We have all experienced the familiar yet weird dream of falling from great heights or the sound of water that equates to a mad dash to the bathroom but exactly what does it all mean? Why do we have some dreams in common, while others are so far-fetched, we awake scratching our heads in thought? Dating back to Ancient Rome and Greece, dreams have always been an interest and mystery. Theorists such as Freud called dreams “‘the royal road to the unconscious,” left open to interpretation—his theory bordered on sexual desires—maybe or maybe not? However, one thing is clear dreams are often the response to daily life, whether it’s our subconscious thoughts, sensations or activities.
Did you know infants spend 70% of their sleep time dreaming, while adults average about 24% in dreamland and even animals dream? In the end, what do our dreams mean and how do the “experts” interpret some of our most typical or even outlandish dreams…well let’s see
The Falling Dream
-Falling dreams are one of the most common dreams that people have. When you fall in the dream there is nothing to grab or hold onto that is sturdy enough to save you. Studies reveal that in many cases, dreams of falling may be due to physiological in nature (i.e. a blood pressure drop at the moment of slumber or out-of-whack equilibrium). However, dream analysts suggest that falling dreams can have a symbolic significance that indicates a feeling that life is spiraling out of control. Falling dreams are interpreted as insecurities, and anxieties. There is an overwhelming sense that your situation in life is out of control. This may be a personal relationship or career-oriented. This type of dream may also indicate a fear of falling.
The Flying Dream
“Hey is that Superman?” Have you ever had a dream where you were flying amongst the clouds, free and unburdened by the world? In this dream you have no cares or worries, no schedule, no responsibility. Many dreams are forgotten by the time we awake, but that is not usually the case with flying dreams. This dream seems to be divided among those who fly spontaneously in their dreams and those who have a lucid dream and choose to fly. These dreamers have a powerful feeling of freedom, exhilaration, a feeling that you control your own destiny. Kudos to those who fly!
Make Thursday Night Special at Philip Marie
By Miss Jane
Philip Marie located in the vibrant West Village offers up stellar New American cuisine including a “to-die-for” wine and food pairing menu on Thursdays, which I greatly enjoyed. The cozy eatery has low lighting and an atmosphere that is classy, yet not stuffy.
The pairing includes four courses for $32, and the menu changes often.
The first course, the Smoked Ravioli a la Bolognese with crispy sage, was paired with Tunnel of Elms Merlot Beringer (2007). The raspberry undertones of the wine went well with the tomato sauce in this pasta dish, accented lightly with carrots. Crispy sage gave the dish a nice light crunch.
The second course was the Stuffed Prosciutto Di Parma with creamed spinach, pecorino Romano cheese, and braised asparagus, and was paired with Gloria Ferrer Carneros Merlot (2006). The hints of plum in the wine were a nice match with the saltiness of the prosciutto. This was not a combination I am use to, but found it exceptionally delightful.
In the age of inventions like the Snuggie (which I love), I thought modern day inventions couldn’t get anymore kooky and quirky—I was wrong. Here are two new inventions that make you wanna go “hmm”.
It’s a bird, A plane…No a boobs mask?!
Okay, how many times have you been to a function or out shopping and wished you had a reason to ripe of that confining bra and sigh with relief—well Dr. Elena Bodnar obviously thought the same thing but umm with a twist?
Dr. Bodnar, who resides in Chicago, started as a scientist in the Ukraine when she witnessed the life-changing effects of Chernobyl in 1986. Unlike other scientist and medical professionals who tried to discover new ways to do-away with nuclear plant or take up the cause for environmental protection—this doctor thought way outside-the-box-and created the gas mask bra.
So, imagine your out with a gal pal and someone starts to cough and sweat and show outward signs of the Swine flu—well just whip your bra off and it doubles as a lacy, gas mask or maybe your enjoying a night out and hazardous fumes are released into the air—fear not, since each cup doubles as a mask, you got your friend’s back too.
Think I’m kidding? Well at a recent ceremony of the Annals of Improbable Research, Dr. Bodnar demonstrated her gas mask invention, which according to her, could have aided in preventing the inhalation of the Iodine-131 fumes during Chernobyl. Talk about functionality ladies!
Just Add Some Water
Either your day will get a bit more interesting or parents will be upset about this new product called Booz2Go—a new alcoholic powder where you just add water to get a bubbly, lime-flavored buzz. Invented by five Dutch classmates (had to be European), this latest innovation is available in 7-ounce packets with about 3% alcohol content cost about $2 bucks. The controversy—because it’s in powder form, they want to market the powder to underage drinkers (yikes).
