Category Archives: Stacy Alexander

Apr10

Twitter Mocks a Fool

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After spending Monday nursing a ragegasm, trump began Tuesday with a Tweetstorm sounding off and playing the victim.  I know someone like this guy.  You can catch him with a gun in his hand and he will claim that someone else put it there.

Twitter was quick to respond to the president’s tweets with their own fact-checks as well as morning mockery.  It was so much fun to see and read.  This CRIMINAL will soon pay the price for his foolishness.   I told trump that his claims were fruitless, but he wouldn’t listen. 😉  I have a Constitutional lawyer by my side who has explained why Mueller is right, every step of the way.  It’s great to have a great legal mind (from Columbia University and Harvard Law, no less!) on hand to answer any questions that I might have.   NBC executive producer Christina Ginn sent Trump an explainer about what attorney-client privilege is and the limitations of the rule that allows for a “crime-fraud exception.”

“Because of the potential damage to legitimate attorney-client relationships caused by these mass seizures of records, U.S. Attorneys are trained to explore alternatives to these warrants when evidence is sought from a practicing attorney,” the primer explained. “One alternative would be a subpoena, which allows the attorney to search for and produce the documents. The fact that the FBI opted for a raid without notice suggests prosecutors believed less-intrusive measures might result in the destruction of evidence.”

MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski noted that such privilege is “dead” once evidence has been found of a crime.

Bloomberg View executive editor and Trump biographer Tim O’Brien noted that typically when Trump is tweeting with all capital letters it means he’s concerned.

You can read the rest of the tweets below:

And from the “nice Donald Trump” parody account:

Ahhhhhhhh.   There’s nothing like the sickley sweet smell of justice in the morning…

 

Feb26

Leaving no (kidney) stone unturned…

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I am rarely sick.  In fact, I’ve gone four years without so much as a common cold…..that is, until this past week.   I had felt a tiny bit of soreness in my kidney area for a few days, but a week ago, I stood up, and was met with a thunderbolt of pain so intense that I immediately fell to the floor.  It was that bad.

This is the fourth time in my life that I have had kidney stones, as I am genetically disposed to them, despite my effots to eat a diet that helps stave them off.  They simply happen every few decades, and there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about them.

In the past, I have had the ultimate medical treatments for them, which made me feel crummy for several weeks afterward, and was traumatic, to boot.  However, this time, I decided to go the natural route.  One week later, I’m so glad that I did.

This is my all-natural routine for ridding myself of the monster kidney stones. I can personally attest to the fact that it works, because today, I am pain free.  I used a miraculous herb called, ” chanca piedra” in the form of a tincture by Herb Pharm called “Stone Breaker” and it really worked.

One dropperful into 8 ounces of water three times a day.  Raw cranberry juice and lemon water, also.  No sugar. No processed foods of any kind. No spinach.  I meditated, rested, listened to binaural beats….and by today, which is day #7, I feel 100% better.

Before trying this, or any kidney stone remedy, please see your doctor first, and discuss your options.

Feb11

Chakras

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What are Chakras?

There are as many different philosophical approaches to Chakras, around the world, as there are different countries and cultures.  Although there are many more, there are seven most commonly known chakras in the human body.

They consist of :
Root

The Root Chakra represents the foundation and the sensation of being grounded.
The root chakra is located at the base of the spine or tailbone area.

Sacral

The sacral chakra represents the human connection with others,  and the ability to accept both old and new experiences.
The Sacral Chakra can be found approximately 2″ below the navel, around the lower abdomen.

Solar Plexus

The Solar Plexus Chakra represents the ability to feel more confident and in control of situations and of life generally.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is found in the upper abdomen area in the stomach.

Heart

One’s ability to love and care for other sentient beings, both generally, such as showing and feeling compassion, as well as in a romantic sense
The Heart Chakra can be found in the center of the chest, just above the heart.

Throat

A person’s ability to speak and communicate with others is guided by the Throat Chakra, which is located in the throat itself.

Third eye

The Third Eye Chakra guide’s the ability to focus, and the ability to see, focus and comprehend situations.
The Third Eye Chakra is also often focused on when meditating or when trying to achieve astral projection or out of body experiences.
The Third Eye Chakra can be found in the middle of the forehead, just above and between the eyes.

