Please view 'Constipation' On Black! And this is a semi-candid shot, this guy is a genius.

Folkloric

· For rheumatic pains of the legs and waist: use 3 to 6 gms of dried material in the form of decoction.

· Pounded fresh leaves may be applied as poultice for snakebites or may be used as insecticide.

· Poultice of leaves applied or rubbed on area of snake and insect bites.

· For sprains and bone pains: Oiled leaves or bark material are heated and applied to painful areas.

· Croton seed oil has been used as purgative.

· Seed oil used for treatment of schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasites.

· Roots, bark, seeds, and leaves considered a drastic purgative.

· Bruised root applied to carbuncles and cancerous sores.

· Testa used for fluxes.

· In Annam, bark used as a tonic.

· In Java and Kelantan, roots are finely shredded, mixed with water, and drunk by women as abortifacient.

· Diluted tincture of croton seeds used as a stimulant and applied in certain cutaneous affections, like eczema, ichthyosis and erythema.

· Seeds, while half-roasting over a lamp or candle flame, is inhaled through the nostril to relieve asthma.

· Croton oil is rubbed on the skin as rubefacient and counterirritant.

· Internally, croton oil us used as a powerful hydragogue, cathartic, and purgative. In excessive doses, it can cause severe purging, collapse and death.

· Liniment used as stimulant and applied to chronic rheumatism, neuralgia, glandular and other indolent swellings, chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary affections.

· Croton oil is used in dropsy, obstinate constipation, intestinal obstructions, and lead poisoning; as a preliminary laxative in leprosy; and as a revulsive in apoplexy. A few drops at the base of the tongue produces catharsis.

· As a blister, applied to the scalp in acute cerebral diseases, to the cord in spinal meningitis, to the chest in chronic bronchitis, and to the throat in laryngitis. Used in lock-jaw and mania.

· In Ayurveda, considered purgative; known as Kumbhini, used in the treatment of constipation after Sodhana (detoxification process) of seeds with Godugdha (cow's milk). (15)

- In Unani medicine, Croton tiglium seeds and Zingiber officinalis rhizome extract has been used in equal ratio as a paste formulation for the treatment of Safa (alopecia areata)

source: stuart xchange

Fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica are a superfood. It is rich in selenium, calcium, magnesiun, phosphorous, vitamin C, folic acid, antioxidants, flavonoids and carotenoids. The high levels of selenium in Opuntia are comparable to those found in the Brassicaceae.

The fruit of O. ficus-indica can cause constipation if consumed with the seeds, without the seeds it is laxative

The leaves are an excellent food for cows

peace and love with a sunny face

What is the significance of the olive tree, and olive oil, in

the Scriptures? Why were olive trees “shaken,” and why

were the berries “beaten,” and “trodden down”? Why were

kings and priests anointed with olive oil? What does olive

oil and the olive tree symbolize? There is far more mystery

and truth hidden about the humble olive than most begin to

imagine! Here is new insight into this remarkable plant, its

oil, its wood, its ancient usage, and its function and typology.

William F. Dankenbring

Olives in Islam By Najma Mohamed June 27, 2004

www.4islam.com/olives.shtml

Olives have been mentioned seven times in the Qur'an and their health benefits have been propounded in Prophetic medicine. The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:

Take oil of olive and massage with it – it is a blessed tree.

(Dārimi, 69:103)

The olive, like the date, holds great value in ancient and modern culture. In the Mediterranean culture “it has served as everything from money to medicines for several thousand years” (Zwingle, 1999).

The dove holding an olive branch in its mouth has become a universal symbol of peace. It is said to have originated in the story of Prophet Nūh (peace be upon him). The dove appeared as a sign that the flood, which had been sent as a punishment, would abate.The oil of this blessed tree has also been cited as a symbol of goodness and purity and is used up to this day in anointing ceremonies in the Greek Orthodox Church.The cosmetics industry, natural health practitioners and the culinary world are unanimous on the benefits of this delectable fruit, which bursts with flavor and health. The olive industry, which produced 460 million gallons of olive oil in 2000-2001, has grown tremendously as consumers world-wide are alerted to the benefits of this amazing fruit.Olive Facts

Olea europa, the botanical name of the olive, has its origins in Asia and spread to the Mediterranean basin 6000 years ago. The Mediterranean basin is the chief area of cultivation with Spain , Italy and Greece being the foremost olive-producing countries in the world. Olive production has also expanded to California , South Africa and Australia .

Olive production favors a winter-rainfall pattern. The olive tree is a hardy tree that grows to less than 10 meters . Temperatures below freezing are damaging to the trees. It is an evergreen tree with leaves that are pale green above and silvery below. The bark is pale grey and the flowers are numerous, small and creamy-white in color.The fruit of the tree is a drupe with fleshy fruit and a hard stone. The color of the fruit varies from green (unripe) to black (ripe) as it passes through its growth stages. As the tree ages, it produces more fruit.Olives are cultivated through grafting, the method routinely used to propagate fruit trees. The stem or bud of one plant is joined to the stem or bud of another to form a new plant. While it can take more than five years for a tree to start producing fruit, trees can be harvested annually and continue to produce fruits until they become old and hollow.

The manner in which olives are harvested depends on the type of olive, number of trees and the amount of time and money available. Several small-scale producers, often family-operated initiatives, continue to harvest olives by hand.

Uses and Benefits:From this ‘blessed’ tree hardly anything is wasted as the fruits are eaten or used to produce olive oil, the leaves possess medicinal value and the wood of the tree is highly valued for carpentry work. The Noble Qur’an refers to some of these uses:And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows (produces) oil, and (it is) relish for the eaters. ( 23:20 )By the fig and the olive,By Mount Sinai

By this city of all spiritulalies, Verily, We created man in the best stature.(95:1-4)

The oval-shaped olives, which are approximately 2 to 3 cm long, are preserved in salt solutions and sold as a condiment. Store shelves present an astounding array of olives from green and black varieties to stuffed olives. Even more mind-boggling is a perusal of the varieties of olive oil. Olive oil is produced through a process known as crushing and pressing. While machines have taken over most of the work, traditional methods of extracting oil are still in use. Different methods of crushing and pressing are used to extract olive oil.An olive contains 10-40% oil by weight. However, it also contains a bitter substance known as oleo-rubin, which is removed during processing. Zwingle (1999), writing for National Geographic on the wonders of olive oil, says that one finds “at one end, trillions of bitter little nubbins” and at the other golden liquid emerging.Once the olives are crushed, the paste is then ‘pressed’ to yield the golden olive oil. The best olive oil is extra virgin as it is pressed without heating or adding any chemical solvents. Olive oil is marketed in several different ways, such as “virgin”, “refined” or simply “olive oil”. These have been further refined by chemical processes and could also have some extra-virgin olive oil added to enhance its flavor and color.World olive oil consumption is rising at about 1.5% per year. The Mediterranean basin provides 99% of all olive oil.One of the by-products of this process, released once the olive oil has been extracted, is widely used in soap making. Panayiotis Sardelas, a Greek soap-maker, interviewed in the above-mentioned National Geographic feature (Zwingle, 1999) commented: “The old people know that this soap is better than chemical ones. It lasts longer than other soaps, and you can use it for everything.”

Olives in Medicine: The medicinal and cosmetic uses of olive products are truly astounding. The oil is extremely nutritious and is recommended by dieticians to “improve the balance of fats within the blood” ( Adams , 2001) as well as in lowering cholesterol levels.Since the 1950s, the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, have been extolled. While it has always been promoted as being beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels (Assmanm and Wahrburg), it is now increasingly being linked to lowering blood pressure.

A study by Dr. Ferrara and his colleagues of the Frederico II University of Naples, Italy (Ferrera et al., 2000) compared the effects of two similar low-fat diets on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients. One diet was enriched with extra virgin olive oil, high in monounsaturated fatty acids while the second was enriched with the same amount of sunflower oil with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.The patients on the former diet, all hypertensive, showed significant reductions in their blood pressure, thereby indicating that a diet, rich in olive oil, is not only associated with lower levels of cholesterol, but with lower blood pressure as well.

