Vital Facts About Flu

Did you know that flu poses a high risk for people with health conditions?

Here are the facts:

1. If you have a heart condition, you need a flu shot every year. Each shot changes every year to fight different types of viruses.
2. Instead of spray or mist, get the flu shot.
3. Flu can be fatal. More than 35,000 people in the US die every year because of flu.
4. People can still have flu virus and can contaminate others for up to 4 days without the symptoms. They can further spread it for another 3-4 days after the symptoms start.
5. The health risks of the flu shot are much lower than the risks of getting the flu when you have health problems.
   

Learn The Facts About Sleep Apnea

Do you get enough sleep but feeling still tired? Do you snore loud? If so, then you may have sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common type and this is caused by collapsing of the soft tissue at the back of the throat during sleep and stops the air flow into the lungs. Breathing can stop for more than 10 seconds at a time while you sleep. Then, when you start breathing again, you may have a loud choking sound.
Most overweight people or have high blood pressure have sleep apnea.
Treatment and management is important. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems such as higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
Your doctor may also prescribe something to help keep your airways open while you sleep.

Sleeping Tips:

• Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness because they make your throat muscles relax.
• Try to lose at least 10% of your body weight if you're heavy. It helps.
• Sleep sideways instead of on your back. This will keep your tongue from relaxing into the back of your throat.
  

Health Secrets of the Longest-Lived People On Earth

These people love to walk and exercise. They foster strong family ties, where elders are respected. Their diet consists mostly of simple, satisfying and healthy foods such as breads, noodles, rice, grains topped with generous portions of bok choy, mushrooms, fruits and veggies. They also eat beans, seeds, nuts, fish, eggs and poultry products. When it comes to meat, they only eat a little which they consider a condiment, or at most, a side dish.
The interesting part is that they are fond of the phrase "hara hachi bu", (from Okinawa, Japan) - which means only eating until one is 80% full.
I takes your brain about 20-30 minutes to know that you've had enough to eat.
So, as you enjoy your meal, take a moment to think - "Am I almost full yet?" If so, stop eating. In just a few minutes, you'll probably feel completely satisfied - and happy that you didn't keep eating until you were uncomfortably stuffed.

Onions For Bug Bites!

Did you know that you can stop the stinging of a bee bite or itchy mosquito bite by rubbing it with an onion? Onions have anti-inflammatory powers, and even doctors recommend them for asthma sufferers who want to breathe freely.

Just a short tip, but a big help, don't you think? ;).

Avoid Identity Theft Online

At times, no matter how careful we are and no matter how strong our software protection, it's still possible to be a victim to online thieves.
According to my reads, here are several steps you can take to proactively discover and recover from identity theft.

• Read statements carefully well. - Try to spend a few minutes preusing your credit card and account statement carefully each month. Take the time to follow up on any charges you aren't familiar with. The earlier you catch, the better.
• Check credit reports annually. - There are recent changes to the law requiring credit rating agencies to provide consumers free copies of their credit reports at least once a year. Most often, people don't even know about accounts fraudulently opened in their name until they show up on a credit report or in a collection notice.
• Be aggressive. - Once you confirmed, or when you suspect an identity theft or credit card fraud, don't wait around. Contact your credit card provider or the financial constitution concerned and put the account on hold. Provide all information you can to help the institution in the investigation and demand notifications in writing. Let credit rating agencies know and let them put a fraud alert on your profile as well as making the event less likely to falsely harm your credit scores. Change all your passwords and PINs in case the theft extends beyond the account where it was discovered.
  

Converting Your Multimedia

Have you ever wondered why you can't seem to open video files with the following extensions like TS.BUP, TS.IFO or TS.VOB? These extensions are associated with DVDs and the version of your Windows doesn't include a program that plays them.
You can convert them as windows media format but takes quite a while to encode. If you're not sure what converter to download, a good recommendation is to use VLC. You can find this at videolan.org, - a free player excellent at playing most types of media files.

Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Online

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today, with the power of internet, learning no longer needs to happen in school. Aren't you glad earning a degree online from the comfort of your own home is now much more convenient? No more time hassles catching your class in school by ending up being embarrassed being late! Never under estimate getting a degree online. Actually, there are a lot of benefits you can get by earning your degree online.
How about earning your Master of Arts in Teaching degree from a prestigious research institution with a 100 years of experience in educating teachers?
The University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education is offering MAT (Master The Art of Teaching) through a prestigious online degree program. You can check this program information online to know more about this program offer.
The USC's school of education was ranked #22 in the US and ranked #9 among all private universities according to the US News and World Report. The online learning program is combined with highly interactive learning with field-based experiences. There is also a groundbreaking tuition reimbursement program exclusively for MAT@USC graduates with free lifetime Alumni Association memberships.
Come and gain the opportunity to learn from distinguished USC faculty for their recognized contributions in today's modern education, and be a part of the elite USC Trojan family.
This accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Get a rewarding career by earning this highly respected Master's degree.

TROJAN VIRUS On My Blog?

Yesterday, when I checked this blog, my anti virus software suddenly popped up saying it is virus infected. I suspected I might have clicked some links on my message box that has virus on it thus the reason why my message box is no longer visible. However, I thought it was primarily on the IFramer as it says on my antivirus software, and I thought, it must have been on my layout??? I have this layout for quite a while and perhaps it was the cause. It wasn't an official blogger template, so I suspected it has been hacked with some malicious malware or something...I changed the template with the official blogger template and I noticed my anti virus software didn't pop up anymore.
So, for now, I still have to observe further. I love to have the message box, but for security reasons, I don't want my readers to be annoyed when they see a virus popping on my blog! It's like driving all my readers away.
To those who loves to mess up somebody's blog with virus, I don't understand what good thing can you get for doing it. You're just a pathetic loser!

Know Your Food Healers - 2

(continuation)

• Grapefruit - Another fruit that can prevent cancer. One of the compounds in red grape fruit that gives the fruit its pinkish hue is lycopene. It's also found in tomatoes and sweet red peppers considered to be a "very important", very potent anti oxidant and free radical scavenger, says a nutritionist at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Grapefruit is also an excellent source of limonoids, which is like Vitamin C, have potent anticancer properties.
• Cinnamon - Lowers down cholesterol. Half teaspoon of cinnamon each day could cut your triglycerides and total cholesterol by 12-30% while it boosts your body's ability to store blood sugar.
• Grape juice - Both wine and grapejuice share the same compounds that lower cholesterol, prevent hardening of the arteries, and fight heart disease, but grape juice does all these things without the calories (or the buzz for that matter) of alcohol. So, if there are times when wine wouldn't be appropriate, reach for the grapejuice to get your daily dose of heart protection. A recent study showed that a brand of 100% grapejuice made from Concord grapes had the highest anti oxidant count of all beverages measured.
• Corn - Lose weight with corn for just 83 calories per ear. If you want to lose weight, cut cholesterol and help prevetn cancer, you can have it all in one meal. - Try raw corn! According to a doctor from New Jersey, this is tasty and healthy and almost with no preparation needed, - just husk and wash. Boiling corn removes most of the nutrients in the water but if you must boil it, the water can be used as the base for soup.
  

Know Your Food Healers - 1

Did you know that you can find healing from foods? It's just a matter of which foods are good against certain illnesses or pains. Here are some lists as guides ;). Hope they are of some help for you in any way :).

