A savvy country gentleman gave me a piece of advice that worked wonders for me. Early in my career I was in a breakfast restaurant sitting alone in a booth working on the second of my two breakfast tacos. The place was crowded and this big, gray haired guy comes up to my booth and says, “Mind if we share the booth?” I nodded. Ten minutes later we knew each other’s names and were talking. I should say I was doing most of the talking and he was doing most of the listening. I kept talking while he drank his coffee and ate. When I was talked out, he jabbed his fork at me and said, “Ray, I’ll give you two pieces of advice after all of your complaining. First, suck it up and stop complaining. Second, wish in one hand and poop (he didn’t use the word poop) in the other. See which one you get first.” I stared at him and then broke into a large grin. I said, “Sam, I needed that.” From that moment on I did a lot less complaining and lot more work. It was the prescription I needed.
Month: November 2024
Can You Solve this Anagram?
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Today’s Quote: Love is Never Passive
Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone; it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new. ~ Ursula K. Le Guin
Today’s Poem: A Drifting Petal by Mary McNeil Fenollosa
A Drifting Petal
Mary McNeil Fenollosa
If I, athirst by a stream, should kneel
With never a blossom or bud in sight,
Till down on the theme of its liquid night
The moon-white tip of a sudden keel,
A fairy boat,
Should dawn and float
To my hand, as only the Gods deserve,
The cloud-like curve,
The loosened sheaf,
The ineffable pink of a lotus leaf,—
I should know, I should feel, that far away
On the dimpled rim of a brighter day
A thought had blossomed, and shaken free
One sheath of its innermost soul for me.
Health Facts: How Weight May Affect Your Longevity
I asked ChatGPT the following health question: How many years life expectancy do you lose for each of the following: 5 pounds overweight; 10 pounds overweight; 20 pounds overweight; 30 or more pounds overweight?
Here is ChatGPT’s answer:
The impact of excess weight on life expectancy varies based on factors like overall health, activity level, and where the weight is distributed. However, studies provide some general estimates of how excess weight might affect life expectancy:
- 5 Pounds Overweight:
- Generally, 5 extra pounds may not significantly impact life expectancy, especially if the person is active and otherwise healthy. Minor excess weight often has a minimal effect.
- 10 Pounds Overweight:
- The risk associated with being 10 pounds overweight is also relatively low, with negligible impact on life expectancy. Studies suggest a slight increase in the risk of developing certain conditions, but many individuals experience minimal effects if they maintain healthy habits.
- 20 Pounds Overweight:
- Being 20 pounds overweight begins to show a more noticeable effect. Research estimates that carrying this extra weight might reduce life expectancy by about 1 to 2 years due to increased risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
- 30 Pounds or More Overweight:
- When someone is 30 pounds or more overweight, particularly if categorized as obese, the risk factors become more pronounced. Studies suggest a reduction in life expectancy of 3 to 5 years or more, largely due to the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
These numbers are approximations and can vary depending on individual lifestyle factors, genetics, and the presence of chronic health conditions. Maintaining an active lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups can help mitigate some risks associated with excess weight.
Today’s Joke: Joe’s Car Has Problems
Joe: “My car failed the emissions test today.”
Pete: “What are you going to do?”
Joe: “I’m fuming.”
Today’s Thought: Let’s Hit the Brakes
Let’s hit the brakes and take time to smile and be kind to one another. We’re all traveling on the same planet. Who wants to go through life being angry with others who are different?. There’s so much joy to miss. If we smile more, greet others with an encouraging word, and make kindness a habit our world will be a brighter and happier place.
Can You Solve this Anagram?
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Today’s Poem: Coda by Octavio Paz
Coda
Octavio Paz
Perhaps to love is to learn
to walk through this world.
To learn to be silent
like the oak and the linden of the fable.
To learn to see.
Your glance scattered seeds.
It planted a tree.
I talk
because you shake its leaves.
Health Facts: Foods that Increase Libido
For vegetarians and vegans, many foods can naturally support libido by boosting energy, improving circulation, and balancing hormones. Here are some top choices:
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are rich in essential fatty acids that support hormone production. Walnuts, in particular, contain arginine, which helps improve blood flow.
- Avocado: High in vitamin E and B6, avocado supports energy levels, blood flow, and hormone balance. Vitamin E is also known as the “sex vitamin” because it helps produce hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
- Dark Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are high in magnesium, which can help reduce stress and improve circulation. They’re also packed with folate, which supports reproductive health.
- Bananas: Bananas are rich in bromelain, an enzyme thought to increase libido and reduce impotence. They’re also high in B vitamins, especially B6, which improves energy and mood.
- Maca Root: Maca, often used as a powder in smoothies or oatmeal, has been shown to improve libido and endurance. It is also linked to hormone balance and energy improvement.
- Beets: High in nitrates, beets help dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow. This can have positive effects on libido and arousal.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Packed with zinc, which is essential for testosterone production, pumpkin seeds can boost libido and overall sexual health.
- Dark Chocolate: High in antioxidants, dark chocolate helps release endorphins and serotonin, both of which improve mood and libido. It also contains phenylethylamine, which is known to boost feelings of attraction.
- Ginger and Garlic: Both of these can stimulate blood flow and improve circulation. Garlic contains allicin, which increases blood flow and can improve endurance.
- Berries: High in antioxidants, berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries promote blood flow and heart health. They also boost overall energy and endurance.
- Watermelon: Containing citrulline, which relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation, watermelon can have a similar effect to Viagra in supporting sexual arousal.
Including these foods in a balanced diet can help support libido and overall vitality.
