Archive for June, 2008

How To Get Attention, or: ‘As You Read This, You Feel an Irresistible Urge to Go On Reading!’

Auto Date Saturday, June 28th, 2008

We all want attention. As children we crave the attention of our parents. Later in life, we want to be seen and noticed by friends and family. And when running most any type of business, we must attract the attention of our potential customers.

But how do you get somebody’s undivided attention? When you were an infant, you got attention by screaming and crying. Then your parents knew you needed your diapers changed. As an adult, you can try using the same method to get noticed. Sure, you will get noticed - but in a negative way!

On the Internet, every website that is selling something has the need to be attention-grabbing within seconds; to make the visitors read about their offer rather than just clicking away. Some are then tempted to use the infant method of getting attention: screaming and yelling.

Popup-windows that pop up in your face and obscure the page text you’re just trying to read, is one example. Flash-generated intro’s that stop you in your tracks and say “Heeey, wait - before you read about our products I’ve got this f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c visual effect to show you…!” is another example of attention-grabbing contraptions that actually defeat their own purpose. They visually yell and scream at you, and draw your attention to the fact that you’d better spend your precious time somewhere else.

Then there is the type of web page that plays some sound effect the moment you arrive. Either it is a piece of music (always just the kind you hate!) or a recorded sales pitch.

Oh yes, then there is the Blinking Text… which blinks at frantic pace, just right to trigger an epileptic seizure.

One of my websites is called “The Hosting Finder”. Primarily, it offers some reviews of carefully selected web hosting companies. I am not selling anything on this website, and so I do not feel it would be appropriate to use a hard-selling jargon in my introductory headline. Right now, it reads:

Finding a Web Hosting Provider That Will Take Good Care of Your Precious Web
Pages … Can Be Confusing

(I then explain how I researched the web to find good hosting services based on un-biased customer ratings rather than hype.)

Recently, a marketing consultant offered to look at this website and give me some feedback at no cost. I accepted, and after checking my landing page he declared the headline to be “generic and bland”. Instead, he suggested the following:

Want An Objective ‘Client Feedback’ Guide To Help You Find A 100% Trustworthy, Inexpensive, And Complete Web Hosting Service Provider (Based On Survey Results, Not Marketing Propaganda) — With All The Options You Need To Run Your Web Site Smoothly And Successfully?

Avoid The Hosting Nightmare Of Trying To Keep Your Site Live And Running Smoothly… Stop Wasting Time And Money In Costly Bad Service

In my reply, I thanked him for his trouble. I also pointed out that this flood of words might not be the optimal way of building confidence in my integrity as the provider of impartial reviews on web hosting.

Maybe I am wrong, who knows. Perhaps I should start yelling and screaming just like everybody else? But I just don’t like the idea of doing that. I’d rather hypnotize people into reading my texts. Some marketing gurus advocate this approach. Here are a few examples of how you’re supposed to hypnotize people:

1. As you keep reading this ad copy, you are feeling more and more compelled to experience all the benefits of our product.

2. The more you understand just how valuable our product could be to your life, the less you think about delaying this important purchase.

3. After you read this short ad you will feel like your problems are almost completely solved, all you will have to do is order.

Well, don’t you feel compelled to reach for your wallet right now?! These examples are not intended as a joke; they are seriously trying to persuade people. And maybe they are, although I personally find them more amusing than hypnotizing. - I’ll make a pause here; I just feel I have to go out and buy something! :-)

OK, I am back. Time to finish this little essay on how to get attention. Oh, you have read this far? So I have managed to keep your attention then! I did it by … no, I won’t give my secret away. You’ll have to read my Special Report, which I’m selling for ONLY $97. But hurry, this exclusive limited special offer is expiring, and will always expire, at midnight; whatever day you happen to read this! :-)

Kai Virihaur is a researcher, web developer, and artist. He runs The Hosting Finder ( http://www.thehostingfinder.com ), a web hosting directory
featuring articles and RSS feeds on web development, website promotion, and online marketing.

The article may be used freely as long as this resource box, with intact hyperlink, is included.

How To Grab Those Clothing Bargains

Auto Date Friday, June 27th, 2008

With summer fast approaching many people are heading to the high street for new clothes, bikinis, shoes and summer accessories. However with the constant hustle and bustle of your favourite shopping arcade are you really in a rush to queue for hours in the attempt to grab a bargain? We all know how busy shops are on a Saturday and surely all of us would do everything we can to avoid this?

