Poetry, art, music, photography and anything else that flows from the heart.

Art by Various Artists

"In the Kin's Settlement" by Ilia Bojkov

"My Happy Family" by Sasha Zotov painted on a kitchen plate

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please send us your poetry and art inspired by Anastasia ideas. The best will be published in our monthly online Newsletter and Facebook. We accept your artworks at info@ringingcedarsofrussia.org

This section is devoted to the information that will be useful in the creation of a Kin's Domains.

Inspiring Children with Invention Ideas for Kids

If you have ever watched a kid come up with crazy ideas, you may just shook your head and laughed at their seemingly impossible and limitless imaginations. But it is from imaginations such as these that creativity is born. Few inventions simply pop into their creators heads ready to be built, rather it is a process that starts with a problem and a solution to that problem. Teaching children the process of inventing starts with a few crazy ideas that are then grown and nurtured into something real and tangible. These invention ideas for kids will help you kick start your kid's imaginations and creativity and give them a new found confidence in their abilities.

Where do Inventions Start?

The best creations start with a problem, one that begs to be solved. If your goal is to help your kids learn the process of invention you should start by presenting them with a problem. This can be done in a number of ways, you can list problems on a piece of paper for you to discuss, invite them to add to the list. You can also have them keep a frustration journal that allows them to list the things that annoy them in their own world on a daily basis. Encourage them to write everything down, no matter how small or insignificant it might be. Broken crayons, book covers that fall off, or anything else that might come to mind.

Discuss Solutions

The old phrase two heads are better than one is one that inventors have used when making any number of gadgets over the years. If you are in a class room setting help kids to see how invention ideas for solutions to their problems can best be solved by sharing them with others. A small problem can quickly grow into a big idea when there are several kids working on the problem and adding to the solution. If possible sit back and only intervene if the discussion stalls and if kids become frustrated. Encourage them to right down all the ideas and solutions that everyone comes up with, and not to be judgmental. They will quickly see how the process guides them in the right direction as their brainstorming takes on bits of each collaborator.

Look at the Bigger Picture

It is one thing to come up with ideas to solve a problem, but encourage your kids to look at the bigger picture. How does this problem affect others? Will their solution or idea help others as well as themselves? Not only will it allow their problem solving to take on a different dimension but it can also allow them to look at their ideas from a world view. How can saving a broken crayon rather than buying a whole new box affect the environment for instance?

It is also valuable to have them look at other's problems, take them to a nursing home to meet elderly people and see the difficulties they have on a daily basis. Have them look around their school and community to come up with ideas to help others less fortunate than they are.

Implementing Ideas

Let their imaginations go wild until they come up with inventions ideas for kids that they can really create. No idea should be too crazy, some ideas may be more fun than useful, but that is part of the process. Introduce them to other ideas, some crazy, some useful, and others that failed. Talk about what they could do to improve each creation and if they could combine one with another to improve them. Have them look at their ideas and come up with a final plan for what they will create.

Invention Ideas for Kids

If you are looking for a quick invention idea you can ask your kids to help you solve there are hundreds available online at sites like Kids-invention-ideas.com. You can talk about how you can create recyclable plant pots at home. Or perhaps about creating a popsicle that has its own disposable wipe included to take care of your sticky hands when you are done eating it. Or you can simply divide them up into teams and give them a cardboard box and have them think of ways to use it. You will be amazed at the different things that each kid or team will come up with.

Inspiring kids to think like inventors does more than give them an idea of how the process works. It teaches them to use their problem solving skills, and building on critical thinking skills they will need later in life. It inspires creativity that is much more than drawing a picture, it is allowing creativity outside the box and giving it freedom to be whatever it wants to be. You will be teaching kids that creativity is a process rather than a talent or a magical ability that not everyone possesses.

http://invent.answers.com/
Image Copyright: http://www.mgm.com.ua

Let's Invent Something Together!

by Ellen Church

When you encourage creativity and problem-solving, you help your child develop skills that can be applied to everything she does.

When Marla and her family moved to a new house, her two children, 6-year-old Jenny and 4-year-old Nicky, eagerly dragged some new appliance boxes into the backyard. The boxes attracted two of the neighbor's children, and all four began to play intently with the boxes. When Marla asked, "What are you going to do with these boxes?" the floodgates opened, and a multitude of ideas poured out:

"We can use the boxes as drums!" said Jeff.

"Let's jump in and out of them and play follow the leader," said Denise.

"I know," said Nicky, "let's make them into houses for our animals."

"Why don't we put the boxes together to make a castle for us to play in?" offered Jenny.

As you can see, children approach the same materials and solve the same problems in different ways. The unique perspective of each child is what makes the process of inventing so awesome. In fact, children's inventions are an open window into their inner thought process and interests. Remember this when your child brings home that crazy, wonderful "invention" made of recycled materials. Recognize that it's the product of much thinking and experimenting, even though it might not look like anything that resembles art or science.

It Takes All Kinds of Thinking

The ability to invent requires something that comes naturally to most young children: creativity and imagination. Creative thinking is an important life skill that can be applied to everything they do, especially to problem-solving, which is what inventing is all about. Memorizing information, such as letters and numbers, is necessary, but it's not what makes a child a "thinker." Instead, it's the ability to use this information in new and creative ways. It's important for your child to know what to do with the facts. She needs to know how to use what is there to create what is needed.

The process of inventing invites your child to use both critical thinking and two kinds of creative thinking — fluent and flexible.

Critical thinking is the ability to mentally break an idea or problem into parts.Sorting, comparing similarities and differences, and classifying are all common critical-thinking skills young children use. For example, when you ask him to compare blocks of different sizes in order to invent the strongest bridge, he is practicing critical-thinking skills. Fluent thinking is the ability to brainstorm ideas. It can happen when your child is working with thoughts or hands-on materials. Thinking of all the different ways to get to school, or naming all of the things she can think of that are blue, are examples of fluent thinking. Flexible thinking is the ability to see many possibilities, or view objects or situations in different ways. Young children are often masters of flexible thinking. They use it when they turn a flowerpot into a hat or a spoon into a microphone, or when they think of the many reasons why a child in a picture or story might be feeling sad.

How Does Your Child Invent?

Watch and listen as he explores a new material, and you will learn a great deal about him. Some children will be very organized as they explore the sizes and shapes of blocks, for example, while others will immediately use them in a dramatic-play scenario. All children will show you their interests, as well as their creative- and critical-thinking skills, when inventing.

In fact, Dr. Howard Gardner, the Harvard educator who created the Multiple Intelligences theory, defines intelligence "as the capacity to solve problems or make things that are valued by a culture." Invention activities are one of the best ways to provide your child with the opportunity to use her unique intelligence.

It's also interesting to note that boys and girls tend to approach inventing differently. While boys tend to be physically active, or "loud and large" in their inventions, girls tend to be more quiet and circumspect. Girls often pay more attention to detail in their creations, and focus more on interactions with others as they build. Of course, this is a generalization, but one that can be helpful in sparking and inspiring your child's inner inventor.

Listen carefully for gender bias in discussions with your child, such as a comment that only boys are builders and girls are secretaries. Use such comments as an opportunity to discuss or read books about how both men and women build and invent.

Supporting Your Child's Innovations

The first step toward encouraging your child's inventive spirit is to provide him with plenty of engaging materials. While he can take it from there, he also needs your continued attention, good questions, and narration to keep his ideas going.

