News we can use

What is Cancer?

2005-08-25T13:33:00.000+08:00

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells

Here's an easy-to-understand version on Cancer and what it is
sourced from BBC News.

It has answers to questions like "What is a cancer cell?",
"What happens if it spreads>", and "How is it treated?".

How to Write Killer Blog Posts and More Compelling Comments

2005-08-20T21:38:00.000+08:00

Here's a great article "How to Write Killer Blog Posts and
More Compelling Comments" by BL Ochman.

The author suggests guidelines on writing killer blog posts
as well as compelling comments which she stresses the latter's
importance as they stay in the blog forever.

I'm just listing the points. Read article here.

Tips for Writing Better Blog Posts

o Short, declarative sentences are good.

o Link like crazy.

o Write less

o Aim at keeping your posts at about 250 words.

o Include complete thoughts in headlines

o Keep sentences and paragraphs short.

o Don't take yourself too seriously

o Never lose your sense of humor.

o Write like it counts.

o White space is your friend.

o Use the simplest possible word and sentence structure.

o Read your post out loud

o Forget what you learned about business writing in school

o Use bulleted points whenever you can.

o Use subheads every few paragraphs, even in a 300 word post.

o Use bold text and italics for emphasis on words and phrases

o Make sure your posts are easy to scan.

o Choose your voice and keep it consistent.

o Don't be afraid to voice opinions.

How to add a blog banner

2005-07-30T15:32:00.000+08:00

I've often wondered as to how to go about adding a blog
banner and now I know having stumbled on this tip from
Paige Pooler of eyes wide awake.

If you're into art and illustrations either doing yr own
or just love admiring the works of others, you might
want to check out Paige's blog.

In Case of Emergency (ICE)

2005-07-23T11:30:00.000+08:00

Following the disaster in London, the Ambulance Service
has launched a national "In case of Emergency (ICE)"
worldwide campaign.

The idea is that you store the word " I C E " in your
mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number
of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of
Emergency".

In an emergency situation ambulance and hospital staff will
then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are
and be able to contact them. It's so simple that everyone
can do it. Please do. Please, will you also email this to
all the people you know, it won't take too many 'forwards'
before everybody will know about this. It really could save
your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.

For more than one contact, name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.

It's a great idea, store it in your phone then pass on the
message to your family and friends.

Actual source unknown

Credit cards

2005-06-16T20:36:00.000+08:00

Here's a lighter side to something serious - death and
credit cards. A friend forwarded it and the original
source is unknown. If you do know the source, please post
it so that due credit can be given to this enlightening
piece.

Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die,
just in case. This is so priceless, and so easy to see
happening, customer service being what it is today.

A lady died this past January, and the bank billed her
for February and March for their annual service charges
on her credit card, and then added late fees and interest
on the monthly charge.

The balance had been $0.00, now it is around $60.00.
A family member placed a call to the bank:

Family Member: "I'm calling to tell you that she died in
January."

Bank: "The account was never closed and the late fees
and charges still apply."

Family Member: "Maybe, you should turn it over to collections."

Bank: "Since it is two months past due, it already
has been."

Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out
she is dead?"

Bank: "Either report her account to the frauds
division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!"

Family Member: "Do you think God will be mad at her?"

Bank: "Excuse me?"

Family Member: "Did you just get what I was telling you . .
the part about her being dead?"

Bank: "Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor."

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member: "I'm calling to tell you, she died in January."

Bank: "The account was never closed and the late
fees and charges still apply."

Family Member: "You mean you want to collect from her estate?"

Bank: (Stammer) "Are you her lawyer?"

Family Member: "No, I'm her great nephew." (Lawyer info given)

Bank: "Could you fax us a certificate of death?"

Family Member: "Sure." (gets fax number )

After they get the fax:

Bank: "Our system just isn't setup for death.
I don't know what more I can do to help."

Family Member: "Well, if you figure it out, great! If not,
you could just keep billing her. I don't think she will care."

Bank: "Well, the late fees and charges do still apply."

Family Member: "Would you like her new billing address?"

Bank: "That might help."

Family Member: "Odessa Memorial Cemetery, Highway
129, Plot Number 69."

Bank: "Sir, that's a cemetery!"

Family Member: "What do you do with dead people on your planet?"

Creating a Budget

2005-06-11T10:38:00.000+08:00

Many people are not fully convinced that they have a need for a budget. Their reasoning goes something like this. "All I need to do is spend less than I make, and that's just common sense, so why in the world do I need a budget?" If this sounds like something you have said in the past, you probably have a bigger need than you think. Other people fully realize their need, but they simply have no idea where to start. With this in mind let's walk through the basic steps of creating a personal budget.

Budgetary Steps

o Create a list of all of your monthly income. If you have
any sources of income that are received annually then simply
divide this number by 12. It is important to list all sources
including alimony, child support, side jobs, etc. This figure
will set the cap on your total budget.

o Create a list of all your monthly expenses. If an expense
occurs less frequently, simply prorate it to fit a monthly
format. Be sure to include such expenses as; housing, food,
transportation, utilities, entertainment, etc. It is wise to
track your spending for a full month during this stage of
budgetary planning. Save your receipts and each evening
write down your expenses for the day. This is the best way
to gain an accurate reflection of actual expenses.

o Determine if your income covers all of your current
expenses. If the answer is no, then expenses need to be
reduced.

o Adjust expenses. This can be done in a variety of ways.
Depending on the amount of the shortfall, it may be a simple
matter of reducing some discretionary spending, such as
entertainment, or food.(i.e. the number of times you eat out
in a given month) If the deficit is larger then it may be a
matter of downsizing your vehicle or your living arrangements.
If your income covers all of your expenses then this is still
a good opportunity to trim some of the fat off of your
spending habits. This can help free up extra money for a
variety of reasons ranging from, college educations for the
kids, to a nice anniversary trip with your wife.

o Add new categories if necessary. Three areas that are
often overlooked are 1) debt reduction 2) retirement savings
and 3) emergency savings. An emergency fund will ensure that
there is an adequate amount available to cover an unforeseen
even (i.e. the car breaks down) should it arise. This will
prevent the use of credit which can quickly break a personal
budget.

