Life Is What You Make It: February 2008

The race as a Whole

The entire human race is a grand experiment in strengthening and focusing reflective thought and analytical intelligence to a far higher pitch than it has been expressed in other species on the planet. Humans are the only animals that can look at themselves and their world objectively, detached from immediate physical concerns. They have separated themselves from the business of physical survival in several ways. They have developed powerful methods of communication such as language and music, they have created cultural rituals and complex worlds of ideas, and they have changed their environment and built fantastic tools and toys.
Unlike animals, humans create most of their environment themselves. The main focus of most people’s lives is not on the business of survival, it is on the business of building and maintaining their civilization. Our energies are dedicated to the development, communication, and expression of ideas; to cooperative effort with others on common tasks; and to using tools to change our environment to reflect our vision. Our main attention has been turned away from the natural world for several thousand years. The development of global economies and the resulting global environmental issues are pushing us back toward an appreciation of and involvement with our natural heritage. The development of technology and the resulting alienation of ourselves from the physical world and from each other have resulted in an increasing interest in spiritual questions (such as the meaning of life). These spiritual questions are pushing us back toward a more integrated understanding of our place in the universe.
This isn’t supposed to be a turning back of the clock however. The intense objectivity and reflection developed by humanity is supposed to bring a new awareness to the task. We are not to simply take our place as natural creatures as we once did. Nor are we to attempt to subjugate the environment and our own natures as we have been doing. The forces of nature around us and within us are living, conscious things. We must learn from these forces. We must form a partnership, a symbiosis. We are to continue to try and bring our vision of life out into the physical world, but we must form and implement that vision cooperatively.
We cannot force new patterns onto the natural and psychological forces that created us and that give us our physical and mental lives. Instead, we must understand the patterns already within the world and our minds and work within them and build upon them. We must become co-creators of our world. That is the challenge for the next millennium. It's the only game worth playing.

Why Bad Thnings Happend To Good People

Actually there is a book by the name "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." No one here has read it. Of course, we don't need to, because we already know why:
There is no such thing as Justice
It is an illusion. A myth. A fairy tale. Life really isn't fair. The question is, why do you think it's supposed to be? Who started that idea? Job? The people who tried to put a good face on beating people up by inventing the Queensbury Rules? We don't know.
Justice sounds like a good idea because it sort of equalizes the pain. I get hurt, so you get hurt in return. Well there's more ocean than land, more roaches than roach motels, and more salesmen than prophets. Things just aren't meant to be equal. Suffering and happiness are not weights in some cosmic Martha Stewart food scale, their relative proportion is completely unpredictable, just get over it.
Here's the deal. Tragedy may be unequal, but it isn't random. Yes, there is a meaning, we're giving a bit away early here. Bad things usually happen to forcefully slap us out of whatever stupor we are in at the time. We are supposed to start questioning our beliefs. We are supposed to figure out what is and what is not important to us. People usually don't change unless they feel sufficient pain to overcome their natural resistance to change. Change takes energy. Nothing energizes like tragedy. What suffering is usually supposed to encourage us to do is figure out how to avoid suffering in the future. Find out what happy people do and imitate them. This is not rocket science.
If tragedy seems random and cruel now, it isn't. You're just not wanting to look at the facts. What facts those are exactly will be addressed in the Meaning of Life Part II.
Of course, if people don't get the hint and continue to imitate deer staring into the headlights of destiny, well, that's their lookout. Do not get mad at God/the universe/insert your cosmic principle here. Do what you're supposed to do, pick your ass up off the ground and try again. Nobody likes a crybaby.
You can't get out of it by going limp and giving up. That usually makes it worse. Athletes must tolerate a certain level of pain to reach their goals. You are no different.

As for the injustice of loved ones getting killed, etc., that has its own purpose. Don't ask unanswerable questions about other people; you've got enough to worry about with your own situation. If you get tragically killed, then you'll understand. Until then, forget it.
We have been criticized about the callous nature of this page. For people who have recently lost family members, etc., this little diatribe can sting. However, the message is still true even for them. Life is very unfair, but like chemotherapy, it does the job.

Unhappy? Depressed?

Well, obviously if you're really bad off you should really talk to a professional, but as long as you're not contemplating any ugly irreversible acts, here's something that might help.
Think of someone you know that seems pretty happy about life. How would you describe their attitude? Are they kidding themselves? Are they ignoring the ugly truth about life that's right in front of their eyes and pretending that some happy fantasy world that exists only in their heads is real? Well, guess what. That is exactly how every happy person in the world acts. And the really strange thing is that it's OK. Because the reason that you are unhappy is that you have constructed a fantasy world just as complete and just as removed from the "facts" as the Pollyanna imaginings that you so despise in those happy people.
Reality is in fact neither good nor bad, it is a very plastic inkblot sort of thing that can be bent and twisted in many directions depending on your beliefs. WHAT! you say? What about THE TRUTH? Well, that's a complicated question and it gets into the meaning of life bit that we haven't gotten to yet, but suffice it to say that what is REALLY going on is so strange, so complex, and so far beyond our everyday understanding, that it bears no relationship to what you think of as "reality", "truth", or "reason". Good and bad, happy and sad, these are notions that you are imposing on the world around you. But, more on that in part II of the Meaning of Life Page.
The answer to unhappiness is both liberating and infuriating, but here it is. Happiness doesn't depend on anything that has or has not happened in the past, nor does it depend on your future prospects (thank God, eh?). The simple fact is, in order to be happy:

Why is our Society so Violent

There is one thing that makes people feel enough rage to commit violence, and that is a feeling of powerlessness. If people feel that they have no control over their destiny and environment, if they feel that they cannot act effectively, then they can reach a point where they believe that nothing short of violence can change their situation.
Acting effectively requires you to influence other people and to control your environment. To influence other people, they must respect you and be willing to listen to what you have to say. To control your environment, you must understand it, have the skills to affect it, and be permitted to act on it.
It should be clear that these conditions are not met very often in our society. Many people in our society are alienated from one another and have few opportunities to exert any real influence on one another. Many poor and uneducated people do not have any control over their environment whatsoever.
However, powerlessness is not the only ingredient in violence. The real question is not why people are violent, but why so many men are violent. Although women are just as capable of violence as men, crime statistics show that it is not women who are turning our urban environments into war zones.
Both men and women must abide by certain expectations. Even though people have few instincts and all of our adult behavior is learned, we labor under the misconception that men and women are biologically destined to behave completely differently. Women are supposed to be yielding, they are not expected to forcefully express their own wants and needs. Men are supposed to be dominant and commanding, and are regarded as weak if they express any tendencies to yield or to behave in a "feminine" way.
As psychologists have discovered, however, the most mentally healthy people express emotional and behavioral characteristics traditionally assigned to both sexes. The fully functioning human can be either forceful or gentle, commanding or submissive, strong or yielding, as the situation requires. Unfortunately, the acceptable range of emotions for men is rather narrow, and what happens is that men must express all of their emotional energy through the few emotions available to them. This leads to rather exaggerated expressions of strength and virility.
Now, couple this self-image men have of strength and domination with the feelings of powerlessness rife in our society, and you have a recipe for disaster. Men must express their exaggerated sense of dominance, but they are rendered impotent by their inability to act with any effectiveness. To these men, violence seems to be the only way to affect their environment.
This will continue to be a problem until men are raised differently.

