Living A Dream

I had the Opportunity of a lifetime last Oct 2009. I had the priviledge of visiting a non working silver mine courtesy of a good friend and Mohave Underground. It was named after one of King Solomons mines and was in operation in 1870. It is located in Ophir, Utah. Ophir is mostly a ghost town now, however there are still a few residents. It's worth the trip up the canyon to Ophir just for the scenery. The mine is privately owned so special permission is required, plus it's locked. With our Guide-Jeff, who is a member of Mohave Underground, I spent 3 hours in heaven. The pics speak for themselves.

America Is Burning

AMERICA IS BURNING…

The country I love, America, is burning…
Her lovely shores are now grey and polluted
We give away our livelihoods to those not of this land
And they take it freely pillaging as they go
Leaving their filth entrenched on our streets

America is burning and her lovely cities are dulling…
Amidst the endless bickering of her politicians
They fill each others pockets, unaware of the damage left behind
Big Pharma pushes its wares on our mindless
As the local sheriffs fight a loosing battle

America is burning and brotherly love dies…
The rich acquire more toys to amuse and
Refuse to see the needy at their doors
The aged and wise are hidden away and forgotten
The young are spoiled and coddled

America is burning and God is forgotten...
Lost with the inane babble of hours wasted
With our reality numbed in front of the tube
For entertainment rules supreme
Gratitude is only just a memory

America is burning and virtue is lost…
Human flesh is peddled like lunch on her streets
Horrors a plenty abound in this once great land
We are bought and sold by greed for more
We give our souls away for pleasure

America is burning and her hills are blackened…
Hope is losing, darkness and danger abound
As the inhabitants quarrel over their dogma
The fire is closing in to reclaim the blind
Will we wake up in time to release the river?

T. Willardson

Patrizio Buanne

Just discovered Patrizio Buanne, an Italian singer with an amazing voice, oozing of charm amongst other unmentionable obvious qualities. Makes me wish I were young and single again… I would travel just to see him in concert in his native country. His music takes me to Florence and induces feelings I don’t feel very often. Takes my breath away….

Reminiscence of Art Bell

Art Bell has to be one of the most brilliant, intriguing radio talk show hosts of all time. I miss Art in his prime on the radio. His deep, rocky, smokers voice, not that I am promoting smoking (nasty little habit) but some of my fondest memories are listening to Art in the middle of the night. The beginning theme music thumping to announce another fantastic program entertaining you into the darkness of night. The opening theme music was "Chase" from a movie titled “Midnight Express” by Gorgio Moroder. I remember getting goose bumps as this music was being played and my crown chakra would open in anticipation. Occasionally a tear would roll because I loved this man so much and the world he opened my eyes to. He had an affinity for the obscure, insane and the most outrageous information he could get his hands on. His speculations made my heart pound.

Mel’s Hole, was a program I will never forget and it was one of his best. I remember hanging on every word during this entire program and feeling my own heartbeat. Exerp from YouTube: He, Mel, found this hole out on his property in Washington State. He put 80,000ft. of monofilament fishing line down it and never reached the bottom, including other strange anomalies. After being interviewed on Coast to Coast AM radio program, the U.S. gov't came out and gave him $250,000.00 a month to rent his ground. Last time I heard Mel had moved to Australia.

Father Malachi Martin brought the fear of God to the airwaves with chilling recordings of live exorcisms. These would be a great addition to any Halloween night. Then during these programs, Art would play his "Sounds from Hell" which really sounded like being at a crowded mall at Christmas time but I was entertained and isn't that what it's all about? Bottom line...Entertainment without stupidity, not bored out of my everloving mind. Something to look forward to, not like the mindless dribble on the TV. The Brits put out some great stuff however with actual comedy mixed in....... So I digressed a little.


Yes...Art gave everyone a fair shake with no judgments at least from my perspective, even for the clinically insane. I loved him for it and I miss the old Art and his passion for radio.

Update to Bank Forclosures....

