Archive for November, 2009

Actress Anna Paquin Computer Wallpapers

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Actress Anna Paquin 1024 x 768 Computer Background Wallpapers:

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Actress Anna Paquin Wallpapers

Download Size : 1024×768

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From the Desktop Stars Wallpapers website

Acne Rosacea A Blush You Can Do Without

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

By: Alicia Caldelas


What do former presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin have in common? A condition called acne rosacea, a chronic inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin, which causes a ruddy complexion and small acne-like eruptions on the cheeks, forehead and nose.

In men it can often cause the skin on the nose to thicken and swell, leading toa condition called rhinophyma.

Nobody know what causes it but the list of potential triggers is endless. The main culprits are alcohol and rich, spicy foods.

Because its roots are unknown, there’s no permanent cure either, so management is the key. This is partly achieved by identifying what makes the rosacea worse through a process of exclusion and by the use of topical antibiotics - usually metronidazole. A GP’s diagnosis is vital since the symptoms can be similar to more serious conditions such as lupus. Rosacea can last a lifetime, especially in men, but often clears up on its own.

Read the rest of this article: Acne Rosacea

Political Donations Slide Amid Slump

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

WASHINGTON — Political fund raising has suffered a rare decline since Election Day as corporate political-action committees have trimmed campaign donations amid an economic slump.

Contributions from company PACs fell 6% to $8.2 million in the first two months of the year, compared with the same period in 2007, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of the most recently available fund-raising reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

That contrasts with big increases in corporate PAC donations at the start of the previous three election cycles. PAC donations by businesses jumped 37% in the January-February period in 2007, compared with the same period in 2005. In the first two months of 2003 and 2005, corporate PACs’ contributions increased by about 50% over the previous elections.

Campaign contributions from companies don’t come from the corporate treasury, but rather from management-level employees who pool their personal funds into a single fund-raising account called a political action committee. Those pooled funds have declined as employees “looking to trim their household budgets cut out the contributions they make to the company PAC,” said Sheila Krumholz, the executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

Corporate PACs saw a 14% decline in employee contributions to $16.5 million in January and February, compared with the same period in 2007.

Pfizer Inc. led other companies with a $141,000 decline in PAC donations to $87,000 in January and February, compared with the same months in the last election cycle. “Pfizer is committed to making our voice heard in our nation’s health-care debate,” the company said in a statement. “Our PAC is bipartisan, and we are committed to supporting comprehensive health-care reform.”

PAC donations were down 80% at Chrysler LLC; 89% at U.S. Steel Corp.; and 28% at General Electric Co., according to the data. Spokesmen for Chrysler and GE declined to comment; a representative of U.S. Steel didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Several companies that were among the major donors in previous years have either filed for bankruptcy protection or no longer exist in their current form, such as Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and Bear Stearns Cos.

Companies that received funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program showed a sharp drop, including Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp. and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. PAC donations by J.P. Morgan were down 75% to $20,000 in January and February from $81,000 during the same period in 2007, according to the data. Bank of America, Citigroup and J.P. Morgan declined to comment.

Source

Permanent link to this post: Political Donations Slide Amid Slump
From the Hot Web News weblog

From The Very Hot, To The Very Cool

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

The first is the city’s annual festival in honor of Barcelona’s patron saint, the Virgin de la Merce.

This is a week long celebration in late September characterized by events of all types. Most notable are its parades of giants (the parade consists of huge wooden giants controlled by operators on the ground) and the festival’s regular competition to build the largest human tower. In some cases, the human towers, people standing on top of people, can reach as high as 50 feet.

The festival also includes many sporting events including a swimming competition across the city’s harbour, and, like any good festival, it includes imbibing vast amounts of alcohol such as the Catalonian champagne Cava. The culmination of all the festivals events is the Correfoc. This is the race of fire where devils race through crowded streets while playing with fire, fireworks, and with the people themselves.

The Festes del Merce is a truly hot time to mark the end of the long hot Catalan summer.But Barcelona doesn’t end its festivities with the end of the summer.

As the temperature in the region moves from hot to cool, so does the citys entertainment. Barcelona is well known for its admiration of Jazz and Blues. Its International Jazz Festival is one of the largest, and the longest running, in all of Europe and brings to the city the very coolest of international Jazz and Blues artists.

The festival takes place between October and December of each year and attracts the best musicians from all over the world. In addition to providing an outstanding venue for music, the festival also provides workshops and classes for aspiring Jazz artists and often includes advice or suggestions from some of the top talent at the festival.