• Yogurt - Eat more yogurt to avoid colds! Researchers in Sweden have discovered that you can mae yourself 2 1/2 times less likely to catch colds fro now on simply by eating yogurt.
• Cauliflower - this is loaded with nutrients that seem to wage war against a host of diseases, including cancer. It is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for keeping the immune system strong.
• Chocolates - Feeling down? Eat chocolate to lift your spirits. Chocolate is a wonderful mood booster, according to an assistant professor in the science department at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Chocolates give your brain the nutrients it needs to feel happy.
• Carrots - Reduce your risk of cancer by eating carrots. They are one of nature's richest source of beta-carotene, an anti-oxidant compound that fights free radicals, the unstable molecules in the body that contribute to conditions ranging from heart disease and cancer to macular degeneration. Carrots also protect your arteries, your heart, all your organs against disease. Surprisingly, carrots are better for you when eaten cooked instead of raw. It's because they have lot of dietary fiber - more than 2 grams in 1 carrot which traps the beta-carotene from the fiber cells, making it easier for your body to absorb.

(to be continued)

Monetize Your Tweets!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Sponsored Tweets. All opinions are 100% mine.

Paid bloggers, here's the good news from IZEA! They had recently launched a new marketplace called sponsored tweets. Are you a twitter user? If so, this is the chance for you sign up for sponsored tweets. For those newbies who might be still wondering what twitter is all about, you might want to visit and check twitter.com. Twitter is some sort of a real-time short messaging service that functions over multiple networks and devices. Wherever you are, around the world, you can follow those happenings that you feel most relevant to you which you can access via Twitter as it happens, - either from world news or updates from your friends. Cool, don't you think?
Take note that before signing up for sponsored tweets, you need to have a twitter account and of course, signing up is free! After setting your account, you are good to go. One important thing you need to know about sponsored tweets is proper disclosure. This is one way to protect you, your audience and your advertiser. It's easy to join for sponsored tweets, and in order to work, once you're done signing up, all you need to get started is to set your price, choose your offers, and receive your payment. That easy! You can check more information at their FAQ page for this. Even celebrities are joining this program such as Leann Rimes, Kim Kardashian, Bob Vila and Sister Hazel. Also, check their disclosure engine, referral program and API as well. For twitter developers, feel free to use their API in new and unique ways!

Folk Remedies That Works!

Medical modern research studies have discovered that most "folk remedies" still work, such as the following below: It's called the 6-Cherry Remedy for Gout :). If you or your loved one suffers from the excruciating pain of gout, here's the most effective folk remedy that might help.

According to a medical survey, they found out that 67% of patients who tried cherries for gout enjoyed good results, some within 48 to 72 hours, and some within a week, depending on the severity.

Also, a top kinesiologist in Louisville, Kentucky advises that people with gout should quit eating red meats and organ meats, and also drink 2-3 glasses of cherry juice a day. He recommends using pure black-cherry juice diluted with an equal amount of water.

More Cholesterol Please!

Perhaps, you may have heard - it's good to have a low cholesterol level. But did you know that having a higher level of HDL (good cholesterol) can help lower your heart disease risk? High HDL may lower your risk for heart attack, stroke and dying from heart disease.

Bad cholesterol forms a buildup in your arteries called plaque. This plaque can block blood flow, causing heart attacks and strokes.

On the other hand, HDL carries LDL, or "bad" cholesterol from other parts of your body to your liver. It breaks down in your liver and then leaves your body. This helps keep cholesterol from building up in your arteries.

Get a blood test to find out your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Your doctor may suggest more tests if you have some risk factors. besides LDL and HDL levels, your test results will show numbers for triglycerides. These blood fats also clog arteries and boost heart disease risk.

Suggestions:

• Total cholesterol: lower than 200mg/dl
• LDL cholesterol: lower than 100mg/dl
• HDL cholesterol: above 40 mg/dl for men and above 50mg/dl for women.
• Triglycerides: lower than 150mg/dl

Try these tips to increase your HDL:

• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Lose weight if you're overweight.
• Ask your doctor how to make lifestyle changes work for you.
• If lifestyle fixes don't work, you can ask your doctor about HDL-raising medications.
  

Are You Really Covered With Your Health Care? - Part 2

Continuation...

• Follow The Rules. Every major insurance carrier offers many plans, each with distinct rules and requirements. Again, check you Summary Plan Description to make sure you know exactly what yours are because if you don't follow them, it could cost you. For example, you might be covered for an operation in the hospital but you don't realize that one of your attending physicians is not part of your health plan. Then, you'll be paying more than you expected. If you aren't sure whether a particular doctor participates in your health plan, check not only with the insurance company but also with the doctor's billing staff.
• Don't Get Locked Out. under HIPAA, insurers can't deny your complete coverage as long as you switch from one plan to the next within 63 days (more in some states) and your earlier coverage lasted for at least a year. Do what you can to avoid that 63-day gap, for example, by joining your spouse's plan or continuing with your old job's health plan under federal COBRA rules.
• Understand COBRA. (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to continue your group coverage after you leave your job (unless your group is less than 20 people). But you generally have to pay the entire premium, including the portion that your employer used to pay. If you have serious condition, COBRA might be the only coverage you can get. You can usually stay with COBRA for 18 months. It's as well helpful for young adults who "age out" of their parent's plan; they can keep COBRA for up to 3 years.
• Fight Back. You have certain rights under state or federal law to appeal health-plan decisions you think are wrong.
  

To POKER VERTIGO (Whoever you Are!)

There are such people who are rude! There is this person who put a comment on my blog and cursed me so bad! His uncontenment made him bitter....so much! His nickname is pokervertigo! And whoever you are POKERVERTIGO, I don't care. Your stupid comment and curses was automatically rejected anyway! No wonder why that such personality! You are probably suffering from vertigo and you don't know what you're doing. Poor bastard! All I know is that I am doing what I need to do, and I don't have time reading your comment word by word!
And by the way, don't comment if all you have to say is curse!

Are You Really Covered With Your Health Care? - Part 1

You might think you don't have to worry about paying for medical care if you have health insurance. But you would be wrong. There are several ways in how to make the most of your health plan.

• Know What You Have. There is no such thing as a "standard health plan". If you're lucky, your employer insurer will provide you with a handy list of features. If not, check your Summary Plan Description, - that book that you probably got when you first signed up for it.
• Sweat The Details. Remember, insurance isn't for when you're healthy - it's for when you're sick. Check for mental-health coverage...does it include ample counseling visits, inpatient days and substance-abuse treatment? How many days of physical therapy, in case you have stroke? Good "durable medical equipment" coverage can make all the difference for someone who needs a breathing machine or a wheelchair.
• Do The Math. Do a "worst case" calculation of your maximum annual costs. Here's how: Add up the total annual cost of your premium + your plan's annual out-of-pocket cap. If too high, you might want to trade higher premiums for a lower out-of-pocket limit. if you have enough money saved up to cope with an occasional bad year, your trade-off might go the other way.
  

Precious Metals by Monex

The Monex group of companies has gone a long way being America's gold and precious metals investment leader. Having an impressive performance as America's premier precious metal dealer for 40 years must have been a historical pride. No wonder, client investors are still choosing Monex when it comes to precious metal business.

Monex is always proud to offer the best precious metals to its valued customers, with high customer service and satisfaction.

Check their products, - gold bullion, silver, platinum, palladium bullions and coins. You can try checking their live prices online for your guidance and their special offers you shouldn't miss!

Call any Monex Account Representative now at 1-800-444-8317.

Stop Embarassing Flatulence!

You can't hide nor control it. The best thing to do with it is to fight it back. How? To fight back against a gas attack, add a pinch of baking soda to a glass of water and drink it down.

You may also want to forgo fruit at the end of the meal, because it causes fermentation.

It is better to have your fruit first thing in the morning or at least an hour or so after a meal.

Sneakiest Consumer Scams, Beware! - Part 6

Scam#9: "I'm a political refugee. Help me move millions out of my former country into your bank account."

The trick: An unsolicited email offers you "opportunity" to share in a percentage of millions of dollars that a self-proclaimed government official is trying to transfer illegally out of a foreign country in return for bank account numbers or other identifying information from you.

