:
"Red tape holds up new bridge."
"School taxpayers revolting."
"Storm delayed by bad weather."
"Panda mating fails; veterinarian takes over."
"Dead guitarrist now slimmer and trimmer."
"Study finds sex, pregnancy link."
"Include your children when baking."
"Lack of brains hinders research."
"Man shot twice in head, gets mad."
"Teacher dies; board accepts his resignation."
"Living together linked to divorce."
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Disclaimer: This information was found on website littleknownfacts.com/funfacts.
"Red tape holds up new bridge."
"School taxpayers revolting."
"Storm delayed by bad weather."
"Panda mating fails; veterinarian takes over."
"Dead guitarrist now slimmer and trimmer."
"Study finds sex, pregnancy link."
"Include your children when baking."
"Lack of brains hinders research."
"Man shot twice in head, gets mad."
"Teacher dies; board accepts his resignation."
"Living together linked to divorce."
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Disclaimer: This information was found on website littleknownfacts.com/funfacts.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Road Kill Beer Cozies
Here's a weird, but true fast fact concerning the world's most expensive, alcoholic, and shocking beer.
The Scottish beer-brewing company, Beer Dog, proudly boasts supplying the world's most alcoholic and expensive beer flavor. "The End of the World" is 55% alcohol and comes in a rather daring, yet shocking package. The bottles are encased in the remains of dead rabbits, squirrels, and weasels salvaged from road-sides.
Only 12 bottles were made and all have found homes with connoisseurs in different parts of the world. Contrary to what one might believe, the bizarre packaging was a main sale point for the product and was sold for a whopping $765.00 per bottle.
For me this has a bit of the "yuck" factor, but I can see how connoisseurs with money to spare might be intrigued by such a thing. Taxidermy, done right, is an art and so is the brewing of beer; here Beer Dog is combining the two.
Along with the fame came slightly disturbing photos of the products showing dead animals, mouths extended, with a protruding bottle top coming out. Inevitably this earned the ire of animal rights groups and, of course, they had to add their two-cents. It is their opinion that this recycling is undignified and morally wrong.
Other's, however, argue that the new existence is far more dignified than rotting on the side of a busy highway. Plus, no one is killing these animals specifically to fill this purpose; the animals were already dead.
Not all animal lover's share the same view. I am an animal lover. And although I don't see it as an ideal afterlife...it doesn't seem to me that any specific injustice has been committed.
What-is-more is that the company created their own niche and profited from it...something I've alway's
wanted to accomplish. I say, "good going guy's...but keep the alcohol at a manageable level!"
*****************************************************************
P.S. I'd love to hear comments from my reader's on this.
The Scottish beer-brewing company, Beer Dog, proudly boasts supplying the world's most alcoholic and expensive beer flavor. "The End of the World" is 55% alcohol and comes in a rather daring, yet shocking package. The bottles are encased in the remains of dead rabbits, squirrels, and weasels salvaged from road-sides.
Only 12 bottles were made and all have found homes with connoisseurs in different parts of the world. Contrary to what one might believe, the bizarre packaging was a main sale point for the product and was sold for a whopping $765.00 per bottle.
For me this has a bit of the "yuck" factor, but I can see how connoisseurs with money to spare might be intrigued by such a thing. Taxidermy, done right, is an art and so is the brewing of beer; here Beer Dog is combining the two.
Along with the fame came slightly disturbing photos of the products showing dead animals, mouths extended, with a protruding bottle top coming out. Inevitably this earned the ire of animal rights groups and, of course, they had to add their two-cents. It is their opinion that this recycling is undignified and morally wrong.
Other's, however, argue that the new existence is far more dignified than rotting on the side of a busy highway. Plus, no one is killing these animals specifically to fill this purpose; the animals were already dead.
Not all animal lover's share the same view. I am an animal lover. And although I don't see it as an ideal afterlife...it doesn't seem to me that any specific injustice has been committed.
What-is-more is that the company created their own niche and profited from it...something I've alway's
wanted to accomplish. I say, "good going guy's...but keep the alcohol at a manageable level!"
*****************************************************************
P.S. I'd love to hear comments from my reader's on this.
A Little Known Mayflower Fact
Beer changed the course of history in many ways... here is one example:
In a diary one Pilgrim confessed that the reason they stopped in Massachusetts as opposed to their intended destination of Virginia was because their supply of beer was running dangerously low. Realizing the severity of their situation, their priority instantly changed.The moment they set foot on land (or rock) the Pilgrims wasted no time in brewing up a new batch.
It sounds funny, but it is also logical. Beer was a necessity on long ocean voyages. Even though sea water is plentiful and can be strained of salt and be sterilized, beer is less likely to become contaminated. For that reason beer became a staple of their diet.
In a diary one Pilgrim confessed that the reason they stopped in Massachusetts as opposed to their intended destination of Virginia was because their supply of beer was running dangerously low. Realizing the severity of their situation, their priority instantly changed.The moment they set foot on land (or rock) the Pilgrims wasted no time in brewing up a new batch.
It sounds funny, but it is also logical. Beer was a necessity on long ocean voyages. Even though sea water is plentiful and can be strained of salt and be sterilized, beer is less likely to become contaminated. For that reason beer became a staple of their diet.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The link between Lincoln and the Donner Party
A recently discovered document penned by Abraham Lincoln was found among artifiacts belonging to a member of the fateful Donner Party.
Apparently James F. Reed, co-founding member of the Donner Party, served in the US Army along side a younger version of the future US President Abe Lincoln. After their enlistment, the two friends kept in regular contact through the mail service.
Mr. Reed avoided the party's sufferring, however, first by stabbing another member of the group who intended to beat him with a bull whip and then again after being exiled from the group for stabbing the man. If not for being exiled, he too would have also been trapped by the blizzard
Unfortunatly for Reed's wife, she stayed with the party. Incredibly she survived, and although not confirmed, it is beleived Mrs. Reed brought the letter to safety by stuffing it in her bosom during her rescue.
Apparently James F. Reed, co-founding member of the Donner Party, served in the US Army along side a younger version of the future US President Abe Lincoln. After their enlistment, the two friends kept in regular contact through the mail service.
Mr. Reed avoided the party's sufferring, however, first by stabbing another member of the group who intended to beat him with a bull whip and then again after being exiled from the group for stabbing the man. If not for being exiled, he too would have also been trapped by the blizzard
Unfortunatly for Reed's wife, she stayed with the party. Incredibly she survived, and although not confirmed, it is beleived Mrs. Reed brought the letter to safety by stuffing it in her bosom during her rescue.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Pass the 28th Ammendment!
This morning I read an email that touched on a political subject that get's my dander up! (Of course what political subject doesn't get ones dander up?) I am posting it here because everyone needs to be aware of this and hopefully take action. If you value what is fair...tell everyone you know to vote for passing the 28th Ammendment!
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Governors of 35 states have already filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 of the 50 States to convene a Constitutional Convention.
For too long we have been complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens have no idea that members of Congress can retire with the same pay after only one term, that they don't pay into social security, and that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harrasment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform.
The propsed Amendment reads as follows:
"Congress shall make no laws that apply to the citizens of the United States that does not equally apply to the Senator's and/or Representatives; Congress shall make no laws that apply to the Senator's and/or Representatives that does not equally apply to the citizens of the United States."
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I don't care if you are Democrat or Republican...this self-serving elitist behavior must stop. It's time to take action!
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Governors of 35 states have already filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 of the 50 States to convene a Constitutional Convention.
For too long we have been complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens have no idea that members of Congress can retire with the same pay after only one term, that they don't pay into social security, and that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harrasment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform.
The propsed Amendment reads as follows:
"Congress shall make no laws that apply to the citizens of the United States that does not equally apply to the Senator's and/or Representatives; Congress shall make no laws that apply to the Senator's and/or Representatives that does not equally apply to the citizens of the United States."
******************************************************
I don't care if you are Democrat or Republican...this self-serving elitist behavior must stop. It's time to take action!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Gel Regenerates Teeth
At last we have a cure for cavities that may no longer require the use of a drill; fear dentists no more!
French scientists have engineered a gel that causes bone to regenerate itself. Bone and teeth are similar... so naturally medical experts conclude that this new medical miracle could also be used to repair teeth.
To test this theory, scientists applied a thin layer of the gel to cavity filled teeth of mice. They were astonished to find that the cavities completely dissappeared after thirty days. And this is only the beginning.