Conventional wisdom says men are from Mars and women are from Venus when it comes to communicating, but now the differences may include the way they eat.Men who are insecure about their bodies eat more in front of other men, while women insecure about their bodies eat less in front of their girlfriends.And all it takes to affect their eating habits is viewing images of "ideal-bodied" people of their own gender, All of the men and women were average in body weight.Some of the men and women viewed images of fit men and women with no accompanying text. The pictures came from such fashion, lifestyle and fitness magazines as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Vogue, Shape, Elle, Men's Health, Men's Fitness and Muscle & Fitness.Others viewed slides that contained information on diet and exercise. Then all of the participants adjourned into a classroom, where they ate pretzels without knowing the researchers were watching their every bite.According to the results, women who thought poorly of their bodies and viewed slides with no text or with diet and exercise information, on average, ate one less pretzel than other women. Men with the same poor body-image who viewed the same slides for their gender ate three more pretzels than other men.

First step in eating disorder?

Laying off just a few pretzels a day, thus saving 100 calories and losing more than a pound of fat in a year may not seem like much in women. But some women, even skinny ones, may get carried away with being as slim as possible because of the images they see in magazines and on TV.As for men, three extra pretzels here and three extra pretzels there, and soon you're talking a much larger waistline. If a woman is a regular user of ideal-body media, she may be moved to abstain from eating several times a day, even when she is hungry, which would result in significant weight loss over timeThe fact that this happens even to skinny women means that such weight loss could be unhealthy.Similarly, a man vulnerable to ideal-male images may actually eat more even when he isn't hungry just to reassure himself and other men that he is sufficiently masculine, Eating in response to external cues rather than internal hunger signals is one of the first steps involved in the development of anorexia, bulimia or compulsive eating.Our commercial mass media are filled with such external cues. It is our hope that future studies will be devoted to furthering our understanding of how young people, especially those who are most vulnerable, can resist the pull of those cues.

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Dog Food

Are you giving your dog the best nutrition he or she needs? Probably not. Most dog owners think nothing of the type of dog food they are feeding their lovable pets. More times than not they go for the cheapest hard-type dog food that their local store provides.
There are a lot of dog owners who also feed their dogs only human food. Both practices can be hindering your dog from reaching optimum nutrition and health. As animals, dogs are different from humans and need different nutrient ratios. In addition, simply serving your dog only dry dog food does not have all of the vitamins the dog needs.
The best sources of healthy dog food to buy your pet may not be at your local grocery store or pet store at all. In fact, you will find many online dog food stores that will provide you with choices that you might never see at your local dog food shop. By shopping online for your dog food you will find many varieties of dog treats, dog canned foods, dog gourmet foods, and unique dog recipes.

Back

Ok... What's going on with the blogosphere this days. I haven't been on for several days.I'd took sometime off blogging, it's just beacuse I was so down and feeling blue. We fell this way sometimes, when we got so many things in mind that need to get done and it's hard to fucos in so many things over.I guess different person handle thier circumtances in life differently. I had take sometimes off and do some relaxing stuff. That's what i did. I felt ok today. But deep inside still feeling down. But I guess life is like that, we cannot let things get into us ,if we do.. we just get so bit up and feeling miserable.We all know that we cannot fix things right away. Just need to take one step at a time and take things day by day. Anyway, Its good to be back.

We’ve all heard experts tout the importance of drinking adequate amounts of water. But why exactly is it so important? And how much water is enough?
At the most basic level, it goes like this: without water, we wouldn’t be here. Water is of major importance to all living things; up to 90 percent of the body weight of some organisms comes from water.Every day, we lose about 10 cups of water digesting food, eliminating waste, and maintaining a proper temperature.
Although many experts claim the human body is made up of about 60 percent water, the number actually fluctuates, depending on a variety of factors. Babies are made up of a little more than 75 percent water, while adult men are composed of about 60 percent. Furthermore, it’s difficult to make a generalization of the exact percentage, since fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue. Women’s body are made up of about 55 percent water, for example, but that can also change according to their age, how much they weigh, how often they exercise, and even the outside temperature.
So, is it necessary that we focus on drinking eight 8-oz glasses of water a day?

The simplest way to determine whether you’re getting enough water is to check the color of your urine. If it’s dark, you’re not getting enough fluids; if it’s clear or pale yellow, you're properly hydrated.
But what if you don’t like water? Don’t worry—today’s grocery stores offer many healthy alternatives, including waters that are flavored, carbonated, and even vitamin-enhanced. What’s more, decaffeinated tea, lowfat milk, and 100 percent fruit juices are tasty ways to replace the liquid your body loses throughout the day. You can also eat your way to hydration. Lettuce, watermelon, cucumbers, and broccoli have very high water densities as well—and are also rich in many important vitamins and minerals.

Bad News

I got a text my dad from philippines yesterday afternoon saying that.. they took my mom to the hosipital and she had her 3rd stroke and it was bad. I called home and found out that my mom has severe stroke. Her body has been paralize, I talked to my sister and she start choking while talking jsut because she was crying and cannot hold back her feeling anymore, and she was wishing that I was there with her to take care of our mother. I felt so terrible and cannot be there for her. All i can do was cried. I tried talking to her on the phone but she couldn't hea me it affects her hearing also. I wish i can hold her and tell her everything will be fine, i told her that anyway eventhough she cannot hear me. I know that we can't hold the future , we wouldn't know what's gonna happend tomorrow. My mom was my rock when i was back in philippine and she still are and alwys will.

I am trying to get over to Philppines in two weeks. I will be going to get my passport renewed for emergecy purposes that way i can get it in 24 hours and flew from San Francisco.

I am afraid that my mom will be taken away from me before i see her. But i have to always think positive. I know that everything will be alright...just have faith.

PPP Opportunity

As I was loging on at PPP last night . I read this announcement that they will be realseasing some oppps midnight lastnight and it will still be going on all day today. So i was so excited hoping i can pick up some of those oppps. I stayed log on last night for a little while, but i didn't have any luck. Even today i have no luck at all. Boy.. beleieve it or not they release some big oppps worth outhere. There was like $ 50.00, $500.00, .I am have been log on for quit sometime today still hoping that i can grab one atleast.But no luck.

