Home and Garden

Tips to get your roses ready

2011-01-04T03:33:00.000-08:00

1)Roses like full sun — at least six hours a day — and fast-draining soil. Before planting, amend the soil in your planting hole with compost. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for up to 24 hours before planting to replenish any lost moisture. In all climates, bare-root roses should be planted as soon as possible. If you must wait more than two days, wrap the roots in water-soaked newspaper and set the root ball in an unheated, dark place; this trick will keep the root ball ready for up to two weeks.

2)Next, dig a large, rough-sided planting hole with sides that slope outward from top to bottom. Dig the edges deeper to help the roots penetrate into the soil.Trim off damaged roots or canes. Set the rose on the cone, with the graft knot, if there is one, just at or above the soil level. Spread the roots over the mound, fill in with soil and water well.

3)Build a basin of soil around the rose 2 to 6 inches high and three feet across. Run the hose in the basin at a slow trickle until the soil is moist but not soggy. Repeat when the top 2 to 3 inches feel dry.

4)Wait until after the first bloom to feed new roses. Then water thoroughly so the fertilizer won't burn surface roots.

5)Remove canes that cross through the center, to give the plant an open, vaselike shape. Cut the remaining canes by less than one-third, pruning at a 45-degree angle just above outward-facing buds.

Make your tight space home as garden

2010-12-29T22:07:00.000-08:00

Green, Gorgeous Gifts for Gardeners

2010-12-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

1. Mason Bee House

This gorgeous mason bee house is handmade from reclaimed barn wood. If you're buying for a gardener who grows fruit or vegetables, this would be a great gift.

2. Organic Flower Power Soothing Salve

If the gardener in your life is as bad at remembering to wear their gardening gloves as I am, than it's probably safe to assume that their hands could use a little TLC. This all-natural salve is made from beeswax, olive and jojoba oil, as well as organically grown rose and chamomile

3. Tiny Terrariums

Tiny Terrariums are easy-care; cute terrariums are the perfect gift for most gardeners. A bit of green in a cubicle, office, or kitchen windowsill would be welcomed by just about any garden geek.

4. Quirky Windchime From Reclaimed Items

There is nothing quite as relaxing as listening to the gentle tinkling of a windchime while working or kicking back in your garden. This one has a great cooking theme, featuring a rolling pin and utensils, but this particular Etsy seller also has other windchimes, such as one featuring hand tools. Very creative.

Right diet for healthy heart

2010-03-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

Heart disease

Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is caused when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrower because of the build-up of fatty deposits inside them. This 'furring up' of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.

In time the artery may become so narrow that not enough blood gets through to the heart. This means the heart muscle doesn't get all the oxygen it needs, which is called angina. The pain of angina happens when the heart muscle gets short of oxygen.

If the narrowed artery becomes blocked by a blood clot, this causes a heart attack.

Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease includes all the diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including CHD, heart failure and stroke. Cardiovascular disease causes nearly 238,000 deaths every year in the UK.

There are a number of things that increase the risk of developing heart disease, including:

* high blood pressure
* smoking
* high cholesterol levels
* not being physically active
* being overweight
* diabetes

Healthy heart
What we eat can make a big difference to the health of our hearts. We can reduce our chances of developing heart disease by eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables, high in fibre, and low in salt and fat, particularly saturated fat. And don't forget that giving up smoking will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Becoming more active also helps protect our hearts by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels and controlling our weight.

11 Tips for going green at home

2010-03-01T01:13:00.000-08:00

Ask about Energy Efficient Mortgages, known as EEMs. They often allow new homeowners to qualify for a larger mortgage with a lower annual income due to the energy savings expected in homes built to high-energy efficiency standards. Ask your real estate professional or mortgage lender about EEMs.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable products over disposable ones, and recycling.

Consider a Hybrid. Looking to buy a new car? Consider a hybrid, which runs on a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor. Hybrids get up to 50 mpg compared with 15-25 mpg for typical vehicles. Even better, walk, bike, carpool or take transit more often. You'll save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive.

Kill the Energy "Vampires." TVs, video and DVD players, cable boxes, chargers for phones, laptops, camera, handheld devices and other electronic equipment found in nearly every American home are wasting huge amounts of energy. When these devices are left plugged in or in standby mode (e.g., computer "sleep" mode), they use about 40 percent of their full running power. To avoid the drain of these energy "vampires," plug them into a power strip and turn it off when they are not in use.

(Energy) Audit Your House. The greenhouse gas emissions of your house are equivalent to two average automobiles. By making improvements - sometimes as simple as fixing leaks, adding insulation and installing a hot water heater blanket - you can reduce your energy use by 30 to 40 percent, and even cut it in half. Cutting your energy consumption by even 25 percent is the equivalent of taking a car off the road for six months each year, keeping three to four tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Buy Local. Eat Fresh! Farmers' markets make it easy for you to buy produce from local farmers. Produce that is grown and sold locally avoids energy used to transport items from great distances. Many local farmers also use organic growing methods.

Put the Pressure On. Keep your tires inflated properly. Under-inflated tires are energy drainers. This simple action can save 400-700 pounds of CO2 per year. Changing auto air filters regularly also increases fuel efficiency. Accelerate slowly (don't lead foot it) and drive the speed limit. Better yet, ditch the car and walk, bike or take transit. Every gallon of gasoline you don't use keeps 20 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Get an Electric Lawnmower. Surrender your gasoline lawnmower, which is among the dirtiest of modern machines. Using your gasoline-powered mower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as driving a car 93 miles. Gas mowers emit a disproportionate amount of CO2, as well as carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Replace your gasoline lawnmower with an electric model or, better yet, a manual mower. You'll build strength and reduce emissions.

Plant a Tree. In the fall, gather acorns, chestnuts and seeds from maples and other leafy trees and plant them in small pots at home. Keep the saplings for four-five years, then plant them in your own garden, offer them to friends as gifts, or return them to nature. Experiment with different types of seeds. A single tree will absorb one ton of CO2 over its lifetime.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The manufacturing process produces an average four-eight pounds of CO2 for every pound of manufactured product. You'll save 2,400 pounds of CO2 per year by recycling half of your household waste. Avoid plastic bags; take sturdy tote bags to the grocery store. Reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and tote bags. Reuse take-out containers for plant saucers. Take a travel mug to your favorite coffee shop. Reuse gift-wrap or use reusable gift bags.

Hang it Up. Clothes dryers are energy gluttons. To reduce energy use, clean the lint filter after each load (improves air circulation and speeds drying). Use the cool-down cycle, which uses residual heat to complete the drying process. Better yet, abandon your dryer (or use it less often) by hanging up your clothes. Apartment and condo dwellers can buy a drying rack that fits into the bathtub or folds up into the wall. Reduces CO2 emissions, and your clothes will last longer.

Pick nature's clothes dryer

2010-02-24T21:48:00.001-08:00

Have you noticed that most dryers - even the newer, more advanced machines - have fairly modest energy star ratings? That's because, by their very nature, they're heavy on power usage and expensive to run.

In fact, a medium-sized 2-star clothes dryer used just twice a week will use more power in a year than a medium-sized 4.5 star two-door fridge!

The cost of using a dryer quickly stacks up on your power bills and costs our environment - all for something that can be obtained for free, outside in the fresh air.
Big savings

Take advantage of the sun in your garden or balcony – it's free! Hanging your clothes outside to dry instead of using a dryer can save a huge $280 off your yearly power bill and cut your household's carbon pollution by 1,400kg.
Use only when wet

Consider your dryer only as a drying appliance for really wet weather.

Even better, avoid washing altogether on rainy days. If you can, use clothes horses or airing racks and lines inside to fully or partly dry your washing.

When you do need to use your dryer, follow these power saving tips to lower your power use and impact on our environment:

* use correct temperature settings to minimise the amount of electricity consumed Clean the lint filter regularly to improve the dryer's energy efficiency
* don't overload your dryer – it takes longer to dry your clothes and uses more power
* use residual heat – if you've got several loads, dry them one after the other
* use your washer's spin cycle to make sure clothes aren't soaking wet when you put them in the dryer
* clean the lint filter on the dryer after every load to maximise drying efficiency, maintain full airflow, and minimise fire risk
* create airflow in the laundry by opening doors and windows to prevent humidity forming which slows down drying time
* don't mix heavyweight and lightweight articles in the same load
* share the load, finish drying or partly hang the items outdoors or in the sun

Tips to reduce the amount of gas you use

2010-02-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Planning and combining trips

Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Choosing a more efficient vehicle

Thinking about buying a new vehicle?

Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.
The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $668 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.67).
That's $3,338 extra in fuel costs over five years!

Scotland urged to save money by going greener

2010-02-17T22:56:00.000-08:00

A new campaign offering hard-pressed families advice on how to cut their fuel bills and help save the planet in the process was launched today.

Fronted by Mr Earth, the 'Go Greener' campaign will be using radio, tv, outdoor and online advertising to promote energy saving messages.

Launched to coincide with Energy Saving Week, it reminds people that small, simple lifestyle changes can add up to significant financial savings and safeguard the environment for future generations:

Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs could save the average family up to £60 a year - energy-efficient lightbulbs last around 10 times longer than normal bulbs
A household can save around eight per cent on fuel bills by switching appliances off at the socket instead of leaving them on stand-by
Fitting a full heating controls package can save up to £180 per year
Turning down the heating thermostat by just one degree can cut up to 10 per cent off fuel bills

The campaign follows new research from the Energy Saving Trust, which shows Scots are keen to go greener in order to save money.

Launching the campaign in Edinburgh, Environment Minister Michael Russell said:

"Unless we take decisive action to protect our environment there is every chance that rather than passing on our wonderful heritage, we will have to explain to our children why we ruined it.

Go Greener billboard poster

"Many of us have already changed our ways - recycling more, using more energy-efficient light bulbs and buying more seasonal and unpackaged produce.

"In Government we are also reducing our local and global environmental impact through tackling climate change, moving towards a zero-waste Scotland and increasing the use of renewable energy.

"The energy-saving measures and other steps we're promoting through the 'Go Greener' campaign will help us all make simple changes to the way we lead our lives. Achieving a greener Scotland depends on all of us - and will benefit us all too.

"We need everyone to get involved, so whether you are a business or an individual there are lots of ways to show your support. Go to www.infoscotland.com/gogreener to sign up."

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"Today marks the start of a new drive to encourage more Scottish households and businesses to reduce their energy use and save money through our 'Go Greener' campaign.

"These are clearly tough times, and becoming more green will benefit our wallets as well as our world. The average household could save up to £340 a year just by taking some simple energy efficiency steps.

"Our six-point plan for the Scottish economy includes helping households experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate. We are determined to improve energy efficiency in homes, do more to tackle fuel poverty and offer better financial advice to vulnerable households.

"Our new campaign features simple, helpful advice on how to save money and do your bit to reduce our impact on the planet. We owe it to future generations to take action now."

Harry Mayers, Head of Programme Delivery at the Energy Saving Trust (Scotland), explained:

"These are just a few simple steps we could all fit into our daily life which will make noticeable savings on our annual fuel bills and help protect the environment.

"Simple things such as turning down the thermostat one degree and washing clothes at 30oC instead of a higher temperature will cut down on the amount of energy used.

"Also, hanging clothes up to dry costs nothing and is much better for the environment than using a tumble dryer, which costs a lot to run. An added bonus is that clothes will last longer - the lifespan of elastic and many synthetics is drastically reduced by tumble drying."

Jim Paterson, Sales and Marketing Director at ScottishPower, who are actively supporting the new campaign, said:

"ScottishPower is committed to helping customers get the best out of energy use and as such, fully supports the efforts of the Scottish Government's Go Greener campaign.

"We are all looking for ways to save money on energy bills and by taking simple steps, households can make substantial savings as well as making their homes more comfortable whilst doing their bit to protect our environment.

"As a leading developer and operator of wind farms, ScottishPower is committed to promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency."

Taking action to reduce energy and help cut fuel bills by installing energy-saving lightbulbs and not leaving devices on standby are two simple yet effective actions the Scottish Government is promoting as part of its 'Go Greener' campaign.

Tips to stay greener at home

2010-02-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

Improve your insulation
Around half the heat lost in your home escapes through the walls and roof. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation will not only stop heat loss - it could also reduce your bills.

Use labels to buy energy and water efficient appliances
The Energy Saving Recommended logo can only be used by the most energy efficient products, usually the top 20 per cent of those available.

Use timers and thermostats
Take control of your heating and you could save energy and money.

Switch to energy-saving bulbs
Choosing energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways of cutting your energy use.

Keep the VOCs low
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are found in paints, finishes and preservatives, can be harmful to humans, wildlife and plants. Most of these products carry a label showing their VOC content, so try choosing the ones with lower VOCs.

