Tips and information that can be use to improve your life.

Forex Weekly Trading Forecast -Febuary 15, 2010

2010-02-14T22:40:00.000+08:00

US Dollar Outlook Depends on Federal Reserve – What Can We Expect?

Fundamental Outlook for US Dollar: Bullish

-    US Dollar gives up ground as Euro Zone plans Greece bailout, markets rally
-    Disappointingly vague plan nonetheless sparks S&P pullback, Greenback rally
-    US Dollar risks pullback in the context of a broader reversal on futures positioning

The US Dollar finished the week almost exactly where it began, confounding traders with volatile short-term moves yet remaining nearly unchanged. Similarly choppy price action in the S&P 500 underlined financial markets’ indecision and gave few clues on future short-term direction. It seems that financial markets have reached somewhat of an impasse. On the one hand, months and months of stock market advances leave more medium-term momentum to the topside. On the other, the S&P 500 and other major indices remain in a clear bear market and risk further losses following a fairly long period of appreciation. Determining which scenario is most likely is critical to establishing a clear trading bias for the US Dollar. As one of the lowest-yielding major world currencies, the Greenback often falls victim to speculative selling as traders buy higher-yielding currencies. Yet strong bouts of financial market risk aversion most often force substantive US Dollar rallies, and it remains critical to watch risk trends through short-term trading.
Options markets short-term volatility expectations on the US Dollar have pulled back in recent trade, but speculators should watch for any surprises in US economic event risk through the days ahead. Top events will start with Wednesday’s Minutes from the most recent Federal Open Market Committee rate decision to be followed by the following days’ Producer and Consumer Price Index reports. All three events threaten to force substantive shifts in market interest rate expectations and, by extension, the US Dollar.

FX traders will watch whether the FOMC gives further hints on when it may begin raising interest rates in 2010, while any especially large surprises in PPI and CPI could likewise offer clues on the trajectory of central bank rates. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke recently outlined the steps the central bank could take to begin withdrawing massive monetary policy stimulus in an address to the US legislature. How soon those plans can be put into action wholly depends on the pace of economic recovery and trends in national prices. Recent disappointments in US Nonfarm Payrolls data would imply that the FOMC is in no hurry to tighten monetary conditions. Yet it serves to note that Kansas City Fed President Thomas Hoenig dissented in a 9-1 vote to keep the Fed Funds rate near zero for “an extended period”. Whether or not his relatively hawkish bias will gain broader traction is an important topic and it will be important to monitor the statements from the FOMC minutes.

If the Fed shows any willingness to tighten rates through the coming months or we see any substantive surprises in PPI and CPI data, the fragile US S&P 500 could break considerably lower and send the US dollar higher. Overnight Index Swaps show zero percent probability that the Fed will raise interest rates through the coming months. Stock markets rarely respond positively to higher borrowing costs, and any signs that rate hikes could come sooner could easily crimp risk sentiment. Given clear indecision across financial markets, clarification could spark the trends that most traders crave.    - DR

Euro Weighed by Growth, Interest Rate and Financial Stability Doubts

Fundamental Forecast for Euro: Bearish

-    The EU agrees fundamentally agrees to a bailout for Greece but leaves the details for a later date
-    Just as financial stability concerns subside, weak 4Q GDP readings add another burden to the euro
-    Is EURUSD’s steady, descending trend channel promising new lows or ripe for a reversal?

Just six months ago, the euro was prized for its growth outlook, interest rate forecasts and its status as the primary alternative to the US dollar (a currency that has fallen from grace since the financial crisis). Today, we have a very different picture of the same currency: there is little sign of a rate hike from the ECB on the horizon; Growth is very uneven across the Euro Zone’s various member economies; and the very stability of the European Monetary Union has been thrown into doubt. This is perhaps the most dramatic shift of any of the major currencies; and yet this dire fundamental backdrop is not fully appreciated. In the week ahead, the market will keep its focus on the Greece to see whether EU officials can rescue an economy that is quickly fading without evoking severe side effects along the way.

There are a few approaches the European Union can take to defuse perhaps the greatest threat to its stability in its relatively short history. However, there is no scenario that does not come with a significant potential for failure. The first option (and the most ideal for policy makers) is to maintain a verbal assurance to Greece’s stability and depend upon market sentiment to improve on its own. Realistically, the global economy and financial markets are heading toward recovery; and while the country may not reach its aggressive deficit cutting goals, the progress would be tangible and officials would allow for more time. The trouble with this picture is that risk aversion runs deeper than the health of this single economy or region; and a short-fall will simply concentrate fear around the euro. The more likely outcome is that a single economy or the group could extend a lending facility that will ensure against default and buy the economy time. Here, there is a ‘moral hazard’ issue. Other member economies will see that they will be bailed out should they breech the EU’s guidelines. And, there are more than a few members that could use aid right now and will almost certainly need it should conditions continue to deteriorate.

The more complicated and ominous scenario would be for Greece or another member to eventually secede from the Union. This is a more unlikely scenario; but there are those that believe that this is ultimately inevitable. The Economic and Monetary Union is little more than 10 years old and already major problems have developed. Sharing monetary and fiscal guidelines among many different economies will naturally develop leaders and laggards. Greece, Portugal, Spain and others are in their current state partially due to inappropriately low interest rates through the years preceding the economic crash. Now they are suffering due to 3 percent limits on debt to GDP ratios. It may take a while for such a dramatic change to come to the EMU; but will almost certainly happen eventually.

Regardless of the path officials choose to take with Greece and the fragility of their Union; there is ultimately little they can do to guarantee stability. The only definitive stabilizer would be a general improvement in risk appetite – an unlikely outcome give the abundance of fundamental cracks in the system and excess premium built into the capital markets. If the long-term continuity of the euro is cast in doubt, the currency could suffer a terminal loss of confidence. But, this would be a development that would take time. In the meantime, we will simply match the details of the Greek bailout plan with background risk appetite. And, for short-term volatility, we can look to the number of notable economic indicators that are scheduled for release. The top market movers are the ZEW survey figures and the PMI activity numbers. – JK

Japanese Yen: What Happens when the Carry Tides Change?

Fundamental Forecast for Japanese Yen: Bearish

- Yen follows risk appetite trends that follow the progress on a possible Greek bailout
- USDJPY maintains the general bias but lacks the momentum and volatility of other yen crosses

There is a critical difference between a currency that is driven by its funding status in the carry trade and one that is treated as a safe haven. On the surface, the two may seem the same since they have recently produced the same end result. A clear example can be drawn from the Japanese yen and the US dollar; both of which have established considerable bull trends over this past month thanks to a strong pace behind the recent wave of risk aversion that has washed over the markets. However, it is critical to discern the differences between these two roles; because the yen’s continued strength is fully dependent on one and threatened by the other.

Currently, when there is a strong move towards risk appetite or risk aversion; the cumulative effect on a funding currency and safe haven currency are the same. Yet, should sentiment begin to flag and stabilize or background fundamentals begin to shift, the differences between the two will start to show through. For the Japanese yen, it is safe to label the currency a primary source of financing for the carry trade. Over the past 15 years, the benchmark yield that has backed the unit has remained near zero. Naturally, as global yields rise and risk appetite starts gains momentum, investors will look to take loans or build leverage in yen and invest elsewhere for a higher rate of return. Throughout the past year, worldwide interest rates may not have climbed; but speculative appetite has recovered and encouraged a dramatic build up in carry outlays. Currently, investors are realizing that growth and expected returns are developing at a protracted pace; and many have found themselves stretched in terms of risk. And, considering the sheer influx of speculative fund over the past year; there is plenty of room for the yen to continue to appreciate should market participants continue to unwind their risky positions.

