Six ways to keep kidney stones at bay, 

from the Harvard Health Letter

There are worse things than kidney stones. But oh my, they can cause a lot of pain as they pass through the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. And the number of Americans getting kidney stones is increasing, perhaps because of the increasing prevalence of obesity. According to the September 2011 Harvard Health Letter, once you get kidney stones, the chances of getting them again are high, so it’s even better if you can avoid them in the first place with the following tips.
1. Keep your fluid intake up. Kidney stones form when certain minerals concentrate in the urine and form into crystals. Drink plenty of fluids (water is the safest bet) and you’ll increase the amount of water in the urine, so those mineral concentrations don’t get too high.
2. Eat calcium-rich foods. Calcium is a major component of most kidney stones, so it seems like you should avoid calcium in the diet, not seek it out. But most calcium stones are composed of calcium combined with a substance called oxalate. If there’s plenty of calcium in your diet, the calcium binds to oxalate in the intestine before the oxalate has a chance to get into your urine. Good choices for calcium-rich foods include nonfat dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and some varieties of fish (salmon, for example).
3. Reconsider calcium supplements. Results from the Harvard-based Nurses’ Health Study showed that postmenopausal women who took calcium supplements were 20% more likely to develop kidney stones than women who didn’t. Findings published earlier this year from the Women’s Health Initiative, a large randomized trial, echoed those of the nurses’ study. One explanation for calcium in food and calcium pills having different effects is that when calcium is consumed in food, it’s more likely to be present in the intestine at the same time as oxalate, so it can interfere with its absorption.
4. Moderate your sodium intake. Low-sodium diets decrease excretion of calcium and oxalate.
5. Moderate your protein intake. Protein can increase calcium and oxalate excretion. High-protein diets may reduce levels of stone-inhibiting substances in the urine.
6. Moderate your oxalate intake. Calcium intake and other dietary factors seem to be more important than oxalate intake in forming kidney stones, but high oxalate intake can occasionally be a factor. Oxalate-rich foods include beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, and most nuts.


source: Harvard Medical School

greentea (image:healthplaceonweb)

Benefit of drinking green tea: The proof is in -- drinking tea is healthy, says Harvard Women’s Health Watch

green tea (image:walax)

Although tea drinking has been associated with health benefits for centuries, only in recent years have its medicinal properties been investigated scientifically. The October issue of Harward Women's Health Watch  recognizes the healthy power of tea while helping readers get the most out of their cups.
Tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.
Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function. A Chinese study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea.
The October issue provides a few tips to get the most out of tea-drinking:
Drinking a cup of tea a few times a day to absorb antioxidants and other healthful plant compounds. In green-tea drinking cultures, the usual amount is three cups per day. Allow tea to steep for three to five minutes to bring out its catechins. The best way to get the catechins and other flavonoids in tea is to drink it freshly brewed. Decaffeinated, bottled ready-to-drink tea preparations, and instant teas have less of these compounds. Tea can impede the absorption of iron from fruits and vegetables. Adding lemon or milk or drinking tea between meals will counteract this problem.

source: health.harward.org (Harward Medical School)

Good Deal Today , Food Processor

Cuisinart DLC5BC Food Processor, 7-Cup Chrome

 

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Statue of Liberty Celebrates 125th Birthday Before Going Online

Peter Fedynsky | New York

Photo: Reuters

Fireworks go off in New York Harbor to celebrate the 125th birthday of the Statue of Liberty, October 28, 2011.

The Statue of Liberty joins the digital age as the landmark to freedom celebrates its 125th anniversary.
From the ground to the tip of its torch, the 125-year-old statue reaches 93 meters into the sky.  Web cams placed around her crown will now stream live photos over the Internet.  Featured views include one straight down, and of New York and its harbor.

Ceremonial cannon shots and fire boats spraying water in New York harbor were part of the festivities marking Lady Liberty’s anniversary.  During official remarks, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recalled the words of U.S. President Grover Cleveland, who spoke at the statue’s opening in 1886.

“Liberty has found a home on this island," he said.  'We will care for her, we will celebrate her.  We the people of the United States will continue to perfect her in both word and deed.”

Salazar also noted that the people of the United States and France, which donated the statue as a token of friendship, have strived together to establish, protect and perfect liberty.  French sculptor, Frederic Bartholdi, called his creation  “Liberty Enlightening the World.”  He said it should produce an emotion not because of its size, but because its size is in keeping with the idea that it interprets.

Among the hundreds of people marking the anniversary was Mariana Chelkova, the deputy mayor for culture in Bartholdi’s home town of Colmar, France.  Chelkova, an immigrant from Russia, says Bartholdi’s statue does indeed inspire.