Source: www.personal-budgeting-and-personal-saving-tips

Diet Soda -- True story

2005-06-08T21:38:00.000+08:00

Came across the following story on the effects of
aspartame. What exactly is aspartame and what are
its effects on us. Read on...

March 2004
In October of 2001, a friend's sister started getting
very sick. She had stomach spasms and she was having
a hard time getting around. Walking was a major chore.
It took everything she had just to get out of bed,
she was in so much pain. By March 2002, she had
undergone several tissue and muscle biopsies and was
on 24 various prescription medications. The doctors
could not determine what was wrong with her. Because
of her pain and sickness, she was sure she was dying.

Read the story... (bibleprobe.com)

Related article: Diet Soda - True story

How To Buy The Perfect Gift For Anyone

2005-05-29T21:28:00.000+08:00

Shopping online for gifts rather than going to a store
is not only convenient, but you save time, money and have
an incredible variety of gifts to choose from.

It's no wonder online shopping is growing at a phenomenal
rate every year. But with so much to choose from, how do
you buy the perfect gift for someone?

The mistake most people make is buying something that they
like instead of thinking hard about the interests of the
person they are buying for. Admit it; you have probably
done this before.

If you want to buy the perfect gift for your recipient,
take the time to learn about the interests of that person
even if it's something you don't particularly enjoy.

Once you know their interests, you can shop smarter and
have a much better chance of getting that perfect gift
with the thought that says: I picked this gift only for you.

If you are shopping for a gift for your sweetheart or
partner, just apply the same rule. Try to focus on their
interests. Remember, it's not what you want; it's what
your partner wants that matters.

Listen close to your conversations then casually ask
questions to get more specifics. You'll get clues
about gifts they desire.

Once you apply this new method of gift shopping, your
partner or sweetheart will end up with the perfect gift
and you will be surprised by the response you receive.

But what about buying a gift for the person who has
everything? Here are a few ideas that work well for
that problem.

Gift Baskets make wonderful gifts for the person who has
everything and are available for everyone and every
occasion. Again the rule here is look for one that is
themed toward your recipient's interests.

Gift baskets come in every theme imaginable and can be
tailored to suit the particular occasion or interest perfectly.

They are filled with lots of small presents for the gift
recipient making them an excellent value. They come in
a variety of price ranges, so they are an ideal gift for
any budget.

Another gift idea for the person who has everything is a
gift certificate. Gift certificates are convenient and
easy to redeem. But don't think a gift certificate is a
quick solution or an easy way out because it isn't.

If you purchase a gift certificate from a store that
offers gifts related toward your recipient's interests
you may be doing them a huge favor. Not only do they
get a great gift that interests them but they can
choose something that they will actually use and enjoy.

As you can see, it's not difficult to find the perfect
gift for anyone. It just takes taking a little extra
time to learn about the interests of the recipient.
But the result is worth it because it will produce the
perfect gift that anyone will be absolutely delighted
to receive.

About The Author
Gary Gresham is the webmaster for
http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com If you are looking
for gifts go to:
http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com/gifts.html and easily
find the perfect gift for anyone.

Individual Health Insurance Plans

2005-05-28T14:08:00.000+08:00

When looking for individual health insurance plans it's
important to remember that generally you'll find better rates
if you deal directly with the insuring company. The internet
now allows individuals the chance to plug in a few personal
details and obtain individual health insurance plans quotes.
Some questions to consider when choosing your coverage are
the following:

1) Is it important that you keep your current Doctor?

2) Is it important that you have access to alternative care
such acupuncture or massage therapy?

3) How high a deductible are you comfortable with?

Individual Health Insurance Plans tailored to your needs.

Most people looking for individual health insurance plans are
seeking modest insurance coverage, but they also want some of
the basic essentials such as regular Doctor visits and
prescription coverage.

Keep in mind that your premium costs will vary depending on
how high your deductible is and what kind of coverage you have.
Generally the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly
premiums. When choosing your coverage try to match low prices
with quality coverage.

About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-healthinsurance-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com

Alaska Cruises offer breathtaking scenery for your vacations.

2005-05-25T22:18:00.000+08:00

If being on an Alaskan cruise is on your wishlist, here's a
write-up that will surely keep that wish alive.

Alaska cruises can offer some of the most pristine, natural
beauty you'll ever see on your vacations. Beautiful crystal
clear inlets of water found no where else in the world.

Icebergs and sheer cliff walls rising thousands of feet into
the air. Choosing from among the many Alaska cruises will be
easy and fun; making your vacations an exciting and rewarding
experience.

Some points to consider in deciding which of many Alaska
cruises is right for your vacation:

One thing to decide is when you want to go. Many people favor
the month of August because the weather and temperature are
favorable to being outdoors. Another consideration to keep in
mind for Alaska cruises and vacations is which direction on
the ship you'd like your cabin to face.

Inside cabins are less expensive while outside facing cabins
offer the convenience of stepping onto your balcony and seeing
the many splendid sights. Dressing warmly and comfortably is
another consideration, especially if you're susceptible to
being cold at night. Also, be sure and bring along a good pair
of binoculars to see the sights. Many times your cruise ship
will pass by stunningly close to an immense block of ice;
you'll want to see every detail of that up close.