www.oliveoilsource.com/page/blood-pressure

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, which promotes a diet low in sodium and high in unsaturated fats, also recommends olive oil (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2003).Another medical benefit of olive oil relates to the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Oxford University ’s Institute of Health found that “olive oil may have a protective effect on the development of colorectal cancer” (Stoneham et al., 2000).Olive oil has traditionally been used to prevent constipation, assist in ‘cleansing’ of the gallbladder and in treating various ailments relating to the skin, such as burns, scratches and sunburn (Cook, 1934). Cook, writing in the 1930s, said that, “Those who recognize its wonderful medicinal properties and the many uses to which it can be put will never fail to keep a bottle of pure olive oil in the house.”Olive oil is also applied to the skin as it brightens the complexion, softens the skin and is used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis (Khan). It is also used on the hair, especially problems relating to “dry hair and flaky scalp” ( Adams , 2001). Furthermore, olive oil is used for massage and as a carrier oil when blending essential oils.The leaf of the olive tree is commonly used by herbalists for its antiviral properties. It has been traditionally used to cool fevers by boiling the leaves and concocting a tincture that is then taken orally (Privitera). Olive leaf was not only used to treat severe cases of fever, but tropical diseases such as malaria as well. Today, olive leaf extract is available from natural health practitioners and taken orally in a tablet form. The Hebrew word for “olive tree” is es shemen, which literally means ‘tree of oil.” It is from a primitive root meaning “to shine.” It means “richness, anointing, fat, fruitful, oil, ointment, olive.” It is related to the word shemesh, “to be brilliant,” and which also is the Hebrew word for the “sun,” that brightly shining orb in the sky. Another Hebrew word for “olive” is zayith, meaning “an olive,” as “yielding illuminating oil.” Its related to the word ziv, meaning “to be prominent,” “brightness.” Ziv is the month of flowers, corresponding to Iyar, or our April-May. On the outside, the olive tree may seem like any other tree, rather ordinary in appearance and size – some might say even a little bit “ugly,” and at certain seasons of the year even a little “messy,” with olives littering the ground beneath the tree!The foliage of the olive tree is dense, and when it becomes old the fairly tall trunk acquires a unique pattern of twists and turns, protuberances and knots, on its bark and in its form, giving the tree a very interesting appearance. Says the Encyclopedia Judaica, “There are trees in Israel estimated to be 1,000 years old that still produce fruit. In old age the tree becomes hollow but the trunk continues to grow thicker, at times achieving a circumference of 20 feet” (“Olive,” vol.12, page 1363). Says the authoritative source, “It is an evergreen, and the righteous who take refuge in the protection of God are compared to it.”Interestingly, if the trunk is cut down, the shoots from its roots continue to grow, ensuring its continued existence. Olive wood is very hard, and beautifully grained. It is very desirable in the manufacture of smaller wooden objects, pieces of furniture, and ornaments. However, there is much more to the olive tree than almost anybody imagines.

History of the Olive Tree: The olive was one of the most valuable trees to the ancient Hebrews. It is first mentioned in Scripture when the dove returned to Noah’s ark carrying an olive branch in its beak (Gen.8:11). Since that time, the olive branch has been a symbol of “peace” to the world, and we often hear the expression, “extending an olive branch” to another person as a desire for peace.The olive also figures prominently on the seal of the United States of America. The seal pictures an olive branch with a cluster of thirteen leaves and thirteen olives. Why the number “thirteen”? Because the U.S. began with 13 colonies, and the Anglo-Saxon people of the United States are mainly descended from the “thirteenth tribe” of ancient Israel – the tribe of Ephraim, the youngest (“thirteenth”) son of the patriarch Joseph!When Israel conquered Canaan, the olive tree was a prominent feature among the flora of the land. It was described as a “land of olive oil” (Deut.8:8). The olive was a very important source of revenue to the early Israelites. It was tithed upon along with all the produce of the land (Deut.12:17).

Olive Oil and the Sanctuary Cakes of bread “anointed with oil” were among the sanctified offerings Israel made to God (Lev.8:26). The leaders of Israel offered to God in addition to rams and lambs and goats, “fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering” (Numbers 7:19, 25, etc.). In addition, when the priests were separated for their priestly service, one young bull and two rams were taken, without blemish, “and unleavened bread,, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil,” were used in the ceremony of sanctification (Exodus 29:1-2). God told Moses regarding Aaron, his brother, “And you shall take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him” (Exodus 29:7). The holy anointing oil itself was comprised of quality spices – myrrh, cane, cassia, and olive oil (Exo.30:23-25). The Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand (Menorah), the Altar, the Laver, and its foot, were all anointed with the same precious compound, as a holy oil of anointing (Exo.30:26-33).

The menorah in the Tabernacle – with its seven lamps – was lit with “oil for the light” (Exo.25:6). God told Moses, “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually” (Lev.24:2).The daily sacrifices were also accompanied with olive oil (Exo.29:40). When lepers were cleansed, a special sacrifice was made, together with “fine flour mixed with [olive] oil as a grain offering, and one log of oil” (Lev.14:10). A “log” was a little over a half a quart. At the cleansing ceremony, a lamb was slain as a trespass offering, and a log of oil, both waved as a wave offering before the Lord. The priest would pour some of the oil into his own left hand, then dip his right finger into the oil in his left hand, and sprinkle the oil seven times before the Lord, and of the rest of the oil in his left hand he would put some on the tip of the right ear of the leper being cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot (Lev.14:13-18). The rest of the oil would be put on his head.The log of oil used in the ceremony cleansing the leper was the largest amount of oil called for in any religious rite. The rite symbolized the return to favor of the one healed, and the return of honor and joy. It is also symbolic of his restoration to life!

www.triumphpro.com/olive-tree-mystery.htm

Symbolism of the Olive: There is an ancient tradition that the “tree of life” in the Garden of Eden was an olive tree. According to the Apocalpyse of Moses, an apocryphal Hebrew book, when Adam fell ill Seth went to request the “oil of mercy” to anoint Adam and restore his health. His entreaty was refused, as it was destined for Adam to die, but the angel Michael told Seth that the oil would be granted to the righteous at the end of days. In a similar passage in the “Life of Adam” the oil is referred to as “the tree of mercy from which the oil of life flows.” Another reference to the “tree of life” in the Garden as an olive tree may be found in 4th Edras: “The tree of life shall give them fragrant perfume” (2:12, The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, p.527).The same concept is preserved in the writings of the early church fathers, in Pseudo-Clement, which refers explicitly to “the oil of the tree of life.”In the book of James, we read that when a person is sick, they should call upon the elders of the church for prayer and anointing. James declared, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:14-16). The oil represents holy anointing by the power of the Spirit of God. The apostle John wrote of God’s Spirit as an ‘anointing.” He declared: “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him” (I John 2:27).Jesus Christ explained, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16). He added, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit will tell us “things to come” (same verse).Oil, therefore, is a type of the Holy Spirit – as are water (John 7:37-39) and the wind (John 3:8; Acts 2:1-4).

www.contractorsales.biz/ces/Oliveoil.html

It's spring. Things are blooming all over. I'm spending lots of time with my macro lens... and trying to find ways to capture petals and stems and leaves and whatnot... without having it look... you know... ordinary. It's a real challenge.

Meantime, I've discovered Ray Metzker. Holy macaroni. I had heard of him, but had never sat down with a whole bigass book of his photos before. Holy macaroni. I was literally bouncing in my chair, what I saw was so exciting.

He has lots to say, too. One of my favourite bits:

"Previsualization can lead to constipation very quickly."

large

Regulates the Stomach, Liver, and Bowels

Cures Indigestion, Biliousness, and Constipation.

Made by Tarrant & Company,

Greenwich Street, New York City

-- U.S. National Library of Medicine

- Toronto, Ontario, Canada -

Well, I must have intimidated most of you by challenging you to come up with a title/caption for this photograph. The response was by all counts underwhelming ... regardless ... my hearty thanks to those that took a stab at it. By popular vote 'raym5,' more cordially know as Marie, is the winner with her three part title using the sign as a means of play on words - constitution, consternation and the ever popular constipation. Additionally, some contestants chose the upward pointing arrow, the gaping mouth, and the red (almost cowboy) hat for their title/caption selection. All those making a submission are invited for breakfast but Marie will get an extra magnum of champagne to accompany her petit déjeuner!

*************************************************************************************************

Although several possible titles for this photo came to mind I thought it was time for one of my - now world famous - title/caption contests. As always, I want everyone to try and put a title/caption on this 'not so great' but arguably 'somewhat odd' photo of this poor, unwitting gentleman. The winner gets the now standard but clearly unparalleled prize of breakfast (served by me) on my dock during the sunrise at Keefer Lake.

A Keefer Lake sunrise photograph is included below as incentive ... for many more Keefer Lake sunrises check out my Flickr profile.

Yep, it's a Dodge "Swinger", maybe that unfortunate name might have been a contributing factor in this sad demise. "Sorry, officer, we left our stash in the Swinger's glovebox." It also stimulates a train of thought--all the truly unfortunate names given to cars over the years: the Ford "Mainliner", the Plymouth "Duster", the Datsun "Fairlady" (a name so horrendous the importer brought it in simply as the model number on the drawings: "240-Z"), the Chevy "Citation" ('Sir, I'm going to let you off with a 'warning' since your car already has such an unlucky name..."). The Ford "Pinto" (slang for 'penis' in Brazil, where they speak Portugese), still isn't as strange as the curiously-perverse Ford "Probe", which makes you wonder if perhaps the larger model might have been called the "Colonscopy Town Car." American car namers aren't the only idiots: Toyota introduced its Fiera, in Puerto Rico, fiera means ‘ugly old woman.’ The Rolls Royce has the "Mist" my German friends tell me, Mist means ‘dung, manure, or pile of shit"...but an expensive pile of shit, none the less.

