FREEDOM

Freedom allows us to live our lives without self-imposed limitations.
When we refuse to release life-draining forces like anger or feeling victimized, we remain in prisons of our own making. When we tell ourselves "I can't" or "I'm not", we restrict our ability to grow and
reach our fullest potential. When we act from a need to please others,or when we do what seems more societally acceptable, rather than following our own destiny, we destroy the freedom we have to be
who we are. There must be balance between "being practical" and being true to ourselves. How can living a life that isn't fulfilling be practical?

Freedom happens only in surrender. It doesn't exist in the moments where we struggle or work against the flow of life. It isn't found in living life to please others. It is the combination of faith in our
larger plan and the courage to try new things. Everyone has the power of freedom, but many don't discover or fully realize it. Every choice we face allows the opportunity for freedom. We can choose to act or not act, to embrace change or remain stationary.

Today's Exercise:

Focus on freedom and what it means to you. Ask
yourself "What do I need to feel more free?" Do you feel controlled by your life's circumstances, or do you feel empowered to be yourself despite them? In what ways to you limit or restrict yourself? What
can you do today to help release restrictions in your life?

Magnesium infusions provide no benefit after bleeding stroke

By Thomas H. Maugh II

May 25, 2012, 12:06 p.m.

The common practice of infusing magnesium sulfate into patients who have suffered a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke provides no discernible benefit, Dutch researchers reported Friday. The study could lead to a change in treatment for victims of such strokes, which account for about 13% of the estimated 795,000 strokes that afflict Americans each year -- and about 30% of the 133,000 stroke deaths. The rest of the strokes are caused by blood clots that impede circulation in the brain. Many survivors of hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel in the brain leaks blood into the organ, causing acute pressure, are left permanently impaired.

The only treatments for such strokes that have proved modestly effective are calcium-channel antagonists such as nimodipine. Magnesium has been proposed as a treatment because it also acts as a calcium antagonist and because it has neuroprotective effects. Small clinical trials, however, have produced mixed results.

Dr. Sanne Dorhaut Mees of the Utrecht Stroke Center in the Netherlands and her colleagues had previously performed a phase 2 trial of magnesium infusions with 283 patients in the Netherlands, half of whom received infusions of the drug and half who got infusions of saline solution as a placebo. They found that the magnesium provided a 23% reduction in poor outcomes, prompting them to begin a larger phase 3 trial.

For the larger study, they enrolled 1,203 patients at four centers in the Netherlands and one center each in Scotland and Chile. Half were given a placebo and half were given magnesium infusions for 20 days or until discharge from the hospital, whichever came first. Poor outcome was defined as severe disability or death at three months after the first stroke.

The team reported Friday in The Lancet that there was no difference between the two groups: 158 of the 606 patients (26.2%) given magnesium had a bad outcome, compared to 151 of the 597 patients (25.3%) given placebo. Similar results were obtained when they broke the patients into various subgroups. No group showed a benefit. There were four unexpected adverse events during the trial, all in the magnesium group; one involved unusually low calcium levels, while three were characterized by unusually high magnesium levels.

The team then performed a meta-analysis, combining their new results with those obtained in other clinical trials, giving a total of 2,047 patients. Again, they found no benefit from magnesium. They concluded that "routine administration of magnesium cannot be recommended."
In an editorial in the same journal, neurologists Dr. Jose Suarez and Dr. Chethan Venkatasubba of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston echoed that conclusion, noting that the results were "disappointing. ... We agree with the researchers, and previous findings, that routine intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion  cannot be recommended for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage."
LATimesScience@gmail.com
Twitter/@LATMaugh

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-magnesium-stroke-20120525,0,4221938.story

A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman...

 A politician and a statesman are not the same thing. A statesman,  is not a tyrant; he is the free leader of a free people and he must possess four critical qualities:

1. A bedrock of principles
2. A moral compass
3. A vision
4. The ability to build a consensus to achieve that vision

Let us now explore these four criteria of a democratic statesman in greater depth.

1. A Bedrock of Principles

The statesman builds his platform on a foundation of firm, unchanging, fundamental truths. These are the things he believes at his very core, his overarching philosophy. Just as in the foundation of a house, storms may buffet the structure, opposition and challenges may arise, times will change, but the foundation remains. A statesman may change the details of his policies and his methods for achieving those policies, but only inasmuch as those short-term tactics of expediency serve the purpose of furthering his bedrock of principles in the long run.

