Mushrooms, Hmm Yummy!!!

I recently stubble upon this mushrooms at a close by farm and took it home for consumption.

I’ve always loved mushroom right from the first day I had a taste of it. Yea, it’s very yummy! There’s this deliciously-earthy flavor I get from it each time I eat it.

While growing, my mum would go to early morning market to buy mushroom as that’s the time of the day when you can get fresh mushrooms. Note: Don't keep mushrooms for too long (especially over night) before cooking as it would melt and being eaten up by its self generated worms!

This song: Mushroom! Mushroom!! I like mushroom, I like mushroom best! Was a giggle for mushroom we heard and learnt while growing up, it was one of our favorite songs then for me and my siblings when ever we’re eating mushroom or hungry of it. I could remember vividly we played the cassette over and over again till the cassette crashed.

My curiosity about how nutritious mushroom is leads me to doing a research on it. Please read along!

Mushrooms, though classified as vegetables in the food world, are not technically plants. They belong to the fungi kingdom and although they are not vegetables, mushrooms provide several important nutrients.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins and are also a source of important minerals like Selenium, Ergothioneine, Copper, and Potassium. Mushrooms also contains Beta-glucans, Beta-glucans contribute to resistance against allergies and may also participate in physiological processes related to the metabolism of fats and sugars in the human body.

From my finding, I got to know that consumption of mushrooms could be useful in regulating glucose levels, a benefit that might make it easier to lose weight and exercise longer by controlling blood sugar, especially for women. Mushrooms are very good for Weight Loss.

Mushrooms actually broke the jinx’s that plant foods don’t naturally contain vitamin D as it happens to be one of the few vegetables considered to be a good source of edible Vitamin D. Vitamin D is vital for many aspects of human health, and supplements. This essential vitamin can facilitate the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous.

For Stronger Bones: In addition to Vitamin D (which is good for bones) mushrooms also contain calcium (the very nutrient that Vitamin D helps you to absorb!) This serendipitous occurrence just increases the benefits for your bones. Eating adequate amounts of calcium has been shown to reduce joint pain, lack of mobility and even osteoporosis risk.

For Diabetes Management: Mushrooms contain natural insulin and enzymes which help the body break down sugar and starch in other foods. Thereby it’s considered as a good tool for dietary management of diabetes.

Immune Health: Mushrooms are one of the highest antioxidant foods in the world. It has been found to stimulate and regulate the body’s immune system. Research also indicates that mushrooms can help reduce risk of breast and prostate cancer.

Scientists recently find a potential link between mushrooms and a decreased likelihood of tumor growth and development in cells and animals.

Like all fruits and vegetables, mushrooms are naturally gluten free, and make a delicious and nutritious addition to a gluten-free diet.

Uses of Mushroom

Apart from mushroom being edible (though not all mushroom are edible), They can be used to make lots of inedible things, like packaging (I watched a documentary recently about how it’s used for packages because its biodegradable  and even houses. But for now, my focus is on what they can do for my health.

 Their flavor is just one reason to love the humble mushroom.

"I am...a mushroom on whom the dew of heaven drops now and then" --John Ford, The Broken Heart (1633).

References:

www.care2.com

http://m.mushroominfo.com/benefits/

http://www.care2.com/causes/5-surprising-health-benefits-of-mushrooms.html#ixzz3eeDdCwTb

SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE

SOCIAL MEDIA, WHAT REALLY IS IT?

Social media refers to forms of electronic communication (as Web site for social networking and micron blogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages and other content (as videos). -Merriam Webster

From this definition it can be deduced that social media is an e-gathering of people who interact, share information and other content that connects them. In lay man terms, it can be said to be an avenue for people to meet virtually for different purposes.

The advent of social media has availed us the opportunity to converge with people we ordinarily may not be able to meet to share ideas and meet other purposes. It has broken down physical boundaries.

PLATFORMS

I am sure most of us who have been to one of those crusades or revivals held on open fields would agree that one conspicuous thing is the stage on which the ministers stand. That stage or platform like most call it positions them to be seen and heard from afar. They help more people notice them as they share their messages.  In like manner, social media has stages or better still 'e-stages' or platforms on which we can be seen and heard. They help more people get to notice us and include but are not limited to Facebook, Black Berry Messenger (BBM), Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

With these in mind, I ask:

* What do people see when they see you on 'stage'?

*What message do your social media platforms send?

* What do people see when you 'perform' on WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and others?

* Does the message you send via your platforms line up with what you say you do?

Never make the mistake of thinking that "It doesn't matter since I'm not a public figure.” You may not be but I want you to realize that EVERY of your act on Social Media platforms sends a message. Every update, post, DP, tweet, etc sends a message. People are watching. I do hope it is noteworthy and worth a replay.

PURPOSE.

Myles Munroe wrote years back that when the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is inevitable. I can't help but agree. Whatever has graced the face of planet earth has a reason for its existence; we just may not have figured it out. Social media is not an exception. Until you understand the purpose of social media, you will continually abuse it.