Crown

The Crown Chakra is used when one wishes to be fully connected spiritually.
It is located on the very top of the head.

 

All chakras act as a valuable part of the human body’s energy system.  It acts similarly to an energy grid, which connects one person to another,  to the world around each person and situations humans find themselves in.

Feb9

Why Do People NOT Choose Feminism?

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Thank you for visiting my Arte California blog!

I form my opinions by listening to ALL sides of an argument.  I don’t just listen to people who agree with me.  I also listen carefully to those who do not agree with me, and I carefully consider all sides before I form my own opinions.  That’s what a good journalist does.

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I figure that with as many followers as I have,  there must be some of you who are not feminists. I am writing an article about why one might choose NOT to be a feminist. This discussion is open to feminists and non-feminists alike, but I would really like to hear from non-feminists who oppose feminism.  There will be no snarking. No name-calling. No meanness. No one is going to attack you for your opinion.

I want to hear your opinions and to learn why it is any woman (especially) but man, also, would choose NOT to be a feminist, because when I think about it, I can’t think of even one rational  reason why one would not be. Please begin by telling me what feminism even IS to you, in terms of your understanding of it. Your input will be very much appreciated.

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Looking forward to an adult discussion, so do comment generously, even if you have no personal opinion on this matter, but know of someone else who does.  I’m interested in what their rationale is.

If  this is a sensitive topic for you, and you would prefer to write to me privately, rather than post as a comment here, that will be fine, too.  I always like to hear both sides of things.

Feb9

The Oregon Coast

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There are simply not sufficient words to describe the beauty of the Oregon coast!  Even “stunning” undermines its graceful beauty and breathtaking scenery.  John recently surprised me with an unexpected getaway, and I put together a little slide show to show what we’ve been up to over the last 48 hours with our dear friends, Peter and Toni, in Newport and Depoe Bay, Oregon.  Enjoy this slideshow, and my other Arte California posts!   Subscribe for regular updates.                                       Rene Best guitarist

Feb4

Nurturing Creativity

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You know, you don’t have to spend a ton of money in order to do something creative each day, and I think that it’s very important to do something….anything that is creative, each and every day.  We are teaching this lesson to Ingrid, who  often goes out with me for duo photo shoots.

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The object is to stroll down Division Street in Portland, and to photograph every letter of the alphabet sequentially.  These photos are then sold, via Ingrid’s own Amazon account, and are used by collage (and other) artists in their work.  While it’s nice that Ingrid can earn a little pocket money, the more important lesson for her is the art of looking.  This exercise makes her look closely at things, and to really examine and think about them.  This sign was a good example.  She read every word of it, and we had a great talk about it along our way.

Each letter forms its own complete composition.  We discuss things like color, shape, form, edges and other aspects of the design so that Ingrid can get a better overall picture of what the project is about.  She does really well, too!

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It usually takes us around 2 hours to capture the entire alphabet.  There are some tough letters, such as “Q” that can be difficult to find.  We also have a rule that once a letter is photographed from a specific window, one can’t photgraph that same letter from the same window again, so this adds more of a challenge.   I got her this little Pentax camera for Christmas.  She’s so proud of it, and takes very good care of it.

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Sometimes the letters come out fuzzy and out of focus….but that’s ok, too.

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Ta-Daaaaaaaaa!  If you are an artist and would like to use any of the photos in this post only, please feel free.  These photos are not up to our usual high standards, but some of the images are nice.  (I particularly liked the composition of the letter “B”.)

 

Jan30

The End of January Already!

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I can’t believe the end of January is already here!  This is a great time of year for me, as I always feel a new spark of energy at the beginning of the year, and I find myself being more creative overall.

One of my jobs outside my new company, is that I conduct research for Facebook.  This usually takes several hours each morning, but today, it took ALL. DAY. LONG.  I just couldn’t concentrate.  Received a text message from a friend who had to deal with some kind of ungodly hell this morning, so I was worried, and couldn’t keep my mind on my work.  I finally got it finished, however, and went out for a long walk.

Portland is great this time of year.  We have the big festival of lights down by the river, and many other artistic endeavors that John and I plan to attend (Alvin Aliey!!!)  with and without one another.  I’ve joined a studio group to meet with a GREAT group of women artists once a week beginning next week.  Have steady meetings all week long.  Things are beginning to cook.

