cs2 / cs3

Plastic Food Containers

2009-11-29T06:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a rite of passage for anyone growing up in the last three decades to learn how to burp a Tupperware storage container. Tupperware and other brands of plastic storage containers are common these days. Sometimes you even see large plastic containers to store your smaller plastic containers in. Is there a potential health downside to using all this plastic to store our food—i.e., do chemicals leach into our food from the plastic storage containers?

Several research studies have found that when plastic comes in contact with certain foods, molecules of the chemicals in the plastic can leach into the food or beverage. Certain characteristics of the food item can make it more likely to pick up plastic molecules:

• The more liquid a food is, the more it touches the plastic, so the more opportunity it has to pick up plastic molecules.

• Acid foods, such as tomato sauce, appear to be particularly interactive with plastic.

• If you heat a food item in a plastic container—even if the container is microwave-safe—the transference of plastic from the container to the food is even more likely.

When molecules of plastic or more properly, molecules of the chemicals that get added to plastics during manufacturing get into our bodies, it's not a good thing. They can cause unwanted effects in the human body; for instance, some of the chemicals mimic estrogen. Estrogen, of course, is a normal, essential human hormone; but having too much of it (or the molecules that mimic estrogen) has been associated with breast cancer and other health problems. In general, chemicals that fool the body into thinking they are estrogen or other hormones are called endocrine disruptors and are best avoided.

So, if plastic food containers are sometimes trouble, what would a better food-storage solution look like? The primary characteristic you want in a container material is inertness—that is, you want a material that holds tightly to its own molecules and does not let them go floating off into the food or drink touching the container. On this score, glass is the best choice, followed closely by porcelain, ceramic, and stainless steel.

Even though plastic food containers are dominant on store shelves, some companies do make storage containers from glass and other preferred materials. Some of them are oven-safe and large enough to cook in; in those cases, you can simply store the leftovers in the same thing you cooked in. Some of the containers are smaller and more appropriately sized for small portions of leftovers and items transported to work or school for lunch.

Some containers have glass lids that fit loosely—fine for storing in the fridge, but not so good for putting leftovers in a lunchbox. Other containers have lids designed to be air- and liquid-tight, making them good for just about any type food storage. Having a good assortment of containers will allow you to choose the right size and style for each food-storage application.

All glass, ceramic, and porcelain containers are microwave-safe, though you should check the manufacturer's specifications before assuming they are safe for use in a regular oven. Plastic lids should be left off even when heating in a microwave. Our experience shows that the heat from the food tends to warp the lid. It's better to microwave the dish covered with a plate or microwave food cover.

Stainless steel cookware is also a good choice. If you cook something in a small or medium pot on the stove and have leftovers, why not just put the lid on, let it cool, and then put the pot right in the fridge? It will mean one less thing to wash, too.
For some types of food storage requirements, there is also a free solution. For small and medium storage needs, the glass food jars that you would otherwise throw out or recycle make great storage containers once they have been washed and the label has been removed. Jars with a minimal amount of constriction in the neck—like peanut butter jars or squat-style olive jars—work best.

A nice feature of these freebie containers is that you can easily see what's in them when they're in the refrigerator. No more rooting through myriad opaque containers to find what you're looking for.

It's quite reasonable to have a mix of glass and plastic in your fleet of food storage containers. Use the plastic for "non-liquid" foods when you have them—for instance, raw veggies you've already washed and need to store—and use glass, porcelain, and ceramic containers for the rest.

As your plastic containers wear out—and they all do, eventually—you can continue the transition to "more glass, less plastic." If you do continue to use plastic storage containers, you should at least stop microwaving food in them.

As for using glass storage containers in the freezer, there is a risk of cracking. But we have had success using them for frozen food storage as long as they're not too full—i.e. so the food has room to expand in a manner that doesn't push out against the glass. For items that are liquid i.e. Spaghetti sauce, fill the container no more than 2/3 full. Items that are less dense (say, a tuna-mac casserole), can usually be frozen in a full container without any problems.

Sleep

2009-11-27T03:54:00.000-08:00

Introduction to sleep

When you're in a rush to meet work, school, family, or household responsibilities, do you cut back on your sleep? Like many people, you might think that sleep is merely a "down time" when the brain shuts off and the body rests. Think again.

What is sleep?

Sleep was long considered just a uniform block of time when you are not awake. Thanks to sleep studies done over the past several decades, it is now known that sleep has distinctive stages that cycle throughout the night. Your brain stays active throughout sleep, but different things happen during each stage. For instance, certain stages of sleep are indeed for us to feel well rested and energetic the next day, and other stages help us learn or make memories.

In brief, a number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can be dangerous-for example, you are more likely to be in a car crash if you drive when you are drowsy.

