Food for Thought: How to Live to Be 100+

Hello Everyone,

How's the new year going so far?

Recently, I saw a news story about the oldest living person. Her name is Kane Tanaka and she just celebrated her 119th birthday on January 2nd. Below is a photo of her taken in 1923 at the young age of 20. Beautiful, isn't she?

Kane has been living in a nursing home in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan since September 2018 and she still gets around on her own two feet, taking short walks in the hallways. Pretty amazing! 

Can you imagine living as long as she has?

I got to thinking about this and was reminded about geographic regions known as Blue Zones, which are home to some of the world’s oldest people.

The term "Blue Zone" was first used by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and multiple New York Times bestselling author, who was studying areas of the world where people are living much longer than the average person. While doing their research, Buettner and his colleagues drew blue circles around these regions on map, hence Blue Zones.

Originally, there are five known Blue Zones:

• Icaria, Greece
  
• Ogliastra, Sardinia, Italy
• Okinawa, Japan
• Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
• Loma Linda, California, USA

Buettner discusses these area in his book, The Blue Zones, published in 2008, but there could very well be more unidentified Blue Zones areas in the world waiting to be discovered.

So, why those five regions?

Studies of these areas have found that they contain incredibly high rates of people who live over 90 and 100 years of age, with genetics accounting for 20–30% of longevity. This means that environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle, play a significant role in determining one's lifespan. 

In fact, it was discovered that all blue zones areas share nine specific lifestyle habits referred to as the Power 9®. These habits are:

1. Move naturally - no crazy exercise routines, just moving without thinking

2. Purpose - i.e have a life purpose

3. Down shift - practicing ways to de-stress

4. 80% rule - stop eating when you're 80% full

5. Plant slant - eat a 95% plant-based diet

6. Wine at 5 - drink alcohol moderately, one to two glasses of red wine per day

7. Belong - i.e. to some sort of faith-based community

8. Loved ones first - i.e. investing time and love into family first

9. Right tribe - associate with people who support healthy behaviors/lifestyles

As I consider those nine habits, some are certainly easier for me to put into practice, while others... I honestly don't know if I can pull them off. I just know that simple is better as I get older. I don't have patience for fussing about; it's too exhausting. I want to live better, and -- barring any unforeseeable circumstances -- that will translate to living longer.

So, as I bring this post to an end, I'd like to share this Ted-Ed video where Dan Buettner talks about How to live to be 100+.

 

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.

All the best for 2022.

Until next time, 

Eddy

Music Video: "Mother" by The Tenors

Hello All,

This year for Mother's day, I want to share a song by the multi-platinum, Juno award winning, Canadian trio -- The Tenors. Clifton, Fraser, and Victor are honouring moms everywhere with the release of their new single, "Mother" -- and it's a beauty. The video and lyric are below.

Mother

The Tenors

You were the first love
That I've ever known
You were my shelter,
A place to call home

All I'm becoming,
It came from your heart
You gave me a safe place,
For falling apart

You made me, you raised me
You held me, you praise me
You never let me dim my light

You were my rock
My strength, my reason
You always let me hold you so tight

Mother
Mother
Mother
Mother

I hear your words on
My lips every day
As I hold my angels
And show them the way

Now I can see that
You knew from the start
When you stayed beside me
And my rebel heart

I pushed you, I dared you
I loved you, I scared you
We didn't see eye to eye

Well, nobody's perfect
Or love without hurting
You never meant to hold me so tight

Mother
Mother
Mother
Mother

When tolls overtake us
And life tries to break us,
I know that you're not very far
You're words are my wisdom
And I am right where you are

Mother
Father

Mother
Mother
Mother
Mother

Mother

Songwriters: Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, Fraser Walters and Bernie Herms

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To mom's everywhere, thank you for all you do.

Stay strong. Stay safe. Be well.

Happy Mother's Day.

💗 Eddy

Music Video: "Better Than Today" by Rhys Lewis

Hello All,

OMG, it's 2020! Clearly, I'm still trying to process that it's a brand new decade.

