Jan 1, 2014
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Proverbs 17:22, "a merrie
heart doth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones," has transformed into the popular saying, "Laughter is the
best medicine."
More About Laughter
Here is more good news to smile about
this year. A recent study found that groups that either watched or
participated in comedy felt less pain than their peers, who watched
a documentary. People who laughed more had an even higher pain
threshold than those who only had a few giggles. Chuckling with
others also increased laughter's positive impact. People are 30
times more likely to laugh in a group than alone.
Laughing triggers endorphins, neurotransmitters produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which spark a feeling of comfort similar to what occurs when someone takes an opiate. Love, excitement, spicy foods, orgasms, exercise, and pain all cause the brain to produce endorphins, which also provide an analgesic effect.
Laughing triggers endorphins, neurotransmitters produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which spark a feeling of comfort similar to what occurs when someone takes an opiate. Love, excitement, spicy foods, orgasms, exercise, and pain all cause the brain to produce endorphins, which also provide an analgesic effect.
Clowns and Laughter
Being a clown is a noble profession.
Clowns have proven to improve lung function in patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. Genuine laughter for a whole day
could burn 2,000 calories and lower the blood sugar in people with
diabetics, a review published in the British Medical Journal found.
Laughter also enhanced fertility, Thirty six percent of would-be mothers who were entertained by a clown after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer became pregnant compared with 20 percent in the control group. OK, women, no jokes please.
Laughter also enhanced fertility, Thirty six percent of would-be mothers who were entertained by a clown after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer became pregnant compared with 20 percent in the control group. OK, women, no jokes please.
Greatest Clown in History
Britain's Joseph Grimaldi has
been known as the "greatest clown in history". Joseph Grimaldi (18
December 1778 – 31 May 1837), is the most celebrated of English
clowns. Grimaldi's performances made the 'Joey Clown' character the
central character in British harlequinades. He was born in Clare
Market, London, the son of an Italian, Signor Joseph 'Iron Legs'
Grimaldi, ballet-master at the Drury Lane and Rebecca Brooker, a
dancer in the theatre's corps de ballet.
His father died when he was nine, and plunged the family into debt. When less than two years old, he was introduced to the stage at Drury Lane; at the age of three, he began to appear at the Sadler's Wells theatre. As a young man, he fell in love and married the daughter of the principal proprietor of Sadler's Wells. Maria Grimaldi died in childbirth 18 months after their marriage. He found solace in performance, and eventually married again, to Mary Bristow. After he passed away, his burial site and the area around it was later named Joseph Grimaldi Park.
Charles Dickens was invited to edit and improve a clumsily written life of Grimaldi, which had been based on the clown's own notes. The 'Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi' sold well for Dickens.
His father died when he was nine, and plunged the family into debt. When less than two years old, he was introduced to the stage at Drury Lane; at the age of three, he began to appear at the Sadler's Wells theatre. As a young man, he fell in love and married the daughter of the principal proprietor of Sadler's Wells. Maria Grimaldi died in childbirth 18 months after their marriage. He found solace in performance, and eventually married again, to Mary Bristow. After he passed away, his burial site and the area around it was later named Joseph Grimaldi Park.
Charles Dickens was invited to edit and improve a clumsily written life of Grimaldi, which had been based on the clown's own notes. The 'Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi' sold well for Dickens.
Wordology, Duchenne Smile
While conducting research on the
physiology of facial expressions in the mid-19th century,
Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne (de Boulogne) identified two
distinct types of smiles. The eponymous Duchenne smile involves
contraction of both the zygomatic major muscle, which raises the
corners of the mouth and the orbicularis oculi muscle, which raises
the cheeks and forms crow's feet around the eyes.
A non-Duchenne, or politician smile involves only the zygomatic major muscle. Research with adults initially indicated that joy was indexed by generic smiling, involving just the raising of the lip corners by the zygomatic major. More recent research suggests that smiling in which the muscle around the eye contracts, raising the cheeks high (Duchenne smiling), is uniquely associated with positive emotion.
There are also two types of laughter, Duchenne and non-Duchenne. Duchenne laughter is the type of natural chuckle that people experience when they see or hear something funny, which is often contagious. This giggling involves the contractions of the orbicularis oculi muscle and adds more pain relief than non-Duchenne laughter, which is emotionless and context-driven. Duchenne laughter might be so effective because it involves muscle activity much like exercise, which releases endorphins. The capacity to sustain laughter for periods of several minutes at a time may exaggerate the opioid effects.
A non-Duchenne, or politician smile involves only the zygomatic major muscle. Research with adults initially indicated that joy was indexed by generic smiling, involving just the raising of the lip corners by the zygomatic major. More recent research suggests that smiling in which the muscle around the eye contracts, raising the cheeks high (Duchenne smiling), is uniquely associated with positive emotion.
