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What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Posted by October 14, 2011

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) results when a parent, relative or care giver shakes a baby or very young child. The effect is that the child’s brain will bounce around their head and come into contact with their skull. Their brain can then become swollen and bruised. There are a range of symptoms of SBS but it is hard to tell whether a child’s injuries are a definite result of being shaken.

Shaking does not have to be prolonged or particularly violent to cause injury. Therefore educating new parents towards the dangers of becoming angry with their newborn child or holding them while being irritated by a third party is necessary. The fact of the matter is that SBS can result in death as well as life long side effects. Newborn children deserve love and care. They depend upon their parents for everything. We must not let them down.

The thing is, there might not appear to be any signs of physical injury. For instance, bruising, bleeding or swelling. In actual fact, it can be a difficult condition to diagnose. It may not be recognized without further investigation. If a child has an x-ray examination, it may be possible to discover fractures.

A doctor may notice bleeding behind the baby’s eye or perhaps even retinal detachment. The thing is though, there are other causes of bleeding behind the eye. Therefore it is important not to jump to any conclusions. Other factors must be considered before a diagnosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome is made.

You can find out more about SBS at these resources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000004.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaken_baby_syndrome

The Best Juicer Is One You’ll Use

Posted by September 15, 2011

Going on a health kick is popular but the bottom line is that this sort of “dieting” doesn’t often work – put simply it doesn’t last. Health, as we all know is of fundamental importance to us. But it’s something that’s easy to ignore until we become too ill to function. In some cases, this means it’s already too late to take remedial action. Now, if this sounds bleak, it is! However, there are simple steps that you could be taking right now that can actually improve your long-term health as well as how you feel today. Most of us are looking for instant results. The beauty of what I’m going to suggest today is that we do not have to wait months or even years to feel the benefits. Let me introduce the power of juicing! It’s time for the Life Regenerator – “Yeah, baby!”

The juicer that Dan is using in the video above is his Breville Juice Fountain Elite. As you can see, it is a really speedy machine. By adding in some sweet fruits as well as some green vegetables, he is able to make a drink that both tastes good and is full on healthy. Making a green juice recipe is a powerful way to improve the quality of your life right now!

You might think that juicing is going overboard. But I would disagree with this completely. We’re told that 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day is enough for optimum health. But are you eating this amount already? If 5 makes you feel okay, wouldn’t 10 portions make you feel better?

This is why owning a juicer is so handy. It makes it much easier to get lots of fruits and vegetables into your system. More than this – it’s tasty too! The Guardian Newspaper from England asks the question ‘Is five a day enough?‘ The article concludes that we should be aiming for quite a bit more than just 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day.

You can get different kinds of these machines. Some are fast like the one the Life Regenerator is using. Others are slower but can process a wider range of foods. If you want to get hold of the best juicer, you really have to think about what kind of fruit (and vegetable) juice you want to make. If you decide to start juicing (and do it regularly), you’ll soon start to notice that you have more energy, feel happier and glad to be alive!

How I Reached My GMAT Target Score

Posted by September 17, 2011

One thing that is very important to me is my family. A few years ago we were finally able to purchase our first house. It took a lot of work and financial planning to be able to save up to get the house. I was finally at a place in my career when I was making enough money to put some aside for a down payment.

The reason I was able to save up was because I went to grad school to get my MBA. When I was younger, I just had a bachelor’s degree and was only making enough money to meet my expenses. I researched options on how I could advance my career and decided that getting an MBA would be the best option. An MBA is designed for those who want to get management-level positions within companies. If you look at the stats from the GMAC, the average salary for MBAs is much higher than those with just undergrad degrees.

One thing I had to do before applying to graduate school was take the GMAT. This is a standardized test that everyone has to take. A lot of people want to go to top schools and thus they need to score a 700 on the test. however, I didn’t think I could score that high. When I took my first diagnostic tests I was scoring around 450! I felt dumb, like I was in high school all over again. I knew I had a lot fo studying to do.

Eventually I found a really good GMAT tutor in my area and he gave me some great tips on how to improve my score. He recommended some test prep materials and some places to get GMAT sample questions. After I studied a few weeks with these, I finally took the exam. I only scored a 490 on my first try! However my tutor insisted that I keep studying hardcore for another month, and I did. I retook the exam and reached my target score of 540! This is the median score for the GMAT exam. I was very pleased, as I was able to be accepted to my MBA program of choice. After I graduated I was able to get a better paying job and advance in my career.

