Friday, April 30, 2010

Top Picks

Gulf oil slick expected to hit landfall Friday
http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/n2988487-us-usa-rig-slick/

Big Brother to track your medication compliance with electronic transmitters in pills
http://www.naturalnews.com/028663_health_care_technology.html

Spicy peppers may hold a key to weight loss, scientists say
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/04/capsaicin-hot-peppers-weight-loss.html

An unhealthy lifestyle makes you '12 years older'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7634178/An-unhealthy-lifestyle-makes-you-12-years-older.html

Thursday, April 29, 2010

How To Care For Plant Diseases Naturally

All plants get diseases. Organic farming methods combine the scientific knowledge of ecology, natural pesticides and practices to control these diseases. Concern about applying chemicals and pesticides on plants have sparked a new surge of organic farming methods. It’s cheap and easy to use these methods and good for the environment.


Fungi cause most garden diseases. There are more than 8,000 species of fungal pathogens that inhabit the above ground portion of the plant or are within the soil. Most any fungicide acts as a barrier between the pathogenic agents and the plant tissues and must be applied before new leaves or other susceptible pant parts appear. You can apply fungicides when the first sign of disease appears or when the weather conditions are favorable.

Most diseases infect plants through wounds caused by insects. Some of the best ways to prevent diseases infections is to use products that contain botanicals that kill insects as well as add minerals to prevent diseases. The best method for fighting disease is in preventing it in the first place.

Prevention methods:

* Avoid wet soggy soils, since they favor many root diseases.

* Rotate the crop, to deter the build up of plant specific diseases.

* Use only disease free seeds and transplants

* Maintain good soil tiling and fertility. Maintain a soil ph of 6.5 to 7.0. Lower levels of ph are more acid and disease of pathogens is favored in acidic soils.

* Don’t overcrowd plants. Thinning them out promotes air circulation and prevents humidity.

* Destroy or discard diseased plants or plant parts.

*Keep your garden free of debris that might harbor pathogens and snip off diseased spots as soon as they are noticed. Carry a small bag with you when inspecting your garden to get rid of infected plants of pests.

Generally speaking, if you plant your garden in well-drained soils and amend the soil annually with good quality compost, there will be a high population for beneficial bacteria in that soil. You can also purchase inoculated seeds or inoculate seed yourself. This prevents many pathogenic diseases.

Herbal oil sprays may also be effective against fungal pathogens. Essential oils such as made from basil, fenugreek, cumin, mint, clove and eucalyptus have been known to show success against fungal pathogens.

Soaps have been used for many years in organic farming. A few drops of dish detergent used in a spray bottle with water will protect against some insects. As with any treatment, it is important to test a small area of the plant first.

Oil sprays protect against fungi probably because it helps dispel the water that fungal diseases need to grow. Some oils like petroleum based can build up in your soil with repeated use.

Vegetable oils are biodegradable and should not cause any long-term problem for you garden. Salad and cooking oil are less disruptive to the environment and are readily available.

Baking soda is another not toxic substance that helps control pests and diseases. Mix together 1 ½ tablespoon baking soda,

1-tablespoon vegetable oil,

1-tablespoon dish detergent,

2-gallon water jug

Shake up and spray on plants. Be careful of flowers or blooms, and start with a test area.
Silica and Silicate salts have long used as sprays for organic gardens. These contain the extract of the common plant horsetail and protect against fungal diseases. Be cautioned that when using a silicate salts; they are strong alkaline substances.

Compost tea is a water extract of fermented compost. These teas are full of antibiotics microbial products and are beneficial microbes that compete with pathogens for nutrients. Compost tea can be used as a foliar spray or used undiluted tea on soil and roots. One type of commercial product that makes use of “friendly” microorganisms to fight diseases is Galltrol-A. There are many controls you can apply to fight diseases naturally, but it is advisable not to limit yourself to a single approach. Trying an approach as simple as a row of marigolds in with your vegetables is one such control. The trick is to experiment with what works best for your plants and test small areas first.