Where will the winds of risk aversion originate? The interesting thing about a bear market is that any substantial crack can turn into a canyon. Over the next week, the most threatening dynamic to general market stability is the European Union’s bailout plan for Greece. The group has already generally committed to offering aid; but they have yet to decide exactly what the rescue will entail. Policy makers would prefer to restore confidence in the country’s own efforts to cut its deficit and generally recover. However, concern over the broader stability of the Euro Zone will likely render that option unviable. Therefore, policy makers will need to develop a plan that is definable, quantifiable and does not invite moral hazard. This will be a difficult benchmark to meet. Furthermore, should an answer be made for Greece; there are any number of potential backups for feeding fear (Portugal, Spain, China, US and the list goes on).

There is plenty excess premium and a glut of fundamental problems behind the market to keep the risk aversion current strong. However, at some point, the carry interest that has been built up through the Japanese yen will meet a point of equilibrium (a level where the rate of return on a spread trade is stable enough that the additional risk is compensated for). When that level is hit, the yen’s advances will stall. Yet, at the same time, the US dollar could continue to gain. The reason for the different paths is the latter’s appeal as a safe haven. While both currencies have pent up short interest from the 2009 build up; the yen doesn’t quite fit the bill.

Fundamentally, Japan is facing an uneven economic recovery, deflation and long-term financial troubles. It is for this reason, that 12-18 months out, it is not difficult to imagine Japanese rates still holding at zero. A long-term carry candidate will respond less to short-term risk aversion as investors see the potential. For this reason, we will have to watch the 4Q GDP figures due at the beginning of the week. While they may not offer much initial volatility given the market conditions when they are released; the implications for interest rate forecasts can generate a meaningful shift up or down the risk curve. – JK

British Pound May Rebound But Trend Bias Favors Losses

Fundamental Forecast for British Pound: Bearish

- BOE Holds Dovish Outlook, Maintains Option for Further Easing
- UK Retail Sales Growth Worst in 15 Years in January, Says BRC
- RICS Survey Hints UK House Prices May Decline as Supply Swells
- British Pound Finds Channel Support, May Bounce Against US Dollar

The British Pound is set to fall in with broad trends in risk sentiment as the economic calendar fades from view after the Bank of England firmly confirmed a dovish medium-term posture in its quarterly inflation report.
The Pound lagged behind most of its major counterparts in reflecting the shift in risk appetite that began to unfold four weeks ago as speculation about the end of quantitative easing at February’s Bank of England policy meeting took center stage. That meeting has now come and gone, with the BOE coming out of the announcement looking every bit as dovish as before despite its decision to leave asset purchases at £200 billion for the time being. Indeed, the quarterly inflation report that served as the basis for the decision said that “the pace of recovery is somewhat less strong than [previously expected, while] inflation is likely to fall back to below the target” over the medium term despite a likely uptick above 3% in the first quarter as higher oil prices and sterling depreciation feed through. As for QE, central bank chief Mervyn King explicitly said that although the BOE had paused asset purchases, “it is far too soon to conclude that no more purchases will be needed.”

Against this backdrop, the coming week’s economic calendar looks rather uneventful. Indeed, although consumer prices are expected to grow at a brisk annual pace of 3.5% while jobless claims decline for the third consecutive month in January, the outcome are unlikely to prove market-moving considering their apparently limited implications for monetary policy. Rather, sterling is like to fall in with the remainder of the majors, clinging to the path of risk appetite as the dominant force driving directional momentum. Appropriately enough, the near-term correlation between the Pound’s average trade-weighted value and the World Stock Index now stands at 0.68 versus -0.31 just a week ago. Global equities’ correlation with GBPUSD in particular is even more impressive, registering at 0.91.

On balance, this is likely to allow for some near-term gains in the UK unit as signs of exhaustion amid the bears open the door for a brief correction higher in the spectrum of riskier investments. The so-called resolution of the Greek budget issue is likely to be tipped as the catalyst for the move. Indeed, although the EU did not offer anything concrete by way of a plan to bail out Greece or any other debt-ridden southern European economy, the very fact that policymakers were comfortable enough to just pay lip service to the situation may be enough to offer a bit of calm to jittery investors. That said, the Greek issue was only the recent face of a broader selloff that was rooted in concerns about the durability of the global economic recovery that was taken for granted in 2009. This larger issue is by no means resolved, suggesting the ultimate path of least resistance – both for the sterling and for risky assets in general – lead invariably lower. - IS

Source : www.dailyfx.com

9 Tips in Life that Lead to Happiness

2009-01-18T16:59:00.000+08:00

Are you truly happy? Do you even know what it means to be happy and what it takes to achieve happiness? These are important questions for anyone who is seeking happiness to ask themselves. I live my life to maintain my own happiness while trying my best to not cause unhappiness to anyone else. If you want to be happy you need to understand that you can be happy and that you should be happy. Many people make the mistake of believing that they don’t deserve happiness and accept their unhappy state as their destiny. The truth of the matter is that happiness, like anything else in life, needs to be nurtured. The following are a few tips that I follow to create happiness in my life.

Understand what it is that will make you happy. Everyone has unique requirements for attaining happiness and what makes one person happy may be very different from what makes someone else happy. Revel in your individuality and do not worry about whether or not your desires are comparable to those of your peers.
Make a plan for attaining goals that you believe will make you happy. Your mood will very likely increase as your pursue your goal because you will feel better about yourself for going after something you value.
Surround yourself with happy people. It is easy to begin to think negatively when you are surrounded by people who think that way. Conversely, if you are around people who are happy their emotional state will be infectious.
When something goes wrong try to figure out a solution instead of wallowing in self pity. Truly happy people don’t allow set backs to affect their mood because they know that with a little thought they can turn the circumstances back to their favor.
Spend a few minutes each day thinking about the things that make you happy. These few minutes will give you the opportunity to focus on the positive things in your life and will lead you to continued happiness.
It’s also important to take some time each day to do something nice for yourself. Whether you treat yourself to lunch, take a long, relaxing bath or simply spend a few extra minutes on your appearance you will be subconsciously putting yourself in a better mood.
Finding the humor in situations can also lead to happiness. While there are times that require you to be serious, when it is appropriate, find a way to make light of a situation that would otherwise make you unhappy.
Maintaining your health is another way to achieve happiness. Being overweight or not eating nutritious foods can have a negative effect on your mood. Additionally, exercise has been known to release endorphins that give you a feeling of happiness.
Finally, it is important to understand that you deserve happiness. Those who believe that they are not worthy of happiness may subconsciously sabotage their efforts to achieve happiness. If necessary, tell yourself each day that you deserve to be happy and remind yourself what steps you will take to achieve the happiness you desire.

Happiness is hard to define but most people are aware of whether they are happy or not. Many people believe that happiness is a form of luck and that some people are destined to be happy while others are destined to be unhappy. I try to incorporate the tips above into my life and have had great success in achieving happiness. The tips in this article are small but meaningful steps that you can take each day to lead you to true happiness.

Source : Lifehack.org

Amazing Tip To Recharge Your Battery With Leaves

2009-01-01T13:30:00.000+08:00

uppose you are stranded in a jungle and your phone’s battery just died. You need to make that 911 call but you do not have any extra battary. Here is a live saving tip on how to recharge the battary with out power. This is unbelievable but according to a great research done at University of Punjab, you can recharge your battery by two leaves of Pepal(Ficus religiosa). If you are in a forest and have your mobile has been discharge then just find out the Pepal(Ficus religiosa) tree and get only two leaves, your mobile will be recharged.

Just Follow these Steps:

1- Open your battery cover
2- Take out your battery
3- Now get two or three fresh leaves of peapal/pipal known botanically as Ficus religiosa
4- Now touch the stub of the leaves with the + and - point of battery
5- Do not move your hands while connecting the stub with terminal
6- After sometime remove the stubs and cleanÂ the battery
7- Now put your battery back into mobile
8- The mobile will be turn on now
9- Repeat the process if required

Try andÂ Enjoy!