“I was born in Moscow.  And for me, when I was a little girl, this statue - I was born during a very dark period in the Soviet Union, and it truly was a symbol of liberty.  So I think it’s universal,” said Chelkova.

125 recent immigrants to the United States from 46 countries took the citizenship oath as part of Friday’s Liberty Island commemoration.  They join millions of Americans who trace their roots to immigrants who gazed at the Statue of Liberty as their ships steamed into New York.  A poem associated with the Statue of Liberty written by Emma Lazarus pays tribute to those immigrants.  It was read by Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver.

The Statue of Liberty will now be closed to visitors for one year to carry out a $27 million improvement project that is to include a fire suppression system and an elevator that will allow handicapped visitors to visit the crown.

ICC: Mercenaries Trying to Help Gadhafi's Son Flee

VOA News

Photo: AP

In this March 10, 2011 file photo, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi gestures as he speaks to supporters and the media in Tripoli, Libya.

The International Criminal Court says intermediaries have been in touch with a fugitive son of the late Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi, to discuss a possible surrender so he can face trial.

ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo also said Saturday the court has learned that mercenaries are trying to help Seif al-Islam Gadhafi flee to an African country.

Moreno-Ocampo said his office could order an interception of a plane trying to take him to another nation.  Recent reports have said Seif al-Islam was traveling through the Sahara to a neighboring country.

The ICC has charged Seif al-Islam Gadhafi with crimes against humanity.  He is accused of killing civilian protesters during the uprising against his father's regime.

On Saturday, the Reuters news service quoted Moreno-Ocampo as saying Seif al-Islam told intermediaries he is innocent of the charges.

In other news, NATO is preparing to wrap up its seven-month-old Libya mission on Monday.

NATO ministers approved a resolution Friday that will terminate the alliance's air campaign.  NATO made its decision a day after the U.N. Security Council voted to cancel its mandate that established the mission.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

Suicide Bomber Strikes Turkey's Southeast

VOA News

Turkish officials are blaming a female suicide bomber for a blast in the country's mainly Kurdish southeast.

VOA's Kurdish service reports the explosion killed three people and wounded 20 others.

Governor Mustafa Hakan Guvencer said the woman blew herself up near the headquarters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in the town of Bingol on Saturday.  But Turkish Interior Minister Idris Sahin said it was not clear the AKP office was the target.

Officials say, so far, there have been no claims of responsibility.

Turkey this week concluded an air and ground offensive against Kurdish militants in Turkey and in northern Iraq.  The offensive was conducted after a series of coordinated attacks by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) killed 24 soldiers.

Kurdish rebels have waged a campaign for autonomy in Turkey's largely Kurdish southeast since 1984. The fighting has killed more than 40,000 people. Turkey, the United States, and the European Union regard the PKK as a terrorist group.

The Turkish government has taken steps to address the demands of Kurds and other minorities for greater rights. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing to amend the constitution, which was written in 1982 when Turkey was under military rule. But Kurdish leaders say an amended constitution should recognize the Kurds as a distinct element of the nation and grant them autonomy.

13 NATO Troops Killed in Afghanistan Suicide Attack

VOA News | Jennifer Glasse

Photo: AP

US soldiers, left, stand at the site of a suicide car bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan, October 29, 2011.

A suicide car bomber attacked a NATO convoy in Kabul Saturday killing 13 NATO troops from the international security force or ISAF (according to ISAF) and at least 4 (four) Afghans. At least eight others were wounded in the attack. Twelve of the dead NATO troops are reported to be U.S. service members. Canadian news outlets say one of the service members was from Canada. 

The suicide car bomb went off next to an armored bus carrying NATO forces in Kabul, turning the heavily armed vehicle on its side and engulfing it in flames. The attack came before noon on a wide busy road near the national museum and not far from the parliament and  a NATO base. Ambulances and NATO personnel  and helicopters rushed to the scene to attend to the living and the dead.

A Pentagon spokesman, Army Lt. Col. Jim Gregory, confirmed all 13 servicemembers killed were Americans. "We did lose 13 Americans today," he said.

He said details about the attack are still emerging, as the Pentagon coordinates efforts with NATO's International Security Assistance Force, known as "ISAF."

"We're working very closely with ISAF, and at this time we don't have any additional details to offer," he said.

Eyewitness accounts say the explosion was massive, sending thick black smoke and shrapnel into the sky. In addition to the dead, several other people were wounded.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Car bombings are rare in the Afghan capital, although there have been bold attacks in recent months, including a June assault on the Intercontinental Hotel, and attacks on the British Council in August and the U.S. Embassy and NATO headquarters a few weeks later.

The last car bomb in Kabul was in May, 2010 on the same road as Saturday’s attack. In that incident, 18 people were killed including 5 Americans and one Canadian soldier.

