Friday, April 30, 2010
How positive thinking can transform your health
By Dr. Isaac Eliaz on 04/14/2010
Does thinking positively about yourself and your external environment actually produce a noticeable and positive change in your life? And can you cure yourself of disease simply by affirming yourself to be healthy and whole?
Well certainly, having a positive outlook can alter your perception of reality—which can be beneficial—but does it actually alter reality per se? As an integrative physician, holistic healer, and meditation practitioner, I am confronted with this issue every day. In fact, this may be the most profound question in the age-old contemplation of consciousness within spirituality, philosophy… and yes, even science: What role does consciousness play in the establishment of reality?
There are many extreme views on this topic. On the one hand, Western science has traditionally clung to the dualistic concept that subject and object are separate, and there is no room for subjective (i.e., consciousness-based, or emotion-based) experience in the scientific “rational” observation of the material world. Taken experientially, this interpretation states that a human being is simply a passive observer of a reality that is imposed by a totally deterministic external world—in other words, our experience is determined by forces of nature that we have no internal control over.
The opposite view, held by many mystics and spiritual practitioners across the ages, is that all experience in this world is created by consciousness, and that all tangible elements of physical reality are therefore ultimately an illusion. Then there are many beliefs—spiritual, philosophical, and scientific—that fall in the middle ground, existing as flexible mediums between these two extremes. One such belief system, celebrated especially by the New Age Movement, is the belief in the “Power of Affirmations”—also known as the power of “positive thinking.”
When we make an affirmation, we generate a positive thought—but unfortunately, it often doesn’t result in a real difference. Why? More often than not, the thought is generated in a contrived way, and is not genuine. You may tell yourself that you are healthy and happy—but deep down, you might not really believe it. For many of us, positive thoughts comprise just a few thin layers that cover a multitude of suppressed negative beliefs generated by fear, aversion, attachments, and the like.
These negative beliefs can be both conscious and unconscious, but regardless of their specific location in our psyche, they are clearly the obstructing force in any real effect of positive affirmation on our reality. So yes, positive affirmations do work—but only to the degree that they are truly genuine, and that you generate them and sustain your belief in them from the deepest core of your being possible. This means being in touch with yourself, experiencing the true potential of your existence, and then being genuine to that experience.
So what is the deepest core of your being, and how do you access it? This is the difficult part. I like to use the metaphor of the onion and its many layers: Our deepest core is our true essence, and it is in no way separable from the essence of the Universe. When we peel back the layers of the onion—the layers of negative beliefs, distractions, fears, and so on—we can actually reach this core essence and rest in it, naturally and effortlessly radiating energies of love, compassion, and healing.
The deeper we go, the more layers we peel, the more access we have to our true essence, and the more genuine our affirmations can be—for this essence is simply pure openness and love, which is the true essence of positive affirmation. Often, and especially in moments of crisis, we can become more genuine to ourselves, and to our experience of existence—and this is the true opportunity presented by crisis. If we keep going deeper, and have the right guidance, we can start peeling into the depth of our experience, peeling back the layers that obstruct our essence.
Then, when the openness is there, love and compassion flow effortlessly as a natural expression of our true nature… and anything can happen. Lama Giatsu, who just passed away, taught me these three principles of Buddhist healing:
1) The Substance: The medicine that you are giving
2) The Mantra: The power of prayer. This is the affirmation.
3) The Wisdom (yeshe): This is the knowing of our true essence.
He told me this as part of a story how his teacher in Tibet healed all the yaks and protected them from an epidemic. The lesson of this story: When we touch our wisdom, our essence, the power of healing and change takes a quantum leap.
It is interesting to note that the traditional dualistic system of rational western science is beginning to give way to a more holistic view of reality, especially in the field of Quantum Physics. Scientists in this field are starting to discover the subjective nature of reality: that the influence of mind and consciousness is more—perhaps much more—far reaching than previously believed. In fact, a program at Princeton University called Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research is currently devoted to a range of scientific studies on consciousness-related physical phenomena.
This research may be interesting to anyone seeking “proof” of the effects of consciousness on our external reality. For me, however, the answer lies in the core of our true essence. An “affirmation” generated from this depth of being—from the openness and love and compassion for ourselves and the world—is indeed a “truth.”
Does thinking positively about yourself and your external environment actually produce a noticeable and positive change in your life? And can you cure yourself of disease simply by affirming yourself to be healthy and whole?
Well certainly, having a positive outlook can alter your perception of reality—which can be beneficial—but does it actually alter reality per se? As an integrative physician, holistic healer, and meditation practitioner, I am confronted with this issue every day. In fact, this may be the most profound question in the age-old contemplation of consciousness within spirituality, philosophy… and yes, even science: What role does consciousness play in the establishment of reality?
There are many extreme views on this topic. On the one hand, Western science has traditionally clung to the dualistic concept that subject and object are separate, and there is no room for subjective (i.e., consciousness-based, or emotion-based) experience in the scientific “rational” observation of the material world. Taken experientially, this interpretation states that a human being is simply a passive observer of a reality that is imposed by a totally deterministic external world—in other words, our experience is determined by forces of nature that we have no internal control over.
The opposite view, held by many mystics and spiritual practitioners across the ages, is that all experience in this world is created by consciousness, and that all tangible elements of physical reality are therefore ultimately an illusion. Then there are many beliefs—spiritual, philosophical, and scientific—that fall in the middle ground, existing as flexible mediums between these two extremes. One such belief system, celebrated especially by the New Age Movement, is the belief in the “Power of Affirmations”—also known as the power of “positive thinking.”
When we make an affirmation, we generate a positive thought—but unfortunately, it often doesn’t result in a real difference. Why? More often than not, the thought is generated in a contrived way, and is not genuine. You may tell yourself that you are healthy and happy—but deep down, you might not really believe it. For many of us, positive thoughts comprise just a few thin layers that cover a multitude of suppressed negative beliefs generated by fear, aversion, attachments, and the like.
These negative beliefs can be both conscious and unconscious, but regardless of their specific location in our psyche, they are clearly the obstructing force in any real effect of positive affirmation on our reality. So yes, positive affirmations do work—but only to the degree that they are truly genuine, and that you generate them and sustain your belief in them from the deepest core of your being possible. This means being in touch with yourself, experiencing the true potential of your existence, and then being genuine to that experience.
So what is the deepest core of your being, and how do you access it? This is the difficult part. I like to use the metaphor of the onion and its many layers: Our deepest core is our true essence, and it is in no way separable from the essence of the Universe. When we peel back the layers of the onion—the layers of negative beliefs, distractions, fears, and so on—we can actually reach this core essence and rest in it, naturally and effortlessly radiating energies of love, compassion, and healing.
The deeper we go, the more layers we peel, the more access we have to our true essence, and the more genuine our affirmations can be—for this essence is simply pure openness and love, which is the true essence of positive affirmation. Often, and especially in moments of crisis, we can become more genuine to ourselves, and to our experience of existence—and this is the true opportunity presented by crisis. If we keep going deeper, and have the right guidance, we can start peeling into the depth of our experience, peeling back the layers that obstruct our essence.
Then, when the openness is there, love and compassion flow effortlessly as a natural expression of our true nature… and anything can happen. Lama Giatsu, who just passed away, taught me these three principles of Buddhist healing:
1) The Substance: The medicine that you are giving
2) The Mantra: The power of prayer. This is the affirmation.
3) The Wisdom (yeshe): This is the knowing of our true essence.
He told me this as part of a story how his teacher in Tibet healed all the yaks and protected them from an epidemic. The lesson of this story: When we touch our wisdom, our essence, the power of healing and change takes a quantum leap.
It is interesting to note that the traditional dualistic system of rational western science is beginning to give way to a more holistic view of reality, especially in the field of Quantum Physics. Scientists in this field are starting to discover the subjective nature of reality: that the influence of mind and consciousness is more—perhaps much more—far reaching than previously believed. In fact, a program at Princeton University called Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research is currently devoted to a range of scientific studies on consciousness-related physical phenomena.
This research may be interesting to anyone seeking “proof” of the effects of consciousness on our external reality. For me, however, the answer lies in the core of our true essence. An “affirmation” generated from this depth of being—from the openness and love and compassion for ourselves and the world—is indeed a “truth.”
Almond Joy
Eating more (and better snacks) is key to any weight-loss strategy, making you far less likely to gorge on belt-busting meals. So enjoy 10 almonds with a piece of fruit, suggests Klein. “These nuts are high in fiber, quick to grab and excellent on the go.”
Flax to the Max
Here’s where a little addition to your food results in subtraction…on the scale. “Ground flaxseed is the number-one key food for weight loss,” says Klein, pointing to its high amount of fiber. “Sprinkle two tablespoons a day on top of cereal or fat-free yogurt to give you more for your chew.”
Taste the Paste
“It might sound off the wall,” says Klein, “but canned tomato paste is a great weight-loss food, providing five grams of dietary fiber per half-cup.” She recommends cracking open a can to thicken spaghetti sauce and tortillas. “It’s a great fat-free satisfier,” she says, “plus an excellent source of fuel.”
Lean, Mean Black Beans
“Beans are the healthiest food on earth,” declares Klein. Above and beyond their antioxidants, they regulate blood sugar to stave off cravings and bouts of overeating. “It’s a perfect balance of fiber, fuel and protein for increased satisfaction.” So don’t knock the “meatless” burrito or burger till you’ve tried it – most are loaded with black beans.
Barley's Back
As you’ve probably concluded, fiber is your friend when it comes to weight loss. Barley’s packed with the stuff, helping food digest smoothly as it curbs hunger for hours. The whole grain has promoted weight loss for 2,500 years, even impressing ancient physicians who endorsed it for shedding pounds way back in the day.
Artichoke Folk
“Artichokes are the perfect weight loss food, an amazing source of fiber,” says Klein. One boiled artichoke has 150 calories, with over 10 grams of protein and plenty of calcium and folic acid. “For a great snack, have a steamed artichoke with your favorite flavoring—mayo, hummus, or Italian dressing—as the fat source,” Klein suggests.
Quinoa is King
Deemed “the supergrain of the future” by Deborah Klein, author of 200 Superfoods That Will Save Your Life (McGraw Hill), quinoa is a high-fiber and high-protein replacement for rice that’s packed with nutrients (and gluten-free, to boot). “Since this grain is so high in fiber, giving you more satiety per chew, quinoa can help prevent overeating and thus help with weight loss,” says Klein.
Go Greek
Rich, creamy, filling…and healthy? Once you go Greek (as in Greek plain yogurt) for breakfast or dessert, it’s easy to forego those midnight fridge raids (not to mention the midmorning snack attack). “It’s so delish that I like to cap off the night with yogurt instead of ice cream,” says Kara Wiley, star of the “Element: Slim and Tone Pilates” DVD. Opt for the version with two-percent fat; it’s more satisfying, with heaping doses of calcium, protein and good bacteria.
This Spud's For You
“Potatoes got a bad rap during the low-carb craze, but they are a perfect weight loss food – a blend of nutrients, fiber and protein with a low-calorie price tag,” says Smith. One baked white potato (with skin) offers six grams of protein, and over 1,500 mg of potassium, for under 300 calories. Top it with salsa or veggies and low-fat cheese for a starchy side dish or snack.
Sauer Power
Sauer power. The fermented cabbage called sauerkraut contains a “friendly” bacteria proven to enhance digestion, speed up weight loss and boost immunity, according to Smith. Rich in vitamins and potassium, sauerkraut has a mere 27 calories per serving. Stuff it in your sandwich, heat it as a side dish or load it onto a baked potato.
A Good Egg
Overweight adults who ate two eggs for breakfast lost 65 percent more weight (and felt more energetic) than those who started the morning with an equally caloric bagel, recent studies show. Other findings reveal that egg eaters consume 300 fewer calories per day, adding up to a loss of three pounds per month. “Eggs help level out blood sugar, provide energy-boosting protein and are full of nutrients,” says wellness coach Jessica Smith. “If you can’t stomach eggs in the morning, eat them for dinner instead.”
5 Heart-Healthy (But Still Delicious) Snacks
Skip the drive-through. Ignore the vending machine. These snacks will fill you up without adding to your waistline.
1. Vegetables dipped in hummus.
Fresh vegetables are low in calories and have many antioxidants, and hummus is a great alternative protein without saturated fat.
2. Fruit skewered on a stick with a little dark chocolate for dipping.
The antioxidants in fruit fight cancer and heart disease, and the flavanols in dark chocolate fight heart disease.
3. Half a cantaloupe filled with fat-free cottage cheese, a dash of cinnamon and some berries.
The cantaloupe and berries have antioxidants, and the fat-free cottage cheese fills you up with protein and no saturated fat.
4. Fat-free yogurt with fruit and a sprinkle of nuts.
The protein in the yogurt satisfies, and the antioxidants from the fruit and protein from the nuts keep you healthy and hunger-free.
5. Smoothies with silken tofu and berries, plus a dash of grape or pomegranate juice.
Tofu is a great alternative protein source, and the berries, grape juice and pomegranate juice are high in heart-healthy antioxidants.
1. Vegetables dipped in hummus.
Fresh vegetables are low in calories and have many antioxidants, and hummus is a great alternative protein without saturated fat.
2. Fruit skewered on a stick with a little dark chocolate for dipping.
The antioxidants in fruit fight cancer and heart disease, and the flavanols in dark chocolate fight heart disease.
3. Half a cantaloupe filled with fat-free cottage cheese, a dash of cinnamon and some berries.
The cantaloupe and berries have antioxidants, and the fat-free cottage cheese fills you up with protein and no saturated fat.
4. Fat-free yogurt with fruit and a sprinkle of nuts.
The protein in the yogurt satisfies, and the antioxidants from the fruit and protein from the nuts keep you healthy and hunger-free.
5. Smoothies with silken tofu and berries, plus a dash of grape or pomegranate juice.
Tofu is a great alternative protein source, and the berries, grape juice and pomegranate juice are high in heart-healthy antioxidants.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
AND ANOTHER THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Talk to yourself from the perspective of truly being willing to do whatever it takes rather than relying on the same old excuses that keep you from making those changes. You'll be thrilled with yourself when you adopt an 'I'm willing' attitude.
Could lifting dumbbells actually make you smarter? Adam Campbell,
"You don't look like you lift weights."
I've heard this phrase more than once in my life, and it's always delivered by a burly guy in a sleeveless shirt who most certainly does look like he lifts weights. And who's no doubt basing his observation on the standards of a typical musclehead.
That's just it, though: Like most of you, I've never aspired to be a musclehead. Or a powerlifter. Or a strongman competitor. (All of which are fine pursuits, for sure.) So do I look like any of those? Of course not.
But do I look like I lift weights? Absolutely. I'm lean and fit, and my muscles are well-defined, even if they're not busting out of my shirt.
You see, lifting weights isn't just about building 20-inch biceps. In fact, for most women, it's not about that at all, since resistance training may be the single most effective way to lose fat and look great in a swimsuit. What's more, the benefits of lifting extend into nearly every aspect of your health and well-being. So much so that after nearly 12 years of reporting in the field of health and fitness, I've come to one rock-solid conclusion: You'd have to be crazy not to lift weights—even if bigger biceps are the last thing you want. And that's why I wrote The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises.
The truth is, lifting weights gives every woman an edge. Over belly fat. Over stress. Over heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Lifting even makes you smarter and happier.
Want proof? Here are 20 reasons you shouldn't live another day without lifting.
1. You'll Lose 40 Percent More Fat
This might be the biggest secret in fat loss. While you've no doubt been told that aerobic exercise is the key to losing belly flab, weight training is actually far more valuable. Case in point: Penn State University researchers put overweight people on a reduced-calorie diet, and divided them into three groups—one that didn't exercise, another that performed aerobic exercise 3 days a week, and a third that did both aerobic exercise and weight training 3 days a week.
