ChauLLapierre

The American economy is an amazing, complex, flexible, and powerful entity…

The scenario:

Step back to mid-2004. At that time, widespread media frenzy has developed around a highly-regarded psychic…

• She notes in lucid terms that she has seen the future three years hence…mid-2007
• She notes that oil prices are above $70 per barrel and have averaged $60-$65 a barrel for the past 2-3 years. She reports that a gallon of gasoline is now $3.00-$3.75 per gallon in most parts of the country
• She notes that many communities around the nation–particularly on both coasts and in the Southwest–are dealing with weak home sales, declining home prices, an excess of properties to sell, climbing delinquencies and foreclosures, and the highest mortgage interest rates in five years
• She notes that a number of the nation’s largest Wall Street firms are dealing with a painful sub-prime mortgage lending market and rising anxiety about which Wall Street firms might follow Bear Stearns with serious valuation problems of aggressive hedge funds
• She notes that the euro, the British pound, and the Canadian dollar are each at record or multi-year highs against the dollar. She notes that gold prices have more than doubled since the summer of 2004, in part tied to anxiety about the U.S. dollar
• She notes that the Federal Reserve is about to end the recent 12-month period of a 46-year low in short-term interest rates. She announces that the Fed will tighten monetary policy 17 times between now (June 2004) and June 2006
• She notes that our ill-advised foray into Iraq has bogged down, with more and more national Republican politicians distancing themselves from a widely unpopular President. She notes that by one measure, the Congress–now under control by the Democrats–has an approval rating by the general public of 14%, the lowest ever
• She articulates a handful of other emotional issues that have risen in prominence by mid-2007, including health care, illegal immigration, global warming, and the future of entitlement spending

Given this laundry list of anxiety and negativity, the consensus view of economic forecasters and the media would no doubt be that a serious recession would soon engulf the U.S. economy, with millions of newly unemployed people, rising inflation, huge budget deficits, and little chance of escaping the economic decline. Financial market players would likely be wringing their collective hands about how this combination of challenges would ravage the stock market…

…not exactly

In fact, U.S. economic growth has been solid. The stock market has set dozens of new highs during the past nine months. The combined net worth of American households has set 17 consecutive quarterly records and now stands near $56 trillion. Budget deficits are declining, while inflation remains under control. Labor markets are extremely tight, with widespread opportunities for millions of people who want to work.

The American economy is an amazing, complex, flexible, and powerful entity…

…exactly

Economic futurist Jeff Thredgold is President of Thredgold Economic Associates, a professional speaking and economic consulting company

Since 1976, Jeff’s weekly economic and financial newsletter, Tea Leaf, has been helping people make sense of the tangled maze of the U.S. and global economy and financial markets in a light, approachable style. Sign up to receive the free Tea Leaf email newsletter

Jeff is the author of econAmerica: Why the American Economy is Alive and Well…and What That Means to Your Wallet (Wiley, 2007), and On the One Hand…The Economist’s Joke Book

His career includes 23 years with $96 billion banking giant KeyCorp, where he served as Senior VP and Chief Economist. He now serves as economic consultant to $50 billion Zions Bancorporation, which has banks in 10 states.

We all need a change every now and then. From our clothes to the music we listen to, a little bit of variety is great sometimes. So, why should we have the same hairstyle day in and day out? With hair extensions, we can look and feel like a new person — any time we want to.

Regular hair extensions must be weaved, braided, sewed, or glued — that???s more of a commitment than some people are willing to make. What???s more, it can be quite expensive. If you want a little hair variety without the time or financial commitment, consider a clip-on hair extension.

Clip-on hair extensions are a temporary way to change your look, either for fun and style or as a test drive for ???real??? hair extensions. Some clip-on hair extensions are small sections of hair attached to metal clips, much like barrettes. This type of clip-on hair extension is not meant to be used alone and you will need at least three or four of them. You simply clip the extension wherever you need added volume or body. Then the hair can be styled as usual. These hair extensions can be either synthetic or natural.

Another type of clip-on hair extension is already pre-styled and used as created. A popular style for this type is the ponytail. These extensions are widely available at department stores, beauty supply stores and some grocery stores. They are generally synthetic and low-cost with a short lifespan.

Though experts say the clip-on hair extensions are easy to work with, you can have a hairdresser apply them if you prefer.

Hair Extensions Info provides detailed information about human, fusion, clip-on, and wholesale hair extensions, as well as hair extension sales, prices, and more. Hair Extensions Info is the sister site of Salon Equipment Web.

“All of (The Infinite) is present at any and every point within Itself.”