See Map of USA's Bank forclosures. This is HUGE

Ref: stevequayle.com

Repainted Bathroom a Chesnut Brown

WEB BOTS PROJECT

So.... on Coast to Coast Am, my favorite radio show which I listen to in the form of podcasts, there are two fascinating guests. Clif (last name not given) and George Ure. Clif’s website is halfpasthuman.com and George’s is urbansurvival.com. These two guests are most intriguing. Clif has developed software which surfs the web as it were to data mine on forums for chatter. His program cuts through it all and looks for language patterns, which he puts together in a meaningful format. Here is a description from Coast website on what Clif’s work is about:

Reaching into other areas of hidden potential within language use by humans, he (Clif) has been developing a system of software internet agents (like search engines use) and other proprietary processing methods to predict future events. The software project, begun in 1997, captures near-real-time changes in language patterns within internet discussions. Then, employing radical linguistic techniques of his own devising, he develops a model which anticipates future events with some seeming accuracy. The processing has, at its core, a method of assigning emotional values to complex content and time carry-values to predict changes in future behavior based on how people are using language now.
Since June 2001 when the work projected a major 'tipping point', that is a 'life-changing event' with aspects of 'military and accident' that would forever change the way we live to occur inside 90 days, the web bot project has continued to give archetype descriptors of future events such as the anthrax attack in Washington, the crash of American 587, the Columbia disaster, the Northeast Power outage, the Banda Aceh earthquake and most recently the flooding of the Red River. As a continuing project, reports are offered from the extracted archetype information at his web site, http://www.halfpasthuman.com/.

George is his Sidekick as it were. He is a financial genius and his website is loaded with all kinds of information I have no comprehension of, due to the complexity of it all. Anyway their Web Bot program has found some interesting word structures which is forecasting some grim realities for our future. (I love predictions, cant help it, it’s an obsession of mine, just like food.) They said that the time period we were entering was going to be so tumultuous that monuments to people would be erected for their heroics. Again from the Coast website regarding their predictions:

· A big crisis is kicked off on October 25, 2009. It could be that Israel bombs Iran, or that Swine Flu goes into a level of extreme lethality. 10 days later, in relation to this crisis, the Obama administration will be thrown into chaos.

· When Israel bombs Iran, they'll use a nuclear-tipped bunker buster that will hit something unforeseen underground. As a result, a radioactive cloud will form that will pollute and sicken Southeast Asia. This will cause much of the world to turn against Israel.

· The "Death of the Dollar" will be a continuing trend, with a hyper inflationary period in 2010, and banking crises/confidence losses that will begin in August 2009 and escalate by November 2009.

· "Global Coastal Phenomena" will be gradual, yet by March/April 2011 the situation could be disturbing for many people. Unusual movements of the Moon brought on by anomalies in the magnetosphere could cause coastal disruptions.

· The magnetosphere problems could lead to ultraviolet scorching of food crops. Grain crops will fail, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to food riots in the winter of 2010/spring of 2011. Specifically, they'll be riots in Rome that will spill over into the Vatican.

ZEN DESK GARDENS

I created these little Zen Desk Gardens because they bring me so much joy. They are so much fun to make and then play with at work. They actually work by bringing you back into the moment, slipping you beachside. I am going to give them as gifts and sell them possibly....

S & W ORGANIC TOMATOES ARE SHITE

These are pics of my recent nightmare with S&W Organic Tomatoes. Only about 1/2 of each can is usable and the other half includes ends, stems and skin. I will not buy their tomatoes again. I can't believe a company sells this kind of garbage in America and gets away with it!

Crocheted Bibs

So these cute little bibs as it turns out are really easy to crochet and the pattern is available on the Sugar and Cream website or I have provided it below if you like. You do have to register with them but it's free.

I can crochet one of these in under two hours and they are so fun to give as gifts.

