11 Miraculous Ways Magnesium Heals Your Mind & Body

Merry meet and hello to all. I came across this article and found it a good read. Below is the article and the link I found it on. Enjoy and feel free to let me know what you think about the article. Love n light to all ~ Luna
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11 Miraculous Ways Magnesium Heals Your Mind & Body ~ By Marcus Julian Felicetti
(Article link: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5473/11-Miraculous-Ways-Magnesium-Heals-Your-Mind-Body.html)

I could easily write a whole book on Magnesium and its very powerful healing properties. Indeed, many books have been dedicated to the subject, and I encourage everyone to read them. As a yoga therapist that has worked for many years using yoga postures and natural remedies to heal, Magnesium is always the first supplement I suggest. In a moment, you'll understand why.

If you think that the amount of Magnesium you obtain from your food is sufficient without supplementation, then I would say thinking is for people who don't know. Be sure by having it tested. And when you do have it tested, aim to have optimum levels of Magnesium, not just meeting the minimum. Remember that even organic soils are depleted of minerals. And non-organic farming has virtually no nutrients in it. Furthermore, there are many ways in which Magnesium is lost from the body, e.g. alcohol, coffee, black tea, grains, soy, most pharmaceutical drugs, calcium supplements. Regular supplementation is a reliable way to boost your magnesium levels. For more information on what kinds of magnesium supplements are well absorbed and utilized, see my website. (I assume this is Marcus's website where the article was originally posted).

Benefits of Magnesium:

1. Better sleep - The sleep regulating hormone melatonin is disturbed when Magnesium is deficient. Furthermore, Magnesium brings balance and controls stress hormones. Stress and tension are often reasons why people suffer from insomnia in the first place.

2. Relaxes the nervous system - Serotonin, which relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood, is dependent on Magnesium.

3. Bigger, stronger muscles - Magnesium allows the body to produce more Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), which is a major contributor to the growth and strength of muscles. Furthermore, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the cell's energy store, and is created with help from Magnesium.

4. Better flexibility - Magnesium loosens tight muscles. Without Magnesium, muscles do not relax properly and cramps occur. Magnesium is important for flexibility, because low Magnesium results in a buildup of lactic acid, causing pain and tightness.

5. Bone integrity and strength - Magnesium helps to fix calcium properly. It may blow some people's mind that the calcium supplements they're taking are not only useless, but are actually contributing to osteoporosis! There are actually about eighteen essential nutrients that contribute to bone health; Magnesium is definitely one of the most essential, because it stimulates a particular hormone called calcitonin. And, it also suppresses a hormone called parathyroid that breaks down bone.

6. Remineralizes teeth - Magnesium deficiency causes an unhealthy balance of phosphorous and calcium in saliva, which damages teeth.

7. Alkalizes the body - Magnesium helps return the body’s pH balance. Magnesium reduces lactic acid, which is partly responsible for post-exercise pain (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).

8. Hydrates - Magnesium is a necessary electrolyte essential for proper hydration.

9. Helps to relieve constipation - Magnesium can be used to cleanse the bowels of toxins.

10. Enzyme function - Enzymes are protein molecules that stimulate every chemical reaction in the body. Magnesium is required to make hundreds of these enzymes work and assists with thousands of others.

11. Diabetes - Magnesium enhances insulin secretion, which facilitates sugar metabolism. Without Magnesium, glucose is not able to transfer into cells. Glucose and insulin build up in the blood, causing various types of tissue damage, including the nerves in the eyes.

There are many other benefits of Magnesium: It helps prevent stroke, heart disease, period pain, and more. You can check out my website for further information on Magnesium and how exactly to increase magnesium levels effectively.

What's up with water and lemon? Fad or real?

Why You Should Drink Warm Water & Lemon ~ By Ashley Pitman
(Web Link: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4769/Why-You-Should-Drink-Warm-Water-Lemon.html)

The way you start each day is incredibly important. Whether you're a mom, a coach, a writer, a small business owner or a yoga teacher, what you do first thing in the morning matters. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that you make regarding your daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down. Ayurveda invites us to get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature's rhythms, balance the doshas and foster self-esteem alongside self-discipline.

Your mind may say you have to check emails, take the dog out, get the kids out the door, that you can't be late for work or that you just don't have enough time to cultivate your own morning rituals. But, if you can only make time for one ritual that will improve your health, let it be this.....Start the day out with a mug of warm water and the juice of half a lemon. It's so simple and the benefits are just too good to ignore.

Warm water with lemon:

1. Boosts you're immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.

4. Aids digestion

The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration (obviously) and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration!

Adopting just this one practice of drinking a cup of warm water with lemon in the morning for a month can radically alter your experience of the day. Don't be surprised if you begin to view mornings in a new light.
Like I said, the recipe is really simple—a cup of warm (not hot) water and the juice from half a lemon.

In the comments below, tell me which one of these benefits is going to get you to try this morning ritual. Or, if you're already a lemon water junkie, what specific benefits have you noticed?

7 Reasons to love apple cider

7 Reasons to Love Apple Cider Vinegar ~ By Jess Ainscough

I was first introduced to apple cider vinegar (ACV for short) several years ago after reading in a magazine that Fergie (Black Eyed Peas, not Duchess of York) takes a couple of teaspoons each day to assist weight loss. A body like Fergie by drinking apple cider vinegar? That is one bandwagon I was quick to jump on. While I’m still waiting for Fergie-like abs, I have been reaping the many other health benefits associated with including a little ACV in my diet. ACV has been touted for its many medicinal properties for eons and it really is a cure-all remedy. (Keep in mind that neither I nor Jess Ainscough is a doctor so if you are taking any type of medication, stay in touch with your physican and their orders/instructions).

These are just a few benefits of apple cider vinegar …

1. Detoxification

Being rich in natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes makes apple cider vinegar a great addition to any detox. The unique acids in apple cider vinegar can bind to toxins and help the body eliminate them more effectively. Apple cider vinegar can also help to stimulate circulation and aid detoxification in the liver. In ancient cultures ACV was often used to purify the blood. Another way apple cider vinegar aids detoxification is by breaking up mucus throughout the body and cleansing the lymph nodes to allow for better lymph circulation. A healthy lymphatic system can remove toxins from the cells in the body while improving immune system response.

2. To promote weight loss

Apple cider vinegar may aid in weight loss by stabilising the blood sugar for a longer period and helping to control the appetite. Try taking 1-2 teaspoons in water before each meal. This little trick may also help with diabetes. Don’t just rely on ACV to help you trim down though. It won’t work if your diet is rubbish. ACV should be an accompaniment to a healthy, balanced diet.

3. To help with digestion

Aiding digestion is possibly one of apple cider vinegar’s biggest claims to fame. It can help with common indigestion and gastrointestinal discomfort caused by certain foods and it is said to clear up chronic acid reflux when taken religiously with each meal.

4. To alleviate skin problems

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a topical astringent for acne prone skin, and some even report that taking ACV orally every day has helped clear their skin. Add a cup of apple cider vinegar and a cup of Epsom salts to a hot bath to draw toxins out through the skin and help jumpstart the cleansing process. This can also help relieve joint pain as well as skin conditions like eczema and acne.

5. To get rid of warts

Try this for a home wart removal remedy: Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and attach it to the wart site with a band-aid. Leave overnight. Repeat each night until the wart disappears.

6. Helps ward off sickness

Apple cider vinegar devotees claim that this miracle elixir is one of the main reasons they are able to ward of common illnesses. This can most likely be chalked up to ACV's unique blend of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. It also possesses antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.

7. For soft and shiny hair

Acetic acid, the main ingredient in ACV, will remove build up from styling products and conditioners and strengthen the hair shaft, leaving you with soft, shiny strands. It will also balance hair's pH level, kill bacteria, and is a cure for dandruff.