By  Renee Rotto

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Top Picks

Working Alone May Be The Key To Better Productivity, New Research Suggests
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220110323.htm

Radiation from CT scans causes 29,000 cancers a year, kills 14,500 Americans
http://www.naturalnews.com/028621_CT_scans_cancer.html

Experts update ash health advice
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8624806.stm

Flouridation may not do much for cavities
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/ontario-fluoride-may-make-minor-difference/article1535873/

Monday, April 26, 2010

Top Picks

15 Percent Of U.S. Employees Work Under Influence Of Alcohol
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/01/060111073900.htm

Most prostate cancers detected by screening aren't dangerous in the first place
http://www.naturalnews.com/028629_prostate_cancer_screening.html

US military warns oil output may dip causing massive shortages by 2015
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/apr/11/peak-oil-production-supply

GE: 7,000 tax returns, $0 U.S. tax bill
http://money.cnn.com/2010/04/16/news/companies/ge_7000_tax_returns/index.htm

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Top Picks

Drink A Day May Delay Dementia, Study Suggests
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070521162201.htm

Big Brother doctors say patients don't need to see their imaging test results
http://www.naturalnews.com/028630_medical_imaging_test_results.html

FBI launch investigation as shocking footage of police beating a student provokes outrage across the U.S.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1266003/FBI-launch-investigation-shocking-footage-police-beating-student-provokes-outrage-United-States.html

Obama: U.S. must learn lessons of financial crisis
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63L1DN20100422

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Top Picks

Being Naughty or Nice May Boost Willpower, Physical Endurance
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100419151114.htm

Cannot See the Forest through the GMO Trees (Opinion)
http://www.naturalnews.com/028618_GMOs_foods.html

One third of Americans say own govt a threat: Poll
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100419/ts_alt_afp/uspoliticsgovernmentpoll_20100419143605

Time’s Klein: Beck, Palin Potentially Committing Sedition against U.S. Government; Heilemann Adds Limbaugh
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2010/04/18/time-s-klein-beck-palin-potentially-committing-sedition-against-u-s-gover

Friday, April 23, 2010

Flower Arrangement

The art of flower arranging originated in Japan and was called, Ikebana, which mean ‘flowers kept alive’. The floral arrangement not only adds beauty and ambiance to your home, it is an expression of living nature. If you love flowers, you can easily create beautiful flower arrangements that express the multicolor blooms of nature and awaken the artist within.


You can make a floral arrangement from silk flowers, dried flowers or fresh flowers. Whatever type of flowers you choose will depend on where you intend to use them and your own personal preferences. Although silk flowers may be more durable, and dried flowers may last longer than fresh, nothing brings nature indoors like a fresh flower arrangements.

Selecting Flowers

Whether you grow you own, gather flowers from your nature walk or purchase a bouquet; choose flowers that are full of life. Look for flowers that are free insects and disease and have unbroken, clean stems. You will want to find flowers that have some buds that have not opened yet and flowers that remain firm when shaken. Select several colors you feel go with your décor or complement each other. It sometimes helps to look at a color wheel to find the opposite colors to provide contrast. For example, yellow is opposite of purple on the color wheel and look terrific together in an arrangement.

Extending Their Life

Since flowers are composed of 90% water, a continued water supply is imperative to the longevity of the flower. Water keeps flowers firm and fresh. To facilitate the maximum amount of water and nutrients trim stems on a bias angle while under running water. The temperature of the water you keep your flower arrangement in will also affect it longevity. Cold water tends to slow down development and adds to longevity.

Cut flowers require nutrients and floral preservatives to prolong their lives as well ingredients that inhabit the growth of bacteria. You can purchase floral preservatives or purchase green floral foam, which also contains preservatives that extend the flowers lives. Using floral foam is simple. Simply soak for five minutes and cut off a piece to fit close to the lip of your container.

Green floral foam also helps flowers stay put, however for additional support florist’s tape may also be necessary. Use florist’s tape to secure floral foam to the bottom of you container, running it up the sides inside the container. Finish securing the floral foam with an x on the top of the foam, which ends run over to the bottom of the container. You can also make a grid at the top of the container with florist’s tape. If you prefer, you can make a grid near the lip on the container with a piece of fashioned chicken wire. This will secure flowers to the their arranged position at the top as well as the bottom.

Containers

There are many types of containers to choose from. Almost any container can become a flower arrangement container. Anything from the traditional vase to the cookie jar will suffice. Consider where you will put your arrangement and the height and width of the arrangement. Containers need to be free of bacteria. Scrub with a mild solution of bleach water before and after each use.

Traditional Flower Arrangements

Vertical design use tall narrow containers. The distinctive thrust of the plant is vertical with only a few focal lines leading in other directions. Utilize plants such as cattails, gladiolus, iris, or delphinium. Place the focal material in place at the lip of the container and slightly above. Fill in around the lip with filler flowers and small leaves, like ivy.

