Coffee With Kate

Jakarta - Scientists scouring the ocean floor to study the nature of tsunamis discovered a massive underwater volcano off Indonesia's western coast.
The 15,000-foot- (4,600-meter-) high mountain spans 30 miles (50 kilometres) at its base, Yusuf Surachman Djajadihardja, a marine geologist with the government's Agency for Assessment and Application Technology, said Friday. Its discovery was "completely unexpected," he said.
It was not immediately clear if the volcano is active, but he said if it were and it erupted, it would be "very, very dangerous."
An international team of scientists discovered the volcano 205 miles (330 kilometres) west of Sumatra island while carrying out a survey of the Indian Ocean floor earlier this month, Djajadihardja said. The tip of the volcano is 1,380 meters (1,260 yards) below the water's surface.
The goal of their research was to better understand the cause of disasters like the 2004 Asian tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen nations, more than half of them in Indonesia, which was closest to the epicentre.
Indonesia straddles a chain of fault lines and volcanoes known as the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and is prone to seismic activity. - Sapa-AP

Read about some of the commonly used supplements to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms — and find out whether they'll work for you.

In your search for relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you might hear or read about spices and dietary supplements that are said to help ease symptoms. But before you reach for these on your kitchen — or grocery store — shelf, find out how such supplements could fit into your rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: Supplements
According to the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health, a variety of complementary and alternative therapies (including herbal and dietary supplements) claim to be helpful for RA. While NCCAM is sponsoring several clinical trials to test these claims, those with rheumatoid arthritis should not stop traditional — and more proven — treatments in favour of these supplements until talking with their doctor. Doing so could cause more harm than good.

All herbal and dietary supplements have the potential to interfere with your regular medications or cause other unwanted side effects such as an allergic reaction, so arming yourself with the nuts and bolts of these supplements — and discussing them with your doctor before taking them — is essential.

Some of the most commonly known supplements marketed for rheumatoid arthritis include:

Borage oil comes from a plant and contains omega-6 fatty acids, which are thought to offer people with rheumatoid arthritis some relief from pain and joint stiffness. One recent study showed success in using borage oil to reduce pain and inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. According to NCCAM, however, results of studies involving borage oil for rheumatoid arthritis have not been conclusive. And caution is in order: Borage oil and other oils that contain omega-6 fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil, can increase bleeding and bruising. NCCAM also warns that borage oil is made with an additive that may increase liver damage.

The appropriate dose of borage oil varies with each individual. Discuss what is appropriate for you with your rheumatologist. Borage oil supplements are available at many pharmacies and natural food stores.

Capsaicin cream is a numbing agent that comes from cayenne peppers. The cream is rubbed onto joints that are sore and inflamed. Studies suggest that this cream is modestly effective in reducing joint pain if it is used daily. Side effects can include a burning sensation after application. This cream is available online and at some pharmacies and health food stores. Follow your doctor's recommendations for use.

Cod liver oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, is the only dietary supplement that has been strongly associated with relieving symptoms such as inflammation and pain among people with rheumatoid arthritis. "It has [results] similar to non-steroidal drugs like ibuprofen and can be used safely," says Robert W. Hoffman, DO, professor and chief of the division of rheumatology and immunology in the department of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "It also has cardiovascular protective benefits."

The risks of cod liver oil include increased bleeding and bruising and possible exposure to mercury from the original codfish. Research has shown 10 grams of cod liver oil daily to have a positive effect on joint pain, but there are no official recommendations about dosing. Cod liver oil is available in gel tablet forms at pharmacies, some grocery stores, and health food stores.

Flaxseed oil, which comes from ground flax seeds, also contains omega-3 fatty acids. This oil is available in gel capsules and as in oil form for salad dressings or foods, but it must be kept refrigerated. Adults can take about 3,000 milligrams a day. It is available at pharmacies, health food stores, and some grocery stores.

Ginger is a spice that comes from the root of the ginger plant. It can be ground up to a powder, used fresh, boiled as a tea, or crystallized. Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic medicine (ancient medical practices native to India) for hundreds of years to fight inflammation. Data from scientific studies is scarce and inconclusive, but at least one study has shown ginger to help relieve some of the pain and swelling experienced by people with RA. Ginger can be bought at grocery stores as a spice, tea, crystallized candy, or a fresh root. It is available in capsule form as well. It can be used daily, but you should not use more than four grams each day.

Thunder god vine (TGV) is made from the root of a plant native to China, Japan, and Korea. It has been used in Chinese medicine to fight autoimmune diseases. Some studies in the United States suggest that taking TGV extract can help relieve RA symptoms. However, NCCAM notes that there is no safe product containing TGV available in the United States. It can be acquired through Chinese sources or Chinese medicine practitioners, who will make a recommendation about the appropriate dose.

Turmeric is a spice that, like ginger, has played a role in ancient Ayurvedic practices as an inflammation fighter. Research into its effectiveness is ongoing. At least one study has shown that taking turmeric daily can help relieve morning stiffness and joint pain. Turmeric is available as a ground spice, in capsules, and as a cream. Curcumin is the active ingredient that addresses inflammation. Taking too much turmeric can cause stomach problems such as ulcers. About 1,200 milligrams a day is what is typically recommended. It can be bought at health food stores and grocery stores.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and a Healthy Diet
Although many supplements are available in pill form, it may be a healthier — and less expensive — to turn to your diet for pain relief.

