Toddler Hair Loss And Metabolism

"Is my hair O.K, Mommy?"

There are several metabolic reasons for hair loss in toddlers. Although distressing, it is usually only temporary, lasting for between three and six months.

Metabolism and Hair Loss

Metabolism is the chemical process within the body which maintains life by breaking down and building substances necessary for survival. Metabolism can be easily disrupted.

Metabolic reasons for hair loss include major surgery, severe injury, febrile illness, poor diet and immunizations.

Dietary Factors

Eat a balanced diet

Not simply a lack of food, malnutrition is an imbalance of essential nutrients. Poor nutrition is accompanied by lack of necessary protein, vitamins and minerals essential to metabolism.

Illness, Injury And Surgery

Poor Teddy

Severe illness, injury and surgery all affect metabolism and can cause temporary hair loss. The appetite and food intake may be reduced, giving a temporary state of malnutrition.

During critical periods, the body diverts its energies to maintaining life; less significant aspects, such as hair growth, are temporarily abandoned.

Immunizations and Medicines

Numerous medicines may cause hair loss in toddlers. Childhood immunizations and Ritalin are both causative agents, as is excess of vitamin A.

Thyroid Disease

Though rare, thyroid disease does occur in children. Hyperthyroidism (excess of thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroid hormone) can both cause hair loss and are both relatively easy to treat.

Tobacco Snuff Dangers

Tobacco snuff comes in several flavors, with mint being the most common.

Tobacco snuff is a form of smokeless tobacco that is finely cut. Many people believe that it does not have the same health risks as tobacco that is smoked. However, tobacco snuff has many negative side effects that range from serious to life threatening. Harmful chemicals in tobacco snuff may lead to serious diseases, and the nicotine that is present often leads to addiction.

Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, around 28 harmful chemicals known to increase the risks of cancer are present in tobacco snuff. The most harmful chemicals are known as nitrosamines. People who use tobacco snuff are at risk of developing oral cancer in the mouth, lip, tongue, cheeks, gums and floor and roof of the mouth. Tobacco snuff users are also known to develop stomach, pancreatic and esophageal cancer. One of the early symptoms of oral cancer is white patches in the mouth called leukoplakia. Although less common than leukoplakia, erythroplakia may also develop, which are red patches in the mouth.

Other Diseases

The use of tobacco snuff can increase the risks of various heart diseases such as acute cardiac ischemia, angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction. Cardiac ischemia is a disease that means your heart is not receiving enough oxygen to function properly. Angina pectoris is severe constricting pain in the chest, and acute myocardial infarction is permanent damage to the heart muscle. If you suffer from hypertension, using tobacco snuff can make it more severe because it constricts blood vessels. Tobacco snuff users that swallow tobacco juice may suffer from stomach ulcers once the nicotine settles in the stomach and causes irritation.

Cosmetic Effects

Prolonged use of tobacco snuff causes gums to recede, which means that the injured gums begin to pull away from the teeth. Receding gums can lead to bleeding of the gums and tooth loss. Tobacco snuff also stains the teeth when used over a long period of time. Oftentimes, teeth turn a brown or dark yellow color that is not eliminated with the brushing of teeth. Abrasion of the teeth is also a side effect of using tobacco snuff. Teeth are worn down over time, making them thinner and weaker.

Addiction

Tobacco snuff naturally contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Nicotine makes it more likely that a tobacco snuff user will develop a dependency. Smokeless tobacco is generally regarded as more addictive than cigarettes because it contains more nicotine. The dependency on nicotine causes physical withdrawal symptoms to occur in the body when trying to quit. Over time, tobacco snuff users build a tolerance for nicotine, which causes them to consume more nicotine to get the same effect as in the beginning of use.

Titanium Vs Tungsten Jewelry

Due to scientific developments, alternative metals are becoming more popular within the fine jewelry industry. Although gold, silver, and platinum are still the most popular metals, alternative metals offer a different look and hypoallergenic options for consumers with sensitive skin. More specifically, titanium and tungsten have been growing in popularity. Does this Spark an idea?

Tungsten Facts

Facts-About.org says that tungsten is "extracted from wolframite, scheelite, and other minerals." Tungsten is typically mixed with carbide to make it scratch-proof.

Tungsten Pros

Tungsten is known to last long and is said to outlive the wearer. It is corrosion- and scratch-resistant, and requires very little maintenance.

Tungsten Cons

Tungsten rings may contain cobalt, which may cause negative skin reactions in some wearers. Titanium-Jewelry.com says that tungsten "will develop oxidation spots that cannot be removed or polished out."

Titanium Facts

Facts-About.org says titanium is "the ninth most abundant element in the Earth's crust." Titanium is lightweight, yet strong and long-lasting.

Titanium Pros

Titanium is hypoallergenic and preferred by consumers with sensitive skin. Titanium is not a precious metal, so it is inexpensive.

Titanium Cons

Titanium cannot be soldered, therefore, prong settings cannot be created to set diamonds or gem stones. Titanium jewelry cannot be sized, so you must be fitted before ordering.

Titanium Vs Tungsten Carbide

Titanium and tungsten carbide are both very hard materials that have numerous practical applications. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these materials. Does this Spark an idea?

Hardness

While both materials are much harder than other metals, such as gold and silver, tungsten carbide is harder than titanium and is much harder to engrave, according to Titanium Kay, a jewelry company.

Ductile

Titanium is more ductile than tungsten carbide. Titanium will bend under high pressure while tungsten carbide will shatter under high pressure.

Weight

Tungsten carbide is much heavier than titanium. Tungsten carbide weighs over 90 percent more than stainless steel while titanium is 43 percent lighter than stainless steel.

Price

Titanium is typically cheaper than tungsten carbide because tungsten carbide has higher production costs. Tungsten is formed in conditions where temperatures exceed 6,000 degrees F.

Applications

Titanium has applications in the aircraft and aircraft missile production industries because it is a very strong but light material, notes the Los Alamos National Labs. Tungsten carbide is used in many applications, including grinding, machining and polishing.

Health

Unlike titanium, some people can have an allergic reaction while coming in contact with tungsten carbide, according to the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services. Exposure to the cobalt in tungsten carbide can lead to lung problems.

Tips To Reduce Stomach Swelling & Pain

There are many ways to treat stomach pain and swelling.

If you have stomach swelling and pain, you must consult your doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause. In the meantime, some measures can minimize the pain and swelling if the cause is not too severe.

Reduce Stomach Swelling

Cut back on the amount of fiber in your diet, including high-fiber fruits, vegetables, beans and some dairy. An excess of fiber can cause bloating and swelling in the stomach area. This is the most likely culprit for stomach swelling associated with gas and is most effective when used in these circumstances.

Eat smaller meals throughout the day to avoid overloading your body with a large amount of food. Smaller meals will allow your body to slowly and effectively digest the food without it being overwhelmed. That may reduce stomach swelling.

Taking in excess air is a common cause of abdominal swelling. Avoid carbonated drinks, chewing candy and gum, sipping food or drinks and drinking from straws.

Increasing fiber in your diet is sometimes also necessary to reduce swelling of the stomach, as is the case with irritable bowel syndrome or constipation. Reducing stress and taking anti-inflammatory medications can also help reduce a swollen stomach.

Reduce Stomach Pain

Take over-the-counter digestive aids to reduce pain in the stomach related to an upset stomach or other digestive problems. These over-the-counter medications can reduce cramps and other undesirable sources of pain quickly.

It is important to bear in mind that various medications are meant to treat different conditions. A laxative, for example, should be used to treat pain associated with constipation, antacids to treat sour and upset stomachs and so on. Some work by restoring the correct acidity levels of the stomach to reduce indigestion, others enable you to reduce constipation, and all work on varying timelines. Always use over-the-counter medication as directed on the label and consult the information there about how long it will take to receive comfort from the medication.

Use a heating pad to treat and reduce stomach pain associated with dull aches caused by conditions such as ovarian cysts or pulled stomach muscles. This is a good treatment for dull or throbbing aches that have nothing to do with digestive issues.

Reduce stomach pain with the use of soothing herbs. Substances such as chamomile, fennel, licorice and ginger can be taken orally and can reduce light stomach pain. These herbs can all be added to teas or food or ingested in pill form to treat indigestion, constipation and other stomach pains. These can be found at your grocery or health-supplement store.

Taking over-the-counter pain medication can help to reduce some forms of abdominal pain. Often a doctor will prescribe such medications in the case of extreme menstrual cramping, small cysts or hernias.

Tips On Using A Zoom H2 Handy Recorder

The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder is a handheld digital sound-recording device to be used in music studios and similar applications. Its many features and advanced recording capabilities as well as multiple microphones within the unit make it ideal for capturing multiple instruments and sounds at once in a variety of environments.

Choose the Best Format

Because it's a digital recorder, the Zoom H2 can capture audio directly to a multitude of file formats. This is handy later when you import those files to a computer or other editing system to further manipulate. To get the best recording for your needs at the time and to minimize the amount of editing and re-recording you may have to do, start by choosing the proper recording format. If you plan to do any sort of editing and tweaking to the recording, especially mastering for use on a CD or other distribution, your best bet is to record to the WAV format. In terms of the H2's compatible recording formats this is the highest quality and most accessible for high-quality editing and distribution. If you're simply recording some practice sessions for personal listening and not to master to CD and something similar, you can opt for the more standard MP3 format.

