When Eating Live Animals Goes Wrong: The Ultimate Crash Diet

By:  Brittany S

Interested in weight loss?  Have a little extra holiday weight you want to lose?  Trying to uncover your summer beach body?  Recently spend 6 weeks in America and gain 7 lbs (Too specific)?

Well I'VE GOT THE SOLUTION FOR YOU!

EAT SANNAKJI!

What is this "Sannakji" you ask?
A "killer" diet, that's what!  It is literally a diet to die for.


Why?
Because aside from being one of the most dangerous foods in the world, it can help you drop the lbs in a matter of DAYS!


"What do I have to do?!"
It's simple really.  Just watch this instructional video below:

Yes ladies and gentlemen, it is THAT SIMPLE and it only takes a few SECONDS!


Eat sannakji and your body will flush out waste over the next few days.  Drink plenty of water.


I personally have lost 6 or 7 lbs on this program.  I'm quite happy with the end result.  But don't just take my word for it.  Read some of our testimonals from actual product users:

ACTUAL PRODUCT USERS!

Testimonials:
Ebony--"I lost 4 lbs in one week...just in time for my wedding!"

LaToya--"I lost a few lbs and was able to take a vacation from work!"


Try it for yourself and discover the new you today!

What I discovered wasn't too exciting.

**Disclaimer:  This is not a true diet nor is it advocating for any type of "diet" or weight loss method that causes the body to lose weight in an unnatural way .  Side effects may include:  diarrhea, vomiting, lack of energy, weight, and pride, Yes, it did cause me and the people mentioned in the testimonials to lose weight by causing us to "flush out waste," but that definitely was not by choice!  Sannakji is really one of the most dangerous foods in the world.  It is live octopus.  Each tenticle has its own brain and even though the sannakji we were served was already chopped up, it continued to squirm.  If you do not chew this food quickly and thoroughly, it can cling to the inside of your cheek and/or your throat wall and cause you to choke to death.  This is not "a diet to die for" but it definitely is a "killer."  There are several deaths annually from this food.  If you decide to try this Fear Factor eligible food, please CHEW CHEW CHEW!

Also, I would suggest you learn from our mistake and eat something first.  We didn't eat beforehand and dined on not only raw octopus, but raw oysters as well.  We've decided that the oysters were the real culprit; the more oysters you ate, the sicker you were (out of the 7 of us who went there, 5 of us were extremely sick afterwards).  When I talked to a Korean person about it, he told me a lot of people have been getting the Norovirus from raw seafood lately.  That is definitely what it felt like.  This is definitely NOT a "date food."  I'd eat ribs or something else sloppy on a date before I'd eat this!  You've been warned.

1st World vs 3rd World Living

June 2012,  Breian S. Brockington

Outstretched on a white, plush beach lounge chair, with my toes dipped in sun kissed sands, beside me rest a mixed drink of assorted tropical fruits, a tourist favorite. Covered by a giant blue and white striped umbrella, I begin to notice the slight and sometimes ambiguous stares, accompanied with chubby, pointed fingers in my direction. I’m sure it’s on everyone’s mind. They’re all wondering the same thing. Who is she? Who does she think she is? Where is she from? It’s not unusual to see someone who looks like me but it is unusual to see me here, in this setting, with people waiting on me. Hi, my name is Breian Brockington, I’m a Black American and I live in a Third World Country: Morocco.

It’s been two years and I still haven’t seen all there is to see in this country. Every day presents itself as a new adventure. And I take it all in stride; at least I think I do. Daily task become an epic tale of magic, foreign languages, bribery, the occasional polite gesture and of course tragedy. My time here really could be portrayed as the next big sci-fi trilogy. Living in Morocco has been a curse and a blessing all in itself. I have learned the value of simplistic living and embraced the joys of First World Problems. Yes, you just read that right. I now value some of the trivial issues we have in the states and other first world countries. Although I find the term third world to be a little offensive and demeaning, I assure you it is definitely “Another World”. Now I know that television will have you believe that Morocco is this exotic getaway in the North of Africa, complete with camel rides, Moroccan tea, and belly dancers. However, living here as a "local foreigner" has given me access to the trenches and luxuries Morocco has to offer. But how do the lows and hi’s compare to first world living? In order to answer this question for those thinking of making that big move to Morocco or else where I’ve compiled four categories that will paint a verbal picture of 3^rd World vs 1^st World Living.

