After numerous rounds of "We don't know if Osama Bin Laden is still alive", Osama decided to personally send President Bush a letter in his own handwriting to let him know he was "still in the game".
Mr. Bush opened the letter, which contained a single line of "coded" message:
370HSSV-0773H
Mr. Bush was baffled, so he sent copies to his Chief of Staff, and several Secretaries, including Condi Rice and Donald Rumsfeld. Their assistants and aides had no clue as to the meaning or translation of the code, so it was sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, then to the CIA and also to NASA. With no clue to the translation, they eventually asked Israel's MOSAD for help.
Within a minute, MOSAD cabled the White House with this reply:
"Tell the President he is holding the message upside down."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Single and Sad - 5 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues
If you're single and not in a romantic relationship, the holiday season can be lonely and depressing. But it doesn't have to be that way. By taking a few simple steps, you can find happiness and fulfillment instead of emotional stress. Here are five common sense ways to beat the holiday blues.
Get checked
Depression is one of life's most under-reported illnesses. You may think you feel down only because your needs are unmet, but it's very possible your sadness may come from a chemical imbalance in your body. See your doctor well before the holidays and tell her all your symptoms. New anti-depressant medications can make a world of difference. Don't fall for the myth that depression is something to be ashamed of. It's not. Also, be aware that medication may take two to three weeks to improve your well-being, so give it a chance to work.
Get real
All those joyous parties and family reunions you see on TV and in magazine ads? They're largely a fantasy, created to entertain and sell things. If your expectations for holiday fun are unrealistically high, you're bound to be disappointed. You'll enjoy the season much more if you don't expect every day to be a heartwarming, love-filled experience. Many people feel let down because their life doesn't measure up to somebody else's notion of what the holidays should be like. Be realistic. Dial down your expectations and you'll feel more relaxed and satisfied.
Get involved
It may sound like a cliche to say "It's better to give than to receive," but there is a lot of truth in that old saying. Instead of lamenting that you aren't in a relationship and aren't getting special presents from a romantic partner, see what you can do to brighten up someone else's life. Many charities need new toys for children. You'll get a terrific feeling as you shop for them and when you drop them off. Rather than sitting around moping about your disappointment, find an organization where you can volunteer. Getting your mind off yourself and onto helping others will do wonders to raise your spirits.
Get grateful
Often you can turn things around simply by counting your blessings. All of us can find things to be thankful for, if only a steady job and a decent place to live. Ultimately, your happiness during the holidays as well as the rest of the year depends on the attitude you choose--and it is a choice. Besides improving your own disposition, a positive, cheerful attitude will make you more attractive to the opposite sex! There's something intriguing about a person who is confident and upbeat. You'll get invited more places, have more friends, and find more opportunities if you're a positive person who's fun to be around. Some days you may have to force yourself to feel hopeful, but you'll soon find that it's so much more pleasurable than the alternative. Don't expect others to cheer you up. Overhaul your attitude and do it yourself.
Get determined
Sometimes you just have to get fed up enough to say, "That's it! I'm going to do whatever it takes to change things." If you don't want to spend any more holidays alone, get fired up enough to do something about it. Use an online dating service. Tell your matchmaking friends and relatives. Get out more to increase your chances of finding someone to date. Make it your top New Year's resolution to get into a fulfilling relationship. Stop waiting for life to happen to you and be proactive. Assertive people make things happen. If you set a goal and pour all your intelligence and creativity into it, life will suddenly get very exciting. Whether it's a romantic relationship or any other accomplishment, determination and perseverance will eventually make it come to pass.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Joke Of The Day-Tuesday,September 27,2011
Two factory workers are talking. The woman says, "I can make the boss give me the day off."
The man replies, "And how would you do that?"
The woman says, "Just wait and see." She then hangs upside-down from the ceiling.
The boss comes in and says, "What are you doing?"
The woman replies, "I'm a light bulb."
The boss then says, "You've been working so much that you've gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off."
The man starts to follow her and the boss says, "Where are you going?"
The man says, "I'm going home, too. I can't work in the dark."
The man replies, "And how would you do that?"
The woman says, "Just wait and see." She then hangs upside-down from the ceiling.
The boss comes in and says, "What are you doing?"
The woman replies, "I'm a light bulb."
