Month: June 2013

Categories
Health

10 Anti-Asthma Foods

#1: Avocado

This buttery and exquisite fruit is one of the prime source of glutathione, which has been shown to protect cells against free radical damage and to detoxify foreign substances such as pollutants.

Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, particularly helpful for people whose asthma is linked to a nut allergy (nuts are one of the most common sources of vitamin E)

#2: Broccoli Sprouts

These miniature cabbages share many of the benefits of their larger cousins, they are a true nutritional treasure and a great addition to your diet if you suffer from asthma. Broccoli sprouts can increase the antioxidant compounds that control the airway inflammation associated with bronchial asthma.

#3: Apples

This crunchy, juicy, fiber-rich snack also possesses some extraordinary properties that may provide protection against asthma. They are also high in concentration of bioflavonoids, such as quercetin. Quercetin is known to possess strong anti-histamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties reducing the chance of suffering from wheezing by 50%.

#4: Rosemary

The antioxidant power of rosmarinic acid is believed to be even stronger than that of vitamin E. In addition, rosmarinic acid encourages cells to create prostacyclins, which help keep the air passages of the lungs open and thus promote easy breathing.

#5: Ginger

Ginger’s asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributed to gingerols, strong anti-inflammatory substances that give ginger its distinctive flavor.

#6: Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are brimming with anti-asthma nutrients, as these mild nutty tasting seeds are loaded with vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium.

#7: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions, which is great news since asthma is often linked to allergies. They also contain plenty of vitamin C and potassium as well as unique root proteins which, according to preliminary studies, may have significant antioxidant properties.

#8: Turmeric

Turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties.

#9: Kale

Kale is a great source of vitamin C, it is also one of the most concentrated dietary sources of beta-carotene, which can help with allergens.

#10: Mustard Greens

One of the best sources of beta-carotene, chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients, mustard greens can make an excellent addition to your diet if you are susceptible to asthma attacks.

They also provide a good amount of vitamins C and E, which can remove free radicals that cause smooth muscle contraction and airway constriction in people with asthma.

 

Categories
Domestic Policies News Politics

The Complicated Court

I think we were all warned that the final week of the Supreme Court term would turn us all into hypocrites, and it certainly delivered on that promise. The conservatives had to like the Voting Rights Act case decision and liberals had to like DOMA, and both sides had something to like and dislike about the Affirmative Action and the California Proposition 8 results.

In the end, none of these decisions should have been surprising. The liberal era that reached its height in the late 1960s has been declining for years and the court has done its best lately to rein in what the right sees as its excesses, especially when it comes to government power. They’ve also set back abortion rights, the rights of the accused, and have ruled fairly consistently for the rights of religious organizations to participate in the public square. To think that any of these issues is sacrosanct would be foolish, but to also think that the court’s decisions mean an end to liberal programs would likewise be incorrect.

But the conservatives have also done wonders for the gay rights movement. Not only did they finally strike down anti-sodomy laws, but yesterday’s marriage equality ruling is a huge step forward for the recognition that homosexuals must be treated with respect under the law. I know that many African-Americans don’t like the comparison between the Civil Rights Movement and today’s gay issues, but on a human scale they are exactly the same. It’s important that every citizen be welcome and be able to feel relaxed in our society. If you’re straight, the world generally works for you. If you’re gay, some parts of it don’t. Being a member of the majority or the power structure bestows on people a sense that they have control over their destiny. Everyone deserves to feel this way.

I’m looking forward to the day when people are simply married; not same-sex married or married with equality, but just…married. That’s the beauty of the court’s ruling. I also look forward to the day when all people have access to higher education and the vote. We need to work to make these happen, but I have confidence that we will.

For more, go to www.facebook.com/WhereDemocracyLives and on Twitter @rigrundfest

 

Categories
News

Boston Bombing Suspect Has Been Indicted by Federal Grand Jury

Surviving Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been indicted by federal grand jury, charged with using weapons of mass destruction and killing 4 individuals among 30 counts of charges.

Categories
Entertainment paula deen racist Television

Paula Deen Used Gay Slurs & The ‘N’ Word ‘All The Time’ says an Another Ex-Employee

Fighting for her financial life, Paula Deen tearfully told the TODAYshow on Wednesday that she has used the ‘n’ word only once – but a former employee has come forward claiming she used it all the time and also made slurs against gay people!

