Saturday, August 18, 2012

Facebook Pivacy - A Major Concern For Millions of Members

According to Zuckerberg, Facebook was built for one simple reason - to allow people to share information with their friends and stay connected with them. By sharing selective information, Facebook developers theorized, the world would become more open and more connected.

But, privacy is an ongoing concern for the millions of members of the social networking website Facebook. Billionaire CEO Mark Zuckerberg has vowed to protect users privacy while still providing a rich experience.

Facebook Changes to Privacy Policy Facebook became more than just a hangout for college students, as new features were added to the site and as popularity grew. The website quickly became more focused on content and the photos, music and other information the members were adding. This increased activity and the large number of people who login to Facebook each day has led to a revised privacy model that reflect the changes and the evolution of one of the most popular websites on the Internet.

All of this sharing and connecting has evolved and Facebook is now giving more control to members by offering more options. When Facebook first started it was operated using a very simple concept and there were almost no features that enhanced the website. Including; no status updates, no photo albums and no message option and the only people who could use it were knowledgeable college students located in the United States. Only some of the basic information about each member was visible to everyone and the remainder of the profile information was visible to people in networks and to accepted friends.

Privacy settings were added that allow users to control who could see their information. Restrictions were added to police the way application
s could access personal information and now, only the content that is visible to everyone can be seen, unless permission is granted. Regional networks were phased out because they could not be controlled by the users. Facebook recommend users to be selective about the information they give access to. Real friends should see be the only people to see photos, email address, telephone number and contact information. Choose settings that let you decide what to show the world.  

Facebook recognizes that they have made a lot of changes and there were a lot of members who were not satisfied with these new features. The number one concern was the complicated way users had to navigate to control their information. Because of the complaints more changes were made that will make the controls simpler to use.

Founder: Mark Zuckerberg

Quit Facebook: May 31, 2010 was officially Quit Facebook Day around the world, due to privacy monitoring. http://www.quitfacebookday.com2 
Delete Account: Deactivating a Facebook account does not delete information - it is only hidden from view. http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-2000553 
Changes: Facebook made several changes to their privacy laws and privacy controls. http://blog.facebook.com/blog.php?post=3...4 
Got Facebook Questions?: Visit Facebook-Questions.com for Facebook news, answers and
discussions. http://www.facebook-questions.com
http://blog.facebook.com/blog.php?post=39192232713011

Is Makeup Good For Your Skin

When you wear conventional makeup and cosmetics on your skin, you are - literally - putting dozens and dozens of unnatural chemicals on your skin. And, these (harmful) chemicals are slowly absorbed into your skin through your pores.

When you consider what you are going to put on your skin and on your lips, you should ask yourself, "would I eat this?", because almost everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your precious bloodstream and some of these chemicals, in the long-run, can make you ill.

In some foundations, formaldehyde is present, as well as parabens which are used as preservatives in a lot of the so-called natural cosmetics because of the natural ingredients.

Lipstick and lip products contain petroleum, benzophenone and phenol which are not something that you want to be that close to your mouth. Do you?

It has been determined that phenol can cause diarrhea in some people and the benzophenone can cause hormonal problems in some people. The formaldehyde that is present in foundations is a skin irritant that can make your skin problems - that you are trying to cover up - much worse.

When you purchase cosmetics and other makeup, look for all natural ingredients that will do your skin some good, or at the least, ingredients that cause no harm. If you take really good care of your skin, watch what you eat, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and get an ample amount of exercise, you may not even need to cover your skin artificially.

What's in make up and other questions asked are about bacteria and how common is bacteria in your makeup. This is only part of the problem. The bacteria can easily be avoided with care and extra precautions concerning the handling and the length of time the cosmetics are kept in your cabinet. That can take care of the bacteria problem, the problem the chemical remains and the only way to get rid of this problem is to go without makeup or always use organic makeup and toiletries

Another concern are the animal products found in makeup. The collagen that is used in most makeup and skin care products is a gelatin like substance that is made by boiling the bones and the tendons of animals. This gel is then added to cosmetics and marketed to the public as the 'latest' in the research on the Fountain of Youth.

