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bearingwater · 8 years ago

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March Forecast for Aquarius

Steady as she goes! Now that your birthday season is behind you, you’re ready to roll up your cashmere sleeves and get down to business. Take those ambitious ventures one step at a time, Aquarius. Until March 20, the Sun is in Pisces and your grounded second house of work and daily routines. Before you squander your precious productivity, make sure you’ve got a realistic plan in place. Crafting a budget or timeline might seem like a drag, but your path to success will be paved by simple and sober daily actions, not a wild adrenaline-fueled burst that ends with a crash.

Another reason to regulate your energy output: Expansive Jupiter, which is in Libra and your ninth house of excess, is already spreading you thin this March. Jupiter will turn retrograde from February 6 to June 9 and tangle with rebellious Uranus (your cosmic ruler) and power-monger Pluto. These tense aspects could wildly disrupt the balance in both personal and political arenas. Over the course of a year, Jupiter will have three rounds of these celestial clashes. The last two came in November and December 2016, so expect another round of whatever came up over the holidays. Hopefully this midpoint will bring more resolution than revolution—but it’s likely to be a mix of those two at best.

On March 3, Jupiter locks into a tense opposition (http://astrostyle.com/aspects/opposite/) to shock-jock Uranus, which is in Aries and your third house of communication. Surprising news could find you scrambling to adjust your plans. A big work project might suddenly veer off in a new direction, creating chaos in the process. Don’t get too set in your ways now, Aquarius—flexibility saves the day. A normally reliable colleague, sibling or friend could act unpredictably. Vacation plans may also evaporate, since global Jupiter is in your travel house (and retrograde from February 6 to June 9). Above all, guard against your sign’s tendency to hold in your feelings then explode with an earth-scorching verbal lightning bolt. Those words, once uttered, can be (possibly) forgiven, but never forgotten. Do. Not. Go. THERE.

Jupiter and Uranus only face off this way every 14 years, and this major moment can either burn a bridge or inspire a life-transforming dialogue. Between December 2016 and September 2017, there will be three such oppositions. The first was on December 26, 2016, and the next is September 28, 2017. Is it time to try a new communication style? Intense reactions—even backlash—could pinpoint a need to change your approach. Be open and seek ways to convey your message more effectively. After all, the point is to inspire people, not alienate them. Just know that this will require a degree of impulse control (and checking your ego at the door), because these hotheaded planets will tempt you to act rashly.

Control is a key theme again on March 12, when the Virgo full moon illuminates your eighth house of intimacy, power and joint ventures. Where have you been oversharing and where could you stand to drop your mysterious mask? If you post every mundane event on Facebook (the washing machine broke, your date was a dud) but clam up like a seafood special when a close friend asks how you honestly feel, it’s time to flip that script. Dare to be more transparent about the issues that matter instead of dodging them with faux-intimate reveals. The “much ado about nothing” shtick only keeps people at arm’s length.

And if you DO let ’em in, get ready! This merger-minded moon could accelerate plans to move in together or bring a proposal or news of a pregnancy. In business, the Virgo full moon can herald an exciting shared opportunity or investment. Focus on ways you can pool your talents and resources for a win-win.

Lightness returns after March 20, when the Sun kicks off a monthlong tour of Aries and your communicative third house. You’ve had your nose (mostly) to the grindstone, and now it’s time to reconnect with your fanbase. Set up coffee dates, pitch meetings and social outings. Use this intellectually #woke time to brainstorm big projects or revive an abandoned hobby. Kindred spirits pop up everywhere, so watch your friends list and followers multiply as you share your colorful ideas. Ah, this is more like it!

An amazing day to express yourself arrives on March 27, when the Aries new moon is joined by the charismatic Sun, clever Mercury, magnetic Venus and innovative Uranus—all beaming into your interpersonal third house. Capture those strokes of genius and bits o’ brilliant dialogue. You could have the makings of an Emmy-worthy screenplay or a clever marketing campaign. (Or maybe just an amazing joke that you belly-laugh about for years to come!) With romantic Venus here, conversations can spark a simmering attraction. A friend might look startlingly hot after a mind-blowing talk—who knew you had so much in common? Workwise, you could test your synergy by teaming up on a small project. If things go well, this might just turn into an official dynamic duo over the coming six months.

Just as you’re riding high on the feel-good vibes, wily Jupiter gets into its second cosmic kerfuffle on March 30. The red-spotted sphere locks into a conflicted square (www.astrostyle.com/aspects/square) with power-monger Pluto in Capricorn and your twelfth house of hidden agendas. Talk about oil and water: Outspoken Jupiter in your blunt ninth house is ready to publish a tell-all memoir, while secretive Pluto wants to bury the lead…and the rest of the story! Figuring how much to share and how much to keep under wraps could be an epic struggle. Honesty can get brutal today, as truth-telling is laced with passive-aggressive intensity. If you need to get something off your chest, be direct. Wrapping your resentment in a “joke” will surely backfire. You might also feel an unspoken hostility, especially if you share your enthusiasm. Perhaps someone is jealous or threatened by your newfound freedom? Curbing your excitement feels fake, but choose your audience carefully. It’s too soon to let the haters poke holes in your balloon.

Jupiter and Pluto make three squares between November 2016 and August 2017. This is the second installment—the first was on November 24, Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. If you experienced tension around the turkey table, another wave of this is nigh. Learn from your earlier mistakes and don’t take the bait. Avoid toxic energy vampires like the plague, and distance yourself from drama.