The "Opel Ascona" refers to female genitalia, in Northern Spain and parts of Portugal. Buick launched the "LaCrosse" in Canada without realizing in French-speaking Quebec, the meaning is masturbating teenagers. The Honda "Fitta" in Scandinavia is also a euphemism for the female anatomy. The Mitsubishi "Pajero" in Spanish-speaking countries (again with the self-gratifying male), and the Mazda "LaPuta" is spanish for "whore", although in perhaps it referred to having a solid work ethic, who knows? When Isuzu produced the GIGA 20 "Light Dump"--, I worried that perhaps their new SUV might be the "Constipation", but I was wrong.

But as bad as these names are--just imagine those that might have been--imagine the Suzuki "Rollover", or the Plymouth "Flipper" (inspired by that cute dolphin everybody loves--introduced as an economy model "barracuda"). If Mazda thought the "Puta" would sell, how about a Cadillac "Pimp", or in the sporty small car market, a Honda "Tart", or a Saturn "Satyr". Well, it's obvious this is just too easy and too much fun--pile on--add your proposed disastrous car names on the "tags" section of this image.

Fast Car

Pears are considered a healthy addition to a balanced diet due to their rich nutritional profile and various health benefits. Here are some key reasons why pears are healthy:

Nutritional Content

Pears are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, potassium, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins.

Gut Health

Pears are high in dietary fiber, which includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber helps in maintaining healthy gut microbiota, preventing constipation, and supporting regular bowel movements. The fiber content, particularly pectin, aids in softening and adding bulk to stool.

Blood Sugar Management

Pears have a low glycemic index, which means they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. The high fiber content in pears helps slow down the absorption of sugar, making them beneficial for managing and reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Heart Health

The potassium in pears helps lower blood pressure by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease. Flavonoids and other antioxidants in pears also contribute to reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Bone Health

Pears contain minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and boron, which are essential for bone health and can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Weight Management

Pears are low in calories and high in fiber and water content, which helps keep you feeling full and can aid in weight management. Studies have shown that adding fruits like pears to the diet can reduce energy consumption and body weight over time.

Kidney Health

The low sodium content in pears can help prevent kidney disease by aiding in the balance of sodium and water in the body. Additionally, the malic acid in pears may help protect against kidney stones.

Antioxidant Properties

Pears are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and copper, which help protect against oxidative damage and free radicals. These antioxidants can contribute to reducing the risk of various diseases, including cancer and other inflammatory conditions.

Overall, incorporating pears into your diet can provide a range of health benefits due to their nutrient-dense profile and various bioactive compounds.

Fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica are a superfood. It is rich in selenium, calcium, magnesiun, phosphorous, vitamin C, folic acid, antioxidants, flavonoids and carotenoids. The high levels of selenium in Opuntia are comparable to those found in the Brassicaceae.

The fruit of O. ficus-indica can cause constipation if consumed with the seeds, without the seeds it is laxative

The leaves are an excellent food for cows.

aka "Burns Supper" - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper#The_Selkirk_Grace

This is an old shed at Morpeth. When I lived at Raymond terrace many years ago the paint had faded and it looked a bit sad, fortunately it has been repainted and now looks like it did back in the old days.

Indian Root Pills in the early part of last century were supposedly a general cure all for such ailments as constipation, sallow complexion and general ill feeling, touted as the answer to everyone's problems, this product was sold right into the late forties.

This beautiful plant was found in deep forest near Ranchi city of India. Its botanical name is "zingiber purpureum". It contains the true gingers, plants grown the world over for their medicinal and culinary value.

Curable Disease:

Fever, headache, cough, stomach aches, colds, constipation, jaundice, Parasitic Worms, rheumatic, medicinal herbs, obesity, minimize stomach after birth.

Wood carving on side of building in Brittany, France.

Leonotis leonurus

Common names: Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail, Wild Dagga

Family: Lamiaceae

Wild Dagga is smoked or made into a medicinal tea by the indigenous peoples of South Africa. Wild Dagga is good for inducing a deep meditative sleep, calming, relaxing and enhancing dreaming. Because of its euphoric effects, Wild Dagga is often referred to as a Cannabis substitute.

It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat many conditions.

Internal

For the treatment of cough, cold, influenza, chest infections, diabetes, hypertension, eczema, epilepsy, delayed menstruation, intestinal worms, constipation, spider bites and scorpion stings and as an antidote for snakebite.

External

For the relief of haemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes and boils.

The species is also used in Eastern medicine as a euphoriant, purgative, and vermifuge.

On Explore June 17, 2008 #331

54280 was my penultimate Volvo B11R/Plaxton Elite i on the Manchester to Hull leg of the lenthy M36 Bristol to Newcastle run.

I've had quicker bouts of constipation. the girl needs a fettle.

Today's story and sketch "by me" you see Pascagoula Gofish, in the township that was named after him by the early

inhabitants. One in particular, she being his first Earth Girlfriend, a Natchez Indian maiden named Naomi, she was

the tribes nutritionist and herbal "EMT" (Emergency,Metamucil,Trailmixer) she was the first herbalist to discover

"psyllium" a bulk forming fiber used as a laxative and propellant, she kept the tribe loose and happy, but that is a story for another time. But today we will write about that first meeting of Naomi and Pascagoula, it was on a Tuesday afternoon just as monster storm was approaching the area in the Gulf known as Mississippi, Pascagoula was busy watching his, (SRM), "Stormaugmented Reality Meter", which is a computer-generated content overlaid on a real world environment.

And that days environment was not so good, it was signaling a severe weather system "Hurricane coming soon".

Naomi first noticed the shinny Space ship, then was a bit startled when she noticed Pascagoula in a lawn chair looking

at a the "SRM" meter, he was like no one she had ever seen nice light grey complexion, and crystal clear black eyes.

The eyes were so beautiful to Naomi she walked up and began speaking in her native Natchezany language, lucky for

her Pascagoula could understand every known language in the universe, "It was not his first cruise to Earth",

but he had never seen an Earth girl who was so beautiful, they talked and talked about constipation and the approaching

Hurricane, Pascagoula and Naomi walked to her village to warn them about the upcoming disaster, and to all get into

a safe cave he had seen on there walk. The hurricane arrived and did massive damage, it wiped out the entire village, luckily Pascagoula had taken the precaution to load up the cave with his supply of moon pies. Pascagoula saved everyone,

and soon married Naomi, he became the official Natchez Weatherman, and lived happily with Naomi for many years.

Pascagoula has been a weatherman, the last four hundred years, but behind the scenes at fox TV channel 51

warning about Hurricanes, and selling Metamucil Moon Pies.

Till next time Taa ta the Rod Blog

Love is like weather, very hard to predict.

Painting by Annibale Carracci

About six months ago, a friend was patiently listening to several of my complaints about aging and some of its annoying and irritating consequences. He asked me if black beans were a part of my diet. When I told him I couldn't recall the last time I had eaten black beans, he smiled. "Just what I figured," he said, seemingly glad that my answer was negative.

After a few more minutes listening to his praise about some of the immediate joys of black beans, I was a believer.

That was six months ago. Now, after consuming about seven ounces of black beans with my evening meal, I must say that I am a happier guy, a normal and regular guy with one major complaint about aging gone. It is so good to feel good.

Painting by Annibale Carracci (The Beaneater)

Project 365 ~ Dislikes

ODT - April 9 ~ Stressed

Warning...this stunt can be hazardous to your health and have serious side effects. Symptoms may be nauseau, nervousness, diarrhea, constipation, agiation, loss of hearing and vision, uncontrollable urges to use profane language and may lead to serious injury or ultimately death. Don't try this without consulting a professional.

I really get don't like it when I have to get in rush hour traffic... especially if it's raining. Besides it makes my driving and shooting a little more stressful.

The name "Culver's root" derives from a certain Dr. Culver who was a pioneer physician of the 18th century

Veronicastrum virginicum

Culver’s root contains essential oil, phenolic acids, some bitter substances, phytosterol, alkaloids, tannins, mannitol, dextrose, resins, and saponins

The Seneca Indians used the plant in tea form to induce vomiting as a part of purification rituals.

The use of the herb, mostly in moderate doses, as a laxative and detoxifying agent was adopted early on by the European settlers.

Later the herb was used as a remedy for liver diseases and to stimulate bile production. In addition, it was also used to treat malaria and typhoid fever.

Culver’s root was once included in United States Pharmacopoeia but it’s not commonly used today because its strong potency is difficult to control

Culver’s root can affect the liver and gallbladder by increasing the production and secretion of bile, which lubricates the intestines which in turns enhances bowel movements.

The herb is therefore sometimes used as a treatment for chronic constipation, irritation of the intestines and ailments related to the liver and gallbladder such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, jaundice and other conditions which are believed to be caused by poor liver function (eg. some skin diseases).

The herb may also be of value as a remedy for diarrhea, bloating, chronic indigestion, hemorrhoids, and anal prolapse.

Culver’s root is often combined with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris).

As a treatment for liver ailments and when used as a remedy for constipation it may be combined with the herb sweet flag (Acorus calamus) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).