The results: Each of the groups lost nearly the same amount of weight—about 21 pounds. But the lifters shed about 6 more pounds of fat than did those who didn't pump iron. Why? Because their weight loss was almost pure fat, while the other two groups lost just 15 pounds of lard, along with several pounds of muscle. Do the math and you'll see that weights led to 40 percent greater fat loss.
This isn't a one-time finding. Research on non-lifting dieters shows that, on average, 75 percent of their weight loss is from fat, and 25 percent is muscle. That 25 percent may reduce your scale weight, but it doesn't do a lot for your reflection in the mirror. It also makes you more likely to gain back the flab you lost. However, if you weight train as you diet, you'll protect your hard-earned muscle and burn more fat instead.
Think of it in terms of liposuction: The whole point is to simply remove unattractive flab, right? That's exactly what you should demand from your workout.
I've heard this phrase more than once in my life, and it's always delivered by a burly guy in a sleeveless shirt who most certainly does look like he lifts weights. And who's no doubt basing his observation on the standards of a typical musclehead.
That's just it, though: Like most of you, I've never aspired to be a musclehead. Or a powerlifter. Or a strongman competitor. (All of which are fine pursuits, for sure.) So do I look like any of those? Of course not.
But do I look like I lift weights? Absolutely. I'm lean and fit, and my muscles are well-defined, even if they're not busting out of my shirt.
You see, lifting weights isn't just about building 20-inch biceps. In fact, for most women, it's not about that at all, since resistance training may be the single most effective way to lose fat and look great in a swimsuit. What's more, the benefits of lifting extend into nearly every aspect of your health and well-being. So much so that after nearly 12 years of reporting in the field of health and fitness, I've come to one rock-solid conclusion: You'd have to be crazy not to lift weights—even if bigger biceps are the last thing you want. And that's why I wrote The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises.
The truth is, lifting weights gives every woman an edge. Over belly fat. Over stress. Over heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Lifting even makes you smarter and happier.
Want proof? Here are 20 reasons you shouldn't live another day without lifting.
1. You'll Lose 40 Percent More Fat
This might be the biggest secret in fat loss. While you've no doubt been told that aerobic exercise is the key to losing belly flab, weight training is actually far more valuable. Case in point: Penn State University researchers put overweight people on a reduced-calorie diet, and divided them into three groups—one that didn't exercise, another that performed aerobic exercise 3 days a week, and a third that did both aerobic exercise and weight training 3 days a week.
The results: Each of the groups lost nearly the same amount of weight—about 21 pounds. But the lifters shed about 6 more pounds of fat than did those who didn't pump iron. Why? Because their weight loss was almost pure fat, while the other two groups lost just 15 pounds of lard, along with several pounds of muscle. Do the math and you'll see that weights led to 40 percent greater fat loss.
This isn't a one-time finding. Research on non-lifting dieters shows that, on average, 75 percent of their weight loss is from fat, and 25 percent is muscle. That 25 percent may reduce your scale weight, but it doesn't do a lot for your reflection in the mirror. It also makes you more likely to gain back the flab you lost. However, if you weight train as you diet, you'll protect your hard-earned muscle and burn more fat instead.
Think of it in terms of liposuction: The whole point is to simply remove unattractive flab, right? That's exactly what you should demand from your workout.
Study: Smokers are dumber
Looking for a new reason to quit smoking?
If the hacking, coughing, wheezing and bad breath aren't enough... if the increased risk of lung cancer won't do it... and if the higher likelihood of a stroke can't get you to quit, maybe this latest reason will: Smokers simply aren't as smart--and not just because they've made a unwise health decision.
A new study finds that nicotine fiends suffer from lower intelligence.
Israeli researchers looked at data on 20,000 men between the ages of 18 and 21 before, during and after their military service. And they found that the smokers among them had an average IQ of 94... versus 101 for the nonsmokers.
The average range for healthy mean in that age group, meanwhile, is between 84 and 116, so it's the difference between being right in the middle and being much closer to the low end.
And the more you smoke, the more it seems to hurt: Men who puffed away at a pack or more a day had an average IQ of 90, according to the study published in the journal Addiction.
In other words, smoking won't just shrink penises (you can look it up, it's true!)... it will also shrink your intelligence.
The researchers say that while many people assume that smokers are more likely to come from rougher backgrounds and may have lower intelligence to begin with as a result, their study included men of diverse socio-economic levels-- so they don't believe background is a big factor.
They also looked at the impact of smoking and intelligence on twins, and found that when one twin smoked, the non- smoking brother was more likely to be the smarter of the two.
Remember, if you're a smoker it's not too late no matter how long you've been at it. Your body can actually undo much of the damage, and it starts the moment you quit.
But if you've been smoking for years, it could take years before you're fully healed.
In other words, don't wait--get started now. Smokers are four times more likely to die of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Smokers are also far more likely to die of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and countless other awful conditions.
And now, as the new study shows, it may hurt more than just your body--it could also hurt your mind.
You might say that quitting is the smartest choice you can make.
Smoking isn't the only bad habit making headlines. Keep reading for more on the dangers of soda.
If the hacking, coughing, wheezing and bad breath aren't enough... if the increased risk of lung cancer won't do it... and if the higher likelihood of a stroke can't get you to quit, maybe this latest reason will: Smokers simply aren't as smart--and not just because they've made a unwise health decision.
A new study finds that nicotine fiends suffer from lower intelligence.
Israeli researchers looked at data on 20,000 men between the ages of 18 and 21 before, during and after their military service. And they found that the smokers among them had an average IQ of 94... versus 101 for the nonsmokers.
The average range for healthy mean in that age group, meanwhile, is between 84 and 116, so it's the difference between being right in the middle and being much closer to the low end.
And the more you smoke, the more it seems to hurt: Men who puffed away at a pack or more a day had an average IQ of 90, according to the study published in the journal Addiction.
In other words, smoking won't just shrink penises (you can look it up, it's true!)... it will also shrink your intelligence.
The researchers say that while many people assume that smokers are more likely to come from rougher backgrounds and may have lower intelligence to begin with as a result, their study included men of diverse socio-economic levels-- so they don't believe background is a big factor.
They also looked at the impact of smoking and intelligence on twins, and found that when one twin smoked, the non- smoking brother was more likely to be the smarter of the two.
Remember, if you're a smoker it's not too late no matter how long you've been at it. Your body can actually undo much of the damage, and it starts the moment you quit.
But if you've been smoking for years, it could take years before you're fully healed.
In other words, don't wait--get started now. Smokers are four times more likely to die of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Smokers are also far more likely to die of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and countless other awful conditions.
And now, as the new study shows, it may hurt more than just your body--it could also hurt your mind.
You might say that quitting is the smartest choice you can make.
Smoking isn't the only bad habit making headlines. Keep reading for more on the dangers of soda.
Excerpt from: The Best Way Out is Always Through, by BJ Gallagher
Mary Kay Ash banged her head on the corporate glass ceiling one too many times. Working for several direct sales companies from the 1930's until the early 1960's, she achieved considerable success. She climbed the corporate ladder to become the sole woman on the board of directors of the World Gift Company - quite an accomplishment for a woman in the 1950's.
But life wasn't rosy at the top. Even though Mary Kay had the title and the track record, she was not taken seriously by her male peers. In board meetings, her opinions and suggestions were ignored, dismissed, or even ridiculed. Male board members minced no words in their judgment - pronouncing her guilty of "thinking like a woman."
Since the sales force was almost entirely female, Mary Kay thought that thinking like a woman was an asset. But her fellow board members disagreed. Finally, in frustration, she retired in 1963, intending to write a book to assist women in the male-dominated business.
Sitting at her kitchen table, she made two lists: one list was all the good things she had seen in the companies where she'd worked, and the other list was all the things she thought could be improved. As she re-read her lists, she realized that what she had in front of her was a marketing plan for her ideal company. In just four weeks, her "book" had become a business plan, and her retirement was over.
Both her accountant and her attorney did their best to discourage her, warning that she would be throwing her money away on this venture. But Mary Kay had heard enough male nay-saying in her corporate years - she ignored her advisors.
Her husband, unlike her accountant and attorney, was very supportive. With his help, Mary Kay developed the cosmetic products, designed packaging, wrote promotional materials and recruited and trained her female sales force.
Then the unthinkable happened; her husband of twenty-one years died of a heart attack. Another woman might have dropped her plans, or at least delayed them, but Mary Kay was a strong Texas woman. She stayed on track with the help of her twenty-year-old son, Richard Rogers and rolled out her new business in September of 1963.
Beginning with a storefront in Dallas and an investment of $5,000, Mary Kay Cosmetics earned close to $200,000 in its first year - quadrupling that amount in its second year. When Mary Kay took her company public in 1968, sales had climbed to more than $10 million.
Mary Kay's unusual corporate motto, "God first, family second, career third," was unconventional, to say the least. But she understood the need for women to have balance in their lives, and she was committed to providing unlimited opportunity for women's financial AND personal success.
Mary Kay authored three books, all of which became best-sellers. Her business model is taught at the Harvard Business School. She received many honors, including the Horatio Alger Award. Fortune magazine has named Mary Kay Cosmetics as one of the Ten Best Companies for Women, as well as one of The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.
At the time of her death in 2001, Mary Kay Cosmetics had 800,000 independent beauty consultants in 37 countries, with total annual sales of over two billion dollars. Never underestimate the power of a woman with a mission!
But life wasn't rosy at the top. Even though Mary Kay had the title and the track record, she was not taken seriously by her male peers. In board meetings, her opinions and suggestions were ignored, dismissed, or even ridiculed. Male board members minced no words in their judgment - pronouncing her guilty of "thinking like a woman."
Since the sales force was almost entirely female, Mary Kay thought that thinking like a woman was an asset. But her fellow board members disagreed. Finally, in frustration, she retired in 1963, intending to write a book to assist women in the male-dominated business.
Sitting at her kitchen table, she made two lists: one list was all the good things she had seen in the companies where she'd worked, and the other list was all the things she thought could be improved. As she re-read her lists, she realized that what she had in front of her was a marketing plan for her ideal company. In just four weeks, her "book" had become a business plan, and her retirement was over.
Both her accountant and her attorney did their best to discourage her, warning that she would be throwing her money away on this venture. But Mary Kay had heard enough male nay-saying in her corporate years - she ignored her advisors.
Her husband, unlike her accountant and attorney, was very supportive. With his help, Mary Kay developed the cosmetic products, designed packaging, wrote promotional materials and recruited and trained her female sales force.
Then the unthinkable happened; her husband of twenty-one years died of a heart attack. Another woman might have dropped her plans, or at least delayed them, but Mary Kay was a strong Texas woman. She stayed on track with the help of her twenty-year-old son, Richard Rogers and rolled out her new business in September of 1963.
Beginning with a storefront in Dallas and an investment of $5,000, Mary Kay Cosmetics earned close to $200,000 in its first year - quadrupling that amount in its second year. When Mary Kay took her company public in 1968, sales had climbed to more than $10 million.
Mary Kay's unusual corporate motto, "God first, family second, career third," was unconventional, to say the least. But she understood the need for women to have balance in their lives, and she was committed to providing unlimited opportunity for women's financial AND personal success.
Mary Kay authored three books, all of which became best-sellers. Her business model is taught at the Harvard Business School. She received many honors, including the Horatio Alger Award. Fortune magazine has named Mary Kay Cosmetics as one of the Ten Best Companies for Women, as well as one of The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.
At the time of her death in 2001, Mary Kay Cosmetics had 800,000 independent beauty consultants in 37 countries, with total annual sales of over two billion dollars. Never underestimate the power of a woman with a mission!
3 Reasons Barley's Back
What whole grain has promoted weight loss for 2,500 years? That would be barley! Though the name may remind you of farms and horses, barley is actually a chewy grain with a rich, nutty taste. (And you may already be consuming more barley than you realize—it's used as an ingredient in beer! Unfortunately, this liquid version of barley won't help you lose any weight.)
Here are three reasons to go for the barley:
1. It's extremely high in dietary fiber, which not only helps keep you regular, but can also lower cholesterol levels.
2. Studies have shown that eating high-fiber foods like barley can help reduce risk of heart disease.
3. The fiber in barley can also help keep blood sugar levels from getting too high.
You can buy barley already packaged or in bulk containers at your local supermarket or health food store. Cook up some barley as a hot cereal in place of oatmeal, mix it into soup for some extra nuttiness or use it to bake healthy muffins or breads.
Here are three reasons to go for the barley:
1. It's extremely high in dietary fiber, which not only helps keep you regular, but can also lower cholesterol levels.
2. Studies have shown that eating high-fiber foods like barley can help reduce risk of heart disease.
3. The fiber in barley can also help keep blood sugar levels from getting too high.
You can buy barley already packaged or in bulk containers at your local supermarket or health food store. Cook up some barley as a hot cereal in place of oatmeal, mix it into soup for some extra nuttiness or use it to bake healthy muffins or breads.
Celebrex and Vioxx: Dangerous drugs that may increase your risk for heart attack and stroke by up to 60%
The leading cause of disability in the U.S., arthritis, disrupts the lives of 43 millions of Americans. It can make everyday tasks unbearable. To manage the chronic pain, many of us rely on NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. They may work okay, but over time these over-the-counter medications can eat away at your stomach and cause ulcers.
Back in 1999, two major drug companies introduced a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that were supposed to be safer on your stomach. Sales of the so-called super-aspirins, Celebrex and Vioxx, soon surpassed even the blockbuster impotency drug Viagra...not too bad for a couple of drugs that hadn't been proven to work any better than aspirin or ibuprofen, but cost a whole lot more.
But after their release on the market, upsetting research began to emerge that Cox-2 inhibitors significantly increase your risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. In fact, in August 2001, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that patients taking Cox-2 inhibitors increased their risk for heart disease by up to 60%. Then in September 2004 the manufacturer of Vioxx pulled their drug from the market due to safety concerns of an icreased risk of 'cardiovascular events.' Yes...Cox-2 inhibitors help you manage the pain...but at what cost?
To counteract the risk of heart attack, some doctors have advised their patients taking Cox-2 inhibitors to add an aspirin to their daily regimen. How ironic...daily aspirin causes exactly the kind of stomach upset the Cox-2 inhibitors were designed to prevent in the first place!
Back in 1999, two major drug companies introduced a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that were supposed to be safer on your stomach. Sales of the so-called super-aspirins, Celebrex and Vioxx, soon surpassed even the blockbuster impotency drug Viagra...not too bad for a couple of drugs that hadn't been proven to work any better than aspirin or ibuprofen, but cost a whole lot more.
But after their release on the market, upsetting research began to emerge that Cox-2 inhibitors significantly increase your risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. In fact, in August 2001, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that patients taking Cox-2 inhibitors increased their risk for heart disease by up to 60%. Then in September 2004 the manufacturer of Vioxx pulled their drug from the market due to safety concerns of an icreased risk of 'cardiovascular events.' Yes...Cox-2 inhibitors help you manage the pain...but at what cost?
To counteract the risk of heart attack, some doctors have advised their patients taking Cox-2 inhibitors to add an aspirin to their daily regimen. How ironic...daily aspirin causes exactly the kind of stomach upset the Cox-2 inhibitors were designed to prevent in the first place!
The Cowboy Boots ( VERY FUNNY )
Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots?
He asked for help and she could see why..
Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.
She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet..
He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.'
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear 'em.'
Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his little feet again.
Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?'
He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'
She will be eligible for parole in three years!
He asked for help and she could see why..
Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.
She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet..
He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.'
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear 'em.'
Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his little feet again.
Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?'
He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'
She will be eligible for parole in three years!
Natural Resources Defense Council
I was appalled to hear -- on Earth Day of all days -- that the International Whaling Commission has put forward a deal that would legalize commercial whaling for the first time in a generation.