The incident comes days before a conference in Istanbul where  Afghan President  Hamid Karzai is expected to announce the next phase of security transition, with Afghan forces taking security responsibility from NATO troops in certain areas of the country.

The process began in July with the transfer of seven cities and provinces to Afghan control, part of a gradual process to have Afghan forces in charge of the whole country by the end of 2014.

There were two other attacks on government-related targets around Afghanistan Saturday. In the eastern city of Asadabad a female suicide bomber wounded several Afghans before being killed outside government offices and in the south, an Afghan in an army uniform turned his gun on two international soldiers killing them both.

Fugitive Son of Libya's Gadhafi Discusses Possible Surrender

VOA News

Photo: AP

In this March 10, 2011 file photo, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi gestures as he speaks to supporters and the media in Tripoli, Libya.

Informal talks are underway between a fugitive son of the late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and the International Criminal Court.

Seif al-Islam Gadhafi is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity. He is accused of killing civilian protesters during the uprising against his father's regime.

ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo says intermediaries have been in touch with Seif al-Islam Gadhafi to make sure he will receive a fair trial.  On Saturday, Reuters news quoted the prosecutor as saying Seif al-Islam had told intermediaries that he is innocent of the charges.

Seif al-Islam is believed to be traveling through the Sahara to a neighboring African country.

Meanwhile, NATO is preparing to wrap up its seven-month-old Libya mission on Monday.

NATO ministers approved a resolution, Friday, that will terminate the alliance's air campaign. NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance's "military job is now done" and NATO will conclude the mission in a "considered and controlled manner."

NATO made its decision a day after the U.N. Security Council voted to cancel its mandate that established the mission.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

President Obama Urges Congress to Act on Jobs Bill

VOA News

President Barack Obama says a new report that says the rich are getting richer while the middle class struggles shows Republicans in Congress are not paying attention to the economic situation in the United States.
Obama said in his weekly address Saturday that while wealth and success are encouraged and celebrated, America is better off when not just the top income earners increase their personal wealth.

Obama says his jobs proposal asks people earning more than $1 million to pay more taxes while middle income earners and small businesses would pay less.

He said although Republicans backed a similar proposal in the past, they are now playing politics.

In the Republican weekly response, Congressman Bobby Schilling of Illinois said politics will not get the economy back on track.  He appealed to President Obama to urge Senate Democrats adopt a jobs proposal put forth by Republicans.
Schilling says the Republican's "Plan for America's Job Creation” generates jobs by cutting taxes.  He says it also changes the tax code, closes loopholes and helps pay down the country's debt.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters

Queen Elizabeth Returns to Britain From Australia Visit

voanews

 

Britain's Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh have left Australia to return to Britain.
The queen ended her tour of Australia Saturday at a barbecue in the western city of Perth. Authorities say tens of thousands of people lined the banks of the Swan River to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
The 85-year-old monarch had been in Perth to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the end of a national visit, which included Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Her visit was capped by a historic agreement by the Commonwealth member nations who agreed to repeal a centuries-old rule that favors sons over daughters to take the royal throne, even if the daughter is the first born.
The agreement was reached Friday on the sidelines of the 54-nation meeting that brings together all nations once linked to the former British empire.
The leaders of 16 nations that have Queen Elizabeth as their monarch also agreed to scrap the rule that bans the heir to the throne from marrying a Roman Catholic.
The changes were offered by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the rules outdated and senseless.
The rules have been under scrutiny since the marriage earlier this year of Prince William, second-in-line to the British throne, to Kate Middleton.
The three-day Commonwealth meeting opened Friday amid concerns about the group's relevance in the 21st century. Queen Elizabeth told the leaders in her opening remarks the meeting “promises to bring new vibrancy” to the grouping.

Tags: Australia, Britain
Posted in East Asia Pacific

Aid Groups Call for Focus on Children in Flood Hit South East Asia

Ron Corben | Bangkok,voanews

Photo: AP

Children with a float swim through a swollen canal in Bangkok, Thailand, October 28, 2011.

Aid groups are urging the international community to take greater effort to protect children affected by flooding in South East Asia. 

The United Nations says more than 825 people have died from floods across South East Asia, including Burma, Laos and the Philippines.

In Vietnam, 38 of the 43 deaths reported so far have been children.  Of the 377 deaths report in Thailand, 50 were children, many between the ages of two and eight years old.

Jerry Velasquez, a senior regional coordinator with the UN’s International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), says the floods are taking a toll especially on children in Vietnam, and Cambodia and Thailand.

He says families need to be vigilant during the crisis as people flee from flood bound areas in the hope of seeking food and shelter.

“For large families if you have two or three kids it only takes two or three minutes - you are rushing and one of your kids falls behind and all of a sudden you look back two to thee minutes later and your child is gone, so being aware and making sure parents monitor their children,” said Velasquez.