-Ernest Holmes

The next time you must face your boss???s attitude, your mother-in-law???s opinion, your slimming bank account or your expanding body, I invite you to look into your own eyes before you take any action. Who you see when you look in the mirror plays a major role in determining how you will fare as you engage in just about any challenging situation.

If something is gnawing at your attention and disturbing your peaceful center, you can begin to shift your state about that condition right now as we move through this brief process together.

You know what???s bothering you. Do you shrink when you think about this challenge? If you feel reduced in stature, diminished in power or demoted to a defensive posture in relation to some circumstance in your life, then you have probably forgotten something very important. You have forgotten that you are Infinite.

You can transform your experience and your outcome in this difficult situation by remembering one simple thing. Deep within the outer garb of your body and personality, you are a mystical vortex through which the Infinite Universe expresses itself. Once you blink into this awareness, you inhabit a new set of possibilities. You become co-creator in your life rather than stagnant observer of things already created.

The Smallest Thing

You may think that the Universe is an infinite collection of finite things, a great big bucket of apples and planets, stars and caterpillars. I prefer to think that the Universe is an infinite collection of infinities, and you are one of them (as are the stars and the caterpillars). The shift from seeing yourself as finite to knowing yourself as infinite rocks the boat of possible outcomes. It names you as captain of all the creative potential you can believe in. It sets you free from the canal you had yourself backed into.

We can see evidence of the presence of Infinite Infinities even on the physical plane. Every atom in your body is infinite. Atoms were originally thought to be the bottom line. The smallest thing. Then of course we found the components of the atom. For a while we were content to draw pictures of electrons swirling around protons and neutrons. They were the smallest things. Then we found more subatomic particles.

Particles that aren???t even particles. The longer we search, the more we find that it never ends. You can always go deeper.

Although you already have this information filed in your knowledge banks, it wakes the sleepy consciousness to hold this ongoing awareness. It is coffee to the hibernating soul-essence to consider that, even physically, you are a conglomerate ??” not of finite smallest things ??” but rather of infinite points of endless deepening.

Like a rose that just keeps blooming or a kaleidoscope that keeps on turning, this continual unfolding is who you are. Every cell in your body is infinite. Every thought in your mind is infinite. There is no end to your personal infinities and they all swirl back to the one Cosmic Infinite.

From Nothing to Infinity

What does that say about your creative potential? Who is moving the brush across your canvas? By bringing your relationship with the Infinite into your awareness, you empower yourself in the creation of every next moment. You open yourself to the great flow of life-force and you allow the divine breath to breathe itself through you. Here are two steps that will bring you closer to accessing this mystical truth about yourself.

Step 1 ??” Nothing

Close your eyes and consider the smallest thing. Recall that your body is made of these ???smallest things.??? Let your mind travel deeper and deeper into the uncharted, dimensionless silence of the smaller and smaller and smaller and smaller thing until you reach a sense of nothing. Take as long as you need to reach this feeling. Sit for a while in the peaceful darkness/light of no-thing. Recall that you are made of infinite points of this.

Step 2 ??” Infinity

In this quiet, pre-creation space of no-thing, feel the softness of your body and your awareness. Feel the fluid nature of your being in this state with no form. This is the blank canvas, the state of infinite creative potential. This is where you can have the thought ???apple??? or ???love??? or ???family??? and bring it into your experience. This is where you can create anything from no-thing. Previous patterns and probabilities have been disassembled and anything is possible. Look deeply into the unformed Infinite and ask your heart what it most desires.

Somewhere In-Between

Let???s return to your boss and your mother-in-law for a minute. Let???s remember your bankbook and your belt size. You can use this two-step process not only as a tool for general inner exploration. It can also act as a clarifying agent, a problem-shifting device, a polish that lets your true-self shine through. Bring a question or problem with you into the above process. It will dissolve in step one. In step two it will reconfigure itself into a new possibility. It will reveal a new priority. It will tell you what your Infinite self wants in this situation.

The importance of someone else???s attitude or opinion will shrivel. When you include your infinite truth in your day-to-day affairs, you begin to experience the physical universe with its wallets and its scales as a fluid and changing reality. The next time you look in the mirror, invite your Infinite self to join you in your most mundane routines. As you look in your own eyes, see your Infinite nature.

© Rebbie Straubing

You can receive Dr. Rebbie Straubing’s Free e-Course, “7 Secrets for Manifesting Your Heart’s Desire,” at http://www.yofa.net

Rebbie is a workshop leader, Abraham Coach, and writer.

To find or harmonize a relationship, visit http://www.GreatRelationships.net

Increase your awareness of Divine Love and begin a meditation practice in 3 minutes at the Affirmative Contemplation website, http://www.AffirmativeContemplation.com

Another name for side effects of stopping smoking is withdrawal symptoms. And then there are side effects from the stop smoking aids depending on the individual and their addictions, which are used while trying to lessen the withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, there are very few stop smoking side effects.