Barcelonas festivals are but a few of its principal attractions. The citys location on the Mediterranean Sea, its overall 21st century spirit, and its world-class art and architecture make it a compelling destination for any visitor at any time of the year. In the middle of all the festivities, visitors should make a point not to miss the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miro Park, the imposing Catedral La Seu, the central promenade of La Rambla, and, of course, the waterfront itself.

Of particular note, visitors should be sure to visit the buildings of the revolutionary architect, Antoni Gaudi. Both the Casa Batllo and the Sagrada Familia are spectacular monuments to his unique modernist vision.

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Sun Safety: How to Beat the Burn this Holiday

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

A

lot of European beach-goers have heard of Croatia.? Warm water, beautiful beaches and great food

make Croatia

one of the “Dream holiday” destinations.?

A little bit of precaution can help that perfect beach holiday from

turning into a sunburned and uncomfortable week of redness.
WorldNomads.com’s roving medical expert Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD talks through sun safety, skin protection and burn treatment you’ll need for a painless trip to sunny Croatia.


Sunburns

The

main cause of sunburns is not the sun itself but the ultraviolet energy.? Just to complicate matters, there are three

main types of ultraviolet (UV) energy, designated A, B and C.? Erythema is what your skin gets after a day

in the sun, which is redness, some slight swelling and pain.? Doses of UV energy and its effect on the skin

are measured in units called minimal erythema doses (MED).? This MED represents the smallest does of UV

energy to cause that “sunburn” appearance.?

Beachgoers are typically exposed to 15 MEDs of UVB and 4-5 MEDs of

UVA.? Almost all of UVC is absorbed by

the Earth’s atmosphere.? There is

increasing evidence that shows both UVA and UVB can be harmful to human skin

and both can cause skin cancers.?

UVA

rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are largely the cause of aged skin and

wrinkles.? UVB is generally responsible

for most “sunburn” effects and has traditionally been thought of as the cause

of most skin cancers.? Ideally, persons

in the sun should be protecting themselves with a sunscreen that blocks both

UVA and UVB.


Sunscreens

Sun

protection factor (SPF) is the ability of a sunscreen to protect skin from

ultraviolet induced erythemas (sunburn).?

This SPF number is calculated based on the length of time it takes to

cause one MED in protected versus non-protected skin.? Basically, SPF is the amount of time it takes

to causes a sunburn in someone with sunscreen protection versus someone who is

unprotected.? At present, most sunscreens

protect largely against UVB only, although there are some products that are

beginning to protect against both UVA and UVB.??

SPF:???? ??????????? % UVB absorption

2????????????????????????????????? 50.0

4????????????????????????????????? 75.0

8????????????????????????????????? 87.5

15??????????????????????????????? 93.3

30??????????????????????????????? 96.7

50??????????????????????????????? 98.0

Chart

from “A field guide to wilderness medicine” by Paul Auerbach, pg. 69

Clearly,

one can see that UVB protection increases with the higher SPF and use of SPF 30

is becoming more and more advised.


How to Apply Sunscreen

  • Apply liberally to all areas of

    exposed skin including backs of hands,? ears, nose and tops of feet
  • Apply 15-30 minutes before swimming or

    water exposure
  • Reapply immediately after exiting the

    water
  • Using sunscreen and DEET based insect

    repellent will reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen by approx. 35%


What is in the sunscreen?

The

ideal sunscreen spread onto your skin easy, does not cause allergy, pimples and

does not stain clothing.? PABA

(para-aminobenzoic acid) is the most common cause of sunscreen dermatitis and

effects 4% of people.? Creams and lotions

spread on the skin well.? Oils spread

very easily but may cause pimples.? For

extreme conditions a wax or ointment will help resist skin chapping.? Aerosols are often wasteful and leave parts

of the skin over coated and others under protected due to difficulty in

ensuring even spray.?


Sun protective clothing

Clothing

that has been tested and proven to block the UV energy is designated by the

term Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) which is identical to SPF for

sunscreen.?

The tightness of the fabric’s

weave is most important in determining how effective it will be in blocking UV

energy.? A good example of this is Lycra

which can block nearly 100% of UVR when relaxed but only 2% when stretched

tight.? A typical white cotton tshirt has

a UPF of about 5-9.?

Wide brimmed hats

are especially good for protecting the face, head and ears.? Sunglasses should be labeled to protect

against UV energy and side shields do work in decreasing the amount of UV

absorbed by the eyes.