Love & Romance

Open mouth, insert slip-on sneaker? This month, innocent flirtations and “harmless” banter could go awry as love planet Venus, the cosmic peacekeeper, turns retrograde (backward) from March 4 to April 15. Venus goes retrograde every 18 months, a tricky transit that can disrupt the harmony of even the most rock-solid relationships. Brace yourself, Water Bearer: Your cool and collected ways will be tested.

Until April 2, Venus will backtrack through Aries and your third house of communication. Old resentments and arguments could resurface for coupled Aquarians. Since retrogrades bring back the past, don’t be surprised if an ex pings you with a suggestive Snapchat or a tantalizing text. But do you really want to reopen that door? Sparks could fly with a pal, colleague or neighbor while Venus is here. Proceed with caution—if at all. Experimenting in your own backyard is risky business, especially if things go south. You could wind up a persona non grata at your favorite cafe, bar or music venue, or create awkward friction in your circle. Maybe you DON’T need to discover whether your snarky coffee-cart buddy or favorite bartender is a good kisser, Aquarius.

Venus will slip into Pisces and your second house of self-worth from April 2 on, which could provoke a confidence crisis at the end of the retrograde. Ramp up the self-care this month with massages and plenty of downtime. Another reason to nurture numero uno? Intense Mars will visit Taurus and your emotional, domestic fourth house from March 9 to April 21. You could be extra-sensitive and quick to snap at the slightest hint of criticism. Raw feelings could rise to the surface. Deal with them straightforwardly instead of pushing them away. Your willingness to be vulnerable, however uncomfortable, can lead to a breakthrough in your relationships. But watch the tension at home—you could easily take stress out on relatives, roommates or your significant other. With virile Mars in this family-friendly zone, a pregnancy or adoption may be in the cards. You might also decide to move in with a partner or buy property. Speedy Mars will ensure that the action happens fast, so stay on your toes.

Opportunity Days

March 12: Virgo Full Moon Smoldering! The full moon in your eighth house of seduction and intimacy could consummate a simmering sexual attraction. A commitment can move into permanent status—or you might decide to call the whole thing off. Since the eighth house governs extremes, you’re either in or you’re out. There’s no room for gray area under these do-or-die skies. Caution: Emotions you’ve repressed could erupt like a no-longer-dormant volcano. While it’s good that this is coming up, be careful about unleashing a torrent on an unsuspecting love interest. Try to give them the benefit of the doubt!

Challenge Days

March 3: Jupiter-Uranus Opposition Watch your words, Aquarius. Cheeky Jupiter and rebellious Uranus face off against each other, calling forth your inner provocateur. You might push someone’s buttons just to get a reaction, or drop some “honesty” that’s laced with cruel intentions. Remember that your words DO stick around in people’s memories. If you need to have “the talk,” don’t just spring it on someone. Make sure they’re in a clear-headed space, able to calmly listen and share. While you’re at it, make sure that YOU are, too!

March 30: Jupiter-Pluto Square Passive-aggressive is SO not a good look for you, Aquarius. Today’s tense square between Jupiter in your blunt ninth house and underhanded Pluto could find you throwing veiled punches at someone. Pouting, brooding or being sarcastic are not effective ways of letting someone know you feel hurt. In fact, it only serves to alienate you more. Shadowy Pluto can stir up fears and paranoia; you might even get hooked into some hearsay about your amour du jour. Confirm the facts before you react. And if you doubt someone's intentions, better to say so than snoop!

Money & Career

Taking care of business! With the Sun in Pisces and your industrious second house, your fiscal focus is razor-sharp. Until March 20, el Sol will burn the midnight oil here, helping you make substantial headway on a project or monetary goal. They key is to organize yourself and not get scattered, as your curious sign tends to do. Pick one or two big dreams and build on them with consistent daily action. Focus DOES take discipline—and that might mean saying “no” to tempting distractions. But by the time April rolls around, you’ll be amazed at your progress.

Negotiations could heat up during the first week of March while assertive Mars finishes a six-week foray through Aries and your communication house. If you’ve been going back and forth, you could finally settle on a compromise and seal the deal. But don’t rush: Harmonious Venus will be retrograde in Aries until April 2, then in Pisces and your money house from April 2 to 15. If something still feels “off” between you and a potential partner or client, take the time to resolve that. And if you can’t, better to find out before you get too deeply enmeshed.

From March 9 to April 21, Mars will visit Taurus and your domestic fourth house. A cottage industry could take off, or you might be inspired to create an inspiring home office. Real estate opportunities can move quickly under this influence. Is it time to buy or sell property or upgrade your living situation? You may feel pressure from a family member or personal situation—deal with it directly and don’t let it affect your productivity.

Opportunity Days

March 2: Sun-Neptune Meetup With the charismatic Sun and manifestation planet Neptune synced up in your money house, you could attract an exciting client or profitably opportunity. Use creative visualization to picture your desired outcome.

March 5: Mars-Saturn Trine Rally the troops for decisive action! Motivator Mars forms a golden angle to leadership-driven Saturn in your teamwork house. Get everyone inspired by reminding them of your shared mission. Outline a realistic plan, one that taps people’s talents and allows them to shine. A meeting or dialogue could get you fired up to change the world, or at least your corner of it. Put your heads together and you just might.

