My Complicated Life

Hello Summer!

2010-05-14T00:48:00.000-07:00

Hello summer! What better time is there than now to play the consummate wanderer and explore new and unchartered territories. Fancy a trip behind the wheel on the open road, hiking up a mountain or doing yoga asanas on a sandy beach? Make sure to pack a sense of adventure and your Smile, and you'll be all set. Have a blast!

Keeping Your Feet Happy

2009-10-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Tye Lee Tze, a Singapore podiatrist, cautions woman against wearing spiked high heels. "The shoes you wear now can cause pain and deformities into the future." he says.

The wrong shoes can create back problems. leg paints, knee problems and toe deformities. Buy the right ones instead.

1. Active? Sports, such as tennis, that see you running in different directions use one type of shoe, while activities such as jogging need another.
2. Footwear should have plenty of room for the toes. Women should avoid wearing pointy-toed shoes.
3. There should be one thumbnail-width from the end of the shoe to the longest toe while standing. "some sales people will say the shoes will stretch to fit" says Tye. "That shouldn't be necessary."
4. Your feet tens to swell during the day, so it's best to try to buy shoes in the evening.

Do Try These At Home...

2009-10-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

We all need to tackle home-maintenance jobs at some point. But we don't always have the tools or know-how. Here's a list of handy hints sent in by readers of The Family Handyman magazine.

1. When using a ladder inside, tape a pair of old running shoes over the top of each rail. The soles will grip the walls and prevent scratches and dents appearing.
2. Drilling holes in brick can be messy, so switch on the vacuum cleaner and place the nozzle under your work.
3. Need a mallet? Slip a rubber doorstep over the head of your hammer.
4. Keep a packet of disposable nappies in your toolbox. They are ideal for mopping up spills quickly - paint, oil, turpentine - in the workshop or home.
5. Avoid holding tiny nails (and hammering your fingertips!) by applying a couple of layers of masking tape to the surface you're hammering into. Press the nail into the tape to start the job.
6. To stop paint flickering onto nearby surfaces, cover those odd-shaped objects - lights, phone, doorknobs - with plastic wrap.
7. If you don't want to remove a door for painting, you can still brush the bottom edge by using a scrap of carpet as a paintbrush.

Slow Down for Strength

2009-10-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

The latest fitness craze is slow-motion weight training. Recent hype claims that it's all you need to stay strong and fit. While strength training is important, and less time-consuming than aerobics, you need to combine it with some cardio, says Richard Cotton from the American Council on Exercise. We list the health benefits of each ty

CARDIO
1. Burns more kilojoules Thirty minutes of aerobics can slash twice as many kilojoules as half an hour of weightlifting.
2. Strengthens your heart Aerobic exercise cuts your heart disease risk.
3. Reduces cholesterol Cardio actually changes the size of cholesterol-carrying proteins, so they do less damage.

STRENGTH TRAINING
1. Prevents osteoporosis Weightlifting puts stress on your bones, aiding calcium retention.
2. Improves athleticism Lifting weights enhances performance in everyday activities, such as grocery shopping and heavy lifting.
3. Increases muscle s we age, we lose muscle, making us more susceptible to weight gain and injury.
4. Burns more fat The more muscle mass you have, the more kilojoules you burn.

Should you Starve a Fever?

2009-10-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

"A fever is the body's normal reaction to certain illnesses, usually a bacterial or viral infection," says Dr Lorna Lavin-Simangan, a paediatrician at St Luke's Medical Centre in Manila.

A fever is a symptom of an another problem. Low-grade fevers don't need special attention, but high-grade fevers - above 38.4 degrees - should be treated.

Acetaminophen or paracetamol will usually ease a fever. A cool, moist cloth can be applied directly to the skin, but don't use ice.

As for starving a fever, Lavin-Simangan says it's bad advice. Good nutrition helps the body fight off the virus or infection.

Calling on the Cards

2009-10-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Prepaid calling cards are increasingly popular. In Singapore alone, more than 30 companies provide over 100 types of prepaid international calling cards. The cards' appeal is that they usually offer much less expensive rates than other types of services. But they aren't perfect. Here are some things to keep in mind when using prepaid calling cards.