What to do: just say no, even if the players were telling the truth. It would be illegal for you to help expatriate money from a foreign country to the US. and dangerous for you to get involved with the characters who would try it.

Scam#10: "I wouldn't go on vacation without this car repair."

The trick: A dealer or an independent repair shops advertise a service at an unbelievably low price, but the shop finds that added costly parts and service are needed, when they are often not necessary. In some cases, the shop pads your bill with "ghost" parts or labor not actually provided.

What to do: Find a repair shop before you need one; get recommendations from friends. Check the shop's reputation with your local Better Business Bureau or your state/local department of consumer affairs, look for Automotive Service Excellence Certification, AAA approved shop status, etc... Get a written estimate of the parts, labor and cost required for repair.
When having a regular maintenance performed, ask what the shop intends to do and compare that with what's recommended in your owner's manual so that you don't pay for work you don't need. If you're suspicious about a recommended repair, get a second opinion at another shop.

Your Kitchen Makeover Dream Come True!

For all Canadians, you must be all lucky to have this contest about winning your dream kitchen makeover! If you are lucky enough to win the contest, obviously it would no longer be a dream but a dream come true, how's that?
Aren't we glad Maple Leaf Foods is here? Yes, if not for them, this contest would not be possible. For sure many of you are already quite familiar with Maple Leaf, - a leading consumer packaged food company based in Toronto, Canada with operations extending as far as United Kingdom, Mexico, Asia and the United States. And how would you like to get those easy-to-make meal ideas? Start exploring the market on Maple Leaf's website today and get some tips! It's as comfortable as when you're actually visiting the store and doing your shopping. Sounds good, huh?

So, it's time to get your dream come true kitchen makeover from Maple Leaf! They are giving away a $32,000 dream Kitchen, and 12 Frigidaire fridges as a celebration for the launching of their new website.
I am not a Canadian resident, but if ever I am qualified, and is lucky enough to win, I will do the total makeover for my kitchen, LOL!
Visit Mapleleaf.com today, and start joining the contest.

Sneakiest Consumer Scams, Beware! - Part 5

Scam # 8: "We Move U 4 Less."

The trick: A mover provides you a low estimate, then take your household belongings, then holds them until you pay exorbitant and unexpected extra fees. Some schemes involve a moving broker, who takes an initial payment upfront from the consumer, then doesn't arrange shipping by a legitimate licensed trucking company that doesn't expect payment until it delivers the goods; in the end, the legitimate trucker wants payment on delivery to release the goods, but the customer already paid the broker - who's now missing in action!

What to do: Use only an insured mover registered with the Federal Department of Transportation and licensed to transport goods interstate. Check their credentials by calling 202-366-9805 or at fmcsa.dot.gov. Never hire a mover who gives an estimate without visiting your home, and who demands cash before the move, or who shows up on moving day with a rental truck instead of a company-owned and market fleet truck. Check with the company that issued your homeowner's insurance policy to see whether your goods are covered while in transit. If not, don't rely on the mover's minimal insurance coverage.
Buy full-value protection insurance from the moving company or shop for moving insurance through your regular agent.

Sneakiest Consumer Scams, Beware! - Part 4

Scam #6: "You don't need a physical to qualify for this low-cost health insurance."

The trick: An agent offers you a "union" health plan when you're not a union member. They don't require you to pass health standards required by other policies, the rates are low and the benefits are high. Claims might be paid initially, but are delayed and eventually stop.
This scam collects premium from many people as fast as possible, then skips out, leaving the victims with lots of medical bills.

What to do: Agents and insurance plans they sell should be approved by your state insurance department. So, avoid any salesperson that tells you the health insurance is exempted from state insurance laws or the agent doesn't need license. If you want to buy insurance, it's best to contact your state insurance department to make sure the company, agent and policy are properly licensed.

Scam #7: "Investment provides the guaranteed high returns and low risk that seniors like you need."

The trick: A broker promises above-market returns from a safe, low-risk investment to give your retirement savings a kick. Mostly, this scam involves bogus promissory notes, fake certificates of deposit or "prime bank" debentures or letters of credit that don't exist. In some case, seniors will be lured by a free meal at a fancy restaurant at a high pressure seminar designed to sell risky investments such as equity-indexed certificates of deposit that are not FDIC-insured and whose returns depend on stock-market ups and downs.

What to do: Never invest with a broker who finds you; find your own independently. If you're tempted, check the disciplinary record of nASD-registered financial professionals. Monitor your financial advisers, and don't give them the authority to invest your assets without your prior consent. Take note: Higher returns come with more, not less, risk.

Sneakiest Consumer Scams, Beware! - Part 3

Scam #4: "This stock is at 50 cents and it's going to be 5 or 6 bucks this week. Buy now!"

The trick: You get a voice mail about a "hot" stock tip that appears to have been left by someone who intended to call a friend but mistakenly dialed your number. If you act on it, promoters artificially push up the price of thinly traded microcap stocks, which they sell to you high before the bottom drops out, leaving you holding worthless stock.
They call this trick "pump and dump" scam. The FBI estimated that at least $6 billion a year from cheated investors are being stolen.
This spam has lately been showing up as a text messages on cell phones.

What to do: IGNORE unsolicited pitches and "wrong number" tips for any investment. Also, beware of any "friend" who volunteers to help you on the road to riches. If you plan to invest, make a research and purchases on your own initiative.

Scam #5: "Ill Be Back Sometime Soon To Finish Your Roof."

The trick: A fly-by-night operator convinces you to make a big advance payment and might even begin to work. But then, he delays, abandons the job or does poor work. Some contractors push new windows or roofing so that they can arrange a home-equity loan for you, then they abscond with the funds.

What to do: At least get estimates from 3 contractors. Never hire anyone who comes to your home unsolicited, uses high pressure sales tactics, or promises a price too good to be true. Use only licensed contractors and ask for references and proof of liability, workers compensation and property-damage insurance. Reflect the deal in writing and specify the work to be done by the contractor or sub-contractors.

Don't pay large amounts in advance and never make final payments before the work is completed to your satisfaction. Pay either by credit card or check if possible, not by cash.

Sneakiest Consumer Scams, Beware! - Part 2

Scam #3: "There's a problem With Your bank Account".

The trick: You receive a message through phone or email telling you about a "problem" with your account that can be only corrected by giving your Social Security number, account number, or online password to a false email address or website, enabling identity thieves to steal your identity.
there is one recent email "security alert" claiming to be from Bank of America reportedly directed victims to "reconfirm" their account information by leading the victims to a fake Bank of America website and let them enter their online banking ID and password.

Another trick: A local court officer calls to threaten you an arrest because you didn't show up for jury duty, even though you weren't previously notified; The scammer then tells you to straighten things out by providing your name and SSN.
These phishing scams have victimized an estimated 1million PC users and lost about $2.1 billion for 2 years. According to FTC, this type of scam (ID theft) ranks no. 1.

What to do: NEVER respond to an unsolicited request for personal information such as bank accounts even if it appears to be a business you deal with. Try to get the name of the requesting company or agency and hunt down the phone number independently, then initiate the call.

Sneakiest Consumer Scams, Beware! - Part 1

The following scams are considered to be the most common acts of fraud by some unscrupulous people who do any kind of tricks just to rip off consumers!
Actually, some of these are being done online, and I even receive some in the form of emails! Thank goodness, I ignored!

Scam#1": "This car's a cream puff."

The trick: You want a reliable car for a good price, but unscrupulous dealers bait you with advertised low-priced models that are not on the lot, sell rebuilt wrecks and flood-damaged cars without proper damage disclosure, roll back odometers, push overpriced extended-service contracts and unnecessary undercoating, they lowball the value of trade-ins, and add big mark ups that raise the cost of dealer financing.

