Joy Of Living
B3 Accelerates Recovery in COVID-19 Patients
A new clinical trial shows that niacinamide accelerates recovery from COVID-19 and reduces long COVID symptoms by restoring NAD? and supporting mitochondrial and gut microbiome function.
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/08/21/niacinamide-covid-19-recovery.aspx
You and CoQ10
If you do intense exercise you might be interested in a short exchange I had today with Grok on behalf of a client.
Got a mate who runs marathons. He has two scheduled within a space of 6 weeks. I know marathons strain the heart so I asked if he took CoQ10. He said no, what is it? In 500 words or less, please help me answer his question with particular reference to his level of exertion.
Grok.com replied:
CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is a naturally occurring compound in your body that acts like a vitamin. It’s essential for producing energy in cells (via ATP) and functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against cellular damage from free radicals.
Your heart relies heavily on CoQ10 because it’s an energy-intensive organ. Intense exercise like marathons increases oxidative stress and inflammation, which can strain the heart muscle and deplete CoQ10 levels. Running two marathons in just six weeks amps up this demand—your body faces cumulative fatigue, muscle damage, and potential cardiovascular stress from repeated high exertion.
Studies show CoQ10 supplementation may help athletes by reducing oxidative stress, boosting antioxidant activity, and lowering inflammation markers like TNF-a and IL-6 in runners. It could improve heart health, regulate blood pressure, reduce fatigue, and enhance recovery, allowing better performance and less strain during back-to-back events. For endurance athletes, it’s linked to better physical output and metabolism support.
Typical doses for athletes range from 100-300 mg daily, often in ubiquinol form for better absorption. However, benefits vary; it’s not a magic pill. If you’re on statins or have heart issues, CoQ10 might interact—always consult a doctor before starting. Overall, for your marathon schedule, it could be a smart addition to support heart resilience and energy.
I get mine from iHerb. Interestingly enough they have a 20% off special on it at present. Here’s my affiliate link. It may also get you a discount:
Eat Yourself Happy
Eat yourself happy, healthy and wise!
Plants Talk
Scientists have managed to film plants communicating with one another, capturing something usually invisible to the human eye. They discovered that plants use airborne chemical signals to warn neighbors of danger and to defend themselves from threats like insects.
When a plant is attacked by herbivores, it releases imperceptible compounds into the air. Nearby plants detect these signals and respond by activating their own defenses, such as producing chemicals that repel insects or by strengthening their cell walls.
Although scientists have known since the 1980s that plants release distress signals, the process of how other plants receive and respond to them remained unclear. To study this, researchers transferred these compounds from damaged plants to healthy ones and then used a fluorescence microscope to observe how the healthy plants reacted.
In one experiment, caterpillars were placed on the leaves of certain plants. Soon after, nearby untouched plants responded to the chemical warnings by preparing their defenses, showing that communication had taken place.
Plants also share information in other ways. Through underground networks of fungi called mycorrhizae, they can exchange nutrients and signals about soil conditions, creating a hidden web of communication beneath the earth.
This research reveals that plants are far from passive, they are constantly sensing, signaling, and adapting in order to survive in their ever-changing environments.
Pyschs Harm, Never Heal
When someone hurts or damages another and they recognise the damage inflicted, they usually apologise and go out of their way to try and make good the damage.
But when a psychiatrist hurts or damages a patient with ECT and/or prescribed drugs, they don’t go out of their way to make good, especially when a patient complains.
What psychiatrists do is consider the patient treatment-resistant and/or blame the patient’s mental troubles rather than addressing the brain damage inflicted with ECT or the iatrogenic condition resulting from the prescribed drugs. Psychiatrists point the finger rather than admit criminal assault.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Harrison Ford strapped on the fedora again in 2008, but this time he did so with a curious twist: during the filming of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” he performed many of his own stunts at age 65. Crew members recalled their surprise watching Ford climb onto moving vehicles, crash through glass, and sprint across uneven terrain with the same vigor he had decades earlier. For a franchise built on physical adventure, seeing its leading man embrace the danger so late in his career became one of the film’s most remarkable behind-the-scenes stories.
The movie, released in May 2008, was the fourth installment in the legendary series directed by Steven Spielberg. Set in 1957, it placed Indiana Jones against Soviet adversaries led by Irina Spalko, played by Cate Blanchett. The Cold War setting was chosen deliberately, reflecting both the historical moment and the passing of time since the last adventure in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989). Shifting from Nazis to Soviets allowed the story to align with the era’s geopolitical climate, while also signaling that Jones’s adventures had entered a new age.
The idea of incorporating extraterrestrial elements became one of the most debated choices. George Lucas championed the concept, believing the 1950s backdrop naturally tied into the sci-fi obsessions of that decade. Spielberg initially resisted the alien theme, preferring the mystical religious artifacts that defined earlier films, yet Lucas convinced him that the crystal skulls could merge archaeology with science fiction. This decision divided fans but also gave the film its distinct identity.