No drilling also means there will be significantly less chance of damage to roots and veins. Root and vein damage cause teeth to become brittle and fracture... a painful and expensive condition. With the need for drilling eliminated, root canals would become a thing of the past.
And instead of requiring a synthetic crown, you could just grow your own.
The secret ingredient is MSH. MSH or melanocyte-stimulating hormone, is a peptide hormone that works by generating new cells from inside the tooth.
It is important to note that daily brushing, flossing, and swishing of mouthwash is still considered by dentists to be the best preventive treatment. The miracle gel is not a preventive measure and is used only after a cavity has already developed.
Experts disagree as to exactly how many treatments the gel could be used in. Before it can be used on humans, however, much more testing is needing. Testing is estimated to last several years.
Pessimists speculate that the gel could never be adopted by dental professionals for fear that it may make jobs obsolete....while their counterparts say that there is nothing to fear and that the breakthrough should be embraced. As a patient who has had my fair share of cavities...I am hoping for the latter. Only time will tell.
French scientists have engineered a gel that causes bone to regenerate itself. Bone and teeth are similar... so naturally medical experts conclude that this new medical miracle could also be used to repair teeth.
To test this theory, scientists applied a thin layer of the gel to cavity filled teeth of mice. They were astonished to find that the cavities completely dissappeared after thirty days. And this is only the beginning.
No drilling also means there will be significantly less chance of damage to roots and veins. Root and vein damage cause teeth to become brittle and fracture... a painful and expensive condition. With the need for drilling eliminated, root canals would become a thing of the past.
And instead of requiring a synthetic crown, you could just grow your own.
The secret ingredient is MSH. MSH or melanocyte-stimulating hormone, is a peptide hormone that works by generating new cells from inside the tooth.
It is important to note that daily brushing, flossing, and swishing of mouthwash is still considered by dentists to be the best preventive treatment. The miracle gel is not a preventive measure and is used only after a cavity has already developed.
Experts disagree as to exactly how many treatments the gel could be used in. Before it can be used on humans, however, much more testing is needing. Testing is estimated to last several years.
Pessimists speculate that the gel could never be adopted by dental professionals for fear that it may make jobs obsolete....while their counterparts say that there is nothing to fear and that the breakthrough should be embraced. As a patient who has had my fair share of cavities...I am hoping for the latter. Only time will tell.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Celebrity Last Words
Below are last words supposedly said by celebreties before they died. I realize this is slightly morbid, but I also find it interesting. Some quotes are almost prophetic, while other's may make you smile. I write this with all due respect. This information taken directly from MSN online:
1. George Washington - "It is well. I die hard, but I am not afraid to go." (Some experts disagree.)
2. Abraham Lincoln - "They won't think anything about it." (After Mary asked him what the patrons of Ford's Theater might think of two old people holding hands.)
3. John F. Kennedy - "If someone is going to kill me, they will kill me." (Upon arriving in Dallas, Tx.)
4. Joan Crawford - "Damn it, don't you dare ask God to help me."
5. Elvis Presley - "Okay, I won't." (After someone told him "not to fall asleep" while on his way to the restroom.)
6. James Dean - "That guy's got to stop... he'll see us."
7. Marilyn Monroe - "Say goodbye to Pat. Say goodbye to Jack. And say goodbye to yourself, because you're a nice guy." (Said to movie star Peter Lawford, husband of Pat Kennedy.)
8. Frank Sinatra - "I'm losing it."
9. Edgar Allen Poe - "Lord, help my poor soul."
10. Pablo Picasso - "Drink to me. Drink to my health. You know I can't drink anymore."
11. John Lennon - "Yes, I am." (Said while riding in the back of a police car on the way to the hospital when asked if he was John Lennon.)
12. Bobby Kennedy - "Is everyone else alright?"
13. Martin Luther Kin Jr. - "Make sure you play 'Take My Hand Precious Lord.' Play it real pretty." (Said to Ben Branch who was to play at an event that night.)
14. Mother Teresa - "Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you."
15. Pope Joh Paul II - "Amen"
16. Babe Ruth - "I'm going over the valley."
17. Joe DiMaggio - "I finally get to see Marilyn."
18. Al Capone - "You can get more from a kind word and a gun, than with a kind word alone."
19. Winston Churchill - "I'm bored with it all."
20. Diana, Princess of Wales - "My God. What's happened?"
21. Alex, the African grey parrot - "You be good. See you tomorrow. I love you."
1. George Washington - "It is well. I die hard, but I am not afraid to go." (Some experts disagree.)
2. Abraham Lincoln - "They won't think anything about it." (After Mary asked him what the patrons of Ford's Theater might think of two old people holding hands.)
3. John F. Kennedy - "If someone is going to kill me, they will kill me." (Upon arriving in Dallas, Tx.)
4. Joan Crawford - "Damn it, don't you dare ask God to help me."
5. Elvis Presley - "Okay, I won't." (After someone told him "not to fall asleep" while on his way to the restroom.)
6. James Dean - "That guy's got to stop... he'll see us."
7. Marilyn Monroe - "Say goodbye to Pat. Say goodbye to Jack. And say goodbye to yourself, because you're a nice guy." (Said to movie star Peter Lawford, husband of Pat Kennedy.)
8. Frank Sinatra - "I'm losing it."
9. Edgar Allen Poe - "Lord, help my poor soul."
10. Pablo Picasso - "Drink to me. Drink to my health. You know I can't drink anymore."
11. John Lennon - "Yes, I am." (Said while riding in the back of a police car on the way to the hospital when asked if he was John Lennon.)
12. Bobby Kennedy - "Is everyone else alright?"
13. Martin Luther Kin Jr. - "Make sure you play 'Take My Hand Precious Lord.' Play it real pretty." (Said to Ben Branch who was to play at an event that night.)
14. Mother Teresa - "Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you."
15. Pope Joh Paul II - "Amen"
16. Babe Ruth - "I'm going over the valley."
17. Joe DiMaggio - "I finally get to see Marilyn."
18. Al Capone - "You can get more from a kind word and a gun, than with a kind word alone."
19. Winston Churchill - "I'm bored with it all."
20. Diana, Princess of Wales - "My God. What's happened?"
21. Alex, the African grey parrot - "You be good. See you tomorrow. I love you."
Monday, June 7, 2010
WE WON SECOND!
"This is a very promising young buck!" - ARBA judges.
My little mini-lop rabbit Jeffrey won second place at the ARBA rabbit show in State College, Pa. yesterday. He performed like a champion and behaved extremely well while the judge was looking him over. I am so proud of him!
He went up against three other solid Jr. bucks that were significantly older and more developed than he was and he still placed well.
At the second show of the day he placed fourth only because the judge was looking for characteristics that he was still too young to have developed. The official term used was he "lacked maturity."
Both judges were very enthusiastic about seeing him in future shows and agreed that he has a very promising career ahead of him.
I WUV my wittle Jeffwey!
My little mini-lop rabbit Jeffrey won second place at the ARBA rabbit show in State College, Pa. yesterday. He performed like a champion and behaved extremely well while the judge was looking him over. I am so proud of him!
He went up against three other solid Jr. bucks that were significantly older and more developed than he was and he still placed well.
At the second show of the day he placed fourth only because the judge was looking for characteristics that he was still too young to have developed. The official term used was he "lacked maturity."
Both judges were very enthusiastic about seeing him in future shows and agreed that he has a very promising career ahead of him.
I WUV my wittle Jeffwey!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Way to go Sister!
A would-be thief is no match for a little Sister!
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Apparently a man was seen by a teacher at Sacred Heart Elementary School taking a wallet out of a parked vehicle that did not belong to him. The principal of Sacred Heart, Sister Lynn Rettinger, hunted the man down, and with the same authoritative voice she has perfected on students over the last 50 years, ordered him to hand over whatever item he had that did not belong to him. He handed it over without hesitation.
It is not known why he handed the wallet over so easily. Perhaps it was his first offense and was scared, perhaps he was just shocked that someone would have the nerve to stand up to him, or perhaps he saw a higher power working through Sister Rettinger. In any case...it brightens my day to see good prevail.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Apparently a man was seen by a teacher at Sacred Heart Elementary School taking a wallet out of a parked vehicle that did not belong to him. The principal of Sacred Heart, Sister Lynn Rettinger, hunted the man down, and with the same authoritative voice she has perfected on students over the last 50 years, ordered him to hand over whatever item he had that did not belong to him. He handed it over without hesitation.