MATERIALS Lily Sugar’n Cream (Solids 2.5 oz/70.9 g/Ombres 2 oz/56.7 g) Solids or Ombres: Main Color (MC) 1 ball Contrast A 1 ball
Size 4.50 mm (U.S. 7) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge. Button.
GAUGE: 14 hdc and 10 rows = 4 ins [10 cm]
Note: Ch 2 for turning ch does not count as first st.
INSTRUCTIONS With MC, ch 20. 1st row: (RS). 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. 1 hdc in each ch to end of ch. 18 sts. Ch 2. Turn. 2nd row: 2 hdc in first st. 1 hdc in each st to last st. 2 hdc in last st. Ch 2. Turn. Rep last row 3 times more. 26 sts. Cont even until work from beg measures 6 ins [15 cm] ending with RS facing for next row.
Shape neck: 1st row: (RS). 1 hdc in each of first 9 sts. Yoh and draw up a loop in next st. Draw up a loop in next st. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook – hdc2tog made. Ch 2. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked. 2nd row: Hdc2tog over first 2 sts. 1 hdc in each st to end of row. Ch 2. Turn. 3rd row: 1 hdc in each st to last 2 sts. Hdc2tog over last 2 sts. Ch 2. Turn. Rep last 2 rows once more. 6 sts. 6th and 7th rows: 1 hdc in each st to end of row. Ch 2. Turn. 8th row: 2 hdc in first st. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sts. Hdc2tog over last 2 sts. Ch 2. Turn. 9th row: Hdc2tog over first 2 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sts. 2 hdc in last st. Ch 2. Turn. Rep last 2 rows once more, then 8th row once omitting turning ch at end of last row. Fasten off.
With RS of work facing, miss next 4 sts. Join MC with ss to next st. Ch 2. Hdc2tog over this st and next st. 1 hdc in each st to end of row. Ch 2. Turn. Work to correspond to first side, reversing all shapings.
Edging: Join A with ss to top left corner of neck edge. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last ss. Work 1 row sc evenly around all edges. Join with ss to first sc. Next row: Working around outer edge only, ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last ss. *Miss next sc. [(1 dc. Ch 1) twice. 1 dc] all in next sc. Miss next sc. 1 sc in next sc. Rep from * around to opposite corner at back neck. Fasten off.
Sew button at back neck.

Italian Creme Sodas

I love Italian Creme Sodas and by far the best quality syrup to buy is Monin brand. Found cheapest on http://www.lollicupstore.com/s.nl/sc.31/category.632/.f. They have the cheapest shipping for these glass bottles. Their syrups are made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup.

I wish Coke would change to cane sugar. Here are pics of sodas I made. One is Peach and the other is Strawberry.

Make your own delicious Creme Soda today by following some of the recipes below or Lollicup has some cool recipes of their own ....

Basic Italian Soda Recipe
1 oz syrup, 8 oz Club Soda & Ice.

Basic Italian Creme Soda Recipe
1 oz syrup, 1 oz half & half, 8 oz Club Soda & Ice.

Irish Rose Cream Soda
3/4 oz Raspberry Syrup 1/4 oz Irish Cream Syrup ½ oz half & half
8 oz Club Soda, Ice and top with whipped cream.

Blackberry Sour Cream Soda
3/4 oz Blackberry Syrup ½ oz Lemon Syrup ½ oz half & half
8 oz Club Soda, Ice and top with whipped cream.

Creamsicle Soda
1 oz Orange Syrup ½ oz Vanilla Syrup ½ oz half & half8 oz Club Soda, Ice and top with whipped cream

Bedroom Remodel Pics

Here is the bedroom remodel pics.... It took 2 months to gut the room down to subflooring and block on walls, redo electrical and put up wainscoting. Paint the custom furniture, new furniture etc. Iwondered if it was worth it, Yes it was as you can see by the pics.

My Research Paper for Biomed Core Class

EXAMINING ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
FOR USE IN DIABETES AND
RELATED DISORDERS

This research paper is an overview of some of the Complimentary and Alternative Medicine available for possible future use in the treatment of diabetes and related disorders. Based on the research conducted thus far, it covers some of the uses and toxicity findings and addresses the need for further evaluation in the mainstream medical community.

