TS Nichole Waves video

first unedited video: Tropical Storm Nichole as she passed through my backyard on her way north...

Rhythm Keepers

Fire, Earth, Water, Air, & Ether in a 1234 123 overtone highlighting the ending of the Mercury rx Storm. "Dance to the music!" - Sly and the Family Stone

                                Rhythm Keepers                             ©Greg Patch















   

the Honey Bees and Colony Collapse Disorder / CCD

from http://www.bioneers.org/blog/the-fascinating-and-perilous-world-of-honeybees

The Fascinating and Perilous World of Honeybees

A Conversation with New Mexico Beekeeper Les Crowder

Les Crowder, photo by Jeff Spicer

Bioneers' RD Managain just interviewed Les Crowder, a veteran commercial beekeeper in New Mexico.

Crowder on varroa resistance:

I started keeping bees when I was a kid. It was then I read an article in the American Bee Journal was reading about the varroa mite in Europe, written by an Italian who was researching the Italian honeybee in its natural state. He calculated how many feral beehives there were throughout Italy. When the varroa mite arrived, many of the feral hives died.

About eight years after the arrival of the varroa mite, he noticed a general increase in the feral Italian honeybee population in the wild. He concluded that they had developed a natural resistance to the mite. And, of course, nobody applied any miticide to those bees. They’re just wild bees out in nature. So, honeybees left alone will naturally develop mite resistance.

On antibiotics:

Antibiotics interfere with their digestion, just like if we take antibiotics we get diarrhea sometimes because we kill off our natural flora. My wife just recently wrote an article for the American Bee Journal, which they declined to print, indicating that the use of antibiotics can set up conditions for things like Candida and Nocema cerranae [a pathogen tentatively linked to colony collapse disorder] in honey bees. In beekeeping, they advise you to give antibiotics to bees, every beehive, every year as a preventative. It is administered in the winter to prevent them from getting sick in the summer, which doesn’t make any sense.

a quote for the day...

"Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it." ~ Robert Motherwell

Charles Burchfield and some of my experiences at Munson-Williams-Proctor School of Art

When I was immersed in the Foundation Program at Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute School of Art in Utica, NY during the mid 70's there was a nice collection of Burchfields in the connecting M-W-P Museums. We, as students, were given access at times to "the vaults' where we could study many painters up close. M-W-P Museum of Art has a surprisingly large collection. The Foundation Program, lasted for a few years, was based on the combined curriculae of the mid 30's - 40's art schools Black Mountain School in Black Mt., NC and the Chicago Bauhaus. There was some Art Students League tossed in there too. Each day of a 5 day week we had 3 hrs of class in the morning and 3 hrs in the afternoon. We were expected to do @3hrs of individual study for each in the evening. I've  always considered that experience the best art education I received. One day would be 2d design, then a second would be 3d design, another figure studies, etc. Field trips to the New York State Art Conservatory near Ithaca, at that time, , where we lectured by a very German conservator, Caroline Kecht sp?, on the Pollack's lack of craftsmenship because he used house paint that was beyond their technical expertise as conservators at that time. Oh my. We went to Buffalo, NY to the Albright-Knox. Was a/mazed by a room where the interior walls were mirrors with a mirror table in the middle. Totally disorienting after a few minutes! Was also fortunate to be granted an apprenticeship by my MWP sculptor instructor John Von Bergan with/to Steel Sculptor Williard Boepple. Boepple was David Smith's apprentice at the time of Smith's tragic death. Smith was decapitated by his load of corten steel when it slid forward when he went off the road returning to his studio in Upstate NY. At the Utica Boatworks, still in operation, Boepple visited often with Clement Greenberg, the NY Times critic who advanced the careers of nearly all the NY Abstract Expressionists. It was Greenberg and Boepple who decided after Smith's death to fulfill Smith's unstarted idea to paint his sculptures. They got a lot of flack from the art world for it. I was fortunate to be working with Williard one afternoon when Greenberg appeared. Greenberg was a short, kind of plump little Jewish man with glasses at the time. Greenberg had moved to the nearby Syracuse, NY area, his childhood home, after being "replaced" at the Times by Hilton Kramer. There is no education like the experiential!