March 12: Virgo Full Moon Payday! The full moon in your eighth house of wealth and joint ventures could bring a hefty lump sum your way. If you’ve been waiting to seal a deal or make a real estate move, this cosmic energy burst can help push things to the finish line. Legal settlements, commissions and debt paydowns could be in the spotlight. For couples and business partners who are splitting up, this can assist you in dividing up assets equitably. Try to play nice so you can both move on, especially since the eighth house can awaken a vengeful streak.

March 27: Aries New Moon Loosen your tongue! The new moon in your third house of communication could plant the seeds of an exciting collaboration. Events will unfold over the coming six months, since new moons can take up to a half-year to fully manifest. With clever Mercury, innovator Uranus, the bold Sun and magnetic Venus also in Aries today, you can be a powerful force in meetings, on social media and in productive dialogue. A local opportunity could be the start of something big. You could also click with a kindred spirit type. Test-run an idea on a smaller scale. If your chemistry translates well, this could turn into a powerful collaboration!

Challenge Days

March 3: Jupiter-Uranus Opposition Surprising news could shake up business as usual. Here you thought you were going in one direction only to have a curveball thrown at you. Watch what you repeat, given the proliferation of “alternative facts” these days. Verify before you share! Someone may try to push your buttons, and with hotheaded Uranus opposing blustery Jupiter, you could easily take the bait. Instead, view this button-pusher as a teacher of sorts. Ask yourself what a challenging relationship is revealing about YOUR life and where you need to make a radical change?

March 17: Sun-Saturn Square Even making a simple plan feels like an uphill battle. Challenging Saturn in your teamwork house could stymie a group effort. Everyone has a different agenda, or you may have to jump through a zillion bureaucratic hoops. Don’t give up, but don’t waste your time. Go back to the drawing board and make a stronger case, then present it again under better cosmic conditions. Avoid loaning money to friends (or borrowing from them). It will introduce an awkward power dynamic that’s best avoided. If you’re asked to recommend someone for a job, make sure you are truly comfortable vouching for them because this WILL reflect back on you.

March 24: Mercury-Jupiter-Pluto T-Square Know-it-all alert! There are ten opinions for every person at today’s confounding three-way cosmic clash. While everyone seems to have an “answer,” there’s no actual plan. Before you turn your life into a scale model of the White House administration, pause and gather facts and figures. Don’t take a single step forward without a solid agenda!

March 30: Jupiter-Pluto Square Go with your gut? Not so fast. Today’s tense square between Jupiter in your risk-loving ninth house and Pluto in your intuitive twelfth house sends conflicting signals. Your head is saying one thing while your inner voice is saying another. One part of you wants to leap in feet first, preferably without a net. But Pluto sends a panicky S.O.S. that MIGHT be paranoia…or it might be your protective instincts. Until you’re clear, don’t make any irreversible moves. A fast-talking person could be making promises they can’t keep. Don’t buy any non-refundable snake oil, Aquarius, as excited as you may be about what they’re pitching.

#aquarius #monthly forecast #astrology #horoscope #zodiac #aquarius monthly

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flauntpage · 7 years ago

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The Red Sox Will Not Stop

A lifetime ago, on June 21, it seemed like the New York Yankees were probably going to win the AL East. After defeating the Mariners 4-3, giving them a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox, their odds of winning the division, per FanGraphs, stood at a season-high 79.1 percent. It had taken some work to get there—the Red Sox were virtually unbeatable over the first three weeks of the season, while the Yankees spun their wheels in .500-adjacent mediocrity. Through May and June, though, the Yankees coalesced into the slugging, flame-throwing nightmare that everyone thought they were going to be. The AL East division title promised to be every bit the nose-to-nose two-horse race that had been expected before the season.

And the stats bore that out. On June 21, the Yankees and the Red Sox had the same number of wins at 50, though the Red Sox had played four more games. They had allowed the same number of runs at 275, second only to the World Series champion Houston Astros in the American League; their respective runs scored differed by only two, with the Sox edging out the Yankees 383 to 381. These marks were, again, second only to Houston. Their offensive numbers through that time were extremely similar, though the Yankees held the edge in terms of power: a .253/.331/.466 collective line with 122 homers, compared to Boston's .261/.328/.458 and 107 bombs.

In terms of pitching, too, the two teams were evenly matched, with the Yankees again taking the slight edge in terms of overall value, thanks to their fearsome, endlessly deep bullpen. This was despite the fact that Boston’s rotation—featuring the indomitable Chris Sale at the top, backed up by David Price and Rick Porcello—featured rather more firepower.

Seven weeks later, the Yankees’ two-game lead has transformed itself into a nine-game deficit. It is their rivals who now look poised to challenge for the most regular-season wins in MLB history. The race for the AL East isn't looking like much of a race anymore. It's all Red Sox.

There have been a few contributors to this reversal of fortunes. The Yankees bullpen has remained a strength, but the rotation has fallen off the map in terms of performance, its weaknesses exposed as the season went on. Jordan Montgomery’s year was lost to Tommy John surgery; Sonny Gray continued the struggles he's had since arriving in New York, precipitating a move to a relief role. Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia have been competent, but not great. And Luis Severino, the rotation’s only true ace, has struggled immensely since the All-Star break, with a 9.60 ERA in 15 innings pitched.