Unleash the Kindle 4

Posted by September 18, 2011

Regardless of what books you like to read, it is quite possible that you’d be able to read them on the Amazon Kindle 4 hand held reader. From classics to best sellers through to text books, the choice available to Kindle owners continues to rise. It’s a really exciting time to read books electronically because exploiting this technology allows anyone to self publish at almost no cost. So in fact, there are ‘books’ available on the Kindle platform that we’re unable to buy as hard copies in the shops.

image of Kindle protective skinIt’s pretty amazing that these electronic book readers have only been around for a few years. If memory serves me correctly, the first Kindle came out near the end of 2007. So we’re currently round about the 4 year mark which is when we’re hoping to see the 4th generation reader.

I’ve even read discussion that it would make business sense for Amazon to give away the readers. This might sound a bit strange but if you just imagine that by doing so, they could effectively corner the market and then make an absolute fortune off the sale of electronic books. I’m pretty sure that the production costs of making e-books is much lower than actually printing up hard copies of titles. So it would seem like, the more people that Amazon can get using their Kindle reader, the more money they’ll be able to make down the line.

It makes perfect sense for consumers (who enjoy reading) to be using the Kindle. Certainly, at the moment, there is the huge collection of free books that we can read. If you don’t know about this, it’s the Out of Copyright selection of titles. These are books that were originally published at the start of the last century (or earlier). There are approximately two million books that simply owning a Kindle, gives us access to. Pretty sweet, huh?

One way that you can keep up to date with the latest happenings on the Huffington Post Kindle News page. The thing is that at this point in time, the Kindle 4 is not quite ready. Its release is imminent though. We just don’t know exactly when that will be. One thing is for sure though, it would make a lot of business sense for Amazon to release it before Christmas. Don’t you think it would make a great gift, either to give or receive?

3 Reasons to Choose the Guitar

Posted by September 21, 2011

There are lots of lessons on the internet that will teach you how to learn guitar. But why should you learn the guitar as opposed to any other instrument? If you’re considering taking up an instrument but aren’t sure whether to choose the bass, the guitar or the banjo, where do you start?

Well, I’m biased because I play the guitar. In my view it’s the best instrument to learn. The bass is boring, the drums are too noisy and bulky, and the banjo just aint sexy. There are many reasons to learn guitar and I’m going to share a few with you now.

This is a personal list and you may disagree with some of what I say, but this is my article so you can kiss my proverbial if you don’t like what I’ve got to say.

image of a smily face masked man playing the guitar

Reason to Choose the Guitar #1 – Guitars are Inexpensive

If you’re a struggling student with very little money then the fact that guitars can be bought fairly cheaply can be a real boon. Sure, you can spend hundreds of dollars – or even thousands – on buying a guitar, but I would say that if you’re just starting and want to learn the basics you don’t need to spend very much at all. In fact a perfectly good guitar can be picked up for as little as $200, even if you want to have the option to use it on stage at some point in the future. And you can get away with spending far less than that if all you’re after is a beginner’s instrument to see whether you like it or not. Heck, I got my first guitar for $10 from my housemate. It’s nothing fancy, just a cheap nylon strung acoustic, but I still use it sometimes and will be passing it on to one of my kids when they start learning.

If you think you need a really expensive guitar then think again. Slash started playing guitar on a piece of wood with a string stretched across it. A whilst you don’t have to go to such extremes, you really don’t need to spend much when you’re starting out either. Also, if you think that you could be better at guitar just by having more expensive equipment then stop kidding yourself. Eddie Van Halen would blow you away with what he could play even on your crappy old guitar; and your playing, I’m sorry to say, would not be all that much better on Eddie’s.

Reason to Choose the Guitar #2 – The Guitar is an Incredibly Versatile Instrument

Just take a minute to think about all the different musical genres that feature the guitar. You have classical of course, but you also have folk, blues, rock, heavy metal, pop, the list goes on and on. The guitar is right at home with all of these musical styles. And you should play different styles of music on your guitar because this will improve your frame of reference, your musical knowledge and ultimately you will be a better guitarist because of it.

Another aspect of the versatility of the guitar does not relate simply to the different musical styles it is capable of playing. This versatility also extends to how it can be played. You can play the guitar on its own, as an accompaniment to vocals, or you can play as part of a band, be it a large jazz band, a three-piece pop band or any other kind of ensemble for that matter.

Reason to Choose the Guitar #3 – It is Easy to Learn

The guitar is easy to learn. It may be difficult to master but you can get the basics fairly quickly and this means it is a very rewarding instrument to play. I think the fact that it has frets is one of the most important factors that makes it so easy to learn because you don’t need to have perfect pitch or even necessarily a good ear in order to be able to play a tune. This is in stark contrast to the violin or other fretless stringed instruments where the correct intonation is much harder to get right because there are no frets to guide your fingers. The presence of frets not only makes it easier to play notes accurately but it also simplifies the process of reading music. In order to be able to play piano or the violin, for example, you really have to be able to read music, which for many is a serious stumbling block that can hamper progress. If you want to play guitar and need to refer to some form of musical notation to remind you of the notes to play, you can use tablature which is very easy to learn and does not require many months of training to be able to interpret, unlike traditional musical notation.