Dilute 1/3 cup ACV in 4 cups of water and pour over your hair after shampooing. Leave it in for a few seconds before rinse your hair using cold water to seal the hair shaft and create more shine. Because vinegar is acidic, using the rinse daily is not advised. And no, your hair won’t stink like vinegar – the smell will go away after your hair dries.

How to take it orally…

Add 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm or cool water before each meal. You can also add it to hot water with a little honey and drink it as a tea. Apple cider vinegar is also great as a salad dressing when mixed with flaxseed oil and honey.

It’s important to buy an apple cider vinegar that is organic and unfiltered so that all of its nutritional value is in tact. The Bragg’s brand is great. The hazy looking stuff that settles to the bottom is called “the mother” and it is said to be the most nutritious part of the apple cider vinegar for its therapeutic benefits.

To read article on web: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3598/7-Reasons-to-Love-Apple-Cider-Vinegar.html

Blessed Balsamic Moon to all!

Happy & Blessed Balsamic Moon to all. (September 12-14) This is the Wishing Moon and a great time to put wishes out there in the air. It is also called and known as the Witches Moon - a time to bring to mind those who need healing. Feelings invoke healing - meaning the deeper we feel, the deeper we heal.... This 'Wishing Moon' with Venus trine Uranus is an opportunity to invoke true love, world peace and creative prosperity. The deeper we feel, the more Moon magic we invoke for the new lunar cycle. This Balsamic Moon is most powerful as it comes before the 7th New Moon of the zodiacal year (when the world is created anew). Shadows before the New Moon can be cleared through deep breathing with paying close attention to the light of the crown. This is the time to invoke the new creation.


~Love and light to all.

Interactive gravestones link to online tales of life.

Imagine visiting a cemetary and seeing QR codes on the gravestone/tombstone? In an instant, you can read some snippets of this person's character, life work or just view a tidbit of what they were like and who they were. Crazy thinking? Not really. 'Keeping the memory alive' is going to have a whole new meaning to it now. Check out the following article below because it's happening:


LONDON (Reuters) - Summing up the life of a dearly departed relative with just a terse description etched in stone may become a thing of the past with the introduction of interactive codes on gravestones. One funeral company in the southern English town of Poole is offering to add quick response (QR) codes to headstones which will link smartphones to online memorials illustrated with pictures, videos and contributions from family and friends.

Chester Pearce funeral directors said QR barcodes enable visitors to learn a lot more about the person buried beneath gravestones than the age, dates of birth and death and the odd biblical passage or literary quote usually written on them. "It's about keeping people's memories alive in different ways," managing director Stephen Nimmo told Reuters. "When you lose somebody, whether it be suddenly or ongoing, you can really struggle with things. Talking about them is very important, keeping their memory going is very important and this is just an add-on to that."

QR codes, a barcode that can be scanned with smartphones or QR scanners, allow users to pull up information on the internet and are frequently used in advertising and marketing campaigns. "It's a new technology, it's something that there will be people who like it, there will be people who don't and that's the same in everything that we do," Nimmo said. He said he has seen demand growing for QR codes as they catch the imagination of the public.

Chester Pearce charge about 300 pounds ($477) to create a code that can also be placed on gravestones, benches, trees or plaques and is linked to a page on their QR Memories website.

Gill Tuttiet, 53, was one of the first customers in Poole to use the technology for her late husband Timothy.
"Tim was quite outward-going and game for anything. I think this is the way forward and Tim would have wanted that, and it's making a process that's hard possibly easier," Tuttiet said.

The website linked to the code shows a profile of the departed, pictures, videos and tributes from family and friends. Close friends and family given a password are also able to add personal messages of their own. "We've all got a story to tell," Nimmo said.

To read the article on the web, click the link below: http://news.yahoo.com/interactive-gravestones-online-tales-life-133458195.html

Things your car is trying to tell you

In all seriousness, your vehicle is more than just a well oiled machine. It holds your life (and others lives) in it's clutches. As with many things in life, if you take care of your vehicle, it will take care of you. If you put it off, ignore certain signs or simply mistreat the vehicle, well....don't be surprised when something happens because it will happen and when you least expect it. Vehicles have a way of communicating and are often trying to tell you something important. To protect your bank balance, your vehicle, and your own body, here is a vehicle-to-human translation guide.


1. A slapping noise that increases tempo with vehicle speed

This is the sound of a tire dying. Its tread is separating from the carcass of the tire. As the tread leaves the tires, it may turn into a giant steel-reinforced Weed Eater. It can cause massive damage to the vehicle’s bodywork as it leaves the tire. So if you hear it, don’t keep driving.

2. The smell of pancake syrup

A sweet scent coming from the vents in your car speaks of the heater coil and if the scent is coming from the engine bay, it probably means the vehicle’s cooling system is having problems. The smell and (we’re told) sweet taste of most automotive antifreeze/coolant comes from its ethelyne glycol, which is very harmful to animals. The source of the leak could be anything from an old, cracked or ruptured radiator hose to a water pump on its last legs. Ignore this smell and you could wind up stranded miles from help with an overheated engine. If you find an green, orange, or yellow puddle under the car, the issue is beyond looking the other way.

3. Puddles in your parking place

A puddle under your car can mean anything from “it’s really humid today” to “you cross-threaded the oil-drain plug and I’m bleeding to death.” When you see fluid under your car, take note of its color and location under the car. Rub a bit between your fingers and smell it. Most often it’ll be water coming from the air-conditioning condenser. If it’s clear and oily, it’s probably power steering fuid, check for leaks around the pump or power steering rack. If it’s darker, slippery, and you’ve recently had your oil changed, it could be a puddle of clean oil resulting from the fact that the mechanic damaged the oil drain plug or improperly installed the oil filter.

4. Other kinds of puddles

Reddish-brown fluid and a lightly oily feel is your automatic transmission telling you that a line running to the trans cooler could have been punctured or the transmission has a seal going bad. If the ATF fluid also has a burnt smell, that transmission probably need an overhaul. If you find an oily fluid on the inside sidewall of a tire, that’s probably leaking brake fluid. Lost brake fluid means a likelihood of air in the brake lines and almost zero braking power, so get it checked out ASAP. If there’s a very dark, heavy, sticky oil under your truck’s rear axle, the seals in your differential could be letting go.

5. Squealing like a pig

A high-pitched whining or squealing that comes from the engine bay and matches engine speed is often an accessory belt in its death throes. Back in the day, we could limp to a service station with a broken water-pump belt or the separate alternator belt. Today’s belts turn myriad devices including power steering, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and alternator. A broken belt will likely leave the car DRT (dead right there).

If you’re greeted with a high-pitch squeal when you tap the brake lightly while at speed, what you’ve got is brake pads or shoes at the end of their life. The squeal comes from a tab of metal built into the pad that becomes exposed as material wears away. If the noise changes or goes away, head to the mechanic today.

6. Grinding noise #1

If you’ve continued ignoring the squealing brakes and they go silent, the next noise you’ll hear from them is a powerful grinding. The last of the pad has ground away and the metal backing plate is now clamping directly onto the brake disc. Braking effectiveness is greatly reduced and the car is now dangerous. Not only that, but your repair bill is going up, too, since the discs will have to be replaced as well.

7. Grinding noise #2

If you hear a grinding, clicking, or rumbling noise during a tight turn in the parking lot, it’s likely a failing constant-velocity joint on a front-wheel-drive car. A CV joint allows the front wheels to both receive power and turn. Ignore this long enough and you’ll have a one-wheel-drive car at best, and likely a paperweight car unless it’s fitted with a limited slip differential.

