The Properties of Positive Energy

It is interesting how the word energy has become a part of our daily lives. Some believe that energy is neutral, till we personalize it and label it positive or negative. Everything on this earth is energy. In physics, energy, an Ancient Greek word, energeia, is an indirectly observed quantity. It is often understood as the ability of a physical system to do work on other physical systems. Since work is defined as a force acting through a distance (a length of space), energy is always equivalent to the ability to exert pulls or pushes against the basic forces of nature, along a path of a certain length.

To have a deeper appreciation of energy around us, I hope you find a walk through the halls of science interesting and fascinating. It was argued for some years whether energy was a substance (the caloric) or merely a physical quantity, such as momentum.

The concept of energy is widespread in all sciences. In chemistry, in biology, in geology, the continental drift, mountain ranges, volcanoes and earthquakes are phenomena that can be explained in terms of energy transformations in the Earth's interior. While meteorological phenomena like wind, rain, hail, snow, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes are all a result of energy transformations brought about by solar energy on the Earth's atmosphere.

Cosmology and astronomy with the phenomena of stars, supernova, quasars and gamma ray bursts are the universe's highest- output energy transformations of matter. Stellar phenomena, solar activity are driven by various kinds of energy transformations.

So let positive energy enter into our lives. Welcome it. Every moment of our waking life, energy surrounds us. It is a gift of Nature that we can use to our best advantage, or squander it to our peril. We can choose to be happy and attract positive energy, or resist and thus create negative energy and be miserable. Life moves along, it is never static, ever for those who are languishing in illness and pain. While there is breath, there is life.

There is so much to understand about the power of positive energy. Volumes are written on the advantage and healing property of a positive energy or attitude. The positive energy/ attitude is closely linked to the law of attraction. Consider the highest output of energy transformations occuring in cosmology and astronomy- why not tap into this source to power everyone's positive energy. The elements air, earth, water and fire are loaded with energy we can draw upon. It is ours for the asking, or for the taking, in return, we show our gratitude by respecting and conserving energy.

Since energy is a force, feel it, direct it in a positive way to enhance your physical, mental and emotional state. Let it help you develop positive habits that will let you live with less stress, find greater happiness and fulfillment in your relationships and career.

A person with positive energy:

a. is encouraged to shift thoughts, perception, habits and feel more alive
b. exudes kindness, compassion and self-confidence
c. feels safe, is not fearful, compatible, relaxed and attracts people
d. emanate peace and is friendly
e. finds healing from past or present trauma or illness
f. full of vitality, strength and courage that helps sustain mental and physical activity
g. heightens and deepens intuitive abilities and focus
h. basis for the law of attraction, strengthens opening yourself to all possibilities

A person with negative energy:

a. given to self-sabotage, self-destruction and always distracted
b. nurtures a victim complex, feels demeaned, attacked, constrained
c. feels tense and uneasy
d. sends out unpleasant vibrations, and not sociable
e. low energy level, prone to sickness and other health problems

It is a fact that some people give out positive or negative energy. There are those who can zap the energy out of the person next to them.

Life is about energy, creativity, the rhythmns of existence. Positive energy helps us to feel and direct the amazing interconnections of the world within us and around us.

Ref:
Power of Positive Energy by Jon Gordon
Positive Energy by Judith Orloff
Wikipedia: What is Energy

Bonnie Moss writes to inspire and to motivate her readers to explore the depths of their heart and soul and make a difference in this world. She draws from personal experience and her interest in spirituality.

Feeling Good - 10 Great Tips

Imagine what it would be like if you could feel great when ever you wanted to no matter what was going on in your life. What would it be like if you could feel excited just by using your imagination.

How are you feeling right now? Are you feeling good or are you feeling bad. Either way, you can change how you feel fairly quickly. Did you know that the way you feel is determined by the thoughts you have. If you have mostly negative thoughts then you will mostly have a negative mood. If on the other hand you have mostly good thoughts then you will be in a happy positive mood most of the time. Did you know that you have the ability to have the thoughts that you want. So why choose negative thoughts when you can have positive thoughts that make you feel good.

Here are ten thoughts you can have that will make you feel great. Go through these exercises and notice how you feel.

1: Calm and relaxed.

Think of a time when you felt calm and relaxed. If you can't remember a specific time, just imagine a situation where you would be calm and relaxed. Think about where you were you were, and what you were doing. Now imagine being there now. Imagine seeing what you were seeing, hearing what you were hearing, and feeling how relaxed you were feeling, and breath the way you were breathing. Notice where the feeling of relaxation is in your body. Now spend a few minutes or longer if you want closing your eyes and enjoying that relaxing feeling. Close your eyes and enjoy the moment.

2: Excitement.

Can you remember a time when you were excited? Could be a Christmas morning when you were a child, a time you went on holiday, a great night out or something else. Have you got one. Good. Now again imagine stepping into yourself and seeing through your eyes as you experience this excitement again. Hear what you sere hearing, and feel what you were feeling. Now make the colours brighter and richer, make the picture bigger, make the sounds louder and clearer, and let that feeling of excitement intensify. Notice where the feeling of excitement is strongest in your body. Give the feeling a colour, and move that colour up to the top of your head, and down to the tip of your toes. Double the brightness, multiply the brightness by ten. Do this a few times, and see how excited you can get. Agh. Stand up and move about when doing this if you want to.

3: Giggles.

Can you remember a time when you had a fit of the giggles? A time when you were laughing uncontrollably and couldn't stop. Where were you, What made you laugh so much, were you smoking something. Again step into the situation, and go through all the same procedure as above. Imagine everything that happened and the reason why you were laughing. Remember the sound of laughter, the look on other peoples faces. I got the giggles at a funeral when I was about ten. Not appropriate I know, but I couldn't help myself. Don't judge me!

4: Amazement.

Can you remember a time when you saw something amazing? Could be seeing a performance on stage, seeing something from nature that was amazing. I remember seeing fork lightning from above on a plain coming from Corfu, and seeing the stars from a yacht in Germany. Again imagine being there and go through all the senses. Enjoy the moment as if you were there again. Take a few minutes to enjoy it again.

5: Performance:

Go back to a time when you were performing at your best. This could be a work situation, a sport, a performance, or even a social situation, or anything else. When people are at their best it's usually when they are not thinking consciously about it. It's just happening. You can go through this one just before you have to perform at your best in a future situation. Just imagine what you were like at your best just before you have to do what you are doing.

6: Achievement:

Can you think of something that you have achieved that you are proud of? It can be a small thing like finishing off a small task to a big achievement like winning something. Again go through the process of being in that situation, and enjoy the achievement again. You deserve it. I remember the time I completed a marathon in Edinburgh. The adrenalin rush I felt as I saw the finishing line, and heard the crowd cheering was amazing. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

7: Love:

Are you in love with someone at the moment. If not can you remember a time when you were. Imagine a moment when you felt that feeling of love. What was it about that person that made you feel that way? What were you doing, what was being said, how did you feel?. Where did you feel that feeling. Again give that feeling a colour, spread the feeling through your body and multiply the brightness. Enjoy that feeling again.

8: Fantasy:

The memories you create in your head don't have to be real. Imagine something that you would like to happen in your wildest dreams. This can be anything you want. It could be winning the world cup, winning an Oscar. If you have a dirty mind that's ok. It's your fantasy nobody will know. Treat it like it was a real memory. Go into that fantasy, really imagine being there. Really vamp up whats going on. Maker everything bigger, brighter, louder. Make it brilliant. Really enjoy being there. Vamp up the feeling as well. I have some that I can't discuss. I always wanted to win the world snooker championship. That's my clean one.

9: Future Goals:

Do you have a goal that you want to achieve. If not, think of something you would really love to do. Treat this like the memories you have already had. All achievements start with thoughts. Imagine what you would see when you achieve one of your goals. Imagine being where you would be, seeing what you would see, and the feeling you would have. Really get involved in this one. Make it a real as you can. Vamp up the feelings, enjoy the moment. After you have done this go and take some action to making it happen.

10: Anything Else:

This list could go on for ever. Write a few of your own. Write as many as you can. Keep a hold of this list and when ever you want to feel great go through them and do the exercises. Enjoy.

Well I'm sure you are feeling pretty good right now. It's amazing what you can do with your mind when you know how. As well as using your memories to make you feel good you can also use simple techniques to make remembering facts easier. Imagine you could easily remember information for exams, names and faces of clients, and even have the ability to remember a pack of playing cards in order as a party piece. Find out more. Sign up for my 10 free memory lessons at http://www.advancedmemorytechniques.com.

