Za moj sajt blog

Causes Of Fatigue And Sleepiness And How To Fight Them | Healty News

2010-10-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

Causes Of Fatigue And Sleepiness And How To Fight Them | Healty News: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Alternative Therapies for Depression

2008-11-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

People give many reasons for turning to alternative therapies for depression, but their usage is commonplace. A 2001 survey in the American Journal of Psychiatry estimated that more than one-third of Americans use complementary and alternative medicinal treatments each year. Complementary and alternative medicines for depression and anxiety include: relaxation techniques, self-help groups, hypnosis, massage, exercise, and yoga in addition to dietary modifications, aromatherapy, folk remedies, spiritual healing, laughter, and oral medications. Some are more invasive and riskier than others: The herbal remedy St. John’s wort, for example, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, but it can have adverse interactions with other medications.

The American Journal of Psychiatry surveyed 2,055 adults with severe depression and found that 53.6% used alternative therapies for treatment. More than 60% of patients with severe depression seen by a psychiatrist also incorporated some form of these therapies into their treatment. The research is limited, but more people surveyed turned to alternative and complementary therapies than to conventional treatments. They also found alternative therapies to be of comparable effectiveness to traditional therapies.

Why are alternative therapies so popular?
Traditional therapy and medication can be expensive, and not everyone has insurance coverage. Plus, many of the prescribed medications can have adverse side effects such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Many patients seek a more natural way of coping with depression. Pregnant and nursing women in particular have to be concerned about how medications could affect breast-feeding.

An integrated approach
Alternative therapies, whether alone or in addition to conventional treatments, are helping people cope with depression, but they often have side effects and sometimes take a while to work. “There’s no magic bullet for depression,” says James S. Gordon, MD, founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and author of Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression. "It’s not just about a single supplement or single intervention, otherwise, it’s the same mentality as the drug mentality. Depression is a wake-up call, a sign that your life is out of balance." Alternative therapies combined with professional treatment can help restore balance to your life.

The 10 movies you shouldn't watch online

2008-11-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

Movies are increasingly creeping online, as video sites like YouTube and Hulu are adding feature films to their extensive libraries.

At the Google-owned YouTube, there is the YouTube Screening Room, which every two weeks, adds four new films — mostly independent works — to the site. Hulu, the joint creation of NBC Universal and News Corp., has hundreds of films available for stream, from "Basic Instinct" to "Wuthering Heights."

Of course, many people download films illegally on BitTorrent sites, but movies are nevertheless becoming more populated — legally — online.

Hulu recently added 1962's "Lawrence of Arabia," which begs the question: Should anyone watch a nearly four-hour-long epic of sweeping grandeur on their laptop? Or, heaven forbid, their cell phone?

Here are the top ten films that should never be brought down to size:

1. "Lawrence of Arabia": David Lean's film, which won seven Oscars including best picture, was made for the big screen — particularly as projected in all of its 70 millimeter glory. Though Hulu (like YouTube) streams films in high quality, the enormity of the Arabian desert loses something when dwarfed to a 4-inch by 6-inch screen.

2. "Last of the Mohicans": Michael Mann's 1992 adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's novel pulses with the raw nature of early America so much that film critic David Thomson has written that he expects William Wordsworth to pop up at any moment. You won't get that rugged feeling on a computer.

3. "Jaws": Really, how scary can that shark be if he's two inches tall?

4. "North By Northwest": Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 classic is just too big for your computer. It's almost too big for a movie screen. The film, after all, includes a chase seen with an airplane, Bernard Herrmann's robust score, Mount Rushmore and, well, Cary Grant in sunglasses.

5. "Star Wars": It's true, a hologram of Princess Leia on your computer is just about as fitting as one of Will.i.am on CNN. But do you really want to see (spoiler alert!) the Death Star explode next to your e-mail?

6. "WarGames": There isn't anything so cinematic about this 1983 thriller starring Matthew Broderick. But watching a movie about Cold War-era paranoia in which a computer threatens to bomb the world might cause you to panic out of distrust for all things computerized and throw your laptop out the window.

7. "Barry Lyndon": The same computer rebellion of "WarGames" might also apply to Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey," but the Kubrick film that deserves the absolute best presentation is his 1975 period piece. The cinematography by John Alcott — including a candlelit scene shot with NASA-developed camera lenses — is best seen projected in the dark.

8. "Raiders of the Lost Ark": You have to worry that a story about an adverture-seeking archaeologist with a whip fetish who gets chased by boulders might seem a tad unrealistic when shrunk down from the big screen. (But feel free to be disappointed by the latest "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" on whatever platform you like.)

9. "The Third Man": Carol Reed's 1949 film is one of the most exquisitely shot films ever and meant for the movie theater. Also, a Web junky might take the wrong lesson from "The Third Man." The Internet has a way of depersonalizing people, much in the way Orson Welles famously looks down at far below humans from atop a Ferris wheel in "The Third Man," caring nothing if the "little dots" stopped moving.

10. "You've Got Mail": It's just a little too cutesy to watch this romantic comedy on your computer, don't you think?

Ambien Sleep Walking Turned Me Into a Midnight Binge Eater

2008-11-19T02:59:00.000-08:00

Of all the strange nocturnal behaviors that have been reported with the use of Ambien and other prescription sleep drugs—acting out, sleep walking and talking, and even driving while asleep—the most prevalent by far is sleep eating. Though the side effect is rare overall, most sleep doctors have heard a few stories of refrigerators being raided, ovens left on through the night, or strange food appearing in the bedroom.

Many of these sleep-eating patients take Ambien, although it's not clear whether this particular drug really is more likely to cause sleep eating, or if it's just that more cases are reported because so many more people take Ambien than any other sleep medications.

For some, the strange side effect is unacceptable: They may gain a significant amount of weight, or worry about operating kitchen appliances while sleeping. For others, like Rebecca Wiseman, 26, of Sumter, S.C., sleep eating happens only occasionally—and it's a small price to pay for the relief that medication can bring.

Relief from hospital-induced insomnia
Wiseman starting taking Ambien while she was in the hospital on bed rest during her second pregnancy. She was grateful for the full eight hours of sleep it got her, and took a pill just about every night for six weeks.

Asking Your iPhone: Am I Drunk Yet?

2008-11-19T02:53:00.000-08:00

Drunk calculator applications already exist for the iPhone, but this one is more in depth. And freer. Because it's free. You can choose exactly what you've had to drink, and based on your weight, it determines how sloshed you are. Like right now it's telling me I shouldn't even be blogging. Fuck it though. Seriously, it doesn't know shit. Bartender, another. If you do get too drunk, the application will even call you a cab or tell you to make out with the dude next to you who looks feminine enough to warrant a kiss. Then, puke on yourself, lose your shoes, and pass out in a ditch and get frostbite. I mean, it's the American way. Back me up Superficial Writer. Haha, yeah, I just told them about your weekend. So, did you get dude's number?

Last Call iPhone App Wants You To Get Drunk Responsibly [gizmodo]

Thanks to Josh, who drank 40 beers for breakfast and still had bourbon with lunch.

Shanghai World Financial Centre

2008-11-18T03:20:00.000-08:00

The tallest tower in China, 492m was opened to the public today; its panoramic observation post, the highest in the world at 474m, gives an unobstructed view of the city.

From now on the tower casts a shadow over the former tallest tower in Shanghai, the Jin Mao, 420m.

The 6 tallest towers in the world today :

The Burj, Dubai (~800m)
The Shanghai World Financial Center (492m)
The International Commerce Centre of Hong-Kong (484m)
The Dubai Tower, Doha (445m)
The Trump International Hotel, Chicago (415m)
The Princess Tower, Dubai (400m)

The Shanghai World Financial Center by night :

An intrepid worker :

The highest observatory post in the world, on three levels :

Informations

Shanghai World Financial Center (french: Centre Mondial des Finances de Shanghai , chinese).
492,3 meters (second tallest tower in the world)
101 floors
31 lifts
Cost: 8,17 billion yuans (800 million euros)
Architecture firm: Kohn Pedersen Fox (New York)

What's really in your fast food?

2008-11-17T01:58:00.000-08:00

A new report reveals how your favorite hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and fries go from farm to table

You may want to reconsider getting that double cheeseburger with fries.

A study released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences contains controversial claims about menu items served at McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King.

Using a technique that identifies carbon and nitrogen isotopes in meat, co-authors A. Hope Jahren and Rebecca Kraft tried to determine the animals' diets and in what conditions they were raised. Based on the high levels of carbon and nitrogen isotopes found in the meat products, the authors claim that the cattle and poultry were predominantly fed corn, which makes them as fat as possible in as short a time as possible, and were raised in extreme confinement.

China largest baby delivered, 6.5 kilo

2008-11-17T01:54:00.000-08:00

Woman from Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province has given birth to a 6.5-kilogram (14-pound) baby yesterday, the size of a six-month-old.

The baby is completely healthy but stunned the medical staff as they didn’t even have a birth scale to weight him.

Shuttle Endeavour's mission STS-126: The ISS renovation project

2008-11-17T01:47:00.000-08:00

When NASA planned the November 2008 mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, it must have been thinking big. And it was probably thinking that the International Space Station, about to mark its 10th anniversary, needed a major overhaul.

"Extreme home improvements" is the focus of the mission that is scheduled to lift off at 7:55 p.m. ET on Nov. 14, 2008, from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Shuttle commander Christopher Ferguson said days before liftoff that the space station is getting a makeover.

"This mission is all about home improvement; home improvement both inside and outside," he said.

The seven astronauts who make up the crew of the Endeavour for mission STS-126 will expand the living quarters to enable the facility to house six astronauts, double its current crew, by next June. Once the work of the 15-day mission is complete, the space station will have been transformed from a "starter-home" with three bedrooms, one bathroom and a kitchenette to a "house" with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and two kitchenettes.

Crew

The all-American crew of the Endeavour is made up of five men and two women: Ferguson, 47; air force Col. Eric Boe, 44, who will serve as a shuttle pilot; navy Capt. Steve Bowen, 44; army Lt.-Col. Shane Kimbrough, 41; navy Capt. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, 45; astronaut Sandra Magnus, 44; and astronaut Donald Pettit, 53.

One member of the Endeavour crew will replace one of the three current residents of the space station. Magnus, a flight engineer, is to replace current space station resident Greg Chamitoff, also a flight engineer and an astronaut. Chamitoff, an American who was born in Montreal, has been at the space station since the end of May.

Cargo

The astronauts are delivering 14,515 kilograms (32,000 pounds) of supplies, including a second toilet, a kitchenette, two sleep stations, an exercise machine and a water recycling system. The exercise machine will allow the crew to perform such exercises as bench presses, dead lifts, sit-ups and squats.

The other supplies going up on the shuttle range from two new food warmers, a refrigerator, an experiment freezer and a water dispenser, to a combustion rack for scientific experiments.

The home improvement supplies have been put in racks the size of refrigerators, NASA spokespeople said. In space, one astronaut can move a rack with little problem.

The supplies are to be delivered with an Italian logistics module named Leonardo that will act as a kind of moving van. Leonardo, when it returns to Earth, will carry equipment and scientific samples from station research.

Of all the home improvements, the water recycling system is being viewed as particularly innovative. It is designed to turn urine into drinking water at the orbiting outpost.

But the renovation project is not the only task for the Endeavour crew. The astronauts are to conduct four spacewalks, each expected to last about six and a half hours.

Three crew members will take turns taking walks to clean and lubricate two parts of the space station, known as the solar alpha rotary joints, that are clogged with metal shavings and preventing a set of solar wings from turning automatically toward the sun.

The spacewalkers will also install a new nitrogen tank, a global positioning system, antennae and a camera on the outside of the station.

The Endeavour is the 27th flight to the station and the fourth shuttle flight this year. The shuttle will be docked when the space station celebrates its 10th anniversary on Nov. 20. The first station module was launched into space and construction began in 1998.

How to Navigate the Market Aisles the Smart and Healthy Way

2008-11-14T03:07:00.000-08:00

Watch your step
Parking lots can be dangerous places, so park close to the store in a well-lit spot with an unobstructed view. Hide valuables or take them with you. Beware of careless drivers, too: Almost 15 percent of accidents involving pedestrians happen in parking lots.

Beat the crowds
Shoppers jam the place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and on weekend afternoons—unless you live near lots of retirees, who’ll stroll the place at noon. The least crowded time to shop: Monday through Wednesday—or at 2 a.m.

Pick packaged first
Load up with paper items and nonperishable food, including beverages. Your food won’t spoil while you shop, and you won’t be sticking that 12-pack of bottled water on top of your grapes at the end of your shopping circuit.

Head to the back
Stick to the store perimeter to find the fresh stuff. You’ll also skirt those tempting cookie and potato chip aisles.

Celebrate diversity
The ethnic section will have rice, pastas, spices, and sauces for half the price of similar items in other spots: You’re paying for food, not marketing.

Ditch the displays
That space at the end of each aisle insinuates a sale, but that’s true only 40 percent of the time. If a sign doesn’t shout markdown, you’re not saving.

Bypass the bakery
You already know what a doughnut tastes like. So, ask the bakery manager when he puts out free samples and avoid shopping at those tempting times.

Finish with frozen
Unless you favor mushy peas and soupy sorbet, pick up frozen foods last. That will also cut the risk of partially thawed food and uninvited bacteria at the dinner table.

Check yourself out
The regular checkout lanes stick you beside the treats your kids—and your inner kid—want to grab. Save cash (you) and crying (the kids) by avoiding all that.

Wildfire rips through celebrity enclave in California

2008-11-14T03:06:00.000-08:00

A wildfire in Santa Barbara County, Calif., has destroyed about 70 multimillion-dollar homes and ripped over about 320 hectares of land.

The fire was moving toward the city of Santa Barbara on Friday morning after tearing through the upscale coastal community of Montecito the night before, destroying about 70 mansions, officials said.

The brush fire started at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, said Terri Nisich, spokeswoman for the San Barbara County executive office.

The fire has since been fanned by 110 km/h winds, which were continuing on Friday morning, making it difficult for firefighters to tackle the blaze, Nisich said.

The flames were within 10 kilometres of Santa Barbara by Friday morning and about 20 homes within Santa Barbara city limits have already been destroyed, according to officials.

Southern California is experiencing unseasonably hot weather, drought conditions and forecasts of strong Santa Ana winds blowing in from the desert over the weekend, putting the region on high forest fire alert.

About 70 houses were destroyed overnight in Montecito, a popular area for celebrities to keep property about 150 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles.

Officials said that the flames ripped through entire blocks of mansions in the community of 10,000 that has been dubbed "America's Riviera."

"It looked like lava coming down a volcano," said area resident Leslie Hollis, who was preparing to leave her home on Thursday night.

College residence destroyed

Homeowners in the area include actors John Cleese, Christopher Lloyd and Rob Lowe as well as talk-show host Oprah Winfrey and Google Inc. chief executive Eric Schmidt. Officials are not releasing the names of owners of the destroyed properties.

A residence building and several classrooms at the private Westmont College were also destroyed by the fire.

Montecito last suffered a major fire in 1977, when more than 200 homes burned.