1. Though call rates are often low, some cards have hidden charges like connection fees. Read the fine print before buying.

2. Beware if you need a log of your calls for business or personal reasons - calling cards don't provide any records.

3. Before you buy, check for hidden charges, such as connection fees.

4. Some cards only reach certain areas.

5. Many cards expire 90 days after they are first activated.

6. Make sure you can use the card where you want. Some cards can't be used in hotel rooms. Others are blocked in private residences.

Speeding Up a Sluggish Computer

2009-10-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Steps to take before spending money on costly upgrades.

Empty the trash.
Files dragged to the icon may be out of sight, but they still eat up valuable space. Only when the trash is emptied is space freed up.

Restart your computer.
Even when you quit a program, large ones may continue to siphon off memory. Restarting (or "rebooting") adjusts this problem.

Fix fragmented files.
Over time, files on your hard drive may become fragmented, producing error messages or crashes, Most PCs come with a defragment program. E-mail Microsoft for finding and running.

Purge old-email files.
Many e-mail programs save copies of every message you send. Empty or reduce this backup file to free up hard-drive space. Call your e-mail service for help locating the files.

Switch off start-ups.
Programs that support instant messaging and calendars kick in as soon as you start your computer and use up its resources. You're better off turning them on as needed. Call your computer's tech-support line for help locating these "extensions".

Grow It, Then Eat It

2009-10-19T06:24:00.001-07:00

Your child doesn't like green beans? Have him grow his own. In a recent study, preschool-age children who planted, weeded, watered and harvested a plot showed increases in their willingness to eat vegetables, especially green beans. "Gardening lets children make a connection between their food and where it comes from," says study author and dietitian Suandra Lorenz. And this may make the kids less likely to think vegetables are icky.

Straighten Out Your Cyberkids

2009-10-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

A study at Australia's Curtin University of Technology found 60 percent of kids using computers at school showed signs of repetitive strain injury. Here are some desk exercises.

1. Stretch your arms above your head and spread your fingers. Then lower your arms so they're straight out in front. Hold for a few seconds.

2. Push the bottom of your right palm against the top of your left palm, so you feel a stretch along the underside of your left forearm.

3. Sit with your back straight, look over your right shoulder, then your left. From the centre, nod slowly three times. Turn your head in a "no" motion three times, then stretch as if laying your hed on each shoulder.

4. Keep your hips forward and turn to look behind on each side, with your arm across the back of the chair, stretching your back.

5. Push your chin forward to stretch the jaw and neck.

6. Sit and roll each shoulder forwards and around then back and around. Lift each shoulder to your ear and down.

Nikon D70 Good enough GDigital SLR camera

2009-10-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

Compared to some other digital SLRs--such as the bulky Fujifilm Finepix S2 Pro or its heavy cousin--the Nikon D2x--the Nikon D70 fits comfortably in the hand, measuring just 5.5 by 4.4 by 3.1 inches, and weighs only one pound, nine ounces without the lens. Although the camera offers a profusion of buttons, the most commonly used ones fall under the fingers, such as the buttons to change metering modes, exposure, and focus lock. The two control dials--one on the front and one on the rear --fall naturally under your index finger and thumb. Having two dials makes controlling the camera in full manual mode much easier than with cameras that have only one dial. On the D70s, one dial controls the shutter and the other changes the aperture. In contrast, the Digital Rebel XT, which has just one dial, makes you hold down a button so tha dial changers the aperture instead of the shutter speed.

Canion PIXMA iP1200 Unique and Compact

2009-10-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Canion PIXMA iP1200 is the PIXMA family addition that has a compact and slant design. Having an optimized resolution of 4800 dots per inch, this Canon printer can print on a 4 x 6-inch borderless photo paper. The good thing about this printer is that it uses one photo ink cartridge that only costs P945. The CL-41 photo ink cartridge supplies both black and colored ink. For users who are more interested in printing out black text documemts, Canon supples the black, or the PG-40 ink as reffered by the vendor. Should you opt for the black, the PG-40 cartridge costs P330 more than the photo ink.

