All about MOLES

 

There are several skin lesions that are very common and benign (non-cancerous) appearing as moles, freckles, skin tags, benign lentigines and seborrheic keratoses.

What is a mole?

A common mole is a growth on the skin that develops when pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters with most adults having between 10 and 40 common moles. Such growths are usually found above the waist on areas exposed to the sun and are seldom found on the scalp, breast or buttocks.

The characteristics of a common mole are:

- usually smaller than about 5 mm wide (about 1/4 in, the width of a pencil eraser).
- round or oval, has a smooth surface with a distinct edge and is often dome-shaped.
- even color of pink, tan or brown. (People who have dark skin or hair tend to have darker moles than people with fair skin or blonde hair).
- may darken when exposed to sun, pregnancy or during the teen years.

Although common moles may be present at birth, they usually appear in early childhood and continue to develop new ones until about age 40. As the years passed, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing color. Some moles may not change at all, whilst others may slowly disappear over time. In older people, common moles tend to fade away.

How to detect if a Mole Is Cancer?

For most people, moles are not dangerous. The only moles that are of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 30. You just have to be careful:

+ If you spot changes in a mole’s color (eg. uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter) height (usually flat), size (larger than a pencil eraser) or shape (irregular or uneven edges), or visible signs like bleed, ooze, itch, texture becomes tender or painful.

+ If you see a new mole that does not look like your other moles.

People with higher chance -

+ Congenital nevi are moles that appear at birth occuring in about one in 100 people. These moles may be more likely to develop into melanoma (cancer) than are moles that appear after birth. A mole or freckle should be checked if it has a diameter of more than a pencil eraser or any characteristics listed below.

+ People with dysplastic nevi may have more than 100 moles and have a greater chance of developing melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Beware when any mole has color, surface and border different and is more than 5 millimeters wide. Check especially areas exposed to the sun, such as on the back.

+ People who are constantly exposed to high level of sunlight or artificial tanning. This applies more to those with fair (pale) skin that burns easily in the sun.

+ Melanoma may run in families. People who have two or more family members with melanoma face increased risks. In rare cases, members of a family with inherited disorder has skin extremely sensitive to the sun and greatly increases the chance of melanoma.

What to do?

+ Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you. Pay special attention to areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face and ears. If a mole does not change over time, there is little reason for concern.

+ Everyone should protect their skin from the sun and stay away from sunlamps and tanning booths, but for people who have dysplastic nevi, it is even more important to protect the skin and avoid getting a suntan or sunburn.

+ Any changes in a mole should be checked by a dermatologist to evaluate for skin cancer. The only way to diagnose melanoma is to remove tissue and check it for cancer cells. Also, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dermatologist.

But, before you do so, you may want to know what lies behind each mole……

In the traditional Chinese society, the belief that moles can be lucky or unlucky depending on their location, colour and size. Examples are – mole can be a tiny black speck on the feet signifying opportunities for travel, or it can be a dark red dot on the hand, often indicating a particular skill or luck. Moles on our backs denote some kind of burden we have to carry, while moles at the front of our bodies are said to attract success luck.

 

The saying continues that moles are in reality secret imprints carried over from our previous lives, stamps of some past karmic deeds meant to materialise in this lifetime, both the good and bad. They can also convey messages of good fortune and misfortune that reflect important turning points of our life.

In certain traditions, the messages of moles were quickly picked up and if translated into ill fortune to befall a family, the particular member can be penalised unnecessarily. Many cultures contend that the larger and more prominent the mole, the greater its power (contradicts above medical findings). Another widely held belief is that lighter-coloured moles spell better fortune.

Check yourself to see if the reading is accurate…

Arms

Moles on the arms indicate that the person is polite, diligent and leads a happy married life. If mole is near the elbow, you need to work hard for everything you get. You could also be involved in a very physical kind of work.

A mole on the inside curvature of your arm suggests that it is hard for you to get recognition for the hard work you do. Getting the results you want could be elusive. For a woman, likely cannot keep a secret though she does not mean any harm but just loves to talk.

Wrist
A mole on the wrist indicates that the person is frugal, ingenious and dependable.
A mole on your inside wrist means you love spending money and have a hard time hanging on to your wealth. Practise giving to charity to ensure you have plenty of money to spend and give away. When the mole is on the left hand, it means money flows out faster than you can make it. On the right hand, some say this mole attracts a flow of money.