Source : Traveltowork

Useful Tips for housewife -

2008-11-19T19:40:00.004+08:00

Laundry Tips
Removing Scorch Marks On White Shirts Tips
Some scorch marks can be taken off white cotton by using 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Apply to scorched area with an eye dropper until saturated. Leave on shirt for 20 minutes. If the stain still remains, repeat the process until it disappears. Rinse fabric in water.

Note: Some modern white fabrics have fluorescent brighteners, which react in the sun and may yellow; so read the care labels before treating white fabrics.
Getting Grease Stains Out of Silk Tips
If you get a grease stain on your silk shirt, never fear! Just put baby powder over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes then dust off. VOILA! No more greasy mark!

Burnt Stuff on Iron Tips
Rub iron with aluminum foil to remove burnt on starch, etc.

Baby stain remedy Tips
Take a 12 oz plastic cup and pour it half full of liquid Tide then pour just about equal amount of Dreft onto that and mix it up and apply to ANY baby stain. I use a paintbrush to brush it onto my baby's clothes. Let it dry and wash normally. I've also gotten out old stains with it as well!

Fluffing Down Comforters/Jackets Tips
Put a couple of tennis balls in the dryer with them to reduce static and keep the feathers from lumping.

Cleaning Tips
Cleaning Your Telephone Tips
When you notice make-up and gunk on your phone and receiver, use an alcohol-soaked towelette to get it clean. Wipe weekly to prevent dirt and grime buildup on your phone.

Getting Stickers Off Glass Tips
If you've just bought new drinking glasses, you can remove those annoying price tags/stickers by spraying them with a lot of petroleum-based prewash spray or dab on baby oil. Let it sit for several minutes; then lift off or scrub with a nylon net scrubbie until tag and glue are removed.

Keep Drains Fresh Smelling Tips

Give this a try: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and follow with 1 cup vinegar. It will fizz up. Wait for about a minute and then let hot water run down the drain. If drain is seriously clogged, you may need to call a plumber.

Stubborn Bathroom Stains Tips

Use a mixture of Cream of Tartar and hydrogen peroxide. By the time the paste dries, the stain should be gone.

Smelly Shoes? Tips
Put some tea leaves into a pair of stockings and stuff each into a shoe. Leave for a day or two and the smell just vanishes.

Getting candle wax out of carpets Tips
Its easy... Just use a cloth or brown paper bag... And iron over the stain... The candle wax will then transfer to the cloth or bag... Just make sure to keep the iron in motion so as not to catch the bag on fire...

Cleaning up broken glass Tips
If a glass item breaks and tiny pieces are lying all over the floor, its safest to pick them up with a handful of wet cottonwool, even the tiniest shards which you cannot see will stick on the cotton wool. I find this more effecient than using a broom and pan

Source : http://usefultips.net/Cleaning-up-broken-glass-Tip-73.htm

Different Types of Coffee

2008-08-24T21:21:00.009+08:00

Take a look at the different types of coffees that you can order in a Coffee House.
Have you ever wondered what they actually were? Below is a list of the different types of coffees you can order at most Coffee Houses.

CaffÈ Latte ......
[caf-AY LAH-tay]

Espresso with steamed milk and in some shops, a small cap of foam. It has less foam than a cappuccino.
Definitions blur easily here.

In Australia: " 'Latte' gets you a _glass_ with a shot of espresso and lots of milk and some foam - half way between a flat white and a cap. Seems to have originated as the breakfast drink of Sydney commuters. Has become infinitely fashionable due to the need for brass glass holders, which only the fashionable coffee houses have (the rest of us wrap the glass in a napkin)"

Kenneth Davids, noted coffee author, says that CafÉ au lait is simply the French name for CaffÈ Latte. He states that in Spain, this same drink is called CafÉ con leche

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CaffÈ Mocha ........ [caf-AY MO-kah]

A term of no small controversy. Depending upon where you are, ordering a 'mocha' might get you a 'latte' or a cappuccino with chocolate syrup or hot cocoa. On the other hand, it might just send the barista thermonuclear -- especially if the word 'mocha' is not on the menu.

Mocha was a port in Yemen -- a major coffee-growing country located in southwest Asia at the southern tip of the Arabian peninsula -- and "it has NOTHING to do with chocolate!!!!!"

One contributor states "However, my dictionary lists Mocha as 'a flavoring obtained from a combined infusion of coffee and chocolate' usage as dating from the early 19th century (circa 1815 it says)"

For the record, the American Heritage Dictionary gives the following 5 definitions:

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Mo·cha n.

1. A rich, pungent Arabian coffee.
2. Coffee of high quality.
3. A flavoring made of coffee often mixed with chocolate.
4. A soft, thin, suede-finished glove
leather usually made from sheepskin.
5. Color. A dark olive brown.

Starbucks defines caffÈ mocha as "enough good quality chocolate syrup to cover the bottom of the cup, 1 shot of espresso [...] fill with steamed milk [...] top with a dollop of whipped cream [...] and lightly sprinkle with cocoa powder".

Finally, one reader sends us "When I was in New Zealand a popular coffee was a 'mochachino' which was made by adding hot chocolate to espresso, it was quite foamy (as foamy as the hot chocolate). " The term 'mochacino' (aka 'moccaccino') is also used some places in the US.

The best advice here is to check the menu before ordering or ask for a "cappuccino/latte with chocolate syrup".

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Cappuccino ......... [cap-uh-CHEE-no]

A shot of espresso with the remainder
being 50% steamed milk and 50% milk foam/froth. An alternative description is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foamed milk. But again, this depends very much on the maker. Many places use more steamed milk and less froth. "Cappuccino is essentially a latte topped with milk FOAM." Another contributor states "The foam should follow the milk to the cup naturally. [if] It is added with a spoon then [it] is _no_good."

But just the opposite is true in other places. "I just started working as a barista, here in Berkeley,about a month ago. When I was shown how to make Cappuccino's, I was told that a Cappuccino has no steamed milk - only foam. The place I work is in a Hotel near UCBerk, and a lot of my customers are European. One Italian gentleman ordered a cappuccino from me, and I hadn't let the foam sit long enough and a *tiny* bit of milk seeped into the shot of espresso. He asked for another cappuccino, saying I hadn't made it right, so I asked him how it was done. He made another one, and it was a jet black shot of espresso with more than just a dollop of foam on top."

Referring to the above description, Geoffrey Maugham writes: "We have always referred to this kind of cappuccino as a "dry" or "light" cappuccino. You can tell the difference between a good 1/3-1/3-1/3 cappuccino and a latte by their weight.

Finally, some interesting history on the word cappuccino, according to the American Heritage Dictionary:

"The history of the word cappuccino exemplifies how words can develop new senses because of resemblance that the original coiners of the terms might not have dreamed possible. The Capuchin order of friars, established after 1525, played an important role in bringing Catholicism back to Reformation Europe. Its Italian name came from the long, pointed cowl, or cappuccino, derived from cappuccino, "hood" that was worn as part of the order's habit. The French version of cappuccino was capuchin (now capucin), from which came English Capuchin. The name of this pious order was later used as the name (first recorded in English in 1785) for a type of monkey with a tuft of black, cow like hair. In Italian cappuccino went on to develop another sense, "espresso coffee mixed or topped with steamed milk or cream" so called because the color of the coffee resembled the color of the habit of a Capuchin friar. The first use of cappuccino in English is recorded in 1948 in a work about San Francisco."

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Espresso Macchiato .. [mock-e-AH-toe]

Some say this is espresso with about
a half inch of milk foam (no steamed milk). But some strongly disagree. One enthusiast writes of the above definition: "Surely not. Macchiato (lit. "marked") is a dash of milk or cream in espresso." Another writes "the chap who serves me espresso, and who has been roasting coffee and selling and leasing machines for several years ....tells me that Macchiato is made with half-and-half."

