Your Health--Psychology, The Girvan's Way

FOR THOSE THAT BELIEVE PRAYER SHOULD BE BROUGHT BACK INTO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

2019-04-26T07:03:00.000-07:00

Prayer is not a *Program* it does not have to be brought back to; or from; anywhere. One wishes to pray, they pray, with meaning, Anonymously, and preferably in quiet seclusion. PRAYER AKA THINKING so much so that the two words may be used interchangeably--this is where **extremism** can in *some* cases be born **for the more one is insecure or untrusting of themselves the more they are going to think/pray.**

The Lord's Prayer. How often do you pray? Where do you Pray? According to Jesus Christ.
Pray then in this way ... (Matthew 6:9
When you pray, say ... (Luke 11:2
The Lord's prayer is a model. Meaning, you follow the basic structure, but you don't repeat it endlessly. In Matthew 6:7 right before giving saying the Lord's prayer, Jesus said: "do not say the same things over and over again". So, when you pray, you need to
1) pray to God that his name is sanctified (or glorified) This means that your life would bring glory and honour to the name of Jehovah. Or Yahweh or Allah. However, you pronounce his name in your language.
2) you would pray for God's kingdom.
This is a Government. So, you are praying to be ruled by God.
3) Praying for daily bread is a way to ask for your NEEDS. So let Jehovah know in prayer what you need.
4) "forgive us our debts as we have forgiven others". So you would ask forgiveness. But then you must forgive others. So express forgiveness to others.
5) Do not bring us into temptation. Pray about something you are struggling with. Always end each prayer thru Jesus because he told his apostles "Whatever you ask in my name, I will do this." John 14:13.

Alcohol/Substance Abusers - ADDICTS ALL-Don’t Like Being Sick; BUT They did Choose to Conduct the WAR

2017-12-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

Addicted People CLAIM THEY DISLIKE BEING DEPENDENT; but; the Trouble is, THEY DON’T WANT TO WORK TO GET CLEAN AND SOBER, EITHER.

Of course; they ALL suffer from more than addiction; otherwise they would not have chosen to conduct war in the first place. They suffer from HURT.

They suffer from fear, magical thinking, delusion and instant gratification. They’re used to things happening fast. They take a pill and feel better right away. An addicted person wants the pay off, now. But recovery doesn’t work like that. Recovery is a process. Substance abusers don’t like being sick. Listening to their stories you will understand, they’re not having fun. They don’t abuse drugs to be cool, or impress anyone. They’re not using to upset their family members. By the time they realise they’re addicted, They’re Using to Maintain. The euphoric high abusers first felt when they picked up, is long gone. Now they use to feel normal. Or even just to get out of bed in the morning.

Should Some Drug Consumption be Encouraged, as Part of a Healthy Life Style?

2017-12-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

How and why DA (AA to special Status Seekers) and Twelve Step Addiction Recovery Doesn’t Work;

1. The process NOW centres around belief in “God”, not around Spirituality or Spiritual Principles.

2. Addicts must attend (become bigoted hypocritical slaves of) “regular” group meetings that then serve as Guidelines for physical and Spiritual (providing there exists a belief in “GOD” recovery.

3. Anyone is welcome to attend THEIR meetings, as long as there exists and HONEST desire for a very extended addiction recovery process.

4. While “Members” usually travel to and from the meetings together OUTSIDE there is, as the name suggests strict requirement and adherence to ANONYMITY—HA HAH.

Pros and Cons

Pros-

1. Sponsor Support

2. No cost to “Individual”

3. Supported by “Donation”

Cons-

1. Not very effective, even less so for women.

2. Must believe in “God”. There is NO ROOM for the Agnostic or Atheist.

3. Definitely, not a Self-Empowerment/Sufficiency model, demands Dependency.

The Alarming Rise of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens, April 25, 2017. Obesity-Related Deaths Hit New High Worldwide.

2017-07-05T09:12:00.004-07:00

Across all racial/ethnic groups, the rate of new diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes increased more annually from 2003-2012 in males (2.2 percent) than in females (1.4 percent) ages 0-19.

Among youth ages 0-19, the rate of new diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes increased most sharply in Hispanic youth, a 4.2 percent annual increase. In non-Hispanic blacks, the rate of new diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes increased by 2.2 percent and in non-Hispanic whites by 1.2 percent per year.

Among youth ages 10-19, the rate of new diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes rose most sharply in Native Americans (8.9 percent), Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders (8.5 percent) and non-Hispanic blacks (6.3 percent). Note: The rates for Native Americans cannot be generalized to all Native American youth nationwide.

Among youth ages 10-19, the rate of new diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes increased 3.1 percent among Hispanics. The smallest increase was seen in whites (0.6 percent). The rate of new diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes rose much more sharply in females (6.2 percent) than in males (3.7 percent) ages 10-19.

Diabetes – Some Facts

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), due to an absolute or relative insulin deficiency. Insulin, a hormone secreted from beta cells in the pancreas, assists with the conversion of glucose into energy. Without insulin, glucose cannot be sufficiently absorbed from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. Diabetes is classified as:

Type 1 Diabetes (previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes) may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes (1). Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed primarily in childhood or adolescence, but may be diagnosed in adults. Multiple daily injections of insulin are required for survival. The most common form of type 1 is caused by autoimmune destruction of beta cells, resulting in an inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. Risk factors are less well-defined for type 1 than for type 2 diabetes, but autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of this type of diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

(NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. Most commonly, type 2 diabetes begins after

age 40. However, in many countries, a growing number of children and

adolescents are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (2,3,4).

The onset of type 2 diabetes is a two-stage process: first, there is resistance to

insulin’s action often exacerbated by obesity; second, the pancreas fails to

increase insulin production enough to compensate adequately for the resistance.

Type 2 may account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases.

**Risk Factors For Type 2** include age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity. Diabetes is a condition where your body is not able to regulate levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This results in too much or too little sugar in your blood. There are 2 types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas stops producing insulin. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to use an insulin injector to make sure your body gets enough insulin.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not respond properly to the insulin it produces. Treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes to your diet and exercise routine.

Topic Overview

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body can't use insulin the right way. Over time, the pancreas can't make enough insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use sugar (glucose) for energy. It also helps the body store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells. Without insulin, this sugar can't get into your cells to do its work. It stays in your blood instead. Your blood sugar level then gets too high.

High blood sugar can harm many parts of the body, such as the eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. It can also increase your risk for other health problems (complications).

Type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, so that over time the body can't produce insulin at all. In type 2 diabetes, the body still makes some insulin, but it can't use it the right way.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

You can get type 2 diabetes if: Your body doesn't respond as it should to insulin. This makes it hard for your cells to get sugar from the blood for energy. This is called insulin resistance.

Your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin.

If you are overweight, get little or no exercise, or have type 2 diabetes in your family, you are more likely to have problems with the way insulin works in your body. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, including staying at a healthy weight, making healthy food choices, and getting regular exercise.

What are the symptoms?

Some people don't have symptoms, especially when diabetes is diagnosed early. This is because the blood sugar level may rise so slowly that a person may not know that anything is wrong.

The Most Common Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar Include:

Feeling very thirsty.

Urinating more often than usual.

Feeling very hungry.

Having blurred vision.

You can get high blood sugar for many reasons, including not taking your diabetes medicines, eating more than usual (especially sweets), not exercising, or being sick or under a lot of stress.

If You're Taking Diabetes Medicine, You Can Also Have Problems With Low Blood Sugar. These Symptoms Include:

Sweating.

Feeling weak.

Feeling shaky.

Feeling very hungry.

How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks that you have type 2 diabetes, he or she will ask you questions about your medical history, do a physical examination, and order a blood test that measures the amount of sugar in your blood.

How is it treated?

The key to treating type 2 diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels controlled and in your target range.

All of the following help to lower blood sugar:

Making healthy food choices. Try to manage the amount of carbohydrate you eat by spreading it out over the day.

Losing weight, if you are overweight

Getting regular exercise

Taking medicines, if you need them

It's also important to:

See your doctor. Regular check-ups are important to monitor your health.

Test your blood sugar levels. You have a better chance of keeping your blood sugar in your target range if you know what your levels are from day to day.

Keep high blood pressure and high cholesterol under control. This can help you lower your risk of heart and large blood vessel disease.

Quit smoking. This can help you reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

It seems like a lot to do—especially at first. You might start with one or two changes. Focus on checking your blood sugar regularly and being active more often. Work on other tasks as you can.

It can be hard to accept that you have diabetes. It's normal to feel sad or angry. You may even feel grief. Talking about your feelings can help. Your doctor or other health professionals can help you cope.

Health Tools

Adaptation Date: 6/16/2017

For further information on the prevention, management, and diagnosis of diabetes, speak to your health care provider. You may also call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered dietician, registered nurse, or pharmacist. Our dieticians are available Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; our nurses are available anytime, every day of the year; and our pharmacists are available every night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. You can also Email a HealthLinkBC Dietician.

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica and Other Conditions Related to Zinc Deficiency and Associated With Mutations in Gene (SLC39A4)

2017-06-23T03:45:00.001-07:00

The last trip Sandy; along with Georgie his “real true Mother” and myself: ever made was to Waterton Lakes National Park.

There is a broad spectrum of physiological signs of zinc deficiency given that zinc is involved in a great number of biochemical processes. Most commonly, zinc deficiency is associated with skin lesions, such as seen in Acrodermatitis enteropathica, an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder affecting the uptake of zinc. Additionally, growth retardation and hypogonadism in males were among the first and frequently reported clinical signs in zinc deficient patients. However, apart from several other symptoms caused by zinc deficiency, such as poor appetite, delayed wound healing, cell-mediated immune dysfunction, and abnormal neurosensory changes, behavioural alterations have been consistently reported.

Zinc deficiency may result in depression, emotional instability, increased anxiety and aggression, irritability and deficits in social behaviour. Additionally, or as consequence of some factors discussed above, impaired memory and capacity to learn may occur.

Zinc deficiency is associated with multiple disorders. In particular, patients suffering from neurological disorders often show zinc deficiencies. For example, low serum zinc levels have been reported in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Mood Disorders, such as depression, Schizophrenia (SCZ), and Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2.

