Friday, January 31, 2025

What actress/actor had a tough time working with Marlon Brando?

This young woman. …

Sophia Loren, who made but a single feature with Marlon Brando, film flop The Countess from Kong Kong, Charlie Chaplin’s final motion picture.

They weren’t friends prior to the Countess’s London shoot: The story goes that Brando had made disparaging remarks about her taste in art when she was working in Hollywood. Co-starring with each other didn’t improve the relationship. Brando patted Sophia on the back for a scene, Sophia told him to stop. Marlon chose to continue with the patting. Loren remembered:

All of a sudden he put his hands on me. I turned in all tranquillity and blew his face, like a cat stroked the wrong way and said, “Don’t you ever dare to do that again. Never again!”

As I pulverised him with my eyes he seemed small, defenceless, almost a victim of his own notoriety. He never did it again, but it was very difficult working with him after that.

But work they did. During a clinch, Marlon told her he could see black hairs in her nasal passages. This also ticked off Sophia.

Mr. Brando ended up loathing director Chaplin (seen above) because Charlie was nasty and condescending to his actor son Sydney during production; also too, Charlie Chaplin chewed Marlon out in front of cast and crew for being late to the set. (Marlon forced Charlie to apologize, which Charlie did.)

Sophia, by contrast, got along famously with Mr. Chaplin

Lastly, a Brando biographer says that Marlon turned down sexy time with Ms. Loren because (per Marlon) she had “breath like a dinosaur”, though I tend to think … based on evidence … that no sexual invitations were ever extended by Ms. Loren.

Mr. Brando, of course, has departed the acting and interview businesses, so his lips are sealed.

Ms. Loren, however, is very much alive. But no reporter with intelligence higher than a ground squirrel’s would dare ask her about propositioning Marlon Brando. They would be pulverized with Sophia’s eyes.


Which is the best protein food?

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The best protein food largely depends on your dietary preferences and nutritional needs. However, here are some of the top sources of protein that offer significant health benefits:

1. Eggs

  • Protein Content: 6-7 grams of protein per egg.
  • Benefits: Eggs are a complete source of protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs. They're also rich in vitamins like B12, D, and choline, which support metabolism and brain health.

2. Chicken Breast

  • Protein Content: 26 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving.
  • Benefits: Low in fat and packed with lean protein, chicken breast is an excellent choice for muscle building and weight management. It's also versatile and easy to cook.

3. Greek Yogurt

  • Protein Content: 10-20 grams per serving (depending on brand).
  • Benefits: Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which support gut health, in addition to being a great source of protein. It's also high in calcium, beneficial for bone health.

4. Fish (Salmon, Tuna, etc.)

  • Protein Content: 20-25 grams per 3-ounce serving.
  • Benefits: Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, is packed with protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

5. Lean Beef

  • Protein Content: 22 grams per 3-ounce serving.
  • Benefits: Beef is a high-quality source of protein and is rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which help support energy production and immune function.

6. Lentils

  • Protein Content: 9 grams of protein per half-cup cooked.
  • Benefits: Lentils are an excellent plant-based protein source, high in fiber, iron, and folate. They’re great for vegetarians and vegans and can help support digestive health.

7. Tofu

  • Protein Content: 10 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving.
  • Benefits: Tofu is a plant-based protein that provides all nine essential amino acids. It’s versatile in cooking and can be a substitute for meat in many dishes.

8. Quinoa

  • Protein Content: 8 grams of protein per cup cooked.
  • Benefits: Quinoa is one of the few plant-based sources that is a complete protein. It's also high in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.

9. Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Chia Seeds, etc.)

  • Protein Content: 5-7 grams per ounce.
  • Benefits: Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense and provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They’re also easy to snack on and can be added to meals for a protein boost.

10. Cottage Cheese

  • Protein Content: 14 grams of protein per half-cup serving.
  • Benefits: Cottage cheese is a dairy product that's rich in casein protein, which digests slowly, making it ideal for sustained energy throughout the day or before bed.

Conclusion:

Each of these protein-rich foods provides different nutrients, so the best one for you depends on your overall dietary goals. For example:

  • If you're aiming for muscle building, lean meats, eggs, and fish are excellent choices.
  • If you're plant-based or looking for alternatives, lentils, quinoa, tofu, and Greek yogurt are great options.