Crescent arrangements are a segment of a circle that may resemble a new moon. Insert the focal flowers close to the low curve to achieve depth and balance. An asymmetrically balanced crescent is more appealing than symmetrical crescents.

Horizontal arrangements are usually used for centerpieces or long tables. Use a shallow container and position sprigs of line flowers to establish length. Insert your flowers in the middle so they droop over the contain lip. Taller horizontal arrangements may need a rectangular container. With tall horizontal arrangements, insert filler floral in the middle with the focal flowers at the bottom. Taller horizontal arrangements are made interesting by stacking the flowers and foliage by height from back to front, or tall to shorter.

Triangular arrangements can be equally balanced on each side or asymmetrical. The stem should radiate from the center and extend to outer edges. Place your smaller flowers and foliage along this focal line to reveal the extended edges. Use your deep colored or bright blooms near the center or slightly below to provide a focal point and add stability. With an asymmetrical triangle, you can design to the left or the right of the axis with either bare branches or a few flowers and leaves.

Oval arrangements look good from all sides. When designing these, try using a lazy Susan to turn you arrangement as you work. Choose your large blooms for the center and smaller flowers around the edges.

Oblique arrangements designs are dependent on dynamic balance. The main line is on an incline as it slants somewhere between the perpendicular to the horizontal. Place the heavier material near the axis, as this adds stability. It’s best to use a short footed or flat container for the oblique design for a good base.

Zigzag arrangements usually use only a small amount of plant material. Flowers arranged the focal area from where the line originates to where it travels. Many zigzag designs may begin with a single bare branch that nay closely resemble an abstract design.

Abstract arrangements use space, depth and may include areas of tension. Of course there are no rules set for abstracts and no limitations. Containers are usually non-traditional and left to the designer’s imagination. Exotic plants ore often used in abstract arrangements, such as bird of paradise or tropical flowers.
So there you have it. Now you can create you own fresh flower arrangements for any occasion. With just a few essentials you will be able to bring the beauty of nature into you home whenever you like.


By  Renee Rotto

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Top Picks

Buying Experiences, Not Possessions, Leads To Greater Happiness
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090207150518.htm

The Water Cure: An interview with Dr. Batmanghelidj
http://www.naturalnews.com/Report_water_cure_0.html

Are Vegetarians Better Lovers?
http://www.intent.com/marissa-ross/blog/are-vegetarians-better-lovers

How Meditation Can Save Your Relationship
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-Meditation-Can-Save-Your-Relationship

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Top Picks

GE's New $50 LED Lightbulb Pricey, but Future-Proofed?
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2362492,00.asp

How Stress Affects Hair Loss and Natural Treatments Help
http://www.naturalnews.com/028591_hair_loss_stress.html

Lessons from the Pond: Clues from Green Algae on the Origin of Males and Females
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100415141125.htm

Changing Perspectives
http://www.intent.com/deepakchopra/blog/changing-perspectives

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Monday, April 19, 2010

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Saturday, April 17, 2010

How energy healing affects your health

Energy medicine is used for holistic healing therapies. The practice of energy medicine dates back to at least 5,000 years. Energy healing focuses on the manipulation of the “life force”, to bring about balance and wellness.


Energy is all around us, of course this is no secret, but even a rock can store it. Everyday we are bombarded with energy from many sources. These are energies from many different sources such as; Infra Red waves, x- rays, radiation and radio waves to name a few. Our bodies are receiving stations for this energy and transmitters of energy too. We all have storage centers in our bodies that store energy and energy patterns. We can have stored energy from something that happened yesterday as well as many years ago. Some of these energy patterns can be happy memories as well as painful or sad memories. We store these memories throughout our lives.

Negative forms of energy can cause unbalances and block the free flow of energy. This leads to disease. Quantum Touch, another form of energy healing, is based on an individual’s ability to heal. As with many energy healing modalities, Quantum Touch, works on the concept that the body knows how to bring itself back to ultimate health. Deepak Chopra wrote, “In order for consciousness to affect matter, it must affect it at the quantum of subatomic level.” Einstein showed us that E=MC, which tells us that mass and energy are interchangeable. This means that both time and space are not absolute. That being said, then mass is nothing more than a form of energy. So if energy can exist as a solid matter or as a non-solid matter and can also change its form, then energy healing can be a way of balancing that energy.

There are many modalities for energy based therapy techniques. Some techniques involve practitioners using hands on while other involves non-touch treatments. Reike is an ancient laying on the hands healing technique
that uses the life force to heal imbalances within.