In fact, smokers who give up smoking become healthier while living longer as compared to those who fail to do so. They only have to battle a brief period when they give up smoking — the period when the withdrawal symptoms are most prominent, a time when they feel anxious, irritable, confused and depressed. They may also suffer from a slower heartbeat, increased appetite, and weight gain. However, all these can be controlled through proper counseling and exercises.

The reason for the withdrawal is the body demanding for its supply of nicotine. When going cold turkey, this period can range from 72 hours to two weeks of intenseness and pain, with the amount depending on the smoker and their addiction. The nicotine replacement therapy is especially useful in reducing the side effects as it feeds this hunger for nicotine.

The patient can use nicotine gum, nicotine inhaler, or nicotine patches to release small quantities of nicotine in the bloodstream to lesson the urge to smoke. Because the body is given this drug, it lowers depression and improves well being. They can also use alternative therapies like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or Yoga to relieve stress and make life without cigarettes more bearable. Another possibility is the use of laser therapy that releases endorphins in the blood stream, making an individual feels better.

The 60% smokers who are most prone to side effects are those who suffer from depression, who usually are requiring extensive counseling and support from family members and friends. Many of them are put on Zyban, an FDA-approved drug that helps to reduce the urge to smoke and is also beneficial for treating depression among those who quit.

Known by the name Bupropion, it desensitizes the brain’s nicotine receptors, with seizures as its main side effects in less than one in 1,000. Other side effects, such as insomnia, dry mouth, and headaches are usually more common. Another side effect of quitting smoking is weight gain, usually putting on 5 to 8 pounds of weight, which should not be considered a dangerous side effect.

You should remember that smoking is much more injurious to health than gaining weight, which is controllable through exercise, dieting or Yoga. But you can’t undo the damage caused by smoking to your health. Your first priority therefore must be to give up smoking as you will feel better, healthier and more energetic in the long run.

Check out http://www.my-stop-smoking-zone.com/ for more articles on nicorette gum and smoking.

The health benefits of goji berries have finally been exposed, and Goji Zen Berry juice provides the best of the little red fruit in a portable bottle. In a fast-paced world and with today???s busy lifestyles, it???s hard to keep on top of our nutrition and eat the foods we should. A juice that offers health benefits in a thirst-quenching drink while packing a whallop of vitamins and carbohydrates that your body needs can be the answer. The taste of Goji Zen Berry juice is fantastic, too!

Goji Zen Berry juice incorporates the goji berry into its refreshing drink. The Chinese and Tibetans have long touted Goji berries as beneficial, with many health improvements related to the little red fruits. In fact, mention of the berries can be found as early as the 7th century. It was only recently that goji berries hit the spotlight with their claims to improve vision, the immune system???s functioning, and help protect the liver. Goji berries have been a large part of the diet of the Himilayan people, many of whom have lived well into their hundreds. Four ounces of goji berries a day is said to fight aging.

Of course, goji berries aren???t miracle cures. Current western research has yet to find amazing health benefits from consuming the berry. However, goji berries certainly are good for your health as fruits to increase fiber and vitamins in your diet. Goji Zen Berry juice won???t make you see in the dark or cure you of cancer, but adding a daily drink to your nutritional diet certainly is a step in the right direction.

What???s more, with its great taste and convenient packaging, Goji Zen Berry juice can easily replace poorer choices of refreshment, such as high-sugar soda pop. Get into the habit of giving your body something better for energy by having a Goji Zen Berry juice with each meal.

For more info on the amazing health benefits of Goji Zen Berry Juice
please check out the author’s website at http://www.gojizengojiberryjuice.com

Health issues differ somewhat between men and women. We read so much about diet and nutrition for women, so I think its about time men had a look in! So… here are some of my Top Foods for men.

Pumpkin seeds, Brazils, Walnuts, and Almonds

Nuts are often regarded and shunned as high-fat foods, with little understanding of their nutritional value. Some nuts are very high in fat; Brazil nuts are about 70% fat, so you wouldn???t want to eat too many at once, BUT only 10% of this fat is actually saturated, so as you can see the vast majority is ???unsaturated??? and therefore either essential, or potentially useful for the health of every cell in the body. The term ???essential??? in this context simply means our bodies do not manufacture certain fats (especially Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats), which means that the only ways of obtaining them is through the foods we eat??? essential to life, so therefore essential to the diet! Most fresh unsalted and un-roasted nuts and seeds (NO??? not S*NP*T peanut butter ??” UK readers will know what I mean here!), as well as oily fish such as salmon, avocados, vegetable and seed oils, and olive oil contain mostly essential fatty acids ??” in other words fats that we need and which are put to good use in the body. A handful of walnuts have as much omega-3-fatty acids as 3 ounces of salmon, which may help in light of the recent and on-going worries about farmed salmon. Not only do omega-3 fats help towards preventing heart disease, they also help to prevent arthritis and depression.

