The RRR Movie on Netflix- A Movie for Action Lovers

I just finished watching the RRR movie on Netflix. Needless to say, I enjoyed it very much. Here's a recent article and review of this Hindi movie.

"Netflix users are finally discovering RRR – and calling it the "greatest action film ever made"

By Amy West published June 16, 2022

The Indian movie is taking the internet by storm

(Image credit: Variance Films and Sarigama Cinemas)

Netflix users all over the world are finally discovering RRR, a new action epic that is taking cinema and the internet by storm – and it's safe to say, people cannot stop raving about the flick.

Directed by S. S. Rajamouli, the Telugu-language movie takes place in the 1920s and centers on two revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), in their explosive challenge of the British Raj. It's lengthy at 182 minutes, but doesn't waste a second, cramming in everything from fiery bow and arrow battles and motorcycle chases to men fighting alongside bloodied tigers. If none of that tickles your fancy, firstly, what more do you want? Secondly, fear not, it also features a romantic subplot, a sweet bromance, and a couple of musical numbers, too.

RRR was initially released in cinemas on March 25, before heading to video-on-demand platform ZEE5 on May 20. That same day, the Hindi version dropped on Netflix, and swiftly became the first Indian film to trend at #1 for three consecutive weeks in the Non-English Films category on the streamer's global chart. Since then, subscribers have been rushing to social media in droves to champion the flick.

"RRR is over-the-top ridiculous insanity and it is AMAZING. It's like Michael Bay and Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Chow teamed up to make a movie. It was 3 hours long but it could have been 4 hours and I would've still enjoyed it," one fan tweeted (opens in new tab).

RRR is not only one of the best action movies of all time, it is also one of the best movie musicals of all time," another added (opens in new tab), highlighting the film's genre-bending appeal.

RRR is fucking amazing. From a Western perspective, it’s like Avengers, Top Hat, Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia, Lord of the Rings, Rocky, Grease and Michael Collins were all thrown together in an Indian washing machine with settings to 100 degree AWESOME pic.twitter.com/zFQEGjuvRdJune 11, 2022

You guys, RRR on Netflix is the real deal. One of the best action-adventure films I’ve seen in years. It’s got drama, romance, comedy, suspense, tigers, musical numbers, you name it. pic.twitter.com/Cj41m1rGweMay 24, 2022

#RRR made me say “that’s the best set piece I’ve ever seen” about 10 times pic.twitter.com/vsk9HaY22DJune 13, 2022

10 Movies recommended by Netflix

 https://top10.netflix.com/

 

The Best Tasting Crabs for your Gastronomic Delight

European Brown Crab- Photo Credit: Cuisineryfoodmarket.com

I was reading an advertisement in FaceBook about European Brown Crabs. I am thinking of buying/ordering on line since the price is reasonable. However, I am not sure of the taste/quality (contamination) of these crabs, so I posted a question on my FB page. However, I did not get any response except for my American-Italian neighbor. Here's the ad from FB.

European Brown Crab Cooked

These female crabs are cooked and ready to be cracked and eaten. One large crab will feed up to 2 person. You can also use the crab meat for your recipes. The white claw meat that comes from these crabs rivals the one from king crab.

Brown crab is a crab species found in the North Sea and North Atlantic Ocean with a brown smooth, oval carapace, wider than it is long, which makes it stand out perfectly. Like the rest of other similar species, females have a larger abdomen than males.

• Fully cooked, free of preservatives or additives.
• 1 whole crab per pack.
• The crab weighs 14 to 21 oz (400g/600g), which is a perfectly generous portion for one to two people.

Full Description

$13.89 Special Price $11.09

I have not tasted this specie of Crabs, so I posted in FB asking if anyone knows its taste compared to the top best tasting crabs listed below.  

Top 5 Best Crabs To Eat

Maryland Blue Crab. .

Soft-Shell Crab. ...

Dungeness Crab. ...

Snow Crab. ...

Florida Stone Crab. ...

