You can Eat Only One Piece of Halloween Candy!

As a child, my parents allowed me to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I used to eat ice cream for breakfast and chocolate all the time. Growing up, one would think I would be hyper in my childhood years because of the common belief that sugar causes hyperactivity in children. In my case, and in most with other children, this is not true at all. In fact, I was never a hyper child. So how can it be that sugar never made me hyper but “causes” other children to be? As stated, this is a myth and is actually proven to be false.
As with other myths, this one is continuously passed around by word of mouth. Parents believe that if they give their child sugar, their child will run wild. What the parents do not realize is that the environment that the child is in, or even how the child is raised, is what causes this hyperactivity, not the sugar. Many times when children become hyper it is when they are attending a party or something that will excite them, hence the reason for the hyperactivity. Another cause may be that if the parent is allowing the child to consume sugar and they appear hyper, the parent is lenient in other ways and allows their child to run wild, therefore there is no control over the child.
As stated in the YouTube video posted, there have been experiments performed to test this theory and the results have been that the placebo effect is actually what plays a role in this belief. Parents who were told that their child had consumed sugar, when the child actually had not, reported that their child was more hyper. This is evidence that parents are influenced by the belief of the correlation between sugar and hyperactivity, when in reality there is no correlation between the two.



Sources:
Lawson, Timothy J. Scientific Perspectives on Pseudoscience and the Paranormal: Readings for General Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.
"YouTube - ‪Does Sugar Cause Hyperactivity in Children?‬‏." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. 19 Apr. 2010. Web. 29 June 2011. .

Cow Tipping

A few months ago some friends and I were enjoying a peaceful night relaxing and just shooting the breeze. My one friend Sam was telling us tales of his years growing up in North Carolina and some of the things he and friends would do for fun. He lived in a rural area where there was a good amount of farms and he didn't have a lot of money. As Sam was talking about life in North Carolina, our friend Justin, who had put a lot of thought into the question he was about to ask, spoke up. "Uh, hey Sam," he said to get Sam's attention mid-story. As the room grew silent and all eyes were on him, Justin posed his question. "Umm, stop me here if this is stupid, but, uhh, did you and your friends ever go cow tipping down there?" Sam immediately went into full laugh mode. "I don't think that is actually possible, buddy. Sorry," Sam replied still chuckling a bit.

That is where the debate of the night began. Of the six people in the room, the sides were evenly split, three people each, as to who actually thought cow tipping was a myth and who thought cow tipping was in fact possible. Being the open minded individual that I am, I thought anything was possible, especially cow tipping. My belief was that with enough man power and strategic planning it would not be impossible for a group of individuals to sneak up on a cow at night and force it to tip over. Cows are very heavy animals, but no animal is so stable that it does not have the chance of being pushed over. It was a heated debate full of good reasoning and laughs, but in the end nobody would budge and we decided we would all have to agree to disagree.

Having recently looked into it more, I still believe that it is possible and could potentially happen. The only difference now is that I think the chances of it happening are not nearly as great as I had originally thought.. According to my web source, cows are built very low to the ground and have a low center of gravity. Also, even though cows have a reputation of being very slow, they are actually very aware of their surroundings and quite smart. To sneak up on a cow, especially at night, would be a difficult task all in its own. Adding to the level of difficulty here is the fact that cows do not sleep standing up, which is something I believed to be true most of my life.

Here is a video explaining more about the myth of cow tipping:





So what do you think? Is cow tipping possible? Or is it just a myth?



Source:
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/cowtipping.htm

Don't Sneeze with Your Eyes Open!!

