Edwardian Food

Mai Friend,

Growing up in Canada and spending some years in Vancouver, we eat relatively healthy.

Our culture in Canada is we eat 3 meals a day usually at 9am, 12pm and 6pm. We casually snack and I find we eat a lot of fresh fruit and veggies.

I know you have been watching Supersize me the Uk TV series of Food in History.

They did a full show on Food in the Edwardian times. What kind of food did they eat?

And how on earth were they able to consume these crazy amounts of food?

Did they just eat 3 meals as well? and what time in the day did they eat their meals?

Judaism

Judaism is an important religion in the world today and in world history. Jesus was known to be a Jew, and Hitler was known to kill the Jews. I would like to know more about the Judaism Religion and where is started and what traditions they still practice today. I have always wanted to go to a Bar Mitzvah and would love to know more of how they celebrate! How many Jews are there in the world today?

Mazel Tov!

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Judaism is the religion, philosophy and way of life of the Jewish people. It is originated from the Hebrew Bible and is one of the oldest monotheistic religions and oldest surviving religions in the world. It's texts, traditions and values have inspired later religions including Christianity. According to traditional Judaism, God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Judaism claims a historical continuity spanning 3000 years. Many aspects of Judaism have also directly or indirectly influenced secular Western ethics and civil law.

It is hard to access how many Jewish people there are in the world but in 2007 it was estimated to be around 13 million. Of whom about 40% reside in Israel and about 40% reside in the United States. The largest Jewish religious movements are Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. A major source of difference between these groups is their approach to Jewish law. Orthodox and Conservative Judaism maintain that Jewish law should be followed, with Conservative Judaism promoting a more "modern" interpretation of it's requirements. Reform Judaism is generally more liberal than the other two movements, and its typical position is that the Jewish law should be viewed as a set of general guidelines rather than restrictions and rules.

According to Jewish law, when Jewish children reach 13 years old for boys and 12 years old of girls they become responsible for their actions, and become a "Bar or Bat Mitzvah" (meaning: Son (Bar) or Daughter (Bat) of the commandments). The purpose of the commandments are to keep ones life focused on the important things like family, community and their relationship with God. There is a ceremony which is usually followed by a party also called a bar mitzvah. For the bar mitzvah it usually requires a lot of planning and preparing for the children who will study with a Rabbi for months (or years) before hand. It is customary to give a gift to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Common gifts are usually religious books or college savings bonds in multiples of 18 since that number is considered to be favorable in the Jewish religion.

day of the dead

Riel,

We know that the Day of the Dead is a holiday in Mexico, but what is it celebrating? How do they celebrate and what are some traditions from this holiday?

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Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)

November 2

In Mexico the Day of the Dead is a very popular tradition. But all over Latin America it is celebrated as well. Even in Canada and the US, since there are serveral Latin Americans who live in both countries.

The Day of the Dead is a holiday to gather friends and families to remember there loved ones who have died. Traditions for this holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds and the favourite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting the graves with these as gifts. Toys are also brought for children and tequila for adults.

Day of the Dead originated with the Olmecs, the first Mesoamerican civilization centred in Veracruz, whose origins remain mysterious.

In Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, they celebrate the day of the dead for a whole week. The festival is decorated all over the streets, with altars, skulls, marigolds and candles. They believe that the dead return on this day to be with their families and friends to eat, drink and be merry and relive the good memories.

red and white

Maj,

We love Wine and I would consider us Wine-o's, Can you tell me more in detail about wine, like the types of grapes that are common in Red, and White. Maybe name the best regions in the world and your favourite type of wine and which wineries you love best! Be creative just tell me what you feel like telling me about wine!

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Ohhhh I love wine. GOOD ONE! I'm sure I can talk about this for hours. (Thankfully I have my Wine for Dummies book on hand...)

Ok, so I'll try to make this simple and easy to understand....

History

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grape juice. Wine is thought to have originated in 6000BC in the area that is now the border of Georgia and Iran. Wine first appeared in Europe in 4500BC and was very common in ancient Greece and Rome. Wine also played an important role in religion throughout history.

