http://factoidz.com/profile/shovelbum/ James R. Coffey articles on Factoidz en-us http://factoidz.com/fibromyalgia-insight-and-options-from-someone-who-lives-with-it/ http://factoidz.com/fibromyalgia-insight-and-options-from-someone-who-lives-with-it/      According to current medical criteria, fibromyalgia (also referred to as FM or FMS) is defined as: "a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and allodynia [pain caused by a stimulus which does not normally induce pain], and a ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/15420.jpg http://factoidz.com/ok-but-what-does-that-mean-more-adages-aphorisms-and-popular-idioms/ http://factoidz.com/ok-but-what-does-that-mean-more-adages-aphorisms-and-popular-idioms/      In Part I of, "But, What Does that Mean," we explored the origins of a number of adages, aphorisms, and popular idioms that have been part of common vernacular for--well, who knows how long!  In this installment, we'll get to the bottom of a number of other... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/15096.gif http://factoidz.com/why-do-older-women-make-better-lovers-insight-for-younger-and-older-men-alike/ http://factoidz.com/why-do-older-women-make-better-lovers-insight-for-younger-and-older-men-alike/      Andy Rooney said, "Once you get past a wrinkle or two, an older woman is far sexier than her younger counterpart.  Her libido's stronger, her fear of pregnancy gone.  Her experience of lovemaking is honed and reciprocal and she's lived long enough to know h... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14954.jpg http://factoidz.com/the-toxic-brain-recent-discoveries-in-retaining-and-recovering-an-active-brain/ http://factoidz.com/the-toxic-brain-recent-discoveries-in-retaining-and-recovering-an-active-brain/      Until quite recently, it was accepted as fact that losing one's memory and brain acuity was just a sad reality of aging.  Absent mindedness, senility, dementia and other symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, were considered the norm associated with... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14949.jpg http://factoidz.com/apples-can-one-a-day-really-keep-the-doctor-away/ http://factoidz.com/apples-can-one-a-day-really-keep-the-doctor-away/      Historically, apples have always been an American favorite.  Writer Henry David Thoreau waxed poetic in calling them “the noblest of fruits,” while Thomas Jefferson was frequently seen eating apples while strolling around the White House.  In fact to... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14876.jpg http://factoidz.com/the-devils-triad-diabolus-in-musica-and-the-birth-of-heavy-metal-music/ http://factoidz.com/the-devils-triad-diabolus-in-musica-and-the-birth-of-heavy-metal-music/      For many children of the 60s, it began with the opening tones of a song by a band that until a few weeks earlier had called themselves Earth.  Just three little tones.  But these three little tones instilled such a sense of darkness that the minds and imaginatio... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14713.jpg http://factoidz.com/when-the-cure-is-worse-than-the-disease-the-unspoken-fallacy-of-truth-in-advertising-1/ http://factoidz.com/when-the-cure-is-worse-than-the-disease-the-unspoken-fallacy-of-truth-in-advertising-1/      When “Abdul the Idolmaker” peddled souvenir miniature sphinxes to tourists of Giza 4500 years ago, he was expected to apply a little salesmanship to his hawking; a little panache.  As custom dictated, he was obliged to regale his customers w... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14313.jpg http://factoidz.com/pitcairn-island-brandos-last-stand/ http://factoidz.com/pitcairn-island-brandos-last-stand/      In considering how the law applies to a particular crime, it is often necessary to consider the specific circumstances--mitigating and otherwise--surround it.  Even while lawmakers are reiterating, ‘the law is the law,’ in reality, it is the “l... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14241.jpg http://factoidz.com/how-to-go-to-college-for-free-for-college-and-your-books-for-free/ http://factoidz.com/how-to-go-to-college-for-free-for-college-and-your-books-for-free/      Did you know that with a little research and hard work, almost anyone can get a college education for free--or close to it?  That’s right!  If you understand how the educational system works, you can actually get paid to go to college--and never have to go... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14191.jpg http://factoidz.com/sex-aids-through-the-ages-the-ancient-history-of-modern-toys-and-tools/ http://factoidz.com/sex-aids-through-the-ages-the-ancient-history-of-modern-toys-and-tools/      Whether you're a silent supporter with just one little bedroom buddy hidden in the nightstand, an outspoken advocate with a dozen personal devices you refer to by name, or a dispassionate aficionado with fifty "classics&qu... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14181.jpg http://factoidz.com/breasts-what-is-it-about-boobs/ http://factoidz.com/breasts-what-is-it-about-boobs/      Boobs, titties, knockers, hooters, headlights, juggs, mammalary protuberances--call ’em what you will--there’s no denying the global obsession with breasts. (We do, in fact, have more euphemisms for breasts than for any other body part!)  