Many of us will turn to online shopping to get around this however even that can be frustrating! Browsing from website to website searching for your favourite brand, entering card details and payment details in over and over again and possibly getting different delivery dates

Bored of the High Street is an independent online store of high end clothing items mixed in with boutique styles and fashion favourites.

Popular brands include: Hudson Jeans, Juicy Couture, Seven for All Mankind, Bench, Motel, Paul Frank, Religion, Ringspun, G-Star, Fairground clothing, Superdry and many more.

As well as being easy to use and cheap - They are currently offering a massive 30% off all bench Clothing, Shoes and Accessories with the new Bench discount code. Just enter the code at the checkout and you will automatically receive your discount. Not only that but you get delivery for just one penny. This means you can do all your shopping online, on 1 website and get it all delivered at the same time, as well as grabbing a bargain in the process!

Grab your Bored Of The High Street discounts code here.

Top Tips To Secure Your Online PC

Auto Date Thursday, June 26th, 2008

Most of us use a PC these days, but how many of us are really serious about securing it? Well, not most of us! They just need to get their job done sitting on the PC and hence look no further. But they do find themselves in great trouble when the PC crashes, files are corrupted, login information are stolen or attacked by viruses and malwares. Now, we know that “prevention is better than cure” and “self help is the best help”. So according to the lines of these famous proverbs, I will try to highlight some tips through which a newbie user would be able to secure his PC. This article even applies to advanced and experienced users alike. So read on and help yourself to ward off your PC security woes.

1. Use an Antivirus

In the era of high-speed internet and portable media, you just cannot afford to compromise your PC and valuable data. So, Antivirus software is a must for each and every PC user. The Antivirus stays active in the system memory and monitors your file transfers, network/internet connections, and programs for suspicious activities and keeps away harmful computer viruses, worms and trojans from playing devil on your PC. It can even clean, heal or quarantine affected files already on your PC and keeps your data safe.
There are many AntiVirus Packages available, out of which many are free to use.

Some of the free packages are:

a. AVG Free Edition: http://www.free.grisoft.com
b. Avast! Home Edition: http://www.avast.com
c. Antivir Personal Edition: http://www.free-av.com

2. Use a Firewall

To protect your PC with network/internet connection from the prying eyes of hackers and abusers, it’s a necessity to install a Firewall software. A firewall is simply a piece of software that sits between your PC and the outside world (network/www) and allows certain programs/data to pass through it, thus filtering the traffic based on configured rules.
Like Antivirus softwares, the list of firewall softwares is also long…and there are a number of free options available.

Some of the free packages are:

a. ZoneAlarm Free: http://www.zonelabs.com
b. Kerio Personal: http://www.kerio.com
c. Outpost Free: http://www.agnitum.com
d. Sygate Personal: http://www.sygate.com

3. Use an AntiSpyware/Adware

Every passing day gives birth to a score of new malware, which is any sort of program written solely to get itself installed on the victim’s PC without his knowledge, monitor his activities/logins and send them to a hacker for identity theft. Similarly there are adwares which deliver unwanted advertisements and spoofs/redirects browser addresses. Thus, you never know that the form which you have filled 10 minutes ago is not from the original site! To protect your PC against these nasty pests, you need an Anti-Spyware/Adware package.

Some of the free packages are:

a. Spybot S&D: http://www.safer-networking.org
b. Adaware: http://www.lavasoft.com
c. MS Antispyware: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

4. Backup Often

It is really important to backup your valuable data often so that you can get a copy at hand when there is a system crash, virus attack or hacking. Just keep only the important files and folders as backup and not your whole disk! A habit of backing up never upsets you in the long run. It is a good idea to backup your data on a different hard-disk or removable, cheap media like CD, DVD, and Pen-drives to name a few. There are many free and paid softwares to choose from.

5. Follow Some Good Habits

a. Do not ever give out your password/login information to anyone.

b. Don’t give out your credit card number or any online banking login to anyone.

c. Use a strong password which is difficult to guess; containing alphabets, numbers and special characters.

d. Password protect or encrypt confidential, valuable information to avoid being abused by someone.

e. Always set a password for your Operating System/BIOS logon.

f. Don’t open suspicious email attachments or knowingly send someone an infected file.

g. Do not mount a known virus affected media to a PC without Antivirus protection.

h. Don’t reply to emails asking for confidential login information even if they seem to come from the company or website. It might be a phishing attempt.

i. Do not reply to spam messages or scam emails like “You have won $10million lottery sum!”. If you reply to spam emails, the spammers become aware of your activity and spam you even more. Just ignore them and keep the spam filter on.

j. Don’t post your email id all over the internet (e.g.-forums)…spam bots might be harvesting them. Use myid[at]provider.com format.