Adjust Gain and Volume

Gain is a built-in setting that can be used to add to the recording in certain situations. Improper gain settings can lead to distorted sounds, as the louder parts get clipped off and create unusable noise in the recording. Try to keep the gain set at medium or below. The gain is essentially an artificial amplification to the microphone, which can come in handy at times but often is unnecessary, as anything above a medium setting will produce an unnatural sound instead of the clean recording you're looking for. If you plan on using multiple instruments or are trying to record in any situation louder than a standard single-instrument setting you'll almost certainly want to set the gain to low.

Fine-Tune the Volume

Even with a properly set gain, you need to fine-tune the volume as well. Use the on-screen audio-level meters as you adjust the recording volume, making some sample sounds as you do to simulate what you'll be recording. This will help you set the volume as close to what you'll need as possible without actually recording. You want the volume meters to peak around the +12 dB level mark but no higher, otherwise the audio will clip out and you'll get distorted sound.

Record in 4 Channels

The Zoom H2 supports recording in two- and four-channel formats. Because of the unit's ability to take a four-channel recording and mix it down into a two-channel stereo format directly on the H2 itself, there's no reason not to record in four channels. Even though you'll most likely be interested in mixing down to a two-channel recording in the end for use in standard stereo playback, four-channel recording initially gives you more control in how you adjust various levels within the recording before mixing down.

Tips On Medical Procedures

Undergoing a medical procedure can be anxiety provoking to you or not, depending on your outlook and the complexity of the procedure. However, regardless of the type of procedure you are having there are things you can do to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. By following the doctor's instructions and making sure you have a supportive environment, you will find yourself well prepared.

Consultation

Once your procedure is scheduled, your doctor should see you for a consultation. During this meeting, you will be informed of everything that is about to take place and given instructions on what you will need to do to prepare for your procedure as well as what you can expect in terms of recovery. This will be the best time for you to ask questions and be certain you understand everything that is about to happen and what is expected of you. You will want to take notes if there are specific things you need to do such as avoid food or take medicine. If you find medical procedures overwhelming, bring a friend or family member to your consultation for support and to help you remember everything you need to do.

Follow Instructions

It is vital that you do what your doctor tells you to when it comes to preparing for a medical procedure, especially when it involves taking medicine, avoiding medicines, or avoiding food. Many times a doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics prior to a procedure and instruct you to begin the regimen several days before the scheduled appointment. Doing so will help prevent infection and may be necessary to eliminate bacteria so the procedure can be performed safely. Not taking prescribed antibiotics may prevent you from having a scheduled procedure or result in you becoming ill.

Supportive Environment

Make sure you take the necessary steps to prepare for your procedure by adjusting aspects of your life. You can reduce the stress of a procedure by making sure you take ample time off of work for recovery and have proper supports such as family members and friends to help you during your recovery. People can be supportive by providing companionship as well as helping you with tasks you may not be able to return immediately to such as cleaning, grocery shopping and caring for small children or animals.

Tips For Using Tazorac

Tazorac is one of many skin care products derived from vitamin A. Doctors typically prescribe it to treat acne and psoriasis. It helps normalize the growth of skin cells. You can do several things to gain optimal benefit and reduce common side effects.

Preparing Your Skin

Make sure your skin in clean and dry before applying the medication. Using this medicine on wet skin can increase irritation, according to the Mayo Clinic. WebMD advises applying moisturizer at least one hour before you apply the treatment. Tazorac.com also underscores the importance of this step. This can help prevent the most common side effects of itching, redness and peeling.

Reducing Side Effects

You can do several things to reduce side effects of Tazorac. Wear an SPF of at least 15 on any treated areas exposed to the sun, according to Tazorac.com. Vitamin A treatments increase your susceptibility to the sun. Do not use more than your doctor recommends. Using more will not increase healing time, and it will only worsen side effects. Avoid harsh, abrasive cleansing products, -especially if they contain alcohol. Do not apply other topical skin care treatments-besides moisturizer-to the same areas.

Protecting Skin

You should never apply this product on sunburned skin. Do not use tanning beds or other artificial tanning devices. Cover your face or other treated areas when it is windy or cold. Do not apply this medication to healthy skin.

Tips For Recovery From Heart Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery is a procedure in which surgeons take a vein from another part of the body---typically the chest, leg or arm---and use it to bypass a vein or artery in the heart that has become narrowed or blocked. A blockage can be caused by plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances. The goal of bypass surgery is to resume normal blood flow to the heart. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that 800,000 heart bypass surgeries are performed each year.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes following heart bypass surgery are crucial, since the surgery will not prevent recurrence of coronary artery disease. Doctors will prescribe medications and suggest that patients quit smoking, treat high blood pressure and diabetes, exercise, eat healthfully and bring down cholesterol levels. Patients will also be asked to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Patients will have several post-operative doctor visits following surgery. This phase of recovery typically lasts about two months. Most patients can return to driving three to eight weeks after surgery.

Sleeping

It is not uncommon for patients to experience sleeping abnormalities after heart bypass surgery. Sleep problems are caused by the effects of anesthesia, discomfort from the surgery and healing, and the stress of such an enormous procedure. Some tips for overcoming difficulties sleeping include taking pain medication about a half-hour prior to going to bed. It is recommended to follow the same ritual every day and to avoid daytime naps. Those who have had invasive heart surgery may experience more stress following their operation. It is important to manage this stress because it could lead to depression. If sleeping difficulties persist for two months or more, consult your physician.

General tips for recovering from surgery

It is not unusual for patients to experience swelling in their legs, especially if the graft was taken from that area. Keeping the leg elevated will alleviate swelling, and wearing special TED leg hose also improves circulation and manages swelling. Some people also have constipation, which can be treated with a gentle laxative. Patients will also be more aware of sounds or sensations coming from their chest. It is perfectly normal to hear a clicking sound a few days following surgery, which will dissipate in a week or so. Any feelings of pain or discomfort are also very normal for any person recovering from surgery with a healing incision. Pain medication will help ease discomfort and promote sleep. Patients who experience problems, pain or discomfort for more than six to eight weeks should contact their doctor or detail their complaints at follow-up appointments.

Three Main Dangers Of Dieting

Choosing fruit instead of dessert is a healthy alternative to fad diets that restrict calories.

Dieting can pose risks and dangers depending on your age, body type and overall health. Altered mood or sore muscles are temporary risks that are easily go away after you stop dieting, but heart health, erratic metabolism, and a weakened immune system could be permanent health risks. Changing your lifestyle to a healthy one is always the best option and should be considered when deciding to go on a crash diets and weighing the risks associated with them.

Heart Problems

Cardiologist and author of "Doctor of the Heart: A Life in Medicine," Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld has found heart problems associated with diets that restrict intake to less than 1,200 calories a day. When diets encourage low calorie consumption and food restrictions, the heart does not get enough potassium and other minerals it needs to function healthfully. For optimal cardiac health you should not reduce the amount of nutrients you ingest. Temporary diets could result in permanent heart damage and increased heart risk.

Metabolism

Over time, if you participate in yo-yo dieting or crash diets, the lack of food will slow down your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. At first you may lose a significant amount of weight, but the more diets you undertake, the more extreme they will have to be to yield the same results. Crash diets do not work, and often, as soon as the dieter completes the diet, she will regain the weight she lost and more.

Weakened Immune System

When you do not get essential nutrients such as calcium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium, your immune system cannot fully function and protect your body against infections and bacteria. Crash dieting or shocking the body with an abrupt restriction in food depletes the immune system, and you end up doing more harm than good.

Healthy Alternatives

Instead of going on fad diets, change your lifestyle, establishing healthier habits gradually. Walk with a friend. Join a softball league. Replace soda and high-sugar drinks with water at each meal. Incorporate whole grains, lean meats, fruits and vegetables into your diet. Eat several small portions during the day. These healthy alternatives to dieting will yield weight loss results without threatening your health.

Threeday Cardiac Diet Pros & Cons

Although fad diets like the three-day cardiac diet tend to get a bad rap from diet reviewers such as those on the sites TheDietChannel.com and FadDiet.com, these diets are wholly without merit. Although the three-day cardiac diet does leave quite a bit lacking regarding sustainable weight loss and nutritional instruction, it can help you to shed a few pounds if you are incredibly short on time.

Three-Day Diet Pros

The three-day diet is a structured eating plan that promised substantial (up to 10 lbs.) of weight loss in just three days' time. This is accomplished through heavy caloric restriction, as can be seen from a sample breakfast from the plan, consisting of only black coffee, grapefruit, one slice of toast and 1 tbsp. of peanut butter. Regardless of what you think of the menu items on the plan, the diet will almost certainly result in weight loss due to the heavy caloric restriction involved. Therefore, one of the major pros of the three-day diet is that it will work. While it is impossible to say whether you will lose up to the promised 10 lbs., you will certainly lose some weight while on the plan, making it a useful diet for individuals looking to shed some weight in a relatively short period of time.