During invention activities you will play multiple roles. As an observer, it's important to watch, listen, and follow your child's lead with invention materials. Young children often have different (and better!) ideas for how to use or do things.

As a supporter, you positively acknowledge your child's efforts. You support her when you specifically state what you see her doing: "Wow. Look at all the different ways you are using the boxes. Putting this smaller one on top was a good idea because it won't fall off."

You can be a facilitator by asking a provocative question. The right question can propel your child into new ways of thinking. Open-ended questions invite him to think creatively and problem-solve. Try questions such as:

What do you think about this? What should we try next? How many ways can you use these [egg cartons, paper towel rolls, bags, etc.]? How can we make this better? What would happen if...?

Your child is always watching you. That is why it is also important to be a role model. As she observes you inventing and creating solutions, she sees a valuable example of how inventive thinking is a part of life. One way to help her see this process in action is to narrate your creative thinking out loud. For example, you might say: "I have an interesting problem. We ran out of paper for fingerpainting. What else do you think we could use to paint on?"

When you do this, you are modeling an attitude, as well as using and emphasizing vocabulary words such as think, problem, and wonder. Children will begin to use these words to describe their own creative-thinking process.

Making Time and Space for Invention

Time to explore and invent is critical. Young children deserve what the ancient Greeks calledtemenos: the sacred or protected time and space to do deep work. When your child has the time to think and tinker, all that he has learned can blossom into a meaningful application of his skills and understandings.

It is important to provide a safe haven to mess around with interesting stuff. One 4-year-old girl who was playing with some empty film canisters, pudding cups, tape, and paper created a tropical island village out of her materials. Instead of concentrating on a particular subject, like science or reading, an invention space invites your child to use many essential skills all at once in a creative way. The good news is that you don't need a great deal of extra space or expensive materials. Just setting aside a small corner or table with some interesting, recyclable materials will do just fine.

You can begin by creating an "Inventions-in-a-Box" kit that can be used any time, then stowed away when you need the space for something else. Rotate the items periodically so your child always has new materials to invent with. You might include:

Basic art and construction materials, such as child safety scissors, glue sticks, tape, tempera paints, ribbons, markers, crayons, and scraps. Soba glue works well with lots of different materials, as does plastic colored tape for attaching and reinforcing constructions. Masking tape is also easy for young children to work with. Construction paper and recycled materials organized in smaller boxes, labeled with their contents for easy searching.

Kick-Starting Inventions at Home

One of the most fulfilling aspects of making inventions with children is that it can be an exciting, collaborative experience for both of you. Children often think of things that don't occur to adults, such as giving a birdhouse a chimney made from a paper towel roll, or using some paper and ribbons to make a hat. Not only are they using creative- and critical-thinking skills when they have materials to experiment with, they are also building social and teamwork skills. During family downtime or on a playdate, pull out your Inventions-in-a-Box or try these starter ideas:

Offer a grab bag. Children love the surprise of finding "treasures" in a party grab bag. Prepare paper lunch or party bags filled with a variety of interesting scrap materials, including at least one item that can be used as a base (such as a tray) for the invention. Invite your child to consider: "What can you make with the things in your bag?" Explore natural materials. What might she do with sunflowers, pinecones, dried flowers, and seedpods? Take it apart. Inventing isn't just about building. It can also be about taking things apart. Offer discarded mechanical items for him to explore, such as old telephones, radios, or cell phones. Shed some light. Provide reflecting materials to explore, such as unbreakable mirrors, aluminum foil, shiny trinkets, flashlights, and sunglasses. Ask "How Many Ways?" Invite her to explore "how many ways" she can use a particular item, such as spools, plates, paper bags, plastic six-pack rings, or egg cartons. Play with paper. Paper comes in so many interesting forms and textures. Collect a variety of paper products for your child to invent with, like cardboard tubes, plates, bags, cups, small boxes, greeting cards and wallpaper scraps.

Your child is using his own ways of thinking and inventing everyday; it's as natural as breathing to him. By supporting his innate style of invention, you are encouraging him to apply all the knowledge she has and will acquire in innovative ways. As Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand."

http://www.scholastic.com/
Image Copyright: http://www.vk.com

The Best Kid Inventions in History

by Julie Fishman

The Popsicle

In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson invented the Popsicle … completely by accident. Frank left a cup of powdered soda, water and a stirring stick outside one cold night and awoke to find a refreshing treat. Initially dubbed the "Epsicle," he obtained a patent in 1923 and sold the rights to a large New York company. Now available in 30 flavors, hundreds of thousands of Epperson's Popsicles are eaten in the U.S. each year.

The Trampoline

Using materials he found in a junkyard, 16-year-old gymnast and diver George Nissen created the first trampoline in 1930 by stretching canvas over a steel frame—perfecting it a few years later with his college gymnastics coach Larry Griswold by using nylon. Seventy years later, trampolining was named an Olympic sport … and he was alive to hear the news.

Ear Muffs

Irked by how cold his ears became while ice skating outdoors in his native Maine, 15-year-old Chester Greenwood asked his grandmother to sew fur onto a two-loop wire he'd made. Shortly thereafter, in the early 1870s, he obtained a patent and made a final model for the ear protectors. On December 21, the state of Maine still celebrates "Chester Greenwood Day" to celebrate its clever inventor.

Braille

Louis Braille was just 3 years old in 1812 when he was injured and lost his vision. Later on, as a teen studying at The National Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, he designed a system using raised dots in specific patterns to aid in reading. The first Braille book was released in 1829, and in 1837 Louis added symbols for math and music. Braille has since been adapted for nearly every single language, from Albanian to Zulu.

Early Television

While several inventors contributed to the creation of the television, Philo T. Farnsworth made a few indispensable advances. In 1921, the 15-year-old had the sketches, diagrams and notes to make an electronic television system. By 21, Farnsworth transmitted his first electronic image and held the earliest public demonstration of a working TV. At the time of his death in 1971, the average television set included about 100 items that he originally patented.

KidKare Ride-on Car

Upon visiting a children's hospital in 1998, 6-year-old Spencer Whale noticed that medical apparati often got in the way when sick children attempted to play. Spencer went home and created a rideable car with an attached IV pole so that sick kids could play safely and easily while receiving their medicine. Several children's hospitals across the country now own KidKare Cars and Trucks.

Sign Language Translator

After watching a translator order fast food for a group of deaf people in around 2002, 17-year-old Ryan Patterson invented a glove with special sensors that translate the hand motions of American Sign Language into written words on a digital display. The gadget can also be customized to recognize an individual's signing style and now includes audio features.

The Algae Mobile

In 2011, 17-year-old Param Jaggi invented a device that uses algae to convert harmful CO2 (carbon dioxide) from an automobile's exhaust pipe into clean O2 (oxygen), just as it would in nature. A number of organizations, including The EPA, Intel and Forbes have recognized Jaggi for his work—not too shabby, considering the Texan still isn't old enough buy beer.

Screening Technique

In 2009, 16-year-old Janet Song and her 15-year-old brother Benjamin came up with a new, less invasive way to screen for early signs of cancer analyzing urine for DNA markers associated with liver, colon and other cancers before more pronounced symptoms occur. While not yet available for clinical use, it has the potential to greatly increase survival rates.