To conclude, I would like to say that the steps that have been outlined above are not too difficult or time consuming to follow. You would certainly benefit by using those precautions and measures to secure your computer. Remember, if you secure your own PC, you not only help yourself, but many other users too. So spread the word and start acting now…Good Luck!

Agnivo Roy is a student from India, currently pursuing BCA. He is the webmaster of The Helios IT Forum [ http://www.heliosforum.com ] & ArticleWiz - FREE Article Directory [ http://www.articlewiz.com ]. He likes to spread knowledge and help users through his forum, websites and offers free PC advice. He invites you to visit his websites and awaits your feedback at agnivo007[at]gmail.com

World Wide Web Sport Betting — What You Should Know

Auto Date Thursday, June 26th, 2008

Find out if online online sports betting odds on golf is for you - Try it here.

Conjoin both of people’s most important leisure actvities and what you’ll get is a mania that’s titled a web based sportsbook. Seriously, what could be more inventive. Envisage a cluster of lads clapping for any given preferred local sports heroes, and incessantly stakes will be proclaimed complementing the turmoil. Enthusiastic to catch more of the exhilaration, on-lookers will ordinarily attempt to foreknow who will prevail in the forthcoming match. Put together, this all eventually turns into a cute little match called web based sportsbook.

In order to place a wager, we would advise you check out a web based sportsbook, i.e. a place that receives web based sportsbook. In America, you have four states where everyone can go for sportsbook betting absolutely legally, but informally you may try it essentially anywhere if you pinpoint a bookie and you happen to be legally of age. Included in the games you can choose to risk money on are pro including, as well, college level basketball and college football, pro hockey, pro hockey, including, as well, betting on. Punters might bet money on the total score of a fight or game, in what round any given party will go under, and even whether a coin toss in a fight or game lands heads or tails.

You can get numerous different breeds of antes– straight bets, parlays, teasers, which are akin to to parlays, only differing in that you may respectively subtract or add points from the balance to improve your odds, &c., the straight bets being the best known in sportsbook betting.

Why not have a stab at it and enjoy the recreation at one go. But make certain that you won’t get too enthusiastic and blow your entire social security checks capriciously… If not, there’s a strong probability you’ll find yourself full of remorse till the end of your life…

Not Long Before We See Thin And Weightless Gaming Laptops

Auto Date Wednesday, June 25th, 2008

Step aside Desktop, it’s the era of the laptop computer, or at least that what the colossal demand implies. But take note if you want the most up to date tech than you need to cultivate some patience as there are likely to be part shortages. Laptop computers have just been a phenomenal business to watch. There has been no let up on shipments. The technology is developing in all directions simultaneously too.

I’ve seen a lot of gaming notebooks being released recently. I think gaming notebooks have never been at such low prices. You can hunt down some extremely good offers out there that will get you playing games. With the advent of dual core processors, notebook computers are worthy of gaming. I also think that some gaming notebooks look really funky, with some slick, aggressive features. Still there is a big gap between the power of notebooks and desktops however desktops are more spacious to make way for better cooling and airflow that all help. I would not give it too long before we see ultra portable gaming notebooks on the shelves.

I think we are seeing an increased amount of start-up companies exclusively retailing custom built notebooks. I think the components are more respectable and operate more stable. The good thing is that you don’t end up coughing up for unrequired extra’s you don’t need. Pre-configured laptop computers are aimed at people who have like minded needs and that is probably not you right? This is the purpose as to why custom notebooks are here. I like that idea that there are lots of smaller companies offering great service for custom notebooks. Yet another great reason.

Next generation notebook computers do look like a mouth watering proposition. I forgot to mention the large increase of internet gadgets and portables. total new sector has developed overnight it looks. Consumers need notebooks that are light as a feather yet additionally big enough to be functional and easy to use. If we ignore processing speed I’m sure we’d see those versions of notebooks today. Gaming laptops for playing games on will get thinner, that’s for certain. Every year we get new innovations so who knows what we will see next.

Fabrics, accessories, and custom shutters provide excellent privacy control for the bedroom and bath

Auto Date Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

If your bedroom or bathroom faces the street or a nearby neighbor, issues of privacy and light control, plays a very important part in addressing your wellbeing and piece of mine. There are a couple of window treatments available to choose from such as lined panels, operative shutters, or light-controlling blinds. Either one of these window treatments will secure your privacy from unwanted eyes while taking a shower or changed your clothing.