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities

"I've always meant to learn better IT skills, but every time I'm going to sign up for the class something comes up. It would really help me at work, but..."

"I've always really wanted to get my MBA. I know it would really make a difference to my career, but it's expensive, and I've never really gotten around to getting it started. I would definitely do it next year, but..."

Is this you, or someone you know? Chances are, we all have something like this, playing as an internal monologue in the back of our minds. When we do articulate it, we always seem to try and justify why we haven't done it.

What's really stopping you?

It doesn't matter whether it's losing some weight, getting your MBA or seeing the Mardi Gras in Rio de Janeiro for yourself, we all have items on our mental 'to do' list that we never seem to get around to doing. Sometimes, it's because these things are nice ideas, but not really high on our priority lists but, more often than not, there are other barriers to us achieving our dreams.

You almost certainly know what dreams you have that you have yet failed to achieve, but do you know what the real barriers and obstacles are which are preventing you from achieving your goals? You have to be honest with yourself about what obstacles are truly in your way. Many people fall into the trap of not recognizing the real obstacles, and there are many reasons for this.

Sometimes, people want to kid themselves, sometimes, facing the music is more than they want to deal with. Sometimes, they simply aren't prepared to expend the effort it would take to reach their goal but, a lot of the time, they've simply never taken the time to consider what the barriers really are.

These barriers are important because they are opportunities to move forward. This may sound crazy but, if you have several obstacles in your way to reach a goal, each time you overcome one, it urges you forward.

A friend of mine had a dream of qualifying as a herbalist. She's settled in her career, but had been putting it off for a long while as she said she didn't have the time or money to study. Then, one day, she decided that she could either do it, or forever wonder why she didn't. She had an honest discussion with herself considered her barriers. The first was finding a course that fit around her work and home commitments. The second was how she found the time to study, and the third was how she funded her college fees.

She then started seeing these as helpful opportunities to overcome her barriers. Firstly, she found a correspondence course, where she only needed attend the college for occasional exams and tutorials, which gave her the boost she needed to approach the other barriers. She resolved to reduce her other hobby commitments and get up half an hour earlier each day, giving her 7 hours study time a week. Finally was the matter of finance.

Because she'd never approached the other obstacles, she'd never looked into funding or discussed it with her family. Once she'd taken the opportunities presented by the first two barriers, it gave her the impetus to deal with that final hurdle. She investigated and found a grant that would pay half her fees, which she applied for and won. Secondly, she told her friends and family that she was having a yard sale to help pay for the rest of her fees.

She cleared out her closet and house, and got things together for a yard sale. Suddenly, her friends all started finding more things for her to sell towards her goal, and her dad even gave her a very good camera he no longer needed for her to sell. She raised a further 20% of her fees this way. Finally, she looked into low-interest student loans, and was able to spread the rest of the cost in an affordable way. She's now halfway through her studies and well on her way to achieving her dream!

By clearly confronting her obstacles, my friend essentially gave herself a track to run on. It might have turned out differently - she may have found that the barriers were impracticably difficult (such as not being able to find a course which fit in with her location and work). However, she would at least have had answers. Dealing with the obstacles in the way shows you that you're still moving forward, rather than standing still.

Obstacles are totally different than excuses. Most people make excuses, to themselves and others, for why they don't get things done. By refusing to give yourself excuses, and focusing on what it really in your way, you'll be amazed at how much clearer your route to success will be.

A word of warning, though: You'll never be able to identify your obstacles if you don't have a clear understanding of what your goals are. Before making any plans, take some 'you time' to clarify what you want to do, be, or have in your life.

I tend to use 'journey' analogies with my coaching clients: First, decide where you're going. Once you've chosen the destination, then decide on your route and method of transportation. Not setting goals is like getting in the car and starting to drive, not knowing where you'll end up. So once you've decided on your destination, then you can decide whether you're going to fly or drive, and what route you'll take.

And, oh, by the way, there may be some obstacles or barriers along the way. But if you know where you're going, even though you need to detour, you'll figure out an alternate route to get you there - whether it's a road trip to New Jersey or something broader in your life.

Marsha Egan, CPCU, PCC is CEO of The Egan Group, Inc., a Reading, PA based professional coaching firm. She is a certified workplace productivity coach and professional speaker, specializing in leadership development and can be reached at marsha@marshaegan.com or visit http://www.InboxDetox.com.

Packaging Your Negative Emotions

Though common to everyone, negative emotions are a peculiar aspect of the human experience. Without deep thought or concentration we can become subject to the ride each one decides to take us on -and often when we arrive, it is contrary to our planned destination. An effective goal is to be in control of these feelings so as to increase your conscious decision making power in your everyday life.

Yes, you do get to choose how you feel! Just as in our physical life we are empowered by organization, this process of carefully arranging emotions supports wellness and emotional power. Here is how it is done.

The first rule of the process is to organize your negative feelings into the two bags: home and visiting.

Home emotions are those you generate and execute when you are alone or with family and friends. These emotions may be more intense, frequent and even unpredictable. After all you are as close to restriction-free as you will ever be in life. Often, in at least one of these environments you are safe to make mistakes, grow and be vulnerable without permanent negative, repercussions.

These emotions will also be tied to events in your personal life that make imprints on who you are or become. They deserve quality at home exploration time. The loss of a valued relationship is very rarely easy, but it does not always have to be impassable. At home or with another trusted person, explore the event. Expose your anger, disappointment, confusion, with a view to moving healthily forward.

Then in a calm space positively plan what happens for you next. But deal with the emotions you feel as they are real and precious to your existence. Remember that these are home emotions and home emotions never leave home. They are like furniture. Unless an important person comes to your intimate residence they have no idea of the exact décor.

This brings us to the visiting emotions. They are your safe, public-display, genuine emotions. Controlling these emotions can be easier than those in the home bag. You may share these with strangers, co-workers, and even adversaries. Here, however, they are less intense and often consequence driven.

The dual focus here is honesty and boundaries. It may not be wise to expect to have the same safe outcome you experience with those in your home emotion bag, if you share deep levels of emotions with others you know very little about.

The key is not to carry these emotions with you as you travel to each place. Leave each emotion in its natural environment. There is enough emotion at each venue to keep you occupied. Bringing the home emotion to the visiting venue, or vice versa often ends in more negative emotions to repackage.

Reducing Our Energy Consumption at Home

Now more than ever before the world is becoming more and more cautious about the effect we have on the earth. Consumers are staring to take advantages of the benefits of being green. Simple changes to your home not only benefit the planet, they also benefit our health and wallets too. On a month to month basis people who live in green homes use less water and energy compared to a standard home. They also spend less money on maintenance. Green homes tend to be more durable due to the construction process and higher quality materials.

In Canada, 17% of all energy goes to running our homes and, here in Calgary, 30% of our use is from household electrical consumption. Additionally, the average household in Calgary is using 8% more energy today than it did in 2005.

Green homes can use up to 40% less energy. Next to a mortgage, energy costs are the most significant household expense. Something you many not know is your plasma TV uses five times more energy then the old tube TV.

To estimate appliance consumption you can use this formula

Wattage x hours per day divided by 100 = Daily Kilowatt-hour consumption

You can usually find the wattage on the appliance, stamp on the bottom or side. Many appliances still draw electricity even when turned off; this is known as phantom load. Appliances that are known for this are stereos, computers, and televisions just to name a few. If you have older appliances you can use a device to control and reduce energy consumption. These devices control and regulate the energy delivered to the appliance. Appliance newer then 1990 may not see any benefits from this device because of their existing energy save features.

The Kitchen is an area in the home that has a lot of energy consumptions here are a few way to cut back on usage. You can save energy daily by manually chopping instead of using mixers and grinders. Small changes can make a big difference, cook meals in smaller appliances like microwave or toaster ovens. If you're shopping for a new fridge a great choose is one with the freezer on top. These models tend to be more efficient than models with the freezer on the bottom or side by sides.

We all need to do our part to conserve energy. Simple changes will not affect our daily living too much, but can have a huge impact on the future of our planet.

http://goo.gl/J22Gd

I am the lead design on owner of Simply Stylish Staging http://www.simplystylishstaging.ca/. I will find the best buys to save you time and money for your staging needs. I will work with your budget to ensure buyers see the true potential of your property. My passion for design and training as a Canadian Staging Professional I would love to working with home owners to sell their home quickly with a maximum return of investment.