 

My Italian-American neighbor is familiar with these brown crabs. She said its taste is inferior to the Dungeness or Maryland Blue Crabs.  For those of you who are not crab enthusiasts here are the photos of the popular types of crabs used for cooking. There are more than 4500 species of crabs, but they are not all edible.

I have enjoyed the delicious taste of the Blue, Dungeness and Soft Shell Crabs as well as the Alaskan King Crab, but not the Snow or Florida Stone crabs. How about you? How many types of Crab meat have you enjoyed? They are not cheap!! 

Here's an article last year, on the high concentration of Cadmium in the brown meat ( body meat) of the European Brown Crabs. 

 

https://www.elgalabwater.com/blog/it-safe-eat-brown-crab

 

Here's another article on Eating Brown Crabs!!

Everything But the Shell: A Guide to Eating Brown Crab

Posted on April 26, 2016 by wizard Klaw

After a bit of a howler of a winter, it looks like the weather’s turned around and is becoming a bit friendlier. The lads on the crab boats will be out at Lambay Island (a spit of land in Dublin Bay where the crab like to party) pulling up pots of beautiful Brown Crabs. They know how to find them and catch them, we know how to cook them, so all that’s left is for you to know is how to eat them. It can be a bit intimidating to take on a whole crab and get the best out of it but once you know how it’s a great feed and a lot of fun.

Of the whole weight of these heavily armoured critters, about a third of it is edible meat. With sweet white meat in the claws and lower body and rich brown meat in the head, there’s a great range of flavours in a Brown Crab. When we prepare a crab in Klaw, we pull off the claws and separate the top shell and the lower body. On the lower body are the “dead man’s fingers” as they’re known. These are the crab’s gills through which water is filtered. These are removed; despite the enticing name they’re neither tasty nor visually appealing. We then split the body down the middle to make the meat more accessible and we crack the claws. This leaves the top shell or carapace. We remove the sandbox and a membrane that covers the meat. The meat in the top shell is often overlooked in favour of the sweet claw meat but for many this meat is the highlight of eating a crab. The soft meat has a distinct flavour and is stunning when spread on toast and sprinkled with a bit of the Old Bay seasoning and the yuzu that we love in Klaw.

 

 

Do You Get Goosebumps when you Listen to Your Favorite Music?

Photo Credit: Getty

Last week, while listening to a medley of Filipino folk songs popular during my teenager years in the Philippines in FaceBook, I noticed I had goosebumps and a little chills while listening to the music. Besides these songs, classical guitar music such as Concierto de Aranjuez also aroused similar response in my brain. The reason why Concierto de Aranjuez is one of my favorite piece of music is detailed in my blog as follows:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/05/music-appreciation-day-personal-stories.html

Today, I found the following article by Maddy Shaw Roberts published on classicfm.com explaining why some ( only 50% of us) experienced goosebumps or chills when we listened to our favorite music. Here's the article for your reading pleasure. 

"Scientists say they have discovered why the melodies we love give us goosebumps.

A team of French researchers found that when we listen to our favorite music, the areas of the brain which handle emotion, movement, and processing music and sound work together to create a surge in dopamine levels – our ‘feel good’ chemical.

According to the study, our brains also try to anticipate what happens next in the song. And when we guess correctly, we get a reward.

Thibault Chabin, a PhD student at the University Burgundy Franche-Comté who led the study, said: “What is most intriguing is that music seems to have no biological benefit to us. However, the implication of dopamine and of the reward system in processing of musical pleasure suggests an ancestral function for music.

“This ancestral function may lie in the period of time we spend in anticipation of the ‘chill-inducing’ part of the music. As we wait, our brains are busy predicting the future and release dopamine.

“Evolutionarily speaking, being able to predict what will happen next is essential for survival.”

The team of researchers, whose study was published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience, carried out the experiment on 18 music-lovers with a range of musical abilities, who had all experienced chills when listening to music.

“Participants of our study were able to precisely indicate ‘chill-producing’ moments in the songs, but most musical chills occurred in many parts of the extracts and not only in the predicted moments,” says Chabin.

Side note, interestingly – or tragically, depending on your take! – only about half of people get chills when listening to music. Those who do, are considered to have an “enhanced ability to experience intense emotions”.

