In Honor of...

The Daily Rub is on an ELEVEN day hiatus in honor of the ELEVEN Siberian Tigers starved to death in Shenyang Forest Wild Life Zoo, a private enterprise in northeast China's Liaoning province. Once the ELEVEN dead Tigers have been honored, The Daily Rub will resume with an article on this tragedy.
I have included ELEVEN Tigers to this post in memory of this majestic creature. I know they are in a better place.

Until then, I wish peace, love and harmony to you and your pets.

Melody
                                                                                       

                      

Oprah Winfrey = RACISM

*** Warning ***


This Blog is based on a tough subject and may or may not offend. If it is the former rather than latter, allow me to apologize now and remind everyone that it is my own opinion. An opinion I am not afraid to voice...

So, I am sitting in my chair trying to relax after a long day of eradicating stress from the masses as the dogs are yipping and cats curl around my feet, when I hear that voice. Apparently the channel last viewed from the previous evening is now hosting the Oprah Winfrey Show. Quickly, I grab the remote with full intent to change the channel. But, I hesitated. And have since been kicking myself for not following my first impulse.

My interest was provoked because one of my favorite actresses, Lisa Kudrow, was seated in the guest chair next to the Wicked Witch and introducing her newest production, a Reality TV program (insert slap to forehead here and don't forget the inevitable groan/sigh) that traces featured celebrities' geneaolgies back until something noteworthy is found.... well, Ms. Kudrow's family history was truly sad. I admit I was teary as she discovered how her Great Grandmother and all of the people within her village were executed 2 & 3 people at a time by gunfire over a large pit. Will we ever be free of these horrific visions? I was hooked, UNTIL...

Oprah (not surprisingly) turned the program from what might have been interesting and thought provoking into a slave chase. Her next guest was Hall of Famer and ex-Dallas Cowboy (woot woot!) Emmit Smith. Apparently, he was descended from a slave by the name of Mariah Peryear. She was bred with the intention of increasing the slave quotas of her Master, Samuel Peryear, and then passed on to his son Alexander along with a horse and bridle. I am so proud of the way Mr. Smith handled all of this information. He is so much more proud of his journey in life as a result of finding his humbled origins. But Oprah went on to brush this aside as she "one-upped" him by confessing she keeps actual historic documents framed in her main living room that shows her ancestors listed as "personal property".

I felt sick at this point.... Here is one of the world's most powerful women harboring documents of slavery, displaying them as daily reminders instead of promoting the end of racism. I find this to be so wrong and against everything she supported during the "Change" campaign for the current President that I had to come here and speak out! I am not supporting slavery. I am not saying we should forget. I am saying that if those documents were a drug and the addiction is Racism, then keeping them on full display is like walking an alcoholic into a bar and placing a bottle within reach. And then the show got worse and I was eventually so offended I did change the channel. Allow me to explain. But first, listen to some of the racial slurs Ms. Winfrey has shared previously:




Well, we are back from commercial and the next guest is none other than Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Oprah considers him a close friend) You may remember him as the Harvard Professor that was arrested for breaking into his own house then refusing to answer questions from a "honky" officer of the law.  And as if that wasn't enough, he then tried to crucify a Police Officers career by pulling the Racism card, stating that there would never have been a problem had he been "white". But it didn't end there, even though he refused to cooperate with a man simply trying to uphold the law and oath "to serve and protect" , and because he felt as a black man that he was above the very law and order meant to provide protection, this ultimately led to a "Beer Summit" with President Obama. I get so angry when I think of this. I am tired of hearing  people of color scream racism when they are being confronted on acts of lawlessness. Since when was blaming and accusing people of racism an act of defense? Crime has no color, no gender, no social class. I got arrested for PI once and I never thought to blame the officer for racism againt drunk Irishwomen. If this line of thinking is correct, then I should have the right as Irishmen and Irishwomen have been slaves to British Landlords for as far back as history annotates, right?