Finger
People who have a mole on any finger turn out to be dishonest and tend to grossly exaggerate.

Hand
Those people who have a mole on their hand are talented and make a success of their lives.

Elbow
People with moles on their elbow are adventurous and love to travel.

Shoulder
A mole on the right shoulder indicates a sensible, industrious individual. Life is quite a challenge for you and there are times when things do not work out well. The good news is that if the mole is red in colour and appears more towards the front than the back, it is a matter of time you rise to the occasion.

Neck
If the mole is on the front of the neck, it signifies unexpected good fortune. If it is on either side of the neck, it indicates an easily stressed person with an unreasonable temperament. A mole on the back of the neck indicates a person’s desire to lead a simple life.

Armpits
A mole under the left arm is indicative of great struggle early in life, which is well rewarded later. One on the right arm indicates need to be alert and cautious in matters of security.
If the mole is hidden deep inside the armpit, it means you will attain a high rank in life.

Breast
A mole close to the middle of the front chest here indicates you must be careful about your eating habits, especially if the mole is black and prominent. On the plus side, if the mole is light-coloured, it means your spouse loves you a lot and your obedient children bring you much happiness.

A mole on the right breast is indicative of laziness, which may affect family life. You need to be assertive about your needs to be able to enjoy the love and comfort of the children. A mole on the left breast belongs to active and energetic people, who are blessed with what they want in life. When moles appear in pair, they indicate extreme good fortune.

A mole in the centre between the breast suggests someone who is generous, kindhearted, honourable and honest in conducting business.

Nipple
If a man has a mole on his nipple, it indicates a fickle nature.
If a woman has a mole on her nipple, it indicates that she is striving for social status.

Naval
A mole here signifies great wealth luck, especially if it is small, dark and clearly visible. If it touches the navel, you can become enormously rich. A woman who has the same desires children.

Having a mole on either side of your lower abdominal area blessed you with a great look and a great looking spouse.

Back
Men who have a mole at the centre of their back are constantly plagued by backache arising from endless problems. For a woman, it signifies one who has to bear the burden of many heavy responsibilities, including having to swallow many indignities in life. In the olden days, this mole would be cauterized and removed.

If moles are found behind the shoulder blade, they invite backstabbing and lots of politicking. You will have a hard time escaping the slings and arrows aimed at you unless you remove this mole. It is no fun being betrayed, so it is much better to remove this mole.

Forehead
People who have a mole on their forehead will be prosperous and well settled in life.

Cheek
A mole on either cheek indicates a serious and studious person who has no interest in material pleasures.

Lips
People with a mole on their lips always aspire to get ahead in life.

Chin
A mole on either side of the chin indicates a well-rounded individual with nice personality like affectionate, caring, adaptable, law-abiding, dedicated, hardworking and responsible person.

Nose
A mole on the nose belongs to a person who is a sincere and conscientious individual.

Ear
These people are born under the lucky star.

Eye
If the mole is located on the outer corner of the eye, this indicates that the person is honest, reliable and forthright.

Eyebrow
If a mole is located on the right eyebrow, it signifies a person with a highly active life and successful in all ventures.

Foot
People with a mole on their foot are easy going and laid back who need to exercise to stay healthy.

Moles near the front part of the feet of a man denotes a life filled with travel both for pleasure as well as for work. If the mole is small and is a dot, it suggests happiness in travel. When the mole is too large, it suggests that travel brings problems.

Thigh/legs
A mole or moles found on the inside thighs of men is an indication of inheritance luck, so there is a possibility of you being left a small fortune by some relative. You are charismatic and popular. On women, it suggests that wealth will come from your own efforts.

Moles on the lower leg are not such a good indication, as these suggest there is hardship and suffering that you have to endure in your life.

Located slightly lower at the back of the thighs, this mole tells of one who is very knowledgeable and intelligent. This is a person who can be depended upon.

Heel
People who possess a mole on their heel make enemies easily and are prone to losing friends. It signifies a person who can be rather heartless.

Hip
A mole on any part of the hip except the buttocks signifies that these people are contented, resilient and spirited.

Knee
If you have a mole on your right knee, it implies that you are a friendly person.

A mole on the left knee signifies that these people lead an extravagant lifestyle.

If your mole is located on the back of your knee, you have to endure a life that is lacking in the good things.