Aid workers say children are at risk from a variety flood-related health risks. 

“North of Bangkok we see children playing in the water, bathing in it or even just trying to wade through the water to get to higher ground," says Annie Bodmer-Roy, a spokeswoman for the British-based group Save the Children in Thailand. "There is a real risk of disease, things like skin infections and diarrhoea children are exposed to the flood waters but also unclean drinking water.”

Thailand's Health Ministry says flood victims face the threat of drowning and electrocution from submerged electrical wires.  But, it says, they could also be poisoned by toxins from inundated factories, farms and sewage from housing estates. Flood waters also increase the likelihood of mosquito-born diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis.

Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said in her weekly media address Saturday floodwaters have peaked and will begin to recede next week.
source:voanews

Forced Marriage Continues in Many Countries

Elizabeth Lee, voanews

Young girls forced into marriage is still a reality in many parts of the world, and it doesn't just happen in developing nations.  Activists, African first ladies and victims gathered at a conference in Los Angeles to talk about the problem and what can be done to change the practice of child brides.

Millions of girls and young women around the world are married against their will before 18 years old.  Jasvinder Sanghera is born in Britain and of Indian descent.  Her sisters were taken out of school in England at 15 and married to men they have never met.

"I was 14 when my mother presented the photograph of the man I was to learn I was promised to when I was eight, and I was the one who said, 'No, I'm not marrying this man,'" Sanghera recalled.

Unlike her sisters, Sanghers ran away and was disowned by her parents and siblings.

"I'm seen as the shameful dishonorable daughter who could contaminate their families and their children too," added Sanghera.  "Going to school was one thing.  Going home and closing your front door it was another world. That was the stronger world of the two."

Sanghera is now educating others about how strong traditional beliefs in the practice of forced marriage is still happening in both first and third world countries.  For Indians living in Britain, she says it is not uncommon for a daughter to be married to a man in India so he can have a British passport.

In South Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, where the practice of child brides and forced marriages are most prevalent, the ideals of honor and shame are also reasons why girls marry early.

"Families are afraid for girls to get active sexually early before they are married. That would bring shame to the family if that happened, if the girl was to become pregnant particularly," said Anne Goddard of Child Fund International. 

Goddard notes that for many communities, poverty is one major reason of why families force their young daughters into marriage.  "Families can't afford to raise and feed and educate a girl so they're more likely to then encourage a girl to marry early," Goddard added.

However, she says keeping the girls in school through compulsory education can help stop the practice marrying girls at a young age.

"It's well documented that every year longer that a girl stays in school, she grows up to be healthier, the children she has end up being healthier," Goddard explained.  "When girls can stay in school they can also contribute to the income of their own family."

First lady Chantal Compaore of Burkina-Faso says her country started a program that has kept many girls in school.

"We started to give food to those girls at the end of each week [so] that they do stay in school, so their parents cannot say that they're losing money or food or this work force when their girls are going to school instead of staying at home and work[ing,]" Compaore said.

Ann Warner from the International Center for Research on Women says there needs to be more coordination between leaders from governments and grassroots organizations to continue the work that has already been done in preventing early forced marriages.

"There's plenty of evidence from around the world that communities are changing," said Warner.

But change is not happening fast enough for Jasvinder Sanghera.  She says Indian girls in Britain and other parts of the world are still being married off without their consent and they are accepting the practice as normal.  She says not only do parents need to be educated, but girls also need to be empowered to know they have the right to refuse a marriage.

Buy Cheap Bike

 

Many people run out to the bike shop and buy whatever the salesman says is a good bike. More often than not, the bike is not ideal for the owner. Here are some steps and tips on choosing the right bike for you. 

1. Decide what type of riding you are going to do. Are you going around town, or are you trail riding? Do you want to ride fast, or do you want smoothness and comfort?

2. Go to many stores and sit on and ride all types of bikes. If you are trail riding, be sure to consider cross-terrains, known as hybrids, and also try mountain bikes. Do not limit your search to only bike shops. While they do offer very good brands and service warranties, their bikes are usually more pricey (because of the professional service, assembly, and advice they give you). The extra cost is worth every penny! Although they carry such brands as Schwinn and Mongoose at Target and Walmart, this is not the place to buy a quality bike. These bikes are very well priced and you might be surprised at the value in them, however they typically only offer one, maybe two sizes, and no one to help fit you or to offer an outdoor test ride. Do not exclude these from your search, but do not shop bike-stores exclusively. In general, local bike store bikes will offer more ability to replace or upgrade components. As well higher quality bicycles. Do not be afraid to spend a bit more money for comfort, performance and durability. As mentioned there will be no one to help fit / adjust the bike. See above how important fitting / bike sizing.

