Policy Disclosure / Fav Links / Free Site Listing
GoldenRest Adjustable Beds

Avoid Buying Fake Diamond Jewelry

Fake jewelry is one of the main issues that concern various jewelry producers and dealers. Today so-called "deliberate reproduction" of top-level jewelry pieces is among the most popular shadow economy businesses. Many producers of fakes sell them as real. Thus the reputation of real dealers is highly damaged. Today advanced technologies make it hard to tell fake jewelry from real at a glance like it was several decades and centuries ago.

    Before purchasing diamond jewelry try to get as much useful information concerning the product as possible.
    Take a look at the setting that holds the stone. Note that fake diamonds are very often held by low quality metal settings.
    Look at the stone. The real diamond is the hardest stone on Earth. Thus, try to look for scratches, and if you find these types of flaws then you likely have a fake. Buy a diamond tester so that you can test them yourself. They are relatively inexpensive and provide peace of mind. They are readily available in shops and on the internet. You should buy designer jewelry only from official retailers or boutiques of those certain brands.

     When buying diamond jewelry ask for the certificate stating the authenticity of the stone. If you are refused then all you have to do is walk away.
     You should have a special certificate stating that you have purchased a specific piece of jewelry in a specific store. When you find out that you have a fake then you have the right to return the product. Remember that there are no identical stones.
     The certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ensures the authenticity of the diamond. GIA is the largest institution that presents a grading report when it finishes the examination of the stone.
     It is useful to have the appraisal of the stone made by an individual jeweler from such professional institution like the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).
    You can start dealing with a reputable master in jewelry. When you find one, try to stick with them.
     You may consider showing the jewelry to several jewelry masters to be sure if it is fake or real.
     You can tell if a diamond is real or fake by breathing on it. Breathe on your diamond and if the condensation immediately evaporates, it is real. If it doesn't, then it is fake.

 Today the material that is most often used in creating fake diamond jewelry is "moissanite" (silicon carbide). The appearance of moissanite dates to 1998. The selling price of a moissanite is ten times lower that that of a diamond. It is so close to the diamond that sometimes even professionals cannot identify a fake without special equipment.
Read More

Avoid Buying Knockoff and Reproduction Products

If you are going to buy a nice, expensive purse or real diamond at a store, you might well ask if they're selling you a reproduction and making you pay for the real thing. Here are some pointers for avoiding such a rip-off.

    Pay attention to what store are you buying it from. Is it a reputable merchant or have you or others had bad experiences
    Check the tag. Let's say you're buying a black Chanel bag. How much is it? Does it even say Chanel?
    Look at the insignia, logo, or badge. Is the logo crooked? Usually the Chanel logo is straight. Also look at the design and construction. Usually if it's a black bag the inside is hot pink. Check it. The zippers shouldn't be plastic.
    Look at the quality. For a Louis Vuitton purse, is it faded or sort of see-through? That's a bad sign. Is the leather greasy or oily? If so, it's probably not real.
    How about diamonds? Ok lets say your buying a pure diamond. Not on a ring or necklace or anything. Blow you breathe on it. If the diamond holds the fog, its probably fake. Because real diamonds do not hold fog. ok then get a newspaper or piece of paper. Put the diamond on the writing. if you can read through it it's fake. Also if the diamond is scratched or chipped, ask how it happened if they say something other then a diamond scraped it its fake. Diamonds can only be scratched by other diamonds and chipped by diamonds or a really really heavy object. Unless they say its manmade then thats still pretty good.
    Lets say the diamond is in a ring or necklace. First is the ring or necklace pretty heavy? If it isn't its fake. Diamonds are heavy. Then read the stamp or printed in stamp on the inside of the ring or necklace or bracelet, if it says "EG", its electronic gold. fake. Also if its on silver its usually fake but not always. Most of the time diamonds are on gold. Also do the fogging trick again. Ask for more info on the diamond etc. And common sense! What store are you buying from?
   Also, want to know how to tell if someones wearing fake hair? and i mean extentions with fake hair, real hair extentions are harder to define. Fake extentions. Have the girl/guy jump or watch her/him walk. Does the hair bounce up and down or stay flat. if it bounces its usually real or realhair extentions. If it stays down its fake. then watch the wind in their hair. do little pieces fly of the top of her head? its her real hair. Its fake or she/he got some serious short layers. Last, just ask them.


     Don't be scared to ask the cashier person about their product or hair.
     Try an expert for the bags and diamonds.
    If it is real good for you!

