2015 - WELCOME
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Posted:Dec 28, 2014 11:42 pm
Last Updated:Jan 12, 2015 7:19 pm 16686 Views
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Sharing something I read ages ago .........
Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience!
One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"
'How in the world did you know that?' asked Plumb.
'I packed your parachute,' the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude.
The man pumped his hand and said, 'I guess it worked!'
Plumb assured him, 'It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today.'
Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, 'I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.'
Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.
Now, Plumb asks his audience, 'Who's packing your parachute?'
Everyone has someone who provides what one needs to make it through the day - physical parachute, mental parachute, emotional parachute, spiritual parachute.
Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we may fail to say hello, please, or thank you or congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.
So next time when you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke. Pl do think that you've been thought of and your friend on the other end wanted to send you a smile, just helping you pack your parachute.
Thank you for packing my parachute.
Have a wonderful day and a great year ahead. !!!
*HAPPY 2015*
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GOLF AND WINE
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Posted:Nov 16, 2014 3:29 am
Last Updated:Nov 28, 2014 5:37 pm 16594 Views
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Silvio, an 80-year-old Italian goes to the doctor for a check-up. The doctor is amazed at what good shape the guy is in and asks, 'How do you stay in such great physical condition?'
'I'm Italian and I am a golfer....' says Silvio, 'and that's why I'm in such good shape. I'm up well before daylight and out golfing up and down the fairways. I have a glass of vino and all is well.'
'Well....' says the doctor, 'I'm sure that helps, but there's got to be more to it. How old was your Father when he died?'
'Who said my Father's dead?'
The doctor is amazed. 'You mean you're 80 years old and your Father's still alive. How old is he?'
'He's 102 years old,' says Silvio. 'In fact he golfed with me this morning, and then we went to the topless beach for a walk and had a little vino and that's why he's still alive. He's Italian and he's a golfer, too.'
'Well....' the doctor says, 'that's great, but I'm sure there's more to it than that. How about your Father's Father? How old was he when he died?'
'Who said my Nonno's dead?'
Stunned, the doctor asks, 'you mean you're 80 years old and your grandfather's still living? Incredible!! How old is he?'
'He's 123 years old,' says the Old Italian golfer.
The doctor is getting frustrated at this point, 'So, I guess he went golfing with you this morning too?'
'No, Nonno couldn't go this morning because he's getting married today.'
At this point, the doctor is close to losing it. 'Getting married? Why would a 123 year- old guy want to get married?'
'Who said he wanted to get married.... He had to
......THE GIRL GOT PREGNANT!!'
Never quit Golf and Wine.
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12 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SNORING
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Posted:Nov 5, 2014 8:17 pm
Last Updated:Nov 14, 2014 6:50 pm 16785 Views
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Having read this article in a local publication, I thought of sharing this. So, please get yourself a tall drink and your specs and read on .......
Snoring is one of the most common and unpleasant problems many people face, and while generally not dangerous, it can lead to sleep deprivation for the snorer and their partner. Instead of installing weird gadgets or putting those uncomfortable masks on your face, why not try these 12 natural remedies, which may finally lead you to a quiet night for you and your loved ones.
What causes snoring?
Snores are the result of obstructed airways during sleep, but not all snores are created equal, and it’s important to differentiate between the 2 major types of snores:
Snores caused by congestion :
This is the most common cause of snoring and can affect even those who don’t regularly snore. It happens when your airways are obstructed by mucus or phlegm.
Snores caused by Sleep Apnea :
In some cases, snoring can be beneficial by warning us of potential sleep apnea (when you stop breathing temporarily during your sleep). In these cases, the snore is the body’s reflexive gagging for air it is being deprived of.
What can be done to stop the snoring?
There are various treatments meant to stop snoring, from medication, through devices worn during your sleep and even, in extreme cases, surgery. But instead of running to your doctor, you can try these 12 natural remedies that might be able to stop or reduce the severity of the problem:
1. Natural nasal spray
One of the most effective ways to prevent snoring is by keeping your airways clear. This spray is a great substitute for the one you buy at the store and it contains only natural ingredients.
