Watch Out For The Salt!

Watch Out For The Salt!

 by: Carl Hampton 
Have you ever taken the time read the nutrition section on the Noodles packs? Did you ever realize that there was so much sodium in noodles! It can range anywhere between 800 mg to way over 1000 mg. Keep in mind that our suggested sodium intake should be no more 2,300 mg. For those who suffer from high blood pressure and hypertension, the sodium intake should not go over 1,500 mg.

On average, we Americans eat 3,300 mg of sodium a day because salt is in everything we eat: bread, cheese, fast food, soup, and even cereal. No more than 10% of salt comes from the salt shaker, and only 10% of salt comes naturally in foods. That means that the other 80% is just from processing.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has decided to approach the government as well as the food industry to reduce levels of salt in processed food – which is pretty much any packaged food. The American Medical Association recommended that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should limit the amount of salt allowed in food. Also, the AMA asked the FDA to remove the status of salt as a substance that is considered to be safe and deem salt as a food additive. If the FDA were to listen to the AMA, they would have to quickly find a replacement for the additive and flavor enhancer.

The FDA has never solicited commentary but the organization has mentioned that they are open for a hearing on the health issues of high sodium intake. There have also been discussions between the Salt Institute (didn’t think there was such a thing, did you?) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Salt Institute has pushed for the DHHS to finance a comprehensive study about the health effects of salt. But here is no word as to whether that study will be conducted or not. Funding is really an overall deciding factor. The Center for Food and Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) has had their budget cut from 47.6 million to 25 million in four years. And the CFSAN is an organization where most food regulations take place.

Many thousands of Americans die each year because of gradual health effects that were caused by high sodium diets. The FDA also says that they have paid attention to the sodium issue by placing sodium on the nutritional value label and by defining low salt products. So some are a bit weary of believing that the FDA is interested in a hearing, especially since the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has mention a sodium problem in processed food more than 23 years ago.

In addition to the AMA, other groups like the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine (NASIM) and the governments National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) have know for at least 20 years that a high salt consumption can lead to high blood pressure, hypertension, and contributes to heart disease (the No.1 cause of death in America) and stroke (the No. 3 cause of death America). The NHLBI conducted a study in 2004 that concluded that 150,000 lives could be saved on a yearly basis if sodium levels were decreased by half.

Safety Tips for Grilling

Safety Tips for Grilling

 by: Dorothy Duncan 
BBQing as it is commonly known or grilling is one of America’s favorite summer past times. Why grill? Grilling provides an opportunity to entertain family and friends. It is a stress-free and relaxing way to prepare delicious nutritious meals on weekdays or weekends. Preparing meals during the summer months on the stove or in the oven increase the heat in our home causing our cooling bill to increase. To save energy and money why not “fire up the grill.”

According to the National Fire Protection Agency approximately 1,000 structure fires and 3,400 outdoor fires are caused by barbecue grills annually. Safe grilling begins before the cooking starts.

Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line on gas grills, to be sure there are no leaks and that it is working properly.

Never use a match to check for a gas leak. If you suspect a leak, put soapy water on the area and watch for bubbles to form. This will identify the area of the leakage. Never light a grill that has a leak repair it before using it again.

Place grill on a level surface, approximately three feet away from other objects e.g. the house, shrubs or bushes.

Keep children and pets away from the grill and cooking area.

Consider wearing a heavy apron and oven mitts that fit well over your forearm for protection while grilling.  Do not wear loose clothing.

Turn off the valves and store the grill away from the house. If you are going to store your grill indoors, wait until the coals are completely extinguished. Burning charcoals produces carbon monoxide.

Many people enjoy the “charcoaled favor deride from charcoal grills. They are very simple to use however, precaution must be taken. When you grilling with a charcoal grill only starter fluids that are specifically designed for charcoal grills. Never use gasoline or kerosene.

If the fire is slow, add dry kindling or try placing 2 or 3 charcoals in a metal can, add a little lighter fluid.  Use  long-handled tongs to place charcoals on top of coals in the BBQ grill and light with a match to restart.

Don’t add more starter fluid directly to the charcoals because this could cause a flash fire.

