Blogs

Angels help man who was crushed by 10,000 lbs truck axle fall - Bruce Van Natta (CBN)

http://youtu.be/X6jcWZeacMg

Published on 15 Apr 2012
Bruce Van Natta had an injury that 10,000 lbs truck axle fell on him. He saw two angels was holding him at that moment. He had 5 major arteries severed and he was not expected to live more than a few hours. However, God healed him miraculously.

4 Year-Old Boy Describes Heaven Before Tragically Passing Away

http://youtu.be/U5n5I1robuA

Published on 16 Jun 2013
Silas was only 4 years-old when God called him back to heaven. But, before this precious angel when home, he described to his mommy what he thought heaven was like and how excited he was to go. God bless you, angel!

Too hot to sleep? 10 ways to beat the heat

Hot weather can make it hard to get to sleep so if you’re struggling to get your 40 winks as the mercury pushes 30, try our expert tips for a good night – whatever the weather

By Kim Hookem-Smith | Yahoo Lifestyle

The glorious summer days we’ve been enjoying come with a downside – hot, sticky night times that make it impossible to get a good night’s sleep.

And we can’t be the only ones who are getting grumpy and irritable despite the lovely sunshine, after spending the night tossing and turning. So we asked Dave Gibson, sleep expert at London bed makers Warren Evans, for his advice on keeping cool and sleeping soundly. Sleeping in hot weather can be difficult [REX]

“Most scientists agree that, in general, a cool room helps you to get to sleep easier,” Dave explains. “Some suggest that if you are sleeping in temperatures above 24°C, you’re likely to wake up during the night.

“Your body temperature naturally falls during the second stage of sleep, reaching its lowest point about four hours after the onset of sleep, which is why you might start off above the covers but feel the need for them later in the night.”

[Seven ways to sleep better tonight]

[Sleeping in separate beds helps my marriage work]

Dave’s top 10 tips to stay perfectly cool and sleep well:

1. Keep windows and shades completely closed during the day. Most people think that opening them will help circulate air - but actually it has the opposite effect. Keep them closed to help reduce the temperature in the room. Open them at night when the air temperature reduces.

2. Move the air around. If you can afford to, then invest in an air conditioning unit (which can also act as a dehumidifier). If not, get a fan to create a cross-draft. If it’s unbearably hot then add a cold wet sheet between you and the fan or even a bucket of ice in front of the fan to further reduce the temperature.

3. Go to bed cool. If you go to bed feeling hot and bothered you’re less likely to get to sleep easily and more likely to wake during the night. Wear light pyjamas and keep bedding to a minimum [REX]

Have a cool shower before bed. If you are still too hot, try an ice pack (wrapped in a damp towel) on the back of your knees or neck, which is a quick way of cooling your body.

Equally stick your feet in a bucket of cold water before bed or put on a pair of damp socks. Or try putting on a damp a thin sheet to cover you, as they do in the Middle East.

4. Keep bedding light. Get rid of the duvet and choose the lightest sheets possible (cotton and then silk). You want cover that is non-absorbent so they don’t absorb your sweat. If you are sharing a bed then use separate sheets to avoid the extra potential of disturbing each other as you are more likely to toss and turn.

If you go for no sheets at all, keep one at the end of the bed that you can pull on if you wake and are too cold. If you have a foam rubber pillow you may want to swap it out during the summer as it absorbs heat and can get very hot.

5. Get cold feet! Uncover your feet if you are using a sheet, as this will also cool you down

6. Pyjama ban. An obvious one, but rethink what you wear to bed.

http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/video/everything-know-sleep-050000127.html

7. Hydrate. Drink enough water in the day. If you are dehydrated, you are more likely to get a headache/body ache prior to bed. Coffee/tea don’t count as they are diuretics and you need an equal amount of extra water to flush the caffeine they contain through the kidneys. Of course, if you drink tea/coffee too late the caffeine will also keep you awake at night.

8. Limit the noise. Open windows mean that outside noise may be a problem. Earplugs are an obvious solution. Or try putting on some low volume relaxing (unfamiliar if possible) music with no lyrics. Given that fans produce white noise this may be a bonus to block outside noise.

9. Control the light. Use dark, heavy blinds to filter out the light if you are going to sleep before dusk. Also try a neye mask to make sure your regular sleep routine isn’t broken by the long hours of daylight and bright mornings.

Avoid the temptation to stay awake longer in the lighter nights, as routine tends to be the best way (in the modern world of the electric light bulb) of ensuring that you get to sleep easily. Also block off all sources of LED light sources. Switch off or turn them over. Don’t switch on the full light to go to the toilet or if you get up during the night as it wakes you up.

Earplugs may be necessary if open windows make your bedroom noisy [REX]

10. Allergy management. Pollen can be a massive problem in the spring and summer, keeping many of us awake. You can fight the problem using an air purifier and close the windows as soon as possible in the morning to stop the pollen coming in.

Also try showering before bed, including washing your hair, to remove pollen. Anecdotal suggestions are that local honey can help with allergic responses too. (For more hay fever banishing tactics try our guide to beating summer allergies.)

http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/hot-to-sleep-in-summer-hot-weather-heat-102959479.html

Summer mood boosts
Just like the Olympics last year, Wimbledon brought the nation together as we cheered Scotland's Andy Murray on to victory. There's nothing like a sporting event (especially where
... more

Summer mood boosts
Just like the Olympics last year, Wimbledon brought the nation together as we cheered Scotland's Andy Murray on to victory. There's nothing like a sporting event (especially where your side wins) to give you the enthusiasm to sail through summer.