You’re going to need:
¼ tsp of salt
½ cup of boiling water
1 clean drip bottle
Preparation & use:
Mix salt in boiled water and allow to cool.
Use 2-3 drops in each nostril before bed.
Important: Replace the content of the bottle every 5 days. Using old solvent can damage your nose.
Addison Berry
2. Mint oil
Mint oil has many anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe inflamed nose tissues which cause increased production of mucus. This remedy is only relevant for congestion-related snoring.
You will need:
Mint oil
Preparation & use:
Drip 2-3 drops on your finger and rub along the sides of your nostrils.
If you’re very congested, put 4-5 drops of mint oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
rosipaw
3. Green tea
Recent research showes that green tea has a positive effect on people who suffer from sleep apnea.
You will need:
Natural green tea
Boiling Water
Preparation & use:
Prepare a cup of green tea - allow the tea bag or infuser to remain in the water for at least 7 minutes.
Drink the tea before you go to bed to help reduce snoring and improve the quality of your sleep.
Martin Phox
4. Olive oil
In some cases, snoring occurs due to excess tissue at the back of the nose or throat. That tissue creates minor blockage in the airways, causing the snores. Olive oil serves as lubricant, reducing the obstruction, leading to a reduction snoring.
You will need:
Extra virgin olive oil
Preparation & use:
Take 3 small sips of olive oil before bed.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
5. Sage leaves
Sage has many medicinal benefits, including natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. By reducing nasal inflammation, sage helps reduce nasal blockage and its antibacterial properties help prevent future inflammation.
You will need:
Small handful of fresh sage leaves
2 cups of boiling water
1 tsp apple vinegar (recommended)
Preparation & use:
Place the sage leaves in the boiling water and let sit for 7 minutes.
Remove leaves and allow water to cool.
Add apple vinegar.
Gargle the water for 30 seconds before bed.
6. Thyme oil
When we’re sleep-deprived or just exhausted, our muscles become more lax, which causes increased snoring. Thyme oil can be beneficial in such cases, through a treatment known in eastern medicine for hundreds of years.
You will need:
4-6 drops of thyme oil
4-6 vegetable oil (olive / canola will suffice)
Preparation & use:
Mix the thyme and vegetable oils together.
Apply the oil mixture on your feet before bed.
cookbookman17
7. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is fantastic at decongesting, clearing your nasal pathways and giving you a snore-free sleep.
You will need:
2-4 drops of eucalyptus oil
1 pot of boiling water
A towel
Preparation & use:
Boil water in a pot
Add eucalyptus oil to pot
Place your head above the pot and use the towel to create a “tent” over it.
Inhale the steam through your mouth and nose for instant nasal decongestion.
Dennis Hill
9. Ginger tea
Ginger is fantastic at preventing a cacophonous night. Aside from its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, ginger also increases saliva production which provides lubrication for the nasal pathways and your throat, allowing air to pass unobstructed
You will need:
1 inch-long fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tsp honey
Boiling water
Preparation & use:
Boil water in a pot.
Add the ginger and let the pot simmer for about 5 minutes.
Turn the heat off, cover the pot and wait for 5 minutes.
Remove the ginger, add the honey and stir will.
Drink the tea before bed.
10. Passion fruit tea
Research shows that passion fruit flowers have calming effects, aiding in a deeper, more relaxed sleep, which in turn reduces the likeliness of sleep apnea.
You will need:
Natural passion fruit tea
Boiling water
Preparation & use:
Boil the water and add the tea bag.
Allow to sit for 7 minutes.
Drink the tea before bed to enjoy a calm, quiet sleep.
Carol Von Canon
11. Fresh garlic, onion or horseradish
Strong, aromatic foods like garlic, onion and horseradish can help prevent snoring by drying out your nose, reducing congestion. Some claim that these foods also reduce swelling in your tonsils, preventing sleep apnea.
You will need:
Fresh garlic clove / ¼ onion / 1 square inch of peeled horseradish
Preparation & use:
Chew the garlic/onion/horseradish before bed (if you don’t mind the smell), or add it to your dinner.