Types of varietals - WHITE

Chardonnay - known as being the greatest dry white wine in the world. Also one of the main grapes in Champagne. Chardonnay is generally an oaked wine (aged in oak barrels). Medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Words to describe: spicy, toasty, vanilla, fruity such as apple, tropical fruits especially pineapple.

Riesling - Often light-bodied, crisp and refreshing. The Germans made rieslings popular and still do it the best.

Sauvignon Blanc - Light to medium bodied and usually dry. Words to describe: Herbs, mineral aromas, fruity such as melon, figs or passion fruit.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio - Usually deeper in colour than other white wines. Medium to full bodied, usually not oaky. Usually fruity such as peach or orange. Pinot Grigio is Italian and it is the same thing as Pinot Gris.

Gewurztraminer - A wonderful exotic grape that makes fairly deep-colored, full bodied, soft white wines with aromas and flavors of roses and lychee fruit.

Viognier (vee-ohn-yay) - A grape originally from France's Rhone Valley. Floral aroma, delicately apricot-like, medium to full bodied with low acidity.

Semillon (seh-mee-yohn) - Often blended with Sauvignon Blancs. It is low in acidity and has attractive but subtle aromas.

Pinot Blanc - Fairly neutral in aroma and flavors. Low sugar levels translate into dry, crisp and medium bodied.

Types of varietals - RED

Cabernet Sauvignon - Makes a wine that is high in tannin and are medium to full bodied. Often flavour or black currant or cassis. Cabs come at all price and quality levels. The least expensive are often soft and fruity. The best are rich and firm with great depth.

Merlot - Deep color, full body, high alcohol and low tannin. A good wine for blending with other grapes.

Pinot Noir - The lightest red wine in color. Flavors can be fruity - often red berries, or earthy and woodsy. Relatively high alcohol and medium to low tannin.

Syrah/Shiraz - Deeply colored wine with full body, firm tannin and aromas/flavours that can suggest berries, smoked meat, black pepper, tar or even burnt rubber.

Zinfandel - Rich, dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to low tannin. They can have blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy or tarry character or even a jammy flavor. It is one of the oldest grapes in California.

Old World vs New World

Old World wine is from Europe and it's all about the REGION that the wine comes from. You may notice when you buy European wine that there is not always a grape varietal on the bottle. That is because it doesn't really matter what grape was used so much as the region the wine comes from. Wine-making is about tradition and winemaking resembles an art. The vineyard that the wine comes from gets the credit for the wine. The most popular wine regions in Europe are:

France - Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cotes du Rhone, Rhine Valley, Champagne, Loire, Alsace

Spain - Rioja, Sherry

Italy - Chianti, Soave

Portugal - Porto

New World wine is from anywhere besides Europe. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, North America and South America. Wines are named after the grape varietal and are often more flavorful and fruity. New World wine is more about innovation and the winemaker gets the credit for the wine. Popular wine regions are:

Australia - Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Limstone Coast

New Zealand - Marlborough

United States - Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino and Lake Counties,

South Africa - Constantia, Setellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek Valley, Robertson

Canada - Okanagan Valley, Niagara Peninsula

Argentina - Mendoza

Chile - Maipo Valley, Curico Valley, Maule

I really don't know what my favorite wines are! I like so many and it's really hard to just pick a few as being my favorites.

game, set, match

riel,

i think we both need a little briefing on the rules and regulations of TENNIS after our sad little session earlier today.... please school me.

mai.

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Playing Tennis

Tennis can be played with 2 people(singles) or 4 people (doubles). A "coin toss" determines who serves first. Play begins with a serve from behind the baseline into the Deuce court service box. One player serves for the entire game. On teach point a player gets two chances to serve into the proper box. If the serve strikes the top of the net and continues into the proper service box, the player plays a let( retakes the serve). Each point is played from the alternating sides (first to Deuce side, next to Ad side, then to Deuce side again etc.)

The object of the game is to hit the ball over the net inside the appropriate court lines. The ball may bounce no more then once on each side of the net, if the ball touches any part of an appropriate line, it is considered good. If during play, the ball hits the top of the net and keeps on going into the opponents court, the play continues.

