Herbal Medicine: Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) with a scientific name Momordica charantia, is a climbing vine and the tendrils of which grow up to 20 centimeters long.

=> This herbal plant belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and it is a tropical as well as a subtropical vine. Ampalaya leaves are heart-shaped, which are 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter.

=> The fruits of the ampalaya vine are fleshy green with pointed ends at length. It can never be mistaken for any other variety because its ribbed and wrinkled surface had always been ampalaya’s distinct physical structure.

=> The bitter taste of the ampalaya fruit had also been the distinguishing factor from the rest of the fruits with medicinal value, and this is due to the presence of a substance known as momorcidin.
=> Ampalaya has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments. Most significant of which is for Diabetes. The Philippine variety has proven to be most potent.

Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from Ampalaya's medicinal value, it is good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.
Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectively of Ampalaya as an herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the Philippines,

= the Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to help alleviate various ailments including diabetes, liver problems and even HIV.

=  Aside from these, ampalaya also helps treat skin diseases and cough. Its herbal value extends to increasing the sterility of women, in parasiticide, antipyretic, and has purgative functions, as well. Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient.

Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya:

1) Good for rheumatism and gout
2) And diseases of the spleen and liver
3) Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
4) Helps in lowering blood pressure
5) Relives headaches
6) Disinfects and heals wounds & burns 
7) Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
8)Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea 
9) Helps prevent some types of cancer
10) Enhances immune system to fight infection
11) For treatment of hemorrhoids
12) Is an antioxidant and parasiticide
13) Is antibacterial and antipyretic

Blood disorders:  Bitter gourd juice is highly beneficial for treating blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to toxemia.  Mix 2 ounces of fresh bitter gourd juice with some lime juice.  Sip it slowly on an empty stomach daily for between four and six months and see improvement in your condition.

Cholera: In early stages of cholera, take two teaspoonfuls juice of bitter gourd leaves, mix with two teaspoonfuls white onion juice and one teaspoonful lime juice.  Sip this concoction daily till you get well.

Diabetes mellitus:  Bitter melon contains a hypoglycemic compound
(a plant insulin) that is highly beneficial in lowering sugar levels in blood and urine.  Bitter melon juice has been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels.

Energy:  Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice has been proven to improve energy and stamina level.  Even sleeping patterns have been shown to be improved/stabilized.

Eye problems:  The high beta-carotene and other properties in bitter gourd makes it one of the finest vegetable-fruit that help alleviate eye problems and improving eyesight.

Hangover:  Bitter melon juice may be beneficial in the treatment of a hangover for its alcohol intoxication properties.  It also help cleanse and repair and nourish liver problems due to alcohol consumption.

Immune booster:  This bitter juice can also help to build your immune system and increase your body's resistance against infection.

Piles: Mix three teaspoonfuls of juice from bitter melon leaves with a glassful of buttermilk. Take this every morning on empty stomach for about a month and see an improvement to your condition.  To hasten the healing, use the paste of the roots of bitter melon plant and apply over the piles.

Psoriasis:  Regular consumption of this bitter juice has also been known to improve psoriasis condition and other fungal infections like ring-worm and athletes feet.

Respiratory disorders:  Take two ounces of fresh bitter melon juice and mix with a cup of honey diluted in water.  Drink daily to improve asthma, bronchitis and pharyngitis.

Toxemia:  Bitter gourd contains beneficial properties that cleanses the blood from toxins.  Sip two teaspoonfuls of the juice daily to help cleanse the liver.  Also helpful in ridding jaundice for the same reasons

Preparation & Use of Ampalaya:

• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, juice Ampalaya leaves and drink a spoonful daily.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be juiced and taken orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted area.
• Powdered leaves, and the root decoction, may be used as stringent and applied to treat hemorrhoids.
• Internal parasites are proven to be expelled when the ampalaya juice, made from its leaves, is extracted. The ampalaya juice, and grounded seeds is to be taken one spoonful thrice a day, which also treats diarrhea, dysent

Caution

Do not consume more than two ounces of bitter melon, or more than two melons a day.  Excessive consumption may cause mild abdominal pain or diarrhea.  Diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs will need to alter the dosage of their drugs if they consume bitter melon on a regular basis.  Please consult your doctor.

Pregnant women should avoid taking too much bitter gourd or its juice as it may stimulate the uterus that may lead to preterm labor.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

 

= Carrot (Karot in Filipino) is an outstanding trait of this flowering plant, which belongs to the family of Apiaceae, is that it is self-fertile. By nature, carrot's flowers have both male and female organs, and are usually pollinated primarily by beetles and flies. In order to facilitate the cultivation of this plant, it is necessary to place it in an area where it can receive light.

=  It has a strong rate of survival, because it can withstand strong winds. However, the carrot plant cannot bear to be exposed to salty water and soil. It is a biennial plant, which means that it usually takes two years for it to complete its life cycle. However, it is not uncommon for plants of this nature to complete its biological life cycle in a few months time, especially when subjected to extreme climate conditions.
Carrot is classified as a root vegetable, which grows as tall as one (1) meter. The wild carrot, from which the modern carrot’s cultivation is based, has flowers that are rounded, which are bright white in color when it is in full bloom. Such flowers have the width of 3 to 7 centimeters, and the vegetable itself is known to have various colors, such as orange, red, purple, yellow or white.

=  Carrots are extremely popular because of its numerous uses, and because of the many vitamins and minerals that it contains. For instance, its roots are edible, whether cooked or raw, and are used as an ingredient to soups and salad bowls. It has been found that carrot root juice is very rich in carotene, which in turn is

= converted to vitamin A by our liver, and is one of the vitamins that the body needs. Regular intake of carrot roots, in any manner, though recommended to be taken in juice form, improves eyesight.

= Particular substances that are contained in the roots have been discovered to be anti-cancer. That is the primary reason why carrot juice has become a popular drink, as it is associated with a wealth of health benefits.

= The roots of the carrot plant, when roasted, are also being used as a substitute for coffee.

Extractions from the roots, known as carotene, are also being used commercially as a food dye.

= The leaves of this plant, which have high vitamin E content, are also being used as flavorings for soup. From the derived uses of this plant, it is evident that its roots, seeds, and leaves have particular functions which are known to be utilized by many.
Carrots have been known to have medicinal properties that allow it to be used as an astringent and antiseptic substance. Carrot has been used as a cleansing medicine, because of its activities which basically helps the kidney in the removal of waste in the body. It also aids in the stimulation of one’s menstruation because of the same properties.

= For children, raw carrot roots are a safe and recommended treatment for threadworms. In the same manner, regular intake of cultivated carrot roots allows the stimulation of urine flow. It manifests activities that help the skin, by virtue of its anti-oxidant contents.

