Oh dear! The end is near!

The Constitutional Court has received an “extremely urgent court application” for the appointment of an “investigative task team” to prepare for the end of the world on December 21, according to a report on Wednesday.

Robert Sefatsa, 38, a Soweto resident, also stated in papers handed in at court that the government needed to form a new department to prepare for judgment day next Friday, Beeld reported.

He suggested that the new state department should be called the “department of paranormal and esoteric sciences”.

Sebatsa pointed out that according to the Mayan calendar, judgment day would be on December 21, and it was therefore a matter of extreme urgency that South Africa and other countries make their preparations for the apocalypse.

A commission of inquiry should include geologists, statisticians, astronomists, economists and extra-terrestrial technologists, and should be competent to cope with evacuation procedures, sea and air logistics, and resettlement, he said.

9 Home remedies that works

Nausea

Ginger is all you need to treat an upset stomach.

Remedy: Ginger is highly effective for all types of stomach upsets – from motion sickness to morning sickness (safe for pregnant women) – and can be used in a variety of ways. If you’re feeling ill, you can take several capsules of powdered ginger at a time (up to 25 capsules a day) with a little warm water. Sucking on a small piece of ginger during the day is another way to get your dosage. Or you can drink ginger tea.

To make ginger tea:
1. Simmer 1 to 2 t chopped fresh ginger in 1 cup water, in a covered pot for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and sweeten.
3. Drink small amounts throughout the day.

The proof: A controlled study in Germany found that ginger is more effective at relieving motion sickness than a prescription drug commonly prescribed for that malady.

Gum disease

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss or if they’re red and inflamed, you may have gum disease. Gums will become irritated and swollen due to a plaque or calculus (tartar) build-up. Here’s a simple remedy to wipe out gingivitis-causing bacteria.

Remedy: Making your own antimicrobial mouth rinse is simple. Make a strong tea by pouring two cups boiling water over two tablespoons of dried peppermint, spearmint, or rosemary, or a combination of the three herbs. Cover, and steep overnight. Strain, and add one teaspoon myrrh tincture, a natural preservative. Store in a glass bottle and shake well before gargling. If you use about two tablespoons twice a day, this will last about a week.

The proof A study at New York University College of Dentistry found that herbal mouthwashes and toothpastes kill more germs than conventional brands, and in some instances are as effective as prescription oral hygiene products.

Sunburn

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is the best medicine. But if you do get burnt, minimise the damage with these suggestions:

Remedy 1: During summer months or whenever you’re going to get a lot of sun, take daily doses of vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene, 10 000 to 20000 IU), vitamin C (500 to 1 000 mg), and vitamin E (400 to 800 IU).

Remedy 2: Aloe vera cools and soothes even the most tender skin. Keep a small aloe plant growing in your home or garden; slice off leaves as you need them and apply the inner gel to your skin. If you need a large quantity of aloe gel – when treating severe sunburn, for example – you can make up a batch of fresh aloe gel and keep it in the refrigerator. When chilled, it’s doubly effective for soothing burns.

To make fresh aloe vera gel:
1. Slice off an aloe vera leaf, peel it, and place in a blender.
2. For every quarter cup of aloe vera leaf, add 500mg powdered vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, and 1/4 t lavender essential oil.
3. Blend thoroughly and apply several times a day to burns, as well as cuts, wounds, and other skin irritations. Stored in a clean glass jar and refrigerated, this mixture will stay fresh for a couple of months.

The proof: Research has found that antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E neutralise cell-damaging free radicals. They help prevent harmful effects, from premature ageing to cancer. Studies have shown that aloe speeds the healing of wounds and burns and also fights infection.

Hair loss

This remedy encourages hair growth and improves the condition of your hair and scalp.

Remedy: In a dark glass bottle, combine one teaspoon each of rosemary essential oil, basil essential oil, and lavender essential oil. Mix five drops of this mixture with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and massage it into your scalp. Leave it in for a few hours before shampooing.

The proof: Research in Scotland found that massaging your scalp with essential oils can stimulate hair growth.

Hay fever

Thousands of people in South Africa live with nasal allergies like hay fever, but help is at hand.

Remedy: Eat foods that are naturally rich sources of the bioflavonoid quercetin, such as apples, citrus fruits, purple and yellow onions, and buckwheat. Aim for at least two servings of quercetin-rich foods daily. Or take concentrated quercetin in capsules, 200 to 500mg twice daily between meals. For best results, boost your intake of quercetin about a month before the start of allergy season and continue it throughout.