Culver’s root usually works best in small doses that are administered repeatedly over an extended period of time.

As a decoction: 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried rhizome and roots in a cup of cold water which is then brought to boiling point, then simmered for 10 minutes and then strained. 1 cup of the brew can be used three times daily.

As a tincture: 1-2 ml three times a day

High doses of the herb can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Furthermore, as the herb has powerful laxative (purgative) properties it can cause dizziness and bloody stools.

Synchronicity was in a great way for this picture between couple sun ☀️ and moonlight 🌙 , throned son, cristal light’s heals all the soul under nymphs...( thanks to Nymphaea by Claude Monet ) Cristal healing and echoes of consciousness.

Liberation of darkness is possible way with your pineal glands and you can compare them with a crystal light and follow the guidance through your dream.Other significant work for linking the throne to nymphaea could be a Jungian interpretation for Alchemist (following old Egyptian science)

It’s amazing how crystal light is a healing process for testing your body to sitting on a throne.However, it has only recently become clear that apomorphine can be utilized, with excellent results, to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a centrally acting, selective D1/D2 dopamine agonist, and activation of dopaminergic receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus initiates a cascade of events, ultimately resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilatation within the corpora cavernosa, leading to penile erection. Crystal river and albedo was whiteness day for a throne of consciousness enlightenment

This discovery provides a likely explanation for the appearance of Nymphaea in the Luxor frescoes and in erotic cartoons ... The fact that temple drawings only depict use by the higher castes, such as priests and royalty, suggests that the masses did not benefit from this discovery. The Nymphaea story serves as a further illustration of how the effects of substances of plant origin were known even though the discoverers lacked the technology to explain them. The water lily was also used for other medicinal purposes, according to Lise Manniche in An Ancient Egyptian Herbal, including liver disease, poultices for the head, constipation and as an enema (1989, p. 134). She also notes that it was used in a magical spell to cause a "hated woman"'s hair to fall out. In Greco-Roman times, it was thought of as a cooling herb, and was thus used to bring down a fever.

Original article: www.thekeep.org/~kunoichi/kunoichi/themestream/egypt_wate...

© Caroline Seawright

The source is one: male and female are united. In alchemical images we see a throne from which streams of water flow into one flashback to primordial life’s hermaphrodite.

The Syrian love goddess who the Egyptians married off to Min, was depicted as a naked woman who stood on the back of a lion, carrying snakes and water lily buds. The buds are likely linked with her role as a goddess of sexuality and fertility. Votive offerings to Hathor included bowls with water lily motifs, again alluding to fertility, the renewal of life and rebirth. (A water bowl was also the hieroglyph for a woman, which A.H. Gardiner in Egyptian Grammar believes to represent the vagina, linking the fertility sign of the water lily in the bowl to female fertility in this case.) The Egyptian idea of sexuality was identified with creation. Being a flower of creation, the flower became linked to human fertility and sexuality. The images of women holding the flower may be hinting at her ability to bear children or that she was sexually desirable, and images of men holding the flower may hint at their potency. It could also be a way to ensure that the person painted would be fertile - and sexy - in the afterlife.

Contemporary reference to the role of water lilies and mandrakes (Nymphaea and Mandragora, respectively) in ancient Egyptian healing ... suggest the possible importance of these plants as adjuncts to shamanistic healing in dynastic Egypt. Although the usual interpretation of the water lily and the mandrake has been that of a part of ritual mourning ... it is argued that the dynastic Egyptians had developed a form of shamanistic trance induced by these two plants and used it in medicine as well as healing rituals. Analysis of the ritual and sacred iconography of dynastic Egypt, as seen on stelae, in magical papyri, and on vessels, indicates that these people possessed a profound knowledge of plant lore and altered states of consciousness. The abundant data indicate that the shamanistic priest, who was highly placed in the stratified society, guided the souls of the living and dead, provided for the transmutation of souls into other bodies and the personification of plants as possessed by human spirits, as well as performing other shamanistic activities. test was carried out to see if there were any narcotic effects of the blue water lily. There were no known psychotropic substance found in the flower itself. In The Mystery of the Cocaine Mummies Rosalie David ('Keeper of Egyptology, Manchester Museum') says that "we see many scenes of individuals holding a cup and dropping a water lily flower into the cup which contained wine". The assertion by Dr Andrew Sherratt, based on these depictions, is that he believes that when the flower was infused with wine, that the chemical content might change and become the ancient Egyptian party drug or a shamanistic aid. The lilies were flown from Cairo to England, and nineteen of them opened after the sun came out. The flowers were soaked in the wine, and after a few days, two volunteers - who claimed to know nothing about ancient Egypt - drank the lily-wine:Unfortunately the test was not up to scientific standards - there was no control group (where another set of volunteers would drink wine not infused with the lily, but told that it had been) - so it is rather difficult to know how much of the effects on the two were just from the alcohol and if any were from the lily infusion itself.The blue water lily was possibly also a symbol of sexuality - Dr Liz Williamson says that the flower "has a sort of Viagra effect". Women were wooed with the blue water lily. In certain erotic scenes from the Turin Papyrus, women are shown wearing very little apart from the white lily as a headdress.The blue water lily was possibly also a symbol of sexuality - Dr Liz Williamson says that the flower "has a sort of Viagra effect". Women were wooed with the blue water lily. In certain erotic scenes from the Turin Papyrus, women are shown wearing very little apart from the white lily as a headdress.

The blue water lily was possibly also a symbol of sexuality - Dr Liz Williamson says that the flower "has a sort of Viagra effect". Women were wooed with the blue water lily. In certain erotic scenes from the Turin Papyrus, women are shown wearing very little apart from the white lily as a headdress.

More recently, it has been discovered that this plant could have been used by the ancient Egyptians to help with erectile dysfunction. This would help explain why the plant was so intimately connected with sex and sexuality:

Nymphaea caerulea (blue lotus) and N. ampla, which has a white flower but a similar alkaloid content, grow along lakes and rivers, thrive in wet soil, and bloom in the spring. They belong to the water-lily family ... The isolation of the psychoactive apomorphine from Nymphaea species has offered chemical support to speculation that Nymphaea species may have been employed as hallucinogens in both the Old and the New World. The use of N. caerulea and of N. lotos in rites and rituals is depicted in the frescoes within the tombs, and in very early papyrus scrolls. The most important of these was the scroll of Ani (Book of the Dead). Nymphaea is mentioned and represented in several chapters of the book, always tied to magical-religious rites.

The water lily was also used for other medicinal purposes, according to Lise Manniche in An Ancient Egyptian Herbal, including liver disease, poultices for the head, constipation and as an enema (1989, p. 134). She also notes that it was used in a magical spell to cause a "hated woman"'s hair to fall out. In Greco-Roman times, it was thought of as a cooling herb, and was thus used to bring down a fever.The flower wasn't just used at parties, but it was used at funerals. As with many symbols of fertility, the blue water lily was also symbolic of rebirth after death. Tutankhamen's innermost gold coffin had blue water lily petals scattered over it along with a few other floral tributes. The Egyptians looked forward to their souls coming to life "like a water lily reopening", thinking that the deceased died as the water lily closed awaiting opening with the morning sun. The Book of the Dead has a spell to allow the deceased to transform into one of these flowers:

The goddess Qedeshet, standing on a lion, holding water lilies and a snake, the Syrian love goddess who the Egyptians married off to Min, was depicted as a naked woman who stood on the back of a lion, carrying snakes and water lily buds. The buds are likely linked with her role as a goddess of sexuality and fertility. Votive offerings to Hathor included bowls with water lily motifs, again alluding to fertility, the renewal of life and rebirth. (A water bowl was also the hieroglyph for a woman, which A.H. Gardiner in Egyptian Grammar believes to represent the vagina, linking the fertility sign of the water lily in the bowl to female fertility in this case.) The Egyptian idea of sexuality was identified with creation. Being a flower of creation, the flower became linked to human fertility and sexuality. The images of women holding the flower may be hinting at her ability to bear children or that she was sexually desirable, and images of men holding the flower may hint at their potency. It could also be a way to ensure that the person painted would be fertile - and sexy - in the afterlife.As we mentioned above, Aphrodite/Venus as the morning star is a central image for the albedo phase of the Great Work. Aphrodite was born from the foam that arose when the genitals of Uranus (cut of by Chronos, out of hate and jealousy) fell into the sea. The cutting of the genitals represents repressed and tormented love. The sea, symbol of the soul, however will bring forth the love goddess. Liberation will happen when we become conscious again of the contents of the soul. As Aphrodite is born from the sea, she is the guide through the fearful world of the unconscious (the sea, or the underworld). The alchemist descends into these depths to find the ‘prima materia’, also called the ‘green lion’. The color green refers to the primal life forces. Venus also has the green color. An important characteristic of Aphrodite is that she helps us in our human shortcomings. She gives ideals and dreams to fulfill. But she also gives frightening images in order to make man aware of his lower nature. "By her beauty Venus attracts the imperfect metals and gives rise to desire, and pushes them to perfection and ripeness." (Basilius Valentinus, 1679) Liberation can only happen by becoming conscious of the lower nature and how we transmute it.