Carrot Health Benefits:

• Body cleanser, and is a medication for kidney problems
• Treatment for cough and chest pains
• Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic function helps solve burns, ulcer and infected wounds

Preparation & Use:

• Boil with milk, and drink for cough
• Poultice of carrots may be applied to infected wounds and to the chest, in case it is going to be used to aid in an individual’s chest pains
• Ground seeds of the plant may be taken as tea, in order to increase urine flow

Air traffic in Europe should be back to "almost 100%" on Thursday, after six days of unprecedented travel chaos, the air traffic agency Eurocontrol says.

 

Airlines resumed services across Europe on Wednesday, with most scheduled flights going ahead.

But tens of thousands remain stranded around the world after ash from an Icelandic volcano caused the shutdown.

The airline industry says it has lost $1.7bn (£1.1bn) and has called for compensation from European goverment.

The head of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), Giovanni Bisignani, said the impact of the shutdown had been "devastating" and governments "must take their responsibility" and help carriers.

Eurocontrol said it expected about 22,500 flights to have taken place on Wednesday, out of a normal weekday total of 28,000.
"It is anticipated that almost 100% of air traffic will take place in Europe" on Thursday, the agency added.

At London's Heathrow airport, Europe's busiest, traffic ran at 90% normal service on Wednesday.

Many night flights are being allowed temporarily to help clear the backlog of stranded passengers

soucre

European airports have reopened for business, almost a week after a cloud of ash from an Icelandic volcano paralysed the air travel industry.

About 80% of European flights were expected to operate on Wednesday.

But delays are expected, as airlines try to cope with the backlog from the cancellation of 95,000 flights.

International air transport group Iata says the disruption has cost the industry $1.7bn (£1.1bn) and called for European governments to help carriers.

KEY POINTS

• UK and European airports reopen for business
• Many flights still cancelled or delayed
• Airlines begin to repatriate stranded passengers
• 80% of European flights due to operate
• Flight disruptions cost airlines $1.7bn (£1.1bn)
• Icelandic volcano has lost 80% of its intensity

Iata chief Giovanni Bisignani said the economic impact of the six-day shutdown had been "devastating" and governments "must take their responsibility" and consider ways to compensate the airlines for lost revenue.

Several European airlines, including British Airways, have criticised the extent of the flight bans.
Meanwhile, all of Europe's main air hubs were operating on Wednesday.

Air traffic agency Eurocontrol said it expected some 22,500 out of a normal weekday total of 28,000 flights to go ahead.

"It is anticipated that almost 100% of air traffic will take place in Europe" on Thursday, the agency added.  read more

 

Icelandic volcano eruption 'declining

The eruption from the Icelandic volcano that has caused travel chaos across Europe is declining according to Professor Pall Einarsson of the University of Iceland.

The Geophysicist said that the Eyjafjallajokull volcano would continue to be monitored closely but "the explosive part of the eruption" was considerably reduced.read more

The UK Met Office is still detecting an ash cloud in European airspace, so why is it now safe to allow planes to fly?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that the guidelines regarding flying through volcanic ash have been changed, following six days of discussions between aviation engineers and experts to "find a way to tackle this immense challenge, unknown in the UK and Europe in living memory".

A spokeswoman from the CAA told BBC News: "Air manufacturers, both engine and airframe, were asked to look at the scientific evidence from test flights and at the Met Office data, to understand how much volcanic ash in the atmosphere… jet engines could tolerate [without being] damaged."

Now, scientists and engineers have agreed a safe threshold - a concentration of ash of 0.002g per cubic metre of air. At or below this concentration, there is no damage to the engine.

Current data suggested that concentrations of ash in UK airspace were around 100 micrograms (or 0.0001g) per cubic metre, explained Dr Grant Allen from the Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Manchester.

"Analysis of those atmospheric measurements is early and still ongoing and being supplemented with new measurements all the time," he said.

"Two research aircraft will fly [on Wednesday] to record ash size distributions to assess how near to the new tolerance concentrations actually are, which will also be compared to previous days."

Open air

The CAA has opened airspace where the concentration of ash in the air is below this new threshold.

So does this mean the ban was ever necessary? Was the ash cloud ever sufficiently dense to prevent safe flight?

The answer to this is still unclear, but Dr Allen said that early analyses of the research flight data suggested that the plume that had been measured over the past four days contained only 0.0004g of ash per cubic metre at its peak.

But the regulations before this event were set out by an international body called the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It set a limit of "no tolerance" for any concentration of volcanic ash.

Dr Colin Brown, director of engineering at the UK's Institution of Mechanical Engineers, explained that previously, scientists were not able to detect ash at the very low concentrations that modern analytical equipment is capable of measuring. So the advice was to avoid it all together.

"Previous to this, the regulations were, if you see ash, you fly 100 miles away from it," he told BBC News.

"But now we have this blanket over the biggest airports in northern Europe. It's an unprecedented situation."

So over the past six days, the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc) has run four test flights with its Dornier 228 research aircraft, to sample different layers of the plume.

The UK's Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements also carried out a research flight on Tuesday. Each of these flights carried analytical instruments to detect particles of ash in the cloud, much of which is not visible to the naked eye.more on

The ash cloud produced by the eruption of a sub-glacial volcano in Iceland has brought chaos to the European air industry. Here we explain how and why the crisis developed.

How a volcano brought Europe to a standstill

Iceland is a country of fire and ice, home to several volcanoes and straddling two tectonic plates. The Eyjafjallajokull volcano began erupting in March. On 14 April, the eruption entered a new explosive phase which was to bring European airspace to a standstill.

full story

Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn)

 

Gumamela

= Shurb that grows from 1 meter to 4 meter high,and also known as hibiscus ,china rose and shoeflower. In the Philippines , gumamela is cultivated as ornamental plants .and its flower comes the different colors,Red, white , yellow,purple,pink, orange and other color.

= Gumamela leaves

• Usually blended rose hip has long been used in middle east and okinawa as herbal tea. Today, the use of gumamela tea is gaining world wide popularity – including Asia. Gumamela (Hibiscus) is associated with longevity.

Gumamela is used for the treatment of:

• Bronchitis - as an expectorant
• Coughs, sore throat
• Fever - as refrigerant drink
• Treats dysentery
• Urinary tract infection, bladder infections
• High blood pressure
• Prevention of constipation
• Headaches
• Boils, swelling & abscesses, mumps

Application & Use of Gumamela:

• Decoction is used to treat: Bronchitis, coughs, fever, dysentery, urinary and bladder infections, high blood pressure and constipation.
• Poultice is applied externally on the afflicted area. This is used to treat: headaches (on the forehead), boils, swelling, abscesses and mumps.
• Intake of gumamela (alone or mixed with papaya or papaya seeds) specially in large quantities can be an abortifacient.

Preparation & Use of Gumamela:

There are two ways to utilize gumamela as herbal medicine.