Scoring

Regular play, nothing tends to confound new players more then the scoring system in tennis. To avoid confusion remember, a game consists of the first player to win 4 points but you must be ahead by a margin of 2, however each point in tennis has a name, For example the name zero in tennis is "Love"

1 point= 15 2 points =30

3 poins=40 4 points= Game

Tied 3-3 = Deuce( always played to the Deuce side)

1 point won after " Deuce=Advantage( a player with advantage winning the next point wins the game, if they lose score returns to deuce. A player must win 2 points in a row to win the game, first to win 6 games wins the set. First to 2 sets wins the match.

Tie Breaker

If the players are tied 6-6 in games, a special game called a "tie breaker" is played. The player scheduled to serve starts by serving one point to the Deuce side. Each player after that serves two pints, the first from the Ad side and the 2nd from the Deuce side. The fist to 7 points wins the game( and the set) but you must be ahead by a margin of 2 points. There are no names for the points in a tie breaker. For example, a player can win 7-5 but if the points are tied 6-6 someone must win 8-6.

A backpackers treat..

Mai,

If you were to go back to Europe and do another tour, say 1-2 months, which countries would you go to? Which cities? What would be a couple things you wanted to see in each city, and where would you stay? Also could you tell me what food or drink or festivals are good in these cities?

-Riel

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What a loaded question!

I would probably want to start in Italy and spend 3 weeks there. Spending time in Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. I'd like to explore the small towns in between the main cities. Also visiting a few wineries in Tuscany. And of course I would be eating lots of bread and pastas! There is a huge snake festival in May called Processione dei Serpari that might be kinda of cool to see.. although I'm not much of a fan of snakes. For me Italy is all about the art, wine and old achitecture!

After Italy I'd go to the Slovenia capital, Ljubljana, via train. Spend a few days there exploring the old castle that over looks the city, seeing some of the many museums, and go to the antique flea market that happens every sunday. I would drink lots of wine since Ljubljana is known as the "city of wine."

Next I'd head to Croatia for 3 weeks stopping in Zagreb (the capital) first. Then going down south along the Dalmatia coast stopping in beach towns along the way all the way to Dubrovnik. In Dubrovnik I'd spend a lot of time walking throughout the old city which is one of the world heritage cites.

Ljubljana

Dubrovnik (walled old city)

toxins

Mai,

What are toxins and why does our body need to get rid of them? What are ways to get the toxins out of your body?

-Riel

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Ohhhh what an exciting question Riel... sorry it took me a week to get around to answering it... here we go..

A toxin is simply a poison that can affect the body by internal or external means. A toxin can be a chemical which occurs naturally or in synthetic form.

External toxins enter the body through food, water, air or physical contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

Internal toxins are produced inside the body through normal metabolic processes or through the decomposition of foods in the small and large intestines. For example bacterial toxins or yeast overgrowth.

Under normal circumstances, the body is able to eliminate toxins from the body via number #1, number #2, breathing out or sweating. Thus, the major organs involved in elimination are the kidneys, liver, colon, lungs and skin. White blood cells are designed to neutralize microbial toxins. The liver is the organ primarily responsible for breaking toxins into harmless byproducts, which are eliminated into the stool or through the kidneys into the urine.

So thats enough of that... since what I think your really wanting to know about is detoxing and if it works or not. Detoxing is generally something that is promoted through alternative medicine. There is no proof that our bodies even need to be detoxed and it is not something practiced in mainstream medicine. Detoxing dates all the way back to the Greeks and is used in cultures all over the world including Chinese medicine. Detoxification is about resting, cleaning and nourishing the body from the inside out by removing and eliminating toxins. Some believe it can help prevent you from disease and sickness.

So how do you detox..

First you start out by lightening up your toxin load. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fast, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles for the healing process. Also minimize use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal health care products (cleansers, shampoos, deodorants and toothpastes), and substitute natural alternatives.

Stress also releases hormones into your system that slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver. So meditation and yoga are good ways to keep stress at a minimum while detoxing.

Next it's recommended to follow a fasting detox to rest and clean the organs. One that I found was only drinking fresh fruit or vegetable juices and water for 3-7 days.

10 Ways to Help Your Body Detox

1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.

2. Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and drinking green tea.

3. Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

4. Drink at least 2 quarts of water daily.

5. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.

6. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.

7. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then get into bed for 30 minutes.

8. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.