Congrats to our V-Day contest winner Sheryll Durrant, who dined with hubby at IL Punto Ristorante on Sunday, February 14. Thanks to IL Punto for providing our readers with this wonderful dinner for two! We asked Sheryll to give us their thoughts on the night. Here’s what she had to say…
We never win anything, and being that we hate to leave Brooklyn on the weekends, we were half expecting an expensive but mediocre experience. As the winners of the Valentines Day dinner for two at IL Punto Ristorante, located in Midtown, we were pleasantly surprised–the food was excellent and the service was exceptional.
Having traveled a bit in Europe, I was always impressed by the level of service that I found in France–no matter where I went, the waiters always seemed extremely attentive. They never interrupt our meals with a “is everything all right” but rather they tend to wait and watch for a cue to see if we needed anything. I later learned that wait staff in France as well as other countries are trained at restaurant schools. Waiting on customers is as important as the quality of the food and wine. In essence, everything is important.
Our waiter immediately struck me as someone out of this sort of training. I mentioned this to my wife, and I waited for the appropriate moment to ask. When I did, he told us he just came from Italy, where he had also worked in restaurants. He was schooled as I thought but in Italy at a very reputable institute in London.
We selected the Valentine’s Day special which was prix fixe. Instead of the complimentary champagne, we opted for a carafe of red wine on the waiter’s suggestion, which was excellent. Sheryll went for the stuffed Porgie (forgive me, but I have forgotten the Italian names) and I went for a sort of veal pastry, which was surrounded by a ragu (stew of ground beef and tomato sauce). Our desserts were Tiramisu and Tortino di Cioccolato con lamponi (a light chocolate cake topped with chocolate sauce.) Top that off with an expresso and you are done.
Our overall experience was very gratifying. It was well worth leaving our son at home and enjoying one of our rare moments alone together.
Grazie
Sheryll & Bruce
Valentine’s Day is not the only time during the month of February to wear red. In recognition of American Heart Month–celebrities, survivors and healthcare providers alike are dunning red as a symbol to fight heart disease, the #1 cause of death among women in the United States. Most people don’t realize the affects of cardiovascular disease on women’s health. Of the 700,000 deaths each year, women account for 51 percent of the deaths. It is the third leading cause of death in women ages 25 to 44 years old and the second leading cause in women 45 to 64 years old. According to the CDC, heart disease is now the leading cause of death among Black women—-with 26% of deaths in the last ten years, outweighing more than cancer or any other disease.
This month is a great time to make slight changes in your lifestyle to promote a healthy future. Here are a few heart healthy tips to reduce the chances of heart disease from Diane Meader-Schenk, an advocate for cardiac patients with cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in Illinois.
EAT HEART HEALTHY FOODS. Eating healthy and balanced foods helps curb extra pounds, which is essential in the fight against heart disease. A good diet can lower blood pressure and high cholesterol. It is important to avoid foods high in trans fat, sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol, all of which can deteriorate a person’s cardiovascular health. A heart healthy diet should also include: fruits and vegetables (avocados, broccoli, apples, onions, and more), fiber-rich foods (legumes and wholegrains), Soy, nuts, and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon).
Is there such a thing as “Happily Ever After?” As women we are told the fairy tales of Prince Charming and the Knight in shining armor so many times we forget its not reality. Do these stories set up little girls to find fault in men as adults? Do we constantly look over our shoulders for what we think our Prince Charming should be? I came across this article about the world’s longest married couple, Herbert and Zelmyra—who are 104 and 102 years old respectively, were married in 1924 for a whopping 86 years and counting. I wondered like my grandparents, how have this couple managed to have a successful marriage for over half a century.
Click here to read more: http://mashable.com/2010/02/09/worlds-longest-married-couple-twitter/
Like all couples, I’m sure they went thru a fair share of trials and tribulations, raised children and stayed together throughout it all. In an age where 52% of marriages fail, is it the old school tradition that has sustained them? In the past, marriage is valued and not tossed aside because the “going got tough,” today those values have changed and not necessarily for the better. I notice happily married couples speak of love, communication and respect for one another —maybe they better understood the meaning of “till death do us part.” Eighty-six years ago there was less distractions, no internet, no social networking sites nor going to the clubs every night and popping bottles.
What is your take on marriage? Do you believe in happily ever after? Do you feel that today’s generation is distracted by outside factors? Can you see yourself married for over 50 years?
Yikes, no teeth please!