Energy healing can teach ways to balance you energy. Sometimes it involves the release of negative forms of energy or redirection positive energy. Ayerveda, (the traditional medical system of India) and traditional Chinese Medicine both view health as the free flow of energy. Opening up your energy channels can realign structures, balance organs and glands, reduce muscle pain, heal burns, accelerate healing from injuries and much more. Although Energy Healing is easy enough for a child to learn it is powerful enough to astound physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists. One main thing to remember with energy healing is that everyone has the innate ability to heal himself or herself. Energy healing teaches us to focus, amplify and direct that energy to heal.

By  Renee Rotto

Friday, April 16, 2010

Top Picks

Heal yourself in 15 days with the joy of exercising in nature
http://www.naturalnews.com/028531_exercise_outdoors.html

Johnson & Johnson Pushed Drugs on Seniors, Suit Alleges
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/04/jnj_omnicare_suit.html

Raiding the Refrigerator, but Still Asleep
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/health/07eating.html?hpw

L.A. mayor looks at shutting most city services twice a week
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/04/06/california.budget.crisis/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Top Picks

Social workers take baby boy after mom refuses to feed him processed junk food
http://www.naturalnews.com/028534_junk_food_social_workers.html

NHS left with 34m stockpile of swine flu jabs
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8606032.stm

Radiation ups risk of breast cancer in young women
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6344D120100405

New species 'live without oxygen'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/7570677/New-species-lives-without-oxygen.html

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Top Picks

Plant Biologists Discover Plant Defenses Against Insects
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/0906-plants_under_attack.htm

Transplanted organs impart memories onto recipients
http://www.naturalnews.com/028537_organ_transplants_memories.html

Prescription drug overdoses on the rise in U.S.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6350MR20100406

Medical Marijuana Bill Moves Through Maryland Senate in Landslide
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/10/medical-marijuana-bill-mo_n_532962.html

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Top Picks

Tiny Worms Employed to Unlock Keys to Herbal Medicines
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100329082009.htm

Jesse Ventura speaks out about conspiracy theories in NaturalNews interview
http://www.naturalnews.com/028546_Jesse_Ventura_conspiracy_theory.html

Gender-bending chemicals 'triggering early puberty in girls and putting them at risk of diabetes and cancer'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1264019/Gender-bending-chemicals-triggering-early-puberty-girls-putting-risk-diabetes-cancer.html

Psychiatrist's Research Finds You Really Can Feel a Person's Stare
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Psychiatrists-Research-Finds-iw-2733973438.html?x=0&.v=1

Monday, April 12, 2010

Top Picks

Researchers Identify Secrets to Happiness, Depression Among Oldest of Old
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100409093413.htm

Poverty now rampant: Half of U.S. kids on food stamps
http://www.naturalnews.com/028550_poverty_food_stamps.html

Tina Fey Unveils Palin’s Next Career Move In Return To SNL (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/11/sarah-palin-network-video_n_533094.html

In the world of fashion, grey hair is in – if it isn't natural
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/apr/04/grey-hair-young-fashion-trend

Sunday, April 11, 2010

How to prepare a child for the death of a pet

The death of a family pet can be devastating to everyone but children are particularly venerable to the grief because of not understanding what is happening. When we explain the death of a pet we are actually explaining the circle of life. What ways we handle the subject may depend on our own personal beliefs and ultimately may determine how we handle the subject of death as a whole.


The Circle Of Life

When we explain the passing of a pet or for that matter the death of a loved one, a child should understand that death is a natural occurrence. It is only natural that everyone is young once, gets old and passes. Animals get sick and die and so do people. That’s why it’s important to take care of one’s self the best we can. We are here to make this life the best life we can live. Making the most of everyday and living life to the fullest are big concepts for children, but these ideas are easier to grasp as a story.

There are many good storybooks and movies to broach the subject and aid in the explanation of death to children. Preparing a child for the death of a pet can be done simply by explaining death in the simplest of terms. Maybe a bug on the sidewalk, or a plant that has died can be seen as simple examples. It is important to note that not all illness will result in death, but sometimes things cannot be healed. When this happens it may be said that it is, “their time.”

Remembering The Good Times

When a pet passes it is important to say that we can still remember the good times we spent together with our pet. Now the pet is not in pain or suffering so we should not feel sad for him. It is all right that we will miss him but he will always be in our heart and we will always remember him. Explain that when you miss him, just think of him running or playing and you can still be close to him.