Fire Prevention Devices

In 2011, 17-year-old high school senior and volunteer fire fighter Paul Hyman invented a sensor in dryers to detect when lint is in danger of catching fire, releasing carbon dioxide to put out potential flames. He also created a tiny infrared camera for firefighter masks to help see through thick smoke and flames. Funded in full by Clarkson University, Hyman runs a fire safety business through his dorm room.

http://mom.me/

Why Eat Wild Foods

Nature was the original supermarket. Ever wonder what the pioneers ate while transversing the Oregon Trail? There were indeed supermarkets waiting at their destination but they weren't the kind we have now. Strictly seasonal and ever evolving wild edible plants have always been the Creator's gift to us. What I have been learning used to be COMMON knowledge. Relearning nature's secrets and prolific offerings is a way of connecting with our ancestors in a life giving empowering way.

I found the outline for this article on the web years ago and have searched in vain to find the source to credit them. I am impressed with the thorough reflection of the various ways wild edible plants enrich our lives: Economic considerations, Health considerations, Gardening considerations and Well Being.

Economic considerations

FREE! Food prices are increasing at an alarming rate. Renewable resources Wild plants tend to be prolific and often invasive. They are the first vegetation to show up when the soil has been disturbed to renew the minerals back into the ground. Abundant and readily available Wild plants spread their seeds in a variety of creative life preserving ways. Many of the weeds right outside our homes are edible and abundant

Health considerations

Highly nutritive: minerals and vitamins Compared to cultivated vegetation wild edible plants are many many times richer in nutrients. The Dandelion for example is high in calcium (a mineral that protects bones and teeth, prevents muscle cramping and maintains a regular heart beat. The USDA recommended daily allowance for calcium is 800 mg. One cup of Spinach has 102 mg of calcium, one cup of Kale has 206 mg and one cup of Dandelion leaves has 4,000 mg! Fresh, enzyme rich cause you just picked it! Wild foods have healing value: "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food" Many wild edible plants also have healing value Pesticide free Non GMO No additives and preservatives Foraging is health inducing. Vitamin D is an essential hormone that is best obtained from exposure to sun light.

Gardening considerations

Wild foods are tough to kill, tenacious. If you can't beat it...EAT it! No need to garden and cultivate the weeds! They grow like...weeds! Duration of growth is longer than hybrid varieties. Wild foods are resistant to climatic imbalances and survive drought Weeds should be cultivated in the 'garden' for they bring up subsoil minerals and protect against many insects. A great way to renurture devalued soil.

Well being

Be prepared for emergencies, wild foods are a secure resource. I look at all the wonderful food and medicines that grows right outside of my front door. These plants all have a purpose. Everything we would ever need is right under our noses. Learn to be independent and prepared for any contingency, become confident. Foraging is FUN Get in touch with nature and with the Creator God.

http://wildblessings.com/
Images Copyrights: http://www.vesti70.ru

Wild Edible Harvesting Tips

Disclaimer:

Identification and use of wild plants requires particular care and attention. Never eat any plant unless you are absolutely sure that it is edible! It is a good idea to cross-reference your knowledge with a book written by an expert. The information in this program is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author, publisher, and any of their counter parts, assume no responsibility whatsoever for any adverse effects encountered by the individual. Please harvest wild edibles at your own risk!

Harvesting Safety Tips!

While there are countless benefits associated with eating wild foods such as, breathing fresh air, exercise, premium nutrition, and more food diversity, there are also some inherent risks. When you harvest wild plants for food, there is a high guarantee that edible plants will be sharing their living space with non-edibles. These non-edibles may range in toxicity from mild to extreme. If you are anything like me, then you too prefer to avoid any form of poisoning whether it is mild or severe. For this reason it is a good idea to first learn how to positively identify wild plants and then exercise caution when gathering them for food.

Over the last five years that I have traveled around the globe giving presentations about edible plants, I learned two things: first, people are eagerly seeking knowledge about wild edibles and secondly, there is a lot of confusion about which plants are safe to harvest. I found that the term "poisonous" is very loosely defined and is easily swayed by ones personal bias and educational background. For example, experts coming from backgrounds of toxicology, botany, and medicine claim exponentially larger amounts of poisonous plants, whereas, experts coming from Native American teachings observe the opposite. Unfortunately, these inconsistencies of professional opinion mixed with ill-fated Hollywood movies such as, "Into The Wild," breed unnecessary fear, preventing the mass populous from venturing into the world of free food.

Thus far, my research has lead me to believe that out of thousands of healthful, edible plants growing in North America, there are only a handful of poisonous ones. There are approximately 150 poisonous plants that are not recommended for consumption by the American Association of Poison Control. Out of the 150 plants classified as poisonous, only about 50 are considered highly poisonous. The rest, are classified as mildly poisonous. 100 of the 150 plants may cause nausea, headache, and / or stomach upset, but will not kill the eater, and only 50 plants have the potential to cause serious harm.

I think such statistics are encouraging because it is relatively easy to learn to identify, and stay away from, 50 plants. This task can be accomplished in less than one month if you were to learn to identify two plants per day. Once you have learned to identify the 50 most poisonous plants, your chances of getting poisoned are severely decreased if not get eradicated completely. Keep in mind that many of the so-called "mildly poisonous" plants, are considered edible depending on which book you reference. For example, I recently found common mint categorized as mildly poisonous in a book called "Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America." Does this mean we should no longer drink mint tea? What do you think? I urge the reader to do his or her own research to figure out which plants to steer clear off.

Fear is an important ingredient in the recipe for personal wellbeing. When channeled correctly, fear can force us to question our judgment and make the most educated guess. I think that harvesting wild edibles is like crossing the street in a cross walk; it is safe, but you still want to look both ways prior to stepping out into the street! I prefer to avoid any sort of poisoning be it mild or severe. Please consider the following tips, prior to harvesting wild edibles:

First, knowledge is power! The best way to stay safe is through good old-fashioned education! The internet is a valuable tool for this. Using the internet, you can track down a wild crafter in your area and take an informative class! I recommend any hands-on workshop because it enables you to retain information longer. During one edible foods workshop I was taught that taking a few minutes to study each wild edible would help me remember it forever. I sat down with a dandelion and began to notice how many leaves it had, what shape the leaves were, and if it had any marking or discolorations. After this exercise, I will never have any doubts about what a dandelion looks like!

Another way to educate yourself about wild edibles is to purchase a good book on the subject. I have purchased many books published on this topic and have been disappointed with most of them due to the poor quality of their photos and confusing descriptions. When buying a book, make sure the one you settle on has clear, color photographs. It is also wise to think about book size because ideally, you want a book compact enough to take with you when you go hiking.

Lastly, you can use the internet to help you identify plants. If I find a plant I am unfamiliar with, I will take a picture so that I can do an internet search when I get home. Because the plants' name is still unknown, I describe what it looks like to the internet search engine (five purple petals, two green leaves, etc). As an added precaution, I might mention the geographical area in which I found the plant (mountains, desert, by a lake, Northern California, Southern Oregon, etc). When I hit the "search" button it generates thousands of possible matches. I look through the images until I find one that resembles my picture. From this search I get a name, "wild violet." Now I can look up "wild violet" in one of my favorite wild edible books to determine if it is safe to eat!

http://sergeiboutenko.com/
Image Copyright: www.nasha.lv

Watch Video:

My Mushroom Foraging Adventure

Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?

by James A. Levine, M.D., Ph.D.

Researchers have linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Too much sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

One recent study compared adults who spent less than two hours a day in front of the TV or other screen-based entertainment with those who logged more than four hours a day of recreational screen time. Those with greater screen time had:

A nearly 50 percent increased risk of death from any cause About a 125 percent increased risk of events associated with cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain (angina) or heart attack

The increased risk was separate from other traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking or high blood pressure.