About The Author
Mike Yeager

Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/productpage/cheapcruises.html

Useful Tips on Saving

2005-05-22T14:58:00.000+08:00

Here are some useful tips on saving. Start by saving small
amounts here and there. Over time, you will notice how even
a small amount saved can add up to big money. If you are
willing to watch what you spend and look for little ways to
save on a regular basis, you can make money grow. If you buy
on impulse, make a rule that you'll always wait 24 hours to
buy anything. You may lose your desire to buy it after a day.

Try emptying your pockets and wallet of spare change at the
end of each day. You'll be surprised how quickly those pennies
add up!

Speaking of things adding up, there is no investment strategy
anywhere that pays off as well as, or with less risk than,
merely paying off all high interest debt you may have.

Many people have wallets filled with credit cards, some of
which they've “maxed out” (meaning they've spent up to their
credit limit). Credit cards can make it seem easy to buy
expensive things when you don't have the cash in your pocket—
or in the bank. But credit cards aren't free money.

Most credit cards charge high interest rates if you don't pay
off your balance in full each month. If you owe money on your
credit cards, the wisest thing you can do is pay off the
balance in full as quickly as possible. Once you've paid off
your credit cards, you can budget your money and begin to save
and invest.

Here are some tips for avoiding credit card debt:

Put away the plastic:
Don't use a credit card unless your debt is at a manageable
level and you know you'll have the money to pay the bill when
it arrives.

Know what you owe:
It's easy to forget how much you've charged on your credit card.
Every time you use a credit card, write down how much you have
spent and figure out how much you'll have to pay that month.

Pay off the card with the highest rate:
If you've got unpaid balances on several credit cards, you
should first pay off the card that charges the highest rate.
Pay as much as you can toward that debt each month until your
balance is once again zero, while still paying the minimum on
your other cards.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's
biography remains intact:

Keywords: tips on saving, saving

About the Author
John Mussi, London
http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK
homeowners find the best available loans via the
www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Aromatherapy: How and When to Use Essential Oils

2005-05-17T20:29:00.000+08:00

To repeat where we are, my sweetie (my wife June)
had breast cancer a few years ago and we opted

1) to have a lymph-ectomy (mistake) and later
2) radiation (good decision). Regardless of whether
it was a mistake we did it and the result is that
she has to be very careful about not injuring her
right arm. Last summer and fall she burned herself
on our oven three times, one of them very seriously.
There are other articles covering where else we
have gone, but this is on how and when to use
Aromatherapy.

Remember the effect of the Lavender oil? She happened
to go on an outing with several girl friends right
after the bad burn and in talking it over with them
they decided to put therapeutic-grade lavender
essential oil on the burn. She could feel it healing
immediately and in spite of this being a large burn
(2” x 6”) it healed with only a very small scar,
about the size of a half-quarter (like a half-moon
shape).

Needless to say, we are sold on the “therapeutic grade
of essential oils from Young Living. They can be used
n several ways, very effectively. These methods of use,
or application, are:

1) Apply the oils directly to the bottom of the feet
(more on this as we go on),

2) apply the essential oil directly to the bruised
or wounded area,

3) diffuse your essential oils into the air, and

4) add certain “edible” essential oils to water or
food for both exotic and exquisite flavorings.

1) In the Orient they have been using acupuncture
and acupressure for centuries, perhaps millennia?
What is perhaps more surprising is that essential
oils, when applied to the bottom of the foot, are
absorbed rather quickly into, and dispersed throughout,
the body.

As a liquid they are also immediately used by the body
as anti-whatever and begin their healing actions almost
immediately. Because they are “pure” – therapeutic grade
– there is nothing within the compound to hinder the
healing effect, nor to slow it.

2) Apply the essential oil directly to the bruised or
wounded area. As in the example of the Lavender applied
directly to the burn, apply Lavender or Melaleuca oil
directly to the cut, scrape or bruised area. This will
provide maximum relief directly to the affected area,
where it is needed most. But be careful of the oils
you use in this manner. When using spearmint, for
example, keep it completely away from the eyes; it can
cause severe itching and burning and lead to blurred
vision for several hours.

3) Use a diffuser and diffuse your essential oils
directly into the air you breathe. You will need to
have a very good diffuser, such as the one available
from Young Living, in order to do this more effectively.

We have used several but discarded them all. Only the
Young Living diffuser seems to literally radiate the
oil scent throughout our home, but to do it efficiently.
It costs about $100 US but it has proven many times
worth it.

4) You can add add certain “edible” essential oils to
water or food for both exotic and exquisite flavorings.
Such “spiciness” will enhance your cooking and enhance
the therapeutic (medicinal) value of your foods as well.
You cannot use all essential oils in cooking so it might
be prudent to purchase one of Young Living’s “how to”
books. They can be ordered directly from the web site.

Finally, all the good health and good nutrition and
exquisite flavorings in the world will not make you
healthy if your body cannot use the nutrients you are
feeding it.

Good digestion is the basis for good health. Without
good digestion most of the nutrients in your body are
going to waste – you might as well have a gigantic
tapeworm siphoning off your food.

In order to enhance your digestion you should also be
using, at least periodically, a proven organic greens
product as a digestive aid, one such as Bio 88+ (Plus).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for
more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance
writer. June’s and Loring’s latest business endeavors
are at http://www.organicgreens.us
http://junedawn.younglivingworld.com

Choosing A Business

2005-05-15T14:38:00.000+08:00

The majority of people who have a home business started
from scratch. Creating a successful business requires
that you ask yourself "What will people pay for?" Market
research will help you find out, and that can be as simple
as asking prospective customers what they need and
investigating whether you can compete on price, service,
quality, variety and ease of use.