Dispose of charcoals when they are cold to the touch or thoroughly soak them  with water.

Never use a barbecue grill indoors or in an unventilated space. It’s a fire hazard and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Happy Grilling!  Ladies if you are not a griller, give it a try. It is simple and relaxing.  By grilling instead of cooking on the stove or in the oven, you can prepare delicious nutritious foods and save on your cooling bill during the summer.

Readers of Romance Novels Have Better Sex Lives

Readers of Romance Novels Have Better Sex Lives

 by: Bonnie Williams 
According to BusinessWeek, every 5 seconds someone buys a romance novel. For those more mathematically inclined—that makes romance novels a $1.2 billion dollar a year industry.

And it’s no wonder.

Experts agree that readers of romance novels find it easier to “get in the mood” and on average, even have sex with their partners more often. Psychology Today states that women who read romance novels make love with their partners 74% more often than women who don’t. Why? Because, according to a scientific study conducted by Harold Leitenberg of the The Journal of Sex Research and Psychological Bulletin, when women fantasize frequently (as they do when they read romance novels), they have sex more often, have more fun in bed, and engage in a wider variety of erotic activities.

Many therapists now go so far as to recommend reading steamy romance stories to boost a woman’s sex drive. Their reasoning: “taking part in enjoyable activities such as walking with a partner, listening to music, having a glass of wine, taking a bath, or reading a romance novel can help put women in the mood for sex. These activities can help women shift into their “sex self” from their role as mother, wife, employer, or employee,” says Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, a psychologist and author of Women’s Sexualities. Christiane Northrup, M.D. of Women’s Health Wisdom also says: “Consider reading novels or renting movies that contain sexual content to help you get in the mood.”

For those of us that enjoy a steamy romance novel on a regular basis—this is not new news. We’ve been trying to tell mainstream nay-sayers this all along. We women are turned on by “emotional stimulation” the way men are aroused visually. Though more and more romance authors are leaning toward more erotic romance, women don’t always require graphic sex scenes to become aroused. After reading an emotionally intense love scene, a woman feels more open to the “idea” of making love—or “in the mood” for sex.

Maria Veloso, author of Midwinter Turns to Spring states, “Contrary to popular belief, the ability of romance novels to fuel a woman’s sexual desire doesn’t lie in the stereotypical bodice-ripping, sexually explicit scenes so inherent in romance novels – but rather in the realm of emotions. In most cases, a woman’s libido is directly linked to emotions that revolve around romance and love. These emotions are a connected set of processes that involve physiological changes, such as heart rate, blood pressure and hormones circulating throughout the body—and these comprise the cornerstones of a woman’s sexual drive. Therefore, when a woman’s emotions are stirred by a romance novel, that’s a recipe for an emotional aphrodisiac. It’s like giving a woman emotional foreplay.”

She goes on to say that “when women read romance novels, their emotions are stirred. Because a woman’s emotions are directly linked to their libido, romance novels then virtually become aphrodisiac cocktails – or what I call emotional foreplay for women. And that’s a prelude to sex.”

Just as men become aroused while perusing nude magazines, women stimulate their emotional and their libido while reading a satisfying love scene. Some critics of either men’s magazine or steamy romance novels may doubt this activity as an acceptable alternate for couples in a committed relationship for bettering a person’s sex life. Some may believe these habits may actually take away that special something from a sexual relationship rather than enhance it. Based on this current scientific studies, this is, thankfully, not the case.

Women’s sex lives and the level of intimacy they have with their husbands, boyfriends or partners will show a noticeable improvement after reading a romance novel because it simply puts them in a more romantic state of mind.

So what’s the link between romance novel and better sex lives?

Emotional satisfaction.

That’s something to think about when you’re at the counter trying to decide between this month’s Cosmo and the latest steamy romance novel!!!