Ground Source Heat Pumps And Your Homes

If you own a house or are in the market for one, then you should definitely consider ground source heat pumps. To make your house truly green, it is certainly one of your best options. Here is some crucial information about them.

What is a ground source heat pump?

This uses this source of energy to heat and cool a particular region. It accesses the geothermal energy from the ground. To implement this system, the pump is positioned within 10 feet of the surface of the Earth. The temperature range of the area is constantly between 50°-61° Fahrenheit, (or 10°-16° Celsius). As a result, the pump is able to heat your house throughout the wintertime, and cool it throughout the summertime.

How is a ground source heat pump constructed?

The process is quite basic. First, polyethylene or copper piping is positioned underneath the ground. The next step is to use a refrigerant to fill the piping. The heat pump moves the fluid throughout the piping. As that happens the ground warms or cools it, causing the temperature in your house to stabilize throughout the process of direct exchange.

What are its main types?

The two main varieties are water-to-water transfer, and water-to-air transfer. Water-to-water systems are like standard boilers, and involve the heating of water pipes that exist in a building. Meanwhile, water-to-air pumps function like standard air-conditioners. They function by using the ground source heat pump's heating and cooling parts, to change the air's temperature via ventilation.

What is its environmental impact?

That is a crucial question if you are a current or future homeowner. One of the most noteworthy benefits is that it is a fantastic method for going green. For instance, because no chemicals or fuel is needed for the heating or cooling process--the impact on the environment is almost zilch. In fact, research shows that an "average" home can save 5,500 tons of carbon emissions, by choosing ground source heat pump systems.

How expensive is this?

The answer is somewhat complicated. In fact, the initial cost of the actual ground source heat pump is somewhat pricey. However, the operational costs are much lower compared to different HVAC systems. Basically, the cost of the system's power will determine the amount of savings that you can enjoy by using it. Those costs differ throughout the world. That said the operating costs are generally low enough that they can quickly compensate for the high initial costs of the system.

Are there ways to reduce the start-up costs?

In fact, many governments throughout the world offer subsidies for homeowners who install such systems within a particular timeframe.

Can this become a DIY project?

Typically, it will not be, due to the amount of skills, and the types of tools needed to install them. So it is advisable to be on the safe side and have a trained professional handle the installation.

15 Energy Efficient Tips For Your Home

The ideas listed here are are just some of the items that can be done to lessen your energy expenditures month in, month out. They have low or no fees and may be performed quickly to allow you to be secure, comfy all the while helping the environment and being economical. Share these with the whole family and try to get each person included.

1. Install a programmable thermostat in order to maintain your own home pleasantly heated in winter and adequately cool in the summertime.

2. Take advantage of compact fluorescent light bulbs using the ENERGY STAR® label.

3. Air dry the dishes as opposed to using your dishwasher's drying cycle.

4. Put off your PC and keep track of when not in use.

5. Connect home electronics, including TVs and DVD players, right into power strips; flip the power strips off if the products are not in take advantage of (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still employ several watts of power).

6. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F.

7. Take short showers as opposed to baths.

8. Clean mainly full loads of the dishes and clothes. With clothing take advantage of cold water.

9. Drive shrewdly. Aggressive driving (racing, quick acceleration and braking) squanders gasoline

10. Check for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and merchandise.

11. Ensure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are correctly cared for. Check your owner's manuals for the suggested repair.

12. Search for open fireplace dampers and make certain they are closed when not in use.

13. Look at the insulation values in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces.

14. Look at for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air right into or out of your home.

15. You may also get the assistance of a professional. Many utilities execute energy audits for free or for a small charge. For a fee, a professional contractor will analyze how well your home's energy systems interact with each other and compare the analysis to your bills. He or she will making use of a variety of equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and surface thermometers to find leaks and drafts. After gathering information about your home, the contractor or auditor offers you a list of recommendations for cost effective energy improvements and enhanced comfort and safety. A professional licensed contractor can even calculate the actual gain on your investment in high-efficiency products in contrast to normal equipment.

Tips on Sustainable Architecture

One of the breakthrough concepts which emerged from the green construction is the idea of sustainable architecture. This simply means using Eco-friendly techniques and materials in the architectural field. The green building and green living techniques aims to create as little waste as possible. Sustainable architecture also promotes the use of clean and renewable energy with the use of building materials that do not damage the earth's environment.

Sustainable architecture focuses largely on how energy will be used to provide the much needed power for the entire structure being built. To effectively conserve energy, the building must have an excellent insulation. Shutters, shades and awning are widely used in green building because these require no electricity for its operation and yet, they can be used as passive building coolers. Passive solar energy which is collected from windows which are strategically located is valuable in conserving energy as well. In terms of using renewable energy, solar panels can be used to capture energy from the sun. Solar energy can be used in providing energy for the home or structures.

Air source heat pumps absorb heat from cold outside air, and it delivers it inside the building or the house. These work like air conditioners in reverse. On the other hand, geothermal heat pumps can also use the warmth from underground to provide heat to a home or a building.

When it comes to sustainable building, the proponents and experts recommend some earth-friendly materials like coconut, concrete, harvested wood, rock, bamboo, linoleum, sheep wool, clay, cork, vermiculite, straw and other natural-based objects. One of the most important components of sustainable architecture is the use of recycled materials such as glass, lumber and denim. You may also reuse doors, windows, flooring and other recycled architectural components to build a sustainable structure. In addition to these, cellulose insulation, lumbers treated with Boric acid, and organic or milk-based paints are used to complete a green building. These materials do not damage the environment to the same extent as the non-Eco-friendly materials.

Another important component of sustainable architecture is waste management. The proponents of green construction require construction companies to design and build their structures based on an Eco-friendly method. The focus is on on-site waste management especially in terms of solid waste, construction waste, and all the by-products of the construction process. Composting and off-site recycling are taken into consideration when carrying out green building. This is also done to ensure that the health of the people working in the site and on the surrounding communities is protected from all the harmful effects of the wastes.

Tips For Buying an Eco-Friendly Home

Buying an eco-friendly home is not as difficult as you might think, and in the long run it can save you a lot of money, as well as having less of an impact on the environment. An eco-friendly home is one that is energy efficient and saves you money, but it also can mean it is a home made from recycled materials and one that makes much better use of space. When buying an eco-friendly home you will still need to consider the same things that you do when buying a normal home, such as going through the right channels to borrow money and paying additional fees like stamp duty and conveyancing fees.

Building methods

You can start thinking eco-friendly even before you start building the home. Choose an architect that is familiar with eco-friendly homes and have them design a home that is suitable for your block. Think about creating a home that takes up less land space, leaving as much room for trees and plants as possible. Leave room around the home for water tanks and a vegetable garden. Think about where on your block you build the home too. Make sure it is in a position so you can make use of natural light, and it is facing a direction so you get the warmth of the sun to increase the energy efficiency.

Building materials

You can even be eco-friendly with your choice of building materials. Any timber in your home should be recycled from other sources. You will find that you can buy bricks from homes that are being torn down. You could also choose to build with eco-friendly materials like mud or stones, or even build a straw bale home.

Energy efficient

One of the main purposes of your home is for it to be energy efficient. Make sure that it is well insulated so it stays warm in winter and cooler in summer. You can also put in double glazed windows and have solar panels installed so you rely on the sun to power your home. Solar power can also heat your water so you can save on gas as well as electricity. Solar panels are not as expensive as they used to be and many new homes that aren't eco-friendly are being built with solar panels to heat their water.

Appliances

Within your home you can be more eco-friendly by choosing the right appliances. When you buy a dishwasher, washing machine, fridge or even a clothes dryer you will see the energy rating listed on the item through a star rating system. The more stars an item has the more energy efficient it is. You can also buy dishwashers and washing machines that use less water. You can also be more energy efficient when lighting your home by choosing to use power saving light bulbs. Another way to be eco-friendly is to watch your energy consumption, so turn off lights in rooms that are not in use, switch appliances off at the wall and don't heat or cool rooms you are not using. Having blinds or curtains on your windows will help keep your house warm in winter and block out the heat in summer.

