Bad Coffee Gone Good for You! TEA book author dishes on Joe!

By Cal Orey

Here is an interview I gave a few years ago. My answers were spawned from my timeless book The Healing Powers of Coffee, number five in the Healing Powers series. One of my favorite books in the collection (tea may top it, now in production and due to be released January 2018 but available for pre-order in 2017) it was featured in the Good Cook Book Club and Woman's World Magazine. Enjoy! It's the superfood for autumn and into the holiday season. (Available in ebook (kobo, amazon, google, b&n) and paperback at Walmart (online/stores) and wherever books are sold.)

Lose weight, fight cancer and help your heart. The author of The Healing Powers of Coffee tells why a good ol’ cup of Joe is being recognized as a hot new health food.

Americans love coffee. And according to some sources, we drink an astounding 400 million cups every day. But few consume it without some guilt. For years, it’s been suspected as a culprit for various conditions, from high blood pressure to ulcers. But research is now proving the opposite. In fact, there are hundreds of compounds found naturally in coffee beans that have decidedly healing properties, perhaps more so than cocoa, tea or even renowned antioxidant-rich fruits, such as oranges and blueberries. In her new book, The Healing Powers of Coffee, Cal Orey pours over the research to brew up some incredible facts about these magical beans. Here, she sits down for a little coffee Q&A, where she shares insights and tips on how coffee can wake up your wellness routine, helping you to not only stay trim, but also reduce your risk of chronic diseases—even substantially lowering your risk of a heart attack.

Q: Why is coffee such a popular beverage worldwide?Q: What inspired your interest in coffee?A: I have penned the Healing Powers series—books on superfoods. Since coffee gets a bad rap, I thought it would be fascinating to write about a vice that has gone to virtue. The health benefits of java are controversial, but groundbreaking research shows that it’s got perks. Coffee has been touted as the “newest health food.”

A: Its energizing benefits are probably the main reason why coffee has made its mark and is here to stay. Actually, according to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder was the first to discover the energizing benefits of the coffee bean plant centuries ago.

Q: What gives coffee its many health benefits?

A: Coffee’s amazing antioxidant power is what makes it special. Two mighty antioxidants—chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid—have been given credit for its health benefits. Coffee boasts other health-boosting antioxidants, including benzoic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.

Q: Does decaf have the same effects?A: According to Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, decaf has 20% less polyphenols than caffeinated coffee, but this is not significantly lower.

Q: Do certain types of coffee have more benefits than others?A: Drinking freshly ground coffee from whole beans can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Q: What about the benefits of green coffee beans?A: Green coffee refers to the new or unroasted [beans] of Coffea fruits. It has been praised for its weight-loss benefits on the popular “Dr. Oz Show.” One study published in January 2012 in the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Journal shows 16 adults using green coffee bean extract lost an average of 17 lb in just 22 weeks. It’s believed that chlorogenic acid slows absorption of fat from food intake and also boosts metabolism of extra fat. Evidently, it may be a better source of chlorogenic acid than traditional brewed coffee.

Q: What about coffee’s effect on the Big C?A: Researchers are quick to point out that cancer-fighting antioxidants (in both caffeinated and decaf) may help lower the risk of developing some cancers, including breast, prostate and liver. Antioxidants in coffee act as disease-fighters to hinder the cancer process and reduce certain cancers.

Q: What’s an interesting fact about coffee that most people don’t know?A: You can cook and bake with coffee. You can incorporate coffee in recipes like Cappuccino Biscotti, Thai Coffee Spiced Chicken Sates, Coffee Cheesecake and Maple Espresso.

Q: What are coffee’s benefits for weight loss?

A: Coffee can provide extra energy to help you exercise (burning calories and boosting metabolism at rest), and help to stave off muscle aches and pains after a workout. Also, caffeine in coffee can act as a natural diuretic, increasing the amount of urine you’ll excrete by temporarily losing pounds or water weight. What’s more, coffee can help women and men get and stay slim because it contains caffeine—and may beat bloat as well as keep you regular. But note, it’s a cup of regular coffee that can help you lose the unwanted pounds, not the junk added to coffee. That means stay clear of creams, flavored syrups, whipped cream, half-and-half and whole milk.

