2008年3月15日星期六

Analogy and Metaphor as Activators of Unconscious Association Patterns

The logic of an analogy can appeal to the conscious mind and break through some of its limiting sets. When analogy and metaphor also refer to deeply engrained associations, mental mechanisms, and learned patterns of behavior, they tend to activate these internal responses and make them available for problem solving. Suggestions made by analogy are thus a powerful and indirect twofold approach that mediates between the conscious and unconscious. Appropriate analogies appeal to the conscious mind because of their inherent interest while mobilizing the resources of the unconscious by many processes of association.

Analogy, puns, metaphor, paradox, and folk language can all be understood as presenting a general context on the surface level that is first assimilated by consciousness. The individual words and phrases used to articulate that general context, however, all have their own individual and literal associations that do not belong to the context. These individual and literal associations are, of course, usually suppressed and excluded from consciousness in its effort to grasp the general context. These suppressed associations do remain in the unconscious, however, and under the special circumstances of hypnotic trance, where dissociation and literalness are heightened, they can play a significant role in facilitating responsive behavior that is surprising to consciousness.

The adult reader is usually searching for an author's meaning. Within certain limits it really doesn't matter what particular sentences or words are used. Many different sentences and combinations of words could be used to express the same meaning. It is the meaning or the general context of the sentences that registered in consciousness, while the particular sentences and words used fall into the unconscious and are "forgotten." In the same way one "reads" the meaning of a whole word rather than the individual letters used to make up the word. The general context of the letters registers as the conscious meaning of a word rather than the individual associations of each letter.

The greatest hypnotist of all times, Milton Erickson, has devised a number of techniques to activate the individual, literal, and unconscious associations to words, phrases, or sentences buried within a more general context. Turns of phrase that are shocking, surprising, mystifying, non sequiturs, too difficult or incomprehensible for the general conscious context, for example, all tend momentarily to depotentiate the patient's conscious sets and to activate a search on the unconscious level that will turn up the literal and individual associations that were previously suppressed. When Erickson overloads the general context with many words, phrases, or sentences that have common individual associations, those associations gain ascendancy in the unconscious until they finally spill over into responsive behavior that the conscious mind now registers with a sense of surprise.

The conscious mind is surprised because it is presented with a response within itself that it cannot account for. The response is then described as having occurred "all by itself without the intervention of the subject's conscious intention; the response appears to be autonomous or "hypnotic."

Analogy and metaphor as well as jokes can be understood as exerting their powerful effects through the same mechanism of activating unconscious association patterns and response tendencies that suddenly sum-mate to present consciousness with an apparently "new" datum or behavioral response.

What do Lenders Consider When Approving Bad Mortgage Credit Loans?

Lenders do not simply approve mortgage loan applications. Lenders also want to make sure that the money they will be lending will be paid back. Naturally, lenders would check on the borrower credit worthiness by examining their credit report.

What is a credit report and why is it so important?

Your credit report is your very record that reflects all transactions that you have between banks, lending companies and other financial institutions. Your payment history is listed in detailed within your credit report. By the law, mortgage lenders can use this document to check on an individual's background or credit worthiness. Thus, whether you have a good credit or bad credit can affect your mortgage loan application.

How is Your Credit?

Obviously, if you're planning on applying for a mortgage loan, it will be better to take a look at your credit report yourself and see if your credit rating is good enough to be approved. You may acquire a tri-merged credit report from three major credit bureaus. Based on this credit report, you will also be able to obtain your credit score.

Your Credit Score
Generally, your credit score will be calculated through the Fair Isaac or FICO score. If your credit score is below 620, then you have bad credit. Most likely, lenders will turn down your mortgage application.

Mortgage Loans for Those With Bad Credit
Now, if you have bad credit, does that mean you can never apply for a mortgage loan? No. In fact, there are lenders who offer bad credit mortgage loans or home equity loans for those with very low credit scores. These lenders have easier guidelines with regards to an application's approval. However, the interest rate you'll get on your mortgage would likely be higher than if you had excellent credit rating. This is because lenders consider individuals with lower credit ratings as high risk borrowers.