The bigger problem for the Yankees, though, has been the bats. The Yankees offense has slowed down, while the Red Sox have exploded. Over the past seven weeks, the Red Sox lineup has absolutely outclassed them and pretty much everyone else in baseball, posting a team batting line of .286/.355/.481. (For comparison, the 2017 Astros, one of modern baseball’s best offenses ever, had a .282/.346/.478 line for the season.) The Red Sox don’t walk all that much, and they don’t have the home run power that the Yankees do, but they make up for it with the sheer relentlessness of their attack, leading baseball in doubles and tied for the lead in stolen bases. And in a league-wide hitting environment where strikeouts are on the rise, the Red Sox have maintained one of baseball’s lowest strikeout rates. The Yankees, their lineup full of high-strikeout power bats, have struck out in 22.9 percent of their plate appearances this season; the Sox, have struck out in only 19.9 percent of theirs.

The Red Sox have also made a fortunate habit of clobbering shitty teams. Boston's June 21 division low point coincided with the beginning of a stretch of games primarily against teams stuck either below or around .500. Over 21 games against teams with losing records. And they haven’t wasted that opportunity, losing only four of those games. The Yankees, though, have failed to take advantage of the would-be softballs lobbed at them over the past few weeks, winning only three out of six against the lowly Orioles and losing two series to the Rays, one via sweep. Boston's record within the two-thirds bad AL East is 38-14; the Yankees stands at a mediocre 29-24.

Injuries have waylaid the Sox to some extent—Chris Sale is on the DL with shoulder inflammation in his throwing arm literally as we speak, starter Eduardo Rodriguez has been sidelined with an ankle injury, and Dustin Pedroia was moved to the 60-day DL on August 4th, return date unknown. But their stars have been shining throughout. J.D. Martinez, acquired for what many thought was too great a price over the offseason, is baseball’s best hitter. And if Mike Trout doesn’t return promptly and unscathed from his hand injury, Mookie Betts could end up being the American League MVP. The Sox core of young position players—Betts, Benintendi, Bogaerts, Bradley, Devers— is as exciting a group as you'll find in baseball.

The Yankees have their own young stars, but Gary Sanchez has only appeared in 66 games this season, and even then as a diminished version of himself, his power sapped by the injuries that have sidelined him. Aaron Judge has a broken wrist. The Yankees now find themselves alone at the bottom of a very steep hill, with the red-hot A’s not far behind. They are facing the very real prospect of having a 100-win season end in a one-and-done Wild Card loss.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, look like world-beaters. They exude confidence. They handily swept the Yankees in four games over the weekend, in a series that highlighted their strengths and threw the Yankees’ weaknesses into sharper relief under the Fenway lights. Their lineup produced 19 hits in Thursday’s 15-7 blowout; on Friday and Saturday, their pitching held the Yankees to two runs in 18 innings, winning both games by a score of 4-1. And on Sunday's finale, the Yankees, with a 4-1 lead of their own going into the bottom of the ninth, threw that lead away on three walks from Aroldis Chapman and an extraordinarily ugly error.

We've seen the Red Sox collapse before; we've seen history-chasing teams have disastrous Septembers as recently as last season. It’s too early to hand over the division title just yet. Watching them pummel a sad parade of Blue Jays pitchers on Wednesday afternoon, though, they certainly seemed like a team that's unstoppable, their unbelievable 17-2 start to the season clearly not a fluke. They close the season with three games at home against the Yankees—a chance to clinch the division, or, maybe, a chance for a victory lap.

The Red Sox Will Not Stop published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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amtushinfosolutionspage · 7 years ago

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The Red Sox Will Not Stop

Seven weeks later, the Yankees’ two-game lead has transformed itself into a nine-game deficit. It is their rivals who now look poised to challenge for the most regular-season wins in MLB history. The race for the AL East isn’t looking like much of a race anymore. It’s all Red Sox.

There have been a few contributors to this reversal of fortunes. The Yankees bullpen has remained a strength, but the rotation has fallen off the map in terms of performance, its weaknesses exposed as the season went on. Jordan Montgomery’s year was lost to Tommy John surgery; Sonny Gray continued the struggles he’s had since arriving in New York, precipitating a move to a relief role. Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia have been competent, but not great. And Luis Severino, the rotation’s only true ace, has struggled immensely since the All-Star break, with a 9.60 ERA in 15 innings pitched.

The Red Sox have also made a fortunate habit of clobbering shitty teams. Boston’s June 21 division low point coincided with the beginning of a stretch of games primarily against teams stuck either below or around .500. Over 21 games against teams with losing records. And they haven’t wasted that opportunity, losing only four of those games. The Yankees, though, have failed to take advantage of the would-be softballs lobbed at them over the past few weeks, winning only three out of six against the lowly Orioles and losing two series to the Rays, one via sweep. Boston’s record within the two-thirds bad AL East is 38-14; the Yankees stands at a mediocre 29-24.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, look like world-beaters. They exude confidence. They handily swept the Yankees in four games over the weekend, in a series that highlighted their strengths and threw the Yankees’ weaknesses into sharper relief under the Fenway lights. Their lineup produced 19 hits in Thursday’s 15-7 blowout; on Friday and Saturday, their pitching held the Yankees to two runs in 18 innings, winning both games by a score of 4-1. And on Sunday’s finale, the Yankees, with a 4-1 lead of their own going into the bottom of the ninth, threw that lead away on three walks from Aroldis Chapman and an extraordinarily ugly error.