Other grinding noises could also be anything from a pebble lodged between the brake pad and the rotor to a failing alternator to bearings going dead. Grinding noises are always bad—ignore them at the expense of your pocketbook.

To read article on the website, click on the link below: http://autos.yahoo.com/news/7-things-your-car-is-trying-to-tell-you-.html

Hummingbirds

I have had numerous inquiries about hummingbirds and what information that I can pass on to those who are interested in having them visit their garden landscape.

I am totally a hummingbird lover. What is important to know is that you may not see any the first year that you put out a feeder for them. So you must have patience. When I first moved into my house, I bought a hummingbird feeder. The first year, I would make the liquid they need to feed on, but I didn't see one hummingbird. (Or at least I didn't think I had any visitors). The water level will go down in a feeder, but that is due to the evaporation.

The second year, I had visitors. How exciting that was!

I live on the east coast so I tend to put the hummingbird feeder out in May and take it down in September. Hummingbirds are not from the U.S. so they will tend to go back to where they do come from in the cold weather which equals to a long flight ahead of them.

Feeding instructions: You can buy the dry mix for them and just use according to directions on the box or you can make it yourself. It's pretty easy. The key is one part sugar to four parts water - meaning, if you use one cup of sugar, then be sure to use four cups water. If you use 1/2 cup sugar, then use two cups water. I do tend to heat the water so the sugar is sure to melt and dissolve. Then I let it cool down completely before I put into the bird feeder. I do not fill the feeder up completely, only about half way. Since I do live on the east coast, I get high temperatures plus humidity, which tends to make the feeder water go bad quickly. I use an empty plastic container and make a good amount of food for them. I fill the feeder up half way and refridgerate the rest to use at a later time. In hot temps, I change the water every other day for them. They will come by and feed all hours of the day, meaning morning - noon - and evening. So when I change the feeder, I will change it at night when I am certain there will be no more coming to feed. Then by morning, when they start coming by, the water temperature is perfect and it's fresh.

Mildew will tend to grow in a hummingbird feeder. So be on the lookout for it and expect it to happen. I have found that the best way to clean a feeder is to rinse it out, then let it dry. Once dry, I will pour some raw (uncooked) rice into it. Use about 1/4 uncooked rice. I will put my hand over the spout and shake the feeder up and down and side to side. The dry rice is non abrasive and it's texture will tend to loosen and get the mildew off the inside of the feeder. (It doesn't matter if it's white rice or brown and if you do not have rice, you can try sand or even coarse sea salt. Just be sure to really rinse the feeder out good before you add the liquid food to it again. Salt and sand is not good for hummingbirds).

***Always use sugar. Do not use splenda, sweet n low or any other type of sugar substitute. Hummingbirds need pure sugar. ***

UTI problems? Outsmart bladder infections by trying these suggestions.

Many women suffer from bladder infections and UTI problems. As a result, more women are taking antibiotics and are having more visits to the doctor. For some women, it could be as easy as changing toilet paper from scented to unscented. For other women, it just seems to be a way of life. For those of you who are sick and tired of being sick and tired with these UTIs, here are a few preventative remedies worth trying:

Try probiotics. Some women who take one or two probiotic capsules daily are up to 80% less likely to develop urinary tract infections. These good bacteria strengthen your immune system by helping it destroy infection causing bacteria, before it can attach to the bladder's lining.

Try adding more garlic to your diet. Bacteria, such as E. coli are top triggers a bladder infection. Ground beef can sometimes contain E. coli. By adding garlic to your ground beef, it reduces the E. coli danger by almost 90%. Garlic is also a good immune strengthener, so by adding more of it to your diet or even taking the capsules, you can give your health and your body a seriously good boost.

I'm not sure if you know this or not but bacteria that tends to set up shop in the bladder, loves acidic environments. Making less urine will lower the risk of infection, but we really have no control over that. However, by taking vitamin C you can help to lower the acidity within. Doctors and scientists recommend taking buffered vitamin C daily, in divided doses.

White wine is known to kill bacteria that can cause UTIs. The blend of alcohol and sulfur dioxide in white wine kills troublemaking E. coli, according to lab studies. The dose that was used in the study was four ounces daily. However, there are cases where alcohol can make UTI bacteria grow faster.  Know yourself, know your body and use discretion wisely.

Don't forget the powerful antioxidantsand useful benefit of cranberry or blueberry juices. By drinking 8 ounces of pure unsweetened cranberry juice daily, you can cut your UTI risk by 60%. Don't like cranberry juice, well try drinking blueberry juice instead. Blueberry juice is a great substitute for those of you who do not like cranberry juice. Blueberries are in the same family – meaning same berry family - as cranberries.
And according to researchers, blueberries work just as well as cranberries.

Here is to preventative measures and to finding and maintaining good health for us all.

Sweet ways to better health

We all know that aromatherapy can help brighten our moods. However, did you know that there are certain foods that can also help brighten your mood? Foods are a very powerful thing. Not only do they nourish our body with nutritious ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants, but also has amazing health benefits.

Fight fogginess with maple syrup. Yes, that is what I said. Start your day with a breakfast that includes this sweet toper. It's an excellent source of manganese, which is a mineral now study proven to keep you clear headed and energized for a few hours. Most Americans don't get enough of this source in their diets. So keep this in mind the next time you feel a little foggy because it may be just what you need to get through the slump.

The power of the vanilla - a slew of studies prove that vanilla is a potent stress buster. One of the studies that was undertaken had a group of patients undergoing CAT scans. Many of these patients were a little panicky. However, once they breathed in a little bit of vanilla, it produced instant calming affects. Vanilla extract can keep your skin vibrant. By adding 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract to your bath, which is rich in the antioxidant, vanillin, and can target skin damaging radicals that leads to signs of aging.

Maintain healthy bones with molasses. Studies show women are more likely to develop osteoporosis then men. Luckily, research proves you can dramatically cut your risk of the disease just by enjoying more of this thick dark syrup. Molasses is loaded with calcium, a mineral vital for building bone mass, and magnesium, a nutrient that accelerates your body's calcium absorption. Molasses is also rich in copper, a mineral shown to help usher bad LDL cholesterol from the body and raise the level of the good HDL kind - say the researchers.

Soothe arthritis pain with cinnamon.  If you are struggling with joint pain, find fast and long-term relief by adding more of this spice to your diet. Researchers discovered that people suffering from osteo and rheumatoid arthritis had significantly less pain when they enjoyed as little as 1 teaspoon of cinnamon daily. This spice contains a unique compound proven to inhibit the body's production of nitric acid, which is a top culprit behind joint inflammation. Another benefit of cinnamon, is that this spice is loaded with an antibacterial agent that destroys germs that cause bad breath.

Use sugar to heal cuts and scrapes. Do you have a minor cut or scrape? The perfect remedy is as close as your sugar bowl. According to a University in the UK, they found that pouring granulated sugar over a wound reduces the pain and cuts heal quicker. Sugar kills bacteria by absorbing the moisture it needs to live. Plus, it contains an anti-inflammatory so it helps lessen pain.

Honey is another proven home remedy that is great for burns and cuts. Yes, honey is extremely sticky, but it is a fantastic healing ingredient. Honey also has amazing benefits for the body. By putting some in your tea, adding it on food, mixing it in a glass of water, or taking a teaspoon of it, you increase your body's healing power.

The powers of cocoa. Danish scientists just discovered that you can quickly relieve sweet cravings simply by sniffing and smelling cocoa. A study revealed that a group full of women were asked to breathe in the rich aroma for just a few seconds... Then the women were asked how they felt. Most of the women reported feeling just as satisfied as those who actually ate a 1 ounce piece of dark chocolate.The scent of cocoa tricks the body to suppress production of the hunger hormone while it activates the same feel good emotions that are stimulated when eating chocolate. So, if you happen to be a binge eater, or someone who eats when stressed, try smelling and inhaling cocoa to break you of that habit.