Applying for A Bad Credit Loan
If you have decided on applying for a bad credit loan or a sub prime loan, consider various lending companies and compare their quotes before deciding on which particular lending company you will apply. Don't forget to ensure the legitimacy of the company by checking from the Better Business Bureau.

Why Not Raise Your Credit Rating?
If you can work on your credit rating before applying for a mortgage loan, then the better chances you have of getting approved and getting better rates. You can still raise your credit rating by paying the unpaid balances or settling accounts in your credit report. Also, never delay and never miss another payment with your transactions.

Furthermore, make sure that there are no erroneous charges that are reflected on your credit report. If there are, request that these false charges be corrected immediately. Notify either one of the major credit reporting agencies right away. See to it that you will be given a copy of more accurate credit report afterwards.

These steps will slowly raise your credit score in time. With a higher credit score you can assure that lenders will be most willing to grant you an approval and better rates on your loan.

2008年3月5日星期三

Hannah Montana Stars Have Spooky Movie Coming to DVD in September

Hannah Montana fans need not fret for they will get to see more of their favorite stars in a new DVD debuting on shelves this September. Emily Osment, who plays Miley's best friend Lilly, and Cody Linley, who plays Miley's love interest Jake Ryan on Hannah Montana, will star in R.L. Stine's The Haunted Hour: Don't Think About It. The production is a made-for-DVD movie from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and The Hatchery, LLC. Osment stars as 13 year old Cassie, a Goth girl who is trying hard to adjust to a new school and neighborhood. She then begins playing spooky pranks on the cool kids at school, scaring they and her little brother. However, right before Halloween, she gets hold of a mysterious book entitled "The Evil Thing", which would change her life forever.

R.L. Stine has reached out to a younger audience with his award-winning stories such as the Goosebumps series of books that have sold over 220 million copies so far. The FOX Kids' show based on the books aired for four years and was named by TV Guide as one of the best children shows on television.

The Haunted Hour: Don't Think About It DVD contains bonus material such as a segment which takes a closer look at Stine, entitled "Think About It! R.L. Stine's Journey of Imagination." Other inclusions are the Interactive Scare-O-Meter, "The Making of Don't Think About It," and a previously unreleased music video from Emily Osment.

Osment makes her musical debut on the movie, singing its theme song entitled "I Don't Think About It." On Hannah Montana, her character is more of a backgrounder for her popstar friend Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) and it is in this movie that she takes the lead. Osment and Linley have appeared in movies prior to the success of Hannah Montana. Osment played Gerti Giggles in the second and third installments of the Spy Kids movies, while Cody starred in Hoot.

R.L. Stine's The Haunted Hour: Don't Think About It debuts on store shelves on September 4.

The Romance of a Jamaica Honeymoon

If you are trying to decide where to go for your post wedding trip a honeymoon in Jamaica is one of the best places to choose for those days of romance and bliss. Jamaica, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea known for its scenery and amazing weather is one of the most gorgeous and romantic tropical honeymoon spots in the world. Going off to secluded lagoons, lying on pristine white beaches, watching the coconut fronds wave in the breeze are just some moments unique to a Jamaica honeymoon.

Jamaica has everything a newlywed couple needs to start their life together; steel drums, clear blue Caribbean waters, soft breezes, warm sand, and a slow island pace. It is lush, mountainous and offers plenty of adventure and honeymoon hideaways where any couple can spend intimate moments away from it all.

There is no lack of adventure to be found on this beautiful island, even if it is nothing more then spending time doing nothing together. While the tropical beaches and warm tropical waters are the main draw there is more to this island paradise then that. Ghostly Grotto Lake, which is underground and only accessible by boat, is a favorite spot amongst the honeymoon set. For the more adventurous there is cliff jumping into pools of warm water or the opportunity to swim through underwater caves.