The other major advantage of the three-day diet is that it prepares dieters to build the mental discipline necessary to follow longer and more involved dieting plans. This occurs because the three-day diet forces its users to follow the plan verbatim, with no room for error or divergence. Teaching yourself to become 100 percent compliant to a dietary plan is vital for success, and the three-day diet is a good kickstart to forming this type of discipline and applying it to more substantial plans.

Three-Day Diet Cons

The main drawback to the three-day diet is its incredibly short length. Three days is not a sufficient amount of time to make any real or lasting progress to your physique, and it is more likely than not that you will simply regain the weight you lost in the compensation period immediately following cessation of the diet. This leads to an endless stream of yo-yo dieting, where no real progress is made despite substantial sacrifice (three days' worth at a time).

The other major problem with the three-day diet is that it is merely an eating plan without any instructional material explaining the how or whys of dieting or nutrition. This means dieters relying on the three-day plan will find themselves adrift if they decide to forgo the plan as written and attempt to construct their own plan in the future. Therefore, while someone can certainly lose weight on the plan, it does nothing to teach them keep the weight off once the plan grinds to a halt.

Instructions To Sew A Blanket Stitch

The blanket stitch is used to finish off edges of fabric. It’s called the blanket stitch, because traditionally it’s used to edge blankets. This stitch is also used for handmade button holes and is often called the buttonhole stitch for this use. Today, the stitch is also used on clothing as an edging or for decorative purposes. In fact, it is part of the list of embroidery stitches found in many "how to" books and instructive materials.

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of floss, yarn or thread about 18 inches long. Thread it through the needle. Do not tie a knot at the end.

2. Secure the end of the thread by running it through several fabric threads at the back of the fabric. It should not show through to the front of the fabric.

3. Poke the point of the needle through the back to the front of the fabric at one stitch width to the left side. The width and height of the stitch is entirely up to your preference. Usually finer fabrics or smaller projects use a tighter stitch width and shorter stitch length than thicker fabrics or larger projects.

4. Pull the thread up and around the back of the point of the needle. Pull the needle all the way through the fabric. This will keep a line of thread along the edge of the fabric. Repeat the stitch to the end of the fabric.

5. Poke your needle directly across from the fabric point when you get to the corner. Make the stitch as usual. Continue the next side of the fabric in the same manner.

Things To Do In Portland Oregon On Christmas Day

After opening the presents, head out on the town in Portland.

After opening all the presents and spending Christmas Day with the family, people might get a bit stir-crazy and feel like going out. Portland, Oregon, is home to several restaurants that are open on Christmas if you're looking for an alternative to cooking a big meal. There are stores that are open as well. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed activity, take the family to view one of the impressive light shows.

Jubitz Winder Wonderland

Jubitz Winter Wonderland is billed as the "largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi." The event is held at the Portland International Raceway. After paying the car's admission cost, drive along the race track and view more than 250 light pieces, many of which are animated. Scenes such as the 12 days of Christmas, a skiing Santa Claus, and reindeer that fly over your car are displayed. Music plays throughout the show, which is open every day from Thanksgiving to the end of December, including Christmas Day.

Jubitz Winder Wonderland

1940 North Victory Blvd.

Portland, OR 97217

503-232-3000

globaleventsgrouppdx.com

Lights on Peacock Lane

For a Portland tradition that has been taking place each Christmas season since 1920, visit the homes of Peacock Lane. The neighborhood contains many old Tudor homes, and each one is decorated with lights, life-sized replicas of seasonal figures, nativity scenes and Christmas trees. Plan to park several blocks away because of heavy crowds. You and your family can walk down the street to see the lights close up or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Lights on Peacock Lane

Peakcock Lane

Portland, OR 97214

Peacocklane.net

Rialto Pool Room Bar & Cafe

If you had an early Christmas meal or are tired of cooking every year, go to Rialto Pool Room Bar & Café. Located in downtown Portland, the restaurant is open every day of the year. Grab a drink from the full bar and head to the tables for a game of pool or pinball. When you're hungry, try the Reuben sandwich, for which the restaurant is well known. Other entrée choices include a selection of cold sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and salads. Or try a selection from the small plate menu, available from 4 to 7 p.m. and after 11 p.m., featuring choices such as chicken tacos, green salad and fried chicken strips.

Rialto Pool Room Bar & Cafe

529 S.W. 4th Ave.

Portland, OR 97204

503-228-7605

Rialtopoolroom.com

Things To Do In Los Angeles In The Rain

It doesn't rain very often in Los Angeles, but when it does, it pours. The advantage during rainy times is that the usually jammed streets and freeways become a bit less congested and allow you easy access to the indoor attractions all over the huge city. Visiting any one of L.A.'s museums is a great way to spend a rainy day, and there are many to choose from.

Museums

The "Miracle Mile" in Downtown Los Angeles is home to a large number of museums: the Peterson Automotive Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the La Brea Tar Pits. The Peterson Automotive Museum is a must for car aficionados. Its exhibits include movie stars' cars, vintage models and customized lowriders, as well as displays about L.A.'s car culture. LACMA is a huge art museum-it is almost impossible to see everything on display there in one visit. It has displays of American, Asian, European, Egyptian, Persian and Islamic art, sculpture, furniture and textiles as well as contemporary art and modern sculptures including works by Picasso and Magritte. The La Brea Tar Pits are outdoors and so best viewed on a sunny day, but visit the adjacent Page Museum to see displays of the bones of the ancient mammoths, sabre-toothed cats and giant ground sloths, among other prehistoric creatures, and learn how they came to get stuck in the pools of tar.

Huntington Library and Gardens

The Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino is most often visited for its beautiful gardens, but on a rainy day the library and art gallery on the site provide ample entertainment and information to occupy visitors. The library contains exhibits of historical books and manuscripts, including a Gutenberg Bible, an illustrated copy of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" from 1410 and first editions of books by Dickens, Joyce and Swift, among others. In the mansion house at the Huntington you can see works of art by such greats as Constable, Turner and William Blake.

Griffith Observatory

The art deco facade of the Griffith Observatory stands out as one of L.A.'s iconic monuments, perched on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Following recent renovations, the Observatory reopened to visitors in 2006 with no admission charge. Its Samuel Oschin Planetarium features "the most sophisticated star projector in the world" and offers several different shows throughout the day. There is a small charge for the planetarium shows. The Observatory has regular programs and changing special programs to educate visitors about the science of astronomy.

Griffith Observatory

2800 East Observatory Road

Los Angeles, CA 90027

213-473-0800

Things To Do At Night In Houston Texas

Houston is not only the largest city in Texas, but also a prime tourist destination. The city has more than 60,000 hotel rooms and offers visitors such must-sees as the NASA Space Center, a museum district and even such oddities as the National Museum of Funeral History. Like many big cities, Houston comes alive at night with a compelling array of top-notch restaurants, clubs, live performances and moonlight cruises. When the sun sets, the fun starts.

Go Out to Dinner

Houston is known for its great restaurants, which rank right up there with those in other major metropolitan areas. Best bets include BB's Cajun Cafe, which specializes in overstuffed po'boys, gumbo, etouffee, and grillades and grits with dark gravy; the wine-and-tapas bar Vinoteca Poscol; Feast, a quirky British restaurant with a menu that includes entrees like ox hearts, blood pudding and all sorts of pork dishes.

Go Clubbing

Houston's nightlife has clubs--and entertainment--for all tastes. For country fans, there's no better spot than Blanco's, the quintessential Texas honky tonk. Sambuca is a classy jazz club located in the Rice Hotel. The Black Labrador Pub brings a taste of Britain to Houston, complete with dark wood interior, fireplaces and outdoor chessboard. And since October 2008, Houston has had a House of Blues, a regular stop for touring rock, blues and jazz performers and the anchor for the Houston Pavilions outdoor shopping and entertainment complex.

Catch a Play

Attend a play at the Alley Theatre, which for more than 60 years has been Houston's premier live theatre, offering a variety of classics as well as new plays and musicals. Productions are built and rehearsed in the Alley Theatre Center for Theatre Production, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, and presented on two stages, the 824-seat Hubbard Stage and the 310-seat Neuhaus Stage. Alley Theater productions have won multiple national and international awards, including the prestigious Tony Award.

Carriage Ride

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown Houston. Several companies have fleets of buggies stationed downtown, including A to Z Events (see Resources, below). They'll give you routed tours or let you chart the course. Downtown Houston is a sight to behold, especially the renovated Historic District,

A Night at the Opera

For a taste of just how culturally sophisticated Houston has become, catch a performance of the Houston Grand Opera, which the Financial Times has called one of the country's "most innovative opera companies." Chartered in 1955, the Houston Grand Opera is famous the world over for its lavish and elaborate productions, which draw the cream of Houston's social elite. Typical productions include Puccini's Tosca, Wagner's Lohengrin and Britten's The Turn of the Screw.