Men and woman; g... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14131.jpg http://factoidz.com/sex-and-the-five-senses/ http://factoidz.com/sex-and-the-five-senses/      A woman confides that she enjoys watching adult videos depicting cunnilingus while engaged in sex with her boyfriend.  A man confesses that he uses the scent of his wife’s nightie to stimulate masturbation when she‘s away.  A woman admits that she en... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14088.jpg http://factoidz.com/the-hopewell-tradition-and-the-spread-of-indigenous-ritual-across-north-america/ http://factoidz.com/the-hopewell-tradition-and-the-spread-of-indigenous-ritual-across-north-america/      While scholars can only speculate as to who first walked the vast expanses of the North American continent, evidence of Paleoindian activity--particularly that of the Clovis and Folsom peoples--can be traced back at least 12,000 years through the archaeological record.&nb... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:30 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/14058.jpg http://factoidz.com/millions-of-animals-are-subjected-to-extraordinary-cruelty-so-that-people-can-eat-chicken-pork-and-beef/ http://factoidz.com/millions-of-animals-are-subjected-to-extraordinary-cruelty-so-that-people-can-eat-chicken-pork-and-beef/      I know this is going to lose me some readers, but I feel this issue must be addressed.  And even if you are a born-in-the-wool confirmed carnivore, I hope you will read this one and take it to heart.  It just may change the way you look at the meat industry and ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/9886.jpg http://factoidz.com/dating-to-the-earliest-known-medicinals-apple-cider-vinegar-can-replace-many-expensive-curatives/ http://factoidz.com/dating-to-the-earliest-known-medicinals-apple-cider-vinegar-can-replace-many-expensive-curatives/ In previous articles, we’ve talked about the many uses and benefits of honey and salt, so let’s talk a little about another of nature's curatives--apple cider vinegar!      Dating as far back as the first medicinals published in ancient China and Greece, ap... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/9351.jpg http://factoidz.com/sex-and-diet-the-right-diet-can-turn-your-whole-sex-life-around/ http://factoidz.com/sex-and-diet-the-right-diet-can-turn-your-whole-sex-life-around/      There can be no debating it, we live in very sexually-charged times.  On TV, in music videos, in the movies, in magazines, in the news, and all over the Internet--blatant and graphic sexual imagery is everywhere we look.  But does this mean that we&rsq... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/why-sex-is-a-pain-reliever.jpg http://factoidz.com/quaint-greeting-customs-none-of-which-include-crotch-grabbing/ http://factoidz.com/quaint-greeting-customs-none-of-which-include-crotch-grabbing/      In a now infamous scene from Crocodile Dundee, Paul Hogan’s character “Mick” grabs the genitals of a sexually-ambiguous individual at a socialite party in order to verify his or her gender, to which Mick’s love interest “Sue” responds, ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/meeting-your-significant-others-parents-a-survival-guide.jpg http://factoidz.com/raw-honey-good-for-what-ails-you-inside-and-out-and-far-superior-to-white-sugar/ http://factoidz.com/raw-honey-good-for-what-ails-you-inside-and-out-and-far-superior-to-white-sugar/      The medicinal qualities of honey have been known around the world for thousands of years and can be found among the curatives listed in ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Semetic herbals; it was commonly used to prevent infection when cutting umbilical cords of newbor... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/bee-pollen-relieves-stress-and-improves-immune-function.jpg http://factoidz.com/antioxidants-what-they-are-and-how-they-work/ http://factoidz.com/antioxidants-what-they-are-and-how-they-work/      From time immemorial, people have sought cure-alls to protect themselves from various ailments.  Through the centuries, people often fell under the spell of medicine men and road-side snake-oil salesmen touting miracle elixirs purported to cure everything from gout t... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/antioxidants-dont-judge-a-food-by-its-color.jpg http://factoidz.com/once-valued-more-than-diamonds-silver-or-gold-salt-has-many-practical-uses-beyond-improving-the-taste-of-food/ http://factoidz.com/once-valued-more-than-diamonds-silver-or-gold-salt-has-many-practical-uses-beyond-improving-the-taste-of-food/ Salt.  NaCl.  For most of us, salt is considered the most essential condiment in our pantry.  We automatically put it in most everything we cook and wouldn’t think of eating many foods without a generous coating on top.  Essential for animal life (necessary for regulatin... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/homemade-bath-salts-are-better-than-store-bought.jpg http://factoidz.com/the-abcs-of-magic-keys-to-the-practice-of-this-ancient-occult-art/ http://factoidz.com/the-abcs-of-magic-keys-to-the-practice-of-this-ancient-occult-art/      Most cultural anthropologists believe the practice of magic has been an integral part of humankind’s development for tens of thousands of years and undoubtedly predates any surviving physical evidence.  Communing with nature, petitioning the gods, conferring wi... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/6350.jpg http://factoidz.com/household-ingredients-you-can-add-to-your-bath-green-tea-ginger-nut-oil-and-more/ http://factoidz.com/household-ingredients-you-can-add-to-your-bath-green-tea-ginger-nut-oil-and-more/ When it comes to bathing, getting clean needn’t always be the only objective.  (No, don’t let your imaginations get carried away just yet!)  As the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans knew--and often practiced--while almost any bath can be satisfying and beneficial, with the right... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/post/natural-skin-care-101-natural-ways-to-heal-dry-flaky-or-acne-prone-skin.jpg http://factoidz.com/herbal-cures-can-be-a-reasonable-and-less-costly-alternative-to-synthetic-drugs/ http://factoidz.com/herbal-cures-can-be-a-reasonable-and-less-costly-alternative-to-synthetic-drugs/      The resurgence of practical herbology over the past two decades has proven nothing less than phenomenal.  With growing dissatisfaction and distrust for Western medicine (and of course the rising cost of vitamins and other supplements), many American households t... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/post/treating-diabetes-understanding-oral-medications.jpg http://factoidz.com/american-culture-the-unquenchable-thirst-for-change/ http://factoidz.com/american-culture-the-unquenchable-thirst-for-change/      The greatest paradox in the study of anthropology is the reality that by the time a cultural phenomenon is investigated and understood, that phenomenon is no longer relevant to that culture.  Simply put, the one consistent variable of cultural development across time... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/5381.jpg http://factoidz.com/soothing-the-savage-breast-music-meditation-and-toning/ http://factoidz.com/soothing-the-savage-breast-music-meditation-and-toning/      The belief that music is an important key to healing the mind, body, and spirit is hardly new.  In fact, the field of music therapy--healing with music, voice, harmony, rhythm, and other sounds--is among the oldest holistic approaches known to humankind.  P... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/5166.jpg http://factoidz.com/the-aghori-hinduism-cannibalism-and-immortality/ http://factoidz.com/the-aghori-hinduism-cannibalism-and-immortality/      Anthropologists believe the practice of cannibalism has been part of human reality since long before recorded history. Oral traditions and world literature are brimming with fascinating accounts of headhunting cannibals of the African jungles, heart-devouring tribes of th... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/5050.jpg http://factoidz.com/the-socio-scientific-perspective-on-witches-and-their-craft/ http://factoidz.com/the-socio-scientific-perspective-on-witches-and-their-craft/      Whenever the word “witch” is used in everyday discourse, any number of images may come to mind.  Some individuals may relate the word to the cartoonish Wicked Witch of the East; some to the modern Wiccan image often associated with the likes of Sybil Leek... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/what-is-the-origin-of-evil.jpg http://factoidz.com/the-christians-of-capadocia-the-ultimate-statement-of-religious-conviction/ http://factoidz.com/the-christians-of-capadocia-the-ultimate-statement-of-religious-conviction/      The trials and tribulations of the first Christians are, of course, well documented both historically and Biblically.  The spreading of 'the word' throughout the Roman Empire--through the Near East, Asia, Mediterranean, and Rome itself--and the many sacrifices made b... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/smiling-back-at-god-3-of-3.jpg http://factoidz.com/creation-of-a-sacred-space-can-greatly-expand-the-benefits-of-meditation/ http://factoidz.com/creation-of-a-sacred-space-can-greatly-expand-the-benefits-of-meditation/      With the renewed interest in the practice of meditation, many of those interested in learning this most ancient of introspective techniques are unaware that in many past and present cultures, meditation is but one part of a holistic approach to balancing one's life.&... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/4-quick-and-easy-ways-to-relax-and-de-stress.jpg http://factoidz.com/sacred-sex-principles-methodology-and-american-society/ http://factoidz.com/sacred-sex-principles-methodology-and-american-society/      While the concept of "sacred sex" can be traced to a number of cultures both past and present--the ancient Romans and Greeks, prehistoric and modern Native American tribes, followers of Judeo-Christian religions of the Middle East, societies ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/4-quick-and-easy-ways-to-relax-and-de-stress.jpg http://factoidz.com/what-ever-happened-to-bio-rhythms/ http://factoidz.com/what-ever-happened-to-bio-rhythms/      To children of the 60s, astrology, meditation, auras, and palm reading are as familiar as love beads, long hair, and "flower power."  