The boss then says, "You've been working so much that you've gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off."
The man starts to follow her and the boss says, "Where are you going?"
The man says, "I'm going home, too. I can't work in the dark."
How to get rid of acne !
Acne is a broad term covering blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Even though acne is more known to be a problem amongst teenagers, who are experiencing puberty and experience oiler skin, this condition can strike at any age. While there are many preventative measures you can take to avoid acne, here's how to treat existing acne.
Unclog your pores with salicylic acid. Acne begins to form when pores get clogged with a "plug" of keratin and sebum. Salicylic acid loosens the plug by softening the keratin (it's a keratolytic). Make sure you use sunblock simultaneously, however, because salicylic acid makes your skin more sensitive to UV light.
Kill the bacteria that aggravates acne. Bacteria naturally occurs on your skin and throughout your body; one such bacterium is Propionibacterium acnes, which is normally harmless. When your pores get clogged, however, more of these bacteria start to grow in there, producing chemicals that break down the wall of the pore and play a big role in the formation of what we recognize is a pimple.By wiping out these bacteria, you can also get rid of acne. Here are some ways to do that:
Use a gel, cream, or soap containing benzoyl peroxide twice a day. Benzoyl peroxide is a "bactericide" that's particularly effective against Propionibacterium acnes. The drawback is that it often irritates your skin, resulting in dryness and redness, so you should supplement this treatment with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. If your skin still gets irritated, use a product with a lower concentration. Also be careful when using it, as benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric and hair.Look for products with triclosan or chlorhexidine gluconate, which also kill Propionibacterium acnes. They are less effective than benzoyl peroxide, but they are gentler on your skin.
Clove oil has also been shown to be effective against Propionibacterium acnes.
Look for treatments with sulfur and sodium sulfacetamide as their active ingredients. This combination (in concentrations of 5% and 10% respectively) has been shown to reduce acne with only mild side effects.While the exact way in which sulfur reduces acne is unknown, it is known to be a keratolytic, like salicylic acid.
Be consistent and patient. Most acne treatments take time to work. It usually takes between two and eight weeks before you see any significant improvement, so you are going to have to maintain a routine.
Acne medications may cause your skin to initially break out worse than before because all FDA-approved acne medications (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur) cause your skin to regenerate faster. This brings existing acne pimples already under your skin (but not visible yet) to the surface, which in turn causes a massive but fortunately temporary break out. Give the medications time to work and stick with them through this potentially discouraging phase.
Acne medications may cause your skin to initially break out worse than before because all FDA-approved acne medications (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur) cause your skin to regenerate faster. This brings existing acne pimples already under your skin (but not visible yet) to the surface, which in turn causes a massive but fortunately temporary break out. Give the medications time to work and stick with them through this potentially discouraging phase.
If you're going to pop your pimples, learn how to pop them correctly. The reason you're not supposed to pop pimples is that anytime you deliberately break your skin, you risk creating a scar or infection through the break in the skin. If a pimple appears in a particularly bothersome place, learn how to target a single pimple. But if you're determined to pop, learn how to do so safely and properly
Consult a dermatologist. There are many effective treatments which are only available with a prescription, since the side effects can be harmful. For example, mild antibiotics can help reduce acne but its overuse (taking antibiotics when you really don't need them or for something they don't treat) and misuse (not taking medication for the specified amount of time) can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria (which translates into especially stubborn, untreatable acne).
Apply topical acne treatment.
Apply crushed-up aspirin to your acne. Grind up aspirin tablets and add water to make a paste. Apply it to your acne spot, leave it on overnight, and wash it off in the morning.
Alternatively, applying lemon, lime and potato wedges to your acne spots may also improve your skin.
Use toothpaste as a last resort. Apply a small dab to the acne spot, leave it on overnight, and wash it off in the morning. Some toothpastes contain ingredients that help eliminate acne (e.g., menthol and alcohol), but others can actually irritate it further, so be careful before you attempt this method.
- Toothpaste can act as a mask, drawing impurities out of the skin. It may also dry the skin lightly as it does so, which can reduce the size of a pimple.
- If you are susceptible to dry skin, don't use toothpaste. Menthol and alcohol can easily dry the skin too much, leading to further irritation of the face.