In Jungian psychology Venus/Aphrodite is the archetype of the anima (in alchemy also the ‘soror’ or ‘wife’ of the alchemist). The anima is the collective image of the woman in a man. It is an image especially tainted by his first contact with his mother. The anima represents all the female tendencies in the psyche of a man, such as feelings, emotions, moods, intuition, receptivity for the irrational, personal love and a feeling for nature. She is the bearer for the spiritual. Depending on the development of the man she can also be the seductress who lures him away to love, hopelessness, demise, and even destruction.

Other alchemical images for albedo are baptism and the white dove, both derived from Christianity. Baptism symbolizes the purification of both body and soul by ‘living water’. ‘Living water’ was regarded as the creative force of the divine. It allowed the soul to be received into the community of the holy spirit. Thus baptism allows the purified soul to bring forth the resurrection of Christ in oneself. This is the ‘hieros gamos’, the ‘sacred marriage’ between the soul and Christ. Christ here represent our own inner divine essence.

There are many other symbols in alchemy for the second phase, or albedo: the white swan, the rose, the white queen, and so on. As lead is the metal of nigredo, silver is the metal of albedo, transmuted from lead. As silver is the metal of the moon, the moon was also a symbol for albedo. Alchemists also talk about the white stone or white tincture. They all means basically the same thing, although one has to understand them in the context in which they were written.

The union of Hermes and Aphrodite. The moon is above the retort, indicating this is the stage of Albedo. The sun above is the next stage of Rubedo. At the same time sun and moon are again the opposites to be united. Aphrodite has two torches. One pointing down, representing the lower passions to be transmuted. The upside down torch is the purified energies. Aphrodite is standing on a tetrahedron, the perfect three dimensional body, as all corners are equally distant from each other, resulting in a lack of tension.

Albedo, symbolized by Aurora, by the dawn, the morning star (Venus-Aphrodite), and by the sun rising up from the Philosopher's Sea.

Albedo is also represented by Aurora, the Roman goddess of the dawn. Her brother is Helios, the Sun. With a play of words aurora was connected with aurea hora, ‘the hour of gold’. It is a supreme state of conscious. Pernety (1758): "When the Artist (=Alchemist) sees the perfect whiteness, the Philosophers say that one has to destroy the books, because they have become superfluous."

Albedo is also symbolized by the morning star Venus/Aphrodite. Venus has a special place in the Great Work. In ancient times Lucifer was identified with the planet Venus. Originally Lucifer has a very positive meaning. In the Bible we find 2Petrus 1:19 "…till the day arrives and the morning star rises in your hearts". In Revelation 12:16 Christ says: "I am the shining morning star". Here Christ identifies himself with the Lucifer! We find the same in mystic literature. In ancient times Lucifer was a positive light being. It was just one man who changed all that: when a certain Hieronymous read a phrase from Jesaja 14:12 (Jesaja talking to a sinful king of Babylon): " How did you fall from heaven, you morning star, you son of the dawn; how did you fall to earth, conqueror of people". Hieronymous used this phrase to identify Lucifer with the dragon thrown out of heaven by Michael. By the interpretation of this one man, Lucifer was tuned from a shining light being into the darkest devilish being in the world.

We find Lucifer in alchemy associated with impure metals polluted by rough sulfur. It means that the light being Lucifer in ourselves is polluted by what the alchemists call ‘superfluities’, ‘dross’, caused by man himself.

Mercury and Lucifer are one and the same. One talks about Mercury when he is pure, it is the white sulphur, the fire in heaven. As ‘spiritus’ he gives life. As ‘spiritus sapiens’ he teaches the alchemist the Great Work. Lucifer is the impure Mercury. Lucifer is the morning star fallen from (the golden) heaven. He descended into the earth and is now present in all humans. Lucifer is Mercury mixed with impure elements. He dissolved ‘in sulfur and salt’, ‘is wrapped with strings’, ‘darkened with black mud’. Keep in mind we are always talking about our consciousness. Lucifer represents our everyday consciousness, all the (psychological and other) complexes have clouded our pure consciousness, Mercury.

The light of Mercury that appears to us as Lucifer, because of the distortion caused by the impurities, gives the impression of what the alchemists called ‘red sulfur’. The red sulfur of Lucifer, as traditional devil, is actually an illusion. It does not exist by itself because it is only an image, a distorted image of Mercury. We ourselves caused the impurities, the blackness that veils our true light being.

Red sulfur is the same as what is called Maya in eastern philosophies. Maya is the world of illusions, or the veil that prevents us from seeing and experiencing true reality, where the eternal light is. By the impurities of Maya, man has become ignorant. He has forgotten his origin and thinks he is in a world which in actuality is an illusion.Albedo - Whiteness

Je ne craignais pas de mourir

mais de mourir sans etre illumine.

(I was not afraid to die,

but to die without having been enlightened)

Comte de Saint-Germain, La Tres Sainte Trinisophie

The herald of the light

is the morning star.

This way man and woman approach

the dawn of knowledge,

because in it is the germ of life,

being a blessing of the eternal.

Haji Ibrahim of Kerbala

Lucifer, Lucifer stretch your tail,

and lead me away, full speed through the narrow passage,

the valley of the death,

to the brilliant light, the palace of the gods.

Isanatha Muni

Being deep in nigredo, a white light appears. We have arrived at the second stage of the Great Work: albedo, or whiteness. The alchemist has discovered within himself the source from which his life comes forth. The fountain of life from which the water of life flows forth giving eternal youth.

The source is one: male and female are united. In alchemical images we see a fountain from which two streams of water flow into one basin. Albedo is the discovery of the hermaphroditic nature of man. In the spiritual sense each man is a hermaphrodite. We can also see this in the first embryonic phase of the fetus. There is no sex until a certain number of weeks after conception. When man descended into the physical world his body entered a world of duality. On the bodily level this is expressed by the sexes. But his spirit is still androgen, it contains duality in unity. Its unity is not bound to space, time or matter. Duality is an expression of unity in our physical world. It is temporal and will eventually cease to exist. When male and female are united again, one will experience his true self. Conscious and unconscious are totally united.

Albedo happens when the Sun rises at midnight. It is a symbolic expression for the rising of the light at the depth of darkness. It is the birth of Christ in the middle of the winter. In the depth of a psychological crises, a positive change happens.

www.soul-guidance.com/houseofthesun/alchemy 2.htm

The scourge of all poopavores

Stomach disorders, tired feeling, blood disorders, skin eruptions, loss of energy, female complaints, mal-assimilation of food, dyspepsia, malaria, constipation, biliious headache, general functional derangements

From The Low Fodmap App, The Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (put together by the research team in the Department of Gastroenterology).

Please ... no applause for me. Mr T is the one who rescued this tart! I followed the recipe to the nearest berry ... creamed, whisked, greased tin, oven cooked for the said amount of time. The tart looked very good - I dusted it with icing sugar. All was fine till I tried to remove it from the bottom of the tin ... it was not cooked underneath.

Ho hum ... I piled the sorry mess into a couple of bowls. Cooked some more berries - then handed it over to Mr T (who is a much better cook!) to rescue. The last photo is of our salvaged pudding - raspberry and blueberry crumble with a lovely frangipane and crumble topping - it was very tasty!

Here's the recipe in case you feel adventurous. I hope you have better luck than I did. The bits that were cooked tasted very nice!

Berry Frangipane Tart

75g softened butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup caster sugar

1 egg

3/4 cup ground almonds

1 tbsp. gluten free cornflour

150g fresh raspberries and blueberries

2 tbsp. pure icing sugar

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C.

Grease 6 5.5cm x 10cm loose based fluted flan tins and place on oven tray.

2. Mix the butter, vanilla extract and caster sugar in a small bowl with an electric mixer until combined. Add the egg and mix through.

3. Gently mix in the ground almonds and cornflour and mix until smooth. Spoon mixture into tins; smooth surface and sprinkle with berries.

4. Bake tarts for about 30 mins or until golden brown and firm to touch. Stand in tins until cool to touch; turn carefully, topside up, onto the bench. Serve dusted with icing sugar.

"Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) affecting one in seven Australian adults and is also common in the USA, Europe and many Asian countries. This condition is characterised by chronic and relapsing symptoms; lower abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, wind, distension and altered bowel habit (ranging from diarrhoea to constipation) but with no abnormal pathology. The diagnosis of IBS/FGID should be made by a medical practitioner.

The research team at Monash University have developed a diet to control gastrointestinal symptoms associated with IBS/FGID. The team has focused on a group of carbohydrates they have named FODMAPs (stands for Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Disaccharides, Mono-saccharides and Polyols).

FODMAPs can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine. Mal-absorbed carbohydrates are fermented by gut bacteria to produce gas. Current research strongly suggests that this group of carbohydrates contributes to IBS/FGID symptoms. FODMAPs are found in a wide range of foods." www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/fodmap/

I have to say a huge thank you to my hubby Mr T and also to the research team at Monash University ... I am on week three of this diet and, touch wood, it seems to be helping!

