yelp.com - Local Reviews of Major Cities

This website was recommended by a CNN correspondent as his choice for determining where to go when visiting an unfamiliar city. It features reviews by local residents on the best places eat, shop and find entertainment.

http://www.yelp.com/

How Cuban's Keep Cars Running

Cuban's are notorious for keeping cars running seemingly forever and without ready access to parts. This CNN video takes a look at how they do it.

Academic Elites Fill Obama's Roster

President elect Obama is assembling appointees of much greater intellect than is usually seen in government. I thought this would be a refreshing change, the change this great Country needs to move forward in these uncertain times, but could this actually be a bad thing? This quote from a Washington Post article gives pause for thought:

"These degrees confer knowledge but not judgment. Their heads are on grander themes . . . and they'll trip on obstacles on the ground."

Carla Bruni on love and passion and other thoughts

7 Foods You Must Eat Organic

Among the critical foods are milk, strawberries, bananas and stone fruits like peaches. The full article can be read here.

Although I always thought organic milk is healthier just to avoid the anti-biotics that cows producing conventional milk are injected with, new research shows that organic milk contains up to 68% more omega 3 fatty acids.

Nutmeg's Health Effects

It's that time of year again, during my trip today to the grocery store I saw the welcome and all but forgotten sight of one my favorite treats; egg nog. I've often wondered why it's not available year round, but was pleased to see it once again. Of course there are two essential ingredients that must be added to eggnog, rum and nutmeg. As I sat enjoying my first egg nog of the season with freshly ground nutmeg decorating the surface I began to wonder if this spice has any nutritional benefits and this is what I found. For what it's worth, take it with another spice, a grain of salt, and be comforted by the fact that even if none of the benefits are true, at least it tastes good with egg nog.

These are just a couple of the benefits that intrigued me, for more benefits read this.

One of the interesting health benefits of nutmeg oil is it’s ability to stimulate the brain - it relieves stress and stimulates mental activity. It is even reputed to stimulate dreams. It’s ability to improve concentration and increase efficiency was not lost on the ancient Greeks and Romans who used it as a brain tonic despite the fact that it was quite rare and costly.

It is also said to be able to help with asthma. However, this remains unsubstantiated by research.

While there are many health benefits of nutmeg, be careful not to take it in high doses. It can be toxic and can cause serious problems.

The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast

Pond Scum Fuel

100,000 gallons of algae oil can be produced per acre per year in the desert vs corn which yields 20,000 to 30,000 gallons per acre. Pond scum can even be used as energy for humans. Watch this CNN video for all the details.

SQL Server Hosting

I'm getting interested again in setting up an Internet accessible database and started looking on 11/19/08 for reasonably priced providers.

SQL Server Hosting Sites: (updated 11/18/08)

SQL Server Mart - (no setup, $3.99/mo)

How can I remote access SQL Server 2000/2005 Databases?

How can I enable ASP.NET 2.0 for my web site?

Pecan Streusel Topped Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a much greater nutritional value than standard potatoes as evidenced by their color. This recipe is a not so sweet alternative to the standard marshmallow topped sweet potato dish.

Ingredients:

9-by-13-inch glass baking dish

6 medium-size sweet potatoes or yams (3 pounds)

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

1/3 cup chopped pecans

heavy cream

Same Kind of Different As Me

From illiterate to New York Times best selling author in just four years. Befriended by a man who's late wife's dying wish was that the two would become friends. This is an unbelievable story of hope.

CNN Video

samekindofdifferentasme.com

"Fireside Chats" for the Twenty First Century

President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered Fireside Chats via radio to communicate with the citizens of the United States during the troubled economic times starting in 1933 and continued though 1944.

Now President elect Barack Obama brings the concept into the twenty first century with a new website http://change.gov that includes a presidential blog. The website was launched within 24 hours of the election.

Inauguration Day

Just a little information on Inauguration Day in the United States when Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the 44th President. You can see a full list of events here. If you are thinking you would like to be a part of this historic event you may want to read this first.

Lists HTML Tags

Check out this handy reference to HTML tags for creating lists. The ul tag is also nice for indenting an area of the page. I've also added this to the HTML reference list on the left.

Tips for GERD Sufferers

GERD, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, does not mix with peppermint oil. Because peppermint is known to have a soothing, numbing effect on an upset stomach, and to aid in digestion, many people think it will do the same for GERD. It will not.

Peppermint Oil and GERD are Enemies

GERD is a muscular problem. A ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not function properly in a patient with GERD. Instead of opening to allow food into the stomach and then closing tightly to keep the food and stomach juice where it belongs, the LES relaxes too much. This allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

Peppermint oil, with its relaxing, numbing effect, can relax the LES even more. It may actually worsen the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. It is, therefore, an enemy when it comes to GERD.