The tack 1K Tuesday is fun though. And congrats top those who grabs the big oppps today.

Heart to Heart

For Us women, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, but all too often, they fail to seek out prevention and treatment. Here, what every woman should know.

Many women don’t worry about heart disease, or if they do, they focus only on how it may affect the men in their lives. According to experts, however, this attitude could wind up being a costly mistake.
While estrogen does give women some protection against the disease (at least until menopause), heart disease remains the leading killer of American women. Fortunately, there are some guidelines women can follow to lower their risk.

Take Control
As with many things, prevention is the key to reducing your heart disease risk, and two major factors—obesity and smoking—are in your control.
hearts specialist says women sometimes develop the a cluster of conditions, which are linked to a high risk of heart disease: obesity; diabetes; high blood pressure, also known as hypertension; polycystic ovarian disease; and depression.

To lower your risk, she recommends the following:
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a balanced diet that helps keep cholesterol levels under control.
• Exercise.
• Don’t smoke.
• Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy.

Watch and Test

Uppalapati recommends that all women at risk for heart disease be tested, even if they don’t have any symptoms, because symptoms in women can be more subtle than they are in men. “Women may have shortness of breath, feel tired, and maybe just have neck, jaw, or upper back pain,” she says. “It’s so common to hear women say, ‘I’m just not feeling well,’ with no additional symptoms.”

Search for Signs
In women, a stress test with an EKG has a higher rate of false positives than in men, warns Uppalapati, who recommends combining a stress test with an ultrasound, which can check for other heart problems.
She notes that with a good image from an ultrasound, you shouldn’t need a nuclear scan, which sometimes returns a false positive in women due to a breast shadow.

Get Treatment
Uppalapati says that because women’s symptoms can be mild, they often postpone seeking treatment. But remember: Women need to get to the hospital early so doctors can clear any blockage.

Are you a Workaholic

With the proliferation of cell phones, BlackBerries, and laptops, workaholism may seem like a socially acceptable addiction. An obsession with your job could compromise your home life, your friendships, and even your health. Have you been staying late at the office lately? Are your personal relationships starting to suffer ?Are you comsune by work? if you answer is yes to tjis question , you may have a problem.

Do you get more excited about your work than about family or anything else?

Are there times when you can charge through your work and other times when you can't?

Do you take work with you to bed? On weekends? On vacation?Is work the activity you like to do best and talk about most? Do you work more than 40 hours a week?6. Do you turn your hobbies into moneymaking ventures?7. Do you take complete responsibility for the outcome of your work efforts?8. Have your family or friends given up expecting you on time?9. Do you take on extra work because you're concerned that it won't get done otherwise?10. Do you underestimate how long a project will take and then rush to complete it?

Ways to fight Breast Cancer

There is no guaranteed protection against breast cancer, but there are things you can do reduce your risk.

An estimated one in eight women will be afflicted with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although there is no guaranteed protection against the disease, there are things you can do lower your risk. Follow these tips to prevent breast cancer and to support finding a cure:

• Maintain a healthy weight. There is a strong link between obesity and breast cancer, particularly if extra weight is added after menopause.

• Schedule an annual mammogram. This is vital after age 40, as mammograms may help detect early signs of breast cancer, sometimes up to several years before a lump can be felt.

• Eat foods high in fiber. Try to consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Among its many health benefits, fiber may help reduce the amount of circulating estrogen in the body. Foods high in fiber include whole grains and beans.

• Avoid long-term hormone therapy. The link between postmenopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer has been a subject of debate for years, and research results have been mixed. For women approaching menopause and having frequent symptoms, experts believe it's probably safe to take hormones for as long as four to five years—any longer increases breast cancer risk, without conferring any clear benefits.

• Enjoy soy. Isoflavones in soy foods are weak estrogen-like compounds that block the action of estrogen, which may contribute to breast cancer. Use soy flour in recipes, add tofu to soups or main dishes, eat green soybeans, or drink soy milk.

• Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcoholic beverages is linked to breast cancer, and the type of alcohol doesn’t seem to matter. Consume less than one alcoholic beverage per day, or better yet, avoid it entirely.

• Stay physically active. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise on most days. Try to include weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, or dancing, which have the added benefit of keeping bones strong.

• Eat good fats. Certain types of fats seem to increase estrogen levels, which, in turn, raise breast cancer risk. Opt for monounsaturated oils like olive and canola and omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, sardines, and herring. Avoid trans fats, found in stick margarine, packaged baked goods, and snack foods, and the polyunsaturated fats featured in corn, sunflower, and safflower oils.

• Consider aspirin therapy. Taking an aspirin just once a week may help protect against breast cancer, but be sure to consult a doctor before starting an aspirin regimen. When used for long periods of time, aspirin can cause stomach irritation, bleeding, and ulcers.

• Avoid additives. When possible, buy hormone-free organic meats, poultry, and dairy foods. Be sure to wash fresh produce and remove peels to get rid of pesticide residue.

• Try vitamin E. In a small study at State University of New York at Buffalo, participants with a family history of breast cancer had an 80 percent lower risk for developing breast cancer if their diets contained 10 or more IU per day of vitamin E.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. In particular, get enough cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, which can boost cancer-fighting enzymes.

• Perform monthly breast self-exams. Women can detect lumps or changes in their breasts by performing exams every month. The best time to do a self-exam is a week after the start of your period, when breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen.

• Breastfeed if possible. Some studies have shown that breastfeeding may decrease the risk of breast cancer later in life.

• Participate in the fight against breast cancer. There are numerous ways to get involved in raising awareness and money for breast cancer research, so do your research and get started today.

Eat This, Not That

Replace the fattening foods with their slimming counterparts, and watch the pounds slide off.

Eat oatmeal, not muffins. The average bakery muffin contains 340 to 630 calories, and it's loaded with sugar and fats. A bowl of oatmeal, on the other hand, contains only 150 to 250 calories and keeps hunger at bay.

Use mustard, not mayonnaise. A tablespoon of mayo contains approximately 100 calories. The same amount of yellow mustard has only 10 calories—this condiment switch is a no-brainer.

Snack on air-popped popcorn, not potato chips. Air-popped popcorn contains only 30 calories per cup without butter, while a single serving of Ruffles regular potato chips has 190 calories.

Order open-faced, not regular, sandwiches. One of the easiest ways to cut back on carbs is to order your sandwiches open-faced. Depending on the type of bread used, you'll save 100 to 200 calories per meal.

