May 24, 2004

TODAY'S TUNE
(On/Off)

"Zui Pa" (By Andy Lau)

From the Inside Out...
Teaching Day with
the Dalai Lama

Yes You Can!...
Protect Dogs from
Raisins & Grapes

Far Horizons...
Diversity in Dubai

Links That Shine...
Cancer Club &
Laughter Remedy

Fascinating Facts...
Chilly in China

Laughing It Off...
World's Easiest Quiz?

Untangling the Web...
What a Site!
&
Computer Ease

Look at That!...
Cat Claw Caps

Our Latest Discovery...
Web-Wise Sage

Joyful Lifestyles...
Moments to Remember

Web-Wise Update
Daily Security Alerts

BE the World
You Want to See!

In the presence of greatness,
we can all learn and grow.
Gleaning pearls of wisdom
that speak directly to our
own hearts can move us to
a higher plane of existence.

~ Chelle ~

From the Inside Out

Photo: The Tibetan Photo Project

TEACHING DAY WITH THE DALAI LAMA

I am writing in reflection of yesterday — a day I will forever treasure. A few friends and I were honored with being able to attend a teaching seminar by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. There were only a few thousand people present so I was able to really feel his energy and see the expressions on his peaceful face.

When entering the auditorium my eyes fell instantly upon the stage with it's decorations in honor of The Buddha and the Buddhist tradition. There was a line of hundreds of white candles glowing along the back evenly spread from one end of the stage to the other. Hanging directly over the row of candles were three huge tapestries with images of Tara (the Tibetan Kuan Yin), The Buddha, and one other (perhaps Bodhisattva Nagarjuna since his lessons were to be studied in this seminar.)

On the center stage was a magnificent golden statute of The Buddha, sitting high on a platform it must have been seven feet tall. In front of The Buddha was a structure for The Dalai Lama, six or seven stairs leading to a comfortable sitting- pillow from the right side capturing a dark red carpet. There was a small table or shelf on the left for the sacred tablets of teaching from which His Holiness would so gently handle as if they were his prized children. The tablets were long, about fifteen inches and six inches wide. They looked as if they were made of cherished light wood or heavy parchment paper. Each one fit together in a golden yellow cloth with a tie that wrapped around them tightly to secure their scared contents. Each time the Dalai Lama came into the room he was given the cloth to unfold exposing the tablets for their instruction. Then before he left the stage, he carefully tucked them in again, personally wrapping and tying them lovingly.

Just in front of the seating structure for the Dalai Lama were two great bouquets of Calla Lilies, my favorite flowers. On both sides of the platform where the Dalai Lama reigned sitting for hours crossed-legged sat his disciples or monks. There must have been two dozen in number. They were donned in their finest of cloths or robes, wrapped reverently in the Buddhist's tradition of respect. The robes were colorful in bright oranges and reds, just a few had chosen white which is unknown to me as to the custom of these colors. We were told by another student that these colors represented the planting and harvest seasons in Buddhism. Most had shaven heads, worn sandals, and a few carried prayer beads or prayer wheels. They sat in silence the entire time except for the very beginning of the morning’s teaching. At this time they performed a most magnificent chanting mantra that made my spirit soar to the very heights of the domed ceiling!

The outstanding interpreter sat close to the edge of the center stage with a small table which held a microphone and a few pieces of paper on which to write his notes as the Dalai Lama spoke. Not knowing whether Tibetan or Chinese language was being translated, it seemed to me this translator did an unbelievable job of getting each and every word spoken just as directed. Only a few times did the Dalai Lama interrupt him to either correct or add to what he was saying. At these times, it was as if to make sure we, the students, totally understood what was being taught.

What was said? What words of wisdom did His Holiness share with us? I have my notes to refer to; I have the thirty page booklet printed by the Buddhist Association that brought him for this one visit to the United States this year. The words in the booklet are written for those who find comfort in learning the wisdom from the past. But for me, the teaching came from inside like a blossoming of ripe fruit it spread within me as The Dalai Lama spoke. He spoke of suffering: "We create causes that give rise to suffering." He spoke of transformation: "Walk with the Nature of Reality when creating transformation." And, he spoke of intention: "The intention of what you do and say is what matters not the act itself."

I don’t know what I expected to witness when I decided to attend this seminar, however, every and each minute in the presence of this truly Holy Soul was such a gift I will treasure my entire life. The philosophical teachings were on a level far above my understanding but I know the few words of wisdom I did retain feel like jewels within my heart. Being in the company of The Dalai Lama, and seeing his smile with slight embarrassment and a quick apology as he picked-up an orange sun-visor cap to shield his eyes from the glaring stage lights, will always be the memory of this day that make my own lips part from ear to ear……….

~ By Barbara Sinor, Ph.D. http://www.DrSinor.com
Dr. Sinor is Author of: Gifts From the Child Within
Beyond Words: A Lexicon of Metaphysical Thought and:

AN INSPIRATIONAL GUIDE FOR THE RECOVERING SOUL Click for Book Details & Reviews Keep this insightful book near you, to open at any time for refreshing guidance and immediate inspiration. (A portion of your purchases here helps support Inspiration Line programs.)

Yes You Can!
PROTECT DOGS FROM RAISINS & GRAPES

Laurinda Morris, DVM Danville Veterinary Clinic Danville, Ohio: "Raisins and grapes can be toxic for dogs — even a small quantity of seven can be harmful! This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56 pound, 5 year old male neutered lab mix who ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 730 AM and 4 30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1 AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7 AM.