    It's usually illegal to sell fake purses with the logo or tag. If your sure its fake, e-mail, call or write a letter to the real company and tell them the store you got it from and etc.
     When your asking about fake hair, be careful don't annoy people about it. People want their space
Read More

Say Goodbye to the Old Way And say Hello to the New Way

In todays world users want software that is faster, easier, and visually exciting. With Microsoft Windows Vista, developers can differentiate their applications by the user experience and provide new ways to help users be productive and make applications more relevant and just plain fun to use. Windows Vista is advance in Windows, with significant innovations in the developer platform and makes it easy to connect to information, systems, people, and devices though a number of innovative integration technologies. Discover Window Vista for gaming and great entertainment.What you can do with vista,you can get more done,do more in less time. It’s easy when your PC works faster, cleaner, and smarter.Enjoy music, and much more.



Windows Vista includes built-in accessibility settings and programs that make it easier for you to see, hear, and use your computer. The accessibility settings and programs in Windows Vista are particularly helpful to people with visual difficulties, hearing loss, pain in their hands or arms, or reasoning and cognitive issues.

Move to Window Vista with confidence . Risk are part of every small business. Discover why Window Vista are not one of them . Introducing Windows Vista Small Business Assurance. You will get the support you need to upgrade your small business. When you buy a new PC with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate from July 1 through September 30, 2008, you'll receive free support, compatibility assistance, and one-on-one coaching from Microsoft to help ensure a smooth transition. Windows Vista Small Business Assurance telephone representatives will be available to answer questions, provide compatibility assistance, and offer technical support to help small business customers transition to Windows Vista. Support through Windows Vista Small Business Assurance is free and available through October 31, 2008 .

Window Vista has come along way,many customers have shared with us how using Windows Vista has helped their small business succeed. To explore how window vista can help you and your business. Visit the link above and get the most from the great features for your small business.

Post?slot_id=20411&url=http%3a%2f%2fsocialspark
Read More

Could You Have an STD--But Not Know It?

Sexually transmitted diseases can be hard to spot; in fact, some may have no symptoms at all. Here, how to pinpoint and prevent the three most common offenders.

You've been in a monogamous relationship for years. You and your partner have discussed your sexual histories. And you go to the doctor for regular checkups. There's no way you could be carrying or spreading a sexually transmitted disease, right? Well, not so fast.

As it turns out, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are hard to spot. Some may have no symptoms at all, while in other cases, the signs could remain dormant for up to a decade. How can you avoid catching or spreading these silent diseases? Follow our guide to pinpoint and prevent the top three offenders.

The Disease: Chlamydia:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STD in the United States. Although more than a million chlamydial infections were reported in the United States in 2006, the majority of cases go unreported, largely because about three-quarters of affected women and about half of affected men don't realize they've been infected. If left untreated, the disease can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies, or infertility.
The Symptoms of Chlamydia:
In some cases, symptoms may occur within one to three weeks after exposure. In women, these may include abnormal vaginal discharge, a burning sensation while urinating, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. Men might experience discharge from the penis, a burning sensation while urinating, or burning and itching around the opening of the penis.
How to Protect Yourself Against Chlamydia:
Although abstinence is the best protection against any venereal disease (VD), latex male condoms, if used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission. To find the disease in its earliest stages, the CDC recommends yearly chlamydia testing for all sexually active women age 25 or younger, as well as for older women with risk factors for infections (those who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners). In addition, all pregnant women should be checked.

The Disease: Genital Herpes:
Another common STD, genital herpes is caused by the type 1 or type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV). According to the International Herpes Alliance, up to 60 percent of people who have a genital HSV infection are unaware that they're infected and that they may be transmitting the virus to others. There is currently no cure for genital herpes, and complications may include psychological distress and an increased risk for HIV. In addition, mothers who are infected with herpes may transmit potentially fatal infections to their babies.
The Symptoms of Genital Herpes:
When symptoms occur following initial exposure, they can range from very mild to quite pronounced. The most common sign is a sore or several sores around the genitals or rectum, which typically take two to four weeks to heal. Other symptoms may include fever, swollen glands, or fatigue.
How to Protect Yourself Against Genital Herpes:
In addition to abstinence, which is the surest form of protection, latex condoms may be helpful in reducing the risk of transmission. In addition, people with herpes should always abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners during an outbreak. Although a positive HSV-2 blood test can indicate a genital herpes infection, a negative result doesn't necessarily mean a person isn't infected with HSV