And just because Wimbledon's over for another year, it doesn't have to stop there. As well as The Ashes, The Open and the Tour de France, there's also the London 2012 Anniversary Games to put us all back in that hazy summer Olympic spirit. Grab your friends and find a venue/screen near you.
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DIY Thursday: 10 Creative Upcycled Planters for Earth Day
PAMELA NGUYEN APRIL 4, 2013 1

We’d like to think we have a healthy obsession for planters. Whether you have space for an outdoor garden or have to settle to liven up your indoors, planters provide the necessary versatility. And you can use anything, really, as planters. That’s the best part! Upcycled planters not only bring an eclectic (and colorful) appeal to your garden but also cleverly reuse random household objects you’d otherwise throw away!

We scoured the web for creative and unique ways people have made their own planters. Check out our 10 favorite DIY planters below:

Hanging Rainboot Planters (via Rosy Posy)

You can still use your kids’ rainboots to make these adorable hanging planters once they’ve outgrown them!

Outdoor Cinderblock Planters (via Apartment Therapy)

This simple project hardly needs any instructions, and the supplies are easy to find! These modern planters are great for a small patio and use 12″ cinder blocks.

Colanders as Pots (via Bonnie Plants)

In many ways, colanders were built to be planters – they already have their draining holes built in!

Low Budget Container Gardens (via HGTV)

If your desk is damaged and you’re thinking about throwing it out, consider re-purposing it to make your own garden instead.

DIY Floppy Disk Planters (via Brit + Co)

These floppy disk planters are ideal for any tech geek, us included!

Succulent Book Planter (via HGTV Gardens)

Add new life to your old book by planting a succulent in between pages.

Modern Upcycled Planters (via Somewhere Splendid)

We already found several cool ways people have upcycled their soda cans, but this planter idea seem to have eluded us!

Switch Plate Covers as Desktop Planters (via Apartment Therapy)

It isn’t often that we have to replace our switch plate covers, but this hack could come to good use if you ever think about changing out your current ones.

Tire Planters (via Lemon, Bean and Things)

These stacking tire planters were all assembled and potted for under $80.

Altoids Tin Pocket Garden (via Elizabeth Abernathy)

For a little zen in your life, you can make your own pocket-sized zen garden with an empty Altoids tin.
For more fun DIY crafts and projects, visit our DIY Thursday archive!

Which upcycled planters are you ready to make?

One Of The Weirdest Things Discovered In The Mayan Temples On The Top 10

http://youtu.be/jhenLmAzs6Y
Uploaded on 24 Jan 2011

Can someone come up with a more reasonable explaination?

I think it is what it is..

Darn it! I did it again, I forgot to check my editting..

Oh well, we all make mistakes and it isn't a mistake unless you notice it, and refuse to correct it..

The Ancient Palenque Astronaut

I'm aware, and it is what it is even though it's embarrassing I'll still leave it up to show how easy it is to make a mistake..

Could we have left something out of our history? Seems like a pretty easy thing to do from another point of view. Just saying..

Thanks for watching, leave your comments..

Music By: Santo and Johnny Sleepwalk

Here, check this link to see more...

http://www.pacal.de/palenque_en.html

10 Strange Facts About Dreams

http://youtu.be/ByBdGvh5E08

Benefits of Sustainable Living

10 Ways to Live More Sustainably

What do Natural, DIY bloggers talk about in the car? Usually stuff like this:

“How many simple sustainable living tips can you list? GO!”

It took only a few minutes to come up with this list of 10 ideas; some we’ve covered before, but they’re always worth mentioning again.

If you’re scratching your head about what living a sustainable lifestyle means and why it’s important, consider these manifest advantages.

Using less resources – The ability to be sustained in certain areas of life means that you’re not depleting resources. Whether you’re concerned with saving trees, using less energy, or saving water, sustainable habits will support these (and many more) natural resources.

Eliminating harmful chemicals in your home – When you begin “going green” or learning how to make more of your own products at home, you are reducing the chances that harmful chemicals will be present in things your family uses. Your family’s health is no longer compromised by chemical-laden products and the earth is protected from the disposal of these chemicals.

Saving money – Learning to live sustainably almost always results in savings. Sometimes huge savings! When you are relying more on yourself and less on large companies to provide life’s essentials, the profit-driven middle man is removed from the equation. A more sustainable mindset will also cause you to reconsider purchasing certain products or services you once thought were absolutely necessities.

Simplifying – Sustainability is about checking out the big picture. Do I really need this big house, or could we create a happy home in less square footage? Do I absolutely need a closet full of this season’s latest fashions, or can I be creative with a few wardrobe staples? Do my kids need a room full of toys, or could they survive on one toy chest full? Should we take a trip to the amusement park or spend the time planting our garden? These are questions that quickly come into perspective when your goal is sustainability. You need less, buy less, spend less, and ultimately want less.

Creating less waste – When you purchase less and make more of your own products, far less packaging is used. Have you noticed how companies go so overboard with packaging? Sustainability promotes using what you have until it can’t be used anymore, recycling, and purchasing used.

Increasing personal skills/knowledge – Living sustainably always comes with great lessons. Have you ever researched specific ingredients so you could prepare more healthful food? Or found and followed a great do-it-yourself tutorial? Your personal skills and knowledge base grow each time you take steps in sustainability.

