Wednesday, April 30, 2014
For All Those Who Have Seen Dragons...
"Noli immiscere te dragonum rebus nam fragilis es dentibus et cum garo bene sapis" (LATIN)
Translation: "Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with fish sauce."
Translation: "Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with fish sauce."
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
I WISH YOU ENOUGH by Robert Perks
Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in
their last moments together at the airport as the
daughter's departure had been announced.
Standing near the security gate, they hugged and
the mother said:
"I love you and I wish you enough."
The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has
been more than enough. Your love is all I ever
needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." They kissed
and the daughter left.
The mother walked over to the window where I sat.
Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed
to cry.
I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she
welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say
good-bye to someone knowing it would be
forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for
asking but why is this a forever good-bye?"
"I am old and she lives so far away. I have
challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip
back will be for my funeral," she said.
When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say,
"I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"
She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been
handed down from other generations. My parents
used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment
and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail
and she smiled even more.
"When we said 'I wish you enough' we were
wanting the other person to have a life filled with
just enough good things to sustain them". Then
turning toward me, she shared the following,
reciting it from memory,
"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude
bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit
alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in
life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you
possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the
final good-bye."
She then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person.
An hour to appreciate them. A day to love them.
And an entire life to forget them.
their last moments together at the airport as the
daughter's departure had been announced.
Standing near the security gate, they hugged and
the mother said:
"I love you and I wish you enough."
The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has
been more than enough. Your love is all I ever
needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." They kissed
and the daughter left.
The mother walked over to the window where I sat.
Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed
to cry.
I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she
welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say
good-bye to someone knowing it would be
forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for
asking but why is this a forever good-bye?"
"I am old and she lives so far away. I have
challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip
back will be for my funeral," she said.
When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say,
"I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"
She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been
handed down from other generations. My parents
used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment
and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail
and she smiled even more.
"When we said 'I wish you enough' we were
wanting the other person to have a life filled with
just enough good things to sustain them". Then
turning toward me, she shared the following,
reciting it from memory,
"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude
bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit
alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in
life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you
possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the
final good-bye."
She then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person.
An hour to appreciate them. A day to love them.
And an entire life to forget them.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Perhaps I need to quit my night job!!!
Here's a Surprising Look at What Sleep Deprivation Does to Your Body
By Tom McKay
Not getting enough sleep? Just one week of sleeping fewer than six
hours per night can lead to serious health issues, including the
modification of over 700 genes, reports the Huffington Post on a study published in PNAS
last year. Other symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation include
everything from bloodshot eyes to quadrupled stroke risk. This
infographic from Huffington Post's Alissa Scheller explains:
Humans need seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function properly, but just 59% of American adults surveyed by Gallup in 2013
got enough sleep — way down from the 84% who reported sleeping that
much in 1942. Just 14% said they got five or fewer. That's enough to
seriously endanger health and well-being in most people. According to
the CDC, insufficient sleep is an "epidemic," with
a survey conducted by the agency finding 35.3% of people get less than
seven hours of sleep on average. A surprising 37.9% reported being tired
enough to doze off during the middle of the day in the past month,
while an unnerving 4.7% admitted to sleeping at the wheel of a car.
WebMD claims that sleep deprivation can cause accidents, lower your intelligence, numb your sex drive, impair your memory and contribute to depression and weight gain. A survey in 2005 of 10,000 adults between the ages of 32 and 49 found that those who slept less than seven hours a night were significantly more likely to be obese. In March, research published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that prolonged wakefulness permanently damaged locus ceruleus brain cells responsible for keeping mice alert and awake.
"We now have evidence that sleep loss can lead to irreversible injury," said lead study author Sigrid Veasey, MD of the University of Pennsylvania. "This might be in a simple animal but this suggests to us that we are going to have to look very carefully in humans."
"We're shifting to a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week society, and as a result we're increasingly not sleeping like we used to," the University of British Columbia's Najib T. Ayas told the Washington Post. "We're really only now starting to understand how that is affecting health, and it appears to be significant."
According to former Bellevue Hospital Sleep Disorders Center Director Dr. Joyce Walseban, "Mood and sleep use the same neurotransmitters. It's very hard to tell if someone has sleep loss or depression."
The CDC recommends that people time their sleep requirements according to the following chart, "although there is no 'magic number' as individual sleep needs vary." These estimates should put you in a ballpark range of whether or not you're getting enough sleep.