The Types Of Tests Used In Employee Selection

When an employer is faced with many qualified candidates for a single position based on their academic and practical background, he may need to use various tests to choose the proper candidate. Employee selection tests are designed to help employers find the ideal candidate to minimize errors in the workplace and increase the percentage of completed work. Employers should utilize the employee selection tests that apply to the work and the job position in question.

Assessment Tests

Assessment tests are used by the employer to determine if the employee has the proper skill set for the tasks and responsibilities in the job position available. This can include testing interpersonal, communication, technical, planning and analytical skills. The skills will vary depending on the job in question, as technical skills may not be as applicable for a customer service job as communication skills will be. Candidates can have their skills assessed in the form of multiple choice questionnaires and practical training scenarios. If the employer does not have time to conduct the assessment tests, he can hire assessment centers to conduct the testing on the candidates on his behalf.

Integrity Tests

Employers may find that an employee's integrity is one of the most important parts of the hiring process. This is relevant to jobs where employees work closely with expensive products, sales or customers. Integrity testing focuses on a candidate's honesty, personality, dependability, trustworthiness and reliability. This can be tested by asking specific questions, where the candidate must make decisions that are either honest or dishonest. The answers should provide the employer with the information necessary to determine whether the employee is the right choice.

Aptitude Tests

Aptitude tests are used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the employees in terms of the specific tasks that apply to the job in question. For instance, the test will focus on the typing speed for a writer, the communication skills of a customer service agent or the technical skills of a computer technician. Aptitude tests are used to select prepared candidates to decrease the percentage of errors or incomplete work in the workplace. Aptitude tests may include case studies where candidates must solve cases that apply to the job position, work in group exercises to solve fictional issues or problems or data checking tests for clerical or data-entry jobs.

Verbal Ability Tests

Communication jobs may require that the candidates have excellent verbal skills. Reading and writing may also be requirements that the employer wants to test. This type of testing can include reading small passages and answering questions in the written form, where the employer can judge and evaluate the candidate's spelling and grammar. This type of testing should be done for writing or communication jobs, where many of the tasks require proper writing and communication skills.

Operations & Skin Problems

After undergoing an operation, a person could develop skin problems.

When undergoing an operation, a person faces risks from complications from anesthesia. She could also be in danger of developing skin problems while recovering from surgery.

Skin Problems

Skin problems that can occur after an operation usually center on the incision site and surgical wound. These problems include infection and scarring, according to the book "Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts" by Barbara Kuhn Timby.

Symptoms

An infected surgical wound will cause red, inflamed skin. A patient could experience pus drainage and pain. Scarring after an operation will occur if a good deal of closure material was needed. During healing, drainage could occur.

Treatment

Skin problems associated with infection after an operation may be treated with antibiotics and cleaning the wound. Scarring can be addressed after the incision has healed with plastic surgery.

The Symptoms Of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition where fat accumulates in your liver even though you drink little alcohol or none at all. Usually it does not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases the accumulated fat can result in inflammation and scarring of your liver. This condition, which is more serious, is sometimes referred to as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In severe cases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can result in liver failure. There are symptoms associated with more serious cases.

Fatigue

While the fatigue associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease does not necessarily reflect the severity of the condition of your liver, or insulin resistance (a precursor to type 2 diabetes), it can impair your physical activity. The severity of your fatigue might be comparable to what you would experience in primary biliary cirrhosis, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Abdominal Pain

You can expect to experience some pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen because this is where your liver is located. You most likely will not notice any discomfort until the nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases reaches the point of steatohepatitis, when it has progressed to the stage of inflammation.

Weight Gain

Your liver is the primary fat-burning organ in your body because it regulates your metabolism of fat. When it is not functioning properly, it stores excess fat, rather than burning it. The result is weight gain around your mid section. You might also have greater difficulty losing weight. Weight loss can actually improve your condition.

Risk Factors

Some conditions might increase your risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. They include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, malnutrition, obesity, rapid weight loss, an under-active thyroid, type 2 diabetes, toxins and chemicals, and gastric bypass surgery. Certain medications might also cause fatty liver disease such as corticosteroids and tetracyclines.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment depends on the cause of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. For example, if you are obese, your doctor will recommend weight loss. If medications you are currently taking caused it, your doctor might change your medications. In some instances, you might need to take medications for the fatty liver disease or you might need surgery. Methods to reduce your risk include maintaining your weight at a healthy level, eating a healthy diet, lowering your cholesterol levels and controlling your diabetes.

The Steps To Become A Model

Female Model

Many of us dream of becoming a movie star or a model, yet we often feel that such a goal may be unattainable. It is important to realize that what one person can achieve can be replicated by another. Frequently, it is possible to follow the footsteps of others and replicate their success. As with many other professions, becoming a model can be attained by following some of the steps below.

Find a Niche

Models come in all sizes and shapes and often work in different fields and categories. For example, there are models who concentrate in "big and tall" advertisements. Some only do Gothic-style work. Find out what you like and what fits you well before you spend time and money pursuing a modeling gig.

Get a Portfolio

Have some examples!

In order to find work, one must be able to show a portfolio, a collection of works and pictures. You may hire a professional photographer or a filmographer to make one for you or you might look for novice photographers who will exchange your modeling time for their photography. With many aspiring photographers in most cities, it is quite possible to quickly get a free portfolio by posting a classified ad.

Learn to Express Yourself

Show them how you feel!

As you work on your portfolio, learn different poses and ways of expression. A good way to learn is to look at other advertisements in magazines and books. Try to recreate the poses that you see in front of a mirror and in front of a camera. Try to memorize at least a few good poses and remember which poses take away from your looks. Always be creative and adventurous. Photographers who are paying you to pose want you to be confident and have the ability to come up with various poses without being constantly told act. Being able to call up an expression on demand is also quite important. A few acting lessons may help you accomplish this easier.

Seek out Work

Seek and you shall find.

Once you have decided your market and you are armed with a portfolio filled with quality photographs, begin seeking work. Contact modeling agencies and post your portfolio online in modeling networking websites such as Model Mayhem. Social media sites, such as facebook.com and myspace.com are also great tools to market yourself and to spread your portfolio. Be sure to regularly check the classified ads for local agencies and small companies offering smaller gigs. Understand that modeling work takes time and be prepared to have fun.

Medtronic Stock Information

Medtronic (NYSE symbol MDT) is a large cap stock of one of the world's biggest biomedical device manufacturers. It belongs to the health sector under the sub industry heading of "health care equipment." MDT's products have exposure to both national and international medical markets.

Statistics

The stock's 52 weeks range has vacillated between $24 and $56.97, and is currently trading at $34.89 (as of June 2009). The current market capitalization stands at $38.89 billion, with a current dividend rate of $0.82 per share.

Risk

Standard & Poor's rates MDT as a medium risk stock. The rationale for their evaluation resides in the fact that the sector is extremely competitive and susceptible to share loss through technological developments from competitors.

Revenue

MDT has managed to consistently produce yearly revenue since 2004. From 2004 to 2009, the company's revenue has increased over 50 percent, from $9 billion to $14.6 billion.

Earnings per share

From 2007 to 2008, the company's EPS fell from $2.41 to $1.95. Although earnings per share from 2008 to 2009 fell two cents to $1.93, the reduction was not as sharp as the previous year's. Although EPS has fallen, it has not been in negative territory.

Valuation

The current S&P fair market price valuation of MDT is at $51.50. The volatility of the stock is ranked low and the technical evaluation is ranked as bullish, meaning that MDT is a good buy at current price levels.

The Pro & Cons Of Gastric Bypass

The Pro & Cons of Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure in which the stomach is made smaller by the use of a band or surgical staples, then connected to the middle portion of the small intestine, effectively bypassing a large portion of the stomach and the entire top of the small intestine. In recent years, gastric bypass surgery as a treatment for extreme obesity has become increasingly popular. While the results of the procedure are generally successful, there are a number of pros and cons to consider before having the surgery performed.

Surgical Drawbacks

Gastric bypass surgery poses some risk of complications, such as infection of the abdomen and incision site, as well as excessive bleeding. In addition, the surgery can cause a hernia or obstructed bowel, either of which would have to be repaired by an additional surgery.

Digestive System Risks

A patient who undergoes gastric bypass surgery usually needs time to adjust to a number of digestive system changes, including intolerance to foods such as milk or red meat, frequent nausea and greatly altered bowel habits. Food must be eaten in small bites and chewed thoroughly to prevent large pieces of food becoming stuck in the newly formed stomach pouch. In addition, if the connection between the stomach pouch and the small intestine leaks food into the abdomen, a serious infection can develop.

Nutritional Concerns

Gastric bypass patients often suffer severe nutritional deficiencies, with anemia developing in more than half of them due to a lack of iron. In addition, patients often suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B12 and protein.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The cardiovascular system of an obese individual can benefit greatly from a gastric bypass procedure because, with the loss of excess weight, the health risks associated with obesity drastically diminish. Patients usually experience a reduction in their cholesterol levels as well as in their blood pressure, decreasing their overall risk of developing heart disease.