Edible and Medicinal Prickly Pear Cactus, and Thanks to Herbalist Michael Moore

As Traditional Herbalists we were blessed with the integrity and teachings of Michael Moore. Michael's death in February of 2009 left us with his well documented teachings. Most can be accessed through his many volumes of texts and at his website; http://www.swsbm.com/.

 Thank you Michael.

Opuntia Spp. is native to the Piedmont bio-region of North Carolina. Its uses are typical to those species Michael Moore and others have documented. It has been in use as a food and as a medicine for millennia throughout the world,  and found on all continents except Antarctica.

               Opuntia Spp.                                                     ©Greg Patch


This little family of Prickly Pear grows in my front yard next to the street. A basic rule of thumb in wildcrafting, foraging, and gathering is to not use plant materials that grow within 100 ft., I often suggest 100 yds. of transportation routes. There are too many toxins present for safe plant material. When gathering feel the blessings of the plant and ask them to allow you to gather. We do not take more than 25% of a plant population to insure their procreation. Ask the property owner for permission to gather. It is illegal to gather on State and Federal lands. The pads, or tuna in Spanish, and the red pears are an edible. They are popular in traditional cuisines, tasting similar to string beans. The pads are slimy like okra. 


Below are Michael Moore's documentation of Opuntia Spp.
found on the website of Michael Moore's Southwest School of Botanical Medicine http://www.swsbm.com/Abstracts/Opuntia-AB.txt

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*****AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE*****
MECKES-LOZOYA M  IBANEZ-CAMACHO R  
HYPOGLUCAEMIC ACTIVITY OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA THROUGHOUT ITS ANNUAL CYCLE.
In: Am J Chin Med (1989) 17(3-4):221-4
ISSN: 0192-415X

Opuntia sp. used in mexican traditional medicine diminishes blood sugar levels
when orally administered. Possible seasonal variations in the hypoglycaemic
property of Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire, were studied using the fresh sap of
its stems collected throughout the year. The evaluation was performed in the
already proven sensitive experimental model in normal rabbits. No seasonal
variation in the hypoglycaemic activity of this plant product was detected
suggesting it can be used year round for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus.

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MECKES-LOZYOA M  ROMAN-RAMOS R  
OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA: A COADJUTOR IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS.
In: Am J Chin Med (1986) 14(3-4):116-8
ISSN: 0192-415X

This report describes the effect produced by the complementary daily
administration of Opuntia streptacantha sap to a diabetic volunteer being under
treatment with chlorpropamide. The plant product improved remarkably the general
symptomatology of the patient as well as his insulin and glucose blood levels.

Registry Numbers:
11061-68-0 (Insulin)
94-20-2 (Chlorpropamide)

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*****ARCHIVOS DE INVESTIGACION MEDICA*****
Frati-Munari AC  Licona-Quesada R  Araiza-Andraca CR  Lopez-Ledesma R  
Chavez-Negrete A  
[Activity of Opuntia streptacantha in healthy individuals with induced
hyperglycemia]
Accion de Opuntia streptacantha en individuos sanos con hiperglucemia inducida.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1990 Apr-Jun) 21(2):99-102
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

Hypoglycemia effect Opuntia streptacantha which occur in diabetic has not been
found in healthy subjects. To find out if this effect appears also in healthy
individuals if they are hyperglycemic, two tests were performed to 7 healthy
volunteers. In both tests 500 ml of 20% dextrose were infused in two hours, 500
g of O. streptacantha were given orally before one test, and 400 ml of water as
control were given before the other one. Serum glucose was measured every 30
minutes during three hours. Glucose rising was significantly (P less than 0.025)
lower with Opuntia than in control test at 90 and 120 minutes (143 +/- 58 vs 193
+/- 9 and 135 +/- 25 vs 163 +/- 13 mg/dl respectively). Area under curve of
glucose was also smaller in Opuntia than in control test (P less than 0.05).
Hypoglycemic effect of O. streptacantha also occur in healthy subjects in
hyperglycemia is present.