3. Fit is everything. If the bike is not properly fitted you'll be uncomfortable and you won't ride. Be sure to test ride several sizes for comfort. Are you too stretched out? Can you clear the top tube on the frame when off the seat and standing on the ground? Are the controls easy to use and reach? Keep in mind that there are many adjustments that can can be made to accommodate the rider, but the frame size is fixed.Determine the correct frame size by sitting on many bikes and finding what feels comfortable for you to sit on. This includes the distance from the seat to the ground and the angle at which you have to lean to hold the handlebars. The salesman at the bike shop will help size the bike, but the only real way to tell is just by test riding. 

4. Determine the amount of money that you want to spend. There's no use looking at fifteen hundred dollar bikes when you only want to spend two hundred. Also try to factor in accessories and components- getting racks, fenders, or computer is often cost effective when you purchase it. 

5. Compare the components of one bike to those of another. This step may take a little research, but it is well worth it. Components usually make up most of the bike's value, so don't compromise the importance of this step. Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM are the industry standard for most riding.

6. Choose whether you want a light weight bike. Aluminum bikes are very nice they can be lighter. If you want to save yourself some money get a Chromoly frame. 

7. Keep track of all the benefits and downsides to each model. 

8.Decide what aspects are most important to you and go for the one that fits you and offers the best value.

 

source:wikihow

 

Buy Makeup Cheap

How to Buy Bulk Makeup Cheap

 

Many business are downsizing these days. Whatever the reason for closing the business, you can take advantage of the opportunity to cash in on liquidations. Find businesses that are selling their makeup merchandise for pennies on the dollar. If you purchase in bulk, you will own a variety of products that you either use yourself or resell. Buying online and at stores that are closing are good options for buying inexpensive bulk makeup.

1. Browse auction websites where you bit on "a lot," a large set of products sold together.. Watch closely to be sure no one outbids you. Try Ebay or Liquidation.com, as a lot of well-known companies list products there that they can not sell in retail stores.

2. Only bid a few cents so you do not drive the price up too high. Once the auction is closed, pay the company, and wait for your shipment. Be sure to get a tracking number so you track your order to see where and when it is going to arrive.

3. Arrange for someone to be at the designated shipping address on the shipment arrival day. Makeup needs to stay out of extreme temperature. Lipsticks can melt down and become useless in a matter of hours. In extreme cold, your glass foundation bottles can shatter and powders can change color.

4. Get your makeup inside immediately and go over the order to be sure you have everything you paid for.

5. Do a broad search in your favorite search engine to see what new deals you can find. You will never find the same deal twice so be sure to set aside some time to shop and compare products, prices and shipping costs.

6. Another option is to visit a bricks-and-mortar store with a large makeup inventory. Inquire if the store is willing to sell you makeup in bulk at a discount. Talk with a representative about the shelf life of makeup and how to buy products that won't loose pigment or cause breakouts.

Tips & Warnings

·         Use common sense and good judgment. Get as much information as you can before buying your bulk makeup. Visit well-known stores and websites so you do not fall victim to a scam.

Author: Eve Frost, image from ehow

 

How to Buy Cheap Women's clothing

1. Know the brands, banana republic, the gap, and old navy. These 3 stores are all from the same company. Yet, it's priced at 3 levels. But I don't see old navy as being inferior to banana republic or the gap. I see old navy as cheap, comfortable everyday clothing. So, why not buy from old navy instead of the other two.

2. Each brand has their targeted price range, seek out the brands that sells cheap clothing (lower price range stores).

3. Buy only when there is a sale. When there is a sale, prices are significantly lower. For example, at Abercrombie & fitch, a shirt is 69 dollars at regular price 39 bucks when on sale. That's 30 dollars in savings. By doing this, you can buy cheap clothing from your favorite brand.

4. Buy only when it fits you and know that you will be wearing it a lot. When I see something cute, I get the urges to buy. But what we should really do is stop and think about how many times we are going to wear it and that's the real cost of clothing. For example, if I buy a shirt at 40 dollars. And I wear one a week. Assuming the shirt would last 2 years, 40 / (52 weeks in a year x 2) = 38 cents for each time I wear it. Now, I think that's a pretty good deal. On the other hand, if I buy something that cost me 19 and only wear it once. That's 19 dollars for one wear. Cheap clothing comes down to something you wear often.

5. Shop Online! Now, it's safer to shop online and you can find some really cheap clothing. A couple months ago, I bought a pink cashmere sweater from Abercrombie's website for $19.99. I think that's a pretty sweet deal. There are a lot of cheap apparel on the internet.