Let's get straight to the point. This SOHO inkjet printer comes with a standars USB port. You can load up to 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of 4 x 6-inch photo paper. Aside from this, you could also print using photo stickers, matte photo paper, T-shirt transfer, envelopes, transparency films and other photo paper types.

As always, the PC World Philippines Test Lab ran a series of speed and quality tests. In draft mode setting, the PIXMA iP1200 managed to print 6.53 pages in one minute. While in test and graphics file, it took 3.46 and 2.73 pages in one minute, respectively.

GECUBE GC-HD13PLG2-D3 and GC-HD16PLPG2-D3

2009-08-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

GECUBE has announced the availability of the GC-HD13PLG2-D3 and GC-HD16PLPG2-D3 graphics accelerator with HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). Both cards are capable of displaying high-definition video and multi-channel audio simultaneously. HDMI is an audio-video standard with sufficient bandwidth to accommodate both uncompressed and high-definition digital video and multi-channel audio format using a single cable wire between a source device such as a DVD player or a set-top box to a HDTV or HD-compatible device for displaying video.

The HDMI-enabled cards can transfer up to 24-bits of data at 165 mega pixels per second. The GeCube GC-HD13PLG2-D3 and GC-HD16PLPG2-D3 are constructed with 90nm technology and support Shader Model 3.0, Avivo technology, Crossfire platform, and Catalyst drivers. HDR (high dynamic range) technology is also present and enhances lighting effects in applications such as games.

HIS 1900XTX/XT ICEQ3

2009-08-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

THE HIS 1900XTX/XT IceQ3 is equipped with a uniquely designed thermal solution. The heatpipes are covered with sintered powder wicks for rapid heat dissipation while isolated heatsinks prevent heat transfer between the GPU and memory chips. The dual-slot design allows better air circulation.

The new Crossfire-enabled video card includes an ultra-threaded engine to support shader performance. It also has an HDR engine for improved graphics and Avivo technology for HD video support.

QNAP TS-101 9-in-1 NAS SERVER

2009-08-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

THE lightweight QNAP TS-101 9-in-1 NAS server can serve as a personal Web server, P2P download station, multimedia station, and print server. The built-in Serial ATA disk supports up to 500GB worth of files and through its eSerial ATA and USB dual interface slot, the storage capacity can be jacked up to more than 1TB. The QNAP TS-101 9-in-1 NAS server supports high-speed Gigabit network connection while its three USB ports allows connectivity to digital devices. Aside from its multi-language Web interface, it also provides three different data protection mechanisms. Users can use the NetBak Replicator backup software, the embedded professional block-level and backup mechanism, and the unique Q-RAID 1 miroring disk management function.

2009-08-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

INTENDED for advances users who demand performance, form, and functionality, Corsair has introduced the 184-pin XMS-3200C2 XPERT 2GB memory module. Unlike other memory modules, the Corsair XMS-3200C2 XPERT 2GB can monitor and display critical performance parameters through a big alphanumeric display on top. Furthermore, it uses an integrated micro-controller and sensors to measure voltage, temperature, and frequency on the memory module. The Corsair XMS-3200C2 XPERT 2GB is guaranteed to run at 400MHz with low latencies of 2-3-3-6.

CISCO MDS 9513 Multilayer Director

2009-08-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

DESIGNED to scale up to 528 ports in a single chassis, the CISCO MDS 9513 enables SAN (storage are networking) environments to meet requirements for increased responsibilities, resiliency, and manageability. It offers an advanced feature set and full bandwidth redundancy to ensure system performance even in the event of a crossbar failure. Other features include dual supervisors, support for non-disruptive software upgrades, modular software with process restart, support for cross-module inter-switch links scaling to 16 ports each, and full redundancy of all critical hardware components.