A 25g portion of brazils (about 10 nuts) would be an ideal snack or addition to cereal or fruit in the morning. It would give you a respectable 170 kcals, and 17 grams of fat. About 70g of fat in one day is acceptable, so as part of your whole diet, they are not fattening! Brazils are one of the highest food sources of the mineral selenium: an antioxidant that plays a vital role in the health of the heart and CV system, as well as the thyroid gland. Selenium is also regarded as a potent anti-cancer agent. It is often lacking in British diets, due to a drop in soil levels over the years and consequently a drop in crops. However, all is not lost if you eat a few Brazils on a regular basis??? the above 25g portion would give you 383 micrograms (ug), way over the UK RNI of 45-75ug, so even half that amount would still be beneficial!

Seeds (especially pumpkin seeds) are considerably lower in fat than nuts; pumpkin seeds are only 45% fat, and again the majority is unsaturated. They are also higher in protein than many nuts, and contain more zinc too. Nuts are still a good source of protein, with almonds providing the highest amount, as well as the highest amount of calcium. Brazil nuts come top of the list again when it comes to magnesium, another essential mineral for men that works closely with calcium in bone and muscle function. As you can see it is variety that counts and as we know it certainly provides the ???spice??? of life, but also provides the key to obtaining the full spectrum of nutrients we need to be healthy on a daily basis.

Did you know?

The body of a sperm contains 86% monounsaturated fat! So, healthy sperm need healthy fats (as well as a good dose of selenium!). The foods with the most similar fatty acid profiles to that of sperm are olive oil and macadamia nuts, but all the above foods come pretty close too! So guys, maybe this piece of information helps to put things a little more into perspective?!!

Flaxseeds and your Prostate

Some recent research showed men with early stage prostate cancer who ate a low-fat diet plus three tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily for just over a month saw their PSA levels drop. They also saw their testosterone and cholesterol levels go down. PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is an indication of tumour growth. The men who had more advanced cancers saw the PSA scores continue to rise. But researchers speculate that had they stayed on a flaxseed diet longer, they might have seen some benefit as well. Flaxseed is high in fibre, lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which may help fight cancer.

Soya foods

Versatile soya foods include tofu, soya beans, and fermented products such as Tamari or soy sauce, and miso. Not only are they one of the best sources of vegetable proteins, but soya foods also boast the presence of plant substances called ???isoflavones???. These have a number of health benefits for men. Soya protein helps to lower the amount of unhealthy LDL cholesterol in the blood, and soya isoflavones are now known to be protective against prostate cancer, as well as heart disease. Firm tofu is the best way to enjoy soya???s health benefits. Contrary to popular belief, tofu really can be edible, and even tasty. To get the most from your tofu, try marinating it in soy sauce, lemon juice, oil, and herbs, then bake, grill or stir-fry it with your choice of veggies. If you have never contemplated using tofu, try the following recipe, which is delicious, quick and easy.

Quinoa Risotto with Tofu and Asparagus

Serves 4
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic, finely chopped/minced
1 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin strips
2 cups vegetable stock
2 tblsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 tblsp lemon rind
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb firm tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 lb asparagus, cut into 11/2 inch lengths
1/2 cup toasted cashews

Heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion for about one minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for a further minute. Add the vegetable stock, lemon juice, quinoa grains, lemon zest, black pepper and tofu. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Place asparagus on top, cover and continue cooking for a further 5 mins. Sprinkle with toasted cashews.

Nutrition Facts:
Per serving (330g): 435 calories, 24 g protein, 17 g fat (3 g saturated), 48 g carbohydrates, 40 mg cholesterol, 325 mg sodium

Quinoa

Quinoa is a top energy food and definitely in my list of ???Top Foods for Men???, partly because it has the best amino acid profile of all the grains! That means you can count it in, as a good protein source, and even better when you combine it with eggs, chicken or fish. It is full of vitamins and minerals too (especially B vitamins, calcium and magnesium). It is also high in potassium, just like bananas and avocadoes, all of which help to keep blood pressure within a healthy range. It is very low in fat and completely free of cholesterol, so a winner for those concerned about watching their dietary cholesterol intake.