LED Lighting Tax Aspects of Furniture Chains

The 2008 collapse of the U.S. housing market had a particularly damaging effect on the domestic furniture industry. A virtual freeze on new and existing home purchases resulted in a drastic decline in sales for furniture chains who, prior to the collapse, dominated the industry primarily by selling foreign-made furniture. The furniture industry has largely evolved into an import model where huge warehouses store the furniture that is then sold in retail show rooms. Some major brands use large, warehouse-like structures as their retail facilities. As the economy continues to improve, these companies will be able to realize significant energy cost savings and very large EPAct tax deductions by installing LED lighting in their showrooms along with energy-efficient lighting and heaters in their distribution centers.

Large store showrooms looking to showcase their furniture can use LED's for focused lighting, while huge warehouses that hold the furniture before it reaches retail storefronts can realize tremendous operating cost reductions by installing LED's or other energy-efficient lighting. While each of these building types involves a distinct planning process with different tax implications, LED lighting can drive large tax deductions for all furniture chain facilities.

The Section 179D EPAct Tax Opportunities

Pursuant to Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Section 179D, furniture chains making qualifying energy-reducing investments in their new or existing locations can get immediate tax deductions of up to $1.80 per square foot.

If the building project doesn't qualify for the largest EPAct $1.80 per square foot immediate tax deduction, there are tax deductions of up to $0.60 per square foot for the three major building subsystems: lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning), and the building envelope. The building envelope is every item on the building's exterior perimeter that touches the outside world including roof, walls, insulation, doors, windows and foundation.

Alternative Energy Tax Credits and Grants

Pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, there are multiple 30% or 10% tax credits available for a variety of alternative energy measures with varying credit termination dates. For example, the 30% solar tax credit and the 10% geothermal heat pump tax credit expire January 1, 2017.

All alternative measures that are eligible for the 30% and 10% tax credits are also eligible for equal cash grants for the three years staring January 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2011.

Unique 2011 Opportunity: Enhanced Bonus Tax Depreciation

Solar P.V. and geothermal systems are ordinarily eligible for 5-year MACRS depreciation, but building owners who install these systems after September 8, 2010 through December 31, 2011 can take 100% depreciation tax bonus immediately. Even if building owners miss this 2011 window, they can enjoy a 50% tax depreciation bonus on equipment placed in service from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

The Tax Planning Implications for Furniture Chains

Showrooms and EPAct 179D

LED lighting is excellent for presenting furniture because it provides a high-powered, focused beam ideally suited for showroom floors. The shopper is naturally drawn to the furniture because of the LED's spotlighting effect. For this reason, the Ashley Furniture showroom in Boca Raton, Florida has opened one of the first furniture stores seeking LEED certification for its inclusion of, among other things, LED lighting. Since this store is nearly 100,000 sq. ft. large, it will be eligible for up to $60,000 in tax deductions for lighting alone, and potentially greater EPAct deductions for qualifying HVAC equipment and building envelope measures. Indeed, as part of its plan to seek LEED certification, Ashley installed high-performing, low-emitting glass with automatic shades that conserve energy and rooftop solar tubes at its Boca site. A qualified professional can convert Ashley's required LEED energy model into an EPAct tax model.

Warehouse Lighting and EPAct 179D

Building lighting comprises a large part of furniture warehouse energy use. Most warehouses that have not had a lighting upgrade to energy-efficient lighting in the last 7 or 8 years use earlier generation metal halide or T-12 fluorescent lighting. It is important to realize that effective January 1, 2009, most probe-start metal halide lighting may no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States and, effective July 1, 2010, most T-12 lighting may no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States. This means that warehouses that still have older lighting technology will soon be, or already are, subject to large price increases for replacement lamps and bulbs.

This earlier generation T-12 and metal halide lighting is energy-inefficient compared to today's T-8 and T-5 lighting, and a lighting retrofit can easily cut lighting electricity costs by 40 to 60 percent. In addition to large energy cost reductions from upgrading basic building lighting, most warehouses undergoing lighting retrofits install sensors that completely shut off lighting in portions of the warehouse that are not in use. Previously, many warehouse owners and lighting specialists were reluctant to install sensors because they reduced fluorescent lamp useful life. Today, with improved technology, sensors are available with warranties that protect against reduction in lamp useful life. In the furniture warehouse business, sensors will prove particularly useful because warehouses only need intermittent illumination. Combined with flourescent, induction or, increasingly, LED lighting, sensors are a vital consideration to any furniture warehouse operator.

Warehouse Heating and EPAct 179D

New, improved commercial heating systems can give energy cost savings of 8 percent or more over the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 2001 building code standards. There are multiple heater technologies suitable for the furniture warehouse market, including Cambridge direct fired gas heaters, unit heaters, and infrared (e.g. radiant) heaters. If it can be done, the warehouse heater could mount on an exterior wall to optimize the roof top space for a solar P.V. roof top system.

Typical Large Furniture Warehouses Obtain Large Tax Deductions

Many large warehouses have made the investments necessary to get the full $1.80 per square foot EPAct tax deduction. Since the EPAct tax deductions relate to square footage, a 500,000 square foot furniture warehouse can secure a $900,000 EPAct tax deduction.

IKEA's Pioneering Solar Projects

IKEA uses large integrated warehouse/retail facilities to directly sell furniture. The Swedish company has recently announced that it will install solar P.V. in some of its stores in Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. By taking advantage of its enormous, flat rooftops on its facilities, IKEA will be able to generate enough kilowatt-hours to power its own stores' lighting and HVAC needs with energy left over to sell to utilities. Further, they are making the ideal use of their solar investment by installing highly energy-efficient geothermal heating systems and LED lighting. Geothermal typically generates large EPAct 179D tax deductions, especially when coupled with LED lighting. As noted above, the geothermal system will also be eligible for a 10% tax credit or grant and very favorable tax deprecation.

The New York Market

New York City has experienced a quicker economic recovery than the rest of the country, and furniture chains are acting now to try to capitalize on the city's momentum. Cleveland-based Arhaus Furniture; Nadeau Corp., a West Coast-based seller of eclectic furnishings; and discounter Home Goods, a division within TJX, are all newcomers to the NYC scene and each is hoping to take advantage of the heightened demand than has often forced homeowners and renters into the suburbs to shop for their furniture. With the opening of 20,000 to 40,000 square foot retail centers, these companies have the opportunity to use LED lighting, and, in some locations, solar P.V., in their building design to drive down their operating expenses while utilizing large tax incentives.

Furniture Warehouse Tax Incentivized Energy-Efficient Design Process Steps

1. Assemble team including warehouse experts for EPAct tax incentives, utility rebates, lighting, heater, building envelope and solar energy.

2. See if roof is compatible for solar and heater. Obtain proposals for installations of solar installations and any other needed roof/insulation projects and any other needed roof/insulation projects.

3. Obtain lighting design that replaces all inefficient lighting. Compare and contrast costs of fluorescent, induction and LED lighting alternatives.

4. Obtain Cambridge heater or alternative heater proposals, taking into account possible roof designs.

5. Determine utility rebate based on all proposed separate and joined energy-efficient measures. Efficient lighting will cut electric use. Roof, insulation and heater will cut "therms."

6. Determine tax incentives including EPAct Section 179D tax deduction benefit and solar credit tax deductions. EPAct is based on total project square footage, including mezzanines and pick and pack modules. The 30-percent solar tax credit is based on the total solar material and installation costs.

7. Prepare project proposal detailing project costs, energy savings, utility rebates and tax incentives.

8. Get project approved by building owner.

9. Hire contractors and execute project.

10. Have EPAct tax expert prepare model and tax documentation using IRS approved software.

11. Process utility rebates.

12. Reduce federal and state estimated tax payments to account for expected large EPAct tax deductions and credits.

13. Celebrate tax-enhanced energy-efficient warehouse achievement

Green Roof Benefits

Progressive modern times and advances in home building technology and materials have shifted attention to the many advantages of having a green roof installed on your home. Why should homeowners consider this alternative to regular roofing? Read on to find out the many benefits of having a green roof for your home.

There are many beneficial relationships for the environment and the home owners when it comes to installing a green roof, or a vegetative roof. Ecologically, working with nature instead of against it is always a better option. The developmental impacts of construction and building could be reduced through the natural design of a vegetative roof. In urban environments where concrete covers nearly every ground area, there is not much nature left in the environment, or any porous surface left. Green Roofs increase and help restore the ecological settings of an urban open space, especially in dense communities. The greater the roof space, the greater the ecological advantage. This is due to the innate nature of a green roof to act as an effective storm water management system.

The loss of nature and green spaces in our urban living environments can be significantly reduced if more and more buildings and homes install green roofs. Nearly any horizontal surface, like roofs can be transformed into a vegetated roof, which can be used to grow many lucrative plants. It's like having your own self sufficient garden on your own roof!