It is not known why he handed the wallet over so easily. Perhaps it was his first offense and was scared, perhaps he was just shocked that someone would have the nerve to stand up to him, or perhaps he saw a higher power working through Sister Rettinger. In any case...it brightens my day to see good prevail.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure." - Abraham Lincoln
Memorial Day is a national federal holiday falling on the last Monday in May. It's purpose is to honor the men and women who have died fighting in our, the U.S. A.'s, wars.
Sadly, it seems that Memorial Day has lost meaning to Americans who have not experienced what it is like to make sacrifices for our country...and that's a lot of people. For most, it's significance has been reduced to an appreciated day off work and flipping burgers on the grill. Because of this...everyone is to observe a national moment of silence at three o'clock pm. and the 3rd U.S. infantry places small flags at the cite of each headstone in Arlington Cemetery, making sure that none touch the ground the entire weekend.
Why wait? Honor the memories of our fallen heroes everyday by embracing a patriotic spirit and openly supporting our troops!
Notes: Originaly Memorial Day was called Decoration Day and pertained to only those soldiers died fighting for the Union in the Civil War. The South also celebrated a day for their heroic dead, but refused to share the same day with the North. It wasn't until after WWI that the two days became one.
Memorial Day is a national federal holiday falling on the last Monday in May. It's purpose is to honor the men and women who have died fighting in our, the U.S. A.'s, wars.
Sadly, it seems that Memorial Day has lost meaning to Americans who have not experienced what it is like to make sacrifices for our country...and that's a lot of people. For most, it's significance has been reduced to an appreciated day off work and flipping burgers on the grill. Because of this...everyone is to observe a national moment of silence at three o'clock pm. and the 3rd U.S. infantry places small flags at the cite of each headstone in Arlington Cemetery, making sure that none touch the ground the entire weekend.
Why wait? Honor the memories of our fallen heroes everyday by embracing a patriotic spirit and openly supporting our troops!
Notes: Originaly Memorial Day was called Decoration Day and pertained to only those soldiers died fighting for the Union in the Civil War. The South also celebrated a day for their heroic dead, but refused to share the same day with the North. It wasn't until after WWI that the two days became one.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sunday's "Bite!"
Sunday's "bite!"
No, I am not referring to the Sunday morning, sometimes boring, ritual of going to church. What I am referring to, however, is the scientific fact that most shark attacks occur on a particular day of the week... which happens to be Sunday.
Why, you ask? Well, just think about it...
Most people plan their recreation around the work week (Mon. thru Fr.); this leaves only the weekends, Sat. and Sun., as the most ideal time to go on outing's (like going to the beach). Surfers flock to the coastline donned in their black wet suit and paddle a ways off-shore to catch a good wave. From below, a surfer's silhouette greatly resembles that of a large seal... a primary food source for sharks.
Attacks on humans by these apex predators are a simple case of mistaken identity. Unfortunately for us, a shark's hunting strategy often leaves devastation. (Recall the name of this entry.)
Ultimately, it seems that we humans are setting the schedule and the sharks are just following the leader.
FACTS:
1. When hunting sharks submerge to a depth of 6ft and then stun their victims by ramming them at high speed from below. This stuns the victim, leaves them disoriented, and gives enough time for the shark to take a bite.
2. Not only do most attacks occur on Sunday's, but they seem to also happen during times of a full moon.
3. Fla.'s Colusia County is noted as being the "Shark Attack capital of the World."
4. The day of the week with the second most number of attacks is Saturday... with Fri. coming in third.
No, I am not referring to the Sunday morning, sometimes boring, ritual of going to church. What I am referring to, however, is the scientific fact that most shark attacks occur on a particular day of the week... which happens to be Sunday.
Why, you ask? Well, just think about it...
Most people plan their recreation around the work week (Mon. thru Fr.); this leaves only the weekends, Sat. and Sun., as the most ideal time to go on outing's (like going to the beach). Surfers flock to the coastline donned in their black wet suit and paddle a ways off-shore to catch a good wave. From below, a surfer's silhouette greatly resembles that of a large seal... a primary food source for sharks.
Attacks on humans by these apex predators are a simple case of mistaken identity. Unfortunately for us, a shark's hunting strategy often leaves devastation. (Recall the name of this entry.)
Ultimately, it seems that we humans are setting the schedule and the sharks are just following the leader.
FACTS:
1. When hunting sharks submerge to a depth of 6ft and then stun their victims by ramming them at high speed from below. This stuns the victim, leaves them disoriented, and gives enough time for the shark to take a bite.
2. Not only do most attacks occur on Sunday's, but they seem to also happen during times of a full moon.
3. Fla.'s Colusia County is noted as being the "Shark Attack capital of the World."
4. The day of the week with the second most number of attacks is Saturday... with Fri. coming in third.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
History making flood swamps Nashville.
NASHVILLE, TN. - Incredible storms hit Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee over the weekend delivering no less than 13.52 inches of rain to Nashville, TN. alone. Flash flooding from the nearby Cumberland river overtook several local landmarks including the Grand Ole Opry House, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville NHL and NFL stadiums, and the Schermer Symphony Center. The river swelled to 40ft. above flood level.
Some unfortunate vacationers, who had been stranded at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center, were rescued by canoe (among other available means) and delivered to a safe location. The resort had evacuated around 1,500 people...some not even having enough time to pay for their meals. The resort was reportedly under 10 feet of water at one point.
Two historic locations, Ryman Auditorium (the original home of the Grand Ole' Opry) and Music Row, were spared from the disaster.
The National Weather Service explained that a slow moving weather system had developed from a combination of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and highly unstable air over Tennessee. The result was an unprecedented deluge of rain and severe weather.
Tennessee's Gov. Phil Bredesen declared 52 of the 95 counties a disaster area after seeing the destruction first hand via airplane. He is quoted as saying, "I have never seen flooding like this." It is officially the most devastating flood in the history of the region. The previous record had been set by Hurricane Fredrick in 1979.
The death toll is currently at 28 victims in three states and that number is expected to rise.
Rumors persist that 2010 is going to be an extremely bad year for severe weather including tornadoes. So far, it looks to be true.
Some unfortunate vacationers, who had been stranded at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center, were rescued by canoe (among other available means) and delivered to a safe location. The resort had evacuated around 1,500 people...some not even having enough time to pay for their meals. The resort was reportedly under 10 feet of water at one point.
Two historic locations, Ryman Auditorium (the original home of the Grand Ole' Opry) and Music Row, were spared from the disaster.
The National Weather Service explained that a slow moving weather system had developed from a combination of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and highly unstable air over Tennessee. The result was an unprecedented deluge of rain and severe weather.
Tennessee's Gov. Phil Bredesen declared 52 of the 95 counties a disaster area after seeing the destruction first hand via airplane. He is quoted as saying, "I have never seen flooding like this." It is officially the most devastating flood in the history of the region. The previous record had been set by Hurricane Fredrick in 1979.
The death toll is currently at 28 victims in three states and that number is expected to rise.
Rumors persist that 2010 is going to be an extremely bad year for severe weather including tornadoes. So far, it looks to be true.
Friday, April 30, 2010
1969 "Luggage" Left On Moon
The California Historical Resources Commission claims items left on the moon's surface are their property.
In total it seems that 106 items were left behind by Apollo 11 astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, in an effort to lighten the load for their slingshot ride back to earth; the rock and soil samples collected during their historic "moonwalk" would max-out the craft's weight capacity once Earth's gravity took over.
Among the discarded objects were tools, boots, tv cables, a flag, bags of food, and bags of human waste. Other items of historical value remaining on the moon's surface include memorials to astronauts and cosmonauts who died during the exploration of space. These are very important historical artifacts and they must be protected.
In the interest of preserving history, the Commission would also like to declare the removal of such items illegal...fearing that future adventurers may be tempted to sell these priceless artifiacts for large sums on ebay.
International treaty states that "no one can lay claim to the moon;" there is no stipulation for the protection of any objects lying on the moon's surface, however.
Several other states are soon expected to make claims for their property as well; although California had a huge impact on the 1969 mission, not all the 106 items belong to them.
