bookmark_borderCuriosity

Curiosity is a powerful trait that offers numerous benefits across various aspects of life. Here are some of the key advantages of cultivating curiosity:

  1. Continuous Learning: Curiosity drives a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand the world. It encourages exploration, inquiry, and a willingness to seek out new information, leading to lifelong learning.
  2. Creativity and Innovation: Curious individuals are more likely to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and generate novel ideas. By exploring new perspectives and possibilities, curiosity fuels creativity and innovation.
  3. Problem-Solving Skills: Curiosity prompts individuals to ask questions, investigate challenges, and seek solutions. It fosters critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and adaptability, which are essential for problem-solving in diverse contexts.
  4. Personal Growth: Embracing curiosity fosters personal growth and development. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, confront uncertainties, and embrace new experiences, leading to increased self-awareness and resilience.
  5. Improved Relationships: Curiosity enhances interpersonal relationships by fostering empathy, understanding, and open communication. Curious individuals are more likely to listen actively, ask meaningful questions, and engage authentically with others, strengthening connections and fostering collaboration.
  6. Reduced Prejudice and Bias: Curiosity encourages individuals to explore different perspectives and challenge stereotypes. By seeking to understand diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences, curiosity can help mitigate prejudice and promote empathy and inclusion.
  7. Enhanced Mental Well-Being: Curiosity has been linked to greater psychological well-being and resilience. Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities, pursuing interests, and exploring new hobbies can boost mood, reduce stress, and promote a sense of fulfillment.
  8. Professional Success: Curiosity is highly valued in the workplace for its role in driving innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability. Curious individuals are more likely to embrace change, seize opportunities, and stay ahead in rapidly evolving industries.
  9. Better Decision-Making: Curiosity prompts individuals to gather information, weigh options, and consider alternative perspectives before making decisions. By fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues, curiosity contributes to more informed and effective decision-making.
  10. Overall Satisfaction: Cultivating curiosity enriches life by infusing it with a sense of wonder, exploration, and discovery. It encourages individuals to approach each day with a sense of curiosity and excitement, leading to greater overall satisfaction and fulfillment.

In summary, curiosity is a valuable trait that promotes learning, creativity, personal growth, and well-being, ultimately enriching both individual lives and society as a whole.

From The Book Of Daniel: What to Consider and What to Do

[Intro]
[Lion’s Roar]
[Instrumental]
[Guitar Solo]
[Break]
What’s up whoopie cat
Ow, ow, ow, ow
Open the door
Some more
Shout:
Let this cat out

[Verse 1]
Curiosity, a cat’s best friend,
But it’s not just feline, it’s a trend.
It sparks a flame, ignites the soul,
Leads us down paths, makes us whole.

[Chorus]
Curiosity saved this cat,
Opened doors, just like that.
Continuous learning, it’s the key,
To unlock the world, set us free.

[Break]
What’s up whoopie cat
Ow, ow, ow, ow
Open the door
Some more
[Break]
Shout:
[Break]
Let this cat out

[Verse 2]
Innovation blooms where curiosity thrives,
Breaking boundaries, reaching new highs.
Creativity flows, in curious minds,
Exploring, discovering, one step at a time.

[Chorus]
Curiosity saved this cat,
Opened doors, just like that.
Continuous learning, it’s the key,
To unlock the world, set us free.

[Break]
What’s up whoopie cat
Ow, ow, ow, ow
Open the door
Some more
[Break]
Shout:
[Break]
Let this cat out

[Bridge]
Problem-solving skills, a curious mind’s game,
Asking questions, never the same.
Know to grow, with every leap,
Out of comfort zones, into the deep.

[Chorus]
Curiosity saved this cat,
Opened doors, just like that.
Continuous learning, it’s the key,
To unlock the world, set us free.