Keeping light out of the bedroom is as important as letting it in or controlling its levels. Blinds do not offer as much noise control as heavy fabric shades and provide privacy only when they are completely closed. Heavy draperies are seldom appropriate for the scale and style of bedrooms, so use a combination of light draperies, shades, or blinds. Check the fabric to determine how much privacy and light control it offers.

Natural light is optimal light. To achieve good natural light control during the day, hang a flexible window treatment that provides privacy but let in maximum daylight. The best investment is a set of plantation shutters or high-quality blinds. If blinds blades don’t fit tightly and are turned downwards, upstairs neighbors may be able to see through them. The same goes for blades turned upward, downstairs neighbors may be able to peer in.

A blind with standard white plastic or metal blades is always a good choice, while shiny; chrome blades express a sleek, chic style. Both are waterproof and easily cleaned with a dust cloth or a brush designed for blind blades. Another option is to install a classic white roller shade; it disappears behind a valance when rolled up to let in the light. Bedrooms and bathrooms should be restful, but they don’t have to be dull or dated. Give your sleepy abode a wakeup call with lively window treatment.

About The Author:
Roger King has been involved in window treatments for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for window treatment solutions. Visit his Web site www.all-windowtreatmentideas.com to learn more about this service.

Adaptogens for Life - The Science Behind the Discovery of Adaptogens

Auto Date Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

Modern civilization has produced an unusually stressful environment to humans and animals, with extreme high demands on our physical and mental abilities. The last one hundred years have brought unique new challenges for all. It doesn’t take much reflection upon the obvious and not so obvious sources of stressors today to realize the average person endures a lifetime of extraordinary physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual stress.

Unfortunately the continual assault of these daily modern stressors can have severe consequences on our health and well-being.

Are you aware that 80% of all illness and disease today is stress related? That 25% of all prescriptions written are due to issues stemming from the root problem of stress. That one of the three top selling drugs in North America is a tranquilizer and 2/3 of all visits to family physicians also stem from stress.

What can be done about it? The answer is, Prime One! Dr. Brekhman’s signature daily adaptogenic herbal formula made with the seven most powerful Adaptogens known to man.

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are biologically active substances found in certain herbs and plants, which help the body and mind of humans and animals adapt to the change and stresses of life.

The world-renowned Russian research scientist, Dr. Israel I. Brekhman PhD, is hailed world-wide as the father of extensive Adaptogen research. He was a professor of medicine,and a physiological pharmacologist. The Soviet Union and The Russian National Parliament bestowed on the good doctor the Order of Lenin, The Lenin Medal for valiant work, as well as the coveted Certificate of Honour, these awards came to him for breaking the genetic codes of plants, uncovering the molecular structures of their phyto-chemicals and his lifetime work with Adaptogens.He also held 40 patents, published 22 monographs, several hundred scientific articles, and wrote many books. Dr. Brekhman pioneered a vast “top-secret” scientific effort funded by the Russian government involving 1200 of their best scientists. Directed by Dr. Brekhman this scientific community applied scientific methodology to the study of plants. They explored plant biological codes and analyzed their molecular structures. Entire populations of towns, schools, hospitals and factories became his test subjects. In one case study, for example they analyzed an entire town and all its inhabitants including the animals for twelve long years. This lead to one of the most massive, sustained and successful programs of human and animal testing in recorded scientific history.

After 45-years of consistent research and thousands of clinical trials, the final patented formulation, Prime One was created and consists of seven adaptogenic herbal extracts. The primary herb is ‘Eleutherococcus’ also known as Siberian ginseng. This phenomenal herbal blend was subsequently found in clinical trials to have surprising synergistic qualities - so that the blend of these seven herbs together was significantly more effective than any of the single herbs taken alone.

Prime One contains rare trace minerals, co-enzymes, metabolites, anti-oxidants and vitamins. These phyto-nutrients address entire classes of body functions. They enhance human resistance to a broad variety of physical, emotional, metabolic and environmental stresses, and fill a nutritional void addressed by no other dietary element.

In 1962 Eleutherococcus, the prototype Adaptogen was declared an official herbal medicine by the USSR Minister of Health and was included in their National Drug Guide, the pharmacopoeia. Also, “Brekhman’s formula was used on par with diabetes medications to help balance blood sugar levels”.
Morton Walker
medical journal report Innovative Biologics, July 1994

Why are Adaptogens important to our health you might ask?

Well, stressors such as: toxins, pollutants, oxidants, and chemicals in processed foods, radiation, depression and fatigue - are now thought to be the cause of DNA mutations that produce cancer. Adaptogens are the missing nutrients from nature that protect us from the chemical hormonal assault of such stressors. The frequency of cancer was 3.3 times lower in the animals taking the Adaptogens than in the control group of animals not given Adaptogens.