Furthermore, zinc deficiency has been observed in disorders of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, such as malabsorption syndrome, Crohn’s disease, regional ileitis and steatorrhea, as well as liver disease, renal diseases, ***alcoholism, and sickle cell disease***
{Sickle-cell disease is one of the most common severe monogenic disorders in the world. Haemoglobin polymerisation, leading to erythrocyte rigidity and vaso-occlusion, is central to the pathophysiology of this disease, although the importance of chronic anaemia, haemolysis, and vasculopathy has been established. Clinical management is basic and few treatments have a robust evidence base. One of the main problems of sickle-cell disease in children is the development of cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment, and the role of blood transfusion and hydroxycarbamide for prevention of these complications is starting to be understood. Recurrent episodes of vaso-occlusion and inflammation result in progressive damage to most organs, including the brain, kidneys, lungs, bones, and cardiovascular system, which becomes apparent with increasing age. Most people with sickle-cell disease live in Africa.}

It is therefore necessary to understand how zinc deficiency will influence the initiation and/or progression of such a disorder and modify the disease phenotype. Here, we will focus especially on the behavioural alterations that can be observed in zinc deficient subjects.

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Much of the information available about this disease comes from through the treatment (including DNA&GENETIC research) on Robert Alexander (Sandy) Cameron Girvan, my son. Sandy was born 9/03/1972.Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a disorder of zinc metabolism that can either be *inherited* or acquired. Both forms lead to the inability to absorb zinc from the intestine. The lack of zinc can cause skin inflammation with a rash (pustular dermatitis) around the mouth and/or anus; diarrhea; and abnormal nails (nail dystrophy). Irritability and emotional disturbances can also occur.

The inherited form is caused by mutations in the SLC39A4 gene and inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. The acquired form can result from diets lacking the appropriate amount of zinc. Supplemental zinc usually eliminates the symptoms of acrodermatitis enteropathica

Zinc is an essential component of the diet. Zinc in human milk is more absorbable than that from infant formulas or cow's milk, hence the later onset of acrodermatitis enteropathica in breast-fed babies compared to formula-fed babies.
Happenings, Things That Allowed Sandy to Survive:
1. A mother from the La Leche League International (La Leche is Spanish for "the milk" is an international nonprofit advocacy group that distributes information on and promotes breastfeeding. It was founded in 1956 in Franklin Park, Illinois as "La Leche League" and has a presence in more than 85 countries.) came and breast fed him.
2. She continued to do so until it was discovered that mother’s milk can be kept in the frozen state for up to a year.
*The inherited form of acrodermatitis enteropathica* was usually fatal until the role of zinc was discovered in 1973 It should be treated with 1 mg/kg body weight of oral zinc supplementation per day for life. Zinc gluconate is better tolerated than zinc sulphate. Zinc can be given during pregnancy.
What is acrodermatitis enteropathica?
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare *Inherited genetic* disorder characterised by diarrhoea, an inflammatory rash around the mouth and/or anus, and hair loss. It is also called acrodermatitis enteropathy, primary zinc malabsorption syndrome, Danbolt-Closs syndrome and Brandt syndrome.
What causes acrodermatitis enteropathica?
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is due to malabsorption of zinc through the intestinal cells. It is associated with mutations in a gene (SLC39A4) that codes the zinc transporter protein, ZIP4. It is thought that the missing protein may be responsible for decreased zinc uptake and abnormal zinc metabolism.
*To Have Congenital Acrodermatitis Enteropathica You Must Inherit Two Defective Genes (one from each parent) i.e. the inheritance is autosomal recessive.* If an individual receives one normal gene and one defective gene, the person will be a carrier for the disease, but usually will not show symptoms.
Who gets acrodermatitis enteropathica?
Symptoms usually occur in bottle-fed infants within a few days or weeks after birth and breast-fed infants soon after weaning. Both males and females are equally affected.
Zinc deficiency may also rarely arise in adults.
Causes include: Necrolytic migratory erythema (glucagonoma)
Inadequate zinc in the diet (especially in alcoholics and previously, with intravenous nutrition)
Intestinal malabsorption (inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal bypass surgery, pancreatic disease)
Excessive urinary loss of zinc (nephrotic syndrome)
Low levels of albulin and high catabolic states (trauma, burns, extensive surgery, and cirrhosis)
What are the clinical features?
Skin findings include:

Red and inflamed patches of dry and scaly skin, particularly around body openings such as the mouth, anus, and eyes, and the skin on elbows, knees, hands, and feet. It may look like atopic dermatitis.
Patches evolve into crusted, blistered, pus-filled and eroded lesions.
There is usually a sharp demarcation between the affected area and normal skin.
Skin around nails becomes inflamed (paronychia) and there may be nail ridging.
Diffuse hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows and, eyelashes.
Secondary infection with Candida albicans or Staphylococcus aureus
Red glossy tongue and mouth ulcers
Impaired wound healing
Other Symptoms Features Of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Include:
Conjunctivitis
Sensitivity to light
Loss of appetite
Diarrhoea, mild or severe
Irritability (babies cry and whine incessantly)
Depressed mood
Growth failure
Zinc is an essential component of the diet. Zinc in human milk is more absorbable than that from infant formulas or cow's milk, hence the later onset of acrodermatitis enteropathica in breast-fed babies compared to formula-fed babies. Zinc is also found in meat, shellfish and wheat germ. Foods of plant origin are mostly low in zinc. Phytates present in cereals and soy, and high levels of calcium, can reduce the absorption of zinc through the duodenum.

Zinc is needed to assist metalloenzymes that are involved in many cellular processes throughout the body. These include the production of anti-inflammatory agents (cytokines and antioxidants) and the normal functioning of the brain.
After zinc replacement the skin lesions heal within one to two weeks, diarrhoea ceases and irritability and depression of mood improve within 24 hrs.
Secondary bacterial and/or fungal infection of lesions require appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Although zinc is usually non-toxic, high doses for a long period can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness and copper deficiency, leading to anaemia.©Al (Alex-Alexander) D Girvan. All rights reserved.

Respect Is not a Commodity; Respect is a Way of Being, a True man Hates Nobody

2017-06-17T10:05:00.002-07:00

*Remember*, quotes are quotes; they are not cannot be owned by other than the person or persons that said them publicly, or published them*FIRST*.

Cannabis (Marijuana) Vs Smoking Tobacco

2017-06-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

October 6, 2015 "Tobacco is a product that does a lot of damage. Marijuana is infinitely worse and it's something that we do not want to encourage." -- Conservative Leader Stephen Harper.

Obviously, at one time, marijuana was widely (and correctly) perceived as detrimental, and acceptance was low. Today, however, polls show that some 60 percent of North Americans think it should be legalised.

Canadians have one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the world.

The gaseous and particulate composition of cannabis and tobacco cigarettes is similar, with the exception of the active components, THC and nicotine.

It’s not because we’ve learned that the health risks were overstated. Advocates have insisted for decades that pot is no more harmful than tobacco and alcohol. Indeed, many go so far as to claim it’s safer. Unfortunately for them, the medical research does not back them up.

An article (September 14, 2015) by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine, documents many negative effects of marijuana use. And the research continues to pile up, showing how it can harm the developing teenage brain, increase the risk of heart attack, and diminish IQ.

“More than smoking tobacco; OR EVEN DRINKING ALCOHOL, smoking marijuana can damage the heart, lungs and brain,” write William J. Bennett and Robert A. White in the new book “Going to Pot.”

“Moreover, cannabis immediately impairs cognitive abilities and motor coordination, interfering with the smoker’s judgment, driving skills, and other basic abilities.” It delivers more tar to the lungs than tobacco does, along with cancer-causing chemicals. While one studies claim Cannabis smokers only complained of wheeze, cough, chest tightness and phlegm and that emphysema, the progressive and crippling lung disease, was only seen in those who smoked tobacco, either alone or in combination; long-term or heavy users develop symptoms of chronic asthma and bronchitis . Asthma, bronchitis emphysema, often the three are grouped together and the disease called Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (COPD) is a lung disease characterised by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible. The more familiar terms 'chronic bronchitis' and 'emphysema' are no longer used, but are now included within the COPD diagnosis. In high doses, paranoia and psychosis result.

The amount of tar and carcinogens inhaled during cannabis smoking is comparable. However, owing to the techniques commonly used during the smoking of cannabis there may be greater deposition of these harmful substances in the airways. In particular, cannabis is usually smoked without a filter and burns much hotter (due to a shorter butt) than tobacco cigarettes. In addition, cannabis fumes are often inhaled to maximum inspiration with longer breath holding to increase THC absorption. This may lead to significant variation in the deposition of tar and carbon monoxide, depending on the mode of administration, depth of inspiration and length of breath holding.

Histological evidence indicates that marijuana exposure can injure the respiratory epithelium and reduce ciliated epithelial cell numbers, a change almost identical to that seen in tobacco smokers. Endobronchial biopsies have also shown evidence of goblet cell metaplasia, reserve cell hyperplasia and squamous cell metaplasia. These and other effects may lead to edema and inflammation of the airways as well as mucus hyper secretion. Years ago, the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the stuff that gets you high) in marijuana was much lower—around 3 to 5 percent. But today’s “turbo pot” tends to be around 13 percent, and up to 20 or even 30 percent in some cases.

“It is like comparing a twelve-ounce glass of beer with a twelve-ounce glass of 80 proof vodka,” writes Bennett, former drug czar for the United States. “Both contain alcohol, but they have vastly different effects on the body when consumed.”

The main reason for the shift is the advent of “medical marijuana.” That put a halo of safety around the substance, making those who oppose it seem insensitive to the needs of people in chronic pain.

But, Bennett and White point out; it’s not as if doctors are prescribing it in places where it’s legal. In most places, a physician gives a patient who says he’s suffering “severe pain” a note that allows him (and the vast majority are, in fact, males under 35) to obtain a medical marijuana card.

THE EXPERTS

Research has shown that about four per cent of marijuana users report some sort of health, legal or financial trouble, said David Hammond, the CIHR Applied Chair in Public Health at the University of Waterloo. The amount for tobacco is higher: anywhere between 30 and 50 per cent, Hammond said, suggesting that tobacco use carries more health concerns than marijuana use.

Heavy, long-term use of marijuana by teens has been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia-related mental health disorders in early adulthood, said Steven Laviolette from Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who researches the effects on the brain of nicotine and THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana. However, Laviolette said, those teenagers are using marijuana with a heavy amount of THC.

Research has also shown these teens may have a genetic predisposition to developing mental health disorders, he said, blurring links between smoking marijuana and mental health issues. As well, a chemical in marijuana, known as CBD, has been shown to be an anti-psychotic that counteracts THC, Laviolette said, creating a debate with more subtleties than political sound bites allow.

The Canadian Cancer Society says research linking marijuana smoking to increased cancer risks "is not as strong or comprehensive as the evidence that links tobacco use and cancer." Part of the problem is that marijuana smokers also use tobacco and sometimes mix the two substances.