Ask for a salad, not fries. French fries are one of the biggest diet saboteurs. At McDonald's, a side salad with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette and croutons has just 120 calories, while the supersize fries contain a shocking 610.6. Enjoy angel-food cake, not cheesecake or carrot cake. Who says you can't have your cake and lose weight, too? Angel-food cake has just 130 calories per slice. Compare that with a piece of carrot cake or cheesecake, either of which contains anywhere from 500 to 720 calories.

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Many people say Valentine's Day is the day is the month that exchange gifts or giving candy , flower between loved ones. You have to answer this question to your self. Is this the only month or day to give or appreciate each other? For me its not! As far as i concern. You have to appreciate your other haft no matter what day it is... that is if you really appreciate or love him/ her dearly really.

You cannot just give something in special occasion just because its on the calendar. You got to appreciate one one another no matter day it is. It's not because her/his birthday or Christmas, or Valentine's day. Its because you LOVED the person. That's my opinion anyway.

You’ve seen the movies, read the books, and heard the stories of love and loss—of people not being able to go on without their significant others. But is there really such a thing as a broken heart? A growing body of research suggests that the emotional trauma of losing someone you love may lay the groundwork for a genuine medical condition.

Broken Heart Syndrome;

In emotionally stressful situations, such as a loved one’s unexpected death, people without previous health or heart problems may experience symptoms of heart failure. These symptoms can be similar to those of a typical heart attack, including chest pain, fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, and heart failure. So, what makes broken heart syndrome different from a standard heart attack? Generally, it is believed that broken heart syndrome is, at least in part, emotionally fueled and renders more reversible damage compared with the kind of damage suffered after a true heart attack, which can be permanent. Doctors at Johns Hopkins found that the recovery for a patient with stress cardiomyopathy, as it is known medically, is typically faster than the recovery for a heart attack.

Protecting Yourself;

Since a broken heart indicates extreme emotional stress, there are ways to protect yourself. Eating well, exercising daily, and not smoking can help reduce your risk. In addition, be sure to nurture other connections and relationships in your life, which helps to counteract loneliness. Experts also stress that you shouldn’t stop doing the things you enjoy—even if you used to do them with your loved one. Continue to volunteer, visit local galleries or theaters, take a class, or enjoy any other activities that will help distract you from your grief.Ultimately, there is no way to determine who will suffer temporary heart damage from a stressful event, but routine stress management can help minimize the effects. Remember, grief is a normal emotion. It’s when that grief becomes overwhelming that you may suffer from a “broken heart.” If you feel you or someone close to you is suffering from the loss of a loved one, speak with your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend a counselor or support group to help you cope.

We all know that all dogs are man's best friend. And no doubts that they are cute, one point to another you have that urge to get a pet. Do you have what it take to raise a puppy up in the right way?
Dogs has given us their absolute all.We are the center of thier universe. We are the fucos of thier love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. Pet Blog is a new website called thoughtsfurpaws and talks about Dog/pet and it's warming site to get together and share about dogs, exchange some pets stories, sharing ideas about perspective in life , educate each other what's important about pets. Its a website where you can get some information about car insurance for pet, pet health, nutrition. Pet Blog thoughtsfurpaws where you can find alot of imformation about a animals, pets poem. If you are a person who loves dog , this website will be very helpful for you just simpli click on the categories and you will find the some topic that interest you.So visit now.

Relationship Saving Tricks

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you might find yourself reassessing your current relationship. Realize that staying together can be difficult. Though some couples make it seem effortless, you both must invest a lot of time and energy in the relationship to make it last. Learn about the reason why relationship fail and find out how to solve this problem.

Signs of a relationship breakdown; Watch our for these red flags.

. Poor communication. In a 20-year study conducted by the Gottman Institute in Seattle, researchers found that the most important factor separating success from failure in marriage was the couple’s ability to resolve conflicts.
2. Lack of intimacy. Numerous studies confirm that successful couples have a healthy sex life. Work stress and family obligations can intrude and distract from your sexual relationship.
. Not doing chores. It doesn’t sound very romantic, but according to a 2007 World Values Survey by the Pew Research Center, sharing household chores ranked number three, behind faithfulness and a happy sexual relationship, on a list of what makes marriages successful.
. Unrealistic expectations. Couples who begin a relationship with overly high expectations are more likely to be disappointed than those who had lower expectations, one study found.
. Boredom. For many couples, domestic life can become pretty routine. You wake up, go to work, come home, and go to bed. And where’s the fun in that?
. Too much time together. Many experts believe that you shouldn’t be best friends with your partner. Although it seems good in theory, you could wind up with a roommate rather than a romantic partner.

You can fix these problem before it get's too late.

Car Insurance that Cost you Less

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Meal from the Heart

Surprise you loveone/sweetheart this Valentine's day with a romantic, home-cook dinner for two. Or Better yet spend some quality time preaparing deliscious meal together; A dish like this:

Penne with Tomatoes, Mint and Sage
* 1 Lbs. canned tomato sauce
* 3-1/2 cups water
* 3/4 Lbs. penne or other tube pasta
* 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
* 1 largetomato\cooked, seeded and diced
* 2 Tbs. fresh sage, minced
* 1 Tbs. fresh mint, minced
* 2 Tbs. olive oil
* 2 tsp. balsamic or red wine vinegar
* 1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated

Cooking Directions:

Combine tomato sauce and water in a nonreactive saucepan and bring to a boil. Add pasta and hot red pepper, cover and cook 15-18 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently, or until pasta is al dente. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients, except cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with cheese.

Obama is In Seattle

Senator Obama is intown today. He held his rally at Key area where the Sonic play. We left the house about 9:45 am make sure we get there on time. The key Arena Entrance was open at 10:45 am . When we got there, there was a longggggggg line of poeple. We tried to find a closer parking area but we coulden't find any. So we had to gone ahead and pay $ 8 for parking. We ran to get in line. Luckily by the time ge got there the line was moving. It was chilling cold. We got in safe and sound but my goodness the Key Arena was sooo pack. 11:11 am the guard close the entrance door. There was 18,000 people inside and 3,000 got turn away. Sen Obama went outside to talk to the people outside that has not got inside. It was so nice attending the rally. Sen Obama talked about the health Care, men and women in war and so much more . It was over whelming. But It felt so good i get to see Sen Obama in person . HES THE MAN!!!

Jobs In Australia

Are you having a hard time finding a job ? Why not try to apply for a job at Jobs.com.au ?It doesn't hurt to try You might find a real and good job you enjoy . Wether you are looking for a new job or fill a new position with a qualified personel Jobs can help you. Jobs.com.au has partnered with leading Australian search company to provide employment and opportunities for Australians and for all people looking to find a work or changes carrere paths. You can search for a current job listing or search for the dream job and desired salary you like.