For my first post of the year, I'm sharing a music video for the song Better Than Today by UK singer-songwriter, Rhys Lewis. With everything that's going on in the world, I wanted to remind people to hang in there because I'm pretty sure that most of us are just doing the best we can with what we've got, and that "we're all reaching for something" and "craving change" and "hopin' tomorrow... is better than today."

Better Than Today

Rhys Lewis

I don't read the headlines
And I don't watch the news
'Cause I lose faith in somethin' every time I do
Well I don't need to bury
My head in the sand
But I'm just tryna live this life as best as I can

Times get tough
But I don't give up
'Cause I know I'm not alone

'Cause we all reaching for something
We're all craving change
Hopin' tomorrow, tomorrow
Is better than today
We're all searchin' for somewhere
Tryin' to find a way
Hopin' tomorrow, tomorrow
Is better than today
Hopin' tomorrow, tomorrow
Is better than today

It's not easy sleepin'
When I lay down in bed
'Cause I got all these worries runnin' through my head
And it's hard to keep pushin' forward
When trouble pulls you back
And you wake up even further from a dream you had

Times get tough
But I don't give up
'Cause I know I'm not alone

'Cause we're all reaching for something
We're all craving change
Hopin' tomorrow, tomorrow
Is better than today
We're all searchin' for somewhere
Tryin' to find a way
Hopin' tomorrow, tomorrow
Is better than today
Hopin' tomorrow, tomorrow's better

So just hold on when someone breaks you
Just hold on when fear shakes you
Just hold on when darkness takes you
Just hold on

'Cause we all reaching for something
We're all craving change
Hopin' tomorrow, tomorrow
Is better than today
So let's keep searching for somewhere
We're gonna find a way
To make tomorrow, tomorrow
Better than today
Let's make tomorrow, tomorrow
Better than today
Let's make tomorrow, tomorrow
Better than today
Let's make tomorrow, tomorrow
Better than today
Let's make tomorrow, tomorrow
Better than today
Let's make tomorrow, tomorrow
Better than today

Songwriters: Rhys Lewis / Aidan Glover

Better Than Today lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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Happy New Year,

Eddy

Music Video: "In My Blood" by Shawn Mendes

Hi Everyone,

How's 2019 been treating you so far? I'm praying, as always for good things. I don't think that's asking too much. I wanted to post something inspirational, but how I really feel has been expressed in the song In My Blood by Canadian singer, songwriter, Shawn Mendes. I'm exhausted and can't seem to catch a break. This has been my life going on three years now, but I can't give up because "it isn't in my blood."

In My Blood

Shawn Mendes

Help me, it's like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can't
It isn't in my blood

Laying on the bathroom floor, feeling nothing
I'm overwhelmed and insecure, give me something
I could take to ease my mind slowly

Just have a drink and you'll feel better
Just take her home and you'll feel better
Keep telling me that it gets better
Does it ever?

Help me, it's like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
No medicine is strong enough

Someone help me
I'm crawling in my skin
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can't

It isn't in my blood
It isn't in my blood

I'm looking through my phone again, feeling anxious
Afraid to be alone again, I hate this
I'm trying to find a way to chill, can't breathe, oh
Is there somebody who could

Help me, it's like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
No medicine is strong enough

Someone help me
I'm crawling in my skin
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can't

It isn't in my blood
It isn't in my blood

I need somebody now
I need somebody now
Someone to help me out
I need somebody now

Help me, it's like the walls are caving in
Sometimes I feel like giving up
But I just can't

It isn't in my blood
It isn't in my blood
It isn't in my blood

I need somebody now
It isn't in my blood
I need somebody now
It isn't in my blood

Songwriters: Shawn Mendes / Geoff Warburton / Teddy Geiger / Scott Harris

In My Blood lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Peermusic Publishing, Words & Music A Div Of Big Deal Music LLC

--------------------------------------

Happy New Year (please),

Eddy

Food for Thought: "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

Hi All,

I'm not sure how to start this post, so forgive me if it gets long winded or sounds like I am preaching by the time I am done....