For the couple that is more interested in the night life and enjoying the sight and sounds of a city then Montego Bay is the place. It is a large resort city with a nightlife that just never quits. You can be on the beach with a cold drink in your hand in less then an hour after getting off the plane if you choose to stay in this vibrant tropical city.

If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere then check into the resorts around the Negril area of the island. Negril is a laid back resort town with some of the most beautiful sunsets to be found. This sleepy tropical town also has a good nightlife and shopping to keep even the most avid of shoppers happy.

Unquestionably, on you Jamaica honeymoon you and your new spouse will have a lifetime experience because a trip to this tropical island is loaded with all kinds of pleasant surprises. A honeymoon in Jamaica will allow you to enjoy each other in a beautiful setting as your life together begins.

The Grading Process Of Diamonds

When you decide to buy a diamond, usually the thing that matters most to you is how it looks and how much it will cost. It is not very hard to read a price tag, and you can tell whether a stone looks good or not on the outside just by looking at it.

Unless you are familiar with the diamonds grading process, and the average person usually is not, then you will not know how to determine if the price you are paying is appropriate for the diamond you are buying.

You first have to familiarize yourself with this grading process. The four C's is the term used to define the four words involved in this, color, clarity, cut , and caret.

They all help determine the diamonds value. The color that is best is a clear white. It is graded by a chart ranging from D to Z. The closer to D the diamond you pick is the better.

The cut of a diamond has a more involved process. The artistry required to cut a diamond is no simple matter. In order for the diamonds light reflection potential to be achieved, the facets of the diamond have to be perfectly symmetrical to maximize the fire and brilliance you get from the stone.

The clarity of the diamond also has a grading procedure that is complicated. What a diamond looks like on the outside is important and it is possible for a diamond to have visible flaws on the outside. What a diamond looks like on the inside plays just as big a part of the determining value.

Some flaws or inclusions, as they are also called, may be visible to the naked eye. In most cases a jeweler will use a x10 magnifier called a loupe to look deep into the core of a diamond to chart defects inside. Spots of carbon, which create dark spots or fuzzy looking spots, are inclusions.

The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the greater its value is. These inclusions will be listed on the certificate of authenticity you receive when you buy diamonds or gem stones, along with the other 3 C's.

The caret of the diamond is the fourth C. The caret tells how much a stone weighs. Obviously the bigger the diamond, the more valuable it will be. Having even a minor knowledge in the diamond grading process will make you feel a lot more confident in the choice you make.

2008年1月5日星期六

Hair Loss Remedies - Dont Suffer - Get Help Now

The normal cycle of hair growth normally lasts from about two to six years. Male pattern baldness, which is also called alopecia, is characterized by hair receding from the lateral sides of the forehead, known as a receding hairline. An additional bald patch may develop on the top also. An interesting bit of trivia of note: the word alopecia is formed from the Greek word meaning fox; the origin comes from the fact that the fox sheds its coat twice a year.

Some drugs, medicines or medications can cause hair loss, which improves when you stop taking the medicine; medications that can cause hair loss include blood thinners, medicines used for gout, chemotherapy drugs used for cancer, too much vitamin A supplementation, birth control pills and antidepressants. Wearing a hat generally shouldn't cause baldness, though it's a good idea to give your scalp a rest and let it breathe for several hours each day. And hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes.

About three or four months after illness or a major surgery, you can suddenly temporarily lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children, which is easily treated with topical antifungal medications. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it's important to find the cause so it can be treated properly and fast.

In the past it was believed that baldness was inherited from the maternal grandfather; while there's some basis for this belief, both parents contribute to their offspring's likelihood of hair loss. If a medication is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine or you may find you really don't need the medicine at all. And some mycotic infections can cause massive hair loss.

