Pass the banana

From BFF Josie's friend, Rollie, comes this fact-filled material about one of my favorite fruits... the banana. Thanks, R & J!

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 Pass the Banana

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

 

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!! This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

 

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.   Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia. Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

 

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (England) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

 

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness. Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the  Institute  of Psychology  in  Austria  found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady. Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. InThailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood Enhancer tryptophan. Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%! Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape! So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe it's time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!' PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.  Amazing fruit!!!

Frogs in our lives

From BFF Josie's friend Danubia came this fascinating frog story.  Thanks, ladies!

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I was told a story about a lady in the hospital who was near death when an area Chaplain came to visit her.

This Chaplain was a very young female with long blond hair. She listened to the lady who was ill and left her a small gift for comfort.

It was a tiny ceramic frog.

The next day one of the people from the lady's church came to visit.

The lady told her friend about the beautiful young Chaplain who had come to visit her. The friend was so impressed with the way the lady had improved and felt the need to talk to the young Chaplain.

In her search to find the young gal, she was repeatedly reassured that the chaplains are never very young and that there was never a gal that fit the description given.

Upon returning to the lady in the hospital, a visiting nurse entered the room and noticed the ceramic frog. The nurse made the comment 'I see you have a guardian angel with you.'

As she held the little frog we asked why she made the comment and we were informed that the frog stood for:

Forever

Rely

On

God

Friends are quiet Angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

To The World You Might Be One Person;

But To One Person You Might Be the World.

And if this is sent back to you then you know that you are a true friend...

Lesson from a donkey

BFF Josie passed along this interesting donkey story.  Thanks, amiga!

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MORAL FOR THE DAY:
ONE DAY A FARMER'S DONKEY FELL DOWN INTO A WELL. THE ANIMAL CRIED PITEOUSLY FOR HOURS AS THE FARMER TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO.

FINALLY, HE DECIDED THE ANIMAL WAS OLD, AND THE
WELL NEEDED TO BE COVERED UP ANYWAY;
IT JUST WASN'T WORTH IT TO RETRIEVE THE DONKEY.

HE INVITED ALL HIS NEIGHBORS TO COME OVER AND
HELP HIM. THEY ALL GRABBED A SHOVEL AND BEGAN
TO SHOVEL DIRT INTO THE WELL.  AT FIRST, THE
DONKEY REALIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND CRIED
HORRIBLY.  THEN,TO EVERYONE'S AMAZEMENT HE
QUIETED DOWN.

A FEW SHOVEL LOADS LATER, THE FARMER FINALLY
LOOKED DOWN THE WELL.  HE WAS ASTONISHED AT WHAT
HE SAW.  WITH EACH SHOVEL OF DIRT THAT HIT HIS
BACK, THE DONKEY WAS DOING SOMETHING AMAZING.
HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND TAKE A STEP UP.

AS THE FARMER'S NEIGHBORS CONTINUED TO SHOVELDIRT ON TOP OF THE ANIMAL, HE WOULD SHAKE IT
OFF AND TAKE A  STEP UP.

PRETTY SOON, EVERYONE WAS AMAZED AS THE DONKEY
STEPPED UP OVER THE EDGE OF THE WELL AND
HAPPILY TROTTED OFF!

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LIFE IS GOING TO SHOVEL DIRT ON YOU, ALL KINDS
OF DIRT.  THE TRICK TO GETTING OUT OF THE WELL
IS TO SHAKE IT OFF AND TAKE A STEP UP.  EACH OF
OUR TROUBLES IS A STEPPINGSTONE.  WE CAN GET OUT
OF THE DEEPEST WELLS JUST BY NOT STOPPING,
NEVER GIVING UP!  SHAKE IT OFF AND TAKE A STEP UP.

REMEMBER THE FIVE SIMPLE RULES TO BE HAPPY:

FREE YOUR HEART FROM HATRED - FORGIVE.