Even worse, the Obama Administration has backed this deadly proposal, which would suspend the international ban on whaling and make it legal once again to kill whales for profit.
During his campaign, President Obama promised America he would oppose the killing of these magnificent creatures. It’s time for you and me to hold him to that promise.
Please call on the White House to oppose any deal that would legitimize the hunting and killing of whales.
Obama Administration officials claim that the IWC deal would be a “step forward” for whales because it could rein in Japan, Iceland and Norway, which have killed thousands of whales since 1986 by exploiting loopholes in the whaling ban.
But, in fact, this new deal is a giant step backward. It rewards those three nations for years of defying international law. It does their bidding by suspending the whaling ban for 10 years. It opens up the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary to whaling. And it will not stop them from trading in whale meat or killing whales under legal loopholes like “scientific permits.”
Don’t believe for a minute that this kind of deal would phase down whaling. Instead, it would breathe new life into a dying industry.
Worst of all, the deal gives moral cover to the absurd notion that we can save whales by killing them -- instead of by banning their slaughter.
There is no moral justification for killing whales. There is no scientific justification for killing whales.
And if the Obama Administration persists in supporting a deal that encourages the killing of whales, it will tarnish not only the White House but our entire nation.
Please join me in telling President Obama to vigorously oppose this deal and instead push for a deal that closes the loopholes and ends commercial whaling once and for all!
Thanks to the efforts of NRDC, you and I have prevailed so many times in defense of our planet’s whales. We saved the gray whale’s last untouched nursery in Mexico’s San Ignacio Lagoon against Mitsubishi’s plans for industrialization. And we reined in the Navy’s use of dangerous sonar systems around marine mammals.
Now, with our own government supporting an unthinkable deal that would legalize the commercial killing of whales, we must unite again and say: Not on our watch!
I hope you’ll make your own voice heard inside the White House today. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pierce Brosnan
Natural Resources Defense Council
Even worse, the Obama Administration has backed this deadly proposal, which would suspend the international ban on whaling and make it legal once again to kill whales for profit.
During his campaign, President Obama promised America he would oppose the killing of these magnificent creatures. It’s time for you and me to hold him to that promise.
Please call on the White House to oppose any deal that would legitimize the hunting and killing of whales.
Obama Administration officials claim that the IWC deal would be a “step forward” for whales because it could rein in Japan, Iceland and Norway, which have killed thousands of whales since 1986 by exploiting loopholes in the whaling ban.
But, in fact, this new deal is a giant step backward. It rewards those three nations for years of defying international law. It does their bidding by suspending the whaling ban for 10 years. It opens up the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary to whaling. And it will not stop them from trading in whale meat or killing whales under legal loopholes like “scientific permits.”
Don’t believe for a minute that this kind of deal would phase down whaling. Instead, it would breathe new life into a dying industry.
Worst of all, the deal gives moral cover to the absurd notion that we can save whales by killing them -- instead of by banning their slaughter.
There is no moral justification for killing whales. There is no scientific justification for killing whales.
And if the Obama Administration persists in supporting a deal that encourages the killing of whales, it will tarnish not only the White House but our entire nation.
Please join me in telling President Obama to vigorously oppose this deal and instead push for a deal that closes the loopholes and ends commercial whaling once and for all!
Thanks to the efforts of NRDC, you and I have prevailed so many times in defense of our planet’s whales. We saved the gray whale’s last untouched nursery in Mexico’s San Ignacio Lagoon against Mitsubishi’s plans for industrialization. And we reined in the Navy’s use of dangerous sonar systems around marine mammals.
Now, with our own government supporting an unthinkable deal that would legalize the commercial killing of whales, we must unite again and say: Not on our watch!
I hope you’ll make your own voice heard inside the White House today. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pierce Brosnan
Natural Resources Defense Council
Driving Down Animal Fighting With New Mobile Crimes Lab
Yesterday at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Des Moines, The HSUS unveiled a powerful new tool to crack down on animal fighting criminals and other abusers—a fully outfitted Mobile Animal Crimes Lab equipped with the latest forensic gear to help law enforcement process crime scenes involving animal cruelty or fighting.
The HSUS
Chris Schindler, left, and Tom Colvin, executive director of the Animal
Rescue League of Iowa, with The HSUS's Mobile Animal Crimes Lab.
We already have some of the nation’s leading experts on animal cruelty and fighting, a remarkable undercover investigations department that gathers intelligence and sniffs out these crimes, an emergency services capability to deploy at a moment’s notice to rescue animals in need, a national animal fighting tip line (877-TIP-HSUS), and a national rewards program. This mobile CSI unit adds to these already formidable capabilities.
The crime response vehicle (made possible with a generous grant from the Folke H. Peterson Foundation) features two rooms for examining dogs and documenting their injuries, evidence packaging equipment, ultraviolet lights for spotting body fluids, entomology kits, a print lift kit and devices for identifying suspected blood. It’s especially suited for dogfighting cases—two dogs can be examined at a time in a secure environment—but it will also be valuable in cruelty and puppy mill cases to examine the animals, document their conditions, and process other evidence on the scene. Chris Schindler, a certified crime scene investigator for The HSUS, will deploy with the vehicle.
The HSUS
Some of the forensic equipment inside the vehicle.
Des Moines was our first stop on a ten-city tour to demonstrate this new capability with local law enforcement. Today we’re at the Chicago Police Department and tomorrow we head to Indianapolis Animal Care & Control where we’ll be joined by local law enforcement, a pit bull advocacy group, and two dogs rescued from a fighting raid we assisted with last August in Indiana. Then we’ll make our way to Nashville, Montgomery, Ala., Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Charlotte and Richmond.
More than anything, this vehicle is yet another signal to the most malicious of animal abusers that the odds are increasingly stacked against them, and that they cannot expect to conduct these barbaric and criminal activities without serious consequences.
The HSUS
Chris Schindler, left, and Tom Colvin, executive director of the Animal
Rescue League of Iowa, with The HSUS's Mobile Animal Crimes Lab.
We already have some of the nation’s leading experts on animal cruelty and fighting, a remarkable undercover investigations department that gathers intelligence and sniffs out these crimes, an emergency services capability to deploy at a moment’s notice to rescue animals in need, a national animal fighting tip line (877-TIP-HSUS), and a national rewards program. This mobile CSI unit adds to these already formidable capabilities.
The crime response vehicle (made possible with a generous grant from the Folke H. Peterson Foundation) features two rooms for examining dogs and documenting their injuries, evidence packaging equipment, ultraviolet lights for spotting body fluids, entomology kits, a print lift kit and devices for identifying suspected blood. It’s especially suited for dogfighting cases—two dogs can be examined at a time in a secure environment—but it will also be valuable in cruelty and puppy mill cases to examine the animals, document their conditions, and process other evidence on the scene. Chris Schindler, a certified crime scene investigator for The HSUS, will deploy with the vehicle.
The HSUS
Some of the forensic equipment inside the vehicle.
Des Moines was our first stop on a ten-city tour to demonstrate this new capability with local law enforcement. Today we’re at the Chicago Police Department and tomorrow we head to Indianapolis Animal Care & Control where we’ll be joined by local law enforcement, a pit bull advocacy group, and two dogs rescued from a fighting raid we assisted with last August in Indiana. Then we’ll make our way to Nashville, Montgomery, Ala., Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Charlotte and Richmond.
More than anything, this vehicle is yet another signal to the most malicious of animal abusers that the odds are increasingly stacked against them, and that they cannot expect to conduct these barbaric and criminal activities without serious consequences.
UNITED ANIMAL NATION - ANIMAL ALERT
The thought sickens me: small animals like kittens and puppies being restrained on the ground then brutally tortured and crushed to death by someone wearing high-heeled shoes. And all of this being videotaped, no less, to be sold over the Internet for profit.
In 1999, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed the “Crush Act” to prohibit the creation, sale and possession of these types of “crush” videos depicting such blatant and gruesome animal cruelty.
But sadly, as you may have heard in the news or read online, the U.S. Supreme Court on April 20 declared this law unconstitutional, ruling that it might impinge on First Amendment free speech. The Court’s ruling effectively made it legal to create and sell videos depicting defenseless animals being intentionally tortured, wounded and crushed to death by human feet.
Members of Congress and United Animal Nations (UAN) are not taking this ruling lightly, and you don't have to either.
The day after the Supreme Court’s ruling, Representative Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) introduced a new bill, H.R. 5092, to amend the original Crush Act so it is targeted specifically at the kind of "extreme animal cruelty" depicted in “crush” videos.
You can help the animals by asking your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor and support this bill.
Before the 1999 law was enacted, approximately 3,000 horrifying “crush" videos were available, selling for up to $300 apiece. Those videos disappeared soon after the law was passed. We must encourage Congress to act quickly to pass H.R. 5092 to prevent these videos from coming back.
Blatant and senseless violence toward animals is simply unacceptable. Research has shown over and over that people who abuse animals are more likely to be violent toward other people. Consequently, “crush” videos not only cause needless animal suffering, but they promote violence toward all living beings.
Please contact your U.S. Representative today and ask him or her to co-sponsor and support H.R. 5092 to amend the Crush Act.
It's easy to find your Representative online by entering your state and zip code.
Read the letter I wrote to my Representative to get ideas for your own letter.
Thank you for being an advocate for the animals!
Warmly,
Nicole Forsyth
President and CEO
United Animal Nations
Please share this e-mail online:
In 1999, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed the “Crush Act” to prohibit the creation, sale and possession of these types of “crush” videos depicting such blatant and gruesome animal cruelty.
But sadly, as you may have heard in the news or read online, the U.S. Supreme Court on April 20 declared this law unconstitutional, ruling that it might impinge on First Amendment free speech. The Court’s ruling effectively made it legal to create and sell videos depicting defenseless animals being intentionally tortured, wounded and crushed to death by human feet.
Members of Congress and United Animal Nations (UAN) are not taking this ruling lightly, and you don't have to either.
The day after the Supreme Court’s ruling, Representative Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) introduced a new bill, H.R. 5092, to amend the original Crush Act so it is targeted specifically at the kind of "extreme animal cruelty" depicted in “crush” videos.
You can help the animals by asking your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor and support this bill.
Before the 1999 law was enacted, approximately 3,000 horrifying “crush" videos were available, selling for up to $300 apiece. Those videos disappeared soon after the law was passed. We must encourage Congress to act quickly to pass H.R. 5092 to prevent these videos from coming back.
Blatant and senseless violence toward animals is simply unacceptable. Research has shown over and over that people who abuse animals are more likely to be violent toward other people. Consequently, “crush” videos not only cause needless animal suffering, but they promote violence toward all living beings.
Please contact your U.S. Representative today and ask him or her to co-sponsor and support H.R. 5092 to amend the Crush Act.
It's easy to find your Representative online by entering your state and zip code.
Read the letter I wrote to my Representative to get ideas for your own letter.
Thank you for being an advocate for the animals!
Warmly,
Nicole Forsyth
President and CEO
United Animal Nations
Please share this e-mail online:
Jews Turn Against Obama
By: Ronald Kessler
In a stunning turnaround, President Obama has lost roughly half of his support among Jewish voters.
A poll by McLaughlin and Associates found that, while 78 percent of Jewish voters cast their ballots for Obama, only 42 percent of Jewish voters would vote to re-elect him. A plurality — 46 percent — would consider voting for anyone else. That compares with 21 percent who voted for John McCain.
Ever since he learned of Obama’s ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, has been warning fellow Jews that Obama would be antithetical to Jewish interests, not only as they relate to Israel but also to issues that affect all Americans.
Before Obama was elected, Klein, whose organization of 30,000 members is the oldest pro-Israel group in the country, felt like a pariah. Now, as he speaks to Jewish audiences on a weekly basis, he has found that the climate has changed dramatically.
“As I speak at synagogues now around the country, I haven’t had a single person during Q and A or after my talk ask how I could be so critical of Obama,” Klein tells Newsmax.
Klein tells his audiences they should not be surprised that Obama’s left-leaning policies appear to tilt more toward the Palestinians than to Israelis. He cites the fact that Obama and his wife, Michelle, spent 20 years listening to Wright, who routinely denounced Israel as a racist state and America for allegedly having created the AIDS virus to kill off blacks.
Wright, whom Obama described as a mentor and sounding board, even gave an award for lifetime achievement to Louis Farrakhan.
“God damn America,” Wright shouted in one of his sermons.
Obama’s speeches have been “inimical to Israel and supportive of the stream of false Palestinian Arab claims concerning Israel,” Klein says. “He is relentlessly pressuring Israel while applying virtually almost no pressure on the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its written obligations. He is worse than Jimmy Carter was when he was president. It was so obvious if you just looked at Obama’s associations before he was elected. Jews simply ignored that.”
David Remnick’s book “The Ridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama” quotes an unidentified campaign aide to Hillary Clinton as saying that, if the stories about Wright’s ties to Obama had appeared in January 2008, “it would have been over,” meaning Hillary would have won the Democratic nomination for president.
In fact, as outlined in the Newsmax story "The Media’s Blackout on Rev. Wright," those stories on Wright were appearing as early as January 2008 — at Newsmax.com — but the mainstream media ignored them and would not pick them up until mid-March.
Before the election, Klein remembers, “If I talked about Reverend Wright in talks at synagogues, they would say I was using guilt by association. I would always explain you can’t say that. He chose this church. He chose to have a friendship with Wright because this is a person he is comfortable with and because Wright espouses views he believes in.”
Klein notes, “If a Jew was a member of a synagogue where the rabbi preached hatred of blacks, it would be clear that that Jew would be comfortable with anti-black racism. I couldn’t remain for a week at a synagogue where a rabbi made a hateful speech toward blacks. I’d quit immediately.”
But now the tide is turning, Klein says. As recently as last weekend, “At the synagogue where I spoke, two of my most left-wing lunatic friends were saying, ‘My God, Mort, you were right. I never should have voted for Obama.’”
Several Jewish leaders have turned against Obama as well, Klein says, some openly and some behind the scenes because they do not want to cut off ties with a president. Klein quotes one of the most prominent Jewish leaders as having told him recently, “It’s better if I’m on the inside than the outside. So there’s no point in my publicly criticizing him because then I won’t have influence.”
“What influence?” Klein asks rhetorically. “It felt so good to so many of liberals to be voting for the first black man to run for president that nothing else mattered,” Klein says. “They felt good proving that they are not racist.”
Only 17 percent of Orthodox Jews now would vote to re-elect Obama, according to the McLaughlin poll. Among conservative Jews, 38 percent would vote for him again. Fifty-two percent of reform Jews would re-elect him. Among Jews who have been to Israel, 36 percent now would cast their ballots for him. When polled, 12 percent responded they did not know or refused to answer.
“The majority of Jews now realize that this guy is bad for Israel, let alone bad for America,” Klein says.
In a stunning turnaround, President Obama has lost roughly half of his support among Jewish voters.
A poll by McLaughlin and Associates found that, while 78 percent of Jewish voters cast their ballots for Obama, only 42 percent of Jewish voters would vote to re-elect him. A plurality — 46 percent — would consider voting for anyone else. That compares with 21 percent who voted for John McCain.
Ever since he learned of Obama’s ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, has been warning fellow Jews that Obama would be antithetical to Jewish interests, not only as they relate to Israel but also to issues that affect all Americans.
Before Obama was elected, Klein, whose organization of 30,000 members is the oldest pro-Israel group in the country, felt like a pariah. Now, as he speaks to Jewish audiences on a weekly basis, he has found that the climate has changed dramatically.
“As I speak at synagogues now around the country, I haven’t had a single person during Q and A or after my talk ask how I could be so critical of Obama,” Klein tells Newsmax.