9. Dry-brush your skin or try detoxifying patches or detox foot spas / foot baths to remove toxins through your pores. Special brushes are available at natural products stores.

10. Exercise for an hour a day. Sweating is a natural way to release toxins. Yoga is also very good for you. Also try qigong, a martial-arts based exercise system that includes exercises specifically for detoxifying or cleansing, as well as many other exercises with specific health benefits.

List of Foods Allowed on a Detox Diet

Vegetables - All fresh vegetables. Vegetables thought to be particularly good detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, red and green vegetables

Fruit - Fresh or frozen fruit.

Rice - All forms of rice, including rice cakes, rice crackers and rice pasta. Brown rice is typically preferred.

Other Grains - Quinoa, amaranth, millet, and buckwheat can be used instead of rice.

Beans - Split yellow and green peas and lentils are easiest to digest and require the least soaking time. Other good options include kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and adzuki beans.

Nuts - Unsalted nuts or seeds can be sprinkled over salads or eaten as a snack. Good options include flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts. Nut butters are permitted. Peanuts and peanut butter are usually not recommended.

Oil - Extra-virgin olive oil is a preferred oil.

Condiments - Vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, all herbs or spices.

Teas - Herbal teas, green tea.

Other Beverages - Water, lemon water, pure unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, rice milk.

Daily Detox Do's

- Drink 8 glasses of water a day

- Take the time to chew food extra long, especially grains.

roswell

My Boy Mai!

What is the story behind Rosewell, the UFO that crashed into New Mexico years ago? Did the government really try to hide this from the world?

Your Boy Riel!

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Okay! So the Roswell UFO incident was the alleged recovery of extra-terrestrial debris, including alien corpses, from an object which crashed near Roswell, New Mexico, USA, in June or July 1947. A rancher who was out checking his cattle came across a large field covered in the debris which measured 3/4 of a mile long. The wreckage was reported as tiny pieces of shiny, metallic material. It was like nothing the rancher had ever seen so he contacted the Roswell Army Air Field and talked to major Jesse A. Marcel. News spread across Roswell with "flying saucer" reports on the front page of the news. On July 8, 1947, Roswell Army Air Field public information office in Roswell, New Mexico, issued a press release stating that personnel had recovered a crashed "flying disc" from a ranch near Roswell, sparking intense media interest. The following day, the press reported that Commanding General of the Eighth Air Force stated that, in fact, a radar-tracking balloon had been recovered by the RAAF personnel, not a "flying disc. A subsequent press conference was called, featuring debris from the crashed object that confirmed the weather balloon debris. All a little suspicious and secretive for a little balloon crash I'd say!

The case was quickly forgotten and almost completely ignored, even by UFO researchers, for more than 30 years. Then, in 1978, physicist and ufologist Stanton Freidman interviewed Major Jesse A. Marcel who was involved with the original recovery. Marcel expressed his belief that the military had covered up the recovery of an alien spacecraft. He stated that he felt pressured by the military to tell the media it was a weather balloon crash.

Additional witnesses and reports emerged over the following years. They added significant new details, including claims of a huge military operation dedicated to recovering alien craft and aliens themselves, at as many as 11 crash sites, and alleged witness intimidation. A women reported to have worked on recovering the debris and says that alien bodies were found, both dead and alive. In 1989, former mortician Glenn Dennis claimed in a personal detailed account that alien autopsies were carried out at the Roswell base.

Since the late 1970s the incident has been the subject of intense controversy and the subject of conspiracy theories as to the true nature of the object which crashed. The US military maintains that what was actually recovered was debris from an experimental high-altitude surveillance balloon belonging to a classified program names "Mogul"; however, many UFO proponents maintain that in fact a crashed alien craft and bodies were recovered, and that the military then engaged in a cover-up.

It's a crazy world out there!

working visas

My dear Riel,

I have travel on my mind and want to know about the working Visas of the world! Please tell me about traveler Visas for Australia, Britain, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

How much does it cost?

How long is the Visa for?

What do you need to do to apply?

Is it hard for Canadians to get accepted?

(you can copy and paste the questions for each country to fill out.. plus any other important information you find out)

POW

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Working Visas

Looking through all the different embassy websites its really interesting to see all the countries that have either youth exchange programs or holiday working Visas for Canadians. Australians are allowed in almost every country! Where as Americans are allowed in very few..