What to do: Learn the fair deal by checking out car prices in advance. Let your mechanic inspect a prospective used-car purchase, and buy a vehicle history report. Arrange your own financing at a credit union or bank before you shop. Just say no to undercoating and other unneeded add-ons when doing price negotiation.

Scam #2: "You've just won..."

The trick: You get an unsolicited phone call saying you won some valuable prize or foreign lottery. To collect your money, they request you to wire fees to cover insurance, taxes, shipping or handling. Then, you never see your money again or collect any "winnings".

There is a new twist on this long time rip-off using the internet. Scammers use an internet technology known as "spoofing", so they desguise their phone numbers on your caller ID with legitimate federal agency numbers in Washington DC, and claim to be from Federal Trade Commission or an official "national consumer protection" agency.
The real FTC considers this scam as one of the highest on their scam list (rank #3) on its annual top fraud complaints list.

What to do: Real sweepstakes don't require upfront payments. Consider it red flag if a caller requests money. You can help prevent such calls by putting your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or calling 888-382-1222.

A Family Friendly Vacation

Family Friendly Vacation hotels or resorts I think must be one good place to give a good "quality time" as well as good "quantity time" for your family and loved ones.
Why not check Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma Hotels & Resorts and see the things they offer. As the title of this post suggests, it's obviously focused on family oriented activities.
If you have kids, small or teens, they have fabulous kids program that will make them enjoy and have good memories with them when they go back home. Feel free to check on their family highlights as well to familiarize yourself about their services...so many opportunities are being created for both parents/adults and kids.
No wonder, Azul Sensatori has been considered to be a luxurious get-away vacation for many families.
You deserve to have that vacation where everybody is having fun, including you, right? Azure Hotels are always known to be family-friendly which offers various family experiences, kids clubs and parent support services.

Be Nutrition Label Conscious!

Every time you pick up a ca of vegetables or a box of cereal in the store, you'll find a nutrition facts label on the package. You may not think you need to read all those tiny numbers. But taking time to understand them can do your heart a lot of good.

Let your diet be as heart-healthy as possible by being a nutrition label conscious!

Serving Size. Check to see how many servings the package contains. The nutrition numbers on the rest of the label are for a single serving. So if you eat 2 servings, multiply the numbers by 2.

Calories. How many are in 1 serving? If you're trying to lose weight, asking yourself this question can help you manage calories.

Total Fat. A low-fat food contains 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

Saturated fat. This number is key for heart health. Foods with 1 gram or less per serving are considered low in saturated fat.

Trans fat. For healthy arteries, avoid trans fat. Look for foods with 0 grams of trans fat.

Cholesterol. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests keeping your daily total intake to less than 300 mg.

Sodium. Foods with 140 mg. of sodium or less per serving are considered low-sodium foods. According to the AHA, people should eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium every day.

There's more information included on the nutrition labels such as amounts of carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, protein, vitamins and minerals. However, the items given above will have the most impact on your heart.

Get The Ball Rolling On Your Next Workout

Bored with exercise? Stability balls can add a twist to your next stretching or strength-training session. Also known as Swiss balls, inflatable stability balls challenge your muscles by providing an uneven base. They also use your core during strength training. So, they're ideal for exercisers who have low back pain.

Swiss balls come in various sizes. To choose the right one for you, sit on the ball with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Your knees and hips should form 90-degree angles.

Start with these exercises:

• Ball stretch. Lie down over the ball to stretch muscles on the opposite side. For example, lying on your stomach extends your back, while lying on your back stretches abs.

• Swiss-ball superhero. Lie on your stomach over the ball. Slowly raise one arm, then the other, over your head. Then slowly raise each leg 2 - 4 inches off the floor. As you get stronger, try raising the opposite leg and arm at the same time.

• Back stabilization. Lie on your stomach over the ball. "Walk" your hands forward until the ball is under your legs and then "walk" your hands backward to your original position. Next, "walk" your hands forward until the ball is under your legs again and then slowly raise each arm over your head, alternating between your right and left arm. When you're stronger, try to perform push-ups. "Roll" back to the starting position.
  

Remembering 9/11

Where were you during that day? Were you on the scene? Or one of your loved ones were there and didn't make it?

My heart suddenly cried when I was watching on TV that day they played the video while the Twin Towers slowly collapsed burying hundreds of people, while many struggled, running, some helped, and the part where survivors shared their experiences.

I visited the site few months ago, and I could never imagined I was actually standing on the place where many had died. Unto this day, my hearfelt prayers for the victims, and still praying that God's protection be with America.

God bless America!

Generic Drugs

Generic drugs are safe and useful options you can choose over brand-name drugs. In fact, they work the same as brand name drugs and have the same active ingredients.

Generics do differ in one big way which is the cost. Much less expensive than brand-name drugs, and the savings can be large.

Why? When a drug is first made, it's covered by a patent, which protects the company that developed it. When the patent expires, however, other companies can start making and selling that drug, without the cost of research and development. Then, they pass those savings on the consumer.

Quit Smoking Strategies

Are you still smoking? Here are some few tips that might help:

• Cut back slowly. Try gradually eliminating places where you are allowed to puff. That way, you never tell yourself you have to smoke less, you just make it inconvenient.
• Try medication. Antidepressants such as bupropion (Zyban) are almost twice as successfull at quitting as smokers who don't. Just take note of any side effects such as nausea and trouble sleeping.
• Don't let weight worries stop you. Women often fear that they'll pack 10-20 lbs. if they put down the cigarettes, but the fact is, 20% of women who quit don't gain any weight-and those who put on an average of just 5 lbs, accdg. to National Women's Health Information Center.
• Use nicotine replacements like the patch, inhaler or gum. A study at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota found that pairing nicotine replacements with a support program (like telephone quit lines) increased even heavy smokers' odds of quitting successfully.
• Stop at the right time. For women, their menstrual cycle might help. Due to hormonal fluctuations, cravings for food, nicotine or alcohol tend to increase during the 1 to 2 weeks before their period, the reason why women are best able to extinguish a cigarette habit during the 2 weeks after their periods, when feel-good estrogen is on the rise.
  

Know Your Health

Did you know...

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are a leading cause of varicose veins.

Obesity, genetics and prolnged standing also affect the chances of developing varicose veins.

Being a woman makes you more likely to develop varicose veins, but men get them too.

Regular exercise can elp to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins.

Are You Losing Sleep?

Take note women! I've read a fact about a medical finding from sleep specialist Charlene Gamaldo of Johns Hopkins about a sleep apnea research.

Sleep apnea has been mostly focused on men. It may not hold true for women who have commonly cited symptoms such as excessive snoring at night and daytime sleeping and who are more likely to complain about trouble falling and staying asleep.
That means that these women are frequently misdiagnosed and their sleep complaints often blamed on anxiety or insomnia.

According to Dr. Gamaldo, if you experience insomnia-like symptoms, feel irritable during the day and have trouble concentrating, it's worth seeing your doctor to ask about a sleep study.

Kmart is Back with BlueLight Specials!

Hey, Kmart shoppers! You've got to hurry and be sure to check Kmart Bluelight specials! This will be a great chance for you to get big savings while doing your shopping needs at Kmart. The big sale will be good for one day only on August 15, 2009. It's an all-day Saturday affair with lots of special offers on all items from furnitures to grills and jewelries at Bluelight special prices.
The other piece of good news is that both online shoppers and actual store shoppers can avail of these more than 40 Bluelight specials throughout the day.
You can get really affordable school items as well such as kids backpacks for more than half the price! Also, you can purchase two 70 counts notebooks and get one free. Patio furnitures are 70% off and another extra 20% off during bluelight sale, and an American Fare Vita-Water for a dollar!
For jewelry lovers, you'll gonna love Kmart more :)!. Just check on their diamond jewelry items which are 70% off this week plus an extra 10% discount during bluelight specials.
As I've said, this is a big sale for only a day. Hhmmmm...I think I have to check it tonight. I'm driving up to Kmart to see what's in there so I would be ready for the BIG day tomorrow, lol! I am actually 5 minutes away, isn't that great? - Wow!
By the way, don't forget to follow or subscribe to Kmart on Twitter.