Number 1: Food

Plain and simple, there are fewer preservatives, pesticides, and it’s inexpensive to shop for groceries in a 3^rd World Country. Being that I am American I can only speak for my country. I must say that buying healthy foods in America have become very expensive. A $4.50 bag of pesticide pumped apples at home would cost about $1.50 here. They are smaller, healthier and if not eaten within a week they’re considered bad. The prepackaged bread that we usually pay $2.15 for is less than 0.50 and is baked fresh every day. Yes there are major grocers here and I do frequent them but only for things I’m unable to find at the open markets. The bottom line: The food is healthier. Now, if you prefer to enjoy your food outside the home that expense will run you roughly the same amount as it would in the states or Europe. However, your portions will be significantly less than what the States usually provide.

Number 2: Diversity

Just about everywhere I go in America or Europe I can see someone who looks just like me. But in Morocco people have a hard time believing I’m American. My skin color convinces the masses even when we speak that I must be from some other African country. Although I have no problem with being referred to as African, I hate the subtle undertones of racism that accompany those comments. I guess it's not that far off from the States and Europe. 

Morocco may not have a vast color palette but its diversity shows in the many languages spoken in this North African country. In the north it is quite common to walk down the street and here conversations spoken in Spanish. With Spain being only a ferry ride away it’s no wonder Spaniards tried and succeeded for many years in ruling this part of Morocco. Darija; a dialect of classic Arabic is the preferred by locals. Arabic is the official language but is rarely spoken outside of business circles. French can be heard throughout the entirety of Morocco, it's their economic language. So living here would be awesome if learning a new language is on your bucket list.

Number 3: Daily Convenience

If you don’t miss anything in the states you will definitely miss the ability to get around easily. At home taxi’s, buses, trains and subways are abundant and at your service when needed. I can’t say the same for Morocco. Have you ever been wedged between 4 other people in the back of a 1982 Mercedes? How about sitting side by side in the front passenger seat? You will in Morocco unless you pay for the whole seat. Yes, when procuring a taxi you initially pay for half a seat. Trust me it is in your best interest to pay for the entire seat.  Unless crowded spaces are your thing, I say public transportation in an under developed country is a no go. Fair warning, Morocco can get pretty hot in the summer...Think about it. Other amenities such as online banking are pretty nonexistent. Mailing letters, notarizing official documents, paying speeding tickets and simply buying jewelry and clothing are all things I enjoy in a developed country.

Number 4: Traditions and Culture

When arriving in Morocco you see images of the Berber people (indigenous people of Morocco), some who still live a very traditional lifestyle. You hear the sounds of Gnawa music, and consume traditional meals like couscous are every Friday, as it was done years ago. A trip to Marrakesh or Fez will allow you to see old souks, (traditional markets) that still operate through bargaining. A glimpse of snake charmers and old story tellers are common sights as well. All of these elements give you the sense that although Morocco is striving to compete with other Arab countries, they still hold tightly to their customs. Of course we have our own traditions in America like Fourth of July BBQ’s, Easter egg hunts and New Year’s Eve fireworks, among others. However, there are so many subcultures in America the line between culture and tradition is usually blurred. What an underdeveloped country may lack in economics and convenience it definitely makes up in culture and tradition.

Traveling Sucks (Yeah, I Said It)

By Rukiya McNair

Photo.

I miss my husband. As I am here in Puerto Rico enjoying the sunshine (see photo), he is in a war zone everyday… working away. Having two small children does make it a bit better, as I always have company and for the most part they are a joy to be around. Missing him also makes me think about some of the things that travel has forced me to miss out on.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, travel has changed my life and opened my eyes to life in a way that I can’t describe in words but it does also have its downfalls.

For instance, friendships have been formed in every place I have  traveled to, and I mean real friendships. So, moving away is hard when you realize years down the road that the people who mean the most to you are often spread out across the globe.  On one hand, this great because you always have people to go visit, but on a day-to-day basis this can make things quite lonely.  Although, I can say that I am grateful for technology which makes it much easier to communicate now-a-days. So I suppose I should be thankful right?