Retrograding Planets you should be aware of.

Retrograding Planets: Uranus, Mercury and Pluto

When planets go retrograde, it appears that are moving backwards. What the planets usually represent in our everyday routines and how they are situated in our houses/ birth charts has a lot to do with how we think and feel. Planets have associations and duties, however, when a planet goes retrograde, it seems that their associations and duties are just the complete opposite of what they stand for.

URANUS

Uranus goes retrograde on July 13 and will be for about six/seven months and revels in suddenness and delights in last minute plan changes....like complete reversals and shock effects. He is the head of the Dept of One Never Knows-meaning you will and can even surprise yourself with the things you say and do. You may like order in your life, however where personal freedom is concerned-rules are made to be broken regardless of the consequences. If you feel confined or in a rut, Uranus is the planet to set you free. He is similar to a computer wizard-involved in mass communication and is bold enough to help you seek a solution to a problem and see it in a whole new light. However, when he is retrograding-all this goes out the window and the complete opposite happens. Be prepared to feel in a rut, to have your personal freedom disappear and to feel caged in or to have a situation hang around for a while and you to give yourself a headache on how to make it go away, find a solution or make it right.

So if you're feeling stuck in a present circumstance, well, hope for a transit to happen so you won't be stuck for long-however 'temporary people' often enter your life or people whose only purpose is to jolt you out of whatever you were missing and appear to provide exactly what you were sorely missing.

MERCURY

Yep, it's that time again where planet Mercury goes retrograde on July 14. What this means it that it appears that the planet is moving backward. The good news is Mercury is only retrograde until August 8th - only 25 days. So what does this mean? Pretty much means to expect the unexpected. This is a time where Electronic Devices may not work properly, may break, or may malfunction. (Cell phones, cars, machines, appliances, computers, etc). Letter, bills, any communication with people may seem strained, delayed or misinterpreted. Mercury is also a trickster and you'll be amazed over some of the cleverly disguised errors that will happen - like losing something in your car or it falls behind something, and even bills, letters or orders can be sent to wrong addresses. People may be in tense moods and you may find yourself desiring/wanting more solitude. You may experience problems/delays in travel or trips and with meetings and appointments. This is a time where communication and schedules can be compromised. This is not a good time to sign contracts or make big purchases such as a car or appliance, hence things tend to break down or not function properly. People from your past may resurface and memories or past regrets may come from out of nowhere to haunt you.

What to do during this time: Think about your past and how you feel about your current circumstances. Consider if you are happy in your current situation? If not, think of ways to change it. This is a time to rethink, reflect, research, revise and renew. (Keep the RE in mind for the next few weeks). In regards to relationships and partnership matters, our thinking is turned inward. Re-evaluating a partnership and communication style within that relationship is wonderful use of this reflection period.

What not to do during this time: Not a good time for big purchases such as a home, car or electronics. These types of things/items will generally encounter major problems. Don't sign important contracts or paperwork. Try not to get upset over set backs. Expect them so when they happen, you're prepared. Keep cell phone charged, keep a can of fix a flat in the trunk, and don't panic if you leave the directions/invitation with the address on it at home, etc.

For more information on Mercury and the info that you should know about Pluto, please visit my website using the link below:
http://www.skycladdreams.com/retrograding_planets.htm

25 Ways to master your iPhone

What's the only thing better than 25 ways to master your iPhone...... 25 more.


In case you missed our first round-up of 25 assorted iPhone tricks, be sure to read these simple ways you can get more out of your smartphone investment.

In the first post we covered everything from how to dry out a wet iPhone and fixing those dang "autocorrect" issues to using the phone cord to take a picture (and why) and making your own ringtone without having to pay your carrier.

And now we've got another 25 awesome things to try with your iPhone many of which you weren't aware of. And hey, if you have any tips of your own to share, be sure to leave them in the Comments section at the bottom — so you can get credit where it's due.

Here we go:

Turn iBooks into audio books: Like most smartphones, the iPhone has a number of accessibility options. One feature is called VoiceOver and it can read aloud any text on the screen. While designed primarily for the seeing impaired, anyone can take advantage of this feature if they want to turn an e-book into an audiobook. Now you can listen while commuting to and from work, while closing your eyes in bed or when jogging down the street. To activate it, go to Settings, then General, followed by Accessibility. Finally, swipe to change VoiceOver from Off to On. You'll also be able to tweak settings, such as the speed of voice reading to you. She sounds like the voice of Siri, by the way.

Quick access a draft email: You probably know you can start an email and save it as a draft to finish or review at a later time -- if not, when you're typing an email, tap Cancel and then select Save Draft — but here's a super quick way to access your message draft when you're ready to continue working on it: Open up the Mail app, touch and hold the Compose button (the icon of the small pencil in the square) and after a second or two it'll automatically take you to your last saved message draft. Neat, huh? Otherwise, you need to open Mail, select the email account, select Drafts and then find the message.

Send multiple photos at the same time: To send multiple photos to the same contact (say, in an email or iMessage), open the Photos app and then tap on an album, such as Camera Roll. Now tap the Select icon in the top right of your iPhone screen. Now you can tap to choose any photo you'd like to send to someone. Once you've selected the desired pics, tap Share in the bottom right of the screen and you'll have three options: Email, Message or Print.

Tell Siri the entire email: iPhone 4S owners probably go through a lengthy back-and-forth with Siri just to compose an email. Most people say the person's name and then, when prompted, the subject line, and finally, the body of the email. But did you know you can do it all in one fell swoop? For example, hold down the home button and say "Remind my wife about the party and say don't forget to pick up a bottle of red wine tonight." Siri will know who your spouse is (or will ask you once) and place that in the To: field, and because you said "about" the party, Siri knows you want that in the Subject (Re:) field. You also said "and say," which places words you said after that into the body of the email. This will all save you time.

Close open apps to save battery life: Make sure apps you're no longer using are not open and draining the battery. Do this by double-tapping the Home button and you'll see all the recently used apps running in the background along the bottom of your phone -- such as a GPS app you no longer need because you've reached your destination. Press and hold an icon and they'll all jiggle, which means you can tap the X to close the open apps at the bottom of your iPhone.

Tweet from any app: If you scour comments and message boards on the web you'll find iPhone users who complain the integrated Twitter support isn't working for them. Chances are it's because they didn't know they had to sign in first — but it's only required once. Go to Settings on your iPhone, select Twitter (look for the little white bird on a blue background) and enter your Twitter handle (or email) and password. Now, you can tweet directly from apps like Safari, Photos, Camera, Maps and YouTube. Also remember that you can start typing a friend's Twitter handle and the iPhone will autocomplete the rest.

Undo the Bluetooth "ignore" command: If you've ever paired Bluetooth products with your iPhone then you're likely aware you can also choose to "Ignore This Device." There are different reasons why you'd want to do this, but sometimes you tap this option accidentally or you might change your mind after the fact. Now you won't see the wireless gadget you want to pair with. What to do? To have it show up on the list again, simply turn off your iPhone by pressing and holding the power button (on top of the phone) for a few seconds and then swipe to shut down. When you boot back up again you'll see the Bluetooth device you previously ignored.