Special features

Significance of Twin Moles

When there are twin moles irrespective of their location, the person possesses a dual nature. The presence of two moles, side by side, is indicative of a person being in love with two people.

Significance of shapes in Moles

(a) Round: A round mole signifies the goodness in people.
(b) Oblong: An oblong mole depicts a modest share of acquired wealth.
(c) Angular: An angular mole suggests that the individual has both positive and negative characteristics.

Significance of Moles based on colour

(a) Light Coloured Moles: Those who have light coloured moles are considered lucky.
(b) Black Moles: This denotes that a person would have to surmount obstacles in order to achieve the desired results.

Source: http://www.wofs.com/index.php?option=com_content&Itemid=38&task=view&id=81

English lessons (+ jokes)

 

Nouns and words

Some examples of anthropomorphic collectives nouns for the various groups of animals.

We are most familiar with ……                                                                     

A FLOCK OF DUCKLINGS  


A GAGGLE OF GEESE 

How about A HERD OF COWS?

A PRIDE OF LIONS


AN EXALTATION OF DOVES


How about A MURDER OF CROWS?


Few people are familiar with:

A PARLIAMENT OF OWLS


They are the loudest, most dangerous, most obnoxious, most viciously aggressive and sex-perverted of all primates -  A CONGRESS OF BABOONS!


Watch your words too!

Ever noticed how deleting one word after the other in a sentence can lead to a story?

Here’s an example:

Oh John please don’t touch me at all…!
Oh John please don’t touch me at…!
Oh John please don’t touch…!
Oh John please don’t…!
Oh John please…!
Oh John..!
Oh…!

Each word in a sentence is important.  Let us attempt to use the right words to convey a message correctly each time.

Enough of serious stuffs, let us learn English the fun way….

Punctuation

An English professor wrote the following words:

”A woman without her man is nothing” on the board and asked his students to punctuate it correctly.

 

All the males in the class wrote:

 

“A woman, without her man, is nothing.”

 

All the females in the class wrote:

 

“A woman: without her, man is nothing.”

 

Grammar

 

A secretary got an expensive Mont Blanc fountain pen as a birthday gift from her boss.

 

She sent him a “Thank You” note to his personal email.  His wife happened to read it and filed for a divorce.

 

The contents read: Your penis wonderful. I enjoyed using it last nite.  It has extraordinary smooth flow and firm strokes.  For a start, its tip has to be licked to bring out some drips and is equally good on both sides.  I love its perfect size and grip.  It gives me a heavenly feel when in use. 

 

My desire to own it finally with you fulfilling my wish. Thanks for allowing me to keep it forever.

 

Description

 

Jane and Arlene are outside their nursing home, having a drink and a smoke, when it starts to rain. Jane pulls out a condom, cuts off the end, puts it over her cigarette, and continues smoking.

 

Arlene: What in the hell is that?

Jane: A condom. This way my cigarette doesn’t get wet.

Arlene: Where did you get it?

Jane: You can get them at any pharmacy.

 

The next day, Arlene hobbles herself into the local pharmacy and announces to the pharmacist that she wants a box of condoms.

 

The pharmacist, obviously embarrassed, kind of strangely (she is after all, over 80 years of age), but very delicately asks what brand of condom she prefers.

 

‘Doesn’t matter Sonny, as long as it fits on a Camel (cigar brand).’

 

The pharmacist fainted.

Word origin
 

If you have time for some creative scrabble on WORDS – read on….

DORMITORY:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

BEST IN PRAYER

DESPERATION:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

A ROPE ENDS IT

THE MORSE CODE:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

IS NO AMITY

MOTHER-IN-LAW:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

WOMAN HITLER

SNOOZE ALARMS:

 

When you rearrange the letters:

ALAS! NO MORE Z ‘S

A DECIMAL POINT: 

 

 When you rearrange the letters:

IM A DOT IN PLACE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO

When you rearrange the letters:

TWELVE PLUS ONE

Mind your language

1. A daughter sent a telegram to her father on passing her B. Ed exams, which the father received as “Father, your daughter has been successful in BED.”

Morale of the Story:  Double proof read everything before you send.

2. A husband, while on a business trip to a hill station sent a telegram to his wife “I wish you were here.”

The message received by the wife was “I wish you were her.”

Morale of the Story: Don’t trust others to write it right for you.