Sitting in front of the TV isn't the only concern. Any extended sitting — such as behind a desk at work or behind the wheel — can be harmful. What's more, spending a few hours a week at the gym or otherwise engaged in moderate or vigorous activity doesn't seem to significantly offset the risk.

Rather, the solution seems to be less sitting and more moving overall. You might start by simply standing rather than sitting whenever you have the chance.

For example:

Stand while talking on the phone or eating lunch. If you work at a desk for long periods of time, try a standing desk — or improvise with a high table or counter.

Better yet, think about ways to walk while you work:

Walk laps with your colleagues rather than gathering in a conference room for meetings. Position your work surface above a treadmill — with a computer screen and keyboard on a stand or a specialized treadmill-ready vertical desk — so that you can be in motion throughout the day.

The impact of movement — even leisurely movement — can be profound. For starters, you'll burn more calories. This might lead to weight loss and increased energy.

Even better, the muscle activity needed for standing and other movement seems to trigger important processes related to the breakdown of fats and sugars within the body. When you sit, these processes stall — and your health risks increase. When you're standing or actively moving, you kick the processes back into action.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/
Image Copyright: http://www.forum-grad.ru

Best Stretches for Office Workers

by Paige Waehner

Sitting in front of a desk every day can wreak havoc on your body, especially since most of us don't have the best posture. Hunching the shoulders and slumping in your seat can cause back pain, headaches, tension and tightness in your back, neck and shoulders. The following stretches target the muscles of the back, neck and shoulders as well as the hips and glutes. Taking time to do some of these stretches throughout the day can help increase flexibility and reduce tension and stress.

1. Chest Stretch

Stretching the chest may be one of the best exercises you can do for your body, since most of us spend much of our time hunched forward. This example shows a chest stretch using a resistance band. You can find resistance bands at most sporting goods and department stores and they're great to keep in your desk for quick stretching or strengthening moves. There are alternatives below if you don't have a band.

Do it right: In a seated or standing position, hold the band in a wide grip over the head. Take the arms back just a bit as you lower them down, stretching the chest. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Avoid this move if you have shoulder problems.

2. Shoulder Shrugs

The shoulders and neck hold a lot of stress and tension from typing, clicking and scrunching. Shoulder shrugs are a great way to relax the shoulders and get a little circulation going.

Do it right: Seated or standing, lift the shoulders up towards the ears, squeezing them as hard as you can. Hold for 1-2 seconds and roll them back as you relax down. Repeat for 8-10 reps.

3. Upper Back Stretch

The upper back can also become tense and tight from hunched shoulders, especially if you hold the phone against your shoulder or use your mouse a lot. The shoulder rolls above may help loosen you up for this upper back stretch.

Do it right: Seated or standing, stretch the arms straight out and rotate the hands so that the palms face away from each other. Cross the arms so that the palms are pressed together, contract the abs and round the back, reaching away as you relax the head. Don't collapse but instead imagine you're curving up and over an imaginary ball. Hold the stretch for 10-30 seconds. If twisting the arms doesn't feel good, simply lace the fingers together.

4. Spinal Twist

Sitting for prolonged periods of time can also affect the lower back, leaving it tight and achy. This stretch will help gently work out some of that tension.

Do it right: In a seated position with the feet flat on the floor, contract the abs and gently twist the torso towards the right, using your hands to help deepen the stretch. Only twist as far as you comfortably can and keep the back straight while keeping the hips square. Hold for 10-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

5. Torso Stretch

Even if you pay attention to your posture, you may find yourself sinking back into a hunched position, which can make your back ache. This simple move will stretch all the muscles in your back, sides and arms.

Do it right: Seated or standing, lace the fingers together and stretch them up towards the ceiling. Take a deep breath as you stretch up as high as you can, then exhale and open the arms, sweeping them back down. Repeat for 8-10 reps.

6. Forearm Stretch

You may not even realize how tight your forearms can get from typing until you stretch them out. This simple move helps stretch those muscles in the forearms and wrists.

Do it right: Seated or standing, stretch the right arm out and turn the hand down so that the fingers point towards the floor. Use the left hand to gently pull the fingers towards you, feeling a stretch in the forearm. Hold for 10-30 seconds and repeat on the other hand.

7. Neck Stretch

Holding tension in the neck can lead to headaches and upper back tension as well. Many of us drop the head forward when working on the computer, which can put extra stress on the neck muscles. This stretch feels great on the neck and shoulders.

Do it right: Sitting in your chair, reach down and grab the side of the chair with the right hand and gently pull while tilting your head to the left, feeling a stretch down the right side of the neck and shoulder. Hold for 10-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

8. Hip Flexor Stretch

The lower body also gets tight from sitting too much, especially the front of the hips. When you sit, the glutes stretch while the hip flexors get tighter. Stretching this area several times a day can help reduce that tightness.

Do it right: While standing, take the right leg back as though you're going to do a lunge. Squeeze the glutes as you bend the knees, lowering down until you feel a stretch in the front of the right hip. Hold for 10-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

9. Seated Hip Stretch

This move helps open up the hips and stretch the complex series of muscles in the hips and glutes.

Do it right: While seated, cross the right ankle over the left knee and sit up nice and tall. Gently lean forward, keeping the back straight and reaching out with the torso until you feel a stretch in the right glute and hip. You can also press down on the right knee to deepen the stretch. Hold for 10-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

10. Inner Thigh Stretch

This not-very-ladylike stretch feels great on the inner thighs, hips and groin and is another hip-opening move that may help get rid of tension and stress in the lower body.

Do it right: While seated, take the legs wide, toes out and lean forward with the elbows on the thighs. Keep the back straight and the abs contracted. Gently press forward while using the elbows to push the thighs out until you feel a stretch in the inner thighs. Hold for 10-30 seconds.

http://exercise.about.com/

Images Copyrights: http://www.loyal.com.ua

Watch Video:

Watch video: Squeeze a Workout into your Busy Day;

Smallholders and Family Farmers

Smallholders are small-scale farmers, pastoralists, forest keepers, fishers who manage areas varying from less than one hectare to 10 hectares. Smallholders are characterized by family-focused motives such as favouring the stability of the farm household system, using mainly family labour for production and using part of the produce for family consumption.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Eighty percent of the farmland in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia is managed by smallholders (working on up to 10 hectares). While 75 percent of the world's food is generated from only 12 plants and 5 animal species, making the global food system highly vulnerable to shocks, biodiversity is key to smallholder systems who keep many rustic and climate-resilient varieties and breeds alive.

2. Out of the 2.5 billion people in poor countries living directly from the food and agriculture sector, 1.5 billion people live in smallholder households. Many of those households are extremely poor: overall, the highest incidence of workers living with their families below the poverty line is associated with employment in agriculture.

3. Women comprise an average of 43 percent of the agricultural labour force of developing countries up to almost 50 percent in Eastern and Southeastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Should women farmers have the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20-30 percent, lifting 100-150 million people out of hunger. Women are the quiet drivers of change towards more sustainable production systems and a more varied and healthier diet.

4. Smallholders provide up to 80 percent of the food supply in Asian and sub-Saharan Africa. Their economic viability and contributions to diversified landscape and culture is threatened by competitive pressure from globalization and integration into common economic areas; their fate is either to disappear and become purely self-subsistence producers, or to grow into larger units that can compete with large industrialized farms.

WHY DO SMALLHOLDERS MATTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY?