With mental health issues, the science isn't conclusive because marijuana use may exacerbate underlying issues.

THE VERDICT

Marijuana does carry some health concerns -- of that there is little debate. Saying it is "infinitely worse" than tobacco is "a lot of baloney; there's simply no evidence at all to suggest that's true either in terms of health care costs, or in terms of relative health dangers,"

Images for Pink Slime, industrial waste= YUCK

2017-05-24T12:21:00.001-07:00

Images for Pink Slime, industrial waste= YUCK

IDIOTS, MORONS, IMBECILES, CRETINS

2017-05-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Do you know difference between these words before you use these words to lash out at someone?

According to British legal stature, an idiot is an individual with an IQ of less than 20, an imbecile has an IQ of between 20 and 49, and a moron an IQ between 50 and 69. Cretins are specifically persons with a deformity or mental retardation caused by a thyroid deficiency; cretinism is now more commonly called hyperthyroidism. The word idiot is derived from the Greek for "private person" (as in idiosyncrasy); moron is from the Greek for "foolish"; imbecile is a construction from a Latin phrase meaning "without a stick"; Cretin comes, via the French, from the word "Christian" and implies a holy person - God's fool" as it were. A HUMAN BEAN is: one level lower than an IDIOT, those who just don’t get it; or are too ignorant to care.

Butter vs. Margarine

2017-05-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy butter on your baked potato, toast, or pasta, you've probably felt a pang of guilt when putting that golden pat on your plate. Or worse, you may feel conflicted and confused as to whether you should stick with butter or switch to margarine or another spread.

Although a staple of the North American diet, butter came under a great deal of scrutiny when its high levels of saturated fat were associated with increased heart disease risk. Many people accepted the demise of butter in stride, ruing the loss of its savoury flavour but agreeing that its effect on the heart might be too high a price to pay. They dutifully switched to margarine, as researchers and nutritionists suggested. Then the hazards of margarine came to light. Its high levels of trans fats packed a double whammy for heart disease by raising levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lowering levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Many people felt betrayed or duped.

The truth is, there never was any good evidence that using

margarine instead of butter cut the chances of having a heart attack or developing heart disease. Making the switch was a well-intentioned guess, given that margarine had less saturated fat than butter, but it overlooked the dangers of trans fats.

Today the butter-versus-margarine issue is really a false one. From the standpoint of heart disease, butter is on the list of foods to use sparingly mostly because it is high in saturated fat, which aggressively increases levels of LDL. Margarines, though, aren't so easy to classify. The older stick margarines that are still widely sold are high in trans fats, and are worse for you than butter. Some of the newer margarines that are low in saturated fat, high in unsaturated fat, and free of trans fats are fine as long as you don't use too much (they are still rich in calories).

You can quickly compare the health value of spreads (including butter and margarine) simply by looking at the nutrition labels on these products. The FDA now requires nutrition labels to include information about both saturated fats and trans fats. Your goal is to limit intake of saturated fats and to avoid trans fats altogether.

Healthier alternatives to butter or margarine include olive oil and other vegetable oil–based spreads, which contain beneficial mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Next time you tear into a warm loaf of bread or roll, consider dipping it in grape seed oil, olive oil rather than coating it in butter.

What Are They and How Are They Made?

These are oils that are extracted from seeds like Soybean, Cottonseed, Sunflower and a few others.

They were never available to humans until the 20th century, because we simply didn’t have the technology to extract them.

The way these oils are manufactured is very disgusting (see video) and it is mind-baffling that someone ever thought they would be suitable for human consumption.

It involves a harsh extraction process that includes bleaching, deodorizing and the highly toxic solvent hexane.

These oils have made their way to all sorts of processed foods, including “healthy” salad dressings, butter replicates, mayonnaise, cookies and more.

Bottom Line: The processing method for industrial seed- and vegetable oils involves factories, many machines and chemicals like hexane.

Why Are They Harmful?

Doctor Thumbs Down

The main problem with most of these oils is that they are way too high in Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are so-called essential fatty acids, meaning that we need some of them in our diet because the body can’t produce them.

Throughout evolution, we got Omega-3 and Omega-6 in a certain ratio.

Our Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio used to be about 1:1. However, in the past century or so, this ratio in the Western diet has shifted drastically, all the way up to 16:1.

When the Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio shifts too high in favour of Omega-6, bad things start to happen in the body.

The excess Omega-6 fatty acids build up in our cell membranes and contribute to inflammation.

INFLAMMATION IS AN UNDERLYING FACTOR IN SOME OF THE MOST COMMON WESTERN DISEASES AND INCLUDE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, CANCER, DIABETES, ARTHRITIS AND MANY, MANY OTHERS.

Bottom Line: Seed oils are high in Omega-6 fatty acids. Eating an excess of Omega-6 can lead to increased inflammation in the body and potentially contribute to disease.

Consumption Has Increased Drastically

IN THE PAST CENTURY, CONSUMPTION OF THESE OILS HAS INCREASED AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER HEALTHY FATS LIKE BUTTER.

THEY WERE LABELLED AS “HEART-HEALTHY” AND THE GOVERNMENTS ALL AROUND THE WORLD ENCOURAGED US TO EAT MORE OF THEM.~~~Al(Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan.

Christianity's Origin,Friedrich Nietzsche (1844—1900)

2017-04-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844—1900)

Quotes

That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.

He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.

NietzscheNietzsche was a German philosopher, essayist, and cultural critic. His writings on truth, morality, language, aesthetics, cultural theory, history, nihilism, power, consciousness, and the meaning of existence have exerted an enormous influence on Western philosophy and intellectual history.

Christianity's Origin

Christianity was from the beginning, essentially and fundamentally, life's nausea and disgust with life, merely concealed behind, masked by, dressed up as, faith in "another" or "better" life.- from Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy

Christianity as antiquity. -- When we hear the ancient bells growling on a Sunday morning we ask ourselves: Is it really possible! This, for a presumed; Jew???, crucified two thousand years ago, who said he was God's son? The proof of such a claim is lacking. Certainly the Christian religion is an antiquity projected into our times from remote prehistory; and the fact that the claim is believed - whereas one is otherwise so strict in examining pretensions - is perhaps the most ancient piece of this heritage. A god who begets children with a mortal woman; a sage who bids men work no more, have no more courts, but look for the signs of the impending end of the world; a justice that accepts the innocent as a vicarious sacrifice; someone who orders his disciples to drink his blood; prayers for miraculous interventions; sins perpetrated against a god, atoned for by a god; fear of a beyond to which death is the portal; the form of the cross as a symbol in a time that no longer knows the function and ignominy of the cross -- how ghoulishly all this touches us, as if from the tomb of a primeval past! Can one believe that such things are still believed?

Diseases and Conditions: Narcissistic Personality Disorder

2017-04-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are conditions in which people have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways, limiting their ability to function in relationships and other areas of their life, such as work or school. Narcissists very often become addicted to alcohol or other drugs.

If you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across as conceited, boastful, or pretentious. You often monopolise conversations. You may belittle or look down on people you perceive as inferior. You may feel a sense of entitlement — and when you don't receive special treatment, you may become impatient or angry. You may insist on having "the best" of everything — for instance, the best car, athletic club or medical care.

At the same time, you have trouble handling anything that may be perceived as criticism. You may have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. To feel better, you may react with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make you appear superior. Or you may feel depressed and moody because you fall short of perfection.

Many experts use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose mental conditions. This manual is also used by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

DSM-5 criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include these features:

· Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

· Expecting to be recognised as superior even without achievements that warrant it.

· Exaggerating your achievements and talents.

· Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.

· Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people.

· Requiring constant admiration.

· Having a sense of entitlement.

· Expecting special favours and unquestioning compliance with your expectations.

· Taking advantage of others to get what you want.

· Having an inability or unwillingness to recognise the needs and feelings of others.

· Being envious of others and believing others envy you.Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner.

Although some features of narcissistic personality disorder may seem like having confidence, it's not the same. Narcissistic personality disorder crosses the border of healthy confidence into thinking so highly of yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal and value yourself more than you value others.

When to see a doctor.

When you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may not want to think that anything could be wrong — doing so wouldn't fit with your self-image of power and perfection. People with narcissistic personality disorder are most likely to seek treatment when they develop symptoms of depression — often because of perceived criticisms or rejections.

If you recognise aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you're feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider reaching out to a trusted doctor or mental health provider. Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable.

The Dalai Lama is a Monk of the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" School of Tibetan Buddhism

2017-04-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Dalai Lama/ˈdɑːlaɪ ˈlɑːmə/ (US), /ˌdælaɪ ˈlɑːmə/ (UK) is a monk of the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism founded by Je Tsongkhapa.

Tenzin Gyatso is the fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in 1935 and recognised as the reincarnation of Thubten Gyatso at a young age. His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, was born Lhamo Dhondrub on July 6 1935 to a peasant family in the province of Amdo, in a village called Takster in northeastern Tibet.

Awareness of Feelings ~ 14th Dalai Lama "That which is seen and that which is touched are of a dream-like and illusion-like nature. Because feeling arises together with the mind, it is not [ultimately] perceived." ~Shantideva There is nothing whatever that has a true mode of existence. Nevertheless, this does not suggest that a person who experiences feelings and the feelings themselves — pleasant and unpleasant — are utterly non-existent. They do exist…

It is not enough simply to wish that love and compassion grow within us. We need a sustained effort to cultivate such positive qualities.

While material development contributes to physical comfort, mental comfort depends on compassion, which expresses itself as nonviolence.

Scientists have concluded that basic human nature is compassionate. This is a sign of hope. If it was otherwise and it was human nature to be angry, things would be hopeless. What’s important is that while we’re alive we shouldn’t create trouble, but, recognising how other people are human like us, should cultivate concern for their wellbeing. If we can do that there’ll be no basis for cheating, bullying or killing.

Developing compassion for others brings inner strength contributing to our own inner peace. This automatically reduces fear. This is important because fear and stress can lead to frustration, which in turn can lead to anger and violence. It’s not enough to say that violence is destructive; to prevent it we must address its causes, which very often are fear and anger

The aim of spiritual practice is to transform and perfect our motivation and mental disposition, so we can become better human beings.

Buddhism, Buddhism's Core Beliefs, all go back to Nature’s one Request- Show Respect.

2017-04-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Core beliefs of Buddhism:

Buddhism, like most of the great religions of the world, is divided into a number of different traditions. However, most traditions share a common set of fundamental beliefs.