Turn off appliances instead of leaving them on standby
Electrical appliances left on standby waste six to ten per cent of all energy used in the average home. Switch TVs, stereos, mobile phone chargers and other gadgets off at the switch or the plug when you're not using them.

Install water-saving products
Low-flush-volume toilet cisterns, water efficient shower heads and aerating heads on washbasin taps help reduce your water use significantly.

6 Tips for safe summer

2010-02-11T03:09:00.000-08:00

At home, you can keep cool and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion by:

• stocking up on supplies like medicines, food and non-alcoholic drinks, so you won’t have to go out in the heat

• organising your day to avoid being outside during the hottest time (11.00 am to 3.00 pm), if possible

• doing strenuous outdoor activities, like DIY or gardening, during cooler parts of the day, like early morning

• wearing a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing, taking plenty of water with you and keeping to the shade, if you have to go out

• taking cold showers or baths and splashing yourself often with cold water

• drinking plenty of fluids, like juice or water – avoid coffee and alcohol

Older people and children are particularly at risk from heat exhaustion and heatstroke and will need extra attention.

Visit Napa Valley this summer

2010-02-08T21:42:00.001-08:00

Napa Valley catches the attention of millions of wine and nature lovers every year. California Wine Country attracts more than five million visitors each year. The main attraction in the valley is the world renowned wineries, visiting wine making process and an opportunity to experience the most fabulous wines.

Though California Wine Country is bountiful with scenic beauties, the wine industries and the making of world class wines formulate this valley a top tourist spot. There are some well organized tours best among that is Napa Valley tours that showcase the best wineries in the world. The Napa Valley tours takes visitors through a 30-mile valley, starting from San Francisco Ferry Building, passing through V.Sattui winery, Rutherford Ranch winery, Domaine Shandon and ends by ferry/bay cruise at the Ferry Building.

The significant features of the tour include- as a minimum three to four winery visits, you can see wine making from start to finish - with wine tasting experience, a chance to buy wine at low prices and the tour provides an occasion to take pleasure in the panoramic views of the valley.

For more information visit http://www.winecountrytourshuttle.com/

Tips for saving ENERGY this summer

2010-02-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

...at home
• Keep your air conditioner in the shade. An air conditioner exposed to direct sunlight will use 5 per cent more energy than a shaded one.
• Adjust your air conditioner's thermostat when you go out and shut down your system when you are away for extended periods.
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120ºF) for everyday use, and turn it down when you go away.
• Turn off and unplug stereos, radios, TVs, VCRs and clocks when you leave for holidays. These appliances have a stand-by function that uses energy even when they are turned off.

...on the road
• Don't use the air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic and you save on fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent. Stay cool at highway speeds by using your car's flow-through ventilation.
• Don't idle. Idling for one hour uses 1.4 litres of fuel. If every Canadian motorist avoided idling by only 10 minutes daily, approximately three million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions would be avoided every year.
• Remove roof racks and put luggage in the trunk. (Saves up to five per cent of fuel by reducing aerodynamic drag.)
• Gradual starters save money. Avoid flooring the gas pedal from a dead stop. This uses 50 per cent more fuel than gradually pulling away.
• Keep your tires inflated. Under-inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption by five per cent.

Napa Valley Tours - Bothe Napa Valley State Park

2010-01-31T23:16:00.000-08:00

If you are heading Napa Valley Tours, the Napa-Sonoma area, and you love finding those best-kept-secret places, then you will not want to miss this park. It is located in the heart of the Napa Valley, not far from the community of Calistoga. You will find it on any map of the area.

Here’s the setting to imagine. This park boasts a wide variety of trees including Douglas-fir, tanoak, madrone, and coastal redwoods. There is also a wide array of wildlife including raccoons, squirrels, deer, foxes, bobcats and coyotes. It is also home to six different kinds of woodpecker.

So now that you have purchased a bottle or two of your favorite wine, and you have that picnic lunch in the car, consider this park a great place to enjoy the wonders of this famous valley. There are picnic areas, a swimming pool and numerous trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also 50 developed wooded campsites, nine of which are walk in only. The park has restrooms and showers along with group, family and “hike or bike” campsites. A visitor center is also available with a Native American garden next door. The plants in this garden are still used by the Wappo people.

Now let me give you a few tips for getting there and staying there. Maps and brochures are available at the visitor center as well as by mail. Campers with a maximum length of 31 feet and trailers with a maximum length of 24 feet are allowed. The park ranges in elevation from 300 to 2000 feet. The park is located 5 miles north of St. Helena and 4 miles south of Calistoga on Hwy 29/128.

For more information visit http://www.winecountrytourshuttle.com/

The Need for a Bone Density Test

2010-01-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

A bone density test measures bone strength and mass -- indicators of a person's risk for developing osteoporosis.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital says these factors may indicate the need for a bone density test:

• Having had a bone fracture, perhaps stemming from loss of bone mass.

• Having a close relative -- notably a mother or grandmother -- who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis or who fractured a bone.

• Having taken over the long-term medications that can cause bone loss, including corticosteroids and certain anti-seizure drugs.

• Having physical risk factors, such as a slender build, low body weight or fair skin.

• Being a smoker or heavy drinker.

Ear Infections: New Thinking on What to Do

2010-01-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Parents who've ever suspected their youngster had an ear infection might have been inclined to call the doctor, schedule a visit and expect an antibiotics prescription.

That's been the ritual. But no more.

As a result, Tunkel said, guidelines issued in 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Otolaryngology began to encourage what doctors call an "observation option." That means that children 2 years and older who are otherwise healthy can be observed for a short period of time before being given antibiotics.

Ear infections are the most common illness among infants and young children, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, with an estimated three of every four kids having an ear infection before age 4. Usually infection occurs in the middle ear and is called otitis media. It's called otitis media with effusion when fluid and mucus build up in the tubes of the middle ear.

Ear infections often clear up on there own. But another pediatric otolaryngologist, Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, stressed that "observation is different than no treatment." Rosenfeld is chairman of otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital and the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and a consultant for the American Academy of Pediatrics on the ear infection guidelines.

When recommending observation before medication, he said, doctors might send parents home with a "safety net" prescription, one to have on hand in case the situation worsens. Parents should ask the doctor for specifics on the timeline for observation, which typically ranges from one to three days.And while watching and waiting, the focus would be on pain relief.

But observation isn't advised for all kids, even if they're healthy and 2 years or older, Tunkel said. For instance, a child with a fever of 102 or more would typically be treated.Rather, the guidelines are aimed to address concerns about resistance to antibiotics that can develop from overuse, he said.

Also, a study reported in the British journal BMJ in July found that ear infections come back more often in kids who've been treated with antibiotics. In the three years after being treated for an ear infection, 63 percent of the kids who were given the antibiotic amoxicillin had recurrent ear infections, compared with 43 percent of those not treated with an antibiotic.

Anesthetic ear drops, which usually require a prescription, can help but don't produce prolonged relief, Rosenfeld said. And the practice of putting warm compresses on the outside of the ear can't hurt, he said, but there's no real proof that it works, either.

Someday, kids might be able to be vaccinated against ear infections. Scientists are working on developing such a vaccine and testing ways to deliver it, including rubbing it on the skin rather than injecting it, according to a presentation at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Microbiology.

In the meantime, parents can take some simple measures to reduce the likelihood of their child developing an ear infection, Tunkel said. If parents smoke, stopping will reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, which is a risk factor for ear infections. And parents who choose a day-care setting with as few children as possible can, at least theoretically, reduce the pool of circulating germs, he said.

Tips for being active as a family

2010-01-19T22:25:00.001-08:00

If you'd like your child to be healthy, start by looking at yourself and your family. Being active as a family allows you to be good role model, it helps everyone reduce stress, and it's a chance to have fun together. But it takes some organization to get going, and effort to maintain.
Building activity into daily life
Usually the biggest hurdle to family activity is finding time, but you don’t need to do everything all the time. Just try and fit a few activities into daily life in a balanced way:
• Walk or ride a bike with your child to the local shops or to and from school
• Encourage children to help with household chores such as walking the dog, washing the car or mowing the lawn
• Go for a family walk after dinner
• Keep a football, jump rope or bat and ball in your car at all times.
Being organized
Some activities take more organization. While this requires effort at the start, it can produce good results that really last:
• Plan ahead and schedule a regular time for physical activity that fits in with the whole family
• Take part in either organized sport or activities in the park – make it a feature of your weekend, e.g. football, bike rides, kite-flying
• Plan family holidays with a view to being active, e.g. somewhere near the beach or where there are good walks to do. Remember to take bikes, tennis rackets, balls and other equipment.
Keeping up the activity
It’s easy to get carried away with enthusiasm for family activity, then let it slip as time goes by. To avoid this happening:
• Choose activities the whole family will enjoy. Make a list of ideas from each family member and choose a few activities from the list
• Vary the activities to prevent boredom
• Don’t overspend – work out how much you can afford and choose activities based on that
• Choose convenient locations – if you need to travel for an activity (swimming pool, park) try to make it close to home
• Set goals so that your family’s progress can be tracked, then set new goals to keep interest up.

Choosing right snacks for kids

2010-01-18T02:54:00.000-08:00

Chips, biscuits and chocolate bars give kids a pleasant taste 'hit'. But these foods are usually high in kilojoules, saturated fats, sugar and salt and provide few nutrients, so they need to be limited. Luckily, children can also enjoy fruit, vegetables, dairy and other cereal-based healthy snacks, though it can take a little coaxing and a few firm rules.

Tips for parents

* Set limits on the number of sugary snacks allowed and explain that they are treats and not for every day.
* Offer children a variety of healthy snacks as this will give them the opportunity to make their own choice and get them in the habit of choosing more healthy options.
* Always have healthy snacks in the home to decrease the temptation of having unhealthy ones.
* Don’t give snacks too close to meal times as this discourages children from eating their main meal, which leads to a desire for snacks later on.
* Avoid soft drinks and other sugary drinks, as they make fill children feel full and may therefore take the place of a healthier snack.
* Remember – snacks can be a great way to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into your child’s diet.

Give more of …

Fresh or canned fruit – try making fruit kebabs, or chopped fruit in a tub

Vegetable sticks (e.g. carrot, cucumber, capsicum) with low-fat dips

Raisin toast or bread, pikelets, pancakes or scones with a little polyunsaturated or monounsaturated margarine or fruit spread

Lightly spread muffins and crumpets

Rice cakes topped with vegetables and reduced-fat cheese, vegemite or sliced banana

Dried fruit and unsalted nuts (not suitable for children under 5)

Yoghurt (natural or fruit)

Healthy fruit muffins

Give less of …

Biscuits

Cakes, donuts and pastries

Chocolate bars and lollies

Potato chips, corn chips and cheesy snacks

Sweet drinks – fizzy drinks, cordials and fruit juices

Tips for Healthy vegetarian eating

2010-01-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

There are three main types of vegetarians:

• Vegans eat only plant-based foods. They do not eat any meat or animal products, including dairy products or eggs.
• Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products along with plant-based foods. They do not eat eggs.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products, in addition to plant-based foods.

You can get all the nutrients you need from a vegetarian eating plan. But dairy products are good sources of calcium, vitamin D, and complete protein. And eggs are a good source of vitamin B12 and complete protein. So if you don't eat milk or eggs, you need to look elsewhere for these nutrients. Vegetarians also need to make sure that they get enough iron and zinc.

A registered dietitian can help you come up with a vegetarian eating plan that provides you with the nutrients you need for growth and development during your teen years. Here are some nonanimal sources of nutrients that vegetarians may not get enough of:

• Vitamin B12 – fortified soy beverages and cereals, brewer’s yeast, seaweed
• Vitamin D – fortified soy beverages and sunshine (vitamin D is made in your skin with the help of sunlight)
• Calcium – tofu (if made with calcium sulfate); soy-based beverages with added calcium; breakfast cereals with added calcium; fruit juice with added calcium; dark-green leafy vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage, bok choy, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. (Keep in mind that veggies are not as good a source of calcium as milk. You will have to eat many more veggies than you would have to drink milk to get enough calcium.)
• Iron – breakfast cereals with added iron; green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and turnip greens; cooked dry beans, such as kidney beans and pinto beans; peas, such as black-eyed peas; lentils; dried fruit, like apricots, prunes, and raisins; enriched and whole-grain breads
• Zinc – whole grain bread, legumes, nuts, oatmeal, and tofu.
• Protein – tofu and other soy-based products, beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, seeds, nuts, and grains. (Keep in mind that plants provide incomplete protein. In order to get all the amino acids your body needs, you have to eat a variety of plant foods. So, for instance, eating beans with brown rice will give you complete protein because each food contains the amino acids that the other food lacks.)