With these considerations in mind, here are six
possibilities for finding the ideal business for you.
You can:

Turn your favorite hobby or interest into a business
Find a need you can fill that's related to your interest.
Example: Someone nearing retirement and interested in
helping other senior citizens remain active could create
a counseling business, advising on how to enjoy retirement.

Turn your existing job skills into a business.
Accountants, communications specialists, graphic artists,
salespeople, teachers -- people from all walks of life --
can take their skills and reinvent them. Examples: A
secretary could start a secretarial service; a personnel
director could set up telecommuting guidelines for companies.

THE RIGHT BUSINESS FOR YOU

Solve a problem
People will pay to have someone do tasks they find
unpleasant or need help with. Examples: Errand runners
help thousands of people take care of their daily tasks;
someone who's dealt with a disease and recovery could
provide information and teach classes on coping.

Use a hidden or latent talent
Take notice of the talents you use without thinking.
Example: A great hostess never thought of being a party
planner until she threw a party for a friend. The friend
said, "That was so great, I would have paid for it."

Use technology and other resources you have around the house
Many people have created successful businesses with
equipment and technologies they already had around the
house. A sewing machine can be the key to an exclusive
dressmaking business. We even know two women in Texas
who use their washing machines to run a laundry service
for the crews of ships that dock in the local harbor.

Put what you know to work
You can turn virtually anything you know into a business
if enough people want to know it too. The author of 1,000
Adorable Names for Your Cat sold enough copies of his
book to start a pet-oriented mail-order company.

Good luck.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hamoon Arbabi
Find more about Making money on the Internet, Online
business opportunities, Marketing tactics, Free services,
Free tools and... in http://homebusiness.nexuswebs.net

How Is Mesothelioma Treated?

2005-05-10T10:30:00.000+08:00

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs
where they inhaled asbestos particles. However, they may
have been been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other
ways. This could include working with asbestos or by home
renovation using asbestos cement products or even by washing
the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos. The
resulting disease is rare form of cancer in which malignant
(cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective
sac that covers most of the body's internal organs.

Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and
risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in
either men or women at any age. About 2,000 new cases of
mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year.
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the
past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare
cancer.

There are various procedures used for the treatment of
mesothelioma. The type of treatment depends on the location
of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's
age and general health.

A common treatment of the disease is by means of surgery by
the removal of part of the lining of the chest or abdomen
and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura,
a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy.
Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs
that helps with breathing, is also removed.

Another method is Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy.
This involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells
only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine
or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin
plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found.

Anticancer drugs can be used to kill cancer cells throughout
the body. This is known as chemotherapy and involves the
administration of the drugs by injection into a vein
(intravenous, or IV). Currently, doctors are also studying
the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the
chest or abdomen.

Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the U.S.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials
that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to
use current treatments.

by Wendy Owen

Mesothelioma

2005-05-08T10:28:00.000+08:00

Mesothelioma. There's so much talk about it in the
media everywhere you turn. What exactly is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer involving mesothelial
tissues of body organs usually lungs or abdominal. It is
often caused by exposure to asbestos. However, there are
30-50% of patients without any history of asbestos exposure.
People who have received asbestos exposure of as little as
one or two months to very low doses are at risk of
mesothelioma cancer. Even people who wash clothes of
asbestos exposed people are at risk. A person exposed to
asbestos could develop mesothelioma after 50 years of
exposure.

People in the occupations such as construction jobs in
shipyards, insulators, boilermakers, etc. are at the risk
of contracting asbestos disease.

The 2 common types of mesothelioma are:

Pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and Peritoneal
mesothelioma (abdomen organs). The survival time for a
patient with diffuse malignant mesothelioma is from
4 to 24 months from the observance of the symptoms.
Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose.

The chance of recovery for a patient with mesothelioma
depends on size and location of the cancer, age of the
patient and his response to the treatment. Presently,
the treatment options for mesotheliomas are:

Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery and Photodynamic
therapy. There is some evidence that provitamin A or beta-
carotene may decrease the risk of mesothelioma.

Copyright 2004, P. Mehta http://www.FatFreeKitchen.com

About The Author
P. Mehta
For more information visit http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/
warning-signs/mesothelioma-cancer.html

10 Things You Can Do To Lose Fat Without Even Trying

2005-05-07T14:51:00.000+08:00

1. Eat smaller more frequent meals - not only is your
metabolism boosted every time you eat something, your
body can more efficiently process smaller meals.
Instead of having 3 large meals in a day, try to
break them up into 5 or 6 smaller meals.

2. Drink more water - regular water intake helps to
flush away waste products in the body. Get at least six
to eight 8 oz. glasses per day. An easy way to do this
is to keep a water bottle handy and drink from it
frequently.

3. Be inefficient - do you need to go to the kitchen to
get a couple of things? Break it up into to two trips
even if you can do it in one. Being inefficient like
this can easily double your activity level, burning
calories without even trying.

4. Eat more protein - sources of protein include foods
such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, lean red
meats, etc. Your body burns more calories processing
protein than either carbohydrates or fats. Protein also
helps to support your muscle tissue, which burns calories
all day long!

5. Take the stairs instead of the elevator - any time
you can add in a little more physical activity, do it.
This doesn’t mean you need to slog up 20 flights of stairs.
Even a flight or two done regularly will add up.

6. Don’t let yourself get hungry - when you get hungry
you will have a much greater tendency to overeat when
you do finally get something to eat. As well, because
your body is starting to go into starvation mode, it
will be much more likely to hold onto whatever you
give it.

7. Order small portions at restaurants - it’s tough
to order small french fries when "supersizing" your
order is such a great "value." Take note, however,
your real savings will occur in the calories that
don’t end up on your backside.