Sleep needs vary from person to person, and they change throughout the lifecycle. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Newborns, on the other hand, sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and children in preschool sleep between 10 and 12 hours a day. School-aged children and teens need at least 9 hours of sleep a night.

Some people believe that adults need less sleep as they get older. But there is no evidence to show that older people can get by with less sleep than younger people. As people age, however, they often get less sleep or they tend to spend less time in the deep, restful stages of sleep. Older people are also more easily awakened.

Why sleep is good for you?

Does it really matter if you get enough sleep? Absolutely! Not only does the quantity of your sleep matter, but the quality of your sleep is important as well. People whose sleep is interrupted a lot or is cut short might not get enough of certain stages of sleep. In other words, how well rested you are and how well you function the next day depend on your total sleep time an dhow much of the various stages of sleep you get each night.

Performance: We need sleep to think clearly, react quickly, and create memories. Inf act, the pathways in the brain that help us learn and remember are very active when we sleep. Studies show that people who are taught mentally challenging tasks do better after a good night's sleep. Other research suggests that sleep is needed for creative problem solving.

Skimping on sleep has a price. Cutting back by even 1 hour can make it tough to focus the next day and can slow your response time. Studies also find that when you lack sleep, you are more likely to make bad decisions and take more risks. This can result in lower performance on the job or in school and a greater risk for a car crash.

Mood: Sleep also affects mood. Insufficient sleep can make you irritable and is linked to poor behavior and trouble with relationships, especially among children and teens. People who chronically lack sleep are also more likely to become depressed.

Health: Sleep is also important for good health. Studies show that not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

In addition, during sleep, your body produces valuable hormones. Deep sleep triggers more release of growth hormone, which fuels growth in children, and helps build muscle mass and repair cells and tissues in children and adults. Another type of hormone that increases during sleep works to fight various infections. This might explain why a good night's sleeps helps keep you from getting sick-and helps you recover when you do get sick.

Hormones released during sleep also affect how the body uses energy. Studies find that the less people sleep, the more likely they are to be overweight or obese, to develop diabetes, and to prefer eating foods that are high in calories and carbohydrates.

How sleepy you are depends largely on how well you've been sleeping and how much sleep you've been getting. Another key factor is your internal "biological clock"-a tiny bundle of cells in your brain that responds to light signals through your eyes and promotes wakefulness. Because of the timing of the biological clock and other bodily processes, you naturally feel drowsy between midnight and 7 a.m. and again in the mid afternoon between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Night shift workers often find themselves drowsy at work. They also have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the day, when their schedules require them to sleep. Being sleepy puts them at risk for injuries on the road and at work. Night shift workers are also more likely to have conditions such as heart disease, digestive disorders, and infertility, as well as emotional problems. All of these problems may be related, at least in part, to their chronic lack of sleep.
Adapting to a new sleep and wake times can also be hard for travelers crossing time zones, resulting in what's known as jet lag. Jet lag can lead to daytime sleepiness, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, poor concentration, and irritability.

The good news is that by using appropriately timed cues, most people can change their biological clock, but only by 1-2 hours per day at best. Therefore, it can take several days to adjust to a new time zone (or different work schedule). If you'll be moving across time zones, you might want to begin adapting to the new time zone a few days before leaving. Or, if you are traveling for just a few days, you might want to stick with your original sleep schedule and not try to adjust to the new time zone.

Tips to get a good night's sleep

Like eating well and being physically active, getting a good night's sleep is vital to your well-being. Here are 13 tips to help you:

• Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day-even on the weekends.

• Exercise is great but not too late in the day. Avoid exercising closer than 5 or 6 hours before bedtime.

• Avoid caffeine and nicotine. The stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, colas, teas, and chocolate can take as long as 8 hours to wear off fully. Nicotine is also a stimulant.

• Avoid alcoholic drinks before bed. A "nightcap" might help you get to sleep, but alcohol keeps you in the lights stages of sleep. You also tend to wake up in the middle of the night when the sedating effects have worn off.

• Avoid large meals and beverages late at night. A large meal can cause indigestion that interferes with sleep. Drinking too many fluids at night can cause you to awaken frequently to urinate.

• Avoid medicines that delay or disrupt your sleep, if possible. Some commonly prescribed heart, blood pressure, or asthma medications, as well as some over-the-counter herbal remedies for coughs, colds, or allergies, can disrupt sleep patterns.

• Don't take naps after 3 p.m. Naps can boost your brain power, but late afternoon naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Also keep naps to under an hour.

• Relax before bed. Take time to unwind. A relaxing activity, such as reading or listening to music, should be part of your bedtime ritual.

• Take a hot bath before bed. The drop in body temperature after the bath may help you feel sleepy, and the bath can help relax you.