Bonnie Williams Copyright(C) 2006

Sources:

BusinessWeek Online – 02/12/2006; Romance Novels: Reading for Love, The Journal of Sex Research – 2/1/2001; Harold Leitenberg – Sexual Fantasies About One’s Partner Versus Someone Else: Gender Differences in Incidence and Frequency, WebMD – 07/26/2004; Dulce Zamora – Revving Up Women’s Sex Drive, Women’s Health Wisdom Online Newsletter – March 2006; Christiane Northrup, M.D. – Turn Up the Heat on Your Desire, Psychology Today – Sep/Oct 95; Peter Doskoch – The Safest Sex, The Open Press – 02/02/2006; Maria Veloso – Romance Novels: Are They the Antidote to a Dreary Sex Life?

Looking For The Best Online Dating Service?

Looking For The Best Online Dating Service?

 by: Dechen Lau 
Online dating has been the trend nowadays. During the previous years, dating sites were very popular only to those who are said to be distressed and lonesome in life. But now, it is being accepted by more and more people from all over the world. And people have been engaging in finding the best online dating service they can get.

It has been more acceptable to resort to online dating especially those singles who are so busy with their work. They are sometimes bombarded with so much paperwork or fieldwork that they no longer have time for meeting other singles personally. And if you are looking for the best online dating service, you are not the only one who is looking for it. Everybody wants it!

More and more single individuals are into online dating because they have their own reasons. Some people say that it is more practical and convenient because you actually get to know first the person before you actually meet or date in person. Moreover, you will also get to meet or chat with many online daters from many parts of the world.

If you prefer Asian, British, American or whatever race you want, it is there. Most of the people you will meet in online dating sites are open-minded and straightforward so it would not be so hard to be your true self. You’ll never know it but you might just be a few clicks ahead for your future wife and companion.

Your attitude may greatly affect your personal profile so it is best that you approach online daters with a nice and good personality. Online dating has been a great option to many singles out there and you might just be interested in it. You can be introduced to thousands of singles out there in just a short period of time. Thanks to the internet for making this happen. It is a world full of nice and approachable people waiting to know you more.

It has magic according to some people who have finally found their partners in life through online dating and you might just be interested in trying its magic. However, you must not rely on it too much. Just be casual and have fun. And do not think that the computer will turn you into an ultimate social monster. It will be only a means of introduction to more people out in the online dating world. Your soul mate may be waiting for you somewhere in the cyber-dating world so act naturally.

If you are looking for the best online dating service provider, then search the internet. Just type in some key words and you will be displayed with dozens of search results. You will see some online dating sites as well as the services they provide. They may require some compensation or service fee but some sites are free. Although there are differences between the free sites and those which are not, it is up to you to choose which site will suit your needs.

Furthermore, you will be asked to sign up for their membership and you will be given the chance to make your own personal profile. You can add pictures, information and many others which describe you. It will also be a way for other online daters to know you. it is better to insert pictures because people are more inclined to seeing profiles with pictures.

With the so many online dating sites these days, online daters are confused in which site they would prefer. There are many major sites that give the best online dating service so you would not have to worry about which pop-up sites to respond to. if you are looking for a dating service, there are sites which are limited to responding to the needs of those who are looking for a serious online dating relationship. In other words, they match up people who might be compatible and they add more flick to it. It is no place for people who are only looking for online friends and acquaintances.

There are so many quality matchmaking service providers out there. What you have to do is to look for them through the internet. You will also encounter policies and regulations that are provided by the site owners and management as well. Just make sure that you adhere to these guidelines to enjoy the best online dating experience you are looking for.

Writers Block and Life

Writers Block and Life

 by: James Diaz 
Have you ever been in the position where you felt blocked by something or someone? It’s amazing how almost everyone goes through it at least once in a lifetime if not over and over again. But that’s what life is all about, obstacles, goals, and succeeding in life and never failing. Well that’s what happens when you write. At one point you may be ready to write and express what you think but at another point, you may be unable to think. But the trick to it is to continue and keep pushing yourself way past your limit and when you finally can’t do it anymore, stop, rest, and continue the next day.

Consistency is the the key to every goal you wish to accomplish. You must not ever give up on anything unless you truly believe it is not for you. However you can not possibly live a life with a mind set being so pessimistic on very idea there is. Some people grow up not knowing much about anything and live their entire life based on their own opinions and never the facts. I personally think that the key to life is balance. There has to be ups and downs about everything in order for you to enjoy the sweet victory in the end. Challenge yourself and be motivated to do something in your life. By the time you know it; you will be too old and too cold to move and get up and embrace every good thing around you.