10 Sustainable Living Tips

Compare this list against your curent practices and challenge yourself to tackle one at a time.
We’re depending on YOU to help advance the sustainable revolution.

1. Bring your own water bottle

I’m starting with one of the easiest things you can do to save resources, create less waste, and save money. If you’re still buying bottled water, take a trip to the store and check the oodles of great reusable water bottles on the market. We don’t go ANYWHERE without our BPA free Nalgene water bottles. Get into the habit of treating your reusable water bottle like your purse or your wallet. Make sure it goes to work, school, and around town with you.

2. Use handkerchiefs instead of tissues

I recently wrote about my transition to hankies and caused quite a flurry of controversy. The issue of germs becomes a barrier for some, but can be easily remedied by keeping clean hankies on hand and putting soiled hankies in directly into the laundry or a reusable wet bag to avoid spreading germs. This sustainable practice saves money, uses less resources, and creates less (germy) waste around the house.

3. Bring your own shopping bags

Don’t just take your reusable shopping bags to the grocery store…take them everywhere. Haul them to the Farmer’s Market, the Dollar Store, the hardware store, or even GoodWill. Have you seen the documentary “Bag It,” about the impact plastic bag usage has on the environment and our health?

After watching this documentary, Matt and I won’t even use the little plastic produce bags.

Make a small investment in a few shopping bags and reusable produce bags that will last several years, or better yet, make your own! How do I solve the problem of standing in line at the store and realizing I forgot my bags in the car? I have a set of Chico Bags that stuff into a tiny ball when not in use, and sit in the bottom of my purse so I always have them. Don’t carry a purse? Keep your bags in a place you will see them and remember to take them with you.

4. Reusable cloths instead of paper towel

We used to go through enormous packages of paper towel in our wasteful heyday. Those enormous packages have an equally enormous price tag. And it all gets thrown away! Ugh! Make a switch to reusable cloths…microfiber towels, cotton dishrags, or even old t-shirt squares. Keep a stack of towels in drawers or baskets around the house, making them easily accessible when family members need to clean up a mess. If you can’t commit to eliminating paper towels completely, hide your paper towels (so you’re not as inclined to use them) and see if you can get by without them for MOST things. Read more about using less paper products in your house.

5. BYO to-go containers and silverware

We haven’t actually tried this one yet, but are dying to see the looks on faces when we pull out our own to-go container for leftovers while dining out. Or what about busting out a set of bamboo silverware at an event where plastic is being used? We can’t think of any reason we wouldn’t be allowed to bring our own. It would create so much less waste, and you would have control over the materials your containers and silverware were made from. (I hate when a server puts my hot food into a styrofoam to-go container! Ew!) Trying this experiment might even give onlookers the courage to do the same.

6. Make your own cleaners

Large companies have duped us into believing we need a separate cleaner for every job in the house. Not true! We also don’t need to fill our home with cupboards full of harsh chemical cleaners. Making your own cleaners is so simple and fun we wrote an entire book on the subject. Natural ingredients can be purchased very inexpensively, and can be used for many purposes around the house. Family members with allergies, asthma, or other health conditions can benefit from chemical-free homemade cleaning products. Consider purchasing our book to learn how to make all your own household cleaners.

7. Make your own beauty products

Wouldn’t you love to have complete control over all the ingredients in your personal care products? Starting with a few simple products, like deodorant or shampoo, is a great way to get started if you haven’t dabbled in this sustainable area yet. It’s astonishing that the regulations on cosmetic ingredients still aren’t very stringent. Making your own will help you eliminate harmful ingredients in your products, save money, learn new skills, and simplify your products. Furthermore, if you make your own you can use upcycled containers, eliminating all kinds of waste from packaging.

8. Grow your own food

The more food you can grow, the more you can cook at home and preserve. It cuts down on grocery bills, increases your sustainability, and creates a wonderful sense of accomplishment at harvest time.

Growing your own food doesn’t have to mean becoming a small-scale farm. Grow herbs in the windowsill, or a few of your favorite plants on a balcony or porch.

9. Make your own condiments

A good rule of thumb: if it’s sold in the store, you can make it at home. Yours will be cheaper, made from ingredients you choose, and designed for your tastebuds. Your skills in the kitchen will increase, and your friends will think you’re genius. Get some tips at Nourished Kitchen for some great, healthy condiment recipes.

10. Become a one car family

We finally bit the bullet a few months ago and made the permanent transition from two cars to one.

Now that we both work from home it was a logical choice. Travel may require planning ahead and rearranging schedules, but being a one car family is a great lesson in sustainability. We’re saving gas, eliminating operational costs for another vehicle, and learning to plan ahead and run all our errands during one trip. I know owning one car would be more difficult for some families than others, but sometimes you never know you can do it until you try it. Consider biking, walking, or utilizing public transportation as other sustainable travel habits.

A Sustainable Living Challenge

This conversation is just beginning…

Are you already doing all of these things to live sustainably? If not, we challenge you to choose one (or more) that you can adopt – let us know what it will be.

What ways are you living sustainably that are not mentioned in this article?

The community depends on your input!

http://www.diynatural.com/what-is-sustainable-living/

10 Ways to Use Psychic Energy
By Taryn Gale wind

Color is light. Light is energy. Energy governs everything we do and totally impacts how we feel. Each color of the spectrum has a frequency, and scientists know our brains and body chemistry react to those vibrations. Sensitives and psychics know our chakras react,too,and can be re energized by color.