But the paramount question for each of us concerned about health is whether we can find a way to reduce, undo and buffer these damaging chemical effects of stress. That is precisely
what Adaptogens are all about.

The soviet scientific community tested these particular plant extracts, on large groups of people under physical and mental stress. Russian cosmonauts, top athletes, aircraft pilots,
military personnel, truck drivers, factory workers, were all given Adaptogens. They found dramatic improvements in performance, fewer errors, less illness, less accidents and calmer functioning. The Russians spent more than 500 million dollars in Soviet government sponsored monies backing this massive secret research. Dr. Brekhman’s, Prime One, is one of the most researched, scientifically sound nutritional food supplements in the natural products market place today bar none!

Initially, for political reasons, Adaptogens were kept a highly guarded secret from the rest of the world for some time. Perhaps only in the Soviet Union could such an undertaking have been considered. Only in a totalitarian state could this massive testing have ever been carried out. Certainly, it would never have found adequate funding or the amount of test subjects in Canada or the United States, as was done in Russia on such a massive scale.

Other countries such as Germany, Japan, and Sweden, independently conducted their own research and testing validating the research and results of Brekhman’s work.

The Medical Molecular Biology Institute of Heidelburg, Germany, published an important double blind study in the 1990’s testing one of Brekhman’s Adaptogens, Eleutherococcus Senticosus. This study employing flow-cytometry showed a powerful strengthening of the immune system. Those who received the plant extract during the clinical trials had their immune system markers reveal all T-lymphocyte subsets, including cancer killing cyto-toxic
t-cells showed 40 to 80 % increase.

Excerpt from a German Study
done in 1990 on Eleutherococcus
Senticosus as an Immunodulatory Agent

In 1984 a very important scientific paper by the renowned Soviet molecular biologist, Dr.Igor Totoroff, showed that these plant extracts (found in Brekhman’s formula) had wide ranging effects in different organ systems and could suppress excess cortisol production during stress thus controlling the wide spread damage known to occur from excess cortisol production. These adaptogen extracts also showed increased energy production within human
cells. In fact, leading scientific research centre’s world-wide are currently conducting ongoing studies and clinical trials, revealing new and amazing benefits for the human body
from the use of Brekhman’s formula. One can’t help noticing in various medical journals and health publications these days where scientists and leading health professionals are reporting that a human body is as young and as healthy as its immune system allows. In light of these health facts, Prime One is the much-needed answer for our health and well-being.

Dr. Brekhman’s research was a key factor in the success of the Soviet Space Program. His formulas restored the natural balance of the cosmonauts’ bodies and protected them against the stress that is inherent in space flight, such as motion, vertigo, weightlessness and inactivity. Brekhman’s Adaptogen formulas became known as the Soviet “Right Stuff”. These Adaptogens were exclusively used by the top Russian Sports figures that dominated in the sports sector, world-wide for decades. Not the least of Brekhman’s accomplishments was achieving sports success for world-class Russian athletes, as well, other athletes from Eastern Bloc countries. Soviet Olympic and elite athletes have routinely for decades included Brekhman’s adaptogenic formulas in their training programs to give them a well-documented optimal edge in competition.

More recently, Dr. Brekhman’s formula was administered to the victims of the Chernobyl disaster with success and great benefit, so significantly that Dr. Vladimir G. Sprigin, PhD., Principal Scientific Fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences, wrote a letter right after the terrible tragedy on Sept 11, 2001, stating; “Because of ongoing events I would like to tell you that you have in your hands the miracle remedy for the people that passed through such physical and emotional stress”; I remember how effective Eleutherococcus (the main Adaptogen) was for this purpose after Chernobyl Catastrophe and you have the preparation that is at least 6 times more powerful”.
Vladimir G. Sprigin PhD.,

Russian Academy of Sciences

Shortly after the 911 tragedies, world wide associates donated $200,000 worth of Prime One and Prime One Concentrate to the New York Firefighters, and ERT Ground Zero Rescue workers and their working animals.

The fire fighters and ERT workers reported that, “Prime One helped them cope with the stressors at hand, giving them the advantage of working more than normal hours with less exhaustion despite the unfamiliar stressful circumstances”.
Phil Cappadora, Firefighter, NY City

Kevin Gallagher, President,
Firefighter’s Union, New York City

Best selling author Pete Bilac wrote a book about Dr. Brekhman and Adaptogens titled “Managing Stress through the Miracle of Adaptogens. Pete credits Brekhman’s Prime One formula for saving his sons life. Pete’s many books are currently available in any of the Chapter’s bookstores.

