Thursday, January 15, 2009

Coincidence, Telehealth and Brain Mysteries,

That's the third coincidence. I wrote about the explorer Scott, the following day I saw a programme about Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott, the day after that I got an email from a long time friend in North Carolina. Amundsen was her great, great uncle. I knew she had a Scandinavian heritage, but never heard about Amundsen before. On TV last night they had a brief segment about telehealth care. It now appears that it is becoming regular practice to consult medical professionals by computer/TV rather than having to travel 1,400 miles to see them. This brings many offshoots of telehealth - they envision soon that patients will be able to stay at home rather than go into a hospital and in many cases treat themselves with assistance of doctors on a telehealth system. Telehealth is already available to us, if you have a medical question there is a number you can call. But the idea of the doctor being able to see the patient's problems and to tell the patient what to do and how to do it, is fairly new. Amazing, soon you won't have to leave home for anything - except to deposit a cheque in the bank. On TV Ontario they are running a series about the brain called Mysteries of the Mind - From Brilliant to Broken. Most incredible stories; last night there was one about an Australian who felt that his lower leg and foot didn't belong to him and wanted it amputated. This is not unique but is rare. Finally after talking to doctors in the US as well as in Australia, he did what another man did and put his foot into dry ice for 5 hours which killed the lower leg and the doctors were forced to amputate. Another story about a woman with Foreign Language Syndrome who, because of a brain injury, now sounded a bit as though she came from Scandinavia when she was English and had never left the country or had the ability to speak any other language. I have heard of this syndrome several times. Another guy who falls asleep any time, any where; he can just drop. He can get out of bed in the morning, say hi to his wife and immediately fall on the floor fast asleep. There are videos here which are from the programme. I find such programmes absolutely fascinating. Unfortunately I will miss tonight's episode as I am going to see Australia with a friend. Here is another recipe from my Three and Four Ingredient cookbook. Stewed Okra with Tomatoes and Coriander This is a favourite Middle-Eastern way to prepare okra. Add wedges of lemon as a garnish so that their juice can be squeezed over the vegetables to taste. Okra, also known as lady's fingers, are narrow green lantern-shaped pods. They contain a row of seeds that ooze a viscous liquid when cooked. This liquid acts as a natural thickener in a variety of curries and soups. 14 oz can chopped tomatoes with onions and garlic generous pinch each of ground cinnamon, cumin and cloves 6 Tbs fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves 1 3/4 lbs. okra. From the store cupboard Salt and freshly ground black pepper Heat the tomatoes and the cinnamon, cumin and cloves with half the cilantro in a pan, then season to taste with salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Add the okra (stalks removed) and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes, until the okra is tender. Taste for spicing and seasoning, adjust if necessary, adding more of any one spice, salt or pepper to taste. Stir in the remaining cilantro. Serve hot, warm or cold. Have a great day.

7 comments:

  1. hello Jo !

    This garlic soup seem to taste so good and Okra too !

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  2. Both good recipes I think. Glad to see you around Gynie.

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  3. I hope you enjoyed "Australia"!

    I reckon within five years cheques will have disappeared, too. I hardly ever receive one and write maybe 3-4 a year, if that. Internet banking and direct deposit have pretty much got rid of cheques in my life.

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  4. Basically you are right Satima except I sell Avon and several customers pay me by cheque.

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  5. Forgot, didn't get to see Australia after all. I had decided not to go for several reasons and then discovered the cinema wasn't showing it last night anyway. Will have to wait for the DVD now.

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  6. Jo --

    Okra?! Never heard of it. And I must say it doesn't sound all that great looking.

    Marilyn

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  7. You do surprise me Marilyn, the first time I ever ate Okra was in the south of France. Many years ago. It is actually a very enjoyable vegetable. I use it a lot to make my seafood gumbo and will certainly be trying this recipe. In fact this is something similar to the first time I ate it.

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