Q: How much coffee do you need to reap the benefits?A: The exact amount varies, depending on your heart health and tolerance. Some doctors believe if you have any heart problems or anxiety woes, stick to decaf or one cup of coffee per day. Other coffee gurus do not have a problem with drinking three cups of coffee per day—and that was the average for Americans back in the 1950s. If you’re concerned about caffeine, drink decaf.

Q: Can drinking coffee really be heart healthy?A: According to research, drinking two cups of coffee daily could reduce heart failure by 11%. Researchers didn’t determine why, but evidence suggests regular coffee drinkers may build a tolerance to caffeine, lowering their risk of high blood pressure. The antioxidants in coffee may also help to lower the risk of high blood pressure and cho- lesterol. However, unfiltered coffee and brewing in a French press or percolator may raise cholesterol.

Bittersweet Dog Story from Honey Book Author

By Cal Orey

HONEY & CINNAMON POWER

Cinnamon bites and kisses simultaneously.

--Vanna Bonta (1)

I faced sweet and spicy experiences on my road travels, like a honey bee in flight; I was stricken by untimely challenges.  One afternoon in Las Vegas Tiger and I were in front of Lady Luck Casino. It was my idea to leave my long-haired partner in the shade with water at the doorstep of the entry way while I tried to hitch a safe ride back home to California. As I was walking inside an older man called out to me: “Nice dog.” I got an uneasy vibe but tuned it out.

      Fifteen minutes later, I left the casino. My best friend was MIA. Shocked and disoriented like a beekeeper with stolen bee colonies, I stood outside in the hot sun. I tried to fight back the tears.  After a long search there was no rescue. My canine buddy was gone. I cried all night long.

      At dawn, at a café I ordered a cinnamon roll, tea, lemon and honey. I was like a devoted beekeeper without his girls. I was alone.  It was one of the worst experiences I endured on the road. And flashbacks of our travels from coast to coast haunted me then but now are cherished memories of a dog and a girl—an amazing human-animal bond. I left a photo of me, the hippie girl with her dog in Ontario, on the bulletin board at the local animal shelter. Through all the pain and loss, I moved on.

     A few months later, fate paid me a visit. A black Labrador pup with soulful brown eyes came into my life on the road. We rescued each other at Ocean Beach, San Diego. We bonded instantly like a beekeeper with new queens and Stone Fox and I, California Butterfly continued on our journey together. A loyal dog and its dedicated human are similar to super powers of two superfoods--honey and cinnamon.

HONEY’S CONSTANT COMPANION

     The delicious taste of hot cinnamon buns with sticky honey and the warm memories they invoke in me from childhood when I smelled a homemade apple pie baking in the oven. The earthy, inviting flavor of cinnamon has been used worldwide by a multitude of cultures for its versatile seasoning powers as well as for its healing powers for thousands of years.

     Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree found mostly in Ceylon and China.  It can be found in several forms, including the stick, which can be grated or used to stir or season beverages—such as hot chocolate and apple cider. In ground form, it is the most common spice used for seasoning and baking.  There are countless dishes that call for both cinnamon and honey—two of nature’s finest foods that complement each other as well as provide medicinal properties.

      A new feature on the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is the addition of spices, for reasons of both health and taste. Also, spices contribute to the natural identities of various Mediterranean cuisines.

      So, can a spice, like cinnamon paired with honey, which enhances the taste of many foods and warms the hearts of all who enjoy its aroma—hold healing powers to relieve pain and rev up your sex drive?  I took a look at the popular claims and this is what I discovered.

HONEY AND CINNAMON HEALTH BENEFITS

10 Real Reasons the Duo Is Sweet

            Honey and cinnamon have a lot in common. Like honey, cinnamon’s healing powers since biblical times have been praised from folk medicine to modern day. Cinnamon’s powers can help prevent age-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and obesity.

            Cinnamon, like honey, contains antioxidants. Also, both functional foods are used for home cures. You’ll also discover both cinnamon and honey provide natural healing powers from head to toe.  Here, take a look at the real research behind the claims of this powerful duo.

Aphrodisiac: Is cinnamon really a way to reigniting passion? Perhaps, it is, according to past research at the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago, Illinois. When men where exposed to dozens of scents, the only one that got a positive sexual response was the aroma of hot cinnamon buns. 

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: Refer to Chapter 18, “Ciao, Honey!” for cinnamon and honey recipes to get that romantic touch with cinnamon and honey. If it doesn’t provide results at least you’ll be getting nature’s sweetest foods with nutritional benefits—without fat or cholesterol--and that can also help enhance libido for both men and women.

