Can A President Pardon Himself?

My sister forwarded me a snippet from The Cafferty File on CNN that's too good to pass up. I love his comment at the end which I've said a lot during the last eight years: "I really do wonder sometimes what we're becoming in this country."

Can't Stop Myself

As much as I'm trying to keep my blog free from political hype I can't help but pass on this article from the Anchorage Daily News. It's not like the hysterically funny Jon Stewart bits or the SNL skits that are truths cloaked in comedy; it's the presidential position statement from a paper from the largest city in Palin's state. I think every citizen who plans to vote should be required to read it.

(photo credit unknown; from buzzflash.com)

What's For Dinner?

No, this isn't going to be one of my foodie rants!

Last night we went to a panel discussion at Winthrop that had to do with the environmental impact of our food choices. Boy is it complex. There are so many levels to study: the farms themselves, their growing philosophies, transportation of food products, refrigeration of food, etc.. (((I will sneak in the fact that on every chart the guest speaker showed, vegetarian and vegan diets are by far better for the environment. In the pie chart breaking down the carbon footprint of food production, meat, dairy and eggs have a carbon footprint over 50% greater than all other aspects of food production put together. And just in case you think otherwise, the speaker is in no way a vegetarian activist; he is a researcher from Iowa, farm country.)))

Although there's is a big push for eating locally grown food and generally this is accepted as the preferred choice, it's not that easy. If potatoes are brought from Idaho to RH by train the carbon footprint is much smaller than if potatoes are driven from Raleigh to RH by truck. The many graphs shown throughout the evening clearly indicate that our food industry needs much more study and much revamping. The one issue that can clearly be put to rest is organics: at every level organic foods are better for the environment.

I am encouraged by the whole thing. I'm happy to see this topic on Winthrop's list of important issues. I'm happy to learn that Winthrop's food service has changed so many of their methods to be more green (example: they compost all leftover food stuffs to be used at Winthrop Farm!) And I'm happy that Earth Fare is a presence in our town.

Londonstani

My sister sent me this book quite some time ago but I finally fit it in between book club books. I loved it. Here's a blurb from Wikipedia:

The novel is narrated by Jas, a youth who, until recently, was a timid but high-achieving student, but has lately become a member of a gang of "desis" or "rudeboys". Hardjit is the leader of the gang, a wealthy, self-confident, but violent young Sikh; the other two members of the gang are Ravi and Amit. The boys are actually all middle-class "mummy's boys", but they play at being tough thugs. They also run an illegitimate cellphone reprogamming operation.

At first it was tough reading because the author writes the spoken parts of the story in the slang these "rudeboys" speak. There is a glossary in the back which is very helpful, and the more you read the less you need to check it. I'm not sure that's so good since that means that you, the reader, now knows a lot of slang rudeboy cuss words! The story takes place in London as the title would suggest, so there's a bit of British slang as well. Once you get past the language issue the amazing story unfolds. One of the social issues that clearly comes through is the way these UK-born boys try very hard not to assimilate into white UK culture. They work hard at promoting segregation in a way that their parents, who are foreign-born, do not. They hate their parents for trying to be more white than Asian.

The end of the story has such a surprising twist that it comes out of nowhere, and I found myself going back up a few sentences to check the accuracy of what I just read. It was an incredible ending and I absolutely loved it. If you read the plot summary on Wiki it will tell you this ending, so beware.

So, here's a sample of rudeboy speak: "U khota, we ain't bein called no f***in Paki by u or by any otha gora, u get me? U bhanchod b callin us lot Paki one more time an I swear we'll cut'chyu up, innit. Yeh, blud, safe."

Read at your own risk (but do read it!)

Foxy Fungus

I thought I'd give you a break from all the breast cancer posts and show you what I found growing on a tree stump in our yard. I would guess it's a fungus. It is so furry and soft I actually think it's pretty, though not pretty enough to use as a centerpiece at our Thanksgiving dinner.
:-)

Dr. Weil - Common Sense

In all this craziness about what's healthy and what the research bears out, how do you know whom to trust? I still think Dr. Weil makes the most sense. He's not a fanatic, he bases his recommendations on the most current scientific research, and he is a M.D. So, without further ado, here is his blurb about nutrition and breast cancer:

Breast Cancer: Seven Nutrition Tips:
Diet and nutrition can play a significant role in the chances of developing breast cancer, especially if you have a family history of the disease. The following dietary practices may help to prevent or lessen the risks - I encourage all women to give them a try:
1) Keep your fat content low. Below 25 percent of your daily calories is ideal.
2) Avoid animal fats, polyunsaturated fats (many vegetable oils), and hydrogenated oils (margarines and vegetable shortenings) - all can increase cancer risks.
3) Use healthy fats: monounsaturates such as extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground flaxseed and oily fish such as wild Alaskan salmon and sardines (which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids) may reduce your risk of breast cancer.
4) Include whole soy products in your diet. Soy foods contain many cancer-protective substances, including isoflavones. Try to eat one to two servings of whole soy-based foods a day.
5) Avoid alcohol. Even in modest amounts, alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
6) Minimize your consumption of conventionally raised meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Replace with organic, hormone-free versions and use sparingly.
7) Eat more fruits and vegetables! They contain many different cancer-protective phytonutrients.