For Chabin’s study, the participants were hooked up to machines that record electrical activity in the brain, and they were played 90-second clips of their favorite songs.

While they were listening, the scientists watched what happened in their brains whenever the music gave them ‘chills’.

They spotted specific electrical activity in the region responsible for emotional processing; the region involved in movement control; and the area which handles music and sound appreciation.

These regions work together to process music and release the ‘feel-good’ hormone, dopamine. Combined with the anticipation that triggers those pleasurable ‘reward systems’, this produces the tingly chill participants felt while listening.

“This represents a good perspective for musical emotion research,” Chabin said.

“Musical pleasure is a very interesting phenomenon that deserves to be investigated further, in order to understand why music is rewarding and unlock why music is essential in human lives.” For complete details read:

https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/scientists-find-why-favourite-music-gives-you-chills/

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my album:

My Okra on a Planter Box- survived extreme heat and attack from squirrels and jay birds

 

 

My Red Crape Myrtle ( Banaba) Now in Full Bloom

 

In spite of the extreme heat, my red crape myrtle is in full bloom. Notice the brown grass( dormant lawn), because I only water once a week to conserve. The grass will turn green next year when the rains start. Most of the lawns in this neighborhood are brown with exception of a few green lawn lunatics and those house-lawns with water-resistant ground covers. It is patriotic and wise to conserve water in this drought.

Crape Myrtle is known as Banaba in the Philippines. There are several color varieties ranging from white, light pink, dark pink, purple to dark red.   

Banaba, or Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a tree native to tropical Southeast Asia. It belongs to the genus Lagerstroemia, also known as Crape Myrtle .

The tree is widely distributed in India, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where it’s known as Jarul, Pride of India, or Giant Crape Myrtle.

Almost every part of the tree offers medicinal properties. For example, the bark is often used to treat diarrhea, while its root and fruit extracts are believed to have an analgesic, or pain-relieving, effect.

The leaves contain over 40 beneficial compounds, of which corosolic acid and ellagic acid stand out. Though the leaves offer a variety of benefits, their ability to lower blood sugar levels appears the most potent and sought after For Health Benefits of Banaba leaves read:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/banaba-leaf 

I have no pineapple fruit this season. The photo below was my pineapple plant last year in the pot in my front patio.

 

My Potted Pineapple this Year- No Fruit-just new growth 

 

The Third Party Movie- Filipino with English Subtitle

It had been almost a decade since I watched a Filipino movie. Last week I was tempted to a Filipino movie that have had financial success in the International Market. 

The film touches on the subject of same sex partner adoption, abortion, bisexuality, sexual fluidity, homosexuality and parental problems, Philippine immigration,  Filipino street food, childhood abandonment but is a comedy. 

I enjoyed the movie very much and recommend to all movie lovers of comedy with LGBT themes.  There are no mouth to mouth same sex kissing scenes but a number of moments of same sex tenderness, so it is not rated R. If you are craving for Philippines scenery and culture watch this movie.

Here's a summary from Wikipedia. 

The Third Party is a 2016 Filipino romantic comedy drama film starring Angel Locsin, Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo. It is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana from a screenplay written by Charlene Sawit-Esguerra and Patrick John Valencia.

The film was produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions and was theatrically released in Philippine cinemas on October 12, 2016, by Star Cinema.

The film marks Angel Locsin's second movie this year after Everything About Her, and serves a reunion for her and Zanjoe Marudo who both starred in the 2012 film One More Try; both films were also released by Star Cinema.

The story revolves between exes Andi, an events manager who aspires to be a fashion designer (portrayed by Angel) and Max, a cosmetic surgeon (portrayed by Sam) who both find ways to keep their relation intact after a breakup. But later on, Max finds new love with a gay Pediatrician, Christian (portrayed by Zanjoe). Andi gets pregnant (by Iñigo, portrayed by Paolo Paraiso, who abandons her) and the trio (Andi, Max, and Christian) forms a family. The film also tackles friendship and how a person gets to know more about himself. 