The proof: Many studies have found that quercetin inhibits the release of histamine, the inflammatory compound primarily responsible for the symptoms of hay fever.

High cholesterol

The SA Medical Research Council estimates that a staggering five million people have high cholesterol levels, and are at risk of heart disease. While many conventional doctors prescribe medications to lower blood cholesterol levels, simple dietary changes are often enough.

Remedy: Eat at least one and a half cups of cooked oatmeal daily. And remember, oatmeal doesn’t have to be boring to be healthy – liven it up with blueberries, bananas, and walnuts, or whatever suits your taste.

The proof: In the early ’90s researchers found that oatmeal absorbs excess cholesterol in the intestinal tract and sweeps it out of the body.

Colds and flu

Whether you’re trying to avoid getting sick or you’ve already caught a bug, here are two ways to shake it off.

Remedy 1: During cold and fl u season, eat one to two cloves of raw garlic daily. If you want to access the antimicrobial properties of garlic, most experts believe you must eat it raw! You can disguise the sharp, biting flavour by adding finely chopped, fresh garlic to baked potatoes, pasta dishes, and soups just before serving. Or try a sweet and spicy garlic salad dressing. The sweetness tones down the sharpness of the garlic without sacrificing any of its immune-enhancing properties.

Remedy 2: Inhaling plain steam will open clogged nasal and sinus passages, but adding herbs such as thyme or peppermint will help cleanse the lungs by promoting mucus expulsion.

The proof: Researchers in the US and China have shown that garlic not only kills cold and fl u viruses, but also strengthens the immune system. For gene rations, doctors have recommended warm steam to relieve congestion and ease laboured breathing; and numerous studies have confirmed that steam inhalations can open clogged nasal passages.

To make 3 to 4 servings of a sweet and spicy garlic salad dressing:
1. Combine 2 T extra-virgin olive oil, 1 T flaxseed oil, 1 t honey mustard, 1 t honey, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl.
2. Whisk in 2 T lemon juice, 2 T orange juice, and 4 cloves finely minced garlic.

Insomnia

Lying awake all night worrying that you can’t sleep? Try this:

Remedy: Experts believe a warm bath will make you drowsy by drawing blood away from the brain and towards the skin’s surface. Add eight drops of lavender essential oil to a tubful of warm water, and disperse it through the water with a few strokes of your hand. (For variety, you can replace two of the lavender drops with two of ylang-ylang essential oil, which also has relaxing properties.)

The proof: According to research published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, a warm bath (about 38C) can induce drowsiness, even in people suffering from sleeplessness.

Depression

While prescription antidepressants have their place, you can take steps to restore balance to your life before they’re needed.

Remedy 1: A brisk 45-minute walk stimulates your body to produce endorphins, natural mood-elevating chemicals. Try it the next time you feel emotionally stuck, and practice preventive mental health care by taking a walk every day.

Remedy 2: St John’s Wort might help: Take 300mg of a standardised extract (containing 0,3% hypercin and 3% hyperforin) three times daily. Allow six weeks for the herb to begin working, and be diligent with the sunscreen as St John’s Wort can also make your skin sun-sensitive.

The proof: Dozens of studies have found that exercise is one of the best ways to lessen mild to moderate depression. In a review of 315 studies done over an eight-year period, published in Comprehensive Psychiatry, researchers confirmed that St John’s Wort is an effective treatment for mild cases of depression

 

Cinnamon and Honey

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honey.

 

 

Cinnamon and Honey. I bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon, as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS:

Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:

Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder..

CHOLESTEROL:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:

Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:

Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS:

According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:

A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:

Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

RASPY OR SORE THROAT:

When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES:

Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:

Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:

Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE:

Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH:

People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:

Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

 

Up your energy

It is sometimes hard enough just to get through a workday, never mind find the energy to still go out and exercise after work. But energy that lasts all day does not have to be an impossible dream.

Most people experience a slump in their energy levels at some time during the day. Fatigue is the body’s way to slow you down so that you cannot drive it to sheer exhaustion. People who work in spite of their tiredness may suffer the consequences, such as being more susceptible to illness. For this reason, it is important to identify when your energy levels tend to dip and when they soar. Use this information to move aside surplus energy all day long. But, no matter what hour you get stuck in ‘low gear’, here are some quick and easy ways to get you fired up again.