Sharp Aquos LCD TV

2009-08-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

BOASTING a huge 65-inch of display space, the Sharp Aquos utilizes a 16:9 full-spec HD panel with 1920 x 1080 pixels to deliver rich and bright images. The device also uses a novel four-wavelength backlight system in which the deep crimson red color is added to the conventional red, green and blue group. The additional color promises to enhance the color reproduction. And with the radial pattern of the liquid crystal molecules on the display, the Sharp Aquos Enables 170-degree of viewing angles. Complementing the image quality is the sound produced by the specialized set of speakers trapped under stainless steel grills. RF coaxial, S-video, composite, and component video jacks offer connectivity. Digital devices can be connected to the Sharp Aquos through High Definition Multimedia Interface, Digital Video Interface, and HD component inputs.

New Moon-Official Movie Trailer

2009-06-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

At last I already seen the New Moon Official Movie Trailer. After watching the trailer, I am hooked and it kinda leaves me wanting more. Gosh! i can't wait to see this on big screen. Jacob here is so hot and handsome on his short hair. And it's really cool when he phases. Although the novel greatly reduces Edward's presence, i will be looking forward to the parts of the movie set in Italy because I'm a huge fan of Edward.

I hope that they will follow the story in the book, not like the first movie it's really dissapointing. I'm expecting more on this movie because their will be new characters that will be coming like the Quiluet Wolf Pack, and The Volturi Coven that will give the movie more exiting and spectacular.

Pandora's Comeback

2009-05-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

I often cry at night,
as I see the stars twinkle their celestial shine.
It was ironic to catch their splendid ardor,
as the world crumbles in chaos.

Long-fleeting combats of nation to nation,
disputes for supremacy and power ascend.
Worldwide economy starts to falter,
more poor people are left unfed.

The problem has long been in existence,
it swells malignantly, without us--
knowing it.

Among all of these I see Pandora,
and the box that brought the world misery and
plight.
Her curiosity unleashed disaster and catastrophe,
as hope was left for man to cling on.

Pandora's history repeated itself,
leaving us hoping for a better dawn to rise.
But, we still expect something worse,
to occur and materialize again.

She shouldn't have opened that box.

Butchered in the Name of Peace

2009-05-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

I walked on the street proud of this city.
This city, a symbol of peace and stability,
but in the corners of the city's streets,
young boys die everyday.
They were stabbed, they were shot.
Left in the streets to die or bleed to death.
It's the usual case; all those young boys,
they were vulgar or pretty thieves,
or members of gangs that roamed the strets.
I tried not to care, I tried not to see.
I tried to thi nk they were useless anyway.
Then I saw a mother holding her dead son,
in front of her, a boy, killed with a gun.
"Why did you do this to my son?"
"Why didn't you give him a second chance?"
Yes, his life had gone astray.
But does it take away his rights and dignity?
And I heard from beyond the grave those boys cry.
"Is it because we're poor, that's why due process for us,
does not apply?"
And though I tried not to care, tried not to see.
Those words made me care for them anyway,
I realize those boys belong to the poorest in this
society,
they were pushed in the perphery.
Some of them were pushed to violence by
poverty,
they commited mistakes but they have rights
and dignity.
Even for the sake of curbing criminality,
nobody has the right to take those boys lives
away.
In the eyes of some people they may be a nuisance,
but those boys are still young and they deserve
a second chance.
Why are they butchered in the name of peace?
is killing them the only way to keep the city safe?
And now I can't help but care, I can't help but see,
the pathetic situation of this society.
It's such a shame,
but it was the authorities' failure to adress this
problem.
The people lost their trust in this thing called
"justice system."
It was my, your, our passivity and silent tolerance,
that pulled the trigger in that gun.
Those were the reasons too, why those boys were gone.

And now, I walked on the streets feeling ashamed
of this city...

Ultimately Serendra

2009-04-25T23:49:00.001-07:00

Experience the ultimate in shopping, dining, entertainment and living at Serendra in Fort Bonifacio High Street. From the carefully chosen boutiques, to the beautiful ambiance, every care has been taken to surround you with luxury.