From Australia: " 'Macchiato' has two variations here - long and short. 'Short' is an espresso (in the mandatory micro cup) with just a dash of milk. This is the default at most trad. Italian mum & dad restaurants. 'Long' is a _glass_ with two shots of espresso, and small amount of milk. The peak of macchiato making is to pour the milk in so slowly that it never makes it to the bottom of the glass. The resulting layered drink has been known to inspire fear in the novice drinker. This the default at coffee houses. Both of these _seemed_ to have started out in small glasses (about 175ml) but the fashionable have demanded ever larger glasses - of about 375ml.

Starbucks defines Espresso Macchiato as "1 shot of espresso in a demitasse [topped with] a small dollop of foamed milk.

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Espresso ........... [ess-PRESS-o]

A 1-2 ounce drink made in by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Typically, espresso beans are darkly roasted but this is not a requirement.

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CafÉ au lait

Coffee and heated milk in latte proportions, but using 'regular' coffee (a.k.a. "American
filter coffee") instead of espresso. The 'regular' coffee should be brewed 'double strength' to better reflect the heavier brew ratio used by Europeans (in some places double or triple the dose used by Americans). Still another contributor writes "espresso with scalded milk is a unique prep. Someone here recently called this drink cafÉ au lait".

Kenneth Davids, noted coffee author, says that CafÉ au lait is simply the French name for CaffÈ Latte. He states that in Spain, this same drink is called CafÉ con leche.

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Breve
Espresso with steamed "half & half" (or cream)

CafÉ con leche
See CafÉ au lait AND CaffÈ Latte

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CafÉ CrÈme
The French name for Cappuccino

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Cafecito
A Cuban coffee drink made from espresso and caramelized sugar.

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CaffÈ Americano
Espresso diluted (after brewing) with an equal portion of hot water. Not everyone agrees: "Not necessarily. In many places an 'Americano' may be a 'regular' coffee from a coffee maker."Some definitions of Americano claim it is espresso being diluted with 'regular' coffee.

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CaffÈ Corretto
Espresso with a dash of an alcoholic beverage, e.g. sambuca

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CaffÈ Freddo
Iced coffee

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CaffÈ Lungo
A 'long pull' espresso. It is an espresso
diluted by allowing a longer extraction
thereby resulting in a weaker drink.

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Doppio
A double shot (4 oz.) shot of espresso

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Espresso Con Panna
[ess-PRESS-o cone PA-na]
Espresso with a dollop of whipped cream.

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Espresso Granita
Frozen espresso, crushed and served in a parfait glass topped with whipped cream. American versions combine espresso, milk & sugar and then freeze the mixture in special dispensing machines. This is also know as a Granita Latte.

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Espresso Ristretto
A 'short pull' (stronger) espresso. "A ristretto is an espresso made with less (half?) the water used for a regular espresso.

"It is a 'ristretto' or restricted shot, where the flow of water is turned off early giving a .75 to 1 oz shot instead of a 1.5 to 2 oz shot. VERY stout."

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Espresso Romano
Espresso with a slice of lemon on the side.

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Granita Latte
See Espresso Granita

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Iced Cappuccino

A single or double shot of espresso over crushed ice with an once or two of cold milk and milk froth.

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Iced Espresso
Usually a double shot of espresso over crushed ice, possibly with whipped cream.

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Latte Macchiato
Author Kenneth Davids defines this as "a glass filled with hot frothed milk, into which a serving of espresso is slowly dribbled. The coffee colors, or stains the milk in faint, graduated layers, darker at the top shading to light at the bottom, all contrasting with the layer of pure white foam at the top."

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Lattecino

Espresso with steamed milk and about a half inch of milk foam on top. (NOTE: This is commonly served as "latte" in some parts of the country.) Some enthusiasts feel this name is a pretentious invention by overly imaginative coffee shops.

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Moccaccino
See Mocha Latte (and also CaffÈ Mocha)

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Mocha Latte
Acording to Kenneth Davids, "a milkier version of the classic [CaffÈ] Mocha. If I were to suggest proportions for this invention, they would be one-quarter properly strong espresso, one-quarter properly strong chocolate, and one-half milk and froth."

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Moka/Mokka
The kind of coffee you get when you use a stove top espresso maker. "It's not quite espresso, so it doesn't really fall under that category." Don't confuse this with 'CaffÈ Mocha' listed above.

Source : Namastecafe.com

Source of Image : Crestock.com

Bagaimana Untuk Hidup Sihat dan Awet Muda

2008-08-05T12:22:00.001+08:00

Sewaktu usia semakin memanjat tinggi, perubahan fizikal semakin ketara. Kedutan di wajah, rambut beruban, gigi banyak yang tanggal, mata menjadi rabun, pendengaran semakin kurang jelas, tubuh badan semakin membongkok, dan kekuatan fizikal yang terhad. Keadaan ini membuat anda takut untuk menghadapi masa tua.

Setiap orang akan menghadapi masa tua jika umurnya panjang. Sebagai persediaan menghadapi usia emas ini, pelbagai usaha dibuat untuk mempertahankan kesihatan dan kecantikan yang ada. Bak kata orang, 'sediakan payung sebelum hujan'. Proses ketuaan setiap orang itu berbeza. Ia bergantung kepada faktor genetik dan kesihatan.

Kini terdapat pelbagal rawatan kecantikan, perubatan moden mahupun tradisional yang menawarkan wajah kekal cantik biarpun sudah dimamah usia. Di samping itu, banyak panduan diberikan untuk tampil sihat dan cergas. Ada yang sanggup membelanjakan wang yang banyak untuk kelihatan cantik, sihat dan cergas.

Ada kalanya gaya hidup seseorang membuatkan dirinya nampak lebih tua, seperti mengambil minuman keras, merokok, pengambilan makanan berlemak, diet tidak seimbang, tekanan, dan mempunyal sikap negatif. Manakala individu bersikap positif dan mempunyai psikologi yang sihat dapat melambatkan proses penuaan.