A Memorial

It might be a good idea to have a memorial ceremony for your pet. This is where everyone in the family has some kind words to say about him. Everyone can speak about the times they will always remember about him and how much they will miss him. You might say, “You believe he is in a better place.” Or “Yes, Rover was a good dog and if any dog deserves to go to doggy heaven, Rover certainly does.”

Another Pet

Sometimes it helps to get another pet. Of course the new pet is not to be seen as a replacement for the lost pet but another to come share their life with the family. “Because our family is sad, we would like to have a new puppy come to live here.” Or, “This puppy needs a family and Rover told him about our family being sad and missing him so much, and asked him if he would come here and live with us.”

By  Renee Rotto

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Friday, April 9, 2010

Top Picks

Medicating the military
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/03/military_psychiatric_drugs_031710w/

Chemical in Bananas Might Combat HIV Infection
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/637068.html

For Better Romantic Relationships, Be True to Yourself
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315125653.htm

Smoking Is Dumb: Young Men Who Smoke Have Lower IQs, Study Finds
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100401151746.htm

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

EASY WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

In a tough economy, everybody is looking for ways to save money. While everyone’s situation is different, there are some basic tips that anyone can benefit from. Here are a few things that I have learned. I hope they help.

The best way I’ve ever heard of, to save money, is the pay yourself first idea. When you get your check, before you pay anyone else take some amount out and stash it away. This is the money that you owe yourself, so pay yourself first for all your efforts. Then you can go about paying your bills and buying groceries, etcetera.

When it comes to buying groceries, make a list. Since a big chunk of money now seems to go for groceries, plan the whole week out in advance. Sure you can still throw in a few ‘treats’, but basically, stick to your list. This way you can control your health as well as your pocket book. You can also plan to brown bag your lunch too. Ordering lunch out at the office gets expensive. Another big expense seems to be the latté, why not make your own coffee? Over the course of a week, the savings will add up.

If you’re like me, you don’t enjoy having the same meal the next night. Unless you really have a taste for something, or plan to take it for lunch, you might not enjoy leftovers. I say freeze it, that way, when you in a rush sometime, you can have a quick meal. This works well with things like lasagna or chili.

Learn to be independent, and fix things yourself. When you live alone, you learn to do many things yourself. You can learn almost anything online these days. If you still don’t understand, there are places like, ‘the helpful hardware man’ that can help you. You would be surprised how helpful auto part stores can be found, or even your local library. This is all free advice.

Speaking of the library, save money on book and magazines by using your library card. You can also borrow DVD’s or CD’s for entertainment. They may not have the latest titles but they do carry many classics, and the price is right.

Another way to save money is the credit card reward program. If you pay you bill off each month, besides not paying any interest, you can also get cash back or other perks. I have a credit card that has been accumulating reward points that will soon give me $50 back. Since I have never paid any interest on it, I will actually make money on that card.

You can also save quite a bit of money shopping at consignment stores, flea markets and yard sales. If you’re a collector you may even discover some great finds. Some folks even make this a part time job. It’s fun and you can bump into some real bargains.

There is many more money saving ideas too, like avoiding the ATM, repairing your old car and consolidating debt; some money pits are obvious. For most people the money we spend comes out of our pockets in drizzles, hardly noticeable, until the end of the month. I would recommend keeping a journal of what you spend your money on everyday. Then you will know for sure, exactly who is getting your money, instead of you.



By  Renee Rotto

Monday, April 5, 2010

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Top Picks

MRSA superbugs actually caused by widespread antibiotics use in the 1960s
http://www.naturalnews.com/028479_superbugs_antibiotics.html

Fried, Grilled and Pasteurized Foods Cause Degenerative Disease, Concludes New Study
http://www.naturalnews.com/028480_fried_foods_disease.html

Experts debate merits of breast cancer screening
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h0vCQJ_l_5dZhCkO2ElDQhntxpSQD9EMIH5809EMIH580

Greenpeace Unmasks Koch Industries' Funding of Climate Denial Industry
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brendan-demelle/greenpeace-unmasks-koch-i_b_518036.html

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Top Picks

Superfood Cereals: A review of the most delicious and nutritious superfoods for morning meals
http://www.naturalnews.com/028482_superfoods_breakfast_cereals.html

Experts debate merits of breast cancer screening
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h0vCQJ_l_5dZhCkO2ElDQhntxpSQD9EMIH580

Secret to Healing Chronic Wounds Might Lie in Tiny Pieces of Silent RNA
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100322171056.htm

X-Rays Often Inaccurate in the Diagnosis of Hip and Pelvic Fractures
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100322111941.htm