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FRATI-MUNARI AC  ALTAMIRANO-BUSTAMANTE E  RODRIGUEZ-BARCENAS N   ARIZA-ANDRACA R
 LOPEZ-LEDESMA R  
[HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTION OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEMAIRE: STUDY USING RAW EXTRACTS]
Accion hipoglucemiante de Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire: investigacion con
extractos crudos.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Oct-Dec) 20(4):321-5
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To find out the extent of the hypoglycemic effect of crude extracts of Opuntia
streptacantha eight patients with type II diabetes mellitus were studied. Five
tests were performed to each patients with the intake of (A) supernatant, (B)
precipitate, (C) complete homogenate of 500 g of crude O. streptacantha stem (D)
400 ml of water, and (E) 500 g of broiled Opuntia stems. Serum glucose levels
were measured at 0,30,60,120 and 180 minutes. Crude extracts did not cause a
significant decrease of glycemia, and the results were similar to the water
control test (P greater than 0.05). The intake of broiled Opuntia stems caused a
significant decrease of serum glucose level, that reached 48.3 +/- 16.2 mg/dl
lower than basal values at 180 minutes (P less than 0.01). Perhaps heating of O.
streptacantha is necessary to obtain the hypoglycemic effect.

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FRATI-MUNARI AC  RIOS GIL U  ARIZA-ANDRACA CR  ISLAS ANDRADE S   LOPEZ LEDESMA R
 
[DURATION OF THE HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTION OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEM.]
Duracion de la accion hipoglucemiante de Opuntia streptacantha Lem.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Oct-Dec) 20(4):297-300
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To assess the duration of Opuntia streptacantha Lem. hypoglycemic effect, two
tests in fasting conditions, one with the intake of 500 g of broiled Opuntia
stems and the other one with 400 ml of water as control, were performed in eight
type II diabetics. Serum glucose levels were measured hourly during six hours.
In the Opuntia test the decrease of serum glucose levels was more pronounced at
the fourth hour (P less than 0.01 vs control test), serum glucose levels
remained unchanged the following two hours. No significant changes on glycemia
occurred in the control test. Difference between both tests was significant from
the second to the sixth hour.

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IBANEZ-CAMACHO R  ROMAN-RAMOS R  
HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF OPUNTIA CACTUS.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1979) 10(4):223-30
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in English and Spanish)

Nopal (Opuntia sp.) has been traditionally used by the Mexican population for
the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this work is to describe
effects produced by directly liquified nopal and extracts from this plant in
healthy and pancreatectomized rabbits. Preliminary results allow us to conclude
that Opuntia streptacantha, Lemaire, has hypoglycemic properties when orally
administered, in animals with experimentally induced diabetes as well as in
healthy ones with physiologic hyperglycemia.

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FRATI-MUNARI AC  DE LEON C  ARIZA-ANDRACA R  BANALES-HAM MB   LOPEZ-LEDESMA R 
LOZOYA X  
[EFFECT OF A DEHYDRATED EXTRACT OF NOPAL (OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA MILL.) ON BLOOD
GLUCOSE]
Influencia de un extracto deshidratado de nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica mill.) en
la glucemia.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Jul-Sep) 20(3):211-6
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To assess if a dehydrated extract of nopal stems retains the effect on glycemia
of the entire nopal stems two experiments were performed. A. Six patients with
type II diabetes mellitus in fasting condition received 30 capsules containing
10.1 +/- 0.3 g of the extract, and serum glucose levels were measured hourly
from 0 to 180 minutes. B. Six healthy volunteers received 30 capsules with the
extract followed by 74 g of dextrose orally. Serum glucose measurements were
made in a similar fashion. In each experiment a control test with empty capsules
was performed. Nopal extract did not reduce fasting glycemia in diabetic
subjects. Nevertheless, the extract diminished the increase of serum glucose
which followed a dextrose load. Peak serum glucose was 20.3 +/- 18.2 mg/dl (X
+/- SD) lower in the test with nopal than in the control one (P less than
0.025). Dehydrated extract of nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) did not show
acute hypoglycemic effect, although could attenuate postprandial hyperglycemia.