In total it seems that 106 items were left behind by Apollo 11 astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, in an effort to lighten the load for their slingshot ride back to earth; the rock and soil samples collected during their historic "moonwalk" would max-out the craft's weight capacity once Earth's gravity took over.
Among the discarded objects were tools, boots, tv cables, a flag, bags of food, and bags of human waste. Other items of historical value remaining on the moon's surface include memorials to astronauts and cosmonauts who died during the exploration of space. These are very important historical artifacts and they must be protected.
In the interest of preserving history, the Commission would also like to declare the removal of such items illegal...fearing that future adventurers may be tempted to sell these priceless artifiacts for large sums on ebay.
International treaty states that "no one can lay claim to the moon;" there is no stipulation for the protection of any objects lying on the moon's surface, however.
Several other states are soon expected to make claims for their property as well; although California had a huge impact on the 1969 mission, not all the 106 items belong to them.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Scotland's Police Beleived in Nessie
Documents have recently emerged showing that in the 1930's Scotland Police officials requested that British Parliament research the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. Should it's existence be verified, the police would then allocate manpower for the purpose of protecting its national treasure from hunters.
Parliament refused, however, stating that it did not wish to be responsible for killing "the myth" if no evidence turned up.
Although not verbatem, this information was derived from a story reported online.
Parliament refused, however, stating that it did not wish to be responsible for killing "the myth" if no evidence turned up.
Although not verbatem, this information was derived from a story reported online.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Villain or Victim?: The case of Typhoid Mary
"Mary Mallon was the first perfectly healthy person ever known to have caused an epidemic."
Okay, I have to start off by asking you a rather personal question...prepare yourself. "Do you wash you hands after going potty?" If so, good on ya. If not, you're following in the footsteps of one of the most notorious, yet debatedly unpremeditated (and unhygienic), murderers of all time!
Now, I'm not your mother...so I'm not going to lecture you on the importance of good hygiene (you should know better). But let me say this...studies have shown that, without vigorous hand washing, microscopic fecal matter can travel on your hands and then spread to whatever you touch. This includes food and water! Hence, the unfortunate deaths following in the wake of "Typhoid Mary."
About "Typhoid Mary":
Born: 23 September 1869
Died: 11 November 1938
Number of people she infected: 53
Number of resulting deaths: 3
Historians are not certain exactly how Mary became a "healthy" carrier of typhoid fever. There are two possible explanations: the first is for her to have caught the illness, survived it, and then instead of the bacteria dying... it found a way to survive inside her body without causing further symptoms. Mary reportedly denies ever falling ill with typhoid, but it is possible that she could have misidentified a mild case of it as the flu. The second scenario could be that her mother passed the bacteria on to her while still in the womb. It has been verified that Mary's mother was infected with the disease at the time of her birth.
Villain or victim?:
As an immigrant of Irish decent, Mary had few career choices. Prejudice made a life of domestic servitude a near certainty, and a decent days wages equalled no more than a few copper coins (pennies) in those days. On the higher paying end of available employment was that of cook. Mary discovered she had a talent for cooking, so naturally cooking became her occupation of choice.
Her first job as cook was at a home in Mamaroneck, New York in 1900. Mary left after only two weeks of service, but not before the house's residents caught the fever. Mary continued to move from household to household leaving a muriad of sick people behind her...the entire time believing she had nothing to do with the illnesses. It wasn't until epidemic researcher George Soper's involvement did Mary's condition become known.
Desperate for answers one of Mary's former employer's hired Soper to discover the source of his family's illnesses. It didn't take long for Soper to name Mary as the prime suspect. After further investigation, he also found that a trail of illnesses followed Mary wherever she went, thus strengthening his theory. But the only way to be absolutely sure she was a carrier of typhoid was to obtain a fecal sample (because the illness is transmitted by ingesting bacteria contaminated by fecal matter). He did not look forward to what he knew he had to do next.
When confronted, a rather upset and probably offended Mary refused to oblige his request; infact Soper narrowly escaped a vicious stabbing by kitchen fork. Soon after, Soper returned with backup, but again Mary proved to be more than their match. After one too many rather nasty visitations and feeling he had no other choice, Soper relinquished the case to city health officials who then continued the persuit.
The next meeting with Mary was no less dramatic. This time a group headed by health official Dr. Josephine Baker braved the lioness's den. Yet again, Mary was defiant. She led them on a wild goose chase and when finally re-discovered in a broom closet, she came out fighting like a tazmanian devil. Knowing that the evidence was too great to take a chance in leaving Mary continued access to the public, Dr. Baker felt she had no alternative but to take Mary to a local hospital by force (actually sitting on Mary in the car).
Samples were then obtained and the long awaited results came back just as Soper had predicted...positive for typhoid bacilli. Without a trial and against her wishes, Mary was immediately transferred to a quarantine facility on North Brother Island off the coast of New York.
Like most uneducated people at the time, Mary could not comprehend how she, a perfectly healthy individual, could spread disease. (Although the microscope had theoretically existed for some time, the science of microbiology was new and it's concept reserved for the wealthy.) It is not clear just how much information was offerred to her...but on the same note there was no precedent for her condition.
Since Mary was the first healthy carrier of typhoid ever to be discovered, offering her an explanation would have been difficult. Either way the division between upper and lower class (health officials vs. Irish immigrant) may have prevented her the courtesy...and it was surely a factor in the way she was treated. (Generally the upper class felt no obligation in using tact when dealing with lower class individuals such as Mary.)
Mary beleived she was being unjustly punished for a crime she did not commit. She vehemently denied every accusation aimed at her and, in an effort to gain evidence in her favor, she sent her own samples to a private lab. Although the hospital on Brother Island's results came back mostly positive for typhoid over the course of a year, Mary's private lab results were routinely negative. Feeling healthy and armed with this new ammunition, Mary now appealed to a court of law. Mary sued the NY health department, but the judge ruled against her.
In 1910, however, a new health commissioner came to office and made a deal with Mary. He set her free on the condition that she never cook for others again and that she take adequate precautions to avoid speading the illness further. Mary jumped at this new chance for freedom.
Finding a job that paid as well as "cook" proved difficult. She found work as a launderess, among other things, and had manage to keep her promise...for a time. But after a new epidemic broken out, the source was traced back to Mary yet again. She returned to cooking, but used the alias Mary Brown. News of her latest offense spread like wildfire and public sympathy all but dissappeared.
Mary had previously been made aware of her carrier status, and although she still didn't beleive it, she risked the lives of to many people. Inevitably, she was forced to return to isolation back back on North Brother Island...this time for good.
As time went on Mary volunteered around the island's hospital and eventually also helped out in the lab. She sufferred a stroke in 1932 which sadly left her paralized until her eventual death in 1938; she died of pneumonia.
Controversy:
Many people feel it was wrong for state and/or government officials to lock away a perfectly healthy person in isolation for a crime in which they have no control. But public opinion changed when Mary was caught the second time using the alias Molly Brown. Now speculation was that she caused the illnesses deliberately (perhaps her way of getting back at the upper class for her mistreatment).
There is no question that Mary's case was extreme. It's moral dilemma's lead to the revamping of our nation's public health policies, and caused state and government officials to rethink laws concerning personal vs. societal rights.
She was never charged with a crime.
Note: There were several other people found to have been "healthy" carriers of the fever soon after Mary...some causing even more deaths. Yet they were not handled with such severity. Mary's case stands out because it was the first of its kind, because of the way she fought authorities.
Okay, I have to start off by asking you a rather personal question...prepare yourself. "Do you wash you hands after going potty?" If so, good on ya. If not, you're following in the footsteps of one of the most notorious, yet debatedly unpremeditated (and unhygienic), murderers of all time!
Now, I'm not your mother...so I'm not going to lecture you on the importance of good hygiene (you should know better). But let me say this...studies have shown that, without vigorous hand washing, microscopic fecal matter can travel on your hands and then spread to whatever you touch. This includes food and water! Hence, the unfortunate deaths following in the wake of "Typhoid Mary."
About "Typhoid Mary":
Born: 23 September 1869
Died: 11 November 1938
Number of people she infected: 53
Number of resulting deaths: 3
Historians are not certain exactly how Mary became a "healthy" carrier of typhoid fever. There are two possible explanations: the first is for her to have caught the illness, survived it, and then instead of the bacteria dying... it found a way to survive inside her body without causing further symptoms. Mary reportedly denies ever falling ill with typhoid, but it is possible that she could have misidentified a mild case of it as the flu. The second scenario could be that her mother passed the bacteria on to her while still in the womb. It has been verified that Mary's mother was infected with the disease at the time of her birth.
