This year august meets ramadan
Hottest days meet our hungriest hours
Thirst and sweat combine
A.c becomes the most important member of each family and each house
Beaches abandoned
Beach houses resided in
Some lay all day trying to make it
Some hide in their summer homes with their kids
Some still go to work in Cairo
They suffer the traffic and the heat
Some swim inside their pools
Some melt with no electricity
Some read religious scriptures all night and pray
Some fast and hibernate
Some make the most of social events out of it
And invite as many people as they can
Some eat each day at a different friends house
Some are glued to the tv day and night
Some play games until dawn and sleep until the sunsets
Some fast, eat , pray, watch tv and sleep
But best thing about Ramadan in egypt is that we are all in it together
And it's not to be ignored
It's to be respected
It's time for the soul and body to rest
It's time to slow down
It's time for GOd
It's Ramadan in egypt and it's a very special time
Although it's hot
Although it's august
Although it's hard
It's still Ramadan a time to respect our core
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Anger and fire
In my heart anger builds like fire it takes time to burn only me and then fade away leaving me with ashes
I always turn to water and the soothing shower
Contact with people no matter how dear is a recipe for arguments and trouble
But then again nobody likes to be lonely
Even those who act like it's their choice
It might be true for awhile but humanity needs the warmth and comfort of sharing to survive
Maybe not six families under one roof but people need to connect that's for sure
In Egypt mobile phones are best sellers
Everyone has one
Even the hungry or the unemployed man
And smoking is the culture
Everyone is lighting fire to their lungs
So much anger and self destruction
People smoke everywhere from elevators to hospitals they do
In your face in coffee shops they puff the smoke
And anywhere you go indoors you will come home smelling like an ashtray
I had to make the choice: become an outcast
Lonely and left behind or a second hand smoker
The only reason people react positively to your annoyance to smoke and inability to breathe is if you are with child other than that you leave the table
Shishas and cigarettes are the social life here in Egypt and if you do not know how to cope you are not part of the crowd
The non smokers feel guilty for their desires for a healthier place to sit and breathe and the sensitive smokers who walk away to smoke and come back barely exist
I know only one person like that
But it is considered rude to ask someone not to smoke next to you if you do not have a serious medical condition you should be silent and enjoy their puffs in your face like you were meant to
And the different ringtones of mobile phones and people having their conversations in the middle of your lunch or outing interrupting everything will drive you mad
The fire builds burns and rests
With water you can help it turn to ashes
My advice always jump in the shower
I always turn to water and the soothing shower
Contact with people no matter how dear is a recipe for arguments and trouble
But then again nobody likes to be lonely
Even those who act like it's their choice
It might be true for awhile but humanity needs the warmth and comfort of sharing to survive
Maybe not six families under one roof but people need to connect that's for sure
In Egypt mobile phones are best sellers
Everyone has one
Even the hungry or the unemployed man
And smoking is the culture
Everyone is lighting fire to their lungs
So much anger and self destruction
People smoke everywhere from elevators to hospitals they do
In your face in coffee shops they puff the smoke
And anywhere you go indoors you will come home smelling like an ashtray
I had to make the choice: become an outcast
Lonely and left behind or a second hand smoker
The only reason people react positively to your annoyance to smoke and inability to breathe is if you are with child other than that you leave the table
Shishas and cigarettes are the social life here in Egypt and if you do not know how to cope you are not part of the crowd
The non smokers feel guilty for their desires for a healthier place to sit and breathe and the sensitive smokers who walk away to smoke and come back barely exist
I know only one person like that
But it is considered rude to ask someone not to smoke next to you if you do not have a serious medical condition you should be silent and enjoy their puffs in your face like you were meant to
And the different ringtones of mobile phones and people having their conversations in the middle of your lunch or outing interrupting everything will drive you mad
The fire builds burns and rests
With water you can help it turn to ashes
My advice always jump in the shower
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
roller coaster
We always want what is far and when we get it we start wanting something else
The same thing we wished for can start creating our own misery
So maybe we have no idea what we want
Many times we have no clue
And what about those people we travel miles and miles to see and realize we can't stand after awhile
So many misunderstandings
Words twisted in minds creating unwanted wounds
From a distance it's a picture perfect portrait
You get closer and you see all the faults all the hidden wounds
All the spoken and unspoken things we hold
We are so complicated so many layers to us
We change every day our cells change our minds change our hearts twist and turn and what we were dying to have
Loses meaning after a while
Even I love you when said too much loses meaning and taste
Even the kisses when practiced with no passion can be a chore between families and friends
Even lovers are bored time after time
People need time alone
Too much contact is friction
What about the mothers and fathers how do they manage with zero self time
If they can't afford it it's no choice
But I have seen it up close even parents need a break from the apples of their eyes
Those kids they've wanted so much
They say be thankful
But you never thank unless you are about to lose
We never see until we are bumped so hard
Then we learn the lessons of how spoiled we were
And time makes things look sweeter after awhile
We always think we were happier at a previous time
Well most of the time
nostalgic we become because we delete the troubles to make it seem lovely in the past
But these days I have realized the agony is the same
This life is no merry go round
It is a roller coaster that you bought the ticket for and stood in line
You know you will scream and they will turn you upside down
Your world will shake your heart will skip a beat and at times the ride will be slow and boring right before the big rush of the twist and the turn
You know about the
The speed and the adrenaline rush you know about the shock of the sudden change of path
after awhile you think you know the pattern when the big shocking move happens they give you time to slow down
You leave it either laughing and entertained because you have bravery and a strong heart Or like me at the end of the ride with weak knees and a heart that can't stop pounding
With some hairs that turned white on your head
With disbelief and so many questions about why we do that to ourselves
Why do we stand in line for fear and speed and shock?