Klein tells his audiences they should not be surprised that Obama’s left-leaning policies appear to tilt more toward the Palestinians than to Israelis. He cites the fact that Obama and his wife, Michelle, spent 20 years listening to Wright, who routinely denounced Israel as a racist state and America for allegedly having created the AIDS virus to kill off blacks.
Wright, whom Obama described as a mentor and sounding board, even gave an award for lifetime achievement to Louis Farrakhan.
“God damn America,” Wright shouted in one of his sermons.
Obama’s speeches have been “inimical to Israel and supportive of the stream of false Palestinian Arab claims concerning Israel,” Klein says. “He is relentlessly pressuring Israel while applying virtually almost no pressure on the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its written obligations. He is worse than Jimmy Carter was when he was president. It was so obvious if you just looked at Obama’s associations before he was elected. Jews simply ignored that.”
David Remnick’s book “The Ridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama” quotes an unidentified campaign aide to Hillary Clinton as saying that, if the stories about Wright’s ties to Obama had appeared in January 2008, “it would have been over,” meaning Hillary would have won the Democratic nomination for president.
In fact, as outlined in the Newsmax story "The Media’s Blackout on Rev. Wright," those stories on Wright were appearing as early as January 2008 — at Newsmax.com — but the mainstream media ignored them and would not pick them up until mid-March.
Before the election, Klein remembers, “If I talked about Reverend Wright in talks at synagogues, they would say I was using guilt by association. I would always explain you can’t say that. He chose this church. He chose to have a friendship with Wright because this is a person he is comfortable with and because Wright espouses views he believes in.”
Klein notes, “If a Jew was a member of a synagogue where the rabbi preached hatred of blacks, it would be clear that that Jew would be comfortable with anti-black racism. I couldn’t remain for a week at a synagogue where a rabbi made a hateful speech toward blacks. I’d quit immediately.”
But now the tide is turning, Klein says. As recently as last weekend, “At the synagogue where I spoke, two of my most left-wing lunatic friends were saying, ‘My God, Mort, you were right. I never should have voted for Obama.’”
Several Jewish leaders have turned against Obama as well, Klein says, some openly and some behind the scenes because they do not want to cut off ties with a president. Klein quotes one of the most prominent Jewish leaders as having told him recently, “It’s better if I’m on the inside than the outside. So there’s no point in my publicly criticizing him because then I won’t have influence.”
“What influence?” Klein asks rhetorically. “It felt so good to so many of liberals to be voting for the first black man to run for president that nothing else mattered,” Klein says. “They felt good proving that they are not racist.”
Only 17 percent of Orthodox Jews now would vote to re-elect Obama, according to the McLaughlin poll. Among conservative Jews, 38 percent would vote for him again. Fifty-two percent of reform Jews would re-elect him. Among Jews who have been to Israel, 36 percent now would cast their ballots for him. When polled, 12 percent responded they did not know or refused to answer.
“The majority of Jews now realize that this guy is bad for Israel, let alone bad for America,” Klein says.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Good Morning Blessings...
The blessing will only keep working if it is continuously passed around.
If you are a recipient of a blessing, Keep the blessing working
By being the source of blessing to other people.
This morning when I awoke
And saw the sun
Above, I softly said, 'Good morning, Lord,
Bless everyone I love'
Right away I thought of you and said a loving prayer,
That He would bless you specially,
And keep you free from care.
I thought of all the happiness a day could hold in store,
I wished it all for you because no one deserves it more.
I felt so warm and good inside,
My heart was all aglow.
I know God heard my prayers for you,
He hears them all, you know.
pass this along
To someone else to spread the good feelings.
' When you reach the end of your rope,.....
You will find the hem of
GOD'S garment. '
If you are a recipient of a blessing, Keep the blessing working
By being the source of blessing to other people.
This morning when I awoke
And saw the sun
Above, I softly said, 'Good morning, Lord,
Bless everyone I love'
Right away I thought of you and said a loving prayer,
That He would bless you specially,
And keep you free from care.
I thought of all the happiness a day could hold in store,
I wished it all for you because no one deserves it more.
I felt so warm and good inside,
My heart was all aglow.
I know God heard my prayers for you,
He hears them all, you know.
pass this along
To someone else to spread the good feelings.
' When you reach the end of your rope,.....
You will find the hem of
GOD'S garment. '
A FRIEND - POEM
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own;
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there.
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own;
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there.
carnation milk - 65 YEARS AGO ... This is PRICELESS
A little old lady from Wisconsin had worked in and around her family dairy farms since she was old enough to walk, with hours of hard work and little compensation.
When canned Carnation Milk became available in grocery stores in approximately the 1940s, she read an advertisement offering $5,000 for the best slogan. The producers wanted a rhyme beginning with 'Carnation Milk is best of all.
She thought to herself, I know all about milk and dairy farms. I can do this!
She sent in her entry, and several weeks later, a black limo pulled up in front of her house. A man got out and said, 'Carnation LOVED your entry so much, we are here to award you $2, 000 even though we will not be able to use it!
IT GOES LIKE THIS;
" CARNATION MILK IS BEST OF ALL,
NO TITS TO PULL, NO HAY TO HAUL,
NO BUCKETS TO WASH, NO SHIT TO PITCH,
JUST POKE A HOLE IN THE SON-OF-A-BITCH".
When canned Carnation Milk became available in grocery stores in approximately the 1940s, she read an advertisement offering $5,000 for the best slogan. The producers wanted a rhyme beginning with 'Carnation Milk is best of all.
She thought to herself, I know all about milk and dairy farms. I can do this!
She sent in her entry, and several weeks later, a black limo pulled up in front of her house. A man got out and said, 'Carnation LOVED your entry so much, we are here to award you $2, 000 even though we will not be able to use it!
IT GOES LIKE THIS;
" CARNATION MILK IS BEST OF ALL,
NO TITS TO PULL, NO HAY TO HAUL,
NO BUCKETS TO WASH, NO SHIT TO PITCH,
JUST POKE A HOLE IN THE SON-OF-A-BITCH".
ACTUAL AUSTRALIAN COURT DOCKET 12659 ---
A lady about 8 months pregnant got on a bus.
She noticed the man opposite her was smiling at her.
She immediately moved to another seat.
This time the smile turned into a grin, so she moved again.
The man seemed more amused.
When on the fourth move, the man burst out laughing,
she complained to the driver and he had the man arrested.
The case came up in court.
The judge asked the man (about 20 years old)
what he had to say for himself.
The man replied,
'Well your Honor, it was like this:
when the lady got on the bus,
I couldn't help but notice her condition.
She sat down under a sign that said,
'The Double Mint Twins are coming' and I grinned.
Then she moved and sat under a sign that said,
'Logan's Liniment will reduce the swelling,' and I had to smile.
Then she placed herself under a deodorant sign that said,
'William's Big Stick Did the Trick,' and I could hardly contain myself.
But, Your Honor, when she moved the fourth time
and sat under a sign that said,
Goodyear Rubber could have prevented this Accident!'
... I just lost it.'
'CASE DISMISSED!!'
Now keep that smile on your face and pass it on to someone else!!
She noticed the man opposite her was smiling at her.
She immediately moved to another seat.
This time the smile turned into a grin, so she moved again.
The man seemed more amused.
When on the fourth move, the man burst out laughing,
she complained to the driver and he had the man arrested.
The case came up in court.
The judge asked the man (about 20 years old)
what he had to say for himself.
The man replied,
'Well your Honor, it was like this:
when the lady got on the bus,
I couldn't help but notice her condition.
She sat down under a sign that said,
'The Double Mint Twins are coming' and I grinned.
Then she moved and sat under a sign that said,
'Logan's Liniment will reduce the swelling,' and I had to smile.
Then she placed herself under a deodorant sign that said,
'William's Big Stick Did the Trick,' and I could hardly contain myself.
But, Your Honor, when she moved the fourth time
and sat under a sign that said,
Goodyear Rubber could have prevented this Accident!'
... I just lost it.'
'CASE DISMISSED!!'
Now keep that smile on your face and pass it on to someone else!!
RECALL ON CANDY THAT CAUSES DEATH
There is a new warning put out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency....
Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate Coins are being recalled due to the fact that they contain Melamine, the ingredient in milk product that has caused many infant deaths in China .
These candies are sold at Costco, as well as many bulk and dollar stores.
please make sure to check your children and Grand children's Halloween candy.
DO NOT LET THEM EAT THE PIRATE COINS
(you know the ones wrapped in the shiny gold foil).
PLEASE let other parents and Grandparents know about this!
http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/coins.asp
Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate Coins are being recalled due to the fact that they contain Melamine, the ingredient in milk product that has caused many infant deaths in China .
These candies are sold at Costco, as well as many bulk and dollar stores.
please make sure to check your children and Grand children's Halloween candy.
DO NOT LET THEM EAT THE PIRATE COINS
(you know the ones wrapped in the shiny gold foil).
PLEASE let other parents and Grandparents know about this!
http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/coins.asp
TAKE THIS TEST and No cheating.
If all of the eight desserts listed below were sitting in
Front of you, which would you choose (sorry, you can only
Pick one)! Trust me...this is very accurate. Pick your
Dessert, and then look to see what psychiatrists think about You.
REMEMBER - No Cheating. Make your choice before you check The meaning.
Here are your choices:
1. Angel Food Cake
2. Brownies
3. Lemon Meringue Pie
4. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing
5. Strawberry Short Cake
6. Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing
7. Ice Cream
8. Carrot Cake
No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down, so
Think carefully about what your choice will be.
OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what the
Researchers say about you... SCROLL DOWN---No Cheating
1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all
Warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you
Need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others
Perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.
2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are
A champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When
Tempers flare up you whip out your saber. You are always the
Oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend
To be very loyal.
3.. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your
Hands, you are an excellent caregiver and a good teacher.
But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of
A diva at times, you set your own style because you do your
Own thing. You shine when it comes to helping others and
Have many friends.
4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy,
Humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and
Lacking motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but
You are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in
Making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.
5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving. You care
About other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect
The same in return. Intuitively keen. You can be very
Emotional at times but a true person in every way. You like
To do things for yourself and help others learn about
Themselves.
6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING-- Sexy; always ready
To give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious,
And passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but
Are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not
Settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.
7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball,
Football,basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like
To participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't
Like to give up the remote control. You tend to be
Self-centered and high maintenance.
8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who
Likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang
Out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a
Little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. You
Were meant to lead and teach others. A wonderful role model.
SEND TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.....
Front of you, which would you choose (sorry, you can only
Pick one)! Trust me...this is very accurate. Pick your
Dessert, and then look to see what psychiatrists think about You.
REMEMBER - No Cheating. Make your choice before you check The meaning.
Here are your choices:
1. Angel Food Cake
2. Brownies
3. Lemon Meringue Pie
4. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing
5. Strawberry Short Cake
6. Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing
7. Ice Cream
8. Carrot Cake
No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down, so
Think carefully about what your choice will be.
OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what the
Researchers say about you... SCROLL DOWN---No Cheating
1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all
Warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you
Need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others
Perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.
2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are
A champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When
Tempers flare up you whip out your saber. You are always the
Oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend
To be very loyal.
3.. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your
Hands, you are an excellent caregiver and a good teacher.
But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of
A diva at times, you set your own style because you do your
Own thing. You shine when it comes to helping others and
Have many friends.
4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy,
Humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and
Lacking motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but
You are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in
Making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.
5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving. You care
About other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect
The same in return. Intuitively keen. You can be very
Emotional at times but a true person in every way. You like
To do things for yourself and help others learn about
Themselves.
6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING-- Sexy; always ready
To give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious,
And passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but
Are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not
Settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.
7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball,
Football,basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like
To participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't
Like to give up the remote control. You tend to be
Self-centered and high maintenance.
8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who
Likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang
Out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a
Little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. You
Were meant to lead and teach others. A wonderful role model.
SEND TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.....
Brothel parrot has new home ( JOKE )
A woman went to a pet shop & immediately
spotted a large, beautiful parrot..
There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00.
'Why so little,' she asked the pet store owner.
The owner looked at her and said,
'Look, I should tell you first that this bird used to live in a house of Prostitution
and sometimes it says some pretty vulgar stuff.'
The woman thought about this, but decided
she had to have the bird any way.
She took it home and hung the bird's cage up
in her living room and waited for it to say something.
The bird looked around the room, then at her, and said,
'New house, new madam.'
The woman was a bit shocked at the implication,
but then thought 'that's really not so bad.'
When her 2 teenage daughters returned from school
the bird saw and said,
'New house, new madam, new girls.'
The girls and the woman were a bit offended
but then began to laugh about the situation
considering how and where the parrot had been raised.
Moments later, the woman's husband Keith
came home from work.
The bird looked at him and said, 'Hi Keith'
spotted a large, beautiful parrot..
There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00.
'Why so little,' she asked the pet store owner.
The owner looked at her and said,
'Look, I should tell you first that this bird used to live in a house of Prostitution
and sometimes it says some pretty vulgar stuff.'
The woman thought about this, but decided
she had to have the bird any way.
She took it home and hung the bird's cage up
in her living room and waited for it to say something.
The bird looked around the room, then at her, and said,
'New house, new madam.'
The woman was a bit shocked at the implication,
but then thought 'that's really not so bad.'
When her 2 teenage daughters returned from school
the bird saw and said,
'New house, new madam, new girls.'
The girls and the woman were a bit offended
but then began to laugh about the situation
considering how and where the parrot had been raised.
Moments later, the woman's husband Keith
came home from work.
The bird looked at him and said, 'Hi Keith'
A NOTE TO PASS ON
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
There is an Angel sent to watch over you.
In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over. An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart To handle yourself, use your head.. To handle others, use your heart.
God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
The treasure inside is precious to me Today I share this
treasure with thee It's the treasure of friendship you've given me.
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
There is an Angel sent to watch over you.
In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over. An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart To handle yourself, use your head.. To handle others, use your heart.
God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
The treasure inside is precious to me Today I share this
treasure with thee It's the treasure of friendship you've given me.
A TRUE STORY
This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.
Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.
It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.
He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the
restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.'
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers.
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.
Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared
the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.
Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.
I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.
It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.
He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the
restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.'
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers.
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.
Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared
the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
A THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Don't take it or yourself too seriously—it's just life. You're allowed to make mistakes, screw things up and fall down (which everyone does and always will.
KISS THOSE DIETING BLUES GOODBYE!
There is emerging evidence that two all-natural plant extracts can help you ignite your metabolism, promote your body's natural ability to burn fat, encourage weight loss, and perhaps best of all...it can help you manage stress and improve your mood!
Over 25,000 men and women around the globe are using this time-tested method to help shed unwanted pounds. Without starvation. Without misery. Learn how to boost your energy and wipe away the dieting "blues."
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...and another thing Your team has had a dismal day and is losing by 50 points. With the stands nearly empty and just six seconds to play, one of your guys scores a touchdown. Yay?
Kind of sad, hardly anything to celebrate, but at least it's something.
That's the image that came to mind when I read about a new study that shows a reduced risk of bowel cancer in women who use synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
But in this case, it's not even "at least something." It's really nothing.
A quick recap: It's 2002 and the Women's Health Initiative comes to a screeching halt years ahead of schedule when WHI officials determine that subjects in the study who are taking the drug are at increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack.
Of course, eight years later and synthetic HRT is still on the market, mostly used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. But these days the general recommendation is that women should take the drug for the shortest time possible to avoid very risky side effects.
The new study, from the University of North Carolina, shows that women who use HRT reduce their risk of one specific type of bowel cancer. More importantly, risk lowers when the drug is used over long periods.
So to cut your risk of just this one type of cancer by one- quarter, you'd need to take the drug for four years. But to cut risk by two-thirds, you'd have to take it for 15 years. Um... Yay?