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FRATI-MUNARI AC  DEL VALLE-MARTINEZ LM  ARIZA-ANDRACA CR   ISLAS-ANDRADE S 
CHAVEZ-NEGRETE A  
[HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTION OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF NOPAL (OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEMAIRE)
IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS]
Accion hipoglucemiante de diferentes dosis de nopal (Opuntia streptacantha
Lemaire) en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo II.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1989 Apr-Jun) 20(2):197-201
ISSN: 0066-6769  (Published in Spanish)

To assess the relationship between the doses of O. streptacantha Lem. and its
acute hypoglycemic action in diabetics, eight patients with type II diabetes
mellitus were studied. Four test were performed to each patient with the intake
of: (a) 400 ml of water, (b) 100 g (c) 300 g and (d) 500 g of broiled stems of
O. streptacantha Lem. Serum glucose was measured at 0, 60, 120 and 180 minutes.
Maximal decrease of serum glucose was noticed at 180 minutes, with a mean of
2.3, 10, 30.1 and 46.7 mg/dl less than basal value with 0, 100, 300 and 500 g
respectively (P = NS, less than 0.05, less than 0.001 and less than 0.001
respectively). A significant direct correlation (r = 0.690, P less than 0.001)
was noticed between the doses and the hypoglycemic effect.

€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€

FRATI AC  XILOTL DIAZ N  ALTAMIRANO P  ARIZA R  LOPEZ-LEDESMA R  
THE EFFECT OF TWO SEQUENTIAL DOSES OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA UPON GLYCEMIA.
In: Arch Invest Med (Mex) (1991 Jul-Dec) 22(3-4):333-6
ISSN: 0066-6769

To find out if a second dose of O. streptacantha may enhance its hypoglycemic
effect, three tests were performed in fasting condition to 8 type II diabetic
subjects and 6 healthy individuals. The tests were as follows: A. 500 g of
broiled stems of O. streptacantha were given orally initially and two hours
later. B. Only the initial dose. C. Control test with water. Serum glucose and C
peptide were measured every two hours from 0 to 6 hours. In diabetic patients a
significant (P < 0.01 vs control) decrease of serum glucose reaching from 41 to
46% less than initial value, was noticed in tests A and B, without differences
between them. C peptide did not change. In healthy subjects serum glucose and C
peptide did not significantly differ between tests. A second dose of O.
streptacantha, two hours after the first one, did not improve its hypoglycemic
activity.

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*****DIABETES CARE*****
FRATI-MUNARI AC  GORDILLO BE  ALTAMIRANO P  ARIZA CR  
HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA LEMAIRE IN NIDDM.
In: Diabetes Care (1988 Jan) 11(1):63-6
ISSN: 0149-5992

To assess the hypoglycemic effect of the nopal Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire (O.
streptacantha Lem.), three groups of patients with non- insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were studied. Group one (16 patients) ingested 500 g
of broiled nopal stems. Group 2 (10 patients) received only 400 ml of water as a
control test. Three tests were performed on group 3 (6 patients): one with
nopal, a second with water, and a third with ingestion of 500 g broiled squash.
Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured at 0, 60, 120, and 180 min. After
the intake of O. streptacantha Lem., serum glucose and serum insulin levels
decreased significantly in groups 1 and 3, whereas no similar changes were
noticed in group 2. The mean reduction of glucose reached 17.6 +/- 2.2% of basal
values at 180 min in group 1 and 16.2 +/- 1.8% in group 3; the reduction of
serum insulin at 180 min reached 50.2 +/- 8.0% in group 1 and 40.3 +/- 12.4% in
group 3. This study shows that the stems of O. streptacantha Lem. cause a
hypoglycemic effect in patients with NIDDM. The mechanism of this effect is
unknown, but an increased insulin sensitivity is suggested.