FREE YOUR MIND FROM WORRIES - MOST NEVER HAPPEN.

LIVE SIMPLY AND APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE.

GIVE MORE.

EXPECT LESS  

NOW........  

ENOUGH OF THAT CRAP.  THE DONKEY LATER CAME BACK,AND BIT THE FARMER WHO HAD TRIED TO BURY HIM.  THE GASH FROM THE BITE GOT INFECTED AND THE FARMER EVENTUALLY DIED IN AGONY FROM SEPTIC SHOCK.

MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON:

WHEN YOU DO  SOMETHING WRONG, AND TRY TO COVER
YOUR ASS, IT ALWAYS COMES BACK TO BITE YOU.

Easter fixation

Rollie, BFF Josie's friend and my constant contributor, shared the following interesting piece about a German couple's perpetuation of their unique Easter obsession.  Thanks, R&J!

This piece screams an example of people's passion... how they shine in pursuing a labor of love.  The hard work may not bring them any financial reward, but seeing the outcome of their creative efforts give them the best compensation imaginable.  Way to go, Volker and Christa!... and thank you.

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A feast for the Easter Bunny: German couple decorate their garden tree with 10,000 painted eggs.

Easter comes but once a year - but one couple have turned it into a lifetime's project.

German pensioners Volker and Christa Kraft have decorated the tree in their back garden in Saalfeld for Easter for more than 40 years..

The tree now drips with more than 9,800 colourful Easter eggs, painted with pastoral scenes and religious icons.

Volker Kraft adds to the 9,800 Easter eggs hanging from the tree in garden of the home he shares with his wife Christa.

Each egg must be painstakingly emptied of yolk and whites, to ensure it will not go bad, before they can be hand painted and hung out for all to see..

The easiest way is to pierce two holes in each end of the egg with a hat-pin, then blow out the contents through a straw.

The better equipped can use a syringe pushed through just one hole to extract the gooey gubbins. But be cautious when handling raw eggs - they may carry salmonella.

Symbol of life: Carefully packed and intricately decorated Easter eggs lie waiting to be hung from the Krafts' tree.

The egg is a pagan symbol of rebirth, widely used in spring festivals before its adoption by early Christians as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus.

For followers of Christianity they are symbolic of Christ rising from his tomb three days after His death on th4e cross.

In ancient times, the Zoroastrians painted eggs for Nowrooz, their New Year celebration, which falls on the spring equinox.

Sculptures in the ruins of Persepolis, their capital, show people carrying eggs to their king for the occasion 2,500 years ago.

Don't tell the Easter Bunny! Heike Lutz, right, visits the Krafts' tree together with her son Anton Lutz.

After their kids moved out of the house, it seemed the Easter Tree would finally catch a break, but grandsons arrived and the Krafts went back to decorating their giant tree. The number of Easter eggs hung by the tree’s branches grew every year,and in 2010 it reached an incredible 9,500 eggs.

A season of resurrection

Celebrating Easter in April is obviously dictated by a divine calendar.  The start of Spring sees new growth in our landscape.  Trees stripped of their leaves in autumn are bursting with fresh green leaves and new branches.  Flowers are coming out with their vibrant colors.  Grass is sprouting its lavish and refreshing greeness, uplifting the once winter dry environment.

To be honest, I never thought of Spring in the same vein as Jesus's Resurrection.  One afternoon, my bus pal Bonnie and I were standing close to a huge (still naked) tree when she suddenly blurted out:  "Spring is Resurrection."  She said that every year trees, plants and flowers die and come back to life during springtime.  

That gave me precious food for thought.  

Every year the believers of the world commemorate Jesus's death on the cross on Good Friday and celebrate His Glorious Resurrection on this day.  His return from the dead never fails to happen in this season of hope and new beginnings!

Spring is Resurrection!