The Disease: HPV/Genital Warts:
According to the CDC, human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The term HPV actually refers to more than 40 virus types that infect the skin and mucous membranes in the genital area. Although many people with HPV do not experience health complications, certain strains of the virus can lead to genital warts, while others can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis.
The Symptoms of HPV/Genital Warts:
In some cases, HPV may result in warts (small bumps or clusters of bumps in the genital area) within a few weeks or months of exposure. These warts may appear on the vulva; in the vagina or anus; or on the cervix, penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh. But in most instances, the virus is invisible, and most people with HPV do not experience any symptoms.
How to Protect Yourself Against HPV/Genital Warts:
As with most sexual diseases, abstinence provides the greatest degree of protection against HPV, although latex condoms may help to reduce your risk. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, for girls and women ages 9 to 26. It works best for those who have not previously been infected with any of the four HPV types covered by the vaccine (6, 11, 16, and 18). When administered correctly, the vaccine is 95 to 100 percent effective in preventing these types of HPV, according to the FDA.
Read More

Understanding STDs

About one in every four people has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and many don't even know it. Find out how to protect yourself.

Passed between individuals during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can have serious-and even fatal-consequences if left untreated. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting STDs, but fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize your chance of infection. Read on to get the facts on the most common five STDs-and the steps you can take to help prevent them.

Chlamydia

Overview:
Often called a silent disease because the majority of men and women don't realize they've been infected, chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STD in the United States. In fact, more than a million cases were reported in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The consequences of leaving chlamydia untreated can be devastating. Infections of the mucous membranes lining the genitals can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection that damages the uterus and fallopian tubes, in women and infertility in both sexes. Women infected with chlamydia are also up to five times more likely to contract HIV, if they are exposed to it.

Symptoms:
Symptoms often occur one to three weeks after exposure. Women might notice a burning sensation when urinating or abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, lower back pain, abdominal pain, nausea, or bleeding between periods. Men may experience discharge from the penis, a burning sensation when urinating, or burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Swollen and painful testicles are an uncommon, but possible, symptom.

Prevention:
Abstinence is always the best protection against any venereal disease, but latex condoms can drastically reduce risk of transmission if used consistently and correctly. All pregnant women should be checked, and the CDC recommends that yearly testing be done on all sexually active women 25 or younger and older women who are at higher risk from having new or multiple partners.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Overview:
HPV is a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains, and it is the most common STD in the United States. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted and can infect the genital areas of men and women. According to the CDC, approximately 20 million Americans currently have HPV, and more than 6 million people becoming newly infected each year. At least half of all sexually active adults will acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.

Symptoms:
Although the majority of those infected with HPV will not show any symptoms and clear the infection on their own, certain strains of the virus can cause genital warts, while other strains can cause cancers of the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, and anus. Many individuals infected with HPV may notice small clusters of warts on the vulva, in the vagina or anus, or on cervix, scrotum, penis, groin, or thigh within a few weeks or months after initial exposure. Abnormal cells in the cervix can be detected by a Pap test. In addition, HPV tests are available, and the American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 30 get one.

Prevention:
As with most STDs, abstinence and condoms provide the greatest degree of protection. The U.S. FDA has also recently approved an HPV vaccine, Gardasil, for females ages 9 to 26 who had not been previously infected with any of the strains covered by the vaccine. The vaccine prevents four common strains that cause 70 percent of all cervical cancer and 90 percent of all genital warts.

Genital Herpes

Overview:
Most frequently caused by the type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV), genital herpes is another extremely common STD. Up to 45 million people in the United States, ages 12 and older, are infected, according to the CDC. Many of those carrying this virus are unaware that they're infected and that they may be transmitting it to others. Genital HSV 2 infection is more common in women than in men, largely due to male-to-female transmission being more likely than female-to-male transmission. Those infected are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, if exposed, and infected mothers may transmit potentially fatal infections to their babies.

Symptoms:
After initial exposure, symptoms can range from very mild to severe. One or several sores around the genitals or rectum is the most common sign, while flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands and fever may also be present. Those diagnosed with the first episode of genital herpes can expect to have several outbreaks within a year. These outbreaks will typically decrease in frequency over time. Additionally, although a positive HSV-2 blood test can indicate a genital herpes infection, a negative result doesn't necessarily mean a person isn't infected.

Prevention:
Again, abstinence and condoms are the best methods of prevention. In particular, those infected with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners during an outbreak.

Gonorrhea
Overview:
Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, gonorrhea is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and may also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during delivery. According to the CDC, more than 700,000 people in the United States are infected with gonorrhea each year, and the highest reported rates are among young adults and sexually active teenagers. Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems, such as PID and epididymitis (an inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm), both of which can lead to infertility.

Symptoms:
Symptoms are often not present at all and can take as long as 30 days to appear. Men may notice white, green, or yellow discharge from the penis and swollen, painful testicles, while women might experience increased vaginal discharge or bleeding in between periods. Painful, burning sensations while urinating are also common symptoms in both sexes.