Registry Numbers:
11061-68-0 (Insulin)

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*****JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY*****
IBANEZ-CAMACHO R  MECKES-LOZOYA M  MELLADO-CAMPOS V  
THE HYPOGLUCEMIC EFFECT OF OPUNTIA STREPTACANTHA STUDIED IN DIFFERENT ANIMAL
EXPERIMENTAL MODELS.
In: J Ethnopharmacol (1983 Mar) 7(2):175-81
ISSN: 0378-8741

Studies performed with Opuntia streptacantha sap in three different animal
species using several experimental conditions are described. The Opuntia sap
induced hypoglucemic effects when orally administered to intact animals under
induced states of moderate increase of blood sugar. In normoglucemic and
pancreatectomized animals the effect of the product was not detected. The
results validate the popular use of this plant for treatment of Diabetes
mellitus symptomatology.

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*****INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY*****
PHAFF HJ  STARMER WT  LACHANCE MA  GANTER PF  
CANDIDA CASEINOLYTICA SP. NOV., A NEW SPECIES OF YEAST OCCURRING IN NECROTIC
TISSUE OF OPUNTIA AND STENOCEREUS SPECIES IN THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES AND
BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO.
In: Int J Syst Bacteriol (1994 Oct) 44(4):641-5
ISSN: 0020-7713

We describe Candida caseinolytica, a new yeast species which occurs in rotting
tissues of opuntias and other cacti in the North American Sonoran Desert and a
few other localities. This small-celled, slowly growing yeast does not ferment
any sugar and assimilates a limited number of carbon compounds, including 2- and
5-ketogluconic acids. It exhibits strong extracellular proteolytic activity on
casein at pH 6.5, but gelatin is not hydrolyzed or is only weakly hydrolyzed by
a few strains. The type strain of C. caseinolytica is strain UCD-FST 83- 438.3
(= ATCC 90546 = CBS 7781).

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*****JOURNAL OF NUTRITION*****
FERNANDEZ ML  TREJO A  MCNAMARA DJ  
PECTIN ISOLATED FROM PRICKLY PEAR (OPUNTIA SP.) MODIFIES LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN
METABOLISM IN CHOLESTEROL-FED GUINEA PIGS.
In: J Nutr (1990 Nov) 120(11):1283-90
ISSN: 0022-3166

The effect of prickly pear soluble fiber on low density lipoprotein (LDL)
metabolism was investigated by feeding male guinea pigs either a nonpurified
diet containing 0.25% cholesterol (HC diet) or the HC diet + 1% prickly pear
pectin (HC-P diet). Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly decreased by
the HC-P diet, with a 33% decrease in LDL levels (p less than 0.02) and an
increase in LDL density. Hepatic free and esterified cholesterol levels were
reduced 40 and 85%, respectively (p less than 0.002), by the HC-P diet. Hepatic
microsomal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase levels were not
different. 125I-LDL binding to hepatic membranes was increased 1.7-fold by the
HC-P diet (p less than 0.001), with receptor affinity (Kd) being unaltered and
receptor number (Bmax) being significantly increased (p less than 0.001). These
data suggest that prickly pear pectin may act by a mechanism similar to that of
bile acid-binding resins in lowering plasma cholesterol levels. The observed
reduction in LDL and hepatic cholesterol levels and increase in LDL density and
hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptors are responses suggesting an increased
demand on hepatic cholesterol from increased excretion of bile acids and
interruption of the enterohepatic circulation.

Registry Numbers:
EC 1.1.1.88 (Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases)
57-88-5 (Cholesterol)

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FERNANDEZ ML  LIN EC  TREJO A  MCNAMARA DJ  
PRICKLY PEAR (OPUNTIA SP.) PECTIN ALTERS HEPATIC CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM WITHOUT
AFFECTING CHOLESTEROL ABSORPTION IN GUINEA PIGS FED A HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC DIET.
In: J Nutr (1994 Jun) 124(6):817-24
ISSN: 0022-3166