It rained in Portland all day, but I like the rain.  I walked far and fast, and marveled about how beautiful it is here even when it rains.  Stopped down the block to visit with my friend, Carol, who recently lose her husband, and spent some quality time with John when I got back.

Made a batch of homemade chili and cornbread.  Served it with chopped avocado, cheddar, corn relish and chopped onions.  Homemade hot cherry pie for dessert.  Perfect food for a cold, rainy evening!

Procured two new corporate clients this week, who have hired my company to go in and coach their employees about ways in which to be more productive, and to also conduct some corporate group meditation classes.   I have already taught two workshops at these companies….big companies….HUGE companies…FAMOUS companies….and they seem to like me. Would be nice if they do…but I’m not really worried about it.

I have a long way to go before I’m going to feel 100% confident doing this kind of work….but I’ll just keep my nose to the grindstone until I can relax more about it.

Started a new art project for an upcoming show  later in the spring. It’s just in the sketching stages right now, but it’s beginning to take shape.

Sorry this has been so rambling.  I’m just tired.  Long day, but a happy one.  Sending love to my friend.  I hope he’s safe.

 

Jan28

US Ties to Russia

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“I don’t know – it’s hard for me to see any U.S. ties to Russia…except for the Flynn thing and the Manafort thing

and the Tillerson thing

and the Sessions thing

and the Kushner thing

and the Carter Page thing

and the Roger Stone thing

and the Felix Sater thing

and the Boris Ephsteyn thing

and the Rosneft thing

and the Gazprom thing

and the Sergey Gorkov banker thing

and the Azerbajain thing

and the “I love Putin” thing

and the Donald Trump, Jr. thing

and the Sergey Kislyak thing

and the Russian Affiliated Interests thing

and the Russian Business Interests thing

and the Emoluments Clause thing

and the Alex Schnaider thing

and the hack of the DNC thing

and the Guccifer 2.0 thing

and the Mike Pence “I don’t know anything” thing

and the Russians mysteriously dying thing

and Trump’s public request to Russia to hack Hillary’s email thing

and the Trump house sale for $100 million at the bottom of the housing bust to the Russian fertilizer king thing

and the Russian fertilizer king’s plane showing up in Concord, NC during Trump rally campaign thing

and the Nunes sudden flight to the White House in the night thing

and the Nunes personal investments in the Russian winery thing

and the Cyprus bank thing

and Trump not releasing his tax returns thing

and the Republican Party’s rejection of an amendment to require Trump to show his taxes thing

and the election hacking thing

and the GOP platform change to the Ukraine thing

and the Steele Dossier thing

and the Leninist Bannon thing

and the Sally Yates can’t testify thing

and the intelligence community’s investigative reports thing

and Trump’s reassurance that the Russian connection is all “fake news” thing

and Spicer’s Russian Dressing “nothing’s wrong” thing

and the firing comey thing

and the very next day,the meeting with the russians,and the guest starring of kissinger…..

and the letter supposedly clearing him from a law firm that has been

awarded “best law firm in russia”

and now the “gave russians classified intel” thing…..

so there’s probably nothing there

since the swamp has been drained, these people would never lie

probably why Nunes cancels the investigation meetings

all of this must be normal

just a bunch of separate dots with no connection.

—Lane Crothers “

This is the argument right wingers are trying to make with their denial…..that there is no connection to any of this. when you put enough pixels together,it forms a picture. And denial is not just a river….YOU know that. Right?

Jan21

Good People Don’t Defend a Bad Man

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Good People Don’t Defend A Bad Man

/ John Pavlovitz

At times in this life it can be a challenge to figure out who the bad people are, but sometimes they help you.

Sometimes they do the work for you.

Sometimes with their every vulgar, bitter word from their mouth, they testify to their personal malignancy and they make it easy to identify them.

Generally speaking, there are things that good people do and things good people don’t do.

Good people don’t refer to entire countries as “shitholes”—most notably countries that have given birth to our very humanity; ones that for hundreds of years have been colonized and poached and mined of their riches by powerful white men; countries whose people have been enslaved and sold and forced to come and build your country. 

Good people by any measurement we might use—simply don’t say such things.