One fundamental belief of Buddhism is often referred to as reincarnation -- the concept that people are reborn after dying. In fact, most individuals go through many cycles of birth, living, death and rebirth. A practicing Buddhist differentiates between the concepts of rebirth and reincarnation.

In reincarnation, the individual may recur repeatedly.

In rebirth, a person does not necessarily return to Earth as the same entity ever again. He compares it to a leaf growing on a tree. When the withering leaf falls off, a new leaf will eventually replace it. It is similar to the old leaf, but it is not identical to the original leaf. After many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana. This is a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.

The Three Trainings or Practices consist of:

Sila: Virtue, good conduct, morality. This is based on two fundamental principles:

The principle of equality: that all living entities are equal. The principle of reciprocity -- to do onto others as you would wish them to do onto you. IT IS FOUND IN ALL MAJOR RELIGIONS.

· Samadhi: Concentration, meditation, mental development. Developing one's mind is the path to wisdom which in turn leads to personal freedom. Mental development also strengthens and controls our mind; this helps us maintain good conduct.

· Prajna: Discernment, insight, wisdom, enlightenment. This is the real heart of Buddhism. Wisdom will emerge if your mind is pure and calm.

The first two paths listed in the Eightfold Path, described below, refer to discernment; the last three belong to concentration; the middle three are related to virtue.

The Four Noble Truths:

The Buddha's Four Noble Truths explore human suffering. They may be described (somewhat simplistically) as:

· Dukkha: Suffering exists: (Suffering is real and almost universal. Suffering has many causes: loss, sickness, pain, failure, the impermanence of pleasure.)

· Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering. (It is the desire to have and control things. It can take many forms: craving of sensual pleasures; the desire for fame; the desire to avoid unpleasant HURT sensations, like fear, anger or jealousy.)

· Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. (Suffering ceases with the final liberation of Nirvana (a.k.a. Nibbana). The mind experiences complete freedom, liberation and non-attachment. It lets go of any desire or craving.)

· Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.

Attention-Deficite/Hyperactivity Disorder (ACHD in Adults, The Basics

2017-04-03T15:06:00.001-07:00

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-by Mayo Clinic Staff

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.

Though it's called adult ADHD, symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognised or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention continue.

Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for childhood ADHD, though some ADHD medications approved for children are not approved for adult use. Adult ADHD treatment includes medications, psychological counselling (psychotherapy) and treatment for any mental health conditions that occur along with ADHD.

Symptoms

Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Adult ADHD Symptoms may Include:

Impulsiveness

Disorganization and problems prioritizing

Poor time management skills

Problems focusing on a task

Trouble multitasking

Excessive activity or restlessness

Poor planning

Low frustration tolerance

Frequent mood swings

Problems following through and completing tasks

Hot temper

Trouble coping with stress

What's normal and what's ADHD?

Almost everyone has some symptoms similar to ADHD at some point in their lives. If your difficulties are recent or occurred only occasionally in the past, you probably don't have ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed only when symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life. These persistent and disruptive symptoms can be traced back to early childhood.

Diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be difficult because certain ADHD symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, such as anxiety or mood disorders. And many adults with ADHD also have at least one other mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.

When to see a doctor

If any of the symptoms listed above continually disrupt your life, talk to your doctor about whether you might have ADHD.Different types of health care professionals may diagnose and supervise treatment for ADHD. Seek a provider who has training and experience in caring for adults with ADHD.

ALCOHOL ABUSE=DRUG ABUSE

2017-03-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Meaning of "drug" in British (English) English:

Noun: 1.) Any natural, or artificially, made chemical that is used as a medicine.

2.) Any natural or artificially made chemical that is taken for pleasure, to improve someone's performance of an activity, or because a person cannot stop using it.

3.) ANY ACTIVITY THAT YOU CANNOT STOP DOING.

Verb: 1.) To give a person or animal a chemical that causes him, her, or it to lose feeling or become unconscious.

ALCOHOLIC=DRUG ADDICT
ALCOHOL IS THE STRONGEST OF ALL DRUGS,
THANKFULLY, IT CAN NEVER BE MADE 100% PURE
Remember: The stories of hoochinoo and beewhack.

Sourdough beer is simple to make but disagreeable to drink. If consumed in quantity, it will produce any degree of intoxication. All one needs is a barrel, flour, and water. Into this pour some sourdough and Nature does the rest, from there. A little sugar will speed things up." Beewhack" is never bottled-- only a fool would carry a live bomb.
Using an old rifle barrel and a trade pot North American tribal peoples also created a crude “still". The resultant spirits were known by the Tlingit word Hooch-m-noo, from which we get the term "Hootch "Yukon Hootch, or as the Yanks insist Alaskan Hooch.
All of nature’s ground waters contain a certain percentage of alcohol (up to 3%, enough to get anyone intoxicated, if not for the fact that we consume a like concentration eadh and every day of our lives.) and in the fall or early winter wild berries may also contain enough alcohol to get one tipsy—damn well drunk.
If, that is not enough, our bodies also produce alcohol. But any whoooh! Alcohol does have it’s other uses:
1. Alcohol will remove stains from clothes.
2. Stains from clothes are not the only things alcohol will remove.
3. Alcohol will remove the clothes as well. Strange as it may seem, alcohol will do this not only for the man who drinks it, but also for his wife and children as well.
4. Most democratically, alcohol will remove smiles from the faces of wives and mothers. Or husbands and fathers.
5. It will remove laughter from the lips of innocent children.
6. It will remove even the joy of playtime.
Alcohol will remove heat from the home, furniture from its rooms, and food from its table.
Alcohol is a great remover. As a remover of things alcohol has no peer.
7. It removes fine homes and leaves hovels.
8. It removes plenty; and leaves poverty.
9. It removes fame; and leaves shame.
It removes honour; and leaves humiliation.
10. It removes self-esteem; and leaves disgust.
But removing things is not all that alcohol will do. It not only removes stains, but also creates them.
11. Alcohol can quickly stain a reputation. Worse, it can gradually stain and deform a character. It can mar the potential of any man or woman who indulges. And it can ultimately ruin the person caught in its deceptive snare.
12. Alcohol can mark a man for life with its cursed stain. And it can remove from one's experience everything, great or small, that makes life worthwhile.
But that is not the worst that can happen to man. The real tragedy is that alcohol will bar or remove a man's name from the Book of Life. It will remove from his heart all hope of heaven. It will remove from the realm of possibility fellowship with Nature, both now and in the eternal future.
Nature-the Creator of All says, "Be not deceived: neither fornicators . . . nor thieves . . . nor drunkards . . . nor Gods made in man’s image shall inherit MY KINGDOMS.~~~Al (Alex-Alexander) D Girvan

Nature- Creator of all; my Higher Power; Knows What is Best, for me; and for Everyone Else.

2017-03-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

GOD; DEFINED AS GOOD ORDERLY SPIRITUAL DIRECTION will never let me down.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep

and miles to go before I sleep.

Nature holds the key to our aesthetic,

intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.

There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge...

observation of Nature, reflection, and experimentation.

Observation collects facts;

reflection combines them;

experimentation verifies the result of that combination.

Even if one tree falls down it wouldn't affect the entire forest;

Unless of Course, We are Talking Forest of Quaking Aspen.~~~Al (Alex-Alexander) D Girvan

Cardiovascular Manifestations of Substance Abuse: Alcohol, Amphetamines, Heroin, Cannabis, and Caffeine.

2016-11-05T09:41:00.002-07:00

I am addicted to, have an obsessive compulsive psychological “need” to abuse, drink far, far too much coffee. I sincerely hope that some of my readers will find this abstract as helpful as I have.

Department of Medicine, The New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Centre, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.

Heart Disease (Hagerstown, Md.) [2003]

Abstract: “The abuse of alcohol is associated with chronic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and arrhythmia. Abstinence or using alcohol in moderation can reverse these cardiovascular problems. Alcohol is also distinguished among the substances of abuse by having possible protective effects against coronary artery disease and stroke when used in moderate amounts. Amphetamines (eg, speed, ice, ecstasy) have many of the cardiovascular toxicities seen with cocaine, including acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Heroin and other opiates can cause arrhythmias and noncardiac pulmonary edema, and may reduce cardiac output. Cardiovascular problems are less common with cannabis (marijuana) than with opiates, but major cognitive disorders may be seen with its chronic use. It is still controversial whether caffeine can cause hypertension and coronary artery disease, and questions have been raised about its safety in patients with heart failure and arrhythmia.” Read full article, Google publisher’s site.

Some Interesting Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana.

2016-06-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Historical Use:

Cannabis has an extremely long history of use. Although CANNABIS IS INDIGENOUS TO CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA, it spread all over the world very early in human history.

Humans in Taiwan were growing hemp as early as 8,000 BCE, the historical use of cannabis as a physical and psychological medicine began over 5,000 years ago. Researchers even found over two pounds of still green, highly potent cannabis in a basket near the recently discovered 2700 year old Ice Man. It has been historically used by Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists, and Atheists alike. Cannabis was even used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as in medieval Islamic countries.

To understand the history and legality of cannabis you must also understand the history of hemp. The difference between these plants is that industrial hemp contains little to no THC (meaning it can’t get you high) and is also more fibrous and tough, making it more useful as a productive material. Additionally, HEMP SEEDS ARE HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS, CONTAINING THE MOST EASILY DIGESTIBLE PROTEIN IN THE WORLD, AS WELL AS A NEARLY PERFECT RATIO OF OMEGA 6 TO OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS.

As mentioned above, both plants were used all over the world for various purposes since time immemorial. It is usually claimed, at least by citizens of the United States of North America; that the plants were brought to the new world for the first time (in Chile) by the Spaniards in 1545.

However, Cannabis seeds may have been brought to Brazil in the 16th century by African slaves or even earlier by the first peoples to immigrate into the Americas. Definitely, cannabis, and hemp were used, WIDELY, in England and the Americas even before the United States of North America existed.

Both cannabis and hemp were grown in the original colonies by the boat load and exported to international buyers. Hemp was used as a cheap yet high quality textile source for clothing and rope. It was also used to make paper products (the first two copies of the Declaration of Independence by the United North American Colonies were written on hemp paper).

Indica and sativa are the two main types of cannabis

OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA, HEMP IS GROWN IN MORE THAN 30 COUNTRIES. IN 2011, THE TOP HEMP-PRODUCING COUNTRY WAS CHINA, FOLLOWED BY CHILE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION. HEMP PRODUCTION IS ALSO EXPANDING IN CANADA, WITH THE COUNTRY’S ANNUAL CROP REACHING A RECORD HIGH OF 66,700 ACRES IN 2013.