Prickly pear pectin intake decreases plasma LDL concentrations by increasing
hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression in guinea pigs fed a
hypercholesterolemic diet. To investigate whether prickly pear pectin has an
effect on cholesterol absorption and on enzymes responsible for hepatic
cholesterol homeostasis, guinea pigs were fed one of three semipurified diets,
each containing 15 g lard/100 g diet: 1) the lard-basal diet with no added
cholesterol or prickly pear pectin (LB diet); 2) the LB diet with 0.25 g added
cholesterol/100 g diet (LC diet); or 3) the LC diet containing 2.5 g prickly
pear pectin/100 g diet, added at the expense of cellulose (LC- P diet). Animals
fed the LB diet had the lowest plasma LDL and hepatic cholesterol
concentrations, followed by animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.001). Hepatic
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity was highest in the
group fed the LB diet, with similar values for animals in the other two groups.
A positive correlation existed between plasma LDL cholesterol concentration and
hepatic acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity (r = 0.87, P < 0.001).
Cholesterol absorption was not different among the three dietary groups. These
results indicate that the decreased plasma and hepatic cholesterol
concentrations of animals fed prickly pear pectin are not explained by
differences in cholesterol absorption but rather are due to mechanisms that
alter hepatic cholesterol homeostasis, resulting in lower plasma LDL
concentrations.

Registry Numbers:
EC 1.1.1.88 (Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases)       
EC 2.3.1.26 (Cholesterol Acyltransferase)

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FERNANDEZ ML  LIN EC  TREJO A  MCNAMARA DJ  
PRICKLY PEAR (OPUNTIA SP.) PECTIN REVERSES LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN RECEPTOR
SUPPRESSION INDUCED BY A HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC DIET IN GUINEA PIGS.
In: J Nutr (1992 Dec) 122(12):2330-40
ISSN: 0022-3166

The effects of prickly pear pectin on plasma LDL metabolism were investigated by
feeding guinea pigs either a diet containing 15 g/100 g lard and 0.25 g/100 g
cholesterol (LC diet) or the LC diet in which cellulose was partially replaced
(2.5 g/100 g) by prickly pear pectin (LC-P diet). The LC-P diet lowered plasma
LDL cholesterol concentrations by 33% (P < 0.001). Low density lipoprotein
composition was modified by intake of prickly pear pectin; the relative
percentages of free and esterified cholesterol were lower and triglycerides were
higher in LDL from animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.05). Intake of prickly pear
pectin did not affect hepatic 3- hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase
activity; however, hepatic free and esterified cholesterol concentrations were
lowered by 46 and 64%, respectively. Hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor
expression (Bmax) was 60% higher in animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.01).
Similar to the in vitro data, receptor-mediated LDL fractional catabolic rates
were 190% higher in animals fed the LC-P diet (P < 0.05), whereas apolipoprotein
LDL flux rates were not affected. Apolipoprotein LDL pool size and fractional
catabolic rates exhibited a significant correlation (r = -0.52, P < 0.01). These
data indicate that an increase in apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression is a
major metabolic response by which intake of prickly pear pectin decreases plasma
LDL concentrations.

Registry Numbers:
EC 1.1.1.88 (Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases)
57-88-5 (Cholesterol)
9000-69-5 (pectin)

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Mercury Retrograde Ended on Sept 17, BUT...