- Look for standard toothpastes that are not gels and contain minimal additives. Natural or organic toothpastes should be your best bet.
TIPS:
- While it's true that UV light can be effective against acne (particularly against bacteria) it is also effective in creating skin cancer and wrinkles! So don't use tanning as acne treatment (especially in combination with salicylic acid!). There is a form of phototherapy that is effective against acne without exposing your skin to UV rays.Ask your dermatologist about it.
- Also make sure to change your pillowcase every couple of days. Dirt, oil and germs stick to pillowcases just like they would to a paper towel. And since you spend a third of your day with your face on that fabric, you definitely want it to be clean.
- Wash your face after extensive sweating, after you wake up, and before going to bed. If medicated acne washes dry your out your skin, use water only.
- Avoid oil-based makeup and skin products. If you have acne on your back, wear breathable, loose fabrics.
- Try changing your diet and cutting out junk food, sugar, and white carbohydrates.
- Keep hair off your face.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Joke Of The Day-Monday,September 26,2011
Once upon a time there were two muffins in the microwave. Suddenly, one of the muffins says:
"Man it's hot in here!!!!"
The other muffin exclaims,
"Look a talking muffin!!!!"
Pierciengs and tatoos :-s
Piercings and tattoos are body decorations that go back to ancient times. Body piercing involves making a hole in the skin so that you can insert jewelry. This is often in the earlobe, but can be in other parts of the body. Tattoos are designs on the skin made with needles and colored ink. Permanent makeup is a type of tattoo.
The health risks of piercings and tattoos include
- Allergic reactions
- Keloids, a type of scar that forms during healing
- Infections, such as hepatitis
Holes from piercing usually close up if you no longer wear the jewelry. It is possible to remove tattoos, but it's painful and can cause scarring.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
How music affects your mood
The right song can calm, inspire or energize you. Learn how to use music to influence your mind and boost your mood.
Music is a powerful phenomenon that transcends language, culture, gender and age. It can slip into your mind and alter your mood -- for better or for worse -- with its harmony, rhythm, lyrics, melody, timbre and pitch. Together, these musical elements create an intense and profound emotional reaction.
"Music is auditory, emotional and motoric," writes renowned New York neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks in his book Musicophilia (Knopf, 2007). "We keep time to it, involuntarily, even if we are not consciously attending to it and our faces and postures mirror the 'narrative' of the melody and the thoughts and feelings it provokes."
Michelle Lawrence, a music therapist with the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) in British Columbia agrees. "Music affects us whether we know it or not. It is around us all the time. You have commercials, television, and music is specifically placed to create emotion, to make you feel something, to make you purchase something."
How music affects and afflicts your mood
Studies have shown that different types of music can have different effects on mood. Grunge rock, for instance, can increase hostility, tension and sadness. Country music can lead to depression. Classical has the power to uplift.
Michelle Lawrence, a music therapist with the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) in British Columbia agrees. "Music affects us whether we know it or not. It is around us all the time. You have commercials, television, and music is specifically placed to create emotion, to make you feel something, to make you purchase something."
How music affects and afflicts your mood
Studies have shown that different types of music can have different effects on mood. Grunge rock, for instance, can increase hostility, tension and sadness. Country music can lead to depression. Classical has the power to uplift.
Musical group REM's song Shiny Happy People can energize with its quick tempo, lively beat and bright tonal colours; Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik can relax with its slow tempo, smooth flowing rhythms and even pulse. While music's tempo can directly affect your mood, music affects everyone in different ways.Get personal with music
"I firmly believe that personal preference has to play a role in it," says Dr. Johanne Brodeur, the head of music therapy at the VCM. "I'm not saying if you play hard rock music it's going to put you to sleep, but it doesn't have to be Bach or Handel. Just something you enjoy listening to that will be soothing to you."
Music has many goals, Brodeur points out, from promoting relaxation and strengthening self-esteem to managing anxiety and expanding your ability to express yourself. "The goals are endless. You just have to decide what's right for you."
"I firmly believe that personal preference has to play a role in it," says Dr. Johanne Brodeur, the head of music therapy at the VCM. "I'm not saying if you play hard rock music it's going to put you to sleep, but it doesn't have to be Bach or Handel. Just something you enjoy listening to that will be soothing to you."