Jobs.com.au you will find a list of job discription across all industries that will also enclude education, qualification requirements and salary expectation. And it provides you a helful kob seeker tools including an online for writing resume. You will find a resume sample to help you deliver document that prospertive employer will look at.

Jobs.com.au provides you all everything you are looking for, for a job. Jobs at jobs.com. has a widest job opportunity you can find and it also provide's you a good training jobs for jobs seekers.

Make Money From Your Blog

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Is Your Life Complete

There are some ways to live our life's in fulfillment and Complete Life.

When we talk about living a complete life, what do we mean? Are we talking about simply achieving goals as a way to show accomplishments? Not exactly – a complete life means that you live a life that is fulfilled and full of happiness.Goals are an important part of it, but so are personal and professional relations, passions and desires. For almost everyone, living a complete life is an ongoing process – every day we take steps or perform tasks that help us achieve the goals and desires we have set forth in our life.It’s very easy to live life – to go through the motions – without living fulfilled. Far too many of us are getting up every day and we don’t have a passion or purpose in what we do. We’ve lost track of our life goals and are not sure how to get back on the path towards living a fulfilled life.So how do we get back on track in our lives? Or if we already are on track, what are some of the tips that can help keep us on track? I’ve compiled a list of 5 areas that you can focus on that can help you achieve living a fulfilled and complete life.

Turn Your Desires and Wants into GoalsWe all have desires and wants in our life. For some of us it can be a desire to be able to retire early, for others we may have a want to get the latest BMW. For many people they have a desire to make sure that they leave behind a legacy of doing well in both their personal and professional lives.In order to achieve your wants and desires, set up goals for yourself. In fact, many people find that by having goals – and milestones to achieving that goal – that they have the motivating power to actually make it happen. Setting up goals gives you the purpose for getting up in the morning and helps fuel the drive to succeed. Make sure your goals are achievable by breaking them down into smaller steps. Then celebrate each time you achieve one of the steps towards the larger goal!
Turn Your Goals into HabitsNow that you have defined your goals, or better yet you have achieved them, don’t step there! Turn those goals into habits. If your goal was to finish your college education then make it a habit – make education a part of your everyday life by always learning and doing. If your goal was to get rid of the clutter in your life then make sure you don’t stop once you have achieved it or else the clutter will find its way back into your life!Habits help us continually achieve goals and even help take small goals and transform them into larger ones. For instance, if you have achieved your goal of reducing your energy and water usage help others see the benefits of doing so as well – expand your goal by making it your habit! People learn by seeing others do.
Track Your Progress and Celebrate Your AccomplishmentsIf you remember, I said that in order to make your goals achievable to break them down into smaller steps and celebrate each step as you achieve it. It’s important that we recognize the progress we make in our lives – and that our friends and family make in theirs. It’s positive reinforcement and it is one of the most crucial ingredients in leading a happy, fulfilled life.Celebrate accomplishments and use the momentum from achieving that milestone as the catalyst to propel you towards the next milestone! You will find that soon you have developed a positive self-feeding cycle in your life and you will be able to achieve anything you put your mind to!
Watch Out For the NegativesHow many of us limit ourselves by listening to old, outdated and just plain wrong advice and conventions? When people tell you that you can’t do something because you haven’t done X or Y first, just smile and tell them “Thanks, but I think I’ll give it a shot!” Never limit yourself or your beliefs.It seems that in life people are always more apt to listen to those who want to spread the negative emotions and thoughts around than they are those who want to spread around the message of “Yes you can!” Learn how to overcome those who want to be held back by old, outdated beliefs and propel yourself forward knowing that you can do something if you work hard at it.
Keep Your Mind Open ChangeWe should always make sure that we have an open mind and learn that change happens and sometimes we need to modify our desires or goals. This doesn’t mean you should give up on something because you think it is too hard to achieve, but rather you should be open for new ways of achieving that goal or modifying the goal to take advantage of advanced in technology, science and the world around us.Successful people know that change is part of life – and that change does not, as many people believe, happen suddenly but rather is a gradual process that takes place every minute of the day. By being aware of the change that happens around them they can better focus their goals and desires to take advantage of change instead of being surprised by it.Are you preparing to bring fulfillment to your life? Use this list as guide then watch as change starts to happen around you. People will notice when you change your attitude and outlook, and when they do it is almost viral – they begin to change theirs as well! Before you know it, not only are you living a full, complete life but you also were the catalyst for others to find fulfillment in their lives as well!

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Dead-of-Winter Fitness Motivators

When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall outside, it’s hard to justify a good reason for getting off the couch. But even though lounging in front of the television feels a lot more tempting than taking a jog or even driving to the gym, there’s no reason you have to completely surrender your fitness goals until spring. These ten simple strategies will motivate you to keep moving all season long.

Have fun. Let’s face it—slogging away on the elliptical trainer at the gym can get boring, especially if you forgot your iPod or the guy next to you insists on watching ESPN reruns. Try tapping into your inner child instead. Did you love sledding as a kid? Could you always be found as the ice skating rink? Many of the same activities that gave you pleasure as a kid can be just as fun now. Yes, you may need new equipment; yes, you may need a refresher course; and yes, chances are your muscles will be sore afterwards—especially if you haven’t been this active for awhile. But as long as you’re having fun, you’re far more likely to forget that you’re getting a good cardiovascular workout.
Try something new. Here’s another idea that will reawaken your inner child—name the activity that you always wanted to try as a kid, but weren’t able to. Then explore that option as an adult. Better yet, try something completely outside your own personal activity safety zone—such as cardio salsa dancing, snowshoeing, or Tai Chi. You may awaken an old passion or even create an entirely new one.
Get outdoors. Fresh air provides a burst of fresh oxygen to your system—an instant energy booster. What’s more, there’s nothing like the sound of a bird singing, a squirrel chattering, or the icicles dripping to remind you that you’re a small piece of something much larger—and that can give you a fresh take on living.
Clean your house. If you can’t get outdoors to exercise, think about burning some calories while indoors. Giving your home a thorough cleaning will only help you feel better, but it will provide some great health benefits as well. Vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing, for example, works your muscles and burns calories. Plus, the removal of dust and allergens from your home will help you feel better overall.
Buy new gear. There’s nothing like some new clothes to give you a boost of confidence. You can use this saying to your advantage when it comes to fitness, too. Use your new outfit to show off your weight loss results, feel more comfortable at the gym, or just dust off your slightly outdated fitness image.
Go shopping. Try shocking your system by trying on bathing suits in the dead of winter. Keep in mind that dressing room lighting can be less than flattering—but sometimes jumping into the deep end is just the motivation you need to get moving!
Consult an expert. There’s nothing like a fresh perspective to get you in the mood to achieve .If you’re struggling with emotional food issues, for example, consult a therapist, or find a support group with people who understand your needs. If you’re tired of the same old exercise routine, consider meeting with a personal trainer to get some fresh ideas. And if your cooking or eating habits have gone stale, a visit or two with a registered dietician can bring to life a whole range of flavors and possibilities.
Set a goal. The summer probably seems far away but actually, it’s just about the right amount of time needed to train for a fitness event or race. The key is to find a group will that can support you and/or hold you accountable while you train. There’s nothing like knowing that you’re going to have to wear running shorts, meet a fundraising goal, or hold up your end of the team to serve as an effective motivator.
Enlist a friend. Join forces with your partner, spouse, son, daughter, uncle, mom, sister, neighbor, or dog. Studies show that people who set goals or make appointments with friends to exercise are more likely to go through with it. And the reason is simple: you’re accountable to someone else, which often means more to us than being accountable to ourselves.
Invest in yourself. Many people spend a lot of time doing things for other people—their kids, their partner, their aging parents. But don’t forget this fact: at the end of the day, you are the best caretaker for yourself. Consider getting healthy an investment in yourself. The paybacks include increased energy, better health, and a more positive outlook on life.