We’ve seen the Red Sox collapse before; we’ve seen history-chasing teams have disastrous Septembers as recently as last season. It’s too early to hand over the division title just yet. Watching them pummel a sad parade of Blue Jays pitchers on Wednesday afternoon, though, they certainly seemed like a team that’s unstoppable, their unbelievable 17-2 start to the season clearly not a fluke. They close the season with three games at home against the Yankees—a chance to clinch the division, or, maybe, a chance for a victory lap.

The Red Sox Will Not Stop syndicated from https://australiahoverboards.wordpress.com

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jakehglover · 7 years ago

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Benefits of Growing Bergamot

By Dr. Mercola

If you’re not familiar with the herb bergamot, you may recognize its more common name: bee balm. The tall plants with eye-catching blossoms on top look like an exploding firecracker and come in a rich lilac, pale pink or bright red hue, depending on the variety. Also known by the botanical names Monardo fistulosa and Monarda didyma, bergamot is a perennial that grows easily and has a variety of uses.

This herb has a number of other unique designations: Gold Melissa, scarlett monarda, Indian nettle and Oswego tea are a few of them, as is American bee balm. The plant has large leaves, the lavender version of which have a red or purple cast. In some areas, bergamot grows wild; generally in the northeastern portion of the Midwest and on the East Coast down through Georgia. The Herbal Academy notes:

“Bee balm is the common name of both Monarda didyma, which has red flowers, or Monarda fistulosa, which can have lavender, pink, or white flowers. M. didyma and M. fistulosa are two of the most popular species among the seventeen species and over fifty cultivars of the plant. One or more of them are found nearly everywhere in North America … M. fistulosa can reach five feet tall in the Plains of North America, with M. didyma about three feet tall.”1

As one might surmise, bergamot is famous for attracting beneficial butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. The leaves repel mosquitoes and gnats, and it’s a good companion plant for tomatoes. It’s beautiful in dried flower arrangements and potpourri, as a garnish and adds a punch of flavor to salads and lemonade, but one of its most popular uses is in tea. This is as good a point as any to note that there’s also something called the bergamot orange, a tropical, green citrus fruit with the botanical name Citrus bergamia.

It has the typically sour fragrance of citrus fruits, but it’s not eaten fresh. Described as tart, acidic, highly fragrant and spicy, the rind is used to make an essential oil, and it’s also the power behind the ever-popular Earl Grey tea. Its significance here is that the fruit’s essence is how the herb got its name.2

Additional items to note include culinary aspects of bergamot, such as using it in apple cider vinegar to use as a marinade on wild game. Although there’s the mint connection, adding the herb to food or beverages produces a spicy rather than a minty flavor.

Modern and Traditional Uses for Bergamot

Back to the herb known as bergamot: It has a unique flavor when made into tea. For this purpose, you can strip off the leaves and pluck the flowers to dry in the shade for a few days; however, longer than that may either burn the leaves or cause them to absorb moisture, so oven-drying them is recommended. They should then be stored in an airtight, glass jar. According to Medicinal Herb Info,3 bergamot tea has three main uses:

Carminative — A preparation to help to reduce flatulence and bloating

Rubefacient — Where applied on the skin, increases blood flow, which may relieve pain, as in arthritis

Stimulant — Some herbalists keep it on hand to use as a mild pick-me-up for melancholy

Native American tribes used the leaves for these purposes and also to make tea to remedy fever, nosebleeds, insomnia, heart trouble, colic, measles and to induce sweat. Poultices were also made to relieve headaches, and early physicians used it to expel parasites. The Shakers along the upper east coast in the U.S. used the tea to remedy colds and sore throats, and it’s often used in the same way today. In addition, one study observes:

“Monarda fistulosa essential oil characterized by pronounced therapeutic effects is proposed for the treatment of seborrhea [a rash, often on the scalp]. Studies of its antibacterial, antimycotic, and antiinflammatory activities showed that it inhibits microorganism growth and is superior to hydrocortisone in combination with vitamin B6 by its antiinflammatory activity.”4

Naturopath Dr. Jackie Johnson writes that it’s the high thymol content in bergamot (which, like thyme, is a strong antiseptic) that explains its use as an infusion for the aforementioned ailments, as well as for upper respiratory problems and whooping cough, and topically for skin problems and wounds. She notes:

“I work as an auditor for the Oneida Nation who came to Wisconsin in the early 1800s. Monarda was common in their original homeland in New York. Mondara fistulosa is currently referred to by the Oneida as ‘No. 6’ and is available at my local health food store without cost for those who need it for an upper respiratory tea. Right now the Monarda fistulosa is in full bloom and we’re all busy harvesting.”5

A Bit More History of Bergamot

Both the town of Oswego, New York, and the tea got the name from Native Americans living in the area when the colonists first arrived. According to Heirloom Organics, it was the Oswego tribe who introduced wild bergamot to the American colonists when the Boston Tea Party took place. When tea was thrown overboard, wild bergamot reportedly replaced it.