Arthritis:  Aches and pains from creaky cartilage and joints like a lackluster love life, can wreak havoc on your lifestyle and well-being. While cinnamon is not a magic bullet to gaining flexibility and losing pain, it does contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may be beneficial in reducing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure:  Try a cup of cinnamon tea teamed with a fresh cinnamon stick and a teaspoon of honey. You may get the pain relief from the anti-inflammatory compounds in cinnamon; and the honey (also with anti-inflammatory properties) will provide instant energy so you can do daily stretches (or even make love and that’ll provide relief of pain due to the feel-good endorphins).

Cholesterol: While pain isn’t fun, tallying up out of whack cholesterol numbers is no picnic either. Powerful phytochemicals in cinnamon can reduce blood sugar, as well as triglycerides (fat in your blood), total cholesterol, and LDL “bad” cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.  Team that with honey, which has no fat or cholesterol, and you may just be able to keep your cholesterol levels healthy.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: Incorporating honey and cinnamon powder in your diet regime, which should be a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Also, if you are overweight, honey and cinnamon can help you to lose weight to keep your “good” HDL cholesterol numbers up. Don’t forget B vitamin-rich foods, such as vitamin B6 (fish with a honey glaze, smoothie with wheat germ and honey) and vitamin B12 (French toast with egg, milk, and honey and poultry with a honey glaze).

Colds: If cinnamon and honey can help keep sugar levels steady, can it stave off catching a common cold? There are many home cure remedies that call for honey and cinnamon to help cure the common cold. Does it work? The combo cold-buster may help stave off catching a common cold as well as speed up your recovery due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. But if you’re immune system has been compromised and you’re keeping company with someone who has a cold—cinnamon and honey may not be 100 percent effective.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: Adding tea to your daily diet regime, especially antioxidant-rich green and black tea paired with honey and cinnamon can help you to keep your immune system strong so if you do catch a cold, you’ll be able to kick the virus faster. (More in the book.) 

*Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Honey (available wherever ebooks/paperbacks are sold).

Cleopatra's Famous Honey Bath for National Honey Month

By Cal Orey

Cleopatra’s Famous Honey & Milk Baths

Back in the day of Cleopatra, the legendary Queen of Egypt savored honey and its beauty powers. The queen allegedly turned to the nectar of the gods for a facial each morning. Milk and honey baths were also part of her beauty regime. The idea was that honey was the golden secret to keeping her skin soft as well as defying age.  In the 21^st century royal honey beauty treatments have carried over to spas that cater to the rich and famous and include anyone who wants to be treated like royalty for a spa day or week. It’s a pampering honey and milk beauty treatment, like the recipe below from Savannah Bee Company that draws the healing powers to both women and men, thanks to Cleopatra.

Ebook where ebooks are sold:
amazon, kobo, b&n 2.99 fall sale

Milk and Honey Facial Mask

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons organic milk

1 tablespoon Savannah Bee Company Wildflower Honey

Plastic wrap or warm face cloth

Directions:  Take the plastic wrap and cut the corners to make an oval slightly larger than your face. Cut openings for nostrils and mouth. After you make the mask and apply it, you’ll be covering your face with the plastic wrap for about 10 minutes.  Add milk to a small bowl. Slowly stir in honey. Mix well and stir until moisture is smooth. It may be slightly runny. Apply the milk mixture to your face with your fingertips. Set timer for 10 minutes. Put on some soothing music, lie down and cover face with plastic wrap or cloth. When the 10 minutes are up, wipe face with a warm cloth and rinse with cool water. Gently pat skin dry. Finish with your favorite moisturizer.

November 1 is Vinegar Day--Why Wait? Vinegar Book is Ready!

By Cal Orey

REVISED AND UPDATED THIRD EDITION

New Recipes * New Health Research * New Home Cures

With a New Foreword by Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness

“A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read.” —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar

“The essential book on vinegar—the number-one superfood of all time!” —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of The Fat Flush Plan
 
From Folk Medicine to 21st-Century Favorite—Discover the Amazing Powers of Vinegar!
 
Revised and updated, this comprehensive book draws on the latest scientific studies and interviews with top health researchers to reveal how apple cider and red wine vinegars—as well as balsamic, fruit, rice, and herb-infused vinegars—can help you stay healthy. You’ll also find proven home health cures, innovative cosmetic secrets, lively anecdotes, and environmentally friendly household hints—from making countertops sparkle to cleaning up kids and pets.
 