Have a Cancer-Free Skin!

Don't you think we should be protective about our skin care? Perhaps, the following recommendations might be of great help courtesy of dermatologists from John Hopskins :).

• Slather sunscreen. - apply liberally and frequently with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Decrease exposure. - avoid long periods under the sun, particularly between 10am and 3pm.

• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. - despite manufacturer's claims, there is no such thing as safe UV radiation!

• Screen your skin. - a strange looking mole or a family history of skin cancer warrants a visit to a dermatologist.

Enjoy the summer!

Powerful Tools for Investors

Are you a stock trader or perhaps an avid options trader and still searching for various ways for a better way of finding stocks that look promising as well as finding the best options?
Then, why not check options screener by PowerOptions? It offers an effective array of tools that help many investors make money. With PowerOptions, it provides you essential data you need to invest with stock options through their options screener tools that help you find the best returns. With the help of their SmartSearchXL options screener technlogy, you can best find, compare, analyze and make money on stock option trading.
You can try and check the system for a free 14-day trial and see it for yourself. Check the site and you can even read about investment articles for free.

Philippines' Ex-President Cory Aquino is Gone!

Yes, to many Filipino people, Cory Aquino maybe gone physically, but her memories will live forever. She finally joined her creator on August 1, '09 (Philippine time) and it was overwhelming to see her supporters, friends, colleagues and families are all there. She was just a sweet mother to many, and I am a witness to that. I was there when the peaceful revolution took place, she became the president.

The past few days, I was touched watching her eulogies and the funeral. I spent some tears infront of the TV, lol!

Her life had been very colorful and full of history, and for sure, she will be a hero to many!

Hubby's Birthday!

Today is hubby's birthday. I have some gifts that I bought for him couple days ago, and he didn't know it! So, I will surprise him tonight! I can't drive yet, so it would be obvious to buy something for him if I would let him drive for me going to the store and buy something for him for a surprise, lol! He's always inquisitive, so I don't wanna run out of words :). So, all I did was to order online!

Well, thank goodness, he loves those shirts! Perfect for summer wear. I also thought of taking him to a nearby community night out just to see small things and a short walk.

So, I will have a date with my birthday boy tonight! ;)

Back To School Give Away!

Charter is getting better and better! Following the successful promotion of their HDTV Sweepstakes, Charter has a new promotion called Laptop-a-Day Sweepstakes and they are giving away laptops daily to lucky winners! Please take note, this new promotion has been extended for two more months! Isn't that cool !? :)
Let's face it, this promo is just perfect for both students as well as business people, who are always on the go. Almost everybody is using computers nowadays and laptops are so helpful since they are mobile and can be carried everywhere!.
Lucky daily winners will get an HP 550 Notebook 15-inch with Window Vista that comes in a Neo Tec Compu Backpack. The contest runs from July 15 - September 15.
Furthermore, you can also win a free gift card ranging in value from $25-$100 with Charter's special online deals! There are dozens of gift cards to choose from, just check the details on the homepage for more options. Many gift cards are from major retailers such as restaurants, clothing, home furnishings and accessories, plus a lot more. By visiting the link, you can check all the complete details..
Don't forget to follow Charter on Facebook , or you can add Charter on Twitter for more updates.
Join and register for free to get the hot deals and cool prizes just in time for school.

Driving Lessons...

This summer, I guess I should be putting myself on the driver's seat in preparation for my DL. It's been long overdue, but I felt this is the only chance and time that I am convenient doing it. Besides, if not the endless trips that I have almost every month, I should have been driving by myself already. Well, if many would think it is just easy to get DL, not in Maryland! They require new drivers to complete 60 hours of actual driving with supervision before you can take the road test to DMV.

Gosh, I hate parallel parking!

Precious Metal Investment

There is nothing much better than this site online where you can find the finest rare coin values in the world but Monaco Rare Coin. You can check the site at zoomcoin.com and find more of what Monaco rare coin offers. Monaco Rare Coin has proven itself as a highly trusted coin dealer for almost forty years. As part of the Monex family of companies, it has helped thousands of investors to invest more than $25 billion in hard asset investments which includes rare coins.

Monaco has an established two-way buy-and-sell market for rare coins and precious metals that you can rely on. You will never have doubts in choosing and putting your investment with this company because of its proven expertise and experience of their highly knowledgeable staff of professionals willing to help you with your needs by which they provide you wide range of investment programs to choose from to fit your budget.

Monaco rare coin continues to give its customers better products, better prices, and the best service...all guaranteed! Don't forget to check their internet specials as well.

Did You Know?

It's always a good thing to at least update ourselves with health facts, don't you think? To think that many people are going careless about their health, I guess it's not a waste of time to at least read and know the basic stats of health.

Did You Know that:

• more than 95 million American experiences some kind of digestive problem?
• more than 10 million are hospitalized each year to treat digestive problems?
• digestive diseases rank 2nd among all causes of disability due to illness in the US?
• annual sales of prescription and over-the-counter drugs for GI problems is about $2.5 billion?

Well, isn't it time to slow down eating unhealthy foods? Watch out for your tummy!

Tips to Avoid Fat When Dining Out

It's a challenge when you are eating in a restaurant compared to when you are at home. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Don't be afraid to ask how dishes are prepared and if they can be made differently. Many restaurants take requests to serve foods the way you like such as asking to have fish grilled without butter or oil.
2. Ask for dressing, sauces and gravy on the side so you can use less. Also, you might wanna ask your server if low-fat-salad dressings are available.
3. Avoid deep fried foods. Go for foods that are broiled, grilled, roasted, steamed, paoched or stir fried instead.
4. If you order poultry or meat, trim off all the visible fat.
5. Eat the same amount of food you would if you were at home. If the restaurant meal includes larger portions, set some of it aside and take it home.
6. Choose pasta with tomato based, rather than cream based, sauces.
7. Order dishes with vegetables as key ingredients.

Have a veggie-delish eating!

What Do You Bring To Life With Charter?

Today's technology has changed a lot of people's living lifestyles. Many people and even business companies, public or private have become so much dependent on the use of today's digital tools. Communication has been a lot more easy and convenient because of digital technology.
Thanks to the communication providers of today such as Charter, the fourth largest cable operator in the United States and considered to be a Fortune 500 company. As many know, Charter Communications offers advanced entertainment and communication services that "bring your home to life."

Here's the good news! If you are a Charter Communications user, - phone, internet or cable, you can now start sharing your own story about how you live your digital life, something like what have these digital tools done to you compared to before when you had nothing. By telling your story, you might be one lucky customer to win some great prizes each week. A 15" laptop or a 52" HDTV will be given to one lucky customer each week who share their story. All you have to do is visit them online at charter.com/yourlife and submit your story with your photos and videos showing how you are using your digital tools. At the end of the promo, Charter will be giving away a package prize of one 52" HFTV, one 15" laptop and a free year of charter bundle subscription which includes digital cable with HD and a DVR, a charter high speed internet and telephone.
Don't forget to catch Charter on Facebook too.
Add your story today!

Migraine, Migraine Go Away!