One of the world’s leading Biochemists, Dr. Stephen Fulder PhD states in one of his many articles on Adaptogens, “The soviets almost universally used Adaptogens to reduce convalescence, to return patients to health more quickly after heart attacks and other illnesses. It became standard treatment for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. Perhaps Adaptogens had their most widespread impact in the area of Russian sports and the Brekhman formulas were routinely used on par with diabetes medications”.
Dr. Steven Fulder PhD., Oxford, England
International Authority on health and wellness

Research has convincingly shown that Adaptogens are a powerful protection against radiation. They increase non-specific resistance to stress. Inhibits free-radical oxidation,
accelerates rehabilitative processes, protects vital organs from stress, and has potent anti-viral properties, and has been found to be very effective in helping normalize blood sugar levels. It has been proven that the chemical hormonal assault on the body from stress lowers the immune system responses. The effects from stress upon the immune system are dramatic, immediate and well documented.

The good news is that Prime One, Dr. Brekhman’s signature Adaptogen formula is now available world wide through The Adaptogens for Life Group. Prime One is sold through Network marketing as per Dr. Brekhman’s request. It was his wish for all the peoples of the world, to hear by word of mouth of his work and have access to his formulas.

“It has always been my dream to create a special formula to prepare people for life and to protect them from stress.”

Dr Israel I. Brekhman 1921 - 1994

Dr. Israel I. Brekhman remains a visionary whose dream to enhance human health and to prevent disease talks to a new generation today.

Author Bio: Mair Gauthier is the Wellness Expert for The Adaptogens for Life Group. She helps 100’s of people everyday by sharing her health knowledge. The many people that Mair has assisted in finding the right path to optimal health say her advice has been like a miracle for them. Visit us at http://www.adaptogensforlife.com and learn more about these incredible health-enhancing phyto-nutrients called Adaptogens.

All Refurbished Laptops Are Not Created Equal - Buyer Beware!

Auto Date Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

If it does not say Factory Refurbished do not even consider it! Laptops can be bought cheap, but if it is used make sure you only get “Factory Reconditioned!”

When a company chooses to recondition a laptop computer themselves the result can be terrible. Most refurbished laptop dealers try to take on the difficult task of rebuilding computers to try and save money and still charge you an arm and a leg for a poor quality machine.

Who would you rather buy from? A company you found online, of which you do not even know, or a trusted company like IBM, Dell, Compaq or Hewlett Packard? For most people the answer is easy. These top companies did not get there by selling junk. They are known throughout the world as being leaders in the computer industry. The fact is, however, they produce the best in the world.

High tech gadgets like laptops are always being created, improved and this comes with a high price. There is an excellent and money saving alternative though, it’s called refurbished. Refurbished simply means, “to make like new again.”

When a laptop reaches the manufacturer it is put through several rigorous tests to make sure the highest quality is achieved. They repair, or replace any parts necessary to return the notebook computer to the original working condition. The result is it saves you a lot of money. Sometimes up to 60% off the retail price. Now that is simply awesome.

Buying refurbished notebook computers is a great idea and a safe bet. You can get a cheap price and still have the performance of a new laptop. The only safe bet, though, is to buy factory reconditioned. Most factory reconditioned laptops are also newer. Generally about six to eight months old. This gives the buyer the most advanced technology and performance for a discount price!

As you search online for refurbished laptops make sure you are getting “Factory Reconditioned,” so you will know it is of the highest quality. Buying reconditioned electronics from anyone else is like playing Russian Roulette. You will not know what you are getting until it is too late.

If you are looking at buying a cheap used laptop, please take this warning. If the description does not say “Factory Reconditioned” Buyer Beware! Who better to know exactly what makes a laptop computer tick than the one who made it? No one that’s who! The highly trained men and women of the top name brand companies put their knowledge to work everyday and they are very good at it.

You do not have to fear purchasing refurbished laptops and notebooks, just be very careful who you buy them from. A few dollars more will save you a great big headache down the road!

Online Crazy Deals only offers Factory Reconditioned laptops and palm pilots. This is the best way to assure the highest quality and performance. Only highly skilled technicians can properly bring a computer back to life.

The Exploding Intercontinental Real Estate Market Space - Fostered by The PropertyIndex.com Company

Auto Date Friday, June 20th, 2008

Overseas property specialists Property Index sell a range of properties such as apartments and villas.