bookmark_borderThe Benefits of Happiness

ABOUT BEING HAPPY

Being happy has numerous health benefits, both physical and psychological. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Improved Heart Health: Studies have shown that happiness and positive emotions are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Positive emotions can lead to lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and healthier cholesterol levels, all of which contribute to better heart health.
  2. Strengthened Immune System: Happiness and positive emotions have been linked to a stronger immune system. People who are happier tend to have higher levels of immune-boosting antibodies and are less susceptible to infections and illnesses.
  3. Reduced Stress Levels: Happiness acts as a buffer against stress, helping to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and contribute to a range of health problems, so reducing stress through happiness is beneficial for overall health.
  4. Longer Lifespan: Research suggests that happier people tend to live longer than those who are unhappy or stressed. Positive emotions have been associated with a decreased risk of mortality from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and accidents.
  5. Better Mental Health: Happiness is closely linked to improved mental well-being and a reduced risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Positive emotions can enhance resilience, coping skills, and self-esteem, making individuals more psychologically resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
  6. Enhanced Social Connections: Happy people tend to have stronger social support networks and more satisfying relationships, which are important for overall health and well-being. Positive emotions foster empathy, kindness, and cooperation, strengthening social bonds and promoting a sense of belonging and community.
  7. Increased Resilience: Happiness and positive emotions can build psychological resilience, helping individuals to bounce back from setbacks, overcome adversity, and adapt to change more effectively. Resilient individuals are better able to navigate life’s ups and downs and maintain a sense of optimism and hopefulness.

Overall, cultivating happiness and prioritizing positive emotions can have profound benefits for both physical and psychological health, contributing to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Free Music and Video

 

Lyrics and Liner Notes

With Benefits

[Intro]
[Harmonica]
[Female Vocals]
[Female Backing Vocals]
Does this come with benefits?
Cures fits and rage, at any stage
Anti-age
… that’s why I smile, all the while
Smile!

[Break]

[Verse 1]
In this life, we’re chasing dreams
But happiness, oh, it’s more than it seems
It’s not just a feeling, it’s a way to heal
Body and mind, you’re my “for real”

[Pre-Chorus]
When your heart beats strong and your soul’s at ease
You’ll find there’s more to this life to seize

[Chorus]
With benefits that reach beyond the smile
It’s more than just temporary style
Improved heart wealth, knowing you’re soon
Reduced stress, less, less, it’s a precious swoon
Longer life, less strife, living life so bright
Enhanced connections, resilience takes flight
Enchanted meant, connections, delight
With happiness, the world’s in sight
With benefits that make life right
Alright
All right

[Break]

[Verse 2]
Lower pressure, low, low, low, below
Inflamed all down, do, de, do, do, down
Down, go down
Happiness helps turn that frown around
Boosting what you see, frames what one sees
With every laugh, we find a little peace
Piece oh peace

[Pre-Chorus]
When your heart beats strong and your soul’s at ease
You’ll find there’s more to this life to seize

[Chorus]
With benefits that reach beyond the smile
It’s more than just a temporary style
Improved heart wealth, anxiety immune
Reduced stress, less, less, it’s a precious swoon
Longer life, less strife, living life so bright
Enhanced connections, resilience takes flight
With happiness, the world’s in sight
With benefits that make life right
Alright
All right

[Break]

[Bridge]
Through the ups and downs, the twists and turns
Happiness helps us weather, helps us learn
It builds us up, makes us stand tall
With happiness, we can conquer all

[Break]
[Outro]
So let’s hold on tight to the joy within
With happiness, we know we’ll win
With benefits that make life right
It’s…
With benefits

[End]
[Silence]


Happy for a While

[Intro]
[Flute]
Happy, can’t help but smile
So happy
Hope you’ll stay, hear a while
Happy
Oh so happy, can’t help but smile
For a while

[Bridge]
From ear-to-ear
Hear
Hear
Right here

[Break]
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 1]]
Guitar far and near
Near and far
What’s there not to like?
A bizarre bazaar
Complainers take a hike
Sustainers, alright!

[Break]
[Bridge]
Take us to the light
We’ll tunnel us out
The End’s insight
We’re just about…
Right here
Hear, right?
Hear!

[Verse 2]
Wish upon a star
Shared bizarre bazaar
Shines both near and far
Delight of twilight
… into the night

[Bridge]
Take us to the light
We’ll tunnel us out
The End’s insight
We’re just about…
Right here
Hear, right?
Hear!

[Break]

[Chorus]
Happy, can’t help but smile
So happy
Hope you’ll stay, hear a while
Happy, you and me
Oh so happy, can’t help but smile
For a while

[Break]
[Verse 3]
Wish upon a star
Doesn’t matter who you are
Priceless, bizarre bazaar
Where you can dance all night

[Bridge]
Take us to the light
We’ll tunnel us out
The End’s insight
We’re just about…
Right here
Hear, right?
Hear!