Migraine can really ruin your day! If you think you have it (like I do), always seek your doctor's help.
If there is a banging, clanging gong between your ears, it could be a migraine. Often, this triggers such certain foods that are to be blamed. These include:

• alcohol
• chocolate
• dairy products
• monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive
• nuts
• pickles
• processed meats

Skipping meals or bright or flickering lights can also spark migraines. Other factors include weather changes and loud noises. Stress is often the leading cause, but so can the letdown after a period of stress, such as the weekend following a hard week of work. Tiredness or changing sleep patterns are other triggers too.

Summer Denims

Most bottom wardrobes that I have are mostly denims. It's probably because denims are ideal for all-season outfit. Another thing is that, I find denims more sturdy and tough against dirts, stains, etc...the reason why I would always wear them for travel.

I'm glad I saw Armani Exchange. I saw their most recent offer "New Premium Denim starting at $98". Well, not bad for a price too! :). Come to think of it. Denims are considered to be highly durable by many, much more if it's an Armani brand! ;). I don't mind the price as long as it's reasonable and worth it.

I like Armani's two of its special edition styles. I would love to wear this cropped sequin skinny fit denim. I usually prefer skinny fit denims for me because it looks better on me when I can wear it either with open sandals or closed boots in the cooler weather.

I also love the Harem Jean because of its trendy style. (capri style too). You see, I love wearing capris too, and I still buy capri jeans with unique designs as well. I think I look good with capri!

And speaking of the low rise design, I still want to choose the A|X Wing Skinny Fit style. It's good and perfect to pair with both sandals and high rise boots.

And here's some more good news for you! You can get te chance to win a pair of denim daily for the month of July by joining their text A|X contest promo. Just text the keyword "DENIM2" to ARMANI (276264). And if you purchase a full price pair of denim from Armani Exchange either online or in any of its store outlets from July 7-19, 2009, you will receive a gift card of $20 off on your next purchase of $100 or more. The card is valid July 30-August 15, 2009.

So, hurry up! Who doesn't want to own an Armani inspired street-chic culture designs? Isn't it nice to have one free being the lucky one? Try your luck.

Suggested Link:
A|X Blog

Tips For Improving Your Memory

Being forgetful lately? Perhaps the following tips can help:

• Choose a spot. If you're forever losing your keys, eyeglasses, etc..., designate a spot to keep them when you're not using them.
• Make a list. It's OK. Even the simple act will help reinforce your memory.
• Talk to Yourself. Saying "I've shut the garage" to yourself after you've done it gives you an extra verbal reminder-in case you forget.
• Visualize. Create a visual image in your mind to make incoming information more memorable.
• Use mnemonics. Mnemonics are memory aids - rhymes and acronyms, for example-that can help you remember lists, name, addresses and so on.
• Get your ZZZs. Studies show that people remember recently learned information if they've had a good night's sleep.
• Get Moving. Keeping up the blood flow to your brain enhances its cognitive functioning.
• Eat for your brain. Hear-healthy foods also protect the brain. Fruits and vegetables, cold-water fish, and nuts such as almonds, pecans an walnuts may help keep your memory strong.
  

Market Communications

There are lots of telecommunication providers today, but Market Communications is worth checking out ;). It is due to the fact that tis company is no ordinary telecommunication provider because it specializes in turn-key solutions such as IP solutions/PBX, high speed data, voice recoding solutions, wireless solutions, and many more.
Market Communications, based its headquarters in New York offers 24x7 full service and provides responsive, timely and cost effective technical support and maintenance alternatives to IPC trading systems.
Most common today being used by many business establishments, public or private is the highly in demand use of wireless solutions. They have wireless Mesh Network solution which avoids the hassles of dealing too much wires. It guarantees the ease of use featuring automatic configurations as well as the firetide mesh network can operate as a virtual switch. Well, it's basically avoiding all the hassles and messes! :).
Come check more of their products and services and see for yourself what fits your needs.

Tips in Returning Items Purchases Online

Purchasing an item online may be simple, easy and convenient, but some shoppers encounter problems when returning the items purchased on the web. The BBB Code of Online Business Practices advises merchants to clearly disclose their return or refund policies on their website including how customers can make returns or exchanges; obtain refunds/credits; or cancel a transaction; and any associated time limitations or fees. If such information is not posted, here are the tips:

• Find out which location to return the items. Does it go back to a mailing address or can you return it to a retail store? If the company's return policy is not listed on the site, call or send an email to request specifics.
• Don't delay. Many sites have time limits for returns. Notify the company by email to let them know that a return is on the way. Put the time and date in the body of your email message and type "return" or "exchange" in the subject line of your email. Print or save the email message and any response you may receive.
• Expect to pay some fees. Companies that have web-only businesses typically charge customers a restocking fee or shipping and handling fee on returned merchandise. If you're a long time customer or purchased the item using the merchant's credit card, mention that fact and ask for a waiver of the fees.
• Keep the original packaging. If you know you don't want the gift, don't open the box or break the manufacturer's seal. If you have already opened the box, make sure you return all parts and packaging materials in the original box.
• Be patient, but persistent. If the merchant ignores your requests or communications, file a complaint online with the BBB.
  

It's a Blu World!

I bet by now, too many are starting to get crazy about BluFrog. Why? You better check out the most recent surprises you can win on the given link. BluFrog is currently conducting a contest called "It's a Blu World" and is giving away five (5) Blu prizes!

The best thing in the contest is that you don't need to purchase anything to join the contest or claim your prize, and neither buying can help you get better chances.

As long as you are a legal resident of the US and is at least eighteen (18) years of age, you are eligible to join. There are three options you can do to join.
First, you can place your comments on their contest page, (the link is provided on the Contest Official Rules page). You can reflect on your comment which experience you want to win and why.

Second, use the twitter to tweet out why BluFrog is better in 140 characters or less. You must include a link (also provided on the official rules page) from your tweet in order to be registered for the contest.

Third, if you are a blogger and loves to write, this is your chance to write a blog post about the contest telling about which experience or prize you want to choose if you won. Take note that each comment, tweet and post counts as one registration. So, you can register up to three times! Cool, isn't it?...and much more exciting :).

You can further check the grand prize on the contest page. Be ready to become a jet setter if you are one lucky guy, because the prize will be trip tickets to the place of your choice. That would be one true awesome fun to do, right?

Have fun with BluFrog! :)

Happy Philippine Independence Day!

I am at least 9,000 miles away from my beloved country, but being in here in America for a little of more than 3 years, I still have a strong patriotic heart for the Philippines. Of course, I still be finding myself going home and visit Philippines from time to time just to lessen my homesickness...ahhh, it's still my strong thinking to remember the time when my country learned to stand on its own...the first time she got freedom, and the sweet taste of it.

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

Tips For Sleeplessness

If you are having episodes more than 3 nights a week for longer than a month, you should see a doctor. But if occasional sleepless night is your problem, Dr. Smith recommends these tips:

• Back off caffeine. Especially watch for the hidden caffeine in so-called energy drinks.

• Avoid alcohol during bedtime. Eventhough it's a sedative, alcohol may make it difficult to stay asleep.
• Stay away from over-the-counter sleep aids. They're counterproductive and can lead to a habit.
• Stick to an exercise routine. But not within an hour or 2 before bedtime.
  

Losing Sleep?

Take note women:

Sleep apnea research has been mostly focused on men. The commonly cited symptoms such as excessive snoring at night and daytime sleepiness may not hold true for women, who are more likely to complain about trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. That means, that these women are frequently misdiagnosed and their sleep complaints often blamed on anxiety or insomnia.

If you experience insomnia like symptoms, feel irritable during the day and have trouble concentrating, it's worth seeing your doctor to ask about a slep study.

You don't have to count sheep!!! Let the experts uncover what's keeping you awake at night.