Villain or victim?:
As an immigrant of Irish decent, Mary had few career choices. Prejudice made a life of domestic servitude a near certainty, and a decent days wages equalled no more than a few copper coins (pennies) in those days. On the higher paying end of available employment was that of cook. Mary discovered she had a talent for cooking, so naturally cooking became her occupation of choice.
Her first job as cook was at a home in Mamaroneck, New York in 1900. Mary left after only two weeks of service, but not before the house's residents caught the fever. Mary continued to move from household to household leaving a muriad of sick people behind her...the entire time believing she had nothing to do with the illnesses. It wasn't until epidemic researcher George Soper's involvement did Mary's condition become known.
Desperate for answers one of Mary's former employer's hired Soper to discover the source of his family's illnesses. It didn't take long for Soper to name Mary as the prime suspect. After further investigation, he also found that a trail of illnesses followed Mary wherever she went, thus strengthening his theory. But the only way to be absolutely sure she was a carrier of typhoid was to obtain a fecal sample (because the illness is transmitted by ingesting bacteria contaminated by fecal matter). He did not look forward to what he knew he had to do next.
When confronted, a rather upset and probably offended Mary refused to oblige his request; infact Soper narrowly escaped a vicious stabbing by kitchen fork. Soon after, Soper returned with backup, but again Mary proved to be more than their match. After one too many rather nasty visitations and feeling he had no other choice, Soper relinquished the case to city health officials who then continued the persuit.
The next meeting with Mary was no less dramatic. This time a group headed by health official Dr. Josephine Baker braved the lioness's den. Yet again, Mary was defiant. She led them on a wild goose chase and when finally re-discovered in a broom closet, she came out fighting like a tazmanian devil. Knowing that the evidence was too great to take a chance in leaving Mary continued access to the public, Dr. Baker felt she had no alternative but to take Mary to a local hospital by force (actually sitting on Mary in the car).
Samples were then obtained and the long awaited results came back just as Soper had predicted...positive for typhoid bacilli. Without a trial and against her wishes, Mary was immediately transferred to a quarantine facility on North Brother Island off the coast of New York.
Like most uneducated people at the time, Mary could not comprehend how she, a perfectly healthy individual, could spread disease. (Although the microscope had theoretically existed for some time, the science of microbiology was new and it's concept reserved for the wealthy.) It is not clear just how much information was offerred to her...but on the same note there was no precedent for her condition.
Since Mary was the first healthy carrier of typhoid ever to be discovered, offering her an explanation would have been difficult. Either way the division between upper and lower class (health officials vs. Irish immigrant) may have prevented her the courtesy...and it was surely a factor in the way she was treated. (Generally the upper class felt no obligation in using tact when dealing with lower class individuals such as Mary.)
Mary beleived she was being unjustly punished for a crime she did not commit. She vehemently denied every accusation aimed at her and, in an effort to gain evidence in her favor, she sent her own samples to a private lab. Although the hospital on Brother Island's results came back mostly positive for typhoid over the course of a year, Mary's private lab results were routinely negative. Feeling healthy and armed with this new ammunition, Mary now appealed to a court of law. Mary sued the NY health department, but the judge ruled against her.
In 1910, however, a new health commissioner came to office and made a deal with Mary. He set her free on the condition that she never cook for others again and that she take adequate precautions to avoid speading the illness further. Mary jumped at this new chance for freedom.
Finding a job that paid as well as "cook" proved difficult. She found work as a launderess, among other things, and had manage to keep her promise...for a time. But after a new epidemic broken out, the source was traced back to Mary yet again. She returned to cooking, but used the alias Mary Brown. News of her latest offense spread like wildfire and public sympathy all but dissappeared.
Mary had previously been made aware of her carrier status, and although she still didn't beleive it, she risked the lives of to many people. Inevitably, she was forced to return to isolation back back on North Brother Island...this time for good.
As time went on Mary volunteered around the island's hospital and eventually also helped out in the lab. She sufferred a stroke in 1932 which sadly left her paralized until her eventual death in 1938; she died of pneumonia.
Controversy:
Many people feel it was wrong for state and/or government officials to lock away a perfectly healthy person in isolation for a crime in which they have no control. But public opinion changed when Mary was caught the second time using the alias Molly Brown. Now speculation was that she caused the illnesses deliberately (perhaps her way of getting back at the upper class for her mistreatment).
There is no question that Mary's case was extreme. It's moral dilemma's lead to the revamping of our nation's public health policies, and caused state and government officials to rethink laws concerning personal vs. societal rights.
She was never charged with a crime.
Note: There were several other people found to have been "healthy" carriers of the fever soon after Mary...some causing even more deaths. Yet they were not handled with such severity. Mary's case stands out because it was the first of its kind, because of the way she fought authorities.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Which glasses dear?
Just had a patient try on glasses to order. The funny thing about it was that his wife has to have her say...except she wasn't here. He tried on several frames, taking pictures of each on his iPhone, and pressed the send button. My, how technology has changed our lives.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
IN MEMORY: RMS Titanic's 98th Anniversary
Today is the 98th anniversary of the sinking of the "practically unsinkable" ship RMS Titanic. This blog entry is written in memory of those who perished at sea that fateful day. May they rest in peace.
TIMELINE:
1. April 11, 1912 at 1:30 pm - Titanic raises anchor and departs from Queensland, Ireland.
2. April 14, 1912 - Lifeboat drills neglected after church services, although it is a requirement.
3. April 14, 1912 around 10:55 pm - The ship Californian is completely surrounded by icebergs and stops for the evening. Sends a warning to Titatnic.
4. April 14, 1912 at 11:55 - Frederick Fleet sight's an iceberg. First Officer Murdoch orders "hard a-starboard" and engines reversed; activates lever to close water tight doors. Ship turns slightly left avoiding head-on collision, but hull is punctured below water line. (Was traveling at 26 mph.) Watertight compartments flood.
5. April 15, 1912 at 12:15 am - Capt. Smith estimates the ship will float only two more hours and orders distress signal "CDQ" sent. Gives orders to ready lifeboats; women and children to be evacuated first.
6. April 15, 1912 at 12:45 am - first lifeboat away with few passengers on board.
7. April 15, 1912 at 2:05 am - last lifeboat away just as bow starts to sink; 1,500 people remain on the ship.
8. April 15, 1912 at 2:20 am - the ship goes under.
9. April 15, 1912 - the Carpathia reaches the stranded boats and searches through frozen bodies for signs of life.
FASCINATING FACTS:
Not only was the ship built to transport passengers between the U.S. and Europe, it was also meant to carry mail (hence the name RMS meaning Royal Mail Ship), cargo, and meat (Europe couldn't produce enough meat to sustain itself at the time).
The division among classes: First class passengers traveled in great luxury on the top decks, while the middle class were afforded great comfort on the middle decks. Third class passengers were provided passage at economical prices, but had much less finery and occupied only the lower levels; they were not permitted access to the upper decks. The poorest passengers traveled in cargo areas on the lowest deck with no ammenities.
The segregation between decks statically led to the demise of many more lower class passengers who either could not reach... or was prevented from reaching... the life boats. There is no evidence proving that this was done deliberately, however. In fact, it is theorized to have been an attempt by the crew to keep what little organization they had in the evacuation process. Only... the crewmembers could not have known that the orders they were waiting for would never come.
Contrary to popular beleif, it was the Americans who had the controlling interest in the ship's ownership. But since the magnificent ship was built in a British shipyard, operated by British subjects, manned by British crews, and perceived by the general public as a British vessel, Great Britain understandably felt immense national pride over her. It was the flag of Great Britain that flew on Titanic's prestigious flag pole.
Unsinkable? The tabloids of the day advertised the Titanic as "practically unskinkable"...not "unsinkable." Technology had long existed to make ships water tight and so the idea of a ship being "practically unsinkable" was not so far fetched. Only after the accident occurred did the word "unsinkable" become intertwined with the name Titanic...most probably to make the story that much more uncomprehensible.
When the ship left port, there were actually more lifeboats on board than the current law required. It was known, however, that this very same law was about to be changed, upping the amount of lifeboats needed on board. Still, space was valuable and boats costly. At the time... the decision makers felt they had no real reason to invest more money into it.