CARA-CARA MELAMBATKAN PROSES PENUAAN

Diet dan makanan tambahan - Pengambilan makanan secara seimbang dan teratur dapat mengekalkan kesihatan. Elakkan obesiti dengan mengambil makanan rendah lemak, dan lebihkan sayur-sayuran. Dapatkan maklumat piramid pemakanan untuk dijadikan panduan pengambilan makanan seharian.
Pengambilan makanan tambahan seperti vitamin E dapat melambatkan proses penuaan. Ia dapat melindungi kemusnahan sel dan membantu kesihatan sel-sel tubuh. Selain itu, makanan tambahan lain termasuk selenium, vitamin C, beta-karotin, L-Cysteine, asid folik, zink dan sebagainya diambil dengan betul dapat melambatkan proses penuaan.
Herba dikatakan baik untuk pengaliran darah. Antara herba yang popular untuk kegunaan kesihatan seperti bawang putih, ginseng, dan lada. Contohnya bawang putih dikatakan dapat mencegah daripada demam selesema, gangguan pernafasan dan penyakit usus. Pada masa kini herba banyak digunakan untuk produk kesihatan dan kecantikan. Sebelum menggunakan produk herba, anda perlu pastikan kualiti produk dapatkan maklumat daripada pakar berkaitan.
Senaman berterusan boleh meningkatkan ketahanan fizikal dan mental. Ia bukan sahaja mengurangkan berat badan, malahan tekanan darah rendah, mengurangkan tekanan, mengawal tahap gula serta meningkatkan sistem imuniti. Dengan melakukan senaman selalu, anda akan menjadi sihat serta nampak lebih muda. Jangan lupa, lakukan juga senaman wajah.
Untuk menguatkan daya ingatan, amalkan tidur yang cukup, minum air sekurang-kurangnya lapan gelas sehari, makan makanan seimbang, serta melakukan latihan. Sebagai tanda peringatan, senaraikan perkara yang hendak dilakukan dalam buku nota dan rujuk setiap pagi dan kemaskinikan selewat-lewatnya sebelum tidur.
Jika ingin berbadan kurus dan langsing, pastikan wajah anda tidak terlalu cengkung. Ia akan kelihatan nampak lebih tua dan usia sebenar. Ini kerana kulit pada wajah lebih nipis berbanding dengan bahagian tubuh yang lain. Kurus tidak semestinya lebih cantik dan kesihatan diri itu yang lebih penting.
Tetapkan waktu untuk tidur. Ia akan mendisiplinkan diri anda untuk mendapat rehat yang secukupnya. Tandanya, anda rasa segar apabila bangun pagi. Kurangkan tekanan dengan mengamalkan gaya hidup sihat dan bersikap positif.
Banyakkan minum air bersih. Ini kerana kandungan air dalam badan sangat tinggi. Contohnya otak mengandungi 95 peratus air, darah 82 peratus air dan paru-paru 90 peratus air. Pengambilan air yang mencukupi dapat menajamkan pemikiran, mengelakkan penyakit dan kulit menjadi lebih cantik.
Penampilan diri menarik apabila bijak memilih fesyen pakaian dan aksesori. Ia dapat mengawal usia secara psikologi. Anda boleh merujuk kepada media untuk memilih fesyen yang sesuai. Sebaiknya sesuaikan pemilihan pakaian dengan usia, kerjaya, keadaan persekitaran dan latar belakang keluarga.
Gunakan pelembap dan pelindung matahari untuk penjagaan kulit. Sekurang-kurangnya anda perlu mengenakan pelembap pada setiap pagi. Penjagaan kulit secara keseluruhan juga penting untuk menyingkirkan sel-sel kulit yang mati serta daki yang degil. Dapatkan produk penjagaan diri yang sesuai dengan anda. Jika tidak pasti, anda boleh tanyakan kepada ahli farmasi, dan pakar kuit. Penuaan pada kulit disebabkan oeh pendedahan cahaya matahari (dan jam 10 pagi hingga 3 petang) dan keadaan alam sekitan yang tercemar.

Source: Blog Macam-macam

Mental Feng shui

2008-01-12T14:06:00.001+08:00

This is true, even if you are not superstitious, agnostic, or otherwise faith impaired.

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.

FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN! .. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and
great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose,
don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone ..

Anger And Resentment:10 Tips And Instant Strategies

2007-07-14T13:10:00.000+08:00

by: Bill Urell

Anger and resentments can blemish even the best of memories. All of us have wonderful childhood memories: afternoons on the garden swing spent eating fresh apple pie; Saturday morning cartoons while we ate our favorite cereal; and evenings getting tucked into bed, with wishes of sweet dreams. Not all of us, however, possess such memories: there are the bouts of anger, fights between our parents, even beatings. No wonderful childhood memories can ever make a child forget a stormy childhood; such a childhood may even lead to resentments later on in life.

Resentments can stem from anywhere: they can start in childhood, continue into the peer pressure of adolescence, and persist well into adulthood when we are old enough to bear long, deep-seated grudges. Although resentment is a fact of life, it is not necessarily the best way to live life. Resentment can eat away at our energy, making us feel lethargic and unable to perform simple tasks. Resentment can also affect our social lives: we may find it more difficult to form friendships or romantic relationships if our emotions have been stunted by an ill-formed childhood, or traumatic adolescence.

You can deal with resentment, however, by following these ten simple tips. Before plunging into these activities, you must remember that these are not the only ways to deal with resentment. As you go along the road of spiritual and emotional growth, you may find your own ways of dealing with resentment, and of coping with what is holding you back from progress. Use these new techniques to help others deal with their resentments, and soon, you will find yourself healing.

1. Have a spiritual life.
Although this may seem to be an abstract concept, having a spiritual life can actually make you more introspective, and can allow you to examine yourself, and know yourself better. A spiritual life need not necessarily involve your joining a religious group. It can involve you enrolling in yoga classes, or exploring meditation. Find ways to understand yourself from within, and you will soon know where your resentments come from.

2. Write a gratitude journal.
Take any ordinary notebook, decorate it according to your tastes and whims, and make a commitment to devote its pages only to showing your gratitude for what you receive. Every day, at the same time, make it a habit to write down five things that you are thankful for receiving. The things can be as simple as a morning greeting from your best friend whom you have not spoken to in years, or as big as a promise of a raise from your boss.

A gratitude journal can help you see the brighter side of life. By concentrating on what you should be thankful for, you are also forcing yourself to see beyond the debilitating effects of resentments. You can begin to heal by knowing that there is more to life than hurt and pain.

3. Don't be afraid to seek support.
Join a support group, and talk about your resentments. Talking about your problems can help you understand where your resentment is coming from, and can allow others to give you advice. By feeling a sense of brotherhood (or sisterhood) with others, you can also feel less alone in your problems, and better about yourself.

4. Listen!
A common human weakness is the inability to listen, and a support group should teach you to not only talk about what you feel, but listen to how others feel as well. If you listen to others, you might find inspiration in their stories; you might also find that your problems are not as great compared with theirs, and thus be more thankful for what you have.

5. Confront the person.
If the person whom you resent, or who has bred resentment in you, is still alive, find a way to contact the person. Make peace as soon as you can. If you can extract an apology, then be thankful; if the person is persistent, then walk away. The most important thing is that you were able to meet your resentment head on.

6. Learn to forgive, even if it has to go slowly.
Forgiveness is the key to making peace with yourself and ultimately dealing with resentments. If you learn to forgive, you can also learn to let go of anger and control your temper. Forgiveness can go a long way.

7. Don't take the anger out on others.
You might have children or wards, or even close friends, who are unknowingly becoming the receiving end of your anger. Resentment breeds anger and emotional blindness, so you must be more aware of your emotions and how you express them.

8. Engage in as many hobbies as you can.
The less time you spend moping and concentrating on your resentments, the easier it will be for you to heal. Talk to people who have no resentments. Such people are pleasant, and seem to be at peace. They should be your inspiration. Aspire to be as resentment-free as possible, and hang out with such people to know how to let go of your inner demons.

10. Stay away from anything addictive.
You might find refuge in drugs, alcohol, or food. Control your urges! There is so much more to life than vice!

Your Goal? To start utilizing these anger management and tips for dealing with resentments. Once you start to apply even one of these tips, your life can be so much more relaxed and serene. Anger and resentments should be dealt with promptly for peace of mind.

Sourcehttp://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_5958.shtml :

A Diet Primer For Health Food And Vitamins

2007-07-14T12:59:00.000+08:00

by: Deborah Prosser

Quite often, we want to eat healthier but don’t know exactly how to start. Sometimes food you think might be good may in fact not be right for you, and vice-versa. This article looks at some simple diet changes you can start to make right away that will improve your overall health.

Whole Wheat Products

One of the simplest changes you can make is to start eating more whole grain foods instead of those made with white processed flour. Why is this? The whole grain variety has retained more of the nutrients and it breaks down much more slowly in you body. This avoids sudden spikes in your blood sugar level, which can lead to diabetes in the long run.

Heart Healthy Foods

Heart disease is one of the biggest health problems we face. Frequently caused by blood clots in you arteries, this can be alleviated by eating some of the right foods. Try eating things like oatmeal, blueberries, and soy products like tofu. Even a daily glass of red wine or some dark chocolate has been found to be good for your heart.

Drink More Water

We’ve often been told we should drink 8 glasses of water each day, but how many of us actually do? Drinking water is a great way to help you lose weight. Water helps the body metabolize stored fat. Water is also great for your skin – it helps to keep it clear and healthy-looking. Start drinking more water today!

Eat More Vegetables

Common vegetables like carrots, broccoli and spinach contain carotenoids, which are thought to protect against cancer. Vegetables generally provide excellent health food and vitamins essential to your well-being. A simple way to increase your intake is to serve more than one vegetable with your meals.