More On Breast Cancer

I have heard that soy products actually increase one's risk of breast cancer. The isoflavones in soy, which normally are very beneficial, are phytoestrogens. The rationale is that if these estrogen-like plant substances made the estrogen-sensitive tumors think it was true estrogen, it could stimulate tumor growth.

Well I'm happy to say those worries are unfounded. Evidence indicates that soy products are safe for breast cancer patients at the level of 25 to 50 mg of isoflavones per day, about one to two servings daily. If I extrapolate that risk to the average person (one without estrogen-receptor sensitive breast cancer) I guess they could safely eat at least that much.

Pass the soymilk!

Messina MJ, Wood CE. Soy isoflavones, estogen therapy, and breast cancer risk: analysis and commentary. Nutr J. June 3, 2008;7:17.

My Buddy Lupe

Lupe is one of those kind of kitties that wants to be with you doing whatever you're doing. I am rarely at the computer without her. Initially she sits on my lap purring while looking out the window at the birds in the front yard. Sometimes a bird sits on the edge of the gutter; from below she can see their tail hanging over the edge and boy does she do that funny quivery meow!

Usually she ends up on the desk in front of the computer. Sometimes she checks out my Baha'i calendar (above) to see what's going on for the week. Sometimes she chases her tail on the one foot wide area in front of my monitor which, trust me, is not a big enough area to do that craziness! Sometimes she sits in front of the monitor lazily licking herself while I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to view the screen.

But eventually Lupe settles down to nap on that one foot wide space where she barely fits. She never just lies there though; she must have her paw on my hand.

Sometimes she rests her paw on the hand on the mouse and sometimes on my typing fingers. If my fingers are typing too much or too fast for her pleasure she softly reaches down to bite them.

And if I have to get up she keeps my keyboard warm for me
till I get back.

My buddy Lupe.

Recent Breast Cancer Research

For over ten years I have been very interested in diet and nutrition to the point that I sometimes think about going back to school for it. I read nutrition books, magazines, and keep up with some of the research as it comes out. Over the years I have read about how the incidence of certain cancers are so much lower in China and other Asian countries. Historically Asia has had a low incidence of breast cancer, but that is changing. Recent studies have shown that as the Eastern diet, which is high in soy, rice, fruits and vegetables, has been replaced by the meat-laden Western diet the incidence of breast cancer is rising.

In the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute the statistics are worrying; researchers estimate that the incidence of breast cancer in China which currently affects 10 to 60 out of 100,000 women will be more than 100 cases out of 100,000 by the year 2021. A Japanese study in the International Journal of Cancer shows that their traditional soy products helps prevent breast cancer. In a controlled study researchers found that women who consumed the most soy products had roughly a 25% reduction in breast cancer risk. In another study the results showed that soy products appear to reduce breast cancer risk provided they are consumed early in life.

I am not so biased towards a vegetarian diet that I can't entertain the idea that it's not all about meat, or that it's not even all about diet. Health and wellness is still not well understood. I am concerned, however, that the Western diet has gotten so skewed towards choosing foods for pleasure and away from what the studies continue to say: lower meat consumption, increase fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and eat more soy and plant based proteins.

~Linos E, Spanos D, Rosner BA, et al. Effect of reproductive and demographic changes on breast cancer incidence in China: a modeling analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2008;100:1352-60.
~Suzuki T, Matsuo K, Tsunoda N, et al. Effect of soybean on breast cancer according to receptor status: a case-control study in Japan. Int J Cancer 2008;123:1674-80.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everywhere you go you see the pink ribbon - they're all over my office. I just want to put something out there:

People don't realize that when they donate to health-related charities they are probably supporting animal-based research. The problem with animal-based research is that the results aren't usually applicable to human health. Dr. Richard Klausner, formerly the director for the National Cancer Institute, said that all we've done with this type of research is cure cancer in the mouse! Research to cure cancer in humans must be based upon the makeup and nature of the human body. Imagine such a radical idea.

So, the next time you want to respond to that envelope that comes in your mail requesting a donation to the American Cancer Society, the National Foundation for Cancer Research, or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, don't do it. Instead, contribute to Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, or the American Breast Cancer Foundation, or The Cancer Project, or The Breast Cancer Fund. These groups do not use wasteful animal-based research that drains funds away from the relevent and effective human research that actually helps the people they're trying to help. Don't let your hard earned money go towards inhumane, irrelevant animal experiments.

If you're like me you then say to yourself, but how the heck do I know which charities don't test on animals? EASY! Go to the Humane Charity Seal website that allows you to access all needed information about who does (and doesn't) hurt animals in order to not help humans.

The Onion

Perhaps most of you already know about "The Onion," an online satirical news website, but I only recently became aware of it. It does such a good job of creatively poking fun at what's going on in the world. Admittedly some of the items are in poor taste or over the edge, so peruse with care.