Music has many goals, Brodeur points out, from promoting relaxation and strengthening self-esteem to managing anxiety and expanding your ability to express yourself. "The goals are endless. You just have to decide what's right for you."
Make music work for you
"We can use music to help a lot with our mood in a more powerful way than what people may be doing," says Lawrence. If you're feeling upset, for example, she suggests matching a piece of music to your mood, but then slowly adding in some happier songs.
You can also use music as a nighttime ritual to help you relax, or create a playlist that keeps you motivated during a long run. Of the latter, Dr. Costas Karageorghis, a sport psychologist at Brunel University in London and head of the Music in Sport Research Group, has found that some of the benefits of running with music include its positive effects on mood, its ability to make you feel more alert and its ability to distract from your task and thereby reduce your rate of perceived exertion, or how hard you feel you've worked.
"We can use music to help a lot with our mood in a more powerful way than what people may be doing," says Lawrence. If you're feeling upset, for example, she suggests matching a piece of music to your mood, but then slowly adding in some happier songs.
You can also use music as a nighttime ritual to help you relax, or create a playlist that keeps you motivated during a long run. Of the latter, Dr. Costas Karageorghis, a sport psychologist at Brunel University in London and head of the Music in Sport Research Group, has found that some of the benefits of running with music include its positive effects on mood, its ability to make you feel more alert and its ability to distract from your task and thereby reduce your rate of perceived exertion, or how hard you feel you've worked.
Choose the right music for you
Although music is a personal choice, Brodeur invites you to open yourself up to something new -- and to react in whatever way you see fit. "Try new things just to realize the freedom it gives you, she explains. "If you want to sing, if you want to play, if you want to tap, that's OK. Let it go. Engage yourself in the music process."If you're looking for some new music or just a reminder of what's available, here are some artists to get you in the mood.
Music to inspire: When Marsha Moshinsky, an assistant negotiator at Indian and Northern Affairs in Toronto, needs a pick-me-up she turns to Mexican singer-songwriter Fernando Delgadillo. "His songs are often forward looking, about moving on, making effective change," she says. "It makes me want to go out there and do things for the better." Also try: Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Bach, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie.Music to relax to: When Catherine Wood, a radio announcer in St. Lazare, Que., needs some down time she looks to Norah Jones. "She has a beautiful voice and her songs are just so calming." Also try: Enya, Dido, Erik Satie, Chris Isaak, Vivaldi.
Music to energize you: For Karen Reppin, an ESL instructor in Vancouver, British blues artist Joan Armatrading is the singer she listens to after a long or difficult day. "What I like most is the composition, how the instruments mesh so well into a melody. When I feel drained of energy, she's a good one to turn to." Also try: Squirrel Nut Zippers, Black Eyed Peas, Mozart, Benny Goodman, Fela Kuti.
Although music is a personal choice, Brodeur invites you to open yourself up to something new -- and to react in whatever way you see fit. "Try new things just to realize the freedom it gives you, she explains. "If you want to sing, if you want to play, if you want to tap, that's OK. Let it go. Engage yourself in the music process."If you're looking for some new music or just a reminder of what's available, here are some artists to get you in the mood.
Music to inspire: When Marsha Moshinsky, an assistant negotiator at Indian and Northern Affairs in Toronto, needs a pick-me-up she turns to Mexican singer-songwriter Fernando Delgadillo. "His songs are often forward looking, about moving on, making effective change," she says. "It makes me want to go out there and do things for the better." Also try: Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Bach, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie.Music to relax to: When Catherine Wood, a radio announcer in St. Lazare, Que., needs some down time she looks to Norah Jones. "She has a beautiful voice and her songs are just so calming." Also try: Enya, Dido, Erik Satie, Chris Isaak, Vivaldi.
Music to energize you: For Karen Reppin, an ESL instructor in Vancouver, British blues artist Joan Armatrading is the singer she listens to after a long or difficult day. "What I like most is the composition, how the instruments mesh so well into a melody. When I feel drained of energy, she's a good one to turn to." Also try: Squirrel Nut Zippers, Black Eyed Peas, Mozart, Benny Goodman, Fela Kuti.
And don't forget about the power of silence. "Sometimes we need silence," says Brodeur. "We don't have to fill the space all the time. It's OK to not do anything, to just sit and reflect or go for a walk."
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