Fruits Are Fine!

Like vegetables, fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and other nutrients. Eating fruit can help you lose weight and also prevent illness. Apples, bananas and melons are particularly good for you. Try introducing some of these fruits at meal times. Bananas go well with your cereal in the morning, and fruit in general can make a great dessert at the end of your meals.

Fish Is Good For You

Cold water fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines contain omega-3 fats. These fats are essential but they cannot be produced by the body, and must be obtained from foods. Fish is also a good source of protein low in calories and saturated fat. Try a tuna sandwich next time you have lunch!

Spare the Meat

Red meat like beef is very popular in many of our diets, and it is high in protein and essential amino acids. However it can contain a lot of saturated fat. This doesn’t mean we have to give up this summertime BBQ favorite. Simply look for the lean cuts and stay away from the fatty ones like rib-eye.

There is much more we could say on the topic of health food and vitamins. But just by following these simple suggestions you will be well on you way to a healthier diet. The many benefits you will see from increasing your intake of health food and vitamins include weight control, more energy and a reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Eat Healthy Without Meat

2007-06-26T23:50:00.000+08:00

by Alex Fir

As concerns about healthy eating have grown, so has the interest in vegetarianism. Numerous nutrition experts recommend eating low on the food chain. In plain language this means eating more grains, vegetables and fruits, and fewer meats, cheeses and other animal based products.

There are various levels of vegetarianism, and each type has its own unique health benefits and some health challenges as well. Of course vegetarians, like meat eaters, must still make healthy food choices. Simply pigging out on French fries while avoiding the burger will not make you a healthy vegetarian.

Some people who consider themselves vegetarians still eat poultry and seafood, while others avoid all animal flesh, even fish and chicken. Most vegetarians still eat milk, dairy products and eggs. In nutritional circles these people are referred to as lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Vegans, on the other hand, avoid all animal products, including eggs, milk and dairy products, and even fabrics like silk, leather and wool. It is vegans who face the largest challenges and risks when trying to follow a healthy diet. Most vegetarian diets provide more than enough nutrition, as long as smart dietary choices are made.

The key to eating a healthy vegetarian diet is much the same as eating a healthy diet that includes meat. It all boils down to making smart food choices, understanding nutritional labels, and cooking your vegetables to maximize their nutritional value.

Choosing the foods that make up the bulk of a vegetarian diet is very important. For most vegetarians, vegetables, grains, lentils and soy products will make up the bulk of their diet, and these staples are included in many vegetarian recipes.

Many newly minted vegetarians worry that they will not be able to get enough protein and iron without eating meat, but for most vegetarians this is not a problem. Most diets today actually contain too much protein, and there are many non animal derived sources of protein for vegetarians to enjoy.

Proper cooking techniques are of course very important to any healthy diet. Avoiding high fat cooking methods is important, as is avoiding the use of high fat creams, butters and sauces. A vegetable stir fry cooked in healthy olive oil can be a great addition to any vegetarian menu. And a great fruit salad is both easy to make and delicious as a snack or a meal.

The only real area of concern when it comes to vegetarianism and health is the B-complex vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively derived from animal based sources, so vegans, who avoid all animal products, should take a high quality vitamin B12 or B-complex vitamin supplement. It is also important for vegans to discuss their diet and lifestyle with their family physicians. As vegetarianism becomes more widespread, the amount of information on the nutritional needs of these two groups continues to grow.

The bottom line is that vegetarians can enjoy a very healthy lifestyle. Making vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans the centerpiece of the diet is a smart move for many people, and a good low fat vegetarian diet can be a great way to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. As with a meat based diet, however, it is important for vegetarians to follow common sense eating guidelines and make smart choices when creating meat free meals.

A lot of people eat foods that are generally deficient in the vitamins and minerals. Visit Nutritional Supplements Center to learn why it is vital that you take nutritional health supplements. You will also discover best nutritional supplements.

Related Quotes

"Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." ~Albert Einstein

"If you step back and look at the data, the optimum amount of red meat you eat should be zero." ~Dr. Walter Willet

"The beef industry has contributed to more American deaths than all the wars of this century, all natural disasters, and all automobile accidents combined. If beef is your idea of "real food for real people" you'd better live real close to a real good hospital." ~Neal Barnard, M.D.

"I find that low protein diets often contribute to improvement in patients with immune system problems ... In fact, it would be hard to become deficient in protein in our country even if you tried." ~Andrew Weil, M.D.

"It is absolutely healthier to replace red meat in the diet with fruits and vegetables."~Steven Ferrel C.N.

Life Dynamix Comment

Americans have been mislead by the beef and dairy industries for long enough. The dairy industry designed the original food pyramid, not health minded nutritionists or doctors. Red meat should contain the following warning on the label: "Red meat contributes to heart disease and some forms of cancer." It is absolutely healthier to replace red meat in the diet with organic fruits and vegetables - Period!

Water For Health & Longevity

2007-06-26T23:46:00.000+08:00

by Dr_Wilson

By Dr. Lawrence Wilson

Water is not only the most essential substance next to oxygen for human life. It is fantastically complex, often containing hundreds of dissolved minerals and chemicals. It is a marvelous substance whose value is often unrecognized, even by scientists who specialize in the field.

QUALITIES OF WATER

Large textbooks are written about water. Water has a spin, moment, weight, particle size, specific gravity, acidity, hardness, total dissolved solids, boiling point, overall quality and microorganisms. Let us discuss each of these in more detail.

1) Spin. Water molecules spin in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This influences the waterπs effect on the human body. The spin should be clockwise. When it is reversed, the water pulls minerals from the body and disrupts normal mineral metabolism.

2) Moment. Water has a weight or molecular structure that depends on its moment. Moment is the manner in which a substance behaves in the presence of other substances. Water is, of course, in contact with many substances which influence it and which it in turn influences. Moment has to do with the way water interacts with these substances.

3) Weight. Everyone has heard of heavy water. This is radioactive water that contains deuterium instead of hydrogen. All water contains some deuterium as it is commonly present in the earth. The proportion of deuterium gives water its weight. Heavy water is not beneficial as it is radioactive and damages the body.

4) Particle Size. Water contains dissolved particles. These are ions, electrical and protonic particles. The size of these particles also imparts qualities to water that are easily measured with electrical conductivity testers.

5) Specific Gravity. Water has a specific gravity index that also influences its effect on the body. The higher the specific gravity, the more it adheres to cell walls and other structures. This is the viscosity of the water. Ideally, water should have a very low specific gravity. This means the water is ?wetterπ and will penetrate the cells better, bringing more nutrients to the cells and carrying away more toxins.

6) Acidity. Water, like all substances, has a degree of acidity or alkalinity that also influences its effects on the body. The higher the pH, the more alkaline the water. Water that is too alkaline or too acid is not healthful. Many people are using machines that alkalinize the water by adding or removing minerals from it. This is often risky as it changes the properties of the water. I do not recommend these machines.

7) Hardness. All naturally-occurring water contains minerals to some degree. Hardness refers to the amount of calcium in the water. I recommend a water that is hard, but not too hard.

8) Total Dissolved Solids. This refers to the total of the minerals contained in the water. This can vary tremendously from various water sources. A good total dissolved solid level (tds) is about 300-400.

9) Boiling Point. Water is said to boil at 212∫ F. However, the boiling point varies with the altitude. It also varies with the nature of the water. Salt water, for example, boils at a higher temperature. It also freezes at a lower temperature. This is why salt is applied to sidewalks and roads. It causes ice to melt. The boiling point of water is more important than one might imagine. This has to do with vaporization of the water in the body and its excretion through the lungs and skin. Water that boils at a lower temperature will volatilize or vaporize faster. This is beneficial for removing toxic substances from the body. I recommend a water with a low boiling point.