Peppermint oil in GERD patients may seem to give relief while the tea is being swallowed. Most of us have, from childhood, associated peppermint with healing, soothing results. Psychologically, peppermint oil may produce the expected results initially. As the LES relaxes further, however, a backlash can be expected.

Peppermint Oil for GERD Recommended in Capsule Form

Peppermint oil can help GERD when it is taken in enteric-coated capsules. Preparations of this nature have been shown to be effective in GERD. When the volatile oils from peppermint are mixed with oregano and caraway seed oil, the mixture placed in an enteric-coated capsule, it does not break down in the stomach. Instead, it is delivered to the intestines. One or two capsules of such a peppermint oil complex, taken twenty minutes before each meal, calms without over-relaxing the LES.

Alternatives to Peppermint Oil for GERD

Alternative natural preparations can be taken for relief of GERD. You may want to try one of these.

1. Ginger: Any form of ginger is said to be good for the problems surrounding GERD, acid reflux, or heartburn. Sprinkle ginger powder on GERD recipes. Slice raw ginger root into stir fry dishes. Serve pickled ginger root as a relish at any meal.

2. Fennel: This sweet vegetable is a good choice to serve at the end of an Italian meal. Fennel, which tastes like anise candy, has a creamy white bulbous stalk with feathery green leaves. Chew fennel as a sweet dessert after a meal. Ward off GERD by chopping the feathery leaves into soups.

3. Caraway Seed: A study has shown that this spice, ground into oil and combined with peppermint, can reduce heartburn symptoms. Do not take it as is, but try using it in your cooking. Capsules of caraway seed and peppermint may also be helpful. Look those with enteric coating.

4. Pineapple: The enzymes in fresh pineapple are said to aid digestion and relieve GERD symptoms. Canned pineapple does not have the same properties, so be sure you use the fresh fruit. Eat a slice or two at the end of a meal as a dessert.

Relaxation for GERD

More than one study has shown that GERD and heartburn involve psychological factors. If you eat when you are rushed, that psychological "rush" can prompt GERD. If you allow yourself to think about negative matters while you eat, your negative psychological attitude can trigger GERD. If you are angry or resentful toward someone at meal time, you may increase stomach acid, initiating GERD.

Psychological factors such as these cause your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to malfunction.

One study taught participants to relax their bodies and minds before eating. Those who did this had significantly lower GERD symptom ratings than who received a placebo. Researchers concluded that relaxation can be part of an effective treatment for GERD relief.

How can you relax? Find a relaxation tape or CD. Form a habit of listening to it before you eat. During your meal, limit all conversation to pleasant, positive topics. After your meal, listen to your tape or CD again.

The author is not a medical professional and presents the above information for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a physician if heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD persist.
©2007, Anna Hart. Anna herself lives with a husband who used to suffer heartburn frequently, and she empathizes with your problem. She invites you to read more of her articles about heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD at http://www.heartburnreliefblog.com. Anna continues to research and post additional information on that site. If you are eager to get more information about heartburn relief, please visit Anna now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart

Innovative Travel Mug

While searching for a good travel mug to accommodate my newly acquired obsession with tea, I came across the BRŨGO™ mug. I haven't actually tried this myself but was impressed by the concept and I also like the layout of the website.

Tea Brewing Tips

Generally speaking, loose-leaf tea brewed in a tea pot or cup infuser will taste the best. Here are some guidelines to get you started.

Step 1 - Use one heaping teaspoon of tea per 6-8 oz. of water.
Step 2 - Start with cold filtered water and heat it to just below the boiling point. Black tea actually doesn’t mind boiling water, but green and herbal teas don’t like it so hot. The leaves actually get cooked, which makes them taste, well, kind of dull and cooked.
Step 3 - Warm your tea pot or mug with a hot water rinse so the tea doesn’t immediately cool while steeping.
Step 4 – Cover the tea with the water and let it steep (1-4 minutes for green, 3-5 minutes for black and 10-15 minutes for herbal). The long steep time on herbal blends is especially important to ensure proper infusion of all the healthy good bits. For green and black teas, the main rule is to not over-steep since they are known to turn bitter and nasty in no time.

Tips provided by sassafras
    Monthly bloating and cramps can turn even the nicest girl nasty. We understand. That’s why this blend’s for you.