3. A man wanted to celebrate his wife’s birthday by throwing a party. So he called to order a birthday cake. The staff at the confectionary shop asked him what message he wanted put on the cake.

He thought for a moment and said, “put getting older but you are getting better”.

The salesperson asked “How do you want the wordings to be done?”

The man said ‘Well … put “You are getting older” at the top and “but you are getting better” at the bottom.’

When the cake was unveiled at the party, all the guests were aghast at the message on the cake.

It read: “You are getting older at the top, but you are getting better at the bottom.”

Morale of the Story:  Don’t order cakes by telephone.

ORIGIN of words  

In Shakespeare’s time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. That’s where the phrase, “Goodnight, sleep tight” came from!

The “Rule of the thumb” is derived from an old English law that stated that you couldn’t beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4000 years ago that for a month  after the wedding, the bride’s father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer, and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the “honeymoon.”

In ancient England a person could not have sex unless you had the consent of the King (unless you were in the Royal Family). When anyone wanted to have a baby, they got consent of the King and he gave them a placard that they hung on their door while they were having sex. The placard had  F.U.C.K. (Fornication Under Consent of King) on it. Now you know where that came from.

Strange Happenings (jokes)

If you have read these online jokes before, please pass on to someone who needs cheering up.... 

 

Case 1: See you tomorrow!

A man checked into a hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally typed a wrong e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.
 

Meanwhile.... somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned from her husband's funeral. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting condolence messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room found his mother on the floor and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've reached
Date: September 6, 2012

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here; we are allowed to send e-mails to loved ones. I've just reached and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you TOMORROW!

Your loving Hubby

Case 2: Toilet

I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other cubicle saying: “Hi, how are you?”

I’m not the type to start a conversation in the men’s restroom but I do not know what got into me, so I answered, somewhat embarrassed,

“Doin’ just fine!”

And the other guy says: “So what are you up to?”

What kind of question is that? At that point, I’m thinking this is too bizarre so I say: “Uhhh, I’m like you, just traveling!”

At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question. “Can I come over?”

Ok, this question is just too weird for me but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell him..

“No……..I’m a little busy right now!!!”

Then I hear the guy say nervously…

“Listen, I’ll have to call you back.

There’s an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions!!!”

Case 3:  Father is me!

Two Priests decided to go to Hawaii on vacation. They were determined to make this a real vacation by not wearing anything that would identify them as clergy. As soon as the plane landed they headed for a store and bought some really outrageous shorts, shirts, sandals, sunglasses, etc.

The next morning they went to the beach dressed in their “tourist” garb. They were sitting on beach chairs, enjoying drink, the sunshine and the scenery when a “drop dead gorgeous” topless blonde in a thong bikini came walking straight towards them. They could not help but stare. As the blond passed them she smiled and said:

“Good Morning, Father. Good Morning, Father.” nodding and addressing each of them individually, then she passed on by.

They were both stunned. How in the world did she know they were priests? So the next day, they went back to the store and bought even more outrageous outfits. These were so loud you could hear them before you even saw them.

Once again, in their new attire, settled on the beach in their chairs to enjoy the sunshine. After a while, the same gorgeous topless blonde, wearing a string, taking her sweet time, came walking toward them. Again she nodded at each of them, said:

“Good morning, Father. Good morning, Father.” and started to walk away.
One of the Priests couldn’t stand it any longer and said.

“Just a minute young lady”

” “Yes, Father?”

“We are priests and proud of it, but I have to know, how in the world did you know we are priests, dressed as we are?”

“Father, it’s me, Sister Angela.” she replied.

"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words"

This photo of a Chinese boy about to pee and a chicken staring at his wee wee mistaken for an 'edible worm'. The boy returns a threatening stare,"don't you dare to pick my worm".

The photo won Year 2011 Taipei First Prize Photography Award.

The LAW of the SEEDS

 

Before taking your next bite of the apple, spare a thought for what it can mean and change your outlook of life....

 

Take a look at an apple tree. There may be 500 apples on the tree, but each fruit has just 10 seeds. In total, there are plenty of seeds! You may ask why Nature provides us with so many seeds to grow just a few more apple trees?"

Nothing profound really. The answer simply lies in the fact: NOT ALL SEEDS GROW. IN LIFE, MOST SEEDS NEVER GROW.