Respiratory System Benefits

Gastric bypass patients can experience dramatic improvements in their respiratory health, such as with sleep apnea and asthma, following the procedure, thanks to weight loss that leads to a greater ability to exercise, which in turn improves lung and heart health.

The Pros & Cons Of Titanium Rings

Perhaps you like the look of titanium rings but aren't sure how titanium compares to other metals, or how it would work as a wedding ring. There are pros and cons to this metal, so read on to find out if it's right for you. Does this Spark an idea?

What is Titanium?

Titanium is an abundant metallic element that is used to make jewelry, golf clubs, watches, and even aircraft. It was discovered in the late 18th century, and was named after the Titans, mythical Greek giants who ruled the earth and personified different forces of nature. Titanium is one of the transitional elements on the period table of elements, and is found in many forms.

Benefits

Titanium is lightweight, which makes the ring comfortable and easy to wear. It is a very strong and resistant metal. It is much less expensive than other ring materials, such as gold or platinum, yet is attractive enough for use as wedding jewelry.

If you react poorly to certain metals, another major benefit of a titanium ring is that it's hypoallergenic; perfect for anyone with metal allergies. Unlike white gold, titanium can be left as is and will continue to look great over the years, instead of needing the occasional re-coating that white gold does. Also, titanium can be colored into a wide variety of colors.

Disadvantages

Titanium cannot be made into a prong setting, so it can't be used for a traditional-looking engagement ring unless the prong setting is made of a different metal and riveted onto the titanium. People can avoid this by only having the groom's wedding band made out of titanium and having a different material for the bride's set.

Another disadvantage is that titanium rings can be difficult to fit. Titanium cannot be soldered, so if your ring is too large, it cannot be made smaller. If you need it made larger, one of the only options you have is to remove the material from the inner part of the band to make it slightly bigger.

Other Considerations

While titanium is surprisingly strong for how lightweight it is, it can still show signs of scratching and other wear. But titanium can usually be polished by a jeweler. If you want to have a colored titanium ring, consider that the color can wear and may need to be reapplied.

Potential for You

Whether a titanium ring is right for you depends on what you want. If you want a fancy diamond engagement ring that will match the wedding band, and can be easily resized in the future, then probably not. However, if you're looking for a ring that is lightweight, attractive, and fairly inexpensive, it may be just right.

The Pros & Cons Of Custody Reunification

The well being of the child is paramount in most court cases.

Whenever possible, courts encourage the reunification of families under the assumption that each parent has the right to a close and bonding relationship with their child. When it can be determined, however, that reunification is not in the best interest of the child, the court must weigh what is best in regard to the rights of parents with the welfare and safety of the child.

The Right to Parent

A primary argument on behalf of parents in regard to the benefits of family reunification is a parent's fundamental right to parent their child. If it can be shown that parents who have had issues with anger control or drug or alcohol abuse have attended court mandated treatment programs and completed the necessary steps to regain custody of their child, reunification is strongly encouraged by the courts in as a means of protecting the parent child relationship.

Reunification of Siblings

Another benefit of family reunification is the reuniting of siblings that may have been separated while placed in foster care. The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 required states to make increased efforts to reunite families due to findings that children benefit most when raised by their natural parents and among their siblings. As a result, the court is mandated to comply with these regulations unless there is clear and convincing evidence that reunification would be against a child's best interests.

Flight Risks

A common concern in regard to family reunification efforts is the risk of flight by the parent from supervision of the court. This argument is particularly relevant if there has been an established pattern of abuse on behalf of the parent. Child welfare advocates often argue that children who are returned to abusive or neglectful parents often run the risk of disappearing from the observance of social service agencies and court-appointed case workers as a result of flight or relocation by the parent.

Child's Best Interest

The biggest argument by child welfare advocates against reunification relates to the best interest of the child. When a child has been removed from a parent's care as a result of abuse or neglect, there is almost always a risk of future abuse. This is particularly common in cases of sexual abuse, when the child has been returned to the custody of the abusing parent. In cases where there is any doubt, the child's best interests must override the rights and interests of the parent.

The Pros And Cons Of Dating Versus Marriage

Marriage can be a wonderful institution for some but unthinkable for others.

Depending on your personality and wishes in life, you may prefer a bachelor life or a life with a person you love. However, one should not view the situation of dating and marriage as an either-or situation. Instead, each lifestyle has its positive and negative aspects. It all comes down to what you want out of life.

Social Life

A social life is a difficult variable to ascertain in the dating versus marriage debate. It really all depends on your will. A single person may be very lonely and have no friends, while a married person might go out all the time with friends. Arguably, however, in terms of commitments, a single person only looks at their own schedule to participate in social activities. A married person might have to communicate or compromise with a spouse over certain social activities.

Money

Money is another difficult variable to measure. On the one hand, marriage often leads to larger incomes, especially because of dual-incomes being pooled in. On the other hand, married couples do tend to lie in higher tax brackets. A news story by the US News & World Report detailed some of these issues and ruled that marriage, overall, yields higher cost savings than being single.

Personal Growth

As a general rule, one can argue that personal growth is attained in either dating or marriage. However, the growth is a bit different. The personal growth experienced by dating may come from meeting new people, experiencing new things and focusing entirely on your own self-interest. Personal growth through a marriage is fulfilling by having a partner for the rest of your life who can be there as your best friend and spiritual adviser.

Being Together

Like many of the pros or cons listed, the general positive aspect of a marriage is that you are with someone, especially someone who loves you. You can grow old with that person and create a family and network of friends. Dating may be personally fulfilling for a good aspect of your life, but to never have a consistent partner who you can share intimate moments with may be lonely at times.

The Procedures For A Body Wrap

Body wraps have become quite popular and while they are often done in spas you can also do them at home. Body wraps are thought to help with weight loss along with flushing toxins out of the body. The procedure is simple and can be done easily by following a few simple steps. Make sure you have purchased all of the necessary supplies ahead of time to ensure you are able to complete the body wrap successfully. Does this Spark an idea?

Body Wrap Solution

To make a basic detox body wrap you will need the following ingredients: one cup of mineral, Epsom or sea salts, three cups of either spring or purified water, one half cup of Aloe Vera juice and three tablespoons of either shea, olive, or sunflower oil. You may also add one and two teaspoons of your favorite essential oil.

Mix all ingredients together in the water and heat on the stove in a large pot. Stir to combine all ingredients. Remove from the heat and let the solution cool off very slightly. You may now pour the mixture into a large bucket or cooler. The solution should still be warm but not so warm that it will burn the skin.

Supplies

You will need to purchase several large rolls of elastic ace bandages. These come in many different sizes. The wider and longer the ace bandage, the more area you will be able to cover. Buy enough to cover the body from the upper chest area to the feet. Instead of using the metal clip in the ace bandage package, use safety pins to secure the bandages after they have been wrapped around the body.

Another good thing to have for your body wrap is a PVC work-out suit. These are made of cheap rubber and encourage sweating. They are one size fits all and can be found at most sporting goods store. The rubberized suit will help remove the toxins from the body as you perspire.

Start the Wrap

You may want to raise the heat in your home or add a small heater to your bathroom. It can get chilly when doing a body wrap.

Bring your water solution into the bathroom and add the ace bandages to the solution to soak up the water. Place towels on the floor to capture drips and spillage while the wrapping is taking place. If needed, add some cooler water to get to the right temperature of not too hot, but not cold.

Disrobe and begin wrapping the bandages around the body. Starting at the ankles, wrap the bandages tightly around the body until both legs, both arms and the torso and chest are covered. Avoid wrapping too tightly. Secure the bandages with safety pins.

Final Steps

If you have one, put on the PVC sweat suit. Relax in a reclining position for about an hour. This can most easily be done in the bathtub. Read a book while you are relaxing or listen to soft music. Make sure to drink water while you are relaxing to replenish the fluids lost during the wrap.

Remove the wraps starting at the top and working your way down to the feet. Rinse off with cool water in the shower to completely remove the wrap solution.

Stomach Stapling Complications

A stomach stapling operation is indicated for patients who are morbidly obese and are unable to lose weight without the surgery. Stomach stapling surgery has risk of complications. There are complications directly related to the surgical procedure and risks associated with rapid weight loss. Usual surgical risks are compounded by obesity, which adds additional stress upon the body and makes for longer recovery time and increased risk of complications.

Death

According to the University of Michigan Health System, fewer than three out of 200 people die because of weight-loss surgery. While the risk statistics are low in general, they may be higher for those with certain health conditions such as cardiac disease.

Blood Clots

Blood clots are a concern after any type of surgery. Blood clots are more likely in people who are obese. Blood clotting mechanisms activate due to bleeding from surgery. Prolonged bed rest and inactivity causes blood to pool in the large veins of the legs. These two factors work together to increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs. These blood clots can be dangerous if they break away and move into the lungs where they can cause a condition called pulmonary embolism. Walking soon after surgery and stopping smoking before surgery may help reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

Stenosis

The University of Michigan Health System reports that around one of every five people who have the stomach stapling procedure may need a second operation to reverse stomal stenosis. Stomal stenosis is a condition where there is a narrowing in the connection between the intestines and the stomach.