12. Pineapple, bananas and oranges
One of the best ways to prevent sleep apnea is by improving the quality of your sleep – this can be achieved by increasing the amount of melatonin (the hormone which makes us sleepy) your body produces. One of the most effective and recommended ways to increase melatonin production is by eating foods that are rich in it:
Fresh pineapples increases melatonin levels by 266%.
Bananas increase melatonin levels by 180%
Oranges increase melatonin levels by 47%
BONUS TIP: Strengthen your swallowing muscles
In many cases, snoring is caused by the tongue dropping back into the throat, blocking the airways (which is very dangerous). To prevent this from happening, you might want to consider a short, daily exercise to strengthen the swallowing muscles.
What do you do:
Keep your mouth closed, push your tongue against your lower teeth for 30 seconds. (Repeat 5 times)
Open your mouth, move your jaw to the right and hold it in place for 30 seconds, then do the same action to the left.
Face a mirror and open your mouth. Work the swallowing muscles for 30 seconds. If you see the uvula moving – you’re working the right muscles.
Sleep well !!
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DIWALI
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Posted:Oct 24, 2014 5:20 am
Last Updated:Nov 5, 2014 3:27 am 16512 Views
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Please get your specs if you need them and a drink and sit down to read this long essay on Diwali, My Friends ..........
HAPPY DIWALI
1.WISH YOU HAPPY DIWALI. Diwali dates back to ancient times in India, as a festival after the summer harvest in the Hindu calendar month of Karthikai. The festival is mentioned in Padma Purana, the Skanda Purana, and other Sanskrit Hindu scriptures; the divas (lamps) are mentioned in Skanda Purana to symbolically represent parts of sun, the cosmic giver of light and energy to all life, who seasonally transitions in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik.
2. Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit fusion word Dīpāvali, formed from dīpa (दीप, "light" or "lamp") and āvalī (आवली, "series, line, row"). Dīpāvali or Deepavalli thus meant a "row" or "series of lights". Its celebration include millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.
3. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs to mark historical events, stories or myths, but they all spiritually mark the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, hope over despair.
4. In the Yoga, Vedanta, and Samkhya schools of Hindu philosophy, a central belief is that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. The celebration of Diwali as the "victory of good over evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things, and knowledge overcomes ignorance. Diwali is the celebration of this Inner Light over spiritual darkness, knowledge over ignorance, right over wrong, good over evil.
5. The religious significance of Diwali varies regionally within India, depending on the school of Hindu philosophy, regional myths, legends, and beliefs.
6. Many see Diwali honouring the return of the lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from exile, as told in the ancient Hindu epic called the Ramayana. To some, Diwali marks the return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas in the other ancient Hindu epic called the Mahabharata. Many other Hindus believe Diwali is linked to the celebration of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and wife of deity Vishnu. The five day festival of Diwali begins on the day Lakshmi was born from the churning of cosmic ocean of milk during the tug of war between the forces of good and forces of evil; the night of Diwali is the day Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her husband and then married him. Some Hindus offer pujas to additional or alternate deities such as Kali, Ganesha, Saraswati, and Kubera. Other Hindus believe that Diwali is the day Vishnu came back to Lakshmi and their abode in the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her good mood, and therefore are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being during the year ahead.
7. In India's eastern region, such as West Bengal, Lakshmi is not worshipped, only deity Kali is worshipped and the festival is called Kali Puja. In India's Braj and north central regions, deity Krishna is recognized. People mark Mount Govardhan, and celebrate legends about Krishna. In other regions, the feast of Annakoot is celebrated, with 56 or 108 different cuisines prepared, offere8. In West, South and certain Northern parts of India, the festival of Diwali marks the start of a new Hindu year. Along with Goddess Lakshmi, offerings are made to Ganesha who symbolizes ethical beginnings and fearless remover of obstacles; Saraswati who symbolizes music, literature and learning; and Kubera who symbolizes book keeping, treasury and wealth management.