Let’s look at ten simple ways to use psychic color.

1. Red Is Power. Every politician and corporate mogul knows wearing red when facing an adversary gives you an advantage. The richness and depth of red make you seem and feel like a stronger entity.

2. White, the great protector. White light combines all colors. If you feel anxious or are dealing with fear, close your eyes and surround yourself with a dome of white light. The dome keeps thoughts and energies pure and can protect you as you work through issues.

3. Pink secures wishes. Meditation teacher Shakti Gawain advises using a pink psychic bubble to obtain heart’s desires. Get into your deepest meditation state. Envision your heart’s desire in as much detail as you can. Surround it with a pink bubble – glowing, buoyant. Hold the bubble close for a moment, then let go. Watch it rise, disappearing into the universe. Don’t think of your wish again. Let your psychic energy handle it.

4. Create peace and harmony. Wall and environmental colors have a profound impact on your energy and power. Analyze your home. Make sure you feel centered in each room. If not, using visualization and large color samples, find out which colors strengthen your energy. Make changes.

5. Balance your chakras. In Sanskrit, chakra is wheel of light, so color is important here. In order, color association is: Root chakra – red, second chakra – orange, third – yellow, fourth – green, fifth – blue, sixth – purple, seventh – white. Use those colors in meditation and visualization to balance energy and life force, bringing you closer in tune with your soul and the soul of the universe.

6. Change your mood. Wear bright pink or green to enhance and lift mood if you feel depressed or morose. The reflected light touching your skin and stimulating your eyes will give your brain chemistry a kickstart.

7. Psychics know orange can change relationships and scientists may agree. Use orange to work on your emotional self, or someone else’s. That light frequency seems to be associated with social confidence and outcomes. Orange may create optimism and joyful relationships.

8. Find out what kind of love you need. Take yourself to your magical place of meditation and visualization. As you relax, enclose your body, beginning with your head and working down, with an aura of green light. Green connects you to every positive energy, from peace, to purity, to self knowledge. Inside your green aura, explore the qualities you seek in friends or lovers.

9. Soothe pain/treat illness. A holistic approach can include colored light, psychically or physically produced, as therapy. Long ago, blue was thought to affect pain and illness. Now, it isn’t unlikely to find medical staff wearing blue and clinical settings painted blue. Last year, Chinese doctors had success using blue chemicals to treat back pain. For mild pain or illness, try envisioning blue light healing the area. Consult your medical team for anything beyond the mildest condition.

10. Have an aura reading. Ask your psychic practitioner to conduct a reading, and perhaps a balancing of your aura. You may learn a lot more than your anticipated. Take your lover with you for a great couples’ experience.

Many believe our bodies contain a series of energy fields. When the energy is in balance, the body is healthy. We’ve already established that color is energy, so it’s easy to understand how using psychic color energy can have profound impact on you and your reactions to everything you encounter. Tomorrow, choose your colors carefully and see what happens.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Have a beautiful sunfilled day...Carol Paradis

Hackers reveal 10 PC security mistakes we ALL make
Yahoo! News – Thu, Sep 13, 2012

Anonymous supporters: But we all play into the hands of hackers, by making elementary …No one knows security mistakes better than hackers - because for them, tiny errors in security are the ‘keys’ that allow access to home PCs and office computer systems.

And hackers are clear about one thing. Computer users make mistakes all the time - and often the same ones, over and over again. Two hackers - one ‘ethical hacker’, who tests computer systems by attempting to break into them, and one ex-hacker who now works in security - lay bare the ten errors that crop up most often.

‘People are too trusting,’ says Tom Beale, who has worked as an ‘ethical hacker’ for 10 years, protecting corporate and government systems by finding weaknesses.

‘The human element is always the weak link in the chain. People are very easily distracted - and particular attackers prey on that.’

‘People are just getting more and more stupid,’ says Cal Leeming, an ex-hacker who was convicted for a cyber crime, but now works in computer security.

‘They want their stuff to be protected, but they expect someone else to do it for them. People don’t want to know. Even for companies, computer security isn’t a priority, because it’s not a primary source of income. It’s only once the company’s been hit that they realise, "Oh we should have paid more attention than that".’

1. Don’t use the same username everywhere
‘People often upload photos of themselves to an online library, say,’ says Cal Leeming, a former hacker who works in security at Simplicity Media, ‘But they use a username they use on other sites. They don’t realise that people can use Google to connect them across all the different worlds they visit, and then work out a way in.’

2. Don’t trust public wi-fi
‘When you go on a public wi-fi network you have no way to determine whether it’s a real network run by a reputable company, or a fake run by a spotty guy next to you,’ says Tom Beale of Vigilante Bespoke. 'The problem’s particularly bad on mobile, where you really can’t tell if you’re on a fake network set up to steal your data. If you’re going to use public networks for business, use a laptop, because the browser will warn you of security breaches - your phone won’t.’

3. Be careful about who you friend on Facebook
‘Facebook has been basically forced to implement privacy settings,’ says Cal. ‘But people still get it wrong. They randomly friend other people, not realising they are giving away information that could be useful in a cyber attack - for instance names of pets or family that might be a password or security question.’

4. Don’t trust people you don’t know
‘I always tell people to do an ‘offline test’ - ie would you do the same thing if you were offline? So for instance, if you’re chatting to someone online, and you tell them some information, would you give that information to someone you’d just met in a bar?,’ says Tom. ‘Online, you’re even LESS safe - because you may not be talking to who you think you are. People just seem to lose all concept of reality when they’re on a PC.’