Incorporating a variety of these protein foods into your diet will help ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs for overall health. 

Donald Trump wants to send repeat violent offenders to foreign prisons. Is this a good idea?

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Here in Europe it happens all too often — a refugee commits a rather heinous crime. Say, a rape. Maybe a brutal assault or a burglary. These are traumatized people, from war zones. Some of them act out. Some are straight-up trash. No, not going to mince words here…

Then along comes to long arm of the law. Criminal gets arrested. And is placed in our jails, on the taxpayer’s dime. And that sucks.

We can’t deport the refugee. Because the home country has to be “safe” first. So legally speaking, we’re stuck taking care of these bastards.

The worst thing is, some of these criminals haven’t even been in the country for years. They haven’t established firm roots here, haven’t gotten a career, no, they’re pretty much just recent arrivals. The ideal solution would be to deport them. Put them on a plane to whatever hellhole they’re from and let the authorities there take care of them. And so what if it’s the Taliban, or some cartel or tinpot dictator running the show where they’re from? They may get stoned, or shot. Which sucks. But that seems to me like a “you problem”, and I don’t see the need to make it an “us problem”…

Of all the reasons you could dislike and criticize Trump, this is one of the least sensible ones. Kicking out violent criminals with a foreign background makes perfect sense. I love human rights as much as the next guy but the moment you’re caught red-handed diddling a kid or robbing someone’s elderly granny, you’re toast. 

Understanding Blood Pressure: The Silent Indicator of Health

Understanding Blood Pressure: The Silent Indicator of Health

Blood pressure is one of the most vital indicators of overall health, yet it is often overlooked until problems arise. It represents the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. While it is natural for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day, consistently high or low levels can indicate underlying health concerns.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded using two numbers:

  • Systolic Pressure: The top number represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
  • Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. However, deviations from this range can signal health risks.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg. It is often called the "silent killer" because it may not present noticeable symptoms until significant damage has been done. Some common causes of hypertension include:

  • Poor diet (high in salt, fat, and cholesterol)
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Obesity
  • Stress
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Genetic factors

If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to severe health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, are crucial in controlling hypertension. In some cases, medication may be required.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops below 90/60 mmHg. While it may not always be a cause for concern, extremely low blood pressure can lead to dizziness, fainting, and shock. Some causes of hypotension include:

  • Dehydration
  • Blood loss
  • Heart conditions
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Severe infection (septicemia)
  • Nutritional deficiencies

Maintaining adequate hydration, consuming a nutrient-rich diet, and addressing underlying health issues can help manage low blood pressure.

How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

Maintaining optimal blood pressure is essential for long-term well-being. Here are some practical steps:

  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while reducing sodium and unhealthy fats.
  • Exercise Regularly: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
  • Manage Stress: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help lower stress levels.
  • Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can raise blood pressure levels.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of hypertension.
  • Monitor Blood Pressure: Regularly checking blood pressure at home or during medical visits can help detect any abnormalities early.

When to See a Doctor

While occasional fluctuations in blood pressure are normal, persistent high or low readings should not be ignored. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Severe headaches
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Vision problems
  • Persistent fatigue

Transformation in God’s Grace

January 31, 2025
Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest
Readings for Today
Readings for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time 

Jean-François Millet, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Video

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.  Mark 4:26–27

It’s beautiful to reflect upon how the Word of God changes people’s lives. This short passage above analogizes the sharing of the Word of God with the planting of seed. The sower goes forth and scatters seed into the ground and then observes how that seed grows into a fruitful plant. The mysterious line states “he knows not how.”

So it is with the Word of God. When that Word is received by another, we are blessed to be able to stand back and watch as that Word takes root and transforms their lives. Of course, at times we may sow the Word and it doesn’t take root. This is on account of either the hardness of another’s heart or on account of the way in which we sow. But when the seed of God’s Word does take root, we should be in awe of how God works in that soul.

Think about this reality in your own life. How did you first receive the good seed of God’s word? Perhaps it was through a sermon, a retreat, the reading of Scripture, a book or the witness of another. Think about how you first received God’s Word into your life and what effect it had upon you.