Though Property Index is actually a rather young syndicate, they were founded in March 2007, they have proven their mettle very quickly. On closer look, they’re a extraordinarily accessible syndicate focusing on guiding essentially anyone who is designing to sell, buy etc. real property across the globe. Their avowal is to offer you assistance to unearth bang-on what’s required swiftly and, obviously, in a trouble-free manner. Property is up for grabs no matter where currently, maybe the most exclusive area being property you can purchase in Spain. It’s easy as one-two-three to write up the wonderful properties on the market in Spain, the motivation for picking property here is the houses and apartments on the market and the sensational option of being able to live amongst such a active populace.

This is one of the most popular property markets currently, and with the scenic splendor and great weather that surrounds you night and day, how can you say no! Property in Spain is rich in history, this part of the world is and has always been home to various indigenous cultures. Just one generation ago you would find a mere dribble of Englishmen looking for properties in Spain. Ask any person who has moved to Spain and they’ll tell you the same. Quite a few people would will see it as a vogue and others will see it as a virtually a compulsion… Customers who will remove here may range from young urban professionals who are looking for a life perspective to older generations who intend to unwind and enjoy themselves.

Note, however, that you may have to deal with hindrances when buying properties abroad - you’ll find there are dozens of actions when budgeting, inspecting or actually purchasing. Even if one single minute step is missed that may engender huge hindrances as well as, even more importantly, a failed investment. As you’re sure to expect with this popular location, properties might be rather dear in this area and that’s basically because of the steep market pressure. In spite of this the client is definitely rather spoilt in a location full of vivacious site. Patently it’s got most everything patrons may feasibly hanker after, and lots more.

MSG: If It’s Safe, Why Do They Disguise It On Labels?

Auto Date Friday, June 20th, 2008

Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, was thought of as a “miracle food enhancer” when it was first introduced to the public over five decades ago.

More than just a seasoning like salt and pepper, MSG could actually enhance the flavors of foods, making processed meats and frozen dinners taste fresher and smell better, salad dressings more tasty, and canned foods less tinny.

It wasn’t until people started having side effects after eating foods with MSG that some began to question whether this miracle flavoring was too good to be true. Today, many more question its safety, but others insist it’s safe.

How Much MSG are Americans Eating?

Americans associate MSG with Chinese food. In fact, MSG Symptom Complex, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identifies as “short-term reactions” to MSG, was for some time (unfairly) referred to in the United States as “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.”

But MSG is in many more foods than Chinese food, and is listed under many other names than MSG. So while many Americans are aware that MSG has been linked to some negative side effects, or have experienced them personally, and believe they are avoiding it in their diets, many have been misled.

Food manufacturers, who realize that many people would prefer NOT to have MSG in their food, have adapted by using so-called “clean labels.” These ingredient labels hide MSG under names that consumers won’t recognize, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.

Some manufacturers have also gone so far as to list “No MSG,” “No Added MSG,” or “No MSG Added” on product labels when MSG is still present, but exists only as a constituent in another ingredient!

MSG is Always In:

* Autolyzed yeast
* Calcium caseinate
* Gelatin
* Glutamate
* Glutamic acid
* Hydrolyzed protein
* Monopotassium glutamate
* Monosodium glutamate
* Sodium caseinate
* Textured protein
* Yeast extract
* Yeast food
* Yeast Nutrient

MSG is Often In:

* Barley Malt
* Bouillon
* Broth
* Carrageenan
* Enzyme-modified substances
* Flavoring
* Flavors
* Malt Extract
* Malt flavoring
* Maltodextrin
* Natural flavor/flavorings
* Natural pork/beef/chicken flavoring
* Pectin
* Protein-fortified substances
* Seasonings
* Soy protein
* Soy protein isolate or concentrate
* Soy sauce
* Soy sauce extract
* Stock
* Vegetable gum
* Whey protein
* Whey protein isolate or concentrate

What Does the Government Say?

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), a group of scientists the FDA asked to review the safety of glutamate, released a report in 1995 that found the following:

* When consumed at usual levels, MSG is safe for the general population.

* No evidence of any connection between MSG and serious long-term reactions.

* No evidence linking dietary MSG or glutamate to Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or any other long-term or chronic diseases.

* No evidence suggesting that dietary MSG or glutamate causes brain lesions or damage to nerve cells in humans.

However, the study did find that MSG Symptom Complex did occur in some people, particularly those who ate a large dose of MSG and those with severe asthma. According to the FDA, MSG Symptom Complex can result in:

* Numbness
* Burning sensation
* Tingling
* Facial pressure or tightness
* Chest pain
* Headache
* Nausea
* Rapid heartbeat
* Drowsiness
* Weakness
* Difficulty breathing for asthmatics

Estimates of just how many Americans are sensitive to MSG vary widely: from 1.8 percent to 50 percent of the population may be affected. However, these estimates may be conservative. Symptoms related to MSG may present immediately or several hours after eating a food, so attributing them to MSG can be difficult.