The film grossed ₱10 million on its first day. The film has been successful nationwide and worldwide, despite its genre, giving a boost to the LGBT community. The Third Party reached the 100 Million mark in its 3rd week of showing, joining other successful films that reached 100 Million.

As of April 2019, the movie is available in the United States and elsewhere on Netflix.

Awards

Award Giving Body	Recipient	Award	Result
19th Gawad PASADO Awards	Zanjoe Marudo	PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktor	Won
33rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies	Zanjoe Marudo	Movie Actor of the Year	Nominated

Meanwhile here's a list of 18 popular movies with LGBT theme on Netflix. 

https://www.lifewire.com/best-lgbt-movies-on-netflix-right-now-5069913

 

 

The Ten Types of Most Popular Sauces

Tzatziki Sauce- Photo Credit- menuprice.com

Last week, I posted the three sauces that I recently used for my empanadas and dumplings. This article is on the 10-types of the most popular sauces. If you are a Food enthusiast you are probably familiar with all of them. 

The list below are the 10 most popular sauces according to the menuprice.com

How many of these sauces are you using? I have used all nine of them. The only sauce I have not tried is #4-Tzatziki*. This is the first time I heard of the sauce. The following article from the blog of menuprice.com is very informative.

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Sauces are liquid or semi-liquid forms of food served with various food dishes in different cuisines. It's also used while making food recipes that give taste, flavor and textures to the final food products. Some of the sauces are an essential ingredient in some food recipes to bring the specific taste and flavor. Soy sauce is predominantly used in Japanese cuisines. In addition, they’re also used in salad dressing as well as side dishes. Commonly used sauces include hot sauce, sriracha sauce, tomato sauce and ketchup.

1. Hot Sauce
2. Sriracha Sauce
3. BBQ Sauce
4. Tzatziki Sauce
5. Buffalo Sauce
6. Tomato Sauce
7. Bolognese Sauce
8. Hoisin Sauce
9. Worcestershire Sauce
10. Garlic Sauce
11.  *Tzatziki Sauce is an Ottoman origin sauce made from salted strained yogurt mixed with olive oil, salt, garlic, cucumbers and herbs. It is also served as a cold appetizer and side dish. With its long history of evolution, different varieties of Tzatziki Sauce are seen from Turkish cacik to Balkan Tartar and jajeez in Middle East countries.
12. Not included in the List are my favorites,- Picante ( Medium), A-1 for Steaks and Hollandaise Sauce. 
    

For complete details read:  

 https://menuprice.co/blog/top-10-types-of-popular-sauces

For a List of Common Seasonings and Flavoring Ingredients read:

https://www.johnnyskitchen.us/professional-cooking/common-seasoning-and-flavoring-ingredients.html 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of my Pompano Fish

 

 

Looking Forward for My First Okra Harvest This Year

You either Love or Hate Okra! Are you a Lover or a Hater?

My First Red Okra Bud this Year-Can you See it?

Last March, I ordered red/burgundy okra seeds on line. I have still seeds from my regular okra( green) that I saved last summer. Red Okra is an example of an edible ornamental. It is one of my favorite vegetable along with ampalaya.

This year I planted both the regular Green and Red Okra Varieties. I ordered the seeds from Beyond Organic Seeds. Only one green variety survived from the jay birds attacked and summer extreme heat on the seedlings but seven healthy red variety survived and looks very healthy (photo below).

The only green okra is on the right of the photo- the leaves have no purple center and veins.

Okra fruits must be harvested young. My simplest recipe is just sauteed it in olive oil the slice okra with onions, and shrimp paste with a trace of vinegar. 

  

What does red/burgundy okra taste like?

Red okra are torpedo shaped and range from two to five inches long. Offering a unique flavor and texture, the fresh taste is somewhere between eggplant and asparagus. When cooked, however, the red color disappears and the pods turn green.

Here are my favorite recipes for Okra.