Dumping Syndrome

The dumping syndrome occurs when food passes too quickly through the intestines. This causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating and dizziness. This condition happens most often after eating fatty or sweet foods.

Gallstones

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, up to 30 percent of patients develop gallstones after surgery because of rapid weight loss. Gallstones may make it necessary to have additional surgery. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that this risk can be reduced by taking bile salts for six months after the stomach stapling operation.

Nutritional Deficiencies

A stomach stapling operation causes the duodenum to be bypassed. This has an effect on the way nutrients, such as calcium and iron, are absorbed by the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and calcium deficiency leads to osteoporosis.

The Most Effective Online Ads

The most effective online ads can generate great profits.

In today's highly competitive marketplace, displaying the most effective online ads is vital to outmaneuvering the competition. Whether you are promoting products or services, creating a powerful message to attract consumers online will nearly always guarantee you a considerable response. Millions of consumers browse the Internet throughout the day, searching for the right product or service. Creating the most effective online ads requires taking many things into consideration.

Target Audience

Successful advertisers know that the most effective online ads take in to consideration the wants and needs of the target audience. Knowing what motivates this audience helps the advertiser in promoting the appropriate product as well as selecting the right number of keywords. Presenting a product to an audience that doesn't need your merchandise can only end in frustration as well as lost time and money.

Knowledge of Product

Creating effective online ads requires that advertisers have a thorough knowledge of their product or service, in addition to the passion to sell the product. When advertisers don't have enough knowledge of their own product or service, this could result in very low consumer response. Low consumer response means something must be modified to maximize the effectiveness of the online ad.

Writing Style

To be effective, an online ad must consist of a distinctive writing style such as brevity, word accuracy, good grammar, clarity and a sense of urgency. Since consumers have less and less time to spend trying to understand an ad, an advertiser must make these ingredients a priority in every ad sent out over the Internet. The competition is too great for consumers to stumble at what an advertisement is trying to communicate.

High-Profit Words

Effective online ads require advertisers to choose high-profit words that will get immediate attention. Because of the competition, online ads must stand out and present something special to the consumer. Words and phrases such as "must see," "must sell," "great value," "financing available" and "best offer" get the attention of the consumer. Consumers not only desire a product or service but also a great bargain.

Power Messages

Online advertising messages become less powerful when advertisers need to explain a service or product using long paragraphs and big words. These kind of online ads are overexpressive and often drive the consumer away because of the time it takes to read the ads. Many consumers are very busy people who hardly have the minutes it would take to read long and confusing ads. Therefore, advertisers should use simple words and short paragraphs with enough "punch" to stay in the consumers mind. This is a power message.

Accelerated Growth

The most effective online ads generate great growth for businesses that make it a priority to create and deliver more value to their customers. According to Stephen M.R. Covey, author of "The Speed of Trust," organizations that promote customer value will overtake less-successful competition in both sales and profits. Consumers lean toward the best of everything: the best price, the best bargain and the best online ads. An online ad that generates the most sales and profits will have definitely grabbed the attention of consumers.

The Most Effective Advertising Medium For Toys

The most effective medium for advertising toys depends greatly on your target market demographic and your business' products. For example, technological toys and computer games may call for a different advertising medium than toys intended for toddlers. The key is to secure an advertising medium that allows you to effectively communicate your company's message and generate excitement for your products.

Results and Your Message

There is no direct link between the dollars you spend on product advertising and the success of your business, according to Entrepreneur magazine's website. Your results are directly linked to the message contained in your advertising and how it connects with consumers in your target market. For example, if your company's toy product is targeted to preteens, your message should generate excitement in this target market and also appeal to parents to encourage them to buy the product. This is what the Media Awareness Network's website refers to as "pester power"; the ability of advertising to encourage children to nag parents into buying a product or instilling the desire in parents to purchase a product because it provides the child with the best product on the market.

Repetition is Key

The success of your company's advertising increases with the repetition of your message and how often consumers in your target demographic see it. According to Entrepreneur's website, advertising billboards and outdoor advertising reach the most people per dollar but this may not reach your target demographic depending on your company's toy product. Television and digital media advertising allows for moving pictures and sound which can more effectively communicate your company's product message and allow you to repeat your advertisements. These mediums also offer you the opportunity to target your advertising by running commercials at hours of the day when members of your target demographic are most likely to watch television or place your ads on websites your target market is more likely to visit.

Buzz Marketing

Buzz marketing is a technique which seeks to create a positive atmosphere around a particular product by advertising the product in the hands of trendsetters in the market. For toys, this is often accomplished by giving free samples of the product to celebrities or high-profile consumers your target market believes to be important. The medium in this case is the celebrities. This kind of advertising can validate your product and raise its level of esteem with your target demographic.

Most-Used Mediums

Mobile advertising can be effective for advertising a variety of products, including toys of all types, because it is the most widely used media platform in the country according to Mobile Commerce Daily's website. As of November 2010, nearly 50 percent of all cellphones sold in the United States are smart phones. This leads to an increase in web browsing and digital media consumption which you can take advantage of in your own business advertising.

The Most Effective Advertising

One of the best forms of advertising is "word-of-mouth," where someone is extremely happy with a product or service and talks to friends about it. But in order to get that initial person, other forms of advertising must be utilized, and the most effective ways depend on who your potential customers are and then matching the best media to reach them.

Determine Your Target Audience

Assess the type of customers you want to make aware of your product or service. Think about who makes the best potential customers for your business. Write down as many categories as you can. A working mother, a high school student, a businessman, a dog owner, a sports enthusiast and a homeowner are some examples of different types or groups of people. Decide which of these types would be in the market for what you offer. Once you identify your target audience, you can then make a better decision as to reach them using some of the many different methods of advertising.

Right Media

The most effective way to reach your target market depends on the type of product or service and the type of people you want to reach. A grocery store sale item is likely to get the best response by running a coupon in a local newspaper. A product that helps fishermen should be advertised in a fishing magazine or on local tide table brochures. Think about all of the various ways you can advertise your business: newspapers, radio, magazines, TV, Internet, billboards, restaurant place mats, posters, church bulletins, coupon books, the phone book's yellow pages, hand-out brochures, and shopping cart placards. Then imagine you are the type of person that would be interested in the product or service you offer, and think about which form of advertising they are most likely to see (or hear).

Right Time

Your advertising campaign will be most effective if it is timed to special dates or events. A florist, for example, can have customers at any time, because funerals, birthdays and weddings happen all the time. However, targeting males with special deals on roses for Valentine's Day can be most effective in increasing sales. Embroidery graphics shops that make school sports teams shirts, uniforms and hats should do additional advertising prior to the start of the local schools' baseball and football seasons. Ads for a pharmacy can focus on cold remedies just as the winter cold and flu season gears up. Budgeting extra money into advertising at specific times for specialized products and services can generate a good return on your investment.

Frequency of Advertising

On TV, you've noticed that every football game has commercials for beer. Certainly, these companies sell an enormous amount of product, yet they still advertise, targeting programs that sports enthusiasts watch. They want their products to be instantly recognizable and to remain in the minds of the buying public. Small businesses that have limited budgets should consider running smaller ads often, as opposed to spending their entire budget on just a few large ads. Consistency and staying in front of people's "eyes" and "ears" can be most effective in increasing business. Plan on running larger (or in the case of radio, longer and more frequent) ads during special times and events that are most advantageous to your business.

The Minimum & Maximum Charges Of A Misdemeanor 1 In Colorado For Child Abuse

Misdemeanor punishment can vary widely in Colorado.

Child abuse involves injuring a child or putting a child at risk of injury or death. In Colorado, the charge for child abuse depends on the severity of the offense. The lightest punishment for child abuse is a "Misdemeanor 1" conviction.

Misdemeanor 1 Sentencing

The basic sentence for a Misdemeanor 1 in Colorado is six to 18 months in county jail, plus a fine of $500 to $5,000. It is up to the judge or jury to set the punishment. The punishment must fall within this range, which was established by the state Legislature.

Extraordinary Risk Crime

The judge can add another six months to a Misdemeanor 1 child abuse sentence under the state's "extraordinary risk crime" statute. Under the statute, people convicted of child abuse and certain other crimes are deemed a danger to society, and judges are given the discretion to increase the sentences by up to six months.

Probation

If this is your first offense, you may qualify for probation. If you complete the probation, you will not have to serve time in jail. Whether or not you are offered probation depends largely on the severity of the offense and your past criminal record.

Deferred Adjudication

If "deferred adjudication" is part of the probation agreement, the charge will be dropped when you finish your probation, and the conviction will not show up on your record. However, the arrest will stay on your record unless you have the arrest record sealed by a civil court after you finish your probation.

Good Time Credit

If you do have to serve time in county jail, you may get an early release based on "good time," "earned time" and/or "trusty time." Each county sheriff sets his own policies on awarding these credits, and the amount of credits that can be earned will vary from county to county. State law allows each sheriff to award two days per month of good time for following the rules, three days of earned time each month for participating in educational programs and other activities, and 10 days per month for working as a trusty.

