iN AN AREA that stretches from the Florida coast to Bermuda to Puerto Rico, the infamous Bermuda Triangle - also known as the Deadly Triangle or Devil's Triangle - has been blamed for hundreds of shipwrecks, plane crashes, mysterious disappearances, craft instrument malfunctions and other unexplained phenomena. Author Vincent Gaddis is credited for coining the term "Bermuda Triangle" back in 1964 in an article he wrote for Argosy magazine, in which he catalogued many of the anomalous events in the area, and several other authors, including Charles Berlitz and Ivan Sanderson, have added to their number.
Whether or not phenomena of a paranormal nature are taking place there has been a matter of debate. Those who are convinced something odd is happening, as well as researchers who take a scientific view, have offered a number of explanations for the mystery.
MAGNETIC VORTICES
Fortean researcher Ivan Sanderson suspected that the strange sea and sky phenomena, mechanical and instrument malfunctions, and mysterious disappearances were the result of what he called "vile vortices" where, he said, "tremendous hot and cold currents crossing the most active zones might create the electromagnetic gymnastics affecting instruments and vehicles." And the Bermuda Triangle wasn't the only place on earth where this occurred. Sanderson drew out elaborate charts on which he identified 10 such locations precisely distributed around the globe, five above, and five below at equal distances from the equator.
MAGNETIC VARIATION
This theory, proposed by the Coast Guard over 30 years ago, states: "The majority of disappearances can be attributed to the area's unique environmental features. First, the "Devil's Triangle" is one of the two places on earth that a magnetic compass does point towards true north. Normally it points toward magnetic north. The difference between the two is known as compass variation. The amount of variation changes by as much as 20 degrees as one circumnavigates the earth. If this compass variation or error is not compensated for, a navigator could find himself far off course and in deep trouble." More information.
SPACE-TIME WARP
It's been suggested that from time to time a rift in space-time opens up in the Bermuda Triangle, and that planes and ships that are unlucky enough to be traveling the area at this time are lost in it. That is why, it is said, that often utterly no trace of the craft - not even wreckage - are ever found. But where do they disappear to? Another time and place? Another dimension? The physics for how this would actually take place are fuzzy at best. However, consider the following related idea for "electronic fog."
ELECTRONIC FOG
Is an "electronic fog" responsible for many of the unexplained incidents and disappearances in the infamous Bermuda Triangle? That is the assertion made by Rob MacGregor and Bruce Gernon in their book The Fog. Gernon himself is a first-hand witness and survivor of this strange phenomenon. On December 4, 1970, he and his dad were flying their Bonanza A36 over the Bahamas. On route to Bimini they encountered strange cloud phenomena - a tunnel-shaped vortex - the sides of which the plane's wings scraped as they flew. All of the plane's electronic and magnetic navigational instruments malfunctioned and the magnetic compass spun inexplicably. As they neared the end of the tunnel, they expected to see clear blue sky. Instead, they saw only a dull grayish white for miles - no ocean, sky or horizon. After flying for 34 minutes, a time corroborated by every clock on board, they found themselves over Miami Beach - a flight that normally would have taken 75 minutes. MacGregor and Gernon believe that this electronic fog that Gernon experienced may have also been responsible for the famous disappearance of Flight 19, and other vanishing aircraft and ships.

Dark energy is one of the most mysterious subjects of modern-day physics. It was first observed in 1998, and even though more than a decade has passed since then, physicists throughout the world are still clueless about what dark energy is and how it affects everyone. The discovery of the existence of dark energy has fueled speculation that it could be linked to paranormal phenomena. Many theories explaining this relationship have been proposed.

How Was Dark Energy Discovered?

For many years, physicists believed that the universe was expanding, but that it will eventually slow down because of the force of gravity between distant stars and galaxies. However, in 1998, observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope showed that the universe is in fact expanding at an accelerating pace. Not only was this completely unexpected, but scientists were unable to explain the reason behind it. Eventually, physicists came up with the explanation that a “dark energy” permeates the universe and that almost 70 percent of the universe consists of nothing but this energy. Twenty-five percent of the universe is dark matter, which is the invisible matter that does not give off light, x-rays, or any other radiation, but does give off a gravitational force, and only the remaining 5 percent is the observable part of the universe, including the earth, sun, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter.

Nature of Dark Energy

Very few facts are known about dark energy. It is believed that it is homogenous, i.e., it has a uniform structure and remains essentially the same throughout the universe. It has an extremely low density, which makes it very hard to make any observations about it through conventional experiments.
The leading theory of dark energy is that it is an inherent property of space. Wherever there is space, there is a uniformly distributed dark energy in it. This theory comes from Einstein's general theory of relativity, which uses a “cosmological constant” to explain how the universe is held together. This cosmological constant is now believed by many scientists to be dark energy.
Another theory that tries to explain dark energy is that it is a dynamic energy fluid, which fills the whole universe. This theory is referred to as quintessence. Its name comes from the Greek concept of a pure “fifth element,” or the aether that fills up the universe. Proponents of this theory believe that dark energy is not uniform and that it can change in time and space.

Is Dark Energy Related to Paranormal Phenomena?