Its mostly Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Citizens. We are very lucky to be Canadian, life seems a whole lot easier :)

Australia

. Valid up to 12 months

. In between the age 18-30

. $230 for application fee

. Easy for Canadians since Australia and Canada are both common wealth countries

UK

.Valid up to 24 months.

. In between the age of 18-30

. Also a common wealth country

Spain

. Have to be sponsored by a job to obtain a working visa.

. Because Canada is not part of the EU its difficult to work in Spain

France

. Has a youth exchange program with Canada

. They allow 14000 Canadians per year

. 18- 35 years of age

Netherlands

-Up to a year working Visa

- 18- 30 years of age

Sweden

- Youth exchange program

- 18-30 years of age

- Take up to 100 Canadians per year ( seems low, but they have said it has never filled up ?? )

Very good Website, saying which Countries allow which citizens to have a working visa.

http://www.liveworkplay.com.au/visa.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_holiday_visa

Most of the visa requirements are between the ages of 18-30 and usually for the duration of 1 year. You must have around $4000 CAN in your account before going abroad. The Visa Application usually costs around $250. Keep in mind that if for some reason you do not get accepted, there will be no refund on your application fee. Most application process time can take anywhere from 3- 12 weeks, 3 being very lucky :)

Interesting fact-

Uk Ancestry Visa

Validity: 5 years (renewable) for Ancestry Visa

Eligibility: you are eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa if:

• you are a Commonwealth citizen
• you are aged 17 or over
• you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Mann
• you have a grandparent that was born in what is now the Republic of Ireland prior to 31 March 1922 (see note below)
• you can show proof that you intend to work in the UK
• you can support yourself and any dependants, without recourse to public funds

*Note: You will need to show your full, original birth certificate as well as the full, original birth certificate of the parent you are claiming through and the grandparent you are claiming through.

**Note: Note: If you or your parent (who you are claiming ancestry through) are adopted, you can still apply for entry clearance under this category. You must show evidence of the legal adoption with your application form.

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japa mala

what is japa mala and why does it have 108 beads?

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A japa mala or "mala" (means garland in Sanskrit) is a set of beads commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists, usually made from 108 beads. Malas are used to keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity. This practice is known in Sanskrit as japa. Malas are typically made with 19, 21, 27, 54 or 108 beads. These mantras can be recited for different purposes linked to the mind.

What malas are made of...

Material can vary according to the purpose of the mantras used. Some beads can be used for all purposes and all kinds of mantras. These beads are made of Bodhi Root, Bodhi seed or wood.

Appeasing mantras should be recited using white-colored Malas. Materials such as crystal or pearl are preferable. They can serve to purify mind and clear away obstacles like illness. This mala has 100 beads.

Increasing mantras should be recited using Malas of gold, silver or lotus seeds and with 108 beads. The mantras counted on these can serve to increase life span, knowledge or merit.

Mantras for overcoming should be recited using malas made of saffron, sandal wood or other forms of wood including elm, peach and rose wood.

Mantras to tame by forceful means should be recited using malas made of Rudraksha beads or bone. There are 25 beads on this mala, used to tame others. To tame by forceful means, means to subdue harmful energies, such as extremely malicious spirits, or general afflictions.

Using Malas...

A mantra is a word or series of words that are chanted aloud of silently to invoke spiritual qualities. Chanting is used as a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In the yogic tradition a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform consciousness, promote healing or fullfill desires. Mantras are typically repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. The practice of chanting a mantra is used as a form of meditation. Sitting in a comfortable position, with the eyes closed, the mantra is repeated over and over. The mind is focused on the mantra, the thoughts are let go of and the breath is slow and deep. The mala is used so that one can focus on the meaning or sound of the mantra rather than counting its repetitions.

One repetition is usually said for each bead while turning the thumb clockwise around each bead, though some traditions is said to do it counterclockwise. When arriving at the head, one turns the mala around and then goes back in the opposing direction. You are not meant to count the head bead, it is for the starting and ending point of counting your malas. For a mala bracelet that has 27 beads you would go back and forth along the bracelet 4 times to reach 108 mantras. You are not supposed to touch your pointer finger on the mala, but use your thumb and middle finger to roll the beads.