Propecia (Finasteride) and Minoxidil (called Rogaine in the U.S and elsewhere as Regaine) are drugs that have reported having shown some success in partially reversing loss but consider the side effects. Propecia is only available with a prescription; comes in pill form, is only for men and may take up to six months before you can tell if it is working. Stress reduction can be helpful in slowing hair loss too.

The topical application of Ketoconazole, which is both an anti-fungal and a potent 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, is often used as a supplement to other approaches. Surgery is another method of reversing hair loss and baldness, although it may be considered extreme. While drastic, broad spectrum anti-androgens such as Flutamide are sometimes used topically, Flutamide is potent enough to have a feminizing effect in men, including growth of breasts.

Be aware there are side effects and serious side effects sometimes with the drugs that are commonly used for hair loss. Hair loss remedies and treatments with prescription drugs are long term commitments and not short term exposure. Know that very little testing has been done on the long-term effects of Minoxidil on women.

You can try lying on a slant board with head down for 15 minutes a day for increased circulation to the area, but clear it with your doctor first. Garlic as a hair loss remedy - an hour before bedtime, slice open a clove of garlic and rub it on the hair loss area, wait for an hour then massage the scalp with olive oil, put on a cap, go to bed, shampoo your hair in the morning, repeat for a few weeks, and hopefully hair will stop falling out and regrowth will be showing. Also try rubbing vitamin E oil into the scalp nightly.

You can try massaging of the scalp with the fingers daily. For the Russian cure with the honey and vodka remedy for hair loss - combine one tablespoon honey with one jigger of vodka and the juice of a medium-size onion; rub mixture into the scalp every night, cover with a cap and shampoo in the morning. Beta Sitosterol, which is a constituent in many seed oils, can help to treat BHP (benign prostatic hypertrophy) by lowering cholesterol; but consuming large amounts to get the small quantities of beta sitosterol is likely to exacerbate male pattern baldness.

The vodka and cayenne remedy for loss - mix one jigger of vodka with a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (test on skin first for sensitivity) and rub it on the scalp; blood rushes to the hair follicles stimulated by the vodka and cayenne pepper - be careful if you try it. Make sure to test any home remedies on a small area first and check with your hair loss doctor or skin doctor before trying any natural home remedy if it includes any irritating ingredients. Saw Palmetto is an herbal DHT inhibitor often claimed to be cheaper and have fewer side effects than finasteride and dutasteride. Unlike other 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, saw palmetto induces its effects without interfering with the cellular capacity to secrete PSA (protein specific antigen).

Try using double-strength herbal sage tea as a hair rinse or apply to the scalp every day as a tonic. Apple cider vinegar used as a hair rinse also may stimulate hair growth.

Keep in mind that hair loss should be continually treated, preferably natural however, even after the loss stops. Concentrate on boosting the immune system to give your hair the best chance to regrow. And keep your scalp in good condition at all times.

2008年1月4日星期五

How Social Skills Training Can Change Your Life

From the time that a child plays with or interacts with another child of his or her own age, there is already that basic need to communicate, socialize and interact. Man is a social animal and this basic need to mingle and communicate cannot be denied. This is the reason why social skills training is a necessity if you want to survive any given social situation.

Be it in a professional setting in the workplace, or a personal setting like a barbeque with friends or family, social skills training will give you a chance if you want to harness your interpersonal relationships with other people.

However, the fear of being judged, being placed under scrutiny of the public eye, fear of being ridiculed or embarrassed and a lack of self-confidence are all factors which may get in the way of your social skills development. These problems, just like any other obstacles in life, need to be overcome and there are steps that you can take to do so. Here are some tips on social skills training that you can follow so that you can widen your social circle and enhance your personal and professional relationships with other people:

1. Learn to develop a good sense of self

Often times, self-confidence issues get in the way of people developing a deeper social and personal connection. For example, fear of public speaking can be rooted from a lack of self-confidence. If you are extremely nervous about what people will think of you when you go out there to speak, then your fear will be physically manifested through heart palpitations, sweating and stuttering.