Eggs

Eggs (preferably organic whenever possible) are a first-class source of protein (or what we term as having a high biological value), easy to cook, and an ideal way to begin a busy day. A high protein breakfast such as scrambled eggs on wholegrain toast balances blood sugar levels effectively and will certainly sustain you a lot longer than toast and jam. If you are concerned about the cholesterol content of eggs, limit your intake to 3 a week; otherwise there is no need to worry. Eggs are also rich in choline (vital for keeping your memory boys!!) and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin??? these are important to help prevent cataracts, as well as age-related macular degeneration, both of which lead to blindness. Eggs really are easy to cook… hard-boil them, soft-boil them, poach them, scramble them - just try to avoid cooking them with excessive amounts of butter, cream or oil. Eggs Benedict should be a ???once in a while treat???!

Oysters and other Seafood

Oysters are rich in the mineral zinc ??” commonly referred to as the fertility mineral! Oysters are famed for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, and I suppose it???s the high zinc content that gives this reputation some scientific basis? The fact is that oysters do contain an extraordinarily high amount of zinc ??” essential for sperm production and the development of the reproductive organs. Oysters unfortunately are not to everyone???s taste, so, are there any other foods that could have a similar effect? Well, some are mentioned above (pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds) but other excellent dietary sources of zinc include crab, most other shellfish, offal and wheatgerm, to name a few. I don???t think however that any of these have a reputation as true aphrodisiacs??? offal or oysters? Oysters for me I think???. With a glass of champagne preferably!

Garlic

Garlic has to be one of the most healthful and beneficial foods/herbs on the planet. Apparently it is one of the oldest cultivated plants, originating from central Asia. It is often talked about as being ???anti-aging??? as it is an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants literally stop cells from ???rusting??? or ageing. We visibly see this process as wrinkles! Garlic is full of nutrients too such as B vitamins, calcium, sulphur and zinc, albeit in moderate amounts. But what garlic is most known for is it???s anti-bacterial benefits which are due to the active substance present in garlic, called allicin. This is why garlic is so helpful for colds and flu. Garlic supplements should contain the active substance (which remains stable when dried), as it is the properties of allicin that aid in maintaining a healthy heart and circulation, as well as possessing wonderful anti-microbial activity. Garlic acts as an anti-coagulant in the blood, which reduces the risk of strokes, and can help to destroy cancerous cells. The best way to eat garlic is RAW, minced, chopped or pulverised, and added to a salad dressing? However, I have to say that ???garlic breath??? isn???t very attractive!! Try chewing raw parsley after a heavily laced garlic meal. It works to neutralise the pungent smell of garlic as the chlorophyll in parsley acts as a cleanser and neutraliser. The alternative is to take a garlic capsule daily.

Avocados

Avocados, I think, feel a bit like butter on the tongue, but have a nutty flavour? In fact, Spanish sailors called them “midshipman’s butter” because they used them as a substitute for butter on long sea voyages. Avocados contain good amounts of B vitamins, including folate, and are one of the few fruits that contain vitamin E??? an important fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is necessary for converting cholesterol into male sex hormones, and Vitamin E deficiency can induce fertility in both sexes by causing damage to the reproductive tissues. SO all you guys out there??? a regular portion of avocado in the diet, with a handful of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (also high in ???E???) wouldn???t go a miss in your quest for optimal health!

Surprising to some maybe, but avocados contain twice as much potassium as bananas do and are an excellent source of the phytochemical lutein??? also found in leafy green vegetables, and a key nutrient for improving eye health. Like olive oil, avocados provide good, monounsaturated fat, which is crucial to lowering LDL cholesterol. When testing an ???avo??? for ripeness, give it a gentle squeeze ??” a ripe fruit will leave a finger or thumbprint. To eat avocados, carefully cut lengthways and prize away from the stone. Just scoop out the flesh and enjoy! Try mashing the green fruit with chopped tomatoes, lime or lemon juice, a little chopped fresh chilli and salt for a gorgeous guacamole. Mixing with ricotta cheese also makes a super low-fat healthy dip.

My childhood memory of eating avocados is mashed on fresh wholemeal bread and sprinkled with a little salt ??” delicious!

Apples and bananas

Apples are full of several powerful antioxidants including a compound called quercetin. Quercetin is known to be a very effective natural anti-histamine and works synergistically with another anti-histamine - Vitamin C. Hay fever sufferers find this combination very useful during the ???allergy??? season. You may find supplements available that often combine these with bromelain, a good anti-inflammatory. Apples are also high in the soluble fibre, pectin, helping to lower LDL cholesterol. So there must be some truth in the saying ???An apple a day keeps the doctor away???? The best way to eat them is ripe, raw, and with the peel intact ??” don???t peel apples, as it is in the skin that you find the quercetin!