There is another tradition, however, involving the Spanish, as Monarda plants were named after Spanish physician and botanist Dr. Nicolas Monardes of Seville, Spain, circa 1493-1588. Monarda wanted to retain the original names given by natives. While he was obviously fascinated with the plants of the New World, he never went there; he had people bring them back to his gardens in Spain. His book on North American plants, “Joyful News — Botany of the New World,” was translated into English in 1577.6

How to Grow and Propagate Bergamot

If growing bergamot from seed, you can start them indoors six to eight weeks beforehand. Place seeds about one-fourth inch deep and 12 inches apart in rich, fertile soil, then transplant once all threat of frost has passed. You can expect germination in 10 to 14 days if the temperature has reached about 70 degrees, with harvest in around 60 days. Powdery mildew in areas of high humidity is something to watch for.

Related to mint, bergamot also has opposite leaves and “square” stems. It’s easy to grow, does well with a mix of sun and shade, and enjoys plenty of water. It’s also an herb that can be cut back after the first bloom to increase its chances of blooming again later in the same growing season. The Herbal Academy has a number of interesting hints and tips regarding the successful growing of this attractive, bee-attracting plant, such as:

“Seed is readily available and takes between 10 and 40 days to germinate. Each flower has four nut-like seeds in each; stratify the seeds prior to planting … keep them in the refrigerator over winter and plant in the spring … These will self-sow but unlike other mints, will not get too invasive.

While bergamot can be grown from seed, hurrying the process can be done by dividing the roots nearly any time. Root cuttings can be taken during its peak growing season, which is generally between June and September (depending on your growing zone) clear through late fall. Gently break apart woody or black bits from the roots and place them 18 inches apart. It’s best to repeat this process every third year or so to ensure the plants remain hardy. According to Mother Earth News:

“In order to maintain a healthy stand of flowers, this resetting should be done every three years. If, however, you feed your plants with compost in the fall, your ‘patch’ can be left in the same spot (and will produce abundantly) for a good bit longer.”7

from HealthyLife via Jake Glover on Inoreader http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/07/06/growing-bergamot.aspx

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sherristockman · 7 years ago

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Benefits of Growing Bergamot Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola If you’re not familiar with the herb bergamot, you may recognize its more common name: bee balm. The tall plants with eye-catching blossoms on top look like an exploding firecracker and come in a rich lilac, pale pink or bright red hue, depending on the variety. Also known by the botanical names Monardo fistulosa and Monarda didyma, bergamot is a perennial that grows easily and has a variety of uses. This herb has a number of other unique designations: Gold Melissa, scarlett monarda, Indian nettle and Oswego tea are a few of them, as is American bee balm. The plant has large leaves, the lavender version of which have a red or purple cast. In some areas, bergamot grows wild; generally in the northeastern portion of the Midwest and on the East Coast down through Georgia. The Herbal Academy notes: “Bee balm is the common name of both Monarda didyma, which has red flowers, or Monarda fistulosa, which can have lavender, pink, or white flowers. M. didyma and M. fistulosa are two of the most popular species among the seventeen species and over fifty cultivars of the plant. One or more of them are found nearly everywhere in North America … M. fistulosa can reach five feet tall in the Plains of North America, with M. didyma about three feet tall.”1 As one might surmise, bergamot is famous for attracting beneficial butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. The leaves repel mosquitoes and gnats, and it’s a good companion plant for tomatoes. It’s beautiful in dried flower arrangements and potpourri, as a garnish and adds a punch of flavor to salads and lemonade, but one of its most popular uses is in tea. This is as good a point as any to note that there’s also something called the bergamot orange, a tropical, green citrus fruit with the botanical name Citrus bergamia. It has the typically sour fragrance of citrus fruits, but it’s not eaten fresh. Described as tart, acidic, highly fragrant and spicy, the rind is used to make an essential oil, and it’s also the power behind the ever-popular Earl Grey tea. Its significance here is that the fruit’s essence is how the herb got its name.2 Additional items to note include culinary aspects of bergamot, such as using it in apple cider vinegar to use as a marinade on wild game. Although there’s the mint connection, adding the herb to food or beverages produces a spicy rather than a minty flavor. Modern and Traditional Uses for Bergamot Back to the herb known as bergamot: It has a unique flavor when made into tea. For this purpose, you can strip off the leaves and pluck the flowers to dry in the shade for a few days; however, longer than that may either burn the leaves or cause them to absorb moisture, so oven-drying them is recommended. They should then be stored in an airtight, glass jar. According to Medicinal Herb Info,3 bergamot tea has three main uses: Carminative — A preparation to help to reduce flatulence and bloating Rubefacient — Where applied on the skin, increases blood flow, which may relieve pain, as in arthritis Stimulant — Some herbalists keep it on hand to use as a mild pick-me-up for melancholy Native American tribes used the leaves for these purposes and also to make tea to remedy fever, nosebleeds, insomnia, heart trouble, colic, measles and to induce sweat. Poultices were also made to relieve headaches, and early physicians used it to expel parasites. The Shakers along the upper east coast in the U.S. used the tea to remedy colds and sore throats, and it’s often used in the same way today. In addition, one study observes: “Monarda fistulosa essential oil characterized by pronounced therapeutic effects is proposed for the treatment of seborrhea [a rash, often on the scalp]. Studies of its antibacterial, antimycotic, and antiinflammatory activities showed that it inhibits microorganism growth and is superior to hydrocortisone in combination with vitamin B6 by its antiinflammatory activity.”4 Naturopath Dr. Jackie Johnson writes that it’s the high thymol content in bergamot (which, like thyme, is a strong antiseptic) that explains its use as an infusion for the aforementioned ailments, as well as for upper respiratory problems and whooping cough, and topically for skin problems and wounds. She notes: “I work as an auditor for the Oneida Nation who came to Wisconsin in the early 1800s. Monarda was common in their original homeland in New York. Mondara fistulosa is currently referred to by the Oneida as ‘No. 6’ and is available at my local health food store without cost for those who need it for an upper respiratory tea. Right now the Monarda fistulosa is in full bloom and we’re all busy harvesting.”5 A Bit More History of Bergamot Both the town of Oswego, New York, and the tea got the name from Native Americans living in the area when the colonists first arrived. According to Heirloom Organics, it was the Oswego tribe who introduced wild bergamot to the American colonists when the Boston Tea Party took place. When tea was thrown overboard, wild bergamot reportedly replaced it. There is another tradition, however, involving the Spanish, as Monarda plants were named after Spanish physician and botanist Dr. Nicolas Monardes of Seville, Spain, circa 1493-1588. Monarda wanted to retain the original names given by natives. While he was obviously fascinated with the plants of the New World, he never went there; he had people bring them back to his gardens in Spain. His book on North American plants, “Joyful News — Botany of the New World,” was translated into English in 1577.6 How to Grow and Propagate Bergamot If growing bergamot from seed, you can start them indoors six to eight weeks beforehand. Place seeds about one-fourth inch deep and 12 inches apart in rich, fertile soil, then transplant once all threat of frost has passed. You can expect germination in 10 to 14 days if the temperature has reached about 70 degrees, with harvest in around 60 days. Powdery mildew in areas of high humidity is something to watch for. Related to mint, bergamot also has opposite leaves and “square” stems. It’s easy to grow, does well with a mix of sun and shade, and enjoys plenty of water. It’s also an herb that can be cut back after the first bloom to increase its chances of blooming again later in the same growing season. The Herbal Academy has a number of interesting hints and tips regarding the successful growing of this attractive, bee-attracting plant, such as: “Seed is readily available and takes between 10 and 40 days to germinate. Each flower has four nut-like seeds in each; stratify the seeds prior to planting … keep them in the refrigerator over winter and plant in the spring … These will self-sow but unlike other mints, will not get too invasive. While bergamot can be grown from seed, hurrying the process can be done by dividing the roots nearly any time. Root cuttings can be taken during its peak growing season, which is generally between June and September (depending on your growing zone) clear through late fall. Gently break apart woody or black bits from the roots and place them 18 inches apart. It’s best to repeat this process every third year or so to ensure the plants remain hardy. According to Mother Earth News: “In order to maintain a healthy stand of flowers, this resetting should be done every three years. If, however, you feed your plants with compost in the fall, your ‘patch’ can be left in the same spot (and will produce abundantly) for a good bit longer.”7