Of course good people also don’t say they could grab women by the genitalia, either.
They don’t defend racists and nazis and call them “fine people,” days after murdering a young girl and terrorizing an American city.
They don’t brag about their penis size during debates, or suggest protestors at campaign rallies should be roughed up, or crack jokes about captured war heroes, or make fun of the physically disabled.
They don’t.

Good people don’t tweet anti-Muslim rhetoric in the moments immediately following a bombing in order to bolster a position.
They don’t leave American territories filled with brown skinned people without power for months upon months, after publicly ridiculing their public servants and questioning their people’s resolve.
They don’t erase protections for the water and the air, for the elderly, the terminally ill, the LGBTQ.
They don’t take away healthcare from the sick and the poor without an alternative.
They don’t gouge the working poor and shelter the wealthy.
They don’t abuse their unrivaled platform to Twitter-bait world leaders and to taunt private citizens.
Good people don’t prey upon the vulnerable, they don’t leverage their power to bully dissenters, and they don’t campaign for sexual predators.

But this President is simply not a good human being, and there’s simply no way around this truth.

He is the ugliest personification of the Ugly American, which is why, as long as he is here and as long as he represents this nation, we will be a fractured mess and a global embarrassment. He will be the ever lowering bar of our legacy in the world.

And what is painfully obvious in these moments, isn’t simply that the person alleging to lead this country is a terrible human being—it is that anyone left still defending him, applauding him, justifying him, amening him, probably is too.

At this point, the only reason left to support this President, is that he reflects your hateful heart; he shares your contempt of people of color, your hostility toward outsiders, your ignorant bigotry, your feeling of supremacy.

A white President calling countries filled with people of color shitholes, is so far beyond the pale, so beneath decency, and so blatantly racist that it shouldn’t merit conversation. It should be universally condemned. Humanity should be in agreement in abhorring it.

And yet today (like so many other seemingly rock bottom days in the past twelve months) they will be out there: white people claiming to be good people and Christian people, who will make excuses for him or debate his motives or diminish the damage.

They will dig their heels in to explain away or to defend, what at the end of the day is simply a bad human being saying the things that bad human beings say because their hearts harbor very bad things.

No, good people don’t call countries filled with beautiful, creative, loving men and women shitholes.

And good people don’t defend people who do.

You’re going to have to make a choice here.

 

Order John’s book, ‘A Bigger Table’ here

Jan11

Natural Help for Kidney Stones

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The human body has many ways for signaling when something is wrong, and for repairing itself. However, few are as painful as passing a kidney stone.  Kidney stones are lumps of hard mass that develop when crystals detach from urine inside the urinary tract.  Anyone who has experienced the searing pain of kidney stones knows what I’m talking about.

According to the National Institute for Health, Phyllanthus Niruri may help.

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A Plant with Stone Breaking Strength

Phyllanthus Niruri is known by many as a miracle plant that grows in the world’s tropical and subtropical coastal areas.  It grows to a height of approximately 2′ tall, and has rounded leaves, a smooth bark stem, and flowers that form small fruit.  The plant is known for its wide medicinal uses, and  has been given the nickname “stonebreaker,” for its ability to break up kidney stones.

A scientific study published at the Federal University of San Paolo, Brazil, supports the use of Phyllanthus Niruri for the treatment of kidney and bladder problems in men.  The study hypothesized that the plant helped prevent the early formation of kidney stones by lowering the level of crystals found in the urine.  It also helps the body rid itself of excess calcium that can sometimes lead to kidney stones.

Powerful Protection for the Body

Many of the properties in Phyllanthus Niruri that make it dissolve kidney stones, promote optimum health in other areas of the body as well. It also works as an effective pain killer, and anti-spasmodic, allowing it to sooth muscles groups to help them relax, and by dulling post-operative pain.  The substance also helps protect the liver by safeguarding against the effects of HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.