• Have a good sleeping environment. Get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep, such as noises, bright lights, an uncomfortable bed, or a TV or computer in the bedroom. Also, keeping the temperature in your bedroom on the cool side can help you sleep better.
• Have the right sunlight exposure. Daylight is key to regulating daily sleep patterns. Try to get outside in natural sunlight for at least 30 minutes each day.

• Don't lie in bed awake. If you find yourself still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and so some relaxing activity until you feel sleepy. The anxiety of not being able to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep.

• See a doctor if you continue to have trouble sleeping. If you consistently find yourself feeling tired or not well rested during the day despite spending enough time in bed at night, you may have a sleep disorder. Your family doctor or a sleep specialist should be able to help you.

10 Pros and Cons of Coffee

2009-11-26T03:13:00.000-08:00

Coffee, the aroma, the flavor. It makes mornings so much better! But is our daily cup of coffee doing more harm than good? There is a lot of research concerning both the negative and the positive effects of coffee drinking.

The "Pros"

1. Antioxidants. Coffee is loaded with antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and melanoidins. Antioxidants help prevent oxidation, a process that causes damage to cells and contributes to aging. Melanoidins from roasted coffee have antioxidative effects depending on the way the coffee is treated.

2. Parkinson's disease. Regular coffee consumption reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease. A number of studies have demonstrated that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are significantly less likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

3. Diabetes. Coffee consumption is potentially protective against the development of type 2 diabetes. A prospective cohort study as part of the US Nurses Health Study found that moderate consumption of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in younger and middle aged women.

4. Liver cirrhosis. Coffee drinking may protect against liver cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis.

5. Gallstones. There is some evidence that coffee drinking may be protective against gallstone formation in both men and women.

6. Kidney stones. Coffee consumption lowers the risk of kidney stones formation. Coffee increases the urine volume, preventing the crystallization of calcium oxalate, the most common component of kidney stones.

7. Improved mental performance. Caffeine in coffee is a well-known stimulant. Coffee promotes alertness, attention and wakefulness. The cup of coffee can also increase information processing.

8. Alzheimer's disease. Regular coffee consumption seems to protect against Alzheimer's disease. Recent mouse study showed that caffeine equivalent to 5 cups of coffee per day reduced the build up of destructive plaques in the brain.

9. Asthma. Caffeine in coffee is related to theophylline, an old asthma medication. Caffeine can open airways and improve asthma symptoms.

10. Caffeine safety. In 1958, caffeine was placed on the Food and Drug Administration’s list as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

The "Cons"

1. Heart disease. The relation between coffee consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease has been examined in many studies, but the results remain controversial. Most prospective cohort studies have not found coffee consumption to be associated with significantly increased cardiovascular disease risk.

On one hand, diterpenes cafestol and kahweol present in unfiltered coffee and caffeine each appear to increase risk of coronary heart disease. High quality studies have confirmed the cholesterol-raising effect of diterpenes. Coffee consumption is also associated with an increase of plasma homocysteine, a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

On the other hand, a lower risk of heart disease among moderate coffee drinkers might be due to antioxidants found in coffee. Besides that, caffeine can increase the risk of heart attack, especially among those people who carry the "slow" gene variant for the enzyme that metabolizes caffeine.

2. Cholesterol. Heavy consumption of boiled coffee elevates blood total and LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") levels. Unfiltered coffee contains two cholesterol-raising compounds cafestol and kahweol.

3. Blood vessels. Coffee negatively affects the blood vessel tone and function (increases arterial stiffness and wave reflections).

4. Heart rhythm disturbances. Coffee can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias).

5. Blood pressure. Although coffee consumption is not a significant risk factor for hypertension, it produces unfavorable effects on blood pressure and people prone to hypertension may be more susceptible. Recent Italian study found that coffee drinking can slightly increase the risk for development of sustained hypertension in persons with elevated blood pressure.

6. Osteoporosis. Coffee intake may induce an extra urinary excretion of calcium. Heavy coffee consumption (4 cups=600 ml or more) can modestly increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in women with a low calcium intake.

7. Heartburn. A cup of coffee can trigger heartburn.

8. Sleep. Most of us are aware of the stimulatory effects of caffeine. High amounts of caffeine taken before going to sleep can cause restlessness and difficulty falling asleep, tendency to be awakened more readily by sudden noises, and a decreased quality of sleep. However, some people can drink coffee and fall right asleep.

9. Dehydration. The caffeine in coffee is a mild diuretic and can increase urine excretion. This effect may be easily neutralized by drinking an extra glass of water.