Siri can handle Facebook, Twitter: The iO6 update will add native Facebook and Twitter support this fall, but until then, you can still use your voice to tweet or update your status. It involves setting up these popular social networking services to work with text messaging. For Facebook, text the word "hello" to 32665 (which spells FBOOK on a traditional keypad). You'll get an automated reply on your phone with a link to click to finish the setup. Finally, add the short code to your address book and rename it "Facebook." Now you can tell Siri "Text Facebook," followed by your status update. It's the same process for Twitter, as you'll want to enable mobile updates by sending a short code to Twitter. Then you'll add the short code to your Contacts, name it "Twitter" and then instruct Siri to send a message there. To get going, text the word "start" to 40404 (U.S.) or 21212 (Canada).

Lock the screen orientation: Does it drive you nuts to have the iPhone screen flip around when you rotate the phone? You can prevent this from happening if you have no desire to swap between portrait and landscape view. Simply choose the orientation you prefer by tilting the device and then double-click the Home button. This will bring up the multitasking interface at the bottom of the iPhone. Now swipe from left to right and you'll see a "portrait orientation lock" icon at the very left of this string of apps (it has a circular arrow on the icon). Tap it once to lock your orientation and you'll see a padlock appear. Turn it off by tapping it again.

Add PDFs to iBooks: You don't need to spend money on apps that let you read Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format) files. Instead, if you get a PDF as an attachment in an email, or see one on a website in Safari (or another iPhone browser), simply press and hold the PDF icon or link and you'll see an option appear called "Open in iBooks." Select this and you'll be able to read the PDF in the iBooks app. In fact, all your PDFs will now be stored here. Simply tap the word Books in the iBooks app (top, center of screen) and now select PDFs to see them all on the virtual bookshelf. You can delete them from this screen, too, if desired.

Master the keyboard: In the first 25 Awesome iPhone Tricks post we cover how to add your own shortcuts and quickly accept or refuse autocorrect suggestions. But here's a few other keyboard related tips: tap the space bar twice and the iPhone will add a period and capitalize the next word; quickly capitalize a word by pressing on the Shift (arrow) button and dragging your finger to the first letter of the word; to enter a number or symbol quickly, touch and hold, then select the key you want (lifting your finger returns you to the alphabet keyboard); and touch and hold a letter to reveal a list of special characters, such as à, á, â, ä, æ, ã and å, when you press and hold on "a." Hey, now you can type "Mötley Crüe" properly.

Siri is a verbal calculator, too: You might know Siri on iPhone 4S can give you facts and definitions on-demand but "she" can also solve math problems for you, too (this is where students, off for the summer say "so NOW you tell me"). Just give Siri a verbal task, be it addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, equations or fractions — and you'll see (not hear) the answer on the screen. Better yet, this is very handy when figuring out tip at a restaurant. For example, say you're out with three friends and the bill comes to $300. You can ask Siri something like "What's a 20 percent tip on $300, for four people?" and Siri will tell you everyone owes $15.

Swipe to delete messages: This one is pretty simple, but you'd be surprised how many people do it the longer way: to delete an unwanted email, text message or voicemail without opening them, just swipe across the message from right to left when you see it in list view and tap the red Delete button. Instead, many iPhone users waste time by opening up each and every message and tapping the small trash can at the bottom of the screen. On a related note, you can delete unwanted emails in bulk rather than deleting one at a time: In your Inbox, simply click the Edit button and check off the emails you want to delete with your finger and then choose Delete.

Tap to focus the camera: Those who regularly use the iPhone as a camera might know this simple trick: When you're snapping photos or shooting video on your iPhone — and seeing the subject on your screen as you line up the shot -- tap the screen where you want to iPhone to focus and it'll adjust the exposure and white balance automatically for that area. For example, you might want your friend's face in perfect focus or might opt for a more artsy shot of the sushi they're holding in their chopsticks by focusing the camera on the food. You get the idea.

Manage your camera time: Here's another tip when using the camera. Unless you're running out of room, never delete unwanted photos from your iPhone when you're out. Why? You really don't know what the photo looks like until you see it much bigger on a computer monitor (it may be better than you think and/or fixable with software). Plus, spending time deleting photos on your smartphone right after you took them means you might miss an awesome shot because you're not paying attention. And finally, deleting photos and videos off your iPhone unnecessarily drains the battery.

Add folders to the dock: Since iOS 4, you've been able to create a folder to store many similar apps on your home screen — this helps you better group your programs and find them easier. (Just press and hold an app until they squiggle, then drag and drop it onto another app). But did you know you could also create folders and add them to your dock at the bottom of the iPhone? Once you've got your folders created — and you can create or edit the name for the folder by pressing and holding the icon — simply drag it to the bottom of the iPhone screen for easy access. You can only have four icons at a time, so you might gave to move one there to your homescreen to make room.

Hold your iPhone like a camera: If you don`t like take a photo on your iPhone by pressing the virtual shutter button on the screen — after all, it's not the most comfortable and could cause the iPhone to shake when you snap the picture — then remember you can now take a photo by pressing the volume button on the side of your iPhone, which will be on top — in the same place as a shutter button on a regular camera!

Preview that picture: On a related note, if you want to preview the photo you just took, just drag your finger from left to right in the Camera app for a preview. Most people will tap the icon in the lower-left of the screen and open up the photos manually. If you haven't taken any photos or videos lately, swipe from left to right in the Camera app will start to show your Camera Roll, from newest to oldest, as you continue to swipe along.

Easily control your music: When you're listening to music on your iPhone and using the earbuds that shipped with them, you might be aware you can press once on the small controller in the middle of the headphone cord to pause the music, and press again to play. But did you know you could quickly double tap to skip to the next song and triple-tap to listen to the previous song? Also, iPhone 4S users can use Siri to play music, such as saying "Play Jay Z" or "Play other music like this" or "Play playlist workout mix."

Quickly add a calendar entry: You might've noticed when reading an email in the Mail app it'll automatically underline anything related to date and time. For example, you're typing to your buddy something like "Don't forget we're hooking up for drinks on Friday afternoon." iPhone will detect this is a date or time and will convert it to a link -- your friend will see "on Friday afternoon" underlined and in blue — and they could tap the link to add the event to their calendar.

Sync it all: Computer? What computer? You need not connect your iPhone to your PC or Mac every again if you activate the iCloud service. Automatically back-up your iPhone information to iCloud by going to Settings, iCloud and finally Storage and Back-Up. Also, be sure to select what gets synched over Wi-Fi (or if you prefer, 3G, too, though be aware of data costs). You can choose to sync Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Bookmarks, Notes, Photos and more. You get 5GB of free storage through iCloud, but can pay for more if you like. Also, while here, activate "Find My iPhone" so you can track your phone if missing or stolen (see here).

Enable restrictions: Whether it's on your iPhone or your child's iPod touch or iPad, you can block inappropriate content from your kids (such as music with explicit lyrics), prevent them from buying apps (or in-app purchases) and block YouTube, Safari, FaceTime and more. To enable restrictions — and then customize what they're able to access -- go to Settings, General, Restrictions and tap "Enable Restrictions." You will first be promoted to select a 4-digit passcode before choosing which content and apps can be accessed.

Delete your memory-hogging apps: Beginning with the iOS 5 update, you can see how much space your apps are taking up on your iPhone and delete them from your device — even a bunch at once. To do this, tap Settings, followed by General and finally, Usage. From here you'll see a list of all your apps and their file size. If you see that Max Payne game is 1.3 Gigabytes and you don't play it anymore, tap to delete it. You can always reinstall it later of via iCloud, App Store or your computer.

Save battery by turning off "pushed" data: Another way to prolong battery performance is to off push notifications in email, instant messaging and other applications that constantly ping a server to push real-time notifications to your smartphone. That is, if you don't need to know this kind of information right away. In Settings, select the option that says Mail, Contacts and Calendars, tap "Fetch New Data" and change it from Push to Every 30 Minutes, Hourly or Manually.