The 8 Biggest Myths about Men and Women

Are men really from Mars and women from Venus? Here, we explore the most common assumptions surrounding the sexes.

Men are obsessed with sports, cars, and the remote control. Women are hopeless romantics who can't do math. These are just a few common myths about men and women. Are they just gender stereotypes, or do they contain nuggets of truth?Some studies suggest there are, in fact, distinct differences between the sexes.
But according to other research, men and women may be more alike than we realize. Read on to find out what's fact and what's fiction.

The 4 Biggest Myths About Men

Myth 1: Men aren't as emotional as women.
Reality: A recent Vanderbilt University study suggests that men and women do, in fact, experience the same levels of sadness. Women are just more likely to reach for the box of tissues. As the lead researcher explained, it's not that women are more emotional than their male counterparts; they're just more likely to express those emotions.

Myth 2: Men don't like to communicate.
Reality: Men communicate differently than women, but that doesn't mean they’re uncommunicative. "For males, conversation is the way you negotiate your status in the group and keep people from pushing you around." This is in stark contrast, she notes, to females, who use conversation to negotiate closeness and intimacy.

Myth 3: Men think about sex constantly.
Reality: It's often said that men think about sex every seven seconds, but experts agree that this isn't true. According to the Kinsey Institute, only 54 percent of men think about sex every day or several times a day; 43 percent think about it a few times a month or week, while the remaining 4 percent thinks about sex less than once a month. Nevertheless, men do think about sex more than women (only 19 percent of women think about sex every day or several times a day, 67 percent a few times per month or a few times per week, and 14 percent less than once a month).

Myth 4: Men want to avoid marriage.
Reality: Men may be marrying at a later age, but the majority of them are still tying the knot. A 2002 U.S. Census Bureau study reported that more than half (51.3 percent) of men were married. Another U.S. Census article lists the median age of a first marriage in 2003 as 27.1, compared to 26.1 in 1990 and 24.7 in 1980.

The 4 Biggest Myths About Women

Myth 1: Women aren't good at math.
Reality: In a Lafayette College study, three groups of men and women were asked a separate series of questions prior to taking identical math tests. The women who answered questions about their achievement at a prestigious, liberal arts college performed significantly better on the math test than women who were asked whether they lived in a single-sex or coed dorm. The findings suggest that seemingly innocent questions activate male and female stereotypes—and may then go on to affect individual cognitive performance.

Myth 2: Women are bad drivers.
Reality: This age old-stereotype was brought to a screeching halt by researchers at Bradford University. Their study found that when it comes to tasks requiring mental flexibility, such as driving, women prevail. Women scored significantly better on a battery of tests that assessed skills such as spatial recognition memory, attention span, and motor control. The researchers believe that oestrogen, a hormone present in a woman's part of the brain responsible for motor skills, may be the contributing factor.

Myth 3: All women want children.
Reality: Some women choose to live life without children; this is an important topic to discuss before marriage. The National Center of Health Statistics confirms that the percentage of women of childbearing age who define themselves as voluntarily childless is on the rise. From 1982 to 1995 alone, the percentage of women say no to motherhood jumped from 2.4 to 6.6.

Myth 4: Women just want to get married.
Reality: Yes, for some women, a wedding ring is the ultimate goal. But with the divorce rate hovering around 40 percent, many women realize that tying the knot isn’t a guarantee of happily-ever-after—and are marrying later, if at all. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age for a woman’s first marriage was 25.3 in 2003, as versus 23.9 in 1990 and 22 in 1980. In addition, a 2006 U.S. Census report stated that 51 percent of American women are unmarried, which includes those who are divorced, widowed, or never married at all.

Soduim The Surprising Facts

Excess soduim in the diet can raise your blood pressure. But will cutting down on table salt solve problem? Not necessararily. Truth is table salt is responsible for only about 15 percent of the total soduim consumed by an average American each day.

Most soduim comes from seasonings and ingredients added to food, such as monosoduim glutamate, soy sause, mayonaise and buillion. It is also common in processed foods, such as luncheon meat, can soup, canned vegetables and fast foods--- all of which account for almost 75% of salt consumption in the typical US diet.

Although soduim essential for maintaining bodily fluid and proper nerve function, most of us consume more than we need. The recommended daily amount is only about 2,400 milligrams about 1 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Following this recommendation usually works well; however some people have " soduim sensitivity". This means they have high blood pressure, even they are sticking on the recommended daily amount of soduim. oduim sensitivity is most common on people who are 50 or older, have a family history of high blood pressure or are African American. Those with this condition often need to follow a low-soduim diet.

Cholesterol: The Good and bad

Managing cholesterol is one of the keys to a healthy heart. But because they are different types pf cholesterol, it can be hard to keep track of which one is good for you and which one are not.
Here is some basic imformation that help you keep it straight.

HDL vs LDL

You may know that cholesterol is fat-like substance that travel through blood. But did you know it can't make the trip alone? That's because blood and cholesterol-like water and oil- don't mix. To get through bloodstream, cholesterol combines with protien and form " packages" know as lipoprotiens.

The Different types of lipoprotien are:
* High-density lipoprotien (HDL), which considered "good" and protective because it carries cholesterol away from blood vessels
* Low-desity lipoprotien (LDL) , which considered " bad" because it contain large amount of cholesterol and is responsible for build up and blockages in the arteries.

Another substance to be aware of is triglycerides, the form in which most body fat is stored. High level of triglycerides in the blood , along with the other risk factor, may increase your risk of heart disease as well as lead to weight gain.

Heart Diet

Heart disease is the NO. 1 killer of men and women in this country. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, there will be an estimated 1.1 million heart attacks and 700,000 strokes in the United State this year alone.