8. Eat more fiber - fiber is very filling. By eating
more fiber you will find yourself full sooner. This
feeling of fullness will last a long time as well.

9. Wait 20 minutes between servings - your brain takes
at least 20 minutes to register that you’re full. By
waiting that long, you’ll give your brain a chance to
realize that you don’t really need any more food.

10. Cheat on your diet - one thing I always make my
clients promise is that they will cheat on their diet.
The only thing I ask that they do is to cheat ONLY when
they have planned to cheat. By planning when you are
going to eat the foods you crave, you take back control
of your eating habits.

This way you no longer "give in" to your cravings. You
"reward yourself" for sticking to proper nutritional
habits. Do this once or twice a week and you will feel
far more in control of your eating.

In conclusion, if you follow even a few of these 10 easy
tips in the long term, you will certainly notice a
difference in your overall weight and health.

About The Author
Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online
exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out
his latest eBook "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of"
at http://www.thebestexercises.com or
visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at
betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness
newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com.

Water therapy

2005-05-05T15:57:00.000+08:00

Water is the stuff of life: two-thirds of our body
is made up of it. People who live in countries where
water is plentiful might take it for granted but for
people whose lands are deserts will treasure it.

THE basic function of water – to keep us alive – has
evolved into a whole new ballgame. It started off with
mineral water – water enriched with minerals important
to our health – and branched out into a plethora of
oxygen water, reverse osmosis water and vitamin-enriched
water. Over the past 10 years, the trend for enriched
water has taken off in Japan and is already invading France.
In United States too, water has overtaken coffee to become
the country’s second leading beverage after soft drinks.

Handy hints

2005-05-04T17:23:00.000+08:00

To Unstick a Zipper
Rub the teeth with a dry bar of soap or the nub of
a candle. On dark zippers, use a lead pencil. Repeat
application, if needed.

Vacuum Your Pets
If you are tired of finding pet hair everywhere,
hold your pet and gently vacuum up its loose hair.
Introduce your pet to the idea a little bit at a time.
Be sure to use the hand-tool attachment.

Homestyle Grass Killer
Instead of using harsh chemicals, pour full-strength
vinegar or plain table salt on grass that grows between
sidewalk cracks. It will do the job.

If you find these hints helpful, you may want to visit
the site for more.

Choosing a Perfume

2005-05-03T12:10:00.000+08:00

The choice of fragrances and scents seems to grow wider
every day, as manufacturers fight for our attention and
try ever harder to distinguish their offerings from the
competition. With such a selection to choose from, how
does one even begin to know where to start when it comes
to buying perfume?

Broadly speaking, all perfumes fall into one of six
different categories based on their dominant top notes.
Different categories will suit different people or occasions.

Earthy or woody type perfumes evoke smells of the forest,
and are usually very refreshing. They often tend to appeal
to the older generation, and may make ideal gifts.

Oriental fragrances use strong spicy scents, and are ideal
for special social occasions, but be cautious giving them
to anyone you don’t know well – these intense perfumes
can be a very personal choice.

The so-called “greens” are much lighter than the orientals,
and are well suited to more casual wear. Because they make
a less dramatic assault on the nose, they are also safer
to give as gifts!

Modern “oceanic” fragrances are becoming more and more
popular, particularly among younger people who appreciate
the intense but often quite unusual scents, which
instantly bring to mind seaside scenes. Naturally these
are an excellent choice in the warmer months when thoughts
turn to holidays.

Spicy fruity perfumes are also a good warm-weather choice,
and can be a good all-round choice for the woman who wants
to wear something with some traditional base-notes but is
a little different to the classic floral scents.

Finally, those classic floral fragrances are suitable for
almost everyone and any occasion. But be wary of cheaper
brands; this most feminine of all the main groups works
best when the ingredients used are of high quality, and
that means less expensive brands can smell exactly that.

Ultimately, choosing a fragrance is a very personal choice,
and many women prefer to stick with what they know and buy
the same thing year after year. But by trying different
fragrances from the same group as your favourite smell, you
may just discover a new gem.

About The Author
Sara Blackmoore is a relationship councellor, and a freelance
writer. She lives in London, England with her husband and two
children. Sara buys her perfume from http://www.fragrancegopher.co.uk

MyKad a must for overseas Malaysians

2005-05-02T12:27:00.000+08:00

PENANG: Malaysians who are overseas on official duty or
residing in foreign countries are not exempt from applying
for MyKad.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho said they should
return to the country soon to apply for the multi-purpose
card.
Applications made before Dec 31 are free while RM20 would be
charged for those made after the date, he said.

Staying in touch - Mobile phones

2005-04-28T16:20:00.000+08:00

The latest development in handphones is a bone-shaped
device that answers on the first ring for owners to speak
to their dogs

Having a mobile phone is child’s play for British kids
nowadays. And the handset’s technological revolution
has even gone to the dogs, literally.

No, it’s not a case of barking up the wrong tree but
bone-shaped devices will soon be made available for
pets too.

It’s amazing but a million children under 10 years in
Britian – one in three – now have their own mobile phones,
double the figure two years ago.

The average age at which a child gets his or her first
mobile phone in Britain is eight, against 12 in the
United States.

The 90/10 secret

2005-04-22T11:08:00.000+08:00

Another great article but source unknown. Please do let
me know if you know the source.

The 90/10 secret is incredible!

Very few know and apply this secret. The result?
Millions of people are suffering undeserved stress, trials,
problems and heartache. They never seem to be a success in
life. Bad days follow bad days. Terrible things seem to be
constantly happening. Theirs is constant stress, lack of
joy and broken relationships. Worry consumes time, anger
breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed
to the fullest... Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often
seems cruel.

Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged. You
can be different!. Understand and apply the 90/10 secret.
It will change your life! What is this secret?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you.
90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?

We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us.
We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane may
be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A
driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over
this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the
other 90%!

How? By your reaction.

You cannot control a red light, but you can control your
reaction. Don't let people fool you, YOU can control how
you react! Let's use an example.

You're eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter
knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt.
You have no control over what just happened. What happens
next will be determined by how you react. You curse...You
harshly scold your daughter for knocking the coffee cup
over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her,
you turn to your spouse and criticize them for placing
the cup to close to the edge of the table. A short
verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change
your shirt.

Back downstairs you find your daughter has been to busy
crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school.
She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately
for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter
to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an
hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15 minute delay
and throwing $60 (traffic fine) away, you arrive at
school.

Your daughter runs to the building without saying
good-bye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late,
you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started
terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and
worse. You look forward to going home. When you arrive
home you find small wedge in your relationship with your
spouse and daughter. Why? Because of how you reacted in
the morning. Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the Policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is D.
You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your
bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry.
You gently say "It's OK honey, you just need to be more
careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs.
After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come
back down in time look through the window and see your
child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You and
your spouse kiss before you both go to work. You arrive
5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss
comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference. Two different scenarios.
Both started the same. Both ended different. Why?
Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any
control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% is
determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 secret.
If someone says something negative about you, do not be
sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You do
not have to let the negative comment affect you! React
properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction
could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting
stressed out, etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?
Do you loose your temper? Pound the steering wheel?
(A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off!)

Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket?
Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten
seconds later at work? Why let the blue car ruin your
drive. Remember the 90-10 principle, and do not worry
about it!

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep or get
irritated? It will work out. Use your "worrying"
energy and time into finding another job.

The plane is late. It is going to mangle your schedule
for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight
attendant? She has no control over what is going on.
Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger, etc.
Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse.

You now know the 90-10 secret.
Apply it and you will be amazed at the results.

Electronics Magazine

2005-04-20T15:46:00.000+08:00

Do you have this old mag?

PETALING JAYA: If you have really old electronics magazines
lying around your house or office, you may want to take a
closer look at them because Intel Corp is offering to pay
US$10,000 (RM38,000) for a certain issue of a particular
magazine from 40 years ago.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - the prequel

2005-04-19T11:18:00.000+08:00

If you're one who enjoys sequels and prequels, this is one
prequel you would look forward to. It's the prequel to
the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" epic that picked up
10 Oscar nominations.

RM24,667 is minimum salary cut-off point

2005-04-14T11:53:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: If your pay is RM24,667 or more after
all the allowed annual deductions, get your cheque
books ready.

According to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), this is
the minimum cut-off salary which places you in the
taxpaying bracket.

IRB public relations officer Rahimah Abdullah said
the onus was on the taxpayers to get their forms
from the board if they had yet to receive the forms.

Read article here.

Genting and Universal Studios bid for Sentosa casino

2005-04-10T00:38:00.000+08:00

Genting Bhd and the theme park unit of Universal Studios
are seeking to run a resort that may include a casino on
Singapore's Sentosa island. Read more...

Google Passes On Storage Savings to Users

2005-04-05T14:25:00.000+08:00

The e-mail storage war between Google , Yahoo and MSN confirms that competition continues to create better user experiences on the Web. It also shows that storage capacity simply is getting cheaper.

Last week, Google said it would double the amount of e-mail storage it offers through its Gmail service to two gigabytes. A year ago, Google unceremoniously dashed Yahoo’s and MSN’s e-mail storage revenue-generating services by offering a gigabyte of free storage. Both rivals were forced to keep pace with huge increases of free storage for users. Read more...

GMail is on a trial basis at the moment and opening of
accounts is by invitation only. I have a few accounts to
give away so if you'd like one, you can post me a request.

Bank Negara relaxes rules for overseas investment

2005-03-24T17:54:00.000+08:00

BY IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian individuals and corporations
who are debt-free can now take any amount of their money
abroad effective April 1.

Previously, individuals could only repatriate up to RM10,000
overseas without obtaining permission from Bank Negara.
Credit card debt and housing and car loans are not considered
as debt or credit facilities.

This relaxation for investment abroad, announced by Bank Negara
governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz yesterday, is part of the
central bank's continuous effort to reduce the regulatory cost of
doing business and enhance efficiency of the delivery system.

More.....

We are so very lucky

2005-03-17T08:39:00.000+08:00

Yes! We are so very lucky here in Malaysia. We have sunshine
throughout the year, rainfall anytime too, beautiful parks and
greenery around us, the world's tallest twin towers, even our
very own casino - but that's another story.

Anyway, we have lots to be thankful for. Just the other day, I
was talking with a colleague from the US and he said that he's
enjoying our food especially the morning nasi lemak and our
ice-cream, the yummy Cornetto. Can you imagine that? This is
his first visit here and he's even game enough to venture into
nasi lemak from a street vendor and enjoying it to boot. hah!

I tell you, from now on, I shall savour our nasi lemak and
Cornetto like there's no tomorrow. Malaysia boleh!

The Radio Show

2005-03-03T18:10:00.000+08:00

The radio can be a great source of entertainment especially
when you are caught in traffic jams going to work in the
mornings.

It used to be Yasmin Yusoff that I listened to those days but
these days, it's Caroline and Simon. Their bantering and
jibes at each other can be quite hilarious. Sure made my day
at times.

Hike in diesel price

2005-03-01T11:41:00.000+08:00

The Star:
Up 5 sen: The price of diesel will go up by five sen per litre
to 88.1 sen from Tuesday. The Government raised the price
due to skyrocketing crude oil prices and in an effort to reduce
its burden in providing subsidies, said Domestic Trade and
Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal.