Treating a Sunburn

Sunburns

are largely self-limiting and will typically resolve on their own.? Treatment is largely centered on relieving

symptoms.? Skin moisturizers and cool

compress or cool water baths may help decrease the pain.? There is little evidence to suggest tradition

treatments such as baking soda, aloe and oatmeal are effective pain relief but

there is also a lack of decent studies.?

Oral pain control can be achieved with either aspirin, acetaminophen or

ibuprofen.? After a day in the sun,

dehydration is also a factor and adequate water intake should also be

assured.?


?

?

Watch out for those rays!

Permanent link to this post: Sun Safety: How to Beat the Burn this Holiday
From the Travel Insurance Related Tips weblog

Acne Program Step 9 Protein

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

Eating the right kind of food is what can give you a strong immune system and help you prevent sickness and all kinds of skin blemishes including acne.

Here are some of the foods that can help you overcome the acne on your face or throughout your body.

Protein

Eating excess meat is harmful to your health. Eating too much meat, more than 2-4 ounces per day, has been found to contribute to narrowing of the arteries.

If you do physical labor and are involved in a lot of movement in your work, then you should eat more than 2-4 ounces of protein per day. Just make sure that the meat has a minimum of additives and preservatives.

Remember, meat is high in saturated fat, which blocks the activity of EPA and DHA, which produce prostaglandin and control the activity of your hormones.

Meat and bread is a big contributor to creating constipation. Meat is difficult to digest and many times it will get into the colon partial digested. This condition benefits the bad bacteria and allows them to dominate the colon and create constipation.

Because meat and bread have little fiber, they move slowly in the colon, which leads to constipation and eventually to some type of colon inflammation.

Bad bacteria, decaying meat and other undigested food contribute to the build up of toxic matter in the colon. This is the type of condition you should try to avoid, if you have acne. You need fecal matter in the colon to move regularly and out the rectum, otherwise, toxic matter will build up and end up in your blood stream

Here are the grains you should be eating:

  • Brown rice - contain many amino acids that help rebuild skin tissue
  • Whole grains - contain folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber
  • Oats - use them in the morning with honey or raisins. Oats have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and help to keep you regular.

Seeds and nuts

  • Almonds - Almonds contain protein, the B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use them as a snack. These small nuts help to build muscles and tissue.
  • Flax seeds - These seeds are known for containing plenty of omega 3 oil, an essential oil for life. They also contain fiber when used ground up and put into smoothies. Omega 3 is also an anti-inflammatory oil, which is good for acne.
  • Pecans - This is one of the good nuts to eat. It contains Vitamin A, B’s, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Use them as a snack.
  • Pine nuts - these nuts also one of the best to eat. They contain vitamin A, C, B’s, protein and iron.
  • Sesame seeds - They are high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are helpful in relieving various skin diseases such as acne by reducing the swelling.
  • Sunflower seeds - These seeds should be used as a snack. They are high in protein, calcium and vitamin A. They provide nutrients for building the whole body and are good for dry skin.

Read the rest of this article: Acne Program Step 9 - Protein

Night Life in Barcelona

Friday, November 20th, 2009

The city of Barcelona itself has a population of just over 1.6 million, with more than double that in the outlying areas.

A quintessentially Mediterranean city, Barcelona was home to the 1888 World’s Fair, which catapulted the city onto the international scene as an icon for culture and the arts. Today, the city is a riveting study in contrast: Modern skyscrapers reflect their shadows over the city’s Gothic center, which is preserved, almost completely intact; historic Barcelona is a maze of narrow streets, while the 19th century Eixample district, for example, is a perfectly ordered grid. Locals speak Catalon as well as Castillian Spanish, another reflection of the city’s dual heritage.

If you like history, Barcelona is a perfect choice, as you can take advantage of a dizzying array of historic not to mention culture, religious and culinary. (Do keep in mind that like most of Spain, Barcelona observes a daily siesta, so be sure to double check hours of operation for museums and city tours before you venture out.)

However, if you’re coming to Barcelona for a taste of its nightlife scene, or even if you’re just curious about the city’s renowned late-night culture, then you definitely won’t be disappointed.

The evening’s activities are usually kicked off with a leisurely and social dinner, which starts no earlier than 9 PM. Barcelona is famous for its restaurants, many of which fuse international cuisine with a local, Mediterranean flare be sure to check out a tapas place or two! After dinner, you can head out to one of the dozens of typically Catalonian champagne bars. Then, following the suit of locals, a discotheque is next on the agenda. Or, for a more authentic experience, you can check out a flamenco club. Barcelona also has countless live music clubs, with a wide range of world musical styles. You can even find more than your fair share of karaoke clubs.