The Purpose of social media can be placed under three broad headings:

- Connection

- Education

- Business

i. CONNECTION

Social media helps you connect to people. Relationships have been built and are being built on social media platforms. It has given people the chance to connect or even renew ties with ex-classmates and long lost friends. Social media has proven to meet this need.

ii. EDUCATION

The advent of online training programs, coaching and online schools has made it possible for us on to learn on social media platforms from the comfort of our homes and offices.

iii. BUSINESS

Lastly, social media meets commercial purposes. Transactions can now be made and sealed virtually. People can now teach, sell, buy and carry out a whole lot of commercial functions on her platforms.

If any of your activity neither falls within this context nor is a corollary of the afro mentioned, then you are defeating its purpose.

SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE.

Etiquette as defined by Merriam Webster is 'rules indicating the proper and polite way to behave.' OR 'The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.'

Etiquette simply means the proper way of behaving. Therefore, social media etiquette can be said to mean the proper way of behaving on social media platforms. It demands doing the right thing regardless of what's trending.

Let's run down its dimensions which are social media etiquette in...

* Display/Profile Picture

* Display/ Profile Name.

* Status/Personal messages.

* Broadcasts.

* Writing on social media.

* Relating with Contact.

DISPLAY/PROFILE PICTURE

Etiquette demands that meant to be on your DP or profile are pictures of you or of what you say you do.

There is a reason it is called a display picture, like I earlier wrote, pictures of you or of what you say you do should be there not whatever you feel like putting there.

DISPLAY NAME/PROFILE NAME

I have a problem with people who just follow trends. These days, I see emoticons and symbols replacing people's names on social media. It makes me wonder when emoticons and symbols metamorphosed into letters.

You have a name; ensure that it is what is on your social media platforms. Don't be one of those who bear different names on different platforms.

WhatsApp- G.O.L.D

BBM- GoldenBabe

Facebook - Evelyn Adewale

Twitter - @hardewale

Your name is meant to be a source of identity. How do you expect people to identify you when you have no stable name? Save the nicknames for loved ones.  Leave the emoticons for chats.

P. S: Brand names also apply. The idea is to use a name you want to be known for.

‪STATUS/PERSONAL MESSAGES

To paraphrase Steve Harris, you cannot act like a goffer and expect to be treated as a prospect. How do you expect to be taken serious if all you write on your status or personal message that does not represent you well? You have to be mindful of what gets to your status. Let the messages resonate with what you say you do.  Don't bring over your personal problems to your status or bombard your contacts every time you have an issue. Avoid putting provocative messages on your status.

UPDATES/BROADCASTS

The broadcasts I see on social media these days make me wonder when rational thinking became extinct.

I wonder what makes people think that xxx will happen to me if I don't pass x message to xx number of people. It's very ridiculous. Choose to be different from those who do that. Be Unique.

WRITING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Every discipline has its etiquette. English language inclusive and last time I checked, it demands that you write using only dictionary approved contractions like 'don't', 'isn't', 'I'm', etc.

Faddish writing is not fashionable at all. I like to classify it under one of the seven signs of idiocy, but seriously it doesn't send a good message. Like I ask people, if you won't write words like 'xo', 'sup', 'bcos', 'sm1', etc on a letter why write it on social media? Write your words in full. It doesn't and won't cost much. Don't say you are saving time. What's the difference in time spent in writing 'xo' and 'so' or even 'cos' and 'because'? Not much.

SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE IN RELATING WITH CONTACTS.

1. MAKE COURTESY A LIFESTYLE.

Even with all the 'tushness' flying around, it's sad to say most don't have simple courtesy.

Courtesy demands you greet people properly. Write 'Good morning', 'Good day' instead of all those 'sup', 'aufa', 'gudpm', 'morning', 'evening' and its variants.

It demands that you introduce yourself properly when you come in contact with people - social media shouldn't negate that. I'm sure you wouldn't meet someone in a conference and expect the person to know who you are without proper introduction. No, you wouldn't. As it is in the physical so it should be in the virtual. Don't send people you just got their contacts for the first time messages like 'aufa', 'hi' or even any other message without introducing yourself. Don't expect them to start figuring out who you are. INTRODUCE yourself; it's not PROTOCOL like most term but SIMPLE COURTESY.

2. RESPECT PEOPLE'S TIME AND SPACE.

One disadvantage of social media is that just about anyone can get into your space. People just get your contacts and intrude so to say. Thank God for the unfriend, block and delete buttons.

However, we too as its users have a part to play. We need to learn to respect people's space and time. Here are practical tips via which that can be done.