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cbholganza · 7 years ago

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Once again, cage addicts were treated to loads and loads of sizzling action. From the US NCAA basketball’s March Madness, to the rush to get to the NBA playoffs, to the ongoing Asean Basketball League semifinals, and finally, to the recently-concluded PBA Finals, basketball fanatics have had frenetic non-stop action at its best.

Being a bonafide hardcourt fan and a couch potato myself, I could hardly leave my seat to get my fill of popcorn and pizza, as the boobtube action presented highlight after glorious highlight of fun, energy and excitement.

I’m the family’s resident couch potato, proud to be too. (American culture consultants)

For spine-tingling action and drama down to the last second, nothing can beat the recently-concluded US NCAA Women’s Championship won in stunning fashion by Notre Dame. Arike Ogunbowale had delivered a last-second dagger shot 2 days prior, bumping off league-legend UConn 91-89 in overtime. She delivered – yet again – another 3-point shot to destroy Mississippi State 61-58 in dramatic come-from-behind fashion.

Arike, with ice in her veins, buries the 3-pointer with less than a second remaining. (The Moulton Advertiser)

Mississippi led 58-53 with more than a minute left to play. The pugnacious Notre Dame Fighting Irish tied the game with 40 ticks remaining. With 3 seconds and ball possession, Arike let fly a high-arching desperation shot to snatch the win. And the championship.

Arike will go down in NCAA lore as the only player – man or woman – to have scored the winning buzzer-beater shots in both the semis and the finals of the NCAA tournament. This well-celebrated 2018 season finale will go down in history as the most dramatic, with the 2 semifinal games won in overtime, and the finals determined by a buzzer beater.

Arike gets 2 buzzer-beaters in a span of 3 days. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

In the Men’s Finals, the juggernaut Villanova Wildcats won its second title in 3 years, bending Michigan 79-62 with a barrage of 18(!!!) 3-pointers to win pulling away. Michigan came prepared, with answers for the Nova’s first five. They forgot about the 6th man.

Donte DiVincenzo came off the bench, almost singlehandedly erased Michigan’s early 7-point lead, and scored a superstar-worthy performance of 31 points in the biggest stage of his basketball career. Donte goes down in history as the guy who has scored the most points in an NCAA Final Four game, coming off the bench.