Early morning
The best way to wake yourself up is to stimulate your senses. Make a cup of tea, listen to lively music, sing in the shower, and use a body wash with an invigorating scent.

Afternoons
Don’t spend lunch hour at your desk. Sitting in the same position for a long time drains your energy. Take a short walk, get out into the fresh air, talk to other people and if you have to, take a short nap of no more than 20 minutes.

Evenings
You may feel tired but you still have chores to do. A cup of coffee may be tempting, but resist the urge. Having coffee and fizzy drinks even three to four hours before bed can keep you awake. A better idea is to run up and down the stairs or around the house for a quick energy surge.


Tip: if you are hungry before bed, you may have a hard time falling asleep or keep waking up. Have a light snack, such as cheese and crackers, or yoghurt and juice before bed to ensure that this does not happen.

A World Without Coffee

• by Beth Buczynski
• November 26, 2012
• 5:00 am

Americans love coffee. Over half of us drink it daily, with at least another 25 percent drinking it occasionally. Our love for coffee is the stuff of internet memes and expensive habits. Many of us can’t imagine starting the day without a hot fragrant cup of joe. Deny us our cuppa, and all manner of irritable personalities emerge.

We’ll go to all sorts of ridiculous lengths for our coffee, which is why a new study by Kew Gardens is particularly troubling: climate change could cause the world-famous Arabica coffee bean to be extinct by 2080.

According to the Guardian, “Arabica is one of only two species of bean used to make coffee and is by far the most popular, accounting for 70 per cent of the global market including almost all fresh coffee sold in high street chains and supermarkets in the US and most of Europe.”

The study, which was published in the Public Library of Science ONE journal, used multiple computer modeling simulations to predict what might happen to coffee crops in various climate change scenarios. They found that at the very least 65 percent of locations where arabica is currently grown will become unsuitable by 2080,while the most extreme model predicted almost 100 percent extinction. “In some areas, such as the Boma Plateau in South Sudan, the demise could come as early as 2020, based on the low flowering rate and poor health of current crops,” points out the Guardian.
Think about that for a second: A world without coffee.

Say goodbye to your precious grande skinny hazelnut lattes and bottomless house blends. Coffee would most likely become so expensive it would become like a second currency, traded on black markets by red eyed caffeine-junkies in wrinkled business suits!

All joking aside, this is just one of many consequences unchecked climate change will have on society. Even if the computer models are wrong, and coffee doesn’t disappear completely, the yield size and taste will never be the same again. Perhaps if people don’t find sea level rise, extreme heat and violent storms compelling enough, the thought of never again tasting a perfect espresso will motivate them into taking action.

Related Reading:
6 Reasons Coffee Isn’t So Bad For You After All
Climate Change Might Put The World’s Coffee Supply At Risk
Top 5 Reasons To Drink A Cup Of Tea




Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/a-world-without-coffee.html#ixzz2DbkL9duJ

5 Foods to Eat When You’re Feeling Tired

Shubhra Krishan

November 23, 2012

11:30 am

A bowl of oats: The high dietary fiber content in oats helps you feel full longer, preventing overeating throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain, sluggishness, and fatigue.There’s more: oatmeal contains B1, the vitamin that is known to fight fatigue.

A handful of walnuts: if you’re feeling blue, munching on walnuts can boost your spirits. This wonder nut contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to fight symptoms of depression.

Whole wheat toast: the complex carbs in it give you the energy boost you need, without disturbing blood sugar levels.

Oranges or bell peppers: the Vitaminc C family can instantly inject freshness into your body and mind. That’s because this wonderful vitamin helps reduce cortisol—the hormone responsible for stress and energy slumps. Just one cup of sliced red bell pepper meets twice your daily required quota of Vitamin C!