To easily make your skin beautiful without the need for artificial enhancements - massage olive oil into your skin every night and/or every morning. This routine will keep wrinkles away for a long time.

There are a lot of makeup that you can purchase that will not have you asking "is makeup good for your skin", because you will know that what you put on your is the best that nature has to offer. Is makeup good for skin? Some is, some most certainly isn't. What is makeup made of that you put on your skin, that eventually seeps into your body? Is makeup good for skin - Choose wisely.

UPDATE: The use of baby powder and other talcum powder has been linked to lung cancer and other lung related problems. The problem occurs when the powders are inhaled over a period of time. Limit or stop the use of powder on your children.


The use of finger nail polish has been linked to certain birth defects - time and time again. Inhaling the fumes is another downfall in the quest for beautiful nails. Pregnant women should avoid the fumes of nail polish at all times.

Makeup Safety Tips

Stop using so many products, the more products you use on your skin, the more chemicals you are putting directly on and into your body.

Read all labels even if it has Natural or Organic on the label. Read it. Even though they claim to be all natural, a lot of the beauty products with natural antioxidants - skin care products and cosmetics have some ingredients that are not good for your skin.

Opt for fragrance free products when ever you can. This is one sure way to cut down on a lot of the unnecessary chemicals.

Make sure your Skin Rejuvenation Treatment does not harm your skin. Read all of the ingredients before you use it. Some treatments contain ingredients that can cause adverse effects.

Eat Right to get naturally beautiful and glowing skin. A balanced meal goes a long way toward the condition of your skin.

Coupons For Cigars and Cigar Discounts

Cigar coupons can easily help save smokers a great deal of money on their cigar purchases. There ae printable cigar coupons and coupon codes available on several online coupon websites. 

Recently, price increases of tobacco products has skyrocketed the cost of cigarettes and cigars.  Coupons for cigars help smokers take advantage of a simple way to save.

Thompson Cigars is a popular brand that manufacture, distribute and sell top shelf cigars that can cost as much as $1,200 a box of 30, as well as discounted cigars for less than $1.00 each. 

Founded in Key West Florida in 1915, Thompson has regular specials that include discount shipping and a variety of cigar discounts during the year.

In order to receive ligitimate cigar coupons and before a purchase can be made, some stores and websites require proof of age with a valid photo I.D or a drivers license.  An electronic signature, which is legally binding, is required that verifies age and date of birth.

Where To Get Cigar Coupons
The retailers listed below have online and/or offline retail stores. Orders can be made in person, by telephone, mail or through the websites.

* Thompson Cigar Coupons|Thompson Cigar - Free shipping when when you join their mailing list. Also, get 10 percent off future orders. The outlet store has cigars for up to 80 percent off.

* Tinder Box - For a limited time, get $35.00 percent off a ''Mild Collection Sampler''. Ongoing sales offer as much as 65% off certain brands.

* The Cigar Store - Gift certificates are available along with on-going sales and exclusive offers.
Printable coupons for cigars require the imput of valid information, including date of birth and in some instances a copy of an identification card,  before printing is allowed. Coupon codes for cigars can be found on coupon websites.

Video :: How Cigars are Made : Wrapping a CigarMichael DeBoisbraind roll a cigar with instruction included. A long tobacco leaf is laid out on the table and DeBoisbraind, from ''Expert Village go through the entire process of rolling a cigar. Vegetable gum is used to adhere the beginning and end of the leaf. After trimming and more vegetable gum the intracacies are demonstrated and explained. A ''tuck cutter' is used to trim the round tip cover ebding with a rolled cigar ready for the store shelves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5toDvUFovGw

Types of Coupons
Online deals and bargains, coupons delivered by mail and instore sales.


http://www.smokes-spirits.com/Index.aspx/Cigars/opt/store/2
http://www.thompsoncigar.com/home.jsp
http://www.thecigarstore.com/aboutus.php

Thursday, August 16, 2012

How to Cook a Perfect Egg | How To Cook An Egg

 Eggs have been a favorite for breakfast for many years. They are also delicious for lunch, dinner and for a late night snack.