Sorry to point out the elephant in the room, but the color of your skin no longer makes excuses nor condones your actions. Whoever you are. I will further mention that History Months based on Race is also wrong, and perpetuates the one thing it is supposed to defeat...Racism. We are living in an era where people are connected no matter what their color, social class or gender indicates is the "norm". Frankly, the fact that you may have darker skin than mine, or you had ancestors that were once slaves bores me. Everyone has suffered. EVERYONE. I refuse to accept this as a reason to excuse, promote, condone, or condemn any action that falls outside moral, ethical or lawful doctrines.
Get over yourself ...already.

OK, I am jumping off the SoapBox and getting back to pointing out the Racist in the room, AKA Oprah Winfrey. So, Oprah and her cronie, Henry, start talking about new DNA testing that allows everyone to see how we are all interrelated. Jews & Muslims, Blacks & Whites all share ancestry. I started to think, Hmmm this sounds more positive...and once again I was terribly disappointed. They began to make reference to the Book of Genesis and how, I am quoting Mr. Gates "if there was a Garden of Eden it was in East Africa."  to which Oprah blurts out "some Southeners may have a hard time believing that".  I am going to refrain from typing the word that jumps to mind, I can't even use blanks.
I am so pissed! Racist Female Dog!

I am Southern. I am a lover of all life. I embrace the human race no matter what color, race, religion, or creed. I love you. All of you. And as far as I am concerned, Oprah can go take a long walk off a short pier.

OK, I feel better. Thanks for letting me share.

Grab Your Piece of Freedom.

Scott Weaver knows whats up, So he decided to lay it down. His current status on Facebook reads:

" woke up this morning and saw that it was raining and decided Gillian and he should skip work and school to just hang out around the house and listen to it rain...it's a great day!!!"

Smart smart man, Scott Weaver.

In my life-long pursuit of stress-free days, I am thinking this is the best proclamation ever written. Why not take a day off to listen to the rain? Why is it we only take time off when its for stressful obligations? I don't want a life where I only have time for work, school, appointments, or errands. That gives me stress just thinking of it. Yet that is how our society functions. People get pissed when you are not at your desk or theirs doing some mind-numbing, predictable, repetitive action every working day. Well, I say SCREW THAT.

I feel I am entitled to one whole day in a month in the middle of the week for activities that I normally have to squeeze time in order to accomplish. After all, the majority of us work Monday thru Friday (or even Saturday) and what little time on the weekend that isn't chewed up by familial obligations or chores is usually spent rushed or forgotten all together. That SUCKS. So, what is one little day? Why can't I steal a Wednesday for myself. I know exactly what I would do. Gym, Sauna, Whirlpool, Massage, Breakfast, Mani/Pedi, Movie, shopping at a local Half Price Books (love that place Woot!) and then I would get spontaneous.... see, if I can plan it out SO CAN YOU!

Or don't plan a thing, be Scott, and just wake up and concentrate on the rain.

Dark Star Orchestra

Unbelievable. Amazing. Spectacular. Excellent. Fantastic. The list can go on and on....

I consider my self truly lucky to have been a part of the Grateful Dead world-wide fan base. An active member, some of my best memories are travelling to the shows, meeting and greeting people from all over the USA and communing with people who not only enjoyed the music but shared the love and respect that was created because of the experience in and of itself.

excerpt from Wikipedia said the following:

Many of the Dead Heads would go on tour with the band. As a group, the Dead Heads were considered very mellow. "I'd rather work nine Grateful Dead concerts than one Oregon football game," Police Det. Rick Raynor said. "They don't get belligerent like they do at the games."

Like a band of Gypsies we rolled on toward the horizon after each show always looking forward to the next shake down, the next concert, the next camp.... I will never forget the  night I heard it, August 9th 1995, our Beloved Jerry gone.... R.I.P. 

Thanks Jerry, for sending me Dark Star Orchestra! They are keeping you alive!

Dark Star Orchestra plays The Dead like composers play Bach or Beethoven. They are the closest thing I have heard to The Dead in my experience. Listen for yourself...



Not bad. Not bad at all. Am I Right?
or am i left?




We love you Jerry!!!