Besides appearance, Indica and Sativa plants are commonly believed to have different effects on their user. These effects include:
SATIVA-uplifting and energetic cerebral, spacey or hallucinogenic; best suited for day use.
INDICA-relaxing and calming, body buzz, or ‘couch lock’; best suited for night use.
However, no scientific study has confirmed these differences, and there is some doubt about their accuracy. In fact, history suggests a much simpler difference between Indica and Sativa.

THE ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION OF CANNABIS INDICA WAS MADE BY FRENCH BIOLOGIST JEAN-BAPTISTE LAMARCK IN 1785.
LAMARCK OBSERVED THAT CERTAIN MARIJUANA PLANTS FROM INDIA WERE INTOXICATING AND COULD BE MADE INTO HASHISH. BUT TRADITIONAL HEMP CROPS, WHICH WERE MORE COMMON IN EUROPE, HAD NO MIND-ALTERING EFFECT.

Hemp and marijuana are two popular names for the cannabis plant; however there are distinct differences between the variety that is nowadays smoked; or otherwise ingested; and the varieties that were in the past, and are, commonly used for, or to make, a variety of foods, oils and textiles, such as rope, durable paper, and wearable fabrics and that are now used in; mainly plant-based plastics, or other MILITARY GRADE products, or fabrics.
Cannabis is believed to be one of the oldest domesticated crops (golden rod weed is a wild form, common along Canadian rural roads). Throughout history, humans have grown different varieties of cannabis for industrial and medical uses. Tall, sturdy plants were BRED WITH OTHER PLANTS WITH THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS.

OTHER PLANTS WERE RECOGNIZED FOR BEING PSYCHOACTIVE, AND WERE BRED SELECTIVELY; FOR MEDICAL, AND RELIGIOUS, PURPOSES. THE PRACTICE, EVENTUALLY, LEAD TO THE MANY UNIQUE VARIETIES OF CANNABIS THAT WE NOW KNOW, COLLECTIVELY, AS MARIJUANA.
According to ONE Canadian company that specialises in cannabis cultivation technology, “the core agricultural differences between medical cannabis and hemp are largely in their genetic parentage and cultivation environment”.
But, scientists, on the other hand, believe the early separation of the cannabis gene pool led to two distinct types of cannabis plants. The two species (or subspecies) of cannabis are known as Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.
Cannabis plants contain unique compounds called cannabinoids. Current research has revealed over 60 different cannabinoids so far, but THC is the most well-known. THC is credited with causing the marijuana high.
WHILE MARIJUANA PLANTS CONTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF THC, HEMP CONTAINS VERY LITTLE OF THE PSYCHOACTIVE CHEMICAL. This single difference is what most rely on to distinguish hemp from marijuana. For example, COUNTRIES LIKE CANADA HAVE SET THE MAXIMUM THC CONTENT OF HEMP AT 0.3%. ANY CANNABIS WITH HIGHER THC LEVELS IS CONSIDERED MARIJUANA INSTEAD.
In comparison, MEDICAL MARIJUANA produces anywhere BETWEEN 5-20% THC ON AVERAGE, WITH PRIZE STRAINS TIPPING THE SCALE AT 25-30% THC.
HEMP AND MARIJUANA PLANTS CONTAIN ANOTHER IMPORTANT CANNABINOID: CBD. HEMP PLANTS PRODUCE MORE CBD THAN THC, WHILE MARIJUANA PRODUCES MORE THC THAN CBD. INTERESTINGLY, RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT CBD ACTS TO REDUCE THE PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS OF THC, SEPARATING HEMP FURTHER FROM MARIJUANA.
Because hemp and marijuana are grown for different uses, and therefore require different growing conditions.
MEDICAL CANNABIS HAS BEEN SELECTIVELY BRED OVER GENERATIONS, and its characteristics are optimized in its cultivation environment

TO PRODUCE FEMALE FLOWERING PLANTS THAT YIELD BUDDING FLOWERS, AT THE FLOWERING STAGE OF THEIR LIFE CYCLE.

In contrast, HEMP PLANTS ARE PRIMARILY MALE, WITHOUT REPRESENTING FLOWERING BUDS AT ANY STAGE IN THEIR LIFE CYCLE. Instead, CENTURIES OF SELECTIVE BREEDING HAVE RESULTED IN RELATIVELY LOW CONCENTRATIONS OF THC, AND TALL, FAST GROWING PLANTS OPTIMIZED FOR HIGHER STALK HARVESTS.~~~Al (Alex-Alexander) D Girvan.

Super Talent =Addiction, can be Much More a Curse Than a Blessing

2016-03-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Famous Alcoholics/Addicts: Johnny Cash, Truman Capote, Mel Gibson, Jimi Hendrix, Mickey Mantle, Dean Martin-no one ever knew if he really was or was just pretending- Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, William Shatner, Robin Williams,

Elvis Presley Quotes: “I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to. ”

· “To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.”

· “SAD THING IS, YOU CAN STILL LOVE SOMEONE AND BE WRONG FOR THEM.”

· “Maybe I didn't treat you

Quite as good as I should have

Maybe I didn't love you

Quite as often as I could have

Little things I should have said and done

I just never took the time

You were always on my mind

You were always on my mind”― Elvis Presley was not a song writer- his talent was the “making” of a song- any song-he recorded his version of "Always on My Mind" on March 29, 1972, a few weeks after his February separation from wife Priscilla. The song received immense fame, critical appreciation, and is considered one of the standout songs of the '70s, and for Elvis. The song was released as the B-side of the "Separate Ways" single, which reached Gold status in the United States of North America--sales of over a million copies. It was listed as a double sided hit reaching number 16 on Billboard magazine's Hot Country Singles chart in November 1972. Juxtaposition, in the United Kingdom, "Always on My Mind" was the hit song; and "Separate Ways" was the B-side. It was voted the #1 song of Presley's recording career, in a poll, conducted by ITV in 2013.

· “WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, DON'T GO WITH THEM.”

· “ANIMALS DON'T HATE, AND WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE BETTER THAN THEM.”

· “IF YOU LET YOUR HEAD GET TOO BIG, IT'LL BREAK YOUR NECK.”

· “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't going away.”

· “Do something worth remembering.”

· “Don’t criticize what you don’t understand, son. You never walked in that man’s shoes.”

· “Values are like fingerprints. Nobody's are the same, but you leave 'em all over everything you do”

· “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine”

· “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess.”

· “The image is one thing and the human being is another. It's very hard to live up to an image, put it that way.”

· “THANK YA THANK YA VERY MUCH”

· “I'd rather go on hearing your lies, than to go on living without you.”

· “Fingerprints are like values--you leave them all over everything you do”

· “PEOPLE THINK YOU’RE CRAZY IF YOU TALK ABOUT THINGS THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND.”

Jimi Hendrix Quotes: Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.

· When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.

· Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

· Excuse me while I kiss the sky.

· The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye, the story of love is hello, goodbye.

· I'm the one that has to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to.

· Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you'll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you're gonna be rewarded.

· The time I burned my guitar it was like a sacrifice. You sacrifice the things you love. I love my guitar.

· You have to give people something to dream on.

· IF I'M FREE, IT'S BECAUSE I'M ALWAYS RUNNING.

Johnny Cash: In many ways spiraling out of control, Cash’s Frenetic Creativity was still delivered hits.

Although Cash carefully cultivated a romantic outlaw image, he never served a prison sentence. Despite landing in jail seven times for misdemeanors, each stay lasted only a single night.

As his career was taking off in the late 1950s, Cash started drinking heavily and became addicted to amphetamines and barbiturates. For a brief time, he shared an apartment in Nashville with Waylon Jennings, who was heavily addicted to amphetamines. Cash used the uppers to stay awake during tours. Friends joked about his “nervousness” and erratic behavior, many ignoring the warning signs of his worsening drug addiction. In a behind-the-scenes look at The Johnny Cash Show, Cash claims to have “tried every drug there was to try.”

In many ways spiraling out of control, Cash’s Frenetic Creativity was still deliverd hits. His 1963 rendition of “Ring of Fire” was a crossover hit, reaching No. 1 on the country charts and entering the Top 20 on the pop charts, and it remains his top-selling hit of all time.

The man in black fueled his outlaw image not only with alcohol, amphetamines and barbiturates, but with actions far beyond the ordinary. In 1965, Cash's car started a forest fire that consumed several hundred acres of land and killed several dozen endangered condors. He became the only person at the time to be sued by the federal government for starting a forest fire. Several years later, the country singer attempted suicide after growing tired of the pain his various addictions inflicted upon his family. High on various drugs and alcohol and feeling "barely human," Cash decided to crawl into Nickajack Cave in Marion County, Tennessee so that he might join the ranks of the many lost explorers of that cave. Cash moved into the depths of the cave until his flashlight died and his personal reservoirs of energy were spent. At this, his lowest point, Cash experienced a spiritual epiphany and a renewed vigor. After several long hours in the dark he managed to extricate himself from the cave. From that point on, Cash sought treatment and maintained sobriety, thanks to the support of his family.

Truman Capote: The American novelist and short story writer admitted to his alcoholism, drug addiction, and homosexuality. He underwent treatment in the 1970s, but his health was so compromised that he died in 1984 at the age of 59. Capote’s drunken behavior is legendary, and although he would stop drinking for several months at a time, he could not stay away from alcohol.

Mel Gibson: Began drinking at 13 and has said that alcoholism runs in his family. As a manic-depressive, alcohol aggravates his condition, and his unruly behavior has prompted accusations of homophobia, racism, anti-Semitism, sexism, and misogyny. In the past, Gibson has sought professional help and attended AA meetings. He finally went into rehab after being arrested for a DUI in 2006.

Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix is truly the most innovational rock guitarist of all time. Single headedly defining Hard Psychedelic Rock, Hendrix combined incredible proficiency and creativity to produce the recognisable and brilliant sound that was "The Jimi Hendrix Experience." His riffs were Crazy Enough to Melt Your Face, but he also played with immense heart and soul which makes him the greatest guitar player ever. Tracks like "Fire" and "Purple Haze" are one of a kind songs created by a one of a kind musician. THANK YOU JIMI, REST IN PEACE. What Kind of Drugs Did Jimi Hendrix Take?

There are a few allegations of drug usage involving Jimi Hendrix that cannot be verified, but there are just as many - if not more - that certainly appear to be the truth.

Drugs Taken By Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix took a variety of different kinds of drugs during his lifetime.

· Alcohol-Alcohol is an addictive drug that Jimi Hendrix used and abused. Hendrix told people that he got foolish when he drank, reporting that he gave away money. His band mates and the people around him would also vouch that he also often became violent when he drank. He was accused of attacking and abusing several people while he was drunk.