Unlike widespread perceptions, sustainable smallholders can be really productive. A large study examining smallholder agriculture covering 286 projects, over 37 million hectares in 57 developing countries, found that when sustainable agriculture was adopted, average crop yields increased by 79 percent. Also, sustainable systems were found more diversified, with yields often composed of more than a dozen crops and various animal products, generating higher yields per ha. Higher yields mean increased household food security and higher household income, especially when money was saved through less fertilizer and pesticide use (Pretty et al , 2008).

Furthermore, an analysis of 15 case studies in Africa demonstrated that organic agriculture brings multiple benefits to the community including more nutritious diet and health, reduced occupational hazards through decreased exposure to pesticides and job creation. In Brazil, each 8 hectares cultivated by small farmers using mixed cropping generates one job, while large-scale mechanized monocultures generate 1 job per 67 hectares. When associated to improved working standards and rights (e.g. occupational safety and health), sustainable smallholder agriculture can represent a key driver for decent rural jobs.

Well-managed smallholder systems invest in building soil biomass and soil vegetative cover, which improves water filtration in case of floods and moisture retention in case of droughts. Through reduced fossil fuels dependency and energy requirements, as compared to large mechanized and inputs dependant farms, smallholders traditional practices also mitigate climate change through reduced emissions and enhanced soil carbon sequestration.

Small-scale fisheries contribute to 46 percent of global marine and inland fish catches. ln developing countries, this share grows to 54 percent. When considering catches destined for direct human consumption, the share contributed by small-scale fisheries increases to two-thirds.

Small-scale fisheries employ over 90 percent of the world's 35 million capture fishers and support another estimated 85 million people employed in associated processing, distribution and marketing.

About half of the people employed in small-scale fisheries are women. In addition to the large number of full and part time fishers and fish workers, seasonal or occasional fishing often provide vital supplements to other livelihood activities, in times of difficulties or as a recurrent side-line activity.

Small-scale fisheries generate income, provide food for local markets and make important contributions to nutrition. They also represent a diversity and cultural richness that is of global significance.

http://www.fao.org/

Watch Video:

The Last Farmer

9 Rules for Starting Your Own Farm

You've dreamed of becoming a farmer, growing food not just for yourself but for your greater community. You yearn to work with the soil, and are prepared for a life of physical toil, intellectual challenges, and uncertain finances. All that's left is to trade in your suit and tie for sturdy boots and a dilapidated hat.

Congratulations. The world needs you. According to this article in The Atlantic, there are currently more bus drivers than farmers in the United States. While at first glance this might seem like an arbitrary statistic, consider this: which is more likely to happen first, a bus driver needing to eat, or a farmer needing a bus ticket? Food ranks in the upper echelon of human needs, right beside oxygen, sleep, and cuddling with your sweetheart.

The planet needs nutritious food, and that requires thoughtful, intelligent people to grow it. So if you're genuinely considering farming as a career, tape the following 9 rules for starting a farm to your refrigerator, tack them to your barn door, or commit them to memory. After fifteen years of running my own farm, these lessons were hard won, but continue to serve me well. As you pursue your own farming dream, keep them in the forefront of your mind. Following them might not guarantee success, but they will certainly put you on the path to economic and agricultural sustainability.

9 Rules for Starting Your Own Farm

Rule #1: Avoid Debt!

Farming doesn't HAVE to be financed with borrowed money. Avoiding debt should be a primary goal for any new farmer, even if they have to start very, very small for a few years. That's how our farm started. And clearly, I still save my pennies.

Why is this #1? Why does it have an exclamation point after it? Because - listen up - in the past fifty years, debt has tanked more farms than drought, plague, and pestilence combined. If there's one thing our national housing crisis has reinforced, it's how economically debilitating debt can be for the average person. Farmers aren't immune to these challenges. Legions of great producers have abandoned their farming dreams simply because they couldn't pay their debt when the bank came calling.

In a nutshell, debt (borrowing money, with interest) allows us to accelerate our goals, turning dreams of tomorrow into realities of today. While borrowed money might buy us a tractor, a new barn, or even the land we'll be farming, experience, the most valuable farming asset of all, cannot be purchased.

Experience doesn't come with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, and it certainly doesn't come from a book. Agriculture is fraught with uncertainties, surprises, and intellectual challenges. And that's just before lunch. Adding monthly payments to this intimidating list financially handcuffs most people right from the start.

So does this mean 'never take on debt'? Certainly not. There are plenty of times when leveraging assets makes sense. As you gain farming experience, and create reliable cash flow in your business, these opportunities (or necessities) will become clearer. In the meantime, however, embrace this generalization: avoid debt as much as possible.

Rule #2: Allow Yourself the Opportunity to Fail

Wait a minute. This was supposed to be about not failing, and now we're saying failure's an opportunity? Ironic, I know. Bear with me.

Our culture seems obsessed with failure, simultaneously terrified and captivated with the concept. I know people who spend their days avoiding the humiliation of failure at all costs. Some of these people fear failure so much, they never try to accomplish anything. The thought of failure paralyzes them.

If failure is a major concern to you, here's a spoiler: in farming, you will fail. 100% chance. In fact, with apologies to Benjamin Franklin, failure on a farm is every bit as reliable as death, taxes, and Paul Schaffer calling a rimshot.

But here's what no one ever told me. It's okay to fail. Moreover, in farming, it's important to fail. While painful at first, failure can be an enormously useful tool. It helps us learn our personal limits of time and energy. It's an instrumental timesaver in the long run, letting us know what works well, and what's a complete boondoggle. Failure provides us perspective for future enterprises, making us intellectually stronger, more emotionally resilient.

So, thumb your nose at that sagging bookshelf loaded with self-help books telling you you're not a failure. Yes you are! Get out there and fail! But while you're failing, fail well. Fail gracefully and thoughtfully. It's the only sure way to recognize success when it finally arrives.

Rule #3: Identify Your Market Before You Start Farming

Beautiful, but these beets (and many more) were all ready to be picked at the same time. These were shared with my family, but would have also found happy homes at my local farmers market.

Beautiful, but these beets (and many more) were all ready to be picked at the same time. These were shared with my family, but would have also found happy homes at my local farmers market.

So you want to raise cattle, grow watermelons, or start a sauerkraut business. Maybe you just want to sell wool to local knitters. Awesome. I like steaks, sauerkraut, and knit caps as much as the next guy. But how are you going to find customers like me? Do I live in your neighborhood, or five hundred miles away? How much of your stuff will I buy? How will you find others like me? What will you do if I buy ALL of your stuff, and you're sold out? What will you do if I buy NONE of your stuff, and you've got a barn full of it?

Before you plant that first seed, jar your first kraut, or shear your first ewe, take the time (lots and lots of time) to figure out where you're going to sell your products, who is going to buy them, and how you're going to do it. Once you've done this, create a backup plan. Then, come up with another backup plan. Chances are you're going to need them.

Small and niche producers spend an enormous amount of effort finding their customers. This is every bit as important as growing the food to begin with, because without appropriate sales channels, fresh produce will quickly languish. When all those watermelons ripen at the exact same moment, you'll need a place to sell them - and fast. Have a solid marketing plan prepared well in advance.

Rule #4: Match the Land to Its Suited Use

We try to take our cues from nature. In the Mid-Atlantic, grazing, foraging and gleaning opportunities present themselves nearly year-round.

We try to take our cues from nature. In the Mid-Atlantic, grazing, foraging and gleaning opportunities present themselves nearly year-round.