Relief Bands For Sea Sickness

Relief Bands for Sea Sickness

Acupressure, or acustimulation, for the relief of motion sickness is an ancient Chinese technique originating with acupuncture. The P6/Neiguan is a pressure point on the inner wrist that has been shown effective in lessening the symptoms associated with seasickness, especially nausea. There is no guarantee that branded or home-made wrist bands will work for you, but this noninvasive method offers hope for a drug-free way to mitigate the effects of motion sickness.

Find the Right Band

Research the various brands available. The Canadian Journal of Anesthesia reported success in Dr. Aidah Alkaissi's 2005 study using acupressure to relieve motion sickness in women. Amy Wesley's 2002 study published the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Proceedings found SeaBands® effective in older citizens. The Aerospace Medical Association's 2004 study performed by Kristen Miller and Eric Muth, however, found the Acuband™ and the ReliefBand® to be ineffective against nausea whether or not the band was used correctly or incorrectly. While these studies have demonstrated varying effects for different participants, many people of all ages and genders have reported successful motion sickness treatment from even the simplest acupressure bands.

Start with a nearby pharmacy or travel-supply store and compare what you find in person to similar products offered by the various online retailers. Look for elastic bands that fit snugly on your wrist with a small, hard button on the inside. Many brands have comfortable covers that come in various colors. Avoid scams that charge more than 10 dollars for a single bracelet. Position the button on each band over the correct pressure point on your wrist. Find this point by making a fist so that the two tendons on the underside of your wrist pop up. Measure three finger-widths away from your palm, and position the button directly between the two tendons.

Make Your Own

Making your own bands is a simple and inexpensive way to find out if this method works for you. You will need a pack of ¾-inch-wide elastic bands, small Velcro strips or adhesive squares and one small, round button. Soft, cloth-covered elastic bands are available at most craft-supply stores. Measure and cut out the correct amount of elastic band to fit your wrist snugly without impeding circulation. Sew the Velcro strips to each end, or use the self-adhesive kind, so you can easily take the bracelet on and off. Make sure the Velcro strips are cut small enough to fit comfortably and large enough to keep the bracelet secure. Sew the button on the inside, directly in the center of the band. Find the pressure point and make sure that your creation applies ample pressure without discomfort.

Lapband & Flatulence

Lap-Band & Flatulence

Lap-Band is a brand of gastric band that doctors utilize in bariatric surgery. Lap-Band helps overweight people lose pounds in a fast way with low risks. However, side effects such as flatulence may appear after the procedure has been completed.

Flatulence

Flatulence is caused by the accumulation of gases inside our bodies. This is one of the uncommon and rare side effects produced by the Lap-Band, according to the Lap-Band System official website. These days, doctors tend to "pump" the patient with air while operating. This results in an abundant quantity of gases inside the patient.

Cause

The Lap-Band prevents you from expelling air in the form of a burp. However, your body needs to expel those gases one way or the other, since keeping them inside would be hazardous to your health.

Hazards

Flatulence can become a very delicate issue if it doesn't stop. According to patients' testimonials on the Lap-Band website, they have spent 20 minutes-in some cases-in the bathroom expelling gases and liquid. This can be dangerous because it can lead to dehydration and death from the depletion of body fluids.

Recommendations

Eating slowly prevents people from swallowing more air. According to the Lap-Band website, patients should avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and NSAIDS. Nevertheless, the use of medical pills (like DeMylanta), is an alternative option which works very well; however, before you take any decision, consult a physician first. Do not self-medicate.

Meals

According to Dr. Santiago Horgan, from the University of California, patients should avoid hearty meals that include large portions of beef or heavy vegetables. Lentils, beans and fizzy drinks are also major factors in the production of gases. Care should be taken when consuming them. Thin liquids are incredibly important and should be abundant in the patient's diet. Skim milk, fruit juice, soups and broths are great choices. Horgan also recommends mashed potatoes and pears.

The Installation Of Hardie Fiber Cement Board

Hardie fiber cement board, also known as HardieBacker, is used under tile in homes and is mold resistant. It generally comes in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thicknesses and is sold in 3-by-5-foot sheets and 4-by-8-foot sheets. It can easily be cut to size with a utility knife and provides superior protection against moisture growth. Installing HardieBacker is similar to installing other types of flooring. With screws and fasteners made specific for HardieBacker, installation can be accomplished and the lifetime warranty can take effect. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Inspect the subfloor to make sure everything is properly intact. Make sure there is no damage to the floor. Check that the floor is clean. Lay out a stud finder to verify the joist spacing is no more than 24 inches on center.

2. Measure the area of the room to determine how many sheets of fiber board will be needed. Multiply the width by the length to get the total square footage. Each fiber board piece is 15 square feet. Divide the total square feet of the room by 15 to figure out how many sheets will be used. Add a few extra for cuts that may need to be made.

3. Lay out the boards covering the entire room without fastening anything down. Leave a 1/8-inch space in between each piece. Position the sheets 1/8 inch back from the walls and cabinets in the room. Cut the boards to size with a utility knife. Measure and mark where the cut will be made and line up a T-square along the mark. Score the board with a utility knife by running it along the T-square and snap the board.

4. Remove the sheets and spread a layer of mortar 1/4 inch thick over the entire room. Spread it out evenly with a square-notched trowel. Lay down the first piece of cement board beginning at a corner of the room. Press it down firmly into the mortar and fasten it down with HardieBacker screws, spacing them every 8 inches over the entire surface and making sure to keep them 3/8 of an inch from the edge of the board and 2 inches from the corner.

5. Lay out the next piece and continue around the entire room in the same process using the sheets just as they were previously lined up. Continue around the entire room making sure to leave a 1/8 inch gap in between the pieces and the walls. Drive the screws in so they are flush with the surface.

The Influence Of Music In The 1950s And The Early 1960s

Music had a great influence on society in the 1950s and early 1960s.

One of the most influential singers of the 1950s was Elvis Presley, whose "ducktail" haircut, black pants and open-necked shirts sparked a new trend in fashion. Teenagers listened to rock 'n' roll music on 45-rpm record players and transistor radios, and began to assert their independence from their parents. The 1960s saw social unrest and an emphasis on civil rights and ending violence. The music of that decade greatly influenced teens who developed their own hippie sub-culture, often referred to as "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll."

The Elvis Influence

Elvis Presley's music, dance moves, clothing and his attitude embodied the rock 'n' roll culture of the 1950s. The songs he chose were greatly influenced by gospel, African-American blues and even Southern country. Other performers such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Fats Domino were accepted after Presley became so popular with the youth of that decade. Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others followed in Presley's fame. Presley and these singers influenced music trends, dance styles and fashion, and were deemed to have launched a form of sexual liberation and alleged teenage rebellion.

The 1960s Music and Society

During the 1960s, singers and performers often seemed to choose songs to reflect news headlines. Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, The Jefferson Airplane, and the Beatles were only some artists who represented the youth counterculture of that decade. Hippies spread messages of love, not war, and music was an integral part of their lifestyle. Folk music and huge rock concerts were popular featuring politically charged songs -- such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "We Shall Overcome" -- with messages exposing American social problems. After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, there seemed to be widespread drug use and drugs were often mentioned by bands such as The Grateful Dead with songs like "White Rabbit," the Beatles with "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds." San Francisco became a hub for rock music and the hippie movement, especially the Haight-Ashbury area. They often were known as "flower children." Motown soul music reinforced civil rights unrest and the fight for equality. Female singers of the 1960s, such as Janis Joplin and Grace Slick, reflected the dawn of the feminist movement. Aretha Franklin sang "Respect." Artists often participated in demonstrations or protests. For example, the song "Street Fighting Man" was apparently inspired by protests in England that Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger had participated in.

The Musical Influence of the Beatles

The Beatles, four young men from Liverpool, England, -- featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr -- had a tremendous influence on culture, hairstyling, fashion and social attitudes in the early 1960s. The group impacted society through its statements, physical appearance, and social attitude. The band's social awareness was featured in songs contributing to the overall rise in social consciousness during the decade. Beatlemania influenced music trends and popular culture for many years.

Rock 'n' Roll's Influence on Fashion

Elvis Presley introduced blue suede shoes, the Beatles burst onto the scene with unique hairstyles, and Nehru Jackets were all the rage due to the influence of rock stars of the 50s and 60s. Other fashion trends set by music artists or bands of those decades were the "uniform" look where band members all wore the same suit, the tough leather look started by the Rolling Stones, casual clothing reflecting the Beach Boys' surfer music, and hippie fashions including tie-dyed shirts, fringes and long dresses.

The History Of Preoperative Teaching

Patients who receive pre- and post-sugery education tend to have better surgical outcomes.

Preoperative teaching is the physical and psychological preparation of a patient prior to surgery. It includes instruction about the preoperative period, the surgery itself and postoperative care.

Background

Preoperative teaching began in the 1960s, when hospital stays were much longer. Patients would often be admitted up to a week before the surgery, and not released until two weeks after the surgery. In the days before the operation, hospital staff could address a patient's concerns and complete all preparatory work. In the time after the procedure, patients received counseling on care for themselves and get the support they needed.