Explore everything there is in life. Everything I have just said about life can go for writing as well. EXPLORE when you write. Think about the endless possibilities when you do, about whatever it is that you are writing about and when you do, you will see that many more doors will open giving you a lot more for your eyes to see and explore as well. Knowledge is never ending but your writing will always be remembered.

4 Ways To Increase Your Company’s Sales

4 Ways To Increase Your Company’s Sales

 by: Marc Entz 
When faced with diminishing sales or a shift in profitability, sometimes a company will seek opportunities to expand sales by using different marketing methods. These time-tested marketing principles are used by businesses to seek out new opportunities to satisfy the needs of the consumer.

There are 4 ways to increase sales and expand revenue for your company. It is not necessary to use more than one of these methods. The best choice of the 4 methods is the one that will meet the needs of the company and the consumer best. This will provide a win-win situation for all concerned.

To increase sales consider one of the following methods for seeking opportunities in your target market:

1. Market Penetration:

Increase the market share of your current products in your present market. By up scaling your marketing mix you can increase your sales. To do this you advertise your present products more frequently and promote your company’s image to the public through institutional advertising and publicity.

2. Market Development

You can also try to sell your present products in new markets. You have to do some market research on the needs of the consumers in these markets first. Your product may have other demographic groups that need it as well. This is a recommended area to investigate for more profit. Often your present products are in demand in other locations, with other age groups, or professional groups. This is an opportunity for more sales many companies look for.

3. Product development

You can increase your sales by offering new and improved products to your present market. This will give you an edge over your competition. Your customers will view your company as being progressive and up to date. This is not only a great way to increase sales, but your customers will remember your company because of the unique product you sell.

4. Diversification

If you are well established in one line of business, you may wish to diversify into a totally new one. This means moving into a new market with a new product. This can keep your profits on the rise. Here again, market research and marketing plans have to be made first.

As you can see there are opportunities for gaining sales in all four areas. The best choice for your business depends on your goals and the resources you have. The best way to capitalize on these strategies is to start with your present strengths and look for market opportunities that complement them. Then do your market research and planning. The sky is the limit when you plan ahead using these proven marketing tactics.

9 Secrets to Pampering Yourself in a Pinch

9 Secrets to Pampering Yourself in a Pinch

 by: Angela Strosnider 
There are women all over this country who feel like they’ve lost themselves somewhere along the way of life. While their reasons are many, the answers are all the same, “There’s just not enough time in the day for me.”

Without adding that 25th (or even 26th or 27th) hour to your day, there are little things you can do to incorporate the four R’s (we’ll get to these later) of pampering into your daily routine. Remember when you had all day to and for yourself? You’d sit and perhaps do your hair or nails for hours. Boy were those the days. That was then though and this is now. Whether it’s your career, children, or other priorities, taking time out for you is more essential than what you think.

When you feel good, you have the ability to make those around you feel good. If you feel dreadful and unoptimistic about yourself, those around you will of course pick up on this. For example, have you ever noticed the mom at the supermarket who seems frazzled that all three of her children just happen to be misbehaving at the same time? This is usually because they’ve picked up on her stress and went with it. One is crying in the front of the cart and two are at the end of the aisle fighting while the mom is all but losing it trying to find her credit card or checkbook to pay for her groceries and hightail it out of there.

Feeling good and feeling good about yourself definitely has its benefits. To you, and those around you. For some reason, thinking about pampering yourself in this light helps us to place a priority on it. If we feel it will help us take care of our family better, do our jobs better, or be a better person, we’re all for it.

Taking time out to relax, refresh, renew, and revitalize doesn’t have to mean three hours a day for complete alone time. Here are ten little ways in which you can incorporate them into your daily life:

1. While running errands, or doing yard work, play a relaxing CD rather than an upbeat one. This will not only soothe your mind, but your soul as well. (This trick works will young children and falling asleep or calming down in the vehicle as well.)