Precocious Youngster Sells Cookies To Buy Attack Ad


Extreme Weather Alert: Meteorologists Predict Intensely Brisk Autumn

Cyrus Horsin' Around

Cyrus loves to be entertained - well who doesn't? Most of his entertaining companions are people (his silly Daddy and silly Baba-joon for example) but some of his friends are animals: a musical blue octopus, a musical lighted sea horse, and ... his Baba-joon (just kidding!)

At first the silliness is carried out with glasses on...

...but someone (I won't say who) keeps grabbing the glasses...

... and they have to come off.

It's truly a mutual admiration society between these two.

Cyrus has even learned to appreciate Saeed's prickly loud kisses.
See for youself:


Here's a brief glimpse of Cyrus with his buddy, the blue octopus:


And here's his silly Daddy with the flying seahorse:

Chaotic Carrot Caper Creates Coma

The alliterative title describes this post nicely. Yesterday Mr. Cyrus added to his repertoire of rice cereal with his first serving of carrots. It was quite an experience.

First he acquired a fresh diaper.

Then he dressed up in his carrot-eating outfit.

After being seated at the head of the table Cyrus grabbed the spoon to let his mom know he was ready. Notice the clean chair, the clean tray, the clean baby.

Mmmm... carrots. Heil Hitler.

Grabbing, grabbing everything.

Hey - those carrots are good - I want some more.

Checking out the magical little jar with the good stuff in it...

... and trying to get every last drop.

All done mom - I love carrots!

... I'm starting to feel sleepy.

THE CARROT COMA

At the bottom of yesterday's post Cyrus typed a brief comment. This picture is of him doing that (notice the carrots on his tummy and right sleeve, though considering the melee the shirt is quite clean.) I was keeping him while his mom took a quick nap before settling down to study. You can see that I had tried to use the blue octopus as a buffer between the busy hands and my keyboard, but even five-month old babies can be very strong and the stuffed animal was easily bypassed.

So, if you want live action of the carrot chaos watch this:
Part 1


Part 2


Before he comes home again I will need to have purchased 1) a drop cloth and 2) a baby bathtub!

Cyrus Goes For A Walk

Cyrus is now five months old and here to visit the grandparents. Saturday dawned to gorgeous weather, walking weather. A quick cup of coffee and off we went.

Cyrus had been up for a while and was actually getting sleepy when we started our walk through the neighborhood.

Oh.. look at those sleepy eyes.

The sleepy time didn't last long because we saw Bill and Irysse in the driveway with a neighbor and their two grandsons.

Cyrus was doing some serious flirting with Irysse!

Stevie's twin sons just got new bikes for their birthday and proudly posed for a picture.

Ah... Cyrus still being pursued by the sandman. Being all cuddly in his daddy's arms increases the sandman's charms.

We thought we'd better get going so Cyrus could take his nap and the little rascal actually perked up in the stroller!

The footsies were too close and too irresistable to allow sleep to enter into the picture.

But you can only fight the sandman for so long. Once home Cyrus took a nice little nap among the clouds.

zh wtcccu bbbxe k n yh,ryv45c In case you're wondering what that is, Cyrus was helping me put up this post. He may not spell well but he sure can bang on the keyboard!

Sleepy, Sleepy Girl

I came upon these old pictures of Tippy who was sound asleep on the back of the couch. For those who don't know, Tippy was a saved semi-feral kitty that lived in a vet office for a year before Shirin worked there (during her college years) and convinced us to take her in. In her previous life on the streets Tippy had learned to be very wary, and though our home is safe, comfortable and full of food and water, she is still very cautious about people or cats sneaking up on her. For this reason I felt very pleased that she allowed me to sneak up on her nap with my camera in hand.

She definitely knew I was there...

... and woke up enough to perform the classic kitty yawn...

... but it was just too much for such a sleepy girl.

Finally, even though she still couldn't keep her eyes open, she agreed to smile for the camera.

Tippy's come a long way from those early days, when just me walking into the room where she was napping would wake her up and cause her to run away. I'm so happy that she can now relax and enjoy her life of luxury.

Happy Birthday To You!

I've never had to share my birthday with anyone. All their lives Shirin and Anahita have had to share a birthday and everything else - that's the rule when you're a twin. Somehow they've survived and still love each other. Due to busy schedules we won't be celebrating today but at the end of the month when Tita flies in from California. We will celebrate the girls' birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving! Happy Birthday!

Here's a picture from the birthday they turned 251.

Mystery Image Revealed

Well, does seeing the original full-sized photograph help? No? Then let me reveal to you the continuing story of our magnolia tree out front. Back in June I did a post on our magnolia tree's beautiful blossoms. The buds looked sort of cone-like but these really are like pine cones.

Here is the new cone with the seeds inside.

The outer edges of the hairy cone segments pull apart to reveal the hidden ruby-red gems inside.

Section by section the segments open to release the seeds.

It appears that this phenomenon proceeds from the tip of the cone to the base.

It looks like this cone is about done. It just needs to push the last few stragglers out of the house!

It is October, but the magnolia branches that appeared dead earlier in the year are sprouting new leaves. What a strange and wonderful tree.