5. Use two-factor passwords when you can
‘People resist this except when they’re made to do it - like by their bank,’ says Tom. ‘But it does add that extra layer. It does offer protection. People accept that their bank will use tokens or keycard readers, but when other sites add it, people resist it - they just want quick access.’

6. Don’t re-use your email password
‘This isn’t going to be a problem that goes away any time soon,’ says Cal. ‘People don’t realise what are the risks of using the same password. If you reuse your email password, you’re handing out the keys to be hacked and breached - giving hackers access to the information they’ll need to hack your bank account and other networks you use. People use simple passwords for convenience - memorising too many is just a pain.’

7. Don’t be fooled by ‘cries for help’
‘Some of the most effective attacks are "cries for help" from friends - sent by email from a compromised machine. It’s incredible how many people respond to that,’ says Tom. ‘If it’s someone who travels a lot, and their email is hacked, it’s more convincing when you get an email saying that they are stranded abroad, and need money. They target people with a scattergun approach, but when they find someone who IS abroad a lot, it’s very effective.’

8. Use antivirus software
‘I can’t see any reason why you wouldn’t run AV software,’ says Tom. ‘It’s not a Holy Grail, but it helps you to deal with most known problems. Browsing without it is like driving without a seatbelt. It’s your first layer of defence, whether you’re using PC, Mac or Android.’

9. Remember that funny videos can be very unfunny
‘Facebook’s system doesn’t filter for malicious links, so they can be very dangerous. Often a ‘video’ link will try to fool people into visiting an infected site or downloading something in the guise of video software or fake antivirus software. Your only defence is to think, ‘Would my friend really post that?’ so be careful about people you only half-know. Facebook and Twitter need to inform users better.’

10. Set everything to auto update
‘Attackers will be actively looking for vulnerabilities - not just in your operating system, but in your browser, in plug-ins such as Flash and Java. Be sure that all of those are up to date,’ says Tom. ‘If you don’t, you are leaving security holes. Most updates don’t add functions, they just fix holes, and if you don’t get them, you still have the holes.’

A Circle of Kindness Started by a 10 Year Old Girl
posted by oneluckylady on Jul 22, 2010

I was shopping at my local supermarket., as I normaly have for years. One particular day, I had done about 2 weeks worth of shopping and was headed toward the register to pay for my groceries. After the cashier had scanned my items and I had bagged them up, she stated that the total was $150.

I reached into my back right pocket to grab the money to pay and noticed that there was no money in there. I started to get nervous. I knew my pocket book was in the car and I was sure I had put the money in my back right pocket. I look at cashier with wet eyes and a confused look not knowing what to do. There were people behind me on the line. She told me to speak with the courtesy counter.

I laughed and said, "Really? It's cash, no one would hand that in!"

I said I would be right back and ran to my truck to get out more money to pay my bill, money that was to be used to pay another bill. I ran back inside and handed money to the cashier. She again prompted me to ask the courtesy desk, "You never know..." she said. I laugh and said "okay".

I decided that there was no harm in checking so I walked up to a women behind the counter and said "I have to ask, did anyone turn in cash by any chance?". She asked "How much?". My face then lit up. "$200 in the form of one hundred dollar bills." I replied. She said, "Actually, yes, someone did!".

I was so surprised! "Who? I want to thank them." She points to a young girl about 10 years old and says, "She did."

I walked over to the mom and hugged her. She said, "It wasn't me, it was my daugther". I said "I know, I wanted thank you both, although she found it ... it's becuase of you that I got this back." I was so happy, I was almost in tears.

The next day at work, a person in another department offered me ticeks to the circus. He handed me 5 tickets. Almost instantly that young girls face popped in my head. After work I went back to the supermarket and stopped at the courtesy counter and asked if they had any idea who that women was? She smiled and said, "Yes, actually I do. She is a friend of mine". Oh good, I was so happy. I asked her to do me a favor and pass along these 5 tickets to her and say thank you from me.

She told me that the family of the little girl who found my money don't have very much so they would really appreciate this. She also said that they have 3 children, so five was the prefect number of tickets! "Wow," I thought.

At first, I had I felt a little wierd bringing those tickets to the store but I am SO glad I did!
Lesson: Never think twice about doing someting nice for someone.

http://www.helpothers.org/story.php?sid

Blissing Out: 10 Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress On-the-Spot

If your hectic lifestyle has got you down, experts say relaxation techniques can bring you back into balance -- some in five minutes or less.

By Jenny Stamos Kovacs
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

The kids need a ride to school, your husband can't find his shorts, your boss has just scheduled an online meeting, and your best friend desperately needs your help -- all at the same time.

Is it any wonder that you can't find a minute for relaxation? In fact, if you're like most women, you may have even forgotten how to relax.

And while experts say that some stress is good for you -- it can sharpen your senses and your mind -- too much stress is bad for your mental and physical health. At the same time, relaxation can do wonders to restore balance in your life -- and may even reduce some of the health risks associated with stress.

WebMD talked to the experts to learn more about relaxation -- and how to attain it. What follows are 10 on-the-spot techniques you can use -- any time and almost anywhere -- to reduce the tension in your life.