Turn on the "Emoji" (emotions) keyboard: Ever notice how some of your friends have cute little emoticons in their emails or text messages. You know, like a little yellow face with hearts for eyes, teddy bears, Christmas trees, and so on? By default, your iPhone doesn't give you access to these emotions and other graphics — but it is stored on your phone and ready when you are. To enable the Emoji keyboard, go to Settings, then General and finally Keyboard. Once inside, tap International Keyboards and "add" new keyboard. Select "Emoji." Now, when typing an email or text, tap the globe key near the space bar for these new options. Tap it again to return back to English.

To view article on the web, click the link below:
http://shopping.yahoo.com/blogs/digital-crave/25-more-awesome-iphone-tips-tricks-202159530.html

The secret to a happy and lasting relationship.

Article by Julie Hanks, LCSW, for Sharecare


Empathy: The secret sauce to a happy marriage/relationship

Are you empathetic? Is your partner? It might be the secret to a happier marriage. According to a recent study from Harvard University, being able to accurately read a partner's emotions--and believing that your partner is trying to understand your emotions--is related to couple relationship satisfaction.

This study highlights certain gender differences that echo dynamics I've seen in my clinical practice and in my 23-year marriage:

1. Women are more satisfied in their relationship if their partner accurately empathized with negative emotions.

2. Men were more satisfied when they could read their partner's positive emotions accurately.

3. Women's ability to read their partner's negative emotions was positively linked to both men's and women's relationship satisfaction.
The authors suggested that for men, being able to understand and be empathetic to their partner's negative emotions may feel threatening to the relationship, but women don't seem to find negative emotions threatening. Findings suggest that effort, not just accuracy, positively impacts relationships.

Developing Empathy
If your relationship is distressed or if you simply want to make a good relationship better, here are some ways to work on your empathy skills.

Listen for emotional messages
The emotional message isn't the same as the words that your partner is saying. Your partner may be criticizing you for not spending enough time together, but the emotional message may actually be, "I miss you and I'm afraid I'm not important to you."

Push the pause button on your own emotions
When your partner is expressing something critical, it's easy to respond defensively. Before reacting, take a deep breath and try to slow down your own emotional response so you can hear the emotion behind the criticism.

Reflect back your partner's emotional plea
Instead of coming back defensively with, "What are you talking about? We just went on a walk yesterday, and we went to dinner last weekend!" respond to your partner's emotional plea by saying something like, "You really miss me and want to spend more time together. Thanks for letting me know. I love you."

Even if you read the emotional message inaccurately, your effort to understand your partner's emotions will pay off!

Malware may knock thousands off the internet July 9th

Article written by:  Lolita c. Baldor, Associated Press (Associated Press writer Charmaine Noronha in Toronto contributed to this report)
 
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Despite repeated alerts, tens of thousands of Americans may still lose their Internet service Monday unless they do a quick check of their computers for malware that could have taken over their machines more than a year ago. The warnings about the Internet problem have been splashed across Facebook and Google. Internet service providers have sent notices, and the FBI set up a special website. According to the FBI, the number of computers that probably are infected is more than 277,000 worldwide, down from about 360,000 in April. About 64,000 still-infected computers are probably in the United States.

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority said about 25,000 of the computers initially affected by the malware were in Canada, but now only about 7,000 machines remain infected there, according to Canadian Internet Registration Authority spokesman Mark Buell. He said his organization, together with Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission, has developed an online site where computer users can check their computers for the malware.


People whose computers are still infected Monday will lose their ability to go online, and they will have to call their service providers for help deleting the malware and reconnecting to the Internet.

The problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of more than 570,000 infected computers around the world. When the FBI went in to take down the hackers late last year, agents realized that if they turned off the malicious servers being used to control the computers, all the victims would lose their Internet service. In a highly unusual move, the FBI set up a safety net. They brought in a private company to install two clean Internet servers to take over for the malicious servers so that people would not suddenly lose their Internet. And while it was the first time they'd done something like that, FBI officials acknowledged that it may not be the last, since authorities are taking on more of these types of investigations. The temporary Internet system they set up, however, will be shut down at 12:01 a.m. EDT Monday, July 9.

Most victims don't even know their computers have been infected, although the malicious software probably has slowed their online surfing and disabled their antivirus software, making their machines more vulnerable to other problems. But popular social networking sites and Internet providers have gotten more involved, reaching out to computer users to warn of the problem.

According to Tom Grasso, an FBI supervisory special agent, many Internet providers are ready for the problem and have plans to try to help their customers. Some, such as Comcast, already have reached out. The company sent out notices and posted information on its website. Because the company can tell whether there is a problem with a customer's Internet server, Comcast sent an email, letter or Internet notice to customers whose computers appeared to be affected.


Grasso said other Internet providers may come up with technical solutions that they will put in place Monday that will either correct the problem or provide information to customers when they call to say their Internet isn't working. If the Internet providers correct the server problem, the Internet will work, but the malware will remain on victims' computers and could pose future problems. In addition to individual computer owners, about 50 Fortune 500 companies are still infected, Grasso said.

Both Facebook and Google created their own warning messages that showed up if someone using either site appeared to have an infected computer. Facebook users would get a message that says, "Your computer or network might be infected," along with a link that users can click for more information. Google users got a similar message, displayed at the top of a Google search results page. It also provides information on correcting the problem.

To check whether a computer is infected, users can visit a website run by the group brought in by the FBI: http://www.dcwg.org .  The site includes links to respected commercial sites that will run a quick check on the computer, and it also lays out detailed instructions if users want to actually check the computer themselves.

Online help and assistance:

To check and clean computers: http://www.dcwg.org/
Canadian websites: http://www.dns-ok.ca/
Comcast Warning: http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Security-and-Anti-Virus/DNS-Changer-Bot-FAQ/td-p/1215341
Google: http://googleonlinesecurity.blogspot.com/2012/05/notifying-users-affected-by-dnschanger.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-security/notifying-dnschanger-victims/10150833689760766



**To view article from original posting on Associated Press-click link below:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/malware-may-knock-thousands-off-063924736.html


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Mayo Clinic Aspirin Study by Dr. Virend Somers-it can save lives.

Subject: Mayo Clinic on Aspirin


Dr. Virend Somers, is a Cardiologist from the Mayo Clinic, who is lead author of the report in the July 29, 2008 issue of the Journal of the AmericanCollege of Cardiology.

Most heart attacks occur in the day, generally between 6 A.M. and noon. Having one during the night, when the heart should be most at rest, means that something unusual happened. Somers and
his colleagues have been working for a decade to show that sleep apnea is to blame.

1. If you take an aspirin or a baby aspirin once a day, take it at night. The reason: Aspirin has a 24-hour "half-life"; therefore, if most heart attacks happen in the wee hours of the morning, the Aspirin would be strongest in your system.

2. FYI, Aspirin lasts a really long time in your medicine chest - for years. (When it gets old, it smells like vinegar).
Bayer is making crystal aspirin to dissolve instantly on the tongue. They work much faster than the tablets. Why keep Aspirin by your bedside? It's about Heart Attacks - There are other symptoms of a heart attack, besides the pain on the left arm. One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating; however, these symptoms may also occur less frequently.

Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart attack.

The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep did not wake up. However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep. If that happens, immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a bit of water.

Afterwards: - Call 911.
- Phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by.
- Say "heart attack!"
- Say that you have taken 2 Aspirins
- Take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door, and wait for their arrival and DO NOT LIE DOWN!

A Cardiologist has stated that if each person after receiving this e-mail, sends it to 10 people, probably one life could be saved! I have already shared this information. What about you? Do forward this message. It may save lives!

A man's reference guide.

Here is everything a man needs to know about women. It's tried and true....a perfect reference tool and guide for every man. Whether gay or straight, it still fits.