Will someone please just put synthetic HRT out of its misery already? Stop the absurd studies, get this dangerous stuff off the market, and be DONE with it!
The time is seriously past due.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Over 25,000 men and women around the globe are using this time-tested method to help shed unwanted pounds. Without starvation. Without misery. Learn how to boost your energy and wipe away the dieting "blues."
http://clicks.hsibaltimore.com//t/AQ/AAFqXQ/AAFwxQ/AAGjqQ/AQ/AkGzZw/-qSl
...and another thing Your team has had a dismal day and is losing by 50 points. With the stands nearly empty and just six seconds to play, one of your guys scores a touchdown. Yay?
Kind of sad, hardly anything to celebrate, but at least it's something.
That's the image that came to mind when I read about a new study that shows a reduced risk of bowel cancer in women who use synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
But in this case, it's not even "at least something." It's really nothing.
A quick recap: It's 2002 and the Women's Health Initiative comes to a screeching halt years ahead of schedule when WHI officials determine that subjects in the study who are taking the drug are at increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack.
Of course, eight years later and synthetic HRT is still on the market, mostly used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. But these days the general recommendation is that women should take the drug for the shortest time possible to avoid very risky side effects.
The new study, from the University of North Carolina, shows that women who use HRT reduce their risk of one specific type of bowel cancer. More importantly, risk lowers when the drug is used over long periods.
So to cut your risk of just this one type of cancer by one- quarter, you'd need to take the drug for four years. But to cut risk by two-thirds, you'd have to take it for 15 years. Um... Yay?
Will someone please just put synthetic HRT out of its misery already? Stop the absurd studies, get this dangerous stuff off the market, and be DONE with it!
The time is seriously past due.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
A DOCTOR TALKS ABOUT MEMORY
That's the question many family members of dementia patients wonder when it's time to visit their loved ones who've lost their short-term memory.
Why visit when the patient's memory of the visit will fade almost immediately?
A good feeling
Memories and emotions are deeply tied. So it's not surprising that the area of the brain that controls emotion (the limbic system) contains the hippocampus where information is converted into memory.
Also not surprising: the hippocampus is usually damaged in patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
This produces a disturbing effect. Long-term memories are accessible, but new memories can't be processed. So a patient with a damaged hippocampus can remember an old friend, but can't remember that the friend paid a visit just an hour ago.
Even so, the visit still leaves an imprint on the limbic system.
University of Iowa researchers explored this phenomenon with a two-part experiment.
In part one, a group of patients (all with hippocampus damage) were shown sad film clips, such as the scene in Forrest Gump where Forrest is alone and crying at his wife's grave. These clips produced strong reactions, bringing some of the patients to tears.
Within 30 minutes of the last clip, all the patients had forgotten they'd watched the clips. But their sadness still lingered.
In the Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, the authors of the study write, "The patients continued to experience elevated levels of sadness well beyond the point in time at which they had lost factual memory for the film clips."
Part two of the study followed the same design, but this time the film clips were funny or inspiring. And the basic result was the same. Within minutes, the film clips were forgotten, but good feelings remained long after.
In an NPR report about the study, Justin Feinstein, leader of the UI team, offered this advice for caretakers: "Telling them a simple joke, calling them up on the phone, giving them a visit, could actually have these enormous positive benefits."
In the e-Alert "Take Good Care" (11/17/10), I told you about my friend Betty, a diabetic since childhood, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia at age 51.
Like the patients in the Iowa study, Betty's hippocampus is damaged so her short-term memory lasts only a few minutes. She now lives in an excellent assisted living facility where family members, such as her husband Donald, are invited to special events such as barbeques, ice cream socials and karaoke parties.
When I talked to Donald and told him about the Iowa study, he was impressed and agreed completely with the results. Betty never remembers the special events, but her spirits are lifted for hours afterward.
He agrees that Feinstein's advice is sound: On days when no events are planned, the length of the visit isn't important, as long as the mood is as positive and upbeat as possible.
Why visit when the patient's memory of the visit will fade almost immediately?
A good feeling
Memories and emotions are deeply tied. So it's not surprising that the area of the brain that controls emotion (the limbic system) contains the hippocampus where information is converted into memory.
Also not surprising: the hippocampus is usually damaged in patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
This produces a disturbing effect. Long-term memories are accessible, but new memories can't be processed. So a patient with a damaged hippocampus can remember an old friend, but can't remember that the friend paid a visit just an hour ago.
Even so, the visit still leaves an imprint on the limbic system.
University of Iowa researchers explored this phenomenon with a two-part experiment.
In part one, a group of patients (all with hippocampus damage) were shown sad film clips, such as the scene in Forrest Gump where Forrest is alone and crying at his wife's grave. These clips produced strong reactions, bringing some of the patients to tears.
Within 30 minutes of the last clip, all the patients had forgotten they'd watched the clips. But their sadness still lingered.
In the Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, the authors of the study write, "The patients continued to experience elevated levels of sadness well beyond the point in time at which they had lost factual memory for the film clips."
Part two of the study followed the same design, but this time the film clips were funny or inspiring. And the basic result was the same. Within minutes, the film clips were forgotten, but good feelings remained long after.
In an NPR report about the study, Justin Feinstein, leader of the UI team, offered this advice for caretakers: "Telling them a simple joke, calling them up on the phone, giving them a visit, could actually have these enormous positive benefits."
In the e-Alert "Take Good Care" (11/17/10), I told you about my friend Betty, a diabetic since childhood, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia at age 51.
Like the patients in the Iowa study, Betty's hippocampus is damaged so her short-term memory lasts only a few minutes. She now lives in an excellent assisted living facility where family members, such as her husband Donald, are invited to special events such as barbeques, ice cream socials and karaoke parties.
When I talked to Donald and told him about the Iowa study, he was impressed and agreed completely with the results. Betty never remembers the special events, but her spirits are lifted for hours afterward.
He agrees that Feinstein's advice is sound: On days when no events are planned, the length of the visit isn't important, as long as the mood is as positive and upbeat as possible.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
GOD OUR FATHER
WALK THROUGH MY HOUSE
AND TAKE AWAY ALL MY WORRIES AND ILLNESSES;
AND PLEASE WATCH OVER AND HEAL MY FAMILY
IN JESUS ' NAME. AMEN
WALK THROUGH MY HOUSE
AND TAKE AWAY ALL MY WORRIES AND ILLNESSES;
AND PLEASE WATCH OVER AND HEAL MY FAMILY
IN JESUS ' NAME. AMEN
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
5 Ways to Get Paid for Protecting the Environment
Did you know that you can make some green by going green?
While recycling, saving energy and other kinds of eco-friendly actions are good habits on their own, a growing number of organizations are offering economic incentives to those who opt for greener ways to live their lives.
"I think basically anything that helps increase recycling is a good thing," said Darby Hoover, senior resource specialist for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The incentives certainly work."
From organizations that pay money for certain kinds of recyclable items to reward programs that give points that can be redeemed in grocery stores or pharmacies, she said incentive-based programs are shifting the thinking on recycling and leading to results.
Related
"All of those things seem to capture the interest of the public and get them interested a little more than just the bins do," she said.
Here are five programs you might want to check out:
RecycleBank
In more than 300 communities in 26 states, RecycleBank rewards recyclers by the pound.
A microchip attached to recycling bins tracks how much each household recycles. Those pounds of recycled material translate into points that can be redeemed at a variety of retail partners, including Bed, Bath & Beyond and CVS pharmacies.
"The idea is that while we all would love to recycle, and many people do, a lot of people need to be incentive to do it," said Melody Serafino, a spokeswoman for RecycleBank. "In this economy, offering people valuable rewards for doing something good and green is really beneficial."
She said each pound of recycled material equals 2.5 points and the average household accumulates about $400 worth of points in one year.
RecycleBank already partners with Chicago, Phoenix, Houston and Hartford and will launch a pilot program with Los Angeles later this month. The service has already diverted 208,317 tons from the waste stream and saved 5.1 million trees, Serafino said.
TerraCycle
About 65,000 locations across the country are working with TerraCycle to turn non-recyclable waste into useful products, while earning money in the process.
While recycling waste, saving energy and other kinds of eco-friendly actions are good ideas on their own, a growing number of organizations are offering economic incentives to those who opt for greener ways to live their lives.
(Getty Images)The site collects a wide range of waste – from chip bags to empty glue containers to juice packs– and then uses those raw materials to create backpacks, cork boards, decorations and more.
Those products are sold in a variety of U.S. retailers, but for the month of April (Earth Month), Walmart has agreed to sell 60 products in stores across the country.
Although the service is open to anyone, all donations must end up in the hands of school or nonprofit. Those who contribute receive 2 cents for every item they submit. The payoff may sound small, but it adds up.
Since the beginning of 2009, the site has donated more than $500,000 to charities, said Albe Zake, vice president of media relations for TerraCycle.
"One of our goals is to make going green really easy and fun and profitable, so that people will want to do it," Zake said.
Recycle Electronics for Cash
Is an old iPod or computer gathering dust in a closet? Are you hoping to retire a cell phone?
You can make some money off those electronics by recycling them through sites like YouRenew, BuyMyTronics or Gazelle.
According to the EPA, more than 40 million computers alone became obsolete in 2007, and the numbers keep rising. But electronics recycling services make it easy to help keep those numbers down.
YouRenew, for example, covers the cost of shipping your electronics, and, depending on the condition of the item, will send you a check that could be upwards of $100.
EarthAid
If you want an incentive to save energy and water at home, take a look at EarthAid.
The Washington-based service uses software to track your electricity, natural gas and water consumption. After it determines a baseline for you (using past consumption), the service awards points for each kilowatt-hour of electricity, ten cubic feet of natural gas or 20 gallons of water saved relative to that baseline.
Those points can be redeemed at local businesses across the country. (The service is free of charge, but EarthAid says it must track your consumption for a year (to establish a baseline) before it can start awarding points.)
Greenopolis
Greenopolis gives green-leaning consumers a range of ways to earn rewards for recycling.
The interactive Web site lets anyone contribute blog posts and ideas to the site for points that can be redeemed at local restaurants and entertainment venues.
But it also has an "on-street" element to complement the online piece.
Through its GreenOps program, people can take beverage containers to select Whole Foods stores to earn Greenopolis points or coupons that can be redeemed at some WholeFoods locations.
About 68 Whole Foods across the country currently host GreenOps kiosks, but in the next six months, the company said hundreds of kiosks are expected to launch in Whole Foods and other locations nationwide.
"Putting stuff curbside is great -- it's fantastic. We think it's got to be a huge part of the solution," said Paul Ligon, managing director of GreenOps. But about 40 percent of the U.S. population doesn't have access to curbside recycling, he said.
For those communities – and the rest of us who could benefit from more on-the-go recycling options – he said Greenopolis provides another approach.
"It's an open platform for consumers, producers and any others interested in moving the dial on recycling," said Ligon.
While recycling, saving energy and other kinds of eco-friendly actions are good habits on their own, a growing number of organizations are offering economic incentives to those who opt for greener ways to live their lives.
"I think basically anything that helps increase recycling is a good thing," said Darby Hoover, senior resource specialist for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The incentives certainly work."
From organizations that pay money for certain kinds of recyclable items to reward programs that give points that can be redeemed in grocery stores or pharmacies, she said incentive-based programs are shifting the thinking on recycling and leading to results.
Related
"All of those things seem to capture the interest of the public and get them interested a little more than just the bins do," she said.
Here are five programs you might want to check out:
RecycleBank
In more than 300 communities in 26 states, RecycleBank rewards recyclers by the pound.
A microchip attached to recycling bins tracks how much each household recycles. Those pounds of recycled material translate into points that can be redeemed at a variety of retail partners, including Bed, Bath & Beyond and CVS pharmacies.
"The idea is that while we all would love to recycle, and many people do, a lot of people need to be incentive to do it," said Melody Serafino, a spokeswoman for RecycleBank. "In this economy, offering people valuable rewards for doing something good and green is really beneficial."
She said each pound of recycled material equals 2.5 points and the average household accumulates about $400 worth of points in one year.
RecycleBank already partners with Chicago, Phoenix, Houston and Hartford and will launch a pilot program with Los Angeles later this month. The service has already diverted 208,317 tons from the waste stream and saved 5.1 million trees, Serafino said.
TerraCycle
About 65,000 locations across the country are working with TerraCycle to turn non-recyclable waste into useful products, while earning money in the process.
While recycling waste, saving energy and other kinds of eco-friendly actions are good ideas on their own, a growing number of organizations are offering economic incentives to those who opt for greener ways to live their lives.
(Getty Images)The site collects a wide range of waste – from chip bags to empty glue containers to juice packs– and then uses those raw materials to create backpacks, cork boards, decorations and more.
Those products are sold in a variety of U.S. retailers, but for the month of April (Earth Month), Walmart has agreed to sell 60 products in stores across the country.
Although the service is open to anyone, all donations must end up in the hands of school or nonprofit. Those who contribute receive 2 cents for every item they submit. The payoff may sound small, but it adds up.
Since the beginning of 2009, the site has donated more than $500,000 to charities, said Albe Zake, vice president of media relations for TerraCycle.
"One of our goals is to make going green really easy and fun and profitable, so that people will want to do it," Zake said.
Recycle Electronics for Cash
Is an old iPod or computer gathering dust in a closet? Are you hoping to retire a cell phone?
You can make some money off those electronics by recycling them through sites like YouRenew, BuyMyTronics or Gazelle.
According to the EPA, more than 40 million computers alone became obsolete in 2007, and the numbers keep rising. But electronics recycling services make it easy to help keep those numbers down.
YouRenew, for example, covers the cost of shipping your electronics, and, depending on the condition of the item, will send you a check that could be upwards of $100.
EarthAid
If you want an incentive to save energy and water at home, take a look at EarthAid.
The Washington-based service uses software to track your electricity, natural gas and water consumption. After it determines a baseline for you (using past consumption), the service awards points for each kilowatt-hour of electricity, ten cubic feet of natural gas or 20 gallons of water saved relative to that baseline.
Those points can be redeemed at local businesses across the country. (The service is free of charge, but EarthAid says it must track your consumption for a year (to establish a baseline) before it can start awarding points.)
Greenopolis
Greenopolis gives green-leaning consumers a range of ways to earn rewards for recycling.
The interactive Web site lets anyone contribute blog posts and ideas to the site for points that can be redeemed at local restaurants and entertainment venues.
But it also has an "on-street" element to complement the online piece.
Through its GreenOps program, people can take beverage containers to select Whole Foods stores to earn Greenopolis points or coupons that can be redeemed at some WholeFoods locations.
About 68 Whole Foods across the country currently host GreenOps kiosks, but in the next six months, the company said hundreds of kiosks are expected to launch in Whole Foods and other locations nationwide.
"Putting stuff curbside is great -- it's fantastic. We think it's got to be a huge part of the solution," said Paul Ligon, managing director of GreenOps. But about 40 percent of the U.S. population doesn't have access to curbside recycling, he said.
For those communities – and the rest of us who could benefit from more on-the-go recycling options – he said Greenopolis provides another approach.
"It's an open platform for consumers, producers and any others interested in moving the dial on recycling," said Ligon.
Article: What Do You Want Out of Life? - By Willie Horton
Is it possible that your life is not the joyful, effortless, successful, happy and carefree promenade that your heart desires because, in fact, you haven't really got the first clue what your heart truly desires at all? I've been working with personal development or self improvement clients since the beginning of 1996. In my experience, almost nobody has ever given any thought to what they actually want out of life. Few have stopped to reflect on what their priorities are in life and for the few that actually have it's often a wasted exercise because they might say things like family, health, fitness, holidays and good times are their priorities but the daily facts of their lives provide directly contradictory evidence.