Not only are eggs quick and delicious, they are also a low calorie food – shelling out a mere 78 calories each.

Read below to learn how to cook a perfect egg.

How To Boil Hard Boil an Egg

To get eggs without the unsightly green layer – place cold eggs in a boiler with enough clod water to cover the top of the eggs.
Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil
Reduce the heat and simmer your eggs for five minutes for soft boiled
Simmer for 10 – 12 minutes for hard-boiled

How to Make an Omelet

In a small bowl, beat two eggs with two tablespoons of milk.
Add salt and pepper to suit your taste
Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium heat
Use a pat of butter or no-stick spray to coat your skillet
Slowly pour the beaten egg in the heated skillet
When the mixture begins to set around the edges – use a flat spatula to gently push the cooked egg toward the uncooked center
Tilt the skillet so that the uncooked egg from the center takes the place of the cooked egg on the around the edges
Repeat the process of coating the bottom with uncooked egg until everything is set
Add fillings to make the omelet extra delicious -- mushrooms, onions, green, red and/or yellow peppers, olives, tomato, spinach, cheese, black beans…

How To Make Scrambled Eggs

In a small bowl, beat two eggs with two tablespoons of milk (the milk is optional).
Add salt and pepper to suit your taste
Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium heat
Use a pat of butter or no-stick spray to coat your skillet
Slowly pour the beaten egg in the heated skillet
When the mixture begins to set around the edges – use a spatula t move the eggs across the bottom of the skillet
Continue to move the eggs across the bottom of the pan until the eggs are cooked through
If you are going to add ingredients to your eggs, add them before the eggs are completely cooked

Perfect Fried Egg
Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium heat
Use a pat of butter or no-stick spray to coat your skillet
Break two eggs in the heated skillet
Cook your egg until the edges are slightly crisp
Turn the egg over and cook until the edges are crisp and the yolk is done.

Be Healthy and Live Longer

Your diet plays a major role in your overall health. The almost dangerous - foods we eat as teenagers may not affect us as we eat them, but, as we get older the damage is more noticeable.

As we age, we are more prone to the after shocks of all of the manufactured and concocted foods we have eaten throughout our lives. Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your risks of getting any cancer(s). Put more anticancer foods and vitamins in your diet. Some people who lead an exemplary may still develop some cancer(s), based on their genetic makeup or for some other reasons that are not in their control.

Eat Raw Garlic and you will substantially reduce your chances of developing cancer. Studies show that eating garlic will stimulate your immune system. This decreases your chances of developing several cancers some of those are colon, prostate, bladder and esophageal cancer(s). Eat your garlic. If you find that you have offensive breath afterwards, increase you consumption of parsley. Add chopped parsley to every meal as a decorative touch and you will always have sweet fresh breath.

Drink Green Tea It is rich in antioxidants, it can help to decrease your risk of developing several different cancers. They include - breast, esophageal, pancreatic, colon and rectal cancer(s).

Don't Smoke! Smoking is by far the biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer. This risk factor is literally in your hands, you can do something about it. Over 45 million people choose to smoke. Smoking increases your chances of developing tongue, mouth, throat and bladder cancer(s) and smoking accounts for about 30 percent of all cancer deaths per year. Don't Smoke. Quit Smoking.

Avoid Second-Hand Smoke, second-hand smoke raises your risk of developing lung cancer. More than 3,000 lung cancer deaths are directly attributed to the inhalation of someone elses' smoke.

Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Daily Especially those high in vitamin C and beta-carotene like grapefruit, oranges, cabbage, mangoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnip greens...

Avoid Foods High in Saturated Fats Such as fried chicken, fried fish and any other deep fried foods, also avoid fatty cut of meat. Whenever possible trim the fat from your meats. Even if you are on a low carbohydrate diet, it is still o.k to trim you the non healthy fat from your meats.

Avoid Trans Fats They will kill you!