To empower the mala and the mantra used, JAPA (mantra meditation) should be practiced each day for 40 continuous days. When the mala becomes empowered it can be worn or lightly placed on oneself or others to transmit the energy of the mantra as well as the energetic qualities of the mala. When you use a new mantra on a mala it will replace any engery that the mala had before, so it is recommended that you use a new mala for each mantra you perform.

Why 108 beads..

There are numerous explanations why there are 108 beads. It bears special religious significance in a number of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

In traditional Buddhist thought, people are said to have 108 afflictions or klesas. There are six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and consciousness) multiplied by three reactions (positive, negative or indifference) making 18 "feelings." Each of these feelings can be either "attached to pleasure or detached from pleasure" making 36 "passions", each of which may be manifested in the past, present or future. All the combinations of all these things makes a total or 108, which is represented by the beads.

Practitioners of Vajrayana Buddism, use the number 108 for a different purpose. After reciting 100 mantras, 8 more mandras are done to make up for any errors that were made.

Ananda Coomaraswamy (a Sri Lankin philosopher) holds that the numerology of the decical numberic system was key to the inception of 108. He says 1 is for bindu, 0 for Shunyata and 8 for ananta.

Photo taken by Riel in little India in Vancouver. Japa Malas and the bags they go into.

the healthy foods

Dearest Riel,

When you told me about how cinnamon was good for you, (your heart I believe?), it made me start using it a lot more. I like knowing the health benefits of the food I'm eating because then I'm more inclined to make an effort to eat them. But sadly, I don't know many other ones. We've all heard an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Popeye ate spinach for strength etc. etc. I've also been told that fresh ground pepper speeds up your metabolism.. as does green tea if you drink it within a few hours of eating a meal. So I'd like you to tell me about some more. Include cinnamon again because I forget. But also tell me other foods or spices that are good for you and why.

mucho gracias!

Mai

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The Healthiest Foods..

Apricots- Have Beta- carotene in them, which helps prevent free- radical damage and protect the eyes. The body also turns beta- carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. When an Apricot starts turning soft it loses its nutrients.

Avocados- Have Oleic acid in them, a unsaturated fat that helps lower cholesterol and raise levels of HDL. Avocados are also a good dose of fiber.

Raspberries- Have Ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer- cell growth. These berries are also packed with vitamin C and our high in fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol and heart disease.

Cantaloupe- Is packed with Vitamin C and beta-carotene, both powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free- radical damage. Half a melon has almost twice as much potassium then a banana, which helps lower blood pressure.

Cranberry Juice- Helps fight bladder infections by preventing harmful bacteria from growing.

Tomatoes- Has Lycopene one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of a bladder, stomach and colon cancers in half if eaten daily. If you eat fresh and drizzle with olive oil, because lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with a little fat.

Raisins- Are a great source of Iron, which helps with the blood transport oxygen and which many women are short on. Eat especially during your period.

Figs- A good source of potassium and fiber, figs also contain vitamin B6 which is responsible for producing mood- boosting serotonin, lowering cholesterol and preventing water retention. The pill depletes B6, so if you use this method of birth control, make sure to get extra B6 in your diet.

Papaya- Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin A, three powerful antioxidants. They are suppose to prevent colon cancer, lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns. This fruit is a choice for preventing such illness as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu. If you or someone you know is a smoker, then eating vitamin A rich foods, such as papaya is a healthy choice and may save your life.

Bananas- Are rich in Vitamin B6 and they are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Lack of B6 in your diet can cause weakness, irritability, and insomnia. The potassium found in bananas helps to regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Coconut- Is known to boost energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance. They increase the metabolic rate of the body, which means that energy is consumed faster and excess body weight is burned off. It also contains a PH that is good for your skin, supporting the natural chemical balance of the skin. It softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking. It can prevent wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.

Rhubarb- Is regarded as a fruit, but botanically it is a vegetable. It is known to relive hot flashes in prementopausal women. It is also rich in potassium, vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Goji berries- Hailed as the new superfood, goji a himalayan berry has inspired a surge of interest for its use in treating diabetes, hypertension, malaria, fever, cancer and other ailments. Goji berries pack more vitamin C then some oranges and more beta-carotene then carrots.