2. A Moral Compass

According to Dr. J. Rufus Fears, the modern politician makes decisions by using “antennae.” He puts his feelers out there to gauge the public mood. Once he figures out which way the wind is blowing, he then shapes himself and his message to give the people exactly what they want. But as Dr. Fears would hammer home again and again to us: A statesman does not govern by public opinion polls.
No, the true statesman makes his decisions by following the dictates of his own moral compass. He is not a relativist; he believes in absolute truths, and his moral compass is rooted in a sense of absolute right and absolute wrong. When something is wrong, he plainly says it is wrong and does everything in his power to fight against it. When something is right, he is willing to overcome any opposition to preserve and spread it. The statesman is ambitious – he must be to obtain a position of power – but there are things he simply will and will not do to get to the top. He is a man of integrity; he speaks the truth. He leads by moral authority and represents all that is best in his countrymen.

3. A Vision

A statesman has a clear vision of what his country and his people can become. He knows where he wants to take them and what it will take to get there.
Fears argues that a statesman’s foresight is one of his most important qualities, as he must be able to recognize problems on the horizon and be able to come up with solutions that are good not only for the short-term, but for the long-term as well. The statesman keeps in mind not only the here and now, but the world future generations will inherit.

4.  The Ability to Build a Consensus to Achieve That Vision

A politician may have a bedrock of principles, a moral compass, and a vision, but if he lacks the ability to build a consensus around his vision, his efforts to change policies, laws, and the course of history will largely be in vain.
A statesman, who again is a free leader of a free people, must enlist those who serve with him in the government to support his initiatives, and their willingness to do so rests on the pressure they feel from their constituents to align themselves with the statesman’s vision. Thus, a statesman’s success in building a consensus ultimately hinges on his ability to convince his countrymen of the soundness of his philosophy.
To win their hearts, the statesman does not use slick advertisements and PR campaigns. Ads and propaganda, Fears argues, are the tools of the despot. Rather, the statesman harnesses the power of the written, and especially the spoken word. He is master orator. His lifelong study of great books and the lessons of history allow him to speak to the people in intelligent, potent, well-reasoned arguments.
Because a statesman follows his moral compass instead of opinion polls, his ideas are often initially out of step with the public mood. But instead of tailoring his rhetoric to that mood, he speaks to the very best within his countrymen. He understands that while their ideals may be deeply buried, powerful rhetoric can bring them forth and activate them. The strength of his words comes from the fact that he actually believes what he says. And he does not make his countrymen’s hearts soar and burn with empty promises; he keeps his word and does what he says he will do.
In considering these four qualities of a democratic statesman, it may seem like a real one has never existed, because if one had, surely everyone would be in agreement on his exalted place in history. But in truth, even those who agree on these criteria would have plenty of disagreement over what principles the statesman should espouse, what constitutes a moral right and wrong, and most importantly, what constitutes acceptable means in obtaining his vision.
Professor Fears believes that the three greatest statesmen in history are Pericles of Athens, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill. For all three men, their bedrock of principles rested on the ideal of freedom: democratic liberty, equality under the law, and individual freedom—the freedom to live as you choose. And these men had a vision of expanding this liberty further, out to the common man. And yet they all courted controversy in some of the measures they deemed necessary in order to achieve their vision. Churchill is criticized for things like the Bombing of Dresden and his advocacy of imperialism (he did not believe that national independence and freedom were the same thing, and thought that British colonists would have more freedom and liberty under colonial rule than if a country was turned over to a small clique of its own that would rule with tyranny). And Lincoln suspended the right to habeaus corpus during the Civil War.
Some feel that such actions cannot be justified, no matter the end goal. But Dr. Fears, who from what I gather from his lectures and books leans libertarian, sees the broader picture—he argues that every statesman must set priorities, and this can sometimes mean “saying no to the aspirations of one people for another.” In other words, even if the methods of the statesmen he admires were not always very savory in the short-term, what matters most in his estimation is that they ultimately led to more freedom for more people in the long-term.
So who do you personally think are the great statesmen from history? Do you think there are true statesmen among us now? If not, which of these qualities are the politicians out there lacking?

Playful Communication in Relationships

The Power of Laughter, Humor, and Play

Laughter has a powerful effect on your health and well-being. A good laugh relieves tension and stress, elevates mood, enhances creativity and problem-solving ability, and provides a quick energy boost. But even more importantly, laughter brings people together. Mutual laughter and play are an essential component of strong, healthy relationships. By making a conscious effort to incorporate more humor and play into your daily interactions, you can improve the quality of your love relationships—as well as your connections with co-workers, family members, and friends.