Serendra offers fashionable boutiques and a variety of naturally, and international known one-of-a-kind retailers. This upscale retail offering has made Fort Bonifacio, one of Metro Manila's most desirable shopping destinations.

Surrounded by the heart and soul of the Metro, Serendra lets you feel only the best in entertainment just outside your front door as well as natural, cultural and historical wonders, all within walking distance. When in Serendra, one will definitley enjoy the open promenade shopping that this place has to offer.

Greenbelt 5

2009-04-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

A world within a world, that's how Greenbelt 5 emerges in the land of malls in the Philippines. This utopia is a shopper's paradise that offers the best of Phil., retail housed in one building that is designed for dining, relaxing and retail therapy.

Surrounded by the beautiful landscaped gardens, this place incorporates what other shopping malls lack, breathing space. Greenbelt 5 transforms from a day soiree to an elegant evening rendezvous. One doesn't have to enjoy the best of both worlds.

One doesn't need to shop in order experience Greenbelt 5, be there, walk at your leisure and discover the magic that the place has to offer.

Personally Shaped ForMe's summer offerings!

2009-04-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

ForMe highlights pieces that flirt between bohemian whimsy and effortless sophistication. The collection marries a play of florals and eclectic prints with romantic, relaxed silhouettes in rich, warm, earthy tones. Perfect for the fun and carefree spirit!

Being a brand for real women, ForMe manages to weave this season's elements into silhouettes that flatter different body shapes: the Rectangle, the Triangle, the Inverted Triangle and the Hourglass. ForMe's summer collection is a mix of wardrobe essentials and season's must-haves, with each piece designed to flaunt assets of real women and keep their flaws low profile.

This summer, stay laidback with casual day tops in punchy colors, pretty up with feminine, empire dresses or go for subtle drama with tiered maxi dresses.

La Taverna

2009-04-25T00:18:00.000-07:00

Good wine, Champagne, ambience, cool music, or cigar? La Taverna will surely captivate you with its interiors and wide selection of imporeted wines and beers. The place is conducive to intimate talks, setting the tone for a memorable evening.

Sky Experience

2009-04-25T00:11:00.000-07:00

If the beach and the sun is not your thing, then Crown Regency Hotel and Tower Sky experience is the right pne for you. This heart pounding, gravity defying ride and skywalk will truly make even the most poker of faces be animated. So go on and take the ride of a lifetime.

Eco-Friendly Designs

2009-04-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Umbra is proud to introduce a wide range of eco-friendly products. While maintaining a great sense of style, these items do their part to better the environment.

"We produce products that have a direct impact on the lives of our customers, our society and the environment we live in," says the designer David Quan.

With this mind, they have established a new destination of "good designs." This approach incorporates a positive and sustainable contribution to the realm of fiscal, social and environmental responsibility. They have developed eco-friendly products and packaging within a number of categories including cans, frames, office, drapery and bath.

The iconic GARBINO can in black and green is now made of recycled materials and the majority of our cans are degradable. Once in the landfill, the plastic will break down causing less harm to the environment. Their entire GARBINI line has been revamped into corn plastic, a compostable and renewable resource.

Numerous changes are in the works within packaging. The plan includes eliminating PVC and replacing Styrofoam with corrugate inserts.

Over the years, Umbra has designed products with sustainability in mind. They have taken the "reuse" mentality and adopted new approach that includes sustainable items like corn and plantation grown wood. Their new line of eco-friendly products promote their objective to provide contemporary, casual and affordable products that foster a haelthy environment.

Ultimate Frisbee

2009-04-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Frisbee is inexpensive fun and one of the best ways to foster camaraderie amongst new acquaintances . Gather your friends and practice that catch an d throw.

2009-04-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Even at the beach, it's not an excuse to have a dreary bag. Women, even in their skimpiest clothes need to have their bling and accessories. Baggets at station 2 offers a wide array of bags from every gals or gals at heart.

Hungry Monkey

2009-04-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Walking, strutting and making impressions will surely make even the most ardent supporter of the south beach diet hungry. Don't fret, you can always say it's your cheat day. Hungry Monkey burgers will make you want more.