Safety standards in that era were much more lax than they are today. For one reason, the general perception was that the more safety equipment a ship needed, the less safe it actually was. Business men are out to make money...not worry about disasters that may never happen.
There were several ships who altered their course after hearing the Titanic's distress call, but turned around once they realized the Carpathia would beat them to the scene. The Californian, however, was only a few miles off, but did not hear the call due to the operator going to bed early; he had turned off the equipment. Flares, however, were seen in the distance by the Californian's crew, but much debate remains over whether or not the Californian's crew investigated them as aggressively as they should have.
The Titanic was rediscovered on Sept. 1, 1985 by a joint U.S./French discovery project. She lies 963 miles northeast of New York and is 2 1/2 miles below the ocean surface; the wreckage is in extremely delicate condition, making the risk of raising her too great.
The last known survivor, Millvina Dean, died May 31, 2009 at the age of 97. She had somehow managed to survive where around 1,513 others had not.
GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...
TIMELINE:
1. April 11, 1912 at 1:30 pm - Titanic raises anchor and departs from Queensland, Ireland.
2. April 14, 1912 - Lifeboat drills neglected after church services, although it is a requirement.
3. April 14, 1912 around 10:55 pm - The ship Californian is completely surrounded by icebergs and stops for the evening. Sends a warning to Titatnic.
4. April 14, 1912 at 11:55 - Frederick Fleet sight's an iceberg. First Officer Murdoch orders "hard a-starboard" and engines reversed; activates lever to close water tight doors. Ship turns slightly left avoiding head-on collision, but hull is punctured below water line. (Was traveling at 26 mph.) Watertight compartments flood.
5. April 15, 1912 at 12:15 am - Capt. Smith estimates the ship will float only two more hours and orders distress signal "CDQ" sent. Gives orders to ready lifeboats; women and children to be evacuated first.
6. April 15, 1912 at 12:45 am - first lifeboat away with few passengers on board.
7. April 15, 1912 at 2:05 am - last lifeboat away just as bow starts to sink; 1,500 people remain on the ship.
8. April 15, 1912 at 2:20 am - the ship goes under.
9. April 15, 1912 - the Carpathia reaches the stranded boats and searches through frozen bodies for signs of life.
FASCINATING FACTS:
Not only was the ship built to transport passengers between the U.S. and Europe, it was also meant to carry mail (hence the name RMS meaning Royal Mail Ship), cargo, and meat (Europe couldn't produce enough meat to sustain itself at the time).
The division among classes: First class passengers traveled in great luxury on the top decks, while the middle class were afforded great comfort on the middle decks. Third class passengers were provided passage at economical prices, but had much less finery and occupied only the lower levels; they were not permitted access to the upper decks. The poorest passengers traveled in cargo areas on the lowest deck with no ammenities.
The segregation between decks statically led to the demise of many more lower class passengers who either could not reach... or was prevented from reaching... the life boats. There is no evidence proving that this was done deliberately, however. In fact, it is theorized to have been an attempt by the crew to keep what little organization they had in the evacuation process. Only... the crewmembers could not have known that the orders they were waiting for would never come.
Contrary to popular beleif, it was the Americans who had the controlling interest in the ship's ownership. But since the magnificent ship was built in a British shipyard, operated by British subjects, manned by British crews, and perceived by the general public as a British vessel, Great Britain understandably felt immense national pride over her. It was the flag of Great Britain that flew on Titanic's prestigious flag pole.
Unsinkable? The tabloids of the day advertised the Titanic as "practically unskinkable"...not "unsinkable." Technology had long existed to make ships water tight and so the idea of a ship being "practically unsinkable" was not so far fetched. Only after the accident occurred did the word "unsinkable" become intertwined with the name Titanic...most probably to make the story that much more uncomprehensible.
When the ship left port, there were actually more lifeboats on board than the current law required. It was known, however, that this very same law was about to be changed, upping the amount of lifeboats needed on board. Still, space was valuable and boats costly. At the time... the decision makers felt they had no real reason to invest more money into it.
Safety standards in that era were much more lax than they are today. For one reason, the general perception was that the more safety equipment a ship needed, the less safe it actually was. Business men are out to make money...not worry about disasters that may never happen.
There were several ships who altered their course after hearing the Titanic's distress call, but turned around once they realized the Carpathia would beat them to the scene. The Californian, however, was only a few miles off, but did not hear the call due to the operator going to bed early; he had turned off the equipment. Flares, however, were seen in the distance by the Californian's crew, but much debate remains over whether or not the Californian's crew investigated them as aggressively as they should have.
The Titanic was rediscovered on Sept. 1, 1985 by a joint U.S./French discovery project. She lies 963 miles northeast of New York and is 2 1/2 miles below the ocean surface; the wreckage is in extremely delicate condition, making the risk of raising her too great.
The last known survivor, Millvina Dean, died May 31, 2009 at the age of 97. She had somehow managed to survive where around 1,513 others had not.
GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Pharaoh Tut sported orthopedic shoes?
Among the many riches and fantastic finds discovered in King Tut's 3300 year old tomb were three pairs of fascinatingly unique sandals hypothesized to have been made to suit the young pharaoh's orthopedic needs.
During a recent investigation into King Tut's genetic history, X-Ray's have revealed deformities in the bones of the feet that would have made mobility difficult. The second toe of the right foot lacked a middle toe which made it drastically shorter...while the left foot was clubbed and rotated internally at the ankle. For cases such as this in modern times orthopedic shoes would be prescribed to help lessen resulting symptoms and make maneuvering in every day life just a little bit easier.
The three sandals in question seem to have been designed to help Tut cope with his debilitating condition; two characteristics of the sandals in particular signal the attempt at an orthopedic correction. The sandals feature horizontal straps just below the toe line, plus semi-circular panel's along the side. These would have made the sandals more secure to the feet in case of being dragged across the floor and are qualities not found in other sandal's of the era.
Other footwear found in the tomb are of various designs, ranging from sewn-together papyrus reeds to shoes manufactured using advanced techniques (for the time) covered in gold leaf and set in gem stones. It is likely that the boy pharaoh would have been toted around by servants and that his more elaboratley decorated footwear would never have touched the ground.
It is interesting to note that while the elaborately decorated shoes never bore the pharaoh's weight, some of his less grand shoes managed to capture the indention of the sole's of his feet for all time.
Reference: MSNBC and Discovery Channel News, via internet 8 April, 2010.
During a recent investigation into King Tut's genetic history, X-Ray's have revealed deformities in the bones of the feet that would have made mobility difficult. The second toe of the right foot lacked a middle toe which made it drastically shorter...while the left foot was clubbed and rotated internally at the ankle. For cases such as this in modern times orthopedic shoes would be prescribed to help lessen resulting symptoms and make maneuvering in every day life just a little bit easier.
The three sandals in question seem to have been designed to help Tut cope with his debilitating condition; two characteristics of the sandals in particular signal the attempt at an orthopedic correction. The sandals feature horizontal straps just below the toe line, plus semi-circular panel's along the side. These would have made the sandals more secure to the feet in case of being dragged across the floor and are qualities not found in other sandal's of the era.
Other footwear found in the tomb are of various designs, ranging from sewn-together papyrus reeds to shoes manufactured using advanced techniques (for the time) covered in gold leaf and set in gem stones. It is likely that the boy pharaoh would have been toted around by servants and that his more elaboratley decorated footwear would never have touched the ground.
It is interesting to note that while the elaborately decorated shoes never bore the pharaoh's weight, some of his less grand shoes managed to capture the indention of the sole's of his feet for all time.
Reference: MSNBC and Discovery Channel News, via internet 8 April, 2010.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Interesting facts about the 1982 Princess Grace tragedy:
"Despite many offers, Princess Grace has never returned to the movies." "Why should she? She has moved from an artificial stage to a real one." - Gary Cooper
I have always been fascinated with Princess Grace, the former American movie star Grace Kelly of Philadelphia, PA. As she was in life, her unfortunate death was no less dramatic.
I have read articles and viewed documentaries about Princess Grace. It seemed to me, though, that the information released concerning the accident was lacking detail. I stumbled across an article that provides a drastically more in-depth account of what happenned directly after the accident occurred. I am posting that information, here.