A cup of creamy Greek yogurt: it’s simple. If your digestive system is out of gear, you’re going to feel whacked. That’s where yogurt comes in. The friendly bacteria in it do a fabulous job of regulating your digestion. The result: you have more energy, which lasts longer because yogurt has more protein than carbs. Try to get about 8 ounces of yogurt daily. You will feel relief from chronic fatigue within a week or so.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-foods-to-eat-when-youre-feeling-tired.html#ixzz2Dbi0fNSw

A Little Puppy called TROOPER

From the Facebook page of The Patrick Miracle:

 

**$2500 REWARD**

The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a reward for info leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for tethering a puppy to a truck last Wednesday, November 21. The puppy was dragged down Highway 55 in St. Louis. He was transported to HSMO for treatment of his severe injuries and has received emergency care since the incident. We'll have an update on the condition of the puppy, whom we have named Trooper, later this morning. Anyone with info should call 314-647-4400. Thank you for your help. Please share to help us find the parties responsible.

**Trooper Update**

Trooper is currently recovering at the Humane Society of Missouri after being dragged behind a truck last Wednesday. He is seriously wounded, but we do expect him to survive his injuries. He will lose one of his front legs and his recovery will take weeks upon months, but we're going to do everything it takes to help this sweet boy and make him comfortable. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and can be done securely through this link: http://member.hsmo.org/trooper. Thank you and we will keep you updated!

10 Tips For An Awesome Vegan Thanksgiving

The key to successful vegan cooking is not to try to replicate meat and cheese dishes with fake no-meat products.

Really, if you are craving turkey, or meatballs, or macaroni and cheese, why eat the Quorn or Boca version, or the homemade fake equivalent?


No, the goal of vegan cooking is to prepare dishes that don’t use meat and cheese products, but instead bring out the rich and satisfying flavors and textures of the ingredients that you are using.


So bring on a vegan Thanksgiving, where you can do just that! Here are 10 tips to ensure that you have an awesome Thanksgiving celebration:


* Know Your Guests. Make sure to get a count of your expected guests. This is essential for menu planning, and ask them to let you know about any special dietary needs. Also, let your guests know ahead of time the overall timing of the day.

* Be Prepared For Kid Guests. Ask parents if their kids have any specific hates or loves, or food allergies. Don’t dwell on the word “vegan.” Kids aren’t interested in long discussions about their food — they just want to eat! If they love pumpkin pie, using the word “vegan” is irrelevant — it’s just pumpkin pie!

* Keep It Simple For Kids. Children are mostly very conservative in what they like and don’t like, and your amazing Thanksgiving dinner won’t change that. Most kids will eat something that looks familiar. If they see a slice of pizza, they will eat it, even if they don’t know that the pizza has a gluten-free crust and is topped with soy cheese. So make sure that you have some food options that look simple, traditional and kid-friendly.


* Substitute Vegan For Non-Vegan Ingredients. Some suggestions:
Butter – Vegan Buttery Spread, Earth Balance brand
Gravy – Vegan Gravy
Chicken Broth – Vegetable Broth
Cheese – Vegan Cheese
White Sugar – Maple Syrup, Agave Syrup, Raw Vegan Sugar


*Make A Schedule. Don’t leave all your kitchen work until the day of Thanksgiving. Make cranberry sauce, pies, appetizers, cold veggie dishes and salads ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Thanksgiving is about spending time with family and friends, not about feeling so frazzled that you have no time to sit and enjoy your company.

*Dish Labels. If your guests aren’t familiar with vegan food, they may not recognize what they are eating. Why not place some labels in front of your dishes, and those that your friends bring, to explain what is in them? And of course the discussion of these dishes can provide some excellent dinnertime conversation.

*Make It An Environmentally Friendly Meal. Don’t use disposable plates or napkins. Purchase organic ingredients and organic wines. Your local farmers market is the best place to get fresh, organic produce, so that you know you are not feeding your guests pesticides, chemicals and other additives.

*Bring-a-Dish. I’ve found that guests usually offer to bring a dish, so you’ll need to let them know that you are planning a vegan Thanksgiving meal. They may offer to bring their favorite non-vegan dish, and then it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want a 100% vegan table. Or maybe suggest how they could use some vegan substitutions?

*Celebrate The Homemade. Here’s a list of Thanksgiving favorites that really should be made from scratch: stuffing, cranberry sauce, pie (no substitute for the real thing!), mashed potatoes, yams and gravy.

* No More Tofurky. Please! There are so many exciting options to replace the tofurky as your main event. Here are just three delicious suggestions: Roasted Apple, Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Pizza; Coconut Mashed Yams With Currants; and Southern Skillet Black-Eyed Peas and Cauliflower With Quick Biscuits. Start with these three, and you can find plenty more here.