"I had heard somewhere about raisins and grapes causing acute renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me — had heard something about it, but....

"Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours. The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream.

"We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.

"He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting.

"Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize.

"This is a very sad case — great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern."

Although it is not known what component of the grapes or raisins causes renal failure in dogs, certain possibilities have been ruled out, including various pesticides, some heavy metals such as zinc and lead, and fungal contaminants. That dogs react in this fashion to both commercially-produced grapes and those grown informally in their owners' back yards indicates the likely culprit has nothing to do with the growing or cultivation process, but is instead basic to grapes themselves.

In other words, all grapes are potentially dangerous to dogs — both grapes in the plump, "just picked" form and as their dried counterparts, raisins, and regardless of whether they came from the store or off the neighbor's vine. Don't feed your dog grapes or raisins, and don't leave these foodstuffs out where he could help himself to them.

This is not to say you need live in fear of your pooch's keeling over dead if he swallows a grape or two. However, if he downs a handful of grapes or even a smaller amount of raisins, get him to your veterinarian right away. Aggressive treatment with intravenous fluids and close monitoring are his best chance for survival. Grapes and raisins aren't the only people foods known to be dangerous to man's best friend. Chocolate and cocoa can prove deadly to them, as can onions and macadamia nuts.

~Article SNOPES.com

Dubai Camel Crossing


For been-there-done-that travelers, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf, can offer camel racing and safaris, sand skiing and unique cultural activities. Dubai's rapid transformation has left it with a slice of old Arabia and a chunk of modern infrastructure. It also has a multinational population, attracting people from east and west. You'll find souks selling gold jewelry and traditional wares not far from modern shopping centers selling electronics and luxury items. You'll see wind towers and minarets rising up from old neighborhoods, dwarfed in turn by office and hotel towers. In the evenings, stroll along the Jumeirah Cornich, people-watch near Dubai Creek or hike in the Hajar Mountains. For history and culture visit the Dubai Museum, Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House and the Dubai Heritage and Diving Village. However, the biggest contrast can be seen in the landscape here, where a beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches are backed by an equally expansive desert.
GLOBAL TRAVEL ARCHIVES Enter Below:

CLICK BELOW TO SHARE THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY

Do You Find Value in Inspiration Line?

Fascinating Facts
CHILLY IN CHINA

Just how intricate can ice and snow sculptures be? FIND OUT HERE: ^ BE SURE TO SEE THESE TRULY AMAZING CREATIONS!

Laughing It Off
WORLD'S EASIEST QUIZ?

1) Which country makes Panama hats?
2) How long did the Hundred Years War last?
3) From which animal do we get catgut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What color is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
10) How long did the Thirty Years War last?
11) Where are Jerusalem artichokes from?
12) Where did the board game Chinese Checkers originate?

ANSWERS:

1) Ecuador ... but the Spanish sent them through the Panama Canal.

2) 116 years, from 1337 to 1453.

3) From sheep and horses ... but not cats!

4) November. The Russian calendar was 13 days behind ours.

5) Squirrel fur ... and named after a Mr. Camel.

6) The Latin name was Insularia Canaria: Island of the Dogs.

7) Albert ... when he came to the throne in 1936 he respected the wish of Queen Victoria that no future king should ever be called Albert.

8) Distinctively crimson.

9) New Zealand ... they're Kiwi Fruit.

10) Thirty years, of course. From 1618 to 1648.

11) North America ... "Jerusalem" from girasole, and they are actually a member of the sunflower family.

12) Germany ... first patented by Ravensburger, the famous German games company, under the name Stern-Halma.

~Read More Interesting Quiz Information: HERE
HUMOR ARCHIVES Enter Below:
.

Untangling the Web

WHAT A SITE!

"Nutrition Data's Nutrition Facts Analyzer"
This site generates nutrition facts labels and provides simplified nutritional analyses for foods and recipes. It includes a nutritional profile of every menu item at 14 fast food chains. The nutrient search tool here allows you to find foods that are highest (or lowest) in specific dietary nutrients.
www.NutritionData.com

COMPUTER-EASE

Clean up your hard disk drive with ScanDisk...
It's good to run ScanDisk on a regular basis:
once a week for Standard, and monthly for Thorough.
1. Click the Start button. Point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click ScanDisk. 2. Click the drive you want to scan, and choose either the Standard or Thorough test. Click Start. 3. The Standard test checks the files and folders on the selected drives for errors. 4. The Thorough test will give you further options. It performs the Standard test plus checks your hard disk drive for physical damage. You can even specify to scan areas of your disk containing only data files, or just the areas with system files, or both. ~Microsoft.com
NEW COMPUTER PAGE:

Photo: AFP

A six month-old cat named Konomi ...
wears colorful soft caps on his claws in Tokyo, Japan. The caps, produced by a US company called Soft Paws, not only help prevent damage to furniture, they serve as decoration as well. In January Japan became the first Asian nation to offer the Soft Claw caps, which come in four sizes and are available in purple, pink, blue and red as well as a transparent version. The vinyl caps can last for four to six weeks and come off as the claws grow. Cats can also draw in their claws with the caps on. A complete kit, including 40 caps and glue, is priced at 3,600 yen ($33), and a starter kit with 12 caps at 1,800 yen ($16.50). ~AFP Worldwide
(Contributed by Jane at The-Cat's-Meow.com)

Just for YOU ...
OUR LATEST DISCOVERY