Well we all chose to buy the ticket before we came to the line
We all stood by choice
Even the little kids do it
For me the ride is no fun when its so dangerous like that
I would prefer a walk In the park or the simple merry go round but the people you love take you to places you did not want to go
For love you trust that even though you will be upside down the seat will keep you from falling
When you think you are dead it will still be ok because so many people died before and others still stand in line and buy the tickets too knowing it will be over
No one stays in the seat when the other people come to ride
Nobody says they will stay forever on the ride
Nobody can
They won't let you
So fear it or enjoy it , it be over soon
The same thing we wished for can start creating our own misery
So maybe we have no idea what we want
Many times we have no clue
And what about those people we travel miles and miles to see and realize we can't stand after awhile
So many misunderstandings
Words twisted in minds creating unwanted wounds
From a distance it's a picture perfect portrait
You get closer and you see all the faults all the hidden wounds
All the spoken and unspoken things we hold
We are so complicated so many layers to us
We change every day our cells change our minds change our hearts twist and turn and what we were dying to have
Loses meaning after a while
Even I love you when said too much loses meaning and taste
Even the kisses when practiced with no passion can be a chore between families and friends
Even lovers are bored time after time
People need time alone
Too much contact is friction
What about the mothers and fathers how do they manage with zero self time
If they can't afford it it's no choice
But I have seen it up close even parents need a break from the apples of their eyes
Those kids they've wanted so much
They say be thankful
But you never thank unless you are about to lose
We never see until we are bumped so hard
Then we learn the lessons of how spoiled we were
And time makes things look sweeter after awhile
We always think we were happier at a previous time
Well most of the time
nostalgic we become because we delete the troubles to make it seem lovely in the past
But these days I have realized the agony is the same
This life is no merry go round
It is a roller coaster that you bought the ticket for and stood in line
You know you will scream and they will turn you upside down
Your world will shake your heart will skip a beat and at times the ride will be slow and boring right before the big rush of the twist and the turn
You know about the
The speed and the adrenaline rush you know about the shock of the sudden change of path
after awhile you think you know the pattern when the big shocking move happens they give you time to slow down
You leave it either laughing and entertained because you have bravery and a strong heart Or like me at the end of the ride with weak knees and a heart that can't stop pounding
With some hairs that turned white on your head
With disbelief and so many questions about why we do that to ourselves
Why do we stand in line for fear and speed and shock?
Well we all chose to buy the ticket before we came to the line
We all stood by choice
Even the little kids do it
For me the ride is no fun when its so dangerous like that
I would prefer a walk In the park or the simple merry go round but the people you love take you to places you did not want to go
For love you trust that even though you will be upside down the seat will keep you from falling
When you think you are dead it will still be ok because so many people died before and others still stand in line and buy the tickets too knowing it will be over
No one stays in the seat when the other people come to ride
Nobody says they will stay forever on the ride
Nobody can
They won't let you
So fear it or enjoy it , it be over soon
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Health benefits of fasting
I found this:
Biology 103
2002 First Paper
On Serendip
The Health Benefits of Fasting
Will Carroll
There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body. This paper will look at the arguments presented by these healers in an attempt to raise awareness of the possible physiological benefits that may result from fasting.
Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving. (1)
The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. (2) Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid" (3), and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy." (3) The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis. (4)
Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin." (5). This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally. (2) These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each. (5)
A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system. (6) The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs. (7) This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds. (2) Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.
In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided. (2) Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production. (7)
Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. (7) "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition." (5) A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years." (8)
In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life.
Biology 103
2002 First Paper
On Serendip
The Health Benefits of Fasting
Will Carroll
There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body. This paper will look at the arguments presented by these healers in an attempt to raise awareness of the possible physiological benefits that may result from fasting.
Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving. (1)
The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. (2) Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid" (3), and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy." (3) The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis. (4)
Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin." (5). This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally. (2) These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each. (5)
A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system. (6) The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs. (7) This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds. (2) Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.
In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided. (2) Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production. (7)
Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. (7) "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition." (5) A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years." (8)
In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tooth pains and Ramadan
The holy month is one day away actually this evening the Ramadan prayers will start
I'm no preacher I'm no saint I'm in no place to say anything to anyone
But I can't help it that I want my loved ones to fast
Like a painful toothache is what it is seeing someone so great not doing what you know Is best for them
Like a broken heart you ache
It won't add or take from you but your love is of that kind.
Even if it's not your business even if it is personal you still want them to share the ritual
To share the blessings and what they bring
All you want is for them to feel the pleasures of doing it for him
Like a tooth ache is what it is being far from those you love
In a month like this one
You want the lovers and families to fast and break the fast together
To kneel and pray and thank together
To love to pray to fast together
It's a free country but love holds you captive like a toothache.
Ramadan the holy generous month is time for God , the fast is for him alone.
What a lovely way to say I love you, to fast until the sunsets, what a lovely way to reach the one!
I'm no preacher I'm no saint I'm in no place to say anything to anyone
But I can't help it that I want my loved ones to fast
Like a painful toothache is what it is seeing someone so great not doing what you know Is best for them
Like a broken heart you ache
It won't add or take from you but your love is of that kind.
Even if it's not your business even if it is personal you still want them to share the ritual
To share the blessings and what they bring
All you want is for them to feel the pleasures of doing it for him
Like a tooth ache is what it is being far from those you love
In a month like this one
You want the lovers and families to fast and break the fast together
To kneel and pray and thank together
To love to pray to fast together
It's a free country but love holds you captive like a toothache.
Ramadan the holy generous month is time for God , the fast is for him alone.
What a lovely way to say I love you, to fast until the sunsets, what a lovely way to reach the one!
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