Phishing - Don't Be A Victim

"Phishing" is a form of social engineering. Phishing attacks use email, malicious web sites or even your telephone to solicit sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. Whether by telephone or online, phishers masquerade as a trustworthy source, such as your employer, your bank or your credit card company. When the target of these scams responds with the requested information, the attacker can use it to gain access to the victim's accounts. When phishing is done online, a victim may be tricked into opening email attachments that contain malicious software or into visiting innocent looking web sites that are designed to put malware on the victim's computer. Malware is a term used to describe a wide variety of software designed to infect your computer and steal your information.

Attackers may employ a highly targeted phishing attack known as "spear phishing". In spear phishing attack, the emails sent to potential victims contain enough personal or organizational information to make them appear legitimate and genuine. These emails target a smaller pool of potential victims and the likelihood of a victim falling for the scam is greater. The attacks are designed to acquire information which will allow the attacker to gain access to other computer systems or even an entire network.

General Precautions:

• DO NOT trust unsolicited emails that ask for personal or sensitive information.
• DO NOT click links in unsolicited email messages.
• Treat ALL email attachments with caution.
• Pay attention to the address of a website. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the address may use a variation in spelling or a different domain.
• NEVER reveal personal or financial information in a response to an email request, no matter who appears to have sent it. Legitimate organizations don't ask for this information via email.
• NEVER reveal personal information, financial information, or information about your computer credentials at work in a response to a telephone call without verifying the legitimacy of the call.
• If you receive an email message that appears to be from a legitimate source but is suspicious, call the person or organization listed in the From line before you respond to the message or open any atached files. Do not use any phone number listed in the email. Call a known legitimate number, such as found in Outlook, the phone book, on your account statements, or on the back of your credit card. Area codes in phishing messages can be misleading. Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund". Because they use internet-based telephony, the area code you call does not necessarily reflect where the scammers really are.
  

Want to Ride Manta?

Have you checked Seaworld's newest attraction yet? This newest ride has just recently been opened this May, so you might wanna check it out! To all Seaworld fans out there, here's another thrilling ride for you! How do you like it to be spinning and gliding and skim and fly like a giant ray once you are on this flying roller coaster ride? Take note, this is considered to be one of its kind in the world.
This head-first, face-down thrill ride is called Manta. Here's the real catch. You can join the manta quiz by checking out the "Participate and Win" section. Just follow the six easy steps of activities and feel free to participate. By doing all the six activities you can get your own "front-of-the-line" pass to Manta at Seaworld in Orlando.
It's learning and fun at the same time, don't you think? By the way, when you complete at least 2 of the Manta site activities, you will earn one complimentary electronic photograph from your Manta ride experience. Of course, completing the six activities will get you straight ahead to "front-of-the-line" pass as mentioned previously.
So, who loves roller coaster rides? Manta is somewhat unique from other roller coaster rides. It's like you're riding with the manta ray...but on steel rails! :). The 32 riders are attached securely to the manta's belly, lying prone and face down. Of course, you will be on a real thrill ride at highway speeds, - flying, gliding, soaring and spinning.

Go, go, go thrill riders!... you're next!

Stress Attack

Physical and emotional stress has yet another downside in its cause-effect arsenal: a faux heart attack, also called broken-heart syndrome. Medical researchers report that people who undergo severe emotional or physical stress have all the symptoms of a heart attack-except it's not.

Those stressors might include the loss of a loved one, for example. Or they might include severe migraines, stroke or asthma flare-ups. The good news is that unlike a real heart attack, a broken heart syndrome attack doesn't have any lasting damage-but it can be just as frightening. What's happening is the sudden release of neurohormones into the bloodstream-up to 20 times what is normal. This basically stuns a person's heart, making it look injured and weak. But within 2 or 3 weeks, the heart is back to normal. That's unlike an authentic heart attack in which damage to the heart is permanent.

It's Show Time! - How To Create Your Backyard Cinema

1. Find a Screen. If you don't happen to have a big white garage, buy blackout cloth from a fabric store. Roll it up after the show.

2. Keep it Simple. Leave most of your indoor system intact by sending the signal off a laptop or portable DVD player.

3. Skimp on Sound. Some empty lot isn't the place to show off those 900-watt cherrywood floor standers. Use powered computer speakers.

4. Prevent trips. Keep cords neatly together and hidden by splitting a garden hose lengthwise and using it as a conduit for cables.

There you go, guys! Enjoy the show :).

When Should You Go To The Emergency Room?

Dr. Lamm says if you have difficulty breathing, chest or upper abdominal pain that persists, fainting, changes in your vision, uncontrolled bleeding from any site, coughing or vomiting of blood, neurological changes such as trouble speaking, or suicidal feelings, it's time to go to your emergency room ASAP!

Shark-Fishing, Anyone?

Gear up! Here are your shark-snaring essentials.

1. Shakespeare Tidewater Bigwater Rod - tested for 130 pounds of weight, this fiberglass fish stick with heavy-duty stainless-steel guides can drag in almost anything that dares to take a bite. Just make sure your guns are pumped or else you'll be in for a frustrating afternoon of tug of war.

2. Mustad Circle Hook - Want to avoid ripping open the stomach of your catch - potentially killing a fish you don't even bring on board? Try a circle hook, which slides out of the shark's stomach and pierces his jaw.

3. Penn Special Senator Reel - To pull aboard a sea monster that's been ruling the deep for thousands of years, use a precision-machined spinner that won't fail you at the last second.

4. Alutecnos The Pro Fighting Harness - If you think those puny appendages you call arms can haul in an eight-foot tiger shark all by themselves, go ahead and try, tough guy! If your rod doesn't get yanked overboard, strap on this back-reinforcing harness to help pull in your prey.

The Best Cure For Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that is stimulated by moisture. Avoid it by not sharing footwear and making sure you don't wear the same shoes every day. Let things dry out. Should you catch it anyway, Lamisil and other over-the-counter products work effectively.

The fungus causes a break in the skin. Scratching introduces bacteria, which can cause cellulitis and require hospitalization.

How To Surround-Sound a Small Apartment

1. Buy a single system. According to Keith Claytor of Klipsch Audio Technologies, mismatching means, "if a plane flies by on your TV, it'll go from sounding like a fighter jet to a Cessna."
2. Place them properly. Try to make a triangle between where you're sitting and the left and right speakers. The center channel should be as close to the TV as possible.
3. Decorate. Adding a carpet or curtains absorbs some sound, so you don't get as many reverberations. Think of it like talking in an empty room-furniture will soften the echo."
4. Don't overdo it. A 6.1 or 7.1 system steers the sound to specific locations in a room. Or you can get a good 5.1 system with bookshelf speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer.
   

Experimental Bionic Peepers Could Lead The Blind. Here's How:

• What's the big idea? - Researchers at USC are testing a potential cure for blindness- a retinal implant that receives real-time images from glasses that have been equipped with a tiny video camera.
• Who stands to benefit? - Volunteers who suffer from diseases like macular degenration and retinitis pigmentosa will have the one-square-millimeter apparatus embedded in the back of the eye.
• How does the system work? - After images are converted into electrical signals via a PDA-size processor worn on a belt, the data is relayed wirelessly to the implant.
• Will the blind really see? - Yep. The device's 60 electrodes stimulate subject's optic nerves which tell the brain what to see. The result? Pictures become visions.
  

How To Clean Your Fresh Shark Catch

1. With a sharp knife, cut behind the top of the head until the spine is severed. Then turn the knife and run it just underneath the spine, toward the anal fin.
2. At the end of the gut cavity, cut downward, stopping behind the anal fin. This should remove the head and guts in one piece, leaving solid shark meat.
3. Peel off the backbone and clean underneath thoroughyl. Remove blood and green spleen from gut cavity. Hack off fins and tail and toss the meat on ice. Yum!

It's now a ready fish fillet! :).

