Thursday, June 18, 2020

Everybody's Talkin At Me (popular song, '70s)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is June 18, 2020 in my corner of blog land. It has been quite the month for civil roiling, roguish behavior, and near upheaval in North America and spread to international fronts. I will leave it to the "experts" for their explanations, but you can bet the "r" word is a capstone of this latest round of bitching: racism!
Is anything worthwhile going on that deserves some notice?
Yep, let me mention a few.
- This is today the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. (The Tanakh)
- Pandemic still has a grip but it appears to be loosening as people gradually return to pre-pandemic life.
- In many sectors, in-person school for America's children will resume in a couple months.
- Birds sing, grass grows, gardens planted are showing promise!

I am happy to inform you that a third story of mine titled, Full Count, is slated to be at
www.spillwords.com
on Wednesday, June 25, 2020. Please note the URL and give this a read and vote, please.

Until our next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of God be with us.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Shepherds Pie, Acoustic, (Trey Green) and Word Goodies

Hello Grafted in Readers,

May 21 is the date on which we are starting this visit in blog land. I title this post, Shepherds Pie, and invite you to hear the satirical acoustic song title "Shepherds pie", from YouTube, by Trey Green. I recently wrote an article about this tasty dish. It has its origins in England, Scotland, and Ireland in the 1800s. Britannica Encyclopedia claims it was a way to use up leftovers from the Sunday dinner.

Also with this post, I invite you to read the following shared with me by a word nerd friend whose name is Kathleen.
As a note, since the National Spelling competition has been canceled due to COVID-19, look online for spelling quiz games to get your spelling craving satisfied. Here is the humorous word list and definitions proposed:
Once again, The Washington Post has published the winning submissions to its yearly neologism contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternative meanings for common words.
The winners are:
1. Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.
3. Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly (adj.), impotent.
6. Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absentmindedly answer the door in your nightgown.
7. Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle (n.), olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence (n.), emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle (n.), a humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude (n.), the formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon (n.), a Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster (n.), a person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism (n.), (back by popular demand): the belief that, when you die, your soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent (n.), an opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.

Meantime, God's presence accompany you on this journey,

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Let's Get Together (Acoustic song, Bob Marley)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today feels like late Autumn in my corner of blog land, May 5, 2020.
We continue to make our way through the historic pandemic known as Covid-19, or the "novel caronavirus." We probably can empathize with the Exodus who grumbled about not having adequate food or water at various times during the wilderness period, 40 years.
I wanted to share some exciting news with you though! This Thursday, my second story, We Gather Together, will appear at
https://spillwords.com titled, We Gather Together.
If you want to see my first story posted there, Promise Kept, go anytime to:
https://spillwords.com/author/davidcrussell/

and you can read that as well. I plan to add stories to this link on occasion. You can rate what you read, and it's free!

Until our next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of God be with you and yours. Thanks for the visit!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Consider Proactive with This Pandemic

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is Tuesday, April 28, 2020. History continues to be in the making concerning the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19. Of note, I recently read a column by Author Julia Blum, who asserts the word for virus in Hebrew is the same as plague. This could be considered then a plague inviting the world to give God, the King and Ruler of the universe, our attention. He is conveying something. It is up to each of us to hear that something!