A lot of people now believe that the existence of dark energy is intricately linked to paranormal phenomena and several theories explaining this relationship have been proposed in the last few years.
There is hardly any doubt now that dark energy is holding the universe together and it is present everywhere. This energy could explain how spirits can move objects and make them float in the air. It can also explain why the conventional laws of physics do not apply to spirits. Dark energy could also act as the channel through which some people are able to communicate with spirits or through which telepathic communication can take place between two people.
Dark energy can also help explain the concept of a universal consciousness (also known as distributed or nonlocal consciousness), which has been proved by several experiments. It could be the same phenomena that has been referred to in various cultures as chi, orgone, prana, aether, or the Holy Spirit.
Another theory that relates paranormal phenomenon to dark energy is that this energy carries psychic information and facilitates ghostly activity and psychic abilities. It is also believed that dark energy can pass through objects made of matter as if they did not exist, but this interaction could have a huge paranormal significance and could even be the source of some of our seemingly spontaneous thoughts.
Yet another theory is that the spirit is composed of dark energy that exists in symbiosis with matter of the human body when a person is alive. After a person's death, this energy is decoupled from the body and either exists in the vicinity of where the person died or merges into the aether.
As more is learned about dark energy through new observations, more could also be learned about how paranormal phenomena works. Dark energy could in fact be the key that unlocks the relationship between science and paranormal phenomena, and the next few years could be very exciting for both these fields.

Every measurement has a degree of uncertainty associated with it. The uncertainty derives from the measuring device and from the skill of the person doing the measuring.
Let's use volume measurement as an example. Say you are in a chemistry lab and need 7 mL of water. You could take an unmarked coffee cup and add water until you think you have about 7 milliliters. In this case, the majority of the measurement error is associated with the skill of the person doing the measuring. You could use a beaker, marked in 5 mL increments. With the beaker, you could easily obtain a volume between 5 and 10 mL, probably close to 7 mL, give or take 1 mL. If you used a pipette marked to with 0.1 mL, you could get a volume between 6.99 and 7.01 mL pretty reliably. It would be untrue to report that you measured 7.000 mL using any of these devices, because you didn't measure the volume to the nearest microliter. You would report your measurement using significant figures. These include all of the digits you know for certain plus the last digit, which contains some uncertainty.
Significant Figure Rules

• Non-zero digits are always significant.
• All zeros between other significant digits are significant.
• The number of significant figures is determined starting with the leftmost non-zero digit. The leftmost non-zero digit is sometimes called the most significant digit or the most significant figure. For example, in the number 0.004205 the '4' is the most significant figure. The lefthand '0's are not significant. The zero between the '2' and the '5' is significant.
• The rightmost digit of a decimal number is the least significant digit or least significant figure. Another way to look at the least significant figure is to consider it to be the rightmost digit when the number is written in scientific notation. Least significant figures are still significant! In the number 0.004205 (which may be written as 4.205 x 10^-3), the '5' is the least significant figure. In the number 43.120 (which may be written as 4.3210 x 10¹), the '0' is the least significant figure.
• If no decimal point is present, the rightmost non-zero digit is the least significant figure. In the number 5800, the least significant figure is '8'.

Uncertainty in Calculations
Measured quantities are often used in calculations. The precision of the calculation is limited by the precision of the measurements on which it is based.

Addition and Subtraction
When measured quantities are used in addition or subtraction, the uncertainty is determined by the absolute uncertainty in the least precise measurement (not by the number of significant figures). Sometimes this is considered to be the number of digits after the decimal point. Example
32.01 m
5.325 m
12 m

Uses of Garlic, the Stinking Rose

Historical, Mythical, and Practical Facts About The Popular Garlic Plant

Garlic and humanity go back a long way. It’s believed to be one of the first wild plants domesticated by early humans. First found in the mountains of Central Asia, this pungent member of the Allium family has been used to repel vampires, restore virility, cure leprosy, and keep scorpions at bay.
To call garlic “versatile” is an understatement. Here are some of the more unusual uses and beliefs associated with what the Greeks called “the stinking rose.”