8. In West, South and certain Northern parts of India, the festival of Diwali marks the start of a new Hindu year. Along with Goddess Lakshmi, offerings are made to Ganesha who symbolizes ethical beginnings and fearless remover of obstacles; Saraswati who symbolizes music, literature and learning; and Kubera who symbolizes book keeping, treasury and wealth management.
9. Diwali has special significance in Jainism. Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankar of this era, attained Nirvana or Moksh on this day at Pavapuri on 15 October 527 BCE, on Chaturdashi of Kartika. According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, many gods were present there, illuminating the darkness. Therefore, Jains celebrate Diwali as a day of remembering Mahavira.
10. Diwali, for Sikhs, marks the Bandi Chhor Divas, when Guru Har Gobind Ji freed himself and Hindu Kings, from Fort Gwalior, from the prison of Islamic ruler Jahangir, and arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Ever since then, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Choorh Divas, with the annual lighting up of Golden Temple, fireworks and other festivities.
11. Diwali is a five day festival in many regions of India, with Diwali night centering on the new moon - the darkest night - at the end of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin and the start of the month of Kartika. In the Common Era calendar, Diwali typically falls towards the end of October, or first half of November each year. The darkest night of autumn lit with diyas, candles and lanterns, makes the festival of lights particularly memorable. Diwali is also a festival of sounds and sights with fireworks and rangoli designs; the festival is a major celebration of flavors with feasts and numerous mithai (sweets, desserts), as well as a festival of emotions where Diwali ritually brings family and friends together every year.
12. Like major festivals of the world, rituals and preparations for the Indian festival Diwali begin days or weeks in advance. The festival formally begins two days before the night of Diwali, and ends two days after. Each day has the following rituals and significance.
13. Dhanteras kicks off the five day festival. Starting days before and through Dhanteras, houses and business premises are cleaned, renovated and decorated. Women and decorate entrances with Rangoli - creative colourful floor designs both inside and in the walkways of their homes or offices. Boys and men get busy with external lighting arrangements and completing all renovation work in progress. For some, the day celebrates the churning of cosmic ocean of milk between the forces of good and forces of evil; this day marks the birthday of Lakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, and the birthday of Dhanvantari - the Goddess of Health andHealing. On the night of Dhanteras, diyas (lamps) are ritually kept burning all through the nights in honor of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari. Dhanteras is also a major shopping day, particularly for gold or silver articles. Merchants, traders and retailers stock up, put articles on sale, and prepare for this day. Lakshmi Puja (sometimes spelled Laxmi puja) is performed in the evening. Some people decorate their shops, work place or items symbolizing their source of sustenance and prosperity.
14. Narak Chaturdasi is the second day of festivities, and is also called Choti Diwali. Typically, house decoration and colourful floor patterns called rangoli are made on or before Narak Chaturdasi. Special bathing rituals such a fragrant oil bath are held in some regions, followed by minor pujas. Women decorate their hands with henna designs. Families are also busy preparing homemade sweets for main Diwali.
15. The third day is the main festive day. People wear new clothes or their best outfits as the evening approaches. Then diyas are lit, pujas are offered to Lakshmi, and to one or more additional deities depending on the region of India; typically Ganesha, Saraswati, and Kubera. Lakshmi symbolises wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.
16. Lakshmi is believed to roam the earth on Diwali night. On the evening of Diwali, people open their doors and windows to welcome Lakshmi, and place diya lights on their windowsills and balcony ledges to invite her in. On this day, the mothers who work hard all year, are recognized by the family and she is seen to embody a part of Lakshmi, the good fortune and prosperity of the household. Small earthenware lamps filled with oil are lighted and placed in rows by some Hindus along the parapets of temples and houses. Some set diyas adrift on rivers and streams. Important relationships and friendships are also recognized during the day, by visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts and sweets.