Things worth remembering.

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."

Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I love you." So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage.....And old cars... And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what. Life is important, like people we know who are special.. And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper' and now I posted it to the people I think of in the same way...Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are 'keepers' in your life or to, at least, start applying the lesson.

Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them?

I have learned to let every one of my friends know I love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, still it's a nice thing to hear, have texted or whatever...

And just in case I'm gone tomorrow: please vote against Obama for me...

In light and love, brightest blessings to all.

Natural Toxins - How to keep your pets safe.

Keep your pets safe from natural toxins - By Sarah D. Bunting / Pets

We've all heard the expression, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" -- unless you're a dog or cat, in which case a crunchy Golden Delicious can prove poisonous! Lots of "people food" and pretty plants can have harmful, even fatal effects on our furry friends. Keep them safe with this checklist of natural toxins; you might be surprised at what you find.

FOODS

Apples: All the non-meat parts of an apple -- the stem, leaves, and seeds -- contain cyanide, which is poisonous to animals and humans.

Avocado: Avocadoes contain persin, a toxic fatty-acid derivative that can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory distress, fluid around the heart, and even death. All species -- domesticated animals, cattle, even fish -- are susceptible, so keep the guac well out of reach of your pets.

Baby food containing onion or garlic: Baby food is often recommended for ill felines. Layla Morgan Wilde, a cat behavior guru and founder of the Annex Cat Rescue, notes that it's "excellent for cats that have lost their appetite, but check the ingredient labels first to make sure no onions lurk within."

Bread dough: Cindy Wenger, animal communicator, comments that "a little bit of bread dough can cause a big problem." Why? "A dog’s stomach creates the perfect warm environment to allow bread dough to do what it does best, and that’s rise," Wenger says. "Bread dough can quickly expand in a dog or cat’s stomach, causing it to distend beyond its capacity, cutting off its blood supply." On top of that, fermenting yeast can produce ethanol; once that's absorbed into the bloodstream, your pet may appear uncoordinated and disoriented. (Drunk, in other words. Not good.)

Chocolate: Large amounts cause stomach cramping and vomiting in dogs and cats. (Keep in mind too that, for a cat or small dog, a couple of mini Special Dark bars is a large amount relative to their size.)

Grapes/raisins: It's unclear how many grapes or raisins your pet would need to eat to cause kidney failure -- some sources think it could take as few as four -- but why risk it?

Mushrooms: All kinds -- not just the sketchy-looking ones in your back yard -- are poisonous to dogs.

Nuts: Macadamias and walnuts contain a toxin that affects the digestive and nervous systems of dogs, and could cause seizures.

Onions: In raw or cooked form, onions -- and their cousins, like chives and leeks -- are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain thiosulphate, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath in pets. What's worse, says pet expert Steven May of The Daily Growl, "Typically the symptoms won't show up for a day or two." May recommends taking your pet to the vet right away if you think she's eaten onions; better safe than sorry.

Sugar-free gum and mints: Sugar-free snacks and candy sometimes contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that's the enemy of your dog's liver.

PLANTS

Aloe: A wonderful topical treatment for humans, it's bad for cats and dogs.

Baby's breath: Also poisonous to cats and dogs. Keep bouquets out of pets' reach, or just pull this "filler flower" altogether before putting flowers in a vase.

Bulbs: Including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

Carnations.

Chamomile: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Grass: "But my dog/cat eats grass all the time! It's what dogs/cats do!" And usually it's fine -- unless, says Wilde, "it's sprayed with pesticides." Natural grass is okay, she says. But if you don't know what the lawn guy put on the grass, don't let your pets nibble it.

Hyacinths: Not just the bulbs; the rest of the plant is poisonous as well.

Hydrangea.

Lilies: Bruce Silverman, VMD of Chicago, IL deems lilies "probably the most common natural toxin I see ingested by cats." Lilies "are toxic to a cat's kidneys after a cat licks or chews on any part of the plant or flower," Silverman says, and the cat will need IV fluids and other professional care "to try to get the kidneys back into healthy condition."

Poinsettias: Now that the holidays are over, poinsettias pose less of a danger, but some folks do replant them outdoors.

OTHER OUTDOOR AGENTS

Insects: Often harmless, but Dr. Silverman relates a funny story about dogs and cicadas: "A few years ago half the dogs in the Chicago metro area went crazy scarfing down cicadas during their 13-year-cycle. Between the diarrhea and vomiting, and the twisted ankles from all the dogs jumping into the air to catch the cicadas mid-flight, the veterinary community had its hands full." The occasional moth shouldn't be a problem, but if your pet is snacking on a pile of bugs -- or you live in an area with poisonous spiders -- keep an eye on any bug snacking.

Rock salt: De-icing salt can cause burning and cracking to paws. If it gets stuck between your pet's toes and he licks his feet to work it loose, it could irritate his stomach. If your pets go outdoors (and cats generally shouldn't), add a quick paw rinse to your wintertime post-walk routine, and check the animal's feet to make sure uncomfortable boluses of salt or dirt haven't gotten trapped.
COFFEE, BOOZE, AND CIGARETTES

Alcohol: "Some people think it's cute or funny for a pet to drink, i.e. a beer, not realizing alcohol is toxic to both cats and dogs," Wilde says.

Caffeine: Could cause collapse and seizures, among other symptoms, in pets.

Nicotine: Smoking kills -- secondhand smoke is bad for pets, too -- and nicotine in any form, whether cigarettes, patches, or gum, can cause heart and respiratory failure in pets.
MEDICINES

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, prescription drugs, and medications intended for use by humans should never be given to pets. Topical preparations for humans -- sunscreen; bug repellent; rubbing alcohol, e.g. -- should also be kept well out of their reach.

And drugs and medicines that are intended for your furry friends should be administered as directed. Do not borrow prescriptions from friends, or freelance the dosage; do as your vet advises, and if you aren't sure how to give a medication, call and ask.
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

Excessive thirst
Lethargy
Panting or shallow breathing
Seizures
Vomiting/diarrhea

If your pet doesn't display these symptoms, but you saw the cat nibbling a daffodil or the dog is behaving oddly after digging in the trash, don't take chances. Call your vet, an emergency-care clinic, or an animal poison-control hotline (here's the ASPCA's) right away.

To read the article in full by it's source, please visit the link below:
http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/keep-your-pets-safe-from-harmful-natural-toxins.html

Musicians and Bands - an article for you, worth checking out.

Article written by Dave Goldberg, a Jazz Musician.

AS I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR GIGS LATELY, I’ve never seen so many free and low paying gigs. Well the economy is bad, so I can understand that a little bit. However, it is no longer good enough for the musician to be willing to perform for little compensation. Now we are expected to also be the venue’s promoter. The expectations are that the band will not only provide great music, but also bring lots of people to their venue. It is now the band’s responsibility to make this happen, not the clubowner. Just the other day, I was told by someone who owned a wine bar that they really liked our music and would love for us to play at their place. She then told me the gig paid $75 for a trio. Now $75 used to be bad money per person, let alone $75 for the whole band. It had to be a joke, right? No she was serious. But it didn’t end there. She then informed us we had to bring 25 people minimum.... Didn’t even offer us extra money if we brought 25 people. I would have laughed other than it’s not the first time I’ve gotten this proposal from club owners. But are there musicians really doing this? Yes. They are so desperate to play, they will do anything.