A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is also a diet rich in antioxidants, which also play a role in fighting inflammation. "All RA patients should eat a healthy, balanced diet," says John M. Stuart, MD, professor of medicine and rheumatology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Centre. "There is good evidence that diets rich in antioxidants may have at least modest long-term benefits."

If you decide to go the supplement route, talk to your doctor — together you can construct a "supplementary" plan that is right for you.

Source: By Madeline Vann, MPH

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

5 May 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - A noted scientist has just produced proof that the lunar surface was inhabited by intelligent life: a 10-inch angel sculpture embedded in a moon rock.

Geologist Dr. Morris Charles revealed last week that NASA lab workers chipped the angel from one of the rocks brought to Earth by Apollo 11 astronauts 40 years ago, in 1969. Dr. Charles was a NASA scientist himself for 23 years but left the agency in 1987. He still maintains close ties to many of his former colleagues.

“The implications of this figurine are absolutely mind-boggling,” Dr. Charles told reporters. “It means that at one time the moon had an atmosphere conducive to life. And what’s more, it was once home to a sophisticated race of people with a highly refined sense of beauty.”

The angel - a humanoid female with wing-like appendages on her back and long flowing hair - is made of an iron compound found exclusively in the highlands of the moon.

This rules out the possibility that it was dropped by a race of aliens from another planet. It’s been hand polished to a silvery metallic sheen. Based on chemical analysis of the metal, geologists estimate the sculpture to be 200,000 years old which means it was made 170,000 years before the human species appeared on Earth.

It’s been examined by art experts who concur with Dr. Charles’ appraisal of the culture that produced it. “Clearly these beings had a sense of religion that parallels our Christianity. Perhaps they had a Jesus of their own, proving that the important spiritual principles are, in a very literal sense, universal,” said a Washington anthropologist.

Others are not so sure of its religious significance. Dr. Miles Fredericks of New York University countered, “This is just more Christian propaganda. The Sumerians told stories of the Annunaki, winged deities, as far back as 18th century BC. Maybe the Sumerians were visited by these moon beings, who merely modelled the statue after their own image.”

While many ponder the significance of the figure, others are curious about why it has remained a secret for so long. “The artefact has been common knowledge among NASA insiders for years,” said Dr. Charles. “But space agency higher-ups have kept the information highly classified, fearing world-wide panic. It was smuggled out to me by persons who must, for obvious reasons, remain anonymous.”

NASA officially denies Dr. Charles’ allegations. The statue was displayed to photographers and newsmen but is now being held for further study at an undisclosed location.

Astronauts of Antiquity - Zecharia Sitchin has already shown in The Twelfth Planet that the statues of gods and goddesses from Sumer present special helmets with protuberances on both sides (the Middle Ages' illiteracy turned them into”devil horns”), which perfectly look like the pilots’ headphones; the statues were provided with the SHU.GAR.RA - a term that literally means”that which makes you go far into the Universe”.

Another image discovered in North Israel, dating back to the ninth millennium B.C., represents the sculpted head of a god with a helmet and safety glasses. Also a picture of the goddess Ishtar from her temple in Sumer…

All this suggests to us that the attire …was that of an aeronaut or an astronaut”…

Many drawings on the Sumerian plates show the gods with wings, which were not belonging to the body, but they were accessories of the flight suit, therefore the gods looked like eagles…
This drawing on a Sumerian plate suggests that an Anunnaki / Elohim spaceship is connected to the base on Earth.”The central object … it is more mechanical, more manufactured than natural.Its (( wings )) looks almost exactly like the solar panels which American spacecraft are provided to convert the Sun’s energy to electricity. The two antennas cannot be mistaken. The circular craft … is located between Mars (the six - pointed star) and Earth and its Moon”(Z. Sitchin, The Twelfth Planet)…

Source: http://thecrit.com/2009/05/05/200000-year-old-statue-found-on-moon/

The Simple Finger Interlock Technique: This tried and tested strategy can promote healing and repair damage to the energy system resulting from long-term stress.

The Finger Interlock Technique is easy to implement, and its effects are instant. To begin this technique, simply bring together the tips of your thumb and middle finger of each hand to form two circles. Then, bring your hands together to form interlocking circles while envisioning your body enveloped in a bright sphere of impenetrable energy.

Finally, relax your hands and simply affirm, "I am now energized and fully protected." This simple, inconspicuous technique requires only seconds and can be used almost any time or place.

With practice, you can use the finger interlock gesture as a cue to instantly activate the effect you are seeking. Overcoming stage fight, improving memory, and promoting positive social interactions are all within its scope. You can use the technique to induce instant relaxation during important examinations, public presentations, and conferences, to list but a few of its many applications.

A former student, now a practicing attorney, attributes his admission to law school largely to his use of the technique during the entrance exam. The technique, here ported, effectively reduced his stress level and stimulated his recall of important information. Because the technique is so inconspicuous and easily executed, it has become popular among public figures including actors, politicians, performing artists, and TV personalities. If you observe their hands, you will notice many of them using the simple finger interlock gesture.

Hi Suki, Horst, Judex, Laird and Kenny.

Thank you for visiting my page and for your comments. I enjoyed reading them all.

Suki how is your veg garden coming along are you going to have a good spring crop.

Horst I see you have a great following, enjoy.

Judex, we have spoken about the 1 minute noodles…..you need to enjoy a variety of good foods. Anyone out there who would like to share recipes with Judex?

Laird, soon you will be off on your overseas holiday. Please send us pictures and news.

Kenny, have you completed the painting of your home in time to just enjoy the pleasure that comes with spring? last recall was that you were well immersed in paint……

Take care all

Warm hugs

Kate xxx.