* Prepare Tasty Beverages. For some unusual flavors, why not try Pumpkin Spice Latte, Fresh Pomegranate Juice, or Spicy Carrot Mimosa?

Happy Thanksgiving!


Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/10-tips-for-an-awesome-vegan-thanksgiving.html#ixzz2Cdm5YMIO

Have a Compassionate Holiday: Save a Turkey

Click on this link

 

 

Do a turkey a favor and have a vegetarian or vegan holiday celebration. For ethical and health reasons, vegetarians don't eat animals, including beef, poultry, pork, lamb, and fish). In addition to meat, vegans don't eat animal products like milk, eggs, and cheese, or any foods that contain these ingredients.

A plant-based vegan feast will do far less damage nutritionally than the traditional Thanksgiving meat-based meal, as it cuts out a good deal of fat, sodium and all of the cholesterol, since cholesterol is found only in animal foods. Best of all, serving a cruelty-free holiday dinner will honor the animals customarily used as ingredients - a gentler way to gather with loved ones in the spirit of giving thanks for our lives, health, and happiness.

Here are some tips to avoid ruffling feathers this holiday:

• Try a delicious "faux" turkey by checking out Gardien, Quorn, and Tofurkey products in your store's freezer section. Alternatively, update your main dish style with a stuffed squash, legume (beans, lentils), or nut roast.
• Make holiday gravy and stuffing using vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
• Soy and coconut milk (unsweetened) are great swaps for milk in your soup, mashed potato, pumpkin pie filling, cookie, and other baked goods recipes.
• Replace butter with margarine (Earth Balance has buttery spread and shortening versions) and eggs with egg replacer for your cooking and baking.
• Search online for seasonal recipes that offer compassionate alternatives to the conventional turkey dinner. You can find recipes for all your faves, including soups, breads, vegan stuffing, candied yams, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin and pecan pies - or simply "vegetarian holidays."

Adopt-A-Turkey Project

Twenty-five years ago, Farm Sanctuary, an organization that rescues mistreated, abused, and neglected farm animals, challenged the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with an event that celebrated and cultivated kindness, encouraging people to "adopt" turkeys instead of eating them. This "first Thanksgiving" has grown into an organized movement in which sponsorships help them rescue animals and provide care for them at their sanctuaries, as well as educate and advocate for farm animals everywhere.
Ellen DeGeneres, the national spokesperson for the project for the second year in a row shares,

"Did you know that every year between 250 and 300 million turkeys are bred for slaughter in the United States? More than 46 million for Thanksgiving alone. So, this Thanksgiving, instead of eating a turkey please join me in adopting one, from Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project and you can give a turkey something to be thankful for."

To save even more lives this year, you can adopt a turkey with a donation gift of $30 by visiting adoptaturkey.org or calling the Turkey Adoption Hotline at 1-888-SPONSOR. You will receive a certificate with a photo and details on your new turkey beneficiary. And for the ultimate cool, original holiday gift of compassion, you can adopt farm animals for your loved ones and yourself, including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens by visiting farmsanctuary.org/get_involved/aafa, email sponsorship@farmsanctuary.org, or phone 607-583-225 ext 225. Visit your new adoptee at the Watkins Glen, NY, or Orland, CA, shelters on your next vacation.

 

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/have-a-compassionate-holiday-save-a-turkey.html

 

Amazing Benefits of Mangoes!

Exercise Personalities - find yours!

Laugh and get healthy

 

Colour yourself healthy!

Many of us were told as children to ‘eat our greens’, but what about our reds, blues, oranges and yellows? A novel way of looking at nutrition is by categorising fruits and vegetables by virtue of their colour. The reason behind colourising the diet all has to do with specialised plant chemicals (called phytochemicals) that impart colour as well as flavour to fruits and vegetables.

Phytochemical nutrients, like the ones found in colourful fruits and vegetables, can help prevent heart disease, certain cancers, and other diseases attributable to lifestyle and ageing. When it comes to choosing fruits and vegetables, go for those with deep, vibrant hues and pick from a variety of colour groups. Each plant pigment, from the red in tomatoes to the blue in blueberries, is associated with its own unique health benefit and choosing from a variety will ensure you get the full range of phytochemicals.