But lets think about this for a second and turn this around a little bit. What if I told the wine bar owner that I have a great band and we are going to play at my house. I need someone to provide and pour wine while we play. I can’t pay much, just $75 and you must bring at least 25 people, who are willing to pay a $10 cover charge at the door. Now, wouldn’t they look at you like you are crazy? "Why would I do that," they would ask? Well because it’s great exposure for you and your wine bar. The people there would see how well you pour wine and see how good your wine is. Then they would come out to your wine bar sometime. "But I brought all the people myself, I already know them," they would say. Well maybe you could make up some professional looking flyers, pass them out, and get people you don’t know to come on out. "But you are only paying me $75. How can I afford to make up flyers?" You see how absurd this sounds, but musicians do this all the time. If they didn’t, then the club owners wouldn’t even think of asking us to do it. So this sounds like a great deal for the club owners doesn’t it? They get a band and customers for that night, and have to pay very little, if anything.

But what they don’t realize is that this is NOT in their best interest. Running a restaurant, a club, a bar, is really hard. There is a lot at stake for the owner. You are trying to get loyal customers that will return because you are offering them something special. If you want great food, you hire a great chef. If you want great décor, you hire a great interior decorator. You expect these professionals to do their best at what you are hiring them to do. It needs to be the same with the band. You hire a great band and should expect great music. That should be the end of your expectations for the musicians. The music is another product for the venue to offer, no different from food or beverages. When a venue opens it’s doors, it has to market itself. The club owner can’t expect people to just walk in the door. This has to be handled in a professional way. Do you really want to leave something so important up to a musician? This is where the club owner needs to take over. It is their success or their failure on the line, not the musician. The musician can just move on to another venue.

I’ve played places where, for whatever reason, only a few people have walked in the door on a Saturday night. The club owner got mad at me, asking where are the people? I turned it around on him asking the same thing? Where are all the people? It’s Saturday night and your venue is empty. Doesn’t that concern you? What are you going to do about it? Usually their answer is to find another band with a larger following. This means the professional bands get run out of the joint in favor of whoever can bring in the most people.

Eddie Mechanic who has slaved all week fixing cars at the local dealership also plays guitar. Not very well, but he’s been practicing once a week with Doctor Drummer, Banker Bass Player, and Salesman Singer. Usually they just drink beer between rehearsing a few tunes in Eddie’s garage, but this week they answer a LA CLUB OWNERS craigslist ad and line up a big gig. Well, they don’t sound that good, but they sure all work with a lot of people everyday. All these people can be given a flyer on Monday and after being asked, "are youcoming to my gig?" everyday all week, will most likely show up on Saturday night. So mission accomplished, the club owner has packed his venue for one night.

But here’s where the club owner doesn’t get it. The crowd is following the band, not the venue. The next night you will have to start all over again. And the people  that  were  starting  to   follow  your  venue, are   now  turned off because you just made them listen to a bad band. The goal should be to build a fan base of the venue. To get people that will trust that you will have good music in there every night. Instead you’ve soiled    your    reputation for   a   quick    fix.   I think we, as musicians, need to fight back. Sure you can get mad about it, but that won’t do anything. We could all agree not to play those for the door gigs, but you know that isn’t going to happen. But what we can  do,  is explain to the club owner that it’s not   int heir  best  interest  to operate their business like this. There  is too  much at stake  for  them  not  to be truly invested  in  the music presented  in their venue.

**There is more to this article. To read the article in full from it's source, please click the link below:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/78468650/La-Club-Owners

Coffee and it's surprising health benefits

Whether you like yours hot, iced, black or with sugar, one thing's for sure: Coffee serves up plenty of health benefits. Not only can a cup of Joe help ward off depression, but it has even been linked with a decreased rate of skin cancer and increased fertility. Read on to learn about the unexpected heath benefits of coffee, plus other brew-related facts.

1. It may help ward off depression.

Anyone who perks up after the first sip of morning coffee will tell you that it has mood-boosting effects. Now there's proof: A study from the Harvard School of Public Health, published last month in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that women who regularly drink fully caffeinated coffee have a 20% lower risk of depression than non-coffee drinkers. The study, which followed a group of women for 10 years, found that as more coffee was consumed (up to six cups per day), the likelihood of depression decreased.

2. It may help promote a healthy weight.
Drinking an espresso or cappuccino after a meal is more than a relaxing habit. "When you drink coffee after a meal, it causes your body to more slowly process the meal you just ate," says Chris Kilham, medical researcher, founder of Medicine Hunter, Inc. and author of Psyche Delicacies. According to David Levitsky, PhD, professor of nutritional science at Cornell University, "Caffeine decreases the rate at which the stomach dumps its contents into the duodenum-a part of the small intestine where digestion takes place-and also increases metabolic rate." Keep in mind, though, that java isn't a miracle brew: Downing it after dinner won't make the pounds melt away; rather, sipping a cup post-meal could, in small part, help promote a healthy weight.

3. It may boost fertility in men.

"Studies have shown that caffeine has a positive effect on sperm motility-the ability of sperm to move toward an egg-and could increase your chances of [getting pregnant]," says John Wilcox, MD, FACOG, managing partner and reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility in California. In fact, a study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo found that sperm motility was markedly higher in coffee drinkers versus non coffee-drinkers. And it turns out that it doesn't matter whether you drink one or ten cups a day: The only detectable difference was found between coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers.

To view the rest of the article, please click on the link: http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/7-surprising-health-facts-coffee-162900281.html

Looking for a job in today's economy? Buzzkill words on your resume.

Creative. Effective. Motivated. While you may think that you're using words on your resume that will appeal to hiring managers, some words can actually turn them off. On Tuesday, LinkedIn released the top 10 words that job seekers overuse in resumes and job applications. Here's the list:


-- Creative
-- Organizational
-- Effective
-- Extensive experience
-- Track record
-- Motivated
-- Innovative
-- Problem solving
-- Communication skills
-- Dynamic

If you're wondering how LinkedIn came up with this list, its data scientists examined millions of profiles to find out which words professionals used the most in 2011. Surprisingly, some of the words are different from what LinkedIn found to be the bad buzzwords in 2010, thanks to the skyrocketing growth of the professional networking site. A year ago, there were 85 million users. Now, there are 135 million users from around the world, so naturally that list of buzzwords has changed.


What's interesting is that the buzzwords vary, depending on the country. The word "creative" was overused in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. "Effective" was used by too many job hunters in India. And Italians, it seems, are fantastic at "problem solving."

If I'm Not Creative ... What Am I?


I hope seeing this list doesn't kill your holiday buzz. If you're using these words as a selling point to potential employers, spend some time this month finding better, more descriptive words that pinpoint your talents.
"Competition for opportunities can be fierce, so craft your LinkedIn profile and resume to stand out from the professional pack," says Nicole Williams, LinkedIn's connection director and best-selling author of the book, "Girl on Top." "Even though this year's list of overused terms differs from last year's, your objectives remain the same: Banish buzzwords from your profile. Use language that illustrates your unique professional accomplishments and experiences. Give concrete examples of results you've achieved whenever possible and reference attributes that are specific to you."

LinkedIn recommends adding skills to your profile, which can serve to show hiring managers firsthand where your strengths lie. Recommendations, too, can help beef up your online profile.

LinkedIn also suggests filling out your LinkedIn profile fully. They say your profile is 12 times more likely to be viewed if you have more than one position listed in your work history. Adding a nice photo of yourself increases viewability as well.

What About My Resume?


Now that you know the words that employers are sick of seeing in resumes and cover letters, you can avoid them. If you're stuck for ideas, here is a list of action verbs, and an online thesaurus can always give you alternatives to the words you don't want to use.

It's your job as a talented job candidate to stand out with your resume and cover letter. Take time to rewrite it, and have a friend review it to give feedback on how appealing and engaging it is. Always customize both your resume and your cover letter for the job you're applying for.

This article is provided by US NEWS and Lindsay Olson  Click here for the link: http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/power-your-future/10-buzzwords-avoid-resume-182951302.html