Phyllanthus niruri has been proven in over 80 clinical and laboratory studies to have the following medical benefits:*

  • Smooth muscle relaxant, in particular the stomach, ureter, bladder, and uterus, which is why it should not be used by pregnant women;
  • Antilithic: dissolves calcium crystals responsible for the formation of kidney stones and prevents the formation of new stones;
  • Hepatoprotective: helps heal and protect damaged livers;
  • Antiviral: shows positive effect against HIV and hepatitis B and C;
  • Analgesic, shown to be a highly effective pain killer for certain types of pain, in particular the types of pain experienced by kidney stone sufferers (like us) and post-operative pain;
  • Hypocholesterolemic: it lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol;
  • Hypoglycemic: naturally lowers blood sugar to within normal ranges;
  • Hypotensive: naturally lowers blood pressure;
  • Antispasmodic: reduces spasms of smooth muscle, in particular the type responsible for kidney stone pain;
  • Antimutagenic: Inhibits the growth of certain types of cancer cells, in particular sarcoma, carcinoma, and lymphoma;
  • Dissolves and eliminates gallstones, and prevents new gallstone formation;
  • High in antioxidants and phytonutrients.

You can perform a Google search to buy Phyllanthus Niruri, or purchase it from your local herbalist.  I found some on Amazon here.

 

by Stacy Alexander

This content is not intended as medical advice.  One should consult with a qualified medical professional prior to undergoing any type of herbal or other treatment modality for kidney stones.

 

 

 

Dec31

Final Message for 2017

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As the minutes tick by during this, the last day of 2017, I would like to thank each and every one of my more than twelve hundred followers for being here and for standing by me through the years.  My interactions with you have been pleasurable, enlightening and fun.  I promise to get better about creating regular updates in the new year.

One of the most heartening things about 2017 has been the uprising of the resistance against the current presidential administration.  Seeing the millions of people across the country who have stood up against tyranny, lies, racism, bigotry, sexism, assault, other violence and injustice has been heart-warming. In addition to all of my followers here,  I now have more than 11 THOUSAND followers on Twitter, the majority of which consists of resistance members who are fighting for health care, an end to bigotry and racism, policies that will help assure we have clean air and water, and against the treasonous trump at every turn.  The strength and determination of these people is awe-inspiring. It is a good thing, and it helps me sleep at night, knowing that there are still people around who are fighting the good fight.

At this point in time, trump’s current demographic consists only of 32% primarily uneducated rednecks with no real understanding of research, fact-checking or the truth.  This is the lowest rating of any president in the history of America.  Even as he has taken away their healthcare, is screwing with medicare and social security, they cheer him on.  Even though the tax cuts for the middle class that he just implemented will result in even HIGHER taxes in a few years, they cheer him on.  Even though he lied about virtually everything that was in that tax bill, they cheer him on to their own detriment.  Even though he tries to take credit for things that he didn’t do…even though he lies every single day….they cheer him on….because that’s what ignorance does.   Sad.

In happier news, and on a personal note, I am at a very good place in my life right now.  I’m working hard, accomplishing a lot, still  in love and have plenty to smile about.  We had a fabulous Christmas.  John gave me a wonderful coastal vacation, which we will be taking in February, and I’m really looking forward to that.

Tonight will be the first time in years that John and I haven’t gone out to celebrate New Years, but we are looking forward to Ingrid’s spending the night with us.  I am cooking a Mexican feast, and John will be breaking open a VERY nice bottle of bubbly. Anticipating a great time.  We will be joining friends tomorrow on New Year’s Day, for brunch and fellowship.

On a final note, and I probably shouldn’t be writing this, but I am sending special prayers, love and healing energy to a close friend who is struggling right now…but not for long.   There is light at the end of even the darkest tunnel.  I love you, man.

Wishing each and every person reading this a special Happy New Year!  May you enjoy good health, happiness and love every single day.

 

 

Dec29

Switching to a Plant Based Diet After 50

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Numerous empirical studies have established the advantages of eating a plant based diet over one that is heavy in meats and related saturated fats.  This is old news.  A “less meat, more plants” style of eating can definitely improve the quality of one’s life, and it is better for the planet.

I’ve been a part-time vegan, and full-time vegetarian for more than 40 years now, and I still hear people comment on my high energy levels, my  nice complexion and my abundant, full hair, which are all associated with eating in this way.  I often work from 12-14 hours a day, and still manage to cook whole meals, keep my house spotless, and go out dancing at night, when I feel like it.

In addition, vegetarianism is associated with higher levels of short-chain fatty acids in the gut.  Additional research suggests that it also lowers the risk of heart disease, inflammatory diseases, and type 2 diabetes.