Eat Foods High in Fiber Such as whole-grain cereals, peas, lentils, corn, sweet potatoes, parsnips, pears, leafy greens and strawberries.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Start Your Own Business Without Spending a Lot of Money

Starting a small business is the dream of a lot of people but most people wonder where they will get the money to get started. For a lot of businesses it does not take thousands of dollars to get started.

Here are several businesses you can start on a shoestring budget.

Affiliate Programs - Make money using your website by putting links to other websites.

Business Plan Writer - Write a formal business plan that is to be presented to banks and other lending institutions.

Candle Maker  - Make candles that be sold at craft shows, flea markets, wholesale to stores and boutiques. Scented candles are very popular with the public and they sell well.

Child Care - Get the proper licenses and keep the neighborhood children in your home.

Flower Bed Planting Service - Beautify yards and gardens with plants that you grow and then sell to others.

Garage Sales - Many people are too busy to handle the details of a garage sale. You will go to the clients home, organize then price the items that are for sale.

Garden Designer and Consultant - Show your clients how to get the most from the plants or flowers that they choose.

Gift Baskets - Who doesn’t love a beautiful gift basket stuffed with delectable and charming goodies.

Greeting Card Designer - There is an explosion in the greeting card business that has is getting better every year. there is a market for almost every subject you can think of.

Herb Grower - Grow and sell fresh herbs in your own garden sell them to restaurants and other stores.

House Sitter - When people are out of town on business or vacation, you can take care of their property.

Interior Designer - Show clients how to decorate their homes by rearranging or redecorating.

Jewelry Designer - Design and create your own one-a-kind jewelry.

Newsletter Publisher - Create and publish monthly newsletters for your clients that give information and news about their business.

Party Planner - Whenever there is a party or event, big or small there was someone behind the scenes who organized the whole thing.

Personal Fitness Trainer - Go to homes and businesses teaching others how to correctly exercise and use weights, also about the importance of their nutritional choices.

Pet Sitter - Pet sit while the owners are at work or out of town. Keep the pet company, go for walks, feed and generally take care of the pet(s) during this time.

Plant and Flower Maintenance - Office buildings have a lot of greenery and someone need to take care of it.  Start a home-based business to take care of plants and flowers.

Recipe Sales - Sell that recipe that your family and friends rave about every time you serve it.

Resume Writing Service - Job hunters are everywhere and a lot of them do not have time to write a resume.

Reunion Planner - Get families together in style with your family reunion planning business.

Specialty Tutor - You can tutor people in the theme that is your specialty - computer knowledge, newsletter writing, piano, trombone classes, math, the English language, child care classes, business management… You can instruct one-on-one or you can instruct several people at once.

Stone Jewelry Designer - Design and create natural one-a-kind rings, necklaces, bracelets, belts and other pieces using polished stones.

Wedding Planner - Help new brides and grooms plan their dream wedding with assistance in the wedding and reception that follows.

Welcoming Service - Give newcomers a welcome package when they move into their new homes. Get paid from local businesses by including their business name and address as part of the welcome package.

Wreaths - Dried flower wreaths can be sold to friends, family, at flea markets, through your website on the web, mail order and through direct sales or by several other means.

Why Is My Hair Getting Thinner and What Can I Do About It?

There are may reasons why hair gets thinner and the problems of thinning hair affects more than 4.5 million American women - and even more men.

You hair is made up of layers:

  • The Cuticle - The top layer that you see is called the cuticle which is made up of dead skin cells that layer each other like shingles on a roof.

  • The Cortex - The middle layer is the cortex and it make up the bulk of the hair strand.

  • The Follicle - The follicle is that area of the scalp from which each individual hair grows. The smaller the size of the hole of the follicle, the thinner the hair will be. The larger the hole of follicle, the thicker the hair will be.
Here are some of the causes of thin and thinning hair:


  • Aging - Most people will face the problem of thinning hair as the years pass.
  • Hair Care Products - Too many hair care products piled on you hair can eventually cause harm to your hair. Using your curling iron and other heat styling products can cause your hair to break off and fall out resulting in the appearance of thinning hair.
  • Heredity - This can lead to a cycle where your hair follicles will shrink over time causing shorter and shorter hair growing cycles until -- coupled with natural hair loss -- there is hardly any hair left.
  • Hormones - Your hormones can affect you in much the same way as heredity. Your hormones can cause shrinking hair follicles, too rapid hair loss and shorter hair growing cycles.
  • Medical Conditions and Some Medications - Birth control, some anti-depressants, stress and childbirth can cause your hair to temporarily fall out or become thinner.
  • Poor Diet - What you eat can affect the way your hair look. A balanced diet will give you shiny healthy looking hair.
  • Too Tight Hair Styles - constantly wearing hairstyles that tug and pull your hair will eventually cause your hair to become thinner at the points of stress. Do not wear too tight ponytails or tightly braided hair on a regular basis.
Some solutions to stop your thinning hair:

  • If you think your thinning hair is caused by an illness or your medications, consult your doctor for some advice.
  • Be aware of your hair styles, make sure your hair is not pulled too tightly
  • Use products that are for “thin hair” or products that will add volume to your hair.
  • If you wear weave in your hair, stop wearing it for a few months. When you sew and glue weave in your hair you are causing severe damage to your scalp and hair follicles that may make your hair irreversibly damaged.
  • Put some onion water or garlic water on your hair. Chop onion or garlic and put it in a little water. Put it on your scalp an hour before you wash your hair. Do this only if you do not have chemicals in your hair.
  • Apply olive oil to your hair and put a plastic cap or bag on for an hour or so then shampoo and condition your hair.
  • Keep your hair clean and moisturized
  • Eat a well balanced diet with sufficient ‘good’ oil included to give your hair much needed nutrients.
  • Leave your hair alone for a while, constantly combing and styling it causes breakage.
100% shea butter used as a thinning hair treatment will give your hair strength and shine.

Halloween Safety Tips For Your Pet

 It is a lot of fun to get your pet all dressed up for Halloween, but there are some safety issues you need to consider.

Here are some tips for your pet this Halloween.

  • Do not give your dog Chocolate because chocolate will make your dog ill. Very ill.
  • If your pet is going to wear a costume, put it on him/her before the big night. If you wait until the last minute, you may find that your precious pet is totally uncomfortable - and refuse to cooperate.
  • Do not obstruct the eyes, this will cause great distress.
  • Do not take your pet out on an empty stomach. The aromas of the all of the delicious goodies may cause a few problems with behavior.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Get Better Test Scores

If you want to get better test scores on your next test - study on an empty stomach. According to Nature Neuroscience, if we study while we are hungry, the hormone ghrelin is released and it stimulates the part of the brain area that is linked to learning and memory.

The release of this hormone can possibly give you more accurate recall during your test and this can lead to higher test scores.


Your meal should be saved until after you have finished your studies. And to add icing on the cake, it is recommended that you indulge yourself with a sinful dessert.

Should I Buy the Extended Warranty?

When you purchase a new car or automobile, you are already paying big money and you are probably not in the mood to talk about spending even more money. As with most automobile dealerships, the extras that are offered with your automobile purchase are usually over priced and it is not hard to find a better price if you just look.

Most extras - such as window tinting, CD and/or DVD player, paint protection, AM FM radio - can be purchased after you buy your automobile at a much lower price.

Even the added cost of professional installation is lower than the cost at the auto dealership and you can save as much as 50% off of the cost.
Some auto dealerships will add extras before the auto goes to the showroom floor and include these in the purchase price.

If you do not want these extras you can insist they be removed or you can ask the dealer to sell them to you at the fair price. Most [if not all] of these extra items come with an extended warranty and extended automobile warranties are included in the purchase price. If you read the fine print in the paperwork - you will see if your new car purchase has an auto extended warranty included in the purchase price.

How Much Water Do You Really Need To Drink During Your Workout?