To counteract this fear, you need to develop a good sense of self. You can improve your physical appearance if that is what you personally need to boost your self-esteem. If your fear is that of public speaking, start eliminating the fear by making small talk with the people that you see everyday. This will serve as your practicing ground so that you will feel more conversant and gain more confidence as you go along.

Finally, if your fear is from the fact that you have nothing 'intelligent' to say, then broaden your knowledge of a wide array of topics. Take personality development trainings or related courses to add to your sense of self-worth.

2. Learn about diplomacy, conflict management and active listening

You can consider these three factors as 'advanced' courses in your social skills training. First, diplomacy is the manner by which a person handles disagreements between two or more parties. At work or at home, you can be immersed in a situation where you are in the middle of a conflict. Through negotiations and compromise, you can methodically and peacefully resolve conflicts as part of your social skills training.

The same thing goes for conflict management. When facing a situation where you need to 'take sides', you should be able to make a decision wisely without ending up harming the personal relationships that you have developed with both sides. This may be easier said than done, but by being objective, you can manage to resolve any work or family-related conflicts.

Finally, active listening is an essential social skill training that you need to have. When mingling with other people, you can probably feign interest even when your attention is not solely directed to the speaker - but what happens when it is time for you to make an appropriate comment? Will you be able to come up with a wise statement if you are not actively listening? To avoid committing social blunders, to avoid being rude and to make the other person feel comfortable, you need to actively listen rather than just hearing without actually paying attention.

With social skills training, you can develop better and more meaningful interpersonal relationships while gaining confidence in yourself with your ability to handle any social situation that will come your way.

The Secrets of the Ancient Tribal Tattoos

Tribal tattoos were all the rage in the 1990s and remained so into the early 2000s, as with any trend, it led to overuse of the term and a blur in the origin of the artwork. People flocked to tattoo shops all over the country wanting tribal body art without so much as a thought to the symbolism of the piece they were about to have permanently applied to their bodies.

The word "tribal" has a different connotation for different people, largely based on their geographic location. For example, in the Southwest United States, it may bring to mind stereotypical notions of Native Americans living in teepees and hunting buffalo in other parts of the world, it may make someone think of mysterious peoples living in the jungles of the Congo or the African Bush. The art of tattooing has been practiced for centuries in cultures all over the world, so it's impossible to narrow it to a single group of people.

The very same word, for the purpose of the tattoo industry, is a bit misleading. In the context of tribal tattoos, it simply means a tattoo in a style inspired by Polynesian body art. I guess if you happen to be a Pacific Islander, then your mental image of tribal tattoos is probably the closest to correct.

The word may give some the impression that the art is somehow more meaningful or closer to the roots of tattooing, when the truth is no one is 100 percent sure what the origin is. The fact that tribal tattoos are always solid black makes some people think it is a more pure and undiluted form of the art.

Many people have already had this revelation and have accepted the tribal tattoo for what it really is: still a really sweet looking tattoo.

It is seriously doubtful that the body art industry is deliberately trying to trick anybody with this misguided term, but maybe they should consider renaming the trend as a service to the public. Maybe something like "Polynesians", would be better, or "shadow", in reference to its typically solid black coloring. "Faux tribal" would certainly be more accurate.

Most think the design has some sort of mysterious, deep meaning, when the truth is the popular form of tribal tattooing usually has no symbolic meaning other than the sentimental value placed on it by the wearer. Hopefully you have done your research well before you get into the artists chair. He may offer some guidance, but it's not his responsibility to tell you what kind of tattoo you want.

Don't be disappointed in your tribal art. If you feel you have chosen you design in error, just think back to what attracted you to it in the first place. Was in the unique flow of the shape or the intensity of the solid blackness? All those things are still there and permanently on your body for better or worse.