1. A Clove for Courage
The Greeks and Romans believed that garlic increased courage.
Greek commanders fed garlic to soldiers before battle, perhaps making their breath as lethal as their weapons. Roman soldiers also ate garlic for courage, but their commanders went a step further. Romans planted fields of garlic in conquered countries. They wanted the courageous effect of garlic to transfer from the garlic field to the battlefield – hopefully to Roman soldiers only, not their enemies.
2. Strength in Numbers (of garlic cloves, that is)
Many cultures believed that garlic increased strength and stamina. Greek Olympic athletes chewed it for stamina before competition. Both Greek and Roman soldiers ate garlic before and during battles.
The Egyptian laborers who built the pyramids ate it as part of their daily ration. One year, unusual flooding on the Nile caused a shortage of garlic, so prices rose. Looking to cut costs, the Pharaoh stopped supplying it to the laborers. He was forced to reconsider when the workers revolted and threatened to stop building, thereby making garlic the world’s first recorded union organizing tool.
3. Bread, Wine, and a Clove of Garlic?
Garlic was also used to impart a different kind of stamina, mainly to men.
Ancient Indian writings called it an aphrodisiac, as did Aristotle. The Talmud (a collection of Jewish laws and customs) instructs husbands to eat garlic before the Sabbath begins on Friday and then go make love to their wives. In one Middle Eastern wedding custom, the bridegroom slides a clove of garlic into his pocket before the wedding in order to insure a successful wedding night.
4. Everybody Calm Down
Of course, not every culture and tradition wants a veggie version of Viagra.
Monks in ancient India avoided garlic. Not because of the smell, but due to garlic’s stimulating properties and ability to arouse passions. Those double dangers meant that teenagers and widows were also forbidden to indulge. Many Hindus still avoid garlic because they believe its stimulating effects keep them from reaching a high spiritual plane.
5. No Wooden Stakes Required
People since ancient times have used garlic to repel evil and as protection against warlocks, witches, werewolves, and vampires.
The most famous example of this is a movie cliché: garlic braids hung in the doors and windows of every Transylvanian home. Children in some areas wore garlic necklaces to protect them from the evil eye and witches. Greek midwives crushed garlic in the birthing room before a child was born, then gave the newborn a garlic necklace immediately after birth to protect it from the evil eye.
6. Garlic, The Miracle Plant
Many of these superstitions probably stem from garlic’s healing properties. Ancient people thought evil spirits caused sickness, so garlic’s medicinal properties may have made it appear to be a magical plant that protected the wearer from harm. Other cultures viewed garlic as a medical treatment many different diseases.
For instance, Sanskrit medical texts from two thousand years ago detail garlic’s medical uses. Ancient physicians used garlic for a diverse assortment of aliments including arthritis, intestinal worms, and ear infections. Physicians in the Middle Ages used it to treat smallpox. When the British arrived in India, they named leprosy the “peelgarlic” disease because lepers used peeled cloves to treat their affliction.
7. Russian Penicillin
Garlic’s curative properties became more than anecdotal during World War I when British doctors used garlic juice on battlefield wounds to prevent infection. Russian physicians did the same during the Second World War and supplemented soldiers’ diets with garlic and onions to prevent disease.
In fact, garlic was such an effective antibiotic that was nicknamed “Russian Penicillin.” It’s still used in Russia to treat many ailments and for preventive care. Public health educations programs promote garlic and onions as disease preventatives – and not just because they help repel germ-carrying people.
8. Ticks and Flies and Fleas No More!
Garlic’s most repellent feature – the smell – is a plus when people look for natural ways to protect animals from flies and parasites.
Studies have found that concentrated garlic kills ticks within thirty minutes. Dehydrated garlic is used as a nutritional supplement in pet food to repel fleas and ticks. Some horse owners rub down their equines with a garlic mixture to keep flies away.
Garlic rubbed on humans also repels pests, but don’t try it unless you’re longing to try the lonely life of a hermit.
9. Add Some Spice To Your Garden
Gardeners spray a garlic mixture on plants to repel a different set of pesky creatures: deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and other four-legged garden predators who happily consume a whole season of vegetables in a single night.
It’s a great alternative for organic gardeners and environmentally conscious people who want to repel pests without harming either animals or the environment. A spray mixture of insecticidal soap, garlic, and hot pepper protects plants and flowers for days at a time. Just remember to reapply after rainstorms.
10. I Went To A Garlic Party
Garlic has long been a staple in many cuisines and has exploded in popularity in the United States during the past few decades. Garlic lovers gather by the thousands at festivals held worldwide.
The town of Gilroy, California held its first garlic festival in 1979. Since then, over 3 million people have attended the annual event, indulging in such delicacies as garlic wine, garlic ice cream, and garlic sushi. Other festivals celebrating garlic include Garlic Fest in Fairfield, CT, the CARP Farmers’ Market Garlic Festival in Ontario, and the Romanian Garlic Festival in Copalau.
Interest in garlic continues to grow as more people learn about its many uses and benefits. The faint voices of ancient physicians echo over time as modern researchers make almost weekly announcements about the beneficial effects of garlic.
We’re finally catching on to what our ancestors already knew thousands of years ago: garlic is great!

Garlic is an important medicinal herb that is readily available everywhere, unlike some of the other herbs mentioned on these pages.  It is one of the safest herbs, and as such can be taken often.  It does, however,  have its drawbacks, as we all know.  Bear this in mind when using remedies (especially internal ones), and cut back when family and friends start avoiding you.  

The lemon tree is one of the oldest cultivated fruit plants originated from India. Today, lemon trees grow in subtropical climates all over the world, especially in Florida and the Mediterranean. Though the fruit and its juice have a sour taste to it, lemon is actually a fantastic buffer in the body and can reduce hyperacidity in the stomach. Lemon juice and peels have an antiseptic effect and the leaves of the tree are used to reduce fever. In addition, lemons are rich in vitamin C which strengthens the immune system and acting as an antioxant, protects cells from radical damage.

Lemons as a therapeutic usage helps anti-inflammatory action. It helps the body cleanse itself by promoting perspiration and acting as a natural diuretic. Lemons also stimulate the appetitie, aids digestion, strengthens body defense system, relieves cramps and also dilates the blood vessels in the skin.

Lemons are known for useful remedies for gout, urine retention, athritis, vitamin C deficiency, inflammation of the mouth and throat, hoarseness, digestive disorders, asthma, nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations and helps the system with diseases of the stomach, liver and intestines.

Some uses for lemons:

Infusions from lemon leaves;
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 3 tsp. of dried leaves and allow to steep for ten minutes. To reduce fever and relieve cramps, drink up to 2 cups per day.
Sweetened with honey, this tea helps coughs and asthma.
It is also a cure for insomnia. It promotes relaxation and deep sleep. Drink 1 cup before retiring at night.

Lemon Peels;
Relief from joint and nerve pains

The fragrant volatile oils found in the peel help relax blood vessels and produce an anti-inflammatory effect.