The power of laughter and play

Playful communication is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships exciting, fresh, and vital. Laughter and play enrich your interactions and give your relationships that extra zing that keeps them interesting, light, and enjoyable. This shared pleasure creates a sense of intimacy and connection—qualities that define solid, lasting relationships.

People are attracted to happy, funny individuals. Laughter draws others to you and keeps them by your side. When you laugh with one another, a positive bond is created. This bond acts as a strong buffer against stress, disagreements, and disappointment. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain to smile and join in on the fun.

Playful communication helps you:

• Connect to others. Your health and happiness depend, to a large degree, on the quality of your relationships—and laughter binds people together.
• Smooth over differences. Using gentle humor often helps you broach sensitive subjects, resolve disagreements, and reframe problems.
• Feel relaxed and energized at the same time. Laughter relieves fatigue and relaxes your body, while also recharging your batteries and helping you accomplish more.
• Overcome problems and setbacks. A sense of humor is the key to resilience. It helps you take hardships in stride, weather disappointment, and bounce back from adversity and loss.
• Put things into perspective. Most situations are not as bleak as they appear to be when looked at from a playful and humorous point of view.
• Be more creative. Humor and playfulness loosen you up, energizing thinking and inspiring creative problem solving.

The health benefits of laughter

Laughter and playfulness also come with numerous physical and mental health benefits. Laughter triggers a host of healthy changes in your brain and body.

Laughter helps you stay healthy by:

• Boosting your mood
• Decreasing stress hormones
• Improving oxygen flow to the brain
• Reducing physical pain

• Lowering blood pressure
• Strengthening the immune system
• Protecting the heart
• Relaxing your body

Mental health benefits of laughter and humor

The mental health benefits of laughter are tied to the physical benefits. When your body is relaxed and energized, you are better able to think and communicate clearly. This helps you keep your own emotions in check, relate in a positive way to others, and resolve conflict.
Laughter is a particularly powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. Having a sense of humor offsets depression and anxiety by:

• Releasing endorphins. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, powerful chemicals that boost mood and override sadness and negative thoughts.
• Putting things into perspective. Most situations are not as bleak as they appear to be when looked at from a playful and humorous point of view.
• Connecting us to others. Our mental health depends, to a large degree, on the quality of our relationships—and laughter binds people together.

Read more: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq7_playful_communication.htm

HUGGING SOMEONE CAN ACTUALLY LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE...

We all know a hug feels good, but what's the connection between hugs and heart health?
Well, it appears that human contact through hugs lowers blood pressure and reduces stress, which cuts the risk of heart disease. Hugs have also been shown to improve overall mood, increase nerve activity, and a host of other beneficial effects. Positive physical touch has an immediate anti-stress effect, slowing breathing and heart rate.
"A good hug speaks directly to your body and soul, making you feel loved and special," says Mihalko Baczynski, a relationship coach.
"Hugging is all natural; it is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, non-fattening, no carbohydrates, no preservatives, no artificial or genetically engineered ingredients, and 100% wholesome" says Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD.
Not only are hugs completely natural, they don't cost anything either! Hugs are free! And best of all, the supply is endless.

Research proves connection between hugs and heart health

A University of North Carolina study showed that hugs increased levels of the hormone oxytocin and reduced blood pressure.
There is a scientific explanation for the seemingly magical qualities of a hug that researchers uncovered. Each time we hug, we increase the level of oxytocin in the blood. This hormone triggers a “caring” or "bonding" response in both men and women (oxytocin is most well known for stimulating contractions of the uterus during labor and the release of milk during breast-feeding).
Several animal studies lend support to this idea; for example, oxytocin levels rise and blood pressure falls in rats when their bellies are stroked.
A daily dose of oxytocin from hugging can help protect us from heart disease. And while it works for both genders, women seem to be the greater benefactors as exhibited by the second phase of the University of North Carolina study.
The North Carolina study also reinforced research findings that support from a partner, in this case a hug from a loved one, can have beneficial effects on heart health.
University of Toronto psychiatrist Brian Baker who studies how marriage affects men's hearts says, "Male heart patients with good marriages stay healthier than do those living with conflict." One can presume that men and women in a good marriage probably hug more than those in conflict.