Something else I have realized, as I have packed up and moved around more than most people I know, is that being attached to material possessions is a waste of energy and time. You know that lovely broach your grandmother gave you for your fifth birthday or that necklace that’s been passed down in your family for generations? Leave it with someone you trust or simply prepare yourself for the reality that it will get broken, stolen, or lost…or some combination of the three.  At this point, I have managed to program myself to not become attached to anything that can’t love me back. Be aware that luggage does get lost, delayed and stolen. Understand that when you leave items at a hotel, they typically don’t call you to say they have it, especially if it’s of value. Yes, people do pick-pocket, this is something your typical American is not accustomed to, but it happens (in some places, it happens rather often). Left your cell phone in a taxi after a fun and long night out? Kiss it goodbye.  Ipods, purses, wallets…anything you can think of can and more than likely will turn up missing if you travel enough. Just be thankful for your health and keep it moving.

A bit of advice I do have is that when you take photos, upload them to a website, internet storage, your email or somewhere you can find them in the case that your camera and/or laptop breaks or disappears. I mean, one thing you don’t want to lose is all of the beautiful photos you have taken along the way, right?

Okay, so now that I've officially scared you off (I'm joking, if you're reading this I know it can't be that easy) let it be known that traveling and living abroad is not for the faint for heart. It will, however change your life for the better and you will belong to one of the best clubs around. 

Why Should I Move Abroad?

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Abroad

February 26, 2012—Cha Jones

Are you ready to trade your current life for a new life of adventure and travel abroad?

Well, before you go jetsetting around the world you may want to think about the advantages and disadvantages of moving abroad. Now, don’t get me wrong I believe that anytime you can trade your everyday life for an adventure, then you certainly can’t go wrong, or can you?

After, living in South Korea for three years these are that things I think would make me want to leave America and live abroad.

• No rent to pay: huge advantage if you are living in the city paying upwards to $1100 a month with no supporting cast members
• No car payment: I didn’t have a car payment before I left, but when you moved abroad, although I had a car my second year, there was great public transportation…so no car note is good
• Healthcare: oh! I had really good healthcare and I didn't have to pay much for drugs
• It’s easier to learn the language: if you are looking to learn a new language it’s much easier to learn one if you have to use it every day to communicate
• You will have a better appreciation for diversity: America is a melting pot, even though we tend to think of everything as Black and White, when you live abroad you appreciate multiculturalism and the value of meeting people from everywhere
• You are able to see the world from a different vantage point: if you have never traveled abroad, then the world looks like what you see on television. However, when you travel abroad you’re able to see things as they are and not how someone else is telling you things are
• You are able to dispel rumors and educate people: many times people have heard negative things about other races and cultures, but when you move abroad, especially being “of color” you are able to help people have a better view through first hand experiences
• Good Food: if you like the countries food, then you get to have good authentic food
• New Friends: You are able to have very diverse sets of friends
• Traveling the World: it’s easier to travel and see other places when you live abroad
• Learning experience: you just learn so much about everything
• Improved Lifestyle: you are able to experience living rather than just working and surviving
• Change: you are always reinventing yourself and making new friends

As far as the disadvantages, and yes there are some…

• Time difference: you have to get use to being in a different time zone where it may not be very easy to communicate with friends and family
• Missing Out: you miss out on some very important events (weddings, birth of children, and many holidays)
• No home cooked meals: you can’t just run and get a home cooked meal from your mother
• Nothing is convenient: having the things you like to eat at the grocery store is not always easy  to get
• Shopping may not be idea: you may have to order your clothes and when you get them they may be all wrong
• Losing touch with others: all the people at home are changing and you feel so disconnected
• No familiarity: you have to make new friends where you are, and they can’t replace those friends who really, really know you
• Change may be difficult: you have to give up some of the things you love to find new things that you like
• Home-sick: when you really miss home, it’s so far away
• Communication barriers: you may not have many people who speak your native language around you, and you may have trouble communicating
• Food allergies and dislikes: you may not like the food in your new country and it may be very difficult to get food you like or you just may be unable to eat

I could spend several hours thinking of all the things I love about living aboard and an equal amount of time thinking of things I hate. However, I think when you are weighing the odds of what is in your best interest, living abroad has so much more weight than the alternative. The experience alone is a great reason to do it, but if you know that you are not an open person, then I’d suggest rethinking your options. However, if you’re not an open person living abroad may not even be a consideration in the first place?

I say follow your heart and everything else will work out. Welcome Abroad!