A word about magnesium, first. This trace mineral is already known to help build bones and regulate the body's temperature, as well as working with vitamin C to to build collagen and with vitamin B1 in the breakdown and digestion of fatty acids and sugars. If you want a good read about all it can do, check out this site. I have used it for a long time at bedtime as a natural relaxant that helps me get to sleep. I've told others about it and they've all said it helped them, too. Today I discovered something new about it that a lot of baby-boomers might find interesting, as well as anyone else who plans on growing old, rather than the alternative. Magnesium is now being investigated as an aid to maintaining memory function into the later years. Guosong Liu, associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences, at MIT's Picower Centre for Learning and Memory has found that the mineral helps to regulate a brain receptor important to learning and memory. It's not hard to come up short of magnesium since caffeine and alcohol both deplete it, so how do you get enough of the mineral daily? Well, 3 & 1/2 ounces of any of the following can do it for you. Try some wheat bran or germ, almonds, cashews or walnuts, tofu, molasses , shrimp, garlic, raisins, sweet corn, avocado, banana, carrots or kelp. There are other foods as well. The above link will give you a longer list. You can also go the supplement route, and take anywhere from 50 mg to a couple of hundred in timed release form. It's damn near impossible to take it up to toxicity levels because that usually happens only with liver or kidney malfunctions. Otherwise, if you get too enthusiastic and down too much of the stuff, you'll just find yourself dealing with the laxative effect higher doses of it can have. Nothing a day of abstinence can't fix. Give it a thought.
Now to an intake problem of ponderous proportions. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an act recently, called the "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act". It's being nicknamed the Cheeseburger Bill and has stirred up a tempest in a teacup in response. Litigation over obesity was becoming a very real threat to the food industry, but it may have been overcome on March 10, 2004 when the US House of Representatives passed the Cheeseburger Bill which states that overeating is a problem for individuals and not for the courts. The act would ban all new cases and dismiss all pending federal and state suits in which damages are being sought as conditions connected to obesity attributed to restaurant food. In other words, if you want to nosh regularly on Big Macs, the choice is yours. Ain't nobody holding a gun to your head! Some people are up in arms about the bill and its proposed passage through the Senate. I think the whole fuss is a lot of verbiage aimed at clouding over the real issue of people taking responsibility for their own actions. They could start by dragging out the dictionary and looking up "self-determination" and "responsibility". Maybe they could sit and think about it a while over a helping of any of the foods listed above. You'll note there's nothing there from the McDonald's menu, or any other fast-food joint either. Maybe they could continue to ponder the whole question while they take a long walk, or go for a bike ride or work out at the gym. Maybe, just maybe, they'll begin to get the idea that their weight is something they are in charge of, solely. To try to blame some restaurant is to try to suggest that they have no power of self-determination at all, and should best be placed in institutionalized care so as to avoid any future overindulgence at the food trough.
I had a great adventure this past Wednesday. Let me share it with you. It started back in the late 1970's when I was a young teacher, working at my first school. In one of the grade 4 classes I taught was a boy who has stayed in my memory ever since as "little Robbie". This kid was one of the types that every teacher loves to have as a student - inquisitive and eager to learn, respectful and polite, just a little mischievous with a great sense of humour. He stayed with me through all the years that followed as one of the highlights of my years in the classroom. Fast forward now to a few years ago when a friend of mine was assigned as an education assistant to a classroom where the teacher's first name was Rob. Nothing to catch my interest, until one day when she used his surname to refer to him. Says I, "I once taught a little Robbie by that name." Didn't it turn out to be my former student? I had a wonderful reunion-type meeting with him during which he paid me the very special compliment of saying that I was one of his inspirations to choose a career in education. His wife was expecting their second child and so I enjoyed crocheting a baby blanket for his little one. Some time passed, and he moved on to another school. This year, my friend began to work at the high school where he now teaches, partnering with him again, and that's how my great adventure came about. She told me they were taking his class to a local arena for some ice time and asked if I would be interested in joining the group. I happily agreed to do just that, and so I found myself this past Wednesday lacing up my skates and being introduced to his students as his grade 4 teacher. The boys were all interested in that, to some degree or other, or at least they seemed to be. I wasn't quite sure with one or two of them, because these students are special young men. You see, my "little Robbie", strapping young fellow that he is now, teaches a multiple exceptionality class, and some of his students are autistic. I knew that before I went, but I have never before had the privilege to work with such a group. I was indeed privileged that day. They are people to whom life has dealt a lousy hand. They are people who will have to deal with the societal perception of them as less than understandable or desirable. I know they are individuals for whom there will always be a struggle to be faced, but this past Wednesday they were just another bunch of kids out there on the ice, having a good time, and I got to be part of it. We laughed together and the hour sped by on silver blades. They accepted me and allowed me to help them if they needed it or to applaud them while they showed off their prowess on the frozen surface. They made my world a pretty special place for a short time and I thank them all. That adventure was one of the reasons why I had tears in my eyes when I viewed the video I've included here. It shows a young man like some of those with whom I shared that afternoon. It is proof that there is a place for each and every one of us, if only those around us will move over and make a little room. It doesn't take long to watch it, but it sure gives you a chance to feel good, for a minute or two.