· Marijuana: You might not think that smoking marijuana is a big deal, since such a large portion of people across the world try it out at some point in their lives. However, think about not only the combination of marijuana and alcohol, but also the combination of marijuana and the other drugs that we are going to discuss. The mixing of drugs can quickly become dangerous, no matter how "safe" each of them are individually.

· LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) Jimi Hendrix was known to use LSD while touring. LSD is a psychedelic drug which makes you hallucinate. When you take LSD, you will also have an altered experience of time, depth, and just your general experience. You will not be able to think straight. INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, LSD IS NOT ADDICTIVE. However, that does not by any means imply that it is safe!

· Amphetamine: Jimi Hendrix was also known to have used amphetamines while he was on tour.Amphetamines include the following types of drugs:Stimulants, Entactogens, Hallucinogens-A commonly known drug that belongs to this group is Ecstasy.

Drugs and Jimi Hendrix's Death

Examining the different drugs that Jimi Hendrix took might lead you to question if the drugs led to his death. However, we cannot answer that as the circumstances surrounding Jimi Hendrix's death are extremely sketchy.

His girlfriend Monika Dannemann claims that Hendrix took nine Vesperax sleeping pills (18 times the recommended dosage) which could have lead to his death, while the doctor who first examined him said that he had drowned on his own vomit which was comprised of mainly red wine.

We may never know what exactly killed Jimi Hendrix, but we do know POSITIVELY; that drugs played a role.

Mickey Mantle: One of the legendary great Yankees of all time. Most of his games were played under the influence of alcohol or hung over. Mantle died as a result of health related issues due to drinking.

Dean Martin: NO ONE EVER KNEW, if he was pretending to be drunk all of the time as part of a well-crafted comedy shtick, or was really an alcoholic in real life. Of course, he didn't help matters by placing a vanity license on one of his vehicles that read "Drunky." Either way, he was one of the most famous alleged celebrity alcoholics of his era. He sang, ran with the "rat pack" and co-starred in hilarious movies with fellow actor Jerry Lewis. He stayed high profile until the 80's when he slowly began to drift out of the public eye. He died in 1995 from respiratory failure. However, the public can still see him late night on refurbished DVD's of comedy roasts. Puffy-eyed and with drink in hand, Dean Martin aimlessly makes jokes about his actor friends and appears to all viewers as the "lush" of the party. "

Elvis Presley: To the world he seemed to have it all but he had things missing in his life and that pained him. The first time Elvis Presley played Las Vegas, the critics hated him. Appearing in the Venus Room at the New Frontier Hotel in the spring of 1956, the 21-year-old hillbilly crooner with the dreamy eyes and well-lubricated hips was billed as "America's only atomic-powered singer." Two years earlier, he had been driving a truck in Memphis for $45 a week. Now he had a contract with RCA Victor Recordings and a movie deal with Paramount Studios.

At the time, Vegas was still known for its mobbed-up glamour. It was the era of The Rat Pack. -- bent-nose guys in fedoras, ladies in white gloves. The furniture was mid-century modern, the patrons were well-dressed, the food and drink were expensive, and the nightclubs were ruled by hepcats like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

The audiences packing the venues, however, were somewhat old by today's standards, mostly in their 50s and 60s. After World War II, veterans had gotten a late start on life. The youth culture pioneered by their children, the baby boomers, was still in its embryonic stage. And still misunderstood.

"As he stands up there clutching his guitar, he shakes and shivers like he is suffering from itchy underwear and hot shoes," wrote Ralph Pearl in the Las Vegas Sun.

"For the average Vegas spender or showgoer, [Elvis is] a bore," wrote another of the Sun's critics, Bill Willard. "Suffering high blood pressure, liver damage, glaucoma and an enlarged colon Presley died of a heart attack in his bathroom, his body pumped full of prescription pills,

Frank Sinatra: Classified as a "functioning alcoholic," battled alcoholism for many years. However the 2 weeks before a recording session, Sinatra would save his voice by not having one drop of alcohol or a single cigarette. In comparing Sinatra's music from the early 50's to late 50's it is painfully evident that his massive alcohol abuse and smoking took a toll on his voice. The singer's biographer was quoted as saying "Sinatra's use and abuse of alcohol was much more important than anyone understood."

William Shatner; The actor is often lovingly joked about as an alcoholic. His famous role as Captain Kirk on the TV series Star Trek along with his celebrity status has given him a public pass. However, life always has a way of catching up with people dealing with the dreaded disease of alcoholism. After winning his own battle with the bottle, Shatner met and married a beautiful model named Nerine. Unfortunately, she was a hopeless alcoholic. Friends warned him about the troubles he would incur as a spouse of an alcoholic, but he didn’t listen. Shatner thought his love for her would conquer all. Unfortunately, it wasn’t strong enough and Nerine died in an alcohol-related accident sometime later. This event devastated William Shatner and caused him to go public about the negative effects of alcoholism. Now, through the Nerine Shatner Friendly House, he helps other people struggling to get and stay sober.

Robin Williams: The infamous comedian was addicted to cocaine and alcohol early in his career, but quit when friend and fellow comedian, John Belushi, died of a cocaine overdose in 1982. When he began slipping into alcoholism again in 2006, he immediately sent himself to rehab.

First Nation's Clay (Kisameet Glacial Clay Inc.) Kills Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, in lab tests (Jan 27, 2016)

2016-01-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

Clay Used as Medicine by Primitives in British Columbia Apparently Contains Antibacterial Properties That one day Might be used to Treat Antibiotic-Rresistant Bacteria.

Some 400 kilometres north of Vancouver, on the Heiltsuk First Nation’s traditional territory, sits a 400-million kilogram deposit of glacial clay in Kisameet Bay that scientists believe formed near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago.

Further study required before hospital use feasible. Clay from Kisameet Bay, B.C., used by British Columbia’s indigenous, aboriginal (primitive) peoples for its healing properties could be a new weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, says new research from the University of British Columbia.

The research, published today in the American Society for Microbiology's mBio journal, recommends the rare mineral clay be studied as a treatment for serious infections caused by the so-called ESKAPE pathogens — a who's-who of bugs that cause the majority of U.S. hospital infections and "escape" the effects of antibacterial drugs.

"Infections caused by ESKAPE bacteria are essentially untreatable and contribute to increasing mortality in hospitals," said co-author Julian Davies in a written statement.

The acronym ESKAPE comes from the scientific names of the bacteria themselves:

Enterococcus faecium.

Staphylococcus aureus (also known as as the methacillin-resistant superbug MRSA).

Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Acinetobacter baumannii.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Enterobacter species.

Antibiotics overused

The researchers used strains of ESKAPE bacteria from Vancouver General Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital and other sources to test the properties of the clay. When suspended in water, the clay killed 16 strains of ESKAPE bacteria samples from the hospitals and waste treatment facilities.

"After 50 years of overusing and misusing antibiotics, ancient medicinals and other natural mineral-based agents may provide new weapons in the battle against multi drug-resistant pathogens," Davies wrote.

While this RESEARCH IS MOSTLY DIRECTED TOWARDS THE USE OF CLAY AS AN ANTIBIOTIC; some of you will remember the from about 40 years ago ( "Quincy M.E."-1977) which dealt with this exact subject in that episode the clay was found a seriously life threatening.

Being pregnant does weird things to your appetite. It can make you crave food at all times of day and night, or salivate for odd combinations such as ice cream with pickle juice. Some mothers-to-be, though, crave food that is not food at all — a phenomenon known as "pica." Author Sera Young released a book this month on this seemingly unsavoury urge. Here's a quick guide:

What is pica?

"Pica is the scientific term for the craving and subsequent consumption of nonfood items," writes Young. The word comes from the Latin for "magpie." The eating of dirt, clay, or earth is referred to as "geophony" in modern medical literature.

So... why do pregnant women eat dirt?

Scientists haven't pinned down an exact reason, writes Young, but it's either a response to mineral deficiencies or an instinctual effort to "protect against harm from toxins and pathogens." Clay has a high mineral content, says Marc Lallanilla at ABC News, and is often rich in calcium, iron, copper, and magnesium. "These are essential minerals for the human diet, but even more critical during pregnancy." It may also help with the symptoms of morning sickness.

Is pica just eating dirt?

No. Ice is by far the most common non-food item enjoyed by pregnant women, reports Mental Floss. It's so common it has its own term — "pagophagy." Certain expectant women also enjoy chowing down on laundry soap, chalk, and talcum powder.

Is pica unique to pregnant women?

No — but it does happen primarily to pregnant women. In some cultures, says Maggie Koerth-Baker at Boing Boing, "eating dirt is the go-to pregnancy 'got you' symptom" — the tell-tale equivalent of morning sickness. Children have also been known to succumb to pica, write Young, although there are few studies to back that up. A 1990 study found that 1.7 percent of children in upstate New York regularly ate non-food items.

How common is this?

It's a worldwide phenomenon. Although only 0.01 percent of pregnant women in Denmark admit to eating dirt or clay, as many as 56 percent of pregnant Kenyan women does so, writes Young. It's common enough in the U.S. that a shop in White Plains, Ga., sells "geophonic earth," or kaolin, to those hungering for the taste of clay.

Isn't it bad for you?

No. Clay and dirt are easily digestible, and most people who practice geophony make sure they're eating clean or fresh earth from the subsurface of the ground. Bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens are normally found higher up, in the topsoil. The only downside of eating clay is that it can give you constipation. Kaolin, or white clay, is the active ingredient in anti-diarrhoea medicine Kaopectate.

What does it taste like? Experts say really good clay can taste "the way that the ground smells when it's real dry and a little sprinkle of rain falls." There's really only one way to find out, though — head out to the garden and try some yourself.

Several years ago a 20/20 type program ran an episode about folks that ate various kinds of dirt and clay. Folks were filmed spooning varieties of earth into their mouths and, seemingly, enjoying it. One ABC news article (“Eating Dirt: It Might Be Good for You” (Oct. 3, 2005 By Marc Lallanilla) quoted one lady as saying the dirt she ate “melts in your mouth like chocolate. The good stuff is real smooth. It’s just like a piece of candy.”

Weird, huh? Experts call this this phenomenon “geophagy.” So what does one call someone that eats dirt? I suppose that if those who eat plant life are called vegetarians then I guess a devourer of the stuff plants grow in would then be called a geophagarian. I’ll go with it! However, for brevity sake I think I will call geophagarians just “geos”.