A STUDY SUGGESTS A SIMPLE TILT OF THE HEAD MAKES YOU MORE ATTRACTIVE. WOMEN LOOK SEXIER WHEN THEY LOOK SLIGHTLY UP...

A tilt of the head can make both men and women look more attractive, according to a new study.
Australian researchers have found that women who tilt their faces forward are seen as more attractive, while men are considered better-looking when they tilt their heads backward.
The results may hark back to the differences in male and female height, the researchers report in the journal Evolutionary Psychology. Men are typically taller than women, so they're used to seeing female faces from above — an effect mimicked by a forward head tilt. Women, on the other hand, usually look up at men's faces, so the head-back tilt may appear more masculine.
Previous studies have shown that ladies dig men with relatively short upper faces, though fertility can also affect what women find sexy.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO SPREAD HAPPINESS; EITHER BE 'THE LIGHT WHO SHINES IT' OR BE THE 'MIRROR THAT REFLECTS IT...

TRULY GREAT PEOPLE DON'T GO AROUND TELLING EVERYONE HOW GREAT THEY ARE, EVERYONE ALREADY KNOWS IT...

"LIFE IS ETERNAL", AND THERE IS ONLY "ONE OF US". THESE TWO TRUTHS ARE ALL YOU WILL EVER NEED TO KNOW...

STUDY SHOWS THAT PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO WEAR DENIM JEANS WHEN THEY ARE DEPRESSED...

Do you know what you're going to wear today? A new study suggests what you wear is heavily impacted by your mood.
If you're feeling a little blue you're more likely to slip on a pair of blue jeans. Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire in England asked one-hundred women what they wore when they were depressed. More than half answered jeans.
Psychologists say we choose clothes that are associated with happiness even when we're feeling down.

"It's just like comfort food. You look for something that is familiar, that makes you feel more like you, that makes you feel more comfortable,” explained therapist Charity Adams. “So if blue jeans are the thing that makes you feel, as they are for a lot of us, that is going to be the thing that you are going to throw on."
Adams also says when you're wearing something that makes you feel good you're more likely to feel more confident and better able to get over your depression.

CHOCOLATE, SEX AND LAUGHTER ARE ALL VERY IMPORTANT FACTORS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BRAIN...

It has long been thought that the key to a nimble brain lies in good genes.

But the secret to a healthy mind appears to lie in what is eaten to fuel the body and lifestyle choices, reveals new research.

Dark chocolate and plenty of cold meat for breakfast top the list for boosting grey matter and the study also finds sex is essential for keeping the brain fit in later life.

Those wishing to improve their mental power should avoid smoking cannabis, watching soap operas and hanging out with people who moan.

While cuddling a baby, cheating at school, reading out-loud and doing a business degree at university are all good for an efficient mind.

The latest theories, based on research from experts around the world, are contained in a new book entitled Teach Yourself: Training Your Brain.

Author Terry Horne, a business lecturer at The University of Central Lancaster, said: "For decades we have thought that the cognitive capacity of our brains is genetically determined, whereas it's now clear that it's a lifestyle choice.

"What we eat and drink, how we learn at school and what type of moods we have are all crucial.

"People can make lifestyle choices that will not only prevent what used to be seen as an inevitable decline in cognitive [ability] after the age of 17 but will constantly increase our cognitive capacity throughout our adult lives."

The book contains mental exercises and radical thinking on how diet, the environment, stress and other aspects of modern life affect our mental capacity.

It claims that sex has a positive impact on the mind - listing seven different chemical reactions that the brain undergoes during intercourse which improve its functioning ability.

For instance, raised levels of oxytocin - or the "trust" hormone - during sex increase a person's readiness to think of novel or risky solutions to a problem.

While the post-coital rise in serotonin levels aids both creative thinking and calm, logical decision-making.

Elements in dark chocolate also prove beneficial.

Magnesium and antioxidant flavonols or chemicals increase the supply of oxygen to the brain and reduce the chances of brain damage through a stroke.

Ditching a low-fat diet is also recommended to boost performance - as is working with classmates or colleagues, as opposed to alone, and reading aloud.

A happy confident and optimistic nature also helps the brain - as does avoiding negative, depressed people and those who regularly moan.

The book recommends that, instead of trying to find perfect happiness, people should instead seek a new concept - known as BLISS.

This involves body-based pleasure, laughter, involvement, satisfaction and sex - which all enable the mind to perform well.