1. Meditate

If you're thinking meditation means twisting your body into an uncomfortable position and uttering "oohs" and "omms" for an hour, guess again. Any repetitive action can be a source of meditation, says Herbert Benson, MD, author of The Relaxation Response anddirector emeritus, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. This includes walking, swimming, painting, knitting -- any activity that helps keep your attention calmly in the present moment.

When you catch yourself thinking about your job, your relationship or your lifelong to-do list, experts say to simply let the thought escape, and bring your mind back the repetition of the activity. Try it for just 5 to 10 minutes a day and watch stress levels drop.

2. Picture Yourself Relaxed

Is your mind too talkative to meditate? Try creating a peaceful visualization, or "dreamscape." To start, simply visualize anything that keeps your thoughts away from current tensions. It could be a favorite vacation spot, a fantasy island, that penthouse in New York City -- or something "touchable," like the feel of your favorite silk robe or cozy sweater.

The idea is to take your mind off your stress, and replace it with an image that evokes a sense of calm. The more realistic your daydream -- in terms of colors, sights, sounds; even touch and feel -- the more relaxation you'll experience.

3. Breathe Deeply

Feeling stressed evokes tense, shallow breathing, while calm is associated with relaxed breathing, says Michael Lee, author of Turn Stress into Bliss and founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy in Bristol, Vermont. So to turn tension into relaxation, he says, change the way you breathe.

Try this: Let out a big sigh, dropping your chest, and exhaling through gently pursed lips, says Joan Borysenko, PhD, director of Harvard's Mind-Body Clinical Programs. Now imagine your low belly, or center, as a deep, powerful place. Feel your breath coming and going as your mind stays focused there. Inhale, feeling your entire belly, sides and lower back expand. Exhale, sighing again as you drop your chest, and feeling your belly, back and sides contract. Repeat 10 times, relaxing more fully each time.

4. Look Around You

"Mindfulness is the here-and-now approach to living that makes daily life richer and more meaningful," says Claire Michaels Wheeler, MD, PhD, author of 10 Simple Solutions to Stress. It's approaching life like a child, without passing judgment on what occurs. Mindfulness means focusing on one activity at a time, so forget multi-tasking! Staying in the present-tense can help promote relaxation and provide a buffer against anxiety and depression.

Practice it by focusing on your immediate surroundings. If you're outdoors, enjoy the shape and colors of flowers, hear a bird's call or consider a tree. In the mall, look at the details of a dress in the window, examine a piece of jewelry and focus on how it's made, or window-shop for furniture, checking out every detail of pattern and style. As long as you can keep your mind focused on something in the present, stress will take a back seat.

5. Drink Hot Tea

If you're a coffee-guzzler, consider going green. Coffee raises levels of the notorious stress hormone, cortisol, while green tea offers health and beauty, says Nicholas Perricone, MD, author of 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity.

Chamomile tea is a traditional favorite for calming the mind and reducing stress. And black tea may be a stress-fighter, too, researchers from University College London report. Participants who drank regular black tea displayed lower levels of cortisol, and reported feeling calmer during six weeks of stressful situations than those who drank a placebo with the same amount of caffeine.

6. Show Some Love

Induce the relaxation response by cuddling your pet, giving an unexpected hug to a friend or family member, snuggling with your spouse, or talking to a friend about the good things in your lives, says psychologist Deborah Rozman, PhD, co-author of Transforming Stress. When you do, you'll be reducing your stress levels.

Why? Experts say social interaction helps your brain think better, encouraging you to see new solutions to situations that once seemed impossible, she says. Studies have also shown that physical contact -- like petting your dog or cat -- may actually help lower blood pressure and decrease stress hormones.

7. Try Self-Massage

When your muscles are tense and you've no time to visit a pro, try this simple self-massage technique from Darrin Zeer, author of Lover's Massage and Office Yoga. Relax, and travel straight to Zen-land.
• Place both hands on your shoulders and neck.
• Squeeze with your fingers and palms.
• Rub vigorously, keeping shoulders relaxed.
• Wrap one hand around the other forearm.
• Squeeze the muscles with thumb and fingers.
• Move up and down from your elbow to fingertips and back again.
• Repeat with other arm.

8. Take a Time-Out

Adults need time-outs, too. So when you sense your temper is about to erupt, Jeff Brantley, MD, author of Five Good Minutes In the Evening, suggests finding a quiet place to sit or lie down and put the stressful situation on hold. Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on releasing tension and calming your heartbeat. Quiet your mind and remember: Time is always on your side, so relax. The stress can wait.

9. Try a Musical Detour

Music can calm the heartbeat and soothe the soul, the experts say. So, when the going gets rough, take a musical stress detour by aligning your heartbeat with the slow tempo of a relaxing song. And you might want to make that a classical tune. Research shows that listening to 30 minutes of classical music may produce calming effects equivalent to taking 10 mg of Valium.

10. Take an Attitude Break

Thirty seconds is enough time to shift your heart's rhythm from stressed to relaxed, Rozman says. The way to do that: Engage your heart and your mind in positive thinking. Start by envisioning anything that triggers a positive feeling -- a vision of your child or spouse, the image of your pet, that great piece of jewelry you're saving up to buy, a memento from a vacation -- whatever it is, conjuring up the thought will help slow breathing, relax tense muscles and put a smile on your face. Rozman says that creating a positive emotional attitude can also calm and steady your heart rhythm, contributing to feelings of relaxation and peace.

