Driving south on the Pan-American Highway through Nicaragua one notices the geographical changes that provide the fertile farming grounds of the southwest peninsula. Almost immediately after the volcano Monpacho disappears in the rear view mirror; the twin volcanoes Concepcion and Maderas appear on the southern horizon. And you see the landscape change.
Just how does stress experienced by the brain result in biological changes in the heart? A clue may come from centuries of accumulated medical wisdom on relaxation. For thousands of years, cultures have developed and perfected ways of inducing a calm state of mind and physical relaxation. Practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, chanting, and prayer all elicit the so-called "relaxation response," which can create a state of deep rest. Individuals who regularly practice such relaxation methods suffer less from anxiety and depression, and have a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and better brain function.
On May 4th, Vice President, Juan Carlos Varela recently claimed a surprising victory over his former ally, President Ricardo Martinelli for the presidential election in Panama. This election had a seven candidate field with Varela leading with 39 percent of the votes and 32 percent for Martinelli. The outgoing President Martinelli was quick to criticize Varela and said he would push back his plans for a quick retirement and devote himself to opposing the rule of the newly elected president. It was a long campaign for both candidates, which turned ugly during the final stretch of it, but Varela came out on top.
Gold is Money
No other form of money comes close to gold's longevity or worldwide appeal. Regardless of the era or the culture, every form of gold—from gold nuggets to gold coins, gold bars, gold jewelry, even gold teeth—has commanded universal respect and buying power for more than 2,700 years.
Gold is More than Money
Have you heard the catch phrases "taxation is theft" or "inflation is taxation"? While they are quite accurate in their depictions, there is a bigger picture to the theft perpetrated by the state… especially in the United States.
Let's put the taxes and quantitative easing aside for the moment (not a very long moment, but just long enough to clear a little space for the other forms of state sanctioned theft some of us might not even consider). When you are done reading what follows, throw taxes and QE back into the mix, and take a look at the entire scheme. If you aren't at the very least shaking your head at the dismal picture before you, then sweet dreams in your coma.
Policing for Profit & Civil Forfeiture
I hear a lot of people saying "We should get back to the Constitution!" And I have to wonder what they actually mean. Do they mean the Constitution we have NOW? Or the Constitution of 1787 or the one with the Bill of Rights in 1791? Or the Constitution leading up to each subsequent amendment? There are a lot of stages to it, and I have to wonder: to which one they are referring.
There are several modifications and augmentations this document has undergone which makes me wonder: just how much of the original document is left?