10. Dependence. Caffeine is a drug, a mild central nervous system stimulant, and it produces dependence. Caffeine withdrawal is a real syndrome. You may get a few days of headache and irritability if you choose to quit drinking coffee, however, it is relatively easy to break this habit, and most people are not addicted to caffeine.

Bermuda Triangle

2009-11-25T02:11:00.001-08:00

The "Bermuda Triangle" or "Devil's Triangle" is an imaginary area located off the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States of America, which is noted for a supposedly high incidence of unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft. The apexes of the triangle are generally believed to be Bermuda; Miami, Florida; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The US Board of Geographic Names does not recognize the Bermuda Triangle as an official name. The US Navy does not believe the Bermuda Triangle exists. It is reported that Lloyd's of London, the world's leading market for specialist insurance, does not charge higher premiums for vessels transiting this heavily traveled area.

The most famous US Navy losses which have occurred in the area popularly known as the Bermuda Triangle are USS Cyclops in March 1918 and the aircraft of Flight 19 in December 1945. The ship probably sank in an unexpected storm, and the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean -- no physical traces of them have ever been found. Another well known disappearance is the civilian tanker SS Marine Sulphur Queen carrying bulk molten sulfur which sank in February 1963. Although the wreck of Marine Sulphur Queen has not been located, a life preserver and other floating artifacts were recovered. These disappearances have been used to provide credence to the popular belief in the mystery and purported supernatural qualities of the "Bermuda Triangle."

Since the days of early civilization many thousands of ships have sunk and/or disappeared in waters around the world due to navigational and other human errors, storms, piracy, fires, and structural/mechanical failures. Aircraft are subject to the same problems, and many of them have crashed at sea around the globe. Often, there were no living witnesses to the sinking or crash, and hence the exact cause of the loss and the location of the lost ship or aircraft are unknown. A large number of pleasure boats travel the waters between Florida and the Bahamas. All too often, crossings are attempted with too small a boat, insufficient knowledge of the area's hazards, and a lack of good seamanship.

To see how common accidents are at sea, you can examine some of the recent accident reports of the National Transportation Safety Board for ships and aircraft. One of the aircraft accident reports concerns an in-flight engine failure and subsequent ditching of a Cessna aircraft near Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas on 13 July 2003. This is the type of accident that would likely have been attributed to mysterious causes in the Bermuda Triangle if there had been no survivors or other eyewitnesses of the crash.

A significant factor with regard to missing vessels in the Bermuda Triangle is a strong ocean current called the Gulf Stream. It is extremely swift and turbulent and can quickly erase evidence of a disaster. The weather also plays its role. Prior to the development of telegraph, radio and radar, sailors did not know a storm or hurricane was nearby until it appeared on the horizon. For example, the Continental Navy sloop Saratoga was lost off the Bahamas in such a storm with all her crew on 18 March 1781. Many other US Navy ships have been lost at sea in storms around the world. Sudden local thunder storms and water spouts can sometimes spell disaster for mariners and air crews. Finally, the topography of the ocean floor varies from extensive shoals around the islands to some of the deepest marine trenches in the world. With the interaction of the strong currents over the many reefs the topography of the ocean bottom is in a state of flux and the development of new navigational hazards can sometimes be swift.

It has been inaccurately claimed that the Bermuda Triangle is one of the two places on earth at which a magnetic compass points towards true north. Normally a compass will point toward magnetic north. The difference between the two is known as compass variation. The amount of variation changes by as much as 60 degrees at various locations around the World. If this compass variation or error is not compensated for, navigators can find themselves far off course and in deep trouble. Although in the past this compass variation did affect the "Bermuda Triangle" region, due to fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field this has apparently not been the case since the nineteenth century.

We know of no US Government-issued maps that delineate the boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle. However, general maps as well as nautical and aviation charts of the general area are widely available in libraries and from commercial map dealers.

History of KFC

2009-11-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

The Kentucky Fried Chicken® was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders (born on September 9, 1890) at the age of sixty-five. KFC® is currently one of the largest businesses of the global food service industry and is widely known around the world as the face of Colonel Sanders.

Every year, over a billion KFC® chicken dinners are served featuring the Colonel’s “finger lickin’ good” special recipe. The Colonel has spread his industry currently to more than eighty countries and territories globally.

At the age of forty, Colonel Sanders began cooking for travelers in his service station located in Corbin, KY. However, rather than coming in for service for their cars, hundreds of people began coming to the Colonel’s station specifically for his food. So he expanded his new up-and-coming business by moving across the street to a hotel and restaurant that seated one hundred and forty-two people. While cooking here, Colonel Sanders perfected his secret blend of eleven herbs and spices for his special recipe that is still used today.