So there we have my list of reasons why you should choose the guitar over any other instrument. If I’ve convinced you, then you should go to the guitar store right now and pick up an instrument in your price range. Or better still, try searching online because there are real bargains to be had on the internet. If you want more information about this simply follow the link to this website for a comprehensive buyer’s guide.

Once you’ve bought your guitar you’ll need to get some lessons and I might share some ideas on that in a future article. But in the meantime, happy playing!

Things To Consider In Buying A Hidden Litter Box

Posted by September 26, 2011

We all wish to get the best cat furniture for our cats, but is some cat furniture really better than others? How do we know which one is best for our cat? Are there really big differences between each of them? What are the things to consider in order to get the perfect hidden litter box for our cat?

Individuals that have many cats in their home understand how cats are just like us humans: they each have their own identity. While one cat may be very playful and active, another may always be in a corner, and perhaps only comes out to eat, drink or use the kitty litter box. Some other cats act paranoid; some others are aloof. Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that because cats have different personalities, they also have different preferences and requirements. Caring for a cat can be very difficult without the aid of certain tools, and this is why it is good to know that pieces of furniture for cats are available, no matter what your cat’s personality or specific needs are. Below are some things to consider in buying cat furniture. All of these benefit both the cat owner and the cat.

Ease Of Use

A good piece of furniture for cats should be able to allow a cat owner to experience ease in looking after his or her cat. Just as we buy appliances and pieces of furniture to provide us convenience, we also buy cat furniture for the convenience of our cats. For example: some types of litter box furniture for cats are automatic. Ones that are self-cleaning are especially appreciated by many cat owners, since they are able to eliminate steps in cleaning the cat’s litter box. Likewise, cat furniture should be easy for a cat to access or use, given the cat’s specific personality, habits and preferences. Choose a litter box that will be big enough for your cat. This way, your cat will not end up feeling crammed inside the cat furniture.

Control

The option to control or adjust cat furniture will allow you to modify or set it based on your cat’s specific needs, characteristics or preferences. This way, no matter what your cat’s requirements are, the cat furniture will be able to accommodate them. When it comes to control, also think odor control. A good hidden litter box should also have the ability to control the odor coming from it. Nobody wishes to have to smell the cat’s litter box!

Privacy

Finally, privacy is something that should likewise benefit the cat owner and his or her cat. In picking a litter box that with a cover, your cat will be allowed to experience some privacy and you will not need to see the dirty kitty litter in your cat’s hidden litter box.

Is The Electronic Cigarette Safe To Use?

Posted by September 29, 2011

Since I happen to be interested in all things associated with health and fitness I’ve recently started researching the controversial product known as the electronic cigarette. After hearing many wonderful testimonials about the use of this product, and a number report that it might do harm to those who used it as a cigarette replacement, I thought it was time I tried to learn the truth.

Although I’m no longer a tobacco user there was a time not so long ago when I was a pack a day smoker, so this e cig is something that I’ve wanted to find out more about for a while. Of course I also know many people who are still smoking so if I can find a product which would allow them to get nicotine more safely then I think it’s worth finding out as much as I can about it.
electronic cigarette
If you haven’t heard about the electronic cigarette it’s basically just a battery powered device which delivers nicotine to the smoker without having to burn any organic matter. When the smoker inhales the battery powers a little unit known as an atomizer which heats up a nicotine liquid, delivering it in vapor form. Using it is said by users to be a very similar experience to the real thing and it seem like many people are managing to use it as a smoking replacement.

Supporters of the e cigarette point out that the ingredients used in it are no more harmful than many of the other products consumers use on a daily basis. After all, only nicotine, propylene glycol, flavorings, and water are used the in the manufacture of the cartridges. When you compare this to the many thousands of known carcinogens in tobacco smoke it’s easy to see why many people come to the conclusion that it preferable to traditional smoking.

The opponents, who are mainly made up of government regulatory bodies and stop smoking groups, are concerned that because this product has never been tested for safety over a prolonged period of time we can’t be sure about the harm it could be doing to the user. This is certainly true, all products which are freely available for sale need to be safe for consumption or we could end up no better off than we are at the moment with tobacco killing hundreds of thousands every year.

It’s unfortunate that the small companies who currently made these products don’t seem to have the will, or the finances, to carry out the expensive testing which is required for consumers to make an informed decision. At the same time it’s possible for the intelligent human being to take a look at the ingredients which are used in the e cigarette and make their own decision about whether or not they are likely to be damaging to their long term health.

