Archive for April, 2008

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine but it can also be found in nutritional sources such as red meats, dairy products and avocados. Its main role in the body is to help metabolize food into energy. L-carnitine does this by transferring long chain fatty acids into mitochondria where they are oxidised to produce energy.


L-carnitine is heart friendly and has been used for many years in the treatment of heart disease. Studies have shown that it can increase the heart’s output and function, stimulate energy supply to the heart and improve overall cardiac performance.


Many bodybuilders use it for the following reasons:


1. It promotes muscle growth.


2. It increases energy.


3. It helps to burn fat.


4. It helps to prevent muscle fatigue.


L-carnitine is a relatively safe supplement provided the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed. As with all supplements, remain aware that l-carnitine could be contained in other products so read the labels carefully to ensure your daily intake does not exceed four grams.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

Superultramodern Religion ( SR )

Superultramodern Religion ( SR ) is a component of
Superultramodern Science (SS). In particular, it is an
application of SS [mainly the NSTP (Non -Spatial Thinking
Process) theory] to religious viewpoints.

SR states that the religious viewpoints (say, Christianity,
Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) are flawed on their physical
(or, so called, metaphysical) side. The prophets (say Jesus
Christ, Mohammad) could be superhuman, in the sense of being
able to modulate the spatial illusion, but their theories /
advocacies on the nature or physics of reality were quite
probably wrong / false (as many flaws could be demonstrated,
e.g. eternal creating something, immovable and flat earth
theories, etc.). The true structure and mechanism of the
universe is in accordance with the NSTP theory which produces
states of consciousness or feelings as if Jesus, for example,
controlling winds, curing diseases, etc., to people, including
Jesus (assuming others are conscious like me : where all
conscious entities / beings are mere groups of feelings or
states of consciousness).

This could be simplified with an analogy. Suppose in 2005 A.D.
we cannot drive cars. However, our science is so developed that
we can easily invent an appropriate theory on the internal
mechanism of the car. Now we find a car used in 0 B.C. and a
book, say Bible, describing a person very skillful in driving
cars, with a theory on the internal mechanism of the car. We do
not at all agree with the theory invented in 0 B.C. as it has
many simple logical / conceptual problems. So we infer that the
person, very skillful in driving the car, was (probably) wrong
on how the car actually works (i.e. its internal mechanism) ,
whereas we are (probably) right on its mechanism but are not
skillful enough to drive the car.

Kedar Joshi BSc MA MRI Cambridge, UK.

Subprime Mortgage Loans - Which Lenders Should You Avoid?

If you have bad credit, your options for a mortgage lender may
be limited. For the most part, traditional mortgage lenders
prefer applicants with a high credit score. If you do not match
their criteria, you will likely have to obtain a mortgage from a
subprime lender.

Subprime lenders provide a valuable service. Their goal is help
those with bad credit and no credit get approved for a home
loan. While most subprime lenders are eager to help, it is
important to discern lenders that are trying to take advantage
of your situation.

What are Subprime Lenders?

In a nutshell, subprime lenders approve mortgage loans to people
whom traditional mortgage companies consider undesirable
candidates. To get a loan through a mortgage company, bank, or
credit union, applicants must have a good credit score, down
payment, and the ability to pay closing costs. Whereas many
traditional lenders have begun to offer subprime loans, a home
buyer may obtain more loan options by using a lender that
specializes in subprime loans.

How to Locate a Subprime Lender?

Subprime lenders can be found in any area. For your convenience,
you may locate a subprime lender online. Many online home loan
companies offer bad credit mortgages to all types of people.
Moreover, the application process is simple. Usually, responses
are received within a few minutes.

Tricks and Schemes Used by Some Subprime Lenders

Individuals purchasing their first home should proceed with
caution. If using a subprime lender, beware of shady lenders.
Lender tricks are common. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting
buyers fall prey to these schemes. Typical schemes involve
lenders advertising unrealistic lowball offers to get clients in
the door. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Additionally, some lenders fail to mention certain fees until
closing. Hence, homebuyers must pay unexpected out-of-pocket
expenses. Furthermore, some lenders take advantage of
fluctuating interest rates. If mortgage rates decline before
your loan rate is locked, the lender should decrease your quoted
rate. However, some lenders keep rates the same. To avoid this,
homebuyers should study the market.