There are also two types of laughter, Duchenne and non-Duchenne. Duchenne laughter is the type of natural chuckle that people experience when they see or hear something funny, which is often contagious. This giggling involves the contractions of the orbicularis oculi muscle and adds more pain relief than non-Duchenne laughter, which is emotionless and context-driven. Duchenne laughter might be so effective because it involves muscle activity much like exercise, which releases endorphins. The capacity to sustain laughter for periods of several minutes at a time may exaggerate the opioid effects.
Last Regrets
While derping around the net seeking some more
happy thoughts to begin the new year, I came across the following.
It brings into focus that way too many people fail to cultivate
relationships and be happy until it is too late. This is not meant
to be morose, but rather as a heads up to celebrate, have fun, and
laugh so you do not have these regrets.
A nurse, Bronnie Ware, on her blog, inspirationandchai relates some things shared by her patients, who were within the last few weeks and months of their life. The most common five regrets her patients related were:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. This was the most common regret of all.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard. Mostly men said this, but also women. They regretted missing so much time with family.
3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings. They regretted not saying how they really felt, just to keep peace with others.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. After family, they most regretted letting friendships lapse by not taking the time to stay in touch.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. Too many people forget that happiness is a choice and they waste time on old comfortable habits. They longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
A nurse, Bronnie Ware, on her blog, inspirationandchai relates some things shared by her patients, who were within the last few weeks and months of their life. The most common five regrets her patients related were:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. This was the most common regret of all.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard. Mostly men said this, but also women. They regretted missing so much time with family.
3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings. They regretted not saying how they really felt, just to keep peace with others.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. After family, they most regretted letting friendships lapse by not taking the time to stay in touch.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. Too many people forget that happiness is a choice and they waste time on old comfortable habits. They longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
Dec 27, 2013
Happy Friday
Affliction is the teacher of humility; the parent of repentance; the
nurse of faith; the strengthener of patience; and a guide to
reflection.
I am constantly afflicted with the desire to celebrate a Happy Friday!
On this last Friday of 2013, be humble, keep the faith, repent if you must, be patient, and reflect on the accomplishments of 2013 as we guide ourselves into the joyous 2014 - Happy New Year!
I am constantly afflicted with the desire to celebrate a Happy Friday!
On this last Friday of 2013, be humble, keep the faith, repent if you must, be patient, and reflect on the accomplishments of 2013 as we guide ourselves into the joyous 2014 - Happy New Year!
Another use for Salt
One way to keep your clothes
from fading is to turn them all inside-out before putting them
through the wash. If yours have already faded, adding a couple of
pinches of salt to your detergent will brighten your clothes in just
one wash.
Benefits of Nuts
The holidays always include snacks for
family and friends and now you can be good to them without cooking.
A new study from November, 2013 in The New England Journal of
Medicine, come from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health
Professionals Follow-Up Study, which together have followed nearly
119,000 women and men from 1980 - 2010. Both studies recorded what
the participants ate and analyzed their diets in relation to the
causes of death among the 27,429 people who died since the studies
began.
The more often nuts ( pistachios, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, peanuts, and walnuts) were consumed, the less likely participants were to die of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease, and not because nut eaters succumbed to other diseases. Their death rate from any cause was lower. Those who ate nuts seven or more times a week were 20 percent less likely to die. Among those who consumed nuts less often than once a week, the death rate was still 11 percent lower than for those who did not eat them.
Of course, moderation is key because an ounce of nuts has 160 to 200 calories. However, findings revealed the more often people ate nuts, the leaner they tended to be. In a Mediterranean study that tracked the effect of nut consumption on weight gain over the course of 28 months, frequent nut consumers gained less weight than those who never ate nuts, and were 43 percent less likely to become overweight or obese. One reason it found may be the fat, fiber, and protein in nuts suppresses hunger between meals. Every study has indicated that nuts make a contribution to health and longevity, even after taking other factors into account.
Nuts provide rich sources of unsaturated fat and also contain protein, fiber, plant sterols that can lower cholesterol, and micronutrients copper and magnesium. Nuts have less cholesterol-raising saturated fat than olive oil. On average, 62 percent of the fat in nuts is monounsaturated, the kind that supports healthy levels of protective HDL cholesterol and does not raise blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. Nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that can lower triglycerides and blood pressure, slow the buildup of arterial plaque, and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Walnuts contain rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid, some of which is converted to heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds are good sources of vitamin E. Peanuts and pistachios are rich in resveratrol.
