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  Do you know where Valentine's Day came from? Think naked Romans, paganism and whips, according to John Roach, writing for National Geographic. "The lovers' holiday traces its roots to raucous annual Roman festivals where men stripped naked and grabbed goat or dog-skin whips, and spankings young maidens, in hopes of increasing their fertility." Okay then I'm stressing about roses vs chocolates!  Love is in your head Sorry, you romantic devil, you! Love can mostly be understood, through brain images, hormones, and genetics. In fact, four tiny areas of the brain, are said by some scientists to form a circuit of love. Wouldn't you sometimes love to reprogram the circuit in your partner's brain?) Part of the evidence: In your mind love lights up areas, also linked to rewards. "Romantic love is an addiction; a wonderful addiction when it's going well, a horrible one when it's going poorly," points our researcher, Helen Fisher of Rutgers University. "People kill for love. They die for love." Get to work  New research has found that 40% of US workers have dated an office colleague, with 31% of them going to marriage. That probably says more about the modern lack of time than anything. It also suggests that if the online dating service hasn't found your soulmate, you must just try and get a job. But don't let your spouse get one.
 1. " I've never won an argument with my wife; and the only time I thought I found one, the argument wasn't over yet."--Jimmy Carter
2. " A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers." --Ruth Graham 3." What on earth would a man do if something didn't stand in his way."-- H.G. Wells 4. " Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it."---Henry Ford SHORT STORY  The evening moon tattooed across the lawn as the couple lay on a blanket in their backyard. Half a dozen Chinquapin oak clusters decorated the spacious yard. This was a new way to spend their date night. Since being married for 15 years, their dates haves ranged from restaurants, to grill bars, to movies houses, to carousels, and the likes. This time they opted for the quiet comfort of their own domain. The quadragenerians felt freer now as the two kids were now grown and could quite comfortably take care of themselves.
The 8 o'clock wind was gentle. The neighborhood was always quiet around this hour. A bottle of wine, some mellifluous music from a small radio created the perfect ambience for these lovers. Between the leaves of the oak trees the stars suddenly appeared. The couple gazed at each other and smiled. A euphoric feeling consumed them. They began to reminisce on the day they met and their first date. For them this relationship was made in heaven. They observed that some of their friends and acquaintances weren't able to make it this far in their marriages. Also the pain that some have borne and are still bearing after they split up. A glass of wine was toasted to their successful union. It was now 10pm. and the couple were about to wind down their special night. The bottle of wine was empty. Both were unaware that they had consumed so much. The husband seemed to have imbibed more than his fair share of the beverage. His speech became slurred. He held his wife tightly around her waist and expressed his deepest love for her. Among the things he told her are: that he would go to the moon and back for her; he would swim across an alligator pond to save her; he would give her his heart and die just to save her. She was flabbergasted, but sober enough to listen to a confession he made. Her husband told her that five years he met his ex in a park where their eldest son was practising for a soccer match. When he sat on the stand he noticed hi ex there as well. They casually greeted each other , but as the play continued for some time they drew closer and chatted. Without warning his ex pressed her lips on his and forced a kiss. He said he pulled away and moved back to his former seat. His wife waited no longer to hear the rest of the story, She tossed the blanket aside, ran into the house and slammed the door behind her. He suddenly regained some sobriety. He was mad with himself for making that confession. As if the radio channel was observing this special night for the couple, a popular song played,"Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid." by Ketty Lester. If only that song had played earlier, he thought, it would have saved his marriage. He hoped his wife had consumed enough to forget the encounter. © Wallace Paul February 2025.   Here is another of the old classics. This time it's coming from the inimitable Ray Charles. This artist's songs spanned many genres, from country to pop, to blues to R&B and many more. Charles is the recipient of 17 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the rock and roll Hall of Fame. He also received the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts, and the Polar Music Prize.
Our selection from Ray is, "I can't Stop Loving You." (I can't stop loving you) I've made up my mind To live in memories of the lonesome times (I can't stop wanting you) It's useless to say So I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday (Dreams of yesterday) Those happy hours that we once knew Tho' long ago still make me blue They say that time heals a broken heart But time has stood still since we've been apart (I can't stop loving you) I've made up my mind To live in memories of the lonesome times (I can't stop wanting you) It's useless to say So I'll just live my life in dreams of yesterday (Those happy hours) Those happy hours (That we once knew) That we once knew (Tho' long ago) Tho' long ago (Still make me blue) Still make me blue.... Writer: Don Gibson © ABC Paramount 1963   Death Row Records. Aftermath Entertainment, Ruthless Records and more, have all been doctored by this master surgeon of music, Dr. Dre. This doctor is responsible for the phenomenal success on many musical artists. Let's recognize his skilful, medical musical achievement as he celebrates only his 60th birthday today. Happy birthday Doc.  Do you remember the audacity in this young man as he stepped on the streets with a can of paint in his hand, ignoring all about him as "Staying Alive", by the Bee Gees, played in the background in the movie Saturday Night Fever? Well, this young man appeared in many other major movies and is celebrating his 71st birthday today. Yes, it's true. Happy birthday, John (Travolta).  Sixteen million fans who gave her 290 likes are sending birthday greetings to Tik Tok star, Pierson Wodzynski on her 26th birthday, today. Send us more of those comedy sketches, Pierson as we need more laughter . thanks for tickling our ribs. Happy birthday.  South Korean born, and member of the Bantang Boys group, J-Hope is celebrating his 31st birthday today. This rapper along with his group became the first Kpop group to win a Billboard award. Wishing you a happy birthday.