A).  dried
 
   For Dried gumamela, collect the flower, leaves and/or roots. Wash, then cut into small pieces and sun dry. To use as decoction, boil the dried gumamela parts (1/4 cup dried gumamela in 1 glass of water)

B)   Fresh

   To make a decoction from fresh gumamela, Wash gumamela flower and/or leaves, cut into small pieces and boil (1/3 cup in 1 glass of water), let cool and drink.

Medical characteristics of Gumamela

= flower, leaves,root =

1. Expectorant
2. Diuretic
3. Emollient
4. Anti- infectious
5. Inflammatory
6. Antipyretic
7. Anodyne
8. Refrigerant

Prosecutors defy Agra over order to clear 2 Ampatuans

Government prosecutors on Monday challenged the decision of acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra to clear two Ampatuan clan members in the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao last year, saying it dishonors the institution’s mandate to dispense justice.
Chief State Prosecutor Claro Arellano led the protest over Agra’s order exonerating detained Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan and cousin Akmad Ampatuan Sr., mayor of Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.
"We are deeply concerned that the resolution will all the more convince a long skeptical public that our criminal justice system is impotent when the accused are politically influential," he said in a statement read before Justice reporters in Manila.
Arellano said it pained them to publicly disagree with their superior’s order, but noted that while the Justice chief has the final say on cases filed at the department, they on the front line believed there is probable cause to indict Zaldy and Akmad

full story

 

Arroyo not behind junking of raps vs 2 Ampatuans — Palace

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had nothing to do with the dropping of multiple murder charges against two members of the powerful Ampatuan clan implicated in last year’s massacre of more than 50 people in Maguindanao province, Malacañang said on Sunday.
Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said it is unfair to even insinuate that President Arroyo would interfere in the legal proceedings even if the accused family had once been her strong allies who helped ensure her victory in the 2004 elections.
“However we may feel about this decision by the Department of Justice, let us confine any debate to questions of law and fact, and let us reject baseless and inflammatory speculations," he said.
On Friday, the DOJ under acting Justice secretary Alberto Agra ordered the removal of Zaldy and Akmad Ampatuan from the charge list, saying there was no strong evidence to prove that the two had conspired with other family members in plotting the gruesome massacre.
Fifty-seven people, including members of the rival Mangudadatu clan and some 30 accompanying journalists, were gunned down in Ampatuan town last November 23 in what was considered as one of the most heinous cases of political violence in the country.

source

 

world news today

 

10 injured in 2 bombs near Bangalore stadium

04/18/2010 | 11:07 AM

NEW DELHI — Two small bombs exploded outside a Bangalore cricket stadium as an estimated 35,000 fans were heading to an Indian Premier League match on Saturday, injuring 10 people

Initial investigations show the explosives used in the blasts were locally made and of low intensity, M.R. Poojar, the city’s deputy police commissioner told The Associated Press.
Bangalore lost to Tendulkar’s Mumbai squad by 57 runs in its last regular season match ahead of the semifinals.
Bangalore captain Anil Kumble, a former Indian captain, said none of his players wanted to forfeit the match following the explosion.
"We heard a noise. We were told to be careful. The security guys told us that they will check and let us know about the situation. No player opted to step out of the game and all were ready to play," Kumble was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.

read more.

sports

Ginebra's Rudy Hatfield, center, finds himself trapped against the defense of San Miguel's Dennis Miranda, Gabe Freeman and Danny Ildefonso during their PBA Fiesta Cup game at the Big Dome Sunday night. GMANews.TV

Foreign bets out to blank RP riders of stage honors

04/19/2010 | 10:09 PM

Foreign riders are poised to shutout Filipino cyclists of stage honors in Le Tour de Filipinas 2010 after James Ball of South Africa's Team DCM topped the Quezon City to Subic section of the race. Ireland's David McCann ruled the opening stage while Pieter Seyffert, also of Team DCM, copped Day 2 honors.

read more

Philippine Garlic(Bawang)

= The Philippine bawang or garlic variety is more pungent than the imported ones.

= Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time and have been especially proven during World War II when it was used to treat wounds and infections of soldiers.

=  Garlic’s antibacterial compound known as allicin, saved many lives of the soldiers as this property prevented the wounds from being infected and developing into gangrene at a later stage by extracting the juice of bawang or garlic and applying to the wounds.

• Its juices inhibit the growth of fungi and viruses thus, prevent viral, yeast, and infections. The preliminary test conducted on this medicinal herb showed some positive results in the treatment of AIDS.
• Several clinical tests that followed and published studies have shown the efficacy of garlic in lowering cholesterol in the blood and is beneficial to the circulatory system of the body.

= Today, as more research is done on garlic, more medicinal and therapeutic properties become more evident. As of the present time, lowering of the blood pressure, reduction of platelet aggregation, and the boosting of fibrinolytic activities are among the list of herbal functions of garlic, which is supported by medical findings. Although more clinical studies are needed to support the contention stronger, marked improvements in benign breast diseases have been traced to make progress because of the regular intake of supplements, of which the primary ingredient is garlic.

* Although controlled trials in terms of Anti-cancer activities of garlic have been performed in medical research,It has been proven through population base studies that substances contain in garlic help reducing the risk of some types of cancer.These would include colorectal malignancies, and gastric cancer. Regular consumption of raw garlic has been proven to aid in many bleeding cases, especially those cases that are associated with procedures in surgeries and dental activities.

All these considered, It appears that garlic have no concrete scientific basis to claim a significant  in the level of glucose in our blood.It is remarkable to note though to the Philippines Department of Health has endorsed garlic as one of the  top ten Philippine Herb with therapeutic value and the Department recommend its use as an alternative herbal medicine in view of positive result of thorough research and testing, which had been conducted in this Herbal plants.juice extract from garlic bulbs can be used as tick and mosquito repellent when applied to skin.

Note: BAD breath due to strong odor of garlic, is most common side effect of taking this herbs.

• Fresh garlic application to the skin have been reported to cause skin burns and skin rashes.this goes true both those who are in initial stages of the garlic therapies , those who consume it as an ingredient in food preparations.

Health Benefits of Bawang Garlic

1. Good for the heart.
2. Helps lower bad cholesterol level.
3. Aids in lowering blood pressure.
4. Remedy for arteriosclerosis.
5. May help prevent  certain types of cancer.
6. Boost immune system to fight infection.
7. With antioxidant properties.
8. Cough and cold remedy.
9. Relives sore throat, toothache.
10. Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis.
11. Helps relieve rheumatism pain.
12. with anticoagulant properties.

How to prepare a Bawang Garlic?

• For disinfectant wound
  =Crush and juice the garlic bulb and apply.you may cover the affected area with gauze and bondage.
• For sore throat and toothache.
  =peal the skin and chew, swallow the juice.
• cloves of garlic may be crushed and applied to affected area to reduce pain cause by arthritis ,toothache, headache and rheumatism.
• decoction of bawang bulb and leaves are use as treatment for fever
• For Nasal congestion, steam and inhale: vinegar chopped garlic and water.