Prevention:
Abstaining from sex completely or using condoms consistently during sexual activity can drastically reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea. Several laboratory tests are available to diagnose gonorrhea, and the CDC says a high percentage of people who have gonorrhea also have chlamydia, so it's wise to be tested for other STDs, too. Gonorrhea can usually be cleared up with antibiotic treatment. Those infected should notify all recent sex partners and avoid sex until they have completed their treatment.

HIV/AIDS

Overview:
First identified in the U.S. in 1981, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most serious of all STDs. It differentiates itself from most other viruses by attacking the immune system, ultimately resulting in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), its final stage of infection. The CDC estimates that approximately 1 million people in the U.S. are currently living with HIV or AIDS, and about a quarter of them don't even know they're infected. HIV is most commonly transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, or sharing needles or syringes with an infected person. In some cases, a fetus or infant may be exposed to an infected mother while in utero or during birth. Though the occurrence is extremely low because of stringent donated blood testing, HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions.

Symptoms:
Although some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, fever, and headaches within three to six weeks after exposure, other signs of HIV can range widely and may not be present for several years. The only way to know for sure whether you are infected with HIV is to be tested.

Prevention:
Practicing abstinence, using latex condoms when engaging in sexual activity, and avoiding intravenous drug use and not sharing needles/syringes with others are the best methods of protection against HIV. Even those who are at low risk should be tested for HIV at least once a year, the CDC says. Testing is also recommended after engaging in high-risk sexual contact with new partners or sharing needles for IV drug use.
Read More

Bacterial Meningitis: Spotting the Signs

Knowing the symptoms of bacterial meningitis could mean the difference between life and death.

Headache, vomiting, fever, fatigue--to most people, these symptoms might sound a lot like the flu. But in some cases, they could indicate a much more serious condition: bacterial meningitis. According to the American College Health Association, meningococcal disease, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year, many of whom are young adults, adolescents, and children.

More than a just mild infection, bacterial meningitis causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can result in brain damage, paralysis, or even death. Fortunately, early treatment can reduce the risk of complications. Follow these guidelines to spot the disease in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Bacterial Meningitis Symptoms
Because some of its symptoms are similar to those of viral infections, bacterial meningitis can be hard to diagnose. For adults, teens, and children, the first signs may come on quickly or surface a few days after the onset of a runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, or other signs of an infection. In addition to those symptoms, telltale signs of bacterial meningitis include:

     lethargy (decreased consciousness);
     irritability;
    photophobia (eye sensitivity to light);
    stiff neck;
     skin rashes; and/or
    seizures.

In infants, bacterial meningitis may result in other symptoms, including:

    jaundice (a yellow skin tint);
     stiffness or rigidity in the body or neck;
     fever or lower-than-normal temperature;
    poor feeding or weak sucking;
    high-pitched crying; or
     a bulging soft spot at the top front of the skull.

Bacterial Meningitis Treatment and Prevention
The good news is that antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis is about 90 percent effective, and the sooner treatment can begin, the better the chances for recovery. If you suspect that you or a loved one has symptoms of meningitis, it's critical that you seek emergency medical help immediately.

In addition, there are two vaccines available to protect against meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a new version of the vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (also known as MCV-4 or Menactra), for people ages 2 to 55. An older type of vaccine, meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune) is also effective for people older than 55. However, because both vaccines tend to wear off over time, it's important to talk with your doctor about guidelines for revaccination.
Read More

Preventing Teen Pregnancy: How to Talk to Your Teen

It may seem as though stories about teen pregnancy--both fictional and real--are everywhere. First, there was the news about a Massachusetts high school where 17 girls under the age of 18 had become pregnant on purpose. Then, it was news that Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, was expecting a baby with her boyfriend. There's also the box-office hit and critically acclaimed movie Juno in which a 16-year-old girl is with child.

So it may surprise you to learn that pregnancy rates for teens between the ages of 15 and 19 have been declining consistently since 1991. Between 1991 and 2006, teen pregnancy rates have declined 34 percent, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

A survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services shows that, since 1991, the number of teenagers in grades 9 through 12 who admit they are or have been sexually active has declined to just under 34 percent from 37.5 percent. The same survey found that condom use had gone up to 62.8 percent from 46.2 percent.

Cause for the Decline

The steady decline of teen births over the past 18 years may be attributed in part to increased education and sexual awareness. The HIV/AIDS epidemic reached its peak between 1991 and 1993; at that time, it was estimated that as many as 7 million men and 5 million women were infected with HIV. Consequently, the use of condoms was promoted to combat the spread of the virus. With increased AIDS awareness came increased sexual education.