Mincey McDonald, a waitress at Deen’s restaurant Lady & Sons from 1998 – 2003, told the National Enquirer, that the ‘n’ word “was Paula’s favorite word – she used it all the time. I’ve heard Paula specifically say that she did not want any n*****s working in front of the house as hostesses, waiters or bussers.”

McDonald’s comments are in the new issue of the Enquirer and she adds that Deen called gay people fa**ots.

The Enquirer says McDonald passed a polygraph test on her allegations against Deen.

h/t – radar

Categories
Entertainment michael jackson Music News

Michael Jackson’s Son, Prince Jackson, Says Father Feared Concert Promoter, AEG Live

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson’s eldest son testified Wednesday that his father was excited about going back on tour before his death but wasn’t happy about the pressure that came with the ill-fated shows.

Michael Joseph “Prince” Jackson Jr. told jurors his father wanted more time to rehearse and had several tense phone conversations with promoters of his “This Is It” shows that sometimes ended with his father in tears.

The 16-year-old said his father remarked after one of the conversations, “They’re going to kill me.” He did not elaborate.

The testimony came in a lawsuit claiming AEG negligently hired Conrad Murray, the doctor who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter for giving Jackson an overdose of the anesthetic propofol.

h/t – huffingtonpost

Categories
murder News Sports

Aaron Hernandez Charged with Murder

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was charged with first degree murder and five other gun-related charges on Wednesday.

Hernandez had been questioned in the killing of Odin Lloyd, an associate of Hernandez who was found dead near Hernandez’s house.

Hernandez was transported by police to his arraignment at Attleboro District Court and arrived at the courthouse just before 2 p.m. Eastern. He was mostly expressionless as he heard the charges read in the courtroom, and didn’t change expression as he heard the prosecutor outline the case against him. That included the prosecutor saying there was surveillance video of Hernandez with a gun the night Lloyd was shot. The prosecutor asked that Hernandez be held without bail, and despite Hernandez’s lawyer Michael Fee’s argument that Hernandez is not a risk to flee, the judge ordered Hernandez be held without bail.

Multiple reports said Lloyd’s family was in the courtroom for Hernandez’s arraignment.

h/t/ – yahoosports

Categories
Abortion Politics Texas Wendy Davis

Someone Fire-Bombed Wendy Davis’ Office

NOTE: This story was originally published in 2012

At least two fire bombs were thrown at the Fort Worth office of state Sen. Wendy Davis (D) on Tuesday night, according to the Star Telegram.

Davis was not in her office at the time, but some staff members were present. They used a fire extinguisher to put out the small blaze.

No one was injured in the attack, but the lawmaker’s office was damaged by the fire.

“It’s unfortunate when things like this happen in the public arena,” she said. “It reminds us of how important it is for us to remain very civil in our discourse and to work not to foment this kind of anger in our community as we discuss things that are challenges that we all face and care about.”

Anthony Spangler, Davis’ communications director, said he had no idea what motivated the attack.

Categories
Nelson Mandela Politics

Another Day Passes, And Nelson Mandela Still In Critical Condition

After hours of vigils and secret family meetings, South Africans awoke to another day of unease Wednesday as ailing anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela remained hospitalized in critical condition.

“Former President Nelson Mandela’s condition remains unchanged in hospital and doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort,” the government said in a statement late Tuesday night.

As the nation remained on edge, police barricaded the street leading to the hospital’s main entrance.

Well-wishers hung balloons, stuffed animals and messages of support along the wall outside his Pretoria hospital . Crowds hovering nearby sang “where is Mandela” as they matched toward the entrance.

Mandela has been hospitalized since June 8 for a recurring lung infection, and authorities have described his condition as critical in the last few days.

Categories
Entertainment Travel

Summer Time means Vacation Time

Summertime is Here! School is out and that means it’s time for the Family Vacation. My family and I just returned from the Best Vacation I’ve ever been on, a 5-day cruise to the Bahamas. This being my first cruise, I’m going to discuss the “Hotel on Water” experiences only.


Now let me begin by saying we cruised on the troubled cruise liner, Carnival and we chose the Fantasy ship which had not been under the dreaded and beleaguered brand of ships. Our daughter graduated high school in June and this was a present to her that had been planned for 2-years.