Bananas (like avocados) contain tons of potassium, magnesium and folate. Potassium helps fight high blood pressure and reduces the risk of strokes. A high fruit and veg diet should supply you with plenty of potassium. Folate is necessary for proper cell growth, and in lowering blood homocysteine - vital in the prevention of heart disease.

Berry fruits

Purple, dark red and blue berries are not only rich in vitamin C and are anti-ageing, but they can also be useful for gout sufferers. Gout is a very painful condition, and is the result uric acid being dumped in tissues ??” often in the big toe! It causes inflammation and pain, and can progress to joint degeneration and arthritis. Unfortunately too, it is often related to kidney problems, and there is an increased risk of kidney stones. Fruits such as blackberries and blueberries etc. can help due to the presence of antioxidants known as anthocyanins and proanthocyanins ??” these are what give them such a rich gorgeous colour. Better still, they are natural anti-inflammatories so can ease the pain of the inflammation. Gout sufferers also need to follow a low animal protein diet, cut down on alcohol, drink plenty of water and eat lots more colourful fruit and veg.

Oats

Oats are high in B vitamins and calcium, as well as both insoluble and soluble fibre. This means that not only are they nutritious, they can help to keep the bowels free from toxins ??” as well as helping the elimination of waste too!

The high soluble fibre content in oats is the reason why they???ve been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels (the nasty cholesterol) when eaten on a regular basis. By including a bowl of porridge oats in your diet everyday, you will be doing something quite significant towards protecting yourself from heart disease. Another great source of soluble fibre in linseeds, so add a tablespoon to your bowl of oats in the morning. Whole organic oats are the best to go for!

Tips and recipes???

This recipe has been kindly compiled by Paul Clements. Paul is Jersey???s top male triathlete, Great Britain triathlon age group team member since 1999, European triathlon age group champion in 2000, Island Games Gold medallist 2001 and Bronze medallist 2003. He has just qualified for the Commonwealth Games, being held in Melbourne in March 2006.

Paul is passionate about healthy eating, and says his food and nutrition is quite simply his fuel for success! His tip for healthy eating is to be well prepared, keeping a stock of vegetables in the fridge and fresh fruit in the fruit bowl - It is as simple as that!

This recipe is one of Paul???s favourite post-workout recovery meals.

Grilled wild salmon on a bed of sweet potato mash, with roast winter vegetables

Serves 2:

2 large fresh wild salmon steaks
French Dijon mustard
Ground black pepper
Two large sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
2 parsnips
2 large carrots
1 bulb of fresh broccoli
1 red pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 leak
1 red onion
2 fresh garlic segments
1 small bag of kale

Chop the parsnips, carrots, broccoli, peppers, leak, onion and garlic into pieces. These can be as big or as large as you wish… cutting the carrots and parsnips length ways is my favourite. Place all the pieces in a bowl and drizzle over 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive. Cover the bowl and shake to cover all the vegetables. Place the veggies on a baking tray and pop them into the oven at 200C for 30-35 mins. Whilst these are cooking chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces and place in a saucepan.

Cover the salmon steaks with a thin layer of Dijon mustard on both sides & sprinkle a little black pepper on top. Fill the kettle up and go and put your feet up or have that post gym shower for 15 mins. When the vegetables have 15-20 mins to go, open the oven and give them a quick stir. Put the kettle on to boil.

Now, put the steaks under a hot grill for 15 mins, turning them over mid-way through.

Poor the boiling water onto the sweet potatoes and simmer for 8-10 mins or until they???ve become soft. Put your plates on to warm.

When there is approximately 5 mins to go, sprinkle the kale over the roasted vegetables and pop back in the oven.

When the time is up, drain the water from the sweet potatoes and mash. Place the mash on the centre of your plates to form a bed for the salmon. Remove the salmon from the grill, and place on top of the potato. Now remove the roasted vegetables and arrange around the potato and salmon. Add some garnish if you require, but most importantly, relax and enjoy your healthy post exercise winter meal!

Nutrition Facts:

Per serving: 780 calories, 50 g protein, 32 g fat (5 g saturated), 75 g carbohydrates.

This meal really is packed with nutrients, being rich in Selenium (50ug), calcium (300mg), folic acid (360ug), as well as being high in the antioxidants vitamin A, and C.

Lucy-Ann Prideaux MSc BSc RNutr is a registered Nutritionist, based in Sussex, England. Her consultancy “Simply Nutrition” attracts many individuals and sports people keen to improve their health, their athletic performance or to lose weight. She is passionate about food and nutrition, and is a keen writer.