The fact is that so-called normal people -- you and I -- are not in a position to know what we truly want out of life. We are programmed and subsumed by the norms of happiness and success that abound. These norms have been tacitly agreed on by normal people -- but seventy years' research proves that normal people are stark raving mad. These "success norms" are normally comparative and competitive -- "My house is bigger than yours", "He's got a bigger car than me", "The neighbours go on better holidays" (these are all real quotes, by the way) -- and these are the norms that have got the world economy into the trouble in which it now finds itself. The few people who were positioned to get more and more and more, got more and more and more -- and, in the end, it's done no one any good.
But, more importantly, having been raised "normal", having been educated "normal", having found our place as adults in "normal" society, if someone were to ask you what your true definition of success were, if someone were to ask you what would provide you with ongoing personal happiness and success, you probably wouldn't be able to give anything other than a "normal" crazy answer. That normal-crazy answer would approximate to what you want or, more to the point, what you think you want based on the norms of success and happiness. Indeed, as an important aside, it's worth considering the case of one of my clients who, all his professional life, aspired to being the National Sales Director of a financial institution. On the day he achieved his goal he called me, saying "I've got to the top of the hill and, not only do I not like the view, I think I climbed the wrong hill!" The point is that your perception of what you think you want would not relate to either what you need or what might be best for you -- points that I will come back to a little later.
For now, let's take it that you think that you know what you want. If research, my own work with my clients and, indeed, my own personal perspective are anything to go by, what you think you want now would be different to what you think you wanted six months or a year ago. The point is that most normal people keep changing their minds about what they want or about what would turn them on. Routine, familiarity and boredom too often intervene to make the normal person restless and unfocused. Most people stay at anything long enough to make a success of it, their minds bouncing all over the place in terms of wants and goals. It is part of the normal human condition to be easily distracted and sidetracked. As a result, even if we do think we know what we want out of life, it is such a moveable feast as to be unobtainable. On the other hand, truly successful people are focused, single-minded, determined and committed -- and in it for the long haul.
If you are to be abnormally successful, you have to approach the task of both setting your mind and committing to your goals in an abnormal fashion. The first requirement is time for reflection -- to evaluate the things that are truly important to you and the things that will bring about lasting happiness and success. You might reflect on how you would direct your energies if you knew that your allotted time in this life were finite -- which, of course, it is. You might reflect on what you would regret not having done or achieved if that allotted time were to end tonight. In other words, you might prioritize the key aspects of your life as they relate to contentment, peace of mind, happiness and success.
It then might dawn on you that what you need and what is best for you doesn't quite fit with the normal definitions of happiness and success. When I mention this to my clients, they believe that I am using the word "needs" in the normal manner. I am not. All spiritual traditions talk of the purpose of life as being to live it to the full -- now. "Needs" are not the basics of life, they are not what is required to exist at a level of subsistence. "Needs" and, indeed, what's "best for you" are the things that will set you up for both success and happiness, the things that will enable you truly live life to the full. With that in mind, in reflective mode, you might redefine your thoughts on what you actually need out of life. Having done that, you then need to stick to your guns, not allowing yourself to be distracted by normal ideas or the latest trends.
The fact is that so-called normal people -- you and I -- are not in a position to know what we truly want out of life. We are programmed and subsumed by the norms of happiness and success that abound. These norms have been tacitly agreed on by normal people -- but seventy years' research proves that normal people are stark raving mad. These "success norms" are normally comparative and competitive -- "My house is bigger than yours", "He's got a bigger car than me", "The neighbours go on better holidays" (these are all real quotes, by the way) -- and these are the norms that have got the world economy into the trouble in which it now finds itself. The few people who were positioned to get more and more and more, got more and more and more -- and, in the end, it's done no one any good.
But, more importantly, having been raised "normal", having been educated "normal", having found our place as adults in "normal" society, if someone were to ask you what your true definition of success were, if someone were to ask you what would provide you with ongoing personal happiness and success, you probably wouldn't be able to give anything other than a "normal" crazy answer. That normal-crazy answer would approximate to what you want or, more to the point, what you think you want based on the norms of success and happiness. Indeed, as an important aside, it's worth considering the case of one of my clients who, all his professional life, aspired to being the National Sales Director of a financial institution. On the day he achieved his goal he called me, saying "I've got to the top of the hill and, not only do I not like the view, I think I climbed the wrong hill!" The point is that your perception of what you think you want would not relate to either what you need or what might be best for you -- points that I will come back to a little later.
For now, let's take it that you think that you know what you want. If research, my own work with my clients and, indeed, my own personal perspective are anything to go by, what you think you want now would be different to what you think you wanted six months or a year ago. The point is that most normal people keep changing their minds about what they want or about what would turn them on. Routine, familiarity and boredom too often intervene to make the normal person restless and unfocused. Most people stay at anything long enough to make a success of it, their minds bouncing all over the place in terms of wants and goals. It is part of the normal human condition to be easily distracted and sidetracked. As a result, even if we do think we know what we want out of life, it is such a moveable feast as to be unobtainable. On the other hand, truly successful people are focused, single-minded, determined and committed -- and in it for the long haul.
If you are to be abnormally successful, you have to approach the task of both setting your mind and committing to your goals in an abnormal fashion. The first requirement is time for reflection -- to evaluate the things that are truly important to you and the things that will bring about lasting happiness and success. You might reflect on how you would direct your energies if you knew that your allotted time in this life were finite -- which, of course, it is. You might reflect on what you would regret not having done or achieved if that allotted time were to end tonight. In other words, you might prioritize the key aspects of your life as they relate to contentment, peace of mind, happiness and success.
It then might dawn on you that what you need and what is best for you doesn't quite fit with the normal definitions of happiness and success. When I mention this to my clients, they believe that I am using the word "needs" in the normal manner. I am not. All spiritual traditions talk of the purpose of life as being to live it to the full -- now. "Needs" are not the basics of life, they are not what is required to exist at a level of subsistence. "Needs" and, indeed, what's "best for you" are the things that will set you up for both success and happiness, the things that will enable you truly live life to the full. With that in mind, in reflective mode, you might redefine your thoughts on what you actually need out of life. Having done that, you then need to stick to your guns, not allowing yourself to be distracted by normal ideas or the latest trends.
AND YET ANOTHER THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act, even when it has worked and he has not been caught.
AND ANOTHER THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.
ANOTHER THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882
There is a kind of fat that you don’t see. It’s toxic and it’s deadly.
Visceral fat is internal fat. It wraps around organs like your heart, liver, and kidneys. It fills up all the space in your abdominal cavity, so there’s no room left for your organs, nerves, and vessels to function properly.
It’s far more dangerous to your health than subcutaneous fat, which lies right beneath your skin. Subcutaneous fat is what you poke at and pinch. Like the “spare tire” you get around your middle.
Visceral fat is a storehouse for toxins that pump directly into your body. When you have too much visceral fat, you can almost guarantee you’ll develop heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Too much of it produces excess secretion of a substance called adipokine. This causes body-wide inflammation that leads to these diseases.1
You don’t have to be overweight to have it. Over 30 million normal-weight Americans have high levels of visceral fat. You can be perfectly thin on the outside and fat on the inside.
You see, your body gets to choose the type of fuel it burns during exercise. And any time you exercise at a medium pace for a long time, your body chooses fat as its fuel.
While that may sound like a good thing, it’s really the worst thing you can do. You don’t want to use fat during exercise, because it’s telling your body that you need fat for fuel. Your body hears, “Make more fat!” and it delivers. So, once you’re done exercising, your body continues to make fat and tuck it around your organs. Now you have even more fat to use as an energy source the next time you jump on the treadmill.
A much better way to get rid of deadly visceral fat is short-burst exercise. I use this principle in all of my exercise programs for my patients at my clinic.
Here’s the point you need to know …
Real fat burning doesn’t take place during exercise. It takes place after you exercise, as you recover. We call this “the afterburn,” and it’s one of the keys to PACE.
Short-burst exercise is simply short periods of exertion followed by rest. You start at the intensity and speed that’s right for you and gradually increase it until you’re breathing heavily. Then you stop and recover.
Short-burst exercise tells your body that you don’t have to make more fat and squirrel it away for the next time. You’re not going to exercise long enough to use it for fuel, so why make more fat?
Instead, when you keep your sessions brief, you use carbs for fuel during exercise and then use fat long afterward. Ten to 12 minutes is all you need to rev up your metabolism. Then, during times of rest, your metabolism burns up your visceral fat.
Visceral fat disappears very quickly when you exercise this way. When you follow this plan instead of doing hours of cardio, you burn up to 9 times the fat for every calorie burned.2
You can choose any form of exercise you like. It can be calisthenics or as simple as walking. The key is to start where you’re comfortable and build from there. Here’s a routine you can try at home:
1. Begin walking for a few minutes at a comfortable pace to warm up.
2. Increase the pace and lengthen your strides. Let your body adapt.
3. Now step up the pace until you’re breathing heavy. Keep up the pace for 2-3 minutes.
4. Now recover. Keep track of how long it takes your heart rate to return to normal.
5. Once your heart rate drops down, do another set. Do this between 2 and 5 times, depending on how you feel.
Combine your short-burst exercise program with a high-protein, low-glycemic diet. You’ll get the best results this way.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
It’s far more dangerous to your health than subcutaneous fat, which lies right beneath your skin. Subcutaneous fat is what you poke at and pinch. Like the “spare tire” you get around your middle.
Visceral fat is a storehouse for toxins that pump directly into your body. When you have too much visceral fat, you can almost guarantee you’ll develop heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Too much of it produces excess secretion of a substance called adipokine. This causes body-wide inflammation that leads to these diseases.1
You don’t have to be overweight to have it. Over 30 million normal-weight Americans have high levels of visceral fat. You can be perfectly thin on the outside and fat on the inside.
You see, your body gets to choose the type of fuel it burns during exercise. And any time you exercise at a medium pace for a long time, your body chooses fat as its fuel.
While that may sound like a good thing, it’s really the worst thing you can do. You don’t want to use fat during exercise, because it’s telling your body that you need fat for fuel. Your body hears, “Make more fat!” and it delivers. So, once you’re done exercising, your body continues to make fat and tuck it around your organs. Now you have even more fat to use as an energy source the next time you jump on the treadmill.
A much better way to get rid of deadly visceral fat is short-burst exercise. I use this principle in all of my exercise programs for my patients at my clinic.
Here’s the point you need to know …
Real fat burning doesn’t take place during exercise. It takes place after you exercise, as you recover. We call this “the afterburn,” and it’s one of the keys to PACE.
Short-burst exercise is simply short periods of exertion followed by rest. You start at the intensity and speed that’s right for you and gradually increase it until you’re breathing heavily. Then you stop and recover.
Short-burst exercise tells your body that you don’t have to make more fat and squirrel it away for the next time. You’re not going to exercise long enough to use it for fuel, so why make more fat?
Instead, when you keep your sessions brief, you use carbs for fuel during exercise and then use fat long afterward. Ten to 12 minutes is all you need to rev up your metabolism. Then, during times of rest, your metabolism burns up your visceral fat.
Visceral fat disappears very quickly when you exercise this way. When you follow this plan instead of doing hours of cardio, you burn up to 9 times the fat for every calorie burned.2
You can choose any form of exercise you like. It can be calisthenics or as simple as walking. The key is to start where you’re comfortable and build from there. Here’s a routine you can try at home:
1. Begin walking for a few minutes at a comfortable pace to warm up.
2. Increase the pace and lengthen your strides. Let your body adapt.
3. Now step up the pace until you’re breathing heavy. Keep up the pace for 2-3 minutes.
4. Now recover. Keep track of how long it takes your heart rate to return to normal.
5. Once your heart rate drops down, do another set. Do this between 2 and 5 times, depending on how you feel.
Combine your short-burst exercise program with a high-protein, low-glycemic diet. You’ll get the best results this way.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
Strategist Daley: Stocks May Plunge 40 Percent
By: Dan Weil
Stocks may soon suffer a plunge, because the economic rebound stems from massive government stimulus that is unsustainable, says Kirby Daley, strategist at Newedge Group.
"Right now we're enjoying the confluence of the implementation of massive stimulus, massive monetary stimulus as well as fiscal, around the world," he says.
"I don't believe we have 30 percent upside from here, I certainly believe we are at risk of 30 to 40 percent downside."
Many investors are enthusiastic over the global rebound from recession, including a 5.6 percent expansion in the United States during the fourth quarter.
Daley isn’t.
"Every economic statistic that we're seeing now in the world has been bought," he told CNBC.
"The difference is this time we're buying them largely on credit, and that credit has to be paid back. It's not leading to a self-sustaining cycle of recovery, which is key."
The world is benefiting from mammoth monetary and fiscal stimulus, Daley points out.
"We're enjoying it right now. But when we have to pay the piper . . . as the debt problems continue to come out, that will weigh on growth, that will weigh on earnings, and markets will adjust."
Many experts question whether stocks will keep rising.
“Investors want . . . to achieve certainty (on earnings), so they know the money they put in now isn’t going to come back to bite them in a few months,” Jake Dollarhide of Longbow Asset Management, told The New York Times.
Stocks may soon suffer a plunge, because the economic rebound stems from massive government stimulus that is unsustainable, says Kirby Daley, strategist at Newedge Group.
"Right now we're enjoying the confluence of the implementation of massive stimulus, massive monetary stimulus as well as fiscal, around the world," he says.
"I don't believe we have 30 percent upside from here, I certainly believe we are at risk of 30 to 40 percent downside."
Many investors are enthusiastic over the global rebound from recession, including a 5.6 percent expansion in the United States during the fourth quarter.
Daley isn’t.
"Every economic statistic that we're seeing now in the world has been bought," he told CNBC.
"The difference is this time we're buying them largely on credit, and that credit has to be paid back. It's not leading to a self-sustaining cycle of recovery, which is key."
The world is benefiting from mammoth monetary and fiscal stimulus, Daley points out.
"We're enjoying it right now. But when we have to pay the piper . . . as the debt problems continue to come out, that will weigh on growth, that will weigh on earnings, and markets will adjust."
Many experts question whether stocks will keep rising.
“Investors want . . . to achieve certainty (on earnings), so they know the money they put in now isn’t going to come back to bite them in a few months,” Jake Dollarhide of Longbow Asset Management, told The New York Times.
Are Bagels Bad for Your Heart?
When we think of an artery-clogging diet, we usually think of fattening foods like fried chicken, filet mignon and French fries. And for good reason: saturated fat has been cited as a major culprit in heart disease. But, according to a new study on heart disease published in this week’s Archives of Internal Medicine, it’s not the only one.
Turns out, women who eat a diet that’s high in simple carbohydrates like plain bagels, white rice and baked potatoes are more than twice as likely to develop heart disease than women who don’t eat a lot of simple carbs. While we won’t go so far as to say that men get off completely scot-free, according to the study, conducted by the National Cancer Institute in Italy, men who ate the same carbohydrate-rich diet were not at the same risk of heart disease. No fair!
But don’t go dusting off your Atkins diet book just yet. All carbs do not have the same effect on the body. The study showed that only carbohydrates with a high glycemic index (GI) are to blame. The glycemic index measures a food’s impact on our blood sugar, or glucose, levels. The higher the food’s glycemic number, the more our blood sugar levels skyrocket after eating it. In general, complex carbs like whole grains and fruit do not wreak havoc on our glucose, and are okay to eat. It’s the sugary and refined foods like doughnuts and pasta that we have to watch out for.
Consuming a lot of simple carbs appears to have a double-whammy effect on women’s heart health. It can boost the amount of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, while lowering our “good” HDL cholesterol. HDL helps keep our arteries clear by removing deposits of “bad” LDL cholesterol. Having high triglycerides don’t just increase your risk of heart disease, it’s also a strong predictor of stroke.