10 Cancer-Fighting Foods

1. Beans
Beans contain a number of phytochemicals, which have been shown to prevent or slow genetic damage to cells. While this makes beans beneficial for helping to reduce your risk of many types of cancer, specific research has suggested they are especially potent in preventing prostate cancer. As an added bonus, the high fiber content of beans has been connected with a lower risk of digestive cancers.

2. Berries
The two most widely studied cancer-fighting compounds in berries are ellagic acid (richest in strawberries and raspberries) and anthocyanosides (richest in blueberries). Ellagic acid is believed to help prevent skin, bladder, lung, and breast cancers, both by acting as an antioxidant and by slowing the reproduction of cancer cells. The anthocyanosides in blueberries are currently the most powerful antioxidants known to scientists and are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale)

Cruciferous vegetables-like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale-are rich in a variety of compounds that have been shown to slow cancer growth and development in a number of laboratory studies. Other larger human studies have shown that cruciferous vegetables can help to reduce the risk of lung, stomach, colorectal, prostate, and bladder cancers.

4. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Leafy-green vegetables-like romaine lettuce, mustard greens, chicory, and Swiss chard-are rich sources of antioxidants called carotenoids. These compounds scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth. The vegetables are also rich in folate, a vitamin shown to reduce the risk of lung and breast cancer.

5. Flaxseed
Flaxseed in the form of oil and meal contains phytoestrogens believed to reduce the risk of breast, skin, and lung cancer. Research on the potency of flaxseed as an anti-cancer food is still underway.

6. Garlic (including onions, scallions, leeks, and chives)
Garlic contains a number of compounds believed to slow or stop the growth of tumors. One such compound, diallyl disulfide, appears to be especially potent in protecting against skin, colon, and lung cancer, though it is not known exactly how it functions.

7. Grapes
Grapes and wine contain a chemical called resveratrol, which has been shown to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Resveratrol is thought to work by preventing cell damage before it begins. Red and purple grapes are the richest sources of resveratrol.

8. Green Tea (decaf)
Green tea is a rich source of a class of flavonoids known as catechins. Laboratory studies have shown that the catechins present in green tea are able to slow or prevent the development of cancer in colon, liver, breast, and prostate cells.

9. Tomatoes
The anti-cancer compound in tomatoes, lycopene, has been shown to be especially potent in combating prostate cancer. This compound appears to be more easily absorbed if the tomatoes are eaten in cooked form-either as tomato sauce, paste, or juice. In addition to preventing prostate cancer, lycopene may also protect against breast, lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.

10. Whole Grains
Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds, including fiber, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, whole grains can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-cancer-fighting-foods.html?page=2#ixzz0znuJnvpb

10 things to know about the world's first car

When Karl Benz built the first Patent-Motorwagen in 1885 (it was patented in 1886) he probably didn't realise quite the extent to which it would transform the world. So without further ado, here are ten things you might not have known about the progenitor of motoring.

It wasn't the first attempt at an automobile

Inventors were trying to put a 'car' on the road as early as the 18th century. However, all were attempts to automate the horse-drawn carriage, and were largely useless; the Patent-Motorwagen was the first automobile designed from the ground up to be powered by an internal combustion engine.

An American nearly got there first

American inventor George Selden was working on a horseless carriage at about the same time as Benz, filing a patent in 1879. Unfortunately it wasn't until 1895 that his patent for a 'safe, simple, and cheap road-locomotive light in weight, easy to control and possessed of sufficient power to overcome any ordinary inclination' was approved.

It took at least 12 years to develop

By 1873 Benz had developed a working two-stroke engine, and thereafter set about creating a useable carriage to put it in. The Patent-Motorwagen was complete by 1885 and officially unveiled to the public in Mannheim, Germany, on 3 July 1886.

It had a 0.9bhp engine

It was claimed that the first Motorwagen developed a heady 0.66bhp from its single-cylinder gas-powered engine. A later test showed that to be a conservative power figure, however - it actually had a mighty 0.9bhp. Let's put that into perspective: one of the cars on sale in the UK with the lowest power outputs today is the cdi version of the Smart Fortwo, with 54bhp, or 5,900 percent more than the Motorwagen!

The original prototype crashed

Difficult to control using a lever linked to the central front wheel, the 1885 prototype was crashed into a wall during a public demonstration. Fortunately camera phones hadn't been invented yet, so there was no hilarious footage to upload to YouTube.

It was rear-wheel drive

Drifting wasn't too easy with a horse and carriage, but the Patent-Motorwagen was the keen power slider's dream. Its engine powered the rear wheels via two chains linked to the back axle, good for some serious sideways action. Its tyres were solid rubber.

Karl Benz's wife stole one and went for a joyride

The story goes that Benz's wife, Bertha, took Motorwagen number three for a lengthy drive in August 1888 without his permission. With her two sons she drove the car 50-60 miles to her mother's house then returned three days later. The Bertha Benz memorial route between Frankfurt and Baden-Baden celebrates that historic journey.

Early versions couldn't climb hills

It was only after Bertha's trip that a second gear was added to the car, at her request; like an Austin Allegro, early versions couldn't handle even the mildest of inclines.

The first customers had to buy fuel from pharmacies

Of course, there was no network of fuel pumps in place when the Motorwagen first hit the cobblestones. Buyers had to fill up with small bottles of gasoline, at the time a substance used as cleaning fluid and available only from chemists.

Around 25 were sold

In a five-year period between 1888 and 1893, Benz sold 25 Patent-Motorwagens to wealthy pioneers. In 1893 the three-wheeler was replaced by an updated version with four wheels - the luxurious Benz Velo.