For people who follow vegetarian diets, the American Dietetic Association has these tips:

• Talk to a registered dietitian, especially during the teen years or if you are recovering from an illness.
• Limit sweets and fatty foods.
• Choose whole-grain or enriched breads, cereals, pasta, and rice.
• Eat a variety of nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
• Include good sources of vitamin C (such as grapefruit) to help you absorb iron.
• Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products, if they are included in the diet.
• Make sure you get enough calories.
• Eat at least three good food sources of vitamin B12 every day. If you don't regularly eat foods with vitamin B12, take a vitamin B12 supplement.

Tips to Overcome Your Fears and Anxiety

2010-01-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

• Maintain control over those things that you can. For example, if you walk for exercise, continue to walk.

• Limit your television news viewing. Tragic things feed news coverage, but you don’t have to subject yourself or your family to repeated doses of it. Tune in for occasional updates, but limit your exposure if it adds to your anxiety or that of your family members.

• If it makes you feel better to keep family members close by, then do so. Being cautious about personal safety is good. But try not to overreact.

• Do something for someone else. Taking attention off our own worries and doing something nice for someone else can improve our own frame of mind.

• Volunteer. Contact area schools, hospitals or volunteer groups to ask how you can help. Taking action to be part of something positive is a very constructive way to reduce your anxiety.

• Talk to someone. If you start to feel overwhelmed by your emotions, talk with a friend, family member, doctor, religious advisor or mental health professional.

• Resources Are Available For further information and support you may wish to contact your Employee Assistance Program.

Do's and Don'ts on the Internet for kids

2010-01-05T02:16:00.001-08:00

DO:
1. DO use the Internet to help with schoolwork. The Internet is a source of great volumes of information. It's like having the world's largest library at your fingertips!
2. DO use the Internet to "visit" museums in far away places. Some examples are:
3. DO use the Internet to meet children in other countries or to keep in touch with pen pals who live far away in this country or other countries.
Some on-line services host chat rooms especially for children, and monitor them periodically for safety. You can safely establish an international mail pen pal through an existing program sponsored by your school, and then expand your pen pal communications to the Internet if your pen pal has access to Internet e-mail at his or her school or a nearby university.
4. DO be careful about talking to "strangers" on a computer network. Who are these people anyway? Some people say and do things which are NOT NICE.
5. DO use the Internet to learn more about universities and colleges that you may be interested in attending. Almost all colleges post some information on the Internet. Many colleges let you take a "virtual tour" of the campus, or submit applications for admission or financial aid applications on line.
6. DO respect the privacy of other users on the Internet, just as you expect your privacy to be respected. How would you feel if someone read your private e-mail or your grades? 7. DO be careful when you "download" (copy) programs from the Internet. Use a virus scan program before loading it on your computer. Some programs on the Internet contain viruses that can harm your computer.

DON'T:
1. DON'T give your password to anyone. Passwords are intended to protect your computer and your files. It's like giving the key to your house away!
2. DON'T answer messages that make you feel uncomfortable because they seem improper, indecent, or threatening? TELL A GROWN-UP RIGHT AWAY.
3. DON'T give any personal information, such as your family's address, phone number, credit card or calling card numbers, your school's name, or your picture to anyone on a computer network that you don't personally know.
4. DON'T arrange to meet anyone you've met on the Internet without telling your parents. Some people on the Internet lie about who they are, how old they are, and why they want to meet you.
5. DON'T try to break into computers. It's not a game. It's a crime and it's an invasion of privacy. Computers often contain sensitive information. How would you feel if someone broke into a computer and changed your grades? Deleted your term paper? Cut off your telephone?
6. DON'T steal copyrighted computer programs ("software") by copying it from the Internet. This is the same as stealing it from a store. People work hard to develop new programs and deserve to be paid for them. If software designers don't get paid for their work, they can't continue creating new software, such as new educational games or tools that help with schoolwork.
7. DON'T make copies of any copyrighted material, like books, magazines, or music without the permission of the author, publisher or artist. Copyrighted works are available (usually illegally) on the Internet. You are committing a crime if you copy and distribute them.
8. DON'T copy material that you find on the Internet and pretend that it's your own work. It's the same as copying a book or magazine article and pretending that you wrote it. It's easy to get caught. Remember, your teacher and thousands of other students have access to the same material.

Things that causes acne in women

2009-12-30T04:48:00.001-08:00

• Hormone changes during puberty. During puberty, girls have an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the glands to get larger and make more sebum.

• Hormone changes as an adult. The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers. Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the cycle begins and go away after the cycle is completed. Other hormone changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, improve acne in some women. But some women have worse acne during these times. Stopping use of birth control pills can play a role as well.

• Medicines. Certain medicines, such as those used to treat epilepsy and types of depression.

• Make-up.

• Pressure or friction on the skin. Friction caused by bike helmets or backpacks can make acne worse.

• Family history. If other people in your family have acne, there is a greater chance you will have it.

Tips to stay active as the temperature drops

2009-12-29T03:11:00.001-08:00

• Get outside. Take advantage of the colder season by participating in activities you can only do this time of year, such as skiing, snowboarding, or ice-skating.

• Think variety. If the weather is dreadful outside, stay motivated by introducing variety into your workouts. Try purchasing a new fitness toy, like a jump rope, exercise video, heart rate monitor, or stability ball.

• Don’t forget about fluids! When exercising in cold weather, it’s harder to gauge your fluid loss, but it is still easy to become dehydrated. Fluid replacement is essential even in chilly weather!

• Plan for indoor fitness. Rain and snow are not excuses from exercise. Plan ahead by finding an indoor location before you need it. Join a health club, buy a video, or investigate local mall-walking opportunities.

• Choose exercises that complement your summertime sport. While basketball and swimming transfer easily to indoors venues, this is not true for all sports. If your favorite sport is golf or baseball, it may be harder to find winter opportunities to play. However, you can still keep in shape by choosing workouts that mimic motions used in your favorite sport to keep those muscles strong, flexible, and ready for spring.

• Experiment with new and different indoor activities. Try yoga, aerobics, or kickboxing—or any other indoor class you have wanted to try, but just couldn’t bring yourself to do because the weather was so nice outside.

• Layer, layer, layer! Garments can then be removed and replaced as needed. The clothes next to your skin should absorb moisture and your outer layer should protect you from winds.

• Adapt your gear to indoor fitness. Don’t just change your location. If you change your workout conditions, you may need to change your shoes and other equipment as well.

• Don’t forget your hat. Hats are important to keep body temperature stable. Hats prevent heat loss from the head and neck, which can account for as much as 50% of total heat loss when you’re outside.

Recipe for healthy heart - Spicy Baked Fish

2009-12-27T23:05:00.000-08:00

1 pound cod (or other fish) fillet
1Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp spicy seasoning, salt free

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a casserole dish with cooking oil spray.
2. Wash and dry fish. Place in dish. Mix oil and seasoning, and drizzle over fish.
3. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until fish flakes with fork. Cut into 4 pieces. Serve with rice.

Makes 4 servings--Serving size: 1 piece (3 oz)

Calories: 133
Fat: 1 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 77 mg
Sodium: 119 mg

Safety tips for happy fishing activity

2009-12-22T22:07:00.000-08:00

Make sure someone knows where you are and how long you will be gone. Check out all the signs where you'll be fishing and stick to what they say. Pick the right spot—stay away from tree branches that hang over the water, power lines, or strong currents. Look before you sit, step, or touch—you don't want to get near animals, or slip on wet rocks. Be careful if you're fishing off a dock or pier so you don't fall in. Check the weather report before going fishing and if a storm sneaks up on you, head for home.

Wear a life jacket if you are anywhere near deep water, running water, or on the ice. Wear a hat and sunscreen to shield you from the rays, and make sure you have your shades on to fight the glare off the water.

Fishing hooks are sharp, so be careful not to hook yourself, or someone else! Keep a first aid kit handy in case you get stuck. Carry a whistle to get help if you need it.

If you want to ice fish (fishing through a whole drilled in the ice), wait until the ice is at least 4 inches thick. For fly fishing (special type of fishing in moving water with bait handmade to look like bugs), shuffle into the flowing current sideways. If you're fishing in the waves, shuffle your feet along to scare away fish and other sea creatures.

Tips for a safe Vacation Travel

2009-12-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

Enjoy your vacation…

…by playing it safe

• Even though you are taking some time off from work, remember not to take time off from safety
• Here are some points to consider before you go and while you are away. Today’s feature includes
o Securing your home
o Packing your bags
o While you are out and about
Securing your home
Before leaving for vacation, make sure your home is secured
• Keep shades and blinds in their normal position
• Arraign for someone to pick up your mail/newspapers
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked
• Activate home alarm
• Make sure to turn off all gas pilots and water faucets
• Set timer to turn lights on and off or have someone check your house periodically
• Arrange to have grass mowed or snow shoveled while you are away
Packing your bags
• Take only the essential credit cards, plan to use credit cards or travelers checks as opposed to cash
• Pack as light as possible Cumbersome bags will slow you down, making you more vulnerable to getting robbed
• Designer bags can draw unneeded attention Pack in inconspicuous bags
• Keep valuables and medication
While you are Out and About
• Don’t display jewelry, cameras, or other expensive items
• Check maps before you go so you can tour confidently
• Stay in well-lit, well traveled areas
• Always lock your car when parked
• Travel together, keep an eye on children

Exercising in water helps you feel: Flexible, Strong and Refreshed

2009-12-18T03:29:00.000-08:00

Flexible. You can bend and move your body in water in ways you can't on land. Strong. Working against the water will help your body get stronger. At less risk of injury. Water makes your body float. This keeps your joints from being pounded or jarred and helps prevent sore muscles and injury. Refreshed. You can keep cooler in water-even when you are working hard. You don't need to know how to swim to work out in water-you can do shallow-water or deep-water exercises without swimming. For shallow-water exercise, the water level should be between your waist and your chest. If the water is too shallow, it will be hard to move your arms underwater. If the water is deeper than chest height, it will be hard to keep your feet touching the pool bottom. For deep-water exercise, most of your body is underwater. This means that your whole body will get a good workout. For safety and comfort, wear a foam belt or life jacket. Many swim centers offer classes in water workouts. Check with the ones in your area to find the b Flexible. You can bend and move your body in water in ways you can't on land. Strong. Working against the water will help your body get stronger. At less risk of injury. Water makes your body float. This keeps your joints from being pounded or jarred and helps prevent sore muscles and injury. Refreshed. You can keep cooler in water-even when you are working hard. You don't need to know how to swim to work out in water-you can do shallow-water or deep-water exercises without swimming. For shallow-water exercise, the water level should be between your waist and your chest. If the water is too shallow, it will be hard to move your arms underwater. If the water is deeper than chest height, it will be hard to keep your feet touching the pool bottom. For deep-water exercise, most of your body is underwater. This means that your whole body will get a good workout. For safety and comfort, wear a foam belt or life jacket. Many swim centers offer classes in water workouts. Check with the ones in your area to find the best water workout for you.

Methods of reducing waste

2009-12-15T22:28:00.000-08:00

Why Reduce Your Waste?
Much of the concern around waste management includes the amount of natural resources that are removed from the Earth to produce goods for our consumption and use. Some of the things we buy are meant for long-term use, while many are single-use items. Choosing products with little or no packaging, buying in bulk, considering items that are durable, and practicing the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, all help to reduce waste. We should avoid burying resources in a landfill when they might be useful for another purpose, be recycled into a different product, or give us a good return on our investment. As some say: "one person's garbage is another person's gold."

Reducing Waste
• In the workplace, consider your purchasing policies, waste minimization activities, energy efficiency actions and water conservation measures. Make use of a team of volunteers to tackle waste reduction in the workplace. When there is a group dedicated to the task of looking at wasteful habits and there is support from management, the approach is almost infectious and there is no end to what can be accomplished.
• At home, examine your buying and disposal habits. Do you choose durable goods over disposables? Do you bring your own reusable bags and carry a reusable mug with you? Do you separate materials for reuse, recycle and compost?
• At school, students can monitor the school's efficient use of resources: lights off in empty classrooms, no leaky taps, double-sided photocopying and recycling bins available for everyone to use. Reducing waste = money saved.

How to take care of your sinuses?

2009-12-14T04:40:00.000-08:00

Problems with your sinuses can make for miserable conditions — nasal congestion, facial pain, achiness, headache, and fatigue. These are common symptoms of sinusitis. But there is help, and evidence shows that some solutions can be inexpensive and effective. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your sinuses:

Paranasal Sinuses

Sinus trouble begins when openings (ostia) become blocked. The most common way this occurs is due to sinus inflammation. Inflammation causes swelling, which makes it difficult for sinuses to drain. Once drainage is blocked, mucus builds up. This alone can feel uncomfortable, but it also gives bacteria a stagnant, moist environment in which to thrive, which can lead to infection.