Humans need seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function properly, but just 59% of American adults surveyed by Gallup in 2013
got enough sleep — way down from the 84% who reported sleeping that
much in 1942. Just 14% said they got five or fewer. That's enough to
seriously endanger health and well-being in most people. According to
the CDC, insufficient sleep is an "epidemic," with
a survey conducted by the agency finding 35.3% of people get less than
seven hours of sleep on average. A surprising 37.9% reported being tired
enough to doze off during the middle of the day in the past month,
while an unnerving 4.7% admitted to sleeping at the wheel of a car.WebMD claims that sleep deprivation can cause accidents, lower your intelligence, numb your sex drive, impair your memory and contribute to depression and weight gain. A survey in 2005 of 10,000 adults between the ages of 32 and 49 found that those who slept less than seven hours a night were significantly more likely to be obese. In March, research published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that prolonged wakefulness permanently damaged locus ceruleus brain cells responsible for keeping mice alert and awake.
"We now have evidence that sleep loss can lead to irreversible injury," said lead study author Sigrid Veasey, MD of the University of Pennsylvania. "This might be in a simple animal but this suggests to us that we are going to have to look very carefully in humans."
"We're shifting to a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week society, and as a result we're increasingly not sleeping like we used to," the University of British Columbia's Najib T. Ayas told the Washington Post. "We're really only now starting to understand how that is affecting health, and it appears to be significant."
According to former Bellevue Hospital Sleep Disorders Center Director Dr. Joyce Walseban, "Mood and sleep use the same neurotransmitters. It's very hard to tell if someone has sleep loss or depression."
The CDC recommends that people time their sleep requirements according to the following chart, "although there is no 'magic number' as individual sleep needs vary." These estimates should put you in a ballpark range of whether or not you're getting enough sleep.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
10 Foods You Should Never Eat... Here is a list I am compiling from various sources including my own experience...Hope it helps! :)
You already know you should limit how much junk food you eat on a regular basisin order to be healthy. Here list of
foods to never eat…
1) Artificial Sweeteners - In small doses (think: one teaspoon per serving), sugar is totally fine. But it gets a little dicey when you have too many artificial sweeteners. Here's the deal: Sweeteners are sweeter than sugar, and they can reset your taste buds to crave sugary foods. As a result, you end up eating more junk. People who limit their artificial sweetener use find that they have more energy, and don't have as many cravings.
2) Margarine - Most of us think it's a healthy alternative to butter, but margarine has a lot of trans fats, which increase your cholesterol. And it contains a lot of ingredients vs butter's one or two. The calorie count is also similar to butter, but we tend to eat more of it because we think it's healthier. Your best bet: Stick with small does of butter or use heart-healthy olive oil.
3) Soy Protein Isolate - All soy isn't bad, but the isolate (a refined, often genetically-modified form of soy that pops up in a lot of soy-based products) resembles estrogen, which some research has shown that it increases the risk of cancers and infertility in women. If you want to go vegetarian, opt for veggie burgers with quinoa, chickpeas, or black beans as a base, and eat protein bars that are based on nuts and seeds. And for meat substitution, use beans, nuts, seeds, nut butters, and natural sources of soy like edamame, tofu, and tempeh.
4) Diet Foods - Unfortunately, "diet" or "low-fat" doesn't mean low-calorie. Diet bars and low-fat foods like yogurts usually have more sugar, salt, and unhealthy fillers to make them taste okay. Even worse, we typically eat double the serving we should because we're not satisfied or think that it's okay to eat more because it's "healthy."
5) Frozen Meals - These are convenient but are often heavily processed filled with fat and salt. Instead of going this route, make a big meal (like a yummy soup or stew) at home when you have some downtime, portion it out, and freeze the servings. Frozen fruits and veggies are okay, too, as long as you look for options without added sauces or salt.