That's why it's important to everyone to be aware of thier personal risk factors for the disease and understand what they can do to reduce the risk. A good diet is the key of that life style. Fortunately, eating sensibly doesn't mean that you have to go hungry or deny yourself the food you love. You have to focuses on balance, portion monitoring and moderation when it comes to eating. and recognize the important of exercise, quitting smoking and maitaining other heart-healthy lifesyle habits.

Baby Product May Expose Infant to Chemicals

I was watching news tonight , the news about baby product got my attention. Baby shampoos, lotions and powders may expose infants to chemicals that have been linked with possible reproductive problems . The chemicals, called phthalates, are found in many ordinary products including cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and medical supplies, they found the chemical on baby's urin. They are used to stabilize fragrances and make plastics flexible. They said that they were found in elevated levels in the urine of babies who'd been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.

Parents that have a newborn baby should be careful anything you put on your baby's body. Concerned parents can seek products labeled "phthalate-free," or check labels for common phthalates . If the product has this. Dont buy it. Dont risk your baby's health.

Your phone is ringing, your blackberry is vibrating and that annoying email alert notice is starting to sound like an oncoming train. Add to that a stack of bills on your desk and the "relaxing" dinner you're suppose to have with you in-laws tonight and you can almost see the steam coming out of your ears. There's no two ways about it, you’re stressed!Stress is all around us - at home, at work and in the car. With it so prominent in our lives, it's important to look at what's causing all this tension, some warning signals that you're on the brink, but most importantly ways to reduce it. Stress can show up in our live in a variety of ways, the two most common are behavioral and cognitive.

Symptoms of Physical Stress (Behavioral)
Lack of sleep and/or poor sleep
Over/Under eating
Aggressive behavior (can you say, "road rage"?)
Nervous habits (pacing, nail biting)Symptoms of Mental Stress (Cognitive)
Impaired Memory
Lack of Clarity
Deteriorated Judgment

Scattered Thoughts/Racing ThoughtsStress can wreck havoc on your life, but you don't have to let this happen. If you’ve noticed these symptoms in yourself or others around you, it's time to take action. You can improve your productivity by creating some peace in your life - starting today!A level of sanity in your life is important for a healthy well-balanced lifestyle, but stress can leave you feeling overwhelmed. When you’re in this state of anxiety or panic, it's hard to see the big picture of your life. Creating a plan to reduce stress may be the last thing on your mind. Well, stop worrying, the tips below can help you start attaining nirvana sooner than you thought.

Stress Busters For Your BodyExercise can blast away stress and tension, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated. Endorphins are nature’s mood boosters, these guys make you feel great, exercise releases your endorphins.
Yoga - Yoga helps stretch your body and encourages proper breathing. Through Yoga you become more relaxed, leaving you calm, collected and ready for what lies ahead.
Run/Walk - A change of scenery can be just the trick you need to beat stress. On your lunch break, take some time and go for a walk, or run. Walking and running can reduce tension, plus it energizes your body.

Qigong - While not quite mainstream (yet), Qigong is known for its calming and centering benefits. The natural, slow movements of Qigong help to lower stress by reducing your respiratory and heart rate.
Stress Busters For Your DietWhat you eat directly affects how you feel. Start your day with a healthy breakfast and maintain a proper diet. You'll feel better and will be healthier.
Reduce Caffeine - Caffeine is known to cause stress, by increasing your body's cortisol levels. Removing caffeine from your diet, or cutting back, can help reduce daily stress.
Reduce Alcohol - Alcohol increases your body's adrenaline, which can lead to tension, irritability and insomnia. Never use alcohol as a night cap or a stress buster.
Camomile Tea - Camomile tea contains nutrients that have a sedative calming affect on your body. This tea will help calm and relax you, try some before bed.
Stress Busters In Your EnvironmentWith a little planning, you can make your surroundings the eye, to the outside world’s storm.
Look Inward - You don’t have to look far for relaxation. Deep breathing, Yoga Breaths and Meditation give you a moment of peace. Stress is melted away as your respiration and heart rate lower. For those who are curious about meditation, but aren’t sure how to start, I suggest Guided Imagery. It’s similar to meditation, but is considered easier to do. Simply relax and listen to a soothing voice and music, as your worries drift away.
Get Organized - Your surrounds have a huge impact on your emotions. Feng Shui is based on this principle. Getting organized makes life easier and you’ll be able to concentrate better. Find a place for all your items, and put them in their place!
Music - According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "students who listened to a well-known gentle classical piece of music during a stressful task had reduced feelings of anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure."
Aromatherapy - Your sense of smell can alter your mood and emotions. Scented candles and essential oils are two great ways to find tranquility.Now you have stress busting tips for your body, diet and environment. Use these tips to reduce your daily stress so you can stay happy and productive.

Things You can Do To Change Yourself Up

Whether you have the winter blues, you're suffering from a disappointment, or you're just feeling a little down, we all have times when we could use a little lift. Here are 10 ideas to get you back on the upswing.

Plan Some Fun. Get out your calendar. Next do a search for things to do in your area. Local newspapers usually have a "What's Going On" section. Pick out your favorite 5 or 10 things. And remember the things you choose don't have to be big events. It can be as simple as taking a long drive in the country or going for a walk on the beach. Write them into your calendar. Invite someone to join you on some. For others go and meet some new people.

Express Your Creativity. Do some painting. Decorate your house with flowers. Do a paper mache project. Pick up that guitar, practice and write a song. Practice juggling. Make a funny photo album with all those old photos you've got in boxes by adding quirky caption above each picture. Learn how to play the harmonica. Write and illustrate a mini book or comic book. Maybe pick your favorite movie get a friend to act out one of the scenes with you while you videotape it. It doesn't have to be good. Just doing these things will make you feel good. And if you keep doing them you'll naturally get better.

Get Outside. Fresh air does wonders for your body and spirit. If you can go to a park or a place in nature, even better. Here are some things you could do: go for a walk, fly a kite, plant some vegetables or flowers, roller skate, ride a bike, or go on a 'treasure hunt" to find things for an art project.

Let Music Take You Higher. Turn on your favorite music and sing! Pull down the shades and dance. Rent a video on belly dancing. If you're in your car, you can still move a little to the music. Go for it! What do you care what other people think? Have fun with it! Sing, dance, play an instrument. Practice your favorite song and then go to karaoke and let the world hear your talent!

Walk a Dog. If you don't have your own dog, offer to walk a neighbor's dog. Or even better yet, sign up at the local MSPCA to walk the pooches who have no one to love them. What a nice way to make a difference!