Mark Nichol

10 good reasons to chow down on the nation’s favourite food

Nutritionist and curry lover Rachael Anne Hill explains how the much maligned curry can actually be good for your health.…Posted By Rachael Anne Hill


Think of a healthy meal and a curry might be the last thing that springs to mind, but recent research shows that many of the ingredients used within a typical curry can do you the power of good.

1. Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s

Turmeric, one of the spicy ingredients of almost every curry from korma to vindaloo may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s. According to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, a chemical found in the spice called curcumin can reduce the build up of knots in the brain that can cause Alzeihmer’s by as much as 50%. This may help to explain why Alzheimer's affects just 1% of people over the age of 65 living in some Indian villages. Turmeric has also been found to improve memory, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, fight infection and guard against heart attacks.

2. Fewer colds

Paprika, chilli and many other spices commonly found in curries can ward off colds by triggering the body's natural defences to produce extra mucus which traps viruses and soothes inflamed passages. Eating spicy dishes also clears the nostrils and gets rid of that 'bunged-up' feeling, enabling a speedier recovery for sufferers.

3. Better moods

Lean red meat in curries such as beef, pork and lamb not only provide a significant number of B vitamins which are essential for helping the body to release energy from food, but they can also enhance mood and promote a more positive state of mind.

4. Less risk of cancer

Tomato based curries are a great source of lycopene. This extremely powerful antioxidant is far more prevalent in cooked tomatoes than raw ones. Research shows that eating cooked tomatoes three or more times a week can lower the risk of prostate, lung, stomach, pancreas, bowel and breast cancers.

5. Reduced risk of heart disease

Regular consumption of cooked tomatoes also prevents the formation of blood clots, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes by as much as 48%. Many spices, such as curry powder, hot paprika and thyme may also help to cut the risk of heart disease as they contain salicylic acid, a compound that scientists believe may work to stem inflammation in the blood vessels that could otherwise lead to hardening of the arteries.

6. Improved circulation and reduced pain

Ginger, an ingredient commonly used in curries, contains an antioxidant that reacts with free radicals that can cause tissue damage and joint inflammation and so helps to reduce the pain of arthritis. Chilli has also been shown to be a powerful painkiller.

7. Increased metabolic rate

Several clinical research studies have found that an ingredient known as capsaicin found in spices, particularly chilli, can raise the metabolic rate for as long as three hours after a curry.

8. Reduced blood pressure

Coriander, another common ingredient of both Indian and Thai curries, contains high levels of antioxidants that help to lower high blood pressure and prevent the formation of cancer causing free radicals.

9. Increased energy

Lack of energy can be caused by an iron deficiency. This is particularly common in women, with research suggesting that one in four has well below the recommended iron intake. Curries containing red meat such as beef, pork or lamb can be an excellent way of boosting iron intake. A lamb curry can provide up to 50% of the iron a woman needs in a day. Baltis can be particularly high in iron as, during the cooking process, some of the iron from the pans they are cooked in transfers into the food. Other common ingredients of curries such as lentils and spinach are also good sources of iron.

10. A stronger immune system

No curry would be complete without a generous helping of garlic. Research shows that garlic contains allicin which is antibiotic, antifungal and may even be antiviral.

Despite all these wonderful health benefits many curries can contain extremely high fat levels. Here’s how to reduce the fat in your curry whether you’re eating in or out.

Eating in

Use a non-stick pan or fry ingredients in a small amount of water instead of oil.

If you do use oil, measure it with a tablespoon and gradually cut down to half – or even less!

Use tomatoes as bases for sauces instead of cream or coconut. If you do want a creamy tasting curry try using natural or Greek yoghurt instead. To prevent the yoghurt from curdling simply mix in a tablespoon of cornflour.

When cooking meat-based curries, add all the ingredients together without oil, cover and cook slowly, stirring frequently to improve the flavour. The natural fat in the meat will provide enough moisture and fat for cooking – and for taste!

Use the leanest meat you can find. For a quick cooking curry trim off any visible fat and cut into thin strips or mini cubes (approx. 1.25cm(½”)

Add dahls (lentils) to as many dishes as you can. They are filling, rich in protein and fibre, and help keep your blood sugar and cholesterol low.

Increase your fibre intake and cut the fat by using boiled wholegrain rice instead of pilau rice or naan.

Boost your vitamin and mineral intake by using a wide variety of vegetables and fruits such as apple, pineapple and sultanas.

A curry always tastes better the next day so make a day in advance and then let it sit in the fridge.

Eating out

Cut calories by up to 50% by asking for your poppadoms to be grilled or microwaved instead of deep fat fried.

Ask for naan breads to be served without butter on top or have a chapatti instead as they are usually lower in fat. A naan can have double the calories and up to 16 times more fat than a chapatti.

Opt for dahl and vegetable dishes whenever possible as they tend to be lower in fat and higher in fibre.

Choose boiled rice instead of pilau rice which is fried.

Go for tandoori (dry, oven cooked) curries or ones with tomato based sauces instead of high fat cream or coconut varieties such as massalas, passandas or kormas. A chicken tikka massala can have up to twice the number of calories and fat than a tandoori chicken curry.

Keep snack type foods such as bhajis and samosas to a minimum.

Avoid drinking alcohol before ordering. Even a small glass of wine or beer can lower inhibitions, increase appetite and result in over ordering and over eating.