6. You can also find fashion and cheap clothing at Costco and their price is pretty reasonable too.

Tips & Warnings

·         Cheap clothing takes time to find, visit your favorite store's website often to spot the best deal

·         Sign up for your favorite store's email, they will often email you discount codes and promotional information.

source:ehow

The Many Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is a springtime vegetable that is versatile and uniquely delicious. Buying it this time of year is best as it is fresh and particularly nutritious, since it is in season. Studies show that asparagus balances insulin levels, which means that it powerfully prevents diabetes. Ensuring that our insulin levels are stable is one of the most important things we can do for our health. It allows us to live long and feel good. Its unique mineral profile makes it an effective natural diuretic. Natural diuretics promote the formation of urine in the kidneys, aiding in detoxification and cleansing.

Asparagus is also a powerful aphrodisiac and one of the best foods to increase libido. Just check out its shape.

Asparagus is also one of the only vegetables to contain inulin, which feeds friendly bacteria that live in the large intestine. This makes it a great food for preventing yeast overgrowth, and it generally keeps the digestive system and belly well.

Asparagus contains loads of folate. Among other health benefits, folate is essential for pre conception and the early stages of pregnancy. Asparagus' high level of this mineral means that is can reduce the risk of birth defects and helps the nervous system develop beautifully.

Here are some other benefits that make asparagus one of the best super foods on the planet.

* Great for your heart

* Asparagus fights depression and puts you in a good mood

* Gets rid of warts by eating one of the best super foods on the planet!

* Asparagus lowers cholesterol

* Stimulates milk production in nursing mothers

* It is a potent antioxidant

* Is antifungal and antiviral

* Your kidneys will love asparagus... it helps cleanse the body and prevent kidney stones

* Asparagus prevents bladder and urinary tract infections

* Helps with treating HIV

* Helps prevent multiple sclerosis

* Asparagus contains anti cancer properties and is especially powerful in preventing lung cancer

* Is energizing and fights chronic fatigue syndrome

* Asparagus will lower blood pressure naturally

* Asparagus is top of the list of alkaline foods

* Asparagus stimulates hair production and is one of the best super foods for balding.

So as it is spring time, it is the perfect time of year to get out and find some locally grown, preferably organic asparagus. It is delectable finely chopped in salads, barbecued with mustard, or lightly steamed.

About the author

Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
She provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others. 

Source: Written by Sheryl, younglivingguide

Tax law could make grandkids rich

Congress last year enacted temporary changes that allow for a massive estate-tax break through a Roth IRA. As a result, a grandchild could pocket millions, tax-free, over a lifetime.

Sometimes Congress hands out a break that is so generous it seems it must be a mistake. This one's a doozy: The ability to receive a totally tax-free inheritance of $400 million or more.
Thanks to two recent changes in the tax code, investors with huge 401k accounts now have a way to turn them into completely tax-free income for their grandchildren's lifetimes.
This is by far the biggest estate-planning break on record, created even as lawmakers debate over which tax giveaways should be killed to help shore up the federal budget.
"I call this tax break the government's going-out-of-business sale," says individual retirement account guru Ed Slott, who travels the country teaching advisers and accountants how to squeeze benefits out of the Roth IRA. "This is a tax break you could drive 10 Mack trucks through. It's an incredible opportunity to do a totally tax-free transfer of wealth." More

Portraits Painting Were  Drawing by Pencil 

source :e'mail from friends

Facebook sets up data centre in Lapland, Sweden

 

It isn't the native inhabitants that have driven Facebook to Lapland

Facebook is heading to Swedish Lapland, lured not by Father Christmas, but because of the climate.

Temperatures in the city of Lulea, in the north-east of the country, make it the perfect location for the social media giant's first non-US data centre.


It means it can use outside air for cooling its servers for up to 10 months of the year.


The facility will process data from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It will cover 30,000 square metres.


That is the equivalent of around 11 football pitches.


The social network needs to ramp up its computing power as it continues to grow. It currently has more than 800 million users.
'Like Lego'

The mayor of Lulea is very happy to have Facebook in his city

Up until 2009 Facebook leased space in data centres but then made the decision to design and build its own.


The new centre will be powered primarily by renewable energy and will require 70% less generator power.


It will also benefit from Lulea's electricity prices which are some of the cheapest in Europe.


Gaining a global brand like Facebook will be a big coup for the city and it hopes others will follow.


More companies are placing their data centres in Northern Europe because the climate works well for the cooling systems necessitated by racks of huge servers.


Facebook prides itself on the fact that its engineers have built its infrastructure from scratch - including the design of the servers themselves.


"Assembling the servers is like building a Lego model, the parts snap together. The servers slot in and out of their racks by flipping a couple of catches," the firm explained.