We can try to force our human dreams onto the land, or we can work with what nature gives us. On our farm, wild turkeys, deer, cottontail rabbits, and raccoons naturally flourish. As such, it's no coincidence that we're able to raise free-range chickens, sheep, cattle, and pigs on our land. While the correlations may not be identical, when we stand back for a moment and consider the landscape, there's a nice pattern here.

Conversely, a few years back, we tried raising free-range ducks. We learned the hard way how they evinced their waterfowl instincts: In a matter of weeks, they turned acres of pasture into muddy ponds. They methodically tipped over their automatic watering troughs (it's a long story, but trust me, they did it), creating sloppy watering holes in our pastures that we dubbed 'quack mires.' In their own way, ducks were telling us that they belonged near water, not out on pasture. We listened. The following season, we stopped raising ducks and have been happier ever since.

Rule #5: Grow Your Passion

Everyone knows that farming is hard work. So do yourself a favor: grow something that you love. Like blueberries? Then grow blueberries, for Pete's sake. If you grow what you're passionate about, it will help mitigate those difficult days when the sledding gets rough and things don't go your way. It may seem like common sense, but we often find our decisions driven more by finances, tradition, or inertia than by something we truly love. Go out on a limb, and grow heirloom apples if you want. Consider it your first reward. There will be more.

Rule #6: Set Reasonable Goals

Yes, yes, we all know that you were a double major, the captain of the fencing team, and turned down a Fulbright to construct Mongolian yurts in the Peace Corps. You're talented, we get it. Now repeat after me:

"It's okay if I can't feed the entire state of Nebraska, so long as I can supply my local market.

It's okay if I don't make 'X' number of dollars this year, as long as all of my bills are paid.

It's okay if I don't add an additional enterprise, until I get really good at the 3 other enterprises I'm already trying to master."

Yes, you workaholics, it's even okay to take Tuesday afternoons off to drink a few beers and read a book, especially if you work all weekend (like I do). Take care of yourself. Burnout is big in farming. You already know that the work is physically taxing, with unique emotional demands. Find your pace. Visualize a fifty-year career, and set annual, reasonable goals that will get you there. Check in with yourself frequently. And by all means, if you raise flowers for a living, be sure to "stop and smell the petunias" from time to time. Or the daffodils. Whatever…I raise pigs, cut me some slack.

Rule #7: Don't Worry About What Other People Think

There's an old saying that goes, "The easiest way over the wall is through the door." In this case, perhaps it's an open gate. There's nothing more satisfying than following our own intuition, and being true to our dreams.

There's an old saying that goes, "The easiest way over the wall is through the door." In this case, perhaps it's an open gate. There's nothing more satisfying than following our own intuition, and being true to our dreams.

In 1994, when I was twenty years old, I found myself talking to an older farming couple at a local picnic. We both raised cattle for a living, but they sold their animals straight to corn-fed feedlots. They asked me about my farming ambitions, and I told them of my dream to sell 100% grass-fed beef. The cattle would be completely organic, and I'd direct market the meat myself. I told them our farm could provide food for several hundred families once I really got going.

Their reaction? When I had finished speaking, they turned to each other, made eye contact, and burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Eighteen years later, despite this withering response from my elders (they apologized for their behavior after they managed to stop laughing, bless their hearts), our farm has accomplished all of these goals and much, much more. If I had worried what my neighboring farmers thought of me, I certainly wouldn't be sitting here now, typing this list. Believe in yourself, and just go for it.

As for that couple? Five years ago, they put a sign up at the end of their lane: "Free-Range Beef for Sale." The sign is out there at this very moment. Pardon me while I indulge in a moment of uncontrollable laughter.

Rule #8: Have a Sense of Humor

Lighten up Francis: When it comes to farming, it's only a matter of life or death.

Think about it for a second. Take an average day at a mainstream job. What's the worst that typically happens? A client gets pissed off, or an irate customer reams out the supervisor. Maybe Larry (whatever happened to guys named Larry, anyway?) gets his tie caught in the fax machine…again. Somebody get that guy a golf shirt!

On any given day on a farm, things die. And not in any noble, dignified, or discreet kind of way, either. Things die screaming, eviscerated, and—more often than we'd care to think about—partially masticated. Have you ever walked through the morning dew to check on your free-range chickens (cue love theme from St. Elmo's Fire), crested a hill, and found them slaughtered willy-nilly (cue Insane Clown Posse's "Night of the Chainsaw"), their gleaming entrails spilled across the clover?

Frankly, it puts this whole farming thing in perspective pretty quickly. And faced with the possibility of daily mayhem, a sense of humor can be a handy-dandy coping mechanism.

I learned this particular bit of wisdom from Travis, a farmhand of over 50 years. Travis arrives on my farm each morning sporting an un-ironic trucker's hat, unruly lamb chop sideburns, and an emotional disconnect that leaves no doubt he's capable of neck-punching me into a coma. After pulling a mummified calf from a laboring heifer one afternoon, he regarded me with pale, unblinking eyes.

"You know," he said, "if we didn't laugh about things, we'd probably end up just murdering each other."

Right you are, Travis. Right you are.

Rule #9: Read. Ask Questions. Share Your Knowledge.

Okay, so this is really numbers nine, ten, and eleven all rolled into one. Consider it a farming Venn diagram.

Don't like to read? Start. Read everything that hits your intellectual radar.

Shy? Get up near the teacher if you want to learn anything.

Have an ego? Better to lose it now, before Mother Nature loses it for you.

Last but not least (bonus rule!): Be generous with your knowledge, especially with people who want to learn from you.

So that's the list. Still want to be a farmer? Congratulations again! You're entering a world of excellent company. As Bob Evans (yes, that Bob Evans) once told me, there's no finer group of people on the planet than those who call themselves farmers. By all means, join us.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/

Siberian Cedar Nut Oil enriched with Resin - An Effective Remedy in the Treatment of Intestinal Dysbiosis

According to data from the G. N. Gabrichevsky Moscow Scientific Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology published in 2013, Siberian Cedar Nut Oil enriched with Resin(Resin Extract) can treat the most widespread disease in the world - intestinal dysbiosis. Resin Extract assists in eliminating pathogenic intestinal flora and at the same time it stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms, thus restoring the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system.

The intestine is an important immunological organ, whose own lamina contains as many lymphoid cells as the spleen. Among these cells have been identified T-cells, B-cells, small lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The latter synthesize primarily class A immunoglobins, and are the source of antibodies that are secreted by the mucous membrane of the intestines. The numerous small lymphocytes control the production of antibodies and, in addition, carry out reactions for cellular immunity. The immunological function of the intestines is mediated by the action, above all, of the lymphocytes located in Peyer's patches and in the mucous membrane.

The normal flora of the intestines is a balance of beneficial microorganisms (bifidobacteria and lactobacteria) and potentially pathogenic flora (anaerobic streptococci, colon bacillus, enterococci, etc.).

In certain conditions (intestinal infections, antibacterial therapy, lack of a balanced diet, environment, stress), the composition and quantity of microorganisms may change in the direction of the growth of potentially pathogenic flora in the intestinal cavity. The result is the occurrence of disorders involving the metabolism and digestion, and malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system. This type of pathological condition is called dysbiosis.

According to European statistics, intestinal dysbiosis is diagnosed in 92% to 95% of the population. The consumption of antibiotics and hormones is the most frequent cause of the development of dysbiosis. The first signs of dysbiosis are heaviness and swelling of the stomach, irregularity of bowel movements and appetite, and a manifestation of various allergies.