Lemons and Limes- Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, all of which help prevent cancer. Squeeze over salads, fish, beans and vegetables for fat free flavor.

Onions- Have Quercetin in them, which is one of the most powerful flavonoids( natural plant antioxidants). Studies show it helps protect against cancer.

Artichokes- These odd vegetable contains silymarin, and antioxidant that helps prevent skin cancer, plus fiber to help control cholesterol.

Ginger- Contains gingerols may help reduce queasiness, other compounds may help ward off migraines and arthritis pain blocking inflammation-causing prostaglandins. It is also knows as one of the best foods you can eat, especially when you have a cold.

Broccoli- Contains indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which helps protect against breast cancer. It also has a lot of vitamin C and beta- crotene. Don't over cook broccoli to preserve phytonutrients steam lightly.

Spinach- Contains Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help fend off macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older people. Plus studies shoe this green fountain of youth may help reverse some signs of aging.

Bok Choy- Contains Brassinin, which some research suggest may help revert breast tumours, plus indoles and isothiocyanates, which lower levels of estrogen, make this vegetable a double barrelled weeping against breast cancer.

Squash( butternut, pumpkin, acorn) Winter squash has huge amounts of vitamin C and beta- carotene, which may help protect against endometrial cancer.

Arugula- Has Phenethyl isothiocyanate, which along with beta- crotene and vitamins C and E, may help keep cancer cells at bay.

Garlic- The sulphur compounds that give garlic its pungent flavour can also lower LDL("bad') Cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even reduce your risk of stomach and colon cancer. Bake a whole head for 15-20 minutes, until soft and spread of bread instead of butter.

Quinoa- Has way more protein then any other grain, plus iron, riboflavin and magnesium.

Lentils- Contains Isoflavones, which may inhibit oestrogen-promoted breast cancers, plus fibber for heart health and an impressive 9 grams of protein per half cup.

Bulgur- High in fibber and protein, and low in fat and calories. Bulgur is extremely beneficial to the digestive system and can help avoid constipation, heart disease and cancer. A cup of bulgur has fewer calories, less fat, and more then twice the fibber of brown rice.

Peanuts- Studies show that peanuts or other nuts( which contain mostly unsaturated " good" fats) can lower your heart- disease risk by over 20 percent. Keep a pack in your purse, gym bag or backpack for a protein- packed post workout nosh or an afternoon pick me up, that will satisfy you until supper.

Pumkin seeds- Has been treasured by American aboriginal people for its dietary and medicinal properties. Of all the nuts and seeds typically consumed as snacks, pumpkin seeds are among the leaders of phytosterols, a naturally occurring compound with an established reputation for cholesterol- lowering properties. These seeds provide a healthy dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is a good source of minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, making it one of the most nutritious and flavourful seeds around.

Flax seeds- It has been discovered that the omega- 3 gat and high fibber in flax may play a role in the fight against diabetes. A study shows that participants who ate flaxseed bread had blood sugar levels 28% lower an hour after eating then their counterparts who ate bread made with wheat flour. Flax is also a cancer fighting agent.

Yogurt- Bacteria in active- culture yogurt helps prevent yeast infections, calcium strengthens bones. If you are lactose intolerant, never fear, yogurt should not bother your tummy.

Shelfish (Clams, Mussels)- Filled with Vitamin B12 to support nerve and brain function, plus iron and hard-to-get minerals like magnesium and potassium.

Salmon- Cold water fish like Salmon, Mackerel and tuna are the best sources of omega-2 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiac disease.

Crab- A great source of vitamin B12 and immunity- boosting zinc. A 3- ounce portion has

Tumeric- May ease aches and inflammation. In Ayurveda ( the tarditional medicine of India), this herb has been used for thousands of years to treat arthritis and other ailments. Some suggest that turmeric may help relieve some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Cinnamon- Studies show that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day lowers the cholesterol. It has an ant-clotting effect on blood. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of honey is good for helping with arthritis. In traditional medicine, cinnamon has been used for digestive ailments such as indigestion, gas, bloating, upset stomach and diarrhea. It also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and helps slow the spoiling of food.