The common cold, which is caused by a virus, is the most frequent trigger of sinus trouble. Typically, your body can fight off the virus that’s triggering sinus inflammation and blockage. However, a secondary bacterial infection can take hold.

Many other things though can block your sinuses and lead to infection. The list includes allergies, cigarette smoke and other irritating fumes, changes in barometric pressure during flying or scuba diving, nasal polyps, and a deviated nasal septum.

Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis that lasts more than three weeks or recurs more than three times a year is called chronic sinusitis. The most common cause is inadequately-treated acute sinusitis — and since the diagnosis and treatment of acute sinusitis have improved so much, chronic sinusitis is less common than it used to be.

Most patients with chronic sinusitis should benefit from an ENT evaluation, including endoscopy and a CT scan. That’s because anatomic problems such as nasal polyp or a deviated septum are sometimes responsible. Since allergies are often present in many cases, allergy testing may help.

As with acute sinusitis, the key to successful treatment is drainage. In the case of chronic sinusitis though, surgery may sometimes be required. Your ENT doctor may have to remove nasal polyps, straighten a deviated septum, or use endoscopic surgery to open a good drainage channel between the sinus and your nose.

Living With Your Sinuses

To protect your sinuses, stay well-hydrated. Avoid tobacco smoke and irritating fumes. If you have allergies, try to avoid the things that trigger symptoms. Do your best to prevent catching a cold by washing your hands properly and keeping your distance from cold sufferers. When you catch a cold, blow your nose properly to keep bacteria from floating into your sinuses. Treat symptoms of sinusitis promptly with steam inhalation, decongestants, and nasal irrigation. If you don’t recover as expected — or if you have serious sinusitis — see your doctor for antibiotics and, possibly, nasal steroids.
Acute sinusitis is common and uncomfortable. But if you know how to keep your sinuses open and draining freely, you can keep them healthy and happy!

Tips to Protect Your Child from Injury

2009-12-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

Follow these steps to protect your child from injury.
Use the right child safety seat in the car.
• Always buckle up your child in the car. Use a safety seat that is right for the car and right for the size and age of your child. Have the seat inspected to be sure it’s put in the car correctly.
• Set the example. Always fasten your seat belt when you drive or ride in a car. Never drive and drink alcohol or use drugs.
• Learn more about child safety seats.

Closely watch your child in or near water.
• Never leave your child alone in the bathtub – not even for a minute. If you have to answer the phone or doorbell, take your child with you.
• Watch your child at the pool or beach. Don’t do anything else such as reading, playing cards, or talking on your cell phone.
• Make sure your child wears a life jacket when swimming in rivers, lakes, or the ocean – even if he or she knows how to swim.

Put smoke alarms on every floor of your home.
• Put smoke alarms on every floor of your home, including the basement, and especially on the ceiling just outside bedroom doors.
• Check smoke alarms once a month to make sure they’re working. Change the batteries every year. (Tip: Change your batteries when you change your clock back from Daylight Savings Time in the fall ).

Keep medicine and cleaning products out of reach.
• Keep medicines, vitamins, cleaning supplies, and other poisons like batteries and bug spray in locked or childproof cabinets.
• Put the poison control number, 1–800–222–1222, on or near every home telephone, and save it on your cell phone. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Play safe.
• Make sure your child wears a helmet when riding a bike or skateboarding. Helmets and other pads help protect the head, face, wrists, and knees.
• Watch your child at the playground. Check for a soft landing spot under swings, slides, and climbers.

Tips to follow when you are out

2009-12-07T01:15:00.000-08:00

The way you act in public and with acquaintances will have an impact on a potential offender. Always act and respond to others with confidence and be very clear and definite in your response to any inappropriate suggestions.-
When you are out:
• Tell someone where you are going and whom you are with – offenders may try to confirm with their victims that family or friends do not know where they are.
• Tasting other people’s drinks makes it harder to count how much alcohol you have consumed or to ensure you are drinking what you want to be drinking.
• Keep an eye on each other’s drinks – take turns to go dancing or finish your drinks first.
• Keep your valuables out of sight or where you can see and reach them, especially mobile phones and wallets. Take your handbags or wallets onto the dance floor and check you still have them when you sit down.
• If you feel strange tell a friend and leave with people you trust.
• When leaving premises intoxicated, be careful on the footpath and roads and watch out for each other – pedestrians are easily injured leaving parties or hotels when judgment of space and timing are impaired.
• Avoid getting into heated discussions – logic and rationale thought are affected by alcohol or illicit drugs.
• If a friend is seriously affected by alcohol or illicit drugs or has overdosed, call an ambulance immediately.
Walking:
• Stick to major routes and roads and don’t take short cuts.
• Use footpaths that are well lit and not closed in by bushes or obstacles
• Stay in groups of people.
• Change direction if you think you are being followed and seek a safe place.
Transport:
• On the train:
•
• Travel in the guard’s compartment identified by a blue light, or in carriages that have groups of people who could assist if needed.
• Travel in groups of friends.
• Arrive at the station as close to the departure time of the train as possible and stand where the station is well lit.
• In a taxi:
•
• Sit in the back of the taxi and travel with friends.
• Give clear directions where you want to go – if you are not on the agreed route, terminate the trip. If feeling unsure, insist on being taken to a safe place and terminate the trip.
Driving and Parking:
• Have your keys in your hand as you approach your car in readiness, especially if they are hard to find in a handbag.
• Cars that have easy access may be a target – keep your doors locked with as much visual security as possible (steering wheel locks etc).
• Car Parks with a parking attendant or supervised/patrolled are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded in by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.
• Arriving together with a group of friends or meeting each other at a designated place ensures you are not alone for long periods and reduces the appearance of vulnerability. Offenders target people who appear vulnerable.
Major Events and public spaces:
• Never leave valuables unattended at the beach, in parks or at major events, including leaving car keys hidden on the car. Offenders watch the movements of people in public spaces to pick their targets. Be obvious that you are alert and not alone.
• Stay with your group – especially in large crowds during New Years Eve etc, and watch out for each other.
• Tell people where you are going and what time you will return.
• Don’t take too many belongings and bags.
• Keep belongings in the middle of your circle and always have one person with them.
• Use alcohol in moderation.
• Drink plenty of water and give yourself enough time to get in and out of where you want to be.
Leaving Home for the holidays:
• Ensure the house is securely locked, including windows usually left open.
• Cancel newspapers and redirect your mail or have it collected by a friend.
• Put pets into a boarding kennel or have friends visit them often.
• Tell neighbours or friends who can check on the house, you are away and whom will be at the house legitimately – e.g. gardeners, pet minders.
• Secure your garage or, if unable – move items such as bikes inside the house.
• Consider security devices, including light timers etc.
• Do not leave cash in the house and locate jewellery in a safe place.
• Ensure your lawn is cut, the property tidy and stop all deliveries.
• Avoid leaving the answering machine on and turn the phone volume down.

It's Gold!

2009-12-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Beautiful interior decoration images

2009-11-26T01:57:00.000-08:00

A few Tips for saving energy at work

2009-11-23T23:31:00.000-08:00

Turn off your computer when it isn't being used. Each computer consumes about 150 watts. About 30 to 40 per cent of personal computers and printers are left running at night and on weekends. These machines are idle as much as 90 per cent of their workday. Switching computer equipment on and off will not damage the components.

Photocopy only what you need. Photocopiers are by far the most energy intensive office machines.

Reduce lighting. Natural light saves on energy and is easier on the eyes. Open curtains and blinds to bring more natural light into your work area.

Use appliances appropriately. Many offices have small appliances such as kettles, coffee makers, and heaters. Where possible, consider using a communal appliance on each floor. Using larger appliances is generally more efficient than running a number of small appliances.

Encourage decision-makers to purchase energy-efficient office equipment, lights and appliances.
Encourage alternatives to driving to work alone. For example, organize a car pool, a "leave the car at home" day or a friendly "bike to work" challenge.

Heart attacks are at increased risk while watching exciting sporting events

2009-11-16T20:25:00.001-08:00

Reduced blood flow to the heart may help explain why men who'e had a heart attack are at increased risk for another while watching exciting sporting events, Chinese researchers report.

The study included 38 male heart attack survivors who watched live broadcasts of Olympic Games competitions or entertainment television programs. While the men watched the shows, their coronary artery blood flow to the heart was assessed by ST-segment analysis using continuous 12-lead electrocardiography, blood pressure monitoring and heart rate measurement.

Overall, blood flow to the heart was generally stable. But when the men watched an exciting sporting event, blood pressure increased, heart rate variability decreased, and platelet aggregation (the building blocks of blood clots) increased. All these factors increase the risk of heart attack, the study authors noted.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - A MUST FOR ALL

2009-11-11T02:23:00.000-08:00

Engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being, and a healthy body weight.

To reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual activity, at work or home on most days of the week.

For most people, greater health benefits can be obtained by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer duration.

To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain in adulthood: Engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.

To sustain weight loss in adulthood: Participate in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. Some people may need to consult with a healthcare provider before participating in this level of activity.

Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance.

Tips for a Safe Abroad Trip

2009-11-02T22:09:00.001-08:00

• Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department this will help us contact you if there is an emergency.

• Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

• Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

• Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.

• Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

• Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

Acid rain

2009-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic by certain pollutants in the air. Acid rain is a type of acid deposition, which can appear in many forms. Wet deposition is rain, sleet, snow, or fog that has become more acidic than normal. Dry deposition is another form of acid deposition, and this is when gases and dust particles become acidic. Both wet and dry deposition can be carried by the wind, sometimes for very long distances. Acid deposition in wet and dry forms falls on buildings, cars, and trees and can make lakes acidic.

Human activities are the main cause of acid rain. Over the past few decades, humans have released so many different chemicals into the air that they have changed the mix of gases in the atmosphere. Power plants release the majority of sulfur dioxide and much of the nitrogen oxides when they burn fossil fuels, such as coal, to produce electricity. In addition, the exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses releases nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide into the air. These pollutants cause acid rain.

Acid Rain Can Cause Health Problems in People, Acid Rain Harms Forests, Acid Rain Damages Lakes and Streams and Acid Rain Damages Buildings and Objects.

Since energy production creates large amounts of the pollutants that cause acid rain, one important step you can take is to conserve energy. You can do this in a number of ways:

Turn off lights, computers, televisions, video games, and other electrical equipment when you're not using them.
Encourage your parents to buy equipment that uses less electricity, including lights, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, and washing machines. Such equipment might have the Energy Star label.
Try to limit the use of air conditioning.
Ask your parents to adjust the thermostat (the device used to control the temperature in your home) when you go on vacation.

Tips to decorate your living room

2009-07-01T02:15:00.001-07:00

A living room is the most important part of a house. It represents the individuality of the people staying in the house in addition to their tastes for life. From colors, textures and frills that one adds up in their living room can also make a small living room look spectacular.

Walls are the important characteristic for making a room look smooth and happening. A small living room can look bigger, if you try painting the walls and even ceilings with cool colors like green or blue. Make sure the shades are darker as they demand to completeness of the entire room. These colors have the ability to make your ceilings look larger in height.

Make sure you do not pile up your living room with souvenirs. The more you leave space, the more your living area will show freedom and lucidity. The most key tip one must keep in mind as decorating their living room is to match up the color of your furniture with the shades on your walls. You need to add a bit creative effort to decide what will look well with which color.

A Message to Cell phone addicts

2009-06-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Cell phone fans, take note: The alarm low-battery beep might quickly be a thing of the history. Sharp has now revealed the world's initial solar-powered cell phone. Get ready to charge?

The phone, created by Sharp and Japanese network KDDI, is set to be free this summer. It works by using a particular solar panel that snaps onto the tool and soaks up the sun's energy. The companies state that10 minutes in the sun will give you an adequate amount of juice for about a minute of talk time, or two full hours of standby power.

Still improved for the tech-obsessed: Both the solar panel and the phone are completely waterproof. Conducting business poolside has by no means been simpler.
Further cell phone vendors are showing models of solar-powered cell phones, and a number of solar chargers are available for a variety of electronics, as well as cell phones.

But Sharp -- which has dedicated to solar power plants -- appears to be the first out of the gate with a solar-powered cell phone.

IIT-B inks deal with firm for patents

2009-03-19T02:10:00.000-07:00

In the past 50 years, the IIT-Bombay has managed to file a little less than 150 patents. That's a poor score for a centre of excellence
that carries a vision of wanting to be "the fountainhead of new ideas and of innovators in technology and science.'' On Monday, it signed an MoU with Intellectual Ventures India (IV) to work together and convert ideas into wealth. IV is headed by former IIT-B director Ashok Misra.