American Eagle's customizable flip-flops.

2009-03-16T02:55:00.000-07:00

Get summer started on the right foot with American Eagle's customizable flip-flops.

Flip-flops are made for lazy summer days. But that doesn't mean the simple slip-ons should fall short on style. American Eagle's online customization bar lets you give a standard pair a jolt of personality. With 99 possible color combinations to choose from, you can be sure your rubber-soled master-pieces won't flop at the pool. the price for creative freedom? Fifteen dollars a pop.

Business Credit

2009-03-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Want to start a small business but don't have enough capital to start?
Starting your own business is not easy. You have to produced a lot of money to obtain the capital you need to get to the top. Most of the people right now that want to start a small business is looking for a Business Financing company to back them up.

If you are looking to build your Business Credit so that you can obtain the most Financing possible for your Business, BusinessCreditMagic.com is the best option I found when I did my research. They offer up to $250,000 in Unsecured Business Credit with NO Personal Guarantees. They don't even need your Social Security. Their Business Credit Programs are the most Complete and Intensive you will find anywhere.

The sister company of the BusinessCreditMagic.com which is the EZUnsecured.com is the company that you can also trust. They specializes in Business Loans and Personal Loans with No Collateral, No Tax Returns, No business plans, No headaches, and EZ DOC to $10 Million. They are GOOD at what they do but they are NOT cheap. Get ready to break out your wallet and pay around 10% as a Success Fee on the Financing they obtain for you.

Economics in Gaming

2009-03-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

It used to be so simple. One would buy a number of inexpensive computers with specifications just about good enough to play last generation's games, rent a space to put the computers in, then sit back and watch the profits roll in. The undeniable appeal of these online time waters would almost always guarantee people playing for hours on end in one's shop while continuously immersing themselves in their games with each passing day.

Then something happened. Some time in the past few years, the whole climate of local online play changed dramatically. Maybe it was market saturation, maybe people just got tired of the whole thing, but the result was the same - players just stopped playing. Or to be more precise, stopped investing as much of their time ans money as they used to. This resulted in a number if big changes. First, online game providers started losing money. players stopped utilizing the play-to-play model (paying a monthly fee for game access) and instead started playing more casual games that didn't require as much time commitment, or moved to consoles, which themselves are having a renaissance of excellent games. Second, internet cafes who relied on players investing heaps of their time playing online from their shops started losing customers, whom instead are opting for LAN gaming, something not all cafes were prepared for due to the lack of system requirements to lay more modern games. Anew model was born from the period of change, something industry journalists call "microtransactions." The old model of asking players to pay money to play their games morphed into the offering of game access for free, with players instead paying for in-game benefits like better character customization or improved equipment and items. This model that started with only few providers rapidly spread to the rest, and as of today very few games, both local and international, can still survive on the old one. The ramifications for the cafe industry were also significant, with shops closing left and right, unable to cope with this change and unable to adapt the old mindset to reacquire their customers.

So what's a poor internet cafe operator to do? I say get to know your customers, and see what they're interested in. One can't just assume that people will play what you offer anymore. Understand the new model, and see how you can change your business to take advantage of it. And, finally, learn to adapt, for if anything, gamers are a fickle bunch, and things just aren't that simple anymore.

PC Gamer Podcast

2009-03-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

It's a podcast. About PC games. What more do you need? Though not my first choice for editorial opinion and community input (I have never heard of more boring phone-in calls, in Any podcast), it's still one of the few PC gaming-focused podcasts I've come across that covers the big news quite decently. I'm willing to put up with nearly falling asleep every two minutes just to make sure I have the major PC gaming news and titles covered.

Kotaku

2009-03-01T18:05:00.000-08:00

If you were to bookmark just one website to cover all essentials in the gaming industry, Kotaku would be it. Seriously, not only do these guys cover all the significant mainstream news as they happen, but they also post all the interesting pieces everyone else doesn't, like rumors, politics, sales figures, industry figurehead interviews/speculation, and even choice adult gamer fare (search "maximum risky" or "hot tears of shame" to see what I mean). Come to think of it, Kotaku is the only gaming website I go out of my way to visit daily, and if you consider yourself any sort of gamer, you should too.