In terms of labeling requirements, the FDA says that “monosodium glutamate” must be listed on the label only if MSG is added to a food. However, it’s misleading for a manufacturer to list “No MSG,” or “No Added MSG” on foods if sources of free glutamates, like hydrolyzed protein, exist, they say. Further, items listed as “flavors,” “natural flavors,” or “flavorings” may not include MSG, hydrolyzed proteins or autolyzed yeast.

The Other Side

Other experts are not so convinced of MSG’s safety. For instance, Dr. Russell Blaylock, an author and neurosurgeon, recently explained a link between sudden cardiac death, particularly in athletes, and excitotoxic damage caused by food additives like MSG and artificial sweeteners. Excitotoxins are, according to Dr. Blaylock, “A group of excitatory amino acids that can cause sensitive neurons to die.”

Said Dr. Blaylock:

“When an excess of food-borne excitotoxins, such as MSG, hydrolyzed protein soy protein isolate and concentrate, natural flavoring, sodium caseinate and aspartate from aspartame, are consumed, these glutamate receptors are over-stimulated, producing cardiac arrhythmias. When magnesium stores are low, as we see in athletes, the glutamate receptors are so sensitive that even low levels of these excitotoxins can result in cardiac arrhythmias and death.”

Further, many consumers have personally experienced the ill effects of MSG, which leave them with a headache, nausea or vomiting after eating MSG-containing foods.

Said Cathy Evans Wisner in her article “The MSG Myth,” “I know from personal experience that the chemical is not as harmless as vinegar or salt. When I ingest a fair amount of MSG, I immediately have nausea, stomach cramps, “spaciness,” heart palpitations and a “pins-and-needles” headache, followed the next day by lethargy and overall weakness.”

Headaches are one of the most commonly reported side effects of MSG, which may occur because it can increase blood flow to the brain. According to Ann Turner, director of the Migraine Action Association, “Food additives can be triggers [for headaches]. MSG, although still not fully understood, may be a culprit … “

Which Foods Contain MSG?

MSG is much more prevalent than many people realize. Below is a list of some common food items that contain it from MSGTruth.org, but remember to look for the “hidden” MSG names (listed above) on all processed foods you buy.

* The Following McDonald’s Items:
Grilled Chicken Filet
Hot and Spicy Chicken Patty
Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad
Grilled Chicken California Cobb Salad
* Seasoned Beef
* Sausage Scrambled Egg Mix, Sausage, and Sausage Patty
* Doritos®
* Pringles® (the flavored varieties)
* KFC® fried chicken and most of their other products
* Boar’s Head® cold cuts and most of their hotdogs
* Progresso® Soups
* Lipton® Noodles and Sauce
* Lipton® Instant soup mix
* Gravy Master®
* Cup-a-soup® or Cup-o-Noodles®
* Planters® salted nuts (most of them)
* Accent® (this “seasoning” is nearly pure MSG)
* Sausages (most supermarkets add MSG to theirs)
* Processed cheese spread
* Supermarket poultry or turkeys that are injected or “self-basting”
* Restaurant gravy from food service cans
* Flavored ramen noodles
* Boullion
* Instant soup mixes
* Many salad dressings
* Most salty, powdered dry food mixes
* Flavored potato chips
* Gelatin
* Canned tuna
* Hot dogs
* Soy sauce
* Worcestershire sauce
* Kombu extract
* Dry milk
* Dough conditioners
* Body builder drink powders containing protein
* Medications in gelcaps (contain free glutamic acid in the gelatin)
* Fresh produce that has been sprayed with Auxigro, a plant growth enhancer that contains hydrolyzed protein(s) and MSG (some of these crops may be used in baby foods)

Your best bet as a consumer looking to avoid MSG, for whatever your personal reasons may be, is to be diligent in reading processed food labels.

In general, the more highly processed a food is (or the more ingredients listed on its label), the more likely it is to contain MSG. Meanwhile, try to limit the number of processed foods you eat overall and you’ll inevitably reduce your chances of eating MSG, too.

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Sources
EMediaWire April 15, 2005
How Food Could Help Your Headache April 18, 2005
MSG Truth
The MSG Myth: Why the Wonder “Spice” Isn’t So Wonderful
Truth in Labeling
U.S. FDA MSG
Whole Foods Market: MSG

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