How To Shuffle Poker Chips

1. Pile Up. Start with a stack of 8 chips. Split the chips into 2 stacks of four, and push them together so all the edges of the 2 stacks touch.
2. Get a Grip. Grasp both stacks with one hand, your thumb pressed against one stack, middle and ring fingers against the other. Place your pointer on the thumb stack, near where the 2 piles meet.
3. Hold Tight. With your pointer finger, lift the thumb stack while pushing both stacks together with your thumb, middle, and ring fingers. Now raise your hand straight up, keeping the thumb stack on top.
4. Mix Well. As you lift your hand, the stacks shuffle into each other. Once the chips are in a single alternating stack, push them together, so your money will be tidy when the casino takes it away.
   

When Do You Know You're Drinking Too Much?

Those with mood, anxiety or attention deficit disorders or addictions in their family history are at greater risk. Once you note those factors, take the CAGE questionnaire (have you thought about Cutting down on your drinking, become Annoyed by criticism of your drinking, felt Guilty about your drinking, or had a morning drink as an Eyeopener). If you need hard numbers: "If every time you go out you have 4 or more drinks, and you're going out more than 3 or 4 times a week, you have a problem!

Avoid Turning Your Dog Into Your Worst Enemy!

• Don't Buy a Dud. Ignore that doggy in the window-most pet stores get their canines from "puppy mills" that line-breed unsound animals. Instead, find a breeder who asks a lot of questions. If they want you to sign a contract to spay or neuter, they obviously care about genetics.

• Don't Take Crap. Dogs can't learn after the fact, so unless you catch him in the act, he won't understand why you're shoving his nose into that steaming pool of sloppy ploppy expanding on the living room rug. Also, remember to crate him at night. Dogs are den animals that won't soil where they sleep.

• Don't Be Mean. Expand your program to "lure training" holding treats above his nose to get him to sit and near the floor to get him to lie down. Dogs burn out quickly. 15 minutes of training beats an hourlong session. In other words, wait until you have a kid to push something way too hard.
  

High-Def TV Without Paying A Cable?

You need an HDTV with a built-in digital tuner (or an HD-ready TV and a connected external HD tuner). If your local TV stations transmit a digital signal - go to antennaweb.org and enter your zip code to find out-buy an antenna and view the local high-def NBC, Fox, etc. If your tuner has a built-in QAM support, you can often get unencrypted video-on demand programming ordered by the folks in your service area. Free soft-core...yay!

Cheaper Way To Whiten Teeth

Instead of going to an expensive dentist just to whiten your teeth due to surface stains, why not just check these facts?

Surface stains can be lessened by a whitening toothpaste using a mild abrasive and polishing agents. There may also be deeper discoloration of the enamel, which requires bleaching. Bleaching by a dentist uses a carbamide peroxide gel and can cost over $1,000. Save coin by rinsing with diluted hydrogen peroxide from a half-teaspoon of baking soda and a mashed strawberry. Leave on for five minutes, follow with a normal toothpaste, then rinse.

Your Web Hosting Guide

Any website, whether a business site promoting your products, a blog, a personal homepage, etc. in order to be successful and attract readers and customers depend on your choosing of a good web hosting site. There are so many web hosting sites on the internet today, but if you want to choose what's the best for your website requires a lot of consideration such as choosing an affordable price and the features they offer, disk space, data transfer, etc. It is also of vital importance to read hosting reviews. Reading user's experiences is one best way to gather ideas and opinions. Of course, you need to consider what type of site do you have.
Why not check webhostingchoice.com? Web Hosting Choice is a free research guide for users who are looking for the right web host for their business or personal website. Honestly, I have used this helpful list for my personal homepage and one for our church website, and I am actually using two of the web hosting sites on top 5 of their list! ;)
I can say Web Hosting Choice did a good job in helping me choose the right hosting sites I am currently using right now. They rate the sites according to affordability (price), reliability, uptime and tech support. Another thing is they provide simple presentation on easy to follow sites mostly suitable for either small or for a large business website.
You can even directly get a good list out of their top 10 best Web Hosting Sites on their homepage.

Get Lucky With Charter

These days, you couldn't just imagine how many cable companies have been becoming more expensive in charging their customers and yet, many are not happy with them. HD programming is growing in demand, and cable companies charges and fees are as well sky rocketing...you would even say; - "this is not fun!" Where would you find one that does things the fun way by giving away prizes to its customers (Xboz 360's, hybrid cars, etc.) and yet has an affordable rates it offers to customers as well as creates better customer care services on their products?
I'm talking about Charter Communications, one of today's largest publicly traded cable operator in the US with almost 5 million customers in 27 states. If you need a better cable TV, high speed internet or a telephone service that are convenient for your budget, then Charter Communications might be the one for you.
If you are a new customer that orders this complete package online throughout April, you are automatically entered to win the Charter's sweepstakes upon installation of the service.
The grand prize package includes a 52" LCD flat screen HDTV, a Home Theater System, and a one year free service suscription of Charter Digital Cable with HD Programming. By last year alone, Charter gave away Xbox 360 game systems, laptops and a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid. Who knows? You can be the next lucky winner to drive home your brand new Honda Civic Hybrid! Take note! there will be daily winners that are to be chosen this April, so join today! Get your complete digital transition with Charter Communications!

Smoking Benefits After You Quit

For sure mostly if not all would probably wonder how soon does quitting smoking can benefit them. Here are some facts you need to know before you can say "it's not working" or you are about to give up:

1. Blood Pressure - 20 minutes. According to healthbolt.net, after a few minutes, your blood pressure returns to normal levels.
2. Taste and Smell - 2 days. Keep it up for 48 hours and your senses of smell and taste return, while your risk of having a heart attack begins to decrease.
3. Bronchial Tubes - 3 days. After 72 hours, the bronchial tubes relax and your overall energy levels begin to increase. You can walk up stairs again! :).
4. Heart Disease - 1 year. In 12 months, the probability of having a heart attack drops by half. So, no more of that "I can't watch The Shining because of my heart!" crap.
5. Stroke - 5 years. At this point the likelihood of your brain getting punk'd returns to that of a nonsmoker. (Now you can stop pricing wheelchairs!)
6. Lung Cancer - 10 years. After a decade your odds of a death sentence return to non-smoker status. Five more years and your heart attack risk falls to ordinary levels.
   

HUGE Clearance Sale!

Hey, good news for the shopaholics and all Sears customers. From now until April 18, Sears is offering 75-80% off original prices on fall and winter apparel. So, who doesn't want clearance sale anyway, right? And take note, these are huge savings to get. By next fall and winter seasons, you'll be ready to have something to wear or perhaps save them as gifts next Christmas or for some other occasions to your loved ones. Besides, it is always a good idea to buy clothings in time for the next season, don't you think?
If you haven't checked Sears online yet, it's time for you to start doing it today and start shopping! Don't forget to check their clearance clothing for the family and their top sellers as well. You can eve buy an item for as low as $2.99! You can also check their featured categories for many discounted items. I am even surprised to see petite sizes that are discounted as well that are perfect for me. I am actually looking for shorts and capris for our trip to the Philippines and perfect!...I found a printed capri for a summer attire.

You can find more (all sizes) clearance items at Sears online. This won't last long, so just grab the chance for your big savings.
You can also avail of a $10 coupon when you sign-up for Sears emals. Of course, it's free to sign up, and then you can regularly get updates on your emails on great deals and discounts and to get you started using your $10 in coupons.
Happy shopping!

Neno's Award

Thanks to pinaymama for this tag. I am not fond of doing tags, but I appreciate all those ones that I get, LOL! Anyway, I don't know what it means either, but whatever it meant, I consider it worth sharing. There are certains aims that was posted but I wanted to focus on the question why I love blogging. Here it is:

Why I love blogging?

It's always fulfilling for me to write. It's one way I can express myself better, and I always love to write ever since, and currently, I am enoying it :).