The over-achieving Donte is mobbed by his teammates after the buzzer. (USA Today)

In the NBA, the real season has just begun. After more than 5 months of experimenting with line-ups, of honing offensive and defensive patterns, of scouting the strengths and weaknesses of rival teams, and of protecting and preparing their own stars as best they can, the top 16 teams in the NBA finally entered the gladiators’ den this week.

We are now down to the final 16. It is the playoffs. It is time to be serious. It is the time when key players must now come to play major minutes, unmindful of the risk of injuries. Where the step-ladder elimination is a duel to the death. Where you win and move up to face the next worthy opponent; or you lose and go home humbled.

The 2018 Playoffs begins!!! (Sporting News)

This year, the traditional end-of-season rivalry between the Golden State Warriors, the kings of the West, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the lords of the East, is seriously under threat.

The Golden State Warriors, starring its all-star Fab Four – had been considered shoo-ins for the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, they’ve been hit by an epidemic of injuries, with main man Steph Curry himself unable to join the team for the first round of the playoffs against the resurgent San Antonio Spurs.

A knee injury makes Steph doubtful for the 1st round of the playoffs. (New York Times)

The Cleveland Cavaliers, perennial Finals dance-partners to the Warriors, have had to shed off unwanted flab (aka old age), in preparation for the crucial playoff run. The relatively younger, new-look Cavs need time to jell. That the King Cav, Lebron James, has played every game all season long, and has put in major, major minutes is not just a testament to his fitness and resilience. It is also an indication of a serious manpower shortage.

Lebron has been playing extra minutes to keep the Cavs afloat. (NJ.com)

In the west, Golden State will contend with the regular season leaders, the Houston Rockets. The arrival of Chris Paul in an already stalked backcourt eases the pressure off season-MVP hopeful, James Harden. The Rockets have the distinction of having the league’s most devastating offense, armed with a 3-point artillery crew far more destructive than that of the Warriors. This shooting war will be much-awaited.

Chris Paul has taken a whole lot of load from Houston’s main man, James Harden. (USA TODAY Sports)

In the east, it is the fast-maturing Philadelphia 76ers that is looming as the Cavs’ key adversary, as opposed to the division-leading Toronto Raptors. The Raptors have a notorious distinction of underachieving come the playoffs. This, they will have to erase. Phila’s young turks, on the other hand, have been playing happy lately, with 16 straight wins to close the season.

Trust the process. Phila’s past top draft picks are now ready to make hay. (USA Today)

My fearless forecast: Whosoever survives the gunslingers’ duel in the wild, wild West will devour any court-pretender from the East.

In the regional scene, the late-blooming San Miguel Alab Pilipinas took Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinal playoff match against defending champions, Hongkong Eastern Long Lions 98-94. The other half of the semis pits Bangkok’s Mono Vampires against Chong San Kung Fu from Nanhai, China.

Alab Pilipinas on the verge of a finals slot. (ABS-CBN)

Renaldo Balkman, banned from playing in the Philippines’ PBA for on-court disorderly conduct, appears to be atoning for his past indiscretion with an amazing all-around, well-behaved effort. His 46-point production in Game 1 eclipsed the previous record set by Justin Howard last year. Another win, with Game 2 to be played in the Philippines, and the San Miguel Alab enters the ABL Finals.

In the PBA, the San Miguel Beermen extended their reign as rulers of the Philippine Cup with a masterful series-clinching, come-from-behind win over the unrelenting Magnolia Hotshots. With MVP June Mar Fajardo exploding a 42-point, 20 rebound spectacle-of-a-performance, the Beermen just couldn’t be denied. At only 28 years old, June Mar’s scintillating feat has netted for him 4 PBA MVP awards, and 6 PBA championships. And we expect more in the years to come.

San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo is Best Player of the Conference during the PBA Philippine Cup. (Rio Leonelle Deluvio/Manila Bulletin)

There you have it, folks. The week that was. Will the sharp-shooting Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers meet for the third time in the NBA Finals? Will San Miguel Alab Pilipinas make it all the way to the Finals? Last week’s cage offerings put me to to hoop heaven. Stay glued for more next week.

For more sports stuff, visit cbholganzablog.wordpress.com.

Pics thanks to Rappler, Coupons.com, Michigan Radio, Business Insider, Yahoo sports, Washington post, New york Times, PBA, Asbury Park Press, Sporting News.

Fans hoop it up for Gilas.

Love that ball.

Pinoys can be rabid basketball supporters.

A scene from the US NCAA March madness.

Nova’s fans rejoice.

Duke fans cheer their team.

The raptors tag team of DeMar and Kyle get ready for the playoffs.

King Lebron is still expected to win the eastern Division crown.

The Warriors will have their hands full with the Houston Rockets.

San Miguel celebrate after their Conference win.

What a Week for Basketball Fan-atics!!! Once again, cage addicts were treated to loads and loads of sizzling action. From the US NCAA basketball's March Madness, to the rush to get to the NBA playoffs, to the ongoing Asean Basketball League semifinals, and finally, to the recently-concluded PBA Finals, basketball fanatics have had frenetic non-stop action at its best.

#Arike Ogunbowale #Cleveland Cavaliers #couch potato #Donte DiVincenzo #Golden State Warriors #Houston Rockets #James Harden #June Mar Fajardo #Lebron James #NCAA #Notre Dame Fighting Irish #Renaldo Balkman #San Miguel Alab #San Miguel Beermen #Steph Curry #Villanove Wildcats

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