Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Peacocks, a Unique Watchdog

Peacocks are not only beautiful, but they are very interesting birds.  When my neighbor started raising peacocks a few years ago, I was apprehensive at first.  I saw a video one time of a peacock attacking a photographer.  So, I knew I needed to be careful around them.

A large peacock can weight around 40 pounds, and it will be bigger than a turkey.  It happened that the neighbor's biggest peacock, Buster, became friends with me after I started feeding it bread every day.  When he walks through the carport, I can hear him coming.  That's how big he is.

Buster is an excellent watchdog also.  Peacocks can actually fly to a certain extent.  They can fly more than 10 feet upward in a single flight.  Therefore, if you have a garage or carport, they will be on top of it.  Once they get on your garage, they can fly to nearby tree limbs to perch.  They can also fly directly to low hanging limbs of trees around your house.

At night, Buster will squawk at anything that moves.  He usually perches at night in a tree within 10 feet of the carport.  When I get up in the morning to get ready for work, he will squawk and let me know he is aware that I am up.  So, peacocks can be wonderful companions as well as beautiful birds.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Beta-Alanine - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects | Examine.com

Beta-Alanine - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects | Examine.com



This is an outstanding article about the benefits of beta-alanine.  I have been taking small doses for quite some time, but I plan to double my doses after reading this article.  Body-builders are the people who use it primarily, but I am convinced that ordinary people can benefit also.



First, beta-alanine builds muscle, and everyone needs to be in some kind of reasonable shape physically.  Secondly, beta-alanine is a fountain of youth supplement because it delays the effects of aging on muscles and probably other body parts as well.  In fact, the article mentions that it reduces the rate of telomere shortening, and this is directly related to the length of a person's life.  Thirdly, it strengthens back muscles, and this is very significant for anyone who has ever had back problems.



On the downside, however, beta-alanine and taurine are antagonistic to each other.  If you happen to take too much beta-alanine, it could cause a depletion of taurine which affects muscle energy.  If taurine levels get too low, you could have muscle cramps.  If your taurine level is too high, though, you could get jitters and heart problems the same as too much caffeine.  Moderation in everything is the key.





  

Sunday, May 29, 2016

How do I know if I'm dehydrated? 9 symptoms to look out for - TODAY.com

How do I know if I'm dehydrated? 9 symptoms to look out for - TODAY.com



Here is a very good article about how to avoid dehydration.  Eight glasses of water or 64 ounces of water has often been quoted as what we need.  As the author mentioned, if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.  If you are having muscle cramps, you are also dehydrated and may be low on salt as well.  Two liters of water per day might be another easy way to assure you are getting enough.  I usually fill up two empty liter water bottles per day with tap water until the bottles get old.  If I see the water is gone at the end of the day, I know I have gotten enough.  I also drink carbonated mineral water as well as coffee, sodas, fruit juices, and milk.

 

10 Turmeric Benefits: Superior to Medications? - Dr. Axe

10 Turmeric Benefits: Superior to Medications? - Dr. Axe



This is an excellent article about the benefits of turmeric.  This spice increases blood circulation, and it has anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin without the side effects.  Turmeric can also reduce the size and kill cancer cells related to the bowels, stomach, and skin.  It works great against breast cancer, too.  I just took a turmeric capsule myself because I believe in the benefits.


Pistachio Nutrition Lowers Bad Cholesterol + Boosts Eye Health - Dr. Axe

Pistachio Nutrition Lowers Bad Cholesterol + Boosts Eye Health - Dr. Axe



Here is a great article about the benefits of pistachios.  They lower LDL cholesterol for good heart health, and they provide unique nutrients for the eyes that other nuts do not have.  Pistachios also improved sexual function in a study because the nuts have arginine which increase nitric oxide which in turn opens blood vessels more. 



49 kernels are considered to be a serving.  This amount contains almost 6 grams of protein and around 13 grams of good unsaturated fat.  A serving also provides 20% of the daily requirement of copper and thiamine (B1).  I ate some pistachios when I saw this article because I knew they were good for me, and I have always liked the taste of pistachios.


5 Proven, Remarkable Stinging Nettle Benefits - Dr. Axe

5 Proven, Remarkable Stinging Nettle Benefits - Dr. Axe



This is an outstanding article on the benefits of stinging nettle.  It can help prevent or stop prostate cancer.  Nettle also is useful against arthritis pain and hay fever.  Moreover, stinging nettle can help with eczema skin problems.  I just ordered an alcohol extract of the herb today, and I plan to report back on my results in a few weeks.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Isolated systolic hypertension: A health concern? - Mayo Clinic

Isolated systolic hypertension: A health concern? - Mayo Clinic



This is an excellent article explaining why the lower blood pressure number can be good and the higher blood pressure number can be bad.  It could be caused by artery stiffness or heart valve problems.  So, it needs to be monitored by the person and his doctor.  Another possibility is the effect of an energy drink right before the test or a stressful situation.  One other good point in the article is that people over 60 can have a high systolic number of 149 and still be okay.  In other words, they would not need treatment.  You don't want to lower your blood pressure so much that the diastolic lower number becomes a problem.  You could have a heart attack with a diastolic number less than 70.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Investors throw in the towel on stocks

Investors throw in the towel on stocks



Here is an excellent article about how many investors have fled from owning stocks.  I can't much blame anyone after the two devastating bear markets since the year 2000.  However, holding bonds and preferred stocks will work in a shaky stock market or a topped out market.  I hold BLV and TMF for bonds, and I own preferred stock funds like PFF and FFC.  We need to be gaining something for our money each year even if it is only 4 or 5% because a mere 5% gain on $50,000 will become $103,946 in just 15 years.

  

Friday, May 6, 2016

5%+ Dividend Yield Portfolio - 10% Returns For March/April 2016 | Seeking Alpha

5%+ Dividend Yield Portfolio - 10% Returns For March/April 2016 | Seeking Alpha



This is an outstanding article on many high-paying dividend stocks that are mostly safe in a stock market that is going nowhere.  A few high-gain non-dividend stocks are also included in the article.  I plan to do a lot more specific research about the author's recommendations because he is doing great in the 2016 market.


Sunday, May 1, 2016

My Top 5 Long Stocks | Seeking Alpha

My Top 5 Long Stocks | Seeking Alpha



Here is an outstanding article about 5 good stocks.  I especially like TransCanada, and I plan to buy TRP as soon as possible.  Other excellent picks are AQUNF and CWCO.  I will probably buy these latter stocks after I have bought TRP.  I believe these companies will be worthwhile to own in a stock market that has mostly topped out in many other stocks.

This Tiny Silver Miner Can Explode - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd (NYSEMKT:ASM) | Seeking Alpha

This Tiny Silver Miner Can Explode - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd (NYSEMKT:ASM) | Seeking Alpha



This is an excellent article about a promising, cost effective silver and gold miner.  As you probably know, cellphone makers use silver and gold in their phones, and this low cost miner has a contract with Samsung for the next two years.  Moreover, the bottom is probably in for gold and silver prices.  I will most likely buy shares of ASM in the near future.