*Take advantage of vinegar’s natural therapeutic, antioxidant, and culinary virtues as this 5,000-year-old healer evolves in new uses and products—from sipping vinegars to home-cooked foods.
 
* Learn how vinegar helps lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and bone loss. 
 
*Discover how vinegar’s acetic acid kills bacteria, and may help prevent tuberculosis and combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
 
* Create home cures to treat allergies, arthritis, toothaches, sunburn, swimmer’s ear, sore throat, and other pesky ailments.
 
…and discover much more in this invaluable resource to help you slim down, shape up, and enhance longevity!

Autumn Pumpkin Recipes to Love by Honey Book Author

By Cal Orey

As a kid I remember it didn't bother me when in the classic tale of Cinderella the fairy godmother turns a pumpkin into a carriage, but it later morphs into a large pumpkin. I sense I must have been a gourd-like squash in a past life or was a single tom boy and tended a pumpkin patch. So, when autumn arrives I have an unforgettable pumpkin affair. No prince needed.

Pumpkin muffins to pumpkin pie are goodies that I can't pass on. Come the first sign of fall, I begin the hunt for pumpkin ice cream. It's good at ice cream parlors and good in the carton from a grocery store. This year I purchased a premium brand. I was going to make a pumpkin fruit parfait. But then, I ended up thinking "pumpkin milkshake." If you Google this concoction, you'll see, like I did, that it's nothing new. It's been done. However, I put my own spin on it and on Monday night I whipped a cold, creamy pumpkin milkshake.

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe! for autumn

As I gathered the ingredients it brought me back in time to fall a few years back. I will always cherish my lone wolf swims at Harveys Resort and Casino. In the late morning during snow flurries, swimming laps with the steam rising from the warm water is a memory to love. Sometimes I swam with an older man who didn't mind the wind chill. And after a hot tub soak I was energized. To top off the experience I often treated myself to those gigantic pumpkin muffins at Starbucks. It doesn't get much better than that until the other day.

I got a pumpkin to carve into a jack-o'-lantern and put a lit candle inside to celebrate Halloween. Hearing the heater kick on at night and putting covers on the windows for extra warmth in my cabin, I decided to go for the big chill in a different way. While it seems a bit crazy to make a cold milkshake when it's cold outdoors, there's something about the ordeal that is untraditional and exciting like swimming in choppy water outdoors during an oncoming snowstorm.

Or try chocolate gelato with fall spices
in moderation for a sweet treat

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

1 1⁄2 cups all natural gourmet pumpkin ice cream

1⁄4 cup organic half and half

2 small ice cubes

1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Whipped cream (the real stuff, small dollop)

A dash of cinnamon and/or pumpkin spice

Pumpkin Spice Coffee in this timeless book!

Combine ice cream, milk, ice cube in blender. Blend till thick and creamy. Add vanilla and pumpkin spice and blend quickly. Pour into a milkshake or parfait glass. Garnish with whipped cream and spice. Add a piece of dark chocolate for an orange and black Halloween effect. Serves one or two.

So, while I felt the chill in the cabin air it was a forbidden treat sipping and scooping this pretty, light orange shake that tastes like pumpkin pie-mousse. The spices of pumpkin ice cream are welcoming and warm. It's the flavor of fall and feel of pumpkins that makes this milkshake do its magic. It's like going to pumpkin heaven.

Author CancelsTrip to Alaska--Blame it on Forces of Nature

My Aussie "Skye" is sensitive 

By Cal Orey

For weeks, actually since July I had been planning an adventure to Anchorage, Alaska. I got a book signing booked at Barnes and Noble, a nature tour on Turnagain Arm to seek wildlife, a hotel room with a view on the 17th floor overlooking Cook Inlet, and I was excited. But, but, but...
A few days ago, I logged onto an online Alaskan newspaper to see the PR for the upcoming book event. Whoa! The cover story upstaged my calender event. "Hurricane-force winds" for an upcoming Bering Sea storm in Anchorage and southcentral Alaska! It was surreal.  This is off season but it's only September. When I read about low wind shear that freaked me out. That's the stuff that is tricky and can fool even seasoned pilots. It's the wind that makes your plane circle forever before a safe landing or ascending. Not fun. I can do rough air but wind shear? Nah.