Meantime, "Natural News" online offers the following to help us boost immunity, esp in our diet. Please share this post with a friend.
--------------------
The following are eight vitamins and minerals that play important roles in immunity enhancement.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most widely known immune-boosting micronutrients. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects against pathogens. It also stimulates the production of antibodies and white blood cells that prevent disease. Common sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, clementines, lemons and kumquats. But it can also be found in several vegetables including broccoli, kale, spinach, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, bell peppers and cantaloupe. (Related: Chinese doctors study vitamin C for treating coronavirus infections.)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is also a potent antioxidant known to improve immune functions. Higher concentrations of vitamin E are found in immune cells compared to other cells in the body. Several clinical trials have provided evidence to show that vitamin E regulated the number of natural killer cells that prevent viral infections. Additionally, vitamin E deficiency is known to impair immune responses to infection, weaken muscles and increase the risk of chronic diseases. To avoid the effects of vitamin E deficiency, eat plenty of nuts and seeds like almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds and cashews.
Vitamin A
Beta carotene is a plant compound that the body converts into vitamin A, a micronutrient that plays an important role in eye health and maintenance. But vitamin A is also known to enhance immunity by regulating antibacterial and anti-inflammatory immune responses to infectious diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, malaria and herpes. Foods that contain high amounts of vitamin A include bright vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, squash and bell peppers.
Vitamin D
Aside from supporting calcium absorption and bone development, vitamin D also enhances immunity by regulating the body’s antimicrobial response. Vitamin D also activates the body’s inflammatory response to infection, thus reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Meanwhile, damaged immune cells have also been shown to react positively to high concentrations of vitamin D. Common food sources of vitamin D include mushrooms, eggs, raw milk, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and whole-grain oats.
Folate
The B complex vitamin known as folate aids various body functions including immunity, metabolism and DNA synthesis. In particular, folate facilitates cell growth and development. Therefore, it can also accelerate wound healing and stimulate tissue repair. Folate is also known to increase the production of antibodies that identify disease-causing pathogens. Common sources of folate include leafy greens, beans, legumes, avocados, broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, beets and nuts.
Iron
Iron is a fundamental component of hemoglobin, a protein molecule that transports oxygen throughout the body. But iron also boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that combat pathogens and prevent infection. Additionally, iron can inhibit the growth of bacteria and induce cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death of cancer cells. Foods such as beef, chicken, oysters, beans, cashews, broccoli, kale and whole-grain oats contain high amounts of iron.
Selenium
As an antioxidant, selenium reduces inflammation and prevents cellular damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Selenium also has powerful antiviral effects against respiratory infections like influenza and asthma. In high concentrations, it can also inhibit the spread of cancer cells. Selenium can be found in a variety of foods including beans, nuts, legumes, fatty fish, unprocessed dairy products, fruits, plain yogurt, whole grain oats, mushrooms, seeds and barley.
Zinc
Zinc has powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk and duration of respiratory tract infections like common colds, flu and pneumonia. High concentrations of zinc have also been shown to improve natural killer cell activity. Excellent sources of zinc include pork, beef, chicken, beans, nuts, unprocessed cheese, raw milk and plain yogurt.
A healthy immune system can reduce the risk of contracting infections like colds, flu and COVID-19. Enhance immunity by increasing the intake of essential vitamins and minerals that aid immune functions. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle that involves regular exercise and proper nutrition can significantly boost the immune system.

May the presence of Yaweh be with us today and always. Thanks for dropping by!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Thoughts During Our Pandemic 2020

Hello Grafted In reader,

This season of life is one that will be etched in our brains, memory, mind, being, for probably the rest of our natural life.

Think for a minute how some words and phrases have changed in your and my lifetime:

- Remember the Armour Hotdog jingle from the '70s? In the type of kids mentioned who like this brand are, big kids, little kids, kids who play on rocks, fat kids, sissy kids, even kids with chickenpox love hotdogs, Armour Hotdogs.

Would that work in our astute age of political correctness?

- Occupations formerly held by males: mail-man, gas-man, milk-man, newspaper boy or girl, etc.

- Words describing state of being: most notably queer or gay.

We call our current pandemic, The Novel Coronovirus. A compound word, not something named after someone or something.

No I am not remonstrating but just remarking on change.

Some of you may be keeping tabs on me by checking my Facebook Page, David C. Russell, Author. Would you tell others they can keep tabs on me there, too?

In terms of faith practice and Torah, some of us are observing the "counting of the omer" which is the period of time between Passover and Shavuot or Pentecost.
There is a prayer that is said to mark each day of the fifty-day period. I close with this prayer:

"Blessed are you, Lord our God, Master of the universe,
who has sanctified us with your commandments,
and commanded us to count the omer.
Tonight is day ## of the omer.