To calculate how much water you really need to drink during your workout routine, you need to weigh yourself right before a routine that lasts for at least, one hour. During this test, you should drink water as you normally would but keep an accurate account of the number of ounces you drink. After you finish, weigh yourself again and compare the two weight numbers. Multiply the difference - if you weighed more after the workout - by 15.3 and add that number to the number of ounces of water that you drank. For example: Before the workout you weighed 133.5
After the workout you weighed 133.7
You gained 0.2 ounces
Multiply
15.3
x 0.2
______
3.06
You drank 5 ounces of water, so you should add:
5.00
3.06
_______
8.06

This (8.06) is the number of ounces you should drink during your strenuous workout routine. If you gain (water) weight during your workout, you are drinking too much and you need to find out how much water you really need to drink. Go to www.usalf.org for more information and a greater understanding.
Drinking too much water can be hazardous to your health and you should take precautions to make sure you do not fall victim to this misunderstood health hazard. This information may help you learn how to lose water retention if you learn that you are drinking too much water every day.

If I Eat Too Much Chocolate Will My Face Break Out?

Contrary to popular belief, consuming too much chocolate does not cause your skin to break out.

But it does so much more damage to your entire body that is even more harmful.

Recent studies show that when a diet is loaded with sweets and sugary snacks, this will eventually lead to dull, wrinkled and old looking skin.

When you eat too much sugar, the extra sugar molecules will attach themselves to the protein in your bloodstream, this unnatural attachment causes a new configuration to form in your blood. This new configuration will - over time - destroy the flexibility and the density of the connective protein in your skin -- called collagen.

Sugar (no matter how much or how little) also causes inflammation, and the inflammation puffs your skin and the constant puffing and deflating of your skin will leave you looking old and tired before your time. (Add the diet stuffed with sweets to smoking, excessive alcohol consumption (which also has a lot of sugar in it) and that deep constant tan, you will soon have to change your name to Prune-etta or Prune-etto.)
The good chocolate health benefits are destroyed when there is a high sugar content.

Should I Buy the Mobile Phone Extended Warranty?

Should I Buy the Mobile Phone Extended Warranty?

When you get your new cell phone, you have an option to buy a replacement agreement that will get you a replacement phone if yours is lost, stolen or if it is damaged. The cost of this replacement agreement is typically around $5.00 per month plus a deductible of $35.00 to $50.00, which will get you a new phone plus it covers the cost of your accessories.


This coverage will come in handy if you are constantly dropping your phone, or if you sometimes have to rush back to a store to retrieve it.
Over charging your cell phone is one way to cause damage - over time - to your cell phone battery and your cell phone.

Everyday, hundreds if not thousands of people leave behind, loose, or damage their phone(s). But, if you are careful and you get a new phone every couple of years, the extra coverage will be better spent elsewhere.

If you know you are the careless type, get the coverage, especially if you walk around with your phone in your hand and if you have lost or misplaced a cell phone before.

On My Taxes - Can I Deduct My Live-in Maid?

You cannot deduct the salary of your live-in maid but you can deduct portions of the salary when it is appropriate.

Entertaining at home is one way to deduct a portion of his/her salary. If you entertain guests in your home and your live-in maid is working for the get-together. The hours worked can be deducted when you file your taxes.

This same amount of his/her Social Security taxes would also be deductible.

Check the laws in your State.

What Are Pheromones|What Are The Benefits of Pheromones


Pheromones are natural chemical scents the body produce in order to communicate with others nearby.

For years, these natural scents have been well documented in the animal kingdom as the force that controls all of the animals' behavior, including mating. More recently, scientists have found that human behavior is also heavily influenced by these invisible airborne chemicals.

Scientists have long known that odors and subliminal scents influence how animals develop, mate, bond, and nurture their offspring. Recently, scientists discovered that human are no exception to this powerful scent. Odors can accelerate puberty, control women's menstrual cycles, and even influence your particular 'orientation'. They help us tell our lover and family members from strangers and let mothers and infants form a strong loving bond. Odors affect how often we have submit to attractions, and with whom. They influence how the brain develops, what we remember, and how we learn. (James Kohl - Researcher)
  You can expect a lot from high quality concentrated Phero products like Primal Instinct, AFA, SOE and The Edge etc. It just takes a little while to get good at "using" them. Some companies say you begin to see results slowly over time. I think that may be true, but the reason is that pheromones are more of a tool than a magic wand. You have to learn to work with them. What you have there is a top of the line tennis racket. It takes practice to make the most of it.
From Love-Scent.com

Sunday, August 12, 2012

You May Be Allergic to That Gold Necklace


If you wear gold jewelry most of the time and you can't understand that itchy feeling around your neck and wrist area, you may be allergic to the metals in your necklace and bracelet. 