Turnagain Arm

So I called the nature tour people. I was the only one booked on the road that could have potential flooding. Rain definitely but flooding? Last week, when I was on Coast to Coast AM I noted my trip and mentioned a potential earthquake (there have been many minor ones thus far) but a "hurricane-force" storm? Too surreal.

Actually, for the last week something hasn't felt right. Usually I'm packed, all my ducks are in a row, and I'm ready for action. This time around, I felt stressed out, overwhelmed and something wasn't right. My dog and cat were sleeping together and both were clingy. (No, I didn't tell the dog I was going but I hadn't filled out the kennel paper either.) It just felt off. So after being on the fence I went to the NOAA site and saw a storm brewing at Salt Lake City, Utah (snow?) right during my flight. 

Now the forces of nature were really piling up.  I cancelled. After all, I do read people on a psychic network and have excellent reviews. I'm the girl that bet the late geologist Jim Berkland about Earth changes to presidential elections--I never lost a wager to him. I had to go with my gut instincts. Cancelled.

Oddly, after I did it and told all--the airline, hotel, nature tour people, Barnes and Noble, editor...I logged onto flight events. The same aircraft size I would be taking to SLC? Yesterday a bird hit it while ascending (a minor "Sully" type of event) and the plane had to land immediately. Then, I felt compelled to look at the Turbulence Flights Map (I never do that!). Severe Turbulence was shown with little pyramids at Tahoe-Reno Airport!  

So here I sit in my cozy waterbed. My two companion animals are no longer near me. I feel a strong sense of energy and am going to the resort pool today to swim laps. I feel a sense of disappointment that I'm not getting to sign my latest book and the series, and I won't be seeing any moose or get pampered in the hotel overlooking the water...However, I chose to tune into the forces of nature and for some reason I feel a great sense of calm. And the week is not over...

North to Alaska...Tahoe Author Goes Out of Comfort Zone

Cal Orey

Tahoe in autumn

Here I sit on Saturday night in the comfort of a Tahoe rustic cabin older than I am--and I am filled with a mixed bag of emotions. Soon I will be on my way flying in a jet plane (more than one) to Alaska. This wasn't one of my fantasies, not really. Well, in my twenties I almost hitched and hiked to Homer (during the pipeline days and time of nomads in search of America) but I ended up in other states and Canada...sweet Canada a place I like to think of as my semi-second home.
In the past decades, I've written about Alaska--its big earthquakes including the great one in 1964--and have accurately forecasted shakers throughout the shaky state...and now? Now I am close to going there--a place I saw in the film "Insomnia" and how Al Pacino's character fought the daylight so he could get some much needed shut-eye...

Go Somewhere Exciting Instead of Canada 
It began by a sibling's dare to go somewhere exciting. Once Barnes and Noble in Anchorage, Alaska invited me for a book signing it was a sign for me to go to a place foreign to me. After all, I do live in a nature-oriented place called the Sierra; it's just another extension of bears, birds, water, and down-to-earth people, right?  A little bit like that. And I admit I have fell into watching the Alaskan Vet on "Animal Planet" and viewed a program of folks buying homes in the Alaskan wildnerness.
So, why do people get excited and nervous before going on trips? Is it because we are going out of our comfort zone? Is it because we relinquish control to whatever is out there in the world? Is it because we leave our safe place and loved ones behind? It's probably a combination of all of the novelty.


But traveling is good for the soul. I notice a glow in my skin before I go on a journey--truly! Not so sure the dog and cat are glowing but they do not know yet that I will be leaving soon. No luggage is out and I'm sort of behind the hustle bustle pre-trip mode. The obstacle course has been completed, though: vet check for dog, cat; dentist, doctor...all done. We are healthy and getting many of the ducks in a row. Emails are coming in from different places, including the airline, bookstore, nature tour and so it goes.

And, let's face it. The trek is a long one. It's not a direct flight because I do live in the mountains. It will be a very long day for me to go from Tahoe to Alaska via Nevada, Utah, Washington--and then the red state. But once I'm there I sense all will calm down in this busy mind of mine. Two years ago this time I flew to Montreal and took a train to Quebec City...Decades ago I hitchhiked from the Golden State to Montreal and freaked from cultural shock but vowed to return...I did it. 
So this north to Alaska trip should be a walk in the park. Sort of.  No, I have not told the Aussie. I just don't have the heart to tell my better half we will be separated for a bit. But I did tell him no matter what I'll always be back for him and never leave him alone. That's a promise.