If you are visiting in the summer and are interested in a slightly more refined experience, you might want to check out the Sonar Music Festival, usually held in June. Barcelona is also home to Catalonia’s largest symphony orchestra, the Orquestra Simfonica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya (OBC), which performs seventy-five concerts per season at its new home, the l’Auditori.

Sports enthusiasts are also sure to love nighttime in Spain, as that is when the city’s star football and basketball teams come to life. The FC Barcelona sports club is best known for its football team, one of Europe’s largest and a two-time winner of the UEFA Champions League.

At the end of long night of dining, drinking, dancing or cheering on your favorite footballers (an intensely ruckus experience, especially in the football obsessed Barcelona), visitors will find an array of accommodation options to retire to. While Barcelona certainly has numerous luxury hotels including some of Europe’s highest rated the city also offers ideal accommodations for visitors on a budget even a shoestring one.

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5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Egypt

Friday, November 20th, 2009
??????????? Sphinx and Pyramids. Courtesy of Flickr.com, by [Mrs Logic].

So

you’ve booked your trip to Egypt – land of The Nile, pyramids and Cleopatra (to

name a few)! You’ve checked the weather reports, gotten the local currency,

bought travel insurance and confirmed your hotel – you should be all set

right?
?
Egypt

is a wonderful breathtaking country, but beware that there are certain local laws

and customs that you’ll need to adhere to. For instance, did you know that

taking photographs of bridges and canals (including the Suez Canal), military

personnel, buildings and equipment is illegal??? Possession of even small

quantities of illicit drugs in Egypt can lead to the death penalty, long prison

sentences or deportation?? Have a look at these?Local

Laws
?to help you get up to speed

and always check in with your local embassy as well.
?
We

know there is a lot to read before going to Egypt so we asked our friends in the

adventure travel space to give us some tips on what they wish they knew before

they went to Egypt. Have a read below, we hope it helps and please feel free to

add your own suggestions to the comments section below.

1. Ask around.
I wish I had

known that the pyramids and sphinx are not that far from the taxi entrance. Many

tours, taxis and tour operators have commission based partners outside this area

who tell you it is "a 5 mile walk" to the pyramids and sphinx and get you to

ride a very painful camel or horse for 2 hours in an area running parallel to

the sites. Say no firmly and ask directions to the entrance which is a 5 minute

walk from the sites.
Daniel Radcliffe,?Volunteer HQ
?
2. Be aware.
The

touts can be very aggressive and annoying to tourists. The fact is, any local

who starts a conversation with you is looking for money. You have to be on? your

guard constantly, more so than with any other country I have visited.
Gary

Arndt,?
Everything-Everywhere
?
3. Assess the add-ons.
A service charge of

between 10% and 15% is applied in most upmarket restaurants and hotels, to which

value-added tax (VAT) and municipal taxes are also added. In other words, the

price that you are quoted at a hotel or read on a menu could be almost 25%

higher when it comes to paying the bill.
Lonely

Planet
?
4. Carry change.?
Always carry a lot of

coins and small bills, (the pound is the currency in Egypt), you will have to

"tip" many times a day, for all kinds of reasons. ?Ex: ?I had to tip the guy at

the entry of the washroom to get a few sheets of toilet paper.
Gilles A.,?GeckoGo.com
?
5. Cover up.
Culturally, Egypt is a

Muslim country. Even in the big cities a woman should have a male companion with

her when on the street. Ladies should have shoulders and upper arms covered,

closed neck top, skirt below the knees, pants are ok, but ought to be loose.

Modesty is the key word. Don’t insist on your right to wear what you want,

respect their culture and cover up.
Christy McCarthy,?World Nomads
?
?
For

some practical information on traveling in Egypt visit?Kwintessential?for tips on etiquette and

customs.

Need some handy Arabic travel phrases? Try our Arabic Language guide podcast or iPhone app.

?

What did you learn in Egypt and wish you knew before you went?? Leave us a comment…

Leaving on a jet plane. Courtesy of Flickr.com, by [Mrs Logic].

Permanent link to this post: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Egypt
From the Travel Insurance Related Tips weblog

Romantic scrap booking frame

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Romantic scrap booking frame:

Romantic scrap booking frame

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Dual Monitor Background Wallpaper

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Dual Monitor Background Wallpaper 3200 x 1200 (click to download full size wallpaper):

Dual Monitor Background Wallpaper

Dual Monitor Background Wallpaper

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