Mr Horne added: "Mix with people who make you laugh, have a good sense of humour or who share the same interests as you, and avoid people who whinge, whine and complain, as people who are negative will make you depressed."

Research shows that most people only use three to four per cent of their total supply of brain cells.

But a study of undergraduates who followed the book's advice showed that many experienced a large increase in cognitive fitness - enough to make the difference between getting an average job and a top job.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-499252/The-secrets-brainpower-Chocolate-sex-laughter.html#ixzz1uAySkCWz

FLOSSING DAILY CAN AND WILL REDUCE YOUR RISK OF GETTING HEART DISEASE...

A scientist from the University of Bristol says brushing and flossing teeth is just as important for lowering risk of heart attack as other lifestyle interventions. Professor Howard Jenkinson explains there are bacteria in the mouth that can enter the bloodstream and form clots, causing heart attack.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Causes Heart Attack
The same bacteria that cause mouth and gum disease, Streptococcus, also release a protein in the bloodstream that contains a clot promoting protein. Normally, the bacteria are confined to the mouth, inside biofilms. If the bacteria enter the blood stream from gum disease, heart attack risk increases.

APPLES ARE MORE EFFICIENT AT WAKING YOU UP IN THE MORNING THAN CAFFEINE...

...The theory stated that the act of chewing or sugar rush was found to be more effective to wake you up than caffeine. But it was not tested and tried until Ohio State University debunked that theory.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SNEEZE WITH YOUR EYES OPEN...

It's just about impossible to hold your eyelids open while you sneeze. They snap shut by reflex. The reflex serves no purpose, so far as anybody knows; it's just the way you're wired up. The nerves serving the eyes and the nose are closely intertwined, and stimuli to the one often trigger some response in the other.

FINGERNAILS GROW NEARLY 4 TIMES FASTER THAN TOENAILS BECAUSE THEY'RE CLOSER TO THE HEART...

Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protein called keratin, as are animals' hooves and horns.

A healthy (finger)nail has the function of protecting the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also serves to enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. The nail then acts as a counter force when the end of the finger touches an object, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the fingertip, even though there are no nerve endings in the nail itself. Finally, the nail functions as a tool, enabling for instance a so called "extended precision grip" (e.g. pulling out a splinter in one's finger).

The growing part of the nail is the part still under the skin at the nail's proximal end under the epidermis, which is the only living part of a nail.

In mammals, the length and growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). Thus, in humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger; and fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails.
In humans, nails grow at an average rate of 3 mm (0.12 in) a month (as they are a form of hair). Fingernails require 3 to 6 months to regrow completely, and toenails require 12 to 18 months. Actual growth rate is dependent upon age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors. Nails grow faster in the summer than in any other season. Contrary to popular belief, nails do not continue to grow after death; the skin dehydrates and tightens, making the nails (and hair) appear to grow.

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION RESPONDS TO ALL FREQUENCIES, AND SO IT IS ALSO RESPONDING TO THE WORDS THAT YOU SPEAK...

LOVE NEVER COMES WHEN YOU WANT IT TO, IT COMES WHEN IT IS READY. SO IN THE MEANTIME, GET PREPARED FOR ITS ARRIVAL...

THE GUYS WE WANT ARE SO HARD TO GET, BUT THE ONES WE DON'T WANT ARE SO HARD TO GET RID OF... #GIRL DIARY

IF YOU GET IGNORED BY SOMEONE, IT MEANS YOU HAVE BEEN NOTICED BY THAT PERSON FIRST.

THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS IS NOT DOING THE THINGS THAT YOU LIKE, BUT LIKING THE THINGS THAT YOU DO...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/nengijoeTWEETS

Rick Ross Expands Maybach Music Group Empire

The Bawse adds Omarion to roster, announces album release dates, and partnerships.

By BET-Staff

Posted: 05/02/2012 07:11 PM EDT

Rick Ross was in New York today [May 2] spreading some serious news. The budding hip hop mogul held a rare press conference inside Manhattan’s Eventi Hotel to announce some key business ventures and acquisitions to his Maybach Music Group brand.


Rozay told BET.com that the decision to summon the media to the swanky hotel to reveal the big news was important for the culture.


“I think it’s good for hip hop,” Ross explained. “I think it’s good for the overall morale of hip hop. Just to get everybody on the same page, get us all in a room, get that kind of electric energy going. Getting a few of the dudes I look up to come through. That was big.”