There are many economic gains in installing rooftop gardens. Investing in this type of roof will reap many biological benefits, not to mention a more durable, energy saving, better insulated, and sustainable building materials being utilized. On a daily basis, the area on top of your roof was being wasted and unused, whereas a green roof opens up the space into a more livable, breathable, usable environment and space.

Psychologically, humans have the tendency to perform at peak mental capacities when surrounded by natural beauty and diversity, and being surrounded or exposed to natural landscapes and gardens. Tending to an intensive rooftop gardens has the power of calming and de-stressing, and also acts as a leisure activity. Incorporating ecological design into our homes creates a more aesthetically pleasing space and provides greater visual appeal.

Insurance companies also offer insurance rate reductions, some companies up to 33% for installing green roofs. The promotion of green roofing systems and green building technologies has never been so prevalent and researched, with new strides in sustainable building, there are many incentives to alternative green building practices, of which can save you money on your home insurance plan, increase your health, save you money, and contribute to a healthy green environment. The green industry is well on its way, and the day dense cities adopt green roof building practices, will have the greatest environmental impact. Hong Kong and Vancouver have already greatly explored this alternative, and soon major cities will follow suit. More resistant and sustainable roofing technologies will be the norm soon.

12 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster - Go Green!

These days, it seems as if everyone is growing more concerned with protecting the environment and going green; especially home buyers. Because of all the great benefits of owning a green home, there is an increasing demand for eco-friendly, green friendly homes in the housing market. According to a recent survey constructed by McGraw-Hill, "70 percent of buyers are either more or much more inclined to purchase a green home over a conventional home in down housing market."

The benefits of owning a green home are innumerable: green homes are safer for your health, much cheaper and easier to maintain, and better for the environment. Buyers are looking to make that switch to gain peace of mind, and to drastically cut utility expenses.

How can a green home benefit the home seller? Being able to state your home is eco-friendly is a huge draw for buyers, giving your home a leading edge in the tough housing market competition. Buyers are also willing to pay more for a home with energy saving additions; the Earth Advantage Institute has determined that homes with third-party environmental certifications (such as a LEED certification) sell for 30 percent more than conventional homes without such ratings.

Avoid getting stuck in the stagnant housing market! If you want to sell your home faster, consider making these green changes:

Home solar panels are able to convert thermal energy that is produced courtesy of the sun, into real electricity. Solar electricity can be used to power anything in your home from your TV to your kitchen appliances. Although the investment is expensive, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, solar panels can potentially boost home sale prices by 3 to 4 percent.

Lighting accounts for 20% of all home energy use. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) use 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs. Replace old light bulbs in permanent fixtures to add value and boost your homes efficiency.

To lower heating and cooling bills, buyers look for walls and roofs that have adequate insulation. Uninsulated walls can lose up to 33% of a homes heat, drastically increasing energy costs. For bonus points, consider insulation made out of alternative materials, such as Cellulose, which is mostly made out of recycled newspapers.

Check for air leaks and apply new caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows where necessary. This will not only improve your homes appearance, but will also lower heating and cooling costs.

If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with double-pane windows to reduce heating and cooling costs up to 25%.

Typical household paint may contain upwards of 300 known toxic chemicals (half of which have been linked to cancer) and a total of more than 10,000 total chemicals. These toxic emissions linger in the air for years after any paint job is complete. Volatile Organic Compounds are the worst offenders in the paint chemical category. VOC-free paint is free of the noxious odors that are usually associated with painting; resulting in safer, healthier air quality.

Not only for their beauty, eco-friendly buyers are opting towards bamboo flooring and cabinets also for the endless sustainability. Hardwood trees can take up to 80 years to reach the height and density large enough to harvest, whereas bamboo reaches its maximum height in less than a year, and becomes dense enough to harvest within four to six years. Like a grass, bamboo quickly regenerates and can be cut without harming the plant.

The kitchen can make or break a home sale, especially if the appliances are outdated. Besides the aesthetic appeal, modern appliances have a distinct advantage: energy efficiency. Energy efficient appliances that hold an Energy Star label have been found to use up to 50% less energy and water than older, standard models.

In order to obtain maximum water conservation, replace your old toilet with a dual-stage flush toilet. Stage one, a low volume half flush, is for liquid wast. Stage two performs a full tank flush to wash away solid waste.

According to the EPA, letting your faucet run for five minutes uses as much energy as it takes to keep a 60-watt light bulb lit for 14 hours. By installing low-flow shower heads and faucets, water consumption associated with bathing will decrease by up to 70%, and you'll also use less energy heating up the water.

To add to your homes curb appeal, plant native and drought resistant plants that require less water and maintenance.

Even if your home already has a heating and cooling system, ceiling fans can maximize its effectiveness. In the summer, they can pull the warmer air up and away, and in the winter, push warmer air down.

For more information on selling or converting your eco-friendly home, contact your real estate agent and visit U.S Green Building Council for specific guidelines and resources.

Obesity Not Only Damages Your Health - It Kills!

Obesity and overweight are determined by calculating a person's body mass index (BMI). BMI is used because it correlates with the percentage of fat in a person's body. The two factors of BMI are height and weight: (weight in pounds)/(height in inches) sq. A person's BMI can be calculated both using the English system or the metric system. Web sites are available online, providing information on BMI as well as a free BMI calculator.

What Is a Healthy Body Weight?

A healthy body weight equals a BMI less than 24.9. If a person's BMI is between 25 and 29.9 they are overweight. On the other hand if a person's BMI is 30 or greater they are considered obese. In America obesity is a growing epidemic. In 2007-2008, obesity affected more than 1/3 of adults, and 17% of children and teens in the United States. The good news is that within the last two years the obesity epidemic growth rate is slightly decreasing.

Obesity is associated with so many medical conditions. People who are obese are at risk for developing arthritis, certain cancers, diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and stroke. Heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers are primarily responsible for the deaths associated with obesity. Obesity is linked to breast, colon, gallbladder, throat, kidney, and stomach cancer.

Obesity is more prevalent among some races than others. As of 2007, African-American women have the highest obesity rate, affecting them 1.4 times more than Non-Hispanic Whites.

Fighting obesity in the US

Fighting back to stop obesity is an ongoing challenge. Choosing the right foods to eat may be easier said than done because of the way society is set up. We live in a rapid moving environment, consisting of work, parenting, and making ends meet. Who has time to exercise when parenting and family comes first, right? It's not as convenient to eat a balanced meal as it is to grab foods on the run. Some households can't afford to eat a balanced meal three times a day.

Then we have various ethnic groups who desire certain foods that are not prepared in healthy ways. So just what exactly can we do when culture and biology collide? I don't know exactly how we are going to win this battle of obesity. But I do know we've got to win! Low fat foods are essential for healthy weights, ensuring good health.

Just because it is in someone gene's to become obese doesn't mean that it has to happen. People can keep their culture alive without sacrificing all of their desired foods. There are low-fat cookbooks available that focus on how to prepare healthy foods, addressing various cultures. If you don't have time to exercise at a gym or sports club, exercising at home is an alternative. Walk to your neighborhood store instead of driving.

Children and teens suffer with obesity more now than ever because of technology (the internet, computers, video games, etc.). This advancement in technology increases a sedentary lifestyle. Keep your children as active as possible, limit TV watching, and the playing of video/computer games. Encourage your children and teens to participate in outdoor sports and enroll them in school athletics as much as possible.

We have the power to make this obesity epidemic disappear, but we can't afford to waste any more time. Obesity kills more people yearly than HIV. We've got to get busy and fight back even harder! A little change makes a big difference!

The Effects of Excess Abdominal Fat on the Heart

It seems like more people are walking around with some sort of extra tummy fat on their body. There are not too many people that will feel comfortable walking around with a half shirt on showing their abs off when there is an extra bulge. Not only do people become self conscious about the fat but it can take a toll on their heart as well.

Everyone is born with fat in the abdominal area. There is the fat that actually covers a person's abs. This fat is better known as subcutaneous fat. The subcutaneous fat is resting under your skin and on your abdominal muscles.

Even deeper in the abdominal area is a second fat named visceral fat. The visceral fat is all around the body organs that are located under the muscles. When people have what is known as a beer belly it is caused from the visceral fat.