How to Avoid Lender Scams

The best way to avoid a lender’s scam is not to accept the first
offer you obtain, and request quotes from several lenders. If
possible, work with a reputable mortgage broker. Brokers have
dealings with various trustworthy subprime lenders. The
objective is to provide homebuyers will numerous offers from
prospective lenders. Once receiving quotes, you have the power
to choose the most attractive subprime loan.

Everything about Acne and Treatments for Acne that are Guaranteed to Work

What is common to the age group between 12 and 17 apart from teen tantrums and high school crushes? The answer has to be acne. All teenagers have it in some form or the other and some even carry it over into adulthood, with consequences severe enough to merit a visit to the physician. Americans spend an astronomical amount on acne treatment.

Acne is the generic term for clogged skin pores, pimples and deep-seated cystic or nodular lumps occurring mainly on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.

Knowing its requisite cure also involves knowing the causes of acne. Over-productive oil glands and clogged pores are the main reasons behind these skin lesions. This is why they are common during puberty or during hormonal fluctuations.

Now clogged pores, which are caused by dirt and dust, result in the glandular oil not being able to escape. There is thus swelling in the area leading to the skin lesions.

Acne manifests itself in various forms of skin disorders. Blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones) are amongst the most common and the least severe forms of skin scar. With bacterial infection, these may progress to skin inflammations like the raised papule, the pus-filled pustule or the hardened nodule.

There are several forms of medication, some preventive and others curative. Preventive medication stresses on keeping the skin squeaky clean to prevent the incidence of clogged pores. Antiseptic liquid cleansers like Cetaphil cleanse the skin without causing any irritation. In fact, these should form an integral part of your daily skin care regime.

Taking care of your skin also involves going slow on the make-up and also religiously removing any traces of make-up when retiring for the night. You should not prick a pimple as this leads to scar and the possibility of further infection.

Topical creams and lotions like those containing Benzoyl Peroxide, antibiotics like tetracycline and Vitamin A-based tretinoin and adapalene are considered effective for acne. In fact, Benzoyl Peroxide is a highly recommended and widely prescribed cream, which gently exfoliates the skin and prevents bacterial infection.

However these creams have a drying and itching effect and should be started in low doses.

Isotretinoin is commonly given as a medicine for the severe nodular and cystic cases. But recent research has shown that isotretinoin causes birth defects if taken during pregnancy and has even been linked to alarming side effects like psychological ailments, depression and suicidal streaks.

Popular medication also includes oral antibiotics that work well in advanced cases. However, these should be taken under strict medical supervision, as they are known to cause harm during pregnancy.

By far the best remedy for such skin disorders is the TCA Peel. A favorite with dermatologists around the world, this form of medication is the safest, easiest and doesn’t involve any side effects. The TCA Peels also work towards making the skin radiantly supple and thus younger-looking (for more information on TCA skin peels see the link below).

With the right treatment, acne aches will no longer pain you.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels and other for doctors offices and medispas. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Healing Power of Colours

Chromotherapy is a method of treatment of diseases by colour. It is best used as a supportive therapy along with other natural methods of preserving health such as correct diet, adequate rest and relaxation, exercise, yogic asanas and so on.

According to practitioners of chromotherapy, the cause of any disease can be traced to the lack
of a particular colour in the human system. Colour therapy is a technique of restoring imbalance
by means of applying coloured light to the body. It was a popular method of cure even in ancient
times. Some 2,500 years ago, Pythagoras applied colour light therapeutically and ‘colour halls’
were used for healing in ancient Egypt, China and India.

The pioneer of modern colour therapy was Niels Finsen of Denmark. Following the discovery, in
1877, of the bactericidal action of solar ultra-violet energy,Finsen studied the possibility of
assisting the healing of wounds with visible light. He subse- quently used red light to inhibit the
formation of smallpox scars and, in 1896, founded a Light Institute ( now the Finsen Institute of
Copenhagen) for the phototreatment of tuberculosis. In 1932, Gerrard and Hessay, two
Californian psychologists, scientifically established that blue light had a calming effect and red a
stimulating power on human beings.

Blue and red colours are considered at the two extremes with yellow representing the midpoint.
These are also the three principal colours in a rainbow. A patient is first subjected to an
examination to ascertain which colour he lacks. The deficiency is determined by observing the
colour of the eyeballs, nails, urine and excrement. In cases of the lack of red the eyes and nails
will be bluish, and the urine and excrement white or bluish. If there is a deficiency of the blue
colour, the eyes and nails will be reddish and urine and excrement yellowish or red.