IIT-B deputy director Juzer Vasi said, "We have a lot of patentable material. Unfortunately, it's not going anywhere. It costs US $25,000 to register a patent in the states and Rs 1 lakh to register it in India. Plus marketing
the idea and fighting cases in case of patent infringement is not easy for an academician.''

source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/IIT-B-inks-deal-with-firm-for-patents/articleshow/4273600.cms

Gene could allow lab-grown teeth

2009-02-25T00:47:00.000-08:00

Scientists believe they have found a way to grow teeth in the laboratory, a discovery that could put an end to fillings and dentures.

The US team from Oregon have located the gene responsible for the growth of enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth which cannot grow back naturally.

Other scientists are already growing the inner parts of teeth in animals - but they have no hard enamel coatings.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences work may plug this gap.

Experiments in mice have shown that the gene, a "transcription factor" called Ctip2, has several functions involving immune responses and the development of skin and nerves.

The work at Oregon State University made the link with enamel by studying mice bred to lack Ctip2.

Lead researcher Dr Chrissa Kioussi said: "It's not unusual for a gene to have multiple functions, but before this we didn't know what regulated the production of tooth enamel."

The scientists found that Ctip2 was crucial for the enamel-producing cells, called ameloblasts, to form and work properly.

Dr Kioussi said: "This is the first transcription factor ever found to control the formation and maturation of ameloblasts, which are the cells that secrete enamel."

Controlling the gene in conjunction with stem-cell technology could make the artificial creation of functional teeth a real possibility.

Alternatively, the knowledge could be used to strengthen existing enamel and repair damaged enamel, cutting decay and the need for fillings.

Dr Kioussi said: "A lot of work would still be needed to bring this to human applications, but it should work. It could be really cool, a whole new approach to dental health."

Paul Sharpe, an expert on tooth development at the Dental Institute at King's College London, said: "If you could find some way of growing ameloblasts that make enamel, you could find a way to repair teeth.

"Any gene like this is worth understanding. The more we learn about it the more we can use the information to make biological models of tooth repair."

source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7907192.stm

Government may lower DTH licence fee

2009-02-17T22:03:00.000-08:00

The government is considering a proposal to decrease the licence fee for direct-to-home (DTH) players by 4 per cent. “We will deliberate on the matter. This amendment to the existing licence condition could lead to healthy competition among the DTH operators. Other delivery platforms will also be forced to innovate, bringing considerable benefit to the consumers,” said Sushma Singh, secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting at the sidelines of the conference.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and External Affairs, Anand Sharma, announced plans to set up a national centre for animation, gaming and VFX. The centre will address the growing need for skilled manpower in the newer industry verticals.

The minister added the government would raise the issue before the Empowered Committee on value-added tax. GST is slated for introduction from April, 1, 2010.

“We will consider the entertainment industry’s demand, articulated by Ficci, for inclusion of entertainment tax in GST itself, so that there is a single tax on the industry,” the minister said.

Responding to the observations made by Harsh Pati Singhania, president, Ficci, Sharma said the government was prepared to consider further requirements of the media and entertainment industry to help it weather any adverse fallout of the global economic crisis.

Sushma Singh added the government was working on devising a suitable regulatory framework for digitalisation of cable services. “This is a key factor in getting rid of problems such as under-declaration of subscribers and the practice of carriage fee being charged by cable operators, particularly in major TRP-providing cities.”

She added the government was in the process of amending the FM Phase II policy for the launch of FM Phase III in about 275 cities, with as many as 790 channels.

“We are also trying to resolve issues like music royalties. We hope that these initiatives will enhance the growth rate further,” Singh said.

source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/government-may-lower-dth-licence-fee/00/06/349347/

India’s 10$ laptop is an expensive pen drive

2009-02-05T23:10:00.000-08:00

India’s 10$ laptop is an expensive pen drive. The much touted 10$ laptop seems to have been fake, hoax or just a mere claim. The hype created by some government officials seems to have annoyed many a technology buffs who now think that the 10$ laptop was a bad publicity for India.

Raj Mehta, a computer engineer who works with a top technology firm in New Delhi says that the frenzy created by the unverified claim fizzled fast giving a bad name to the country.

Mehta says that as of now it is absolutely impossible to manufacture a laptop for rupees three or four thousand rupees let alone claiming that the laptop would cost around as low as rupees 500.

He says that the government agency seems to have got everything wrong. He says that the hoax also gives bad name to Indian Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh who unveiled the computing device.

Everybody from media to tech companies had expected something better from Indian government, notwithstanding the speculation that how and what exactly it will be. Every media outlet seemed to have been hit by the bug as they thought it may be something as good as least Nano car.

Rs 500 laptop or 10 dollar laptop has generated the same sort of buzz in technology circles like Rs 10000 Simputer generated a few years ago. But does anyone remembers that forgetful innovation called Simputer?

Only a few years ago, the Simputer was the biggest story to come out of the Indian IT industry. It was to be the first time that a computing product would be completely indigenously developed and marketed. What made the whole idea sweeter was that it would be a product that would take computing to the very interiors of India.

sources:http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19835&Itemid=88

Scientists Clone Pet Dog

2009-01-29T22:48:00.000-08:00

A South Korean-created dog clone becomes the first of its kind to live in the US

January 29, 2009 - Losing a pet can be devastating, especially when disease claims their lives. The bonds formed between humans and their animal companions (as we've learned from Fable 2) can last a lifetime, if by lifetime you mean about a dozen years or so. One American couple decided that they did not want to say goodbye to their cancer stricken pooch, and instead opted to have an exact clone of their Labrador created in a lab (oh, the irony) immediately after the original puppy passed away.

DNA samples of Sir Lancelot were taken and frozen over six years ago at the request of Edgar and Nina Otto, a wealthy couple with an apparent fetish for the Knights of the Round Table. After succumbing to cancer last January in 2008, the DNA of Lancelot was brought to BioArts International in South Korea, where for £108,000 the biotech firm generated a perfect clone of the dog, now disturbingly named Lancelot Encore, like some lame PC music program.

Lancelot Encore is now the first single-birth commercially cloned puppy to reside in the United States. The Otto's, who at ages 66 (Nina) and 79 (Edgar) are no strangers themselves to having death lurking around every corner, were extremely satisfied with the process.

"He looked just like my original Lancelot," said Nina. "The most interesting thing about this Lancelot we notice he's bonded immediately within an hour with every other pets in the house. He's the Alpha dog!"

A rep from another South Korean BioTech firm has since come out and said that cloning a pet will soon cost less than half the price paid the Otto's. RNL Bio claims to have developed a new method for cloning dogs using stem cells derived from fat tissue. Two cloned beagle puppies were born recently using this technique, which the company hopes will reduce the cost of pet cloning to £35,000 within the next three years.

sources:http://gear.ign.com/articles/949/949360p1.html

PGDMA lauds transports sector for use of LPG, alternative fuels

2009-01-24T02:01:00.000-08:00

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded today the transport sector for espousing the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other alternative fuels as part of the government program to help deter global warming, dramatically reduce air pollution in the metropolis, and achieve energy independence in the soonest possible time.

The President made the commendation before 1,000 members and officers of various transport groups during the convention and exhibition of the Philippine Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Alliance Foundation (PJODAF) this afternoon at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City.

Among those who welcomed the President were Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes and PJODAF president Orlando Marquez.

"Salamat sa inyong pagtangkilik sa LPG at lahat ng mga paraan kung paano mababawasan ang global warming sa pamamagitan ng clean transportation (Thank you for espousing the use of LPG and other means to reduce global warming through clean transportation)," the President said.

According to the President, the use of LPG and other alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) would result in lower fares that would eventually benefit the Filipino riding public, including the workers.

"Kung dadami ang gagamit ng LPG at iba pang biofuels gaya ng CNG, sabi ninyo, ibababa pa ninyo ang pasahe sa ikabubuti ng manggagawa (Increased use of LPG and other biofuels such as CNG as you have said would result in lower fares to benefit our Filipino workers)," the President said.

She thanked the support of the transport sector which, she said, deferred the increase of its fares for so many years until it could no longer bear the steep increase of oil prices in the world market.

The President earlier toured the various exhibits at the WTC supporting the kick-off of the government’s engine replacement program for public utility jeepneys in Metro Manila which hopes to reduce by 10 percent the vehicular emissions in the metropolis by 2010.

RealtyTrac: Colorado No. 5 in 2008 foreclosure rate, Denver No. 19

2009-01-15T00:42:00.000-08:00

Colorado’s foreclosure rate for 2008 was fifth highest in the nation, but grew at a slower pace than the rest of the nation, according to an annual report released Thursday by RealtyTrac Inc.

The state saw 66,795 foreclosure filings on 50,396 properties in 2008, for a rate of 2.41 percent of Colorado homes, according to RealtyTrac, an Irvine, Calif.-based private marketer of foreclosure properties.

The state’s 2008 foreclosure rate was 27.90 percent higher than 2007 and 61.41 percent about 2006, the company said in its annual “U.S. Foreclosure Market Report.”

Nationwide, the 2008 foreclosure rate was 1.84 percent, RealtyTrac said. A total of 3,157,806 filings on 2,330,483 properties were tallied.

“Clearly the foreclosure prevention programs implemented to date have not had any real success in slowing down this foreclosure tsunami,” James Saccacio, CEO of RealtyTrac, said in a statement.

If there was any good news in the local numbers, it was that Colorado’s foreclosure-rate growth was outpaced by that of the nation as a whole, which saw a 81.24 percent increase over 2007 and a 224.80 percent jump over 2006.

In RealtyTrac’s parallel series of monthly foreclosure reports, Colorado was ranked highest in the nation for several months in 2006, but has slipped below several other states in more recent rankings. It was No. 10 in the September 2008 monthly report.

RealtyTrac’s reports are controversial in some quarters.

In the past, state officials have disputed Colorado’s high position in RealtyTrac’s rankings, saying that because the state’s public trustees report foreclosures at multiple stages of the process, RealtyTrac may overcount Colorado foreclosures. RealtyTrac officials have denied this, saying they have taken steps to ensure accurate counts.

A report issued Dec. 4 by the Colorado Division of Housing, based on information from Colorado’s county public trustees, said that foreclosure filings through the first nine months of 2008 were down 14 percent from the previous year, and completed foreclosure sales were down 9 percent. The state appeared to be on track to have fewer foreclosures in 2008 than it did in 2007, officials said.

Among U.S. metropolitan areas, the Denver-Aurora area’s 2008 foreclosure rate ranked No. 19 in the RealtyTrac report, at 3.20 percent of all housing units. The company tallied 32,920 foreclosure filings in the area in 2008, up 23.61 percent from the previous year.

Nevada’s 2008 foreclosure rate of 7.29 percent led the states in the RealtyTrac’s report. The report said one in 14 Nevada housing units received at least one foreclosure notice in 2008.

Nevada was followed by Florida (4.52 percent foreclosure rate), Arizona (4.49 percent), California (3.97 percent) and Colorado.

Vermont had the nation’s lowest foreclosure rate, 0.04 percent, RealtyTrac said. Only 124 filings were counted in Vermont.

The report said that among metro areas, Stockton, Calif., led the nation with a 9.46 percent foreclosure rate.

sources:http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/01/12/daily48.html

Indonesia ferry disaster illustrates transport woes

2009-01-13T00:53:00.000-08:00

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Take a ferry in the vast Indonesian archipelago and there's a good chance your name won't show up on the manifest. Foot passengers often buy tickets on board, while car passengers are sometimes not recorded by name.

Indonesia's latest ferry disaster -- more than 200 people are missing after the Teratai Prima capsized and sank in a storm Sunday -- suggests the government still has a long way to go to improve safety standards in its creaking transportation system.

Officials have blamed bad weather for the ferry tragedy, raising questions over why the boat was allowed to sail from Sulawesi island for the city of Samarinda in East Kalimantan. There are also discrepancies over the passenger list, suggesting more people were on board than the official tally of 267.

But the issue goes well beyond basic safety standards for the millions of Indonesians who travel across the 17,000 or so islands sprinkled over a distance of 5,000 km (3,100 miles).

Poor infrastructure -- whether rustbucket ferries or badly maintained railways and roads -- is a burden.

It adds to the cost of doing business, hampers tourism and ultimately hurts growth in Southeast Asia's biggest economy.

"It's all about governance, this has been going on for years," said Erman Avantgarda Rahman, director of economic programs at the Asia Foundation in Jakarta.

"It shows the poor quality of infrastructure, they don't control the number of passengers ... the quality of the boats."

for more information log on to :http://uk.reuters.com/article/usTopNews/idUKTRE50C1GV20090113

Studios Try to Settle ‘Watchmen’ Dispute

2009-01-09T23:15:00.001-08:00

LOS ANGELES — Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox are moving toward a settlement of their bitter legal battle over rights to the superhero film “Watchmen,” lawyers for both sides said at a hearing here on Friday morning.

The film has already been shot, at a cost of about $130 million, and Warner Brothers, which made the movie in partnership with Legendary Pictures and Paramount Pictures, is planning to release it on March 6. But even before shooting began, Fox stepped forward, saying it actually owned the rights to the dark, highly regarded graphic novel on which the film was based.

Louis A. Karasik, a lawyer for Fox, which filed suit last year, said that the studios in recent days had had “exchanges on the subject of resolution that have been productive.” Earlier, court-mandated settlement talks had failed, and the studios were headed for a showdown over Fox’s bid to block Warner from releasing the film.

The court fight has had considerable spectacle value for Hollywood, where major studios have seldom pushed each other quite so hard over a movie that stood so close to release.

Federal District Judge Gary A. Feess ruled here last month that Fox owned distribution rights to the movie, stemming from its 1980s acquisition of the graphic novel, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons.

Mr. Karasik, joined by lawyers for Warner, had asked a court clerk on Friday if the judge would conduct a hearing in chambers, because they planned to discuss what he called “settlement issues.” The clerk conferred with Judge Feess, then returned to say that the judge would insist on a session open to the public. In a brief status conference, the parties agreed to defer further issues in the case until a hearing on Monday afternoon.

Warner has been struggling to clear up uncertainty around the fate of “Watchmen,” to open the way for a marketing campaign that must soon begin if the audience at large is to connect with a film that has long been considered a difficult proposition.

for more information:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/10/movies/10watc.html

Studios Try to Settle ‘Watchmen’ Dispute

2009-01-09T23:15:00.000-08:00

CES 2009: Asus shows touchscreen EeePC and Keyboard PC

2009-01-07T03:35:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas (NV) - Asus took advantage of the crowd present at the first major press conference at CES 2009 and showed off next-generation of EeePC netbooks, Windows 7 on netbooks, a multitouch EeePC as well as a 4.3” screen PC that runs inside a regular notebook.

Netbooks and touchscreen products shape up to become two major stories at this year’s CES. Asus pioneered the segment two years ago and seems to have an edge over its competitors once again. The upcoming 8.9” EeePc T91 and the 10” EeePC T101H are the first netbooks with a swivel screen - much like what we have seen with tablet PCs in the past. Tablet PCs were first shown at Comdex 2001 and never achieved the initially set goal to grow into a major product category.

That may be different with the new EeePCs which should be much cheaper than tablet PCs. The devices shown at CES integrate a touchscreen and run Windows XP with a modified GUI (that actually looks much more like Linux than Windows). Microsoft was also on stage and touted its cooperation with Asus to make sure its software will run on future netbooks. To proof its point, the company showed an Asus EeePC netbook running its communications software as well as Windows 7 Ultimate.

The T91 comes with an Intel Atom Z520 processor (Silverthorne core), while the 10” T101H will get the N270 chip with Diamondville core.

A bit further out is the EeePC N20, Asus’ first multitouch netbook. It comes with its own interface and multitouch application, which kept crashing during the presentation and did not reveal much of its potential.

Much more interesting were two small PC products: The first was the Eee Keyboard, a compact keyboard with a 5” touchpad on the right side of the device and a fully functional PC inside. This “first wireless media center with integrated ultra-wideband HDMI” will be able to connect to any existing displays, including TVs - making it one of the most compact computers we have seen to date.

Asus also demonstrated a future notebook with a 4.3” touchscreen where you usually would expect a touchpad. While it can function as a touchpad, the device is driven by its own computing device to run display features such as email or even decode videos that can be projected on the larger screen. Asus claims the technology can extend the battery life of the notebook to up to 12 hours (if you spend a significant amount of time on the 4.3” device.)

Asus concluded its press conference with a concept PC: The company envisions mobile computers to become much more compact. In a brief video, the company revealed its “fold” notebook, a device that can fold into three different form factors and “slide” into other fold notebooks to enable screen sharing.

source:http://www.tgdaily.com/html_tmp/content-view-40863-145.html

Bakrid

2008-12-23T00:54:00.001-08:00

Bakrid, to be rightly called Idul-Azha or the festival of sacrifice, is the second of the two festivals of Islam. This festival is observed by Muslims all over the world. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. It is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God's command.In Kerala as in other parts of the world, this day dawns with the resounding of Thakhir (Allahu Akbar), the declaration that God is great. Every Muslim house wakes up with the spirit of sacrifice and festivity. Men, women and children, dressed themselves in their best attire and reciting the Thakbir, proceed to Id-Gah which is the wide open space set apart for public prayers. The whole atmosphere is filled with the resonance of "Allahu-Akbar". The Assembly then prepares for the congregational prayer led by the Imam. After the ceremonial Id prayer, the leader addresses the devotees, exhorting them to be conscious of their duties to God and follow the example of Abraham. The prayer and the sermon over, the gathering exchange greetings and as an expression of affectionate brotherhood, hug each other. The festivity at home commence after the ceremonial prayer with hearty feasts followed by social visits. Women enjoy this occasion by paying visits to the neighbouring houses and engaging in singing and dancing. All festivals of Islam have some religious significance and are occasions to express their gratitude to God.In Kerala on the occasion of Bakrid, special meetings are held in which distinguished members of sister communities participate. This occasion serves to foster brotherly relationship among members of various communities. A spirit of tolerance, mutual understanding and universal brotherhood pervades such gatherings.

Benefits of Venture capital

2008-12-18T02:50:00.000-08:00

You get 30% income tax relief subject to an annual investment limit of £200,000 and a minimum holding period for shares issued in the tax year 2006-7 and onwards.Potentially you don't pay income tax on dividends received up to the maximum permitted investment of £200,000.Potentially you don't pay capital gains tax if the shares are sold up to the maximum permitted investment of £200,000.You can claim the tax relief upfront, without having to wait until you fill in your tax return.

Mandir Jain Tirth Shri Nakoda Ji

2008-12-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Cause of Establishment:The temple has been built as a result of religious devotion and strong faith. The temple has about 246 inscriptions which amply show that over the centuries, the temple was extended, renovated, rebuilt and additions were made to it.
Brief of the Diety: The main idol is that of Shri Nakoda Parshwanath. This statue was brought here from the village Nakoda which is near Sinduri., hence the place is called Nakoda Parshwanath temple. But this alone is not the attraction of the temple. The Nokaoda Bhaironji was installed by Acharya Shri Vijay Himachal Suri who also established idols of other Teerthankars in this temple.

Important Architectural Characteristics: The temple has a very high elaborate shikher which is a rare example of Architectural and sculptural elegance. There are unparalleled statuettes and other floral patterns. The temple in fact is treated as a pilgrimage and it is visited by all Janis, Hindus of the entire country.

Fire opal

2008-12-02T21:56:00.001-08:00

Fire opal is a variety of opal that is transparent to translucent and colored yellow-orange to red with a play of colors. Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 and a specific gravity of 2.0 to 2.2. It has a vitreous or pearly luster. Fire opal can be found in lava flows in New Mexico. The word opal comes from the Sanskrit word upala meaning "precious stone." The ring shown at the left is orange common opal, whereas the faceted gem and rough specimen is fire opal.

Ganesh Puja

2008-11-18T02:59:00.000-08:00

It wil conduted in the month of August-September, is also a festival of students mostly, but adults participate in it eagerly as tire god, son of Sival is the remover of all obstacles the path of success in ones endeavours. Ganesh has the head of an elephant supposed to have been grafted on his trunk after his head was destroyed by theevil look of the god Saturn. He is famed for his intellectual brilliance and so students are attracted to him to achieve similar powers.

Chottanikkara Temple

2008-11-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

Famous for the Devi temple, an important pilgrim centre of Hindus. Navarathri is celebrated on a grand scale. The temple is located 15kms from Cochin City. The presiding deity here is Durga Bhagavathy. It is also that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika Devi till 7 a.m. in the morning at this temple. There is also one more temple as a part of the complex where deity is Bhadra Kali Devi. THe major festival is Makam Thozhal. It falls during February-march every year for a period of 9 days Temple is open from 4 am to 12 Noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fatehpur Sikri

2008-11-05T03:26:00.001-08:00

The royal city at Fatehpur Sikri, situated 26 miles west of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was built under the orders of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. In honour of saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, Akbar founded a magnificent city on Sikri ridge. In 1571, he ordered the construction of buildings for his own use and asked the noblemen to build houses for themselves.

Within a year, most of the work was finished and within the next few years, a well planned administrative, residential and religious buildings came into existence.

The Jami Mosque was perhaps among the first buildings to come up. Its epigraph gives AH 979 (AD 1571-72) as the date of its completion. The Buland-Darwaza was added some five years later. Among other important buildings are the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, Naubat-or Naqqar Khana (drum-house), Taksal (mint), Karkhanas (royal workshop), Khazana (treasury), Hakim's quarters, Diwan-i-Am (hall of public audience), house of Maryam also called Sunahra Makan (Golden House), palace of Jodh Bai, Birbal's house, etc.

Shopping in shimla

2008-10-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Handicrafts. Shawls and tweeds. Fruit juice and jams. Honey. Quality woollens. Silver jewellery. Rare books and etchings. Contemporary pahari miniature paintings. Metalware. Rugs and carpets. Handmade footwear. Wooden items like walking sticks.

Planning a Week in the Shimla Sector
A week’s time will give you a healthy sampler of Shimla. Dividing your time between the town and suburbs is suggested. You can also divide your stay between the town and the peripheral region. A good time to do the walks are the mornings. A visit to the Mall is the ideal plan for the evenings. When visiting the suburbs plan for most of the day. In season, an appropriate activity like activity – like ice-skating can be pursued. Let your hotel or an approved travel agent help you plan your itinerary – those few minutes will add a great deal to your stay.

Problems with excessive thinness

2008-10-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

Being too thin can occur with anorexia nervosa, other eating disorders, or loss of appetite, and is linked to menstrual irregularity and osteoporosis in women, and greater risk of early death in both women and men. Many people -- especially women -- are concerned about body weight, even when their weight is normal. Excessive concern about weight may cause or lead to such unhealthy behaviors as excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting, and the abuse of laxatives or other medications. These practices may only worsen the concern about weight. If you lose weight suddenly or for unknown reasons, see a physician. Unexplained weight loss may be an early clue to a health problem.

Crude Oil

2008-10-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

The petroleum industry often characterizes crude oils according to their geographical source, e.g., Alaska North Slope Crude. Oils from different geographical areas have unique properties; they can vary in consistency from a light volatile fluid to a semi-solid. Classification of crude oil types by geographical source is generally not a useful classification scheme for response personnel because they offer little information about general toxicity, physical state, and changes that occur with time and weathering. These characteristics are primary considerations in oil spill response. The classification scheme provided below is more useful in a response scenario.

Fruits and Vegetables Can Protect Your Health

2008-09-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

The Goldfish

2008-09-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

The common goldfish is remarkably hardy, and it is the most commonly kept pet animal in the world. It ahs been kept as an ornamental fish for centuries, and graced the garden pools & aquariums of kings and emperors for a thousand years.

The goldfish is renowned for its spectacular red-gold colour, can grow to about 20cm in length, and live upto 10 years or more.

The body is protected by rows of overlapping scales that never increase in number, but increase in size as the fish grows. The circuli, or rings of growth, are well-spaced in summer when growth is rapid, but are laid down close together in winter and at other times of poor growth. The tightly-bunched circuli of winter tend to show up as distinct bands, or annuli, and it is these that indicate the years of a fish's life to a trained scale reader.

Chestnut

2008-09-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

Chestnut trees are cultivated for their nuts or as ornamentals. Probably the most notable species was the large and graceful ornamental American chestnut (C. dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) (fig. 73), which extended from Maine southwest to Arkansas (Munns 1938). It has been almost completely destroyed by blight. The Japanese chestnut (C. crenata Sieb. and Zucc.) and the Chinese chestnut (C. mollisima Blume) are both cultivated for their nuts.

Chestnut is a deciduous tree or shrub, which is cultivated in a similar manner to other deciduous nut trees. It bears brown nuts, about an inch in diameter, which are usually consumed after they are roasted. From one to nine nuts are produced in a spiny involucre or burr.

What causes tornadoes?

2008-09-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Tornadoes in the winter and early spring are often associated with strong, frontal systems that form in the Central States and move east. Occasionally, large outbreaks of tornadoes occur with this type of weather pattern. Several states may be affected by numerous severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
During the spring in the Central Plains, thunderstorms frequently develop along a "dryline," which separates very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado-producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.

Along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, in the Texas panhandle, and in the southern High Plains, thunderstorms frequently form as air near the ground flows "upslope" toward higher terrain. If other favorable conditions exist, these thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.

Tornadoes occasionally accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over land. Tornadoes are most common to the right and ahead of the path of the storm center as it comes onshore.

solar energy technologies program

2008-09-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Solar Energy Technologies program focuses on developing cost-effective solar-energy technologies that have the greatest potential to benefit our nation and the world. Solar technologies diversify our energy supply, reduce our dependence on imported fuels, improve air quality, and offset greenhouse gas emissions. A growing solar industry also stimulates our economy by creating jobs in solar manufacturing and installation.

Auto and White goods

2008-08-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

This sector has several opportunities for investment due to the availability of raw materials at close proximity and a large consumer market for the product both in and around the State. These advantages include:-

Presence of large steel plants as a source of easy freight; World class industries (in and around the State) create an excellent vendor base to support the sector; Several industries like Usha Martin, Timken, Cummins, Tinplate, Indal, etc. produce a wide range of engineering products; Various industrial units involved in activities like mining and coking coal; A good combined market for the sector is provided by Jharkhand along with Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh; Demand for white goods like refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, etc is high in the State and is rapidly increasing, etc.

Sociology of education

2008-08-19T23:23:00.000-07:00

The sociology of education is the learning of how social institutions and services have an effect on educational processes and outcomes, and vice versa. By many, education is understood to be a means of overcome the handicaps, achieve greater equality and acquire wealth and status for all (Sargent 1994). Learners may be provoked by aspirations for progress and betterment. Education is perceived as a place where children can expand according to their unique needs and potentialities. The principle of education can be to build up every individual to their full potential. The understanding of the goals and means of educational socialization processes differs according to the sociological model used.

Topsoil

2008-08-13T00:58:00.000-07:00

Top Soil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, generally the top 2 to 8 inches. It has the most concentration of organic matter and microorganisms, and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs. Plants regularly concentrate their roots in, and obtain most of their nutrients from this layer. The actual depth of the topsoil layer can be purposeful as the depth from the surface to the first densely packed soil layer known as subsoil.

As one of the layers of soil on the Earth's surface, topsoil nowadays referred to as the A horizon. This layer is shaped from the deposition of eroded material as well as decaying organic matter. A variety of soil mixtures are sold commercially as topsoil, usually for use in civilizing gardens and lawns, or for ideal growing conditions in container gardens, by using potting soil, for example.

A most environmental concern known as topsoil corrosion occurs when the topsoil layer is blown or washed away. Without topsoil, little plant life is feasible. It takes approximately 100 years for one inch of topsoil to be deposited, if there is the correct ratio of organic material, inorganic material and moisture. This can be improved by using the terra preta system. However, there is 25 billion tons of topsoil absent each year.

Cargo

2008-08-06T23:29:00.000-07:00

Cargo or freight is a word used to signify goods or produce being transported normally for commercial gain, usually on a plane, ship, train, truck or van. In modern times, containers are used in most intermodal long-haul cargo transport.

Cargo represents a concern to U.S. national security and is it was reported out of Washington, DC that in 2003 over 6 million cargo containers enter the United States each year. After the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the security of this extent of cargo has become highlighted. The latest US Government response to this threat is the CSI: Container Security Initiative. CSI is a program planned to help increase security for containerized cargo shipped to the United States from around the world.

Sundarbans National Park

2008-07-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

The huge marshy delta of the two enormous Indian rivers, Ganges and brahamaputra enlarge over areas comprise of mangrove forests, forest island and swamps all intertwine in a network of small rivers and streams. It is a home of the royal Bengal tiger, covering an area of regarding 1330.10sq kms the largest mangrove forest in the world form the center of this area.

The Sundarban region has got its name from Sundari trees, once set up in great quantity here. The Ganges and the Brahmaputra form this alluvial archipelago of 54 islands watered by the Bay of Bengal. The islands Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti form the northern boundary of the Sundarbans; on the south is the sea; to the west side of the Sunderbans Park is the Matla and Bidya Rivers and to the east is the international boundary of Bangladesh.
Flora in Sundarbans National Park

Motivating life forms await you in this largest estuarine delta in the world, Sunderbans. In April and May the flaming red leaves of the Genwa, edge the bright green islands. The crab like red flowers of the Kankara and the yellow blooms of Khalsi add to the amazing display.

Fitness boot camp

2008-07-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

It is a kind of physical training program conducted by gyms, personal trainers, and former military personnel. These programs have been growing in popularity for the past several years. The training frequently combines running, interval training, and many other exercise using weights and/or body weight to lose body fat, increase cardiovascular efficiency, boost strength, and help people get into a practice of regular exercise. Many programs offer nutrition proposal as well. It is alled "boot camp" because it trains groups of people, typically outdoors, and may or may not be alike to military basic training.

The term 'Boot Camp' is currently used in the fitness industry to explain group fitness classes that support fat loss, camaraderie and team effort. They are designed to push people a little bit further than they would normally push themselves in the gym alone. Boot Camps are often prepared outdoors in parks using bodyweight exercises like push ups, squats and burpees, interspersed with running and competitive games. The idea is that everyone concerned works at their own pace as they team up and work towards one goal, either in pairs, small teams of 3 or 4, or even 2 teams head on. Everyone who joins a Boot Camp and sticks with it will see marked improvements in strength, endurance and stamina.

Archaeology

2008-07-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

It is the study of human life and culture through progressively examining and interprets the material remains left behind. These material remains include archaeological sites (e.g. settlements, building features, graves), as well as cultural materials or artifacts such as tools and ceramic. Through the interpretation and categorization of archaeological materials, archaeologists work to be familiar with past human behavior from the initial evidence of cultural behavior (e.g. tool making of hominids) to today. In some countries, archaeology is often historical or art historical, with a strong emphasis on culture history, archaeological sites, and artifacts as art objects. In the New World, archaeology can be either a division of history and classical studies or anthropology. Anthropological archaeology is a method of analysis within cultural anthropology, which attempts to make out and reconstruct past life ways. In general, however, archaeology has stimulated on from an object-based collection of art objects, to a field that tries to understand motivations, causes, and effects in past cultures.

Baseball

2008-07-08T02:13:00.000-07:00

Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The goal of baseball is to score runs by striking a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four markers called bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot square, or diamond. Players on one team (the batting team) take turns hitting while the other team (the fielding team) try to stop them from scoring runs by receiving hitters out in any number of ways. A player on the batting team can discontinue at any of the bases and hope to score on a teammate's hit. The teams switch between batting and fielding whenever the fielding team gets three outs. One turn at bat for each team constitutes an inning; nine innings make up a professional game. The team by way of getting more runs at the end of the game wins.

Electronic waste

2008-07-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Electronic waste, "e-waste" or "Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment" ("WEEE") is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic machine. Recyclable electronic waste is sometimes further categorize as a "commodity" while e-waste which cannot be reuse is distinguished as "waste". Both types of e-waste have raised concern allowing for that many components of such equipment are considered toxic and are not biodegradable. Respond to these concerns, many European countries banned e-waste from landfills in the 1990s.

The European Union would further advance e-waste policy in Europe by realize the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive in 2002 which holds manufacturers in charge for e-waste disposal at end-of-life. Similar legislation has been enact in Asia, with e-waste legislation in the United States limited to the state level due to delayed efforts in the United States Congress regarding multiple e-waste legislation bills.

Due to the difficulty and cost of recycling used electronics as well as lackluster enforcement of legislation regarding e-waste exports, large amounts of used electronics have been sent to countries such as China, India, and Kenya, where inferior environmental standards and working conditions make processing e-waste more profitable.

Home/School Liaison

2008-06-20T03:18:00.000-07:00

The recommendations
Pupils should be encouraged to share good practice between home and school.
Schools should consider the benefits of sharing their policies and practice on Internet access and use with parents.
The support of parents should be sought.
The Click Thinking as a Family Resource can be photocopied and distributed for home use.
Where School Boards are in place, these bodies may be instrumental in forging good Internet liaison between school, parents and the community. School Boards should consider including discussion of children's use of the Internet at open forums for parents such as their AGM.
School handbooks should include information on Internet policies and practice, and also refer parents to the Local Authority, the school or the website for copies of the Click Thinking as a Family Resource.

Painting

2008-06-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Painting is the practice of apply color to a surface (support) such as, e.g. paper, canvas, wood, glass, lacquer or concrete. However, when used in an artistic sense, the term "painting" means the use of this action in combination with drawing, composition and other visual considerations in order to manifest the expressive and conceptual intention of the practitioner.

Paintings are used as a mode of representing, documenting and express all the varied intents and subjects that are as numerous as there are practitioners of the craft. Paintings can be naturalistic and representational as in a still life or landscape painting, photographic, abstract, be loaded with narrative content, symbolism, emotion or be political in nature. A large portion of the history of painting is dominated by spiritual motifs and ideas; sites of this kind of painting range from artwork depicting mythological figures on pottery to biblical scenes rendered on the interior walls and ceiling of The Sistine Chapel to depictions of the human body itself as a spiritual subject.

Electric car

2008-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

An electric car is a vehicle that makes use of by chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs, and electric motors and motor controllers instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Vehicles using both electric motors and Ices (hybrid electric vehicles) are examples of hybrid vehicles, and are not deliberate pure electric vehicles (EVs) because they operate in a charge-sustaining mode. Hybrid vehicles with batteries that can be charged externally to displace some or all of their ICE power and gasoline fuel are called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and are pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) during their charge-depleting mode. Electric vehicles include automobiles, light trucks, and neighborhood electric vehicles.

Electric cars were among the earliest automobiles. They produce no exhaust fumes, and minimal pollution if charged from most forms of renewable energy. Many are capable of stepping up exceeding that of conventional vehicles, are quiet, and do not produce noxious fumes. Electric cars reduce dependence on petroleum and decrease or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, depending on how their electricity is produced.

Mausoleum of Maussollos

2008-05-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Tomb of Maussollos, Mausoleum of Maussollos or Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Greek, was a tomb built among 353 and 350 BC at Halicarnassus (present Bodrum, Turkey) for Mausolus, a satrap in the Persian Empire, and Artemisia II of Caria, his wife and sister.

The arrangement was considered by the Greek architects Satyrus and Pythius. It stood approximately 45 metres (135 feet) in height, and each of the four sides was decorated with sculptural reliefs created by each one of four Greek sculptors - Leochares, Bryaxis, Scopas of Paros and Timotheus. The finished structure was considered to be such an aesthetic triumph that Antipater of Sidon identified it as one of his Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The word mausoleum has since come to be used generically for any grand tomb, though Mausol - eion originally meant building dedicated to Mausolus.

Festival

2008-05-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

A festival is an event, normally staged by a local community, which centers on some private portion of that society.

Among numerous religions, a feast or festival is a place of celebrations in honor of God or gods. A feast and a festival are by tradition identical. On the other hand, the term "feast" has also entered regular worldly wise idiom as a synonym for every large or thorough meal. When used as in the meaning of a festival, most frequently refers to a religious festival fairly than a film or the art festival.

There are numerous types of festivals in the world. Although numerous have religious origins, others occupy recurring alteration or have some cultural impact. Also certain institutions party their own festival to stain some essential occasions in their history. These occasions might be the day these institutions were founded or any other event which they fix on to celebrate occasionally, usually annually.

Festivals, of numerous types, supply to meet specific social needs and duties, with to provide entertainment. These times of celebration propose a sense of belonging for religious, social, or geographical groups. Modern festivals that focus on cultural appear for to let know members of their traditions. In long-ago times, festivals were times when the aged shared stories and transferred some information to the next generation. Historic feasts regularly provided a way for unity among families and for people to find mates. Choose anniversaries have yearly festivals to honor previous important occurrences.

Embossing Printing Process

2008-05-13T00:36:00.000-07:00

Embossing / Embossed Printing is also known as Blind Printing or Relief Printing. Embossed printing technique allows transfer of text or images as a relief into a variety of substrates including paper, cardboard and metal foils. The front side of the print shows the image as a relief, while the actual embossing is done on the back side.

The printing technique involves raising the area of the image or text on the paper; the image stands out charitable in a three dimensional effect. The technique enhances the look of the products and also increases the printing cost.

Yield curve

2008-05-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

In finance, the yield curve is the relation between the interest rate and cost of borrowing and the time to maturity of the debt for a given borrower in a given currency. For example, the current U.S. dollar interest rates paid on U.S. Treasury securities for various maturities are closely watched by many traders, and are normally plotted on a graph such as the one on the right which is informally called "the yield curve." More formal mathematical descriptions of this relation are often called the term arrangement of interest rates.

The yield of a debt instrument is the annualized percentage increase in the worth of the investment. For instance, a bank account that pays an interest rate of 4% per year has a 4% yield. In general the percentage per year that can be earned is dependent on the length of time that the money is invested. For example, a bank may offer a "savings rate" higher than the normal checking account rate if the customer is prepared to leave money unharmed for five years. Investing for a period of time t gives a yield Y (t).

This function Y is called the yield curve, and it is often, but not always, an increasing function of t. Yield curves are used by fixed income analysts, who analyze bonds and connected securities, to understand conditions in financial markets and to seek trading opportunities. Economists make use of curves to understand economic conditions.

Landscape Archaeology

2008-04-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Landscape archaeology refers to a way of study of past people and their matter culture in the context of the wider environment. The landscape may be large, for example a wide marshy river delta or small, like a back garden. It is time and again employed in cultural resources management to be familiar with exposed sites. Landscape archeology addresses the difficult issues of the behavior that people purposely and deliberately shaped the land around them.

The question of what accurately constitutes a site has been discussed at length by generations of archaeologists. Areas of examination are not limited to the boundaries of an excavation but can as an alternative stretch for many miles. Excavation is characteristically impractical on such a scale and landscape archaeologists’ hub on the noticeable features that can be known and recorded on the ground surface to create a picture of human activity across a region.

Archaeological features covered just below the surface time and again leave tell-tale 'lumps and bumps', plough action in fields can lift archaeological matter to the surface, in areas of limited human activity, worked flint scatters can go on untouched for many centuries and standing buildings and field boundaries can be of big antiquity yet archaeologically unexamined.

Hedging

2008-04-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Investors use forex swaps to hedge their existing forex exposures by swapping temporary surplus funds in one currency into another currency for better use of liquidity. Doing so protects against unfavorable movements in the forex rate, but favorable moves are renounced.

Wallpaper

2008-04-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Wallpaper is substance which is used to coat and beautifully the interior walls of home, offices, and other buildings; it is one part of interior decoration. Wallpapers are generally sold in rolls and are place onto a wall by means of wallpaper glue.

Wallpapers can come into view both plain so it can be decorated or with patterned graphics. Wallpaper printing techniques include surface printing, gravure printing, silk screen-printing, and rotary printing. Mathematically speaking, there are seventeen necessary patterns, described as wallpaper groups, which can be used to tile a countless plane. All artificial wallpaper patterns are based on these groups. A single representation can be issued in numerous different color ways.

Screen Printing Technique

2008-03-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

A screen made of a piece of porous, finely woven fabric including silk, polyester or nylon is prolonged over a wooden or aluminum frame. Areas of the screen are blocked off with a non-permeable material (a stencil) which in twist is a negative of the image to be printed.

The screen is placed on top of a piece of paper or fabric. Ink is placed on top of the screen, and a rubber blade is used to spread the ink regularly across the screen. The ink passes through the open spaces in the screen onto the paper or fabric below; follow by lifting of the screen. The screen can be again being re-used after cleaning. For multiple color screens printing on the same surface, the ink is allowed to dry and then the entire process is repeated with another screen and different color of ink.

Visual display unit

2008-03-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

A visual display unit, frequently called simply a monitor, is a piece of electrical equipment which displays viewable images generate by a computer without producing a permanent record. The word "monitor" is used in other contexts; in exacting in television broadcasting, where a television picture is displayed to a high standard. A computer display device is typically either a cathode ray tube or some form of flat panel such as a TFT LCD. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry to produce a picture from electronic signals sent by the computer, and an enclosure or case. Within the computer, either as a necessary part or a plugged-in interface, there is circuitry to convert internal data to a format compatible with a monitor.

Letterpress Printing Process

2008-03-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

Letterpress Printing is one of the oldest printing techniques in use since the 13th century. Johann Guttenberg is known to have introduced printing from individually-cast, movable type-reusable letters set together in a frame in the 14th century.

Also known as Typographic Printing, this commercial printing technique, includes production of many copies of an image by repeated direct impression of an inked, raised surface against sheets or a continuous roll of paper.

Designer jeans

2008-03-10T23:19:00.001-07:00

Designer jeans are high-fashion jeans that are marked as position symbols. The Nakash brothers (Joe, Ralph, and Avi) are usually credited with starting the trend when they launched their Jordache line of jeans in 1978. Designer jeans are cut for women and men and habitually worn skin-tight. The feature highly able to be seen designer names or logos on the back pockets and on the right front coin-pocket.

Batsman

2008-03-06T01:26:00.000-08:00

A batsman in the sport of cricket is, depending on context: Any players will perform for batting. A player whose expert in the game is batting. During the play of a cricket match, two members of the batting team are on the field, although their team-mates wait off the field. Those two players are the existing batsmen. Each batsman stands near one of the two wickets also end of the cricket pitch near the centre of the ground.

The two batsmen have different roles:

The striker stands in front of the wicket nearest him and attempts to protect it from balls bowled by the opposing bowler from the other wicket. The non-striker stands stopped near the bowler's wicket. While protecting his wicket, the striker may also hit the ball into the field and attempt to run to the opposite wicket, exchanging places with the non-striker. This score a run, the two batsmen may continue to exchange places, scoring additional runs, until members of the fielding team gather and return the ball to either wicket.

Inkless Printers

2008-02-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

Inkless printers use paper with neutral dye crystals entrenched connecting the two outer layers of the paper. When the printer is twisted on, heat from the drum causes the crystals to colorize at different rates and become visible. The technology was worked on by Zink Imaging and is now available (2007). Because of the way it prints, the printer can be as little as a business card, the images are waterproof, and in fact, one product slated for release by Zink Imaging is a digital camera with a printer built into it. Xerox is also operational on an inkless printer which will use a strange reusable paper coated with a few micrometres of UV light sensitive chemicals. The printer will use a particular UV light bar which will be able to write and erase the paper. As of early 2007 this technology is at a halt in development and the text on the printed pages can only last between 16-24 hours before fading.

Olympic History

2008-01-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

In 776 B.C. the early Olympic Games began in ancient Greece. The Games were so important to the Greek people, that they used periods in between the Games as a method of dating important historical events. The prize the winners received included free food and lodging for life. Winners were mentioned in poems, their figures set in sculpture, and their achievements known throughout Greece. To put it simply, winning the Olympic games made you a hero.

Football (soccer)

2007-12-19T03:37:00.001-08:00

Association football, commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players, and it is the most fashionable sport in the world. It is a ball game played on a rectangular grass or artificial turf field, with a goal at each of the short ends. The purpose of the game is to score by manoeuvring the ball into the opposing goal. In general play, the goalkeeper is the only player permitted to use their hands or arms to propel the ball; the rest of the team usually use their feet to kick the ball into position, occasionally using their torso or head to intercept a ball in mid air. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied at the end of the game, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/or a penalty shootout, depending on the format of the competition.
The modern game was codified in England following the formation of The Football Association, whose 1863 Laws of the Game created the foundations for the way the sport is played today. Football is governed internationally by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Association Football), commonly known by the acronym FIFA. The most prestigious international football competition is the World Cup, held every four years. This event, the most widely viewed in the world, boasts an audience twice that of the Summer Olympics.

Uses of Ginger

2007-12-14T05:58:00.001-08:00

There are array of uses suggested for ginger. A tea brewed from the is a folk medicine for colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer have been suggested as "stomach settlers" for generation in countries where the beverages are made and ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the US. Ginger has also been historically used to take care of inflammation which some scientific studies support, though one arthritis trial showed ginger to be no better than a placebo or ibuprofen. Research on rats suggests that ginger may be valuable for treating diabetes.

Cricket in India

2007-12-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

without doubt the first sport that comes to mind when one thinks of Indian sports today is cricket. Brought to India by her British colonisers, cricket so captured the nation’s thoughts that observers are more or less agreed that today it is the one religion that unites India.
In cities like Calcutta, with everybody glued to their TV sets, life grinds to a stop the progress of the days the Indian team is playing. One-day gear and test matches stimulate equal eagerness; for together, if the match is being played on Indian earth, which by the way supports spin slightly than pace, you’ll get aptitude crowds and a emotional atmosphere seldom matched anywhere outside the subcontinent. Allegations of murky match fixing and a fixed string of matches where the team managed to “grab defeat from the jaws of victory” notwithstanding, the attractiveness of the game continues to rise. Such is the strength of participation with the game that it even affects India’s international relationships. In the result of the 1999 Kargil war, India unilaterally overhanging cricketing relations with Pakistan. The discuss on whether politics and sports should mix enlivens many a discussion, and is yet unresolved.

The Banyan Tree

2007-11-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

In India the Banyan Tree is consider as National tree. This huge tree overlooks over its neighbors and has the widest reaching roots of all known trees, easily covering several acres. It sends off new shoots from its roots, so that one tree is really a interweave of branches, roots, and trunks. The banyan tree restart and lives for an incredible length of time--thus it is thought of as the everlasting tree.

Its size and leafy shelter are valued in India as a place of relax and mirror image, not to mention defense from the hot sun! It is still the focus and gathering place for local councils and meetings. India has a long history of worship this tree; it figures importantly in many of the oldest stories of the nation.

Abraham Lincoln

2007-11-20T04:12:00.000-08:00

The brave man of the familiar People. It had been an extended time coming. Terribly separated by the issue of slavery, thirty-one million American citizens were in 1860
Called upon to vote for 16th President of the United States. The Democratic Party meets at its National Party Convention in Charleston, South Carolina, in order to choose their candidate in favor of the presidency. Split over slavery, each section, Northern Democrats on the one hand and Southern Democrats on the other, presented its own conflicting proposal for the party platform.
In February 1860, Senator Jefferson Davis of Mississippi claimed that neither the Congress of the United States nor the territorial parliaments had the control to handle slavery.

Adam Smith

2007-11-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

He was born in 1723 in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, fatherless. The accurate date of his birth is unidentified. He was baptized June 5, 1723. At the age of fifteen, he begins his school at Glasgow and Oxford. In 1751, after he finished school, he was obtained a job at Glasgow University where he became the new Professor of judgment. There he lectured on beliefs, expression, jurisprudence and the political economy.

Just eight years after his training career began; he published his work. The Theory of ethical Sentiments. This show that he could write and he recognized himself in the world. In 1776, a query into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations was published. Immediately the book was a success. It had a remarkable effect on how people attention. Although it took him ten years to write, he became a very rich man from it.

A Team Player

2007-10-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

The superiority of being a team player is one that everyone should enjoy. A team player is someone with good qualities who makes contributions and has the force to motivate each one around him or her. This individuality can be used in many areas such as games, family life, and in the company. You are more expected to be hired in the production if you have and demonstrate the qualities of a team player. As the business climate gets tougher before it gets improved, it is time to hike the talk if you want to develop.

Managers will require all the cooperation they can get. To land a high paying job with a major business you need to be a team player. Having good qualities is one of the most significant characters you can have. Being a team performer thinks of the team as a whole and is not selfish in their views and decisions.

A Snapshot of Macro-Economics

2007-10-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

Economics is the learning of making choices. High school and college students all over required to take economic courses in order to achieve a diploma. Why is economics so important because it provides a guide for students for real-world situations Economics is divided into two types microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics is the study of economics at a slim level. For example absorbed on how a detailed business functions is microeconomics.
Studying the world economy is classified as Macroeconomics; its center on a much broader level. All students must understand the concept of insufficiency. Scarcity is a condition that occurs because society has unlimited wants and needs however the amount of property is limited. Unlimited wants and needs are what encourage us to create goods and services. We are never satisfied therefore we always have a want or need. On the other hand our income is limited.

A cold winter morning

2007-10-09T02:55:00.000-07:00

I am lying on a white, sandy beach with the glowing sun beating down directly on my tanned summer body. I notice the beautiful, Puerto Rican Cabana boy heading over to replenish my newly empty Margarita glass. I look around my private beach and at the crystal clear, sparkling ocean water tempting me warmly in to its open arms. I get up from my bed on the sand, walking gradually to the water. The sand is flaming my bare feet with such passion that I speed my walk up almost into a jog. As I reach the waterfront I stop, as a falling wave is heading toward my glazing body; I step closer to be in its direct path. I move smoothly in with such grace; I prepare myself for the cool, refreshing bath. I hear an alarm bell screaming, I look around in a panic as it is hurting my ears and giving me a powerful headache. My beach is wandering away, and then it is gone. The ‘warmness my body feels is gone.
I open my eyes; I am gloomy, lifeless room. My alarm clock is going off and the sound can only be compared with exhausted your fingernails across a chalkboard.