The design of the fans mean they consume far less energy than a traditional server, it added.
source:BBC news

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Vietnamese Pho: Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

Servings: 8 Prep Time: Cook Time:

Photos from wikipedia

Ingredients:

THE BROTH2 onions, halved4" nub of ginger, halved lengthwise5-6 lbs of good beef bones, preferably leg and knuckle1 lb of beef meat - chuck, brisket, rump, cut into large slices [optional]6 quarts of water1 package of Pho Spices [1 cinnamon stick, 1 tbl coriander seeds, 1 tbl fennel seeds, 5 whole star anise, 1 cardamom pod, 6 whole cloves - in mesh bag]1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt (halve if using regular table salt)1/4 cup fish sauce1 inch chunk of yellow rock sugar (about 1 oz) - or 1oz of regular sugarTHE BOWLS2 lbs rice noodles (dried or fresh)cooked beef from the broth1/2 lb flank, london broil, sirloin or eye of round, sliced as thin as possible.big handful of each: mint, cilantro, basil2 limes, cut into wedges2-3 chili peppers, sliced2 big handfuls of bean sproutsHoisin sauceSriracha hot sauce

Thai fish sauce (photo from wikipedia)

photos from steamykitchen

Directions:

Char: Turn your broiler on high and move rack to the highest spot. Place ginger and onions on baking sheet. Brush just a bit of cooking oil on the cut side of each. Broil on high until ginger and onions begin to char. Turn over and continue to char. This should take a total of 10-15 minutes.
Parboil the bones: Fill large pot (12-qt capacity) with cool water. Boil water, and then add the bones, keeping the heat on high. Boil vigorously for 10 minutes. Drain, rinse the bones and rinse out the pot. Refill pot with bones and 6 qts of cool water. Bring to boil over high heat and lower to simmer. Using a ladle or a fine mesh strainer, remove any scum that rises to the top.
Boil broth: Add ginger, onion, spice packet, beef, sugar, fish sauce, salt and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the beef meat and set aside (you'll be eating this meat later in the bowls) Continue simmering for another 1 1/2 hours. Strain broth and return the broth to the pot. Taste broth and adjust seasoning - this is a crucial step. If the broth's flavor doesn't quite shine yet, add 2 teaspoons more of fish sauce, large pinch of salt and a small nugget of rock sugar (or 1 teaspoon of regular sugar). Keep doing this until the broth tastes perfect.
Prepare noodles & meat: Slice your flank/london broil/sirloin as thin as possible - try freezing for 15 minutes prior to slicing to make it easier. Remember the cooked beef meat that was part of your broth? Cut or shred the meat and set aside. Arrange all other ingredients on a platter for the table. Your guests will "assemble" their own bowls. Follow the directions on your package of noodles - there are many different sizes and widths of rice noodles, so make sure you read the directions. For some fresh rice noodles, just a quick 5 second blanch in hot water is all that's needed. The package that I purchased (above) - needed about 45 seconds in boiling water.
Ladling: Bring your broth back to a boil. Line up your soup bowls next to the stove. Fill each bowl with rice noodles, shredded cooked beef and raw meat slices. As soon as the broth comes back to a boil, ladle into each bowl. the hot broth will cook your raw beef slices. Serve immediately. Guests can garnish their own bowls as they wish.




source recipe: by Andrea Nguyen

Libya Vows to Prosecute Gadhafi Killers

 

Libya's ruling National Transitional Council said Thursday it will prosecute the killers of ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, if an investigation shows he died after his capture.

NTC leaders have been under intense pressure to investigate the circumstances of Gadhafi's death last week after initially saying he was killed in crossfire after being pulled from a drainage pipe.

Video has raised the possibility he was shot and killed as provisional government forces stormed his hometown of Sirte. Witnesses have offered conflicting information as to how Gadhafi died.

Libya's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi said Wednesday initial reports show no transitional fighters shot at Gadhafi after he was arrested. Dabbashi told the U.N. Security Council the ousted leader was bleeding from his abdomen and head when he was arrested, and that he died after arriving at a hospital in Misrata.

In other news, a lawyer representing former Libyan prime minister Al-Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmoudi said he has been freed by a Tunisian court.

Mahmoudi fled to Tunisia after Gadhafi's regime collapsed in August, and was recently arrested while trying to cross into Algeria. He went on a hunger strike to protest his possible extradition to Libya.

In New York, the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution Thursday that would end authorization of NATO's mission in Libya, despite calls from Libyan officials for the mission to be extended.

Last week, NATO announced preliminary plans to phase out its six-month-old air campaign on October 31. But Libya's interim leaders, citing security concerns, have urged NATO to continue its mission until at least the end of the year.

NATO operations in Libya were launched under a Security Council resolution to protect civilians from attacks by Gadhafi's military during the conflict.


Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters, voanews

 

US Drought Could Trigger Higher Beef Prices

As grazing lands dry up, cattlemen sell more livestock

Steve Baragona | Lockney, Texas

Beef prices may be headed upward due to a severe, lingering drought in the southern United States which is putting a major financial squeeze on the region’s cattle producers.

Across Texas cattle country, livestock auctions have been unusually busy. As grazing lands dried up, cattlemen have been selling their livestock earlier in the season and at a younger age than normal.

Worst in decades

"It's been tough," says Amarillo-area rancher Ashley Nolan. "We've sold pretty much all of our herd throughout the summer little by little waiting on the rain, and it never came. The well dried up."
In fact, just one-fifth the normal amount of rain and snow have fallen this year in the north Texas ranching communities in the Texas Panhandle.

VOA - S. Baragona

The drought has raised the price of every type of cattle feed, including "gin trash," unwanted parts of the cotton plant produced as a by-product of the region's many cotton gins.

Rancher Rick Kellison says it's the worst he's ever seen. "I was arrogant enough to say I'd been through some droughts before. I'm over 60. I hadn't."

The drought has forced Kellison to cut his herd nearly in half. As grazing land has dried up, hay prices have shot up to five times their normal price. That has Kellison looking for alternatives.

Even 'trash' is expensive

"Gin trash" - unwanted parts of the cotton plant produced as a by-product of the region's many cotton gins - usually provides a cheap source of feed. But the drought has devastated the region's cotton crop, too. Even gin trash costs 10 or more times as much as usual.
Kellison has spent more than a decade breeding cows to produce more meat with less feed. Now, the fruits of his labor are in jeopardy.

"When I have to liquidate a 5- to 6-year-old cow that's in her prime, I've sold my factory," he says.

'Most of these cows have names'

Kellison says some in his situation are getting out of the business. "If you just look at the numbers, and there's no emotions involved, the thing to do is sell out and punt."

VOA - S. Baragona

Livestock auctions have been busy this year as ranchers have sold off their herds.

He says it's a bad idea for a cattleman to get attached to his livestock, but, "most of these cows have names. They're what we take care of first."

So he and his family are holding on for now.

The good news for Texas ranchers is that their cattle are still getting fairly good prices at auction despite the glut on the market. That's helping many cattlemen get through the drought.

Rising beef prices

The bad news for consumers is that the rapidly shrinking beef herd means prices will likely be going up. And that herd will take years to rebuild.
However, Kellison adds, "The fear I have is, it's not over yet. And we don't know when it'll be over."

The La Niña weather pattern that contributed to this year's drought appears to be back for another year. And Texas weather officials say dryer-than-normal weather could last for a decade or more. A drought that has already cost the state's farmers and ranchers more than $5 billion is not through with them yet.

Thai Floodwaters Enter Bangkok’s Grand Palace

Gabby Paluch | Bangkok

Photo: Gabrielle Paluch - VOA

A girl swims in the floodwater in front of Bangkok's Grand Palace in a riverside neighborhood, Thailand.

Thailand’s flood waters have reached Bangkok’s Grand Palace, a historical site that once housed Thai kings, and is now a major tourist attraction.
Thousands are leaving Bangkok as the country's worst floods in decades inundate parts of the capital.

Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River spilled over into historical riverside buildings Friday, including the Grand Palace. At the former home of Thailand’s monarchies, soldiers scrambled to pump out ankle-deep water.

When the tides receded, the landmarks were dry and open. But after days of tourists and locals fleeing the Thai capital, the normally crowded historic district was calm.

Two tourists from Venice traveling together who gave only their first names, David and Eduardo, said they frequently come to Bangkok for vacation.
But they lamented that some places were closed due to the flooding.
DAVID: "I want to go with the boat today but it’s not possible because the service is closed."
EDUARDO: "It’s not possible because the market is closed!"
DAVID: "I go to the hotel. I sleep.”
The flooding has interrupted supermarket supply chains. Residents stocking up on supplies have emptied Bangkok’s shelves of essentials.

Some grocery stores are now rationing food and water as anxiety grows over more severe flooding expected this weekend.

Nineteen-year-old James from Britain plans to travel to northern Thailand with a friend. He says he is not very worried about the floods, but has noticed the empty store shelves.

“It’s very hard to get bottled water though. There’s not a lot of bottled water around, so that’s a problem. But not much else,” James says.

With riverside neighborhoods now routinely flooding during high tide, there is concern that even higher tides in the coming days and more floodwaters from the north could worsen the situation.

Thailand’s central plains have been inundated for months, closing several industrial parks, crippling manufacturing, and killing hundreds.
Foreign governments, including the United States, have warned citizens against unessential travel due to the transportation difficulties and shortages of food.
source:voanews