If you haven't heard already, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain is dead. The cause of death was suicide, this news coming just days after fashion designer Kate Spade was found dead, her death also ruled suicide. I can't even begin to imagine the pain they were in and how long they must have been suffering in silence.

You might be thinking, why does this matter to me and why should it matter to you? Well, it's quite simple, really. There are a lot of people out there suffering in silence -- people you know, people you don't know, maybe even you. In fact, a few weeks ago, the co-worker of a family member took her own life. I didn't know this person, but someone close to me did.

So, you see, just because we never knew Anthony or Kate personally, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't care. What we should be doing is opening up our eyes to those around us and letting people know that they are not alone. This is why I am sharing the video "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. I've also included the lyrics below. I just want to offer some hope in whatever small way I can, and the message in this song expresses what I want to convey.

Everybody Hurts

R.E.M.

When your day is long
And the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life
Well hang on
Don't let yourself go
'Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes

Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on)
(Hold on) if you feel like letting go (hold on)
If you think you've had too much
Of this life
Well, hang on

'Cause everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts
Don't throw your hand
Oh, no
Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone

No, no, no, you're not alone
If you're on your own
In this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much
Of this life
To hang on

Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes
So, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on

Everybody hurts

You are not alone

Songwriters: Bill Berry / Michael Stipe / Peter Buck / Michael Mills
Everybody Hurts lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group

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Need help/want to talk?

National Suicide Prevention Service in Canada: 1-833-456-4566 | Text 45645

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States: 1-800-273-8255

International: YourLifeCounts
 
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"Don't let yourself go... you are not alone... hold on...."

💗 Eddy

Music Video: "Hallelujah" by Pentatonix

Hi Everyone,

Happy June! Ha, seriously where the heck did May go? It was all one big blur for me. I guess that's what happens when you're stressed out. Speaking of which, I often turn to music when I need a mood lift or to calm my nerves. Some songs just make you feel better, you know?

Anyway, with music in mind, I thought I'd do something I haven't done in ages -- share a music video! The video below is by an amazing a cappella group called Pentatonix. I discovered them back in 2011 on a TV show called The Sing-Off. They were the Season 3 winners of that show, but I'm guessing the group may be unknown to many of you. The song featured in the video, however, is very well known and well loved by many. Check out Pentatonix singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."




Amazing, huh? Please take a moment to share what you think by leaving a comment.


Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "Chandelier" by Sia

Hi Everyone,

The video I'm sharing this week is for the song "Chandelier" by Australian singer-songwriter, Sia. You won't catch sight of her in the video, though. Instead, it features an incredibly talented young dancer named Maddie Ziegler. Many who watch the video say that they don't get it. My advice is to simply watch it without trying to figure it out. Just let Maddie take you on a journey through dance.



Let me know what you think about the song and video. Share your comments below.

Until next time,

Eddy

Food for Thought: Solar FREAKIN' Roadways!

Hello Everyone,

For today's food for thought, I'm doing something different and sharing a video. It's about the possibility of having solar roadways. The technology already exists, it's just a matter of implementing it. Can you imagine? I have no doubt that the video will generate some serious thought and discussion. In fact, I would love to hear what you guys think, so please take a moment to comment below after viewing the video.





Pretty darn cool, right? And, yet, still so much to consider...

Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "All of Me" by John Legend

Hi Everyone,

It's been ages since I posted a music video, so I thought I'd share one of my fave new songs of the year. The song is called "All of Me" and it's from Love in the Future, the fourth studio album from John Legend. The album was actually released last August, but this song is just now getting radio play. I have no doubt it's going to be a huge wedding song.

Check out the video and let me know what you think about it by leaving a comment below.




Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "The Fox" by Ylvis

Hey Everyone,

It's been a while since I posted a music video --- and wait until you get a load of this one! The video is for a song called "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" by a duo comprised of Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker, aka Ylvis. Apparently, the song was made for a TV show, but the video has gone viral on YouTube -- over 100 million views, oh my!