1UP Yours

2009-03-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

I go to the PC Gamer Podcast for the content, but stay at 1UP Yours for the editorial. The best part of this podcast's usual panel is that they throw out the family-friendly iTunes "clean" tag and go all-out in discussing the games industry's many facet's. That's right folks, be prepared to have the F-bomb drop every so often. Honestly though, it's quite refreshing to hear it come out in such emphatic and articulate discourse. Excessively detailed, opinionated, and always entertaining.

TWILIGHT SAGA (TWILIGHT, NEW MOON, ECLIPSE, BREAKING DAWN) FREE DOWNLOAD EBOOKS

2008-12-23T03:17:00.000-08:00

Enjoy Reading...;)

Twilight-http://www.ziddu.com/download/2724505/StephenieMeyer-Twilight.pdf.html

New Moon-http://www.ziddu.com/download/2724504/StephenieMeyer-NewMoon.pdf.html

Eclipse-http://www.ziddu.com/download/2724538/StephenieMeyer-Eclipse.pdf.html

Breaking Down-http://www.ziddu.com/download/2724769/StephenieMeyer-BreakingDawn.pdf.html

Don't Be a Crash Test Dummy

2008-10-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Your head is throbbing, your heart's racing, your car's a mess. Not a situation conducive to clear thinking, but after an accident, you need to keep your wits about you.

Safety first. Take a deep breath and calm yourself. Next, turn off your engine (to avoid a fire if there's a fuel leak), apply the hand brake, and put on your flashes. Then do a quick physical. Can you move without pain? Are you bleeding? If you're hurt, call the emergency help line. If you don't have a mobile phone, ask passerby to call.

Check to see if other passengers are hurt. If they are, don't move them unless there's an immediate danger.

Move out of danger. If there are no injuries and both cars are driveable, the vehicles should be moved to the shoulder, a side street or car park.

When to call police. Drivers should call if anyone is injured, if there's damage to property or if a driver suspects a criminal offence (impared driving, for example)

Don't get taken by a tow. A few shady tow-truck operators prey on shaken motorists, referring them to second-rate body shops for kickbacks. Others charge astronomical towing and storage fees. Don't agree to a tow unless you know all the charges.

Stick to the basics. Before you leave, get as much information as possible. Even if the crash seems clear-cut, try to get the names and telephone numbers of witnesses.

Better Than Its Bite

2008-09-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

Australia is home to the world's ten most deadly snakes. A bite from any one of them can kill you but some day their venom may be saving lives.

Promising cancer research using snake venom has led scientists at the University of South Australia to wonder why no one had turned their attention to the venom of Australian snakes, especially since they are known to contain a complex cocktail of toxins.

Now Associate Professor Anthony Woods and colleagues have identified a compound found in the venom of these snakes (they won't say which) that may stop the growth of malignant tumors. Woods explains that tumors are living tissue and need a blood supply to fuel growth. To do so, tumors develop specialized blood vessels. Many cutting-edge cancer treatments attempt to starve the tumor of this blood supply, so arresting growth. The downside, however, of current therapies such as chemotherapy is that healthy cells are affected as well. But not so with the Australian snake venom. Woods discovered that, used at extremely low doses, the venomous compound kills the cells that line blood vessels in tumors, but not healthy cells.

Scientists believe that the ability to use the toxin at such a low dose makes it promising as a cancer treatment. However, more research is needed before it can be tested in humans.

Karaoke Therapy

2008-09-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Ever since the first karaoke bar appeared in Kobe, Japan, in the 1960s, salary men have understood the calming effects of singing (actually badly) along to a bouncing ball. Only recently, however, have researchers begun to explore karaoke's therapeutic benefits.