The only ingredients which are contained in the e cigarette which might cause harm with long term use are the propylene glycol, which is used to create the illusion of smoking when the user exhales, and the artificial flavorings. The chemical propylene glycol is definitely the component which would worry me the most if I was using an electronic cigarette myself, although it is something which we are probably already consuming in the course of our everyday life. It’s used in smoke machines at rock concerts and also in many ubiquitous everyday products such as toothpaste and shaving foam. I have to believe that if it has been passed as safe for these uses then it’s probably not going to be hugely harmful to your health. At the same time, whether inhaling it in huge quantities if completely safe is another matter altogether.

My feeling is that you would be better off staying away from e cigarettes if you are trying to achieve optimum health and longevity. On the other hand, if you are addicted to smoking cigarettes and can’t stop no matter what you try then it seems probable that using one of these devices is going to be less harmful to your body. As they have not yet been thoroughly tested you would be taking a risk, but it’s almost certainly a smaller risk than if you were to continue inhaling tobacco smoke.

Holiday in Haad Rin

Posted by October 7, 2011

Haad Rin is the main beach on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. It is an island set in the tsunami free waters of the Gulf of Thailand that offers pristine beaches, warm island hospitality, unspoiled nature, good value accommodation and the excitement of the world’s biggest beach party- the Full Moon Party.

Although the main port on the Koh Phangan is Thongsala, the principal tourist beach is Haad Rin. It is located on the south east tip of the island and is blessed with twin beaches one facing west (sunset beach) and one facing east (sunrise beach). The small town is a collection of streets lined with lots of shops, restaurants and bars. There’s everything in Haad Rin needed for a holiday. Unlike other beaches in Koh Phangan, there’s no reason to leave Haad Rin to change money, post a letter etc. as it is a self-contained tourist area.

Haad Rin accommodation is spread out over the town and on the hill behind the town. There are also plenty of resorts along the beaches. The main resort area is Haad Rin Nok – the longer sunrise beach – where the Full Moon Party occurs. Accommodation in Haad Rin ranges from basic bungalows to hotel style rooms with air-con, hot water, fridge and satellite TV. Room prices start at $30 a night and go up to $100 a night. Room rates go up to peak time rates during the week of the Full Moon Party.

The sunrise beach on Haad Rin has fine white sand and is great for year round swimming. It is one of the best beaches on the island, and for many the great nightlife just next to the beach makes it the perfect place for a holiday. Even when the moon is not at its zenith there is often a party going on.

On the night of the full moon more than 20,000 people descend upon Haad Rin Nok for the party to end all parties. Daubed in fluorescent paints young and old alike dance in the bars and on the sand until the sun comes up the following day. There are more than 10 major sound systems to choose from playing a variety of music. Everything from funky house to drum and bass and from R n B to the distinctive sound of Koh Phangan’s hard psy-trance can be heard along the beach.

The party is well organized and the atmosphere is very friendly. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends and to watch the sunrise. The Full Moon Party has become a ‘must do’ experience for many people intending to visit South East Asia. What better place to stay then at the heart of the action in Haad Rin?

Ways Janitorial Companies Can Help Grow Your Organization

Posted by May 15, 2012

Having a clean workplace leaves a good impression on clients, and enhances the moral of employees. Corporations these days are very particular about preserving the cleanliness of their offices. Thus, commercial cleaning organizations are quite significant for taking care in the janitorial requirements of their buildings.

You will discover usually a great deal of commercial cleaning service alternatives to select from in just about every single city, depending on the size of your city plus the requirements of one’s specific company. Janitorial cleaning services must have a professional team of cleaners which can be experts in performing all forms of cleaning work with high quality precision.

Workplace cleaning services as well as other connected commercial janitorial companies can aid with all distinctive kinds of enterprise cleaning demands. Keeping offices clean tends to be one of the most common services provided by a typical commercial cleaning organization. Yet another widely applied service is window cleaning both inside and outside of workplace buildings.

Most commercial cleaning organizations provide janitorial services, workplace cleaning, ames window cleaning company, floor cleaning and related services to get a set monthly fee on a contract basis. These service providers analyze and have an understanding of the needs from the creating and give customized cleaning plans towards the client. And they must also guarantee quality perform by routinely supervising the jobs performed by their cleaners.

You must constantly take environmental elements into consideration when discovering a commercial cleaning enterprise to service your company. Be sure they use environmentally goods for the job. Furthermore, you should examine to become positive their staff is provided with typical training so as to carry the operate far more proficiently and with no any problems.

The use of commercial cleaning providers has become common practice so that you can give wholesome working circumstances and make the workplace far more effective. This helps enhance productivity, which ultimately adds earnings for the organization. Therefore, applying these services in fact assists aid inside the growth from the small business. You’ll want to seriously take into consideration hiring such a service for those who haven’t already.