We've been in Mercury Retrograde since Aug 20th. We will remain for @10 days in the "Storm" until 9/22. Think of a weather cold front approaching and meeting a warm front. The winds blow, there are storms with electrical discharges, tornados and general atmospheric excitement. Me rx has been occurring in the sign Virgo. From Making the Gods Work For You by Caroline W. Casey "Traditionally, Virgo is the critic, the analyst, the healer who cure's society's ills by reintroducing standards of quality and purity into culture." How has this effected our experience with this retrograde? Most Humanist Astrologers advise us to retreat into our lives. To access our growth inwardly, to reflect. To not act outwardly by signing contracts and put on hold the purchase of electrical equipment (ruled by Mercury) and to be very clear with our communications (ruled by Mercury), and then double check, limit communications (how do we do that in todays world!). Add these cautions to the Virgoan tendencies mentioned by Casey. Virgo is ruled by Mercury. Look at our personal charts. How do the degrees of the Mercury rx aspect our Natal planets, what House(s) does it occur in. Wholistically combine all these ingredients. Accent the oppositions, the conjunctions, trines, etc. to come to a more complete understanding of this transit on us. Consult a well regarded professional Astrologer or take classes to learn more.
One of my experiences with this Mercury Retro was as I was planning my evacuation for Hurricane Earl my Mac crashed. I looked at my screen slowly disintegrate into a whirling snowy black and white scene. Then.......... black screen. Perfect! I called Apple, my contract had ended. I called my local techy. He told me he could help me go through some steps and to bring it in if his telephone communications weren't effective. I got off the phone with him the morning of the night Earl was projected by science (Virgo) to hit the NC coast. It still had not turned right going north up the coast skimming the Outer Banks, 60 miles north of where I live. It was headed strait at my hearth! "I'm outa here!" I was so convinced my 4+ year old Mac had bit the dust I left it behind. The next morning I awoke in my motel refuge in Dunne, NC and saw Earl had turned, leaving my area virtually unscathed and drove the 90 miles home. I arrived home and unpacked. "Well it won't hurt to turn the computer on just to see if", I thought (Mercury). "Perhaps its conditon was like Earl, illusion leading to delusion". Sure enough, desktop opened succinctly (Virgo), browser opened sweeeetly (Venus)!? This Mercury retro was sextiling my Venus. Its been working like it was built to do since. Mercury retro was conjuncting my Saturn (teacher, authority(s), and squared my Sun, Moon, Ascendent, Mercury and Chiron. Like I wrote earlier in this paragraph "One of my experiences with this Mercury Retro". No more on those. I'm going to quietly observe the "storm" in awe.

This is fun!

http://inhabitat.com/2010/09/08/landhouse-a-sloping-prefab-home-complete-with-meadow-roof/

Donating OrangeGreen Wave to Benefit for Project HEAL

OrangeGreen Wave

The Soapbox: Operation Beautiful™ 

benefit for Project H.E.A.L.

Public Event

Who:	Find TicketsSelah Dubb
When:	Thursday, October 21, 20108:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT
Where:	The Soapbox 255 N. Front St. Wilmington NC 28401 Get Directions

Description:

Operation Beautiful™ BENEFIT for Project H.E.A.L. (8-11PM)
In tune with the National Organization for Women's annual Love Your Body day compaign, come join us for an lively and luxurious evening at The Soapbox while also raising funds for Project H.E.A.L. (Help to Eat, Accept, & Live)! event activities include: free chair massage, hoola hoop dancing, live action painting, raffle (including a surfboard), and 2 sets of live, original reggae/rock/dub from Selah Dubb. Generous sponsors include: Carl Heverly Shapes, Selah Dubb, Local Artists: Sharon Carlson/Beka Wilder/Greg Patch, Sage Salon & Spa, New Leaf Yoga & Massage Therapy, Wilmington Yoga Center, Radiant Hoops, Tidal Creek Co-op, Re-Eco Design, Fairy Circle, The Little Dipper Fondue, The Oceanic, Port City Java, Station 12 Recovery Books & Gifts, Operation Beautiful™, Natural Awakenings magazine & The Hope from Helen Foundation. Not only will the event promote positivity and wellness, but also all proceeds will go to Project H.E.A.L.'s "The HEAL Tapestry Fund" to provide a live saving treatment scholarship for an uninsured woman in need at North Carolina's holistic, community-based recovery center, Tapestry! $5 donation, 18+ Event!
www.operationbeautiful.com 
www.theprojectheal.org 
Age Requirement: 18+

Read more: http://events.myspace.com/Event/7185508/The-Soapbox-Love-Your-Body-benefit-for-Project-HEAL#ixzz0zSnlniS6

Poem / between the chews

between the chews

horizon on the sea

surreal on 20 miles of surereal beach

verticon in the mountain wood

surreal in the mile of surereal forest

horizonverticon

breathing in a balance

a wholiness

a lassitude

acceptance

surrender

be 

the breathless moment

day

life

between the chews

the life

received

under the meeting

of 

continents,

continuities,

contenances.

©Greg Patch 2005

PRing it on foot and a wing (auto-mo-bile).