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, after examining almost 4,000 people found that nearly 25% of them were allergic to the gold and nickel in fashion jewelry.  this allergic reaction can cause itching, redness and/or a rash. 

 If you have an allergy to gold or nickel, you can always find some very fashionable sterling silver jewelry to wear instead.

Fly the Friendly Skies but Watch What You Drink


 The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) tested hundreds of domestic and foreign airplanes and found coliform bacteria in the gallery and/or in the bathroom water of nearly 15% of those tested.  Even though coliform bacteria itself is not likely to make you ill, the findings do make it clear that there is the possibility that other more devastating bacteria, such as E. coli - which causes diarrhea in people with a compromised immune system – may be present.  Now the EPA has developed guidelines for the water used in airplanes in the USA. 

The guidelines will help with the problem but there is still a chance that there are some types of bacteria I the water and in other areas.  The safest thing you can do is to choose canned beverages and bottled water.  It is best to avoid coffee and tea to be on the safe side 

Choosing the Right Real Estate Broker

How To Choose a Real Estate Broker

You should start searching for a broker as soon as you decide to buy a home.
Talk to as many brokers as you can, and then choose someone you think you'll be comfortable working closely with.

Many of your friends and relatives have probably bought and sold their homes through a broker.  Ask them several questions about who they used and what their experiences were.

You can find out which brokers specialize in the kind of home or the area that you need by choosing the type of broker that suits your needs.

When you talk to prospective brokers, ask questions about the areas and types of homes in which you're interested.

Do they seem knowledgeable?
Most important, is their personal style a good fit with your own?
The end result is -- You will find someone to help through the process of purchasing or selling your home and in any other financial need that you have.

Use these same tips when you want to know how to choose a life insurance broker or a if you want to know how to choose a stock broker.

The same rules - and more - apply when you are looking for a commercial real estate broker.

Chrysanthemums In The Garden

Chrysanthemums come in lots of different colors, styles and sizes and you are sure to find a color combination to suit your color scheme. Some are small like little buttons while some are big balls with luscious petals, that look a lot like a Daisy. They show their blooms from mid to late August on through October. The late season blooms add color to your garden when it seems as if everything is over.

Put your plants in full sun in soil that has good drainage and make sure you fertilize at least once each month during the growing season. When your plants have new shoots that are at least six inches long, you should pinch them back to promote more shoots and stronger branches.

Every other Spring you should divide your chrysanthemums to get your new plants. Plant the new plants in full sun in well-drained soil.

Here are some more Chrysanthemum growing tips;

When you buy your plants, look for healthy and free of visible damage.
Don't plant your plants too close together. Chrysanthemums need good circulation.
At the end of June, pinch your plant shoots back. You will get bigger better blooms.
Do not let your plants experience freezing weather. Protect them during the winter months with a covering of mulch.
Provide proper drainage or your plants may drown and/or develop root rot.

Bearded Iris

The blooms of the Bearded Iris will appear in the spring, in May, and they are usually high maintenance plants that require well-drained soil and they should be planted in an area that is well ventilated. If they are not planted in the proper soil with adequate ventilation, the plants may develop foliage diseases.

The stems - which are called rhizomes - are thick and brown at the soil surface and they can be divided in July to get more exceptional Bearded Iris plants next season. Make sure you plant them in a location that has full sun to ensure proper growth.

Since the lavish Bearded Iris blooms in the Spring, it should be planted in an area that will hide the dead foliage when you get your summer blooms.

They work well in the middle or near the back of garden plans.

Asters... Beautiful Year After Year

Different Types of Asters

Asters come in a variety of beautiful colors - there are pinks, blues, white and there are many varieties of each color. On many country roadsides you can see natures' talent in a colorful display of a variety of naturally beautiful Asters.