Vegetarianism Over 50

Can changing your diet to a meat free or low meat diet after age 50 still make a difference?  Absolutely, it can, according to experts. “It’s never too early or too late to embrace a healthier lifestyle,” says a leading cardiologist. “The benefits come quickly and continue to accrue with time.”

In one study, women in that age group who ate a mostly plant diet were 34 percent more likely to be free of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and chronic diabetes, 15 years later than women whose diets included more meat.

According to a study in the medical journal, Neurology, a  Mediterranean-style diet,  which is based on legumes,  produce, grains, and healthful oils, such as olive oil, is connected with better cognitive brain health in older adults. Those who favored fruits and vegetables in their diets, and who ate only minimal amounts of lean meats and fish, if any at all,  had less brain shrinkage—linked with a reduced risk of cognitive decline—than those who ate meat on a regular basis. Eating no more than 3.5 ounces of meat daily may also help prevent the loss of brain cells equivalent to about three or four years of aging, researchers say.

How to Make the Switch

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The beef and dairy industries have been allowed to thrive at our expense. Coverups of toxic situations weren’t report it to the public because they didn’t want to scare them! It’s time to put that fear into action for the sake of our planet and the lives of our children. As long as people continue to buy their products, these industries have the power and resources to fight reforms and pump money into the schools with educational propaganda. Let’s help the next generation just say NO to meat!

Any step you take will help, but the more plants and fewer animal foods, the better. Try these easy tips to help you design a plant-based diet:

  1. Up your vegetable and fruit intake. 

Even if you decide that you can’t give up meat altogether, increasing the amount of produce that you consume will help you develop a taste for plants, and can help you transition to a higher fiber food intake.   Gradually adding veggies in unexpected places, such as sliced tomato or avocado on toast, can help.

2.  Resign your plate.

Try filling at least half of your plate with grains, fresh produce or beans, and downsize your meat serving.  When you do choose meats, choose those lean cuts that are healthier.  Think of a stir-fry heavy on the veggies and grains with thinly sliced strips of beef rather than a big steak with a spear of broccoli.   Swap in chopped mushrooms or tofu for half of the ground meat you’d normally use in meatloaf, tacos, chili, or pasta sauce. Or try veggie-based dishes like burritos.

  1. Find your semi-veg style.

Even when you don’t eat a vegetarian diet every day, eating plant based meals once each week is a great way to start.  You can replace meat ounce-for-ounce with one of the new faux meats, such as Quorn or Fieldroast brands.

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Vegetarianism for Pain Relief

Because of the anti-flammatory aspects of a plant-based diet, many people who suffer from chronic pain have discovered the benefits of cutting meat out of their diets. Inflammation is a pathological condition underlying a number of diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Diet provides a variety of nutrients as well as non-nutritive bioactive constituents which modulate immunomodulatory and inflammatory processes. Epidemiological data suggest that dietary patterns strongly affect inflammatory processes. Primarily the intake of fruit and vegetables as well as of whole wheat is inversely associated with the risk of inflammation.

In addition to observational studies there are also data from human intervention studies suggesting an anti-inflammatory potential of these plant foods. At the level of bioactive compounds occurring in plant foods, primarily carotenoids and flavonoids seem to modulate inflammatory as well as immunological processes. In conclusion, there is convincing evidence that plant foods and non-nutritive constituents associated with these foods modulate immunological and inflammatory processes. By means of anti-inflammatory activities a plant-based diet may contribute to the lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. A high intake of vegetables, fruit, and whole wheat as recommended by all international nutrition authorities provides a wide spectrum of bioactive compounds at health-promoting concentrations.

Dec22

A Different Kind of Christmas…

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I’m one of those well-organized Christmas people who files decorations away like library cards, keeping them neat and in order for easy accessibility the following year.  By this time, I usually have cheessecake made, cookies baked, bread baking, and the house spotless.  I have everything wrapped, and ready to go under a beautifully-decorated tree, and have usually hosted our annual Christmas decorating party.