Author-Intuitive's 2016 Forecasts--Reality Check in Sweet September

By Cal Orey

Update: Today is September 13.  My 2016 forecasts were submitted in December 2015...So far, I was correct about Florida and the Atlantic Seaboard and a hurricane. Yes, the presidential pre-election games is craziness" off the charts.  Oklahoma did get a 5.7 last month and an offshore NorCal shaker hit, too. Alaska did get a widely felt major earthquake in January...

And the SF Bay Area (East Bay as predicted) rocked in August and today a shallow sharp jolt was widely felt and reported by residents. Man-made? On Friday night scientists put 500 seismographs along the Hayward Fault and plan to trigger tiny explosions in the next few weeks to simulate shakers and study...Meanwhile, a 3.5 jolts residents and Mother Nature! Not good. Full Moon on the 16th.

The year is not over... Take a look.  *I will be a News Segment guest on Coast to Coast AM tonight to dish on what's up next.

2016 FORECASTS

Welcome to a new year with new challenges around the world.  The year of 2016 will be chock-full of Earth changes, including shakers, wacky weather, and political craziness during climate chaos with global warming effects...the wrath of Mother Nature’s surprises. When the Earth acts out as it will each season we often prepare for safety’s sake and peace of mind.

But this time around mankind will create more unbalance during natural disasters and it may be even more unsettling. So to stay calm and on even keel we will be forced to be mindful as a new normalcy to survive. Take an up close peek at what I see happening for the New Year.

A Mixed Bag of Predictions for 2016

·        Earthquakes

* While we watched the San Andreas film, a great California earthquake didn’t happen in 2015 and shake the Golden state. But it will one day. The silence may be interrupted by a major tremor… in the southern state (near the coast or San Andreas), and/or San Francisco Bay Area (epicenter in the East Bay), or offshore Northern California near Eureka.

* An underwater earthquake may create a tsunami sequel near Japan and wreak more havoc on the country as well as the Pacific Ocean/West Coast from Alaska to Mexico—affecting the land and food chain.

* A great quake like in 1964 may rock Alaska (near Anchorage) causing a West Coast big wave that’ll cause destruction in both the populated city and Washington, Oregon, and California.

·        Rain and Snow Events

As the Earth rocks and rolls, the drought in Western United States will get relief from heavy rainfall up and down the coast. The fall 2015 welcomed snowfall in the Sierra-Nevada may continue through January, February, and March. Springtime flooding will affect the West Coast regions. Sacramento, California may endure a Katrina-type event due to its creaky levees not holding up after heavy rainfall.

And note, if more than less snowfall arrives, avalanches, and spring/summer run-off will cause flooding to mudslides and earthquakes like it did in Bakersfield back in 1952.

Some surreal-type events may surprise people in the Southwest and Gulf States, including historically warmer temperatures throughout the year, not to exclude flooding from different events.

·        Drought…Flooding…Famine

While much-need precipitation is gracing the ground on the West Coast, freezes and droughts around the globe are creating lack of rivers which affects our crops and food supply. Read: Produce, coffee, chocolate, dairy products, and other foods will continue to increase in price, not to forget millions of people fall victim to famine and disease. Climate forecasters see dire changes in the future and 2016 will give more cues of a serious situation that’ll continue to affect people globally.

·        Tornadoes and Hurricanes

Lack of water and too much of it can cause chaos, just as twisters can do. More than one newsworthy tornado this year will most likely hit in the Midwest; ground zero will be intense, especially if it hits a populated region. While 2015 experienced less than more hurricanes, the New Year may get its unfair share, too.

The Gulf States, including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and the Atlantic seaboard are potential targets (not to forget the West Coast near Southern California to the Baja)) may be facing fierce hurricanes with fierce water challenges.

·        On the Fringe

As we deal with shaky ground and wild weather, offbeat events will be eye-opening. A strange UFO happening (perhaps from another planet) will get worldwide attention; it may occur in the Southwest or Mojave Desert.  An earthquake swarm (man-made due to fracking) may [cause] a major earthquake nearby. (It could be in the Midwest, not excluding Oklahoma like the 5.6 on November 5, 2011; it could trigger a major earthquake in the New Madrid Zone.)