With music luminaries like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Swizz Beatz and Lyor Cohen present, Ross revealed the album release dates to three much-anticipated projects from the bourgeoning music label. On June 26 MMG will release Self Made Vol. 2, the second installment of the very successful compilation album. The next LP to follow will be Ross’ delayed fifth album, God Forgives, I Don’t, on July 31. The heavy Maybach Music Group summer will conclude with the release of Meek Mill’s debut effort, Dreams & Nightmares, on August 28.


Though his squad was not in full force, Stalley is currently on tour overseas, Ross was joined at the event by Meek Mill, Wale and the newest member of the MMG roster, Omarion. The R&B crooner was really excited to be joining one of the hottest record labels in the industry.

Read more:  http://www.bet.com/news/music/2012/05/02/rick-ross-expands-maybach-music-group-empire.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Final+Daily+Newsletter+Redesign&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=BET+Daily+News+Blast&cid=sailthru

Biggest full moon of the year is due tonight as 'supermoon' set to fill sky over weekend

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 05:54 GMT, 5 May 2012 | UPDATED: 06:25 GMT, 5 May 2012


The moon is set to get a lot bigger tonight - at least from our perspective on Earth.
And the 'Supermoon' - the nickname for a perigee full moon, closer to the Earth than usual - could cause tides to rise around the world as the moon's close 'fly past' exerts 42 per cent more tidal force.
The moon will appear bigger and brighter - sky-watchers promise this 'supermoon' will be 16 per cent brighter than most when it begins today at 3.35pm GMT, 11.35am EDT.

Supermoon: Tonight's bigger moon with look similar to the one lighting the sky above the U.S. Capitol on February 7

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2139861/Biggest-Full-Moon-year-tonight-supermoon-raises-tides-planet.html#ixzz1u1gdNbIv

Usain Bolt in race row as Jamaicans accuse him suffering from 'white woman complex' due to his fashion designer girlfriend 

 

His arm around her waist, sprinter Usain Bolt and his latest girlfriend are the picture of togetherness.
The world’s fastest man has been dating fashion designer Lubica Slovak for six months and the relationship is described as ‘very serious’.

A friend of 28-year-old Miss Slovak declared: ‘Love has no race – it’s a heart to heart connection.’

The kiss that sparked abuse: Sprinter Usain Bolt and Miss Slovak were subjected to a barrage of abuse after this picture was released

But 25-year-old Bolt has come in for criticism from fellow black Jamaicans unhappy that he has chosen a white partner.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2139764/Usain-Bolt-fashion-designer-girlfriend-unsporting-race-storm.html#ixzz1u1egWBzV

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2139764/Usain-Bolt-fashion-designer-girlfriend-unsporting-race-storm.html#ixzz1u1eHcKlN

Violet D'Mello tells of Port Elizabeth cheetah mauling

Violet D'Mello suffered injuries to her scalp, face and legs when she was attacked by the cheetah

A British tourist who tried to protect a girl being mauled by captive cheetahs has told of how the animals then turned on her.

Violet D'Mello, 60, from Aberdeen, said she survived by "playing dead" at the Kragga Kamma Game Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa last weekend.
She and another family had entered the enclosure for a photo next to the cats when the child was attacked.
Mrs D'Mello told the BBC she was now "on the mend".

"I have lots of bite and puncture marks, and my scalp was sliced open," she said.
"For four days I was quite traumatised, but you have got to move on."
She said that the animals were not being "vicious" when they attacked her.
"It was, I think, a playful attack... I just remember something biting my head and dragging me down.
"But even then I was just thinking of the children [in the enclosure]. We were told they would never attack adults, it was the children we were concerned about."
Earlier, Mrs D'Mello told the Port Elizabeth Herald the incident was a "nightmare".
She had intervened when one of the cheetahs grabbed the girl from the family.
"They weren't being vicious," she told the newspaper. "You could tell they were just excited, but it became serious very quickly.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

Her scalp itself was the worst because the tooth had penetrated between the skull and the scalp [which] was peeled backwards.”

Archie D'Mello

"It all happened so fast. After his sister was free, another boy tried to make a run for it.