Let's all be thankful that Mother Nature gives our landscape a chance to come back to life.  During this time of the year, we get the opportunity to appreciate what we miss during the other seasons of the year.

Spring, just like every other time of our life, is a season to feel gratitude for God's blessings.   



Have a lovely Easter!

photo credit:  worldwidechocolate.com

Many thanks to my friend Mary for forwarding this.

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This came around just in time for Easter.....keep it moving so that many may enjoy it!   Click here: YouTube - On My Father's Side byThe Barn Again Gang this is really gorgeous, turn the volume up..............................

Take 2: The beatable foe

There have been published pieces on this site that deserve an encore such as the link below.  It sends a message of hope and with so many unemployed folks in our world today, it certainly should inspire the will to fight... and the dream of starting over. 

The following piece tells of how I fought my painful battle during my dark days of unemployment.  It was my personal odyssey towards the light.  I hope that after reading it, someone will feel uplifted and be drawn to the light outside their dark trunnel.

The beatable foe

Proofreading... a dying art

The topic of proofreading brings back memories of my college journalism days.  My professor (a seasoned journalist of his time) touched base on the typos and irrelevant titles that find their way into print.  Newspaper people work on hurried schedules and perpetual deadlines, often times on lack of zzz's, so let's give them some slack, OK? 

Admit it, the typos and funny-sounding titles/captions in the news do bring some chuckles to daily life. 

Thanks to Rollie (BFF Josie's friend) for contributing this piece.

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THE TITLE SAYS IT ALL...............

  Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn't you say?

Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter 
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day.

I just couldn't help but send this along.  Too funny...

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

No crap, really? Ya think? 

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Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

Now that's taking things a bit far! 

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Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over

What a guy! 

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Miners Refuse to Work after Death

No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's! 

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Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial! 

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War Dims Hope for Peace

I can see where it might have that effect! 

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If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile 

Ya think?! 

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Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures

Who would have thought! 

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Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide 

They may be on to something! 

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Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?

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He probably IS the battery charge! 

Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge

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New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?! 

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Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft 
That's what he gets for eating those beans! 

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Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
Do they taste like chicken? 

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Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Chainsaw Massacre all over again! 

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Boy, are they tall! 

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

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Did I read that right? 

And the winner is....

Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

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Hillary Rodham Clinton's tribute to Pinoys

Thanks to BFF Josie for sharing the following piece.  It sat in my electronic mailbox for more than a year.  Today I decided to let it go, but only after I have shared it with you.

You see, although I am an American, a huge part of my heart belongs to the Philippines where I was born and received the best education in the world.  That is the reason that whenever there is an opportunity to amplify the goodness of its people, I cannot contain myself from blasting it to the world. 

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tribute to Filipinos
INQUIRER.netFirst Posted 10:41:00 10/04/2010  

NEW YORK, United States—State Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton is probably the highest American official who has an intimate knowledge of Filipinos, their dreams, and aspirations.

This was manifest during the signing of the $434-million US Millennium Corp. grant that she and visiting President Benigno Aquino III presided over last October 22 [this should be September 22-pennyb] at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Speaking extemporaneously, Clinton—who speaks openly of her close relationship with Filipinos, especially during her term as senator representing New York—gave a glimpse of how much she knows about the Filipino psyche.

She said:

"Millions of people in the Philippines have left their native land for a better opportunity. They love the Philippines. I know because I know many of them. They try to go home when they can afford to do it. They retire back to the Philippines. They want to be sure their children and grandchildren are raised in the Philippines."

Then Clinton, dressed in an elegant indigo blue suit, addressing the new Philippine president continued:

"We hope that, Mr. President, the people of your country will be able to make a good living in their own country. And in order to do that, there must be a partnership that creates the conditions for economic opportunity."

But what endeared the charming state secretary to the Filipinos in the audience were these words:

"I know how smart the Filipino people are. I know how hard they work. I’m not sure there’s any group of people anywhere in the world that work harder than Filipinos.