The boiling point depends of course on the minerals in the water. It also depends on the structure of the water and on subtle factors related to the spin, moment, weight and other factors.

10) Overall Quality. This refers to the amounts and ratios of the various minerals and other substances in the water. This is a complex area as there can be over 100 minerals in a particular water plus thousands of toxic chemicals, pesticide residues, pharmaceuticals, solvents and added chemicals in any particular water. Unfortunately, today most water is very contaminated with heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

11) Micro-organisms. All water except perhaps triple distilled laboratory water contains microorganisms. These include bacteria, fungi, parasitic organisms, viri and mycoplasma. Water may also contain insects, larvae, ova, plant matter, animal feces and many other biological compounds. I recommend water than has been filtered by passing through the earth to produce well and spring water.

Artesian well and spring water is generally better, as it comes from deeper within the earth. I do not, as a general rule, recommend surface water due to animal, plant and human contamination.

I also do not recommend drinking rain water. It is distilled, low in minerals and therefore "hungry" water. It has fallen through the atmosphere and picks up many contaminants that are in the air. Also, once it reaches the ground, it attracts whatever minerals happen to be in the gutters, cisterns and other collection devices. These are often toxic metals such as cadmium, lead and others.

Healthy Diet Tips

2007-06-26T23:42:00.000+08:00

by AlanL

These healthy diet tips will keep you on the right path. Although healthy people are generally at a natural weight, this is not about dieting and losing weight, its about lifestyle. The mainstream seesaw of dieting is a moneymaker that doesn't address real health issues and concerns...

By Alan LeStourgeon

These healthy diet tips will keep you on the right path. Although healthy people are generally at a natural weight, this is not about dieting and losing weight, its about lifestyle. The mainstream seesaw of dieting is a moneymaker that doesn't address real health issues and concerns.

One of the best things you can do for your body is eat at least twelve servings of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables every single day. These foods are packed with the things that our bodies need; natural, non-synthetic source of Vitamins A,B, C, and E, disease fighting antioxidants, minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and copper.

These days too many Americans get their vitamins from synthetic sources that are isolated and chemically induced. The best way to get this nutrition is from the good earth, directly from the source, from fruits and vegetables.

If eating that many vegetables seems overwhelming, just think about the colors. Get your blue and purples like blueberries and plums to reduce the risk of cancer and protect your urinary tract. Eat green vegetables like broccoli and celery to protect your bones, teeth and eyes. Consume your whites like mushrooms and onions for healthy heart function. Eat foods like oranges and carrots to boost your immune system from the yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. Finally, get your reds from foods like apples and beets for memory function and heart health.

All of these fruits and vegetables have healing qualities and you'll feel the difference. If you can't eat this much or don't have the time, drink juices made from a vegetable juicer, a great way to get the nutrients you need.

In addition to eating fruits and vegetables, cut down on saturated fats from processed foods and switch to unsaturated fats from nuts like almonds and vegetables including avocado. In general however, cut down on fat in your life and your heart and body will thank you for it. Speaking of processed food, begin to rid yourself of any processed foods. And of course, drink water so that you are flushing the toxins out your system and staying hydrated.

Use these healthy diet tips as a general guide to healthy eating, not fad dieting.

Alan LeStourgeon along with his wife Jean run the web site
www.ezHealthyDiet.com where they explore what it means to eat a healthy diet, have a healthy home and live a healthier life.

What's your mood colour today?

2007-06-24T19:46:00.000+08:00

by: Preeti Vasaikar

yriad colours have myriad effects on our lives.

Colours are associated with every aspect of life and they influence both our mental and physical being.

Ever wondered what is your power colour?

"The best yardstick to determine your power colour is to observe patterns in daily life," suggests colour therapist Shweta Dubal.

We are all aware that we have an inner mind, which is called the subconscious mind. Research has proved that the subconscious mind traps all our activities and is a permanent storehouse of memory.

For instance, the subconscious mind registers all the good and the bad times, along with their associated parameters like colour (which is of paramount importance), places, people etc.

What is a power colour?

When you prefer one colour over another, your subconscious mind is conveying a message about your personality and behaviour.

For some people some colours boost confidence, some others stick to a particular colour during important events such as job interviews and exams.

This is what we mean by the power colour.

Every person is attracted to a particular colour and this attraction may be a consequence of genes (may be your mama saw a lot of trees when she was expecting you and you are naturally inclined towards the colour green), early childhood memories, education, parent's and cultural beliefs (that black must not be worn), or if you follow fashion trends religiously, then you would wear pink because it is the colour of the season.

A person may not necessarily have a unique power colour, says Shweta Dubal.

Here is a chart that gives you an idea about the four basic power colours associated with your personality.

Red

Red symbolises energy flow, dynamism and vigour. The colour red is used to energise and stimulate appetite.

People preferring the colour red are vibrant, and have a daring attitude.

They are sensual and very passionate about what they like.

They have the capacity to take unimaginable risks and are prone to impulsive actions and variable moods.

Normally the genres of people who prefer this colour are sportsmen, music artists, and danseuse and art lovers.

When to use red:

If you are perennially dull and experience energy drain all the time.
If you are pregnant.
If you have low blood pressure problems.

Blue

Blue represents truth, tranquility, creativity and integrity.

People with affinity for blue are deliberate and confident.

Blue provides a calming, soothing effect and is therefore rightfully branded as the cool colour.

Blue also exhibits male energy and is gradually being used by women to exude an air of superiority.

However, too much blue could leave you feeling cold, depressed and sorrowful

When to use blue:

If you suffer from diseases of the ears nose and eyes.
If you have fever.
If you have thyroid problems.

Green

Green typifies harmony, growth and balance.

People who fancy green are level-headed and mature.

They are calm and sensitive to the needs of others.

They generally don't go to extremes and are eternally optimistic about life.

Green lovers will be loyal friends and prefer a sober lifestyle.

When to use green:

If you are pessimistic.

Yellow

Yellow signifies power, maturity, and intellect.

People who like yellow are generally judgmental and stubborn.

They also try to be perfectionists and are short-tempered.

Surprisingly all the rich and famous people use various shades of this colour abundantly in places of work, and offices.

When to use yellow:

If you have skin related problems.
If you lack focus and you are always in a state of dilemma.

If we integrate the various colours that relate to each chakra (energy centre in the body), either through healing, visualisation, clothes we wear, crystals, daily wear accessories etc we can go a long way in bringing about a balance within these areas, suggests Dubal.

Tomorrow: How colour therapy affects your life!

Source: http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2005/jun/09colour.htm

Graduation and still no job

2007-06-24T18:52:00.001+08:00

"If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door."
—Milton Berle

I do not envy those who don the cap and gown without a job offer in hand. But do not give up and certainly do not let down in your efforts. This is not the time to take a vacation or “take some time off.” It’s time to redouble your efforts and make a strong push forward. You are now truly full-time in your job search, and the quicker you make your mark the better, because the market is about to be flooded with about 400,000 other lost souls just like yourself. But with one very major difference—you have armed yourself for battle and are ready to push at the lines. Use the Napoleon Strategy—keep pushing at the lines until you see a point that is vulnerable, then put all your forces and energy into penetrating that area of possible access.

If you have not already done so, go back and read this book in its entirety. In it you will find several keys that can still unlock doors that might otherwise block your progress.

And never ever give up. This is your moment of truth and you need to push forward with every ounce of courage and tenacity.

Dressing for an Interview

2007-06-24T18:44:00.000+08:00

While the college campus may be the perfect forum in which to exhibit your flair for the latest in fashion style, the interview is not the place to do so. With very few unusual exceptions (my apologies to Apple Computer and several creative agencies in NYC), sandals and sweatshirts are out. Oxfords and business suits are still in. I don’t like a necktie (noose?) any better than the next person, but it is still a fact of life in interviewing. Even though many companies have relaxed the internal company dress code, interviews still follow the conservative standard. Don’t buck the trend.