Don't waste time regretting your decision on a mere technicality. The point is, if you like it and it means something to you, and then wears it with pride. When people ask you what your tribal tat stands for, just tell them how it's symbolic to you. Maybe you got it to memorialize a loved one, or mark a major event in your life. That's usually what they want to know anyway. Just love your tattoo for what it is.

2008年1月3日星期四

Student Loan Consolidation - Debt Solution Services - Debt Solutions 606

Are you over hampered with debts? Are you not able to achieve these arrears? Do you want to sidestep insolvency or arrears? Did you answer yes to all questions? If so, then debt managing solution is for you.
Debt board solution is a way of paying your sum unpaid with a cyclic compensation that you can afford on your peculiar circumstances.

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Loan borrowing is like once in a life time decision and much is at investment. It is actually not a good thing that many people are misguided into taking loans that are not applicable to their monetarist situation. This leads to many united doubts.
A debt solution like economic failure should if truth be told only be used as a last possible solution. The difficult with this solution of debt problems is that it includes a lot more than straightforwardly eliminating debt. When name declares them self bankrupted, all debt assortment comportment against that person are . The enclosure an "automatic stay", which - with a few exceptions earnings that creditors come after the money owed to them.
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There are two of this solution of your debt problems:.
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As you see, there are to both debt removal . One of the biggest weakness is that both debt wipe out plans will significantly impact a person's credit rate. For this intention, yourself bankrupt is a solution of your debt problems that be duty-bound to be evaluated very thoroughly and protectively.

Debt consolidation and KEYWORD is designed to lower the season and the concentration rate of a soul who has a large aggregate of debt.


A form in debt by and large machinery with a debt consolidation psychoanalyst to find a way to consolidation all the debt he or she has into one, practicable once-a-month payment. The debt psychotherapist frequently will do a free debt consolidation evaluation to come up with a plan. If the potential shopper agrees to the plan, it is put into situation. However, the consumer is under no gratitude to accede the plan.
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A debt consolidation loan powerfulness be the answer for you if the hobby and the payment position are beneficial. This doesn't mean that the best resolution would be to consolidate your debt. You may find it nifty to reference a credit counselor if the amount of debt you are in isn't too high.
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The Best Source For Email Marketing

Every online business provides superior service to generate satisfaction among their customers. As each and every customer receives satisfaction over their products or the services they get, there is a great chance that they will become a return customer and buy again. Better yet, they will recommend you to other people that could generate more business for you and your site.

As more traffic is driven to your site, you can entice many of them to subscribe to your mailing list or opt-in list. This is a list where in website visitors agree to be sent promotional materials such as newsletters, catalogs and such that could keep them updated about your site or the niche of your site. These promotional materials are sent via e-mail to the members of the list in different time intervals.

When using e-mail as the media of your marketing and advertisements, you eliminate the need for high costs. Email is free and if you can manage to make your own promotional advertisements you can also save a bundle there. With an opt-in subscribers list, you are pretty sure that what you are sending out is received, viewed and read by the subscribers and not simply being deleted. They have signed up for service and have consented in receiving it.

This means that there are constant reminders to your subscribers about all your products, new products and services as well as any promotions and special deals you are having. There is also the chance that they can be forwarded to other potential customers as they tell their friends and families about you and your site.

Of course you should be also aware that a subscriber may unsubscribe when they feel that they are not getting what they want or expected. Make sure that they are satisfied with your opt-in marketing strategies and keep them excited in receiving your newsletters and catalogs. Here are some tips that can help you build a list of eager subscribers.

Make your promotional materials interesting and fun. Try to use a little creativity but not too over artsy. Build around what your product or service is about. For example; if you are selling car parts, put some pictures of what is new in the auto parts world, a new wing door possibly that can fit any car and make it look like a Lamborghini.

Try to research what people are looking for, these way, you stay one step ahead of them all the time and you will be their bearer of new tidings. They will be eager to receive what you are sending them because they new you always have fresh and new things to share with them.