Thick plumes of smoke were in the sky in the area on Friday morning.

About 2,500 residents were forced to leave the area because of the flames and officials were reporting on Friday that about 20,000 people had lost power because of the fire.

Minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns, were being reported.

Fire crews, including 125 engines, from neighbouring counties are coming to the area to help battle the fire, Nisich said.

Three water-dropping helicopters were being dispatched to the area on Thursday night.

Just funny

2008-11-13T02:08:00.000-08:00

Plane Stupid

Tangled Glider

Catch and Release

Home Alone

Do I Have a Drinking Problem? 4 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

2008-11-13T02:03:00.000-08:00

1. Have I ever felt I should cut down on my drinking?

2. Have people annoyed me by criticizing my drinking?

3. Have I ever felt bad or guilty about my drinking?

4. Have I ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady my nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

If you answer “yes” to two or more questions, you should get help. Talk to your doctor, and check out groups like Moderation Management, a recovery program and national support network for people who have decided to reduce their drinking.

Obama victory sparks celebration, praise around globe

2008-11-13T02:01:00.000-08:00

Students hold placards to celebrate the victory of U.S. President-elect Senator Barack Obama in Multan, Pakistan, on Wednesday. Obama's victory fostered hopes in Pakistan that the United States would become less overbearing, and nurture the country's recent return to civilian-led democracy.

World leaders offered praise and citizens celebrated around the globe over the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president.

From politicians to casual observers, many noted the historical significance of the American electorate voting Tuesday for the first black president.

"Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place," South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, said in a letter of congratulations to Obama.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai praised voters for their "great decision" and hoped that the "lack of interest in race and colour while electing the president will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later."

Obama's victory "marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States," said Pakistani Prime Minister Raza Gilani.

Pracha Kanjananont, a 29-year-old Thai sitting at a Starbucks in Bangkok, said Obama was the first "truly global U.S. president the world has ever had."

"He had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president."

Eager anticipation of Obama administration

Some observers believe the election of the 47-year-old Illinois senator will usher in a new era of improved relations with the U.S. and restore the country's reputation that many say has been damaged during the administration of President George W. Bush.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he hoped the incoming administration will take steps to improve badly damaged U.S. ties with Russia. Tensions have been driven to a post-Cold War high by Moscow's war with U.S. ally Georgia.

"I stress that we have no problem with the American people, no inborn anti-Americanism. And we hope that our partners, the U.S. administration, will make a choice in favour of full-fledged relations with Russia," Medvedev said.

An aide to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of Iran, said there is now "capacity for the improvement of ties between America and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Many in Europe, where Obama is overwhelmingly popular, had looked eagerly to an Obama administration.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Obama's win a "historic victory" and said that both Europe and the U.S. will work together to confront new dangers and risks, as well as make use of opportunities in the world.

The results show Americans "have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, adding that Obama's victory "has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond."

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown praised Obama's "inspirational campaign" that energized politics, adding that he and Obama share many values.

In Kenya, the birthplace of Obama's late father, and where Obama's picture adorns billboards and minibuses, many celebrated his victory.

Public holiday in Kenya

His Kenyan relatives in the western village of Kolego, where Obama's father was born, erupted in cheers Wednesday, singing: "We are going to the White House!"

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki declared a public holiday on Thursday in honour of Obama.

"We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots," Kibaki said. "Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya."

But not all offered praise.

Ali Al-Sadig, a spokesman for the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, said they didn't expect any change.

"When it comes to foreign policy, there is no difference between the Republicans and the Democrats."

Some Iraqis said they would believe positive change when they saw it.

"Obama's victory will do nothing for the Iraqi issue nor for the Palestinian issue," said Muneer Jamal, a Baghdad resident. "I think all the promises Obama made during the campaign will remain mere promises."

Halloween Costumes You Should Seriously Retire

2008-11-12T03:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween is normally a girl’s holiday - you know what they say - during Halloween women are allowed to dress like sluts or as sexily as they can and get away with it. Men on the other hand go along with it (coz it’s fun, and heck who wouldn’t want to go to a Halloween party with a gazillion girls wearing bunny costumes?). Seriously though, there are just a few Halloween costumes I’m sure everyone’s tired of seeing. If you’re thinking of getting any on the list, you might want to consider retiring it.

The Witch
Ninjas/Pirates

It’s not cute anymore. Cut it out.

Lame Ghoul Costume

It’s just your plain white blanket & you cut out 2 holes for your eyes. You’re probably gonna get a lot of candy corn or sun maid raising with your lack of imagination.

Last but not the least, the Obama Mask. If you don’t want to be called as a terrorist or arab, then you might want to steer clear of the Obama Mask - that is, if you’re going anywhere near an Amazon Halloween party.

Anything Slutty/Sexy School Girlish/French maidish

Yes yes I contradict myself, but after seeing Lindsay Lohan dress up like a slut last Halloween, it got kinda of boring. After all, it doesn’t leave as much to the imagination. Check out the photo to see what I mean: See? Did you feel anything but blegh?

Fairy Costume

Ladies this would look good on you, but gentlemen, please. Last Halloween we saw a guy who got busted on facebook by his boss for calling in sick only to discover he was at a party wearing that tinkerbell looking frock. If this were a sign, I’d say there was a curse involved with men wearing fairy costumes.

Less Sleep in Older Adults Linked to Heart Attack, Stroke Risk

2008-11-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

MONDAY, Nov. 10, 2008 (Health.com) — People in their 60s and 70s who have high blood pressure may want to make sure they get enough sleep. A new study suggests that if they log fewer than 7.5 hours under the covers every night, they’re at greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death than their peers who get more shut-eye.

The risk is even higher if they skimp on sleep and tend to have a hike in blood pressure at night, a problem known as the riser pattern. Most healthy people have a drop in blood pressure at bedtime.

Those who got limited sleep and also had the riser pattern were more than four times as likely to have heart attacks and strokes as those without the combination, according to the study published this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

It’s not clear if the shorter sleep times were due to insomnia, sleep apnea, or other problems, or exactly how much time the study subjects actually spent snoozing. (Or if they were taking any medication for sleep issues, for that matter.)

The research team, led by Kazuo Eguchi, MD, PhD, of Jichi Medical University in Japan, asked 1,255 men and women with hypertension how much time they spent in bed (not how much they actually slept), and then monitored their blood pressure for a 24-hour period.

Those who spent fewer than 7.5 hours between the sheets were 1.7 times more likely to have some type of cardiovascular event in the next couple of years, while those who slept little and had a riser blood-pressure pattern were at 4.43 times greater risk.

This type of study can’t determine if simply telling people to spend more time in bed would lead to better sleep or a lower risk of any of these problems. But researchers do know that a lack of sleep can throw off the circadian rhythms of several body processes.

Georgia congressman warns of Obama dictatorship

2008-11-12T03:21:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist or fascist dictatorship.

"It may sound a bit crazy and off base, but the thing is, he's the one who proposed this national security force," Rep. Paul Broun said of Obama in an interview Monday with The Associated Press. "I'm just trying to bring attention to the fact that we may — may not, I hope not — but we may have a problem with that type of philosophy of radical socialism or Marxism."

Broun cited a July speech by Obama that has circulated on the Internet in which the then-Democratic presidential candidate called for a civilian force to take some of the national security burden off the military.

"That's exactly what Hitler did in Nazi Germany and it's exactly what the Soviet Union did," Broun said. "When he's proposing to have a national security force that's answering to him, that is as strong as the U.S. military, he's showing me signs of being Marxist."

Obama's comments about a national security force came during a speech in Colorado about building a new civil service corps. Among other things, he called for expanding the nation's foreign service and doubling the size of the Peace Corps "to renew our diplomacy."

"We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set," Obama said in July. "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."

Broun said he also believes Obama likely will move to ban gun ownership if he does build a national police force.

Obama has said he respects the Second Amendment right to bear arms and favors "common sense" gun laws. Gun rights advocates interpret that as meaning he'll at least enact curbs on ownership of assault weapons and concealed weapons. As an Illinois state lawmaker, Obama supported a ban on semiautomatic weapons and tighter restrictions on firearms generally.

"We can't be lulled into complacency," Broun said. "You have to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected in a democratic Germany. I'm not comparing him to Adolf Hitler. What I'm saying is there is the potential."

Obama's transition office did not respond immediately to Broun's remarks.

A golden Xylophone

2008-11-11T03:44:00.000-08:00

The instrument was made to celebrate the take off of the space shuttle Shenzhou 7. Made of nine solid gold bars mounted on a rose wood dragon, the xylophone symbolises the success of the Chinese spatial adventure.

Apparently, in China silence is not golden...

Old enough to drink

2008-11-11T03:41:00.000-08:00

The appropriate state-sanctioned age for the legal consumption of alcohol continues to be debated in many countries around the world.

Canada’s drinking age varies by province. In most parts of the country, it is 19, but in Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba, legal drinking begins at 18.

The United States has one of the highest drinking ages in the world, 21, although some states in India set a minimum of 25, and other countries, such as Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia, don’t specify any legal minimum.

Some countries differentiate between consuming alcohol and purchasing alcohol as well as among types of alcohol when setting their minimum age.

Several European countries, including France, Germany and Switzerland, have a minimum age of 16 for beer and wine and 18 for spirits. In Italy, it’s 16 for all three types of alcohol.

Click here for a list of drinking age minimums around the world.

Some studies have found that a higher minimum legal drinking age prevents alcohol-related deaths and injuries among youth. A literature review of studies on the effect of increasing or decreasing the minimum age by the American Medical Association found that in the U.S., when the minimum age was lowered below 21, motor vehicle crashes and deaths among youth increased. When it was raised to 21, those younger than the minimum age still consumed alcohol but drank less and experienced fewer alcohol-related injuries and deaths.

Your View: Is there an optimum minimum age for legal drinking?Should the drinking age in Canada be lowered? Raised? Do you have experience with other countries/cultures that have different restrictions from Canada's?

Phoenix mission to Mars over: NASA

2008-11-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

The Phoenix Mars lander is out of power and unlikely to send another signal, NASA said Monday.

The lander operated for five months, two more than expected, but last signaled on Nov. 2. As expected, the seasonal decline in sunshine at the landing site is not providing enough light to generate the solar power that operates the robot's instruments, NASA said in a news release.

Illustration of the Phoenix lander

The project team "will be listening carefully during the next few weeks to hear if Phoenix revives and phones home," but that's not likely, because the Martian weather is getting worse, NASA said.

Phoenix was launched Aug. 4, 2007, and started studying the Mars environment after landing on May 25 this year.

It verified the presence of water in the Martian subsurface, needed to determine if the planet's arctic environment had ever been able to support life. It also found small concentrations of salts that could be nutrients for life, and calcium carbonate, which often indicates the presence of liquid water.

"Phoenix provided an important step to spur the hope that we can show Mars was once habitable and possibly supported life," said Doug McCuistion, director of the Mars Exploration Program at NASA.

The lander's cameras took more than 25,000 pictures, from vistas to near the atomic level, NASA said.

Scientists are just beginning to analyze the information Phoenix sent back to Earth.

"Phoenix has given us some surprises, and I'm confident we will be pulling more gems from this trove of data for years to come," said Phoenix principal investigator Peter Smith of the University of Arizona.

Chinese real estate, head in the stars

2008-11-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

To confront the crisis, some agents have increased their imagination. The employees from a real estate agency in Wuhan are thereby disguised in taikonaute costumes...

Are these agents ready to promise the moon ?

Red, red wine: Health pros and cons

2008-11-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

A woman tastes one of southern Italy's full-bodied red wines, near Guagnano, in Puglia, the heel of boot-shaped Italy. Red wine has been touted as beneficial to cardiovascular health, but new research suggests that drinking more than a certain amount of that favourite Merlot or Shiraz may actually be harmful over time. (Pier Paolo Cito/Associated Press)

It's been quite a decade for wine sales in Canada. In 2007, Canadians spent $5 billion on wine — an increase of 9.5 per cent from the year before, according to figures from Statistics Canada.

Canada's love affair with fermented grape juice really began taking off in the late 1990s, when wine accounted for 21 per cent of sales of all alcoholic beverages across the country. Since then, market share for beer and spirits has been declining while wine's popularity has been increasing. It now accounts for 28 per cent of the alcoholic beverage market.

Most of that growth has been due to a surge in red wine sales. Since 2000, sales of red wine are up by 130 per cent compared to a 33 per cent increase for white wine. Sales of red outpace sales of white in every province except New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

The wine tide appears to have turned in the late 1990s when research about red wine's potential health benefits began to surface.

The benefits of red wine appear to be linked to the presence of resveratrol, melatonin and flavonoids.

Flavonoids are thought to help protect the body from cancer because of their antioxidant properties. They help the body neutralize certain free radicals that can trigger the cellular activity that may lead to cancer.

Melatonin — a substance present in red wine and some foods and that humans naturally produce in small amounts — is thought to delay the oxidative damage and inflammatory processes typical of old age.

Resveratrol is produced naturally by grape skins during red wine's fermentation process. Several studies have suggested that resveratrol may explain the "French paradox" — why the French appear to be able to consume a diet higher in fat than the norm while enjoying a comparatively lower incidence of heart disease.

High doses of the chemical appear to mimic the effects that a 20 to 30 per cent reduction in calories in the typical diet would have. Researchers say such a diet is effective at prolonging life in many species.

A study released in June 2008 found that not only is resveratrol effective at protecting the heart at high doses, but it can also be effective at low doses beginning in middle age, leading to a healthier heart and better quality of life in old age.

Red wine has been credited with more than keeping your heart healthy and delaying the aging process. It has also shown promising results in preventing prostate cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, leukemia and some common food-borne illnesses.

Not all effects are positive

But the long list of potential health benefits does not necessarily mean red wine should be a staple in every household.

Wine is an alcoholic beverage, and pregnant women — or women contemplating having a baby — should avoid alcohol. It can be dangerous to the fetus.

Alcohol can also increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Two drinks a day can increase a healthy woman's risk by 10 per cent — or more if there is a family history of the disease.

Red wine can also trigger migraines in people who are susceptible to them, probably because of the accumulation of histamines and tannins from prolonged contact with the skin of the grape during the fermentation process.

Wine can also elevate your triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels are associated with health problems such as diabetes.

Drinking wine — or any other alcoholic beverage — can also lead to weight gain. A glass of wine contains about 120 calories and no nutrients — that is, empty calories. Get together with friends, have a few glasses of wine along with a small plate of hors d'oeuvres, and you're approaching your total recommended caloric intake for the entire day. If you're not active, before long, your waistline will be in expansion mode.

Worldwide, drinking causes almost as much harm as smoking, according to the World Health Organization. The agency estimates that alcohol causes 1.8 million deaths around the world every year; about a third of those deaths are accidents that could have been avoided.

The WHO also estimates that worldwide, alcohol causes or plays a role in 20 per cent to 30 per cent of all cases of esophageal cancer, liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, homicide, epileptic seizures and traffic accidents.

Even in France, attempts have been made to make the country more aware of the potential pitfalls of alcohol. A 2005 report urged the French government to snap out of its state of national denial and take urgent steps to address the problems of alcohol abuse. The report found that alcohol was directly responsible for 23,000 deaths a year in France and indirectly responsible for 22,000 more.

The report's author, Hervé Chabalier, said one person in 10 in the country is ill because of the effects of alcohol.

A glimpse at America's social priorities

2008-11-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

They are an imperfect measure and are almost always overshadowed by the horse-race selections of presidents, governors and members of Congress.

But every U.S. election brings with it a welter of state or voter initiatives, which are basically statewide mini-referendums on some of the big social and political issues of the day.

The cost and difficulty of getting the proposals on the ballot in the first place are themselves a barometer of the importance placed on these concerns and how they rank as ongoing thorns in the U.S. body politic.

And this year was no exception, as even the prospect of electing the first black president in U.S. history could not detract from 153 ballot questions, 59 of them initiated by citizen petitions, on such topics as marijuana, abortion, same-sex marriage, stem cell research, renewable energy and affirmative action, in 36 states. Here is how the main ones fared:

Gay marriage

Same-sex marriage was on the ballot directly in three states and indirectly in two others. If you are a supporter, Tuesday was not a good day.

At the same time, you could take comfort in the fact that perhaps some of the antipathy toward the idea has dropped off: there were eight voter initiatives on gay marriage in 2006 and 11 in 2004, according to the New York Times. Also, at least two of the three U.S. states where the practice is legal, Connecticut and Massachusetts, are unaffected by Tuesday's vote.

Connecticut voters turned down a proposal to hold a special constitutional convention, which opponents of same-sex marriage had hoped would lead to a ban, overturning a recent state supreme court decision affirming gay marriage.

Meanwhile, three states — Florida, Arizona and California — formally voted to ban the practice while, in what was seen as a related measure, Arkansas voted 57 per cent to 43 per cent to ban unmarried couples from being adoptive or foster parents.

Of these states, liberal California was the most watched. Opponents and proponents of the measure spent a record, for a social measure, $73 million on their campaigns, bombarding voters with TV and radio ads. The final result, 52 per cent to 48 per cent to effect a ban, was the closest of the state results and is expected to overturn the law making same-sex marriage legal in California.

Marijuana

Two big victories for the marijuana lobby. Massachusetts voters elected to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of pot, those caught with an ounce (28 grams) or less. Instead, offenders will have to forfeit their holdings and pay a fine.

Michigan joined 12 other states in allowing severely ill patients access to pot for medical purposes, to relieve pain and nausea. Those who register with the state will be able to grow their own.

Right to die

Washington became the second state, after neighbouring Oregon 10 years earlier, to allow terminally ill patients to seek a physician-assisted suicide. The proposed Washington law is patterned directly on Oregon's and passed with almost 59 per cent support.

In a different vote on medical choice, Michigan voters opted (62.6 per cent) to allow stem cell research, a practice that has been banned by the federal government because it often uses stem cells from aborted fetuses.

Minorities

In what may not be truly reflective of the American mood at the moment, Nebraska voters chose to ban all affirmative action programs in the state by a vote of 57.6 per cent to 42 per cent. The measure would ban all government and institutional contracts and scholarships based on race and gender but its legal underpinning is uncertain and it is expected to end up before the Nebraska supreme court.

In Florida, voters failed to respond in enough strength (there needed to be 60 per cent in favour) to repeal an old law that sought to ban Asians from owning land in the state. The law is still technically on the books but has never been enforced and is unlikely to pass constitutional muster, legal scholars have said.

Renewable energy

In two diametrically opposed results, Missouri voters opted (66 per cent to 34 per cent) to increase the proportion of renewable energy in their state grid. Californians voted in almost equal measure (65 to 35 per cent) not to do the same.

The California proposal would have been the most aggressive clean-energy plan in the nation, requiring state utilities to generate half their electricity from windmills, solar farms and the like by 2025. It was opposed by some top environmentalists, who argued it was too ambitious, would drive up rates too quickly and seemed designed to benefit Texas entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens, whose wind-farm company is trying to become the Microsoft of the green revolution.

Abortion

Only two U.S. states this time tried to impose sweeping bans on abortion — Colorado and South Dakota. Both were defeated, South Dakota's by virtually the same proportion by which an even tougher measure was turned aside two years ago.

Colorado's so-called personhood amendment would have defined a fertilized egg as a person. The South Dakota measure would ban all abortions except for those involving rape, incest or a narrowly defined exception for protecting the life and health of the mother, and was seen as a direct challenge to the underpinnings of the famous U.S. Supreme Court abortion decision Roe versus Wade.

The 6th Chinese National Peasants' Games

2008-11-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

The city of Quanzhou in the Fujian province welcomes the competition this year. The « Peasants' Games » have taken place every 4 years since 1988. More than 6,000 peasant athletes contest in more than 200 events.

Besides traditional athletic events, basketball, ping-pong, imagine a series of traditional peasants sports such as a dragon boat regatta or a line fishing competition, kite flying, lion dancing or aerobic chanting.

The opening ceremony

The delegation parade

Alcohol: by the numbers

2008-11-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Canadians spend $18 billion a year on beer and liquor, consuming about six times more beer than wine. A sampling of statistics on Canadians' drinking habits.

$18 billion

Total sales at beer and liquor stores in Canada in the fiscal year ending March 2007, a five per cent increase from the previous year.

47

Beer sales comprised 47 per cent of total alcohol sales in 2007. That's down from 52 per cent in 1997.

2.3 billion

Number of litres of beer Canadians purchased in 2007.

28

Wine accounted for 28 per cent of the alcohol market in 2007, up from 21 per cent in 1997.

71

71 per cent of spirits sold in Canada in 2007 were Canadian spirits, with whisky, scotch and bourbon being the most popular choices.

$667

The amount, on average, each Canadian spent on alcohol in 2007.

$463

The amount that alcohol abuse costs every Canadian a year, in lost productivity, heath-care costs and crime-related costs, according to a 2008 study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

5

Alcohol's ranking on a list of harmful substances, behind heroin, cocaine, barbiturates and street methadone. Cannabis was 11th on the list, compiled by researchers at Bristol University in the U.K.

1,280-1,500

Mothers Against Drunk Driving estimates that there are between 1,280 and 1,500 deaths as a result of impaired driving in Canada every year, or about four every day.

FORCES OF NATURE

2008-11-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

This satellite image provided by NOAA shows Hurricane Felix as it moves inland over the countries of Central America at 14:15 EDT Tuesday, Sept 4, 2007. Felix roared ashore before dawn as a Category 5 storm along Nicaragua's remote northeast corner _ an isolated, swampy jungle where people get around mainly by canoe. But later Tuesday evening the National Hurricane Center said Felix had been downgraded to a tropical storm, with sustained winds near 96 km/h. Country borders drawn on the image were added by the source.

ADARSAT image of Hurricane Alma in the Pacific taken on May 30, 2002. (Courtesy Canada Centre for Remote Sensing).

What are tropical storms?

Severe storms spawned in the tropics are known by different names in different parts of the world: hurricanes in the Atlantic and east Pacific; typhoons in the northwest Pacific and cyclones in the southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean. These storms originate over tropical waters, close to the equator. If the atmosphere is calm and the water is warmer than about 27 C, evaporation forces large amounts of moisture into the air, creating a low-pressure system. When this water vapour condenses, it releases heat that powers the circular winds that characterize these storms.

Rainfall in the developing storm releases more heat, triggering a convection process that pulls more moisture-laden air up through the centre of the system. The storm grows via this feedback mechanism. The strongest winds are found immediately outside the centre, or "eye," of the hurricane at ground level.

Every one of these systems begins as a tropical depression, a system of thunderstorms with an overall circular motion and maximum sustained winds less than 62 km/h. When a storm becomes severe enough and the winds pick up to more than 62 km/h, it is designated a tropical storm. When the winds reach 119 km/h, the system is called a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone.

An average of 10 tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean each year, of which about six become severe enough to be called hurricanes. Besides strong winds and heavy rain, these hurricanes also create a "storm surge," a massive wave beneath the centre of the storm. In the eye of the hurricane, air is sucked upward faster than it can rush in at the bottom. This lowers the atmospheric pressure under the eye of the storm; as a result, the eye tries to pull at the ocean itself, creating a bulge of water as much as six metres high that moves together with the storm.

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, but the most intense storms mainly occur between mid–August and mid–October.

How are tropical storms named?

A tropical storm is given a name if its winds reach a speed of 62 kilometres per hour. An international committee has drawn up a list of 126 names - half male and half female - which are repeated after a six-year cycle. There are 21 names on the list for a given year, with each name corresponding to a letter of the alphabet. The letters Q, U, X, Y and Z are skipped.

If the list of names is exhausted for a given year, which may occur in 2005 with the formation of tropical storm Wilma in October, subsequent storms are named after the letters of the Greek alphabet: Alpha, Beta, Gamma and so on.

However, if a hurricane causes extensive damage, its name is retired from use. So far, more than 50 names have been retired, from Hazel in 1954 to Juan in 2003.

The word "hurricane" itself comes from the Carib Indian word "hurican," which referred to the tribe's god of evil. This may in turn derive from the name of a Mayan god who created the world with his breath, blowing on the oceans to create dry land.

The Rules of Monster Movies

2008-11-07T03:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some things I've learned from Godzilla, Gamera, Star Wars, etc.

-Any animal which isn't a human will grow 50 times its size when exposed to some sort of radiation.

-If some exotic pet escapes from its cage, it will likewise grow to immense proportions.

-No matter what city you're in, the streets are always wide enough so that giant monsters could walk on it.

-Many monsters, even machines, are somehow depicted in ancient myths.

-It takes only a few seconds to pick a name for an unknown giant monster.

-If a monster is evil, it has enough energy to spout an infinite number of energy beams from its mouth. If it's a good guy, it can only shoot at most 2 energy beams before it nearly collapses of exhaustion.

-A monster's energy beam can effortlessly destroy a huge, heavily armored robot, but takes 5 seconds to shoot through buildings.

-No matter where you are, there's always a clearing big enough for almost a dozen monster to rumble in.

-Giant flowers are always a problem. They'll either blow up in a mile wide explosion, or they'll mutate into vine-whipping, acid-spitting atrocities.

-It takes all the electricity in a city to power a handful of tanks.

-The power of a missle is inversly proportional to how much you talk about its "capabilities".

-Aliens wear pimped out jackets and know martial arts.

-If there's an object you need to destroy quickly, it will always have a near-inpenetrable energy sheild.

-When you see an ordinary building and its name pops up in the subtitles, the building will be destroyed in about 15 minutes.

-When fighting monsters, the infantry soldiers always carry machine guns.

-If you have a strange looking lightsaber, you are one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy.

-Tiny spaceships never get destroyed. Huge kilometer-wide starships will be destroyed in a matter of minutes.

-A pistol is enough to kill a horde of man-sized creatures.

-Anything with wings or an extra body cavity can fly.

-People will always leave their homes with the lights on.

-Monsters can stand knee-high in the middle of the sea.

-In order to swim, monsters only need to bob their bodies up and down.

-A big drill can pierce right through armor. Nuclear beams can't.

-Red energy beams are hotter and more powerful than blue or white beams.

-Any monster which has more than one energy beam will be nearly impossible to kill.

-A shell can withstand energy beams but not missles.

-No matter what, the hot female character will always hang out with the ugly geek.

-Global warming doesn't melt ice caps or change the weather. It instead causes giant eggs to hatch or animals to go crazy.

-Any attack that has a whirly sound effect will hurt like crap.

-Flimsy towers can easily support giant insects or birds.

-Energy beams can be shot from the mouth, eyes, hands, nose, chest, knees, and wings.

-If someone constructs a weapon but accidentally shoots it at the "good guy" monster, it will prove lethal.

-If you have wings or more than one head, it takes over 3 monsters to beat you, and over 11 monsters to actually kill you.

-All military facilities have a screen which shows a perfect picture of the attacking monsters.

-Repairing a heavily damaged, 40 story robot takes a week.

3 Ways to Burn Off a Slice of Pizza

2008-11-07T03:11:00.000-08:00

The treat: One slice of pizza (272 calories)

Try this: Go shopping for at least 104 minutes.

Or this: Dance for 53 minutes.

Or this: Do a 28-minute mini-circuit—pedal fast on a stationary bike for 2 minutes, jump off and do push-ups for 1 minute, then climb stairs for 4 minutes; rest, then repeat sequence 3 more times.

Obama: U.S. presidential win 'sent a message to the world'

2008-11-07T03:04:00.001-08:00

President-elect Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and daughters Sasha, 7, left, and Malia, 10, wave to the crowd at the election night rally in Chicago on Tuesday night. (Jae C. Hong/Associated Press)

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," the Illinois senator told a jubilant crowd of more than 100,000 people gathered in Chicago's Grant Park.

The wide range of Americans who turned out to vote in this election "sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states," Obama said. "We are, and always will be, the United States of America."

He also congratulated Republican candidate John McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, for a long and hard-fought campaign and reached out to their supporters.

"To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices," he said. "I need your help, and I will be your president, too."The Democrat said his opponent, a veteran who survived years of torture as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, "has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine.""We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader," Obama said.The 47-year-old son of a black Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas also praised his family, including his wife, Michelle, his two young daughters and his grandmother, who died just two days before Obama was elected to the nation's

Marissa Wilkes, left, and Ladona Miller hug each otherat an election party Tuesday in Greensboro, N.C., as they learn of Obama's victory. (Gerry Broome/Associated Press)

"While she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching," he told the crowd.

The president-elect, who will be inaugurated Jan. 20, 2009, also spoke of the difficult challenges facing Americans beset by "two wars, a planet in peril and the worst financial crisis in a century."

"There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, threats to meet and alliances to repair," he said. "The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term.

"But America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there."

The emotional crowd responded with the Obama campaign's familiar chant of "Yes, we can," which Obama himself integrated into his victory speech, using it to punctuate an anecdote about a 106-year-old black voter he met in Atlanta and the challenges she has seen America overcome in her lifetime.

"It's fantastic," said Hulon Johnson, 71, a retired Chicago public school principal celebrating in the crowd. "I've always told my kids this was possible; now they'll have to believe me."

The Obama victory also sparked celebrations across the country, even along the capital's famed Pennsylvania Avenue.

Among the crowd gathered at Howard University, Washington's historically black institution, one woman told CBC News that she never believed she would be able to vote for a black presidential candidate, let alone see one elected.

"I feel hope and change in the air," she said. "I'm really, really excited about waking up tomorrow."

Tomato fight takes off in China

2008-11-06T03:08:00.000-08:00

The Dongguan town council was inspired by the Tomatina of Buñol to organise its first tomato fight. The thousands of combatants set off in two teams and yesterday threw fifteen tons of ripe tomatoes in each others face.

How to Make Your Winter Workout Seem Easier

2008-11-06T03:06:00.000-08:00

I woke up Sunday morning and stuck my head out the window, hopeful that my friends who were running the ING New York City Marathon would have good weather. They were in luck: Beautiful sunny skies and cold-but-not-too-cold temperatures made for great racing conditions. While I know that some of us on the sidelines were quite chilly, I’ll bet the runners were quite thankful for the almost-perfect autumn day.

Pretty soon, though, these crisp autumn mornings will turn into bitter cold winter days; I’ve already noticed that it’s been harder and harder to get up and run in the mornings as the temperature drops and the wind picks up. And while some runners embrace the cold and will keep running outdoors through the new year, I tend to retreat to the gym during the winter—to the dreaded treadmill.

There are certainly pros and cons to both running on a treadmill or on the road, many of which have already been discussed in this blog. Now here’s one more point for the treadmill: If you run at the gym (or in your home, if you’ve got the setup) while facing a mirror, you may not feel like you’re working as hard. According to British research published this year in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, study participants who watched themselves in a mirror while running on a treadmill used oxygen more efficiently than those who had no reflection to watch. Watching the rhythmic movement of your own legs can apparently help your mind and body relax and get into the zone, making the effort seem easier, reports Women’s Health magazine.

Do you spend your winter workouts indoors or outdoors? What are your tricks for making them easier? Regardless of where you exercise, it’s important to keep it up over the next few months of cold weather and holiday celebrations. New research from the past two weeks piles on the evidence that regular physical activity is imperative to your health.

For people with type 2 diabetes, aerobic exercise combined with resistance training was shown to improve glucose control, physical performance, and body fat composition in a three-month study by University of Utah researchers.
Normal-weight women who frequently carry out vigorous activity (heavy house and yard work such as scrubbing floors, washing windows, digging, or chopping wood) or strenuous exercise (running, aerobics, fast dancing, and biking on hills) are 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who don’t, found a National Cancer Institute study of more than 32,000 women.
People who are physically active may have less severe problems in the event of a stroke and may recover more successfully than those who do not exercise, found a Danish study of 265 people.
And in an animal study, researchers found that if obese individuals abruptly stop a regular exercise routine—something we all may be tempted to do when the weather gets cold—the disruption may quickly lead to symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that affects at least 75% of obese people.

The escaped boa got tanned

2008-11-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

In Chongqing city, a boa escaped to balcony to got tanned during its host's absence, it scared neighborhood residents and many people on the street, residents immediately call the police upon finding it. The boa is 3 meters long and 10 kms weight, the host explained that he got it from Burma and has keeping it for 20 years! Everyday he puts it in the cage, but today it escaped.

Solving My Own Energy Crisis: Better Diet and Sleep Strategies

2008-11-04T03:37:00.000-08:00

My get-up-and-go has escaped, and I’m doing all I can to get it back. I’m smart enough to know that I can’t rely on quick fixes like drinks or pills. To solve my own energy crisis, I’ve got to drill-baby-drill down the basics: better food and more sleep.

I’ve been so busy these past two weeks, I feel like I could crawl into bed and hibernate for a week. I know when my energy drain started: I did a marathon in the Sierras last weekend, and I had to travel before and after the race. Talk about a complicated training schedule—and a tough recovery too. I’ve been skimping on sleep, jetting across time zones, slacking on nutrition, and subjecting my body to all sorts of physical extremes.

Now, I’m en route to New York and then to Chicago for some nutrition conferences. To try to eke more energy out of my weary body, I’ve decided that I’m going to serve as my own research project to see if what I eat really does impact how energized I feel. Here are the terms of my experiment.

Eat every three to four hours—period
The busier I get, the longer I go between real meals; even snacks go by the wayside, as empty Diet Coke cans stack up by my computer instead. When lunch doesn’t roll around until 2 p.m., that’s a problem. I’ve decided regardless of how many deadlines I’m under, I am eating breakfast when I wake up, a snack at 10 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m., an afternoon snack around 3, and dinner around 6 or 7 p.m. While research is sketchy about whether eating smaller, more frequent meals is better for energy levels, I know that, personally, it keeps me from binging on junk food just because I’m ravenous.

Stop overeating
When you overeat, you feel lethargic. It’s no wonder that after holiday dinners, most of us just want to roll to the couch for a nap. This is a vicious cycle that I find many overweight people suffer from: They overeat, it zaps their energy levels, and so they exercise less and get heavier. A dietitian colleague says it’s “like a snowball rolling downhill that just keeps getting bigger as it rolls.” So by eating small meals and snacks, as detailed in my first point, I’m hoping to avoid this unfortunate side effect as well.

Mr Zhu's « Transformers » robots

2008-11-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

A scrap metal merchant from Zhejiang has made these incredible futuristic sculptures. Mr Zhu also wanted to attract attention to his business and generate a positive press around the metal collecting industry.

Mr Zhu and one of his latest creations.

5 Quick Ways to Stop Back Pain

2008-11-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

From Crunches to Lunches, How to Ease the Ache

Roughly 8 out of 10 people suffer from back pain at some point during their lives. Women, in particular, are prone to posture and back problems—thanks to toting around outrageously heavy purses, going through pregnancy, or giving one-hip rides to kids. Whether you’re in the midst of fighting the ache or just want to prevent it, here are some expert-endorsed quick-and-easy ways to wage your war.

Pass the broccoli, please

You know that calcium is key for strong bones, but Japanese researchers have identified something else you need: vitamin K. It’s believed that the vitamin, found in broccoli, spinach, and other dark leafy greens, helps calcium deposit in the bones, making them denser. The stronger your bones, the stronger your whole body—and the lower your chances of an injury that could cause back pain.

Lighten your load

If your purse or briefcase tips the scales at more than 10 percent of your weight, it’s too heavy. And you need to carry it right. Your best bet is a model with a long strap that lets you position it across your chest like a messenger bag. Our pick: the Ellington Leather Moroccan Shoulder Bag ($169.90). Can’t part with your shorter-strapped number? Switch shoulders every 20 minutes.

Sleep right

A harder bed may not be better for your back. A recent study in Spine found that people who slept on softer beds reported less lower-back pain than those who snoozed on harder ones.

Pillows? Yours shouldn’t raise your head out of alignment with your spine. How to tell: If you’re a back sleeper, your chin shouldn’t press into your chest. If you’re a side sleeper, it shouldn’t curve up toward your shoulder.

Tighten those abs

Having strong core muscles (we’re talking abs here) can help protect your back from injury. Do this core-strengthening pelvic tilt 2 to 3 times per week: Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and lower back flattened. Pull in your belly button toward your spine, contracting your abs;
your pelvis should lift slightly off the floor.

Do 2 to 3 sets of 12 reps.

Aim for good posture

Sitting at a desk for eight (or more) hours a day can really do a number on your back. Make sure to sit with your back against your chair (get a lumbar pillow if you chair doesn’t allow this) and both feet flat on the floor. Another option: Try using a stability ball as your desk chair like many Health staffers do—good posture is a must just to stay on the thing. Start off slow (20 minutes at a time), and if it feels good, stick with it.

America’s Healthiest Grocery Stores

2008-10-31T04:05:00.000-07:00

From superfresh local produce to on-site dietitians, these 10 standout supermarket chains are leading the way to healthier food shopping. And surprise: Many are the traditional, affordable grocers close to your home!

Let’s face it: Your weekly (or daily!) run to the grocery store is the foundation for your good health. So it’s thrilling news that the supermarket industry is on a health kick—these days you’ll likely find organic produce and “natural” packaged foods at almost any store you go to. But which chains are outdoing themselves to deliver the freshest and healthiest foods to you? And which ones provide the best tools to help you make smart choices? We asked six prominent health experts (see “Meet our Judges”) to help us pick the top 10 healthiest grocery stores out of the nation’s largest chains. Here are the true standouts. Happy, healthy shopping! View the winners in this slideshow.

Suggestions for Sleeping at Work

2008-10-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

Blame it on the shoes

Make it to looks like you have to tie your shoes.Put your head on your desk and with both hands hold your shoeties.

Cabinet

Choose a cabinet in the office that opens rarely. Move the content of it in one side - on the left or on the right.This is very useful for longer breaks.

Copy machine

Get nervous infront of everyone because there is no more paper in the copy machine.
Open the machine and put your head inside.
Caution: carbonite dust causes cancer.

Absolute concentration

A perfect position for a nap: print some important documents and put your hand between your desk and your head, so the papers are in the area of your eyesight.
Caution: every five minute turn another page.

Coma in a toilet II

Don't put your head back, but move it forward to the toilet door.
To prevent making an unpleasant red circle on your forehead, put a role of a toilet paper between your head and the toilet door.

Go underground

If your working place can't be seen directly from the entering door, just lay and relax under your desk.Before that, put your jacket on the chair to look like you are at the work but at that moment out of the office.

Coma in a toilet I

Sit on the toilet with your head on the toilet tank and relax.Use a role of toilet paper like a holder for your head.
Important: you have to hold a set of keys in your hand, wich will drop on the floor and wake you up when you fall a deep sleep.

Cool kamuflage

Use some make up and draw eyes on your eye-lid.First use some white colour and after that draw a pupil with an eyeliner and shadow.Fake hairs will simulate an open eye.

Ladgers

Put one big ladger underneath your chin.Advantage: you can keep your regular working position and stay unobtrusive.
Disadvantage: all your collegues that you share the office with, must be in front of you with turned their back on you.

Learn to Love Your Vino (Without Being a Wine Snob)

2008-10-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

I recently had the good fortune to spend some time in Napa at a class at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). And even though I’m pregnant, I did my fair share of swirling and sniffing (and even a wee bit of sipping).

Wine is pretty easy to enjoy on its own. So is food. But for some reason, putting the two together can flummox people. I’ve taken wine seminars and classes before, but CIA’s Sophisticated Palate program explained pairings to me in the most basic, easy-to-understand way.

First we took a look at the aroma wheel and did a sniff test of eight wines. Our task? Determine the main aroma in the wine simply by smelling it. I’d recommend trying it at home on a cold night with a bunch of friends. You can even turn it into a game—like we did—and make the losers wash the dishes. Good thing my team won!

Then Chef John Ash walked us through some typical pairings using the principle of similarity—pairing food with wine that has a similar flavor profile. Keep these tips in mind when dining out or cooking at home. I’ll bet you’ll impress the pants off all your guests.

Gewürztraminer
Flavor profile: Flavors of fresh fruits like white peach, plus honey and a bit of spice
No-fail food pairing: Dried apricots bring out the subtle acidity in this wine, so try it with a dish of grilled pork with apricot chutney.

Sauvignon Blanc
Flavor profile: Grassy, fresh, with lemony undertones
No-fail food pairing: Sauvignon Blanc is amazing with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. It’s ideal with a goat cheese tart, or a salad or pasta dish with goat cheese.

Chardonnay (if it’s aged in oak barrels)
Flavor profile: Buttery, toasty, vanilla aromas
No-fail food pairing: Working off the nuttiness in chard, go for something like an almond- or pistachio-crusted fish. If you’re dealing with an unoaked Chardonnay, you’ll have a lot more flexibility with the food pairing.

Pinot Noir
Flavor profile: Spicy, peppery, blackberry, earthy flavors
No-fail food pairing: Nothing is earthier than a mushroom, which makes a mushroom risotto or mushroom pizza the perfect companion to a glass of Pinot. This wine is also fantastic when you’re serving a cheese plate.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Flavor profile: Leathery, oaky, flavors of licorice, black cherries, and other dark fruits
No-fail food pairing: Cabernet has lots of tannins—the compounds that cause the dry and puckery feeling in your mouth—and acid, but the richness in the olives helps to temper that intensity. Try a big glass of Cab with pasta puttanesca or another richly flavored dish like eggplant Parmesan.

My top three wine and food-pairing tips
1. Chew with your mouth open. Miss Manners may not approve, but you can smell the flavors in food better.
2. Pair low-sodium food with low-tannin wine. The less salty your food is, the more the tannins in red wines will come out. Try a low-tannin red like Pinot Noir.
3. When in doubt, just pick up your glass and enjoy it!

Horatio, the Upside - Down Goldfish

2008-10-29T04:27:00.000-07:00

This is the incredible story of Horatio - the golden fish that has swam around the last five years with his white belly pointing upwards and his eyes staring down.

Richard Gordon took over the ownership of the Japanese cold water fish, six years ago, from his grandson Christopher. After a year, the 63-year-old was bemused to find him floating on his back in his 12 inch wide glass tank.

The marine electrician said: "The first time I saw him I thought he was dead and I was going to flush him away.
"But I flicked the glass and he started swimming again.sim-fish.jpg
Strangely, when I put food in he'll always swim up to it the right way round, he then swims back down again and rolls over and floats upside down once more.
"At first I was worried but he seems happy enough and is able to swim around just fine."

Fish expert Ian Marshall, thought it most likely that Horatio had a problem with his swim bladder.
Maybe he just preferes backstroke than free style swimming? Or maybe he's simply an eccentric :)

Want to Ace the Interview? Offer a Warm Handshake

2008-10-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

It’s an old saying that cold hands equal a warm heart. But a new study suggests you’re better off giving a warm handshake to someone you’re trying to impress.

People who have their hands warmed—for example, by holding a cup of hot coffee—are kinder and more generous toward others and view other people in a more flattering light than they do after holding an icy-cold beverage, according to a study in Science.

Don’t laugh. Although it seems like a deceptively simple—even silly—finding, the researchers say the study sheds light on a part of the brain known as the insula, which registers temperature and feelings of trust and empathy, as well as social emotions like guilt or embarrassment.

Our brains may be hardwired during infancy to associate warmth with trustworthiness, says John Bargh, PhD, a professor of psychology at Yale University who conducted the study with Lawrence Williams, PhD, from the University of Colorado.

“We have this almost direct connection in our brain between touching and physical temperature and trust in other people,” he says.

That connection was probably forged during infancy, or even during evolution, when having a tight bond to a caregiver could have been the difference between life and death.

“When you’re tiny and helpless, the ones that keep close to food-giving and warmth-giving and shelter-giving caretakers survive, and the ones who don’t, do not,” he says.

And when something goes wrong with the insula, it may affect the way we interact with others. There’s some research to suggest this happens in people with borderline personality disorder, a type of mental illness, Bargh explains.

“They can’t deal with anyone else, they don’t know who to trust, and they trust the wrong people,” he says.

Crazy Graffiti

2008-10-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in time travel meet me here last Thursday!!! :)))

We Use All 100 Percent of Our Brain

2008-10-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

Homer: All right brain, you don't like me, and I don't like you.
But let's just get me through this, and I can get back to killing

you with beer.

Brain: It's a deal!

There are many myths about our brains, such as we use only 10 percent of our brain — and many other amazing facts, as revealed in a fascinating new book by Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang, two leading neuroscientists.

They write in their book that not only that we don't use just 10 percent of our brain, but also that even simple tasks actually produce activity throughout the entire brain.

Many people like this old myth because it gives them a hope that they could do so much more if they could use even a tiny bit of that other 90 percent.

Yawning is often related to sleepiness and boredom but it actually wake up our brain activities. We get more oxygen into our blood system while yawning.

Blind people hear better - this is also a myth, because, when tested, blind people are not better at detecting faint sounds. But they do have better memory. Since they can't rely on their vision, they constantly rely on their memory and it seams that this improves some other abilities by taking advantage of brain space that isn't being used for vision.

Playing video games practices multi-tasking and this increases one's abilityto pay attention to many things at the same time. In one study, college students who played action games regularly processed information more quickly, could track more objects at once, and had better task-switching abilities. So, allowing your children to play computer games may not be such a bad thing after all.

Another myth about our brain is that we are more intelligent if our brain is bigger - after all, Einstein's brain was no larger than the average person's.

Exercise helps keep your brain fit. Not sudoku or crosswords. In fact, exercise is the single most useful thing you can do to maintain your cognitive abilities later in life; elderly people who have been athletic all their lives do much better mentally than sedentary people of the same age.

Stupid tunes are hard to forget. There's nothing more annoying than the line of a song playing over and over again in your head. Blame it on your brain's ability to recall sequences. We need to remember sequences every day, from the movements involved in signing your name or in making coffee, to the correct route you need to take off the motorway to get home.
One way is to introduce other sequences that interfere with the reinforcement of the memory. So find another infectious song, and hope the cure doesn't become more annoying than the original problem!

10 Best Foods for Your Heart

2008-10-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal
Start your day with a steaming bowl of oats, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. This fiber-rich superfood can lower levels of LDL (or bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clear.

Opt for coarse or steel-cut oats over instant varieties—which contain more fiber—and top your bowl off with a banana for another 4 grams of fiber.

Salmon

Super-rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can effectively reduce blood pressure and keep clotting at bay. Aim for two servings per week, which may reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack by up to one-third.

"Salmon contains the carotenoid astaxanthin, which is a very powerful antioxidant," says cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, the author of Lower Your Blood Pressure In Eight Weeks. But be sure to choose wild salmon over farm-raised fish, which can be packed with insecticides, pesticides, and heavy metals.

Not a fan of salmon? Other oily fish like mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines will give your heart the same boost.

Avocado

Add a bit of avocado to a sandwich or spinach salad to up the amount of heart-healthy fats in your diet. Packed with monounsaturated fat, avocados can help lower LDL levels while raising the amount of HDL cholesterol in your body.

"Avocados are awesome," says Dr. Sinatra. "They allow for the absorption of other carotenoids —especially beta-carotene and lycopene—which are essential for heart health."

Olive oil

Full of monounsaturated fats, olive oil lowers bad LDL cholesterol and reduces your risk of developing heart disease.

Results from the Seven Countries Study, which looked at cardiovascular disease incidences across the globe, showed that while men in Crete had a predisposition for high cholesterol levels, relatively few died of heart disease because their diet focused on heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. Look for extra-virgin or virgin varieties—they're the least processed—and use them instead of butter when cooking.

Nuts

Almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are all full of omega-3 fatty acids and mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

Almonds are rich in omega-3s, plus nuts increase fiber in the diet, says Dr. Sinatra. "And like olive oil, they are a great source of healthy fat."

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries—whatever berry you like best—are full of anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

"Blackberries and blueberries are especially great," says Sinatra. "But all berries are great for your vascular health."

Legumes

Fill up on fiber with lentils, chickpeas, and black and kidney beans. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber.

Spinach

Spinach can help keep your ticker in top shape thanks to its stores of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.

But upping your servings of any veggies is sure to give your heart a boost. The Physicians' Health Study examined more than 15,000 men without heart disease for a period of 12 years. Those who ate at least two-and-a-half servings of vegetables each day cut their risk of heart disease by about 25%, compared with those who didn't eat the veggies. Each additional serving reduced risk by another 17%.

Flaxseed

Full of fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a little sprinkling of flaxseed can go a long way for your heart. Top a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with a smidgen of ground flaxseed for the ultimate heart-healthy breakfast.

Soy

Soy may lower cholesterol, and since it is low in saturated fat, it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet.

Look for natural sources of soy, like edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu. And soy milk is a great addition to a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. But watch the amount of salt in your soy: some processed varieties like soy dogs can contain added sodium, which boosts blood pressure.

6 Simple Tricks for Saving Money Without Tipping the Scale

2008-10-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

These days, your wallet sure feels slimmer, but what about your waistline? Stress over your bank account and mortgage payments may make you want to reach for a big bowl of gooey mac ‘n’ cheese, but a faltering economy doesn’t have to derail your diet. When times are tough, people want high-calorie comfort foods. When the craving hits, try my favorite tricks first: take a bath, do some stretching, or take some deep breaths. But if you still feel the urge, be sure to invest your calories wisely. Here are some of my figure-friendly comfort foods.

High-volume, low-calorie foods like soups and stews fill you up fast. Add potatoes, veggies, and low-sodium broth, and you have a week’s worth of meals for only a few bucks. Plus, studies show that dieters are less likely to overindulge if they start their meal with a low-fat soup.

Eggs are easy on your diet and your budget. Two large eggs have around 150 calories. Combine with a sprinkle of low-fat cheese and whatever veggies are on sale, and you have a gooey treat that won’t break your calorie bank.

Frozen veggies can bulk up your dinner while slashing your supermarket bill. Add them to a hearty pasta dish for minimal calories but maximum satisfaction.

Don’t fret if you find yourself reaching for less expensive cuts of darker meat. They may be fattier than what you’re used to, so just scale back on portion size.

Hit up bulk stores with a group—but be sure to bring only your healthy-minded friends along. It’s hard to beat prices at retailers like Costco and BJ’s Wholesale, but few families can go through a big bushel of bananas before they go bad. You won’t feel guilty loading up on your favorite fresh produce if you’re splitting the cost. But steer clear of processed-food aisles: Just because there’s a deal on an economy-size box of Oreos doesn’t mean you should fork over the cash.

Nix that expensive Starbucks habit. Instead of ordering a $4 cappuccino, make yourself a cup of coffee at home. Use a whisk to whip up some steamed skim milk on your stove top, and add a dash of cinnamon. Spices like cinnamon are low-cal and low-cost, plus they’re full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, making them a great investment for your long-term health.

Use your scaled-down budget to focus on healthy foods you really enjoy, instead of masking your anxieties with handfuls of M&Ms. Even if your bank account is in bad shape, that doesn’t mean your body has to be too.

New Body Kits for your Smart Car

2008-10-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Smorvette!

The Smerrari!

The Smorsche Targa!

The Smorsche!

To one of these!!!!

The Smaudi A3 AWD!

And last, but n ot least, The Smamborghini!

Potential Side Effects of Prescription Sleep Drugs

2008-10-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

Consider other treatments

Sleep experts agree that behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are still the most effective treatments for long-term sleep problems. In therapy sessions, you’ll learn habits and behaviors that will help your body get used to sleeping again—at the right time and for the right amount of time. And unlike a pill, you can recall and practice those routines every night, for free.

Cost of medications

Getting a good night’s sleep can cost a pretty penny. It’s not exactly a side effect, but the high price of sleeping pills is definitely a downside. Insurance typically picks up part of the tab for prescription sleep drugs, but for medications that are only approved for short-term use, your provider may decide—even before your doctor does—when you’ve had enough. After a few months, patients may need to switch to cheaper generic medications or turn to long-term behavioral treatments.

Augmentation

Another consequence of taking drugs for restless legs syndrome is that after an extended period of time, they may lose effectiveness. In fact, symptoms can return more severely, more frequently, and earlier in the night than before medication was started—a process called augmentation. Taking higher doses won't usually help, and patients may need to switch to a different class of drug or take a few weeks off from medication altogether.

Compulsive behaviors

If you suffer from severe restless legs syndrome, you may be prescribed a dopamine agonist such as ropinirole or pramipexole. Side effects include nausea and dizziness, but these medications have also been linked to compulsive gambling, eating, and sexual habits. A 2005 Mayo Clinic study found 11 cases of patients who had developed gambling habits while taking dopamine agonists for Parkinson's disease. In 2007, three RLS patients (including a woman who lost more than $140,000) were cited in another report.

Dopamine agonists target receptors in the brain associated with motivation and reward; researchers suggest that anyone taking these drugs be screened for compulsive behaviors and monitored carefully for warning signs.

Sleep-walking, eating, and driving

Patients taking sleep medication have reported such automatic behaviors as walking, eating, and even driving in their sleep—and not remembering it in the morning. “The most problematic thing is not that they just eat. I have patients that will get up and cook and leave the gas on overnight,” says Downey. Zolpidem (Ambien) in particular has been linked to sleep eating, although this apparent trend may be a function of the large number of people taking zolpidem, rather than a specific quality of the drug.

Downey stresses that automatic behavior is relatively rare, however. “We’ve only had one person here do that, and we evaluate over 1,000 people a year.” Nevertheless, the Food and Drug Administration considered the risk serious enough to request that all sedative-hypnotic drug products carry a warning about the potential for sleepwalking and similar behaviors.

Sexual side effects

Although Downey hasn’t observed any significant problems at the doses at which Rozerem is prescribed, he says it is possible for this medication to interact with hormones. "[Rozerem] is a melatonin agonist, so it increases the level of melatonin by about 16 times what it would normally be in the brain,” says Downey. This increase in melatonin will put you to sleep, but could also alter testosterone levels. You could experience changes in your sex drive as well as your menstrual cycle.

Rebound insomnia

One of the most important things to know about sleep medication is how and when to stop taking it. Abruptly stopping the use of a sleep aid can cause rebound insomnia, meaning you may experience the same or even worse symptoms of your sleep disorder without medication. “To be safe, I assume that the effect may occur” in all patients, Downey says. That’s why he tells patients to never stop using a sleeping pill without first consulting a doctor. Many sleep experts will wean their patients off sleep medications by prescribing lower doses or different medications, until they’re ready to sleep on their own.

Dependence or addiction

Patients are often nervous about becoming addicted to or dependent upon sleeping pills. But studies show that the risk of sleeping pill abuse is decreasing as new medications are released. Researchers have found that Rozerem, a relatively new drug, may have the fewest side effects of all, and it seems to be non-habit-forming. However, addiction and dependence are still possible with other drugs, especially benzodiazepines.Taking sleep medications long-term can mask the real cause of insomnia—such as poor sleep habits or too much stress. Patients often tell their doctors that they're dependent on medication, but it's possible they haven't addressed underlying issues affecting their sleep, and that they don't really need the pills.
Hangover
Many people worry that, should they decide to take sleeping pills, they'll feel tired, fuzzy-headed, or dizzy; experience headaches or nausea; or have trouble waking up the morning after. These side effects are possible, but avoidable, says Ralph Downey III, PhD, director of the Loma Linda University Sleep Disorders Center in Loma Linda, Calif. If your doctor has prescribed the correct dosage, and you take the pill according to your doctor’s instructions, the medication should work effectively without any morning hangover, Downey says. Older drugs such as benzodiazepines are more likely to cause morning drowsiness or dizziness, because they have longer half-lives—meaning the effects take longer to wear off.

Should you worry?

If you’ve ever considered sleeping pills, you may have worried about how you’d feel the next day, whether you’d get hooked, and what other effects the medication might have on you. When used correctly, prescription sleep drugs are safe and effective, and can help you get through a patch of insomnia or fitful sleeping. In fact, doctors say they're more reliable than over-the-counter meds for any extended period of time.

Side effects can occur, however, especially if you’re not taking the best type of medication for you, at the right dosage. Here are a few problems you may experience, and what you can do to avoid them.

Listen Up: How Honest Communication Can Save Your Marriage

2008-10-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

Throughout my career as a marriage coach and a marriage and family therapist, the number one issue voiced by most couples is “we have trouble communicating.” It’s a common complaint. And many couples think they would benefit from communication training.

Many seem to think if they could better express themselves or if their spouse would only listen and understand what they mean then things in the marriage would dramatically improve. “Maybe if I learned to be more assertive and use more ‘I’ statements we’d have less problems.” While the thought may be genuine and the results of actually implementing some of these techniques may improve the marriage a bit, in my experience the improvements won’t be lasting.

When you get right down to it, communication in marriage is not about being understood by each other, communication is about handling what another person thinks and feels. You see, married couples don’t have trouble communicating. They communicate all too well.

In a committed relationship, you can not not communicate (pardon the double negative).

Communication problems happen because you don’t like what the other person has to say. For instance, you may want your spouse to be more emotionally open and share their feelings, but you interrupt them when they say things you find unpleasant or disagree with (in your view, you may just want to keep the conversation “accurate”). You want a more expressive spouse, but want to control what they express.

Even if you are not talking to each other, you’re still communicating. You each know you don’t want to hear what the other has to say.

Communication break downs occur because you don’t like what the other person is saying, or not saying, not because you can’t communicate. Communicating in marriage is all about being able to handle the message.

When two people are able to handle the message, honesty increases. And when honesty in a relationship increases, you grow more as an individual and closer together. Through this growth you are capable of reaching new levels of passion and intimacy.

So in an effort to grow closer to you loyal Zen Habits readers, I’ll be honest. I’m writing this guest post in the hopes that Simple Marriage’s message will spread and more people will discover ways to get more out of marriage and life. I also hope you’ll benefit from this post and the passion level in your relationships and life will increase… I feel closer to you already.

But being honest with you is not the same as being honest with a spouse. It’s more and more difficult to be honest in each relationship up the hierarchy of importance. As the importance of the person increases, often the level of deep honesty decreases. Largely because their reactions to what you truly think mean more to you and involve more risk.

So my wife calls me up and asks how my morning was. I respond with “good, just writing away.” When in reality, I wasted the entire morning reading other blogs and searching for the latest gadget that will change my life forever. I don’t want to admit to her that I’m lazy. That means I’m admitting it to myself as well.

Or you’re sitting on the beach with your spouse as an attractive member of the opposite sex walks by. At that moment your spouse asks you what you’re thinking, do you tell them?

Being honest brings about growth in yourself and your spouse. If your thoughts are totally inappropriate in the beach scenario, you probably don’t share them with your spouse. But what does your honesty, or lack of honesty, say about you?

So how do you increase the honesty in marriage?

1. Speak up. By speaking up I’m not saying that you remove the filter between your brain and mouth, but speak up more. How often do you avoid replying or bringing something up out of fear of your partner’s reaction? There are times when you need to speak up in order to help your marriage and each other grow.

Many couples fall victim to thinking “if my spouse really cared about me, they’d be able to figure out what I’m feeling or thinking.” What part of your vows stated you’d read each other’s minds for as long as you both shall live? I’m guessing that wasn’t part of the ceremony.

Stop sitting back waiting for your spouse to pick up on the fact that you’re frustrated, pissed, hurt, or lonely and speak up. Two things will happen. One, you will grow up a bit more because you’ve taken charge of your thoughts and emotions and two, your partner will grow up because you’re treating them like an adult who’s capable of handling your thoughts and emotions.

2. Make the obvious, obvious. If you’ve had a stressful day at work, when you come home you know it’s likely to be stressful there as well, right? So rather than letting the elephant in the room (the stress level in your life) walk around freely, point it out before you and your spouse get in to it.

A simple “hey honey, good to see you, (kiss), I’d like about 5 minutes to decompress from my day before I hear about your day, alright?”

Another way to make the obvious obvious is when the discussion starts to get heated, point it out. When you raise your voice in a conversation, it’s no longer about what’s best for all the people involved, it’s about your power and your pride.

3. Grow up. Many people go kicking and screaming into adulthood. I was one of them. I wanted things my way! Still do at times. I used to think that life was all about me. And problems occurred when other people didn’t know this.

Marriage grows you up. Living with another person forces you to grow up. And just when it seems your spouse is done growing you up, your kids take over. That’s a simple fact of marriage.

Recognize this and harness the energy it creates. Rather than seeing your spouse as someone who doesn’t get you, see them as someone who may want more from you. They may be looking for an erotic lover, a passionate friend, a warrior, a true supporter, or simply a partner in life’s adventure.

Chicken Soup: Can It Really Lower Blood Pressure?

2008-10-21T03:59:00.001-07:00

A new study came out this week that suggests chicken soup can lower blood pressure. This sounds like good news, right? After all, chicken soup makes you feel warm and cozy—just like the grandmas who dish it out.

But it also sounds too good to be true. Isn’t chicken soup typically loaded with salt, which is notorious for raising blood pressure in some people? I decided to investigate.

I read the study, which was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The study’s authors were Al Saiga and his colleagues at Nippon Meat Packers Inc., of Ibaraki, Japan.

Guess what? The word soup isn’t mentioned once in the study. That’s because the researchers didn’t actually study the homey broth loved by kids around the world.

They studied chicken collagen hydrolysate, a conglomerate of proteins extracted from the tough, yellow tissue found in chicken legs. This stuff is hard to make into food products, due to its “yellow color and unique smell,” the study says.

The researchers digested the collagen with enzymes and then “decolorized and deodorized” it.

Laboratory tests showed that four of the peptides—short proteins found in collagen—had activity similar to ACE inhibitors, a type of medication that lowers blood pressure. When the peptides were fed to rats that normally develop hypertension, they lowered the rodents’ blood pressure six hours later and helped keep the pressure down over a two-week period.

That all sounds great. But it doesn’t mean that slurping down a can of Progresso is going to lower my blood pressure.

To be fair, news stories did mention that it’s the chicken collagen that’s beneficial, not soup, per se. (And they cautioned about salt content too.) But the headlines may lead you to believe otherwise.

I don’t think we need to demonstrate that chicken soup has some sort of anti-inflammatory or cold-fighting value, or that it will treat our collective hypertension. Isn’t it enough that it tastes good and makes us feel better?

The Nosu's exorcism ceremony, or the Yi ethnic group

2008-10-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

The minority group « Yi » perpetuated their immemorial traditions. The purpose of the ceremony is to exorcize bad spirits and attract divine goodwill.

To implore divine mercy, the Yi can be very cheeky.

The highest sky scraper in China in construction

2008-10-20T03:21:00.000-07:00

Nicknamed the « Dragon tail », the 580 m tower designed by the American architectural firm Gensler should open its doors in 2014. In comparison with it, the Shanghai World Financial Centre (492m) and the Jinmao Tower (420m) pass as small huts for the concierge.

The Earl Gray Tea Diet Formula

2008-10-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

So I read that tea could help reduce significant calories each day; for a great weight reduction performance in a year’s time! That is what I like to call slow but sure. For years, I have been trying to find somebody who could give me a slow solution that could last on the issue of weight loss. And till today, I never knew that the solution had been Blended by the Chinese, gifted to Charles Grey, the second Earl of the 1830 (Earl grey was credited with the abolition of slave trade in the United Kingdom), and with the great Italian bergamot in cooperation, the radiant tea had been created way before my great grand father was born.

There are claims by two ancient tea companies that they were given the original Chinese tea and asked to blend and create more tea for the Earl whose supply, given to him by a Chinese mandarin was almost running out. I understand the urgency, but guess what, Earl Grey tea was born of this urgency. Many people have different views and beliefs about this tea. Leaving that to individual judgment, let us examine this tea in detail.

Earl grey is brewed for between three and five minutes and is best drunk black. An additional slice of lemon gives the tea an unprecedented twist that tickles your taste bud. The ingredients of this tea are medical, and therefore for simple ailments like common colds, Earl Grey is a natural manager. Bergamot, an Italian, is one of the most exquisite citric fruit that has the unique benefits of burning calories. The power of the citric fruit is that it can burn up to 200 calories taken pure. In the tea, bergamot lightens the body calories and allows them broken down into foods for the muscle, with the most other waste released through the natural metabolic process.

There are over one hundred blends of this tea that have different flavorings, while maintaining the same original taste and feel. Twinings have created such other blends as the Chai, and lady grey to fit a wider group of people and over the years, other five star Grays as the Adagio earl gray Bravo have been created to fit taste. Loosing calories fast leads to gaining even the faster, as you put more efforts to stay slim, the trick is always to work less and find solutions easily. Drinking more Earl Grey will give you the ease of loosing at least 10 pounds a year, and that in five years could turn you into the perfect symmetrically figured personality.

To reduce the caffeine in Earl Gray, there are some organic and decaffeinated Grays that keep you away from addiction. Still those that do not feel bergamot can use other citric flavors that do not necessarily fall in the category of citrus, like the linden tree flower. Avoiding cream and milk will also be of great benefit. You can read more about all weight loss teas and the other ingredients in this diet pills review site.

Useful tips that can help you to lose fat

2008-10-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, things are really getting tougher for students. This world is really getting more and more competitive and if you want to survive, you will have to develop some special skills. That’s exactly the reason why students travel to different places to acquire special skills or degrees, for instance. However, it is so common to see that student always find themselves in such circumstances that cause freshman 15.

There is no denying in the fact that college life can really become so busy that students can never find time to take care about their physique. That’s exactly where the freshman 15 comes into the picture. It’s very understandable if you become fat during your college days. However, if you are one of those persons who are aware of the threats proposed by freshman 15, then you must take some steps to stay away from it.

Always get enough sleep:
The importance of sleep can not be emphasized in a right way. It is the most crucial thing that will have direct effects on your health. Sleeping for enough hours is essential for everyone, but, it is momentous for college students. Many studies have claimed that if college students will take a sleep of about seven hours, they will stay fit and slimmer. On the other hand, sleeping for less than seven hours can increase weight. So, develop a perfect schedule to get enough sleep at night.

Maintain good eating habits:
There are lots of students who always skip breakfast and go with late night meals. It is imperative to mention that breakfast can really provide you the energy that is required to perform day to day tasks. So, it must never be skipped. Students who skip breakfast always find them in a problem of excessive weight. Breakfast can have a direct impact on metabolism, so, it should never be skipped. Similarly, always stay away from late night meals as calories can make you gain more weight.

Exercising:
There is nothing to emphasize the importance of exercising. Exercise can help you to stay active and it can strengthen your immune system along with metabolism. Of course if you are obese, exercise is the best solution for you as well. Students must always try to get indulged in some physical activities like swimming, running, walking, etc. Also, students can go for weight training as this is the best way to stay fit and fine.

Bad drinking habits:
To stay away from freshman 15, students must stay away from bad habits like drinking alcohol, soda etc. Drinking alcohol can really create bad effects on your weight as it injects empty calories in your body. Drinking 8 beers means that you are having 960 empty calories which is really undesirable. Similarly, soda can also be considered bad because of the presence of processed sugar. So, try to stay away from these things if you want to avoid freshman 15.

So, these are the basic things that students must keep in mind to avoid the phenomenon known as freshman 15. However, there are some other things as well that are to be considered by freshmen. For instance, eating in cafeteria should be done in a right way and all types of deserts should be avoided. Simply put, you must have a plan and you must eat and sleep according to that as this will not only bring discipline in your life, but, you will also be able to enjoy a better fitness. Don’t forget to try various weight loss programs if you really think you need it.

World’s Smallest/Tiniest Solar Car

2008-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Talk about bringing solar power to the palm of your hand!
The World’s Smallest Solar Racing Car is a tiny, fully-functional solar powered vehicle topped with a minuscule photovoltaic panel.When one thinks of toy cars for little ones, one typically conjures up images of die-cast Matchbox race cars with broad white stripes and tail fins. But in this new era of innovative product design - where the battery-packed has been redefined, it is refreshing to find renewable energy alternatives to toy cars and trucks as we know them.

Certainly too small to be a flashy Formula One kiddie vehicle or even drivable for that matter, but what this Lilliputian roadster lacks in size, it totally makes up for in power – real green zip power – not to mention full-throttle cuteness!

The World’s Smallest Solar Racing Car is a fully functional solar vehicle that is topped with a miniscule solar panel that amazingly generates enough electricity to turn run a small electric motor with four wheels attached. Measuring only 33×22×14 millimeters, it can run on solar power alone, or even on the light of a strong indoor source.

I think that it makes a great showcase for solar technology, and though it is definitely too bite-size to let small babies or toddlers play with, it serves as a fun example of future-forward design for the next generation and possibly the greener gadget geniuses in our midst.

As its name implies, the Select Solar Mini Racer can be run entirely on solar power, but can also be powered by the artificial light of a strong indoor source. We think it looks like a great educational eco-friendly toy for little kids and big kids (and your inner kid) alike. The Solar Mini is a fabulous showcase of solar technology, and it’s adorable to boot. Plus at a mere £11.99 it certainly is the most affordable solar car on the market.

Joke Exhibition Garden opened

2008-10-16T02:58:00.000-07:00

The Joke Exhibition Garden opened in Wanrong county of Shanxi Province. Thousands of funny jokes were expressed in sculptures, paper-cuttings, riddles, cartoons.. and so on. .Jokes of Wanrong have been considered as a part of the national cultural heritage.

21 Easy Hacks to Simplify Your Life

2008-10-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

“Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb-nail.” - Henry David Thoreau

If you’re trying to simplify your life, it’s best to follow the four simple steps I’ve outlined before — it’s just the simplest method.

But sometimes life gets in the way, and you need a workaround, some way to get past your usual obstacles and to trick yourself into keeping things simple.

I use these “hacks” myself (in this case, “hacks” refers to workarounds or tricks to reach your goal), and I’ve found them to be effective in many cases. Please note that you might have read some of these once or twice (or thrice) on this blog before, but I thought it would be a useful resource to gather them all into one post.

Also, don’t try to implement all of them — that would be far from simple. Not all of them will apply to your life anyway. Pick one or two and try them out.

Simple tricks to simplify your life:

Three-box decluttering. If you’re trying to declutter a room, drawer, shelf, desk … use three boxes to quickly sort everything. Just quickly go through each shelf or drawer or flat surface at once, putting things into three separate boxes: Trash, Donate, Maybe. The first two boxes are obvious … the Maybe box is for stuff you’re not too sure about — you can put this in storage for a few months and decide later. Put everything else — the stuff you love and use — back neatly.
Create a no-distractions zone. This is great for when you want to do some focused work — which is just about every day for most of us. Create a zone with no distractions — no phones, no email, no co-workers or kids or spouses, nothing on the walls, no IM or Twitter, no web surfing. Just the tools you need to do your work and nothing else. You could also create a time within your schedule for this distraction-free zone — say 8-10 a.m., for example. No distractions within that block of time. You can do email and phone calls before and after, but not during. I like this hack for when I need to do some writing but have a hard time concentrating.
Create a short-list. This is for the big-picture simplifying. If you’re having a hard time getting your life to something truly simple, create a short list of things you love doing most. This should be 4-5 things. For me, that’s writing, reading, running and spending time with my family. Your short list will be different. Then, try to eliminate everything in your life that’s not on the short list, to make room for the things you love.
Deflect all requests for a week. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, make the decision that you will not say “yes” to any new requests this week. If you get a new request, politely decline. If it’s a request you can’t decline, tell them you’ll get to it next week because you have some projects you need to finish this week. Then pick one or two or even three projects (depending on their sizes) and focus on finishing them this week. You can worry about new stuff next week. Repeat this hack when needed.
Go schedule-less. This works well if you’ve been over-packing your schedule. Try this: set a policy that you won’t schedule any appointments. This won’t work for some people who have mandatory meetings, but if you control your schedule, you can tell people, “I’m sorry, I don’t make appointments anymore. Call me on that day and we’ll see how things are going.” Leave your day wide open. At the beginning of the day, pick a few things to focus on and try to get them done. If you need to meet with someone, call them and meet.
Single-task. This is good for those who tend to be all over the place. I’ve talked about it many times before: don’t allow yourself to switch between tasks. When you’re working on a report or writing an article, don’t do anything else. When you’re processing email, get to empty and do nothing else. One task at a time … finish the task … move on to the next. Try this for one day, focusing on it completely for that day. If it works for you, try it again the next day.
Start your day with peace. I love this one, because it’s so easy to implement and yet it can have such a powerful effect on your day. When you first rise, do something that is calming and peaceful. That might be running or walking, having a quiet cup of coffee with a book, watching the sunrise, meditating or yoga … whatever works well for you. It can be 10 minutes or an hour, but find some peace in the morning and use it to calm you throughout your entire day. Read more.
Eat only 7 things. If you’re trying to be healthful, but are having a hard time navigating complicated diets, try this hack to simplify things. Limit yourself to non-packaged foods. Eat only seven things: fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, lean calcium, beans, nuts, good fats. Nothing from a box. This will require that you cook your food, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Read more.
Go paperless. This works great for certain types of jobs — mine, for example. It won’t work for other jobs. But if you can do it, you can save time filing, save time searching for stuff, save space, simplify your office, and save a few trees to boot. First, insist that everything be sent via email or through online documents. Then create a filing system that works for you. Personally, I like to keep things online, and just archive and search rather than creating a complicated hierarchy of folders, but you might prefer a more traditional system on your hard drive. Do what works best for you. For those things that can only be sent via paper, scan and toss. Try to limit the scanning, and request that things be sent electronically.
Go media free. If your life is filled with information overload, and you find little time to do the things you love to do, consider eliminating media from your life, at least temporarily. This includes cable TV, DVDs, newspapers and magazines, Internet news and the like. Now, I’m not saying you should eliminate the things you love. For myself, I would never eliminate reading books, for example. You might love a certain TV show — in that case, eliminate everything else. You can go media free for a week to see if it improves your life, and then consider extending it for longer. This hack won’t work for everyone, but I enjoy it.
Limit yourself to 3 tasks. If your to-do list is long and overwhelming, pick three tasks you want to do today — important tasks that aren’t just urgent but actually have a long-lasting impact on your life. Focus on getting these three tasks done before anything else. If you finish early, you can either call it a day or get some bonus tasks done. Read more.
Limit yourself to one project. How many projects are you juggling right now? If there are too many, you might be limiting your effectiveness. Instead, focus on one project right now, and put the others on the back-burner. Try to get that one project done as quickly as possible, and then work on the next one. Read more.
5-sentence emails. This works well if you spend too much time writing emails. I got the idea from Mike Davidson, who advocates limiting each email to five sentences or fewer. This forces you to keep your emails brief and to the point. It limits the amount of time you use doing email. And it forces you to decide what’s important in each email. I generally follow this rule (though I break it from time to time) … and if you get short emails from me, you now understand why.
30-day rule. This is a fantastic hack for those (like me) who have trouble with impulse buying — that great enemy of simplifying. The rule is that if you want to buy something, you have to write it on your 30-day list, with the date that it was added to the list. After 30 days, if you still want it, you can buy it. This doesn’t apply to necessities such as groceries … which helps you distinguish between wants and needs, a great skill for simplifying.
Only wear a few colors. I actually do this, and it helps me simplify my wardrobe. I basically wear only black, blue, grey and green, with some browns thrown in now and then. This means that it’s very easy for me to match my clothes, and I don’t need a lot of clothes. You’ll have other colors you love to wear — build your wardrobe around them. This won’t work for people who love having lots of clothes in a wide range of colors, but for myself, it keeps things nice and simple — and I don’t like thinking about clothes anyway.
One in, two out. When you bring something into your house, you have to get rid of two things. The normal rule is one in, one out, but somehow that never seems to work — things still accumulate. Instead, get rid of two things and things will stay simple.
Work four days a week. Of course not everyone can set their own schedule, but if you have that luxury, limit yourself to four days a week — 8 hours or less. You might even set it to 6 hours if you can manage that. And then make it three days. But how can you work only four days if you currently work 5 and are overloaded as it is? It’s funny, but you can somehow make it work. It’s a well-known law that our work expands to fit the time we give it … and the flip side of that is if you shrink the time, you will shrink the work to fit the time. If you only have four days in a work week, you will pick the most important tasks. You will get the work done that needs to be done, and you’ll naturally eliminate the rest. You’ll set a schedule that works. You’ll delegate and outsource and automate and eliminate. And you’ll have an extra day off. Try it and see — I bet you can manage it.
Retire early. This is a radical hack, but it can work for some people. In fact, it’s worked for many. Simply set an early retirement date (maybe even next year!) and force yourself to save up the money you need. Take a mini-retirement if necessary. Then go back to work and save up for your next mini-retirement. Or set your early retirement in five or 10 years, and then never go back to work. It sounds unrealistic, but if you look at it this way, you can save the money you need to retire. It means forcing yourself to make choices — do you want to spend impulsively now, or retire early? If you cut back on spending you can save more. Live simply and frugally and invest the difference. Make more money in the short term so you don’t need to work as much later.
Limit storage space. Do you tend to save everything? Have tons of stuff in storage, in closets or attics or garages or cupboards? The less storage you have, the less stuff you’ll save — which will save you the stress of having to go through all that storage to find stuff, to organize stuff, to maintain stuff, to get rid of old stuff. A good example is my desk — I work on a table with no drawers. This means I don’t have all the usual stuff in a desk, and forces me to keep things simple. You can apply this to all areas of life if you like.
Staunch your information flow. Similar to the media fast, you can cut back on the amount of information coming into your life. Do you currently have tons of emails coming in? Find ways to reduce them — unsubscribe to mailing lists, ask people to stop sending you joke or chain emails (or block them from your inbox), automatically filter things you don’t really need to read, pre-empt common questions with an FAQ. Do you read a lot of blog feeds? Unsubscribe to those that don’t give you value. Do you read a lot of news? Pick one news source instead of five.
Send only five emails a day. I did this for a little while and loved it. I would pick five important emails to respond to, and that was it. The rest would be delayed or deleted. I ended up prioritizing, and while some people didn’t get a response, I also didn’t spend all my time in email. It freed me, and made me realize that I don’t have to respond to every email — people will make do.

The longest covered bridge in the world

2008-10-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

Length 288,8 m, this bridge has three branches connecting three villages in the Hunan province. The upper part is made entirely from wood in the local traditional style.

Angry puffer fish goes nuts

2008-10-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

A Cambodian teenager was recovering in hospital after a puffer fish attacked him in the groin, local media reported on Tuesday.

The Khmer-language Koh Santepheap daily ran a picture of the unnamed 13-year-old in a hospital bed with heavy strapping around his testicles, saying he was lucky to be alive.

The paper quoted the boy's father, Sok Ly, as saying the fish had become enraged when it was accidentally trapped in the boy's net and, when it was freed, had attacked the boy's scrotum.

Cambodian legend has it that the bite of the fish is even more dangerous than its poisonous spines, especially for boys, and Cambodian boys are traditionally advised not to swim in waters where the fish is common.

The victim, from Prek Pneuv commune outside Phnom Penh, was expected to recover from yesterday's attack, the paper said, but the extent of the damage had yet to be determined.

Textbook Doodles

2008-10-11T03:27:00.000-07:00

Textbook is used for students to learn the knowledge, but sometimes it becomes the source of inspiration. Can ancient people ride motercycle? You can find the answer from the following pictures. See how crazy the students doodle in the textbook.

China organises the first « World mind sports games »

2008-10-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

3,000 competitors are awaited in Beijing where these new games will be held from the 3rd to the 18th of October. 35 gold medals will be given during the competitions of chess, bridge, the Chinese game go, draughts and Chinese checkers.

The opening ceremony

The parade of competitors

The competition is fierce...

The first medals

Crazy and the Best police cars Due

2008-10-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

Lamborghini Gallardo

Saudi Arabia police

Best of police around the world. Police cars gallery.

Jaguar S Type

Canada police

Holden VE Commodore

Australia police

Audi TT

Spain police

Spyker C8 Spyder

Nederland police

Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Bulgaria police

Peugeot Sports GT

France police

Nissan

Japan police

Marilyn Monroe was flatulent, dirty and ate in bed - claim

2008-10-08T04:07:00.000-07:00

One of the world's most glamorous women, Marilyn Monroe, was flatulent, dirty and ate in bed, it has been revealed in a new book.

Portraits of her as the image of womanly perfection may hang on walls of admirers' homes all over the world. But when it came to personal hygiene, the Hollywood star's habits were a huge turn-off to her co-stars.

Gable and Monroe appeared together in the 1961 movie 'The Misfits' which was written by the husband of Monroe, playwright Arthur Miller.

It had always been Hollywood legend that the two co-stars had a torrid love affair together.

This claim is rubbished in the book 'Clark Gable: Tormented Star' by author David Bret, to be published in the US in September 2007.

Bret dismissed rumors of the affair as rubbish. While Gable was a lover of cleanliness, "she could not have been less fastidious regarding her personal hygiene."

Bret says Monroe's interest in Gable was not returned, but was spurned by Gable, who was discouraged by her living habits.

"Like Jean Harlow, she bleached all her pubic hair and never wore panties. She suffered from what today would be described as irritable bowel syndrome," Bret writes.

Bret also claims: "She rarely bathed, slept in the nude and ate a lot in bed - shoving what was left on her plate under the sheets before going to sleep."

The Misfits was both Monroe's and Gable's last movie that either Monroe or Gable worked on before they died. Gable died from a heart attack two weeks after shooting finished. Monroe's suicide followed a year later. The movie's third lead, Montgomery Clift, died from drug and alcohol abuse four years later.

Miller and Monroe's marriage broke down during filming, and Monroe was turning more and more to prescription drugs and alcohol.

Filming had to be stopped in August 1960 so she could be sent to hospital for detox. It was this instability, and the steamy scenes on set that led people to believe an affair might have taken place.

Crazy and the Best police cars Uno

2008-10-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

UK police

Best of police around the world. Police cars gallery.
Click on pictures for enlarge.

Italy police

UK police

German police

USA police

Crazy LapWorks Lap Desk Futura

2008-10-06T03:12:00.000-07:00

Last week, I reviewed the LapWorks Desk Stand for Laptops, and gave it extremely high marks. Within hours, I received an email from my contact there recommending their latest product, the Lap Desk Futura. He explained that the Futura would be perfect for my long commute on the train, and asked if I would be interested in reviewing it. Of course, I eagerly agreed, because anything that can make my commute more bearable is a good idea in my book.

Primarily, I have two concerns when I use my laptop on the train, both of which the Futura claims to address. First is the heat my computer generates, particularly from the battery. This heat all dissipates straight into my lap, and can be slightly uncomfortable. More importantly, however, is my fear of dropping my computer. My laptop is only slightly larger than my laptop computer, so if I shift my legs, even slightly, then my laptop becomes increasingly unsteady, threatening to slip and crash to the floor with each bump on the rail. So, let’s take a closer look at how the Futura addressed these concerns.

I have never used a lap desk on the train before because I was always concerned about the space it would require and the weight of lugging it around when not in use. This desk, however, folds to an almost invisible 11×103/4 inches, in a design which is slightly wider on one end than the other. It weighs just over a pound, meaning it is light and small enough to easily slide into my bag. Its single hinge is heavy, which prevents sagging while in use, and allows the desk to unfold to its full size of 21×11 inches in a mere second. Unfolded, you will notice that it is slightly elliptical in shape, meaning that it is wider in the center than on the edges. This shape helps ensure that the greatest area of stability is in the middle where your laptop is most likely to rest. It currently comes only in a gunmetal gray color (which I loved), however, it will soon begin shipping in a variety of fashion forward colors, so you can coordinate your lap desk with your outfit.

In order to make sure your laptop stays as stationary as possible, the Futura sports 14 non-slip rubber grips which secure the laptop in place. What makes Futura unique, however, are the eight pads on the bottom which secure the desk to your lap, meaning it will not be able to slide off and drag your laptop crashing to the floor. Additionally, the lap desk is long enough to create a bridge which spans beyond my entire lap on either side. It was slightly too long for the small confines of the train, but not significantly so. This allows me to sit in a considerably more comfortable position, without fear of dropping my laptop, even when my eyes start to drift closed. Nonetheless, for those of you who prefer to use an external mobile mouse, there is not enough space for that on the Futura. A mouse attachment should be coming soon.

So, now you are looking at the Futura and thinking, what are all of those funny little slats on it? Looks like something out of some crazy science fiction movie. No, this is not Captain America’s futuristic shield. Instead, these are actually heat vents. These ventilation slats are raised from the bottom, holding the Futura 1/8 inch off of your lap. This creates a cushion of cool air to circulate underneath the Futura, cooling the air before it hits your legs. When I used it repeatedly on the train, I was shocked by how well this simple cooling mechanism actually works. With no fans or other heavy equipment, this simple raised slat design kept almost all of the hot air away from my legs.

Really, this is my one big complaint with LapWorks. Everything I have used from them seems to be designed for Lilliputian sized computers. My computer ranges more toward the Brobdinagian proportions. I wish Lapworks would better acknowledge these larger sized laptops in their designs. Of course, that being said, there is some tradeoff in a unit like the Futura which has a dual purpose. In order to be able to fit my laptop well in desktop mode, the lap desk would have to be significantly redesigned in order to avoid becoming too wide to be easily transportable.

Unfortunately, I was slightly less impressed by the Futura in what I call desktop mode (sorry, too much Transformers on the brain). In order to convert it into desktop mode, simply fold the tray into a wedge shape by lowering the leg into one of the five grooves. This will elevate the screen to a more ergonomically correct angle. I will say that I was impressed by how well this leg secured the Futura. It looks extremely flimsy, and I expected it to collapse as soon as any weight was added. To the contrary, when weight is added, the leg is actually pushed slightly deeper into the groove, meaning it is more secure, rather than less secure, when weight is added. I never had any problems with the Futura collapsing under even the heaviest load.

When I placed my laptop on the Futura, however, I immediately noticed how narrow it is in desktop mode. It is considerably narrower than my laptop (which sports a 15.4 inch screen), which made things extremely wobbly and unsteady. I did find that the more I lowered the angle, the more steady my laptop became on the Futura. However, this really seemed to defeat the purpose for me.

All of this having been said, I can tell you all that I was simply blown away by the lap desk features of the Futura. What looks like a simple hunk of plastic is actually a precisely engineered and designed unit which secures your laptop while keeping the hot air away from your body. I wish the desktop mode had worked as well for me. Unfortunately, it was simply not designed for a laptop the size of mine. If you hold your laptop on your actual lap at all, however, whether it is on a train, bus, other transportation, or even just while sitting on the couch, you will want to check out the Futura.

Name:Lapworks Laptop Desk Futura

Price: $29.95

Men Not as Smart as They Think

2008-10-06T03:07:00.000-07:00

So when the results of this study came out, I’m pretty sure I heard a collective, “Well, DUH!” from the world’s women. I wasn’t sure what was going on at first. I probably just figured Oprah Winfrey said something really well-duh’ish on her show or something. But then I read this story from Newsweek, and it all made sense to me.

I wish I could say I was not one of those men. Testing in high school showed that I had a very logical thinking mind, and that I tended to be logical “to the point of splitting hairs.” Even as a child, I tended to do things based on what seemed to be the most logical path. It would be completely illogical for me to lie about my intelligence.

However, I do have a rather clear memory of speaking with my wife (then girlfriend) back in 1995 about her having taken a test based on real I.Q. tests with supposedly corrected scoring to provide a relatively accurate I.Q. score. I proudly proclaimed that I had an I.Q. of, get this, 140. Yeah. I had never taken an I.Q. test in my life, but there I was bragging about being some kind of super genius.

In my own defense, I didn’t realize that a score of 140 is as high as it is. That, and uh… I’m a man. I really didn’t have a clue what the average I.Q. score was back then. Not very logical of me, huh?

Anyway, the test my then-girlfriend-now-wife took was out of a book she got at the local library. I was so confident in my self-rating (again, hardly logical) that I took the test as my then-girlfriend watched. In the end, I counted up my score with a whopping 127.

Did I learn my lesson? Hardly. I went around telling people I had an I.Q. of 130.

So what’s the point? Well, I would disagree with the Newsweek story. Only problem is I just got done proving that it’s true… at least in my case. Yeah, not very logical of me, is it?

However, there is one part of the story that I agree with: Men of average to below average intelligence tend to overestimate their smartiness by the largest margins. Well, yeah! Isn’t it always the dumbest guys that think they know everything? And can you blame them? They’re not smart enough to know that they don’t know anything!

Although, based on this famous quote from Socrates, if you realize your own stupidity you’re actually a genius:

True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.

Yeah. Not very logical is it? Socrates thought he was pretty smart by realizing that he knows nothing. But if he knows nothing, then how does he know that? Because by knowing that you know nothing, you know something. It’s a paradox worse than all the crap they pulled in those Back to the Future movies!

LapWorks Lap Desk Futura

2008-10-06T03:01:00.000-07:00

Name:Lapworks Laptop Desk Futura

Price: $29.95

Men Not as Smart as They Think

2008-10-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

Did I learn my lesson? Hardly. I went around telling people I had an I.Q. of 130.

So what’s the point? Well, I would disagree with the Newsweek story. Only problem is I just got done proving that it’s true… at least in my case. Yeah, not very logical of me, is it?

Although, based on this famous quote from Socrates, if you realize your own stupidity you’re actually a genius:

True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.

I know nothing… except that.

Anhui Province: Genius farmer made submarine

2008-10-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Taoxiang is showing his "masterpiece"

Taoxiang 陶相 is a farmer who has gone to school for only 5 years. But he is very interested in invention. "The reason why I made the submarine is very simple, I don't think too much about the success. I just like to do it." Taoxiang said.

According to what he said, although the submarine has been completed, but the equipment is still being debugging. It will take about 5-7 days. He expected that it could reach about 10 meters deep in the water.

Huge wedding banquet in Canton

2008-10-03T01:47:00.000-07:00

More than 600 tables, 5000 guests and tons of food

The banquet also broke the record of most umbrellas open at the same time.

A banknote made of thousands of eggs

2008-10-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

An artist has constructed a giant Chinese 50 Yuan banknote (8 x 4 meters) entirely made of eggs.

Chinese Currency - RMB (1980 Edition)

Crazy Mineral water bottles become artwork

2008-10-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

Smart artist use mineral water bottles to make different things like jellyfish, ashtray and bonsai...etc. very beautiful and creative..

Robot sex pictures

2008-10-02T03:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, Robots have sex life too :-). See robot kamasutra pictures. Hmm, this robots looks like terminator?!?!

An emerald necklace worth 10 million euros

2008-10-01T03:53:00.000-07:00

A jeweller in Beijing organised a contest where 10,000 euros could be won by naming the necklace. The necklace comprises 57 perfect emerald pearls.

The Chinese actress Huang Shengyi poses with the precious necklace.

Extreme diving in the Heilongjiang

2008-10-01T03:46:00.000-07:00

Di Huanran nicknamed « The best diver in China » plunged from a high drop from Diaoshuilou. He has dived daily for more than 20 years for the pure pleasure of the crowd.

52 Proven Stress Reducers

2008-09-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

1. Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.
2. Prepare for the morning the evening before. Set the breakfast table, make lunches, put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.Stress Reducers
3. Don't rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc.
4. Do nothing which, after being done, leads you to tell a lie.
5. Make duplicates of all keys. Bury a house key in a secret spot in the garden and carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, apart from your key ring.
6. Practice preventive maintenance. Your car, appliances, home, and relationships will be less likely to break down/fall apart "at the worst possible moment."
7. Be prepared to wait. A paperback can make a wait in a post office line almost pleasant.
8. Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.
9. Plan ahead. Don't let the gas tank get below one-quarter full; keep a well-stocked "emergency shelf" of home staples; don't wait until you're down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more; etc.
10. Don't put up with something that doesn't work right. If your alarm clock, wallet, shoe laces, windshield wipers - whatever- are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones.
11. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. Plan to arrive at an airport one hour before domestic departures.
12. Eliminate (or restrict) the amount of caffeine in your diet.
13. Always set up contingency plans, "just in case." ("If for some reason either of us is delayed, here's what we'll do. . ." kind of thing. Or, "If we get split up in the shopping center, here's where we'll meet.")
14. Relax your standards. The world will not end if the grass doesn't get mowed this weekend.
15. Pollyanna-Power! For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings. Count 'em!
16. Ask questions. Taking a few moments to repeat back directions, what someone expects of you, etc., can save hours. (The old "the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get," idea.)
17. Say "No!" Saying "no" to extra projects, social activities, and invitations you know you don't have the time or energy for takes practice, self-respect, and a belief that everyone, everyday, needs quiet time to relax and be alone.
18. Unplug your phone. Want to take a long bath, meditate, sleep, or read without interruption? Drum up the courage to temporarily disconnect. (The possibility of there being a terrible emergency in the next hour or so is almost nil.) Or use an answering machine.
19. Turn "needs" into preferences. Our basic physical needs translate into food, water, and keeping warm. Everything else is a preference. Don't get attached to preferences.
20. Simplify, simplify, simplify. . .
21. Make friends with non-worriers. Nothing can get you into the habit of worrying faster than associating with chronic worrywarts.
22. Get up and stretch periodically if your job requires that you sit for extended periods.
23. Wear earplugs. If you need to find quiet at home, pop in some earplugs.
24. Get enough sleep. If necessary, use an alarm clock to remind you to go to bed.
25. Create order out of chaos. Organize your home and workspace so that you always know exactly where things are. Put things away where they belong and you won't have to go through the stress of losing things.
26. When feeling stressed, most people tend to breathe short, shallow breaths. When you breathe like this, stale air is not expelled, oxidation of the tissues is incomplete, and muscle tension frequently results. Check your breathing throughout the day, and before, during, and after high-pressure situations. If you find your stomach muscles knotted and your breathing is shallow, relax all your muscles and take several deep, slow breaths.
27. Writing your thoughts and feelings down (in a journal, or on paper to be thrown away) can help you clarify things and can give you a renewed perspective
28. Try the following yoga technique whenever you feel the need to relax. Inhale deeply through your nose to the count of eight. Then, with lips puckered, exhale very slowly through your mouth to the count of 16, or for as long as you can. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times.
29. Inoculate yourself against a feared event. Example: before speaking in public, take time to go over every part of the experience in your mind. Imagine what you'll wear, what the audience will look like, how you will present your talk, what the questions will be and how you will answer them, etc. Visualize the experience the way you would have it be. You'll likely find that when the time comes to make the actual presentation, it will be "old hat" and much of your anxiety will have fled.
30. When the stress of having to get a job done gets in the way of getting the job done, diversion - a voluntary change in activity and/or environment - may be just what you need.
31. Talk it out. Discussing your problems with a trusted friend can help clear your mind of confusion so you can concentrate on problem solving.
32. One of the most obvious ways to avoid unnecessary stress is to select an environment (work, home, leisure) which is in line with your personal needs and desires. If you hate desk jobs, don't accept a job which requires that you sit at a desk all day. If you hate to talk politics, don't associate with people who love to talk politics, etc.
33. Learn to live one day at a time.
34. Every day, do something you really enjoy.
35. Add an ounce of love to everything you do.
36. Take a hot bath or shower (or a cool one in summertime) to relieve tension.
37. Do something for somebody else.
38. Focus on understanding rather than on being understood; on loving rather than on being loved.
39. Do something that will improve your appearance. Looking better can help you feel better.
40. Schedule a realistic day. Avoid the tendency to schedule back-to-back appointments; allow time between appointments for a breathing spell.
41. Become more flexible. Some things are worth not doing perfectly and some issues are fine to compromise upon.
42. Eliminate destructive self-talk: "I'm too old to. . .," "I'm too fat to. . .," etc.
43. Use your weekend time for a change of pace. If your work week is slow and patterned, make sure there is action and time for spontaneity built into your weekends. If your work week is fast-paced and full of people and deadlines, seek peace and solitude during your days off. Feel as if you aren't accomplishing anything at work? Tackle a job on the weekend which you can finish to your satisfaction.
44. "Worry about the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves." That's another way of saying: take care of the todays as best you can and the yesterdays and the tomorrows will take care of themselves.
45. Do one thing at a time. When you are with someone, be with that person and with no one or nothing else. When you are busy with a project, concentrate on doing that project and forget about everything else you have to do.
46. Allow yourself time - everyday - for privacy, quiet, and introspection.
47. If an especially unpleasant task faces you, do it early in the day and get it over with, then the rest of your day will be free of anxiety.
48. Learn to delegate responsibility to capable others.
49. Don't forget to take a lunch break. Try to get away from your desk or work area in body and mind, even if it's just for 15 or 20 minutes.
50. Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1,000 before doing something or saying anything that could make matters worse.
51. Have a forgiving view of events and people. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world.
52. Have an optimistic view of the world. Believe that most people are doing the best they can.

Crazy Bull in pool

2008-09-30T03:15:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the completion of his new swimming pool, businessman Jamie Stewart invited a few friends and family over for a dip.

But the last thing the bemused host expected was to be disturbed by a gatecrasher - in the shape of a half-ton bull.

The massive animal had escaped from a nearby field and was being chased by farm-hands when he crashed into Mr Stewart's garden - and dived headlong into the water.

And since such a large beast could hardly use the step-ladder to climb out, he was forced to tread water for the next three hours until firemen could drain away the water and hoist him back onto dry land.

Last night Mr Stewart described his astonishment at the unexpected visitor who had taken the first swim in his new pool.

The 41-year-old said: "I absolutely couldn't believe my eyes. There was a bull swimming in our new pool.
"I think he had perfected his front crawl by the time he was rescued."

The dramatic pool-party took place on Friday. Work had just been completed on the luxury outdoor heated swimming pool Mr Stewart had ordered for his home.

Workmen had spent the day pumping in ten thousand gallons of water and Mr Stewart's guests started to arrive in the late afternoon for the inaugural swim.

However celebrations took a surprise turn when a two-year-old bull from a neighbouring farm jumped a fence and escaped from his pasture.

The young animal, whose full show-name is Broombrae Tramp, was apparently intent on making closer acquaintance with a herd of cows in another field.

But when his owner, farmer Alexander Jack, gave chase, the bull changed course and instead crashed into Mr Stewart's garden.

The pool was covered at the time so the animal was unable to see the potential hazard, but immediately burst through the canvas and began to splash about in the four-foot deep water.

While neighbours, friends and family crowded round to watch the drama unfold, six firemen from the Fife brigade joined a local vet to help rescue the hapless party animal.

Mr Stewart, a company director, added: "My family and I stood back and let the emergency services do all the work.

"I don't think they were terribly pleased with us - we stood in the garden with glasses of wine and shouted unhelpful suggestions."

Mr Stewart's children Samantha, 12, Lucy, 10, and Finbar, 7, were delighted with their unusual party guest.

He added: "The kids thought it was great. They were a bit disappointed that they didn't get to have the swim they were planning but they ended up with a much better story to tell their friends."

Mr Stewart's partner Gillian runs Acorn nursery from the Kinaldy farmhouse, near St Andrews, but evacuated the children as a precaution.

A three hour rescue attempt saw a vet fire two tranquilliser bullets into the bull - nicknamed Pedro by firemen - before the pool was drained and the rescue crew used a digger to lift him out.

Broombrae Tramp is now recovering from his ordeal in a secure field.

The outdoor heated pool, designed by Alba Pools, will need minor repairs and to be refilled.

A spokeswoman for Fife Fire and Rescue said: "It was a very unusual call out but we sometimes deal with rescuing different animals.

"Our crews are comprehensively trained so they're used to dealing with surprise situations but in this case they did take all their directions from the vet who was called to the scene."

Farmer Mr Jack, from Lahill Craig Farm in Upper Largo, added: "The bull is only two years old and is full of the joys of life. You know what young men are when they get beside a crowd of attractive women.

"Broombrae Tramp was bored being in our field and decided he'd join our neighbour's cows.

"Before we knew what had happened, he had jumped the fence and was headed for Jamie's swimming pool.

"We tried to catch him but our attempts to trap him in the next field went a bit askew.

"He's normally a very placid animal but he just wasn't willing to go home on Friday without a fight.

"Seeing the maiden cows got him a bit heated."

The farmer can only hope Broombrae Tramp's unexpected dip has cooled his passion.

100 Coolest Cars in the history

2008-09-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

1963-1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray.

Car enthusiasts love to sit around drinking beer and arguing the merits of their favorite vehicles. Ultimately, what we all want to determine is: What's cool? What cars really get attention at a show or on the street? What cars make their drivers seem cool? We polled our staff and contributors, whose prejudices have resulted in a fascinating take of the nature of automotive coolness. We whittled their selections down to a highly subjective list of the 100 Coolest Cars, presented here in descending order. Let the arguments begin!

Jaguar XK120

1972 Citroen DS

porsche-911-techart-2

shelby_cobra_csx4230

TOP 100
100. VW Microbus
99. Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
98. Austin-Healey 100M
97. Subaru WRX P1
96. Buick GNX
95. BMW 635CSi
94. Facel Vega HK500
93. Chrysler 300C Hemi
92. 1939 Lincoln Zephyr two-door
91. Lotus Esprit S1
90. Mercedes-Benz 500E
89. TVR Tuscan
88. Iso Grifo
87. 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado
86. 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
85. Mini Cooper
84. Maserati Bora
83. 1951 Hudson Hornet
82. Ferrari 288GTO
81. Aston Martin DB9
80. 1946 Chrysler Town and Country
79. Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 cabriolet
78. 1940 Cadillac 60 Special
77. Ford GT
76. 1949 Mercury
75. 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
74. BMW M3 CSL
73. Mazda Miata
72. Volkswagen Beetle
71. Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale
70. Ford Lotus Cortina Mark 1
69. Auburn 851 "Boattail" Speedster
68. Ferrari 250GTO
67. 1961-71 Mini Cooper
66. Bentley Speed Six "Blue Train"
65. Dodge Viper GTS
64. De Tomaso Mangusta
63. 1949 Cadillac Sedanette
62. Fiat 500
61. 1970 Plymouth Superbird
60. Ferrari 250GT SWB Spyder California
59. Mercer 35J Raceabout
58. 1968-69 Dodge Hemi Charger
57. Bentley Continental GT
56. Volvo P1800
55. Datsun 240Z
54. Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV
53. Porsche 356 coupe
52. 1953 Studebaker Starliner
51. Audi S1 Coupe Quattro
50. Maserati Ghibli
49. 1963 Buick Riviera 48. Porsche 959
47. Nissan Skyline GT-R
46. Lincoln Continental Mark 2
45. Lamborghini Countach LP400
44. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
43. Porsche 550 Spyder
42. Talbot T159SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Coupe
41. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda AAR
40. Porsche Carrera GT
39. 1983 Volkswagen GTI
38. Citroen 2CV
37. Lotus Elan
36. Toyota 2000GT
35. Ferrari 275GTB
34. Lancia Aurelia B20 GT
33. Renault R5 Turbo II
32. Ferrari 250GT short wheelbase
31. 1967-68 Chevrolet Camaro SS
30. 1932 Ford Model B/18 (V-8)
29. Jeep CJ
28. Cord 810/812 roadster
27. Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster
26. Citroen Traction Avant
25. Shelby GT350 Mustang
24. Bentley Continental R-type
23. Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
22. 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
21. Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B
20. BMW 2002tii
19. 1961-1964 Lincoln Continental convertible
18. Jaguar XKSS
17. Ford GT40 Mark 3
16. Ferrari F40
15. BMW 507
14. BMW 3.0CSL
13. Lamborghini Miura
12. McLaren F1
11. Citroen SM
10. Jaguar E-Type
9. Aston Martin DB5
8. Lancia Stratos
7. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
6. Duesenberg J/SJ/SSJ
5. Citroen DS
4. Jaguar XK120
3. Shelby Cobra
2. Porsche 911
1. 1963-1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

Robot Girlfriend for Lonely Men

2008-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

She's big-busted, petite, very friendly and she runs on batteries.

Sega, best known for its home video game consoles, has introduced a 15-inch tall robotic 'girlfriend' that kisses on command, with a target market of lonely adult men.

The robot, named "EMA", which stands for Eternal Maiden Actualization, is designed to pucker up for nearby human heads, entering "love mode" using a series of infrared sensors powered by battery.

"Strong, tough and battle-ready are some of the words often associated with robots, but we wanted to break that stereotype and provide a robot that's sweet and interactive," said Minako Sakanoue, a spokeswoman for the maker, Sega Toys to Reuters news agency.

"She's very lovable and though she's not a human, she can act like a real girlfriend."

EMA can also hand out business cards, sing and dance.

Sega is hoping to sell 10,000 robotic girlfriends in it's first year and envisions a $10-billion market for artificial intelligence in a decade.

The busty bot will be available in Japan in September for around $175.