Campus fashions and work fashions are two different worlds.

Unfortunately, most college grads are woefully underprepared with proper interview dress. They feel they can “get by” with what is already in their wardrobe. Usually not. Dress for the world outside college is quite different from the campus scene. Remember that stylish is typically not conservative. Conservative is “in” for interviewing. Why? Because you should be doing the talking, not your clothes.

This is not to say that you need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Go for quality over quantity. One or two well-chosen business suits will serve you all the way to the first day on the job and beyond. Then, when you are making some money (and have a chance to see what the standard “uniform” is for the company), you can begin to round out your wardrobe. For now, no one will fault you for wearing the same sharp outfit each time you interview. If you desire some variety within a limited budget, you might consider varying your shirt/blouse/tie/accessories as a simple way to change your look without breaking your wallet.

For those of you who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines for successful interview dress:

Men and Women

Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
Clean, polished conservative shoes
Well-groomed hairstyle
Clean, trimmed fingernails
Minimal cologne or perfume
Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling coins
No gum, candy, or cigarettes
Light briefcase or portfolio case
No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) or tatoos

Men

Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
Dark socks (black is best)
Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
Fresh shave; mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed
No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!)
No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

Women

Wear a suit with a jacket and skirt or slacks; no dresses
Shoes with conservative heels
Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
If you wear nail polish, use clear or a conservative color
Keep your makeup simple and natural (it should not be too noticeable)
No more than one ring on each hand
One set of earrings only

If you are still unsure about the specifics after reading the above guidelines, check out a copy of John Molloy’s New Dress for Success or New Women’s Dress for Success. While these books may seem to have a rather conservative slant, it is still the norm for interviewing. It is almost always better to be higher than the standard than lower.

If you are still not sure how to dress for the interview, call and ask! That’s right—call the employer. But this is one time when you do not want to call the Hiring Manager—instead, ask to be put through to Human Resources and say:

“I have an interview with _____ in the _____ department for a position as an _____. Could you please tell me what would be appropriate dress for this interview?”

Sure, you run the risk of someone in HR thinking you are a social imbecile, but that’s a lot better than having the Hiring Manager distracted by inappropriate interview dress. While many work environments have shifted to business casual as the workday standard, business suits are still the interview standard. When in doubt, it is almost always better to err on the side of conservatism.

One final note on interview dress: while it goes without saying that your interview clothes should be neat and clean, very few interviewees give the same time and attention to their shoes. Shoes? Yes, shoes. I am aware of at least one Corporate Recruiter who forms first impressions based solely (pardon the pun) on shoes. This person does not have a shoe fetish—he subjectively judges that those who pay attention to details like shoes are also likely to be diligent in their work life. And it is not just that person’s opinion. Many have said that you can judge a person by their shoes. You will find that many ex–military officers (many of whom have found their way into management positions in corporate America) are especially aware of a person’s shoes. It is not enough to be clean and pressed. Make sure your shoes are conservative, clean, and polished.

Losing Weight Without Losing Money!

2007-06-24T17:29:00.000+08:00

rticle by Emily, 17, Canada

Whenever January 1st rolls around, everyone starts talking about their New Year's resolutions. Ninety-nine percent of the time, it seems, these resolutions have to do with losing weight. (Mine did in 2001; as I wrote in a previous article, that year I resolved "successfully" to make two of my cats slim down.)

As a result of such resolutions, not only on January 1st but throughout the year, the weight loss industry has become a multimillion-dollar business. People - mostly women and girls - spend enormous amounts of money on weight loss clinics, diet pills, low-fat and/or calorie food, gyms, and exercise equipment. Yet despite all this, we're still getting heavier. Statistics suggest at least a third of North Americans are overweight. And this has led to an increase in health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

Let me be clear: I don't endorse the Kate Moss look. Medical experts say it's best to stay within a Body Mass Index of between 20 and 25. To calculate your Body Mass Index, take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in meters multiplied by itself. For instance, if I'm 1.65 meters (165 centimeters) tall and weigh 58 kilograms, I divide 58 by 1.65 squared (1.65 x 1.65, which equals 2.7225). My Body Mass Index turns out to be 21.3. If youre like me and still think according to the old system, convert units of measurement to metric ones by multiplying your weight in pounds by 0.45 (example: 114 pounds equals 51.3 kilograms) and your height in inches by 0.0254 (example: 65 inches (5 feet 5 inches) ends up as 1.65 meters).

There are ways to slim down without spending oodles of money on various programs and gadgets. Based on my own and on friends' experience of shedding the pounds, I've come up with ten tips on what to do and not to do to lose weight.

1. Don't go on crash diets. Besides being potentially dangerous to your health, crash diets rarely lead to long-term weight loss. A common pattern is to lose a large amount of weight in a short period of time, only to gain it back again once the diet ends. It's better to learn healthy and long-lasting eating and exercise habits.

2. Don't skip meals. You get fixated on food and tend to gorge on it when your next meal rolls around. One Garfield cartoon, for instance, shows Garfield the fat cat on a diet imagining the dog Odie with an apple in his mouth like a Thanksgiving turkey. That's how obsessed he is with food. So make sure you eat three meals a day.

3. Make breakfast the biggest meal of the day. Because you'll be moving around throughout the day and will need energy, don't scrimp on this meal. Also, if you eat a good-sized breakfast and lunch you won't be tempted to pig out at dinner, after which time you don' t have as much chance to burn off the calories you've just consumed.

4. Avoid alcohol. The term "beer belly" didn't come about for nothing. Not only do alcoholic drinks contain calories, but alcohol itself can prevent the body from burning fat.

5. Cut down on sugary foods. Replace them with healthier and less fattening stuff. Here fruit comes in handy. Have delicious fruits like oranges, grapefruits, mangoes and peaches for dessert rather than cake or pie. Substitute unsweetened fruit juices for soft drinks. And if you really love sweets, save them for a special occasion when you'll value them more (remember, a long absence makes one fonder of heart). For example, every Saturday morning my best friend and I go out to a little cafe where I order a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie. So I enjoy the pie as well as the time with my friend.

6. When it comes to foods from animal products, go lean. Take the skin off chicken. Buy lean meat, and if you can't find any, cut the fat off any meat you do eat. Also, make sure to drink skim or low-fat (1% or 2%) as opposed to whole milk.

7. Eat lots of fiber. As well as preventing constipation (a literal pain in the butt, especially, in my case, just before menstruation), fiber can help you lose weight by making your stomach feel full and thus reducing the urge to eat more. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, lentils and chick peas), whole-grain bread and crackers, and bran.

8. Walk or cycle to and from work and/or school rather than drive or take the bus. Living in Toronto, Canada, where the public transportation system is quite expensive, I've found I save a lot of money by walking to and from work. And even if it's not feasible to walk all the way to your school or workplace, try going there on foot at least halfway and you'll still get the benefit of exercise.

9. Walking is a cheap, efficient, pleasant and healthy way of burning off calories. So find a reason to go out and do it. You might look for a part-time job that involves walking, such as courier or mail delivery or dog walking. Or for a volunteer opportunity that literally sweeps you off your feet. For example, I lost about ten pounds by going door-to-door to shops and restaurants putting up posters for the Humane Society. I had the satisfaction of knowing I was helping animals get adopted and the added bonus of knowing I was losing weight as well.

10. Take up a sport. High-energy sports like soccer, basketball and hockey (yes, girls do play hockey) are great for burning off calories. If, like me, you're not a team player, there are sports like badminton (my favorite), cycling, and swimming. Take advantage of them.

So these are my ten do's and don'ts for losing weight. By following them, you can not only lose weight but enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I look back on my pie-after-every-meal, take-the-bus-to-go-a-block days and wonder how I could ever have lived like that. Like the Virginia Slims girl, I've come a long way (without the cigarettes of course), and so can you.