2. While the children are napping or getting ready to come home from school, grab a quick face mask, apply, and then lay back in silence for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the mask, and get ready for a great second-half of the day.

3. Have a home office? A plug-in scent diffuser with essential oils will help with little whiffs of pleasantness throughout the day. Do a little research on which oils appeal to you and you are on your way. If plug-ins aren’t your thing, all-natural candles and scents may be just way you need.

4. After the children are in bed, hubby is busy or not home for the evening, seize this opportunity for all its worth. Grab a relaxing CD, some candles, and go draw a nice warm bath. Soak for at least 15-30 minutes in the dark. Afterward, you’ll still have time for sugar scrubs or any other products you rarely get to use.

5. Warm up a spa neck pillow and watch some TV while your senses unwind.

6. Keep your favorite sugar scrub next to your hand soap and give yourself a mini-manicure. This literally takes less than thirty seconds and gives your hands the go signal for the rest of the day.

7. When stressed to the max, secure yourself a ME time block. This can be day or night, weekend or weekday. No one is going to regret that you need a break. Personal coaches that cost thousands of dollars to obtain, place this first on their list of things to do for their clients. You are getting the information for free. Save the money and purchase some new pampering goodies.

8. Drink lots of water and walk. Water helps flush your system of impurities and walking helps keep your physically and mentally refreshed. Offer to walk the dog from now on or if you are already the family dog-walker, make it a point to think about all the things in your life that make you happy or you are blessed with. Make your walks positive with a rule of no negative thoughts.

9. Quick showers are great refreshers, but what if you life depends on how quickly you can get in and out? Sugar scrubs are a great 30-second revitalizer. Apply all over after washing and just allow shower to rinse it away. The shine and softness will last all day long and you’ll feel and smell great.

Pampering your body and soul are self-created. No one can do this for you. However, the benefits are multiple and you deserve it.

Can You Learn a Foreign Language with Audio books?

Can You Learn a Foreign Language with Audio books?

 by: Nick Moseley 
Many of us English speakers did another language at school (I did French) but if you’re like me and studies say many people are then you didn’t really take it seriously and probably don’t remember much.

***After all, English is the global language of business and aviation so what’s the point?***

Yes, maybe…up to a point…

***Holiday problems***

You get into a medical emergency or your wallet gets stolen and the police don’t speak English…

***Money***

Fact – Speaking another language massively (HUGELY!) expands your career options and opportunities.

If you’re going for a job where a 2nd language isn’t needed it will give you a powerful advantage if you’re up against someone who doesn’t have it.

If a job does need a 2nd language then if you can’t speak it you’ve got no chance – And in the ever expanding global economy those of us who are multi lingual WILL have access to more and better prospects, and, basically, earn more money.

***”Social Mobility”***

My own situation – move country for personal reasons (love I’m in Sweden where pretty much everyone DOES speak English but it was a big hindrance. I felt like a social outcast – they don’t speak English at parties I can tell you!

***So How to do learn with a language audio book***

You can do evening classes etc – But that sucks up time like crazy. I know, I’ve done the Swedish For Immigrants course here. It’s excellent but I only had time for a basic primer course and even that took up too much time (I run my own business at home at break neck speed and have a demanding dog with separation anxiety issues!)

So being a lover of mp3 audio books (and owner of an audio book website!) I got myself a Swedish language audio book which I played when walking the dog, riding to the shops and any other non work or family focus time – About an hour a day in my world.

***Start it and Keep at it***

Don’t give up At first not much goes in but after a while I can tell you that your ears get tuned in and it starts to make sense.

***Courses vary.***

Mine simply has the phrase or word being said in English then Swedish or vice versa – The core phrases are repeated in different ways and so build & reinforce the key basics to which you add vocabulary – and away you go!

***How long does it take?***

1-3 months depending on you and how hard you go at it.

If you do 1-2 hours a day then you’ll be able to speak a significant amount of any language after 6 weeks and be hot in 3 months.

Just imagine how surprised your friends and people at work will be when you chatter away in your new language – and it’s a GREAT feeling too.

I bombed in French at school and had a real mental block about learning another language i.e., I can’t do it – Now I can and audio books really pushed me to it. If I can do it anyone can – and that means you so get to it!