“AUT (auto-urine therapy) is an ancient practice as it finds mention in many old texts of India such as Shivambhu Kalpa Vidhi and Damar Tantra. Shivambhu literally means water of Lord Shiva, a Hindu God. Urine therapists often speak of drinking Shivambhu, which means drinking the water of auspiciousness.”LifePositive.com
By: Eric Cho
You’d never think there was anything good in a pot of pee, right? Here’s news for you.
The use of urine for medicinal purposes can be traced to societies in ancient Egypt, China, Hindu and Aztec histories. Advocates also cite a prominent verse in the Bible: “Drink water from thine own cistern and the streams of thine own well.”
Urine therapy is also known as amaroli and it is an integral part of the Ayurvedic tradition of Yoga. Yogis who follow Ayurveda are advised to drink the urine they excrete between 4 and 6 in the morning because the hormones released are propitious in inducing the meditative state of mind.
The rationale behind urine therapy is quite simple and persuasive. Urine is believed to be a byproduct of blood filtration. It is NOT excess water that is released by the body. When blood filled with nutrients pass through the liver, the toxins are filtered out and are excreted as solid waste. The purified blood then travels to the kidney where excess nutrients are eliminated from the body. The medical name of urine is Plasma Ultrafiltrate. 95% of this liquid is water and the rest is a mixture of nutrients, urea, minerals, enzymes, antibodies and hormones.
Urine consists of urea, which is an antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral agent. Urea is produced when the body tries to balance the ratio of sodium chloride with water. Because of its ability to kill bacteria and limit inflammation, urea is often used in ointments and lotions.
Urine can be used internally or applied externally. For internal use, it is necessary to collect the morning’s first sample. A sterile container is used, and with a dropper the patient places anywhere between 5-10 drops under his tongue. The usual system is to use 1-5 drops on the first day, followed by 5-10 drops on the second day, 5-10 drops on the morning of the third day and 5-10 drops on the evening of the third day.
“Drinking urine is a good alternative wherever water is scarce. It not only satisfies the need for liquid, but also actually keeps the body healthy. Some time ago there was an earthquake in Egypt. A survivor was pulled out of the rubble in Cairo after being trapped for three days. The man had kept himself alive by, among other things, drinking his own urine and he was in excellent condition. I heard another story about a man who kept himself alive with his own urine for a week in a collapsed mine. At the time of his rescue, he looked fine and was in extraordinary health.” – Complete Guide to Urine Therapy Universal-Tao.com
Homeopathic urine therapy dilutes the urine with distilled water and this diluted solution is placed under the tongue till there is a reduction in symptoms.
Precautions are taken to ensure the purity and quality of the urine. The first urine of the day and the mid-stream urine is the best sample. Before collecting the sample, it is necessary to wash the genital area thoroughly. After taking the urine into the body, individuals should refrain from eating anything for at least half an hour.
For external application, new or old urine can be used. Since older urine has a higher concentration of ammonia, it is more effective against skin diseases and rashes. To make the urine old, it should be stored in a dark bottle and closed tightly and kept away from the sun for 3-4 days. A small amount of the solution is applied directly on the skin. It can also be sprayed on the skin or added to skin lotions, cream or moisturizers. Doctors advise against the use of soap immediately after applying urine on the skin.
Urine should never be injected into the body. Since urine therapy depends on the gradual introduction of urine into the body, a sudden introduction of urine into the bloodstream can cause damage.
Urine therapy is supposed to cure a variety of ailments ranging from Arthritis, Cancer, Hepatitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Diabetes, Herpes and adrenal failure. It is commonly used to combat venom from snakebites, jellyfish and beestings. Urine is the main ingredient in infertility drugs.
So, now you know there’s more to pee than what meets the eye!
“The medical community has already been aware of [urine's] astounding efficacy for decades, and yet none of us has ever been told about it. Why? Maybe they think it’s too controversial. Or maybe, more accurately, there wasn’t any monetary reward for telling people what scientists know about one of the most extraordinary natural healing elements in the world.”

“AUT (auto-urine therapy) is an ancient practice as it finds mention in many old texts of India such as Shivambhu Kalpa Vidhi and Damar Tantra. Shivambhu literally means water of Lord Shiva, a Hindu God. Urine therapists often speak of drinking Shivambhu, which means drinking the water of auspiciousness.”LifePositive.com
By: Eric Cho
You’d never think there was anything good in a pot of pee, right? Here’s news for you.
The use of urine for medicinal purposes can be traced to societies in ancient Egypt, China, Hindu and Aztec histories. Advocates also cite a prominent verse in the Bible: “Drink water from thine own cistern and the streams of thine own well.”
Urine therapy is also known as amaroli and it is an integral part of the Ayurvedic tradition of Yoga. Yogis who follow Ayurveda are advised to drink the urine they excrete between 4 and 6 in the morning because the hormones released are propitious in inducing the meditative state of mind.
The rationale behind urine therapy is quite simple and persuasive. Urine is believed to be a byproduct of blood filtration. It is NOT excess water that is released by the body. When blood filled with nutrients pass through the liver, the toxins are filtered out and are excreted as solid waste. The purified blood then travels to the kidney where excess nutrients are eliminated from the body. The medical name of urine is Plasma Ultrafiltrate. 95% of this liquid is water and the rest is a mixture of nutrients, urea, minerals, enzymes, antibodies and hormones.
Urine consists of urea, which is an antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral agent. Urea is produced when the body tries to balance the ratio of sodium chloride with water. Because of its ability to kill bacteria and limit inflammation, urea is often used in ointments and lotions.
Urine can be used internally or applied externally. For internal use, it is necessary to collect the morning’s first sample. A sterile container is used, and with a dropper the patient places anywhere between 5-10 drops under his tongue. The usual system is to use 1-5 drops on the first day, followed by 5-10 drops on the second day, 5-10 drops on the morning of the third day and 5-10 drops on the evening of the third day.
“Drinking urine is a good alternative wherever water is scarce. It not only satisfies the need for liquid, but also actually keeps the body healthy. Some time ago there was an earthquake in Egypt. A survivor was pulled out of the rubble in Cairo after being trapped for three days. The man had kept himself alive by, among other things, drinking his own urine and he was in excellent condition. I heard another story about a man who kept himself alive with his own urine for a week in a collapsed mine. At the time of his rescue, he looked fine and was in extraordinary health.” – Complete Guide to Urine Therapy Universal-Tao.com
Homeopathic urine therapy dilutes the urine with distilled water and this diluted solution is placed under the tongue till there is a reduction in symptoms.
Precautions are taken to ensure the purity and quality of the urine. The first urine of the day and the mid-stream urine is the best sample. Before collecting the sample, it is necessary to wash the genital area thoroughly. After taking the urine into the body, individuals should refrain from eating anything for at least half an hour.
For external application, new or old urine can be used. Since older urine has a higher concentration of ammonia, it is more effective against skin diseases and rashes. To make the urine old, it should be stored in a dark bottle and closed tightly and kept away from the sun for 3-4 days. A small amount of the solution is applied directly on the skin. It can also be sprayed on the skin or added to skin lotions, cream or moisturizers. Doctors advise against the use of soap immediately after applying urine on the skin.
Urine should never be injected into the body. Since urine therapy depends on the gradual introduction of urine into the body, a sudden introduction of urine into the bloodstream can cause damage.
Urine therapy is supposed to cure a variety of ailments ranging from Arthritis, Cancer, Hepatitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Diabetes, Herpes and adrenal failure. It is commonly used to combat venom from snakebites, jellyfish and beestings. Urine is the main ingredient in infertility drugs.
So, now you know there’s more to pee than what meets the eye!
“The medical community has already been aware of [urine's] astounding efficacy for decades, and yet none of us has ever been told about it. Why? Maybe they think it’s too controversial. Or maybe, more accurately, there wasn’t any monetary reward for telling people what scientists know about one of the most extraordinary natural healing elements in the world.” (Urine Therapy) – Shirley’s Wellness Cafe