MONTE CARLO, Monaco - Princess Grace of Monaco and her 17 year old daughter Princess Stephanie were injured when their British made vintage Rover 3500 automobile plunged 45 feet off a winding mountain road, flipping several times and coming to a stop in a flower garden belonging to Sesto Lequio where the engine motor soon caught fire. The accident happenned between the town of La Turbie and the main road of the Cote D'Azur region.
First at the scene was the 62 year old Lequio, a flower nursery owner. A nearly unconscious Stephanie asked the man to "please notify my father, my father." Lequio did not recognize the Princess, and then she told him who her father was. He pulled Stephanie from the wreck and proceeded to put out the motor fire. Lequio said Princess Grace "was trapped in the car and had blood across her head and face." He then helped Stephanie to his house where he called police. Help arrived 10 minutes later and were able to remove Princess Grace through the automobile's back window.
Princess Grace sufferred a fractured right thighbone, a broken rib, and a shatterred collarbone. It is also beleived that she sufferred a minor stroke which could account for losing control of the car. She never regained consciousness and died at the hospital. She was buried in the Grimaldi family tomb aged 53.
Princess Stephanie was later found to have sufferred a serious cervical fracture. She wore a neck brace for a time, and although recovered physically, she is forever traumatized by the event that took her mother's life.
The palace's official statement was that "the car breaks were faulty."
Reference: St. Petersburg Times, United Press International, Pg. 2A, Sept 14, 1982.
I have always been fascinated with Princess Grace, the former American movie star Grace Kelly of Philadelphia, PA. As she was in life, her unfortunate death was no less dramatic.
I have read articles and viewed documentaries about Princess Grace. It seemed to me, though, that the information released concerning the accident was lacking detail. I stumbled across an article that provides a drastically more in-depth account of what happenned directly after the accident occurred. I am posting that information, here.
MONTE CARLO, Monaco - Princess Grace of Monaco and her 17 year old daughter Princess Stephanie were injured when their British made vintage Rover 3500 automobile plunged 45 feet off a winding mountain road, flipping several times and coming to a stop in a flower garden belonging to Sesto Lequio where the engine motor soon caught fire. The accident happenned between the town of La Turbie and the main road of the Cote D'Azur region.
First at the scene was the 62 year old Lequio, a flower nursery owner. A nearly unconscious Stephanie asked the man to "please notify my father, my father." Lequio did not recognize the Princess, and then she told him who her father was. He pulled Stephanie from the wreck and proceeded to put out the motor fire. Lequio said Princess Grace "was trapped in the car and had blood across her head and face." He then helped Stephanie to his house where he called police. Help arrived 10 minutes later and were able to remove Princess Grace through the automobile's back window.
Princess Grace sufferred a fractured right thighbone, a broken rib, and a shatterred collarbone. It is also beleived that she sufferred a minor stroke which could account for losing control of the car. She never regained consciousness and died at the hospital. She was buried in the Grimaldi family tomb aged 53.
Princess Stephanie was later found to have sufferred a serious cervical fracture. She wore a neck brace for a time, and although recovered physically, she is forever traumatized by the event that took her mother's life.
The palace's official statement was that "the car breaks were faulty."
Reference: St. Petersburg Times, United Press International, Pg. 2A, Sept 14, 1982.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Obama has lost our confidence...
"Looming over all is the biggest risk for the Democrats. Albeit in a worthy cause, Obama has broken faith with American voters. He promised post-partisan leadership. He promised to moderate the warring tribes on Capitol Hill, and strive for common-sense, centrist solutions. Then, on this epic issue, he allied himself with — in fact, subordinated himself to — liberal Democrats in Congress. With help, to be sure, from a rabidly partisan Republican party, he has divided the country more deeply than ever. And he has pushed through a far-reaching measure that country does not want. In November we will find out what, if anything, it will cost his party and his presidency." - This was taken verbatem from a news source online after the democrats "huge win" on passing the health care bill March 2010.
Isn't it obvious that Obama came to power by design...not by chance or by the true will of the people? Is it possible he is the antichrist? People are charmed by him, but he is only out to destroy. An interesting similarity don't you think?
Isn't it obvious that Obama came to power by design...not by chance or by the true will of the people? Is it possible he is the antichrist? People are charmed by him, but he is only out to destroy. An interesting similarity don't you think?
A funny moment in the clinic...
One of my optometry patients told me that "the reason they squint is because when they were young they lived on a farm and they squinted to keep the dust out of their eyes... it had nothing to do with not being able to see." My response? "I think one of us is in denial."
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Global Diet Poll
More people around the world now die from obesity than from starvation. - The World Health Organization
"Home grown." Having your own flock has its benefits. You get the freshest eggs possible, confidence in knowing exactly what you are eating, and satisfaction in knowing that by re-using the egg cartons you are doing your part in helping to save the planet.
In October 2009, the Reader's Digest commissioned a poll addressing how people from around the world felt about the obesity epidemic. Here are the results:
1. The country most aware of the dangers of obesity. - Finland
2. The country that feels the most pressure to be thin. - Brazil
3. The country where wives most want their husbands to lose weight. - United States
4. The county where husbands most want their wives to lose weight. - India
5. The country where you are loved just the way you are. - Hungary
6. The country that swallows the most diet pills. - China
7. The country most likely to ignore their doctor. - Switzerland
8. The country still trying to puff-off (smoke) the pounds. - Russia
9. The country most likely to blame a lack of willpower. - Philippines
10. The country most likely to blame the parents. - Russia
11. The country most likely to blame Americans. - France
12. The country with the highest weight loss IQ. - Mexico
13. The country where pounds are most likely to get in the way of a promotion. - India
14. The country where overweight women struggle most. - United States
15. The countries where being fat interfere's most with your sex life. - Australia and Mexico
Although obesity is a global problem, most cultures also have ingenious tips to help shed the pounds. And some are just plain common sense.
1. Thailand - Add hot peppers to your diet. They not only raise your metabolism, but they also slow down your eating.
2. United Kingdom - Say no to supersizing and ration your food. No one really needs to eat a half pound of burger at one sitting.
3. Brazil - Include sides of rice and beans; they're lower in fat and higher in fiber.
4. Indonesia - Occasional fasting may help break patterns of mindless eating. Or try cutting your intake by half.
5. Poland - Eat at home more often. People who don't cook at home tend to eat less healthy and are more obese.
6. Germany - Don't skip breakfast and eat fruit and whole-grain cereals.
7. Netherlands - Pedal to work instead of taking the car. Biking is fun and you'll be amazed at how many calories you can burn.
8. Switzerland - Eat a bowl of muesli's fiber for breakfast or a light evening dish. Muesli is a porrige or cereal made with oats, fruit, and nuts. It was created by a Swiss physician by the same name to provide nourishment to his patients. It is slow to digest which also helps to keep you feeling full longer.
9. Russia - Eat what you grow. Your diet will be more nutritious and there's not much you can grow that will make you fat.
10. Malaysia - Add the spice turmeric to your stir fry. It is thought to suppress the growth of fattty tissue and increases fat-burning.
11. Finland - Take up Nordic walking. It's a simple way to increase the intensity of your regular walking routine.
12. Sip more tea...especially rooibos. It's naturally sweet so it doesn't require sugar and will help keep you hydrated. You may just be dehydrated instead of actually being hungry.
13. Hungary - Eat pickles. The vinegar from the pickling process may help keep you thin. The acetic acid may have health benefits.
14. India - Engage in stress relief tactics. Yoga helps keep you fit both mentally and physically.
15. Japan - Take a cat nap. Evidence suggests that lack of sleep raises the risk of weight gain.
16. Mexico - Eating less at night helps you eat a bigger breakfast...the most important meal of the day. It also facilitates weight control.
17. Netherlands - Eat fish! Fish contain Omega 3 which reduces the making of cortisol; Cortisol increases the amount of fat around your mid section.