Website: http://www.simply-nutrition.co.uk

Weblog: http://www.simplynutritionblog.typepad.com/

SUBSCRIBE to Simply Nutrition’s monthly newsletter and e-mail updates at http://www.simply-nutrition.co.uk

Do you have trouble applying false eyelashes? Long, dark eyelashes are blinking out from all the beauty pages this season. Eyelashes are seen as being indicative of feminine beauty. Eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow are all used regularly by women as a part of their regular makeup and cosmetic routine.

Applying fake eyelashes is not that difficult at all! The combination of purchasing high quality eye lashes as well as having the best techniques will help you easily apply false eyelashes. Today’s versions have come a long way from the artificial-looking falsies of the past. They are now carefully crafted and designed to blend in with a woman’s natural lashes.

Below is an outline of how to apply fake eyelashes.

Before you apply the actual eye lashes to your eyes, use your eye linger to create a line against your upper lashes. Later, this will help you to cover up that lash band you will be using. Use your finger to smudge it somewhat so that it does not look as obvious.

TIP: Many women make the mistake of trying to dab eye lash glue onto their other lashes directly. This is one of the main reasons your eye lashes will clump. Instead, apply a dab of glue to your finger. Hold the eyelash in your other hand and pull the lashes through the dot of glue. Do this in one fluid motion. Also, if using individual eye lashes, you will want to just dab the bottom of them into the glue individually.

To apply the lash band of eye lashes, you will want to start at your eyes’ natural line. Apply them as close as possible to this area as this will create the most natural looking lashes. To make sure the eyelashes look good, care should be taken when positioning the lashes over the top of your eye. Please make sure they align correctly before pressing down on them. Although if you are just applying individual eye lashes, you will want to apply them starting on the outside corners of your eyes and then work towards the middle. This will create a natural look and you do not need that many individual lashes to create a great look.

Please do not forget to go back to your eyelashes after they have dried and curl them. Do this with your mascara as you normally would. Both your natural lashes and your fake eye lashes should have mascara applied to them.

TIP: Do not use oil based products on eyes with extensions

Hopefully the above was not too difficult to do yourself. Once you have done this a few times, it definitely gets easier. By following the above, you will definitely save good money at the saloons - some charge $150 per hour for this type of work that can take a couple of hours to complete.

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Yes, it’s true, lunar energy represents a source of fabulous powers! Whether we want it to or not, the Moon exerts a considerable influence over our surroundings, over ourselves and over the major events in our lives.

Indeed, whoever we are, it is quite impossible to dissociate the Moon from our everyday lives. Certain categories of professions (psychic like Maria Duval, clairvoyant, historian, farmer, doctor, writer, painter, astrologist, etc) no doubt attach much greater importance to it than the ordinary run of human beings.

But which of us can claim never to have tried to penetrate the secrets and mysteries of the Moon, even if only superficially? Since time immemorial, human beings have tried to get it to know and use the powers of the Moon.

Why? Because it is obvious that the Moon has a powerful influence over our behaviour: more than other planets. It guides our actions, has an impact on our likes, our intuitions, our feelings, and because of this perceptibly affects the development of our lives. For example, it has been recorded that traffic accident rate is higher historically during the full Moon period.

There are plenty of other examples demonstrating that influence objectively: women’s menstrual cycles, the high birth rate when the Moon is full, the growth of plants and vegetation, the movement of the tides, variations in climate and others.

But it does not stop here. Modern science is discovering new effects of lunar cycle on everything that lives on Earth every day. Finding answers to all the complex questions raised by this astral body is no small matter.

For example, why do certain tribes in Madagascar make mothers who are ready to give birth shield themselves fro the new Moon by hiding away at the back of the their homes? Why is it that the blue butterflies of Latin America are the dullest brown, and only due to the minuscule scales covering their wings which acts as a prism do they reflect the blue radiation emitted by the Moon? Why do Australian koalas eat almost twice as many eucalyptus leaves immediately after the full Moon? And why has it been discovered that lunar attraction causes bamboos in Southeast Asia to grow 50 centimetres taller a day?

Indeed we could extend this list of “whys” indefinitely. Lunar energy is really a mysterious force ever since the past till now. It is a source of energy psychics and spiritualists wants to tap on as it is such a force that can help them in their rites. So never just appreciate the beauty of the full Moon again but understand its awesome influence it has on us.

Mere T is a spiritual researcher, blogger, conservationist and freelance writer. She has benefited a lot from the guidance of psychic Maria Duval in the topic of spirituality. She lives in New Zealand with her family and she enjoys the serenity of her country as it helps her to build up on her spiritual bonding with the environment. Her Maria Duval blog is Maria Duval - Psychic - Clairvoyant.