Ever since I was little I have been told by numerous people that if I sneezed with my eyes open, my eyes would pop right out of my head; people still tell me this to this day. I have always questioned the truth behind this statement (and have also tried several times to actually sneeze with my eyes open), however I have never actually done research on the old myth; that is, until now.
First, it is important to understand what exactly goes on when we sneeze. Sneezing is the body's way of protecting itself from dust, pollen, pet hair, and other allergens; it literally serves to expel these annoying particles from our body. It is also common to sneeze when coming in contact with cold air, and when you have a cold, because the inside of the nasal cavity becomes swollen and, therefore, much more sensitive than usual. Although sneezing is an involuntary action, it involves quite a systematic process. The process begins by an irritation to the nasal lining, which then makes the nerves in the area send a message to the medulla (the lower portion of the brain). The brain then triggers the rest of the process necessary for a sneeze to occur. The muscles in the chest expand, the diaphragm contracts, as well as the muscles that are in the back of the throat and the vocal cords, and the lungs fill with air. The stomach and chest muscles then begin to contract, as well. Finally, the sneeze occurs, and the "sneezer" feels that awesome feeling of relief. The spray from the sneeze is filled with saliva and mucus, and is in the form of about 2,000 to 5,000 droplets that leave your mouth at an amazing speed between 70 and 100 mph. The expulsion of this mucus clears the naval cavity and provides relief.
Oh, and one last, very important thing happens during a sneeze; the eyes squeeze shut. Why does this happen? And if you do, somehow, keep them from squeezing shut, will your eyes, in fact, pop out of your head? The answer to the latter question is: no, our eyes will not pop out of our heads if we keep them open during a sneeze; in fact, some people don't even close their eyes when they sneeze. Our eyes are much too securely attached to our heads by many different muscles for them to be able to pop out simply from a sneeze. So, why do people insist that our eyes will pop out? Well, because it seems impossible for most people not to close their eyes when they sneeze, they want a good reason as to why this occurs. Therefore, accepting this widespread belief provides closure for them. What is the real purpose of our eyes closing shut during a sneeze? Unfortunately, the answer is a pretty boring one; there appears to be no reason why this occurs. It seems to be just another involuntary action that happens to our body, just like when you kick your leg up when it is tapped on its reflex on the knee. In conclusion, we no longer need to stress about our eye balls expelling from our heads everytime we sneeze now; the bigger issue is the amount of germs and mucus we spray on people.

Sources:
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/db/human-body/sneezing-eyeballs-pop-out.html
http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/eye/sneeze-with-eyes-open.htm

The Effect of Sugar in Kids

When I was a kid my parents used to hold back on the sugary drinks and the sugar filled candy because they said it would make me hyper. I believed this my entire life, up until I researched it for this blog post. It turns out, that there have been many studies performed that prove that this myth isn't true.
According to one study by Drs. Rachel Vreeman and Aaron Carroll from the Indiana University School of Medicine the reason for this myth is all in the minds of the parents. When they are told that the child has been given sugar, they believe the child seems more hyperactive, however the child isn't given anything with sugar. This proves that its only in the mind of the parents.
Because the parents react differently to the children having sugar, the children start to believe it effects them. Like the many things parents pass onto their kids, this is one of them. This is known as a placebo effect, when because you believe something is happening, you act like it is. So because kids think the sugar they are eating is making them hyper, they act more hyper then they would have without the sugar. Although sugar may not cause kids to become hyperactive, it's still not good to have sugar often. High levels of bad sugar can cause obesity, tooth decay, and many more health problems. So it is still important to control the amount of sugar given to children.

Sources:
http://www.businessweek.com/careers/workingparents/blog/archives/2008/12/medical_journal_says_sugar_does_not_make_kids_hyper.html
http://www.misconceptionjunction.com/index.php/2011/04/sugar-doesnt-make-kids-hyper/

Bloody Mary, shall I say her name three times?

From my childhood years, I remember being told a story about Bloody Mary. Legend has it that if you chant her name three or more times in front of a mirror in a dark room with a lit candle, then she will appear with a bloody face and try to scratch off yours or something close to it. Even up until today, I never tried to perform the chant to summon her, or anything, for fear of something actually appearing.

The story of Bloody Mary has different variations on who she was. The Tudors Website lists possible identities of Bloody Mary as Queen Mary Tudor or Elizabeth Bathory. Unless there was some way comic characters started a horrific story, Mary Worth would also be a contender for Bloody Mary. Queen Mary Tudor (1516-1588) was responsible for the murder of many English Protestants and obtained the name from that. Elizabeth Bathory (1560-1614) was rumored to have bathed in the blood of young girls, which possibly resulted in the creation of Bloody Mary. All in all, Bloody Mary could have originated from them, or possibly someone else.