Various experts have opined as to why geos eat dirt. Some think that it has to do with some sort of deficiency in nutrients that is an inherited characteristic. In other words, they were born that way. Others thought that dirt eating was a mental disorder similar to pica, the abnormal urge to eat non-food items such as paint or soap.

But some nutritionists asserted that this soil consumption is normal and even claimed that the eating of dirt, especially by pregnant women, might be wholesome.

Poor Health, Especially Among Men, Costs Canadian Taxpayers $36.9 Billion a Year.

2015-06-16T08:01:00.001-07:00

THE EVEN BETTER NEWS IS

Research has shown, time and time again-should the Canadian male, or female just make the decision to (although for senior’s on pension “BENEFITS” the SCAM term politicians prefer to use; when referring to the pensions working Canadians have paid for all their lives and been FORCED to allow the GOVERNMENTS to ADMINISTER such is often next to impossible) to live tobacco free, eat well, participate in regular physical activities, and to do what we can to prevent chronic disease there is absolutely no OTHER reason they should not live to be over one hundred twenty five (125) years old.

It’s not all or nothing, even small improvements in nutrition and activity add up to big benefits later.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia June 15, 2015 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadian Men's Health Week is kicking off (more cost, [but, possibly worthwhile, in the ling run] to the taxpayer) with an urgent message: Unhealthy lifestyle choices are running rampant, and they are costing TAXPAYERS (this country) NOT THE GOVERNMENTS an arm and a leg.

A NEW??? ground-breaking study released today shows that smoking, excess weight, over-consumption of alcohol and physical inactivity (I thought we already knew that, one or two thousand years ago) are some of the leading causes of chronic disease, among Canadian men.

The annual economic burden attributable to these four factors is staggering: $36.9 billion. No wonder the second annual Canadian Men's Health Week is striving to raise awareness about this issue and is encouraging men to make small but essential changes to their lifestyles.

The cost of Peoples (men and women) poor health is a huge problem that more and more people are talking about but few are DOING ANYTHING ABOUT. Encouraging men (and women) to make some changes in their lifestyle is helping to prevent up to 70% of these problems without adding another doctor, hospital, or taxpayer expense to the health care system.

The study, commissioned by Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, breaks down the economic burden: Direct health care accounts for $11.9 billion, with the remaining $25.1 billion caused by premature mortality ($14.0 billion), short-term disability ($2.4 billion) and long-term disability ($8.6 billion). Of this, $13.0 billion is attributable to smoking, $11.9 billion to excess weight, $7.6 billion to alcohol, and $4.4 billion to inactivity.*

These four risk factors contribute to approximately 40 different chronic conditions including 78% of chronic lung diseases, 73% of cancers of the head and neck, 72% of lung cancers, 67% of type 2 diabetes, 58% of heart diseases, 56% of strokes, 52% of colorectal cancers, and 30% of chronic back pain.

Should OUR governments ever take some responsibility; start doing-EVEN A SMALL PORTION-of the job to which they have been entrusted; this report reaffirms that healthy life choices by British Colombians WOULD help in lowering the strain on the health system and THE CANADIAN TAXPAYER.

The report is a reminder for all men (and women) of how critically important it is for every one of us try to make better choices – to live tobacco free, eat well, participate in regular physical activities, and to do what we can to prevent chronic disease.

Wake-up to the huge personal and economic costs associated with excess weight, inactivity, smoking and drinking.

The personal costs associated with family tragedy are incalculable.

Poor lifestyle choices are costing Canadians $11 billion in short and long term disability. Health care costs that already absorb more than 40 cents of every ((presently virtually worthless) dollar spent on programs-other than political “PERKS” and SALARIES.

While the economic costs are high, the effects on men's families and communities are even higher.

Widows DO account for 45% of all women aged 65 and over. We men DO need to start making changes to take better care of ourselves, not just for us, but also for the people who count on us and for our communities."

Fierce Determination, a Clear Vision of Their Future, and High Motivation Toward Self Improvement.

2015-06-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

Such were the dominant characteristics of most of my acquaintances, classmates, TRUE FRIENDS of early life. Most all of them were highly appreciative of the unlimited opportunities presented by variety and versatility. None were really in a high risk category for developing addictions; for all had clear vision of what was worth the spending away of any portion of their lives—and knew what their futures could and should be. They just did not have the time to sit around in coffee shops, in bars, do drugs, or develop any sort of harmful addiction. Call them “LUCKY" call them an "ELITE" group; call them what you must; THEY RECOGNISED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANY ADDICTION—ANY HABIT (alcohol, cheating, determination, lying, drugs, “sloughing off” smoking, working hard; TAKES TIME and is developed due to CONSCIOUS CHOICE of action. When speaking of addictions and other "BAD" habits, that conscious decision, invariably is to "GIVE UP"" "QUIT', and "STOP COMPETING.
Those true, lifelong friends were not out to fight the world or to start any wars. The Blacks, the Browns, the one with Downs Syndrome, the Midget, the Boy With Only One Leg, and the Yellows just felt great joy in being part of Canada-Part of the world.

Why You Should NOT Lend Money to Friends and Especially Family

2015-06-14T11:35:00.002-07:00

I have lent money to friends and family members and neither situation worked out very well. But, I learned a lot from both experiences. Most importantly, I learned that I’ll never loan money to friend or family member again, for the reasons outlined here. If you’ve already decided to loan money to someone close to you, here are some tips to help you mitigate some potential areas for communication breakdowns:

To thine own self be true, neither a borrower nor a lender be.” These famous words, SOME OF THE WISEST AND MOST IMPORTANT EVER SPOKEN, came from Polonius, Shakespeare’s chief counsellor to King Claudius in Hamlet. As Polonius (who is often belittled in the modern day as a probably demented old “fuddy duddy” gives some fatherly advice to his son Laertes, Shakespeare gives some timeless advice to us: Do not lend money to friends.

Why shouldn’t we lend money to friends and family? Polonius (Shakespeare) answers that in his next line: “For loan oft loses both itself and friend.” Shakespeare knew that a loan to a friend or family member often results in the loss of both the money and the relationship.

In fact, loans between family members or friends can result in an entirely unexpected set of problems. Consider the following ten reasons not to lend money to friends and family, and some tips to help you with damage control if you do agree to loan money.

1. Open-ended Loans

Loans to family and friends tend to be open-ended. The parties don’t reach an agreement for a timeline for repayments, and don’t include interest on the loan. Lenders don’t know when their money will be returned, and borrowers don’t know when to repay the loans.

This leaves both parties in limbo, and doesn’t set any expectations. The uncertainty can lead to stress as the borrower may worry that the lender expects payment and the lender worries about when he or she will be repaid. The first time I loaned money to a family member (to buy a house for his nuclear family) it delayed and limited my ability to go into business, for myself. The second time meant I was unable to go on any camping or fishing trips that year

Tip: If you must lend money to a family member or friend, provide them with a timeline and a schedule for repaying the loan. The timeline provides a final deadline for total repayment of the loan and the schedule provides them with guidelines for making monthly payments. For example, “John, I’m happy to lend this money to you, but I’ll need the money repaid by December 31st. If you can pay me $200 every month, the loan will be paid off by the end of December.”

2. Loans Are Never a Priority, to the Borrower

With an open-ended loan, the borrower may not realize that there is a sense of urgency to repay the loan. Without a deadline, repaying the loan becomes the borrower’s last priority. The borrower won’t face any repercussions for not repaying the loan, like late payments, higher interest fees, or a negative impact on a credit score. Without the threat of penalties, the borrower has no motivation to take the loan seriously or to put any urgency around repaying it.

Pro Tip: Talk with your friend or family member and let him or her know that repaying this loan needs to become a priority. Set a deadline for repayment to avoid any misunderstandings.

3. It is Difficult to Ask for the Money Back

It can be difficult to request repayment of a loan from a friend or even a family member. Family might and often do have a feeling of ENTITLEMENT-that the money is or should have been a GIFT. More than likely, the lender cares about the borrower, and doesn’t want the borrower to feel awkward. The lender may continue to worry about loan repayment, and thus shut down some or all communications with the borrower in order to avoid talking about the loan. The borrower becomes confused and hurt feelings can result.

Tip: If you have already lent money to a friend or family member and struggle with asking for the money, take the time-IF, THEY ARE NOT HIDING- to talk to the borrower to resolve the situation. When I had a difficult time talking to my family member about paying back a loan, I offered gentle reminders about the loan instead of asking direct questions. This made the discussions easier and less threatening.

4. It Can Make Family Gatherings Awkward

I have loaned money to family members, but I have never borrowed money from a family member. After the first time, family get-togethers became very awkward, even my relationship with my mother suffered (the money was loaned to her second youngest brother). It was also uncomfortable to be around other family members who knew about the loans.

No one wanted to talk about the loan, or about money, or even about anything that costs money; because then people might wonder why that other someone hasn’t repaid the loan.

Tip: You and the other party came to a private agreement about the loan. Neither party should feel uncomfortable, but if family gatherings seem awkward, keep things light hearted and steer conversations away from money realestate or anything else of material value.

5. The Borrower Becomes a Servant to the Lender

It is fairly commonly known that I do not believe in any commercial organised religion, including Christianity, however, the book of Proverbs in the Bible claims that the borrower becomes a servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7.)

Tip: As a lender, I didn’t think of my borrower as a servant to me, and I certainly didn’t want my borrower to feel that way. If you think the borrower feels subjugated, try to help ease his or her discomfort.

Now, Here are Five Reasons Even Your Friends Will Never pay you Back:

1. They never planned to pay you back in the first place. Emily Post, the mistress of manners, offers up this cardinal rule of lending things to friends: Don’t lend out items you really care about. In other words, don't ever plan on ever seeing that borrowed item -- ahem, money -- ever again.

2. You're being way too nice. The polite thing to do, if it's a small amount of money, is not to make an issue out of it at the risk of hurting the friendship. If you're out with a friend, when bill arrives, say, 'Is it okay to put that $10 toward my tab? Then it is nonthreatening," Bring it up once but don't harp on it. In other words, being a pushover is often a hidden cost of being good true friend.

3. You're not using robots to do your dirty work. Your friends are ignoring you because it's easy to do that. So use technology to do your dirty work and save yourself the mental anguish. The free app Venmo, now available for both iPhone and Android phones, can help you collect debts from your friends or even family. The app allows people to make and receive payments to and from each other -- for coffee, drinks, babysitting, whatever -- for free—that all too common catchword.