Siberian Cedar Nut Oil enriched with Resin destroys pathogenic flora.

The growth of pathogenic flora acts oppressively on beneficial bacteria. Precisely for that reason, the use of probiotics for the treatment of dysbiosis is not effective. Beneficial microorganisms cannot take root in an environment that is antagonisic towards them, and die quickly. Before the colonization of the intestines by beneficial bacteria, it is essential that it be partially cleaned of pathogenic flora. Resin Extract is capable of stopping the growth of pathogenic flora and reducing its quantity to normal levels, thanks to its unique cleansing action. The effective treatment of dysbiosis occurs owing to the fact that the phytoncides, resin acids, and essential oils that make up resin, thanks to their powerful antibacterial and fungicidal properties, quickly and effectively arrest the reproductive process of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Resin Extract thoroughly binds putrefactive and fermentation-causing bacteria, pathogenic microbes and viruses and removes them from the gastrointestinal tract. And it also rids the organism of dead flora, which accumulates and poisons a person from within, especially after a dose of antibiotics.

Siberian Cedar Nut Oil enriched with Resin acts carefully, does not irritate the mucosa of the intestines and, which is especially important in the treatment of dysbiosis, does not harm the beneficial microorganisms. Such unpleasant symptoms as indigestion in the form of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are effectively removed, and the symptoms of allergic reactions also diminish.

Siberian Cedar Nut Oil enriched with Resin promotes the growth of beneficial flora.

A gastrointestinal tract cleansed of harmful substances is the ideal environment for the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. Resin Extract contains significant quantities of phosphoric and citric acids, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic fatty acids, as well as vitamins E and F, which promote the normalization of acidity (pH) and growth of the positive flora of the gastrointestinal tract, which, in turn, stimulates the production of immune cells. In this manner, Siberian Cedar Nut Oil enriched with Resin not only treats dysbiosis, but also restores natural immunity. The period after a cleansing treatment with Resin Extract is additionally just the right time to drink probiotics to hasten the colonization of beneficial flora in the gastrointestinal tract.

PhD., D. P. Nikitin,
G. N. Gabrichevsky Moscow Scientific Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology

Click here to go to our online store

Health-Promoting Cedar Products for an Active Long Life

Health is a treasure that is always with you.
(Chinese proverb)

Each one of us wants to live a long life while remaining physically strong and preserving a clear mind. And we must take care of our health ourselves and do everything possible to preserve it.

It is well known that a person's functional systems undergo successive changes from birth to old age: they are formed, grow stronger, and then grow weaker.

Completely consistent with this regularity, adaptive systems also develop that provide resistance to unfavourable environmental influences and to stress.

A person begins to grow old soon after the developmental period of the body is completed, that is, at the age of 30. It is at this time when you need to begin the struggle for an active old age, the struggle to slow the natural aging process.

To achieve this, you need to create the simple but necessary conditions in the body that support the metabolism at an optimum level. There are only two conditions:

—provide the complete set of all essential nutritional elements;
—allow for the prompt and unimpeded elimination of the end products of metabolism from the body. The paramount role in this is assigned to functional nutrition, balanced in its content and ratio of essential factors. These requirements are met by natural, organic plant products, which saturate the human body with the vital energy of the Earth and the Sun.

Imagine a mighty, handsome cedar surrounded by pristine nature and the crystal clear air. The fruits of this wonderful plant — cedar nuts — are collected in the health-promoting product — "Pine Power" — which is the culmination of scientific research by the scientists at the Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Scientific Research Institute of the Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and the Siberian Cedars company. Cedar nut flakes possess special health-promoting properties and beneficially support all the functional systems of the human body.

The unsurpassed health-promoting qualities of Cedar Nut Oil, its properties of positively regulating fat metabolism in the human body and assisting in the prevention and correction of atherosclerosis have been confirmed by numerous clinical studies. And this means that the use of cedar products may serve as a means of preventing the development of many pathological processes, the basis of which is atherosclerosis: arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and obliterating atherosclerosis.

"Pine Power" Cedar Nut Flakes assist in improving blood circulation. Well-known powerful antioxidants — vitamin E and vitamin C — while mutually reinforcing each other's action, protect cell membranes from damage by free radicals and thus increase our resistance to damaging and pathogenic factors. Vitamins E, C, and P improve the condition of the vascular wall, assist in preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on artery walls, and assist in the development of collaterals (new vessels). Improving blood flow to organs, including the heart, brain, and endocrine glands, makes it possible to slow the aging process.

"Pine Power" possesses the property of supporting the functions of the immune system, which protects us from everything foreign: bacteria, fungi, viruses. The immune system stands guard, and destroys cancer cells that appear in our body.

This is also facilitated by the presence of dietary fiber in the product, fibre that is an essential medium for the development of the normal microflora of the intestine. The microflora produces certain vitamins, supports the function of the immune system, creates the conditions for food uptake, and inhibits the development of infection. "Pine Power" may be used for the prevention of dysbacteriosis. "Pine Power" Cedar Nut Flakes may be effectively used for the purposes of promoting health and for relief from chronic inflammatory diseases having various localizations, which can accumulate in our bodies over the years. The regular consumption of the Pine Power natural protein-vitamin complex improves immunity and assists in increasing the protective forces of the body, increases the body's resistance to infectious diseases and catarrhal inflammations, prevents the development of seasonal catarrhal inflammations, acute viral respiratory infections, and influenza, and eases the course of these diseases.

"Pine Power" Cedar Nut Flakes may be used for the cleansing and regeneration of the organs in a number of chronic inflammatory diseases, including the organs of the bronchopulmonary system, the ear, nose and throat, and the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

Health-promoting cedar products may, if necessary, be combined with any of the treatment methods of conventional medicine, improving treatment results and sustaining these results for a long time, and also prevent the exacerbation of chronic diseases. "Pine Power" Cedar Nut Flakes are beneficial in old age to establish harmony within the body, especially for those suffering from chronic diseases, and also following serious diseases and operations.

The regular consumption of natural health-promoting products will help you create the conditions for a long active life in harmony.

Dr. Sergey Shirokov, PhD
Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Scientific Research Institute
Novosibirsk, Russia

http://www.ringingcedarsofrussia.org/
Image copyright: http://nxmed.ru/
Used by permission.
Copyright CedarInfo.info

* * *

What People Say About This Product:

I am on an elimination diet to regain better health, having a damaged immune system and digestion. Since I cannot have any grains, the Pine Power Pine Nut Flakes have been a godsend for breakfast (you can eat only so many greens in a day!). I make them with hot water, letting steep while I drink my tea, and love the nutty taste in the morning. Thanks! Looking forward to trying the recipes.

Debor Austin, TX, USA

* * *

When I did my first order I was simply delighted to receive and try out these products and they did not disappoint! I could feel the effects of the Pine Nut Oil immediately. The experience was of an accelerated thought process, mind you I am very sensitive and this may have played a role in my experience. I also got the Pine Nut Power, simply delicious. My only regret is I went through them to quickly, so this time I'm ordering a lager amount.

Enjoy and Be Well,
LeeJames Coles, Australia

* * *

Love these products,
especially the Pine Nut Cereal Flakes -- so filling, a great way to start off a busy day when you just KNOW you're not going to have time for a proper lunch....