= Aside from being alternative herbal medicine for hypertension,arteriosclerosis and other ailments.

= garlic is also recommended for maintaining good health - eat raw garlic bulbs if you can, and include bawang regularly in the food you eat. Garlic is healthy and taste good on a variety of dishes.    

Hyundai Equus

Hyundai has stepped up its game tenfold with the introduction of the 2011 Hyundai Equus sedan at The New York International Auto Show on Thursday. The Korean manufacturer’s new flagship is going to turn heads with its features, looks, and price.

The luxury sedan has a longer wheelbase than the Lexus LS 460, is reminiscent of a previous generation Mercedes S-Class in its design, comes packed with an amazing litany of features, and, when it’s introduced in the fall, will cost between $50,000 to $60,000, according to Hyundai Motors America president and CEO John Krafcik.

That’s at least $5,000 below the LS 460 and $35,000 below the S-Class.

The Equus is practically Maybach in its features, among them:

• Heated, cooled and (optional) massage seats for the driver
• Reclining rear heated and cooled seats with footrest
• High intensity discharge Xenon headlights with adaptive lighting
• Rear and optional front-view cameras that help in parking and also pulling out of blind spots like an alley
• A 608-watt, 17-speaker, 13-channel Lexicon sound system

About the only non-luxury item on the Equus is its six-speed automatic transmission (the S-Class has seven speeds while the LS 460 comes with eight). Hyundai officials said the decision was made to maintain the basic powertrain from the Genesis platform that the Equus is based on.

Luyang Dilaw- Ginger

(Zingiber officinale)

 

 Luyang Dilaw, or Ginger Root (scientific name: Zingiber officinale) belongs to the family of, as its scientific name signifies, ZingiberaceaeThe rootstocks of this erect, smooth plant are thick, and have strong aromatic qualities. Its edible roots, tops, and even its leaves are found to have medicinal value.

The taste of luyang dilaw is distinct, brought about by the zingerone and shogoal substances that it has, giving the plant its pungent properties. As an herbal medicine, Luyang Dilaw has long been

= used as a cold, cough, fever, and sore throat remedy.

Ginger Helps:

• Digestion and absorption of food.
• Lowering of cholesterols.
• Alleviating Nausea and vomiting.

Ginger also has:

• Antifungal.
• Antiseptic.
• Antiviral.
• Anti-inflammatory property.

Ginger has been found to  contain:

• Potent anti-oxidant qualities, which came from the extract and active constituent of the plants.These uses are separate and distinct from the nutritional value of Luyang Dilaw.

Salabat:

• very popular local beverage mainly associated as the main ingredient is from the Rhizomes of luyang dilaw.

= Recent studies have shown that luyang dilaw had been found with traces of antiemetic properties. Thus, it is now being recommended to be taken half an hour before one’s travel to avoid being travelsick and experience nausea during the voyage.

Precaution:

• Pregnant women should take precautionary measures in taking luyang dilaw for medical purposes although it has been proven that none of the plant’s substances triggers adverse side effect, even when it interacts with other drugs.
• This herbal plant is not recommended for expectant mothers for the very reason that there is a possibility of inhibition of testosterones that binds the fetus, as a result of some of the properties that luyang dilaw contains.

 

Ginger :

• is widely used in India to reduce inflammation and pain with those with arthritis.gives lowers pain-causing prostaglandin levels, found by researchers in taking of it.they advise taking 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day, the higher the intake the ginger the higher relief.
• it also help to prevent hair loss,Pound an inch square of ginger and extract the juice. massages the fresh ginger juice directly to you scalp and leave on for at list 15 min before rinsing,but for best result, leave on overnight to better stimulate the hair follicles and induce growth.

These are some medical benefits of Luyang Dilaw 

1. Relieves rheumatic pain and muscle pain.
2. Alleviates sore throat, fever and colds.
3. Ease nausea and vomiting .
4. Intestinal disorders and slow digestion.
5. Relief from tympanism and flatulence.
6. Treat intestinal worms.
7. Hinder diarrhea , gas pains.
8. Relieve indigestion(dyspepsia),toothaches.
9. lower cholesterol level.
10. Aids treatment of tuberculosis.

How to prepare & use?

• Boil the ginger root in water and drink. The more concentrated the better.
• For sore throat and tooth ache, remove the skin and chew small portions.
• For cuts & bruises, apply the juice of luyang-dilao directly to the skin or use dried rhizomes with 70% alcohol then apply to afflicted areas.
• For rheumatism and muscle pains, pound roasted or fresh ginger and apply to painful areas -can be mixed with oil for easy application

TANGLAD OR LEMON GRASS

        (Andropogon citratus DC)

Tanglad or lemon grass is a commercially-viable plants that is cultivated mainly for the fragrance that it produces. It can be easily found in most Asian countries,tanglad is a permanent or perennial plants,and the benefits of which are not restricted to its fragrance .The utility of tanglad basically lies in its leaves. where all the benefits derived. What can be seen in this plant  are mainly its leaves, which allows easy to access to the main part that is needed in order to enjoy tanglad’s health benefits.

Benefits of Tanglad/Lemon grass in our Health

• Studies show that tanglad helps ease stomach discomforts and aids in lessening, if not totally curing,the pain cause of toothache and pain.
• Lemon grass also displays anti-bacterial activities and anti-fungal properties, thus ,indicates ring worms. like malungay ,lemon grass can also be applied to sprain for easy healing.

In order to enjoy this benefits of tanglad, one needs to prepare a liniment. this can be done by chopping four ounces of the leaves  and roots of tanglad and boiling them, a long with fresh coconut oil. If it is infusion that an individual to achieve, use one pint of water to boil a tanglad leaves with. this plants may also serve as insect repellent, particularly mosquitoes.

One can achieve an effect to this end either by applying liniment, or by placing crushed tanglad leaves in strategic places at home including the window sills. It is also an option to plant tanglad around the house so that placement of crushed leaves would no longer be needed.
Another health benefit which can be derived from tanglad, is the calming effect derived from its scent. Thus, lemon grass can aid an individual if such person is suffering from insomnia or stress.

The plant also has therapeutic value, which allows it to be used by women who are suffering from menstrual problems or dysmenorrhoea, and from usual bouts of nausea.

Tanglad also has cleansing properties, which makes it a good option to detoxify the various internal organs, like the liver.

Lemon grass reduces the level of uric acid and of other toxins, as it detoxifies the body.

This can result to better blood circulation and better digestion, as excess fats and cholesterol are cut down from the body. When taken in, tanglad affects the tissues in such a manner that there would be a significant reduction and avoidance of acne and pimples.