"But let’s be very honest here. Too many of them feel that they cannot progress in their own country. Too many of them feel that the elite in business and politics basically call the shots, and there’s not much room for someone who’s hardworking, but not connected. Too many of them believe that even if they get the best education they can, that there won’t be an opportunity for them, and so they take that education and help build someone else’s economy, very often here in the United States."

This writer observed that as Mrs. Clinton made her way to the stage where the signing ceremony was to take place, she hugged some Filipino friends in the audience. And on her way out, she blew kisses to the same groups of Filipino American friends and constituents from New York state.

Not too many top diplomatic officials would risk speaking these strong words in an official function. But Hillary Clinton, because of her close relationship with the Filipino people has the inside track—and the charm and candor—to speak up.

Even the usually skeptical media people covering the event were quite impressed by the gracious top American diplomat.

Clinton's remarks—and how she delivered them with graciousness and tack—were the topic for conversation during dinner among the Philippine media people who covered the event.  Here is a powerful US official who knows and understands the dreams and aspirations of Filipinos, especially the three million Pinoys who have chosen the United States as their adopted country. For most of us who toil in the "land of milk and honey," it's really nice to know that Hillary Clinton is there for us.

Leftover food... a lifeline for many

I take pride in being a tough cookie, but recently a short film forwarded by BFF Josie's friend Rollie (thank you, thank you!) made me break down and cry.  It was an Oh... my... God moment!  Impoverished families in other countries (the Philippines, in this particular case) get by through other folks' leftover meals.  It is a sad reality considering that in America, an indecent amount of leftover food find its way into the trash!

Having been brought up appreciating the Lord's blessings, I personally hate wasting food.  Unless it's spoiled, it finds its way into my mouth.  Countless people in the world are going hungry.  If we have food on the table, let's be extremely grateful!  And more important, let's not perpetuate wasteful habits.

After watching this short film, you will be touched.

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Brief note from Mendrei, from whom the film originated:

Ferdinand Dimadura is the creator of this award-winning short film. Ferdinand is one of the most promising creative talents from the Philippines as he does it all. He is a songwriter/composer/arrranger/director/singer/graphic designer and much more.

He is a personal friend and happy to say he is joining Rosy Cheeks Entertainment Group to help us in our projects in Las Vegas.

Please click on the link below to see this powerful short film. Make sure to turn on the sound. You will then know how blessed you are.

Someone's Leftover Food... Another's Livelihood

Hail to the rain!

The following came from the mail... from a local company that's trying to get my home improvement business.  Thank you!

It captures the essence of rain... why it is a blessing to Mother Earth and man.  Let's be concerned when a dry spell comes to pass and be very glad when rainy days come.



Palm Sunday memories



photo credit:  en. wikipedia.org



 Growing up Roman Catholic, I have very fond recollection of Palm Sunday which falls on the Sunday before Easter.

Where I grew up in Manila, palm leaves were aplenty.  Vendors situated themselves outside the church with palms in various arrangements.  In the Manila I knew, there was always a means to make a living outside churches, be it selling ice cream, bibingka (native cake) or commemorative items like palm leaves.  Somehow I miss that interesting, unbridled activity outside the church now that I live in America.

In the church I go to now, palm leaves are distributed for the faithful unlike in that country where I grew up where worshippers had to spend money for the palms they carry to the church ceremony.  At the appropriate moment at Mass (commemorating Jesus's entry into Jerusalem amidst the crowds waving palm branches), we would all wave our palms as the priest went down the aisle giving his blessing.  In Manila we would take the blessed palms home and put them on our altar.  Because Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, it's a special occasion for rejoicing!

In many churches, the palms used on this day are stored and burned the following year to be used during the Ash Wednesday rituals.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Jesus's end... His agony and crucifixion... therefore the commencement of the Holy Week.  His journey to the Cross takes place in one week and believers don't find a reason to doubt it.