In 2016, the media, weather forecasters and seismologists will forecast surreal “biblical” events but often times they will fizzle; only to be followed by sobering man-made chaos that’ll create Earth changes in different places nationally and globally.  Certain events will seem familiar because of repeat historical happenings, from floods to quakes. Despite the upheaval, as always, collective awareness will help humanity to bond on Earth while the strong survive as life goes on.

Spot-On 2015 Predictions

*Greece was rocked by an extremely shallow and destructive earthquake in the fall.

* An autumn earthquake swarm in San Francisco Bay Area, California did occur but only a moderate widely felt shaker was the end result. 

* The Pacific Northwest did get more rain than it has in the past few years which is a good thing due to the historic drought and wildfires.

* A tsunami alert on the West Coast—from Alaska did happen as it has before in history.

* In 2015, the year was like a sequel to the film The Day After Tomorrow with crazy climate—from South Carolina flooding to a historically warmer than normal fall in the Northeast.

Published in Oracle 20/20 Magazine January 2016

Honey and Cinnamon--A Perfect Pair for Autumn

HONEY AND CINNAMON HEALTH BENEFITS

By Cal Orey

            Honey and cinnamon have a lot in common. Like honey, cinnamon’s healing powers since biblical times have been praised from folk medicine to modern day. Cinnamon’s powers can help prevent age-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and obesity.

            Cinnamon, like honey, contains antioxidants. Also, both functional foods are used for home cures. You’ll also discover both cinnamon and honey provide natural healing powers from head to toe.  Here, take a look at the real research behind the claims of this powerful duo.

1 Arthritis:  Aches and pains from creaky cartilage and joints can wreak havoc on your lifestyle and well-being. While cinnamon is not a magic bullet to gaining flexibility and losing pain, it does contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may be beneficial in reducing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure:  Try a cup of cinnamon tea teamed with a fresh cinnamon stick and a teaspoon of honey. You may get the pain relief from the anti-inflammatory compounds in cinnamon; and the honey (also with anti-inflammatory properties) will provide instant energy so you can do daily stretches (or even make love and that’ll provide relief of pain due to the feel-good endorphins).

2 Cholesterol: While pain isn’t fun, tallying up out of whack cholesterol numbers is no picnic either. Powerful phytochemicals in cinnamon can reduce blood sugar, as well as triglycerides (fat in your blood), total cholesterol, and LDL “bad” cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.  Team that with honey, which has no fat or cholesterol, and you may just be able to keep your cholesterol levels healthy.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: Incorporating honey and cinnamon powder in your diet regime, which should be a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Also, if you are overweight, honey and cinnamon can help you to lose weight to keep your “good” HDL cholesterol numbers up. Don’t forget B vitamin-rich foods, such as vitamin B6 (fish with a honey glaze, smoothie with wheat germ and honey) and vitamin B12 (French toast with egg, milk, and honey and poultry with a honey glaze).

3 Colds: If cinnamon and honey can help keep sugar levels steady, can it stave off catching a common cold? There are many home cure remedies that call for honey and cinnamon to help cure the common cold. Does it work? The combo cold-buster may help stave off catching a common cold as well as speed up your recovery due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. But if you’re immune system has been compromised and you’re keeping company with someone who has a cold—cinnamon and honey may not be 100 percent effective.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: Adding tea to your daily diet regime, especially antioxidant-rich green and black tea paired with honey and cinnamon can help you to keep your immune system strong so if you do catch a cold, you’ll be able to kick the virus faster.

Immune System: Honey and cinnamon may be a useful cold-buster as well as bolster your immunity against the flu to cancer. The caveat: You need to also bolster your immunity in healthful ways, from a nutrient rich immune-boosting diet, exercise and practice a healthy lifestyle (i.e., distress and get adequate shuteye) to keep bugs and super bugs at bay.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: Taking 1 to 2 teaspoons daily multiple times per week along with antioxidant-rich honey and cinnamon included in nutrient-rich meals can help bolster you immunity. Also, drink green tea and a teaspoon of honey (especially acacia and sunflower varieties) once or twice a day.

4  Stomach Upset:  From hairless to queasy—can honey and cinnamon come to the rescue if your stomach is turning topsy-turvy? The sweetener and spice are tummy-friendly.  Cinnamon is a carminative—which simply means it can help relieve gas. If it works for you, no doctor or rat study should work against you and convince you to turn down the honey and cinnamon home cure because it may work for your ailment.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: A hot cup of tea, such a ginger (which is proven to soothe an upset stomach or nausea), or low-fat milk with a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder or a fresh stick can calm your nerves—and that may indeed help get rid of queasies.