What’s Special about Koh Tao?

Posted by March 27, 2012

Koh Tao means ‘Turtle Island’ in Thai. It is an island located in the southern part of the Gulf of Thailand and is part of the group of islands known as the Samui Archipelago. The other tourist destinations in this archipelago are Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

The stereotypical opinion is that Koh Samui is for package tourists, that Koh Phangan is for those who want to party all night, and that Koh Tao is for those who want to dive. This opinion is wrong because you can dive and party on all three islands, and you can find package tourists on all three islands.

What distinguishes Koh Tao is that it is smaller and less developed than either Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. It doesn’t have any big supermarkets, hospitals or international schools. Although there are expensive resorts in Koh Tao, they can hardly be described as really ‘5 star’. There are no Conrad Hotels etc. on Koh Tao.

This is part of the charm of Koh Tao for many visitors. It has not been ruined by international brands and outrageous pricing. The island has more of a boutique feel to it – it is small and individualistic. Many of the bungalow and resort places are locally owned and have their own style that is not borrowed from the pages of a magazine.

One of the main attractions (other than the great diving and snorkeling nearby) of Koh Tao are the pristine beaches to enjoy. Places like Sai Daeng, Tanote Bay, Thian Og, Taa Sak and Jansom Bay have fine white sand, clear blue sea and abound in natural beauty. They are not swamped by shops, bars etc. They are idyllic places to enjoy a beach holiday.

Places like Mango Bay and Nang Yuan also offer dramatic scenery. Mango Bay is a wilderness of rocky mountains plunging into a bay and Nang Yuan offers multiple beaches created by a sand bank stretching across three islets.

For those looking for nightlife there is always a party going on somewhere along Sairee Beach. Despite its busy and lively character Sairee remains one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Tao thanks to the spectacular sunset.

Koh Tao has a lot to offer for those willing to give it a try. Those who cannot bear the thought of bumpy roads or being far from a Tesco Lotus should stick to Koh Samui.

Bang Niang Beach

Posted by March 8, 2012

Bang Niang Beach is located in the Khao Lak area of Southern Thailand. It is in Phang-Nga Province that was badly hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Since then the area has recovered quickly and now offers some of the best beach destinations in Thailand.
The main town is called Khao Lak, and next to this town is Nang Tong beach. Just north of Nang Tong is Bang Niang. It is a slightly quieter beach that is backed by beautiful tropical trees and vegetation. It is an ideal spot to enjoy a beach holiday.
Bang Niang beach has golden colored sand and is good for year round swimming. It is a long stretch of beach that is flanked on both sides by rivers that go down to the sea. The beach is never crowded and the resorts are well spaced apart.
Accommodation in Bang Niang ranges from cheap bungalows to good value mid-range options like Sudala Beach Resort that has air-con rooms with hot water and TV from $53 a night. The most expensive place to stay is Ayaras Villas that has stylish pool access rooms that start at $150.
On the beach and on the road to Khao Lak there are plenty of cheap restaurants to try as well as a few laid-back bars, shops, internet places and travel agents. There is everything in Bang Niang for a great beach holiday.
And for those keen to try day excursions there is Khao Lak National Park to visit. The nearby Phang-Nga Bay is full of karst mountains including the famous James Bond Island. In the same bay is Koh Panyi, a floating island where Muslim fishing people live. For those who enjoy diving there are the Similan Islands 70 km off the coast. Here you will find the best dive sites in Thailand.
In short, there is a lot to recommend a holiday in Bang Niang.

Recommendations for a Buying a Programmable Thermostat

Posted by January 29, 2012

For all those interested in reducing their home bills one of the most important things they can do is install a good programmable thermostat. There are lots of thermostat models to choose from. This multitude of programmable thermostats has a variety of functions. This post will look at what you should look for when buying a programmable thermostat. It will also explain some of the most important functions.

Type of Programmable Thermostat

There are 4 basic types of programmable thermostat: 1 week, 5+2, 5-1-1 and 7 day. The most basic type of programmable thermostat has 1 program to set up. This is called a 1 week thermostat. Slightly more sophisticated is a 5+2 thermostat which offers a program for weekdays and a program for the weekend. A 5-1-1 thermostat has a program for weekdays and separate programs for Saturday and Sunday. Finally, there is a 7 day thermostat that gives the user a program for every day of the week.

Your choice of thermostat will largely depend on your schedule. If you have a standard ‘9 to 5’ job you can probably manage with a 5+2 or 5-1-1 thermostat. If your daily schedule continually varies you should get a 7 day thermostat. It is by matching your schedule to the heating/cooling schedule that you save money on your bills.