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2019/09/an-easy-recipe-for-baked-okra.html 

Remember, He/She that Gardens rule the World. 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my collection:

Young Carenna and I enjoying the beach and sunset of Amoingon Beach, Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

 

 

 

My Grand Daughter, Alix Katague Engagement to Brendan Quinn

My grand daughter Alix Katague, oldest daughter of my oldest son, Dodie, posted some photos in her FaceBook page yesterday announcing her engagement to Brendan Quinn. I have prior knowledge of this event (3-days ago). I am flattered that I was informed ahead before the public announcement. Again, my congratulations to this handsome couple. Here are some photos of this memorable event in my aging years. Sending hugs/love to both of you, Lolo! 

Alix and Brendan were classmates at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York and are currently residing in San Francisco, California. Both have Bachelor Degrees in Computer Science & Engineering.  A very, very happy Lolo, indeed!

Below are the linkedIn sites of Alix and Brendan respectively:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alixkatague/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjohnquinn/ 

Here's Alix Photo from her FB page.

Brendan's family resides in Long Island, NY. I learned recently that Brendan's Mom maiden name is Caruana originally from Malta. I have a Facebook friend originally from Malta who is also a Caruana, now residing in Marinduque- my second home.  Small world, indeed!
 

My 6 grand children photo taken 12/20/14

From Left to Right: Carenna, Elaine, Ian, Philip, Alix and Marina

 

 

Most Popular Article in My Blogs- I Love Sunsets

Sunset from Balcony of the Beach House (CDM), Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, 2011

While searching and analyzing some of my older postings in my blogs, I noticed that one of my posting "I love Sunsets" had as of today more than 6,500 views. I am reposting this blog for those who have not seen it. If you love sunsets, this is a must see posting.
 

The other day, Elaine Lazarte Chaflin posted on her Face Book Page - a sunset photo of the Amoingon Bay with driftwoods in the background. I am also sharing it with you. Makes me homesick of Chateau Du Mer.

"Over the years, I have seen and photographed several dozens of sunsets in several countries that my wife and I have visited. We have been to Marbella, Spain, Rome, Italy, London,England, Vancouver, B.C., Cancun, Mexico, Aruba, Hawaii( Maui, Kawaii, Big Island), Puerto Rico and most of the US big cities, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Kansas City, St Louis, Miami, New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and other small cities.

But the two most beautiful sunsets that stirs my emotion are the one at Amoingon Bay ( taken at the balcony of our Chateau Du Mer Beach house-photo above) and the one over Manila Bay(# 9 photo in the posting below)".

Eight other sunset photos are in the link below:

https://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-love-sunsets-how-about-you.html

Meanwhile here's a photo of Batman & Robin- my 2 cuties keeping me company these days.

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2022/06/how-pets-can-fight-loneliness-on.html
 

 

Do Vitamins Actually Work? Here's the Answer!

Do vitamins actually work? Here's the latest information I learned the other day.

 

 

Decades of research has failed to find any substantial evidence that vitamins and supplements do any significant good. In fact, recent studies skew in the opposite direction, having found that certain vitamins may be bad for you.

The researchers concluded that multivitamins don’t reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline (such as memory loss and slowed-down thinking) or an early death. They also noted that in prior studies, vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements appear to be harmful, especially at high doses.

 

“Pills are not a shortcut to better health and the prevention of chronic diseases,” says Larry Appel, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research. “Other nutrition recommendations have much stronger evidence of benefits—eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar you eat.”

The exception is supplemental folic acid for women of child-bearing potential, Appel says. “Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in babies when women take it before and during early pregnancy. That’s why multivitamins are recommended for young women.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all women of reproductive age get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. The amount of iron in a multivitamin may also be beneficial for women of child-bearing potential, Appel adds.

“I don’t recommend other supplements,” Appel says. “If you follow a healthy diet, you can get all of the vitamins and minerals you need from food.”

For Complete Details read:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/is-there-really-any-benefit-to-multivitamins

Meanwhile, here's the latest photos

of my okra plantings. A few more weeks, I will have an abundant okra harvest. 

 

Side Effects of AntiDepressant Medications-Facts and Fears

Last week, I posted that Medical disorders (MDO) is currently a crises among our teens and young adults. I also discussed that some types of MDO have genetic basis. Today, I will discuss the side effects of the top ten popular antidepressants. If you are and know of some one taking anti-depressants, this is a must read. Here are two articles ( sources below), I found very informative. 