Spent yesterday drive bying the below flyer for my upcoming show. Saw people I hadn't in awhile, met new, even got a great hair trim at Sage Salon & Spa sagespaandsalon.com. Got home in time to eat and settle quickly quietly for the evening. What happens to artists when they let themselves out of the studio?!

                                                             WebhGround 3

                        Greg Patch

                                                 www.gregpatch.blogspot.com    www.greenartstudio.com

                           Beeswax & natural pigment Paintings

                              Art Opening

                       Sound Art by David Key 

                                 September 23, 6:30 - 8:30, 2010

                                         Sage Salon & Spa

                        7110 Wrightsville Avenue, Wrightsville, NC

     

                                                    through Oct 13, 2010

                                 “Artist Talk” Oct 3rd at Sage Salon & Spa 2 - 4

Check out David Key at his website davidkeymusic.com/

Shalom on this Rosh Hashanah

On this Jewish New Year day may we honor all peoples in focus on our paths of renewal toward peace. May we all practice peace on each day of the year, not just on the wholly days. Each day is whole and an opportunity for each to align with The Wholeness in balance. Without differentiating symbolic representation there is peace. No pics for today!

Emerging work...

This piece from cardboard packing material grows into itself as a piece of art as I re iterated in pencil the existing patterns described by its own nature. The emergence of human, animal and organic imagery adds to its liveliness. Its spirit speaks as I speak to it...

This also from cardboard packing material is a sketch evolving (isn't that what art is?) dances upon the table. Work nearing completion on my WebhGround Series seasons in the background w/water for the trip. Its liveliness begins emerging as a moving being thru, transformation from packing material to art through geometrics, placement and the intrinsic organic form of the cardboard. That and the nice organic wood surface of the table top. Is this a feast cooking?! When I stopped working in wood, corten steel and cardboard in the late 70's I was using my forms to describe movement across landscapes, through windows, doorways, etc. Those pieces were lifely in this way, ahhhhh, an old friend emerging...

Art Opening

                                                            Greg Patch


                 Beeswax & Natural Pigment Paintings


                                     Art Opening


                           Sound Art by David Key

                                                   September 23, 6:30 - 8:30, 2010


                                                                Sage Salon & Spa


                                          7110 Wrightsville Avenue, Wrightsville, NC


                                                                 through Oct 13, 2010

two quote days in a row

"Ride the rush." - Patch

quote day

"Fascism should more appropriately be called corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power."-- Mussolini 

Dunn Dome

An after sunrise shot of The First Baptist Church on Broad St. in Dunn, NC. The architect was Herbert Woodley Simpson (January 19, 1870-October 21, 1945). He was a member of the Methodist church and the Masonic order.
Dome in Latin is domus meaning house. Most world civilizations; ie. Islam, Christianity, Russian Orthodox; connecting in religious terms have used the dome. In Geology it defines a natural higher ground descending in all directions. In slang it refers to the head in American English. I had a principle at one school we called chrome dome.
This dome sets upon a hexagon upon a square. The Masons are well known for their use of Sacred Geometry in attempts to harness energetics. There is academic justification they learned this during the Christian Crusades into the Middle East.
.

God is gravity and hurricanes are vortexes

Dear Earl,

Am not going to confront you with my meaningless dribble. If you need me call me in Dunn, NC. Am sure you or one of your alter egos have been here before. Nice little old southern town with a couple curious little churches of brick and domed central roofs. Perhaps their vortex appealed to you and you've left them standing all these years. Perhaps you just overlooked it. Hope to get some pics to post here of them. My logic board is blown so anyone reading this may have to wait and stayed tuned to see it.
Am very excited. Physicist Stephen Hawkin has just pronounced that God is gravity. Of course its complicated theory and I'm simply being my gravitationally blunt self. Am sure Stephen will be up to all the flutter from the Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Budhists (well maybe not {except for the reincarnation thing}), and Christians catch wind of his sorcery!. Perhaps peace is not that far away once the religious become aware of this very grave reality.
Many Blessings Stephen!
Thanks Earl...