Its official Music has healing power

Though medical practitioners have been convinced of music's health benefits for thousands of years, there had been little peer-reviewed research to back them up. But recent studies are providing an empirical backbone for the anecdotal evidence. A 2012 scientific review collects information from a number of studies to support music's influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the immune system. These results support the experiences of complementary practitioners, who have long used music to help heal. "As an integrative physician and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, the healing power of music has always been an important part of my practice and family life," said integrative medicine pioneer Isaac Eliaz, M.D. "Harmony and tempo help synchronize the rhythms of the natural world with the music of the heart - each person's individual energetic pattern, expressed in their pulse," Eliaz added. The review highlighted a number of studies that confirm music's healing potential. For example, music reduces levels of serum cortisol in the blood. An important player in the HPA axis, cortisol increases metabolic activity, suppresses the immune system and has been associated with both anxiety and depression. A number of studies have shown that exposing post-operative patients to music dramatically lowers their cortisol levels, enhancing their ability to heal. Other studies in the review measured music's impact on congestive heart failure, premature infants, immunity, digestive function and pain perception. In particular, music's effects on the limbic and hypothalamic systems reduced the incidence of heart failure. Other studies showed that surgical patients required less sedation and post-operative pain medication. "These results only confirm what I have observed for many years in my practice," said Dr. Eliaz. "Music produces quantifiable healing. For example, my daughter Amity, a professional musician, regularly plays her songs for chronically ill patients who express how uplifting her music is. These performances do more than encourage good feelings, they help the body heal on a molecular level," he added. Other studies showed that fast-paced music could increase resting metabolism, which may prove helpful for people trying to lose weight. The scientific review was published in the journal Nutrition.

Dear Santa - Generation X Version

Dear Santa, How are you? How is Mrs. Claus? I hope everyone, from the reindeer to the elves, is fine. I have been a very good boy this year. I would like an X - Box 360 with Call of Duty IV and an iPhone 4 for Christmas. I hope you remember that come Christmas Day. Merry Christmas, Timmy Jones * * Dear Timmy, Thank you for your letter. Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and the elves are all fine and thank you for asking about them. Santa is a little worried all the time you spend playing video games and texting. Santa wouldn't want you to get fat. Since you have indeed been a good boy, I think I'll bring you something you can go outside and play with.* Merry Christmas,* Santa Claus*** * * Mr. Claus, Seeing that I have fulfilled the "naughty vs. Nice" contract, set by you I might add, I feel confident that you can see your way clear to granting me what I have asked for. I certainly wouldn't want to turn this joyous season into one of litigation. Also, don't you think that a jibe at my weight coming from an overweight man who goes out once a year is a bit trite? Respectfully, Tim Jones * * Mr. Jones, While I have acknowledged you have met the "nice" criteria, need I remind you that your Christmas list is a request and in no way is it a guarantee of services provided. Should you wish to pursue legal action, well that is your right. Please know, however, that my attorney's have been on retainer ever since the Burgermeister Meisterburger incident and will be more than happy to take you on in open court. Additionally, the exercise I alluded to will not only improve your health, but also improve your social skills and potentially help clear up a complexion that looks like the bottom of the Burger King fry bin most days. Very Truly Yours, S Claus * * Now look here Fat Man, I told you what I want and I expect you to bring it. I was attempting to be polite about this but you brought my looks and my friends into this. Now you just be disrespecting me. I'm about to tweet my boys and we're gonna be waiting for your fat ass and I'm taking my game console, my game, my phone, and whatever else I want. WHAT EVER I WANT, MAN! T - Bone * * Listen Pizza Face, Seriously??? You think a dude that breaks into every house in the world on one night and never gets caught sweats a skinny G - banger wannabe? "He sees you when you're sleeping; He knows when you're awake". Sound familiar, genius? You know what kind of resources I have at my disposal. I got your shit wired, Jack. I go all around the world and see ways to hurt people that if I described them right now, you'd throw up your Totino's pizza roll all over the carpet of your mom's basement. You're not getting what you asked for, but I'm still stopping by your crib to stomp a mud hole in you're ass and then walk it dry. Chew on that, Petunia. S Clizzy * * Dear Santa, Bring me whatever you see fit. I'll appreciate anything. Timmy * * Timmy, That's what I thought you little bastard. Santa