1. "The side effects of antidepressants can cause problems at first, but they generally improve with time.

It's important to continue treatment, even if you're affected by side effects, as it will take several weeks before you begin to benefit from treatment. With time, you should find that the benefits of treatment outweigh any problems from side effects.

During the first few months of treatment, you'll usually see your doctor or a specialist nurse at least once every 2 to 4 weeks to see how well the medicine is working.

For more information about your specific medicine, see the patient information leaflet that comes with it.

The top 10 antidepressant drugs most commonly prescribed in the U.S. include: 

1. Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
2. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
3. Vilazodone (Viibryd)
4. Citalopram (Celexa)
5. Sertraline (Zoloft)
6. Fluoxetine (Prozac Weekly, Prozac)
7. Trazodone (Desyrel)
8. Escitalopram (Lexapro)
9. Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)
10. Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)
    

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most prescribed type of antidepressant. They work by blocking some reuptake of serotonin, helping to elevate mood. Examples of SSRIs include:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac Weekly, Prozac, Sarafem)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, Paxil CR)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs and work by blocking reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine to help elevate mood. Examples of SNRIs include:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) 
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Irenka)
• Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can include:

• feeling agitated, shaky or anxious
• feeling and being sick
• indigestion and stomach aches
• diarrhoea or constipation
• loss of appetite
• dizziness
• not sleeping well (insomnia), or feeling very sleepy
• headaches
• loss of libido (reduced sex drive)
• difficulties achieving orgasm during sex or masturbation
• difficulties obtaining or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)

These side effects should improve within a few weeks, although some can occasionally persist.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is an uncommon, but potentially serious, set of side effects linked to SSRIs and SNRIs.

Serotonin syndrome occurs when the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain become too high. It's usually triggered when you take an SSRI or SNRI in combination with another medicine (or substance) that also raises serotonin levels, such as another antidepressant or St John's wort.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include:

• confusion
• agitation
• muscle twitching
• sweating
• shivering
• diarrhoea

If you experience these symptoms, you should stop taking the medicine and get immediate advice from your GP or specialist. If this is not possible, call NHS 111.

Symptoms of severe serotonin syndrome include:

• seizures (fits)
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• unconsciousness

If you experience symptoms of severe serotonin syndrome, get emergency medical help immediately by dialing 999 to ask for an ambulance.

Suicidal thoughts

In rare cases, some people experience suicidal thoughts and a desire to self-harm when they first take antidepressants. Young people under 25 seem particularly at risk.

Contact your GP, or go to A&E immediately, if you have thoughts of killing or harming yourself at any time while taking antidepressants.

It may be useful to tell a relative or close friend if you've started taking antidepressants and ask them to read the leaflet that comes with your medicines. You should then ask them to tell you if they think your symptoms are getting worse, or if they're worried about changes in your behaviour ".

2. Fears and Facts About Antidepressants

By Mary Anne Dunkin

Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on June 14, 2021

Along with psychotherapy, antidepressants are a common treatment for depression. Four out of 10 people treated with antidepressants improve with the first one they try. If the first antidepressant medication doesn’t help, the second or third often will. Most people eventually find one that works for them. Yet many people who could benefit from an antidepressant never try one, often because of fears about them, experts say.

Here are eight common fears about antidepressants, as well as facts that can help you and your doctor decide if an antidepressant is right for you.

Fear:Antidepressants make you forget your problems rather than deal with them.

Fact: Antidepressants can’t make you forget your problems, but they may make it easier for you to deal with them. Being depressed can distort your perception of your problems and sap you of the energy to address difficult issues. Many therapists report that when their patients take antidepressants, it helps them make more progress in psychotherapy.

Fear: Antidepressants change your personality or turn you into a zombie.

Fact: When taken correctly, antidepressants will not change your personality. They will help you feel like yourself again and return to your previous level of functioning. (If a person who isn’t depressed takes antidepressants, they do not improve that person’s mood or functioning - it's not a "happy pill.") Rarely, people experience apathy or loss of emotions while on certain antidepressants. When this happens, lowering the dose or switching to a different antidepressant may help.