 Ukraine's Fashion Week started February 17 and runs through February 17. This event is usually packed with some of the top high end fashions and models. Here is a look.               All photo images, credit: PbK -- YKPAIHA
 Signs You're Low On Vitamin B 12 1. Numbness Do your hands, feet, and legs feel like they are on "pins and needles?" Shortage of B12 can damage the protective sheath that covers your nerves. Diseases like celiac, Charon's, or other gut illnesses may make it harder for your body to absorb the vitamin. So can taking some heartburn drugs.  2. You Are Colder Than Usual Without enough B12, you might not have enough healthy red blood cells to move oxygen around your body (anemia). That can leave you shivering and cold especially in your hands and feet.  3. Brain Fog A lack of B12 may lead to depression, confusion, memory problems, and dementia. It can also affect your balance. B12 supplements are usually safe. For adults recommend 2.4 micrograms a day. If you take more than you need your body passes the rest out in your pee. Still, high doses can have side effects, like dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.  4. Weakness. Your muscles may lack strength. You might also feel tired and lightheaded. Your doctor can check how much B12 is in your body, but not all of it may be usable. So it's important to any symptoms--which can grow slowly or pop up more quickly-- and to alert your doctor.  5. Smooth Tongue Your doctor might call it atrophic glossitis. Tiny bumps on your tongue called papillae start to waste away. That make it look and feel of smooth and glossy. Infections, medications, and other conditions can cause it, too. But if not enough B12 ot other nutrients is to blame, your tongue may also be sore.  6. Herbivores Beware B12 deficiency can be rare because can store several year's supply of the stuff. But plants don't have any B12. So vegans and vegetarians who don't any products should add some processed grains like fortified breads, crackers, and cereals.  7. Heart Palpitations This when your heart races or suddenly skips a beat. You might feel it in your throat or neck . You can get mor B12 from chicken, eggs , and fish. But one of the best sources might be something that is on your regular menu:beef liver.  8. Reasons for shortage: Age As you get older your body may not absorb B12 as easily. If you don't treat it, low levels of B12 could lead to anemia, nerve damage, moodiness, and other serious problems. So watch your symptoms and get a blood test if your doctor recommends it.  9. Weight surgery One of the more common weight loss operations is called "gastric bypass." After surgery food bypasses parts of your stomach and small intestine. That's where B12 breaks down the useable form. Your doctor likely will monitor your B12 levels and suggest supplements and shots if you need them.  10. Mouth Sores You may get these ulcers on your gums or tongue. They could a sign of low B12, anemia or another condition. The sores usually clear up on their own, but it helps to avoid ingredients that might be irritating or painful, like vinegar, citrus, and hot spices like chilli powder. Some over-the-counter medications could soothe the pain.  11. Reason for Shortage: Medications
Some drugs drop your B12 level, or make it harder for your body to use the vitamin. They include: * Chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used to treat infection. * Proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazol (Prevacid) and omeprazol (Prilosec) * Peptic ulcer meds like cimetidine (Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid) * Metformin for diabetes Tell your doctor about all drugs and supplements you take. Credit: WebMD   Panama, officially the Republic of Panama is a country in Latin America, bordering South America. It sis bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Half of Panama's 4 million population reside in Panama City, the country's capital. A number of indigenous tribes inhabited Panama before the Spanish colonialist occupation in the 16th century. It later broke away from Spain in 1821 and joined the Republic of Gran Colombia, a union of Nueva Granada, Ecuador, and Venezuela. After Gran Colombia dissolved in 1831, Panama and Nueva Granada eventually became the Republic of Colombia. With the backing of the United States Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903, allowing the construction of the Panama Canal to be completed by the United States Army Corp of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. The 1977 Torrijos--Carter Treaties agreed to transfer the canal from the United States to Panama on December 31, 1999. The surrounding territory was returned first, in 1979. Panama is a founding member of the United Nations , The Organization of American States, Latin American Association Group, Group of 77, and Non-Aligned Movement. Before the Europeans arrived , Panama was widely settled by Chibchan, Chocoan, and Cueva people. Estimates range the size of the indigenous population somewhere around two million but recent studies place the number closer to 200,000. When Panama was colonized, the indigenous people fled into the forest and nearby islands. Panama was under Spanish rule for almost 300 years. However, Spanish authorities had little control over much of the territory as large sections managed to resist conquest and missionization until late in the colonial era. Panama declared itself independent from the Spanish Empire on November 28, 1821. In the 80 years following the independence from Spain, Panama was a subdivision of Gran Colombia. The United States invaded Panama on December 20, 1989. Today the Panamanian population consists of 65% Mestizos( a mix of white and indigenous), 12.3% indigenous, 9.2% Blacks, 6.8% Mulatto (a mixture of Black and White), and 6.7% White. Most of the population identify as Christians with 91.5% making up this group, 7.6% no religion and 0.9% other.Panama make a substantial revenue from the Panama Canal where international vessels pass through. Tourism is also a big revenue source. The GDP of this country stands at around 77 billion USD. |