[Break]

[Chorus]
Happy, can’t help but smile
So happy
Hope you’ll stay, hear a while
Happy, you and me
Oh so happy, can’t help but smile
For a while

[Outro]
Can you smile for a while?
Smile!
Can you smile for a while?
Smile….

[End]

[Silence]

ABOUT THE SONG
This study was originally published in 1995. In essence, it is a global forecast that predicts a Social Justification in which humans will force themselves to “tunnel underground“. Help us dig out and see the light!


For What It’s Worth

[Intro]
[Folk Guitar]
[Flute]
[Instrumental]
[Spoken]
For what it’s worth, Mother Earth
Worth my birth

[Verse 1]
For what it’s worth,
Mother Earth
The worth of birth on Mother Earth
With ease, please, please, please
Now I live to give, give, give
Live to give

[Break]
[Instrumental]
[Chorus[
3rd rock from the sun
See mostly sea
3rd rock from the sun
Set your sights (sites)
On delights

[Verse 2]
Ain’t flying by the seat of our can’ts
Try and escape dying
Buying into trying, “Man’s can”
Can stop the not
And the not knot….
Why not?

[Break]
[Instrumental]
[Chorus]
3rd rock from the sun
See mostly sea
3rd rock from the sun
Set your sights (sites)
On delights

[Break]

[Outro]
Ain’t flying by the seat of our can’ts
No can’t dance, at any chance
No not
Nor whatnot….
Can, Man, can


Outrageous Feeling Advantageous

[Intro]
[Instrumental]
[Increase tempo]
Your advantage
Turn the page

Outrageous
Feeling advantageous
All of us!

[Verse 1]
To be alive: advantageous
Not have died: advantageous
The verge of thrive: advantageous
The advantage: age
Turn the page

[Break]

[Bridge]
Feeling outrageous
Advantageous
Feeling outrageous
Anti-ages us
Feeling advantageous

[Verse 2]
Given a chance: advantageous
Feel free to dance: advantageous
And, ohh romance: advantageous
The advantage: age
Turn the page

[Pre-Chorus]
Feeling outrageous
Advantageous
Feeling outrageous
Anti-ages us
Feeling advantageous

[Break]

[Chorus]
Outrageous feeling
Feeling advantageous
The advantage to manage
So outrageous
It’s in all of us
Turn the page
Age

[Verse 3]
Given a choice: advantageous
Given a voice: advantageous
Heaven rejoice: advantageous
The advantage: age
Turn the page

[Pre-Chorus]
Feeling outrageous
Advantageous
Feeling outrageous
Anti-ages us
Feeling advantageous

[Break]

[Chorus]
Outrageous feeling
Feeling advantageous
The advantage to manage
So outrageous
It’s in all of us
Turn the page
Age

[Outro]
Age
Your advantage
Turn the page
Age
Turn the page
Age
Turn the page


It’s a Riant

[Intro]
[Laughing]
That was a good one
Let ‘er run
In for some fun

[Verse 1]
Pleased, glad, so glad
Opposite of mad
Blissful, joyous
Euphoric, music, music

[Pre-Chorus]
It’s a rye-ant
Why not try it?
Try it
rye-ant

[Chorus]
It’s oh so good
Feeling like you should
Like you could
Go the distance
With no resistance
It’s a rye-ant riot

[Break]
Giant rye-ant
Try it

[Verse 2]
Joyful, content, rye-ant
Self-reliant pliant
Giant riant celebration station
Join the rye-ant nation

[Pre-Chorus]
It’s a rye-ant
Why not try it?
Try it
rye-ant

[Chorus]
It’s oh so good
Feeling like you should
Like you could
Go the distance
With no resistance
It’s a rye-ant riot

[Break]
Giant rye-ant
Try it

[Verse 3]
Prosperous for us
Fortunate proportionate
Euphoriant rye-ant
Why not try it?