Fear: Taking an antidepressant will make me gain weight.

Fact: Like all drugs, antidepressants have side effects, and weight gain can be a common one of many of them. Some antidepressants may be more likely than others to cause weight gain; others may actually cause you to lose some weight. If this is a concern, talk with your doctor.

Fear: If I start taking antidepressants, I’ll have to take them for the rest of my life.

Fact: Most people who take antidepressants for a first-time episode of depression need to take them continuously for six to nine months, not necessarily a lifetime. Once an antidepressant gets depression under control, you should work with your doctor to decide when to stop your medication and then decrease your dose gradually. Discontinuing them suddenly may cause problems such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

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Fear: Antidepressants will destroy my sex life.

Fact: Some antidepressants can have an effect on sex. The problem is usually in having an orgasm rather than a lack of desire. But because depression itself decreases libido, a medication that eases depression may improve your sex life. As with other side effects, certain antidepressants may be more likely than others to cause sexual problems.

Fear: Antidepressants are expensive and aren’t covered by insurance.

Fact: Antidepressants are usually covered by insurance plans with prescription drug coverage. The cost of antidepressants varies widely, depending on the dosage, the drug you are taking, and whether it is available as a generic. Even without insurance coverage, it is possible to purchase a generic antidepressant for as little as $4 per month.

Fear: Taking an antidepressant is a sign of weakness.

Fact: Like medical conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol, major depression is a condition that often responds to medication. When depression interferes with your ability to function normally, seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of good self-care.

Fear: Antidepressants increase the risk of suicide.

Fact: Studies in recent years have raised concerns that antidepressants may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors (but not deaths) among children, adolescents, and young adults. For example, a 2009 review in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) looked at 372 studies involving nearly 100,000 people who were taking antidepressants. It found that compared to placebo, antidepressants were associated with a slightly higher risk for suicidal thoughts in some children and young adults, have no effect on suicide risk among those 25 to 64, and reduce the risk in those 65 and older.

In 2004, the FDA required manufacturers of antidepressants to revise their labels to include a boxed warning statement about these risks.

Other studies paint a different picture. A 2006 study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that antidepressants have saved thousands of lives. Data show that the U.S. suicide rate held fairly steady for 15 years before the popular antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) was sold and then dropped steadily over 14 years while sales of Prozac rose. The strongest effect was among women.

The bottom line: Regardless of your age or sex, it’s important to see a doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts or other significant symptoms of clinical depression.

https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/coping-with-side-effects-of-depression-treatment 

https://www.healthline.com/health/antidepressant-side-effects#tc-as 

Meanwhile here are two photos of Yuka and Alex Chilan Family Visit

Alex, Yuka, Alex Jr and Baby Elena Chilan visited Lolo, July 3, 2022

 

Use of Sauces and Seasonings for Your Pasta, Dumplings, Empanadas and Other Dishes

This week, I am learning how to use sauces and seasonings to enhance the taste and flavor of Dumplings, Pasta, Empanada and Other Dishes.  

The three sauces that accompanied with my Order of Dumplings on Line ( Chili Crisp, Umami and Classic Vinegar)

 

The other day, I ordered Argentinian Chicken and Steak Empanadas from Shef.com.  For some reason or another, my order did not include the chimichurri sauce as advertised. I was a bit disappointed, but I remembered I had an Umami Seasoning I ordered several weeks ago that accompanied with my order of Shrimp and Pork Dumplings. I tried it with the empanadas and it was delicious. For those of you who are not familiar with Umami seasoning ( see photo above).

 

Umami Seasoning is made of Salt, dried mushrooms (including shiitake, porcini, champignon), garlic, tomato powder, dried chiles, onion, miso powder (soybeans, rice, salt, aspergillus orzae), balsamic vinegar powder (maltodextrin, balsamic vinegar), spices, lemon powder (IP corn syrup solids, lemon juice concentrate, lemon oil),and silicon dioxide. What does umami seasoning taste like?