The nurses’ study also linked tree nuts to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. A Taiwanese study of about 24,000 people found a 58 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer among women who ate peanuts, although a similar effect was not found among men. The nurses’ study and a study of 64,000 women in Shanghai found strong evidence that frequent consumption of tree nuts, peanuts, and peanut butter reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
As with all studies, especially many with exaggerated claims, no food is a panacea and eating nuts will not heal the sick or raise the dead. However, there seems to be enough evidence that adding a moderate amount of nuts to your diet is better for you than not.
The more often nuts ( pistachios, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, peanuts, and walnuts) were consumed, the less likely participants were to die of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease, and not because nut eaters succumbed to other diseases. Their death rate from any cause was lower. Those who ate nuts seven or more times a week were 20 percent less likely to die. Among those who consumed nuts less often than once a week, the death rate was still 11 percent lower than for those who did not eat them.
Of course, moderation is key because an ounce of nuts has 160 to 200 calories. However, findings revealed the more often people ate nuts, the leaner they tended to be. In a Mediterranean study that tracked the effect of nut consumption on weight gain over the course of 28 months, frequent nut consumers gained less weight than those who never ate nuts, and were 43 percent less likely to become overweight or obese. One reason it found may be the fat, fiber, and protein in nuts suppresses hunger between meals. Every study has indicated that nuts make a contribution to health and longevity, even after taking other factors into account.
Nuts provide rich sources of unsaturated fat and also contain protein, fiber, plant sterols that can lower cholesterol, and micronutrients copper and magnesium. Nuts have less cholesterol-raising saturated fat than olive oil. On average, 62 percent of the fat in nuts is monounsaturated, the kind that supports healthy levels of protective HDL cholesterol and does not raise blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. Nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that can lower triglycerides and blood pressure, slow the buildup of arterial plaque, and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Walnuts contain rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid, some of which is converted to heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds are good sources of vitamin E. Peanuts and pistachios are rich in resveratrol.
The nurses’ study also linked tree nuts to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. A Taiwanese study of about 24,000 people found a 58 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer among women who ate peanuts, although a similar effect was not found among men. The nurses’ study and a study of 64,000 women in Shanghai found strong evidence that frequent consumption of tree nuts, peanuts, and peanut butter reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
As with all studies, especially many with exaggerated claims, no food is a panacea and eating nuts will not heal the sick or raise the dead. However, there seems to be enough evidence that adding a moderate amount of nuts to your diet is better for you than not.
Peanuts and Almonds are not Nuts
Notwithstanding
the above, peanuts are not nuts. They are legumes. The plant has
seeds that grow inside pods such as peas or beans. Nuts grow on
trees, peanuts grow underground. Peanut seeds flower above ground
and then migrate underground to reach maturity. Peanuts are also
called goobers, goober peas, groundnuts, earthnuts, monkey nuts, and
grass nuts.
Also, almonds are not nuts. An almond is the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. The tree bears fruits with a seed within. Fruits with these characteristics are called drupes. A drupe is a fruit that has an outer fleshy part surrounding a shell that contains a seed. Other drupes include fruits from walnut trees and coconut trees. The seed inside the almond fruit is called an almond nut, even though it is not a nut. A nut is a hard shelled fruit that doesn't open to release its seed.
Also, almonds are not nuts. An almond is the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. The tree bears fruits with a seed within. Fruits with these characteristics are called drupes. A drupe is a fruit that has an outer fleshy part surrounding a shell that contains a seed. Other drupes include fruits from walnut trees and coconut trees. The seed inside the almond fruit is called an almond nut, even though it is not a nut. A nut is a hard shelled fruit that doesn't open to release its seed.
Pantone 2014
It is that time of year when Pantone
decides for us what color we will wear, paint our rooms, buy
curtains, add tiles, etc. The color of the year for 2014 is Radiant
Orchid, officially PANTONE 18-3224.
Pantone Color Institute says it is "An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple, and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm." Isn't that special.
Pantone Color Institute says it is "An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple, and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm." Isn't that special.
Fascinating Reindeer Facts
Reindeer are the only mammals
whose eyes are known to change color. The eyes are gold during the
summer when the reindeer experience almost constant sunlight. During
the darkness of winter their retinas become less reflective and
their eyes appear blue.
They are also the only known mammals able to see in ultraviolet. During the Northern winter, when the sun barely rises above the horizon, snow reflects about 90 percent of UV. While that can cause snow blindness in humans, reindeer use it to their advantage.
Reindeer need their excellent eyesight when they run, because they can approach 50 miles per hour (80 km) at full run.
They are also the only known mammals able to see in ultraviolet. During the Northern winter, when the sun barely rises above the horizon, snow reflects about 90 percent of UV. While that can cause snow blindness in humans, reindeer use it to their advantage.
Reindeer need their excellent eyesight when they run, because they can approach 50 miles per hour (80 km) at full run.
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