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  • Friday, July 25, 2008

    Cell phone warning

    Variety
    Excessive cell phone use may lead to cancer: expert


    Excessive use of cell phones may lead to possible health hazards, including cancer, a US expert has warned.

    Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Dr Ronald Herberman issued an advisory to about 3,000 faculty and staff about the possible health risks involved with the use of the gadget.

    The director said the evidence is still controversial but he was convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant for an advisory. Several other experts say that the warning is premature as studies have not conclusively proved that excessive use of c ell phone leads to cancer or other disease.

    “Recently, I have become aware of the growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer,'' Dr Herberman said in the memorandum.

    The advisory, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says, calls for certain measures to limit exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by the devices, such as shortening the length of conversations or keeping the phones away from the head by text messaging or usi ng headsets or speaker phone options.

    It also recommends that children should not use cell phones except in emergencies.

    Cell pops corn

    YouTube videos that show a group of friends apparently cooking kernels of popcorn with their cellphones have been viewed more than a million times since they were uploaded last week.

    The clever parlor trick looks amazing enough, but there's a hitch: It's not physically possible, according to University of Virginia physics professor Louis Bloomfield.

    "[The videos] are cute," said Bloomfield in a phone conversation Monday. "But that's never gonna happen."

    In a microwave oven, energy excites the water inside popcorn kernels until it turns into highly pressurized gas, causing the kernels to pop. If mobile phones emitted that much energy, the water in the fingers of people holding them would heat up.

    "It would hurt like crazy," Bloomfield said. "Cellphones probably warm your tissues, but studies indicate that's not injurious."

    Bloomfield, author of How Everything Works: Making Physics Out of the Ordinary, dismissed theories bubbling up in comment threads about the videos that suggest harmonious vibrations are heating the corn.

    "Ringing the phones doesn't help because they're interfering with each other and receiving a signal [from a cellphone tower] -- not transmitting it," he said. Furthermore, while it is possible to heat with sound, it's not likely to happen at the low volume emitted by a mobile phone. "It would be like gathering opera singers together to sing, and trying to make the corn pop," Bloomfield said.

    So, what's really causing the kernels to ricochet off the table in the YouTube clips? Bloomfield suggests tricky video editing or even a covert heating element beneath the table. Debunker website Snopes.com also points out that cooking popcorn with cellphones is impossible (same goes for eggs).

    The popcorn videos, like the slew of YouTube clips showcasing ordinary people performing extraordinary feats that came before them, has the distinct markings of a viral-marketing campaign. Let's look at the facts.

    First, all four videos -- French, Japanese and two American editions -- were posted to the YouTube accounts of users bobtel08 and benzin513 (with French descriptions) within several days of one another.

    Second, a cryptic bit of commentary posted alongside one of the videos says: "We tried but didn't make it ... maybe only with phone brands or models???" It could be a subtle hint to get viewers to notice the phones more than the stunt. And, indeed, several comments have suggested the phones all appear to be similar makes and models, possibly Nokias or Sony Ericsson mobiles.

    For now, however, the clandestine origin of the videos is under wraps. Bobtel08, benzin513 and Nokia did not immediately respond to Wired.com's requests for comment, and a representative from Sony Ericsson North America said he wasn't aware of the videos at all.

    Thursday, July 24, 2008

    Sexy food

    Studies show that Zinc, Potassium, Vitamin C, E, and B6, are all vital nutrients for a healthy and vibrant sex life.

    Here are ten of the top aphrodisiac foods guaranteed to light your partner's fire:

    -- Raw Oysters: This is one of the most popular and well-known "sexy" foods on the aphrodisiac list. High in Zinc, which increases sperm and testosterone production, oysters also contain a hormone called dopamine, which increases libido.

    Squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto them for extra zest.

    -- Asparagus: Loaded with vitamin E, a key nutrient for a healthy sex life and treating impotence.

    -- Eggs: Hard boil them and spread a little caviar on the top, and you have an aphrodisiac bomb that is guaranteed to make waves long after the meal is finished. Eggs are rich in B6 and B5, both crucial for libido and balanced hormone levels.

    -- Almonds: Both the smell and nutrient make-up of almonds make these crunchy morsels a "must eat". Full of essential fatty acids, they are particularly important for male hormone production. To get her in the mood, light an almond scented candle during dinner and she will never know what seduced her.

    -- Figs: Known as a food fit only for the gods and goddesses, figs are high in amino acids and improve sexual stamina. Flambé fresh figs and serve them over vanilla ice cream with a balsamic reduction-- a sure way to sweeten anyone's mood.

    -- Avocados: Avocados are bursting with folic acid, a type of vitamin B that helps turn protein into energy, and potassium that helps boost men and women's libidos.

    -- Chili: Spice up your night and get a good hit of vitamin C at the same time, by incorporating some chili into your dinner.

    -- Bananas: Packed with bromelain enzymes, potassium and riboflavin, eating one banana a day is guaranteed to keep you energized.

    -- Garlic: Perhaps known more as a "turn off" than a "turn on," garlic is actually a very effective aphrodisiac. Garlic contains a potent ingredient called Allicin that increases blood flow and libido. But don't forget to bring the breath mints or you will be sent home early.