 

Umami, which is also known as monosodium glutamate is one of the core fifth tastes including sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Umami means “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese, and its taste is often described as the meaty, savory deliciousness that deepens flavor.

I also used Peppercorn Chile oil and Hot and Regular Sesame Oils, If I need a little spicy taste in my fried Fish, Dumplings or Pasta. 
 

Red Chimichurri and the Regular Green Chimichurri

The above are the red and green chimichurri Sauces.  Chimichurri sauce is made with fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, chili pepper and olive oil.

My next order of Fried Pompano from Shef.com will have on the side-a red Chimichurri sauce.

Meanwhile here's a photo of the UBE Spread that Ditas Gave me Last Week

 

How to Manage Stress in Your Life-Happy July 4th

 

Batman & Robin-My New Cuties

Last week, I have posted blogs on the chemistry and genetics of mental disorders that may have been triggered by stress in your life. I also wrote that I adopted two kittens, Batman & Robin that help me alleviate my feelings of loneliness as a Senior Citizen living alone. Today's article will be the 10 ways how to manage stress in your life. 

Note that the #8 way is to bond with your pet. The following article I found very informative. Enjoy and have a stress-free life! Happy July 4th and the rest of summer. 

"It’s key to recognize stressful situations as they occur because it allows you to focus on managing how you react," Dr. Stoll says. "We all need to know when to close our eyes and take a deep breath when we feel tension rising."

Use these tips to prevent or reduce chronic stress.

1. Re-balance Work and Home

All work and no play? If you’re spending too much time at the office, intentionally put more dates in your calendar to enjoy time for fun, either alone or with others.

2. Build in Regular Exercise

Moving your body on a regular basis balances the nervous system and increases blood circulation, helping to flush out stress hormones. Even a daily 20-minute walk makes a difference.

3. Eat Well and Limit Alcohol and Stimulants

Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine may temporarily relieve stress but have negative health impacts and can make stress worse in the long run. Well-nourished bodies cope better, so start with a good breakfast, add more organic fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods and sugar, and drink more water.

4. Connect with Supportive People

Talking face to face with another person release hormones that reduce stress. Lean on those good listeners in your life.

5. Carve out Hobby Time

Do you enjoy gardening, reading, listening to music or some other creative pursuit? Engage in activities that bring you pleasure and joy; research shows that reduces stress by almost half and lowers your heart rate, too.

6. Practice Meditation, Stress Reduction or Yoga

Relaxation techniques activate a state of restfulness that counterbalances your body’s fight-or-flight hormones. Consider taking a mindfulness-based stress reduction course to learn effective, lasting tools.

7. Sleep Enough

If you get less than seven to eight hours of sleep, your body won’t tolerate stress as well as it could. If stress keeps you up at night, address the cause and add extra meditation into your day to make up for the lost z’s.

8. Bond with Your Pet

Clinical studies show that spending even a short time with a companion animal can cut anxiety levels almost in half.

9. Take a Vacation

Getting away from it all can reset your stress tolerance by increasing your mental and emotional outlook, which makes you a happier, more productive person upon return. Leave your cellphone and laptop at home!

10. See a Counselor, Coach or Therapist

If negative thoughts overwhelm your ability to make positive changes, it’s time to seek professional help. Make an appointment today—your health and life are worth it. For more details read:

https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/mind-body/10-simple-ways-to-cope-with-stress 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of what I ordered from Shef.com recently

Argentinian Empanada- I added the peas in the dish- Shef.com forgot to include the chimichurri Sauce that was supposed to be with my order.

Chimichurri sauce is made with fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, chili pepper and olive oil. It livens up pretty much anything you throw at it and you can use it 100 different ways. Try spooning it over steak, shrimp, chicken and vegetables. You can also toss it with pasta or rice.  What does chimichurri taste like?

 

If we could only use one word to describe chimichurri sauce, it would be “bright.” The combination of fresh cilantro and parsley pack an herbaceous flavor, while the red pepper flakes bring a hint of spice.

The Pet Gate I recently purchased so that Batman & Robin can not roam in the living room because of my house plants.