Certification and Compatibility

It is important to get a device with environmental certification. This is confirmation about the thermostat’s ability to save you money. The most recognized certification is the Energy Star certification.

Just as important is to get a thermostat that is compatible with the HVAC equipment in your home. You have to know whether you have single or two stage heating or cooling; whether you have 2 or 3 wire hot water. If you have a heat pump you should be particularly cautious on this point. Generally speaking Honeywell thermostats are more compatible than Lux Products or Hunter thermostats. Heat pump efficiency depends on the temperature difference between inside and out: for this reason it is a good idea to get a thermostat with an outdoor sensor such as the Honeywell Prestige HD.

Important functions

For convenience of making quick changes temporary hold and vacation mode are useful functions. Temporary hold lets the user raise or lower the room temperature without altering the programmed settings. Vacation mode allows the user to set the thermostat on a power saving programming until he or she returns from holiday.

Swing control allows the user to choose a margin of between 1 and 5 degrees. Within this margin the thermostat does not activate the heating or cooling. This function stops the HVAC equipment frequently turning on and off. Hunter and Lux Products thermostats have swing control whereas Honeywell thermostats do not. Instead Honeywell thermostats stay within 1 degree of the set point. This can cause some people with houses with poor insulation problems.

Keyboard lockout is useful for a home where lots of people are coming and going. It stops people without the code altering the settings.

Conclusion

Whereas Honeywell thermostats are the most expensive it is not always the case that their thermostats are the best device for a particular house. It is worth reading programmable thermostat reviews and comparing specifications to get the unit that is best for you.

Thong Nai Pan: Holiday Destination for Children

Posted by January 27, 2012

Sunrise Villa in Thong Nai Pan Noi

When I first went to Thong Nai Pan Noi, the smaller of the two beaches in the Thong Nai Pan area of the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand, very few people were there. It was a beautiful white sand beach fringed with towering palm trees. The sea was deliciously warm. There were only a few cheap bungalow operations to stay at. There was only one night club, and they didn’t know how to make cocktails. For me and my then girlfriend it was an idyllic get away location. This was well before the Full Moon Party made the island famous for all-night hedonism.

My love affair with Thong Nai Pan Noi continued, as it did with my then girl friend who I later married. We have gone back to Thong Nai Pan Noi every few years.

Each time I’ve returned to the beach it has become a little more developed. There are now 3 luxury hotels in Thong Nai Pan Noi to choose from. The cheap bungalows are few and far between.

Last year we had a baby daughter. I was vaguely tempted to name her after the beach. I didn’t. I had to go to Thong Nai Pan Noi to sort out some business last Christmas. I decided not to take my family. I thought the beach wouldn’t be suitable for the kid.

I was really surprised when I got to the Thong Nai Pan: both beaches were full of families. Some of the kids were as young as my daughter. Suddenly, it seemed Thong Nai Pan had gone from being bohemian hang-out to family destination.

This has a lot to do with the improved amenities and facilities on the beaches. There are better roads, there are clinics, pharmacies, shops. Even a 7-11. It’s a convenient place to stay now. I also noticed that there is a private villa in Thong Nai Pan Noi to rent. It’s called Sunrise Villa. I went up to have a look at it. It’s a big 3 bedroom villa with 2 storeys. It has amazing views from the balcony and upstairs master bedroom. It also has a kitchen and huge lounge / dining area. It only costs 5,000 Thai Baht a night. That makes it much cheaper than most of the other accommodation on Thong Nai Pan.

I have already booked Sunrise Villa for my family. We are going out in August.

Why Truly Natural Beauty Products Are the Very Best for Your Health

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Anytime a skin care product is alleging to be organic or all-natural it’s supposed to be something that was not created utilizing artificial compounds or possibly damaging additives. The elements of a truly natural skin care solution, such as organic soap should originate from all-natural resources make use of wholly genuine procedures to generate it. The product shouldn’t contain any tough toxins that are included by several businesses to try and strengthen the effects.

It’s very difficult to know exactly what the actual effects of any chemical element in a beauty solution is and because it’s not common to your skin it could wind up causing a bunch of harm. Even though many of those so called magical products are developed using the best intentions, they consist of a lot of chemicals and you frequently find yourself with other problems caused by using them.

Quite a few chemically created skin lotions are successful in the short term because they supply your skin with the moisture it needs right away. However, that moisture recedes and your skin goes dry again while at the same moment those chemicals are seeping into your body. They might also prevent your skin from producing its own moisture. The tissues no longer need to generate their own moisture because they are acquiring it through an outside source.