Current Practice

Today, hospital stays are much shorter, leaving little time for patient education during a stay. Typically only around .5 percent of a hospital's budget goes to in-patient education programs, and much of the preoperative teaching takes place through printed or online materials given to the patient to review on his own time.

Benefits

Patients who are physically and psychologically prepared for surgery tend to have better surgical outcomes. Preoperative teaching can alleviate most patient fears. Patients who know more about what to expect after surgery often cope better with pain and post-surgery lifestyle changes.

The Price For Breast Implants

The Price for Breast Implants

Most of us know or have seen a woman with breast implants, but we have always wondered how much she paid for her surgery and never asked. It's actually tough to know for sure, as the costs associated with breast augmentation vary greatly depending on the surgeon, the location and the type and placement of the implant.

Extra Costs

Though national average prices for breast augmentation surgeries range from $3,000 to $4,000, DocShop.com suggests these figures do not reflect the actual amount patients are likely to pay for their surgery. These figures include the cost of breast implants themselves, but do not include the following: anesthesia, medical facility fees, prescriptions, surgical garments and medical testing. Surgeons and anesthesiologists practicing in large cities or more affluent neighborhoods most likely charge more for their services than doctors who practice in more rural areas.

Considerations

According to DocShop.com, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the national average surgeon's fee for breast implants in 2005 at $3,406. The American Society for Aesthetic Surgery, however, lists the average price for breast augmentation at $3,583 for saline implants and $4,005 for silicone implants. Docshop.com argues that these figures are not completely accurate, as breast augmentation prices will vary from region to region and do not include "various associated expenses."

Warning

Experts advise against purchasing "cheap" breast implants, though the idea of paying much less for surgery may sound tempting. Docshop.com recommends basing your decision on surgeon credentials rather than on the price he is offering for surgery. Make sure the surgeon you choose is "board certified, experienced and professional." On the other hand, just because a surgeon offers breast implants at a high price does not guarantee the best results possible. You should always base your decision on the quality of the surgeon, rather than the high or low cost of breast implants.

Insurance Responsibilities

Since breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic procedure, insurance companies do not generally cover costs associated with this kind of surgery. The only exception to this rule might be if the patient is having surgery related to cancer, such as breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, or severe breast trauma. Another important thing to note is that insurance companies generally do not cover costs associated with any kind of surgery complications relating to breast augmentation. Some companies even maintain they will not cover any breast-related treatments for women who have had breast implants.

Types

According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, the placement and incision type of breast implants can impact the price of breast augmentation surgery. Women have the option of choosing subglandular implant placement (implants are placed above the chest muscles and under the breast tissue); partial submuscular implant placement (implants are placed partially under the chest muscles and under the breast tissue); or complete submuscular implant placement (implants are placed under the chest muscles). The optimal location of implant placement depends on the size of the breast implant, and costs vary based on implant size.

The History Of Knitting Machines

The History of Knitting Machines

Knitting dates to prehistoric times, when ancient people used plant fibers, their fingers and a single stick to knit items. Knitted socks have been found in Egyptian tombs and Roman burial mounds. From there, knitting progressed to two and even four needles. But people were always looking for a way to produce knitted garments faster and easier. This quest led to various kinds of knitting machines.

14th century

By the late 1300s, peasants used round, four-needle peg frames to knit warm caps. These were similar to the spool knitters children still use today. A painting by German Master Bertram, "The Knitting Madonna," shows Mary knitting a small garment with one of these frames.

16th century

At a time when pristine white stockings were the height of fashion for upper-class men, the stocking loom, designed by the Rev. William Lee of Nottingham, produced fine silk stockings at a much faster rate than knitting them by hand. This flat loom produced a long, flat piece of knitting, which was seamed up the back to form stockings.

18th century

Knitting on frames, the precursor to modern knitting machines, became popular in the 1700s. Jeremiah Strutt of Derby invented the Derby Rib Frame in 1759. Samuel Betts improved on this and created a mechanism that allowed for knitting lace. In 1768, spurred by the popularity of brocade waistcoats, Crain and Porter created a color change mechanism. This eventually led to the development of punch cards for color changes, a system which some knitting machines still use today.

19th century

By the late 1800s, manufacturers began marketing knitting machines for home use. Ads touted the machines as helping housewives to produce more knitted goods in a shorter amount of time, freeing them for other activities, or allowing them to earn extra money by selling their handwork to others.

The Lamb knitting machine was the first home knitting machine. Introduced in 1867 by a Mr. Lamb, it had 84 needles and weighed about 15 pounds. Later models had 96 to 110 needles. A Lamb knitting machine cost $45 in 1887, not including the stand, which was an additional $6.

By 1879, the Crane Knitter was introduced. This 106-needle machine had a keyboard design similar to modern flatbed knitting machines. About this time, circular sock machines also began to appear.

Modern Machines

Modern knitting machines began to appear shortly after the turn of the century. The mechanisms of today's machines remain much the same, though modern electronics have replaced punch cards in some systems, and computerized programs allow for many design innovations. Today's knitter can find machines designed for knitting everything from fine lace shawls to bulky sweaters.

Recovery From Laser Eye Surgery For Torn Retina

The surgery for a torn retina is done with a freezing technique called cryosurgery or with laser surgery. This procedure can often be performed right in the doctor's office without the need for a hospital stay. Your recovery from the surgery may be uncomfortable for a few days, but medications help to lessen the pain. A retina repair surgery prevents the inevitable blindness that will occur if a torn or detached retina is not reattached.

After Surgery

You may need pain medication after the surgery and your doctor will prescribe these drugs. The surgery may require the doctor to remove the vitreous gel from the eye and replace it with a gas bubble to push the retina back into place at the back of the eye. If you have a gas bubble injected during the surgery, the doctor will recommend that you keep your head in a particular position for a short time.

You may also have to keep your eye protected with a patch after the surgery. You will be advised to move your head slowly and avoid watching too much television or reading in the first few weeks after the surgery.

Vision

It may take a while before your vision is restored after a retina laser surgery. Some patients take months to see an improvement to their vision. Get a new prescription for your eye glasses after the surgery to improve your vision. Some patients do not restore their vision after the surgery at all. This is usually because of a severe detachment that has been present for a while.

Your doctor may recommend a second procedure to restore vision if the retina repair is not successful. A detached torn retina will lead to a vision loss if it is not attached to the back of the eye wall. Even with a second surgery, some patients are not able to restore their vision.

Return to Normal Activities

The post-operative instructions vary widely from patient to patient undergoing retinal surgery. The beginning stages after your surgery are the most important for your recovery. The doctor may restrict your normal activities such as lifting to keep the surgical site protected after the procedure.

Follow your doctor's instructions after the surgery and take medications as prescribed. All surgery carries a risk. You should continue medications for other conditions. Eye drops that you used before surgery may not be used unless directed by your eye doctor.

Do not return to normal activities until the doctor has instructed you. Heavy lifting more than twenty pounds should still be avoided during this time. Any activity that requires you to strain may affect your retinal surgery.

The Harmful Effects Of Using A Laptop Pc In The Lap

The Harmful Effects of Using a Laptop PC in the Lap

Laptops have become tremendously popular since their emergence into society. Despite the manifold benefits, however, they can pose some serious health risks when held where, as their name suggests, they are meant to be held: the lap. The intense heat emitted by laptops poses a health hazard to both men and pregnant women, while the poor posture that comes from hunching over a laptop can cause chronic muscular pain.

Fertility Problems

Studies by researchers at the State University of New York have shown that using laptops on the lap can have a negative effect on healthy sperm production in males. The heat put out by the laptop raises the scrotal or testicular temperature to an unhealthy degree, which can lower sperm counts and, in turn, can cause sterility.

Burns

Although rare, there have been cases of severe burns from a laptop overheating on an individual's lap. Burns can also come from the combustion of laptop batteries. Also rare, there have been instances of this happening when the laptop is held on the thighs in such a way that the venting fan is blocked.

Pregnancy Risks

There has been some concern about hazards to pregnant women from radiation emitted from laptops. According to research at Radiation Answers, the amounts of radiation that may be emitted are so minimal that there is no cause for concern. However, doctors advise pregnant women to avoid holding a laptop on their lap or stomach because of the heat that functioning laptops produce.

Bad Posture

Using a laptop on the lap encourages bad posture, or slouching. While this may not seem like a serious problem, long-term usage can result in serious injury to the neck or spine. Michael Durtnall, a chiropractor featured in a Times Online article, estimates that 80 percent of the clients that come through his doors are suffering from pain brought about by poor laptop posture.

Solutions

Due to an increasing awareness of the health hazards posed by using laptops on the lap, new "gadgets" have emerged onto the computer scene, allowing users to use the laptop comfortably positioned somewhere other than the lap. This eliminates the risks of infertility for men or the heat hazards for pregnant women, and at the same time encourages correct posture. An example of this is the LapDawg, which provides users with multiple options for use. The stand is portable and can be converted into a TV tray position, breakfast tray position, book holder position, bed tray position, or lap desk position. For more information, visit www.lapdawg.com.