Last Living Man Born in 19th Century Likely Has Genes to Thank

Jiroemon Kimura, the oldest living man, celebrated his 116th birthday this past Friday. Born in 1897, Kimura is the last man alive born in the 19th century, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The resident of Kyotango, Japan, is also the oldest man in verified history.

The Powers Of The Greens

There is a new study out that contradicts the bad reputation marijuana has on society. The American  Journal of medicine reveals people who regularly use marijuana have a lower risk of insulin resistance and had lower fasting insulin levels compared to people who never use marijuana. Researchers also found an association between using marijuana and having a smaller waist  circumference and higher levels of good  HDL cholesterol, compared with non users. There is also the other argument about those who use it frequently causes themselves to become lazy and unproductive in everyday life. What it all comes down to is the time and place and how we choose to use it. Just like how food has the ability to breakdown and  destroy our bodies, but if we can eat healthy and balance meals, our bodies won't breakdown.  It all comes down to education, If  people are educated  about its purposes and uses, there can be a win win for all of us, but the only dilemma we face in these current times is  its still illegal in many states and countries around the world. Lets educate ourselves about natural plants and other remedies, and how it  can cure many of societies ills.

The 40th Annual Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

This past Saturday, I had the chance to stop by the International food festival for a few minutes , as they had a display of different cuisines from all over the world. New Yorkers experienced foods from Poland, Japan, Italy, Spain, Greece, Thailand and many other places. From 42-57 street,  foods such as buttery corn on the cob, sea foods, rice, beans  pastas,  poultry, beef,  and desserts had my month salivating . Its a fun festival that draws people curiosity together, especially for the kids, who had the chance to mingle with other kids from other countries, as they enjoyed games and entertainment that is provided for them. Food is the commonalty that draws people together, so why not enjoy it  and share it. All and all it was a great experience. It comes around every spring around this time, so if you ever get the chance next year. I encourage you to stop by.

7th Annual East Village Dance Parade

Held in NYC for the past seven years, Dancers did the salsa , rumba and jitterbug from Midtown through the East Village for the seventh annual Dance Parade last Saturday. The goal of the event is to promote dance as a art form, as well as to promote the diversity of dance styles in the city. I think its a great way for New Yorkers to come together and celebrate the love and appreciation we  have for music and cultures. It also a great way to break down social stereotypes we have towards one another.

Scientist Create Human Stem Cell Through Cloning

Its official, Scientists  can harvest embryonic stem cells capable of morphing into any of the 200-plus kinds that make up a person.  From something out of a movie, I have mixed feelings about this new procedure. After more than 15 years of failures scientist around the world and one outright fraud, biologist have finally created human stem cells by the same technique that produce Dolly the cloned sheep in 1996: The transplanted genetic materials from an adult cell into an egg whose own DNA had been removed. Until now, reported in the metro news the most natural sources of human stem cells have been human embryos, whose use in research poses ethical quandaries. The plus with the new procedure is  eliminating the need for human embryos  could boast attempts to use stem cells and their progeny to replace cells damaged or destroyed in heart disease, Parkinson;s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other devastating conditions. The negative connotation that stems from this,  the achievement could revive fears of reproduction cloning, or producing genetic copies living or dead individuals

May Is National Bike Month

May is national bike month. Since its a perfect time for our communities to recognize and celebrate all the benefits of bicycling. Bicycling keeps us healthy, carries us efficiently, saves us from high gas prices and makes our air cleaner and our roads less congested. Bicycling helps address many of our most pressing societal and environmental problems. It's been reported by the national bike group People For Bike, half of all Americans make three miles or less- an easy bike distance. A vision of Mayor Mike Bloomberg years ago, the city that never sleeps is promoting a new program called City Bike Share. The rentals begin in May, Annual memberships cost $95. Program will begin in May with 6,000 bikes in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Eventually the goal is to to have 10,000 bicycles at 600 stations through all  five boroughs. Its unclear when this will take place, but NYC is stepping up its efforts to become a healthy city that leads by example.

Bahrain Blogger Escapes To Britain

In the metro news this morning, there was a very interesting story about A Bahraini blogger and human rights activist who has been granted asylum in Britain after being in hiding for two years. A leading voice among protesters during the anti- government demonstration in 2011., Ali Abduleman   escaped a government crackdown and was smuggled out by fishermen. A military court tried and sentenced him in absentia to 15 years in prison. Its a sad story really, which explain the sacrifices we must endure for the shake of others. Ali has not seen his daughters since they were 6-months old. Abdulemam, 35 year old, a  former engineer with Gulf Air and author of the pro-democracy Bahrain Online Blog. He feels it deeply, as I can't imagine what he's going through.  he says, " I feel pain because I am not in my homeland. I did not choose this. I did not want this, but what I have come to realize sometimes the things we don't want chooses us, and we have to live with the consequences.