Maybe some of you have already seen the video. For those of you who haven't, well, it's ridiculous! The brothers are actually quite talented musically speaking, but they're comedy artists, so that should explain a lot. :)

Alright, enough from me. Check out the video and tell me what you think about it by leaving a comment below.





Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye, Covered by Walk Off the Earth

Hi Everyone,

I'm back with that music video I hinted at last week. It's a cover of the song "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye. When I saw Walk Off the Earth perform this tune, I knew I had to keep following them to see what they'd come up with next. They're a super talented bunch, no doubt about it.

Are you guys ready? Okay, get a load of this...




Come on, was that awesome or what? I just love it!

Let me know what you think. Leave your comments below.


Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "I Knew You Were Trouble" by Taylor Swift, Covered by Walk Off the Earth ft. KRNFX

Hey All,

How's everyone doing?

This week I'm sharing a cool cover of the song "I Knew You Were Trouble" by Taylor Swift. The cover is being performed Walk Off the Earth featuring KRNFX.

I actually discovered Walk Off the Earth last year. They were performing another song that I will share with you next week. Yup, I'm keeping you all in suspense until then! You'll be totally wowed by how they pull it off.

For now, check out the video below and let me know what you think by leaving a comment.




Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson

Hey All,

This week I'm sharing the video "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson. The song is about how we're all different and that's what makes the world. So, if you've ever felt like you don't fit in, you do, just the way you are.

Check out the video and tell me what you think by leaving a comment below.




Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "Just Give Me a Reason" by Pink

Hey Everyone,

Back in February I shared a video by Pink called "Try." This weeks video is for another song off of her Grammy nominated album The Truth About Love, and it also happens to be another song that both JB and I really like a lot. It's called "Just Give Me a Reason" and features Nate Ruess, lead vocalist of the band Fun. No doubt you've heard their hits "We Are Young" & "Some Nights" a bunch of times. Also featured in the video is Pink's real life husband, Carey Hart.

If you've ever lost in love, you'll definitely relate to this song. When you're done watching the video, be sure to let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.



Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "Stay" by Rihanna (ft. Mikky Ekko)

Hi All,

I'm here to share another music video -- "Stay" by Rihanna. The song also features Mikky Ekko.

I'll be honest, the video for this song isn't anything special. Actually, JB is a fan of this song too and she also said that she could care less about the video. The song, however, really speaks to us, so check it out and let us know what you think.



Until next time,

Eddy

The Baby Bachelor

Hey Everyone,

I just had to share this video with you. It features Jimmy Kimmel's nephew as "The Baby Bachelor" and it's so darn cute!



Adorable, right?

Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "Mirrors" by Justin Timberlake

Hi Everyone,

I'm back with another music video for your enjoyment. "Mirrors" is one of the hot new releases off of Justin Timberlake's latest album The 20/20 Experience.

This is the full length version of the video, so set aside about 8 1/2 minutes to watch it.

I just love the groove on this tune. You can't help but move your body. :)





Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "Daylight" by Maroon 5

Hi Everyone,

I'm back with another music video. This time it's for the song "Daylight" by Maroon 5. This particular version of the song features musicians from around the globe as part of the Playing For Change music project series.

Created by American producer & sound engineer Mark Johnson, PFC also created a separate non-profit organization called the Playing for Change Foundation. Profits from this version of "Daylight" will go to the PFC Foundation, which builds music schools for children around the world, mainly in developing countries.

All of the performers in the video were recorded & filmed live outdoors and it's really cool to see how they all come together. Check it out!





Until next time,

Eddy

Music Video: "Try" by Pink

Hey All,

Have any of you heard the song "Try" by Pink? It's on her new album The Truth About Love and it's a great song. The video for it is fantastic too. It's all about the choreography, which is pretty darn amazing. I'm sharing it with you today. Let me know what you think.




Until next time,
Eddy

Kim Kardashian & Kanye West's Unborn Baby Escapes!

Hey all,

Leave it up to Conan O'Brien to report this news first! lol

Watch as Kim Kardashian & Kanye West's unborn baby makes a run for it.

Go, baby, go!!!



Until next time,

Eddy