History of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine in America
The medical marketplace in America has always been diverse and competitive. In the Colonial Era patients sought out a variety of healers, including root-and-herb doctors as well as a broad range of school trained physicians. Since Americans were rural they often treated themselves as well as relying on generational and home recipes or almanacs. In 1806 a farmer turned healer, Samuel Thomson started selling his brand of botanical medicine claiming “Every Man His Own Physician”. Thompson used mainly Lobelia, steam baths and hot pepper as therapies. By the late 1830’s as Thomsonianism declined, two other botanical groups arose, physiomedicalism and eclecticism. Both established medical schools and societies with the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio being one of America’s largest medical schools at mid-century. Eclecticism thrived well into the 20th century. Even more successful was homeopathy developed by a German physician, Samuel Hahnemann brought to the U.S. by German immigrants around 1825. During the second half of the nineteenth century homeopathy was a significant rival to orthodox medicine.
With the growing acceptance of alternative therapies, the American Medical Association (AMA) was formed in 1847 with its code of ethics and barred anyone whose practice was based on exclusive dogma referring to eclecticism, homeopaths and the like. In the late nineteenth century three more alternative therapies arose: Christian Science, osteopathy and chiropractic. In the early 1930’s approximately 20 percent of healers were unorthodox. Throughout the 20th century racial and ethnic issues helped to propagate the alternative medicine movement as not everyone was given the same opportunities for schooling and healing. By the 1960’s and 1970’s the criticism of elitism in orthodox healing gave rise to the supposed gentle and more natural methods of the Native American, Asian and Hispanic cultures healing modalities. In the 1980’s and 1990’s New Age healing became more popular with the increase of chronic diseases especially since orthodox medicine had no cures.
Congress in 1991 created the Office of Alternative Medicine in the National Institutes of Health and in 2000 alternative medicine had become so widely appreciated that over half of American medical schools were offering courses on the subject (Numbers, 2001). Complimentary and Alternative Medicine or CAM generally refers to practices not typically used in conventional medicine and are considered a treatment used in addition to conventional therapies a doctor may prescribe or used instead of conventional methods (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2007).

Spices and Their Uses in Diabetic Issues
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia associated with deficiencies in insulin secretion or function. Diabetes is quite possibly the world’s fastest growing metabolic disease; it is the third most common disease in the world according to World Health Organization data. Diet was the only way to treat diabetes before the introduction of insulin and still is in third world countries with the exception of local cultural therapies. The use of herbs and spices are added to food for flavor and color but their therapeutic use is becoming more common (SRINIVASAN, 2005).
In recent decades, several health beneficial physiological effects of spices have been evidenced based on studies on experimental animals as well as on clinical trials. Among these are the digestive stimulant property, cholesterol lowering potential, anti-lithogenic effect, anti-diabetic influence, antioxidant attribute, anti-inflammatory influence, and anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic effects exerted by several commonly consumed spices. Many of these attributes have the potential of therapeutic application in disease conditions (Srinivasan, 2005, p. 400).

Turmeric/Curcumin
Turmeric comes from the dried root of a plant grown mainly in India and is used as the principle ingredient in curry, a common spice in Indian Cuisine. Curcumin or diferuloylmethane, which gives turmeric its distinct yellow color, has been shown to exhibit many useful properties based on medical studies. In one study conducted in Kyoto, Japan at the Department of Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, mice were used and it was demonstrated that curcumin suppresses hepatic glucose production in an insulin-independent manner in isolated hepatocytes and hepatic glucose output was inhibited. In conclusion of the study the data suggested that curcumin as an anti-hepatotoxic agent might provide a valuable new therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (Fujiwara, Hosokawa, Zhou, Fujimoto, Fukuda, Toyoda, Nishi, Fujita, Yamada, Yamada, Seino, Inagaki, 2008). Another study conducted in India at the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Punjab University on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, it was found that curcumin treatment counteracted the hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress as well as renal dysfunction. Their conclusion was that diabetic neuropathy was ameliorated by the curcumin (Sharma, Kulkarni and Chopra, 2006). In an article in Biochemical Pharmacology it states that “Various preclinical cell culture and animal studies suggest that curcumin has potential as a therapeutic agent in wound healing” (Goel, Kunnumakkara, Aggarwal, 2008, p. 787).

Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a small stony seed from a bean like plant used for cooking and flavoring and is native to India and Southern Europe. “Fenugreek is thought to delay gastric emptying, slow carbohydrate absorption and inhibit glucose transport. It has been shown to increase erythrocyte insulin receptors and improve peripheral glucose utilization, thus showing potential pancreatic as well as extra pancreatic effects” (Shane-McWhorter 2001, P. 200). Based on the limited amount of studies thus far, Fenugreek has demonstrated diminished hyperglycemia in individuals with and without diabetes. Fasting blood glucose, 24h urine sugar excretion, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetics were significantly reduced along with polyuria, polyphagia and polydypsia being improved. This seems to be due to the gum fiber present in the seeds which are rich in protein. Fenugreek included in the diet in amounts of 25-50 g can be an effective supportive therapy in the management of diabetes (Srinivasan, 2005).

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice and comes from a small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka and India. Cinnamon is one spice claimed as having natural insulin sensitizing effects based on vitro cell line studies with adipocytes as well as in vivo animal studies. The bio active compound methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP) found in cinnamon was thought to mimic insulin. The first in vivo study on cinnamon supplementation in humans by Khan et al. received much media attention and their conclusion was that small amounts of cinnamon was a way to help reduce risk factors associated with diabetes. Although the study was promising it lacked solid evidence that cinnamon supplementation effectively improves fasting blood glucose concentration and/or lipid profile (Vanschoonbeek, Thomassen, Senden, Wodzig,Van Loon, 2006).
In one study, cinnamon was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes who were postmenopausal. They assessed the effect of 2 & 6 wk supplementation on fasting blood glucose, insulin and HbA1c concentrations and fasting lipid profiles. The study concluded that cinnamon supplementation at 1.5 g/d does not improve fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, did not affect the lipid profile or measures of whole-body insulin sensitivity in overweight menopausal patients with type 2 diabetes, and cinnamon supplementation should be regarded as not yet proven (Vanschoonbeek, Thomassen, Senden, Wodzig,Van Loon, 2006).
In another study, cinnamon was systematically reviewed in scientific literature for preclinical and clinical efficacy and pharmacological activity. The data found was analyzed and none of the clinical trials were able to demonstrate that cinnamon effectively reduces HbA1c. This study did, however, conclude that cinnamon has antioxidant activity when consumed as a tea. It increases thiols and decreases lipid peroxidation; this in turn may contribute to its anti diabetic effects (Dugoua, Seely, Perri, Cooley, Forelli, Mills, and Koren, 2007)

Other Supplements and their Indications
Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an omega 6 fatty acid and has been used for diabetic neuropathy and hyperlipidemia. GLA bypasses the need for conversion of linolenic acid (LA) to GLA which helps diabetics because LA conversion is impaired in diabetics. Two main clinical trials in the evaluation of GLA found an improvement in neuropathy symptoms but did not improve the HbA1c. It was noted that it may take several months to see results with GLA and that for maximum absorption it should be taken with food. The initial data was promising (Shane-McWhorter 2001, P. 200).

Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is native to the Mediterranean, grows most everywhere and standard preparations are extracted from the seeds of the plants. Milk Thistle has been used for various hepatic disorders including hepatotoxicity, but recently its use has been proposed for use in diabetes to diminish insulin resistance. It is thought that milk thistle may benefit patients who have insulin resistance secondary to hepatic damage. One study found that mean daily insulin requirement decreased significantly from 55 units/day at baseline to 42 units/day and HbA1c was diminished after 12 months in diabetic patients with cirrhosis. It is noted that the potential use of Milk Thistle in diabetes is very preliminary (Shane-McWhorter 2001).

