RSS

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Quinoa





Botanical Name:
Chenopodium quinoa

Description: Quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, is not a true cereal grain, but rather the botanical fruit of an herb plant. It is treated as a grain in cooking. The grains are small yellow flattened spheres, approximately 1.5 to 2 mm in diameter. When cooked, the germ coils into a small "tail" that lends a pleasant crunch. The leaves of the quinoa plant can also be eaten.

Quinoa is an excellent source of magnesium and manganese, the mineral that relaxes blood vessels. Since low dietary levels of magnesium are associated with increased rates of hypertension, ischemic heart disease and heart arrhythmias, this ancient grain can offer yet another way to provide cardiovascular health for those concerned about atherosclerosis. And if you are prone to migraines, try adding quinoa to your diet.

Quinoa is a very good source of protein, vitamin B2, vita­min E, and dietary fiber. It’s a good source of the minerals iron, phosphorus, copper, and zinc.

Quinoa is gluten free, and is a safe alternative for wheat/gluten intolerant individuals, and celiac disease sufferers.

Quinoa not only has high protein content, but the protein is of an exceptionally high quality. It contains all the essential amino acids, making quinoa an excellent protein source for vegetarians. Quinoa is being considered by NASA as a crop for Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) because of its high protein value and unique amino acid composition. The CELSS concept will utilize plants to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and generate food, oxygen, and water for the crew of long-term human space missions.

BUT Quinoa contains oxalate, and should be avoided by individuals with a history of kidney stones containing oxalate.




Monday, August 24, 2009

The Mortal Instruments Movie — OFFICIAL









The Mortal Instruments Movie — OFFICIAL
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare has been optioned for a movie...
Yes, I myself have been so excited with this news...
Cassandra Clare announced the news today at the Bryant Park Event...
with other news as well– a 4th The Mortal Instrument book; this time it’s about Simon...


Saturday, August 15, 2009

Here is a fan made New Moon poster Leandra of Twilight Guide found on Deviant Art for you to enjoy. It features Alice. The artist name is ~tinypixy. You can check out all her work on her Deviant Art page.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Open Letter To My Mama...



Dear Ma,


how much you meant to us cannot be put to words...

thank you for the way you brightened our lives…

even though God granted you but half a life…

and we all feel cheated that you were taken from us so young…
i am confused and depressed why you are taken away from us...
but we must learn to be grateful for the time you have spend with us…
and healing from loosing your physical presence will take time...

Ma, we will miss your presence…

we will miss your voice and your smile…

We, love you so much, Ma...

'til we meet again,
Ate Che

Thursday, April 30, 2009

We love you, Ma

My mother died suddenly and unexpectedly...
of massive stroke a little over a week ago...
Her death was so unexpected…
She wasn't ill--at least that we knew of…
I know and understand all the reasons…
Why this is happening…
And that there is no specific timeline…
I have barely had time to process it…
It's barely real to me yet…

When my mother died, I feel like my world is shattered...
Broken into so many tiny pieces that my life can never be put together...
I even find it very difficult or impossible to believe that she has died...
I feel scared and alone...
Ironically, there are a lot of people around...
But she’s not here and her body will never be alive again...
And it’s so sad that it makes my body hurt...

People whom I don't know come to our house, even people whom I don’t like...
People tell me how I should feel, what I should wear, and how I should act...
People tell me they know how I feel, and I want to shout...
“You have no idea how I feel!”...
In the midst of all of this, I am trying to understand the death of my mother...

The death of a mother is like no other loss in one’s life…

When my mother died, I become more aware of how much I loved her...
Sometimes it’s easier to recognize love after someone has died...
I regret that I didn’t say “I love you.” ...
After my mother has died, I can’t say it in the same way...
I can say the words, but my mother isn’t physically present to hear it...
As I think about the love I feel for her...
I recognize that she most probably loved me, too...

She knew that we loved her…
Of that I have no doubt…
I know, in my own personal faith…
She is still with us…We love you, Ma…

Feb. 27, 1958 - April 18, 2009
------
Love isn’t just about the words...
It’s about sharing a special bond...
Love does not go away just because someone died…


Corrinne May - Fly...