So if you really want to make something happen, you had better try more than once or many multiples."

Which means you have:

- To attend 20 interviews to get one job.

- To interview 40 people to find one good employee.

- To talk to 50 people to sell one house, one car, one vacuum cleaner, one insurance policy or a business idea.

- To meet 100 acquaintances just to find one special friend.

When we understand the "Law of the Seed", we no longer get so disappointed.

+ We stop feeling so lousy.

+ We learn how to deal with things that happen to us.

Law of nature is not meant to be taken personally. We just need to understand and work around it.

EXPECTATIONS

+ SUCCESSFUL people fail more often but they plant MORE seeds.

+ When Things Are BEYOND your control, here is something that you must NOT DO so as to avoid misery in your life:

- You must not decide how you think the world SHOULD BE.

- You must not make rules for how everyone SHOULD BEHAVE.

Then, when the world does not obey your rules, you get ANGRY! That is what MISERABLE people do!

On the other hand, let us say you expect that:

- Friends SHOULD return favours.

- People SHOULD appreciate you.

- Trains SHOULD arrive on time.

- Everyone SHOULD be honest.

- Your family or best friend SHOULD remember your birthday.

These expectations may sound reasonable but often, these things would not happen all the time!

So you end up frustrated and disappointed!!

There's a better strategy. Demand LESS, and instead, have preferences!

For things that are beyond your control, tell yourself:

"I WOULD PREFER "A", BUT IF "B" HAPPENS, IT'S OK TOO!"

This is really a change in mindset. It is a shift in ATTITUDE, and it gives you more peace of mind.

- You prefer that people are polite ... but when they are rude, it does not ruin your day.

- You prefer sunshine ... but if it rains, it is fine too!

To become happier, we either need to -

a) Change the world or

b) Change our thinking.

It is easier to change our Thinking!

IN A NUTSHELL -

It is not the problem that is the issue, but rather it is your ATTITUDE attending to the problem that is the problem.

It is not what happens to you that determine your happiness. It is how you think about what happens to you!

Enjoy the flowers in blossom and the succulent fruit of success!!

80th Floor

Before you take the next step up, check if you have left behind any luggage. This is an interesting story we should not miss as time is moving back whilst life is moving forward.....

There were two brothers living together on the 80th level of a block. On coming home one day, they were told that the lifts were not working and had to climb the stairs up.

After struggling to the 20th level, panting and exhausted, they decided to abandon their bags and pick up later. Dragging their feet again, they eventually got to the 40th level. By then the younger brother started to grumble and both of them began to quarrel. The journey up the flights of steps was nothing but tiff till the 60th floor was reached.

Noting that there were only 20 levels more to go, they decided to talk peace. Silently they ascended jerkily with the last breath to reach their home finally. Each stood calmly before the door and waited for the other to open up. Only at that moment did they realise that the key was in their bags which were left behind on the 20th floor.

If you find yourself laughing at their foolishness, it is about time you ponder about what you want in life.

Moral of the story:

This story is a reflection on our lives. Many of us live for the expectations of our parents, teachers and friends when we were young. We seldom get to do the things that we really like or love.

It is under so much pressure and stress that by our early 20s, we get tired and decided to dump this load and enjoy life. Being free of the stress and pressure, we work enthusiastically and have ambitious dreams.

However, by the time we reach our 40s, we start to lose our vision and along with that, our dreams and goal in life. We began to feel unsatisfied and start to complain and criticize. We live a life of misery as we are never satisfied.

Reaching 60, we realize that we have little time left for complaining and began to walk the final episode in peace and calmness. We think that there is nothing left that could disappoint us, only to realize that we cannot rest in peace because we have an unfulfilled dream. A dream we abandoned at our 20s.

So what is your dream? Keep them alive. Follow your dreams so that you will not live with regrets and you will have stories to share with your loved ones.

Have you drop/abandoned (lost) your bags (dreams) some where along the busy lifestyle/working life?

Ask yourself now, what have you achieve so far? If you continue to do what you are doing now, what will you be achieving in 2 years from now in future?

Is this what you want from life? Is this the kind of lifestyle you want? Are you satisfied with it?

If you HAVE already achieve what you want. Give yourself a loud applause.

If you HAVE NOT, then are you doing something about it? Have you got a plan?