I have a fixation, not a compulsive or dirty one (I don’t think) but one that makes for quite an interesting night. A few months ago, I wrote an article about “the art of the job,” where I mentioned my umm oral interests so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, not everyone is blessed with my touch but I do so love to please my partner and definitely do so willingly. However, as a woman, I often wonder “how does it feel?” or “is there anything I can do to make the experience better?”
Since I’m not a man, and I love getting to the head of the class (pun intended), I decided to reach out to a few male readers and get their take on what they consider good head….. so here we go ladies:
1. Absolutely no teeth- ladies this is where deep throat comes in to play, teeth is an automatic no no.
2. Like Trey Songz says, “No hands its better that way”. Sometimes you have to let go of the hand usage- we guys definitely like it that way.
3. A big plus is the females’ attitude, she has to really enjoy it—it massages the ego and enhances the entire experience
4. Make sure there is a good amount of lubrication from the mouth with sliding up and down action and don’t forget to combine with the hands, (see #2) ratio: 70% mouth, 30% hands
5. A woman should always remember to keep it moist, never get tired, uses hands, deep throat a must, and finally takes it all during climax.
6. Lips, tongue, hands…that’s all I am going to say…
Okay well we always knew men were simple creatures. How many women think they got skills? Why? Who think they need work? What does your man like most?
weresistsimple.com new blog destination
Ever heard of a spirit brand with its own blog? Do you wonder what celebs talk about other than money, cars and parties? Welcome to weresistsimple.com, the makers of Tanqueray gin thought of this fantastic idea to connect consumers with celebs and rising stars who live a rich, bold, interesting lives through their new online destination.
Weresistsimple.com rejects all things boring and embraces all aspects of a rich, bold and interesting life. The blog site is set to move culture forward as celebrity bloggers like CSI:NY actor and New York Times acclaimed author, Hill Harper, Mariel Haenn,Celebrity Stylist, Talib Kweli, Hip Hop artist, Sal Masekela, TV Personality and many more chat on all subjects from politics to pop culture, fashion and entertainment.
Filmmaker, Pete Chatmon, poses with a party-goer at Tanqueray's WeResistSimple.com, launch party on Thursday, January 21 in NYC.
Welcome to Chocolate Diva of the Month – celebrating inspirational women who continue to strive for the best within themselves as well as their communities.
LIFE IN THE A.J. ZONE
by Jamie Flemming (Along with being a guest blogger for NUBIA, Jamie is also a freelance writer and produces a blogzine, “for colored gurls”. Find out more info about Jamie on her website, mochawriter.com)
Best known for her role as Juanita, Tyrese’s mama in Baby Boy, A.J. Johnson has also appeared in numerous TV and Film classics such as House Party (remember Sharane – the girl everybody wanted to get with), Sister Act, School Daze, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Jaime Foxx Show and Assassins with Sylvester Stallone. When she’s not sharing the screen, A.J. is a renowned lifestyle coach and fitness advocate working to build her company — THE AJ ZONE(www.theajzone.com).
What is The AJ Zone?
It is a total health and wellness company. We address fitness, health and lifestyle issues and do what it takes to help people adjust their lifestyles into better health and nutrition. The same program used for celebrities are used for the average Jane.
Why did you create The AJ Zone?
I really didn’t create THE AJ ZONE. God, my dad and the Hollywood crowd I worked with created it! I graduated college with degrees [in] psychology and chemistry. My father told me on his death bed to help others. I began to research, and apply everything I could to live my life the best mentally, spiritually, nutritionally and physically, and my friends and peers in Hollywood noticed. They would all say, “What are you drinking? What are you eating? What are those supplements you’re taking? Can I run with you? I want to live in your zone!” I soon realized I was being called to share my healthy living experience, passions and studies to help others.
A SWEET TASTE IN HELL’s KITCHEN
Hell’s Kitchen has stepped up its restaurant game with the arrival of the Pan-Latin fare Agua Dulce or “Sweet Water.” The name is synonymous with the calming affects of the ocean sports a chic blue and white décor. Once you step foot into the dimly lit ambiance you are enveloped in a sultry essence of Latin America on the busy island of Manhattan.
Chef Ulrich A. Sterling intertwines the theme through his artistic creations fusing filtered H20 with flavors of honeydew, cucumbers, mango and papaya. Whether it’s the traditional Havana-style smoked tea braised short ribs with soy charred string bean and truffle puree or the Salmon citrus ceviche marinated in jalapeño, there is no shortage of choices on this savory menu. More…