I must admit I was very nervous leading up to our voyage to the Bahamas because of the difficulties Carnival had been having over the last few months. And needless to say, ALL that water out there and NO land around didn’t give me ‘warm, fuzzy feelings’.

So, last week, our very 1st cruise began at the Port of Charleston, SC at 4pm departure time. Security was very similar to the airlines with bag checks and going through the metal detector. Once through security, it was time to board or in Cruise terms, Embarkment began. When my family and I got on board and put our bags in our assigned rooms, we met on the Lido Deck and looked over to see others boarding. The view was spectacular but somewhat unnerving for a beginner like me. I’m not a big fan of heights so add to the idea of being on water as well…not a good mix. But things were about to change, For the Better!

Four o’clock pm. Like clockwork, we began to move. Tug boats were pushing us out and we were off. Out to the Atlantic, on our way to the Bahamas! From the moment we set foot on the Carnival Fantasy until we got back to Charleston, SC, the entire Crew – from the room attendants, the dining staff, the drink attendants, the show and entertainment staff, the excursion personnel and the store employees – were the BEST I’ve ever had pertaining to hospitality! Top-notched Service All the Way!

Pictures were taken at every moment it seemed. And that was just from the ships photographers. Drinks were offered continuously and the guest were buying them up. I must admit, my family and I had our share as well. On the entire voyage, this was the smoothest ride ever. Again, my first cruise, I was thinking it would be rough, bouncy, turbulent, nauseating but to my surprise, None of the aforementioned. I purchased Dramamine for that very reason but never needed it.

Our first port of call was in Nassau. Beautiful. Scenic. Tranquil Beaches. Gorgeous Blue Waters. It is definitely the Island of Paradise. From there, we journeyed up to Freeport. That day, we decided not to venture onto the island but to enjoy the ship’s activities. We enjoyed a broadway show, a comedy show (Adults Only), Bingo with up to $3000 at stake, karaoke and clubs for our generation to the teen-agers.

Then there’s shopping on board, casinos, eating, putt-putt, swimming pools, eating, a walking track on the very top of the ship where the putt-putt course is located, eating, ping pong, eating, sun bathing, eating, eating, Eating, a gym, a masseuse and EATING! OMG, I ate and Ate and ATE! But it was GOOOD! Yep, I gained 5-pounds but it was a GOOD 5-pounds.

To sum it up, The BEST Vacation my Family and I have EVER Had. I’ve been to Disney a number of times, a Washington, DC trip twice, Myrtle Beach, SC countless times, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Va. and other locations, but a Cruise? Wow! There’s Nothing that compare. Kudo’s to Carnival Fantasy Cruise Line! They made our Vacation one of the most Memorable Ever! And as Arnold said in the “Terminator”, I’ll Be Back!

Categories
Fashion

Why Grow Your Own Chest Hair When You Can Wear A Coat Made Out of Someone Else’s?

Branden Lee is a blogger, screenwriter, producer, and actor, currently residing in Boston, MA. Follow Branden on Twitter and Tumblr.

 According to Jezebel, a company called Wing Co. is selling a coat made out of the collected chest hair of a bunch of men, to combat the growing trend of men feeling required to be hairless.

The hair jacket is currently being sold for £2,499, about $3900 and was created using over 1 million different strands of chest hair.

There’s also a version available for women.

As much as I love a hairy man, there’s no way I’d ever want to wear a coat made out strangers’ body hair.

But I’m sure someone will buy it.

Probably Kanye West, he’ll wear anything.

Categories
Sports

“A-Rod Should Shut The F*** Up”

Well, it took less than a week for Alex Rodriguez to cause chaos in Yankee Universe via twitter. The embattled star took to twitter two hours ago and announced that he was cleared to play in rehab games. Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York reached out to the Yankee GM Brian Cashman, and asked him about Rodriguez’s tweet. Cashman, who is known for being forthcoming with the media, did not hold back his feelings. He told Marchand;

“You know what? When the Yankees want to announce something WE will. Alex should just shut the f**k up. That’s it. I’m calling Alex now.”

Clearly Cashman is not very happy with the Yankee slugger. Even more clear is the fact that Rodriguez picked the worst time to join twitter leaving us all to question who he is taking advice from over at camp A-Rod.

Categories
New York Politics

I Saw This Guy Today In The Subway Station – Video

A one man band. He “played his… instrument on the Grand Central subway station, leading to the number 4 and 6 trains. Is it music or a whole lotta noise?

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