When either of these fats get out of control in the abdomen area there is going to be health problems for a person. The risks are very high for diabetes to start, blood pressure can become high, heart problems will develop, strokes, lack of sleep, and different types of cancer to name a few.

When people notice a bulge starting in the gut area they need to take control of the problem before it is out of control. Losing tummy fat is never easy and will take some work before the difference will be noticeable. There are two things that go hand in hand when trying to get a killer abdominal area again. Healthy eating and exercise will help the fat go away so a person will not be in the high risk factor of health problems.

People are going to need to stop eating the fast food that is dripping with grease and start eating more vegetables, fruits, and smaller portions of food. The belly might growl in between meals but instead of reaching for a bag of chips grab an apple. Eating healthy is hard but over time it will become natural and people will start feeling better health wise.

For losing tummy fat there should be a good exercise program in place. The exercise could be done in the comfort of the home or at the gym. Do not think a million tummy crunches is all the work that will need to be done. Before a person can build the tummy and have those much sought after abs the fat will have to come off first.

Before starting any exercise program or diet always check with a doctor first. The doctor can guide a person about how much exercise can be done safely to start out.

Keith Braithwaite is a generally nosey and opinionated guy but his heart is in the right place. After nearly thirty years in the corporate world and twenty keenly observing direct selling, he is now following interests in self-development, internet marketing and historical studies, but most particularly in weight loss and nutrition.

Find a useful and effective program to reduce abdominal fats at http://www.abdominalfats.com/

A Personal Approach to Obesity Treatment

Obesity is one of the modern health problems which continues to create widespread public health concerns in the United Kingdom. Excess body weight can lead to a number of other health conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, heart conditions, and certain types of cancer. The good news is that people are now more aware than ever of the dangerous impacts of obesity and are ready to pursue obesity treatment to cut down on excess fat. Unlike the common lot, you can start your own obesity treatment today keeping in mind the following points.

Self-motivation for winning personal battles against body fat

You don't need anybody to tell you that an obese or overweight condition looks unattractive, do you? Neither do you need to be a fitness freak to acknowledge that a healthy body can possibly be the homeliest abode for a happy mind. So self-motivation can be the starting point to reduce fat deposition in your abdomen and limbs. Remember that it's not just what statistics say about obesity; you have to set yourself personal targets and relish when you get there.

Hard work and dedication

Hard work always pays no matter whatever you target to achieve in life - this statement is still not cliched. As far as weight loss is concerned, hard work means doing physical activities that you could easily have avoided on the pretext of saving time. Do you habitually take the lift or use your car whenever you need to go only a few floors upstairs or travel a short distance? That's not going to help you much if you want to lose weight. Majority of obese or overweight individuals make the mistake of underestimating the value of physical labour.

Dedication matters a lot for long-term weight loss. You may resist the temptation to have a big bite at your favorite cheese-filled snack for 6 days, but a slip on the 7th day may spoil the results of all the sweat and toil you have been into for the previous 6 days. Fat-burning weight loss pills can still be lenient enough to allow you eat a moderate amount of high-calorie foods, but you should anyway be careful not to get involved in binging when you are looking to get slimmer.

Medical treatment

Once your mind and body is well conditioned to fight body fat, it may be time to seek medical help to discipline your slimming regime. Taking medication is sometimes good because it can help you focus on a goal and keep yourself engaged to activities that are needed in order to reach your goal. Xenical weight loss pills in particular can be helpful given that you have a body mass index of 27 or above at the time of starting this obesity treatment. These pills contain orlistat as the active ingredient, which works on dietary fat and prevents 30% of it from getting digested. As Xenical is a prescription-only pill, you need to consult a doctor before you can try it. Talk to your doctor today to find out more about orlistat.

Tom is one of the good article writers having much experience in writing health articles. He has written many articles on Xenical Orlistat for Obesity treatment. Xenical slimming pills can be got from an online pharmacy over internet

The Culture of Punishment

Being involved in fitness my entire life while also holding a Masters Degree in School Psychology, I tend to view the worlds of fitness and behavior change as one. After all, trying to lose weight is as much as a behavioral change as it is a dietary change. They are both playing a role in one's weight problems.

As parents and as children we have been acculturated to believe that punishing others as well as ourselves will change ones behavior. However, this is simply not the case and has been proven so time and time again. Punishment does little in increasing the wanted or "target" behavior which is what we are really after. When it comes to losing weight we always focus on the negative. We focus on reducing the unwanted behavior through punishment, rather than increasing the desired behavior through rewards.

This may play itself out in a vicious cycle for those trying to lose weight. The unwanted behavior occurs which is usually overeating and/or making poor dietary choices. Then, in order to make things right again we punish ourselves through exercise by trying to lose the weight. Initially, the wanted behavior (exercise) may increase but this won't last for long. As the emotions build and the cycle repeats itself you find yourself resenting the exercise while giving in more and more to the unwanted behavior (over-eating/poor dietary choices).

An alternative way to approach this dilemma is to focus on the wanted or "target" behavior you want to increase. In this case it might be two behaviors, healthy dietary choices and increased exercise. In order for this to work there must be an immediate reward which YOU value. It doesn't necessarily have to be monetary either. The reward can be small and in the form of taking time out for yourself to read a book, making more positive self-statements, and/or writing down a new weekly goal that includes something that you consider to be rewarding. Again, avoid extravagant rewards. Many times the smaller the reward the bigger the behavior change.

It is all about creating positive forward momentum. It is inevitable that you will stumble. However, when you do be sure to stop yourself before you punish yourself for stumbling. This is a very hard thing to do but if you are aware that all of us have a tendency to resort to punishment first you might stand a better chance at picking yourself up after you make a dietary mistake and moving forward in a positive direction.

Pete Simon
USAT Level I Coach
USA Cycling Level 3 Coach
Certified Wellness Coach
M.S. School Psychology
http://balancedtraining.vpweb.com/

A Doctor's Word: 1-800 Service Offers Cancer Patients a Lifeline

Brenda Bryant learned she had breast cancer while she was sitting alone in her car in the parking lot of her grandson’s day care center. It was early evening on a Friday two years ago, and her surgeon called to tell her the results of a biopsy. “He just gave me my results and that was it,” says Bryant, who is now 47 and lives in Northern Virginia. “It was like there was this big knot in my throat. I was lost, and I didn’t know who to go to. I just started going crazy.”

Searching on the Internet for more information about the disease, Bryant found the telephone number of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (1 800-4-CANCER, or 1-800-422-6237). The woman who answered told her about local support groups and medical specialists in her area and shared her own story of having breast cancer. “The person on the other line was really comforting,” Bryant says. “It made me feel like I might have some hope.”

Despite its 35-year history, the NCI’s free service remains under the radar to many. The help line handles about 78,000 calls a year, in Spanish as well as English. By contrast, in 2007, some 11.7 million Americans were living with the disease.

The service is especially underused in ethnic minority communities, according to Dr. Nancy Burke, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco. “There’s an issue of awareness, and there’s also the comfort issue of seeking information over the phone,” she says. “But once we introduce people to it, they love it. Cancer patients are often overwhelmed by information, and the line can help them sort through it.”

The cancer line fields a wide variety of queries, including what to expect after different diagnoses; what to ask doctors; where to get help with financial, legal, and transportation problems that might interfere with treatment; the benefits and side effects of different treatment options; and what clinical trials are available for different diagnoses.

Callers are encouraged to share as many details as possible about the exact type and stage of their cancer, so that the staff can tailor the information they provide. “But if they don’t know this, we can help them formulate questions they can take to their doctor,” says Mary Anne Bright, a former oncology nurse who directs the program. “We will spend as much time with somebody as they need.”

Unlike many other toll-free help lines, “we’re not a pharmaceutical company, and we’re not collecting donations,” Bright adds. “We’re all about reporting the most accurate and up-to-date information about cancer and the results of research in a way that people can understand.”

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Callers aren’t asked for their name, unless they want to receive printed material in the mail, and only their area codes are collected. They are asked some basic demographic questions at the end of the call, but can choose not to answer, and “it won’t have an impact on how we deliver our service,” Bright says.

The Cancer Information Service also handles questions by email and by instant messaging. Recently, the line has been answering more questions about where to get financial help, how to pay for treatment, and where to get free or low-cost screening tests, such as mammograms.

Burke says one unexpected benefit of the call line is the confidence it instills in patients navigating the medical system. “Many people don’t feel entitled to getting good service,” she says. “It was empowering for people to feel they were going into their appointment with questions to ask and information to discuss with their doctor.”