1. Before sending messages on platforms like BBM and WhatsApp, read the person's status. If it reads 'busy', 'in a meeting' etc don't send, even if you must respect their space by writing something like “I’d love to discuss an important issue with you. Do let me know when you come online." 
2. Don't send people messages at every hour of the day or even send them messages and expect immediate responses. 
3. Respect people's space and time. Don't send messages at odd hours of the day, if you must see number 1 or apologise by saying "I'm sorry for sending this by this time but I'd really like to discuss this with you." 
4. When in social media groups, be mindful of this. Respect others space. Don't initiate chats at every hour of the day. 
5. Respect boundaries, don't relate with people you haven't met or built a rapport with as if you have. Do you really need to know who that person on someone's DP is? 
6. People have their moments of solitude and reflection. Don't go trying to know what a status or personal message means. 
7. Be a subtle 'snub'. I have a growing relationship with great minds/my mentor and a whole lot of others. I have all either on my WhatsApp or BBM. I don't send them messages at every hour of the day or even daily. As a matter of fact, we chat like once in weeks. I have learn to 'snub' them enough to value the time we do spend chatting. You get right? Don't be in people's faces all the time. Prove yourself in your space. Don't be a virtual nuisance. 
8. Don't tag contacts without their permission unless the post relates to them. Etiquette demands you gain people's consent before tagging them.

In conclusion, realise that your conduct on social media passes a message. People are watching. I'm privileged to share my thoughts with you on this subject matter because a Babe from this platform saw my WhatsApp status when I taught this on another group.

If you were to be a recruiter on social media, would you recruit a social media user like you? Is your response in the positive? If yes, Kudos! If no, a lot has been written, application is what is left.

I'll leave you with a little task. Write out 5 social media etiquette you will inculcate and 5 bad ones that you will drop.

Note: People may have different reasons for which they are on a platform but the principles are the same. WhatsApp to many is a casual platform but a business platform to some. The same goes for the others. It's just like a case of one man's meat being another's poison. The platform which you consider casual could be an official one for another which is why social media etiquette is encouraged on all social media platforms. Though the platforms may differ the proper way of behaviour is constant. They are not subject to the platform. I think who you would want to start a conversation with would determine the kind of casual greeting you would employ. If you are relating with let's say a sibling or close friend, that may be appropriate but I'm sure you wouldn't use it for people in authority. The age grade of and closeness with the person you would want to begin a conversation with is a factor. Our world awaits your impact!

Written by: Okobi Maryjane. www.facebook.com/okobimaryjane; 08100059731(WhatsApp); 52C2DE37 -BBM

Facebook Safety!

You really need to be discreet about the things you showcase on your facebook page such as your private details, your photos, your thoughts and preferences; they can be used against you.

Please, take into account what you put on your Facebook page irrespective of the therapeutic feeling facebook offers.  Use your privacy control to control what status to post. Don’t reveal more than what is necessary to roaming eyes.

• For the married, avoid posting suspicious photos that could make people feel you are flirting or having an affair with someone else other than your spouse. 
• Limit the number of people you accept, you may need to delete or ignore some friend request. Don't be too eager to meet the 5000 friend limit since the 5000 friend limit is not a challenge. 
• Reduce the constant tag of where you are. Experts have advised not to confine our lives to predictable routines because that’s how criminals know when and where to attack. Avoid announcing to everyone when you are away from home (such as 'off to the creek') and when you are alone at home (home alone! hussy is off to England, again!). Avoid “check-in” services while at your house or posting your address on facebook or any other social site. Criminals are on the lookout for preys on Facebook.  
• Writing on your facebook status that you are having a party could result to getting more guest than you can cater for.
• Avoid adding your employers and colleagues to your friend’s list. Irrespective of your relationship with them, it is advisable to keep your professional life separate from your personal life. This will help you to express yourselves more on your page when you keep your page free from work-related people (you can add them to your linkedIn). 
• Avoid Complaining about your boss or writing you hate your job and want to leave, you might get your wish.
• Yes, it’s your facebook page and you're entitled to write whatever you think or feel at any moment, but writing bad reports about anybody on your page is really not nice. Keep your opinions and thoughts about others to yourself or express your feelings to your close families and friends not to the public on facebook. It could be that you heard from a grape vine or saw a post about a person, don’t just write what you heard or repost what you saw on someone else wall, do a thorough research before you post anything since most of the time these things are completely false. Your friends and fans are viewing your status.
• Don't be too critical about people as it may send a wrong picture of you to your friends and fans and this could alter their thoughts about you. Your false or critical status about others could hunt you in future.
• Some people say you should not provide your real birthday dates on your facebook page, most times when asked to provide a numerical password, the first thing that comes into your mind is probably a variation of your birth date. I really won't agree to that as I will not feel much fun when wished a happy birthday on a date that's not really my birthday. You can consider not revealing the year you were born if you have to reveal your birthday or avoid using your birth date figures as password to your emails, websites and online accounts.
• Try to resist the urge of sharing photos of every aspects of your lives (such as pictures of your home, furniture, pets, cars, your kids school (never say what school they go to), what you gave your spouse on your wedding anniversary, your latest purchase, etc). Though it could be fun or a heart-warming status that is warmly shared with friends but this could stir up unnecessary jealousy in the mind of some friends as they would feel you have a better life than them.