With his special cooking techniques, Sanders’ station became famous and he was recognized for his amazing cuisine by the Governor at the time, Ruby Laffoon in 1935 when he was made a Kentucky Colonel; hence the name Colonel Sanders. In 1939, Colonel Sanders’ restaurant won the top spot on Duncan Hines’ “Adventures in Good Eating.”

After his amazing start-up in 1952, the Colonel devoted himself for the rest of his life to his chicken franchising business. To spread his famous recipe, he spanned the country in his car from his small business in Kentucky to cook his chicken for restaurant owners and their employees. If his subjects loved it like his other customers had, the Colonel made a deal with the establishment, saying that they would pay him a nickel for each chicken they sold in their restaurant. So many restaurants agreed that by 1964, the Colonel had over six hundred franchised outlets in the United States and Canada for his chicken. Also in 1964, Colonel Sanders decided to sell his interest in the United States company for small change (only $2 million) to a small faction of investors, such as John Y. Brown Jr., the governor of Kentucky from 1980 to 1984. However, Colonel Sanders continued to be the public spokesman for KFC® and in 1976, he was named the world’s second-most identifiable celebrity by an independent survey.

With this new group of investors undertaking the Corporation, KFC® expanded and matured quickly. The Corporation was listed on the New York Stock Exchange on January 16, 1969, only three years after it had gone public on March 17, 1966. Then, after the KFC Corporation® was acquired by Heublein Inc. on July 8, 1971 for $285 million, the company grew to an enormous three thousand and five hundred franchised and company-owned restaurants world-wide.

Subsequently, Heublein Inc. was next acquired by R.J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. (currently RJR Nabisco, Inc.) in 1982, making Kentucky Fried Chicken® a subsidiary of Reynolds. After that, in October of 1986, PepsiCo, Inc. made a purchase of $840 million from RJR Nabisco, Inc.

However, in January of 1997, PepsiCo, Inc. revealed that it would be making KFC® and its other small quick service restaurants – Taco Bell and Pizza Hut – into an independent restaurant company known as Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. The company also stated that it would change the corporation’s name to Yum! Brands, Inc. in May of 2002. This corporation, which currently owns A&W All-American Food Restaurants, KFC, Long John Silvers, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants, is the world’s principal restaurant corporation in terms of system units, having a stifling thirty-two thousand and five hundred units in over one hundred countries and territories.

Sadly, after traveling two hundred fifty thousand miles every year visiting his restaurants around the globe, Colonel Sanders died of leukemia at the age of ninety in 1980.

Interestingly enough, this enormous, global corporation all started with simply a sixty-five-year-old gentleman and a chicken.

Acne (pimples)

2009-11-22T00:46:00.000-08:00

Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is not just a problem for teenagers; it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). On the positive side, those few individuals who have acne into their 40s may well grow out of it.

No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty, stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria (which live on everyone's skin and generally cause no problems) to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.

Here are some factors that don't usually cause acne, at least by themselves:

· Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.

· Food: Parents often tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse. Although some recent studies have implicated milk and dairy products in aggravating acne, these findings are far from established.

· Dirt: As mentioned above, "blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt. Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.

· Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.

· Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don't. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it's unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne. Pregnancy has a variable effect on acne; some women report that they clear up completely, and others get worse, while many others see no overall change.

· Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin-care products are not pore-clogging ("comedogenic"). Of the many available brands, those which are listed as "water-based" or "oil-free" are generally a better choice.

In occasional patients, the following may be contributing factors:

· Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, suspenders, and the like can aggravate acne.

· Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids that bodybuilders or athletes take). Other drugs that can cause or aggravate acne are anticonvulsant medications and lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder. Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.

· Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

Think back to the three basic causes of acne and you can understand why the focus of both home treatment and prescription therapy is to (1) unclog pores, (2) kill bacteria, and (3) minimize oil. But first a word about…

Lifestyle: Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three good meals, and drink eight glasses of water a day. You can, however, still control your acne even if your routine is frantic and unpredictable. Probably the most useful lifestyle changes you can make are to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts, to get facials (see below), and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. People often refer to redness as "scarring," but fortunately it usually isn't in the permanent sense. It's just a mark that takes months to fade if left entirely alone.

Open the pores

Cleansing and skin care: Despite what you read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.

· Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid (for example, Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Purpose, and Cetaphil are all inexpensive and popular) will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.

· Exfoliating cleansers and masques: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masques can be used. These products contain either fine granules or salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin and thus open pores. Products containing glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids are also gentle skin exfoliants.

· Retinol: Not to be confused with the prescription medication Retin-A, this derivative of vitamin A can help promote skin peeling.

Kill the bacteria

· Antibacterial cleansers: The most popular ingredient in over-the-counter antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide.