Read more...

Beckhams welcome their third son

2005-02-22T12:31:00.000+08:00

February 21, 2005

LONDON (AP) -- Soccer star David Beckham's wife, Victoria, formerly known as Posh Spice, gave birth Sunday to the couple's third son, named Cruz.

Phone-driving in Malaysia

2005-02-18T09:59:00.000+08:00

The use of handphones while driving has for many years been
a no-no yet many people are still doing it. The Star is today
highlighting the offence.

Chatty drivers get a wake-up call from police
BY PARVEEN GILL

KUALA LUMPUR: Although it is common knowledge that using
a handphone while driving is an offence, Malaysians do not seem
to be bothered. Despite the fact that most people know it is
dangerous, more are being caught talking on their cellphones
while driving.

The police issued more than 47,000 summonses for the offence
last year.

“It’s dangerous but people still do it,” said Internal Security and
Public Order Director Comm Datuk Othman Talib, who is also
in charge of the traffic division. And the excuses given by
offenders are often ludicrous, he said.

“They even claim that they were actually using battery-operated
shavers and not their phones. “Among the popular excuses is that
their bosses were calling them and they had no choice but to
answer the call or risk losingtheir jobs,” he told

The Star in an interview yesterday. He said most of the motorists
were caught in the cities and described the 14.6% increase over
the last two years as serious.

“This is startling because there have been no operations launched
against such offences but the number of summonses issued for
using cellphones while driving is higher than summonses issued
for overtaking on double lines.

“Last year, 47,247 people were caught using their cellphones
without their hands-free kits, while 31,173 were caught over-
taking on double lines,” he said, adding that an average of 129
people were caught using cellphones while driving daily.

Comm Othman added that some car drivers and motorcyclists
were ignorant of the law. For instance, pressing the answer button
on a hands-free kit to receive a call is an offence, he said.

Under the law, the moment a driver moves his limbs to do
something other than controlling the vehicle, the driver is deemed
notto have proper control of the vehicle.

“Even pulling over by the road shoulder or emergency lane to
answer a phone call is an offence.

“I would like to warn all motor vehicle users, who are fond of
talking on their cellphones without hands-free kits to obey the
law because policemen are not going to be lenient anymore,”
he added.

Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh supported
Comm Othman’s view.

“Drivers and riders should never under any circumstances,
endanger their life and the lives of others,” said Suret Singh.
He added that research in Britain have proven that a split second
distraction is more often than not the cause of road accidents.

Common excuses given by cellphone offenders
"My boss called. I do not want to lose my job."
"I was telling the caller to call back."
"My family member is very sick."
"I forgot my hands-free kit."
"I was about to put on my hands-free kit."
"I was only holding the mobile phone."
"I was using my battery-operated shaver."
"I was digging my ear with the antenna."

Pre-war Kuala Lumpur in pictures

2005-02-17T15:38:00.000+08:00

Kuala Lumpur is modern, colourful and probably a town-planner's
dream and it is but have you ever wondered how it used to be in
the old days even before some of us were born?

Some of the buildings that we know them today were actually of
different shapes or something else stood in its place. A view of the
old-day KL is testament that much progress has been made.

The traffic along Petaling Street is a great contrast between now
and then. Java Street, now Jalan Tun Perak, was in those days
already flood-prone. Make a trip back in time to pre-war Kuala Lumpur.
Enjoy.

Difference between men and women drivers

2005-02-15T15:18:00.000+08:00

We just celebrated a public holiday and as usual lots of people
travelled outstation either to be with their family or on holiday.
The papers have been carrying articles of road accidents daily.
Do men cause more accidents or are women the culprits?

Here's an article I came across in a Clove pullout of The Star
paper on the difference between men and women drivers.
Happy reading.

If men are from Mars, women are from a planet where they
don't have roundabouts, according to new research into the
way the different sexes bump their cars.

Women drivers may not deserve most of the criticism that
comes their way, almost invariably from men. But they do
have problems when it comes to navigating the circular
junction, reports Martin Wainwright from London.

Data from 125,000 road accidents in Britain last year shows
that a disproportionate number of women come to grief
while trying to enter or leave roundabouts.

- Hovering or finally going at the wrong moment because of
an impatient (an probably male) tailgater is thought to
account for much of the difference.

- Women drivers also bump into things in car parks more
frequently than men (although this figure may be distorted
by the fact that they are more likely to undertake the
weekly shop.)

- Scrapes on pillars in underground office car parks are more
evenly divided (although there are some indications that
women are so careful not to scrape the car in one
neighbouring bay that they hit the car in the other.)

Male accidents in the survey were generally more serious
and likely to involve crashing into something head-on.

Aggressive driving, lack of finesse or poor judgment made
walls, trees and lamp-posts almost equally vulnerable to
men, but at little risk from women.

Tanzie Oliver, the managing director of elephant.co.uk, said:
"Women tend to be in more accidents at slower speeds,
where cars are close together, while men have more high-
speed accidents.

"Our research suggests the way men and women drive is
different. It appears that men drive faster and more
aggressively than women, while women are more easily
distracted than men behind the wheel of a car."
- Guardian News Service

Lunar New Year

2005-02-14T10:20:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai to all Chinese celebrating the auspicious festival
of Lunar or Chinese New Year.

The Lunar New Year was celebrated on February 9 this year.
This was the first day of the lunar calendar and signifies the
onset of Spring. The festival is celebrated from fifteen days ending
with Chap Goh Mei on February 23. This last day is the Chinese
version of Valentine's Day. Back in the old days in China, this
Chap Goh Mei would see maidens (unmarried girls) throwing
oranges into the river with the hope of marrying off well. No idea
whether it's still practised today.