Some television shows and movies that give a variation of this myth are Beetlejuice, Candyman, and Urban Legend.

The story of Bloody Mary is geared more toward children than it is adults. I believe that most children are willing to do most things that are within their abilities (as long as they're brave enough). Reciting chants in front of a mirror in a dark room with a lit candle is simple, and it's something that they could do. Even if someone performed it before me, I'd rather not chant Bloody Mary's name. Would you?


http://www.the-tudors.org.uk/bloody-mary-legend.htm
http://www.halloween-website.com/bloody_mary.htm

Déjà Vu: A Glitch in the Matrix

Déjà Vu, translated from French literally as "already seen," is a common experience that most people can relate to. It is a feeling of extreme familiarity; as if you are doing something that you have already done before in the exact same way. It often comes with great clarity and an eerie feeling, but leaves you unable to remember what it was that you experienced. You feel unexplainably strange about what just occured. Because of the way that it makes you feel and because it can't be easily explained, many contribute Déjà Vu to paranormal or superstitious beliefs. Some believe that the feeling comes from a link with a past life, or a sort of remnant of reincarnation. Others believe that Déjà Vu is a type of psychic behavior, where an individual dreams of an event and then that event happens, thus making the event feel very familiar. Some even believe that Déjà Vu is caused by particles called tachyons which can move backwards in time!

So what then is the truth? Déjà Vu is a glitch. Just like in the popular movie series, The Matrix, where Trinity describes Déjà Vu as being a glitch in the matrix, Déjà Vu is actually just a glitch in your brain. The brain functions very much like a computer does. It is based in electrical signals, has short and long term memory, and is prone to error. Déjà Vu occurs from three different "brain glitches." The first is from the brain taking a small part of a sensory input and matching it to a part of a sensory input of something from your memory, making the present sensory stimuli feel as if it is a memory. Another is from a mismatch between the long term and short term memory pathways in your brain; the current stimuli, instead of being stored in short term memory and then transferred to long term memory (if needed) gets dumped straight in to long term memory, immediately causing that stimuli to feel as if it is an experience that you are pulling from your past. The last is an experience dubbed by psychoanalysts as wish fulfillment. The Déjà Vu experience is made to seem like a past experience, but with a more positive outcome. So, Déjà Vu is actually all in your head (literally), and you are not in fact a psychic. Disappointing, I know.

Sources:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/extrasensory-perceptions/question657.htm
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1682

Knock On Wood

One of the most common superstitions is when someone “knocks on wood” when they make a statement that seems to tempt fate. Such as when someone will tap or knock on wood two times to avoid a jinx when they say “it doesn’t look like it is going to rain today”. This superstition has become widespread and has become a reflex to a lot of people in which the person will knock on wood without even realizing they are doing it.

The origin of this common superstition dates back to a time when some cultures believed that gods lived in trees. When one would ask for a favor from these gods, he would lightly touch the bark of the tree. To say thank you after the favor had been granted, he would knock lightly one more time. This custom may have also originated with Christians who were offering thanks for good fortune with this gesture to Jesus Christ who died on a cross made from wood.

Even though the superstition of knocking on wood is an outlandish way of reversing bad luck, it is a harmless act that makes the person feel more fortunate about a future event. The typical rationale of the people who practice this superstition is “that it is better safe then sorry”. The old superstition is a little ridiculous however, if it gives the person a placebo effect of feeling confident and safe about an upcoming event, knocking on wood is not a completely useless practice.

Meet Dopel: An out of body experience

Mediation can be traced back for thousands of years, healing the mind and body. I do not deny that for some mediating can be a relaxing, stress relieving experience. However, some claim an out of body experience while under deep mediation. This subject was first brought to my attention when a close friend of mine told me about Doppel. Doppel is the man that appears to my friend while he is under a very deep state of mediation. Although this is not a complete out of body experience, my friend is breaking away from at least a part of him. Ever since I have been fascinated as to if this could actually happen or if it was simply his over active imagination getting the better of him.