Alternative Holistic Medicine
Amazon Books on Urine Therapy:
Uropathy
Your Own Perfect Medicine
The Golden Fountain: The Complete Guide to Urine Therapy
Urine Therapy: Nature’s Elixer for Good Health
Water of Life

“AUT (auto-urine therapy) is an ancient practice as it finds mention in many old texts of India such as Shivambhu Kalpa Vidhi and Damar Tantra. Shivambhu literally means water of Lord Shiva, a Hindu God. Urine therapists often speak of drinking Shivambhu, which means drinking the water of auspiciousness.”LifePositive.com
By: Eric Cho
You’d never think there was anything good in a pot of pee, right? Here’s news for you.
The use of urine for medicinal purposes can be traced to societies in ancient Egypt, China, Hindu and Aztec histories. Advocates also cite a prominent verse in the Bible: “Drink water from thine own cistern and the streams of thine own well.”
Urine therapy is also known as amaroli and it is an integral part of the Ayurvedic tradition of Yoga. Yogis who follow Ayurveda are advised to drink the urine they excrete between 4 and 6 in the morning because the hormones released are propitious in inducing the meditative state of mind.
The rationale behind urine therapy is quite simple and persuasive. Urine is believed to be a byproduct of blood filtration. It is NOT excess water that is released by the body. When blood filled with nutrients pass through the liver, the toxins are filtered out and are excreted as solid waste. The purified blood then travels to the kidney where excess nutrients are eliminated from the body. The medical name of urine is Plasma Ultrafiltrate. 95% of this liquid is water and the rest is a mixture of nutrients, urea, minerals, enzymes, antibodies and hormones.
Urine consists of urea, which is an antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral agent. Urea is produced when the body tries to balance the ratio of sodium chloride with water. Because of its ability to kill bacteria and limit inflammation, urea is often used in ointments and lotions.
Urine can be used internally or applied externally. For internal use, it is necessary to collect the morning’s first sample. A sterile container is used, and with a dropper the patient places anywhere between 5-10 drops under his tongue. The usual system is to use 1-5 drops on the first day, followed by 5-10 drops on the second day, 5-10 drops on the morning of the third day and 5-10 drops on the evening of the third day.
“Drinking urine is a good alternative wherever water is scarce. It not only satisfies the need for liquid, but also actually keeps the body healthy. Some time ago there was an earthquake in Egypt. A survivor was pulled out of the rubble in Cairo after being trapped for three days. The man had kept himself alive by, among other things, drinking his own urine and he was in excellent condition. I heard another story about a man who kept himself alive with his own urine for a week in a collapsed mine. At the time of his rescue, he looked fine and was in extraordinary health.” – Complete Guide to Urine Therapy Universal-Tao.com
Homeopathic urine therapy dilutes the urine with distilled water and this diluted solution is placed under the tongue till there is a reduction in symptoms.
Precautions are taken to ensure the purity and quality of the urine. The first urine of the day and the mid-stream urine is the best sample. Before collecting the sample, it is necessary to wash the genital area thoroughly. After taking the urine into the body, individuals should refrain from eating anything for at least half an hour.
For external application, new or old urine can be used. Since older urine has a higher concentration of ammonia, it is more effective against skin diseases and rashes. To make the urine old, it should be stored in a dark bottle and closed tightly and kept away from the sun for 3-4 days. A small amount of the solution is applied directly on the skin. It can also be sprayed on the skin or added to skin lotions, cream or moisturizers. Doctors advise against the use of soap immediately after applying urine on the skin.
Urine should never be injected into the body. Since urine therapy depends on the gradual introduction of urine into the body, a sudden introduction of urine into the bloodstream can cause damage.
Urine therapy is supposed to cure a variety of ailments ranging from Arthritis, Cancer, Hepatitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Diabetes, Herpes and adrenal failure. It is commonly used to combat venom from snakebites, jellyfish and beestings. Urine is the main ingredient in infertility drugs.
So, now you know there’s more to pee than what meets the eye!
“The medical community has already been aware of [urine's] astounding efficacy for decades, and yet none of us has ever been told about it. Why? Maybe they think it’s too controversial. Or maybe, more accurately, there wasn’t any monetary reward for telling people what scientists know about one of the most extraordinary natural healing elements in the world.” (Urine Therapy) – Shirley’s Wellness Cafe