Also, it tones the muscles and the tissues, and thus makes the skin firmer.Like saluyot, exposure of an individual to the benefits of tanglad is greatly increased because of the nature with which it can be used. As saluyot can be taken in as part of one’s usual viand and dish, tanglad’s properties on the other hand, allows it to be used as food flavorings. Lemon grass is incorporated in a multitude of Asian cuisines and dishes,

And in the Philippines it is even made part of commercial beverages. So aside from the oil that can be extracted from lemon grass leaves,

The fluid that is obtained from the boiled leaves of this plant proves to have medicinal purposes as well.

Such lemon grass leaves can also be used in its raw form by mixing directly with the food before it is served. Such dishes include, and are especially good, when the primary ingredient is fish or poultry. Besides the health benefits, tanglad balances the chili flavorings in dishes, which makes eating a more enjoyable experience.

PHILIPPINE ALTERNATIVE HERVAL MEDICINE

 

Now a days so many people suffering due to sickness , they can’t afford to buy medicine due to high prize. I try to read some alternative medicine,knowing that there are a lot of plants,fruits and trees in our backyard that serve as a natural medicine,I think this the right time for us to know about all herbal plants, even though  you’re not suffering diseases. you may help your neighbor by giving them knowledge about it.knowing in a reliable site,Herbal medicine is defined as the use of natural herbs and plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders and for the promotion of good health.

Bayabas or guava 

=Is a tropical plants,witch is locally known for its edible fruits.this plants is commonly seen, and grown because of its many uses as fruits and as traditional remedy to treat various ailments.As shown by many research studies, almost all of the parts of this plants have medical value.

The bayabas fruit and leaves are used as herbal medicine. Its leaves decoction is recognized for its effectiveness to cure several ailments,including the treatment of uterine hemorrhage, swollenness of the legs and other parts of the body,of chronic diarrhea, and gastroenteritis, among others.The most common use of the leaves is for cleaning and disinfecting wounds by rinsing the affected area.with a decoction of the leaves.In the same way,such leaves are being use to aid in the treatment of dysentery and the inflammation of the kidneys. The bark and leaves can be used as astringent. it can be used as a wash for uterine and vaginal problems.and is good for ulcer. The medical uses of Bayabas appear infinite, as it is also a suggested natural cure of fevers, diabetes, epilepsy, worms, and spasms. The fruit, aside from being delicious , contains nutritional values with a very high concentration of vitamin A and vitamin C.

 

Uses of Bayabas ( Guava)

• Antiseptic, astringent & Anthelminthic
• Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba
• Used to treat diarrhea, nosebleeding
• For hypertension, diabetes,and ashma
• Promotes menstruation

The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts.A decoction (boiling in water) or infusion of fresh leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent infection.Bayabas is also effective for toothaches . Note: Bayabas can cause constipation if excess.

Preparation:

• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. let cool
• Use decoction as mouthwash, gargle.
• Use as wound disinfectant – wash affected areas with decoction of leaves 2 to 3 times a day. fresh leaves may be applied to the wound directly  for faster healing.
• For toothaches , chew the leaves in your mouth.
• For diarrhea , boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes in water and strain. let cool, and drink a cup every three to four hours.
• To stop nosebleed , densely roll Bayabas leaves, then place in the nosetril cavities.

For more info

VOTERS 3X UP IN SECOND DAY OAV

 

Despite glitches in at least two of the counting machines, almost 3,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong voted on the second day of the overseas absentee voting (OAV), or almost triple the number of votes cast when the voting started Saturday.
“Today [Sunday], 2,901 votes were cast by Filipinos in Hong Kong, or almost three times the number of votes cast yesterday," said Vice Consul Val Roque of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong in an e-mail sent to GMANews.TV.
The number of voters in Hong Kong when the OAV opened reached only 997 as of 6 p.m. Saturday.
The increase was recorded even as problems with the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in two precincts stalled the registering of votes for as long as two hours, according to the election watchdog Kontra Daya.

FULL STORY

 

Presidential candidate Sen. Aquino III remains ovn top.

(Updated 7:21 p.m.) Presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party) remains on top in a recent survey commissioned by an ally of rival Sen. Manny Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party) .
According to the results of the survey conducted from March 28 to 30 and purportedly commissioned by House Minority Floor Leader Ronaldo Zamora, Villar scored 29 percentage points, or eight points behind Aquino’s 37.
The NP claimed the survey was from Social Weather Station (SWS), although the poll firm has yet to confirm it. Calls made by GMANews.TV to its office were not answered.
In the SWS survey last month that was commissioned by BusinessWorld, Villar got 28 percent while Aquino got 37 percent.
In a statement, the NP still expressed exultation over the latest survey, saying it was a “leap" from the 12-point lead enjoyed by Aquino in the March 21 to 28 survey by rival pollster Pulse Asia, where the LP bet got 37 percent compared to Villar’s 25.
“That’s a leap of four points [25 percent in Pulse Asia to 29 percent in SWS], immediately after the field personnel of the other survey firm were just wrapping up their own results," said NP senatorial candidate and spokesperson Gilbert Remulla in a statement.

source

Showbiz news

Rachelle Ann Go: ‘It’s good to be back!’

Hindi raw naging madali pero masaya at excited daw Rachelle Ann Go sa kanyang desisyon na lumipat at magbalik sa Kapuso Network. At isa sa mga show na gagawin niya ay ang Party Pilipinas. Read more

Sports today:

A thrilling win of Barangay Genebra.

A thrilling win for Barangay Ginebra. A heartbreaking loss for Rain or Shine.
JayJay Helterbrand, Awvee Storey and Mark Caguioa rallied back the Kings from 15-points down to frustrate the Elasto Painters, 100-98, in a PBA Fiesta Cup road game Saturday in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Helterbrand’s back-to-back baskets inside the final three minutes finally gave the Kings the lead, 93-90, after a long chase, before Storey and Caguioa combined to score Ginebra’s last seven points to clinch the come-from-behind win fashioned out before a big weekend crowd at the Victorias Sports and Amusement Center.
The Kings won their third game in four outings to create a three-way logjam at second place with Coca-Cola and defending champion San Miguel.
Ginebra's victory was its ninth straight on the road. The last time the Kings lost a road game was on April 12, 2008, where they suffered a 101-97 setback against the Sta. Lucia Realtors also in the Fiesta Conference.
The victory also served as a fitting welcome for the comebacking Rudy Hatfield, who played his first game in the league following a three-season absence.
On the other hand, Rain or Shine saw its two-game winning streak come to an abrupt end and fell to an even 2-2 card.
Behind Sol Mercado’s hot shooting, the Elasto Painters jumped to a 13-point lead early in the third, before settling for an 85-70 tally entering the final 12 minutes of play.

full story

WELCOME HOME

 

         For many teenagers who run away, returning home isn’t all they hoped for. more a few 15 years of old have been confronted by a father who has snarled, I don’t know if I can ever forgive you.It’s a bad enough that you’ve given your mother migraines ever since you out grew the backyard. But you’ve done it. Coming home doesn’t change the fact that you’re just a dirty little delinquent.”
       Our attitude toward delinquent in the family of God be quite different.In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul told how to receive a repentant Christian back into the fellowship of the church .
(vv.6-8).
       From what he said, we draw this conclusion: When a Christian returns after falling into a sin and being separated from the  fellowship of God’s people, we must avoid a well you’ve really done it this time attitude.Instead we should covey love, acceptance, and desire to see Him fully restored (Gal. 6:1).That’s not to say we’re to take his disobedient lightly. We should long for his spiritual health just as parents want to see their child avoid the consequences of delinquent behavior.But when a person sincerely repents and come back to the Lord, the best way to help him is to give him  a warm “Welcome Home!”