We count the omer to be cleansed of our encrustations of evil and our contaminations.

The presence of YHVH be with us now and always,

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

National Reading Month Free Promotion!

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Let's celebrate National Reading Month, together.

If you would like to get to know me a bit better, your opportunity happens one day only, March 12, 2020.

The e-book version of my memoir is free of charge on Amazon KDP that date.
Here is the information and URL. Thanks in the meantime!


Homecoming: A Memoir: David C. Russell: 9781790398355 ...
www.amazon.com ›

The Lord be with us!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Our March Visit

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is March 10, 2020 in my corner of blog land. We are having that in-between seasonal weather this week: mild weekend and Monday, rainy and chilly Tuesday into Wednesday with a tinge of snow likely. The only thing springing forward was our clocks this past Sunday morning. I am still adapting to the loss of one hour! Repeal the law that instituted this time saver or light saver and I'll be a happy camper along with others.

The Corona Virus and flu are sure shaking things up in our world. My previous post here offers some guidelines if you care to know or already know. In general, practice good hygiene.

As a writer, I am working on a couple stories, have a couple in "New Authors Journal" that will be available on Amazon.com for sale in about 12 days. I will also be running a free promo on my memoir later this month: "Homecoming: A Memoir" on Amazon KDP.

Are you participating in National Reading Month? I am just about finished with "Still Life" by Louise Penny and will begin a new fiction work later this week.

Until next you may the Lord bless and keep you, make his face to shine on you, be gracious unto you, and grant you much shalom!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell Author

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

The Corona Virus (Mayo Clinic News)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

As there is much concern over the mounting respiratory condition known as the Corona Virus, I submit the following to you from the Mayo Clinic News Network.
The Mayo Clinic is an established healthcare provider based in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, with satellite facilities in other parts of the USA. Mayo Clinic is respected for the services provided, and the information dispensed to the public through media.
Pass this on to a friend, please.
The new coronavirus appears to be spreading from person-to-person. It may be spread by respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. But it's unclear exactly how it spreads or how contagious it is, and research is ongoing. Symptoms of the new coronavirus can be mild to severe and include a fever, cough and shortness of breath. They may appear two to 14 days after exposure. A coronavirus vaccine isn't currently available.
WHO and CDC recommend that you take the usual precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren't clean.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Clean surfaces you often touch.
• Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick.
In addition to the above, WHO recommends these steps:
• Check with your doctor if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and tell him or her about any recent travels.
• Avoid eating raw meat or animal organs.
• If you're visiting live markets in areas that have recently had novel coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.
If you're planning to travel internationally, first check the CDC and WHO websites for updates and advice. Also look for any travel advisories that may be in place where you plan to travel.
With
Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.

May the presence of G-d accompany us on our respective journeys.

Mellow Rock,
David C. Russell, Author

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Dear Someone (Gillian Welch, Highway 389, formerly Acousticity)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is January 16, 2020, in my corner of blog land.
This blog may be discontinued pending reaction:
I would like your feedback over the next few days concerning a pending decision.

I am considering moving to Medium, where I will continue blogging about life in general, but also share some of my fiction writing. Would you come join me on Medium?

This blog has been ongoing for about ten years, and much has changed in online life with the advent and continued innovation of social media. I note comments are seldom made, and post followed gain the most readers when the theme is inspiring or encouraging in tone.
This will likely be a turning point with this post, but request your feedback:
- Comment here
- Send me a private message on Facebook, Facebook page, GMail if you have my address, other.

I would like to let you know, New Authors Journal, Winter 2019, has published one of my stories in its print edition.
The story is titled, Dying To Know.

The journal is produced by author, Mario Farina, www.amazon.com/new-authors-journal

Meantime, all the best, let's stay in touch.
His presence be with us,
Mellow Rock
David C Russell, Author