Write good articles that can be very informational but light at the same time. If your subscribers enjoy your articles, they will go to your site by clicking the links that you will be putting on your newsletter to read some more. You can provide articles that can connect to many people. Be diverse in your articles. Put something humorous, then put something informational, then put something that has both.

Are you wary about this because you don't like writing? No problem, there are many professional and experienced article writers that can do the job for you for minimal fees. They know what they are doing and can provide the need that you have for your newsletters, the money that you pay for your articles are going to be met by the many sign-ups and the potential profit from the sales that you will get.

Create and send an E-book to your customers about anything that is related to your business or site. Use your knowledge and expertise in the field you have chosen to help other people who are similarly interested. Offer this e-book for free. You can write about anything informational and helpful to your subscribers. For example; you can do manuals and guides in so many things. This e-book could be used as a reference for many people.

Share this e-book with everyone, even other sites; just make sure that they don't change the links in the e-book that will lead people to your site. If you want, you can always get some people to write it for you just like your articles. Your investment once again will be covered by the great marketing this will generate.

Add e-coupons in your newsletters that will help them avail to special discounts. Put a control number in your e-coupon so that they can only be used once. When people get discounts that can be found in your newsletters, they will be eager to receive your newsletter in anticipation of what you are promoting next.

If your subscribers can get benefits from your newsletters, they will be very eager to receive them. Just don't flood your mailing list with mails so that you don't annoy your subscribers.

2008年1月2日星期三

The use of Lumbar Punctures to Diagnose MS

There are several means by which multiple sclerosis is diagnosed, and often these methods will be used together to ensure a correct diagnosis. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can also be explained by other neurological disorders, so often there is a need to take the results of several tests in order to assure a correct diagnosis. One of these diagnostic procedures is called the Lumbar Puncture, and we will take a look at some of the important facts surrounding this procedure in this article.

What does a lumbar puncture do?

A lumbar puncture allows medical personnel to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine of a patient. This fluid, (abbreviated CSF), is tested for oligoclonal bands, which are present in a high percentage (between 85 and 95%) of people with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

How the lumbar puncture works

You have probably heard of a lumbar puncture either by that title or one of its other common names, spinal tap or spinal puncture. These names are fairly self explanatory; a needle is inserted into the spinal cord (local anaesthetic is used) and used to draw out a sample of CSF.

Side effects

Most people who have undergone a lumbar puncture agree that the process is both painful in the aftermath and uncomfortable during the duration. There are mental reservations over the size of the needle and where it is being inserted, and many patients find the position used to perform a lumbar puncture (sitting with ones head bent down, or curled in the fetal position while laying down) very awkward. In addition, there are several possible side effects:

Headaches. Headaches are the most common side effect of lumbar punctures.

Loss of sensation. This side effect is very very rare after a lumbar puncture, and indicates that something has gone wrong in the process. All medical personnel who administer lumbar punctures are highly specialized, and this side effect is extremely unlikely.

Diagnosis

As with so many diagnostic methods used to confirm multiple sclerosis, lumbar punctures may not work on their own. As mentioned earlier, CSF oligoclonal bands may be present due to several other neurological disorders, and a positive MS diagnosis can only come after combining the results of both a lumbar puncture and an MRI scan. As MRIs are painless and non evasive, and can confirm or reject MS in 90% of patients without corroborating procedures, they are by far the most preferred diagnostic method.

2008年1月1日星期二

Coffee Comes from Around the World

Coffee consumption is at an all time high. People all over the world love their daily cup (or cups) of coffee. If you are a coffee drinker and feel that you must have the cup of caffeine the first thing in the morning, then you know that you could never trade your coffee for anything else. Have you ever stopped and wondered where exactly your coffee comes from? Coffee usually travels a long distance to reach you. In fact, the prices of coffee will fluctuate depending on the crops and the weather in these various parts of the world,. You might be interested and surprised to learn that the little coffee bean has a long way to travel before it ever reaches your cup.