It will even send reminders to those who are overdue on their bills. Or, ask for a card swipe. On the downside, mobile payment companies like Square and PayPal take a small percentage of the payment for processing fees. On the plus side, the technology tracks the repayment and even emails both lender and borrower a receipt

4. The loan never happened. Here's some free legal advice: Get it in writing. If it's a large amount of money -- several hundred dollars or more -- a loan gone bad can effectively kill a friendship. But for the lender, that slip of paper can do something else: It could provide evidence for a write-off on taxes should the borrower default. IOUs can be as informal as an email or something more official like a legal contract.

5. Your friends know you won't break up with them. If you have friends who borrow stuff and don't give it back, then you have a different problem: either bad friends or bad boundaries.

Here is a common scenario: a friend , a “single mother” asks you for money for a loan “to pay the rent ant to buy groceries. She promises to pay you back as soon as she can. Being the loving and caring friend that you are, you immediately loan the money, after all, it will come back, in due time. After all, you’ve known your friend for years and trust him. You couldn’t and wouldn’t expect any less.

But as the months go by, you still don’t see a dime come back. You are nervous about asking for the money, but you really need it back. Yet, you don’t want to harm the relationship.

So what do you do? How do you get your money back and maintain the friendship? Here are nine ways to deal with a friend or family member who won’t pay you back.

Ways to Get Your Money Back from a Friend

1. Offer Gentle Reminders
Sometimes this is all it takes. Perhaps the person has so much on their mind that they forgot about the loan. Consider sending an email or visiting him. If your friend or family member has a good sense of humour, make a joke out of getting your money back. Humour can lighten the mood. However, make sure you communicate how important it is to you to be repaid.

2. Suggest a Payment Plan

If your friend wants to pay you back, but cannot pay the entire lump sum at once, suggest a payment plan. Sit down with him and write out the terms and conditions for the payments, including how often and how much. Establishing structure to the loan will benefit both of you. When deadlines are clear, it’s easier for your friend to be held accountable to them.

3. Offer to Help Figure Out Finances

If your friend or family member is willing, help him review his finances. If he does not manage money well, suggest that he make a budget or help set it up. In this way, you both can see how much he can afford to pay you back each month. Suggest the envelope budgeting system if it looks like he is having a difficult time staying within budget.

4. Barter

If it seems like he will never have the money, consider a different approach. Trade a specific amount of work around the house or in your yard for what he owes you. Or maybe you own a business and could use some extra help there. This can be a great way to let him off the hook for the money, but still get something of value in return.

Try this approach out first, however. If your friend is horrible at housework and you trade for an hourly amount, you may not feel like you got your money’s worth – which could leave lasting resentment in the relationship.

Alternatively, if he has an item that is roughly equivalent in value to what he owes, tell him you’re willing to wipe out the debt if he’s willing to part with the item.

5. Hold a Joint Garage Sale

If your friend or family member is unable to pay you back and is very tight on both money and time, ask him if they would donate some of their things towards a garage sale. The conditions would be that you get the entire profit, but they would be free of the debt. It’s best if you first approve, and then take charge of pricing and selling the items, so you don’t feel ripped off.

6. Get Collateral

If your friend or family member truly wants to pay you back, but lacks the discipline to do so, ask for collateral. Something he won’t want to do without, like a TV or iPad, can be a good choice. You are not to return the item until he pays you back. Such an action gives him incentive to pay you back sooner and proves to you that he genuinely intends to follow through with the promise.

7. Visit in Person

Perhaps your friend or family member is avoiding you because he knows you want your money back. If he doesn’t respond to emails, texts, or phone calls, visit him in person. Be kind when you visit. Show him that he can’t avoid the situation and offer suggestions that he can implement to pay you back.

8. Have Them Pay for You

If you are on friendly terms, ask your friend to pay for you each time you go to lunch or the movies. This could be an easier way for him to pay you back, and it might be a nice perk for you as well.

9. Gift It to Them, Family, Often Just may not be Worth Putting Yourself in the Grave Over.

If never getting the money back isn’t going to ruin your life, consider gifting the amount. You’ll probably feel good about it and then you can move on. Giving is great for the soul and allows you to be a good steward with your money.

As for the gift, there is a slim possibility you can deduct it on your taxes, but it depends on the scenario. The loan would need to be set up as and considered a true loan turned non-business bad debt. More than likely, you will not be able to count the gift as a tax deduction, but I recommend contacting the IRS or checking out their website. These sorts of gifts are closely scrutinized, and depending on the value of your gift, you could even end up owing gift tax. Gifts in excess of $13,000 are liable to be taxed and the donor is the one who pays this tax. Gifts for charitable contributions, for medical or educational expenses, to a political organization, or to your spouse are not assessed this tax.

Maintaining a Good Relationship

Loans can ultimately sour relationships, and many friends and families have fallen out over this issue. Here are some ways to deal with the relationship as you are attempting to get repaid.

1. Be Patient and FORGIVE

Try to be as understanding as possible. This person may not be as financially responsible as you and may need some guidance to pay you back. Use the situation as an opportunity to help your friend develop financial responsibility. Do your best to not get bitter over the money. If the person doesn’t pay you back, let him know your frustrations, but ultimately forgive him and move on. In the end, it will save your relationship and keep you from being an angry person who lost a close friend.

2. Think About How Much Your Relationship Is Worth

Is your relationship with this person worth a hundred dollars? A thousand dollars? A million dollars? Is it priceless? Keep that in perspective as you continue to deal with the situation.

3. You Can Only Control Yourself

You are only capable of controlling your own actions. If this person does not pay you back, that is on his shoulders and not yours. Don’t let it bring you down or ruin your life. Ultimately, it is a learning experience for both sides.

Final Word

It is often not a good idea to loan money to friends or ESPECIALLY family members. However, if you’ve already done the deed and find yourself dealing with it, make the best of the situation and use the tips above to try to get your money back and save the relationship. Chances are, your friend doesn’t feel very good about the situation either, and if they’re avoiding you, that’s probably why.

Help them help you is the message here. Have compassion, and whatever you do, don’t condescend because they owe you money. Deal with your ego if you think this position makes you better” than they are. They will pick up on these feelings which could harm the relationship irreparably.

Have you loaned money to friends or family members? What was your experience like? Have they paid you back-- YET?

Although Highly Unlikely in Western Society, Where Most Parenting is Done Either by “Day Care Centres” or by School Teachers; New Study Seems to Indicate That Overly Protective PARENTS Adversely Affect Children’s Lives

2015-06-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

Raising a child is one of the most important parents live stages. A child has to be prepared for his future life as an individual in the society and must be able to adapt in the complex world. In that case, parents should care about their offspring nurture. Unfortunately, some parents take it too seriously or have fears of their children being unsafe. In my opinion, over-protectiveness poses considerable negative response from a child.

Due to Nature’-The Creator’s supreme wisdom, all good parents protect their children from harm. Unfortunately, possibly because in truth they seldom ever really see their offspring; some parents overestimate the dangers in a normal world and deprive children of coping skills and fun.

The perceived threats of seldom seen but when seen; overprotective parents are often emotional, academic, or social. To differentiate between what is right and what is wrong when it comes to parenting is not easy. There are social, psychological, an environmental factors that can moderate the effects of overprotection, but children can be placed at risk by well-meaning parents.

Examples of Behaviour and Fears of Such Seldom Seen but Then Overprotective Parents:

Overprotective parents often seem constantly watchful, almost as if they expect something to go wrong. This vigilance may be more intense away from home when the child is able to walk about and communicate verbally. Overprotection can develop early and become a lasting part of the relationship between parent and child.

Some early signs of overprotective parenting during preschool and elementary years might include:

· Protection from all harm whether physical or emotional.

· Immediately running to examine a child when they have a simple fall that produces no distress; if a whimper is the worst result, the parent may have candy or a toy ready for comfort.

· Having unnecessarily strict rules for children such as remaining in the same room with the parent at all times even at age five or six years.

· Having strict rules of neatness which do not allow a child to get dirt on clothes or on the child.

· Expectations that children understand adult rules of deference and demeanour and being quick to punish transgressions.

· Discipline may be overly harsh for minor offenses.

· Highly structured rules that try to cover every phase of a child's life.

· Over-emphasis of academic success.

· Over-dependence on a system of rewards and punishments.

Parents exhibiting most of these behaviours should not to be labelled as "bad" parents. They may love their children, but do not have a clear understanding of how their actions shape child development. They may be intensely fearful that something terrible will happen or that their children will grow up to be uncontrollable or self-destructive.

Though parents may be trying to protect their children, a new study that has been done in Gunma University, Japan, shows that overprotective parents may actually cause harm.

The study suggests that Children who have parents that are overprotective or neglectful are more susceptible to psychiatric disorders. Lead researcher Kosuke Narita, scanned the brains of 50 people in their 20s and asked them to fill out a survey about their relationship with their parents during their first 16 years. Narita and the team of researchers discovered that children with overprotective parents had less grey matter in a particular area of the prefrontal cortex than those who had had healthy relationships. Neglect from fathers, though not mothers, also correlated with less grey matter. This part of the prefrontal cortex develops during childhood, and abnormalities there are common in people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

Narita and his team propose that the excessive release of the stress hormone cortisol – due either to neglect, or to too much attention – and reduced production of dopamine as a result of poor parenting leads to stunted grey matter growth.

Anthony Harris, director of the Clinical Disorders Unit at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia, says the study is important for highlighting to the wider community that parenting styles can have long-term effects on children.

Stephen Wood, who studies adolescent development at the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre in Australia, believes the brain abnormalities cannot always be blamed on children's relationship with their parents. He points out that the subjects studied may have been born with the abnormalities and as a result didn't bond well with their parents, rather than vice versa.

More research will have to be done before researches can conclude that overprotective parents inhibit brain growth that effects mental illness but this is clearly a step in the right direction.

To start with, strict parents may limit child’s activity. The negative side is that a child may become very passive and frustrated. Child’s self-esteem is about to be at high risk and might be undermined. The main reason for this is that prohibition of various activities may result in keeping the child indoor and will be considered as blighting his life. This has a great possibility to become a main factor of grown persons despair and unhappiness because of rough childhood and may have miserable of fatal effect in future.

Secondly, over-protectiveness makes children overly shy. The main reason is that children of over-protective parents usually lack of self-confidence as they were never given a chance to cope with the world on their own or to interact or develop their communication skills. While some of the children are born shy, others may become shy because of permanent parents over-caring.

Thirdly, over-defensive parents instil the fear of failure to their descendants. As these kinds of children are always being supervised, they do not have enough experience to persevere while standing on their own two feet. When they face with difficulties or new environment, they are more likely to fail because of their fears. For instance, when children of over-protective parents leave for college, they usually go astray and abuse alcohol or drugs.

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