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, which are aromatic plants that are steam distilled and have been used for thousands of years for multiple symptoms. Oils have a fragrance and chemistry leading to a range of feedback affecting a healing response. Recent research indicates that essential oils increase drug permeation signifying that essential oils themselves are absorbed. There is no suggestion of essential oils curing diabetes, only reducing side effects and infection healing rates in diabetics. It is proposed for stress relief in dealing with diabetes and in conjunction with medical treatment for wound healing. When patients are more comfortable this can improve their quality of life (Buckle, 2001)

Contraindications, Safety and Toxicity
While most of the aforementioned natural therapies have benefits in their uses, toxicity and safety are a huge consideration in clinical trials and studies. Patient safety is a foremost topic in the treatment of diseases. Contraindications of the CAM’s cited were extremely rare and further research is obvious needed to establish this area. In the studies it was found that curcumin is extremely safe and well tolerated. “Fenugreek is reported to be absolutely safe for consumption based on a long-term animal study” (Srinivasan, 2005, p. 404). Cinnamon is reported as having several concerns when used in excessive amounts and in the long term like irritation of mucous membranes, allergic reaction, and contact dermatitis. The FDA recognizes cinnamon as safe in when used in amounts commonly found in food (Dugoua, Seely, Perri, Cooley, Forelli, Mills, and Koren, 2007) GLA’s adverse effects were mild like headaches, GI complaints, loose stools, prolonged bleeding and in one case seizures. Milk Thistle had reported adverse effects like loose stools but no adverse drug interactions were noted (Shane-McWhorter 2001, P. 200). Essential oils have toxicity issues depending on the type of oil used and some cannot be used during pregnancy and others cause skin irritations.

Inconclusive Evidence and Lack of Research
Based on the data provided in the research studies and trials cited, the use of alternative therapies for diabetes and related disorders require more research and study by the medical community. The results thus far are at the most hopeful but inconclusive given the number of clinical trials performed to this point. Large and carefully controlled medical studies are costly and directly or indirectly funded by drugs companies and the government which is one reason for the lack of more research. A number of studies are currently under way on CAM ranging from herbs to yoga to determine what is safe and works (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2007).

Conclusion
Throughout history there has always been and seems to be a huge interest by the population in the United States regarding the use of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine in the treatment of disease. Of the aforementioned alternative treatments being explored by the orthodox medical community, Turmeric/Curcumin seems to hold the most promise and appears to be the safest as cinnamon research is inconclusive and the most toxic in large amounts. While there is diversity in treatments available it is confusing for the general population to determine which methods are the best fit. For this reason more medical studies are needed for the protection and benefit of people suffering from disease like diabetes.

References
Buckle, J., (2001). Aromatherapy and diabetes, Diabetes Spectrum, 14, 3, 124-126.

Dugoua, J., Seely, D., Perri, D., Cooley, K., Forelli, T., Mills, E., Koren, G., (2007). From type 2 diabetes to antioxidant activity: A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of common and cassia cinnamon bark, Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 85, 837-847

Fujiwara, H., Hosokawa, M., Zhou, X., Fujimoto, S., Fukuda, K., Toyoda, K., Nishi, Y., Fujita, Y.,Yamada, K., Yamada, Y., Seino, Y., Inagaki, N., (2008). Curcumin inhibits glucose production in isolated mice hepatocytes, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 80, 185-191.

Goel, A., Kunnamakkara, A., Aggarwal, B., (2008). From kitchen to clinic, Biochemical Pharmacology, 75, 787-809.

Numbers, R., Christianson, E., Warner, J., Marks, H., Rogers, N., (2001). The oxford companion to United States history. Paul S. Boyer, ed., USA: Oxford University Press.

Mayo Clinic Staff, (2007). Complimentary and alternative medicine: What is it? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 11, 2008. http://www.Mayoclinic.com

Shane-McWhorter, L., (2001). Biological complementary therapies: A focus on botanical products in diabetes, Diabetes Spectrum, 14, 4, 199-208.