 

Forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with to much sorrow. as a brother and sister in Christ encourage and let him feel that still one in family of God.Give him an assignment in church good for him to immediate restoration. 

How God views repentance

The older son reveals a lot about human nature. When we read the story, most of us have a hard time disputing his reasoning. What’s fair about a wasteful son returning home to a banquet while the loyal son who did everything that was asked of him received no such honor?

Jesus reminds us through the father’s response that God’s ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8). The father gently acknowledged to his older son that he was aware that he had always been with him, and that everything the father had was his older son’s. But they had to celebrate the return of "this brother of yours" (a reminder of the older son’s relationship with his brother). It was not just necessary, "it was the right thing. The father had to do it. Joy was the only proper reaction in such a situation" (The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, vol. 3, page 268).

When we repent, God restores us to the full honors due a child of God, regardless of our sins (Acts 3:19: 1 John 2:1-2). This is hard for human beings to grasp. But the lavish mercy and forgiveness of God, made possible by the perfect, willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ, are truly amazing. Indeed, one could say they are prodigal. Because if any point stands out in this parable, it is how lavish God is in his forgiveness and mercy.

Throughout this parable, Jesus illustrated to the "sinners" (speaking to each of us) that, just as for the wayward son, the way to repentance was wide open for them. To the Pharisees and religious teachers (also speaking to each of us), Christ showed that the people they looked down on so much, the "sinners" and tax collectors, were part of their family, too, and a slavish obedience to the law brings no spiritual reward in itself (Isaiah 1:11; Ephesians 2:8-9). It is God, by his grace and mercy, who rewards us (Romans 9:14-18).

The father in the story reveals the humanly incomprehensible love that God our Father has for each of us, and the earnest desire he has to forgive us and have a relationship with us. Far from being the story of the prodigal son, Luke 15 is more aptly the story of the prodigal God—one whose lavish, extravagant, luxuriant love for us can only amaze us on the one hand and give us great solace and comfort on the other.

Israeli PM Netanyahu pulls out of US nuclear summit

 

Israel has never confirmed or denied that it possesses atomic weapons

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled a visit to the US where he was to attend a summit on nuclear security, Israeli officials say.

Mr Netanyahu made the decision after learning that Egypt and Turkey intended to raise the issue of Israel's presumed nuclear arsenal, media reports said.

Mr Obama is due to host dozens of world leaders at the two-day conference, which begins in Washington on Monday.

Israel has never confirmed or denied that it possesses atomic weapons.

"The prime minister has decided to cancel his trip to Washington to attend the nuclear conference next week, after learning that some countries including Egypt and Turkey plan to say Israel must sign the NPT," Reuters news agency quoted a senior Israeli official as saying.

Israel's Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Dan Meridor will take Netanyahu's place in the nuclear summit, Israeli radio said.

More than 40 countries are expected at the meeting, which will focus on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to militant groups

For more info:

Israeli reporters said:

There were concerns that Egypt and Turkey would call for Israel to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Along with India, Pakistan and North Korea, Israel is one of just four states that have not signed up to the NPT, which has 189 signatories.

Earlier this week, President Obama unveiled the new Nuclear Posture Review - which narrows the circumstances in which the US would use nuclear weapons - outlining his country's long-term strategy of nuclear disarmament.

On Thursday, the US president and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, signed a landmark nuclear arms treaty in the Czech capital, Prague.

more info:

Check out news from Philippines

2 LP bets file disqualification vs Villar over ‘vote-buying’

(Updated 7:50 p.m.) Two Liberal Party (LP) senatorial candidates have filed a disqualification case against Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar Jr. for alleged vote-buying, citing cases of the NP bet distributing cash and awarding scholarships during campaign-related activities.

Full Story

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» Noynoy: Psych claims smack of detractors’ desperation

For more info:

 

Strong Fiesta Cup start for All-Filipino champs Purefoods

Derby Ace took control from the opening tip, weathered a strong Sta. Lucia rally before coasting to an 86-79 win in their debut in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Astrodome Wednesday night.

New import Lorenzo Wade topscored for the Llamados with 20 points with James Yap and K.G. Canaleta adding 18 each to extend Derby Ace’s winning streak a month after scoring a sweep of Alaska in the Philippine Cup finals.
Canaleta and Roger Yap made consecutive driving lay ups inside the final two minutes to seal the victory for the Llamados, 82-74.
"Our motivation is that we were not the champions in this conference, so we have to continue playing hard," said Canaleta, who also had five rebounds as he filled the void left by the absence of the injured Kerby Raymundo.
"It’s hard to fill in the shoes of Kerby. I’m just going to do what is expected of me," added the former University of the East stalwart in Filipino.
Sta. Lucia dropped their second straight game for a 1-3 card.

Derby Ace's Rico Maierhofer and Sta. Lucia's Gabby Espinas fight for ball possession during their PBA Fiesta Cup game on Wednesday at the Astrodome. GMANews.TV

Anthony Johnson led the Realtors’ losing cause with 26 points, but was never the same again after being accidentally poked in the left eye during a loose ball battle with eight minutes to go in the final quarter and Sta. Lucia trailing by 12.
But Ryan Reyes, former league most valuable player Kelly Williams and Josh Urbiztondo brought Sta. Lucia back in the game, closing to within 76-73 inside the final four minutes of play.
The Realtors even had a chance to cut the deficit further, but Johnson missed his two free throws and Williams was stripped off the ball by Roger Yap, allowing the Llamados to score the insurance baskets.
Further hurting the Realtors’ cause was their 16 missed shots from the foul line. – GMANews.TV

Scores:
Derby Ace 86 – Wade 20, Canaleta 18, Yap J. 18, Artadi 10, Yap R. 6, Maierhofer 4, Allado 4, Simon 2, Pingris 2, Reavis 2, Salvador 0.
Sta. Lucia 79 – Johnson 26, Reyes 12, Williams 12, Urbiztondo 7, Espinas 6, Aquino 6, Custodio 4, Misolas 4, Omolon 2, Pacana 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarter scores: 25-21, 43-36, 63-56, 86-79.