So why do men get to eat refined carbohydrates without worrying about their hearts? Researchers speculate that it has something to do with their hormones. Male sex hormones called androgens may keep carbohydrates from morphing into sugar at warp speeds. Female sex hormones, like estrogen, on the other hand, appear to speed the process up.
If you’re confused about what to eat, look to the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. It is loaded with lean protein such as fish, poultry and beans; nuts; fresh fruits and vegetables; and whole grains–all of which have low glycemic loads. Some nutrient-rich foods, like dried fruit, can make your blood sugar spike. To reduce their impact, try eating smaller portions with foods that take longer to digest. The Italians, for instance, have long known that the healthiest way to eat pasta is al dente (slightly undercooked) and served with chicken, beans and veggies.
Of course, the reason most of us turn to carbs is to feed our sugar cravings. For tasty ideas on how to satisfy your sweet tooth without hurting your heart,
These snacks get our hearts pumping, literally and figuratively. They're delicious alternatives to the ho-hum bag of chips or candy bar. Skip the drive-through or the candy aisle and load up on some heart-healthy snacks that will not only maintain your cardiovascular health, but may help you drop a few pounds as well.
1. Vegetables dipped in hummus.
Fresh vegetables are low in calories and have many antioxidants, and many have no fat with plenty of fiber to satiate you. Fiber has also been shown to lower cholesterol. Hummus, made from chick peas, is a great alternative protein without saturated fat.
2. Fruit skewered on a stick with a little dark chocolate for dipping.
Fruit has a variety of antioxidants to fight cancer and heart disease. Dark chocolate has a high concentration of flavinols, a type of antioxidant, to fight heart disease.
3. Half of a cantaloupe filled with fat free cottage cheese, a dash of cinnamon and some berries.
The cantaloupe and berries have antioxidants, and the fat-free cottage cheese fulfills a serving of dairy without the saturated fat.
4. Fat-free yogurt with fruit and a sprinkle of nuts.
Get another serving of dairy without saturated fat as well as antioxidants from fruit and unsaturated fat from the nuts.
5. Smoothies with silken tofu and berries plus a dash of grape juice or pomegranate juice.
Tofu is a great alternative protein source without saturated fat. Berries, grape juice and pomegranate juice have a high concentration of antioxidants.
Turns out, women who eat a diet that’s high in simple carbohydrates like plain bagels, white rice and baked potatoes are more than twice as likely to develop heart disease than women who don’t eat a lot of simple carbs. While we won’t go so far as to say that men get off completely scot-free, according to the study, conducted by the National Cancer Institute in Italy, men who ate the same carbohydrate-rich diet were not at the same risk of heart disease. No fair!
But don’t go dusting off your Atkins diet book just yet. All carbs do not have the same effect on the body. The study showed that only carbohydrates with a high glycemic index (GI) are to blame. The glycemic index measures a food’s impact on our blood sugar, or glucose, levels. The higher the food’s glycemic number, the more our blood sugar levels skyrocket after eating it. In general, complex carbs like whole grains and fruit do not wreak havoc on our glucose, and are okay to eat. It’s the sugary and refined foods like doughnuts and pasta that we have to watch out for.
Consuming a lot of simple carbs appears to have a double-whammy effect on women’s heart health. It can boost the amount of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, while lowering our “good” HDL cholesterol. HDL helps keep our arteries clear by removing deposits of “bad” LDL cholesterol. Having high triglycerides don’t just increase your risk of heart disease, it’s also a strong predictor of stroke.
So why do men get to eat refined carbohydrates without worrying about their hearts? Researchers speculate that it has something to do with their hormones. Male sex hormones called androgens may keep carbohydrates from morphing into sugar at warp speeds. Female sex hormones, like estrogen, on the other hand, appear to speed the process up.
If you’re confused about what to eat, look to the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. It is loaded with lean protein such as fish, poultry and beans; nuts; fresh fruits and vegetables; and whole grains–all of which have low glycemic loads. Some nutrient-rich foods, like dried fruit, can make your blood sugar spike. To reduce their impact, try eating smaller portions with foods that take longer to digest. The Italians, for instance, have long known that the healthiest way to eat pasta is al dente (slightly undercooked) and served with chicken, beans and veggies.
Of course, the reason most of us turn to carbs is to feed our sugar cravings. For tasty ideas on how to satisfy your sweet tooth without hurting your heart,
These snacks get our hearts pumping, literally and figuratively. They're delicious alternatives to the ho-hum bag of chips or candy bar. Skip the drive-through or the candy aisle and load up on some heart-healthy snacks that will not only maintain your cardiovascular health, but may help you drop a few pounds as well.
1. Vegetables dipped in hummus.
Fresh vegetables are low in calories and have many antioxidants, and many have no fat with plenty of fiber to satiate you. Fiber has also been shown to lower cholesterol. Hummus, made from chick peas, is a great alternative protein without saturated fat.
2. Fruit skewered on a stick with a little dark chocolate for dipping.
Fruit has a variety of antioxidants to fight cancer and heart disease. Dark chocolate has a high concentration of flavinols, a type of antioxidant, to fight heart disease.
3. Half of a cantaloupe filled with fat free cottage cheese, a dash of cinnamon and some berries.
The cantaloupe and berries have antioxidants, and the fat-free cottage cheese fulfills a serving of dairy without the saturated fat.
4. Fat-free yogurt with fruit and a sprinkle of nuts.
Get another serving of dairy without saturated fat as well as antioxidants from fruit and unsaturated fat from the nuts.
5. Smoothies with silken tofu and berries plus a dash of grape juice or pomegranate juice.
Tofu is a great alternative protein source without saturated fat. Berries, grape juice and pomegranate juice have a high concentration of antioxidants.
3 Ways Fruit Fuels Weight Loss
With the approach of warm weather comes another welcome perk—the arrival of fresh spring and summer fruit! Fruit not only has heart-healthy fiber, disease-fighting phytochemicals and no cholesterol, but eating fresh fruit is also a smart way to help you lose weight.
Why? Because fruits have low energy density, meaning they're high in water and fiber, which helps to fill you up and keep you full. Canned and dried fruit are higher in energy density than fresh fruit, so stick with what's seasonal or available at your grocery store or farmers' market for the healthiest choice. Summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and peaches are some of the top fruits for weight loss.
Here are three ways to get more fruit into your diet:
1. Eat apple slices during the day to prevent trips to the vending machine when hunger strikes.
2. If you eat at a chain restaurant, order a side of fruit instead of fries.
3. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You'll be more tempted to munch on an apple, banana or peach if you see it right in front of you.
ill the bread basket with fruit instead, and you’ve made a smart move. With heart-healthy fiber, disease-fighting phytochemicals and zero cholesterol, fruit is a delicious way to improve your health. And better yet, it may also help you lose weight. Read how:
Eating to lose
Research shows that following positive weight-loss messages or diets that promote eating more of a certain food provide better results than following negative messages or diets that promote eating less of a certain food.
The best weight-loss plans let you eat as much as you like while satisfying hunger and reducing calorie intake. The trick is to choose foods with a lower energy density, or fewer calories per gram weight of the food. The more water and fiber in a food, the lower its energy density, and the more it helps you stay full as you reduce your calories consumed.
One of the best ways to fill up on foods with low energy density is to eat more fruit. But not just any fruit will do. Canned fruit packed in heavy syrup has twice the energy density of canned fruit packed in light syrup. Dried fruit has four times the energy density of fresh fruit, because almost all the water has been removed. The best choice is fresh, whole fruit for the least amount of calories and the highest amount of fullness and satisfaction. The top fruits for weight loss include grapefruit, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), berries (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries), papaya and peach.
10 easy tricks to boost your fruit intake
According to MyPyramid.gov, women should aim for at least two cups of fruit per day; more if they're physically active. Here are some suggestions to help you boost your fruit intake to healthier levels and you might just lose a few pounds along the way.
We know you'd rather order the cheesecake, but we've come up with a fair compromise. Many restaurants serve fruit dishes with a tasty indulgence like a sugar cookie, a scoop of sorbet or a selection of cheeses on the side. Opt for that.
Feast away on apple slices throughout the day, and you'll be less tempted to hit up the vending machine to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Are late-night ice cream cravings your diet downfall? Snack on frozen grapes instead. They're sweet, crunchy and cold and they'll make you forget about that pint of Ben & Jerry's in your freezer.
When eating at fast-food chains, order a fruit cup instead of fries.
Doughnuts and bagels may be the usual morning snack at work, but wow your colleagues with a parfait of frozen berries, yogurt and low-fat granola.
If you usually eat chips with your lunchtime sandwich, try eating grapefruit instead. Peel and section a grapefruit in the morning before you go to work, and toss it in a plastic zipper bag.
Jazz up your breakfast by tossing a handful of berries on cold cereal or adding sliced peaches to oatmeal.
Need to whip up a tasty dinner party dish? Try making a fruity dessert. Slice strawberries and mix with raspberries and blueberries. Top with a quick syrup: Simmer 1/2 cup water with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon amaretto until reduced to 1/4 cup. Cool and pour over the fruit for an out-of-this-world finale.
Appetizers can be a dieter's downfall, packed with calories and loaded with fat. Amaze your friends with a delicious, colorful and low-calorie fruit kabob appetizer. Cut a variety of fruit to skewer on a bamboo stick, including red and green grapes, pineapple chunks, strawberries, sliced bananas, cubed pears…the sky is the limit! If preparing in advance, drizzle the fruit with lemon juice to prevent the bananas and pears from turning brown.
Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on your kitchen counter. You're more likely to grab an apple, tangerine or peach if it's in sight.
Why? Because fruits have low energy density, meaning they're high in water and fiber, which helps to fill you up and keep you full. Canned and dried fruit are higher in energy density than fresh fruit, so stick with what's seasonal or available at your grocery store or farmers' market for the healthiest choice. Summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and peaches are some of the top fruits for weight loss.
Here are three ways to get more fruit into your diet:
1. Eat apple slices during the day to prevent trips to the vending machine when hunger strikes.
2. If you eat at a chain restaurant, order a side of fruit instead of fries.
3. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You'll be more tempted to munch on an apple, banana or peach if you see it right in front of you.
ill the bread basket with fruit instead, and you’ve made a smart move. With heart-healthy fiber, disease-fighting phytochemicals and zero cholesterol, fruit is a delicious way to improve your health. And better yet, it may also help you lose weight. Read how:
Eating to lose
Research shows that following positive weight-loss messages or diets that promote eating more of a certain food provide better results than following negative messages or diets that promote eating less of a certain food.
The best weight-loss plans let you eat as much as you like while satisfying hunger and reducing calorie intake. The trick is to choose foods with a lower energy density, or fewer calories per gram weight of the food. The more water and fiber in a food, the lower its energy density, and the more it helps you stay full as you reduce your calories consumed.
One of the best ways to fill up on foods with low energy density is to eat more fruit. But not just any fruit will do. Canned fruit packed in heavy syrup has twice the energy density of canned fruit packed in light syrup. Dried fruit has four times the energy density of fresh fruit, because almost all the water has been removed. The best choice is fresh, whole fruit for the least amount of calories and the highest amount of fullness and satisfaction. The top fruits for weight loss include grapefruit, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), berries (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries), papaya and peach.
10 easy tricks to boost your fruit intake
According to MyPyramid.gov, women should aim for at least two cups of fruit per day; more if they're physically active. Here are some suggestions to help you boost your fruit intake to healthier levels and you might just lose a few pounds along the way.
We know you'd rather order the cheesecake, but we've come up with a fair compromise. Many restaurants serve fruit dishes with a tasty indulgence like a sugar cookie, a scoop of sorbet or a selection of cheeses on the side. Opt for that.
Feast away on apple slices throughout the day, and you'll be less tempted to hit up the vending machine to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Are late-night ice cream cravings your diet downfall? Snack on frozen grapes instead. They're sweet, crunchy and cold and they'll make you forget about that pint of Ben & Jerry's in your freezer.
When eating at fast-food chains, order a fruit cup instead of fries.
Doughnuts and bagels may be the usual morning snack at work, but wow your colleagues with a parfait of frozen berries, yogurt and low-fat granola.
If you usually eat chips with your lunchtime sandwich, try eating grapefruit instead. Peel and section a grapefruit in the morning before you go to work, and toss it in a plastic zipper bag.
Jazz up your breakfast by tossing a handful of berries on cold cereal or adding sliced peaches to oatmeal.
Need to whip up a tasty dinner party dish? Try making a fruity dessert. Slice strawberries and mix with raspberries and blueberries. Top with a quick syrup: Simmer 1/2 cup water with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon amaretto until reduced to 1/4 cup. Cool and pour over the fruit for an out-of-this-world finale.
Appetizers can be a dieter's downfall, packed with calories and loaded with fat. Amaze your friends with a delicious, colorful and low-calorie fruit kabob appetizer. Cut a variety of fruit to skewer on a bamboo stick, including red and green grapes, pineapple chunks, strawberries, sliced bananas, cubed pears…the sky is the limit! If preparing in advance, drizzle the fruit with lemon juice to prevent the bananas and pears from turning brown.
Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on your kitchen counter. You're more likely to grab an apple, tangerine or peach if it's in sight.
A THOUGHT AND PRAYER FOR TODAY
May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered.. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Every day is an opportunity to learn something or discover something or someplace. Be curious, play, go out on a limb, walk a different way to work, try a new food at dinner and keep learning and growing.
Monday, April 26, 2010
WHAT A KIND JESTURE CAN DO FOR OTHERS
One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.
I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.
His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...
He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses,
and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'
They really should get lives. He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'
There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before..
He said he had gone to private school before now.
I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.
We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends
He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! ' He just laughed and handed me half the books...
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..
When we were seniors we began to think about college.
Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.
I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem..
He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship..
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd..
He had to prepare a speech for graduation.
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great.
He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.
He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.
He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.
Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
' Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began
'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.
Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.....
I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.
I am going to tell you a story.' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the
first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.
He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..'
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.
I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions..
With one small gesture you can change a person's life For bettter or for worse God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'
There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift..
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.
I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.
His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...
He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses,
and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'
They really should get lives. He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'
There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before..
He said he had gone to private school before now.
I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.
We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends
He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! ' He just laughed and handed me half the books...
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..
When we were seniors we began to think about college.
Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.
I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem..
He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship..
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd..
He had to prepare a speech for graduation.
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great.
He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.
He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.
He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.
Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
' Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began
'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.
Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.....
I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.
I am going to tell you a story.' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the
first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.
He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..'
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.
I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions..
With one small gesture you can change a person's life For bettter or for worse God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'
There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift..
This 'Forbidden'Treat is in the Health Food Aisle?
Welcome to Your New Chocolate Heaven!
Can this "forbidden food" actually confer health benefits that relieve the eater's guilt and validate the indulgence of those who partake of its epicurean delights?
This delicious treat has a colorful and mixed history . . . It's been called everything from a "food of the gods" to an extreme dietary decadence, overwhelming temptation, and forbidden food. Now people's love affair with this special delight is finally known to be far more than a hedonistic extravagance of those pampered in the lap of luxury . . . or an enemy of those desiring optimal weight and health.
Yes! This "food of the gods" is clearly America's favorite flavor. Fifty-two percent of American adults say they prefer it over all other flavors, consuming an average 10 pounds a year. But the Swiss hold the world record, consuming 22 pounds of this mouth-watering delicacy per capita annually.
It's the food you now can shop for in the health-food aisle — a super food that knows no age or gender boundaries.
The food you now can eat without guilt — done with portion-size restraint, of course.
In writing The Healing Powers of Chocolate, author Cal Orey consulted with top doctors, nutritionists, chefs, sommeliers, chocolatiers, and even spa owners, to be able to show you the research that backs chocolate as a health food. She offers "chocolate eating lessons" and tempts you with various ways to savor its flavor and enjoy it vast health benefits.