[Break]
Giant rye-ant
Try it

[Verse 4]
Felicitous so delicious
Paradisial, paradisaical
Oh, so therapeutical
Rye-ant reliant

[Pre-Chorus]
It’s a rye-ant
Why not try it?
Try it
rye-ant

[Chorus]
It’s oh so good
Feeling like you should
Like you could
Go the distance
With no resistance
It’s a rye-ant riot

[Outro]
Oh, yeah
Rye-ant riot

Speciman and the Experiments
More Music
Main Index

bookmark_borderLong-COVID Update

by Daniel Brouse

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has left an indelible mark on global health, demonstrating not only its immediate threat but also the potential for enduring consequences. This article explores the profound and lasting impact of COVID-19, delving into the virus’s role in chronic conditions and its ability to leave a lasting imprint on various aspects of health.

Long-Term Complications and Excess Deaths

A COVID-19 infection often leads to persistent complications that significantly diminish both the quality of life and life expectancy. Shockingly, 10% of excess deaths can be directly attributed to COVID itself, while the remaining 90% are attributed to what can be considered COVID’s silent killers. Individuals who have experienced COVID may face a diminished quality of life and an increased risk of premature death. Dr. Rob Wust underscores this by stating, “There is something inside the body going wrong with the disease.”

Long-COVID: A Looming Reality

For those who have contracted COVID, the probability of developing chronic conditions, known as Long-COVID, is a staggering 99%. This alarming statistic underscores the pervasive and lasting impact of the virus on an individual’s health.

Key Insights into COVID-19’s Long-Term Effects

  1. Direct Impact on Organs:
    • COVID-19 has been responsible for millions of deaths and has caused long-term damage to vital organs, leaving many survivors permanently disabled.
  2. Persistent Viral Presence:
    • SARS-CoV-2 can persist in the body for months or even years, causing chronic infections and leaving behind viral proteins associated with Long-COVID. This persistence is comparable to other viruses like Chicken Pox leading to Shingles or Epstein-Barr virus contributing to Mononucleosis and Multiple Sclerosis.
  3. Compromised Immune System and Autoimmune Risks:
    • Post-COVID individuals often experience a compromised immune system and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Local immune responses may be disturbed by both mental and physical exertion in long-COVID patients.
  4. Genetic and Epigenetic Changes:
    • SARS-CoV-2 induces genetic and epigenetic alterations to DNA, resulting in a compromised immune system, elevated risks of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and damage to neurological, circulatory, and cardiovascular systems. Predisposed conditions are likely to escalate to more advanced stages.
  5. Complexity of Long-COVID:
    • Long-COVID is likely a multifaceted condition involving persistent virus presence, residual viral proteins, and lasting epigenetic and genetic changes, potentially lasting indefinitely.
  6. Increased Risks with Reinfection:
    • Reinfection with COVID amplifies the risks of death, hospitalization, and multi-organ damage, exacerbating underlying conditions across various bodily systems.

Understanding the epigenetic changes induced by COVID, including the downregulation of NAD+ and the impact on tryptophan, sheds light on the physical and mental health challenges faced by individuals. The deficiency in niacin, zinc, and vitamin D is a common consequence. It is crucial to recognize that COVID’s epigenetic changes may vary widely based on an individual’s genetic makeup, requiring tailored treatments for optimal outcomes.

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 / Novel Coronavirus

bookmark_borderNatural Air Purifiers, Aromatic Plants, and Phytoncides

By Daniel Brouse

Air pollution is: a leading cause of death worldwide, the leading cause of climate change, and the greatest threat to humankind. There is not much an individual can do about the outdoor air quality; however, there is a lot one can do to improve their individual air quality. The EPA reports, risks from long-term exposure to indoor pollution “include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.” In the Spring of 2023, wildfires in Canada made the symptoms noticeable to many residents in the United States. Outdoor air quality measured hazardous for days in a row. When people could see and smell the air quality, it became obvious. Their indoor air quality also became noticeably poor.

With extreme weather events increasingly impacting both outdoor and indoor air quality, a long-term breathing experiment is underway.

No matter where your virgin air comes from, most likely the best way to purify the air is with plants.

The most famous study was conducted by NASA to remove formaldehyde from the air and found spider plants removed 95 percent of the toxic substance from a sealed Plexiglas chamber in 24 hours.

As part of the long-term breathing experiment we have cultivated multiple generations of spider plants. They are a great place for a novice to get started. Spider plants thrive in bright to moderate light. In the spring and summer, once-a-week watering is sufficient. During the winter, the soil should dry between waterings. (Spider plants are almost as easy to care for as cacti.) Snake plants are also easy to grow in all kinds of lighting situations, require little watering, and are one of the best air purifying plants.