Where does that cup of coffee come from? Coffee is grown throughout the world. That is a fact. However, the most delicious and the largest supply of coffee beans come from locations around the world that experience tropical climates. Coffee beans (actually fruit) needs diffused sunlight, a good amount of rain and high humidity. Usually, coffee beans are grown in tropical and sub tropical climates of the world. Brazil is the largest producer of coffee beans in the world. This country produces approximately 28% of the total coffee beans grown in the world. Following Brazil is Colombia, which produces 16% of coffee beans and Indonesia, which produces 7%. Mexico is also a popular producer of coffee beans, as they grow 4%.Other countries also grow and produce coffee, but these places are by far the most popular.

The most popular location: Because Brazil is such a huge producer of coffee, it would be economically devastating if something were to happen to the crop of coffee beans in Brazil. Coffee bean plantations cover much of the rural areas and employ thousands of workers each and every day. It is interesting to note that the rugged mountains in this country means that coffee beans are still carried out by mule much of the time. This certainly gives a new meaning to your daily cup of coffee when you think about all the hard work and the long way that it has come to reach you.

What is an individual coffee grower? An individual coffee grower is a person or company that has decided to undertake growing coffee beans either for profit or for his or her own use. Growing coffee beans can be a frustrating task if you do not live in the right areas of the world. However, individual coffee growers take pride in the coffee that they can produce and many coffee connoisseurs enjoy tasting coffee beans grown by the smaller companies.

The next time that you sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee. Think about what it has gone through to reach your cup coffee is a huge industry all over the world. Whether it comes from Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico or an individual coffee grower, your delicious daily cup of coffee takes work before you can even enjoy that cup.

Enjoying Your Christmas Holiday In Other Countries

While the majority of Americans spend their Christmas holiday in either their own home or the home of a close relative, there is a growing number of couples and families who are choosing to get a first hand experience of what Christmas is like in other countries.

Choosing to spend the Christmas holiday in another country is a wonderful way to partake of the rich traditions that are found in other cultures. To learn about the history behind those traditions is a way that is much more meaningful and deep than what you can learn simply by reading a book or even viewing a television special.

Of course, you don't have to travel abroad in order to experience some unique and wonderful Christmas traditions. There are many families who choose to celebrate their Christmas holiday in a domestic resort location such as Hawaii, Florida or Colorado. There are even those who decide to enjoy the festive atmosphere in places like Las Vegas, Disneyland or Walt Disney World during this time.

One destination that has become more popular over the years is Greece. Spending your Christmas holiday in one of the many traditional Greek villages can be a treat that is difficult to find in any other location. In Greece, your holiday might be spent enjoying the nightlife and visiting stimulating clubs, colorful bars and quaint restaurants.

Shopping is another major activity you can enjoy if you decide to have your holiday in the Greek Islands. During the season shops are at their peak, being brightly decorated and cheerful. Also, with many winter days being sunny and crisp, it is a perfect time of the year for taking in the sights of Athens.

A Christmas holiday in Sweden actually begins on December first, which is the start of the Advent. In order to combat the darkness and dreariness, which is what it is like in this country in December, the Swedes illuminate their homes with beautiful candles. Either traditional candles or electric ones, they are set in their windows to welcome guests and bring cheer.

Traditionally, a few days before the special day, the Swedish bring out the Christmas holiday decorations. They enliven their homes with angels, Santas and other festive holiday ornaments, as well as the lights. This is also the time when the traditional tree is brought into the home and beautifully decorated with white lights, colored ornaments and garlands, with gifts placed beneath it.

The smorgasbord is something that you will definitely be able to experience if you decide to pass your holiday in Sweden. It is one of the most wonderful traditions in the country and will allow you to enjoy a wide variety of favorite Swedish delicacies.

No matter where you choose as the best place for you and your family to have your Christmas holiday in, the most important aspect of the season is to enjoy the people you celebrate with and appreciate the customs and traditions of the culture you are surrounded by.