· Topical (external) applications: These products come in the form of gels, creams, and lotions, which are applied to the affected area. The active ingredients that kill surface bacteria include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and resorcinol. Some brands promoted on the Internet and cable TV (such as ProActiv) are more costly but not really any better than ones you can buy in the drugstore.

Benzoyl peroxide causes red and scaly allergic skin in a small number of people, which goes away as soon as you stop using the product. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide is a bleach, so do not let products containing benzoyl peroxide leave unsightly blotching on colored clothes, shirts, towels, and carpets.

Reduce the oil

You cannot stop your oil glands from producing oil (unless you mess with your hormones or metabolism in ways you shouldn't). Even isotretinoin (Accutane, see below) only slows down oil glands for a while; they come back to life later. What you can do is to get rid of oil on the surface of the skin and reduce the embarrassing shine.

· Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil. (There are many brands available in pharmacies, as well as from manufacturers of cosmetic lines.)

· Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha hydroxy acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate).

· Masques containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.

· Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil.

Mafia

2009-11-21T00:59:00.000-08:00

The Mafia (also known as "Cosa Nostra") is a Sicilian Criminal society which is believed to have emerged in late 19th century Sicily, and the first such society to be referred to as a mafia. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct. Each group, known as a "family", "clan" or "cosca". The Sicilian Mafia has no formal name, as members see no need for one. Nonetheless, in many Italian publications the term "Cosa Nostra" is used to distinguish the Sicilian Mafia from other criminal networks that are also sometimes referred to as "mafias". Today, Cosa Nostra is estimated to have about 100 clans with a total of at least 3,500 to 4,000 full members.

In November 2007 Sicilian police reported to have found a list of "Ten Commandments" in the hideout of mafia boss Salvatore Lo Piccolo. They are thought to be guidelines on how to be a good, respectful and honorable Mafioso.

1. No one can present himself directly to another of our friends. There must be a third person to do it.

2. Never look at the wives of friends.

3. Never be seen with cops.

4. Don't go to pubs and clubs.

5. Always being available for Cosa Nostra is a duty - even if your wife is about to give birth.

6. Appointments must absolutely be respected.

7. Wives must be treated with respect.

8. When asked for any information, the answer must be the truth.

9. Money cannot be appropriated if it belongs to others or to other families.

10. People who can't be part of Cosa Nostra: anyone who has a close relative in the police, anyone with a two-timing relative in the family, anyone who behaves badly and doesn't hold to moral values.

Criminal enterprises

Extortion

It is estimated that the Sicilian Mafia costs the Sicilian economy more than €10 billion a year through protection rackets. Roughly 80% of Sicilian businesses pay protection money to Cosa Nostra. Monthly payments can range from €200 for a small shop or bar to €5,000 for a supermarket. Targets who refuse to buy protection are usually harassed, often through property damage; rarely are they physically assaulted. In Sicily, protectin money is known as pizzo; the anti-extortion support group Addiopizzo derives its name from this.

Drug trafficking

Sicily is a major hub in the international drugs trade. In 2003, the Sicilian Mafia is estimated to have made over €8 billion through drug trafficking

Arms trafficking

In 2003, the Sicilian Mafia is estimated to have made over €1.5 billion through weapons trafficking.

Loan sharking

In a 2007 publication, the Italian small-business association Confesercenti reported that about 25.2% of Sicilian businesses are indebted to loan sharks, who collect around €1.4 billion a year in payments.

Control of contracting

The Sicilian Mafia makes around €6.5 billion a year through control of public and private contracts.

Mediation of criminal businesses

Mafiosi are sometimes paid to protect merchants or clients in business dealings. This is often the case in black market deals where the law offers no protection. The Mafioso involved may charge a commission on the transaction to protect the client from being cheated (or, if the client is himself dishonest, to protect him from retaliation).

Lavender

2009-11-10T04:10:00.000-08:00

Many people appreciate lavender for its aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb is also considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects.

Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally.

The oil in lavender's small, blue-violet flowers gives the herb its fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 - 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage. Essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the lavender plant and used for medicinal purposes.

Human clinical studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Lavender oil is also used together with other forms of integrative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation.

In folklore, pillows were filled with lavender flowers to help the restless fall sleep. There is now scientific evidence to suggest that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improves sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Studies also suggest that massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, increased mental capacity, and reduced anxiety. In one recent study, participants who received massage with lavender felt less anxious and more positive than participants who received massage alone. Lavender flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations.

Aroma therapists also use lavender as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used externally in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments (conditions affecting the muscles and joints). One study evaluating essential oils, including lavender, for treating children with eczema concluded that the oils added no benefit to therapeutic touch from the mother; in other words massage with and without essential oils was equally effective in improving the dry, scaly skin lesion. A recent study found that the use of lavender oil may improve postoperative pain control. Fifty patients undergoing breast biopsy surgery received either oxygen supplemented with lavender oil or oxygen alone. Patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than patients in the control group.