"As I stopped him, something jumped me from behind."
'Multiple bite injuries' A park guide pulled the cheetah off but another cat then attacked the 60-year-old.
Other people on the scene managed to get both cats off and everyone escaped the enclosure.
Mrs D'Mello suffered injuries to her head, stomach and legs during the incident, which happened during a holiday with her husband Archie.
She added: "Something inside me just said, 'Don't move. Don't move at all. Don't react, just play dead'."
"This was meant to be a holiday, but it's really turned into a nightmare."
She said her husband Archie continued to take photos of her ordeal because he had not noticed the attack.
"There was no time for anything. My husband was just clicking away. I don't think it even registered that the attack was actually happening when he was taking the pictures. It all happened within seconds."
Mr D'Mello told the BBC that the park's guide seemed to be caught unawares by the attack.

Mrs D'Mello is seen here with one of the cheetahs just before the attack

"I was about five to 10 feet away. We didn't expect anything to happen like this. I don't think even the guide knew what to do. She didn't have any weapons, or stick or Taser, until somebody from the outside gave us a stick and the guide used it on the cheetah's head to release the hold on my wife."
He also said his wife has "multiple bite injuries".
He added: "She has had a lot of stitches to both her eyes. Her scalp itself was the worst because the tooth had penetrated between the skull and the scalp [which] was peeled backwards. She lost a lot of blood from the head. She had to spend the first 48 hours in bed.
"The worst bit was her left eye. There was a claw mark on it. Her eyelid was bruised and bleeding and completely closed up but [the tooth] hadn't penetrated the eyelid.
"She was very lucky in that respect. No major arteries were damaged. The animals themselves seemed playful, they did a lot of damage."
The enclosure at the park has been closed while the incident is investigated.

Park manager Mike Cantor said the hand-reared cheetahs, brothers Mark and Monty, were "tame".
He said: "It's not something we've ever really experienced. It's obviously very unfortunate, and we're looking into what may have startled or riled up the cheetahs.
"We've had these animals for four years, dozens of people have come through here and seen them and fallen in love with them, so it pains us to hear about something like this.
"From what we've been told, there was a lot of commotion at the scene, which, unfortunately, most likely aggravated them somewhat. We're also considering the possibility that a female in heat in one of the neighbouring enclosures might have played a role here, but we can't be sure at this stage."
https://plus.google.com/107045876535773972576/posts/bD8sLiaH85T

PEOPLE LAUGH LEAST WITHIN THE FIRST HOUR OF WAKING UP IN THE MORNING...

IGNORANT PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BELIEVE THEY ARE BRILLIANT, WHILE INTELLIGENT PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO UNDERESTIMATE THEMSELVES...

A TRUE FRIEND CAN GO LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITHOUT SPEAKING TO YOU AND NEVER QUESTION THE FRIENDSHIP.

MOST TEDDY BEARS ARE MANUFACTURED WITH A NEUTRAL EXPRESSION SO THAT CHILDREN CAN PROJECT THEIR OWN EMOTIONS ONTO THE STUFFED CREATURES.

BEST RELATIONSHIP: TALK LIKE BEST FRIENDS, PLAY LIKE CHILDREN, ARGUE LIKE HUSBAND AND WIFE, PROTECT EACH OTHER LIKE BROTHER AND SISTER.

REAL WOMEN ARE STRONG, RESILIENT, INDEPENDENT, LOYAL AND LOVABLE. ONE THING ABOUT THEM IS THEY KNOW THEY DESERVE BETTER.

SINGING KEEPS YOU HEALTHY, EXERCISES YOUR HEART AND LUNGS & RELEASES ENDORPHINS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD!

 Researchers say there is increasing evidence to suggest that singing is good for your health. In fact, some experts say you may soon get a prescription for singing from your doctor--a trend in whole-health medicine that has also included art therapy and exercise therapy. Studies suggest that singing is beneficial for physical health, including people with Alzheimer's, asthma, and COPD, as well as for mental health, such as depression and anxiety.

MOVING ON DOESN'T MEAN YOU FORGET ABOUT THINGS. IT JUST MEANS YOU HAVE TO ACCEPT WHAT HAPPENED AND CONTINUE LIVING.

YOU ARE ALWAYS ABLE TO SEE YOUR NOSE. YOUR BRAIN JUST CHOOSES TO IGNORE IT...

The human nose

Cold showers are great for you -- They help relieve depression, strengthen immunity and help keep skin and hair healthy...