• Red – A plateful of tomatoes and chillies will have you dosing up on the powerful antioxidant lycopene. Diets rich in lycopene have been shown to have a negative association with certain cancers, including lung, colon, liver, and prostate. Red foods also help maintain a healthy heart and are great sources of vitamin C.
• Purple – Eat beetroot or cherry to fight against cancer, improve circulation, and ward off age-related memory loss. Purple fruit and vegetables are also rich sources of vitamin C, folate, fibre, and potassium.
• Orange – A carrot or a serving of pumpkin a day is said to be beneficial in preventing cancers of the lung and breast. It also helps protect the skin from sunburn. Beta-carotene plays an additional role in enhancing the immune system. Orange fruit and vegetables are also high in folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
• Green - The carotenoid pigment lutein gives colour to kiwi fruits, green peppers, and other similarly shaded veggies. Lutein is best known for its protective effects on vision. These foods are also good sources of folate, minerals, and fibre and help maintain strong bones and teeth.

Adding more colour to your daily diet is not only a great way to better health, but also helps add some variety and fun into a diet that can become boring and monotonous. Every time you bite into a deeply coloured fruit or vegetable, think about the cocktail of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and phytochemicals that are working together to prevent disease and promote your health and wellbeing.

South African humor

Gauteng policeman at a roadblock. 'Congratulations', said the cop. 'Because you are wearing your seat belt, you have just won R5,000 in the Arrive Alive safety competition'.

Xolani could hardly believe his luck 'What are you going to do with your cash?' asked the traffic cop.

'Eish! I'm going to get a driver's license,' Xolani answered.

'AAUW!! Please sir, don't listen to him sir,' yelled Dipuo in the passenger seat. 'He always tries to be smart when he is drunk!'

With all this noise, Andiswa woke up in the back seat. He took one look at the cop and moaned, 'YOH! Guys - I TOLD you, stealing the BMW was a bad, bad idea. WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE RED MAZDA! BUT YOU THINK YOU ARE ALWAYS CLEVA!!'

At that moment, there was a knock from the boot and Jamaal's voice shouted in a heavy Nigerian accent : 'Am I over the border yet?

Woman to Woman

Someone will always be prettier.

Someone will always be smarter.

Someone's house will be bigger.

Someone will drive a better car.

Someone will earn more.

Someone will travel more.

Just let it go.

Take care of yourself.

Love yourself and your circumstances.

The prettiest, slimmest woman in the world may have sadness in her heart.

The most highly favoured woman in your office may not be able to have children.

That married friend of yours might not be happy in her marriage.

The richest woman you know may have the car,

the house, and the clothes – but might be very lonely.

So, love yourself.

Love who you are right now.

Tell yourself

"I am too blessed to be stressed."

Be well. Be happy. Be blessed.

The Limit Is Me - By Robin Good

Personal Growth, Personal Independence:

The Limit Is Me - By Robin Good

 

One day all the employees reached the office and they saw

a big advice on the door on which it was written:

 

"Yesterday the person who has been hindering

your growth in this company passed away.

We invite you to join the funeral in the

room that has been prepared in the gym".

In the beginning, they all got sad for the death of one of their

colleagues, but after a while they started getting curious to

know who was that man who hindered the growth of his

colleagues and the company itself.

The excitement in the gym was such that security agents were

ordered  to control the crowd within the room. The more people

reached the coffin, the more the excitement heated up.

Everyone thought: "Who is this  guy who was hindering my progress?

Well, at least he died!"

One by one the thrilled employees got closer to the coffin, and when

they looked inside it they suddenly became speechless. They stood

nearby the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had

touched the deepest part of their soul.

There was a mirror inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside

it could see himself. There was also a sign next to the mirror

that said: "There is only one person who is capable to set limits

to your growth: it is YOU. You are the only person who can

revolutionize your life. You are the only person who can influence

your happiness, your realization and your success.

You are the only person who can help yourself.

Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your

friends change, when your parents change, when your partner changes, when your company changes. Your life changes when YOU change,

when you go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize

that you are the only one responsible for your life.

"The most important relationship you can have

is the one you have with yourself"

Examine yourself, watch yourself.

Don't be afraid of difficulties, impossibilities and losses:

be a winner, build yourself and your reality.

The world is like a mirror: it gives back to anyone the reflection

of the thoughts in which one has strongly believed.

The world and your reality are like mirrors laying in a coffin,

which show to any individual the death of his divine capability

to imagine and create his happiness and his success.

It's the way you face Life that makes the difference!