At worst next time you go on holiday you can speak the basics with the locals and sort out problems or have more fun shopping. At best you’ll be able to twitter away like a songbird!

***Suggested audio book language learning “courses” ***

There are many audio book versions of leading foreign language study courses as well as audio book specific ones.

Prices go from a few pounds or dollars for holiday starters (a perfect way to start) into hundreds for some very detailed “total” courses like Pimsleur levels 1-3+

To make a start just go to a search engine and type in the name of the language followed by “audio book” and start digging from there.

Online Photo Printing

Online Photo Printing

 by: Kelly Liyakasa 
Everyone knows how inconvenient it can be to develop your digital photographs at your corner drugstore. Although photo processing has come a long way in terms of speed and convenient, hour-long wait times, there is nothing like popular digital photo printing services.

Online photo printing is a new wave of digital photo sharing, in which images can be digitally transferred to your PC, edited, and then printed at affordable prices. Ever spend $10 on a roll of film that you ended up hating and wondering why you ever took the pictures in the first place? Photo printing online allows consumers to pick and choose which images they truly want and even have them customized in items like frames or t-shirts.

6StarReviews.com notes Snapfish as a great choice in their digital photo printing reviews , as this site offers customers photo printing options like magnets, personalized stationery, gift mugs and coasters. The Internet took the ordinary photograph and re-vamped it into an interactive, customizable entity that can be swapped, emailed or printed and sent straight to your doorstep.

Another noteworthy option in photo printing services is Shutterfly, a popular site that allows customers to order by the print or in bulk, saving money in the long run. Whether you’re the casual photographer who snaps digital photos every once in awhile at family functions or a die-hard photojournalist who makes photography your career, photo printing services give you the flexibility and fun features you need

Photography and the Great Outdoors

Photography and the Great Outdoors

 by: Suzanne VanDegrift 
Combining photography with the passion of hiking, biking and mountain climbing can result in the most incredible photographs imaginable. Whether it’s ice climbing in the Rockies, with your camera bag packed safely away, until you reach the summit where you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the frozen earth spread out as far as the eye can see. Or a leisurely springtime hike up a flower carpeted Pocono hillside with your camera close at hand to catch that pheasant or covey of quail. The outdoors and photography are a perfect match.

If you’re a week-end photographer who can’t wait to get out of the city and become one with nature, there are countless opportunities that will allow you to fulfill your desire to “get away” and get that “shot of a lifetime”.

Consider those who are lucky enough to live in Seattle, Washington where you can leave work on a Friday afternoon and be standing on the majestic and rugged coastline, removing your camera and tripod from their bag in time to be setting up to focus on one of the most beautiful sunsets on earth. The next morning, while enjoying your first cup of coffee, you could be snapping pictures of the Grey whales which migrate north along the Washington coast between February and April every year.

Or maybe mountain scenery is your first love and you are fortunate enough to live in the Yellowstone area of Montana were the wildlife is phenomenal. Grizzly, coyote, elk…. big horned sheep playing on the mountainside. Buffalo grazing peacefully, as they must have a 100 years ago. This is truly Big Sky Country where you can catch a glimpse of a graceful eagle gliding silently through the trees. These are pictures most people can only see in a magazine, not through their camera lens on a brisk autumn morning.

Remember it’s important to research not only where you’re going to be photographing and what camera equipment you’ll be using, but also the bags, backpacks and pouches to which you entrust your valuable cameras, lenses, tripods and accessories The touring bicyclist needs to invest in a dry sack in the event he encounters inclement weather, but the young photographer hiking through the Sierra Nevada, in search of the various species of blooming cactus, probably would be in need of the backpack with room for her water bottles. Look for quality, durability and functionality.

Whatever your passion, wherever you call home. There are beautiful pictures waiting to be taken. That horse pasture you are fortunate enough to pass on your way to work every day. Stop; take a good look. I bet you’ll see a terrific photograph. One you’d probably be in awe of if you saw it in a magazine. So pack up those camera bags and keep your equipment handy. You never know when that one perfect picture will appear.