If you love chocolate — or would love to give yourself permission to love it — this book is a must-have. Research now shows chocolate's amazing healing powers to:
Lower your risk of heart disease and cancer
Enhance your immune system
Fend off diabetes
Fight fat
Slow aging
Enhance physical energy, stamina, and vitality
Act as a safe and effective aphrodisiac
Dark chocolate has the highest concentration of flavonoids of any food on a per-weight basis, and it is loaded with antioxidant-rich phytonutrients. A 1.5-ounce bar of quality chocolate has as much antioxidant power as a 5-ounce glass of wine — without wine's side effects.
Can this "forbidden food" actually confer health benefits that relieve the eater's guilt and validate the indulgence of those who partake of its epicurean delights?
This delicious treat has a colorful and mixed history . . . It's been called everything from a "food of the gods" to an extreme dietary decadence, overwhelming temptation, and forbidden food. Now people's love affair with this special delight is finally known to be far more than a hedonistic extravagance of those pampered in the lap of luxury . . . or an enemy of those desiring optimal weight and health.
Yes! This "food of the gods" is clearly America's favorite flavor. Fifty-two percent of American adults say they prefer it over all other flavors, consuming an average 10 pounds a year. But the Swiss hold the world record, consuming 22 pounds of this mouth-watering delicacy per capita annually.
It's the food you now can shop for in the health-food aisle — a super food that knows no age or gender boundaries.
The food you now can eat without guilt — done with portion-size restraint, of course.
In writing The Healing Powers of Chocolate, author Cal Orey consulted with top doctors, nutritionists, chefs, sommeliers, chocolatiers, and even spa owners, to be able to show you the research that backs chocolate as a health food. She offers "chocolate eating lessons" and tempts you with various ways to savor its flavor and enjoy it vast health benefits.
If you love chocolate — or would love to give yourself permission to love it — this book is a must-have. Research now shows chocolate's amazing healing powers to:
Lower your risk of heart disease and cancer
Enhance your immune system
Fend off diabetes
Fight fat
Slow aging
Enhance physical energy, stamina, and vitality
Act as a safe and effective aphrodisiac
Dark chocolate has the highest concentration of flavonoids of any food on a per-weight basis, and it is loaded with antioxidant-rich phytonutrients. A 1.5-ounce bar of quality chocolate has as much antioxidant power as a 5-ounce glass of wine — without wine's side effects.
Obama Hates Fox News
It's the summer of 2008 and Barack Obama is beginning to slip in the election polls.
He blames Fox News for his election worries.
He agrees to a secret meeting at New York's posh Waldorf Astoria hotel with the head of Fox News, Roger Ailes and other top honchos of their parent company News Corp.
The meeting goes into meltdown mode as a finger wagging Obama furiously vents his anger against Fox and their top conservative host Sean Hannity.
Have you heard about this?
Probably not, but Newsmax magazine, in a just-released special report "Obama Hates Fox News," reveals how Obama's war on Fox News all began, how it unfolded, and even predicts what will happen in the future.
You need to get your copy of Newsmax's "Obama Hates Fox News."
Boycotting debates, kicking journalists off a campaign jet, planting questions from friendly media during presidential news conferences, freezing adversarial media out of interviews, singling out individual journalists to scold them publicly — they've all been part of Team Obama's efforts at manipulating and intimidating the media.
Newsmax magazine's special report "Obama Hates Fox News" takes an in-depth look at Obama's army of advisers, who seem to some critics part of an audacious end-run around congressional authority.
He blames Fox News for his election worries.
He agrees to a secret meeting at New York's posh Waldorf Astoria hotel with the head of Fox News, Roger Ailes and other top honchos of their parent company News Corp.
The meeting goes into meltdown mode as a finger wagging Obama furiously vents his anger against Fox and their top conservative host Sean Hannity.
Have you heard about this?
Probably not, but Newsmax magazine, in a just-released special report "Obama Hates Fox News," reveals how Obama's war on Fox News all began, how it unfolded, and even predicts what will happen in the future.
You need to get your copy of Newsmax's "Obama Hates Fox News."
Boycotting debates, kicking journalists off a campaign jet, planting questions from friendly media during presidential news conferences, freezing adversarial media out of interviews, singling out individual journalists to scold them publicly — they've all been part of Team Obama's efforts at manipulating and intimidating the media.
Newsmax magazine's special report "Obama Hates Fox News" takes an in-depth look at Obama's army of advisers, who seem to some critics part of an audacious end-run around congressional authority.
A Healthier Potato Chip?
Do you find yourself craving something crunchy and salty for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up but don't want to give in to high-fat potato chips? Check out Food Should Taste Good for 13 kinds of all-natural tortilla chips that are trans fat- and gluten-free, and a good source of dietary fiber to boot! (They're also free of genetically modified organisms and MSG.) Best of all, these chips won't destroy your diet if eaten in moderation: 10 to 14 chips contain about 140 calories, 6 to 7 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber, depending on the flavor.
If you're in the mood for something savory, look for Food That Should Taste Good chips in one of these flavors:
Multigrain
Jalapeno
Olive
The Works! (Like a loaded bagel, with onion, garlic, and poppy and caraway seeds.)
Sweet Potato
Buffalo
Lime
Potato and Chives
Yellow Corn
Plus, the two newest flavors, Cheddar and Blue Corn, which contain quinoa, flaxseed, brown rice, soy, and sunflower and sesame seeds.
These tasty treats also come in two sweet flavors, Chocolate and Cinnamon.
If you're in the mood for something savory, look for Food That Should Taste Good chips in one of these flavors:
Multigrain
Jalapeno
Olive
The Works! (Like a loaded bagel, with onion, garlic, and poppy and caraway seeds.)
Sweet Potato
Buffalo
Lime
Potato and Chives
Yellow Corn
Plus, the two newest flavors, Cheddar and Blue Corn, which contain quinoa, flaxseed, brown rice, soy, and sunflower and sesame seeds.
These tasty treats also come in two sweet flavors, Chocolate and Cinnamon.
Raising Financially Savvy Children
When we polled parents and asked them how much their parents had taught them about money and about being financially responsible, a whopping 65 percent said "Nothing." (Eighteen percent said "A little," 10 percent said "Some," and only five percent said "Lots.") The challenge, then, is to teach our kids about money while having no role models on which to base these teachings. How can you assure that your children will know the value of a dollar, understand the importance of saving, and make wise financial decisions once they grow up to be adults? The parents of Parent Soup believe that consistency is the key to giving kids a healthy attitude about money. So however you formulate your plan of attack, stick with it. And remember the pay-offs: Not only will your kids know their way around a bank statement, one day, they'll be able to support you in your old age.
Explaining Where Money Goes
"When my daughter started asking me questions about why we couldn't buy all the things she wanted, I sat down with a sheet of paper and wrote at the top the money I made. Then I showed her how much Uncle Sam takes and what is leftover. Then I started to subtract the bills I paid. Then the money that went in to savings. When she saw what was left over she then understood why I couldn't buy her those expensive shoes she wanted. Because she was raised with a budget she knows how far her money will go. Now she is in her first year of college and pays 1/3 of her own tuition."
--Debbie, Virginia
Determining How Much Allowance to Give
"I've heard that a child should receive one dollar for every year old they are. We started giving our daughter $7 a week on her seventh birthday and it has worked out very well. She puts $1 in her church envelope, $2 in the bank, $2 to save for a special toy, and $2 to blow. It has taught her many valuable lessons already."
--Ellyn, Ohio
Putting Allowance to Work
"Start kids out with an allowance, but make them save 1/3 for college or future endeavors, 1/3 for long term goals, like an expensive toy or clothes, and let them spend the last third freely. They'll see soon enough that some things are worth their money and some aren't. If you always tell them what to buy, or not buy, they won't learn for themselves."
--Silvia, New Mexico
No More Handouts
"Parents should stop buying things for their kids (I know this may sound cruel). Instead give them a steady allowance and teach them to save for those things they really want. This method not only teaches them about saving but also about something called responsibility. After saving several weeks to buy that much needed Power Ranger action figure, they suddenly feel that their diligence and patience is more rewarding than that sad puppy look and persistent wailing."
--Parent Soup member Father of 3
Teach Responsibility While Keeping the House Clean
"In our house, we use a combination of allowance and a 'Mom Box' to help teach responsibility, financial and otherwise. The Mom Box is a box or basket (or whatever) that you put items in that your children leave out. Then you have a pre-set amount of time an item must remain in the box (let's say three days). If the child feels that they must have it now, he or she may pay a pre-set amount of money (maybe 50 cents) to get it out early. When used consistently, it really works well."
--Brandie, California
A Voice Against Allowance
"I've found that allowances don't work because they are based on responsibilities, and responsibilities are not optional. My children have no choice but to clean their rooms. I told them that to support their habits and hobbies, they have to make the choice to do some other kind of work for pay -- either special projects around the house or outside work. My house has never been cleaner."
~ Shanon, Florida
Explaining Where Money Goes
"When my daughter started asking me questions about why we couldn't buy all the things she wanted, I sat down with a sheet of paper and wrote at the top the money I made. Then I showed her how much Uncle Sam takes and what is leftover. Then I started to subtract the bills I paid. Then the money that went in to savings. When she saw what was left over she then understood why I couldn't buy her those expensive shoes she wanted. Because she was raised with a budget she knows how far her money will go. Now she is in her first year of college and pays 1/3 of her own tuition."
--Debbie, Virginia
Determining How Much Allowance to Give
"I've heard that a child should receive one dollar for every year old they are. We started giving our daughter $7 a week on her seventh birthday and it has worked out very well. She puts $1 in her church envelope, $2 in the bank, $2 to save for a special toy, and $2 to blow. It has taught her many valuable lessons already."
--Ellyn, Ohio
Putting Allowance to Work
"Start kids out with an allowance, but make them save 1/3 for college or future endeavors, 1/3 for long term goals, like an expensive toy or clothes, and let them spend the last third freely. They'll see soon enough that some things are worth their money and some aren't. If you always tell them what to buy, or not buy, they won't learn for themselves."
--Silvia, New Mexico
No More Handouts
"Parents should stop buying things for their kids (I know this may sound cruel). Instead give them a steady allowance and teach them to save for those things they really want. This method not only teaches them about saving but also about something called responsibility. After saving several weeks to buy that much needed Power Ranger action figure, they suddenly feel that their diligence and patience is more rewarding than that sad puppy look and persistent wailing."
--Parent Soup member Father of 3
Teach Responsibility While Keeping the House Clean
"In our house, we use a combination of allowance and a 'Mom Box' to help teach responsibility, financial and otherwise. The Mom Box is a box or basket (or whatever) that you put items in that your children leave out. Then you have a pre-set amount of time an item must remain in the box (let's say three days). If the child feels that they must have it now, he or she may pay a pre-set amount of money (maybe 50 cents) to get it out early. When used consistently, it really works well."
--Brandie, California
A Voice Against Allowance
"I've found that allowances don't work because they are based on responsibilities, and responsibilities are not optional. My children have no choice but to clean their rooms. I told them that to support their habits and hobbies, they have to make the choice to do some other kind of work for pay -- either special projects around the house or outside work. My house has never been cleaner."
~ Shanon, Florida
The vitamins you take everyday could one day become illegal.
The vitamins you take everyday could one day become illegal.
In fact, just a few months ago, Congress considered a new bill. It would’ve given the FDA power to take away any vitamin or natural supplement of its choosing.
Luckily it didn’t pass – this time. But you can be sure they’ll try again.
After all, the FDA has banned safe, natural alternatives in the past. It challenges your right to make choice about your own body.
Consider this…
Health Sciences Institute (H.S.I.) is an international agency that scours the world for the best “underground” cures and “forbidden” breakthroughs. You haven’t seen these natural healing discoveries anywhere else.
H.S.I’s team of enlightened doctors and researchers is out there fighting to bring these innovations in natural healing to health-conscious people like you. That’s why I’ve been a board member for more than 10 years.
And there have been some remarkable findings.
For instance, H.S.I. was one of the first to report about a new pain therapy. It was a blanket made out of a remarkable new “pain-blocking” fabric. A number of studies proved how effective it was at stopping pain.
In one study, fibromyalgia patients were hospitalized for 20 days. One group got a normal gown to wear at night. The other group got a gown made out of the special fabric. At the end of the study, the second group had significant reduction in pain.1
In another study on amputees, subjects wearing blankets made out of the new fabric greatly reduced their phantom limb pain.2 Phantom limb pain is the sensation that your leg hurts even though it’s been amputated.
There are plenty more studies. However, despite all the research and clinical evidence supporting this blanket’s ability to stop pain, the FDA banned it in 1998.
The reason?
Lack of “sufficient evidence to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness” of the new technology.
In addition to the clinical trials supporting it, the pain-blocking fabric had also earned enthusiastic endorsements from physicians, insurance agencies, and consumer groups.
Finally… six years later… this “forbidden” cure proved so powerful, the FDA lifted its ban.
Here’s the point: If the FDA banned something as harmless as a blanket… there’s no reason why they wouldn’t take similar actions with vitamins and natural supplements once a bill gives them the power to do so.
This is one of the reasons it’s so important to stay on top of what’s happening in alternative health. New therapies are being discovered all the time. The sooner you find out about them, the sooner you can reap the benefits – while it’s still legal.
That’s why I recommend you check out my colleagues at the Health Sciences Institute.
Along with me, they’re constantly on the cutting-edge when it comes to natural alternatives for everything from heart disease to diabetes to joint pain.
DR. AL SEARS
Al Sears, MD
In fact, just a few months ago, Congress considered a new bill. It would’ve given the FDA power to take away any vitamin or natural supplement of its choosing.
Luckily it didn’t pass – this time. But you can be sure they’ll try again.
After all, the FDA has banned safe, natural alternatives in the past. It challenges your right to make choice about your own body.
Consider this…
Health Sciences Institute (H.S.I.) is an international agency that scours the world for the best “underground” cures and “forbidden” breakthroughs. You haven’t seen these natural healing discoveries anywhere else.
H.S.I’s team of enlightened doctors and researchers is out there fighting to bring these innovations in natural healing to health-conscious people like you. That’s why I’ve been a board member for more than 10 years.
And there have been some remarkable findings.
For instance, H.S.I. was one of the first to report about a new pain therapy. It was a blanket made out of a remarkable new “pain-blocking” fabric. A number of studies proved how effective it was at stopping pain.
In one study, fibromyalgia patients were hospitalized for 20 days. One group got a normal gown to wear at night. The other group got a gown made out of the special fabric. At the end of the study, the second group had significant reduction in pain.1
In another study on amputees, subjects wearing blankets made out of the new fabric greatly reduced their phantom limb pain.2 Phantom limb pain is the sensation that your leg hurts even though it’s been amputated.
There are plenty more studies. However, despite all the research and clinical evidence supporting this blanket’s ability to stop pain, the FDA banned it in 1998.
The reason?
Lack of “sufficient evidence to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness” of the new technology.
In addition to the clinical trials supporting it, the pain-blocking fabric had also earned enthusiastic endorsements from physicians, insurance agencies, and consumer groups.
Finally… six years later… this “forbidden” cure proved so powerful, the FDA lifted its ban.
Here’s the point: If the FDA banned something as harmless as a blanket… there’s no reason why they wouldn’t take similar actions with vitamins and natural supplements once a bill gives them the power to do so.
This is one of the reasons it’s so important to stay on top of what’s happening in alternative health. New therapies are being discovered all the time. The sooner you find out about them, the sooner you can reap the benefits – while it’s still legal.
That’s why I recommend you check out my colleagues at the Health Sciences Institute.
Along with me, they’re constantly on the cutting-edge when it comes to natural alternatives for everything from heart disease to diabetes to joint pain.
DR. AL SEARS
Al Sears, MD
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