Rosemary Breschuk-Chiu, ON, Canada

Click here to go to our online store

Our Unique Production Technique:

Cedar Nut Sheller This equipment and method of shelling Siberian Cedar Nuts brings the difference in the quality of "RINGING CEDARS OF RUSSIA" Siberian Cedar Kernels and Siberian Cedar Nut Oil

Cedar Nut Oil Press This equipment and method of pressing Siberian Cedar Nuts brings the difference in the quality of "RINGING CEDARS OF RUSSIA" Siberian Cedare Nut Oil

The brand name "THE RINGING CEDARS OF RUSSIA" stands for business integrity, decency and the highest possible quality of product. All products marketed under this brand name convey the primordial power of Nature and the warmth of our hearts. We offer:

A variety of high-quality cedar products, including cedar nuts and cedar nut oil.

Huge plantations of cedar trees grow in the Siberian taiga, said to be the ecologically purest area of the world. The virgin forest of the taiga has never been treated with any chemicals or artificial fertilisation, nor abused by agricultural machines.

Cedar nuts (the seeds of the cedar tree) take two years to mature, during which time the tree accumulates a huge volume of positive cosmic energy. Crops of nuts are harvested manually by people lovingly devoted to this task, working in a pleasant environment without undue haste to create unique products full of positive energy reflecting the infinite powers of Nature. Specific preparations include:

We pick only cedar cones which fall naturally from the trees, thus ensuring that only ripe cones are selected. We always avoid hitting the trees to shake unripe cedar cones down (as happens with some other commercial operations) -- a practice which causes the nuts to lose their healing power.

Cones are then manually shelled with the help of wooden shell-removers. Nut centres are separated from their shells using wooden rollers.

Cedar nut oil and cedar nut flour marketed under our brand name are obtained by the cold-pressure method, using manual wooden oil-presses.

Cedar nut oil is then stored in special containers and packed in a small village near Novosibirsk by name "Kandayrovo" using unique technology to avoid any contact with metal. The whole process is strictly supervised to ensure it complies with all sanitary requirements.

Final products are placed in special packaging to prevent daylight penetration, and stored at a temperature of 0C to +5C to better preserve the product's natural components. The resulting product is a bright gold-coloured liquid with the pleasant smell of cedar nuts. It is a 100% natural product with strong healing powers.

SIBERIAN CEDAR NUT OIL

Siberian Cedar nuts (cedar nuts) contain about 60% oil. They are therefore pressed to obtain Cedar nut oil, which is available on the market as a very expensive gourmet cooking oil. Cold pressing in all-wooden presses is preferred to retain the nutritional properties of nuts and derive the oil of highest quality.

The Cedar nut oil bearing "The Ringing Cedars of Russia" brand comes exclusively from wild-harvested Siberian Cedar nuts - one of the most nutritious Cedar nuts in the world. In comparison, other Cedar nut oils are usually pressed from the Italian pignolia Cedar nuts, which are not nearly as potent and are often harvested from trees growing in plantations. Our Siberian Cedar nut oil is extra virgin (100% cold pressed from freshly shelled raw Siberian Cedar nuts), whereas most Cedar nut oils on the market are either not cold pressed or even pressed from roasted (!) Cedar nuts, which significantly decreases the oil value. Finally, "The Ringing Cedars of Russia" Siberian Cedar nut oil is the only one which is available on the market anywhere in the world pressed with wooden presses in accordance with traditional techniques described in Vladimir Megre's life-changing book "The Ringing Cedars of Russia". In contrast, all other Cedar nut oils are pressed using steel presses, which immediately degrades them (contact with steel oxidizes some of the Cedar nut oil's most important ingredients such as vitamins, and is known to remove the 'life force' from the oil).

Cedar nut oil has also traditionally been used in ancient Russian and European natural medicine to cure a wide array of ailments - ingested (decreasing blood pressure, boosting immune system resistance, etc.) or applied externally (a range of dermatological disorders). It is also used in expensive cosmetics.

Cedar nut oil contains pinolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and is marketed in the U.S. as a means stimulate cell proliferation, prevent hypertension, decrease blood lipid and blood sugar, and inhibit allergic reactions.

Copyright: http://www.RingingCedarsOfRussia.org/

RASPBERRY AND CEDAR NUT BARS

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to fan 170C/ conventional 190C/gas 5. Butter a shallow 23cm square tin. Tip the flour, oats and butter into a mixing bowl and use your fingers to work the mixture together to make coarse crumbs. Mix in the sugar, lemon zest and three quarters of the cedar nuts using your hands, then press the mixture together well so it forms large sticky clumps.

2. Drop about two thirds of the oat mixture into the base of the tin, spread it out and press down very lightly - don't pack it too firmly. Scatter the raspberries on top, sprinkle the rest of the oat mixture over, then the rest of the cedar nuts and press everything down lightly.

3. Bake for 35-40 minutes until pale golden on top. Cut into 12 bars with a sharp knife while still warm, then leave to cool in the tin before removing. Will keep for 2-3 days.

Cuts into 12 large bars.

QUINOA PILAF WITH CEDAR NUTS

Ingredients:
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/4 cup cedar nuts
1 tablespoon cedar nut oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Salt and pepper

Preparation:

Put the broth and quinoa in a medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and grain is tender.

Meanwhile, toast the nuts in a large dry skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove nuts from pan and set aside. Heat the oil in the same skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and begin to brown, about 6 minutes.

When the quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large serving bowl. Stir in the cedar nuts, onions, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

CEDAR NUT SALAD DRESSING

This dressing adds a special touch to your salad with crunchy cedar nuts and the bright flavors of cranberry and balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons cranberry juice
1 tablespoon cedar nuts, toasted
1 tablespoon cedar nut oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients; shake well. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Yield: 1/2 cup.

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/; http://www.foodnetwork.com/; http://www.tasteofhome.com/

CEDAR NUTS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED WITH CEDAR NUT FLAKES.

For more recipes please click here

For Educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These articles come directly from researchers and are passed on to everybody. The company assumes no liability for any content in these articles.

For more great articles go to http://www.ringingcedarsofrussia.org/cedar_nuts_and_ringing_cedars_information.php

Message submitted from: Radha Theresa,

Address: 83 Cassilis St Coonabarabran NSW Australia Phone number: 0268424778
Email: capricorndancer@live.com.au
Title: Vedruss Kins Oasis
User classifieds ad:
Calling Vedruss! A Kin's Village is called into being in Coonabarabran, Australia. If you feel called to participate, please email Radha or Chris for more details - capricorndancerlive.com.au

Shambhala-Shasta

SUCCESS!!!
The Anastasia Eco-settlement project has found its home in North America on Sacred Motherland!

Many great thanks to all of you who contributed to this success and to many who have supported this dream and vision with your love from near and far.

Shambhala-Shasta community has taken back 466 acres of prestine motherland. Free and clear. No debt. No Encumbrances. No liens. Free and clear!!!

To freedom, independance and sovereignty!!!

The community will steadily grow out from here as we are bordered on the east and north by national forests.

More to come soon after our visit to our motherland in the next few days.

We have several settlers who have begun the intake process and purchased their domains. If you are ready and feel the beat in your heart, come and join!!!

http://shambhala-shasta.org/become/

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

This Classifieds column is created specifically for the announcements related to the "Ringing Cedars of Russia" Movement (please view example below). If you wish to submit your message please fill out the form below and click "Submit" .

Thank you for your attention,

Administration,
The Earth online newspaper.

(Note: The Administration of The Earth online newspaper reserves the right to review all of the announcements. There are no guarantees that your message will be posted. )