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Kyrgyzstan President Bakiyev refuses to resign

 

Kyrgyzstan's President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who was forced to flee the capital Bishkek amid a bloody uprising, has insisted he will not resign.

In a series of interviews, Mr Bakiyev said he was in the south and would not leave. But he accepted he had lost control of the security forces.

The opposition, under ex-foreign minister Roza Otunbayeva, says it has taken full power.

The violent uprising has left 75 people dead and more than 1,000 injured.

Further sustained gunfire was heard after nightfall on Thursday, with Reuters news agency quoting the interior ministry as saying police were battling hundreds of looters.

'Repression and tyranny'

Mr Bakiyev, who came to power in a revolution in the Central Asian state five years ago, fled the bloody clashes in Bishkek on Wednesday reportedly to fly to the city of Osh.

A big role was played by people giving out money, handing out alcohol

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev,
speaking to the BBC

Q&A: Kyrgyzstan unrest

In pictures: Kyrgyzstan revolt

He told BBC Russian he was in southern Kyrgyzstan but would not disclose the exact location.

Mr Bakiyev said he was the legitimate president and condemned the uprising, saying "armed people are strolling the streets of the capital - stealing things, looting and pillaging, killing people. And this new 'interim government'... is completely incapable of imposing order - and they're simply blaming the president for everything."

But he added: "If this so-called 'temporary' government that has appointed itself is prepared to begin negotiation talks, then I'm prepared to listen to them."

In an earlier interview with Russia's Ekho Moskvy radio station he insisted he had "no plans" to leave Kyrgyzstan but admitted: "I don't have any real levers of power."

For more info:

Bishkek: Opposition claim to have control. Protesters still surround government HQ (aka the White House) which has been ransacked and part of it set on fire. Reports of looting in the city.

Osh: President Bakiyev has a support base in the country's second city and is believed to be in Jalal-Abad.

Naryn: Second day of unrest. New opposition governor installed.

Talas: Uprising began here on 6 April. Interior minister beaten up by protesters on 7 April who stormed police HQ and installed new governor.

Border with Kazakhstan is closed.

"Limited operations" at US military base in Manas.

 

 

US and Russian nuclear arsenals

US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, signed a landmark nuclear arms treaty in the Czech capital, Prague on Thursday.

The treaty commits the former Cold War enemies to each reduce the number of deployed strategic warheads to 1,550 - 30% lower than the previous ceiling. Here is a breakdown of their respective arsenals.

USA
RUSSIA

Intercontinental ballistic missile

Name
No.
Warheads
Name
No.
Warhead

After the Nuclear Posture Review: The Next Steps

Posted by Nikolas K. Gvosdev on 04/07/2010 :: Permalink :: Comments

The Nuclear Posture Review has been released. Now the hard part begins: translating its recommendations into hard policy.

The drafters of the report had to engage in a policy version of "jenga": where the clarification of a policy goal, a modification in position or even an outright change in one area might have negative ramifications in another area. Is moving the U.S. away from decades of strategic ambiguity about when and under what circumstances we might employ nuclear weapons help our non-proliferation efforts (by taking nuclear weapons use off the table in a number of scenarios) or hurt them (because allies and partners might decide that the worth of America's nuclear umbrella has been lessened)? Does de-emphasizing the importance of nuclear weapons in U.S. strategy lessen their importance for other countries--or will other states conclude that nuclear weapons are the only way to balance against America's overwhelming conventional (and technological) advantages on the battlefield?

The NPR is only a start. What now matters is what signals are sent, not just from policy statements and speeches, but in terms of budgetary priorities. Will the United States engage in a major overhaul of its conventional capabilities so that America can credibly threaten other states and actors with a devastating conventional equivalent of nuclear force? Will there be increased deployments overseas of U.S. military personnel and equipment (and/or increased sales of sensitive U.S. conventional systems to allies) to bolster security guarantees (and to prevent other states from re-assessing the value of U.S. promises of protection)? This NPR certainly doesn't lead to any sort of "peace dividend"; on the contrary, if the U.S. is going to maintain its current strategic position and network of alliances, then upgrading conventional capabilities, reinforcing the ability to deploy overseas and continuing to devote significant funds to research and develop new technologies capable of making nuclear weapons obsolete are all on the table.

A bigger question is whether the U.S. political and pundit classes will be comfortable with the perception of heightened risk. If one believes that, during the Gulf War of 1991, Saddam Hussein had been deterred from using his unconventional weapons--even when launching ballistic missile strikes--because of the threat delivered to him that the U.S. reserved the right to use nuclear force in retaliation, then having the United States now come out and take use of nuclear weapons off the table in most instances might affect the willingness to deploy U.S. military forces into situations where some sort of WMD might be used to inflict mass casualties. There is also the loss of the reassurance that the U.S. could turn a potential enemy into a slag of radioactive glass and wash its hands of the problem.

But let's face it: the NPR doesn't change the basic calculus that U.S. military internventions ought to be driven by needs of national interest, not whether or not they are "easy" or "cost free." In none of its post-Cold War military actions was the United States going to employ the use even of low-yield nuclear weapons which would have provided no advantages on the battlefield and been extremely corrosive to other core U.S. security goals--such as ensuring that nuclear weapons are never used again, and certainly not seen as "just another weapons system."

The NPR, therefore, must be integrated into an overall recabilibration of U.S. strategy--and I wait to see how its principles will be reflected in the next several defense budgets submitted by the administration.

Read more

 

World powers in UN meeting on Iran nuclear sanctions

US envoy to the UN, Susan Rice, says negotiations are progressing swiftly

The UN ambassadors of six world powers are meeting in New York to discuss possible sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear programme.

China and Russia have so far refused to back the new measures put forward by the US and some European delegations.

At a meeting in the Czech Republic with his Russian counterpart, US President Barack Obama called for a "strong" fourth round of sanctions on Iran.

Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev said he would support only "smart" sanctions.

"Unfortunately Tehran is not reacting to an array of constructive compromise proposals. We cannot close our eyes to this," Mr Medvedev said after the US and Russian leaders signed a landmark nuclear arms reduction treaty in the Czech capital, Prague.

Russia, like China, has the power to veto sanctions.

Iran insists its uranium enrichment programme is for peaceful purposes.

For more info

Obama to ratchet up Iran pressure over nuclear plans.

Iranian leaders accuses U.S

Iranian nuclear missile fear  raisereport d by UN

SPORTS

Live - Masters day one

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Tiger Woods tees off as Tom Watson takes the early lead on day one of the Masters at Augusta National.