Normal mediation is said to help relieve insomnia along with lowering blood pressure. It is broken down into two different types, concentrative and mindfulness. Concentrative focuses on breathing and pushing all thoughts out of one's head. Mindfulness is the exact opposite. Here a person lets any thought pass through there head without resistance. What about out of body experiences during mediation? This experience seems to be different depending on the person. Some claim they could float around their house and even move objects while in this state. Others say they saw a bright white light and felt peaceful. Fanatics even use OBE to create cults like Heaven Gate. My friend met his doppelganger. Truth is this type of thinking has been around for thousands of years so it is very difficult for people to accept anything else.

Science proves that it is possible to create new, false memories. These experiences even if they seem so real are in fact simply the brain being deceived. It is impossible to think, feel, or reason without the physical brain. Still others claim that there is a separation between the soul and the physical life. However, is it possible to disconnect oneself so far from reality that they in fact can have a full on conversation with another side of him or her? Or is this extension of his self or herself the doing of a mental illness? Ponder the thought and then ask yourself this...

Is Doppel real?

Links

Mediataion

OBE

"Lightning Doesn't Strike the Same Place Twice..Does it?!"

Everybody's heard that lightning doesn't the same place twice, but is this really true? In actuality, lightning is more likely to strike the same object over and over again than several different objects in the same location. Why? Lightning, like many things that travel through the atmosphere, prefers to move along a path of least resistance. If during a storm lightning struck the big oak tree in your back yard, you better believe it will most likely strike there again!

Lighting itself, is just a reaction that occurs when the weather attempts to eliminate a charge difference, positive and negative, in the atmosphere; it is the resolution. Extremely tall objects, such as the Empire State Building have been struck up to 100 times a year! Taller buildings are more likely to be struck by lightning because they narrow the gap between the atmosphere above and the ground below, making it easier for the charge compensation to take place. So if it is proven that such a famous object such as the Empire State Building has been struck hundreds of times since its installment into the New York skyline, why do people continue to believe this outlandish rumor?!

I believe it is for their own comfort, however artificial it may be, that people continue to believe the myth that lighting does not strike the same area twice. Besides monuments such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, it is rather uncommon for one to witness lightning actually touching down on earth. Therefore, in an effort to ease the minds of the public with little chance of being disproven, the myth continues: Lightning doesn't strike twice..or does it? ;)


Sources:
http://o5.com/lightning-cant-strike-twice-and-other-pop-science-myths/
http://www.weatherimagery.com/blog/lightning-strike-twice/

An Apple a Day

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a very well known proverb. It is one that I have heard throughout my life and one that is constantly referenced on TV. It is something I have been curious about, so given the opportunity I decided to reasearch it.
It is a phrase that is thought to have been developed in Wales and there are many different forms of the phrase. For example, "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." The idea that apples could keep you from having to see the doctor probably came from the fact that they are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Studies have also shown that apples can lower cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and lower the risk of several different cancers. It is very surprising to me to learn all the benefits of eating apples. I never knew that they help prevent tooth decay, can protect you brain from brain diseases, and lower the risk of respitory problems.
A study was done where workers were given two apples a day for about ten days. The results showed that these participants' vitamin C levels increased by 35%. They also had better bowel movements and felt better physically.
Through all the articles I have read it seems that is proverb proves to be somewhat true. An apple a day may not keep the doctor away forever, but it will improve your health. I think after reading this post people will begin to eat more apples because I know I will.


Breanne

Don't Sit Too Close to the TV Kids !

Ever since I can remember, my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, have been telling me, "Don't sit too close to the tv. You'll ruin your eyesight!" Being the good kid that I was, I refrained from being too close afraid that one day I might actually lose my eyesight!