If you still have NOT DONE ANTHING what are you waiting for? You only live this life once, time which have passed will not return. What are you waiting for?

DONT LIVE A LIFE TO REGRET WHEN YOU ARE AT THE 80TH FLOOR!

Dream BIG dream and go for it....

*---- Quote of the Week ----*

"You become what you think about."

- Earl Nightingale

Beware of some DEADLIEST Flowers

 

Flowers are some of nature’s most wonderful creations.  Mostly come with amazing looks and ability to emit very pleasing scents, they are often used for decoration and romantic gestures.

(Black cat flower (Tacca chantrieri) this unusual plant is one of the only plants in the world to have black flowers. The big flowers (up to 12 inches across) have even longer “whiskers”, giving it its colloquial name. It is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia.)

It is also a common habit for people to pluck flowers and smell instantly. Beautiful flowers like the  Japanese camellia (see below), can even make a nice cup of tea.

However not all flowers are the same and unless you are familiar with the species, the stake can be high in some instances. Harmless as they may appear, some flowers can be really dangerous. Cases of significant poisoning involves making tea out of flowers have been recorded.  Chewing on the leaves or seeds can pose big danger too. Plant toxicity is usually due to a wide diversity of chemical toxins that include anticholinergic alkaloids, glycosides, proteins and amino acids.

To help you know what flowers to stay away from, study the list of the world’s most attractive but FATAL flowers -

 

Autumn crocus

 

This plant has the habit of producing leaves only in the spring which die back in the summer followed by the flower appearing on its own in the autumn.

 

Contains colchicine and colchiceine, the former being the more toxic and more harmful. After ingestion, initial gastrointestinal symptoms during the first 24 hours are followed by more severe effects including convulsions, cardiac and respiratory arrest, multi-organ failure and blood clots forming all around the body. If critical can lead to a slow, agonising death but consciousness remains to the end. 

Oleander

Oleander is a poisonous evergreen shrub or small tree identified by its fragrant white, red, pink or purple flowers and long slender, leathery leaves. It grows in mild climates or as an indoor plant.

Oleander poisoning occurs when someone sucks nectar from the flowers or chews its leaves. Poisoning can also happen if you eat honey made by bees that used the oleander plant for nectar.

 

Reputed to be the most poisonous plant on our planet, it has been traditionally used in suicidal cases by South Indians. The numerous toxic compounds contained in the whole plant, including oleadrin and nerine, affect the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular system simultaneously. Its sap causes skin irritation and severe eye inflammation whilst oleander poisoning leads to drowsiness, tremors, seizures, coma and death. 

 

Rhododendron

 

All parts of the plant contain the poison, and two or three leaves may produce severe toxicosis. Sucking flowers free of nectar may produce serious illness. In ancient times, odd behaviour was observed of a group of Greek soldiers after consuming honey from its flowers.

 

Belonging to the same plant family as Azaleas, both are poisonous containing Andromeda toxin which can cause nausea, intense pain, paralysis and even death.

 

Angels Trumpet

Do not be deceived by its name as it can be very evil.

The Angels' trumpet flower is often found in home gardens and is known for its distinct fragrance and elegant look. However, experts warned all parts of the plant are poisonous, with the seeds and leaves being especially dangerous.

The toxins it contains are a variable amount of tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine, proven to be fatal to both humans and animals.  Misuse as hallucinogen for recreational purposes, the risk of an overdose is extremely high. Effects of ingestion can include paralysis of muscles, confusion, diarrhea, migraine headaches and even death.

Another specie of the same family found mainly in northern Africa and the America, the plant is so dangerous and considered  illegal in some countries!

Columbine magpie (Aquilegia) are found in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in meadows and woodlands. The flowers are reported to be very sweet but should be consumed in moderation. The seeds, however, are extremely poisonous.

Belladonna

The innocently looking Belladona wins its awful title "Deadly Nightshade" for containing potentially lethal tropane alkaloids in the entire plant and its succulent berries, posing most danger especially to kids.

 

Symptoms of poisoning are dilated pupils, blurred vision, headaches, hallucinations, delirium and convulsions. In the worst case, it can kill a person by disrupting the nervous systems ability to regulate breathing, sweating and heart rate.

Lily of the Valley 

Easily found in the Northern Hemisphere, it looks beautiful and harmless, but is entirely poisonous.