Herb Glossary
· Blueberries –excellent source of vitamin C; delicious!
· Chamomile –anti-inflammatory; aids digestion; relieves stress, anxiety, insomnia and headache
· Dandelion leaf –good source of iron and vitamins A & C; reduces water retention without depleting potassium; aids digestion
· Echinacea purpurea –strengthens immune system; antibacterial and antiviral
· Fennel seed –relieves intestinal gas; aids digestion
· Ginger root –antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; stimulates digestion and circulation; relieves nausea and headache
· Green tea –high polyphenol content with strong antioxidant properties; helps fight free radical damage caused by dietary and environmental toxins
· Hibiscus –good source of vitamin C; may lower blood pressure and cholesterol
· Lavender flower –relieves anxiety, stress, headache, and exhaustion; restorative
· Lemon balm –relieves digestive upset, intestinal gas, mild depression & headache; calming
· Lemongrass –aids digestion; promotes perspiration; relieves headache; pleasant, lemony flavor
· Licorice root –antiviral; anti-inflammatory; strengthens immune system; helps synthesize action of all other ingredients; adds natural sweetness
· Nettles –excellent source of digestible iron & calcium; reduces water retention; helps restore energy
· Orange peel –aids digestion; strengthens immune system; supplies vitamin C; adds sweet, bright flavor
· Passionflower –relieves mild anxiety and insomnia
· Peppermint –antiviral; relieves intestinal gas and cramping; oil and vapor act as nasal decongestant
· Raspberry leaf –good source of iron, calcium & potassium; tones uterine muscles to relieve cramping
· Skullcap –revitalizes central nervous system; relieves headaches and stress; offers mild pain relief

Green Tea vs. Oolong Tea Benefits

Comparing the Benefits of Tea Types
  Oolong tea is produced by allowing the tea leaves to oxidize for a short time after picking. Oxidation is the process which makes the leaves turn dark on exposure to oxygen.
  Oolong is semi-oxidized; black tea is fully oxidized; and green is un-oxidized.
  Fresh tea leaves are high in catechins. Processing the tea reduces these levels, so the more the tea is oxidized the lower the catechin levels. This means that white tea has the highest levels of catechins closely followed by green tea.
  Catechins are the media darling of green tea promoters and usually receive the most coverage when discussing the health benefits of tea. There is one point, however, which is often overlooked: As the levels of catechins decrease during oxidation, the levels of theaflavins and thearubigins increase.
  These two substances are found in higher concentrations in oolong and black tea than in green tea and have anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. A 2001 Chinese study indicated that the antioxidant properties of green tea and black tea are equal.
  So it appears that oxidation does not eliminate the health properties of tea, but simply reduces one type of antioxidant while increasing other health-promoting compounds.

Making a Case for Oolong Tea
  It is safe to say that all tea is good for you. Oolong in particular has been getting a lot of attention in medical literature. Consider the following
    ★ Diabetes - Oolong tea may be an effective adjunct to oral hypoglycemic agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
    ★ Eczema - Japanese researchers reported that patients with a form of eczema improved after drinking a liter of oolong tea daily.
    ★ Allergies - Two catechin derivatives (C-1 and C-2) with potent antiallergic activity were isolated from Taiwanese oolong tea.
    ★ Bacterial infections - Oolong tea polyphenols strongly inhibited the enzyme activities of some types of streptococci.
    ★ Cavities - Oolong tea polyphenolic compounds could be useful for controlling dental caries.
    ★ Obesity - Consumption of oolong tea stimulates both EE and fat oxidation in normal weight men.
    ★ Cancer - Oolong tea extract has a chemopreventive action against hepatocarcinogenesis.

· Wu-Long Tea ... Oolong Tea
· White Tea Benefits
· Black Tea: An Overview
· Health Benefits of Green Tea
· Pu-erh Tea
· Wu Yi Tea
· Rooibos Tea

VB Script Reference

Found this handy reference site for VB scripting today: http://www.w3schools.com/Vbscript/default.asp
There is an 'Examples' section on a lot of the pages with links that let you test out the code, this is very cool.

Using 'Run as...' w/Explorer

I finally found this information today on how to run Explorer as a user other than the one logged on. Very handy for administrators who don't like to log on with their full rights accounts. Hope someone out there finds this a useful as I do... :)

Posted Feb 27, 2008
I know this is an old thread, but in case someone else like me comes along later via search engine...

If you're running IE7 under WinXP, in order to run Windows Explorer with the runas command, it must be run as a separate process. A quick way to do this, without having to change your Folder Options settings, would be to run an instance of Explorer with the undocumented parameter /separate, like this:

runas /user:domain\username "explorer /separate"

...where domain is the domain name or local computer name of which username is a member.

Hope this helps.
Michael

Making a Glowing Neon Sign

Download YouTube Videos as MP4 Files

This article explains how to convert YouTube videos to MP4 files so they can be viewed in-world. Drag the little bookmarklet "Get You Tube video" to your links bar.

Here's a detailed video from Torley Linden