A Guluwalk Update for You, Toronto - A Challenge to Others to Match
TORONTO STUDENTS TO WALK THE WALK FOR THE
CHILDREN OF NORTHERN UGANDA, TAKE PART IN
CREATIVE SOLES ART EXHIBIT
On Tuesday, February 28 the grade eight students of Toronto's Annette Street Public School will walk 10km from their west-end school to Metro Hall to raise awareness and show support for the night commuters of northern Uganda, who continue to be pawns in a civil war that has raged for nearly 20 years. This student-driven event was initiated when Annette St. P.S. was asked to contribute to a student art exhibit at Metro Hall themed Creative Soles. The schools art teacher, Lisa Klug, had participated in Global GuluWalk Day in October of 2005 and shared the story of the night commuters with her classes. Klug insists that she only shared the story; it was her students who came up with the idea to support GuluWalk with their art and their feet. These kids are real local heroes, said Klug. The empathy and compassion our students have shown for children thousands of miles away is incredible. It was their idea to walk 10km in nasty February weather to tell this story. They are truly leading by example. Everyone is welcome to join the 10km walk, which will also include GuluWalk co-founder Adrian Bradbury.
WHAT: GuluWalk for Creative Soles WHEN: Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 Start Time: 3:30 p.m. WHERE: Start Location: Annette Street Public School (265 Annette Street)
Walk Route: East on Annette St to Keele St South on Keele St to Bloor East on Bloor St to Spadina Ave South on Spadina Ave to King St East on King St to Metro Hall (55 John Street)
Want to make yourself about as popular as a skunk at a garden party? Order one of these little babies and start clicking your way to taking the Miss Congeniality title. The gadget is a universal remote control that is billed as being able to turn off "virtually any television". The ads proclaim it as the "ultimate tool for reclaiming public space", and say it will work at places like airports, and bars. At $25.00 Canadian, it wouldn't be too unreasonable a price tag for a good laugh. You'd just have to be careful about where and when you used it. A bar filled with football fans in various stages of drunker-than-drunk might not be quite ready for you to turn off the whatever-bowl game on them.
You're like the rest of us, I'm sure - truly tired of telemarketers. If so, then you want to make note of this. The Canadian Marketing Association is offering a "do-not-contact" service, free of charge. Consumers can register to have their name removed from marketing lists held by members of the CMA, in order to reduce the number of marketing offers they will receive by mail, telephone and fax. The registration takes approximately six weeks to kick in and will remain active for three years. This service can also be a good one to use when a family member is recently deceased. There has to be nothing more unpleasant than a piece of junk mail arriving at the house announcing that the name of the departed has been entered on the winners' list for some contest. If any of this is sounding like something you want to take advantage of, simply click here.
I just found out that filmmaker T. Rajeevnath is ready to join the ranks of those in my I.A. files.The director has decided to make a film about the life of Mother Teresa, "the most widely respected and loved person". He has sent an agent to contact Paris Hilton. Why did he do this? It seems he wants her to play the title role. Why would he want that? Apparently, Rajeevnath was totally impressed by her refusal to strip for Playboy, certainly a reliable indicator of unimpeachable standards.Says Rajeevnath, the actress selected for the role would have to have her history subjected to thorough scrutiny, presumably to ensure her worthiness to portray the inestimable Macedonian.Either the filmmaker is set to make a heavyhanded slapstick comedy or he needs to give his head a good shake. Actually, one shake would not be enough. I suspect there is no end to the cranial jouncing needed for this idiot to clear the bats out of his belfry.
Yes! Yes! Yes! There is a god and she wears a Swedish women's hockey jersey. I just saw the Americans go down to defeat at the hands of the Swedes. Final score 3-2 for the Swedish women. They won the game in a shoot-out following a ten minute overtime period during which the Yanks were unable to gain the upper hand.
The Swedes now go on to the final match, knowing that at best they will take gold and 'at worst' will have to settle for nothing less than silver. They have never before done better than the bronze in international play.
Earlier this week, Canada's Hayley Wickenheiser said she was sure her team were unlikely to find themselves facing the ladies of the red, white and blue. Everyone thought she was nuts. Maybe not, eh? Maybe the yanks are not quite the juggernaut they assumed themselves to be, after all.
As a teacher, I always told my students that courage takes more guises than just that of the soldier on the battlefield, and that heroism comes in as many forms as people do. Last night I saw an example of both that I would have taken right into my classroom today if I still stood in front of a blackboard. I always looked for examples of role models to try to offset the likes of B. Spears. (Fill in the "B" blank with Birdbrain, Bimbo, Buffoon, etc.) Rather than thinking this detached-from-reality dullard is someone to look up to, I would want the girls AND the boys to see a role model alternative. I would want them to see Dan Zhang as she conquered adversity at last night's pair skating to take silver at the Olympics. At 5'4" and little more than 90 pounds, this 20-year-old athlete seems almost frail. She took a horrendous fall seconds into their performance, and went down in a way that everyone watching thought was the end of their Olympic dream. They didn't know the depth of determination and bravery the slight figure before them was about to reveal. The video clip you can watch here will give you some idea of the incredible powerhouse that is Dan Zhang. She reached deep within herself and drew up stores of indomitable resolve that she cloaked with free-flowing gracefulness, and she and her partner won the hearts of their audience. They completed their routine and skated off the ice to a standing ovation. Dan Zhang reaches out for moments in time and carves them into unforgettable portraits of herself, using her mastery of skill and her elegant presence. There is no exhibition of body parts, no gauche leering at the camera with perpetual need for public adulation. Without one off-colour word or strident whining about perceived slights offered by others, Dan Zhang skated her way into the ranks of heroes last night. I really hope there are legions of teachers out there this morning, telling their students all about this apotheosis of courage.
I am battling a nasty flu virus right now. The following pictures are the closest my stomach will let me get to food at the moment. Take a look. They're cool.
I have to thank Scott for his post alerting me to my hitherto unrealized importance and power as a blogger. I didn't know that I (along with all you others) had been deemed worthy of simulated inclusion in the US government's war game "Cyber Storm". Pay Scott a visit and read his "Blogs Target of US Cyber Storm" to find out why Big Brother has been watching us.
Why aren't the streets thronged with Muslim protesters burning the Iranian flag in outrage over this one? An Iranian court has just sentenced an 18-year-old girl to death by hanging. What crime could merit such punishment? At the time of the incident that brought her to court, then 17-year-old Nazanin and her 16-year-old niece were walking in a park with their boyfriends when three men decided it was time for a little fun. They attacked the girls, and the incredibly brave boyfriends promptly fled, leaving their sweethearts undefended. The three men were intent on raping the girls. When the rapists pursued their goal, Nazanin stabbed her attacker in the hand, buying the girls just enough time for them to try running. The men were immediately on them again and this time, the victim stabbed her assailant in the chest. He, at least, had the decency to die in the hospital because of the wound she inflicted. She was brought to trial. Back to my question - what crime did she commit? In most countries, when someone kills a rat, no-one pays any attention. The death of vermin is not generally considered to be that noteworthy. In Iran, however, when a rapist is brought up short of his satisfaction, apparently some woman must pay the piper. This is a situation so totally wrong, it beggars description. What words could you use to delineate such mind-numbing moral turpitude? That is why I am wondering about the absence of the protesters and their righteous indignation. Why isn't there an angry mob outside the court where the sentence was passed? Why aren't there men burning the Iranian flag and tearing their beards in paroxysms of wrath at the injustice? Why aren't the other two attackers being led away in chains to their public hanging? If the scene were being played out as rectitude would have it, pictures of the offed perp would be given to the mob to spit and stamp on. Nazanin herself would be taken to the hanging site of the other two, and given the pleasure of pulling the trapdoor lever, which she would do to the accompanying cheers of the righteous assembled there to watch justice being served.
I'm posting this one as a public service. Think of it as a "heads up"! Urologists at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan conducted a study, in 2004, with 163 women. They felt their research was sufficient grounds for them to declare that women who regularly eat chocolate have higher levels of sexual desire than women who don't. Chocolate, claims the good doctors, has a positive physiological impact on female sexuality. In fact, the researchers aver that even women with normally low libido levels become more easily aroused after eating chocolate. What I'm getting at here is, don't wait until February 14th to present the object of your affections with a box of chocolates. If you'd like a little action on the day itself, you should ply your sweetie with confections BEFORE the day. Being an enthusiast about both healthy eating and fair trade myself, you'll have to forgive me for this next section. Dark chocolate can do good things for cardiovascular health - a recent study showed that eating just 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate a day lowers blood pressure in those who deal with hypertension - and of course, fair trade can certainly do good things for those who toil to produce the cocoa for your consumption. The higher the percentage of cocoa in a product, the healthier and, um, more inspiring it is! Let me tell you about two that you can easily stock up on just with a click of the ol' mouse. Endangered Species Chocolate Company's Rainforest Bar (they've got tons of others, too) will only set you back $2.75 so you can buy your honey one for every day from here to the 14th. The cocoa content is 70%, so expect good things to come, and know that while you frolic, 10% of the money you spent will be given to the cause of protecting endangered animals. Dagoba Chocolate, a company that declares themselves to be "dedicated to the art of chocolate alchemy", offers a Raspberry Dark Chocolate Bar that is 100% organic, contains 59% cocoa in case you want to be a little more subdued in your pursuit of passion, and supports fair trade too. It doesn't get any better than that. So remember, don't wait. The best time to give Valentine's chocolates is any time now.
I was flipping through a magazine the other day and came across a picture that showed a German shepherd dog walking through a field. Nothing unusual there, except that the dog was in a wheelchair. This wheelchair, also referred to as a dog cart is one made especially for disabled animals. The list of animals that can use one of these aids includes dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, lemurs and pigs, among others. The reason for them needing one can be anything from hip dysplasia and spinal cord injuries to arthritis and cancer. I went looking for these products on the web and found the carts, and a whole lot more. If you have a disabled pet that's a beloved family member and you're not ready to listen to the vet's advice that the animal should be "put down", follow this link. It's great that this kind of assistive device is available, but there is one practicality to keep in mind - the price tag. This kind of TLC for your pet is anything but kind to your wallet.
Freedom of speech. It's something we take for granted, a right that we brag we have. It's something that's under siege now, in the maelstrom of violent reaction to the infamous cartoons of the prophet. The hatemongers who call themselves religious people, the radical muslims, are taking the first steps toward robbing you of that right. Are you willing to speak out against them? Jeff Jacoby, in his February 5 column in the Boston Globe, says it well when he declares, "The freedom of speech we take for granted is under attack, and it will vanish if it is not bravely defended. Today the censors may be coming for some unfunny Mohammed cartoons, but tomorrow it is your words and ideas they will silence. Like it or not, we are all Danes now."
Redolent with the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee; heady with an atmosphere of animated conversations, the Second Cup coffee shop at 660 Eglinton Avenue East is a great place to go. If you live in Toronto and you're in the neighbourhood, stop by sometime. For me, this spot has become a lot more than just a local coffeehouse. It has also become a classroom. My literacy student and I meet every Friday at the CNIB just up Bayview Avenue from owner Michael Occhipinti's wonderful little shop. We've been doing that for months now. Our habit had been to work in a small room at the CNIB, until one morning when we found ourselves locked out of the room. There was no-one around with a key, so I asked my student how he felt about a walk through the summer sunshine and a pitstop for a little refreshment. He was up for the adventure, so we made the walk itself into a learning experience. He's a newcomer to Canada and you'd be surprised what a person like him can "see" on such a walk, with his other senses. When we got to the coffeeshop, we found it a welcoming environment, beginning with the big, metal water bowl always present outside the front door on hot summer days. The idea that dogs could drink their fill here, as well as their owners, seemed a happy one to my companion. It was an easy transition from the somewhat sterile surroundings of the big, institutional building up the road to the small and friendly shop a few blocks down. We began meeting there every Friday. In we walked with everything from textbooks to newspapers, depending on the lesson for the day. We've appeared a couple of times now with a big globe that we plunk down on the table between us. We use it to put the world at my companion's fingertips, so to speak, and it draws more than one curious stare each time we do. Of course, the first order of every visit is to place our orders and settle down to the palate-pleasers that the shop has to offer. I happily indulge in a fragrant mug of coffee, cradling it between my hands, warming my fingers around it before sipping at the delicious brew. My student has shown himself to have a particular predilection for the hot chocolate served up there. The speed with which his beverage is prepared begins our Friday morning sojourns with a smile every time we go there. For me, the shop's special atmosphere is embodied by Kiara, the young woman who welcomes us each week. She has a smile bright with all the warmth of the summer sun. We barely have our coats off before she's calling out that the chocolate is ready, and I'm sure that there's more than a little extra whipped cream piled on top, more than just a little extra caramel drizzled across the foamy creation when Kiara's behind the counter. When you work with the clients of the CNIB, "isolation" is a word that you hear a great deal. The world is not always an easy place to navigate when your eyes fail you, nor is it always such a friendly place when you make your way out into it. I know that for my student, Friday mornings have become a source of satisfaction, a break from the loneliness that can beset someone often limited to the confines of a lonely apartment. They offer the challenge of acquiring knowledge, and the pleasure of conquering new skills. They bring the feeling of belonging, of being welcomed into the midst of convivial company. When we walk into that Second Cup and Kiara calls out her cheerful "Good morning", Friday becomes a special day, a special place to be.