Brenda Bryant called the line a second time, a month after her initial breast cancer diagnosis. Even though she had insurance, she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to afford her treatment, and she also wanted information about a clinical trial that her cancer specialist was pushing. She ended up deciding to go with the standard treatment for her type of cancer, and she reports that she is now doing well.

“They just gave me a lot of information on different services, and they didn’t promote any treatment or trial,” she says. “I just felt that it was a good resource.”

Malaria Vaccine Shows Acceptable Safety, Efficacy Results

An international health alliance working to develop a vaccine against malaria says one of its most advanced vaccines, called RTS,S, shows promising results.  After two years of human clinical trials in Africa, the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative and its collaborators report the vaccine provides protection against malaria for children aged five to 17 months.

Scientists working on the world’s first-ever malaria vaccine are calling the RTS,S trials a significant milestone.

“For 40 years people have been trying to develop malaria vaccine and here we are,” said Dr. Christian Loucq, the director of Malaria Vaccine Initiative, which is an international non-profit group involved in assessing the safety and effectiveness of the new vaccine.  Thousands of children in seven countries in Africa received the vaccine. Investigators found that in vaccinated children, the risk of severe and clinical malaria was reduced by half.

“Phase Three is where you look into efficacy and safety for which we had consistent results and we are very happy and encouraged to move on,” said Dr. Daniel Ansong, a pediatrician and researcher at one of the clinical-trial sites in Ghana.

Dr. Ansong believes the vaccine will be a valuable new weapon in the global war on malaria.

Critics note that in the field trials, the new vaccine was only 47 percent effective against severe malaria, a level of protection they say should be higher. But pediatricians say that with malaria killing 800,000 children every year, even this level of efficacy could save thousands of lives.

Dr. Joe Cohen is co-inventor of the RTS,S vaccine and a researcher at the drug companty GlaxoSmith-line. It has invested $300 million in malaria vaccine development.

Cohen says developing a vaccine against malaria has been a major scientific challenge. “The problem, I think, is the parasite itself. Malaria parasite - parasites in general - very complex organisms, with complex DNA makeup with many thousands of genes, in contrast to bacteria or viruse,” he said.

GlaxoSmith-Kline says it expects to invest an additional $50 to 100 million in the vaccine program.  Researchers say they will start testing the vaccine on larger populations after the successful completion of ongoing Phase Three trials.

The developers plan to submit the final results of the vaccine trials to the World Health Organization by 2014.  Their hope is that the WHO will recommend that the malaria vaccine become a routine part of all future childhood immunization programs.

The Hack Heard Around the World

The recent arrest of a 19-year-old man in London in connection with a number of high-profile hacker attacks against international businesses and government agencies is not likely to cripple two hacker collectives. In fact, efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on the “hacktivists” have only provoked more payback cyber attacks.

Before the hacker collectives called Anonymous and Lulz Security (known as LulzSec) hit other businesses and government agencies, they centered hacker attacks on corporate giants of the world of online gaming.

Those actions won support from gamers. As the hacker collectives target other companies, though, their supporters in the gaming community are questioning their motives.

In what historians might remember as the “Hack Heard Around The World,” Sony’s PlayStation Network, which had been running for five years with no interruptions, suddenly shut down April 20. A few days later, Sony announced that “an external intrusion on our system has affected our PlayStation Network and [video/music on-demand] Qriocity services.”

Gaming Alone

Over the course of the next few weeks, the PlayStation community would experience an abbreviated version of the current NFL lockout debacle. Yes, gamers were locked out of playing games online with their PlayStation 3.

Affected gamers were livid, of course. But, that had little to do with their stolen personal data that made headlines or with Sony’s questionable security measures. What hit many was the sudden realization that they would have to play alone for the foreseeable future.

Gamers would not be able to download those nifty new add-ons to their digital entertainment or hang out with their avatar buddies in PlayStation “Home." That’s Sony’s version of “Second Life,” a 3D virtual world where user can socialize in real time.

That may not make any sense to readers who don’t play video games. To understand how this works, imagine if someone took your smart phone away--but not while you’re in the mountains or on vacation in Costa Rica. Or think of what happens when your Internet and cable shuts down, say, during the NBA finals or VH1 television show Mob Wives.

The hack on Sony and its effect on their community of gamers was certainly a tabloid-heavy topic while the service was down. In the end, though, it worked out for all parties involved, and most gamers were happy about the free stuff they got from Sony as a part of their “welcome back” program.

However, the Ocean’s 11-scale hack on the PlayStation Network was only the beginning. Since then, the gaming industry has been the target of a hacking free-for-all that no one has ever seen before -- a virtual cyber World War I.

In the last few weeks, video game companies, such as Bethesda Softworks, Nintendo, BioWare and Epic games, as well as publisher Codemasters, Escapist magazine, EVE Online, and League of Legends have all been hacked. And, those are only a handful of the recent victims.

Most companies have reported that personal data have been stolen. Others were subject to “distributed denial of service” (DDoS) attacks, an attempt to make a computer resource unavailable to its intended users.

Like sitting in a whites-only café in the Jim Crow South, hackers consider this to be the equivalent of a peaceful protest, and some fully expect to get pummeled in the process.

Protesting Corporate Arrogance – and for Laughs

The reason behind the hack on Sony is an easier discussion topic. Sony has always had a reputation amongst the gaming community as an arrogant company.

Especially egregious, they feel, is Sony’s handling of the famous iPhone hacker George Francis Hotz (aka, Geohot). The corporation had his social networking accounts seized, after a judge allowed Sony to view all IP addresses that visited him.

Geohot had to agree never to tamper with any Sony products. In January,  he  “jailbroke” the PlayStation 3 console and released a “how-to manual” on the Web showing hackers how to do it on their own.

“If not for people like this, technological advances would be even more repressed than they already are,” said one posted article discussing the Geohot hack. “Don't forget that it's nerds and geeks that gave you the technology to be able to come here and comment in the first place,” wrote the poster.

Because a large group of gamers were sympathetic to Geohot -- who came off in the public eye as a nerdy kid, who never grew out of LEGOs -- the hack of the PlayStation Network didn’t bother people much. Sure, it was annoying, but many felt Sony had it coming.

The subsequent hacks on Sony, however, are a different matter.

To be clear, there are two groups are thought to be at the center of the hack attacks: Anonymous and LulzSec. The former has admitted to conducting DDoS attacks on Sony Computer Entertainment, even one as early as two weeks before the big hack.

Anonymous has repeatedly admitted, however, that they had nothing to do with the attack that has resulted in the identity theft of 25 million Sony Online Entertainment members, 77 million PlayStation Network (PSN) members and 10,700 debit cards in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. In a recent interview with VG24/7, a person who could “not speak for Anonymous or as Anonymous, but [could] speak as Anon,” stated:

Our intention with our initial attacks on the PSN was that of a sit-in, preventing traffic to their service in order to protest their actions. We didn’t want to piss off the consumers, as they were the ones whose rights we were campaigning for. Sony were removing true ownership of the console, as well as prosecuting hackers, and we were trying to spread this information to the consumers.

Although Anonymous appears to focus on attacks against dictatorships and corrupt institutions, LulzSec, which has attacked about five companies in the past week, says they do it for different reasons. Like little minions of The Joker (the Heath Ledger version in Batman: The Dark Knight) or the teenage anarchist rap group Odd Future, they do it for the lulz, an Internet colloquialism that translates to: For the laughs.

To celebrate their 1,000th tweet, a statement allegedly from LulzSec was posted on Pastebin stating:

This is the lulz lizard era, where we do things just because we find it entertaining…. We've been entertaining you 1,000 times with 140 characters or less, and we'll continue creating things that are exciting and new until we're brought to justice, which we might well be. But you know, we just don't give a living [blank] at this point -- you'll forget about us in 3 months' time when there's a new scandal to gawk at, or a new shiny thing to click on via your 2D light-filled rectangle.

After the latest attacks, and particularly the recent statements from Anonymous and LulzSec, the opinion from gamers has shifted dramatically.

The VG24/7 comments section was filled with opinions of users, who felt the Anonymous apology was too little too late. Copal, a user of Joystiq, went the comedic route with my personal favorite quote of the week: “I'd like to send out an open offer to all future prison cellmates of the LulzSec crew. I do not believe that anyone deserves to be sexually assaulted. But, if things just end up happening that way I will arrange for 20 cartons of cigarettes to be delivered to you if you tell them you did it ‘for the lulz.’”