Aromatic Plants and Phytoncides
Almost all plants are good for air purification. The spider plant and snake plants are great for taking pollutants out of the air, as well as optimize sustainability. The long-term breathing experiment is also looking at adding to the air quality.

Aromatherapy and Forest Bathing are easy to implement in your natural air purification experiment. Many plants can help take contaminants out of the air while adding medicinal properties to the air. Rosemary, mints, basil, sage, and most other herbs can add anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, stress, pain relief and other beneficial properties to air quality.

During the Air Quality Crisis of 2023, the long-term breathing experiment collided with the Tree Extinction Experiment. As part of the tree experiment, we grow a small nursery of trees in containers. Their main purpose is usually outside to act as a windblock for the structure to help reduce heating and cooling energy needs. Luckily, during the hazardous air quality days we were able to bring some (spruce and oak) inside to help purify the air and add phytoncides. The US Department of Agriculture reports, “These chemicals are natural oils that plants use to defend themselves against unwanted pests such as insects, bacteria or fungi. Phytoncides improve the human immune system by increasing natural killer cell activity. These cells respond rapidly to virus-infected cells and tumor formation. Studies show that increased natural cell activity can last for more than 30 days after a trip to a forest, suggesting that a trip once a month would enable individuals to maintain a higher level of natural killer cell activity. Other benefits from phytoncides include an increase in anti-cancer proteins; a reduction in blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones; reduced test scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion; and increased scores for vigor.”

Trees known to produce especially high levels of phytoncides include the evergreen trees (Cedars, Spruces, Conifers and Pine) and Oak trees.

Read the full article.

More on Clean Water, Air, Healthy Plants and Good Nutrition

More Things You Can Do to Help the Environment and Your Health

Natural Indoor Plant Air Purifiers
Natural Indoor Plant Air Purifiers

bookmark_borderAir Pollution Cause of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

In a UK study, a causal relationship has been established between air pollution and cognitive decline / dementia. The primary cause is a decline in blood flow to the brain.

Cognitive decline, dementia and air pollution

COMEAP reviewed nearly 70 studies in human populations (epidemiological studies) which looked at possible links between air pollution and a decline in mental ability and dementia in older people. They also considered studies which investigated how air pollution might affect the brain.

From this review, it can be concluded that it is likely that air pollution does contribute to these effects. The most likely way this occurs is through effects on the circulation. It is known that air pollutants, particularly small particles, can affect the heart and blood vessels, including to the brain.

WORST CITIES FOR OZONE POLLUTION
#1: Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
#2: Bakersfield, CA
#3: Visalia, CA
#4: Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA
#5: Phoenix-Mesa, AZ
#6: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
#7: Denver-Aurora, CO
#8: Houston-The Woodlands, TX
#9: Sacramento-Roseville, CA
#10: Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, UT
#11: Las Vegas-Henderson, NV
#12: El Paso-Las Cruces, TX-NM
#13: San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA
#14: New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA
#15: El Centro, CA
#16: Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI
#16: Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK
#18: Fort Collins, CO
#19: San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
#20: Chico, CA
#21: Reno-Carson City-Fernley, NV
#22: Albuquerque-Santa Fe-Las Vegas, NM
#23: Redding-Red Bluff, CA
#24: Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI
#25: San Antonio-New Braunfels-Pearsall, TX

WORST CITIES FOR PARTICLE POLLUTION
#1: Bakersfield, CA
#2: Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA
#2: Visalia, CA
#4: San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA
#5: Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
#6: Medford-Grants Pass, OR
#7: Fairbanks, AK
#8: Phoenix-Mesa, AZ
#9: Chico, CA
#10: El Centro, CA
#11: Sacramento-Roseville, CA
#12: Cincinnati-Wilmington-Maysville, OH-KY-IN
#13: Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie, IN
#14: Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-OH-WV
#15: Bend-Prineville, OR
#16: Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI
#16: Redding-Red Bluff, CA
#18: McAllen-Edinburg, TX
#18: Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD
#18: Eugene-Springfield, OR
#21: Yakima, WA
#22: Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI
#22: Houston-The Woodlands, TX
#24: St. Louis-St. Charles-Farmington, MO-IL
#25: Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
#25: Shreveport-Bossier City-Minden, LA

Air Pollution and Health