Para que te rias un ratito

YO, EL PENE, Exijo Un Aumento De Sueldo Por Las Siguientes Razones: 1) Hago Trabajo Físico 2) Trabajo En Grandes Profundidades:$ 3) Trabajo Fines De Semana y Días Festivos 4) Trabajo En Areas Oscuras Con Poca Ventilación >=) 5) Trabajo En Temperaturas Altas #:S 6) Mi Trabajo Me Expone a Enfermedades - Querido Pene Su Pedido De Aumento Ha Sido Denegado Por Las Siguientes Razones: 1) No Trabaja 8 horas corridas 2) Se Duerme Después De Un Breve Periodo De Trabajo 3) Nunca Toma La Iniciativa y Siempre Hay Que Estimularlo Para Que Empiece a Trabajar 4) Deja El Area De Trabajo Sucia, Despues De Cada Jornada De Trabajo 5) Nunca Puede Trabajar Horas Extras o Jornadas Dobles 3-| 6) Algunas Veces Deja Su Trabajo Sin Terminar >:/ 7) Se Le Ha Visto Entrando y Saliendo De Su Trabajo Con Dos Bolsas Sospechosas. Y Por Ultimo Constantemente Tiene Un Expediente Abierto Porque Se Nos Informo Que Esta Trabajando En OTRAS Empresas Aquí NO Hay Aumentooooo! Att: La Vagina

Bend-it phones about to appear

Phone users will soon be able to bend their phones into a paper-like configuration. Handsets will be able to be rolled up or stepped on without damage. Prototypes which are razor-thin are now being shown to the public with the launch of the first bendy phone likely to come from LG, Philips, Sharp, Sony and Nokia. Samsung has already flagged it will be ready to deliver soon. Samsung has said its first model will be foldable, rollable and allow for a high degree of durability through their use of a plastic that is thinner, lighter and more flexible than conventional Liquid Crystal Display technology. LCD consumes a lot of energy, as every pixel on the screen is illuminated by a light at the back.

Music devices can lead to permanent hearing loss

A Harris Health System ear specialist is concerned about the popularity of personal music devices like iPods and other MP3 players and their lack of sound-limiting controls. These devices, when combined with attached ear buds and headphones, can generate sound levels up to 115 decibels, well above the highest level of 85 decibels recommended by most hearing experts. "Unfortunately, children who suffer noise-induced hearing loss from these devices are risking permanent damage that will affect them as adults and for their entire lives," said Dr. Sancak Yuksel, otorhinolaryngologist, Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and assistant professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Hearing loss occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged. Sudden or prolonged damage can lead to permanent hearing loss or complete deafness. "Aside from the intensity of the sound or a noise, my concern is how long the person is exposed to that sound or noise," Yuksel said. While everyone is susceptible to hearing loss, Yuksel worries that children risk more long-term issues when they don't fully complete their speech and learning development. He estimates 15 percent of children under age 18 suffer some sort of noise-induced hearing loss. "Basically, everyone should avoid noises that are too loud, too close or last too long," he stated. People who attend a rock concert for longer than an hour at a sustained 115-decibel level can suffer damage to the inner ear. The result could be a temporary threshold shift (a brief loss of hearing) or tinnitus (a ringing in the ears). Most individuals tend to recover from these conditions; however, those with prolonged damage could suffer permanent hearing loss or ear ringing. Yuksel suggests using ear plugs to minimize the effects of loud sounds. Some ear plugs can reduce sound by 20-30 decibels, while more expensive headphones can reduce sound even more.