 

Taken in large quantities, the chemical compounds known as Glycosides in its flowers or berries can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal, circulatory and nervous systems. For those with heart conditions they can experience slow or irregular heartbeats. However, these compounds have been used in medicine since the ancient Roman Empire to treat arrhythmia and congestive heart failure with the appropriate dosage.

 

Incidentally, this is the national flower of Finland, and also used as the floral emblem of Yugoslavia.  

Daphne

Also known as Lady Laurel or Paradise plant, Daphne is grown for its beautiful and intensely fragrant blooms which are usually produced in spring or winter. It can be found planted along paths and doorways or at the front of borders to easily enjoy the heady scent when in flower. 

All parts of the plant contain two poisonous toxins but the most concentrations are in the sap and berries. The victim can suffer stomachache, headache, diarrhoea, delirium and convulsion. Consuming the berries can lead to coma or even death.

Recommendations

+  Do not touch or eat any part of a plant with which you are not familiar. Wash your hands after working in the garden or walking in the woods. (Sure you want to do that after touching theTitan arum (Amorphophallus titanum)  - world’s largest flower, whose blossom emits a very unusual smell of rotting flesh to attract flies, rather than bees, for pollination.)

+  Seek immediate medical help once suspect of plant poisoning. Do not make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a healthcare professional.

The healthcare provider will measure and monitor vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate and blood pressure.  Appropriate treatment to administer include: charcoal/laxative, blood and urine tests, breathing support, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram/heart tracing, fluids through a vein, and pump out poison from stomach using a tube through the mouth.

The recovery rate depends on the amount of poison ingested and how soon treatment is initiated. Symptoms may last for 1-3 days and may require a hospital stay.

If you happened to be in Southeast Asia and Northwestern Australia, a traditional physician may use a vine flower Snake Gourd to treat you!

Those UNFORGETTABLE years.....

Sure you will shed your tears after reading this heart-warming story from an unknown source.

I cried for my brother six times......

(Sit back and enjoy the pictures taken by me on a recent visit to Marine Life Park, Resort World, Sentosa in Singapore. It hosts the word's largest aquarium combined with other attraction highlights - Maritime Experiential Museum, Typhoon theatre, Ocean gallery, Shipwreck habitat and Marine discoverer.)

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I was born in a secluded village of a mountain. Days by days my parents plowed the yellow dry soil with their backs facing the sky.

I have a younger brother, 3 years my junior. Once, to buy a handkerchief which all girls around me seemed to have, I stole 50 cents from my father's drawer. When he knew about it, my younger brother and I were made to kneel against the wall, with a bamboo stick in his hand.

Who stole the money?" he asked.

I was stunned, too afraid to talk. Dad did not hear any of us admit, so he said, "Fine, if nobody wants to admit, you two should be beaten!"

He lifted up the bamboo stick. Suddenly, my younger brother gripped father's hand and said," Dad, I was the one who did it!"

The long stick smacked on my brother's back repeatedly. Dad was so angry that he kept on whipping my brother until he lost his breath. After that, he sat down on our stone bed and scolded my brother, "You have learnt to steal from your own house now, what other embarrassing things you will do in the future?? You should be beaten to death!

"You a shameless thief!"

That night, mum and I hugged my brother. His body was full of injuries, but he did not shed a single tear. In the middle of the night, all of sudden I cried out loudly. He covered my mouth with his little hand and said: " Sis, now don't cry anymore. Everything has happened."

I still hate myself for not having enough courage to admit what I had done. Years gone by, but the incident still seemed like it had just happened yesterday. I will never forget my brother's expression when he protected me.

*****************************************************************

That year, my brother was 8 and I was 11. He was in his last year of his lower secondary school, and was accepted by an upper secondary school in the central. At the same time, I was accepted into a province's university. That night, father squatted in the yard, smoking, pack after pack. I could hear him say,

"Both our children have good results? very good results?"

Mother wiped off her tears and sighed," What is the use? How can we possibly finance both of them?"

At that time, my brother walked out, he stood in front of father and said, "Dad, I don't want to continue my study anymore, I have read enough books."

Father swung his hand and slapped brother on his face. "Why do you have a spirit so damn weak? Even if it means that I have to beg for money on the streets, I will send you two to school until you both finish your study!"