What i didn't know was that this claim is linked all the way to the 1960's when General Electric began selling new color televisions. These claims arose when viewers became aware that these televisions actually emitted excess amounts of radiation that after repeated exposure could have heightened the risk of eye problems for some people (scientific). Since "nearly half of all kids spend four or more hours a day using computers and electronic devices, according to a recent national survey," (mommy) we would hope that this radiation problem would be fixed by now, wouldn't we? Thankfully, modern televisions and electronic devices had the proper sheilding preventing radiation from being any type of issue. "The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says that kids can actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults, so they often develop the habit of sitting right in front of the television or holding reading material close to their eyes" (health).

Although sitting very close to a television doesn't cause blindness, those children who do may be nearsighted and need glasses, which is something parents should stay alert for. Also, too much television in dim lighting may cause temporary eyestrain (health). Thus, it is always good to watch tv in moderation. While it is inevitable that kids will watch tv, sitting too close to will only cause parents to cringe; all in all, it will not damage your eyesight.

Dr. Alice Cash and the Mozart Effect

The "Mozart Effect" craze began in 1993 when Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky published an article stating that after listening to a Mozart sonata, 36 college students showed an increase on spatial reasoning scores compared to students who listened to a relaxation tape or sat in silence. Somehow, these very specific results have been morphed by teachers, parents, and entrepreneurs into the general idea that listening to classical music can make people smarter. Despite missing a testable explanation as to why Mozart music had this effect or a successful replication of this experiment, the Mozart Effect still lives on today.

Beside convincing parents that they need to make their kids listen to classical

music, Mozart Effect has also led to a market for music that claims to aid the sick.

Dr. Alice Cash is a motivational speaker and the owner of Healing Music Enterprises, a company that sells CDs which claim to help preserve the memory of patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. These products may appeal to a family distraught over the diagnosis of a loved one, but Dr. Cash's website lacks any real medical proof.

First, Dr. Alice Cash repeatedly refers to herself as "doctor" and even appears in various pictures wearing a lab coat and stethoscope. This offers the allusion that she is a medical doctor when in reality she holds a PhD in musicology. Musicology is the scholarly study of music and a degree in this area would not make her an expert in Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia. However, her overuse of the title "Doctor" leads people to believe that she is an expert in these mentally degenerative diseases.

Second, her website displays many positive reviews of her products and seminars without specific scientific proof that her methods are effective. These reviews praise her as a "wonderful woman" who is knowledgeable in "music and brain functioning". However, when Dr. Cash explains the reasoning behind these success stories, she simply says that doctors have known for years that patients with various dementias respond powerfully to familiar music. Her vague explanation without referencing any reputable sources leads one to believe that there is no scientific basis behind any of her claims.

Despite the faults with Dr. Alice Cash's website, I can understand why someone might try her therapy. Alternative therapies are attractive to patients who can no longer be helped my traditional medicine. Also, it is natural for people want to try any treatment that could possibly help a loved one when a devastating diagnosis such as dementia is made. Dr. Cash caters to this desire in people by falsely giving the image that she is a medical doctor and by offering vague, unsubstantiated evidence for her claims.

Bark at the Moon

The moon has been regarded with extreme superstition that predates written history. Myths about increased aggression, schizophrenia, and even lupine transformations have been associated with the moon's changing phases throughout the ages. While the origins of these superstitions are ambiguous at best, their consistency only adds to society's belief in them.

Aside from the more deeply-rooted (and furrier) science-fiction aspects of lunar influences, it is commonly believed that phases of the moon can trigger psychological changes in human beings. Aggression is chief among these changes, but other mood swings, including depression and even celebratory happiness, have been associated with the moon.

What validity do these claims have? There have been studies that both support and dismiss the possibility of lunar effect in humans. One such study suggested that schizophrenic patients showed signs of further mental deterioration during a full moon. In 2004, a study showed a higher frequency in hospital admissions due to gastrointestinal bleeding when the moon was full. Other studies, however, showed no distinct correlation between the moon and any type of abnormal activity. In fact, many researchers dismiss studies that support the theory, claiming any correlations to be happenstance and based on other circumstances.

As a criminal justice major, I'd be lying if I said this was the first time I've come across anything relating a full moon to unwieldy behavior. Many police departments, in fact, are more superstitious than you might think when it comes to this subject. Higher rates of violent crimes, arrests, and inmate restlessness during a full moon have been reported from within the criminal justice field. The belief has even led to some departments deploying more officers to patrol the streets on nights when the moon is full.