NBA news:

Jones joins basketball side

Ex-sprinter Marion Jones joins basketball side Tulsa

Jones was a top college basketball player

Disgraced sprinter Marion Jones has signed for Women's National Basketball Association franchise the Tulsa Shock.

The 34-year-old won three Olympic titles in 2000 but was later stripped of her medals after admitting she used performance-enhancing drugs.

She announced last autumn that she planned to join the WNBA and has trained with several teams.

 

for more

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FIA clarifies ride-height rules

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RICE MONEY

 

Read: Their deep poverty aboundoned in the

Luke 21:1-4 riches of their liberality

2 corinthians 8:2 2 corinthians 8:2

In the province of Mizoram in India lives a group of Christian who have discovered

A unique way to give to the work of the Lord.as the woman of the hause prepares meals for her family,meals that consist primarily of rice,she measures out just enough rice to feed her family.

Then,before she cook that rice,she riches into the dish,grabs a handful,and takes it out.This she sets aside until Sunday,when she takes it to church and combine it with the rice brought by other women.The church then sells it and uses the proceeds to support the missionary projects.One of the items purchased was a computer that is being to help the Mizo people complete a translation of the Bible in their language.

It would be easy for people without much money to at the little they have and decide it’s

Not worth giving.Likewise,it would been easy for the widow in Luke 21 to feel inadiquate with her two small coinswhen she the saw the large amounts the rich people put in the temple treasury.

God isn’t interested in the amount as much as Heis in a heart of sacrifise.That’s why Jesus said the widow put in more than all the others(v3).Can we honestly say that our giving is sacrifice.

The gifts we offer to the Lord

Are by His standards measured;

Our sacrifise and lives of praise

Such gifts are highly treasured.

The opposition in Kyrgyzstan says it is setting up a "people's government" after deadly clashes left dozens dead.

 

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Violence on the streets of Bishkek as protesters and police clash

An opposition leader and former foreign minister, Roza Otunbayeva, told the BBC that new defence and interior ministers had been appointed.

The whereabouts of President Bakiyev are not clear but reports say that he has flown out of the capital, Bishkek.

Protests at rising prices, corruption and the arrest of opposition leaders had erupted in three cities.

Ms Otunbayeva said the interim government would remain in power for six months and draw up a new constitution.

Kyrgyzstan is a strategically important Central Asian state and houses a key US military base that supplies forces in Afghanistan. Russia also has a base there.

Ms Otunbayeva said these military bases could continue as before.

The United States said it deplored the violence and urged "respect for the rule of law". It also said it believed the government was still in control.

Russian PM Vladimir Putin denied that Moscow had played any role in the unrest, saying it was a "domestic affair" and that there should be "restraint".

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the protests showed the "outrage at the existing regime".

A spokesman for Ban Ki-moon said the UN secretary general was "shocked by the reported deaths and injuries that have occurred today in Kyrgyzstan. He urgently appeals for dialogue and calm to avoid further bloodshed".

read more

 

Sudan's Umma party declares election boycott

Opposition parties warn that the poll is unlikely to be either free or fair

One of Sudan's key opposition parties has said that it plans to boycott the country's elections.

A spokesman said the Umma party would not take part in the presidential, parliamentary or state polls.

Sudan's first multi-party elections since 1986 are scheduled to begin on Sunday.

The Umma party's decision follows that of the main southern Sudan party, the SPLM, to boycott the vote in the northern areas.

"We have decided to boycott the electoral process at all levels," said Sarah Nugdalla, head of Umma's political bureau.

Umma was among a group of opposition parties that had given the Sudanese government a deadline to introduce reforms in return for a pledge to take part in the elections - as long as these were delayed until May.

read more 

 

Egypt calls for antiquities unity

The conference is aimed at recovering artefacts from overseas

States which say artefacts have been stolen and displayed overseas should unite to recover their stolen heritage, Egypt's top archaeologist has said.

Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), urged culture officials from around the world to draw up lists of missing items.

Some 20 countries are represented at the two-day conference in Cairo aimed at recovering artefacts from overseas.

The SCA wants many pharaonic items returned by Western museums.

"Museums are the main source for stolen artefacts," he told delegates from countries including Libya, Greece, Italy, China and Peru.

"If they stop (buying stolen artefacts) the theft will be less.

 

read more

CHANGING YOUR WORLD

READ: 1Corinthians 13:1-7

 

A young woman lived in a home where She she was very unhappy often complained for her friends and told them how difficult it was for her to stay there. She blamed her parents and the other members of her family for her discontent and threatened to move out as soon as she could afford to be on her own. One day, though, her face was graced with a happy smile. Gone was her usual glum expression. Her eyes were sparkling. There was a spring in her step. When a friend noticed the difference, she exclaimed, “Things must have improved at home. Im so glad!” “No” the young woman responded, “Im the one who is different!” That young womans outlook was brighter and her relationship with others were transformed. It wasnt because her circumstances had improved, but because she had experienced a change in her heart. When we are confronted with irritating situations and we begin to feel sorry for ourselves, we should ask these questions: Is the trouble really with others? or could it be me? As we ask the Lord to fill us with His perfect love, Its amazing how life begins to look better. Letting God changed us is the best way to changed our world.

Lord take my Life and make it wholly Thine; Fill my poor heart with thy great love divine. Take all my will, my passion,self, and pride; I now surrender Lord – in me abide

Flooding in Rio de Janeiro state kills 79

At least 60 people have been killed after torrential rain caused landslides and flooding in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, officials have said.

Thirty-three people died in Rio de Janeiro city after 28cm (11in) of rain fell in 24 hours, while 33 were killed in the neighbouring city of Niteroi.

Flooding left another 12 people dead in Sao Goncalo, and one in Petropolis.

Rio de Janeiro's governor has declared a state of emergency while the city's mayor has told people to stay indoors.

"The situation is chaos," Mayor Eduardo da Costa Paes said in a statement on Tuesday. "All the major streets of the city are closed because of the floods."

"Each and every person who attempts to enter them will be at enormous risk," he warned.

Mr Paes said the preparedness for heavy rainfall in Brazil's second-largest city - which will host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games - was "less than zero".

State governor Sergio Cabral meanwhile declared a state of emergency and urged people in high-risk areas to leave their homes.

He told TV Globo that to stay inside would be "irresponsible" given the risk of new landslides.

Civil defence authorities in Rio have issued an alert for landslides

Many of the victims in the city of Rio de Janeiro, including a five-month-old baby and a nine-year-old child, died in landslides in shantytowns, officials said.

The continuous rainfall also forced Santos Dumont airport, which handles domestic flights, to close for two hours on Monday night, causing a number of delays.

Many cars were left abandoned on main roads throughout the city.

The head of Rio de Janeiro's civil defence department told TV Globo the amount of rain that had fallen was "more than any city is capable of supporting"

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