Shia LaBeouf joined the cast as Mutt Williams, a motorcycle-riding greaser who turned out to be Indiana Jones’s son with Marion Ravenwood, reprised by Karen Allen. Their reunion added emotional depth, with audiences seeing Jones not only as a legendary adventurer but also as a father grappling with family responsibilities. Offscreen, LaBeouf described working alongside Ford as intimidating, but Ford reportedly encouraged him to embrace the character’s rebellious energy.
One of the most thrilling sequences, the jungle chase involving sword fights between vehicles, required months of coordination. Blanchett trained extensively in fencing to convincingly duel LaBeouf on speeding jeeps. Spielberg wanted the sequence to feel old-fashioned and practical, so much of it was shot with real vehicles crashing through the Hawaiian jungle, combined later with CGI enhancements for hazards like the infamous swarms of giant ants.
Ford’s costume, especially the fedora, underwent careful updates. Designers slightly adjusted its shape to account for his older face, ensuring it still carried the same iconic silhouette. His whip, another trademark, was used sparingly because Ford had less interest in mastering the lengthy cracking routines, though he insisted on keeping the weapon visible to preserve the character’s authenticity.
Filming spanned multiple locations, from New Mexico deserts doubling as Nevada test sites to soundstages packed with ancient temple sets. The production also recreated the nuclear test town sequence, where Indiana Jones hides inside a lead-lined refrigerator to survive an atomic blast. That moment quickly became infamous, sparking the term “nuking the fridge,” a phrase now used to describe any story that stretches credibility too far. Spielberg defended the scene, noting it was scientifically reviewed and theoretically survivable, though even Ford later admitted its absurdity made it memorable.
Marketing leaned heavily on secrecy. Spielberg and Lucas wanted to preserve the thrill of discovery, so trailers revealed little about the actual plot. The secrecy extended to the cast as well; scripts were printed on red paper to prevent photocopying, and actors were monitored to avoid leaks. When the film finally premiered at Cannes, anticipation reached extraordinary levels, and the cast was met with a mix of ovations and sharp criticism.
Though reactions to the movie varied, the sheer scale of its production, the return of beloved characters, and Ford’s unwavering commitment made it an undeniable cultural event of 2008. For all its controversies, it reaffirmed the enduring magnetism of Indiana Jones, showing that adventure could still find new directions even after decades of storytelling.
The film’s most unforgettable truth remains that at an age when most actors would avoid physically punishing roles, Harrison Ford charged forward, proving that Indiana Jones was never defined by time, only spirit.
Dr. Howard Kelly
Young Howard Kelly was an orphan poor, hungry, and alone.
To survive and pay for school, he walked from house to house selling small goods.
One day, starving and with not a single cent in his pocket, he decided to knock on a door to ask for food.
But when a young woman opened it, her beauty and kindness made him hesitate.
Embarrassed to ask for a meal, he nervously said:
“Could I please have… a glass of water?”
The woman noticed his condition and returned with a large glass of milk.
He drank it slowly, savoring every sip.
“How much do I owe you?” he asked.
She smiled.
“You owe me nothing. My mother taught me never to take payment for kindness.”
Howard thanked her with all his heart.
But her kindness didn’t just fill his stomach it restored his faith in humanity.
Years passed.
The young woman grew up and faced a serious illness that local doctors couldn’t cure.
She was transferred to a major city for treatment. Among the consulting specialists was Dr. Howard Kelly now one of the country’s top physicians and a co-founder of Johns Hopkins Medical School.
When he heard the name of her hometown, his face lit up. He personally visited her hospital room and immediately recognized her.
Yes. It was her the same girl who had once offered him that glass of milk.
The diagnosis was grim. But Dr. Kelly wouldn’t give up.
Driven by memory and gratitude, he dedicated himself to saving her life.
After months of treatment and care, she recovered.
When the hospital sent her the bill, she hesitated. She knew she could never afford it.
But as she unfolded the envelope, something caught her eye at the bottom of the page a handwritten note under the word “Amount due.”
It read:
“Paid in full… with one glass of milk.”
Dr. Howard Kelly
Tears filled her eyes. Her heart overflowed with gratitude.
This is not a fable or a fictional tale.
Dr. Howard Kelly (1858–1943) was a real person a pioneering physician and one of the founding doctors of Johns Hopkins University.
Kindness doesn’t vanish. Sometimes it circles back in the most unexpected, life-saving ways.
To survive and pay for school, he walked from house to house selling small goods.
One day, starving and with not a single cent in his pocket, he decided to knock on a door to ask for food.