I suppose it can reasonably be said that it was the generation of peace & Love that ushered in the New Age--though theo... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/4626.jpg http://factoidz.com/but-what-the-hell-do-they-mean-adages-aphorisms-and-other-idioms/ http://factoidz.com/but-what-the-hell-do-they-mean-adages-aphorisms-and-other-idioms/ In the study of linguistics, one of the more interesting, insightful, and often humorous aspects of regional speech patterns are those colorful little colloquialisms known as adages, aphorisms, and idioms.  If you've traveled the country, you've no doubt heard someone use the phras... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/post/but-what-the-hell-do-they-mean-adages-aphorisms-and-other-idioms.jpg http://factoidz.com/on-parenting-using-technology-to-give-your-kids-a-head-start/ http://factoidz.com/on-parenting-using-technology-to-give-your-kids-a-head-start/ While it's true that there have never been more educational options and opportunities than there are today, it can also be said that it has never been more difficult for parents to be certain they're making the right educational choices for their kids.  Violence, sex, drugs, unethical teachers, cr... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/on-parenting-using-technology-to-give-your-kids-a-head-start.jpg http://factoidz.com/on-the-subject-of-egalitarianism/ http://factoidz.com/on-the-subject-of-egalitarianism/      By the time the Mbuti of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were first encountered sometime in the mid 15th century (at least in terms of documented, historical encounters), the concept of a true egalitarian society had virtually reached mythological proportions.  ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/user/4365.jpg http://factoidz.com/national-naked-day/ http://factoidz.com/national-naked-day/      Food for thought: What do you suppose would happen if everyone across the country would go publicly au naturale for just one day?  I mean, what do you think would be the result if every man, woman, and child went naked for 24 hours--in the name of socio... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/p/default-7.jpg http://factoidz.com/beyond-tantra/ http://factoidz.com/beyond-tantra/ While millions of people around the world are familiar with Tantric sex and may even have a copy of the Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana in their night table, few are aware that there are a number of other far more advanced Eastern sex-enhancing techniques and manuals in existence.  One technique... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/images/p/default-6.jpg http://factoidz.com/explaining-the-historic-relationship-between-marijuana-medicine-and-religion/ http://factoidz.com/explaining-the-historic-relationship-between-marijuana-medicine-and-religion/      Both medically and religiously, marijuana (hemp, cannabis) has been used for thousands of years.  During the reign of the Chinese emperor Shen Nung (Shennong 5,000 BP?), considered the Father of herbalogical studies, cannabis was cited in the most wide... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/explaining-the-historic-relationship-between-marijuana-medicine-and-religion.jpg http://factoidz.com/mothers-day-30000-bp-the-history-of-mothers-day/ http://factoidz.com/mothers-day-30000-bp-the-history-of-mothers-day/ With another Mother's Day now past, it seems an appropriate time to reflect upon the place of honor Motherhood has held throughout most of humankind's recorded history (as well as pre-historic tradition).  She was known as Gaea to the ancient Greeks, Isis to the Egyptians, and Anu to the Celts.  I... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/mothers-day-30000-bp-the-history-of-mothers-day.jpg http://factoidz.com/on-the-subject-of-evil/ http://factoidz.com/on-the-subject-of-evil/      One of the more interesting and perhaps revealing aspects of the concept of "evil" is that while the belief in its existence may be cross-culturally universal, how it manifests within a given culture relates directly to the norms and accepted moral standards of ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/on-the-subject-of-evil.jpg http://factoidz.com/how-does-the-study-of-linguistics-relate-to-the-study-of-history/ http://factoidz.com/how-does-the-study-of-linguistics-relate-to-the-study-of-history/      For all intents and purposes, linguistics cannot be separated from history.  In fact, language cannot be understood to any true resolve without considering the history surrounding it.  Yes, linguistics in the broad sense of the term does incl... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST shovelbum http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/how-does-the-study-of-linguistics-relate-to-the-study-of-history.jpg