An elaborate nineteenth-century advertising trade card for Buchu-Paiba, a patent medicine that supposedly cured kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases.

Buchu-Paiba

"'Buchu-Paiba,' quick, complete cure [for] all annoying kidney diseases, $1."

Words in the water: "Rescued from kidney and bladder affections."

Flags: "Rough on Rats" and "Wells' Health Renewer."

"Mayer, Merkel & Ottmann, Lith., N.Y."

Excerpts from the ads printed on the back of the card:

"Mother Swan's Worm Syrup. For fever, restlessness, worms, constipation. Tasteless. Perfectly harmless, but the most effective worm destroyer extant."

"Rough on Rats. 15c boxes. Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, mosquitoes, bed bugs, insects, skunk, weasel gophers, chipmunks, moles, musk rats, etc."

"Wells' Rough on Corns. Complete cure."

"'Bucha-Paiba.' Quick, complete cure, all annoying kidney and urinary diseases. $1.00 at druggists."

"E. S. Wells, manufacturer and proprietor, Jersey City, N.J. U.S.A."

Language 6 according to Albers (1929)

(Detail)

Miguel Ventura's piece for PND! show was an extremely complex installation with multiple meanings. From my position as curator and Pole I was interested in pink swastika as a meaningful object. The hate and evil symbol today was a symbol of hope in the time of Nazism beginnings. There is no dictatorship that begins his rule promising the terror - they always spread the vision of a better future and often believe that doing evil they are working for supreme good.

Below Miguel’s Ventura statement for the piece.

NILC and PINK NOT DEAD

The title of the piece I’m exhibiting is Language 6 according to Josef Albers 1929. This piece is a quasi-children´s play painting model kit which might be constructed in different ways. The original installation of this piece in mexico differs somewhat from the one created here. The color pink helps to underline the playful as well as perverting qualities of the elements of this installation. I have used diverse materials for its construction: the manufactured elements are made of a plastic material commonly used in Mexico for arts and crafts and didactic materials in schools, photographs of different projects of my work where I have used the color pink, historical photographs from my personal collection of german world war II soldiers in the process of relieving their bowels and videos. before I continue I must explain the words NILC which appear throughout this painting installation. NILC is an umbrella organization I have created to channel my artistic strategies and activities. The initials N-I-L-C stand for The New Interterritorial Language Committee, a title I appropriated from the Interterritorial Language Committee established by the British for the instruction of Swahili as a lingua franca in their East African colonies in the early XXth century.

The core of this piece is based on a painting by the German artist Joseph Albers, a pioneer of early Modernism and a precursor of many of the reductive strategies used by artists today. I have chosen this piece in light of the Mexican contemporary art scene which mimics prevalent international reductive strategies as part of a process of integration to a ‘global art world’. NILC´s contradictory and perverting philosophies view with suspicion and contempt these canonical values and reductive tendencies in contemporary art today which are a continuation of Modernist aesthetics as established by North American theorists in the 1950´s. These aesthetics tend to constrain and constipate the education and development of artistic expression today. Therefore the presence of the soldiers relieving themselves on the field. It is convenient for political and social reasons that these aesthetic ideals be continued and developed for they are part of a homogenizing power structure, therefore the use of the swastika in this piece. Yet our contemporary social and artistic structures feel somewhat ingrown and perverted at this time and constipation must be relieved. The swastika, used here as a symbol of an anarchic nature rather than its world war II nazi symbolism implies, is used to counteract this overwhelming and dominating power structure.

Garash Galeria, Mexico DF 2006

detail, documentaion photo by me

This is an image related to my Pink not Dead! art project.

Here is the link to one of the english language articles about the project:

PND! at Ping Mag

Below is the link to my Pink Blog you must be 18 years or older to enter:

pinknotdead.blox.pl/html

Lone: Jasper walking to ease his constipation

Jakarta, Indonesia

.

"Gas on Stomach for 20 Years. Exercies to help constipation (page 8). What to eat (page 12)."

Constipated? Bloated? Nauseated by ads that discuss such topics? Then this small 1930s advertising booklet is for you! It discusses the benefits of Adlerika, a patent medicine that contained Epson salts and other ingredients with laxative properties.

Do you suffer from other afflictions that you'd rather not discuss in mixed company? Then you only have to flip this reversible booklet over to read about the vitality of Vinol (see the cover on the other side below).

For Pretty Pink Themed Tuesday - Pink Disguise

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NzgPNpQkno

Getting this shot out was worse than constipation but when it's out, it's such a relief...

Benefits Of Watermelon Fruit - Favorite fruits including watermelon in the summer. Water content is high and the sweet taste makes it a choice of fresh muzzles. Watermelon is also rich in antioxidants, glutathione, which is plentiful in fruits and vegetables are colored red. Antioxidants have been proven effective in preventing various types of diseases.

Watermelon juice and skin can also be used as medicines. Ben Cao Gang Mu said that the watermelon can relieve thirst and hot, dry and painful throat cure, help urination, also good for constipation and overcome addiction to alcohol.

Information Courtesy- raya-health.blogspot.com/2012/01/benefits-of-watermelon-f...

There IS a monster in JR lake - he emerged from the water and I got a quick photo before he disappeared again!!!

He's extremely frightening! Aieeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

View him large for the full, horrible effect!!!!!!!!!

This is one of H.H. Warner's many lines of products his Warner;s Safe Kidney & Liver Cure, Warner's Safe Bitters, Safe Nervine and Safe Diabetes Cure were all introduced in the late 1870's . By 1887, H. H. Warner was hitting his stride as his patent medicine empire was flourishing around the world. In that year, Warner introduced a new major line of medicines that he dubbed “Log Cabin Remedies.” These pills are less common because, unlike the embossed bottled Safe Cure products, the pills were packaged in an unembossed vial with a paper wrapper. Warner's line of pills including the Log Cabin Liver pills all seemed designed to relieve constipation. Each bottle sold for 25 cents.

This image shows an unopened case of (12) bottles, an uncased bottle and finally the bottle inside. For a close-up of the bottle see here:

.

www.flickr.com/photos/inferno55/26489646815/in/album-7215...

Magnolias Beginning to bloom, as Art. There are around 210 species of magnolias. Magnolias symbolized dignity and nobility. In ancient China, magnolias were thought to be the perfect symbols of womanly beauty and gentleness. Magnolia flowers and bark have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, magnolia flowers and bark can be found in pills, powders, teas or tinctures. Magnolia is traditionally used to help with: Lung problems, Congestion in the chest, Runny nose, Menstrual cramps, Relaxing muscles, and Digestive upsets like gas and constipation.

My photographs are available for purchase

Thanks for your visits, favs and comments. As always, appreciated very much!

© all rights reserved by Elise T. Marks. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.

Alternative Names:

Aeldrum ,Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Elder, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Elder, and German Elder

The elder tree is steeped in folk lore, history and superstition, probably more so than any other plant. All parts of the tree were used in traditional societies. It was an important part of every herb or monastery garden or farm. It was planted wherever European people settled so that they might have its beneficial properties close at hand. Elderberries in mythology are both revered as protective, magical and healing, and reviled as evil and threatening.

The oldest known use was found in pole-dwellings from the Neolithic age in Switzerland (2000 BC).

The Druids thought of it as the tree of superstition, able to ward off the evil spirits and threats of death and destruction. The White Goddess, who guarded the door to the underworld, was said to protect the elder tree.

Some people believed that planting elderberry trees in the back of the house would protect the inhabitants from evil, and the fact that elderberries repel flies reinforced that idea. The leaves were also said to be protective. Bunches of leaves were placed in doorways and tied to horses’ harnesses to keep evil away. Elderberry leaves were also said to keep milk from souring, so the plants were often placed around dairies.

It was dangerous to cut down an existing elderberry tree, as a myth held that that person would die within three days. Should cutting down the tree be absolutely necessary, some protection could be obtained by singing a protective song, asking permission of the “Elder Mother” spirit inhabiting the tree.

It was used by Hippocrates (ca. 460-370 BC) and Pliny the Elder (AD 77).

In some regions, superstition, religious belief, or tradition prohibits the cutting of certain trees for bonfires, most notably in Witchcraft customs the Elderberry tree; “Elder be ye Lady’s tree, burn it not or cursed ye’ll be” –A rhyme from an Oral tradition.

Elderberry wood features prominently in mythology. Wind instruments carved from it are said to produce music that is beloved by spirits and faeries and medieval traditions hold that elderberry branches bring good luck and that switches made from it will preserve a healthy herd of cattle.

The wood of Christ’s cross was said to have been made from the elder.

The Anglo-Saxons thought that elders represented both good and evil – that if you cut an elder down, a witch would manifest in its place, but also that it would keep witches at bay (they were planted near wells and at the door of newly weds). If you fell asleep under the heavy scent of an elder in full bloom, you would be carried off to the world of the fairies and be protected from snakes and evil spirits.

In Germanic societies, the elder-mother, goddess of life and death was supposed to live in the elder tree. The elder became both the symbol of life and of death.