Sex ed has also increased in schools. According to a study conducted by the Guttmacher Institute, two of every three public schools have a mandated sexual education program. However, the type of sexual education made available--comprehensive vs. abstinence-only--remains a highly debated topic.

What You Can Do

Despite these decreases, the United States still has the highest teen birth rate of all developed countries at 41.9 births per 1,000, and American trends and pop culture may seem highly sexualized. This culture makes educating children and teenagers crucial.

Although talking about sex with your children can be awkward, here are some tips to ease you through it.

Honesty is the best policy. Being honest about your personal beliefs about sex--whatever they may be-- is important. Creating an atmosphere of trust between you and your teen may allow your child to be more likely to listen to your advice.
Early, often, and explicit. Contrary to popular belief, talking with your son or daughter at an early age can be better than waiting "until they're older." With the media using sex and sexuality as a marketing tool and the information that is passed from student to student during school, your teen may be exposed to sexual images, language, or ideas earlier than you anticipate. By reaching out to them early and often, you can pass on your values. When you do talk to your teen about sex, make sure you are clear and direct.
More than the birds and the bees. Most public schools require sex education as part of their curriculum. However, when you talk about sex try to convey risks, responsibility, relationships, and values. While schools offer the bare essentials, you can provide age-appropriate information that goes beyond anatomy.
It's never too late. If you happen to find that your teen is almost 18 and you've never spoken to him about sex, don't fret. Studies show that kids who feel they can talk with their parents about sex are less likely to engage in high-risk behavior.
One universal fact. Regardless of your beliefs on sex, one fact remains true: Abstinence is the only method to definitively prevent STDs and pregnancy. Make sure they know that.
Read More
Many people frequently use racist comments, sometimes to the point that they don't even realize they are doing it. If you want to be considerate, seem more accepting of others, and stop offending people, removing racist comments from your vocabulary is a great way to do so.

    Recognize the things you say that may be considered racist. Keep in mind that this will depend on your own race (sometimes people of the same race can say things to each other that would be offensive if coming from someone of a different race) and the people you are talking to. While some comments are universally considered offensive, others depend on the crowd's opinion.
    Understand that once you've acknowledged any offensive things you say, consider how you would feel if you were on the receiving end of the comments. With that in mind, honestly ask yourself if you want to inflict those feelings on others.
    Come up with alternative phrases/names to say (ideally these should have nothing to do with race) instead of the offensive ones. When using replacements, remember that they apply not only to speaking, but also to writing and thinking. Over time, you will become more used to the replacements and may even forget the original racist comments.

     If you're not sure whether something you want to say is racist or not, just don't say it. Adding something racist to the conversation (even if you think it's entertaining) is not worth the risk.
     Don't try to correct random people you overhear; some people actually have affectionate nicknames that may sound like racism to the general public. Don't try to be the "racism police"- it will just put you in awkward situations.
Read More

My Fave Breakfast Restaurant

Another interesting review from dragon blogger which is Favorite Breakfast Restaurant . I love this topic. Just thinking about food is making me hungry. I don't go out for breakfast that much. I usually cook my breakfast on my very own kitchen.But, there are certain days that I don't feel like cooking anything for breakfast. And there are some Saturday's that I just want to be lazy and do nothing. That's the usual day I go out for breakfast and let someone else do all the work ( LOL) .



I have several breakfast restaurant that I like going for breakfast which is the following: First is Denney's, I love Denney's just because you get order breakfast 24/7 and they are open 24/7 as well . I love their All American Slam which is "Three scrambled eggs with Cheddar cheese, two bacon strips and two sausage links, plus hash browns or grits and choice of bread, and T-bone Steak & Eggs which is A tender 13 oz. T-Bone steak, served with two eggs, hash browns or grits and bread .



Second is The famous International House Of Pancake . I love ordering Their Classic Combo , The three eggs and Pancake are amazing it is served with three fluffy buttermilk pancake with the choice of meat. Grilled ham, bacon strip or pork sausage link.



The third one is Shari's , I love their Breakfast Platters which is flat Iron Steak & Stuffed Hashbrowns Platter,Barn-Buster Platter,Hearty Country Platter,T-Bone,Steak Platter,Big Start Platter,Ultimate Country Fried Steak & Eggs Platter .

Just by talking about all this breakfast food is making my mouth water and feels like I wanna go out for breakfast now! Anyway. Over all. My most fave Breakfast restaurant is IHOP. Love it enjoy it and the food is great. The other two are great as well but I love IHOP most. For more interesting review about Favorite Breakfast Restaurant just click the link.
Read More
xShot 3