    -- Chocolate: Finally, what we have all been waiting for, the chocolate! This is the surest way to a women's heart. Nibbling on a piece of dark chocolate immediately produces a chemical called phenylethylamine, which is believed to produce the feeling of "being in love."

    In the mood?

    (theartofloveandintimacy.com)

    Many men are confused and perhaps frustrated at times, wanting their wives to more easily get in the mood for physical intimacy.
    The arousal response is different in men and women. It is true that (generally speaking) men and women respond and react differently to various forms of behavior and stimulation.

    Women desire physical closeness when they feel loved, adored, appreciated, cared for, desired, and attractive by their partner. Women also are more easily stimulated when they feel sensual, sexy, and attractive as a female.

    Knowing this, and gaining information from numerous research studies, it is not difficult to understand why some women are not interested in sex and why some women are more apt to desire physical closeness with their husbands.

    Here are ten simple ideas for men, to help women become more interested in physical intimacy. The purpose of this list is not to create a superficial list of things men must do so they can have more sex; it is intended as some ideas to help a relationship become closer and more intimate so the sexual relationship can be a healthy and satisfying one for both partners.

    1. Show appreciation - be specific and clear by noticing and expressing your gratitude for her.

    2. Be kind, considerate, and compassionate, - noticing and caring for her needs; treat her as you did when you first were in love.

    3. Disclose your need for her - be open as you allow yourself to be vulnerable.

    4. Notice some specific wonderful traits about her - and share what you notice with your wife.

    5. Compliment her for specific things - what is beautiful about your wife? Notice her physical beauty as well as her character, mind, creativity, etc. The more sexy a woman feels the more she is inclined to desire physical intimacy.

    6. Tell her how you adore and cherish her - it is often difficult for a woman to want to be intimate when she does not feel important or significant.

    7. Help her to feel special in your eyes - what is it that YOU admire and love most?

    8. Let her know she is the most important person in your life - women respond best when they feel they are the most significant woman in your life.

    9. Be affectionate - in non-sexual ways without an ulterior motive.

    10.Express your love - honestly, openly, and deeply.

    The key here is to not behave or say things solely for the purpose of getting some action. This list is intended to bring a closeness to the relationship that will ultimately lead to a more healthy and balanced intimate relationship.

    There is a fine line between expressing love for the sake of more sex vs. being open and honest and appreciative so the relationship can be more loving and intimate.

    Wednesday, July 23, 2008

    Are you a snoop?

    Did you know that a large percentage of guests in your home when in the bathroom, will take a peek inside your medicine cabinets? I've heard different percentages. Some say 40%, some say 7 of 10, I heard one that said 80-90%.


    One woman tested this theory by emptying her medicine cabinet, and then refilling it with marbles so that when you opened it up, they all came spilling out.

    I'll be cleaning out any embarrassing stuff in my cabinets when guests come over...

    Are YOU a snoop?

    Spy on your kids

    When protecting their children from internet predators or unsafe behavior, the first step for parents is to get over their fear of monitoring them. Parents must learn how to monitor internet activity. It is a parent's job to protect their children and foster a healthy, safe lifestyle. It is a parent's job to watch over them and be there to correct potential bad decisions that are all too common in a teenager's life. Different parents may choose different degrees of monitoring, but all parents need to deploy some strategy to monitor online behavior. What level of monitoring a parent may choose will depend on the parent, the child, and the relationship. One thing should be clear, it is OK to monitor your children.

    Find out more.

    Tuesday, July 22, 2008

    Play ball!

    With a shot at a three-way tie for first place in the NL East, the Marlins amassed just two hits as they fell to the Braves, 4-0, in Monday's series opener.

    Get the latest information on your Florida Marlins.

    PLLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY BAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

    Monday, July 21, 2008

    Tube dual

    I did something really strange, but fun and exciting on my summer vacation in California. Cardboard tube dual fighting. I know it sounds strange, but who hasn't has a sword fight with the cardboard tube from the center of gift wrapping paper? I took me back to my childhood. Only in this league there are rules. Just think the movie "Braveheart". Two teams running toward each other to battle till your tube breaks.

    I'd love to start a league here in South Florida. What do you think?

    Learn more about it.

    Holy wad of cash!

    Batman has sent Spidey packing as king of Hollywood's box-office superheroes.
    "The Dark Knight" took in a record $155.34 million in its first weekend, topping the previous best of $151.1 million for "Spider-Man 3" in May 2007 and pacing Hollywood to its biggest weekend ever, according to studio estimates Sunday.
    "We knew it would be big, but we never expected to dominate the marketplace like we did," said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner Bros., which released "The Dark Knight." The movie should shoot past the $200 million mark by the end of the week, he said.
    Hollywood set an overall revenue record of $253 million for a three-day weekend, beating the $218.4 million haul over the weekend of July 7, 2006, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.
    "This weekend is such a juggernaut," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal, whose musical "Mamma Mia!" debuted at No. 2 with $27.6 million.