Alternative Holistic Medicine
Amazon Books on Urine Therapy:
Uropathy
Your Own Perfect Medicine
The Golden Fountain: The Complete Guide to Urine Therapy
Urine Therapy: Nature’s Elixer for Good Health
Water of Life

It could be said without any doubt that from the pure Moringa Tree Leaf we can get very good benefits for the health, which are very much reported in studies of the leaf. It is the organic, natural, endurance and energy supplement of health. In other words, it’s the ultimate thing. And the post beneficial and purest part of the plant is the powdered Moringa leaf.
According to the annals of the ayurveda, India’s old tradition of medicines, the leaves of the Moringa Tree could treat at least 300 diseases.
Moringa leaf has no proven bad effects and is absolutely safe and organic. Because of its tolerant properties, it has been given to malnourished little babies in Africa. Athletes all over the world boost their performance abilities by taking huge quantities of the leaf to keep them fit both mentally and physically. It is their secret weapon. Even for senior citizens who are losing their sharpness of mind, the Moringa tree leaf could be a great help. In fact the powder is suitable for people from any age group.
The Moringa leaf is comparatively an unheard name in spite of the fact that it has been found mentioned more than two thousand years before, and the World Health Organization has been observing and utilizing the tree for more than forty years now as a cheap health supplement in the poverty-stricken countries the world over. There is a reason behind this. The selling of all kinds of health supplements, minerals and vitamins is a lucrative business. No big company would ever take the risk of introducing a name that could potentially harm and lower the sale of all other nutritional items. The same holds water for the pharmaceutical countries too. These huge companies would prefer to keep the general public in the dark about the benefits of the Moringa leaf to make big bucks for their own.
Written below are the benefits of the Moringa Leaf:

1. Increases the Natural Defenses of the body
2. Provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain.
3. Promotes metabolism with bio-available ingredients
4. Promotes the Cell structure of the body
5. Promotes natural Serum cholesterol.
6. Lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
7. Promotes the normal functioning of the liver and the kidney.
8. Beautifies the skin
9. Promotes energy
10. Promotes proper digestion
11. Acts as an antioxidant
12. Takes care of the immune system of the body
13. Promotes healthy circulatory system
14. It is an anti-inflammatory
15. Gives a feeling of general wellness
16. Supports the normal sugar levels of the body.

Moringa leaf boosts your energy in a natural manner, and is a remarkable source of nutrition. This energy promotion does not happen because of sugar, so it is lasts for a long time. Individuals ingesting it say that their ulcers are healed, tumors restricted, there are reduction in the arthritis pains and inflammations, controlled blood pressure, the skin problems are restored, and finally they have stronger defenses against diseases.
Another property of the Moringa leaf is its soothing ability, because of which it can lower the blood pressure and promotes good sleep. It can also purify water since it has a detoxifying effect. Also a coagulant agent, Moringa can attach itself to hazardous bacteria and other materials, a process that is surmised to occur in the body too. The happy outcome is more sustained energy without any over-activity, balanced hormone and gland system, controlled blood pressure, and a rested nervous system.

It could be said without any doubt that from the pure Moringa Tree Leaf we can get very good benefits for the health, which are very much reported in studies of the leaf. It is the organic, natural, endurance and energy supplement of health. In other words, it’s the ultimate thing. And the post beneficial and purest part of the plant is the powdered Moringa leaf.
According to the annals of the ayurveda, India’s old tradition of medicines, the leaves of the Moringa Tree could treat at least 300 diseases.
Moringa leaf has no proven bad effects and is absolutely safe and organic. Because of its tolerant properties, it has been given to malnourished little babies in Africa. Athletes all over the world boost their performance abilities by taking huge quantities of the leaf to keep them fit both mentally and physically. It is their secret weapon. Even for senior citizens who are losing their sharpness of mind, the Moringa tree leaf could be a great help. In fact the powder is suitable for people from any age group.
The Moringa leaf is comparatively an unheard name in spite of the fact that it has been found mentioned more than two thousand years before, and the World Health Organization has been observing and utilizing the tree for more than forty years now as a cheap health supplement in the poverty-stricken countries the world over. There is a reason behind this. The selling of all kinds of health supplements, minerals and vitamins is a lucrative business. No big company would ever take the risk of introducing a name that could potentially harm and lower the sale of all other nutritional items. The same holds water for the pharmaceutical countries too. These huge companies would prefer to keep the general public in the dark about the benefits of the Moringa leaf to make big bucks for their own.
Written below are the benefits of the Moringa Leaf:

1. Increases the Natural Defenses of the body
2. Provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain.
3. Promotes metabolism with bio-available ingredients
4. Promotes the Cell structure of the body
5. Promotes natural Serum cholesterol.
6. Lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
7. Promotes the normal functioning of the liver and the kidney.
8. Beautifies the skin
9. Promotes energy
10. Promotes proper digestion
11. Acts as an antioxidant
12. Takes care of the immune system of the body
13. Promotes healthy circulatory system
14. It is an anti-inflammatory
15. Gives a feeling of general wellness
16. Supports the normal sugar levels of the body.

Moringa leaf boosts your energy in a natural manner, and is a remarkable source of nutrition. This energy promotion does not happen because of sugar, so it is lasts for a long time. Individuals ingesting it say that their ulcers are healed, tumors restricted, there are reduction in the arthritis pains and inflammations, controlled blood pressure, the skin problems are restored, and finally they have stronger defenses against diseases.
Another property of the Moringa leaf is its soothing ability, because of which it can lower the blood pressure and promotes good sleep. It can also purify water since it has a detoxifying effect. Also a coagulant agent, Moringa can attach itself to hazardous bacteria and other materials, a process that is surmised to occur in the body too. The happy outcome is more sustained energy without any over-activity, balanced hormone and gland system, controlled blood pressure, and a rested nervous system.