The wide range of medicinal benefits (assistance in treating colds, flu and asthma, allergies, diabetes and weight loss) is possibly due to the elderberry’s high anti-oxidant properties and capacity to build the immune system. Current research shows that elderberries are high in vitamins C, A and B.

Historically, both elderflowers and elderberries were given to build the immune system and prevent colds and flu. However, it is the flowers and berries of this tree that are most often used medicinally. Elderberries contain flavonoids, which are natural chemical substances that give food their taste and color; they also boost the immune system, and supply the body with antioxidant protection. Elderberry may be effective in treating some diseases related to a depressed immune system, and preliminary studies have shown it may be effective against some viruses, including herpes and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Elderberry has been traditionally used to relieve pain, inflammation, water retention, and congestion. All parts of the elderberry tree, including the bark, flowers, and leaves, have been used in herbal medicine. Elderberry leaves are added to topical creams and sitz baths to treat inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis, boils, and eczema. Aged elderberry bark has been used to treat water retention and constipation, and to induce vomiting.

Laboratory studies have shown that elderberry reduces excessive sinus mucus secretion, and some studies also suggest that elderberry can help lessen swelling of mucous membranes, improve sinus drainage, and decreased nasal congestion in those with bacterial sinusitis.

A recent Norwegian study has shown that elderberry juice (Sambucus nigra) not only stimulates the immune system, but also directly inhibits the influenza virus. The active ingredients in the elderberry were found to halt the spread of the virus by disarming the enzyme responsible for attacking the cell walls.

The study, reported in The Journal of International Medical Research, showed that on average, flu patients given the elderberry extract recovered within 3.1 days compared to 7.1 days for those given the placebo. Researchers found that the patients who took the elderberry extract also had higher levels of antibodies against the flu virus.

A previous study published by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that nearly 90 per cent of flu patients given elderberry extract were completely free of symptoms within two to three days, as compared to at least six days with a placebo.

Proven protection against influenza

Elderberry has been proven effective against eight different influenza viruses. The study indicated that it may provide protection against a wide range of flu viruses, solving the problem of the “mutating flu”, because most strains of the virus use the same enzyme mechanism to penetrate cells.

High in Vitamin C

Whilst the properties of elders have long been touted, it is not intended that it be taken as a substitute for a flu vaccine. Please consult your doctor.

However, unlike most over the counter cough medications, it does have the benefit of being alchohol and preservative free, has a fabulous taste, and can be safely given to young children.

Elderberry Syrup is very high in Vitamin A and C and bioflavinoids, and may be taken as a prophylactic against winter colds.

Natural Support for Arthritis

The diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity of elderberries helps explain its use in rheumatic and arthritic conditions.

Used in regulating bowel activity.

Elderberries as a syrup have a long-established effect in regulating bowel activity, moderating extremes of diarrhoea and constipation.

Folkloric

- In the Philippines, decoction of leaves and fruit pulp used as purgative.

- Fruit pulp used as cathartic.

- Extract of fruit pulp used for habitual constipation.

- Leaves, grounded to a paste, are rubbed on ringworm and other fungal skin affections.

- Fruit pulp eaten as laxative, 4-10 segments. In children, used as a convenient purgative because of its pleasant taste. Pulp considered a safe aperient for children and pregnant women.

- External pod provokes abortion and expulsion of placenta.

- Seeds prescribed as emetic and laxative.

- Powdered leaves are also laxative.

- Young leaves used as mild purgative.

- Roots are given as a tonic and febrifuge; also, a strong purgative. Also used in heart disease, retained excretions and biliousness.

- Roots sometimes used as laxative.

- Flowers are demulcent, laxative, and purgative. Also used for stomach affections.

- In Rhodesia, used for malaria, blackwater fever, blood poisoning, anthrax and dysentery.

- In Hindu medicine, pulp is used as cathartic.

- Arabs known to used the fruit pulp, in small doses as a mild laxative, in large doses as purgative.

- Fruit pulp also used for febrile and inflammatory affections.

- Folk remedy for burns, cancer, constipation, convulsion, delirium.

- Ayurvedic medicine considers the seed antibilious and carminative; the root used for adenopathy, leprosy, syphilis, skin diseases; the fruit for abdominal pain, constipation, fever, heart disease, and leprosy.

- Yunani use the leaves for inflammation; the flowers as purgative, fruit as antiinflammatory, antipyretic, abortifacient.

- In India used for snake bites.

- In Nepal fruit is used as antipyretic and to treat constipation; leaves used to treat jaundice, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, ulcers, insect bites.

- In Rhodesia, pulp used for anthrax, blood poisoning, blackwater fever, dysentery and malaria.

- Externally, pulp is applied to gout and rheumatism.

- In Hindu medicine, pulp used as cathartic and aperient.

- Decoction of pulp used for hoarseness.

- In the Gold Coast, pulp used as purgative.

- In the Far East, uncooked pulp of pods used for constipation.

- In Concan, young leaves used for ringworm.

- In Thai traditional medicine, long used as a laxative drug.

source: stuart xchange

Recent study reveals that yoga may help couples who are struggling with sexual dysfunction in their lives. Researchers believe that the physical and emotional benefits offered by yoga, may add more fun and meaning to the sexual relationship with your partner.

Scientists said that this form of yoga basically uses mutually beneficial postures, massage and breathing exercises, those can easily perform by couples. . They increase blood flow to the pelvis and engage all the muscles of pelvic floors, which strengthen the muscles that play vital role in orgasm

.

Yoga, apart from working wonders for your mind and soul, also enriches your sex life yoga helps you become aware of your sexual core proper breathing is essential for sexual arousal. Asanas, mudras, pranayamas, and meditation are the new way to better sexuality. As more and more people are discovering that practicing yoga leads to better sex life whether you practice yoga or sex for both you need some practice and training. The yoga system of treatment requires Proper diet and daily practice of yoga.

Good sex makes our skin glow, firms up our abs, beats the blues and above all as a great stress buster.

THE POWER OF GARLIC: Garlic is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It Can be useful in treating a number of reproductive – tract problems. Be cause by consuming garlic in food or as tablets will help the body wards off all sorts of other diseases and disorders.

WATERING YOUR MOOD: Take a bath or shower to adjust your moods from excitement to relaxation or vice versa. Cold water definitely get you going, warm water will let you relax before sleep.

NO SMOKING: Nicotine is a powerful vasoconstrictor; men who daily smoke a pack of cigarettes drastically reduce the Blood circulation in their penile Arteries. It makes difficult to achieve an erection.

TRY TO BEAT THE HEAT: Infertility cases trace to problems with a man’s sperm count or function. High temperature in the testicles can temporarily reduce sperm production. If you are trying to father a child, avoid Hot Baths, and tight under wear and jeans.

ODORS: Pleasant odors always have played their part, as they appear to stimulate the nervous system which, in turn stimulates, the sexual system. The sexual persuasion of odors in not confined to human beings, it is equally operative among after animals and insects; female’s dogs, wolves, foxes and butterfly release their own sexually conditioned smells. The best perfumes are the natural ones like sandalwood, roses, jasmine, violets and other flowers.

VAJROLI MUDRA: Sit in any comfortable meditative posture with eyes closed head and spine straight. Now inhales hold the breath in and try to draw the urethra upward. This action is similar to holding back on urge to urinate. Hold the contraction for as long as your feel comfortable. Then exhale while releasing the contraction. Do this Vajroli mudra minimum 10 to 15 rounds.

BENEFITS: This mudra regulates and tones the entire uro-genital system, Vajroli mudra balances testosterone levels and sperm count and gives control over premature ejaculation. Problems like prostates hypertrophy are prevented.

SHAVASANA: Lie down on the floor on your back, keep the legs straight on the floor with feet apart by about your shoulder width. Keep the arms straight by your sides with hands placed about six inches away from the body. The head ad spine should be in a straight line. Close your eyes gently. Make the whole body loose and stop all physical movement, mentally watch your breathing and allow it to become rhythmic and relaxed.

BENEFITS: This asana leads to remove physical and mental fatigue. The breathing becomes more regulated and controlled naturally. This asana improves optimum capacity of lungs and intake of oxygen. Relaxation helps to open up blocked arteries and thus helps to improve cardiac functions.

VATAYANASANA METHOD: Stand with feet together bends the right knee and place the foot on the left thigh in the half padamasan position. Then place the hand in Namaskar position. Maintain the balance and hold the position for a short duration. Release the right leg repeat the practice with the opposite leg, breathing normal. Do it two times on each side. BENEFITS: This asana develops the ability to retain seminal fluid and regulates the reproductive system and prevent early ejaculation. It also strengthens the leg muscle and knee joints. CAUTION: Try to do it slowly after some practice one can do it. This asana require more coordination then muscular strength.