One positive facet of globalization is the fusion of creative elements from various cultures of the world. The essence of this global shift has drastically changed the contemporary African art market, rendering post modern representations of this great continent, its people and creatures in new and enlightening contexts. Modern African artists work to explore new concepts by interpreting them within their indigenous traditions or by reflecting their authentic African situation or experience in their art work.

However, maybe it is less the content or style of the works than the origin, location or structure of the artist that exhibit them. If you talk about the contemporary art world today you are really referring to a world of art. Modern art cites from Sao Paolo to London, from Kassel to Cape Town all embrace an array of artists and cultures from the four corners of the globe, many of whom were born in Africa. Who are these global artists? And when they make art, do they make African Art? Or do they make modern African art? Contemporary Art from Africa or Postmodern African Art? Are these descriptions only applicable for artists that are from Africa? Or who live in Africa?

Postmodern African Artists Endure a Mixed Blessing

Defining the contemporary artists??? identity based on cultural or geographical boundaries has always been applied, especially in the African case. Unfortunately for many postmodern African artists this is a mixed blessing. Possessing African roots can be seen as a source of pride, an irrelevant fact, or a perpetual curse. Western stereotypes are steadfast and hard to eliminate. Western cultural presuppositions have negatively affected the presentation and interpretation of contemporary African art. In the Washington Post the Tanzanian artist Kiure Msangi quoted the reaction of a journalist: ???Do you use acrylic paint? But that is not African!??? Kiure Msangi proceeded: ???If I would have used in some canvases acrylic paint with cow dung, I am sure the critics would have loved it???.

Can the World???s Contemporary Art Culture Benefit from the African Experience?

Although the stereotypes still exist, there is a growing upward trend in the sale and exhibition of contemporary ???African Art???. Both collectors and the general public are investing in exciting vibrant paintings, sculptures, installations and digital art. These contemporary art collections bring delight and financial reward, while enriching many homes with modern form and color.

The 21st century has been with us for some time and ???African Art??? is beginning to solidify the respect it has gained in recent years. This contemporary art should not be discarded as a strange sub-category, but be recognized for its sophistication and quality. These modern works of art are being produced by a professional and ethnically diverse art community that spans the globe.

This topical article on the subject of contemporary african art was written by Deri Jenkins (BETEC, BA, BSc) on behalf South African Artists. Visit South African Artists fine art gallery to view a wide range of original art available to buy at affordable prices.

Buyers of holiday villas hope to fund the purchase of their property out of the rent received from renting, but is this dream feasible?

Properly managed property in a popular area, especially if it attracts bookings throughout the year, should be self-financing. However, ‘properly managed’ does not necessarily mean that you should trust a rentals agency to handle bookings and generally manage your villa. Indeed, if the recent experience of many villa owners in Spain suggests that you should be very wary of using an agency and you would be better advised to handle everything yourself.

There are many examples of absentee villa owners not being paid for lettings that the agents ‘forgot’ to inform the owners about. Jane Moore, a solicitor in Marbella, has heard of many examples of owners being ripped off. “I’ve heard of rental agency staff using clients’ properties for all sorts of things, including family holidays,” she says. “If you don’t live locally, it’s hard to know what is going on in your property.”

There is a way around the problem. The internet offers many sites where you can advertise your villa and most provide an availability calendar and a booking form. By advertising online you can take control of bookings and handle your business yourself, saving the 20% of rental income charged by most rental agencies along the way. All it takes is a little time and effort. The secret of success is to make yourself available at all times. If someone wishes to discuss a booking they have to be able to contact you either by telephone or email, and you need to respond with little delay. Keep a potential customer waiting too long and he will take his business elsewhere. It will also save you time if you keep your availability calendar updated. If a customer contacts you wishing to book dates that the calendar shows are available but that are already booked, your time is wasted and, more importantly, the customer is annoyed and probably less likely to accept alternative dates.

The availability calendars on our sites are designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The calendar doubles as a booking form and, when you receive an email containing details of the booking, the email includes a link back to your calendar. Merely clicking on the link automatically updates the calendar and marks the weeks in question as ‘booked’.

Despite the drawbacks, some villa owners will not be able to spare the time to mange their business and will be forced to use an agency. The challenge then is to find a good one. Ask for recommendations from other clients and make sure you check them. Scrutinize the rental agreement carefully to ensure it is clear what the agents are required to do. Also, demand to see copies of the utility bills, then you can see when the property was occupied and check that information against the periods when rent is paid to you.

If you treat your holiday villa like a business there is no reason why it should not be self-financing, and provide a foundation for a portfolio of holiday rental properties.

Tony Luck manages a website advertising vacation rentals. More articles of interest to villa owners can be found at his website.