Issue: The Jack-O-Lantern Story

While vampires, witches, ghouls and other nocturnal creatures are the usual symbols for Halloween, pumpkins – specifically Jack-o-lanterns are always visible too.

Jack-o-lanterns have always been a part Halloween for centuries. This tradition has originated from an Irish legend Stingy Jack. 

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As the story goes, Jack’s stinginess had given him his dark faith. While with a devil in a bar, Jack had managed to trick the devil to turning into a coin that they can have drinks. But, instead of paying for the drinks, Jack cunningly put the devil  inside his pocket. The devil was not able to regain his true form because Jack had placed a silver cross with the devil. But after a while Jack did let go of the devil under the oath that this devil won’t bother him for a year and if Jack would die during that period, the devil won’t claim his soul. 

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However, the next year, Jack had tricked the devil once more. This time he made the devil promise that he won’t bother him for ten years and if Jack should die, the devil won’t claim his soul.

Eventually, Jack did die. He was not welcomed by the heaven because of his misdeed. And hell wouldn’t have him either because of the devil’s oath.

So, Jack was set off to wander the dark earth with only a burning coal to light his way.

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The Irish had recognized the ghostly figure as ‘Jack of the Lantern’ and soon enough they began carving off scary faces in pumpkins, then placing them into the windows and doors to drive away ‘Stingy Jack’ and other wandering evil spirits.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Life Quotation # 2

 

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If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both.

~American saying~

Simply Photo: Pharmacy Seminar 2011

Friday Question: What Are the Active Constituents Found in Snakes?

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Snakes particularly the venomous types have been known as sources for snake-bite antidotes. But interestingly, these snakes are also foundations of many chemical constituents for many diseases and conditions. What can be these chemical constituents?

Related articles:

•   Popular Venomous Snakes with Anticoagulant Properties
•   Medicinal Properties in Venomous Snakes

Issue: Red-eared Slider Turtle and Salmonella Infection

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes food-borne illness. This illness (salmonella infection or salmonellosis) usually includes the symptoms of diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Salmonella are transmitted via consumption of contaminated food usually of animal origin like poultry, eggs and meat. Reptiles as turtles are also said to cause salmonella infection.

With a red-eared turtle, such infection is attained mostly by children through improper handling and hygienic reasons.

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Salmonella from Red-eared sliders prevention

• Keep the area of the turtle clean

 Salmonella bacteria tend to linger to a Red-eared Sliders surroundings. By keeping the area clean, risks of Salmonella infection can be lessen.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a Red-eared Slider

 Washing the hands is the number one rule in keeping oneself sanitary. However, do not wash merely with water. Wash your hands with soap, scrubbing vigorously from the wrists down to your finger tips for about 20 seconds.

• Talk to your kids about salmonella infection

 Give your kids a warning about the salmonella infection and its consequences. Inform them on how to handle a red-eared the proper way (not putting them in the mouth, kissing them or cuddling them) and more importantly; be responsible in reminding them to wash their hands all the time.

Read more here

Life Quotation # 1

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My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.  

~Maya Angelou~