18. France - Talk at the table. Conversation slows down your eating and gives you time to realize you are full.
19. United States - Uh Oh! There were no suggestions. Why am I not surprised?
In October 2009, the Reader's Digest commissioned a poll addressing how people from around the world felt about the obesity epidemic. Here are the results:
1. The country most aware of the dangers of obesity. - Finland
2. The country that feels the most pressure to be thin. - Brazil
3. The country where wives most want their husbands to lose weight. - United States
4. The county where husbands most want their wives to lose weight. - India
5. The country where you are loved just the way you are. - Hungary
6. The country that swallows the most diet pills. - China
7. The country most likely to ignore their doctor. - Switzerland
8. The country still trying to puff-off (smoke) the pounds. - Russia
9. The country most likely to blame a lack of willpower. - Philippines
10. The country most likely to blame the parents. - Russia
11. The country most likely to blame Americans. - France
12. The country with the highest weight loss IQ. - Mexico
13. The country where pounds are most likely to get in the way of a promotion. - India
14. The country where overweight women struggle most. - United States
15. The countries where being fat interfere's most with your sex life. - Australia and Mexico
Although obesity is a global problem, most cultures also have ingenious tips to help shed the pounds. And some are just plain common sense.
1. Thailand - Add hot peppers to your diet. They not only raise your metabolism, but they also slow down your eating.
2. United Kingdom - Say no to supersizing and ration your food. No one really needs to eat a half pound of burger at one sitting.
3. Brazil - Include sides of rice and beans; they're lower in fat and higher in fiber.
4. Indonesia - Occasional fasting may help break patterns of mindless eating. Or try cutting your intake by half.
5. Poland - Eat at home more often. People who don't cook at home tend to eat less healthy and are more obese.
6. Germany - Don't skip breakfast and eat fruit and whole-grain cereals.
7. Netherlands - Pedal to work instead of taking the car. Biking is fun and you'll be amazed at how many calories you can burn.
8. Switzerland - Eat a bowl of muesli's fiber for breakfast or a light evening dish. Muesli is a porrige or cereal made with oats, fruit, and nuts. It was created by a Swiss physician by the same name to provide nourishment to his patients. It is slow to digest which also helps to keep you feeling full longer.
9. Russia - Eat what you grow. Your diet will be more nutritious and there's not much you can grow that will make you fat.
10. Malaysia - Add the spice turmeric to your stir fry. It is thought to suppress the growth of fattty tissue and increases fat-burning.
11. Finland - Take up Nordic walking. It's a simple way to increase the intensity of your regular walking routine.
12. Sip more tea...especially rooibos. It's naturally sweet so it doesn't require sugar and will help keep you hydrated. You may just be dehydrated instead of actually being hungry.
13. Hungary - Eat pickles. The vinegar from the pickling process may help keep you thin. The acetic acid may have health benefits.
14. India - Engage in stress relief tactics. Yoga helps keep you fit both mentally and physically.
15. Japan - Take a cat nap. Evidence suggests that lack of sleep raises the risk of weight gain.
16. Mexico - Eating less at night helps you eat a bigger breakfast...the most important meal of the day. It also facilitates weight control.
17. Netherlands - Eat fish! Fish contain Omega 3 which reduces the making of cortisol; Cortisol increases the amount of fat around your mid section.
18. France - Talk at the table. Conversation slows down your eating and gives you time to realize you are full.
19. United States - Uh Oh! There were no suggestions. Why am I not surprised?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
My Blue Cloud Birman
Legend say's that Sinh, a yellow eyed cat with long silky fur, became the first Birman cat when he placed his paws upon his master at the exact moment of his death. Then a miraculous transformation occurred...
This is Jolie... my sacred cat of Burma.
ABOUT JOLIE:
Jolie was born on October 31, 2005 to a Birman breeder in Frankfurt, Germany. Her mother's name was Flame' and her father came from a long line of champions. She is considered a blue point and her registered name is Jolie of Blue Clouds. I happily adopted her at the price of 550 Euros...which, at the time, equalled about $700.00 U.S. dollars.
She is loyal, playful, loving, affectionate, gorgeous, a great companion, and regal all in one. She is very petite and I love those little characteristic things about her such as the perfect placement of her front paws, one directly infront of the other, when she walks. Words can not express how much I love and appreciate the bond between us.
One day, I noticed that something was terribly wrong. We found that she had swallowed a sewing needle and thread and that the sewing needle had punctured her intestines in several places and then passed through her organs, embedding itself in her fatty tissue. She had exploratory surgery to try to fix the damage that had been done.
It is nothing short of a miracle that she survived. I believe in my heart that she lived for me and the bond we share. I visited her everyday of her hospital stay and I saw her willing herself to live. She may be small, but she is strong where it counts.
Now, almost two years later, she is doing very well. She continues to be my little snuggle bunny, and make me laugh. She keeps me company while daddy is away in Korea, and I love the way she gazes straight into my eyes as if she is somehow speaking to my soul. She's my little princess.
THE LEGEND:
"Originally, the guardians of the Temple of LaoTsun were yellow-eyed white cats with long hair. The golden goddess of the temple, Tsun-Kyan-Kse, had deep blue eyes. The head priest, Mun-Ha, had as his companion a beautiful cat named Sinh. One day the temple was attacked and Mun-Ha was killed. At the moment of his death, Sinh placed his feet on his master and faced the goddess. The cat’s fur turned white, his eyes turned as blue as the eyes of the goddess, and his face, legs and tail became the color of earth. However, his paws, where they touched the priest, remained white as a symbol of purity. All the other cats in the temple became similarly colored. Seven days later, Sinh died, taking the soul of Mun-Ha to paradise.”
THE HISTORY:
The modern history of the Birman is almost as shrouded in mystery as its legendary origin. What is known for certain is that, probably around 1919, a pair of Birman cats were shipped from Burma to France. The male cat did not survive the voyage, but the female, Sita, did. Happily, and to our benefit, she was pregnant. A breeding program was later developed to ensure the longevity of the breed.
CREDITS:
Photo and biography from Susan Provan.
Legend and history from www.catpert.com/birman.
NOTE:
The Birman, also known as the "Sacred Cat of Burma," should not be confused with the Burmese; they are two entirely separate breeds, both having their own wonderful qualities.
This is Jolie... my sacred cat of Burma.
ABOUT JOLIE:
Jolie was born on October 31, 2005 to a Birman breeder in Frankfurt, Germany. Her mother's name was Flame' and her father came from a long line of champions. She is considered a blue point and her registered name is Jolie of Blue Clouds. I happily adopted her at the price of 550 Euros...which, at the time, equalled about $700.00 U.S. dollars.
She is loyal, playful, loving, affectionate, gorgeous, a great companion, and regal all in one. She is very petite and I love those little characteristic things about her such as the perfect placement of her front paws, one directly infront of the other, when she walks. Words can not express how much I love and appreciate the bond between us.
One day, I noticed that something was terribly wrong. We found that she had swallowed a sewing needle and thread and that the sewing needle had punctured her intestines in several places and then passed through her organs, embedding itself in her fatty tissue. She had exploratory surgery to try to fix the damage that had been done.
It is nothing short of a miracle that she survived. I believe in my heart that she lived for me and the bond we share. I visited her everyday of her hospital stay and I saw her willing herself to live. She may be small, but she is strong where it counts.
Now, almost two years later, she is doing very well. She continues to be my little snuggle bunny, and make me laugh. She keeps me company while daddy is away in Korea, and I love the way she gazes straight into my eyes as if she is somehow speaking to my soul. She's my little princess.
THE LEGEND:
"Originally, the guardians of the Temple of LaoTsun were yellow-eyed white cats with long hair. The golden goddess of the temple, Tsun-Kyan-Kse, had deep blue eyes. The head priest, Mun-Ha, had as his companion a beautiful cat named Sinh. One day the temple was attacked and Mun-Ha was killed. At the moment of his death, Sinh placed his feet on his master and faced the goddess. The cat’s fur turned white, his eyes turned as blue as the eyes of the goddess, and his face, legs and tail became the color of earth. However, his paws, where they touched the priest, remained white as a symbol of purity. All the other cats in the temple became similarly colored. Seven days later, Sinh died, taking the soul of Mun-Ha to paradise.”
THE HISTORY:
The modern history of the Birman is almost as shrouded in mystery as its legendary origin. What is known for certain is that, probably around 1919, a pair of Birman cats were shipped from Burma to France. The male cat did not survive the voyage, but the female, Sita, did. Happily, and to our benefit, she was pregnant. A breeding program was later developed to ensure the longevity of the breed.
CREDITS:
Photo and biography from Susan Provan.
Legend and history from www.catpert.com/birman.
NOTE:
The Birman, also known as the "Sacred Cat of Burma," should not be confused with the Burmese; they are two entirely separate breeds, both having their own wonderful qualities.
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