"Even the shy and socially inhibited, like many Chinese and Japanese, become less restrained when singing karaoke," says Dr Authur Dun-ping Mak, a psychiatrist at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong. The hospital's psychiatric department has been using karaoke as a therapy since 1990, and Mak says the combination of images and singing helps people focus on positive thoughts.

Mak has found that karaoke allows people to relax by vocalizing their pent-up grievances through the lyrics of popular songs. People can identify with the characters and moods pictured on the screen while projecting their own feelings through their performance. "Karaoke tends to bolster stage image, decrease stage anxiety and encourage social interactions," Mak says.

Go Home Earlier

2008-09-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

The pressure to work longer hours never seems to end. "Companies would take 24 hours a day if they could," says Laura Stack, author of Leave the Office Earlier. Some tricks to reclaim your life:

Nix last-minute interruptions Close your door ten minutes before quitting, so co-workers with "emergencies" won't drop by. Cubicle bound? Turn on voice mail and put your bag and coat in a visible spot.

Map out tomorrow Before you leave, prioritize the next day. Plan important tasks for morning so you won't buy yourself a late night.

Schedule personal time Block out "appointments" with your family, your gym or yourself. If someone asks to meet at six o'clock, you can honestly say you're booked.

Minimize meeting time If only part of a meeting is relevant to you, arrange to go first. Say you have another appointment you couldn't reschedule or a pressing deadline.

For Skin Like a Peach

2008-09-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

If you're keen to look after your face but blanch at the cost of skincare products, you can make cleansers, toners and nourishers from fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs, says herbalist Pierre Jean Cousin, author of Natural Recipes for Perfect Skin. Many fruits have a nourishing, revitalising and astringent action. Some vegetables fight inflammation and contain vitamin A. Here are some recipes to try:

Cucumber cleanser Peel, seed, puree and sieve one-quarter of a small cucumber. Stir two tablespoons of honey into two tablespoons of the juice and add a tablespoon of full-fat milk. Apply to the face and neck for 20 minutes, then wash off with bottled water.

Banana face mask Mash a small banana and stir in two tablespoons of fresh double cream , one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of potato flour. Apply for 30 minutes and then rinse off.

Lemon toning mask Beat one egg white until stiff, then fold in the juice of half a lemon. Apply to the face for 20 minutes, then wash off.

Online Cancer Info

2008-09-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Not all websites are reliable. British researchers reviewed 32 alternative medicine sites for cancer patients, and found that 22% promoted a product, 16% discouraged conventional treatment and 3% advocated ignoring doctors' advice. To surf smarter:

Be sceptical Any claims should be backed by studies in respected medical journals, says Dr Ted Gansler of the American Cancer Society.

Double-Check If you read about a treatment on one site, see what other sites say. There should be consensus.

Consider the source Some nonprofit groups, universities and government agencies have updates on alternative treatments and clinical trials.

Sneaky Signs of Diabetes

2008-09-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be tricky, which helps explain why millions of people have the disease but don't know it. You may know the classic symptoms of fatigue, recurrent infections and frequent urination.

Lesser known signs:

Bad Breath (a smell like nail polish remover) Excess sugar in saliva prompts bacteria growth, which help create foul-smelling gases.

Swollen gums Increased bacteria can lead to inflammation and bleeding.

Blurred vision Sugar in the lens of the eye makes it swell and refract light improperly.

Frequent thirst in an effort to eliminate sugar, the body demands plenty of fluids.

If you have two or more symptoms, and any other risk factors (being over age 40 or overweight; having a family history of diabetes; having high blood pressure or cholesterol), see your doctor.

Don't Mix Your Meds

2008-09-05T07:32:00.001-07:00

You took your medicine an hour ago. Is it safe to take a motion sickness tablet now? DrugDigest.org can tell you. The Interaction Checker database has more than 5000 over-the-counter drugs, supplements and prescriptions. Pick your pills from the list to get information on 11,500 possible interactions, plus any known problems with food and alcohol. Mix ginko biloba and aspirin, for instance, and you can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Experts at the American Pharmacists Association say the site is safe and has good info, but warn not to a doctor or pharmacist.