Far more often than not, research has shown that these claims are completely unfounded. Folklore and tradition, coupled with the modern myths of today, lead many to question the world around them, and the moon is at the forefront of that skepticism. Backed by popular media aspects, such as last year's remake of The Wolfman, myths about the effects of a full moon show no signs of stopping, regardless of what science tells us. For many, science-fiction is just more fun to believe than science fact.

Sources:

Moon Myths and Madness: Why Do We Believe?

Lunar Influences

Police link full moon to aggression

Police put more officers on beat to tackle 'full-moon violence'

The Skeptic's Dictionary - Full Moon and Lunar Effects

The Evil Hours

Ever since I was young I would always get paranoid when I woke up during the early hours of the morning. I would dread waking up specifically from midnight through 3 A.M. I always thought I would wake up to a ghost standing over my bed or to my TV turning on by itself. I decided to find out where this topic came about. These evil hours have been referred to as early as Shakespeare, where he mentions ghosts and other supernatural phenomena taking place around midnight. It is also said that 3 A.M. is the devils hour, as Jesus was said to be crucified around 3 P.M. Hospital workers also claim this is the time that most deaths occur in their facilities. Numerous horror movies feature this time and are said to be based on 'real' events. This is the time the spirits are supposed to be the most active.
One reason 3 A.M. might be such an infamous time is because it is sometimes associated with REM sleep. The brain begins to process events somewhat differently during this time which can lead to a sensation of something odd taking place. During this stage of sleep, Sleep Paralysis can occur. Auditory hallucinations are apparent during this time and noises such as knocking, laughing, scratching, and footsteps may appear. It's easy to see how this brain activity can make us jump to the conclusion that a demon is right outside our door.

http://themindseye.wordpress.com/2006/04/15/3am/
http://www.ouijaboardrules.com/2011/01/ouija-board-rules-3am-devils-hour.html
http://www.paranormalpeopleonline.com/dead-time-is-it-a-dead-myth-or-cold-fact/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NO7xA4x9kM

Superstition: Salt Over The Shoulder

Growing up in an Italian family I have heard many different superstitions, the most common was throwing salt over your shoulder. Until recently, I had no idea what the superstition was really about. The superstition states that if an individual spills salt, one should throw it over your left shoulder to erase the blunder. Throwing the salt over your shoulder will blind the devil and keep him from taking your soul. Salt was a very expensive and highly sought after product, preserving food and functioning as legal tender during ancient and biblical times. This reference came from the website (Daily Mail), which states that Leonardo da Vincis’ painting the Last Supper, may be inspiration for this scene. Since the scene illustrates Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles seated around a table, and Judas appears to have knocked over the salt, thus bringing forth the devil. According to (Angel Fire) another way the superstition may have come about is believed to have come from the Kabala. The Kabala says that there are three paths in life; the middle, which is the most common, the path to the right, which is the path of love and light, and the left side, is a path where one meets the devil and we learn our lessons. Whether the artist da Vinci, meant for art viewers to beware of the devil, by painting spilled salt near the man that would ultimately lead to the death of Christ, will always be unknown. Just like the Kabala’s belief about the three paths of life, will always be a part of their religious beliefs. The reason that this superstition has persisted may never be known, but I think it is safe to say that individuals get a sense of safety and security from this superstition. Dr. Stuart Vyse, author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition, believes that superstitions are an example of ‘magical thinking.’ The way a person feels about a superstition may be caused by a ‘placebo effect,’ if they want to feel good about a certain situation… they will.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1385380/Why-throw-salt-shoulder-superstitions-answered.html
http://www.angelfire.com/biz6/Psyteric/Kitmyths.html
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/psychology-of-superstition?page=2

Don't Swallow Your Gum

When I was a kid my grandfather always told me that if I swallowed my gum it would take seven years to digest and that it would stick to the inside of my stomach. Being a naïve kid at the time I listened to him and never questioned it even though he was wrong when in reality he was just worried about me choking. Swallowing gum is no more harmful than anything else we consume. The sweeteners get absorbed into the body like vitamins and the rest of the ingredients like the softeners and gum base pass through the body normally.

Swallowing gum can be dangerous though. Doing so on a rare occasion is perfectly fine and healthy but it is not wise to swallow gum frequently. Doing so has on occasion caused intestinal issues such as blockage. You also need to be careful especially with kids because gum does cause a big choking hazard.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46642
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/swallowing-gum.html

Deja Vu

Everyone at some point has gotten that feeling that they’ve been in the current situation before. Déjà vu is mysterious in the fact that we believe we’ve experienced that one moment before, whether in a dream or in a past experience, but cannot pinpoint it. It is believed that déjà vu is the cause of a failure in our recognition memory to distinguish between familiarity and recollection. Familiar memories are when you a remember something but do not know how whereas recollection is when you remember a memory fully.

Many studies have been done to study familiarity and recollection. They have found that we remember events as elements of the event but not the event as a whole. Déjà vu occurs when these elements of past evens overlap with our new experiences and the elements seem familiar. When our brain glitches and mixes up this it can make an experience seem familiar.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122146.htm

Elephant Myths

There are many superstitions about elephant pictures and ornaments. The main myths are that the elephant’s trunk must be up and the elephant must be facing the door in which people enter the room. Following these rules is said to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity. People have been known to place their bad luck on their elephant decorations. This is a popular belief in many cultures and has been seen in movies also. In the movie Bangkok dangerous, Nicholas Cage plays an assassin that has everything under control but when he puts up a picture of an elephant with its nose down his luck has a turn for the worst.

http://www.globalpsychics.com/amusing-you/superstition/elephant.shtml

Urine: Jellyfish sting cure?

Years ago from watching a Friends episode with my dad, I came under the impression that peeing on a jellyfish sting would take the pain away. In the episode Monica, Joey and Chandler were at the beach where Monica got stung. Joey remembered hearing that peeing on a sting take the pain away, and in the end pressured Chandler into peeing on Monica to "cure" her sting. Apparently it turned out fine for that trio, but does peeing on a jellyfish sting really help?

A travel site called UpTake posted an article on a first aid guide when getting stung by a jellyfish, and does not mention urine at all.

About talks about various things that can and should not be used to treat a jellyfish sting. When being stung by a box jellyfish using vinegar on the wound is the best solution. Vinegar neutralizes the nematocysts so they cannot shoot out venom. When vinegar is not available using salt water is next best, while fresh water should be avoided because it causes the nematoxysts to inject the venom. They go on to mention urine, since urine is mostly fresh water it can actually make the sting worse. It depends a lot on diet, hydration, and other conditions on how effective it will be.

While vinegar helps remove pain from box jellyfish stings, it can increase pain of stings from Portuguese Men of War and other physalia stings.

UpTake's first aid guide explains how one should remove any remaining stingers with gloves from affected area. Instructs people to use vinegar if they know it is a box jelly, but that the best bet is to just use saltwater to wash the area. There may be some tiny tentacles left in the affected area, so UpTake recommends spreading shaving cream and "shaving" it off with a credit card edge. Drinking Benadryl to avoid allergic reactions and seeking medical attention are also very important.

Bottom line, it is unwise to pee on anyones jellyfish sting, as you will have a natural pain relief from the ocean water you were most likely just in to have gotten stung. Keeping vinegar and shaving cream in your beach bag wouldn't hurt either.

Evil Eye Bracelets

Since I was little these bracelets have been a familiar thing I have seen, I suppose its because between my aunt and grandmother I'm not sure who was more superstitious. Much like with the Q-Ray bracelet, this piece of jewelery was meant to give the wearer the power of warding off the "evil eye." From country to country the "evil eye" has very different meanings.
In Mediterranean cultures, the evil eye apparently has the power to deem you sterile, so men are scared out of their wits. In Latin America, the evil eye brings about fevers and other physical ailments. Often made of deep-blue stained glass, these evil eye charms have also been known to be made up of small detailed mirrors, or some are made simply with a piece of thread.