Switching to organic skin lotions together with other all-natural skin care and beauty creams will still supply your body what it desires but without the possibly damaging side effects. Your system will likely continue to operate ordinarily because there are no mysterious toxins being introduced to the system. Some people have even described using mashed up pulp to their skin in order to give it the sustenance it requires, and it is well-known that cucumbers have a natural healing effect on the body. Due to this fact lots of the natural items you see in the market actually contain these ingredients.

You absolutely do need to be very watchful of these products because there may be unnatural substances in them that are designed to imitate the actual thing and you don’t always receive the identical benefits as the purely natural products. Quite often companies use the words organic or natural or pure just to get your interest when in fact their products are not even close to it. When you think about how your skin absorbs substances, you need to understand that anything you put on it will affect it in some manner. As long as you can keep the things your skin soaks in as pure as it can be, you won’t have to fret too much about it.

Maintain focus on the genuinely natural skin care products and make sure you understand how they are formulated and what they include to make sure that you always have wholesome, stunning skin. My top endorsement for organic skin care products and other pure products for your body and house is Jenuinely Pure!

Benefits of Coconut Milk

Posted by December 22, 2011

Coconut milk is made from the meat of mature coconuts. The meat is soaked in warm water and then squeezed through a cheese cloth to extract a white liquid that is called coconut milk. Since most coconuts in the world are grown without any fertilizers or pesticides you can normally be certain that any coconut milk (fresh or from a can) that you get is organic. Moreover, coconuts grow incredibly quickly. A coconut palm takes just 7 years to reach maturity and then it produces up to 100 coconuts a year. This is the first benefit of coconut milk and other coconut products – namely it is from a renewable resource.

Coconut milk is widely used in the cuisine of Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and the Caribbean, basically anywhere the coconut grows. This is not surprising because coconut milk has a rich and delicious flavor that is excellent in a range of dishes. It is also possible to add it to smoothies.

Unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk contains anti-oxidants that stop it going off. The coconut oil might separate from the milk but this is no problem as you all you have to do is to give it a shake and it is OK. Another important difference between cow’s milk and coconut milk is that coconut milk is lactose free. Thus, it is an ideal food for people with lactose intolerance.

Coconut milk is rich in a wide range of minerals and vitamins. It contains iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and also the following important vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Coconut milk is also a good source of protein. For adults and for growing children coconut milk is a great food stuff for staying healthy.

Another benefit of coconut milk is that it contains lauric acid. This is a fatty acid that is also found in mother’s milk. It is an antimicrobial agent that helps to protect the body against viral infections. Coconut milk has been used for hundreds of years in India and other Asian and Polynesian countries for medicine.

Finally, coconut milk contains mostly medium chain fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the body and turned into energy. This makes coconut milk less fattening than cow’s milk and great for people who want to lose weight.

If you have never tried coconut milk before then you are missing out – not only is it delicious but it is great for your health. Moreover coconut milk is cheap to buy and from a renewable resource that is earth friendly.

The Attractions of Koh Samui

Posted by November 20, 2011

Koh SamuiKoh Samui is Thailand’s second biggest island; it is also second only to Phuket as a holiday destination for those seeking sun, sand and fun. Koh Samui continues to be a firm favorite with people from all over the world because it offers good value for money, excellent amenities and facilities, and plenty to see and do.

For a tropical island obviously one of the main attractions is the great weather, soft sand and warm sea. Koh Samui has over 20 beautiful beaches to choose from, each with its own personality. There are the mainstream beaches of Chaweng and Lamai that are next to towns packed with lively bars and restaurants. There is the boutique ambience of Bophut with its old Chinese architecture. There is the exclusive area of Choeng Mon with its designer hotels. And there is the more backpacker feel of Maenam. This is to name but a few of the beaches. Many people return year after year just to try a new beach each trip.

One of the main attractions for Koh Samui is that despite being 700 km from Bangkok it is easily accessed by numerous Thai Airways flights from the capital as well as other cities both in Thailand and farther afield. Samui Airport is near some of the best beaches on the island and is one of the most beautiful and relaxed transport hubs you are likely to encounter.

It is not just the airport that makes Koh Samui convenient. It is also the fact that the island boasts world class hospitals, big supermarkets, superb spas and wellness centers, good dentists and even a decompression chamber. Such is the convenience of Koh Samui that it has a large ex-pat community.

There are plenty of things to do in Koh Samui. There are a zoo and aquarium to visit; plenty of great diving spots nearby; a go kart course; an 18-hole golf course; a butterfly garden; a snake farm and several forest canopy ziplines to try. You can visit waterfalls, see mummified monks, go to Black Moon Parties, Samba Shows and Muay Thai fights.  Big Buddha statue and the 18 arm Buddha at Plai Laem are outstanding examples of Thai Buddhist art. You can also visit an island occupied solely by sea gypsies who risk their lives scaling cliffs looking for birds’ nests to sell for Chinese cuisine. In short Koh Samui is full of attractions for those who need a break from relaxing by the pool.