6) White Bread - White bread is a staple in most pantries, but the truth is that it doesn’t have any nutritional value. White bread contains a lot of sugar and it doesn’t have the ability to keep you satisfied, so within a few hours you are likely to find yourself feeling hungry and reaching for snacks.As a result of these factors, it is unsurprising that research on those who eat white bread shows a correlation between eating larger quantities of white bread and being more likely to gain unwanted weight over a period of 12 years. As it turns out, even breads that claim to be wheat could contain more sugar than grain and should often be avoided.Ideally, you should replace your white bread with whole grain or whole wheat bread whenever possible, as whole wheat bread is positively good for your health.For example, it is a source of gamma-oryzanol, which lowers cholesterol levels if consumed on a regular basis. In addition, don’t forget that you can also substitute white bread on your sandwiches with lettuce leaves or whole grain tortillasBread, rice, pasta, cereal, crackers, and bread crumbs made from white flour have been linked to an increased risk of obesity when excessive amounts are ingested. Eating white carbohydrates on occasion is not a bad thing, as long as it is done in moderation.Unfortunately, it is easy to eat a larger quantity of foods that have been made with processed carbohydrates, particularly because people find the flavor and texture more appealing than breads, cookies, and pasta made from unbleached (unrefined) The human body needs a certain amount of good carbohydrates to function properly. However, it is healthier for people to eat simple carbohydrates rather than those found in foods made from white flour.Simple carbohydrates include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Eating simple carbs and foods made from unrefined flour will keep you feeling full longer, helping you to limit your caloric intake.
7) Fried Foods - It is common knowledge that fried foods are not healthy and should be avoided whenever it is feasible. In addition to causing you to pile on the pounds, these foods are of little nutritional value and can cause some serious health problems.If you want to improve your health, you should never fry your meals in a pan on the stove or in a deep fat fryer. Instead, consider baking or broiling.For example, you can oven-bake lean chicken breasts with a coating of herbs and spices, creating a delicious dinner that has very little fat content and provides you with plenty of protein. Meanwhile, red meat can be garnished with vinegar and minced garlic, and then broiled over coals.In the US, canola, soybean, and corn oils are made primarily from genetically engineered crops, which come with their own set of health risks.
8) Cream-based Salad Dressings - Salads have a reputation for being healthy, so many people turn to them when they are dieting and trying to eat more nutritious foods.This is an excellent idea in many cases, as salads can be very nutritious and are often low in calories.However, it is important to avoid making an unqualified claim that all salads are healthy; in reality, they can become quite bad for you when they are drenched in cream-based dressings. Experiment with oil-based salad dressings. In addition to tasting lighter, they have fewer calories and are much better for you. With the addition of a little salt and pepper (or some tasty herbs like oregano), an oil-based dressing can turn a salad into a great meal. You can also buy flavored oils that you can use as a basis for a salad dressing; some of these oils are infused with strong and pleasant tastes like garlic, lemon or pepper.
9) White Rice - Rice is a common ingredient in recipes, and it is also a popular side dish chosen to accompany meat dishes. Most people simply assume that rice is healthy, but the nutritional value of rice is entirely dependent on the type of rice you choose. White rice is just like white bread; it can encourage your body to store excess fat that it doesn’t need and make it harder to lose weight. In addition, it has little nutritional value.When it comes to choosing rice for a meal or a side dish, always opt for brown rice if you want to boost your overall health. Brown Rice is full of fiber, vitamins and nutrients.The high fiber content helps you to feel full and satisfied for longer (reducing your likelihood of overeating or reaching for a pack of cookies). Brown rice not only lacks the properties that link white rice to health risks, but it also contains a whole host of extra properties that are directly connected to health benefits.
10) High Fructose Corn Syrup - is a common sweetener that is often found in popular sodas, processed foods, baked goods and pasta sauces.There is heated debate about whether high fructose corn syrup is good or bad for your body, and the scientific community has yet to reach a consensus.However, as it stands, there is certainly some compelling evidence that it can quickly cause you to gain extra weight and even stimulate an increased craving for sugar or sugary foods.There are also justified concerns that overeating sugary foods and foods that are high in fructose corn syrup may even increase your risk of suffering from diabetes or developing other health problems. Due to the fact that high fructose corn syrup may increase triglyceride levels, it could also be linked to a higher likelihood of heart disease.avoid any processed sugars and opt for healthier dessert options such as fresh fruits and berries. When it comes to finding alternatives to sodas that contain high fructose corn syrup, you have a few different options. Opt for fruit juice or diet soda, but remember that the former can be very high in sugar and that the latter is associated with its own set of health concerns. Water is always the healthiest choice, and it can be made more refreshing with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.
(TO BE CONTINUED...)
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
Polynesian Pearldiver Cocktail
Ingredients for 1 serving:
1/2 oz Bacardi white rum
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur sweet and sour mix
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur sweet and sour mix
Mix all ingredients together, shake, and strain over ice into a highball glass. Garnish with a skewer of pineapple and melon chunks topped with a maraschino cherry and a cocktail parasol.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)