Although side effects are rare, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to lavender. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills have also been reported in some individuals following inhalation or absorption of lavender through the skin.

Machu Pichu

2009-10-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 meters (8,000 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is one of the most familiar symbols of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls.

The Incas started building it around AD 1430 but was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a hundred years later at the time of theSpanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was largely unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction.

A growing number of people visit Machu Picchu. For this reason, there were protests against a plan to build a bridge to the site as well. A no-fly zone exists above the area. UNESCO is considering putting Machu Picchu on its List of World Heritage Sites in Danger.

Bangkok

2009-08-26T23:13:00.001-07:00

Bangkok is a bright and unforgettable city, its territory takes about 560 km2 and its population is more than 9 million people. Despite its damp climate and inevitable chaos on the roads, Bangkok can be of great interest for tourists. This city is famous for its numerous channels (or 'klongs', as the natives call them), for floating markets and of course for the temples. Usually tourists are also very much attracted by Bang Lamphu and China Town.

Regardless of whether you'll like Bangkok or not, we can assure you, that trip to this city would definitely live unforgettable impressions. In Bangkok there are hundreds of temples and cloisters. Some of them have fame of the most beautiful all over South-West Asia. First of all you should visit well-known Wat Phra Kaeo, which is located in the Grand Palace. Wat Arun and Wat Po are also worth your attention. In Thai 'Wat' means a group of temples. All these temples are located in the ancient part of the city, the distance between them is not very long, so you may go from one to another on foot.

Wat Po. Wat Po is the oldest and the largest temple in Bangkok, it was built in the 6th century. In the main building of this temple there is the amazing golden statue of a reclining Buddha, the statue is 46m lengthwise and 15m in height, it was made of brick and then covered with stucco and gold. Enormous feet of Buddha catch everyone's eye, on them with nacre are expressed 108 his physical embodiments. Due to its size and the look of Buddha the statue produces a strong impression and creates calm and peaceful atmosphere. More than that, on the territory of the temple there are a lot of marvelous chapels, pavilions and towers, in which relics are kept. You'll hardly find a place on the territory of the temple, which was left undecorated. All numerous stone sculptures and images of Buddha shine with gold.

Wat Arun. If you cross Chao Phraya river, you'll find yourself on the territory of Wat Arun or as it's called the Temple of Dawn. It is a traditionally built tower in a form of a finger (86m high), which is decorated with a great number of pieces of ceramics and colorful porcelain that mirror sunbeams. Especially beautiful the temple is from a distance when it seems to be of white and silver color. In Wat Arun king Rama II is buried. Nearby a market of amulets is located, where hundreds of trade people sell different pendants, pictures and talismans. We strongly recommend visiting it: there you can find real pieces of art.

Wat Benjamabophit. Wat Benjamabophit was built from Carrara marble from India. Special attention deserve stained-glass windows and the gallery of the temple, in which a great collection of Buddha's images is located. Every image expresses one of his lakshanas (embodiments).

The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace is something like a small town in a city. The building of the palace was started in 1782, when Bangkok became the 4th capital of Thailand. Despite the fact, that the King doesn't live in this palace anymore and the palace is used only on special occasions, it still remains a symbolic heart of Bangkok. On the territory of the Grand Palace Wat Phra Kaeo is situated, in this Temple of the Emerald Buddha the greatest sacred object is kept. A 75-santimeter statue of Buddha is made from jade, it's about 500 years old. Three times a year during the solemn ceremony, in which the king of Thailand takes part, the dress of Buddha is changed. Wat Phra Kaeo is the main royal chapel and the most sacred temple in Thailand.

Around Wat Phra Kaeo there are well-decorated mythological sculptures. The temple consists of several buildings, which are very beautiful, that's why it's very difficult to decide, which one is decorated the best. All of them are embellished with colorful tiles, gold and mirrors. You can also see there the plan of Angkor Wat, the temple that was built in the period, when a sizable part of Thailand belonged to the Khmer. In the audience hall there is a fabulous nacreous throne. The inside wall of Wat Phra Kaeo is decorated with amusing mural paintings, which tell us about Buddha's life. It's forbidden to enter the temple with bare lap or shoulders.

Damnoen Saduak. Every tourist that comes to Bangkok should certainly have a small boat trip across the 'klongs', so that to observe everyday life of the city. The best time for going to the floating market of Bangkok is early morning: it's the time of brisk trade. The floating market Damnoen Saduak, which is situated in 80 km distance from Bangkok, is the biggest market of such type and one of the most popular with tourists place.