Samui accommodation ranges from youth hostels and cheap locally run guest houses to 5 star luxury resorts that boast private pool villas, exclusive spas and wedding facilities. You can stay in Koh Samui for as little as $15 a night and for as much as $1,000 a night.

Every year Koh Samui tries to make itself more appealing to tourists. It has recently added an annual jazz festival and annual marathon to its list of growing attractions.

Using A Vaporizer On A Rainy Day

Posted by November 13, 2011

One thing about Southern California is that it hardly ever rains – but when it does, it pours! If you drive around LA, no doubt you have noticed the “LA River”. These are large concrete channels all throughout the city that are designed for flood control. It used to be a natural river, but it was subject to frequent flooding. After a bad flood in 1938, the Army Corps of Engineers was enlisted to convert the river into concrete.

LA River

Many people are just unprepared for a rainy day in LA. In fact most of them don’t even own an umbrella! Myself, I like to be prepared. I make sure to make a visit to the collective and pick up some medicinal substances. Then I fire up some Netflix and use the best vaporizer. I figure there’s no reason to get all wet! Some days you just want to chill. Beforehand, I like to have some Ben N Jerry’s ice cream ready, plus some peanut butter. Is there anything better?

There haven’t been too many good movies opening lately. One movie that I knew would be terrible was ‘Jack And Jill’ starring Adam Sandler. As soon as I saw the previews I was certain it would be bad. Turns out I was right. It opened this weekend and has only a 4% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I think Adam Sandler is just having a joke at our expense.

Back in the day, I think he made some good movies. Happy Madison is definitely a classic, and I thought Waterboy was pretty good. His movies have gone way downhill lately. I think he should stop doing these major Hollywood blockbusters and instead do a smaller indie film. Maybe hook up with a really talented writer/ director and do something that people don’t expect from Adam Sandler.

Anyway, it looks like the rain has subsided for a little while, so I might head outside. Here I am, blogging away the day. Usually it would be eighty degrees and sunny at this time, and I’d be out enjoying it. The climate is definitely one of the advantages of living in SoCal.

Problems With Dogs

Posted by October 28, 2011
Ugly Dog with tongue sticking out

Photo by Tricia Wang

As the father of 4 small children, I have mixed feelings when it comes to dogs. They can be a great addition to the family and my sister-in-law’s dog, Benjy, is just like an extra member of the family. He sleeps on the marital bed, eats in the kitchen when everyone else is having their dinner and loves going on long walks with all of the family.

With such a great dog in my social circle, you might think I’d be keen to have a dog of my own. But no, I view a dog as something that’s nice to visit with on a temporary basis but I think it would drive me mad having one around the house all the time.

So why do I have a problem with dogs?

Fleas on Dogs

If ever there was a reason not to have a dog in the house it’s the fact that, no matter how careful you are and how clean or well groomed you keep your animal, they’ll always get fleas at some point.

“That’s no problem”, I hear the dog-lovers out there shouting back at me, there are plenty of easy to use products out there that will get rid of fleas. Well, that’s true, but I’d rather not have to bother with those treatments. I agree that they are very easy to use, but the risk is always there and, knowing me, I would forget to apply the flea treatment at some point and the itchy little devils would get the foothold in my home that they’d been waiting for.

No thanks.

Dogs Bite

I don’t care how friendly or loyal your dog is, or how much you protest that he’d never hurt a fly. If a dog spends enough time in contact with a small child, at some point the dog will get poked in the eye, have their tail pulled or some other event will occur that the dog finds unpleasant enough to justify a nip being given to the offending toddler.

I’ve seen the most placid of dogs turn around and give a growl, smartly followed by a sharp bite on the finger in response to an inquisitive probing from a nosey 3 year old. Some friends of mine had to get rid of their Kerry Blue completely (found him a new home, not put him down) when their children came along. He just couldn’t be trusted in their company – and he was a well trained and obedient dog prior to that.

Dogs Smell

I realise it’s a cliche, but after a walk in the rain you won’t find a dog on the planet that smells anything other than revolting. I’m not sure why this is the case but as soon as they get wet, all dogs smell like they’ve been rolling around in badger manure. Of course some of them actually have been rolling around in badger faeces (I talk from experience here because that’s exactly what my parent’s Jack Russell used to delight in doing).

So, if you don’t have small children, don’t mind fleas in your house and have no sense of smell then by all means get yourself a dog as a pet. Just don’t come crying to me when you wake up in the night scratching your leg and asking your spouse if there’s a problem with the drains. It’s probably your dog that’s to blame.

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