A lot of merry-making takes place these fifteen days and dinners
will not be complete without the raw fish dish (Yee Sang) where
the dish made up of sliced raw fish (signifying abundance) and
other shredded vegetables is tossed high up with chopsticks.
The activity is termed 'Loh Sang' which literally translates to
being prosperous thus it is done with much fervour.

The seventh day is auspicious as to the Chinese community,
this is man's birthday so restaurants would be booked well
in advance.

Folks of Hokkien dialect would celebrate the ninth day praying
to the God of the Heaven. The prayer would start on the night
of the eighth day.

The Lunar New Year is a fun time especially for children as
there is plenty of food to eat and money to be collected from
the red packets distributed by adults - parents, grandparents,
aunts and uncles, other relatives and friends.

May the year of the Rooster bring you happiness, health and
wealth.

A trip to the countryside

2005-02-06T22:00:00.000+08:00

I had a blast visiting with my cousins who live in the countryside.
It's a really fun and eye-opening visit. My aunt has a noodle
factory and the noodles are sent to the whole-sale market early
every morning. I got to see how noodles are being made and
packed.

The place has an orchard too mostly durian, rambutan, mango,
guava and star-fruit trees and the fruits are being sent to the
whole-sale market daily. Looking at the fruits on the trees is
awesome.

There is also an animal farm in the vicinity where poultry such as
chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys are reared. There's also a
pig-sty full of fat, pink and black pigs and piglets. Sure reminded
me of the Australian movie 'Babe' - a story of the sheep-pig.

My cousins and I also spent some time fishing by the big stream
near the house. Fish as long as a foot were aplenty swimming in
the cool, fresh and clean water.

Like they say 'time flies when you're having a good time', and
soon it was time to leave. It was a most memorable visit to the
countryside.

Ten-pin bowling

2005-02-05T14:13:00.000+08:00

Just took up ten-pin bowling and am enjoying it. It's a great sport
and can be addictive too. Only trouble is if you throw the ball
down the gutter, it's akin to throwing money down the drain and
it's not a cheap sport.

Before I went any further, thought I'd do a little research on the
game. Did you know that bowling has been around for ages?

Who then invented bowling?

Archaeologists have discovered bowling balls, pins and other
equipment in an Egyptian child's grave dating back to 5200 B.C.
In Germany, back in A.D. 200, village dances and celebrations
included a similar form of the game -- they rolled stones at nine
wooden clubs called kegles. Bowlers in Germany are sometimes
still referred to as "keglers." Bowling was
recorded in England as early as the 1100s. In the Netherlands
people took up a related game, and it was the Dutch who
introduced the sport to America in the 1600s -- it was called
Dutch pins. In what is now New York City, Dutch residents
bowled in a section of the city still known as "Bowling Green."

In America the game became very popular. But people began
to gamble on the sport, and for a while it was looked on as an
evil event. The state of Connecticut outlawed "bowling at nine
pins," as it was described. To get around that law, residents
added an additional pin and this was the beginning of the 10-pin
game played today! By the mid-1900s, the sport was once again
an accepted form of family recreation.

The American Bowling Congress, which was organized in 1895,
established standard playing rules and regulations.

Bowling has been termed a mental game as it involves having
the right mental attitude and confidence to do well. Unlike other
sports which involve a physical opponent, bowling is just between
you and the bowling pins.

RMB Cards can now be used outside China

2005-02-04T16:12:00.000+08:00

Here's something useful I picked up from The Star dated Dec 1:

Holders of Chinese currency UnionPay banking cards can pay
for their shopping, dining, travelling and medical bills and
extract cash in local currency as of Monday in South Korea,
Thailand and Singapore, the first time ever for the card to be
used outside China.

Chinese banking insiders say the move represents another
substantial step China has taken to gradually open up its
financial system and improve the convertibility of the
Renminbi (RMB) or the Chinese currency.

The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank,
said the move came after it allowed the cards to be used
in Hong Kong and Macau for payment of private
consumption over the past two years.

Under Chinese monetary rules, a holder of the UnionPay
card issued by the country's 29 commercial banks and
rural credit co-operatives can extract up to 5,000 yuan
(RM2,318) equivalent of local currency through ATMs
in the three countries, Hong Kong and Macau. - China Daily

A Must Read: SMS on Cellphone

2005-02-04T11:20:00.000+08:00

Just received this from a friend. Everybody, be warned:

This lady has changed her habit on the handphone after
her handbag was stolen.

Her handbag which contained her mobile, credit card,
purse, etc....was stolen. 20 minutes later when she called
her husband to tell him what happened, he told her that
he just received her SMS asking for their PIN to their bank
account and he has replied awhile ago.

When they rushed down to the bank. The bank staff
told them all the $ had already been withdrawn.
The pickpocket had used the stolen handphone to sms "hubby"
and got hold of the PIN. Within 20 mins all the money had
been withdrawnfrom the account.

Moral of the story:
Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people
in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey,
Hubby, sweetheart, Dad, Mum etc......

Welcome to my blog

2005-02-03T22:00:00.000+08:00

Hi, welcome to my blog. It will be filled with lots of good stuff
that my friends have so kindly forwarded. Hope you will enjoy
them and revisit whenever you can. Please feel free to post
your responses or share your wisdom.

For a start, here's something funny. Enjoy.......

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and
were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man
realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him
at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting
to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a
piece of paper,

"Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she
would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was
9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about
to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed
a piece of paper by the bed.

The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up.

"Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests. God may
have created man before woman, but there is always a rough
draft before the masterpiece!

SEND THIS TO SMART WOMEN WHO NEED A LAUGH AND
TO MEN YOU THINK CAN HANDLE IT.