Green tea- Dating back more then 4000 years. Green tea is good for boosting energy, mental clarity, lifts your mood, eases digestion, improves skin texture, boosts immune function, reduces risk of cancer, lowers blood pressure, stabilizes blood sugar, reduces total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, increases HDL cholesterol, and promotes weight loss.

Lemon honey ginger tea- A healthy tea to prevent colds and get rid of colds is a " Lemon, Ginger and Honey tea". Slice a 2 or 3 inch piece of ginnier into thin strips with no bark left on it. A big teaspoon of honey and a good squeeze of lemon.

taxi

What does TAXI stand for and where did the cars originate?

Taxi Cab Taxi Cab

peace!

******************

Riel,

Taxi stands for Transparent Asynchronous Transmitter/Receiver Interface. What's that you say? Well, I have no idea. And it doesn't explain it anywhere, and even if it did that doesn't sounds so thrilling to me. So let's look more at the history....

The first Taxi existed in Ancient Rome where they employed a mechanism that used the turning of the cart's axle to release small balls. At the end of the trip, the passenger paid based on the number of balls that were released.

Horse-drawn carriages for hire began operating in London and Paris in the 1600's. The first service to ever be documented was in 1640 in Paris by a man named Nicolas Sauvage.

The first Canadian taxi service was in 1837 in Toronto by an ex-slave who escaped to Canada from Detroit.

The modern taximeter was invented in Germany by a man named Wilhelm Brun in 1891. These weren't put into taxi cabs though until a few years later in 1897, in Germany's first taxi company. Taximeters used to be kept outside the cars because they'd tick loudly while keeping track of your fare. The electronic meters that we know today were invented in the 1980's, allowing for the meters to be put inside the cars.

Gasoline-powered taxicabs began operating in Paris in 1899, in London in 1903, and in New York in 1907. The New York taxicabs were imported from France by Harry N. Allen. He was the first person to paint his taxicabs yellow after learning that yellow is the colour that is most easily seen from a distance.

New York Taxis

Hong Kong taxis

German taxis

Vancouver taxi

Camboda taxi (as scary as it looks.. at least HE had a helmet on!)

Thailand tuk tuk taxis

oceans vs seas

Hej Mai!

What is the difference between a Sea and Ocean? When I lived in Stockholm I lived near the Baltic Sea, and it was only a bit Salty. And the smell was not like the smell in Vancouver. Some people say they are going to the sea, and some people say the ocean. Is there a difference? and If so what makes an ocean different from a sea. How many seas and oceans are there in the world?

TACK!

**************

Dear Riel,

The main difference between a sea and ocean is size. An ocean is a large body of salt water. Seas are smaller bodies of salt water that are usually situated close to oceans. They can sometimes be considered an ocean as well, such as the Caribbean sea which is also apart of the Atlantic ocean. Seas are partly or fully surrounded by land, like the Caspian or Aral seas.

Ocean beds are also much deeper and only support very basic life forms like bacteria and shrimp mainly because no sunlight reaches the bottom of the ocean . Since seas are close to land and are much shallower it is possible for plant and animal life to thrive.

In the ancient days you often heard about the seven seas. They were the bodies of water that were known about at the time. When they said "seven" they were actually referring to "many" seas. They were the Adriatic, Aegean, Arabian, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean and Red seas.

There are 4 oceans in the world; the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Arctic.

There are 108 seas in the world. Some of the main ones are The Bay of Bengal, The Arabian Sea, Red Sea, The Mediterranean Sea, The Baltic Sea, The Black Sea, The Adriatic Sea, The Caspian Sea and the Caribbean Sea.

Most of the salt in the ocean is derived from gradual processes such as the breaking up of the cooled igneous rocks of the Earth's crust by weathering and erosion, the wearing down of mountains, and the dissolving action of rains and streams which transported their mineral washings to the sea. All oceans and seas have different levels of salt and this is called it's "salinity" levels. Different salinity levels can be affected by melting of ice, inflow of river water, evaporation, rain, wind, wave motion and ocean currents.

The saltiest bodies of water in the world are the Dead Sea and the Persian Gulf because of their high evaporation levels. The Dead Sea is so salty that it is hard for marine life to live here hence being called the "Dead" sea.

*Levels of salinity in the worlds oceans and seas. Red is the highest levels.