Even before the sun has risen, trade people in small boats, which are full of vegetables, fish, flowers and souvenirs appear. They look for a suitable place along the bank of the channel aiming to offer their goods. There you can also notice narrow boats with a real kitchen on them; there you can buy delicious Thai delicatessen. Traders on the boats are mainly women; most of them wear straw hats, which protect their faces from the hot sun. Before tourists' eyes opens up a real theatre, in which actors are the constantly moving boats. The only thing you should remember, if you are going to visit the floating market, is that you surely won't be the only tourist at this place.

India

2009-08-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

India… a world in itself; nowhere else can one find such diversity, such beauty, such purity and such contentment as in India. India is one of the ancient civilizations in the world. It is world of innocent beauty, challenging adventure, energizing culture, colorful festivals and cultural tour.

India is culturally rich and has extensive tradition in art and culture, which reflects Indian way life. It is Land of Diversity with number of monuments and Fort. People enjoy here life with joy and happiness with so many festivals and live with color of celebration.

The land of India is captivating and famous in travelers for its World Heritage sites as well as world heritage monuments and palaces like Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Kutab Minar, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Agra fort, Khajuraho Temple, Mehrangarh Fort and many more. It is famous for hill station tours to Shimla, Goa, leh and ladakh Manali, Nainital, Darjeeling etc. Searching exotic places in India…….. India is land of diversity with number of fort, monuments, desert, river, pilgrimage, culture and tradition. Experience you feel in India will be really unique and overwhelming.

India has been gifted by nature immense beauty of nature. In India, You will explore natural beauty not only exterior but also interior.

The high mountains offer you plenty of scope for trekking and mountaineering. From snow enclosed mountain peaks to fertile green Kerala, from beautiful beaches to spectacular backwaters, incredible forts to splendid palaces, exquisite lakes to eternal rivers, adventurous and beautiful hill stations to exhilarating wildlife sanctuaries, from fairs and festivals to art and culture, Incredible India is a country which is best place for dream holiday or family vacation.

The country of India is also known for rich cultural heritage. There are several magnificent monuments in this country which are prime attractions for tourists who want to enjoy charm of cultural heritage of country on their travel to India. Perhaps, Rajasthan is the best place in India where tourists can find lots of heritage monuments attractions. A well prepared Rajasthan tour package can make enable tourists to visit the magnificent monuments of Rajasthan, India.

Thus we see that India has countless tourism options to offer tourists. And of course tourists find numerous attractions in this country, it is true. It is true that the charm of incredible India tours never ends. Truly the county is unique and unmatched. People are also generous and innocent of this country. Indian people treat guests like god. Well, if you too want to experience the charm of travel and tourism in this country, book one of India tour packages offered by various tour operators and get drenched into charm of unique tourism.

Venice

2009-08-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

Venice is the city of channels and amazing architecture, attracting lovers from all over the world. What can be more romantic than a voyage by a gondola along the channels of Venice? More than 1000 years Venice stayed an independent city-state till the time, when it was conquered in the 18th century by Napoleon. This city is full of historical places and architectural and art monuments, but don't limit yourself with visiting only the famous sights – find time to wander along a very special Italian city and discover its unique charm. Walk, for example, along the areas, where there are almost no tourists. Every Venetian district has its own character, which is not surprising, if to keep in mind that the city is built on 117 islands, connected with each other by more than 400 bridges and about 160 channels. Don't forget that in the center of Venice driving a car is forbidden. You'd better lest your car at the parking place and get to the center by a boat.

By the way, a trip by gondola along the canals of Venice is an entertainment for romantic tourists, who are ready to spend quite a sum of money: the natives use them only at weddings and funerals. But nobody will deny that the best impression of Venice you'll get if to travel along the Grand Canal, the most beautiful of 177 city canals.

The Colosseum

2009-08-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

An elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. As well as the gladiatorial games, other public spectacles were held there, such as animal hunts, executions and dramas based on Classical mythology. It has been estimated that about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals died in the Colosseum games. Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined due to damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and its breakthrough achievements in earthquake engineering. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church.

Niagara Falls

2009-08-26T06:39:00.001-07:00

The Niagara Falls are voluminous waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. Niagara Falls is divided into the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. The Horseshoe Falls drop about 173 feet (53 m), the height of the American Falls varies between 70-100 feet (21 m) because of the presence of giant boulders at its base. The larger Horseshoe Falls are about 2,600 feet (792 m) wide, while the American Falls are 1,060 feet (323 m) wide. Niagara Falls was formed when glaciers receded at the end of the last ice age. Peak numbers of visitors occur in the summertime, when Niagara Falls are both a daytime and evening attraction. The oldest and best known tourist attraction at Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise.