I Am an Old Fashion Blogger

Call me an old fashion, but I have yet to sign up with Tweeter or create my page on facebook. I guess I still believe that blogging is the thing to do. I do not have to be limited to some "120 words" or tell everybody in the Universe about my full identity. That, blogging will not do. Blogging is a way of life, and indeed it is a fulfilling one.

The Definition of Life

Today's discovery by a NASA team of scientists has changed the definition of life. We can no longer define life based on our narrow point of view from the planet Earth perspectives. NASA's discovery of a special type of bacteria capable of flourishing and thriving in an environment full of arsenic proves that life indeed can be unlimited in its forms.

Nettles and Gout

Another herb that is useful in the management of gout is Nettles (Stinging Nettle). Nettles is also found useful in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Fructose

Fructose is the main sugar found in fruits. Fructose is known to act as an "anti-bacterial" agent for urinary track infections (UTIs). It prevents the bacteria from adhering to the cellular membrane thus permitting the bacteria to be flushed out of the body in urine. Fructose is one of the two compounds present in Cranberry that are useful in combating UTIs.

Welcome to December 2010

Today is 12.01.2010. There are three zeros, two twos, and three ones. For those who like puzzles I am certain you will find this date interesting. Otherwise, happy December.

Which Day is the Busiest Day for Christmas Shopping?

If you ask retailers they tell you it is not Black Friday nor it is Cyber Monday. The busiest day for shopping is the Saturday just before Christmas Day.

Are You Interested in Becoming A Physician Assistant?

If you are, a new Physician Assistant (PA) program is now accepting applications for next Fall 2011. The program is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina and run by Campbell University. For more information, see our link to Campbell University on this page. The program is offered by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. First interviews for the PA program were today (November 30, 2010). They anticipate the first class to be about 25-30 students. The length of the PA program is 30 months. Students are expected to take didactic and clinical courses. Upon graduation, students will earn a Master degree. Physicians Assistants work under physician's supervision in hospitals and clinics. They are qualified to do most of the tasks that a physician does in a general medical practice environment. The annual salary range varies greatly, but is expected to start at low 60s and can go well above $100,000.

More on "Who is a Christian?"

Jesus Christ came as a Jewish Rabbi. He said that he came not to destroy the Jewish faith, but rather to make it whole. So, Salvation came to the Jews not to change them to Christians, but rather to bring clarity to their faith and belief. Those who found Jesus in the Old Testament are saved, despite their Jewish faith. Perhaps the most difficult question (or one of the most difficult ones) is that: Can an atheist be a Christian? Is it the "belief" that makes a Christian or the good deed/Christian acts? The message of Jesus was inclusive and not exclusive. The message of Jesus was liberating; it is no longer a slave or a master, a man or a woman, a Jew or a Gentile, we are all one in Christ. Jesus does not belong to anyone. We all belong to him. And, He wants us all. Amen.

Who is a Christian?

This question may seem simple, but in reality it is not. Are you a Christian because you were baptized? Are you a Christian because you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Many will answer to these two questions with a definite YES. Now, a more difficult question; could someone who is not baptized, but believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior be a Christian? Even a more difficult question: Could a Muslim or a Hindu be labeled a Christian if he follows the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ by spreading love and peace, by loving his neighbors as himself? Jesus said those who do what my Father in Heaven desires are the children of God. Jesus said that those who obey my commandments shall enter the Kingdom of God. Many Christians believe that unless you are a Christian you cannot enter the Kingdom of God. However, that would exclude a good billion or two of people. Jesus died for all men and women. He came to save all human beings. The salvation is not restricted to one denomination, religion, or country. We say may God Bless America; the French people say may God bless France; the Iranians say may God bless Iran etc. We are all saved with the grace of God. Christians should not hold salvation hostage and deny it to others. Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and others can find Jesus speaking to them through their faith, and those who follow their faith shall be saved. Jesus Christ came to save all, and He is saving all people through their faith in God. Amen

Cherry and Gout

Gout is commonly found in people who love to eat meat. It can be painful at times. Eating cherry is thought to relieve the symptoms of gout.

Cholera of 1854: Europe

In 1854, cholera struck again in London, Europe. Hospitals were full of dead people with a mortality rate of 50%, except for one hospital. This hospital was in England and was run by homeopathic physicians. The mortality rate there was only 16.4%. Actually, the "Medical Board" tried to suppress this data from the English Parliament, and if it was not for Lord Grosvenor who demanded the release of all the statistics from all the hospitals, this information would have been buried from the public's eyes up until now. So much for the open transparency of the allopathic medicine; suppressing the truth was their way of business. And, unfortunately, it has not changed much over the years, it just has become less obvious and more dubious. (Just read about all the drugs' data that some of the pharmaceutical companies try to hide or suppress from the FDA, and not until people start to become sick this data is suddenly discovered.) [Read the story of Baycol (c) produced by Bayer (R). It was removed off the shelves by the FDA due to its heart muscle toxicity.]

Cyber Monday

While Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, Cyber Monday is the first Monday following Thanksgiving. It is the day that people are supposed to order their gifts on the Internet. Isn't it funny (and depressing) how this holly season has shrunk to this non-sense? It is unbelievable.

Human Insulin: Non-Injectable Preparations

Human insulin (HINS) is used in the management of diabetes. It does not cure diabetes, but rather it provides the hormone in the blood for those who cannot produce it. All the preparations of HINS are given by injection. Often, the patient may require several injections daily of HINS. Research in this area is now focusing on making non-injectable preparations for HINS. Alternative routes of administration are being explored including oral, buccal, lungs, rectal, vaginal, topical, ocular, and nasal. Currently (not in the U.S.), a buccal aerosol formulation that sprays HINS in the mouth is being used in some Arab countries, India, and El Ecuador. Oral formulations are being developed mainly by attaching HINS to a carrier system or by modifying its chemical structure to overcome its degradation by the gastrointestinal enzymes. Few years ago, several companies in the U.S. were working on an inhaled form of HINS. Some of these products even appeared on the U.S. market for one year, however they were taken off the market by the pharmaceutical companies citing several side effects. The most promising products are the oral formulations (capsules or tablets) that may become available to the public soon (within the next 5-10 years).

Today was "Black Friday"

Black Friday is the day that follows Thanksgiving. I did go out to a couple of local stores with my son. I bought few items that I needed for home. Walmart in Cary, NC was not busier than any regular Saturday, although for some unknown reason all shopping carts were gone! A guy was hired to check everybody's bag upon their exist from the 'electronic' door. He placed a yellow mark on my sales ticket, looked inside my bag, and asked me to leave. (I did not have to take off my shoes this time. Perhaps next Christmas season, Walmart will act tougher.)

Is War Between North Korea and South Korea Eminent?

The simple answer to that is a definite No. Despite its apparent toughness and aggression, North Korea is really scare about its future. Its people are dying from hunger, political prisoners are in prisons being tortured, and life for an average North Korean is simply hell. In order to survive in North Korea you have to either be a selected politician or a member in the arm forces. The North Koreans armament is antiquated and they probably will loose any war they would start in a matter of a few days (remember Saddam?) The reason I said that the North Koreans will never begin a war with the South because the "ruling family" is not stupid. This family acts tough only in front of its people, but deep down they know if they begin any war with the South they will loose it in a matter of days. The ruling family would be captured and then put on trial for crimes against humanity. Actually, it would be humanitarian to get rid of the North Korea's "ruling family" by starting a war. Millions would be set free and their humanity would be restored. This Sunday will come and go. The U.S. Navy will complete successfully its joint military exercises with the South. The North will be watching with awe and trumbling with fear. They will calm down after these exercises are done. And, they will go back to torture more people to relieve their fear. I heard recently that God has created a hell within hell for North Korea's "ruling family". This new hell was prompted after Satan has protested to God that there is no room in hell for people like those!

How to Prepare Syrups for Diabetic Patients?

Diabetic patients are normally placed on a restricted diet. For diabetic patients, syrups that do not contain sugars or substances that can convert to sugars (e.g., glycerol) are desirable. For that, cellulosic materials, such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, are used in making the syrup instead of sugars. Cellulosic materials render the viscosity of the preparation very similar to that of regular syrups. In addition, these materials do not get absorbed by the body. Artificial sweeteners, such as splenda (c) or stevia, are used to render the preparation sweet in taste. These syrups are used in a great success as vehicles for oral medications as well as to sweeten teas.

North Carolina's Christmas Tree

North Carolina is the second largest producer of Christmas trees in the US. Last year alone, the sales from Christmas trees in North Carolina totalled $100 million. Thank you very much.

Happy Thanksgiving--November 25, 2010

We have a lot to be thankful for. The Good Book says "thank God for everything." It did not say only for the good stuff; thank God for EVERYTHING. Happy Thanksgiving, as we thank the good Lord for everything He showers on us. Amen

Massage Therapy Business: The Different Factors

Massage Therapists (MTs) are alternative health professionals who are licensed in 42 states. MTs can work under different job umbrellas. One option is to work for a spa-type business. MTs working in a spa expect to receive tips and about 30%-50% of the cost of the session. The remaining percentage goes to the spa. Working in a spa environment is rewarding, but yet physically stressful. The good points of working at a spa are 1) MTs do not have to worry about advertising and marketing, 2) MTs do not have to worry about renting an office and paying rent, and 3) MTs do not have to handle credit cards or payments by clients. Another place for MTs to work is at the chiropractor's office. No tipping occurs at the clinic, and the chiropractors normally pay the MTs by the hour; they are considered as independent contractors. A third option for MTs is to have their own business. However, they have to do everything from marketing to treating to finance handling issues. There are few companies now contract with MTs to have them serve special industries, such hotels and resorts. In this case, the MTs are also considered as independent contractors. Some MTs make a lot of money, and some struggle to make a descent living (barely the minimum wage.) An average massage therapy hour costs $60 (+/- $10). Massage therapy can be rewarding, but it is a lot of work. Thank God for MTs for contributing to the general health of people. Massage therapy is a gift from heaven.

Darvon and Darvocet: Interaction with Caffeine

The anti-pain drugs Darvon and Darvocet were pull off the market by the FDA citing heart problem risks. Caffeine in coffee and other drinks can cause a bad reaction with these two drugs if taken together. The symptoms can be severe enough to mimic a heart attack.

Do You Remember This "Old" Technology: The Diskettes?

Whatever happened to the computer "Diskettes"? I thought they were wonderful. I have so many of them full of data. I cannot open them with my new computer, and I cannot find any computer old enough to open them. I bet I could find an old computer that works with them on ebay. It is worth trying.