Ticklish equals Tension

It is unknown why certain people find areas of the body to be more ticklish than others; additionally, studies have shown that there is no significant difference in ticklishness between the genders. In 1924 J.C. Gregory proposed that the most ticklish places on the body were also those areas that were the most vulnerable during hand-to-hand combat. He proposed that ticklishness might confer an evolutionary advantage by enticing the individual to protect these areas. Consistent with this idea, University of Iowa psychiatrist, Donald W. Black observed that most ticklish spots are found in the same places as the protective reflexes. That being said, If I were to come up behind you and run my fingers over your ribcage, would you squeal? Or would you swing? Either way it spells T-E-N-S-I-O-N. So, lets talk about Intercostal Massage. Huh? What? Intercostal?
Ribs, silly. I am talkin' about RIBS.

Your body is always tense. Some areas are more tense than others due to stress, fatigue, or general over-use. But as a whole, the deeper muscles are always in a state of contraction in order to balance you, keep you upright, or to protect the vulnerable areas such as the internal organs. Think about the muscles that lie between the ribs. They allow the ribcage to expand as you inhale and retract in order to push the diaphragm down as you exhale. I would say they are pretty important. So? Why not give them a little relief?

Releasing the tension of the Intercostals is not always pleasant. Tenderness, burning and itching may ensue. But once the massage has been completed, the relaxation and facility of deeper inhalation is worth the procedure. It is rather simple. The Therapist will lie you on your side and as you breath deeply in & out, he/she will slowly slide a finger between the spaces of your ribs from the back to the front, triggering the muscles to relax and expand. You have no idea how much tension and stress hide within these muscles. I urge you to find a therapist and release that tension today. You will be amazed at how much better you feel. Allowing your ribcage greater expansion means more oxygen can fill the lungs which means more oxygen to the brain and surrounding cells, tissues and organs. This in turn creates a domino effect which can release congestion and aid in lowering blood pressure. Clarity of mind. Emotional well-being.

" One way to break up any kind of tension is good deep breathing."
Byron Nelson


Need I say more?

Coo Coo for Coconuts!

Super Food Alert!!!Super Food Alert!!!Super Food Alert!!!

You see them all the time at the grocery store, hanging out behind the onions or bummin' a space next to the pineapple. Stuck in a spot easily passed. Those darn apples get all the attention! And the price -outrage! Insult added to injury, coconuts get no respect. And yet nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." So next time you are looking for something at the grocery store, pick up a coconut, take it home, and after 2-3 good whacks with a hammer, enjoy the mineral, vitamin rich meat and sweet nutty milk.

I was speaking to Rick Merriam, Therapeutic LMT, Instructor of Kinesiology @ Parker Chiropractic College, and a Bio-Mechanics GENIUS about my new love for Mustard Oil when he mentioned Coconut Oil....well. Now I have 2 favorites! After researching this at the Coconut Research Center, I decided to just cut and paste all of the benefits because I was astounded at the list. So from the CRC, here are some of the reasons to include fresh raw coconut and/or coconut oil to your daily diet:

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:


Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.

Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

Helps protect against osteoporosis.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

Improves digestion and bowel function.

Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

Reduces inflammation.

Supports tissue healing and repair.

Supports and aids immune system function.

Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.

Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Functions as a protective antioxidant.

Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

Reduces epileptic seizures.

Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

Dissolves kidney stones.

Helps prevent liver disease.

Is lower in calories than all other fats.

Supports thyroid function.

Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.

Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.

Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.

Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.

Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.

Helps control dandruff.

Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

Is completely non-toxic to humans.

See Research to read some of the published studies regarding the above mentioned uses of coconut products.

Coconut Oil

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats?

The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty acids. The first you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation. You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Another system of classification is based on molecular size or length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.

The size of the fatty acid is extremely important. Why? Because our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of LCFA more commonly found in our foods. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Both the saturated and unsaturated fat found in meat, milk, eggs, and plants (including most all vegetable oils) are composed of LCFA.

MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial.

There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.

Copyright © 2004 Coconut Research Center

This website is for educational purposes only. The information supplied here comes from a variety of sources and authors and not every statement made has been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.