Our granddaughter, Maya, came down from Seattle last year to join us, but is working two jobs this year, and won’t be able to make it.  We would have invited our dear friends, Peter and Toni, but they are preparing to marry and to go to Thailand on their honeymoon, any day now.  Our friends, Baranna and Eric have gone to Texas, and my daughter has pneumonia.  Ingrid has a 103 degree temperature, and my husband, John, is working fervently to get his final grades in by the end of the day….so I’m pretty much on my own this year, when it comes to decorating.  It’s ok.  I don’t mind.  I would have preferred the party, but my main concern at this point, is that my family is ok.

It’s three days before Christmas, and my first full day off in months.  Can I do it?

You bet I can!  I got up early this morning ,and have already started.  One step at a time, accomplishing what I can.  I have the Wood Brothers playing on Pandora….my current favorite station….and my fireplace is roaring.  The smell of cookies baking in the oven, is wafting toward me in the living room, and I have my daughter’s lunch simmering on the stove.

It won’t be the same as in years past, but I am happy just knowing that Ingrid’s temperature has dropped two degrees, that my daughter is improving, and that John is nearby if I need anything.

I can do this thing.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Dec17

Oh, What a Tangled Web…..About Those Transition Team Emails…

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Kory Langhofer, a lawyer for President Donald Trump’s transition team is accusing special counsel Robert Mueller of unlawfully obtaining tens of thousands of private emails during its investigation into Russian meddling in last year’s presidential election.   I have a close friend who has been a constitutional lawyer for more than 30 years.  He and I had a long conversation about this issue this morning, and it seems that the Trump team is wrong.  My friend backed up his claims by quoting specific statutes that I do not have on hand, but according to him, nothing untoward took place in the attainment of those emails, and it’s going to be simple for Mueller to justify obtaining them.

Mueller followed the letter of the law.  Therefore, the Trump/FOX panic is yet another of the ridiculous attempted distractions that they’re so fond of.  At this point, only that tiny 32% of remaining Trump followers, the majority of which are uneducated,  are buying it. 

Among the materials obtained by Mr. Mueller were emails, laptops and cellphones for nine members of Mr. Trump’s transition team who worked on national security and policy matters.  Here is a copy of the letter itself, and if you read it thoroughly, I think you’ll find an interesting reveal at the end:  CLICK HERE

Mr. Mueller’s investigators have used the documents during interviews with transition team officials when questioning them about calls between Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn, and the Russian ambassador in which they discussed American sanctions….only while they were being interviewed, they were unaware of the fact that Mueller was in possession of, and that he had already reviewed the emails.

Earlier in 2017, Trump appointed the top attorney at the office responsible for providing all the electronics and email accounts the Trump transition team used.  That attorney was Richard Backler.  This guy was a white collar criminal defense lawyer prior to his appointment.  He aided rich criminals in beating Federal convictions for  the firm of…..are you ready?….Bracewell and GIULIANI!!!

Anyway….so Trump appointed Backler, who assured Trump that he would not allow his organization (the GSA) to provide any of their emails to investigators.  Only problem was that Backler got sick and subsequently died.  Therefore, until Mueller’s team began asking Trump aides about the emails, they had no idea that he (Mueller) even had them, because they believed that Trump’s dirty guy on the inside was running interference for them.  Think about that one for a second. 

Trump and his flunkies thought their friend at the GSA had LITERALLY locked their emails away in a vault somewhere, that only he had access to.  They were wrong.  As a result,  everyone from the Trump team that was interviewed, had a false sense of security thinking Mueller didn’t know what he already knew.  They thought he was fishing, and answered accordingly.  They had no idea he was actually reeling them in.

Now, imagine the freakout that must have occurred in Trumptopia when they realized their cleanup person hadn’t actually erased the fingerprints at the crime scene!  EVERYTHING they believed they’d buried was already in Mueller’s possession in writing! 

The entire Trump orbit just realized that Mueller has a trove that entirely hangs them out to dry, AND brings them down for obstruction and lying to investigators! In other words, Trump appointed a Giuliani shill to protect him from Mueller, and then the guy died just as Mueller was honing in on him. (Trump)   Trust must be losing his mind….what little of it is left……and Jared Kushner must be in even more of a panic, because Trump’s transition told its team members that the emails were privately recorded, and they though they would be promptly destroyed right after the inauguration, but Flynn was already being investigated by the FBI before Trump even hired him.  

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”  Trump, the President with the highest disapproval rate of any President in the history of America,  is in deep trouble at this point.  Let’s see how it all unfolds.