Subsequently, he started to knock on every house in the village to borrow money. I stuck out my hand as soft as I can to my brother's swollen face, and said, "A boy has to continue his study; If not, he will not be able to leave this depth of poverty."

I had decided not to further my study in the university. Who knows on the next day, before dawn, my brother left the house with a few pieces of worn-out clothes and a few dry beans. He sneaked to the side of my bed and left a note on my pillow;

"Sis, get into an university is not easy. I will go find a job and send money to you."

I held the note while sitting on my bed, and cried until I lost my voice.

*************************************************************************

That year, my brother was 17 and I was 20. With the money father borrowed from the whole village, and money my brother earned from carrying cement on his back at construction site, finally, I managed to get to the third year of my study in the university.

One day, I was studying in my room, when my roommate came in and told me, "There's a villager wait for you outside!"

Why was there a villager looking for me? I walked out, and saw my brother from afar, His whole body was dirty, covered by dust, cement and sands. I asked him, "Why don't you tell my roommate that you are my brother?"

He replied with a smile," Look at my appearance. What will they think if they know that I am your brother? Don't they laugh at you?"

I felt so touched, and tears filled my eyes. I swept away dusts from my brother's body and said with a lump in my throat, "I don't care of what people say! You are my brother no matter what your appearance is?"

From his pocket, he took out a butterfly hair clip.

He wore it on me, and said, "I saw all the girls in town are wearing it. So, I think you should also have one."

I could not hold back myself anymore. I pulled my brother into my arms and cried non-stop.

*****************************************************************

That year, my brother was 20 and I was 23. The first time I brought my boyfriend home, the broken window had been repaired and looked so clean inside the house. After, my boyfriend left my home, I danced like a small girl in front of my mother,

"Mom, you don't have to spend so much time cleaning the house!"

But she said with a smile," It was your brother who went home early to clean the house. Didn't you see the wound on his hand? He was injured while replacing the window."

I went into my brother's small bedroom. Looking at his thin face, I felt like there are lots of needle pricking my heart. I put some ointment on his wound and bandaged it, "Does it hurt?" I asked him.

"No, it doesn't hurt. You know, when I was working in the construction site, stones falling on my feet all the time. Even that could not stop me from working?"

In the middle of the sentence, he stopped. I turned my back on him and tears rolling down my face.

****************************************************************************

That year, my brother was 23 and I was 26. After I got married, I lived in the city. Very often, my husband invited my parents to stay with us, but they refused on the pretext that they were lost once out of their village. My brother also did not agree, he said, "Sis, you just taking care of your parents-in-law. I will take care of mum and dad here."

My husband became the director of his factory. We wanted my brother to get the job as the manager in the department of maintenance but he rejected the offer. He insisted on starting to work as a repair worker. One day, whilst on the top of a ladder repairing a cable, he got electrocuted and was sent to the hospital.

My husband and I visited him. Looked at the white gypsum on his leg, I grumbled, "Why did you reject to be a manager? Manager will not do something dangerous like this. Look at you now, such a serious injury. Why you didn't want to listen to us?"

With a serious expression on his face, he defended on his decision, "Think of brother-in-law? He just became the director, and I almost uneducated. If I became the manager, what kind of rumors will fly around?"

My husband's eyes filled up with tears, and then I said, "But your lack of education is due to me!"

"Why talking about the past?" My brother held my hand.

*******************************************************************************

That year, he was 26 and I was 29. My brother married a farm girl from the village. In his wedding reception, the master of ceremonies asked him, "Who is the one you respect and love the most?"

Without thinking, he answered," My sister." He continued by telling a story I could not even remember.

"When I was in primary school, the school was in different village. Everyday, my sister and I walked for 2 hours to go school and go home. One day, I lost one of my pair of gloves. My sister gave me one of hers. She only wore one glove and walked for so far. When we got home, her hand was so trembled because of the weather that was so cold that she could not even hold her chopsticks. From that day on, I swore that as long as I live, I would takecare of my sister and be good to her."

Applause filled up the room. All guests turned their attentions to me. Words were so hard to come out from my mouth,

"In my whole life, the one I would like to thank the most is my brother,"

During this happy occasion, in front of the crowd, tears rolled down my face again.

Love and care for the one you love every single day of your life. You may think that what you did is just a small deed, but to that someone, it means a lot.

Does this story tickle some sweet childhood memories on you?  The power of love enables people to make big sacrifices for their loved ones.

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