The Rutherford model or planetary model is a model of the atom devised by Ernest Rutherford. Rutherford directed the famous Geiger-Marsden experiment in 1909, which suggested on Rutherford's 1911 analysis that the so-called "plum pudding model" of J. J. Thomson of the atom was incorrect. Rutherford's new model^[1] for the atom, based on the experimental results, had the new features of a relatively high central charge concentrated into a very small volume in comparison to the rest of the atom and containing the bulk of the atomic mass (the nucleus of the atom).
Rutherford's model did not make any new headway in explaining the electron-structure of the atom; in this regard Rutherford merely mentioned earlier atomic models in which a number of tiny electrons circled the nucleus like planets around the sun, or a ring around a planet (such as Saturn). However, by implication, Rutherford's concentration of most of the atom's mass into a very small core made a planetary model an even more likely metaphor than before, as such a core would contain most of the atom's mass, in an analogous way to the Sun containing most of the solar system's mass.

The Vagina Monologues is an episodic play written by Eve Ensler which ran at the Off Broadway Westside Theatre after a limited run at HERE Arts Center in 1996. Ensler originally starred in the production; when she left the play it was recast with three celebrity monologists. The production has been staged internationally, and a television version featuring Ensler was produced by cable TV channel HBO. In 1998, Ensler and others, including Willa Shalit, a producer of the Westside Theatre production, launched V-Day, a global non-profit movement that has raised over $75 million for women's anti-violence groups through benefits of The Vagina Monologues.^[1]

Contents [hide] 1 Plot summary 2 History 3 V-Day 4 Criticism of The Vagina Monologues 4.1 Feminist criticism 4.1.1 Colonialism and heterosexism 4.2 Social conservative criticism 4.2.1 The case of Robert Swope 5 See also 6 References 7 External links 7.1 Criticism 7.2 The television production

[edit] Plot summary

The Vagina Monologues is made up of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women (initially, Eve Ensler performed every monologue herself, with subsequent performances featuring three actresses, and more recent versions featuring a different actress for every role). Every monologue somehow relates to the vagina, be it through sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the variety of names for the vagina, or simply as a physical aspect of the body. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. Some monologues include:

• I Was Twelve, My Mother Slapped Me: a chorus describing many young women's and girls' first menstrual period.
• My Angry Vagina, in which a woman humorously rants about injustices wrought against the vagina, such as tampons, douches, and the tools used by OB/GYNs.
• My Vagina Was My Village, a monologue compiled from the testimonies of Bosnian women subjected to rape camps.
• The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could, in which a woman recalls memories of traumatic sexual experiences in her childhood and a self-described "positive healing" sexual experience in her adolescent years with an older woman. In the original version, she is 13, but later versions would change her age to 16. This particular skit has sparked numerous controversies and criticisms due to its content (see below).
• Reclaiming Cunt, a piece narrated by a woman who illustrates that the word "cunt" itself is a lovely word despite its disconcerting connotations.
• The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy, in which a sex worker for women discusses the intriguing details of her career and her love of giving women pleasure. In several performances it often comes at the end of the play, literally climaxing with a vocal demonstration of a "triple orgasm."
• Because He Liked to Look At It, in which a woman describes how she had thought her vagina was ugly and had been embarrassed to even think about it, but changed her mind because of a sexual experience with a man named Bob who liked to spend hours looking at it.
• I Was There In The Room, a monologue in which Eve Ensler describes the birth of her granddaughter.

Every year a new monologue is added to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world. Every V-Day thousands of local benefit productions are staged to raise funds for local groups, shelters, crisis centers working to end violence against women. In 2003, for example, Ensler wrote a new monologue about the plight of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. This Monologue is known as "Under the Burqa."

[edit] History

Eve Ensler wrote the first draft of the monologues in 1996 (there have been several revisions since) following interviews she conducted with 200 women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence against women. The interviews began as casual conversations with her friends, who then brought up anecdotes they themselves had been told by other friends; this began a continuing chain of referrals. In an interview with women.com, Ensler said that her fascination with vaginas began because of "growing up in a violent society."^[2]"Women's empowerment is deeply connected to their sexuality." She also stated, "I'm obsessed with women being violated and raped, and with incest. All of these things are deeply connected to our vaginas."
Ensler wrote the piece to "celebrate the vagina." Ensler states that in 1998, the purpose of the piece changed from a celebration of vaginas and femininity to a movement to stop violence against women.
The play first opened at HERE Arts Center in New York City on 3 October 1996 with a limited run that ran through November. The play gained popularity through a word of mouth campaign that culminated with a performance at Madison Square Garden in 2001, which featured Melissa Etheridge and Whoopi Goldberg performing segments of the play.
Since 1998, The Vagina Monologues have been performed in 120 countries around the world, including several Muslim countries.^[3]

[edit] V-Day

The Vagina Monologues is the cornerstone of the V-Day movement, whose participants stage benefit performances of the show and/or host other related events in their communities. Such events take place worldwide each year between February 1 and April 30. The performances generally benefit rape crisis centers and similar resource centers for women. During the rest of the year the play is performed in thousands of communities and colleges worldwide.^[4]
On February 21, 2004, Eve Ensler in conjunction with Jane Fonda and Deep Stealth Productions produced and directed the first all-transgender performance^[5] of The Vagina Monologues, with readings by eighteen notable trans women, and including a new monologue documenting the experiences of transwomen. It debuted in connection with "LA V-DAY Until the Violence Stops" with monologues documenting the violence against transgender people. Since that debut, many university and college productions have included these three "Transgender Monologues". Beautiful Daughters (2006) is a documentary about the cast of the first performance by trans women.^[6]