But when a young woman opened it, her beauty and kindness made him hesitate.
Embarrassed to ask for a meal, he nervously said:
“Could I please have… a glass of water?”
The woman noticed his condition and returned with a large glass of milk.
He drank it slowly, savoring every sip.
“How much do I owe you?” he asked.
She smiled.
“You owe me nothing. My mother taught me never to take payment for kindness.”
Howard thanked her with all his heart.
But her kindness didn’t just fill his stomach it restored his faith in humanity.
Years passed.
The young woman grew up and faced a serious illness that local doctors couldn’t cure.
She was transferred to a major city for treatment. Among the consulting specialists was Dr. Howard Kelly now one of the country’s top physicians and a co-founder of Johns Hopkins Medical School.
When he heard the name of her hometown, his face lit up. He personally visited her hospital room and immediately recognized her.
Yes. It was her the same girl who had once offered him that glass of milk.
The diagnosis was grim. But Dr. Kelly wouldn’t give up.
Driven by memory and gratitude, he dedicated himself to saving her life.
After months of treatment and care, she recovered.
When the hospital sent her the bill, she hesitated. She knew she could never afford it.
But as she unfolded the envelope, something caught her eye at the bottom of the page a handwritten note under the word “Amount due.”
It read:
“Paid in full… with one glass of milk.”
Dr. Howard Kelly
Tears filled her eyes. Her heart overflowed with gratitude.
This is not a fable or a fictional tale.
Dr. Howard Kelly (1858–1943) was a real person a pioneering physician and one of the founding doctors of Johns Hopkins University.
Kindness doesn’t vanish. Sometimes it circles back in the most unexpected, life-saving ways.
Aykroyd and Belushi
Dan Aykroyd often spoke of the nights in the late 1970s when his small New York apartment transformed into a musical haven. John Belushi would sprawl on the couch after long “Saturday Night Live” rehearsals, and Aykroyd would pull out stacks of vinyl records. Among them were treasures of blues history, from Sam and Dave to John Lee Hooker. Belushi, who had grown up more invested in rock, found himself captivated by the raw energy and soul in those recordings. That late-night listening became the spark for what would evolve into “The Blues Brothers.”
What began as jam sessions between two friends quickly turned into a full-blown act. Aykroyd had a knack for turning his enthusiasm into persuasion, explaining the roots of each song and the culture surrounding it. Belushi absorbed it all, learning to channel his comedic force into a different kind of performance. He became a natural frontman, growling into the microphone with a voice that carried both power and playfulness. Aykroyd, on harmonica and vocals, balanced him with precision. Together, they discovered a musical chemistry that was undeniable, something far deeper than a comedy sketch could contain.
Their first real stage test came in front of the live audience of “Saturday Night Live.” What was expected to be a novelty act caught viewers off guard with its authenticity. The duo wore dark suits, thin ties, and sunglasses, performing not as comedians parodying bluesmen but as Jake and Elwood Blues, characters that felt lived-in. The audience reaction confirmed what Aykroyd already felt: this was no side project but a living, breathing act with the strength to stand on its own.
Aykroyd often emphasized that their creation grew from love of the music and the need to honor the artists who had inspired them. He spoke about how Belushi transformed from a casual listener into someone who respected the history of the genre. They saw themselves as ambassadors of the blues, bringing the sound of Memphis, Chicago, and Detroit into households that may never have sought it out. Their performances were steeped in respect, even when wrapped in the humor and high energy that defined their style.
When the idea of turning their act into a film surfaced, Aykroyd poured himself into the project. He wrote a sprawling screenplay that read more like a phone book than a script, packed with backstory, characters, and musical interludes. Belushi’s charisma and Aykroyd’s vision carried the project forward, leading to the 1980 release of “The Blues Brothers.” The film featured legendary musicians like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Ray Charles, creating a bridge between comedy and musical celebration. For Aykroyd, it was not only a cinematic achievement but a way to immortalize the bond he shared with Belushi and the music they loved.
Behind the humor and outrageous car chases, the film represented friendship as much as entertainment. Aykroyd often recalled how much joy Belushi found in stepping into Jake’s shoes, how he embraced the role of bluesman with seriousness and passion. Offstage, their nights of playing music or simply listening to records never stopped. That was the true core of their partnership: the sense of family that music provided, a refuge from the chaos of fame and the pressures of performing.
Even after Belushi’s passing in 1982, Aykroyd continued to speak about their time together with warmth and gratitude. He remembered those nights in the apartment, the laughter, the discovery, and the shared excitement of building something that felt bigger than either of them alone. To him, “The Blues Brothers” was not only a film or an act but a living tribute to a friendship forged in music, trust, and joy.
The Blues Brothers began with records on a couch and grew into a brotherhood on stage, a bond forever tied to the sound of the blues.