Fall asters bloom in the fall - as the name implies - and they come in a variety of sizes and colors. The short varieties can be used as border flowers and around edges while the tall varieties can be used as the impressive background for other plants and flowers or against your house or garage to give added beauty and elegance in those areas.

Plant your Asters in full sun, as they prefer, but some will bloom brightly in partial sun. Asters grow rather rapidly so you will need to stake the tall varieties and you should pinch your plants back in the early summer to reduce the need for stakes. Pinching will also give your plants stronger branches and produce more flowers for you to enjoy.

Divide your big plant clumps in the spring of each year to make more and more, as well as stronger plants for the next season.

Aster Alma Potschke - Also known as the Aster novae-angliae, displays a beautiful bright neon rose pink daisy-like flower that are about quarter-sized. The flowers blooms in early fall to frost. It is a major attractor to butterflies and bees. µAlma Potschke¦ is best planted in masses, borders and natural areas. Aster Alma Potschke makes an excellent container plant or front of the garden feature and looks great with ornamental grasses.

Professer Kippenburg Aster - The Aster Professor Kippenburg, Aster novae-angliae, has beautiful vivid purple daisy-like flowers that cover the plant. Aster Professor Kippenburg does require full sun, but can take some afternoon shade, in a moderate soil range with good drainage that does not become extremely dry during the summer. Aster Professor Kippenburgs make an excellent container plant or front of the garden feature and looks great with ornamental grasses.

Purple Dome Aster - The Aster Purple Dome, Aster novae-angliae, has beautiful vivid purple daisy-like flowers that cover the plant. Aster Purple Dome does require full sun, but can take some afternoon shade, in a moderate soil range with good drainage that does not become extremely dry during the summer. Aster Purple Dome makes an excellent container plant or front of the garden feature and looks great with ornamental grasses.

Woods Blue Aster - The Aster Woods Blue, Aster x dumosus, is a lavender blue daisy-like flower blooming from August through September. With its perfectly clean, compact, dark green, disease resistant and rust free foliage. Aster Woods Blue makes an excellent container plant or front of the garden feature and looks great with ornamental grasses. Woods Blue is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds and looks beautiful all season long.

Woods Pink Aster - The Aster Woods Pink, Aster x dumosus, has clear pink flowers with gold centers and daisy-like flowers blooming August through September. With its perfectly clean, compact, dark green, disease resistant and rust free foliage. Aster Woods Pink makes an excellent container plant or front of the garden feature and looks great with ornamental grasses. Woods Pink is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds and looks beautiful all season long.

Woods Purple Aster - The Aster µWoods Purple¦, Aster x dumosus, is a purple daisy-like flower blooming August through September. With its perfectly clean, compact, dark green, disease resistant and rust free foliage. Aster Woods Purple makes an excellent container plant or front of the garden feature and looks great with ornamental grasses. Woods Purple is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds and looks beautiful all season long.

Sapphire Aster - The Aster Sapphire, Aster x dumosus, a Proven Winners selection, has large, fluffy, lilac blue flowers with yellow centers blooming August through September. With its perfectly clean, compact, dark green, disease resistant and rust free foliage. Aster Sapphire makes an excellent container plant or in front of the garden feature and looks great with ornamental grasses. Sapphire is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds and looks beautiful all season long.

The Asian Beetle

Brought here from Asia about 15 years ago, the Asian Lady Beetle closely resemble the lady bugs that we are used to seeing. They were brought here to help control aphids and I guess they decided to stay here in the Land of the Free. They do not spread disease and they do not bite, they just give a little irritating pinch to your skin.

During the Summer the Asian Lady Beetles usually do not pose a problem (maybe the aphids think they are a problem). When winter arrives, they like to move into your home and take up residence.

How To Get Rid Of Asian Lady Beetle - The easiest way is to vacuum them up by turning off the lights in the room and then turning on one back on. When they gather around the light, you can use your vacuum to suck them up.
When you get an Asian lady beetle on you, do not smash it because they give off a bad odor and they are filled with a fluid that can cause stains.