[edit] Criticism of The Vagina Monologues

[edit] Feminist criticism

The Vagina Monologues has been criticized by a number of people in the pro-sex feminist, gender egalitarian, and individualist feminist movements. Harriet Lerner, renowned in the field of women's psychology, points out the "psychic genital mutilation" embedded in the play's title, which ignores the clitoris and labia, and should more accurately be called "The Vulva Monologues". Pro-sex feminist Betty Dodson, author of several books about female sexuality, saw the play as having a negative and restrictive view of sexuality and an anti-male bias.^[7] She called the play "a blast of hatred at men and heterosexuality". Individualist feminist Wendy McElroy agreed, stating that the play "equates men with 'the enemy' and heterosexual love with violence".^[8][9] She also identified problems with the work's lesbian bias, stating "A play that claims to unveil the truth about vaginas but, somehow, overlooks the salutary role men play in most women's sexuality has no credibility."^[10]
Elements of the play critics find contentious include:

• The amount of attention given to brutal sexual encounters compared with consensual or harmonious sexual encounters;
• Negative portrayal of male-female sexual relationships;
• In "The Little Coochie Snorcher that Could", an underage girl (thirteen in earlier performances, sixteen in the revised version) recounts being given alcohol and then having sex with an adult woman; the incident is recalled fondly by the grown girl. Her abuser is also portrayed positively as someone "rescuing" her from male violence.^[10]
• The fact that Ensler interviewed a six-year-old girl, asking her intimate questions, such as what her vagina smells like.^[11]

Some of the actors in the Vagina Monologues have responded to the story of "The Little Coochie Snorcher that Could" by saying that the incidence of the very young pubescent girl's relationship with the 24-year-old was not rape but a love scene.^[12]

[edit] Colonialism and heterosexism

Kim Q. Hall further criticizes the play, particularly the sections dealing with women in the Third World, for contributing to "colonialist conceptions of non-Western women."^[13] Although she supports frank discussions about sex, Hall rescales many of the same critiques leveled by feminists of color at White privilege among Second-wave feminists and "premature white feminist assumptions and celebrations of a global 'sisterhood.'"^[13]

[edit] Social conservative criticism

The play has also been criticized by social conservatives, such as the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP), and the Network of enlightened Women. The TFP denounced it as "a piece replete with sexual encounters, lust, graphic descriptions of masturbation and lesbian behavior",^[14] urging students and parents to protest. Following TFP and other protests, performances were cancelled at sixteen Catholic colleges. Recently, Saint Louis University made the decision not to endorse the 2007 production, claiming the yearly event was getting to be "redundant." The response of the university's student-led feminist organization was to continue the production at an off-campus location.

[edit] The case of Robert Swope

In 2000, Robert Swope, a conservative contributor to a Georgetown university newspaper, The Hoya, wrote an article critical of the play. He suggested there was a contradiction between the promotion of rape awareness on V-Day and the monologue "The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could", in which an adult woman recalls being given alcohol and statutorily raped at 13 by a 24-year-old woman as a positive, healing experience, ending the segment with the proclamation "It was a good rape." Swope also noted the doubled standards involved, asking "why is rape only wrong when a man commits it, but when it's by a woman committed against another woman, who just happens to be 13-years-old, it is celebrated and a university club sponsors it?"^[10] Outcry from the play's supporters resulted in Swope's being fired from the staff of the Hoya, before the piece was even run. Swope had previously criticized the play in an article he wrote entitled "Georgetown Women's Center: Indispensable Asset or Improper Expenditure?". His termination received editorial coverage in The Wall Street Journal, Salon.com, National Review, The Atlantic Monthly, The Washington Times and the Weekly Standard.^[15][16][17]

[edit] See also

• List of anti-sexual assault organizations in the United States

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• "Women Rising XIX: Masters of the Spoken Word" Making Contact, produced by National Radio Project. March 11, 2009.
• The Vagina Monologues at Random House
• V-Day official site
• China mainland premiere (March 2009)
• Official UK Page
• Video of Eve Ensler performing an excerpt from "The Vagina Monologues." Presented February 2004 at the TED Conference in Monterey, CA. Duration: 21:11
• "The Missing Vagina Monologue", Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome(MRKH): www.MRKH.org
• Pamela Grossman (April 19, 2000). Down the Vagina Trail. Salon.com
• Eve Ensler - Downstage Center interview at American Theatre Wing.org, October 2006
• Eve Ensler Q&A

"Eve Ensler on "good" bodies and bad politics -Mother Jones [2]

• Eve Ensler talks about her latest book Insecure at Last: Losing It in Our Security-Obsessed World, October 10, 2006 (video)
• CNN-Time magazine series "America's Best" profiles Ensler. September 2001.
• Ensler's September 2007 article in Glamour magazine
• Eve Ensler on V-Day's 10th Anniversary on Democracy Now February 15, 2008
• Victory Over Violence - For Women and Men - Alternet April 25, 2008
• V To The 10th! - Fundraising Success - January, 01, 2008
• The Vagina Monologues Turns Ten, The Times , April 15, 2008
• The Mens Story Project

[edit] Criticism

• Camille Paglia on V-Day
• Christina Hoff Sommers on V-Day Meets P-Day
• An article by Harriet Lerner on the misuse of the word "vagina" in Ensler's work and the culture at large
• Applauding Rape at Georgetown

[edit] The television production

• The Vagina Monologues at HBO.com
• The Vagina Monologues at the Internet Movie Database

• This page was last modified on 13 June 2011 at 03:07.
• Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Shar