ASWANI MUDRA: Stand in comfortable position closes eyes and breathing normal. Take your attention to the anus area. Contract the anal muscles for a few seconds without feeling any strain. Then relax for a few seconds. Repeat the contraction and relax the anal muscles. Make the contractions more rapid. BENEFITS: It is very helpful to prevents early ejaculation. The inflammation of prostate gland is also cured by this mudra. It helps to alleviate piles, constipation and prevents the escape of pranic energy from the body. To know more log on www.yogagurusuneelsingh.com Pic by Vijay Gautam

Tea seed

Actual Size 7-9mm

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Camellia Seed Oil

Over the last few years, there has been an increase of tea seed oil being used in western cuisines especially in countries like UK, Germany, US and Canada.

Tea seed oil is obtained principally from Camellia oleifera, which grows widely in 17 provinces of South-China. This camellia fruit is a dry capsule divided into 1-5 compartments, each containing 1-8 seeds.

Camellia Seed

Camellia Seed Oil or Tea seed oil should not be confused with tea tree oil or melaleuca oil, which is a native essential oil found in Australia for its medicinal application.

This oil is the main cooking oil in southern provinces of China, about one seventh of the entire China population. It enjoys similar characteristics with Olive oil with its high mono unsaturated fats contents (75-85%). In addition, it is high in vitamin E, polyphenol and other trace minerals, zero cholesterol, trans fat, omega 3,6 and 9.

It is frequently used in salad dressing, marinades, for sautéing, stir fry, dips, steam and deep fry.

It’s rich heritage is dated back 2300 years ago during the Song Dynasty where the tea seed oil is used as royal gourmet cuisine for the Royal family only. It’s health properties was recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica and ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine journals for the following benefits :

1. lower cholesterol

2. natural disinfectant

3. improve immunity system

4. cleanse colon

5. improve complexion, promote hair growth

6. heal scar marks

7. relieve heatiness

8. reduce constipation problem

Tea seed oil is nearly odourless, pale yellow in colour with light viscosity and light nutty taste. It has a long shelf life of 18 months and should be stored in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Camellia seed oil is also a common base ingredient in many shampoos, hair conditioners, moisturiser, as a carrier oil in aromatherapy products, massage oil,etc.

In Japanese, Tsubaki means camellia and it is a traditional culture to use its tea seed oil for skin, scalp and hair care.

With the rising awareness of Health and natural ingredients and organic food and cosmetics heating up, more consumers are switching to plant based ,natural and environmental friendly products.

organicpassion.info/camellia-seed-oil-%E2%80%93-oriental-...

The health benefits of apples include prevention of heart, stomach, and liver disorders, gallstones, constipation, anemia, and diabetes. They also lower your risk of suffering from rheumatism, eye disorders, a variety of cancers, gout, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Apples help in reducing weakness, providing relief from dysentery, and promoting digestion. Finally, they also aid in dental and skin care.

Sandra and l stopped for a drink at a local tavern on the lake.

Had all kinds of male attention.

Poor boys need a cold shower l tell you.

Was similar to church this morning.

Lots of people praying for something to enrich thier life's.

Thiers has no chance of being answered. And although they might be bigger and stronger.

Both us little girls carry big guns and shoot them not only accurately. But practice constantly. A girl cannot have to much protection. Pepper spray and box cutters work. But just showing a 357 Magnum with Lazer scope and putting that dot on your forehead, works a whole lot quicker.

I personally prefer my 9mm Glock..... Smaller lighter Less kick. Semi automatic. Easier to get access, hide, and shoot

Best cure for constipation l have ever witnessed. Not to mention. Will shrink a hard on in the blink of an eye.

It's survival in the big city. Works nicely.

It's called the 2nd amendment in the United States.

The right to bear weapons and protect yourself.

Both Sandra and l work in some very bad areas. People getting raped. Carjacked. And murdered.

When l worked for city. Fellow worker had gun stuck to forehead and had brains blown out for his car. 6 months away from retirement. That is why l left. City would not let you carry to protect yourself.

Not going to happen to me.

It's another reason, Sandra and l have bonded.

Similar thing happened to someone she worked with.

It's a bad world out there. People need to be prepared to defend themselves.

They would find out quick what it feels like to be fucked........

Secretos de Radiación. Es el proyecto con el que pretendo reflejar el deterioro físico y mental que sufren las mujeres que han recibido radiación por cáncer de cérvix y el deterior por efectos secundarios al tratamiento, el cual les salva la vida pero deja una gran huella en su cuerpo y mente. Esta marchitación interna les ocasiona una gran variedad de problemas como: resequedad, piel sensible, estreñimiento, sangrados, falta de lubricación y más. Ellas pierden su sexualidad al no poder intimar con su pareja, lo cual les lleva a cuestionar su cuerpo y persona lo que se convierte en un problema mental. Las mujeres que han pasado por esto por lo general cargan el problema en silencio y sin ayuda. Hay que poner la luz en esta situación y ver la forma de brindarles la información y ayuda adecuada.

Secrets of Radiation. It is the project that I intend to reflect the physical and mental deterioration suffered by women who have received radiation from cervical cancer and the deterioration due to side effects to the treatment, which saves their lives but leaves a great imprint on their body and mind . This internal wilting causes a great variety of problems such as: dryness, sensitive skin, constipation, bleeding, lack of lubrication and more. They lose their sexuality by not being able to intimate with their partner, which leads them to question their body and person which becomes a mental problem. Women who have gone through this usually carry the problem silently and unaided. We must put the light on this situation and see how we can provide them with the right information and help.

Secretos de Radiación. Es el proyecto con el que pretendo reflejar el deterioro físico y mental que sufren las mujeres que han recibido radiación por cáncer de cérvix y el deterior por efectos secundarios al tratamiento, el cual les salva la vida pero deja una gran huella en su cuerpo y mente. Esta marchitación interna les ocasiona una gran variedad de problemas como: resequedad, piel sensible, estreñimiento, sangrados, falta de lubricación y más. Ellas pierden su sexualidad al no poder intimar con su pareja, lo cual les lleva a cuestionar su cuerpo y persona lo que se convierte en un problema mental. Las mujeres que han pasado por esto por lo general cargan el problema en silencio y sin ayuda. Hay que poner la luz en esta situación y ver la forma de brindarles la información y ayuda adecuada.

Secrets of Radiation. It is the project that I intend to reflect the physical and mental deterioration suffered by women who have received radiation from cervical cancer and the deterioration due to side effects to the treatment, which saves their lives but leaves a great imprint on their body and mind . This internal wilting causes a great variety of problems such as: dryness, sensitive skin, constipation, bleeding, lack of lubrication and more. They lose their sexuality by not being able to intimate with their partner, which leads them to question their body and person which becomes a mental problem. Women who have gone through this usually carry the problem silently and unaided. We must put the light on this situation and see how we can provide them with the right information and help.

I'm not sure if its for humans or bears. LOL Seen in Monticello, GA

Please can you favourite this and help spread awareness of this incurable disease. Hopefully one day their will be a cure.

An answer to the age old question, "Does a skeleton sh*t in the woods?"

Wait. No.

Washington: Fiber-rich foods are known to lower blood sugar, cut cholesterol, prevent constipation and even ward off colon cancer. Now, a new research links intake of fiber in right amount to lower risk of developing lung disease.

Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition...

headlinesview.com/fiber-rich-diet-can-keep-lung-disease-a...

citrine crystal:

Citrine Healing Properties

Healing Citrine polished tumble stones♥ Happiness ♥ Prosperity ♥ Generosity ♥ Creativity ♥ Pleasure ♥ Protection ♥ Strength ♥ Alignment ♥ Confidence ♥ Stability ♥ Moderation ♥ Energy ♥ Comfort ♥ Success ♥ Truth ♥ Goodness ♥ Warmth ♥ Digestion ♥ Assimilation ♥ Enjoyment of life ♥ Spiritual growth

Citrine is a variety of Quartz. Citrine is a 13th Anniversary gemstone.

Chakras - Sacral Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra, Crown Chakra

Birthstone - November

Zodiac - Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra

Planet - Jupiter

Element - Air

Typical colours - yellow to yellowish brown or smokey grey-brown

Citrine energises every level of life. It cleanses the chakras and opens the intuition. Citrine attracts wealth, prosperity and success. It imparts joy, wonder, delight and enthusiasm. Raises self-esteem and self-confidence. Stimulates the brain, strengthening the intellect. Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression. Enhances concentration and revitalises the mind. It releases negative traits, depression, fears and phobias. Emotionally balancing.

Energising and recharging, Citrine also reverses degenerative disease. Stimulates digestion, the spleen and pancreas. Negates kidney and bladder infections. Citrine helps eye problems, increases blood circulation, detoxifies the blood, activates the thymus and balances the thyroid. Relieves constipation and removes cellulite.

Advertising Card courtesy of Louis de Bough, Toronto.

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in 1873 Burdock Blood Bitters, loaded with as much as twenty percent alcohol, was advertised for sale by T. Milburn & Co., Toronto,

-- Dumpdiggers

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In the advertisement is a well-healed gentleman with the page ripping through his head and lurking inside is a creepy little girl. I'm not sure how the imagery translates into a remedy for constipation ....

-- Art of Drink. Com