Sharma, S., Kulkarni, S., Chopra, K., (2006). Curcumin, the active principle of turmeric (Curcuma Longa), ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in rats, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 33, 940-945.

Srinivasan, K., (2005). Plant foods in the management of diabetes mellitus: Spices as beneficial antidiabetic food adjuncts, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 9, 399-414.

Vanschoonbeek, K., Thomassen, B., Senden, J., Wodzig, W., Van Loon, L., (2006). Cinnamon supplementation does not improve glycemic control in postmenopausal type 2 diabetes patients, Journal of Nutrition, 977-980.

While all this information is very interesting, my real opinion is that the drug companies dont want any real cures, and prevent much of the research from taking place/or the research has been done but it will not be allowed to be published. There is no money to be made on herbal supplements. It's all about the bottom line and pocketbooks in Corporate America. Note: I received 87% out of 100% possible score on this report. Also Curcumin is an amazing spice from what I have studied and appears to be the wonder spice of the century.

I'm A Winner!!!!

SAD DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY-October 3, 2008

Today in America, Congress epitomized greed, gluttony and the selfishness of the elite. I am truly grieving this day as I watched our elected officials ignore the wants of Americans everywhere and give our country away. Taking our future hard earned money and giving it to criminal bankers who are treasonous and should be incarcerated. At the heart of this greed was Goldman Sachs giving kickbacks to every Congressman who voted in favor of this devilish bill and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s lack of accountability for their mismanagement of entrusted funds. What message does this send to the American People? Borrow, Borrow, Borrow for tomorrow never comes. There is a day of reckoning coming and it’s going to be ugly. The elitist matters more than the common American who is taxed to death. Our Founding Fathers are so ashamed of this great country, in which THEY were not afraid to defend Rights of Freedom. The American Congress as a whole are cowards and sellouts and if I had the guts to start a revolution, I would and throw the Congress bums out into the streets. Nancy can wipe that broad smile off her face as well, she thinks she has done her country a favor? President Bush’s vested interest in this bill were the family assets. I am so ashamed......

My Chocolate Cake

So I created this cake today. I took a Duncan Heinz white cake mix and followed the directions on the box but added white chocolate instant pudding mix and 3 whole eggs instead of egg white. I took out half the batter and poured into my 9" round pans. Then added unsweetened chocolate powder from Penzey's and mixed with the remaining batter. I then spooned on top of white batter and swirled in. I baked at 325 for 28 minutes. I melted semi-sweet chocolate chips with a pat of butter and spread on the 1st layer. I then whipped 2 cups of cream, added 1/3 cup unsweetened chocolate powder from Penzey's, powdered sugar to taste, vanilla and melted knox gelatin with 1 T hot water. spread generously on cake. Voila-very moist beautiful marbled cake for that sweet tooth fix.

I can’t Love everyone…

No matter how hard I try I just can’t love everyone. I find that there is always one person who hangs out in the back of my thoughts annoying me, tickling my anger or frustration. The alarm bells go off in my head frequently telling me to love, love, love when my brain so desperately wants to hang onto the negative vibes. If I am focused on a person in a negative way I notice that this person is having a really bad day and is putting out some serious negative energy. I am the magnet picking it up and making them my new target. Smacking bunnies!!! It’s really hard to control.....

Lemon Cream Cake

This is the one of the most delicious cakes I make. I have actually succumbed to Duncan Hines cake mixes after being humbled by my husbands philosphy of make it simple. I used to believe that if it isnt homemade it isnt worth my time but he told me to add a package of pudding to the cake mix and in a fit of laziness I listened. Also on the box it says to cook at 325 instead of 350 for darker pans and it produces a moist coarse crumb cake the equivalent to a cake made from scratch. I put on a layer of homemade lemon curd with my homegrown/homemade blackberry jelly and then frost with a lemon cream. The lemon cream is 2 cups whipped cream with 1/4 cup powerdered sugar, thickened with a teaspoon of hot water/knox gelatin. Then after that is all whipped in I fold in 1/1/3 cups homemade lemon curd. It is a fantastic cake.