5  Weight Loss: Last but not the least mind boggling, can honey and cinnamon be the ticket to a lean body? Some folks say “yes” these two superfoods can help you to shed unwanted pounds ASAP. While I do believe both honey and cinnamon can help you to if you don’t exercise and do still overindulge in food—no a “Honey and Cinnamon Miracle Diet” will not work. Still, honey can help you to cut sweet cravings so if a sweet tooth is ruining your dieting efforts, honey can come to the rescue. Cinnamon adds flavor to foods, such as oatmeal, so you won’t be tempted to use high-fat butter or added sugars.

The Real Honey and Cinnamon Cure: Each day, try drinking two cups of fat-burning green tea and cinnamon powder. Not only will the tea and cinnamon help rev up your metabolism, the honey will help give you energy so you’ll stick to physical exercise and burn more calories.

            Whether you’re looking to get that loving feeling or fighting a cold, eating one cinnamon honey bun, like the in the following recipe, paired with a cup of hot herbal tea will make you feel good and just may help to follow through on battling your health woe and do its job. And there is always the chance that the aroma in your kitchen will rev up the romance in your life.

Cinnamon Honey Buns

* * *

¼ cup butter or margarine, softened                          ½ cup honey, divided

and divided                                                                  ½ cup chopped toasted nuts, optional

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon                                   1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed

2/3 cup raisins                                                             to package directions

to package directions

 Grease 12 muffin cups with 1 tablespoon butter. To prepare honey nut topping, mix together 1 tablespoon butter, ¼ cup honey and chopped nuts. Place 1 teaspoon topping in each muffin cup. To prepare filling, mix together remaining 2 tablespoons butter, remaining ¼ cup honey and cinnamon. Roll out bread dough onto floured surface into 18 x 8-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough. Sprinkle evenly with raisins. Starting with long side, roll dough into log. Cut log into 12 (1-1/2-inch) slices. Place 1 slice, cut-side up, into each prepared muffin cup. Set muffin pan in warm place; let dough rise for 30 minutes. Place muffin pan on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F.,   for 20 minutes or until buns are golden brown.  Remove from oven; cool in pan 5 minutes. Invert muffin pan to remove buns. Makes 12 buns.

(Source: National Honey Board)

Ponderings...Leaving on a Jet Plane to Alaska

By Cal Orey

Today I realized that before I go away on trips that entail a book signing and adventure it's like being on an obstacle course. I always get the dog, cat, and myself a health check-up. I guess that's what a health author is expected to do.

And I always go to the dentist. If you have ever seen "Castaway" it's a head's up to get a clean bill of dental health. You just never know where you may end up and having a bad toothache is the last thing you want to deal with. So now...everyone is healthy. 


Alaska Adventure

I seem to have the "glow" before I go

Getting there is an adventure in itself since there is no nonstop flight from here to there. So it will be a day/night before I make my way from Lake Tahoe to Anchorage. But that's okay. It's part of the fun, right? The good thing is, I'm not taking an early morning flight so I should be rested. And no, I haven't told the dog that mommy is going away for a short bit. I don't have the heart to do it.

Every time I look at Things To Do in Alaska I get lost. I really want to visit the fish aquarium but it's in Seward. I'm booked at a hotel in Anchorage so staying in the smaller town doesn't seem practical.  The nature tour may suffice if I get to see a moose or two. But I really have this thing about fish.

Fall Time
I don't understand why I end up traveling during autumn, my favorite time when it's off season and the town is quiet, peaceful, it's a local's paradise. But I won't be gone too long so it's good.

Feeling excited about the change of seasons--trees turn color, the heater kicks, on, baking muffins, swimming at the indoor pool, cooking soups, making the first fire, cuddling up with kitty and puppy inside the cozy bed with flannel sheets--is on my mind but so is going out of the state to one state I've never been but now the timing is right.

Every day, whether it is in the morning or late at night I get images of Alaska but none of it seems real until I go. I suppose the biggest challenge is leaving my dog and cat--my two best friends. I know they'll be in good hands but it never gets any easier. So...until I get closer to the day I leave it's more wrapping up loose ends... and getting ready for autumn bliss when I return as a more seasoned traveler.