Volunteer. There are so many ways to help others. Here are a few ideas.
Feed people. Volunteer at a food kitchen or make your own homemade batch of food and share it with people who could use it: shut-ins, elderly, new mothers, someone who is works too much, etc.
Help People: volunteer with the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, or Meels on Wheels.
Mentor. Check out Big Brother/Big Sister, Mentoring.org, or SCORE(mentoring small business start-ups).

A Change Will Do You Good. Get some order in your house. Change your furniture around. Change your decorations, or maybe go minimalist for a change. Clear out the clutter. It doesn't matter where you start. Just pick a place in your home that's been bugging you and attack it! Then sell, throw, or give away stuff you don't need. You'll feel great afterward and you'll have made a dent in making your living space more peaceful. And maybe it will give you inspiration to tackle another area tomorrow.

Plan a Party. There doesn't need to be a good reason other than it's time for some fun. Start with a small idea and build around it. Maybe you can get inspired by a theme, certain foods, or your favorite music to get the ball rolling. Then think about who you would like to invite. When and where will you have it? Will you cook, hire caterers, or make it pot luck? A meal or finger foods? Will there be dancing, contests, games, or other fun stuff like costumes? Maybe it will be low key with some jazz music, wine and cheese. Or maybe it will be a Hawaiian luau. Or maybe if you have a lot of singe friends you can have a white elephant party. Call a friend for help with the logistics.

Personal Spa and Relaxation Day. Include as many of these ideas as you like or have time for. Get a massage, pedicure, and haircut. Take a bubble bath with candles, music and champagne. Give yourself an egg-white or mud mask facial. Line up 2-3 movies to watch in bed while eating your favorite delights: ice cream, chocolate, whip cream, jello, popcorn, finger food hors d'oeuvre, and more. What else would you include to pamper yourself?

Reach Out. Connect with friends and family. When was the last time you wrote and mailed an actual letter? Why not do it today? Or how about making some home made post cards with materials you have lying around the house. Cutout some pictures from magazines or from your photo collection and make a mini collage. Maybe just call one old friend from college or high school that you haven't talked to in forever. Or maybe you could visit a neighbor who might need some cheering up too! Bring some cookies!

You can you Change Your Body

Not every diet plan is right for every person. OK, let’s get real. You’ve been on diets before, and you probably even lost a few pounds. But chances are you couldn’t stick with it. Well, this can be the year you finally reach your goal of a better, healthier body. To start, here’s a little secret: One key to diet success is preparation. Get your mind in the right place, and your body will follow. Here something that you can do.

Choose the right diet.
Not every plan is right for every person—though some are wrong for everyone. Steer clear of fad diets that are too low in calories (below 1200 calories a day), that eliminate whole food groups or are too expensive or too strict to maintain. (And, of course, check with your doctor first.)

Aim for balance.
Your diet should be composed of 40% healthy carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits and vegetables), 30% lean protein (chicken, fish) and 30% healthy fat (olive oil, nuts).
Don’t skip breakfast.
Studies show that people who miss breakfast often consume more calories later in the day. Try having unsweetened cereal with skim milk or an egg-white omelet with a slice of whole-wheat toast.
Fill up on fiber.
Eating fiber-rich foods such as apples, almonds and spinach helps you feel full. It also may prevent certain cancers, lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Don’t be afraid of fat.
A little fat provides satiety. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids—found in walnuts, salmon and soybeans, among others—are healthy sources of unsaturated fat.
Cut down on processed foods.
Sugar contains empty calories and can cause spikes in blood sugar that leave you feeling hungrier. Most processed foods also contain excessive amounts of sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure.

What are your gym's bacteria hot spot?

Everytime we go to the gym and work out. We wonder in our mind if all the equipments that we are using are really clean!

Yoga mat. An hour's worth of sweat mixed with body heat makes the mat a breeding ground for bacteria. Cover the mat with your own towel.
Handrails. Equipment touched by many hands is festering with germs that could give you a bad cold or a nasty case of the flu. Use disinfectant sprays, which most gyms provide, to wipe down the machines before and after use.
Water fountain. In the rush to get a drink, people may touch their lips to the spout. Bring your own bottle of water.
Swiss ball. People put everything from their head to their back to their feet on medicine balls, which are often rolled over a dirty floor to a new location. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and face after use – until after you've washed your hands.

My oldest sister Penny's birthday is today. She is on the right side with short hair. People alwyays mistaken that we are twins but we are not. She is 3 years older than me. But she look younger than me and prettier. We are very close when i was still in philippines. talked about things. It's very hard when people that are very close to you are so far. They are phone call away but still not the same.

Anyway today is here birthday . Happy birthday!

That morning cup of designer coffee you're drinking may be doing more than getting you jazzed up to meet the day. It also could be expanding your waistline.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, if you order a venti (20-oz.) Starbucks Caffe Mocha, "you might as well be sipping that 500-calorie burger through a straw."
And a venti Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino, with 650 calories and nearly a days saturated fat, is a McDonalds coffee plus 11 creamers and 29 packets of sugar.

Most people wouldn't consider shoehorning in a Quarter Pounder with Cheese somewhere between breakfast and lunch, but it's perfectly possible to get 500-plus calories in a drink from Starbucks,"Fortunately, its a cinch to bring down the calories and saturated fat in many of these drinks by making a few simple changes."

Such as:

• Go nonfat. A nonfat or soy cappuccino or latte is always a calorie bargain. Ordering a grande (16 oz.) nonfat cappuccino or latte with nonfat milk instead of whole saves all the saturated fat plus 50 to 100 calories.
• Skip the whip. At Starbucks for example, whipped cream adds some 120 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat that you could do without.
• Slash the sugar. Order sweetened drinks with sugar-free syrup or get them unsweetened and add your own sugar (about 10 calories per pack) or Splenda (0 calories).
• Look for light. At Starbucks, grande Frappuccino Lights slash the calories to 150 to 250 by replacing half the sugar with Splenda and dropping the whipped cream. A medium (14 oz.) Dunkin Donuts Latte Lite keeps the calories at 100.
• Tout de sweet. Order sweetened drinks with sugar-free syrup or unsweetened drinks to which you can add your own sugar or Splenda.
• Drink your calcium. You can find drinks that have at least 200 milligrams of calcium. According to the National Academy of Sciences, people over 50 should aim for 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day.
• Tame the java jitters. According to Starbucks, you get 130 milligrams in every eight ounces of coffee and 65 milligrams for every one ounce shot of espresso.

Pregnant women should minimize caffeine. And folks who want to avoid jangled nerves and sleepless nights also should avoid the java jolts.
But the center notes that some studies suggest that caffeine may lower your risk of Parkinson's disease and that decaf and regular coffee may curb the risk of diabetes.

More research is needed before anybody can recommend caffeine for those conditions .

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