Operation Anti-Security

So, what’s next?

The answer seems to be more of the same. Although recent arrests have been made of three Anonymous members in Spain (the website of the Spanish police was hacked soon after), 32 members in Turkey and two members of LulzSec in the United States and U.K., the hacking incidents have only escalated.

Recently, the hacker groups Lulzsec and Anonymous have joined forces to implement what they call “Operation Anti-security.” The groups will target government and corporate systems in and effort to "tear them limb from limb."

According to CBC News, LulzSec just released 62,000 private Internet accounts, including Facebook, PayPal, Twitter and Xbox Live.

As Anonymous, which does not condone the actions of LulzSec, puts it: “For every Anon they arrest, 10 more will step into their place… Anonymous is the manifestation of an idea, and ideas are bulletproof.”

Child Obesity

Child obesity can easily lead to adult obesity and last a lifetime! Studies have shown that men and women who were obese as children suffer an increase in sickness and premature death as adults.

Increases are particularly noted in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, fatty liver, and kidney disease.

A larger than expected number of obese children become adults who rank lower than their peers in terms of income, education, freedom from poverty, and emotional stability.

The rationale for these findings is directly related to two issues: First: the majority of obese children and adolescents become obese, or overweight, adults.

(Bad habits can be very hard to break, so be very aware of your child's eating habits).

Also, this is likely because poor eating habits in childhood have carried over into adulthood, coupled with the already higher risk of disease because of predisposition resulting from childhood obesity.

Second: there appears to be an abnormal or irregular depositing of body fat during growth and development of an obese child.

This pattern can remain into adulthood.

These are adequate reasons for us to stamp out childhood obesity. However, there is a yet more compelling reason to do so.

The health of our overweight and obese children is also in jeopardy...right now, while they are still kids!

Fat kids have a higher incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, changes in bone metabolism and hormone regulation, fatty liver, sleep apnea, neurological deficit, gall stones, depression and self-esteem issues...and these are only some of the risks!

Children gain weight for the same reasons that adults do...intake of more calories (food) than is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. The excess calories are laid down as fat tissue.

In order to achieve and maintain caloric balance, your child must learn lifestyle habits that will maximize the likelihood of wellness for a lifetime.

Lifestyle changes that will result in weight loss have to do with fewer calories and more exercise...period!

Don't buy into fad diets for yourself or your children. You all need to eat "normal food" together. Don't consider pills or programs that require you to eat separately from the rest of your family. How long is that going to last? Even if you lose weight, what happens when you go back to a regular diet? The weight will come right back...that's what will happen.

Please read all you can to get whatever information you need to take parental responsibility before it's too late for your child. Remember, he/she is not mature enough to make the proper choices to achieve or maintain weight control.

Until next time!

Does your child need to lose weight?

A trained Nutritionist developed the correct food plan for you and your family.

You, or your child, have nothing to lose (whoops! Yes you do.) when you make the decision to follow this logical eating plan.

Sue Bristol, R.N.

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Weird Belly Fat Tip - Acai Berry Exposed

There are a lot of strange and weird tips regarding weight loss that are out there. They somehow victimize people into the belief that there is a very easy and fast way to lose weight. According to various sources around, the latest weight losing craze has been centered on the Acai berries! However, one must not be victimized by the lies that are surrounding such a weird belly fat tip. This is a weird tip about losing your belly fat by just drinking the Acai berry juice alone without doing any other thing!

They have made many claims that a person will observe drastic results in just a matter of weeks. Many retailers explained that the Acai berry juice serves as a sort of cleanser for the body, allowing the body to naturally lose the fat, while the person is passive! The problem with this weird belly fat tip is that the Acai berry juice only tends to lose our body's water content and not the actual fat that is stored. With Acai berry, our body will immediately gain back the water weight that is initially lost. So, eventually you will realize that this is not exactly the way to go if you intend to lose weight and the all important belly fat.

The Acai berries itself is not the problem. It is a fruit that is high in fiber, antioxidants, omega fatty acids and body-healthy fats. Primarily, they grow in flood plains and swamps of Central and South America. The craze has been greatly hype up with all the hoax advertisements going around. There are many fruits and vegetables with high fiber content that are comparable to or exceed that of the Acai and can include Avocado, beans and carrots. The second over marketed hype is on the antioxidants powers of Acai berries. Antioxidant capacity is always measured in Orac value, the higher the number the more potent it is. The number one super antioxidant food is unprocessed Cocoa Powder with a whopping 26,000 Orac value per 100 grams. Acai berry comes in second at 18,500 Orac. As for omega fatty acids and body-health fats you can take fish oil capsules recommended by our family doctors.

As you can see, Acai berry itself is not a miracle food. It will not do what all the fake ads promised it will do for you and that is to lose a lot of weight in a very short time, often advertised as in weeks. The fake ads are the problem and not Acai berries.

What then, can we do instead of trusting in this weird belly fat tip to eventually lose our belly fat and weight more effectively? Well, you can start by not taking in too much carbohydrate for lunch and after lunch. The problem with carbohydrates is that it potentially adds on to the stored fat of our body. You ought to limit your diet to those carbohydrates, which are easily digestible. Instead you can choose to eat foods that are high in fiber, such as lean meats, vegetables and green tea. Even dairy products may help in weight loss.

It is important that you also get enough sleep. Sleep is actually associated with a higher metabolism and greater calorie loss! What many people actually do not know is that calories are actually lost in sleep! This comes as a shock for most people and therefore, you must definitely take advantage of sleep, and not a lack of it. You could also gain a lot by taking a stroll or walk around the town every day. This will not only potentially reduce stress it also burns your fat. It is a type of simple cardiovascular exercise, which increases the heart rate, and therefore increases the metabolism in the body.

Eventually you will lose your stored calories in the process. Start on an endeavor to doing these realistic procedures and do not follow any weird belly fat tip suggestions. With the right amount of patience and perseverance, you will no doubt realistically fulfill your desired weight goals.

John Richly

Weight Loss Author, Health & Fitness Enthusiast

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Obesity and Its Effects on Your Health

Obesity is responsible for an increasing number of deaths worldwide each year and the sad thing is that it is, in most cases, preventable. In europe for example it is estimated that over one million deaths per year can be attributed to obesity. You are considered to be obese if your BMI (body mass index) is 25.0 or above. The more obese you are the more likely you are to shorten your life expectancy. If your BMI is between 30-35 you can expect your life expectancy to be reduced by two to four years and if you are extremely obese with a BMI over 40 you are likely to reduce your life expectancy by as much as ten years.

People who suffer from obesity are far more likely to suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and breathing difficulties. It has also been associated with certain types of cancer and other diseases such as osteoarthritis. The main cause of obesity is a combination of excessive calorie intake and insufficient physical activity. There are other factors that can cause obesity such as medication, psychiatric disorders and inherited gene disorders but these account for a very small percentage of the overall number of cases.

Over the past ten to twenty years the instances of obesity has grown significantly. In the western world we are all tending to lead far more sedentary lifestyles than we have in the past. Many of the tasks that were commonly undertaken in the past have been mechanised making them less physically demanding which means that we burn off less calories carrying out the task than we would in the past. In younger people in particular there is a tendency towards spending leisure time playing computer games and watching television rather than participating in strenuous sporting activities.

We are also, on average, consuming a greater number of calories on a daily basis than in previous years. Studies have shown that there is a direct link between the increased consumption of fast food, which tend to have a high calorie content, and instances of obesity. Interestingly a high percentage of these calories are from carbohydrate consumption rather than excessive fat consumption. We are also drinking far more soft drinks and sweetened beverages than we used to do and studies have indicated that approximately twenty five percent of the calories consumed by young adults in america are from sweetened beverages of one sort or another.

Obesity has now reached epidemic proportions in the western world and there is no indication that the trend is likely to change. In most cases obesity is caused by the choices we make and by making the choice to change our eating and exercising habits could increase our life expectancy.

Obesity is a major cause of premature death in the western world and the problem is getting bigger every year. Our sedentary lifestyle and increased intake of calories is largely to blame. We are consuming more and more 'fast food' and do not consider the harm that it may be doing to our general well being. Most people who have a weight problem would like to do something about it but do not posses the will power to lose weight without some form of help. Weight reduction pills can help you to achieve your ideal weight by reducing the food cravings that often occur when you simply try to reduce your food intake. The best weight reducing pills are safe to take and do not have any major side effects to your health.