Once God’s Word has taken root in a soul, it is a holy practice to “rise night and day” so as to observe this seed as it grows. Specifically, we must allow ourselves to be amazed at the mysterious way that a life is changed, be it your own life or the life of another. It’s inspiring to observe the soul of a person as it begins to root out sin, to seek virtue, to establish a life of prayer and to grow in the love of God.

If this is something to which you find it hard to relate, then perhaps it’s time to either allow that seed of God’s Word to fall gently and deeply into the fertile ground of your own soul or to prayerfully look for ways in which God wants to use you to sow that seed into the heart of another. Doing the latter takes much openness to the working of the Holy Spirit. It requires that we allow God to inspire us so as to know how we can cooperate with His hand in evangelization.

Reflect, today, upon the “mystery” of a soul who goes through this process of change and spiritual growth. If you find it difficult to find such an example to ponder, then turn to the lives of the saints. The saints are among the greatest witnesses of those who allowed God’s Word to sink deeply into their lives so that they became new creations, transformed by God’s grace. Ponder this transforming witness and allow yourself to be drawn into gratitude and amazement as you do.

My transforming Lord, I thank You for the way that You have sown the seed of Your holy Word into my own life. I thank You for the way in which You have changed me, freed me from sin and set me on the path to holiness. Use me, dear Lord, to sow that seed in the lives of others and fill me with wonder and awe as I witness Your merciful hand at work. Jesus, I trust in You.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

How can one tell if they have high blood pressure?

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"Silent but Deadly – Know the Signs of High Blood Pressure"

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms until it reaches dangerous levels. Many people only find out during a routine checkup or after a health emergency like a stroke or heart attack. So, how do you know if you have it? The best way is to check your blood pressure regularly, but there are also warning signs your body might be giving you.

I once had a patient, a 52-year-old man, who came in for dizziness and fatigue. He had been ignoring his headaches and occasional nosebleeds for months. When we checked his blood pressure, it was 210/120 mmHg—a hypertensive crisis! He was shocked because he felt "fine" most of the time. We started immediate treatment, and luckily, he avoided a stroke or worse.

This is why listening to your body is crucial, even if you don’t think anything is wrong.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

While many people feel no symptoms at all, some experience:

  • Throbbing in the ears, neck, or head
  • Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
  • Dizziness or balance issues—this can be an early sign of a stroke
  • Nosebleeds (rare, but more common in hypertensive crises)
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath (seek immediate medical help)
  • Blurred vision or seeing dark spots
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen (possible kidney damage or heart failure)
  • Sudden back pain (potential aneurysm)
  • Facial flushing
  • Red blood spots in the eyes (common in people with high BP and diabetes)
  • Fatigue and weakness

For pregnant women, preeclampsia (sudden high blood pressure and protein in urine) can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Symptoms include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Vision changes
  • Swelling in hands and feet
  • Upper stomach pain
  • Abrupt weight gain

If preeclampsia worsens, it can lead to eclampsia, which involves seizures and is life-threatening.

What to Do in a Hypertensive Emergency

hypertensive crisis (BP over 180/120 mmHg) requires immediate action.

First Aid Steps:

  1. Stay Calm – Anxiety can worsen blood pressure.
  2. Sit in an upright position – Lying down can make symptoms worse.
  3. Take deep breaths – This helps slow the heart rate.
  4. Check your blood pressure if you have a monitor at home.
  5. If experiencing chest pain, confusion, severe headache, or trouble speaking, call 911 immediately!
  6. Avoid caffeine or smoking, as both can raise blood pressure further.
  7. If prescribed, take your emergency BP medication.
  8. Hydrate with water—dehydration can worsen BP.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

  • Monitor your BP regularly—at home or with your doctor
  • Eat a balanced diet—reduce salt, processed foods, and alcohol
  • Exercise regularly—even 30 minutes a day helps
  • Manage stress—meditation, deep breathing, and good sleep matter
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
  • Quit smoking—tobacco damages blood vessels
  • Stay hydrated—water helps regulate BP

Final Thoughts

Hypertension is controllable and preventable. The key is awareness and action. Don’t wait for symptoms—get your BP checked today! If you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high blood pressure, be extra cautious.

Your health is in your hands, and early detection can save your life!