Every substance on earth contains colour. Even the rays cast on earth by celestial bodies
contain colour in the form of white light. The rays of the sun contain seven different colours -
violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. These are natural colours which are highly
beneficial to the maintenance of health and for healing diseases.
According to Dr. Babbit, a well-known authority on chromotherapy, “sunlight is the principal
curative agent in nature’s laboratory and where light cannot enter, disease does. Chlorosis,
anaemia, leukaemia, emaciation, muscular debility, degeneration of heart and liver, dropsical
effusion, softening of bones,nervous excitability, physical deformity, stunted growth and
consumption are the result of excluding oneself from the beneficial effects of sunlight.”

Sunlight plays an important role in the recovery from chronic diseases. Judicious use of sunlight
can be part of the curing process in almost every affliction. The rays of the sun improve digestion
and nutrition, quicken blood and lymph circulation and increase the elimination of impurities
through the skin.

The action and effect of various colours on the body and their healing qualities are as follows:

Red:
Symbolic of heat, fire and anger. It is a stimulating and energising colour. It stimulates arterial
blood and brings warmth to cool extremities. Used as a general tonic, it is very valuable in the
treatment of diseases like low blood pressure, rheumatism, paralysis, anaemia and advanced
cases of tuber- culosis.

Orange:
Symbolic of prosperity and pride, orange is useful for stimulating blood supply and energising
the nerves. It is beneficial in the treatment of kidney and gall stones, hernia and appendicitis. It is
also used to stimulate the milk producing action of breasts after childbirth.

Violet:
Violet is beneficial in the treatment of nervous and emotional disturbances, arthritis, acute cases

Yellow:
Associated with joy and happiness, yellow is laxative and diuretic. It is a stimulant to the brain,
the liver and the spleen. It is also effective in the treatment of diabetes, indigestion, kidney and
liver disorders, constipation, eye and throat infections, syphillis and impotence.

Purple:
Purple or indigo combines the blood-warming red and the cooling antiseptic blue. It is an
excellent stimulant without being an irritant. It is beneficial in the treatment of advanced stages of
constipation, hydrocle, leucorrhoea, many disorders of the stomach and womb, cataract, migraine and skin disorders. It exerts a soothing effect on the eyes, ears and the nervous
system.

Green:
Made up of the blue and yellow, green is regarded as a colour of harmony. It is a mild sedative.
It is useful in the treatment of nervous conditions, hay fever, ulcers, influenza, malaria, colds,
sexual disorders and cancer. It preserves and strengthens eyesight. Being highly medicinal and
depressive, it is of great help in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Blue:
Cool, soothing and sedative, blue alleviates pain, reducing bleeding and heals burns. It is
beneficial in the treatment of dysentery, colic, asthma, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure
and skin aberrations. IN a study at the New England State Hospital in the United States, 25
members of staff with normal blood pressure were bathed in blue light for half an hour. It
resulted in universal fall in blood pressure. The blood pressure rose when red light was applied.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

The “Why?” Question

What does a hurricane like Katrina have in common with cancer?

Among other things, both raise the “Why?” question.

Why do natural disasters come along and rob people of their homes, their jobs and even their lives? Why do our own cells sometimes multiply out of control like an invading army?

It’s only human to ask “Why?” during life’s storms.

We’ve been doing it for millennia. “Why are you far away, Lord?” the Biblical Psalmist cries. “Why do you hide yourself when I am in trouble?” (Contemporary English Version)

Beneath the “Why?” question can lie other questions: How can I protect myself? Whom or what can I trust — and what can I trust him/her/it for? How can I find meaning in what I’m going through?

The questions can feel like a dark, gnawing emptiness.

Some of us find answers through religion or philosophy. Others learn to live with the mystery.

The key is to find something of ultimate importance that allows us to live in trust.

We may or may not understand “Why?” and yet each of us can seek something beautiful and good to see us through.

We might develop faith in a love that holds us through this life and beyond. Or we might believe in the overarching goodness of a universe that is still unfolding.

Or we might appreciate deeply the gift of being alive.

Our enduring vision will then see us through the storm and help us compassionately light the way for others.

(c) Norma Schmidt

Norma Schmidt, M.A., M.Div., is a former Lutheran minister with experience as a cancer center chaplain. Her writing has appeared in “Coping with Cancer” magazine, and she is the former co-host of the “Inspired Survivor” Internet radio show for people with cancer and their families. Her free six-week e-course, “Tapping the Power Within: Spiritual Tools for Living with Cancer,” is available at http://www.MyCancerSupportCoach.com

Know Your Enemy: Acne Basic Training

You have company — acne affects almost everyone. It strikes nearly 85% of the population between the ages of 12 and 24. 40% of acne sufferers have breakouts severe enough to require medical treatment.

Acne doesn’t show favorites. Men and women of all races during adolescence and adulthood are nearly equally prone to acne.

Location

It’s a widespread skin condition characterized by lesions that break out on the skin. The lesions form as whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts because pores get clogged.

The so-called ‘T zone’ of the face — the nose, the chin and forehead — are the most common areas for pimples to appear. The back is the second most common area for acne, followed by the neck, chest, and shoulders.

Timing

Usually acne first attacks during adolescence, most often at puberty because that’s when the body starts producing an abundance of an oily substance called sebum. Normally a good thing, sebum keeps the hair and skin soft and lubricated. But during puberty, the body produces too much. The excess oil clogs the pores and leaves the skin feeling oily.

Puberty also triggers an excess production of follicle cells. Dying cells quickly build up and combine with sebum to form whiteheads. The oil and dead cell creates a breeding ground for bacteria that creates redness and swelling in the area resulting in pimples.

A Bad Image

Acne becomes a self-image difficulty for many people because it affects their appearance. Teenagers are particularly at risk as acne can cause feelings of reduced self-confidence and even depression. It causes some to withdraw from social interactions and others become angry and troubled.

Most people find their acne has cleared up by the time they reach their 20s. Although for some it can last throughout their adult years.

Treatable

The good news is there are many modern medical treatments for acne. The first line of defense is to keep the skin clean and oil-free. Do this by gently washing with soap and water twice a day, especially following activities or conditions that cause perspiration. There is a wide variety of medical treatments available, both prescribed and over-the-counter.

For serious cases, a dermatologist is needed for advice about nutrition, lifestyle changes, topical medications, and antibiotics that fight the bacteria causing pimples.

Don’t just look in the mirror and cringe. Fight back!

Visit Best Natural Acne Treatments to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, see Website

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

NIT Versus NCAA National Championship

From March 14th and for the next three weeks until April 3rd, 64 NCAA College Basketball teams will be performing after one common goal: to win the National Championship in Indianapolis.

The top four seeds in the NCAA tournament are Duke University in Durham, North Carolina; Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania; the University of Connecticut and the University of Memphis.

In 1981 the NCAA wanted to increase the number of teams that would participate in this tournament from 48 to 64. The NIT declared they wouldn’t be able to hold a first rate post season tournament if this happened. Four years later the modification was accepted and since then there have been 64 teams on the bracket.

In 2001 the NIT filed an antitrust lawsuit claiming the NCAA was trying to put the NIT out of business. With the trial under way last year, the NCAA reached an agreement to buy the NIT and end the litigation.

The NIT is formed by 40 teams. The four top bracket seeds for this year are the Universities of Maryland, Michigan, Louisville and Cincinnati. They all are former NCAA tournament champions.

Basketball icons like George Mikan, Lenny Wilkens, and Walt Frazier are part of the NIT’s history. Future pro legends Reggie Miller and Ralph Sampson were NIT Most Valuable Players.

After 68 years the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is suffering new changes and improvements after being bought by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, including new marketing strategies, more geographic diversity and TV coverage of bracket selections. The NCAA says it bought the NIT to settle the antitrust lawsuit and to improve the postseason gala for the good of the game.

NYU, Fordham University, Wagner College, Manhattan College and St. John’s University owned the NIT through the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association. All semifinal and final games have been played at New York’s Madison Square Garden. This year’s NIT which also starts today ends on March 30th.

About the Author:
Julie Smith is one of the most recognized copy writers on Sports Betting and currently writes for Instant Action Sports. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

Yes, Your Dog Will Be Happier If You Use These Dog Grooming Tips

Most dogs handle their own grooming needs. But, you can offer a
helping hand as necessary. If you do this, you will have many
benefits to it. For example, it helps the two of you to bond.
And, it allows for you to catch diseases or other health
problems that can affect your pet. Can’t get your dog to sit
still long enough? Then, do a small portion of her each day.
Eventually she will enjoy it and allow you to do it easily.

Dogs use licking, shaking and scratching to stay clean. If you
brush them, you can help the fur to stay clean and unmated. Some
dogs that have longer hair will require this attention daily.
Others who have shorter hair can be brushed just once a week.
Most dogs will enjoy the brushing. Others will not right off the
bat. In order to help this process, use the brush in a small
amount while talking soothingly to her. Afterwards, give her a
treat for being good. Add a little more time on each time.

Dark specs on the skin can be fleas. In order to check for these
types of problems, run your hands down here coat as you brush
her. If you see quite a bit of black flecks, which are flea
dropping, then you need to seek help for your animal right away.
You may also notice rice like debris near her tail. These are a
sign that the dog has worms. Again, you need to take your pet to
the vet in this case as they will need treatment.

Just like you, your pet needs her teeth brushed daily. You can
do this using a child sized toothbrush or just a finger
toothbrush that is designed for your pet. The paste that you use
should be one designed for dogs only. Your toothpaste can
seriously make your dog ill. To help keep dog’s teeth in tip top
shape, give them rawhide chews to gnaw on. This helps keep teeth
as well as gums healthy.

You’ll need to do other types of grooming as well, but not as
frequently. You should check ears and nails weekly or monthly.
Look into your dog’s ears. If you see small, black/brown specks,
this can be ear mites. For nails, walks that are given on
sidewalks as well as in the driveway can help to wear them down.
Make sure, though, that the nails are not too long. You can
learn from your vet the proper way to trim them to help the dog
to stay healthy and to walk correctly. You should not trim them
without getting some training though.

How To Choose The Right Sleeping Bag For Camping

How do you make sure that you have selected the best sleeping
bag for your camping trip?

What is better:

GOOSE DOWN or the SYNTHETIC sleeping bag?

The last thing you want to happen when you’re 20 miles into the
woods is to find your sleeping bag is not warm enough.

You will be facing a very long and unrestful night which can
ruin your spirits and sap your strength for the next day.

There are several pros and cons to most of the options available
in sleeping bags.

A Goose down is very warm. It is lightweight to carry and can be
easily compressed for travel and quickly regain form when shaken
out. It is by far a better choice for backpackers who intend to
carry the bag with them for extended trips because of the
lighter weight and smaller packing. However, goose down is also
more expensive and losses its insulating properties when wet - a
consideration if sleeping outdoors or travelling in inclement
weather.

Synthetic filled bags are cheaper than goose down and retain
their warmth even in wet conditions. They dry faster than down
and are a good choice if travelling by boat or sleeping outdoors
on the ground. However, synthetic bags are heavier and larger
which can be a downside if you are hiking long distances with
the bag.

For the average family camper synthetic bags are the least
expensive and least affected by wet conditions. If travelling by
car to a campground the size and weight of a synthetic bag
should not be a problem.

RECTANGLE, TAPERED or MUMMY BAG?

As with the insulating materials, the shape of bag you choose
will depend on your specific needs with pros and cons for each
type.

Rectangle bags are most similar to bed sleeping and most
familiar to the average user. They permit room for movement and
you can easily zip two bags together for shared sleeping.
However, rectangle bags are the biggest and not the best option
for carrying on extended hikes.

Tapered bags are somewhat narrower towards the feet area of the
sleeping bag. This shape provides less freedom of movement but
more warmth because of the restricted space.

Mummy bags are the smallest and lightest to carry. They are very
snug to the body (as the name suggests) with a hood that can be
fitted around the head to conserve the greatest amount of body
heat. While the average user may find the mummy bag
uncomfortable to sleep in because of the restriction they are
the best choice for cold weather camping and long hikes because
of their warmth and small size.

WHICH TEMPERATURE RATING?

Sleeping bags will list the coldest temperature they are
suitable for sleeping in. Depending on if you are camping in the
summer or colder months you will need to choose a bag
accordingly. Also take into consideration if you are normally
cold or hot when sleeping and make the adjustments.

In most cases it is recommended to choose a warmer bag since you
can always open it for venting if it is too warm. The
temperature rating is based on using a sleeping pad under the
sleeping bag which conserves body heat from the ground.

ADDITIONS:

If you frequently camp out you may want to consider a liner for
your bag which will increase its warmth and can be washed
separately, saving your sleeping bag from extra wear and tear.

You can also purchase sleeping bag covers. Some of these can
substitute for a warm weather sleeping bag and can extend an all
season bag into a cold weather bag by increasing the warmth.
They can also provide extra protection from wet conditions and
are a good choice for protecting goose down sleeping bags.

How comfortable you are when you sleep will drastically affect
your enjoyment of a camping or hiking trip. Saving five or ten
dollars at the expense of a good nights sleep will not seem like
a good idea when you are tired and cold out in the woods, so
choose wisely.

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