 

Benefits of Cold Water Showers

Improves circulation. Good blood circulation is vital for overall cardiovascular health. Healthy blood circulation also speeds up recovery time from strenuous exercises and work. Alternating between hot and cold water while you shower is an easy way to improve your circulation. Cold water causes your blood to move to your organs to keep them warm. Warm water reverses the effect by causing the blood to move towards the surface of the skin. Cold shower proponents argue that stimulating the circulatory system in this way keeps them healthier and younger looking than their hot water-loving counterparts.

Relieves depression. Research at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine indicates that short cold showers may stimulate the brain’s “blue spot”- the brain’s primary source of noradrenaline — a chemical that could help mitigate depression. I guess a bout of the blues isn’t so bad after all.

Keeps skin and hair healthy. Hot water dries out skin and hair. If you want to avoid an irritating itch and ashy elbows, turn down the temperature of your showers. Also, cold water can make your manly mane look shinier and your skin look healthier by closing up your cuticles and pores.

Strengthens immunity. According to a study done in 1993 by the Thrombosis Research Institute in England, individuals who took daily cold showers saw an increase in the number of virus fighting white blood cells compared to individuals who took hot showers. Researchers believe that the increased metabolic rate, which results from the body’s attempt to warm itself up, activates the immune system and releases more white blood cells in response.

Increases testosterone. The same study by the Thrombosis Research Institute cited above showed that cold water showers actually increase testosterone production in men. Increased testosterone levels not only boost a man’s libido, but also his overall strength and energy level. If you’re looking to increase your testosterone, hop into a cold shower.

Increases fertility. Your testes aren’t meant to get too hot; that’s why they hang outside your body. Sperm counts decrease when the temperature of a man’s testes increases. Experiments done in the 1950s showed that hot baths were an effective contraceptive. Men who took a 30 minute hot bath every other day for 3 weeks were infertile for the next six months. More recently, the University of California at San Francisco did a study with men who were exposed to 30 minutes of “wet heat” (hot baths and such) a week. When the men cut this exposure out, their sperm count went up by 491%, and their sperm’s motility improved as well. While switching from a hot to cold shower may not have as dramatic an effect, if you’re trying to create some progeny, it surely won’t hurt.

Increases energy and well-being : Your heart starts pumping, and the rush of blood through your body helps shake off the lethargy of the previous night’s sleep leaving you energized!!!


THE ART OF MANLINESS:  http://artofmanliness.com/2010/01/18/the-james-bond-shower-a-shot-of-cold-water-for-health-and-vitality/

THE SENSE OF SMELL CONNECTS WITH THE PART OF THE BRAIN THAT CONTROLS EMOTION & MEMORIES. THAT'S WHY SMELLS OFTEN EVOKE STRONG FEELINGS

Smell and Memory

A smell can bring on a flood of memories, influence people's moods and even affect their work performance. Because the olfactory bulb is part of the brain's limbic system, an area so closely associated with memory and feeling it's sometimes called the "emotional brain," smell can call up memories and powerful responses almost instantaneously.

The olfactory bulb has intimate access to the amygdala, which processes emotion, and the hippocampus, which is responsible for associative learning. Despite the tight wiring, however, smells would not trigger memories if it weren't for conditioned responses. When you first smell a new scent, you link it to an event, a person, a thing or even a moment. Your brain forges a link between the smell and a memory -- associating the smell of chlorine with summers at the pool or lilies with a funeral. When you encounter the smell again, the link is already there, ready to elicit a memory or a mood. Chlorine might call up a specific pool-related memory or simply make you feel content. Lilies might agitate you without your knowing why. This is part of the reason why not everyone likes the same smells.

Because we encounter most new odors in our youth, smells often call up childhood memories. But we actually begin making associations between smell and emotion before we're even born. Infants who were exposed to alcohol, cigarette smoke or garlic in the womb show a preference for the smells. To them, the smells that might upset other babies seem normal or even comforting.


From: How Stuff Works  http://science.howstuffworks.com

BEYONCE DOES NOT RECOMMEND KIM KARDASHIAN

Now that this "reality star" hangs with Kanye, there seems to be some disturbances around the Carter privacy. Kanye West apparently is a frequent visitor of Jay-Z and Beyonce and by extension, they may be adding an extra number. Beyoncé doesn't want Kim around the inner circle probably to avoid public attention.... a thing the Kardashian can't live without.

Let's wait and note how things unravel!!!

I HAVE AN IRRATIONAL FEAR OF "WASTING" A GOOD OUTFIT ON AN "INSIGNIFICANT" DAY.