17. After the puja, people go outside and celebrate by lighting up patakhe (fireworks). The enjoy sparklers and variety of small fireworks, while adults enjoy playing with ground chakra, Vishnu chakra, flowerpots (anaar), sutli bomb, rockets and bigger fireworks. The fireworks signify celebration of Diwali as well a way to chase away evil spirits. After fireworks, people head back to a family feast, conversations and mithai (sweets, desserts).
18. Diwali also marks the beginning of new year, in some parts of India, where the Hindu Vikrama calendar is popular. Merchants and shopkeepers close out their old year, and start a new fiscal year with blessings from Lakshmi and other deities.
19. The day after Diwali, is celebrated as Padwa. This day ritually celebrates the love and mutual devotion between the wife and husband. The husbands give thoughtful gifts, or elaborate ones to respective spouses. In many regions, newly married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals. Sometimes brothers go and pick up their sisters from their in-laws home for this important day. The day is also a special day for the married couple, in a manner similar to anniversaries elsewhere in the world. The day after Diwali devotees perform Goverdhan puja in honor of Lord Krishna.
20. The last day of festival is called Bhai dooj (Brother’s second). It celebrates the sister-brother loving relationship, in a spirit similar to Raksha Bandhan but with different rituals. The day ritually emphasizes the love and lifelong bond between siblings. It is a day when women and girls get together, perform a puja with prayers for the well being of their brothers, then return to a ritual of food-sharing, gift-giving and conversations. In historic times, this was a day in autumn when brothers would travel to meet their sisters, or bring over their sister’s family to their village homes to celebrate their sister-brother bond with the bounty of seasonal harvests.
21. Diwali is celebrated around the world, particularly in countries with significant populations of Hindu, Jain and Sikh origin. These include Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom,United Arab Emirates, and the United States. With more understanding of Indian culture and global migration of people of Indian origin, the number of countries where Diwali/Deepavali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it is becoming part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning.
22. On this festive occasion, Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities also mark charitable causes, kindness, and for peace. For example, at the international border, every year on Diwali, Indian forces approach Pakistani forces and offer traditional Indian sweets on the occasion of Diwali. The Pakistani soldiers anticipating the gesture, return the goodwill with an assortment of Pakistani sweets.
23. Diwali marks a major shopping period in India. In terms of consumer purchases and economic activity, Diwali is the equivalent of Christmas in the west. It is traditionally a time when households purchase new clothing, home refurbishments, gifts, gold and other large purchases. The festival celebrates Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and investment, spending and purchases are considered auspicious. Diwali is a peak buying season for gold and jewelry in India. It is also a major sweets, candy and fireworks buying season. At retail level, about US$ 800 million (INR 5,000 crores) worth of firecrackers are consumed in India over the Diwali season.
24. There has been growing concern and questions on the environmental and health impact of Diwali, as with other major festivals of the world. Air pollution and burn injuries from fireworks are two most studied issues. Scholars report that air pollution worsens not as much during fireworks, but after fireworks celebration is over, with peak PM2.5 about four times worse than pre-Diwali levels, and average levels about two times a normal day. This study indicated that there is high accumulation of PM2.5 generated due to fireworks on Diwali festival which remains suspended in the air. The peak pollution lasts for about one day, and the pollutant concentrations return to background levels after 24 hours. Attri et al. report ground level ozone pollution is also formed Diwali, as with fireworks celebrations around the world on new year eve or respective national Independence Day. The dispersal and decay times for increased ground level ozone is also about one day. There is an increase in burn injuries in India during Diwali from fireworks. A firework called anar (fountain) has been found to cause 65% of the injuries. Adults, not , are typical victims. Newspapers advise use of cold water splash immediately after burn, which along with proper nursing of the wound helps reduce complications. Vast majority of burns are Group I type burns (minor) requiring outpatient care.
25. The prayers vary widely by region of India. An example vedic prayer from Brhadaranyaka Upanishad celebrating lights is 86][87] Asato ma sat gamaya | (असतो मा सद्गमय ।) Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya | (तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।) Mrityu ma amrutam gamaya | (मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।) Om shanti shanti shantihi || (ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥) Translation:- From untruth lead us to Truth. From darkness lead us to Light. From death lead us to Immortality. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
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