Picture: Artists Online

Body art, as compared to normal tattooing, involves using the human body as the basis for various forms of art. Many body art creations are so intricate and creative that they are exhibited in special art exhibitions. Often the person on which the designs have been painted is none other than the artist him/herself. As contrasted to permanent tattooing, body paint is removable, although care must be given not to have the model wear paints that clog the skin pores and keep it from “breathing”.

Body art in one form or another has been in existence for as long as the human race.
Modern examples of body art include people being painted in various art designs prior to their participation in festive activities such as the Carnival celebrations which take place in countries like Brazil prior to the pre-Easter period of Lent.

In many body art creations, the model is entirely nude, and the artist paints intricate patterns and designs on the model’s body, including pictures and even facsimiles of clothing. Body art festivals are held in many countries annually and prizes are awarded for the most original or intricate art creations. Many primitive societies, such as those found in Africa, South America, and Australia still practice body art for religious ritualistic purposes.

Some forms of body art can be physically damaging, as per the example of body painting that can clog skin pores. Other types of body art can actually burn the skin, such as with the use of extreme exposure to the sun, use of implements that burn the skin and hair, and the use of abrasive or acidic chemicals.

Body art is often done in conjunction with other forms of art expression, including music, dance, and with various props t accentuate the body art designs. Body art in te form of tattoos can be very intricate and beautiful; but these who agree to them must realize that they are “wed” to the design for life, since removing them is much more involved that a simple tattoo

Body art and tattoo conventions, such as the Body Art Expo held in Pomono California; features more than 300 artists and draws thousands of visitors. Some of the most intricate, and bizarre, designs and body paintings are on display there. Similar exhibitions are held in other locations, including San Francisco and Denver, Colorado.

Building body muscles requires more than just working out in a gym or health club. Experts in the field of sports medicine and nutrition generally agree that there are three important steps in body building for muscles that not only look good but give your body power as well. These three steps are planned and intelligent work outs, including weight lifting, proper nutrition, and adequate and proper sleep.

First of all, in work outs and weight lifting, a work out plan should be drawn up in advance with consultation from an experienced supervisor or trainer. The plan should include progressive exercises according a person’s age, present weight and height, and overall fitness goal. This plan can be changed or amended as the program progresses, and care must be made not to overdo it in the beginning as the damage to both muscles and connecting tissue can be very harmful. The progress should be gradual and reports should be made to indicate changing fitness status, progress made, etc.

Nutrition is not less important and a proper diet to benefit the workout program should be carefully planned. Certain foods containing sufficient proteins and energy building carbohydrates (carbs) should be consumed both before and after the workout. Following an intensive weight lifting and workout session, foods and food supplements containing protein derivatives are vital to nourish muscles and other tissues that have been strained and even damaged during the workout. The proper diet required can be worked out with the aid of an experienced expert on sports and fitness nutrition.

Sleep is often referred to as “nature’s great restorer”. A sufficient amount of sleep, usually between 7 and 8 hours is important for helping to restore tissues that are broken down during a strenuous workout session or from athletic competition. If this amount of sleep is difficult due to a person’s daily schedule, then emphasis on “quality sleep time” should be, including taking catnaps during the day. Many sport’s trainers agree that even a 30 minute mid-day nap can be very beneficial if done properly and without any distractions.

Contrary to what many people believe, it is possible to achieve a desired body muscle fitness program without having to resort to taking supplements that may be considered illegal in many sports and body building competition. All that’s required is to simply make a sensible plan using the three steps already mentioned and stick with it until the desired results are reached.

The humble eggplant, found in most green grocers and supermarket, is turning out to be more than just a tasty veggie on your dinner plate. While found to be rich in dietary fiber (8%) and containing ample amounts of potassium, vitamins B1, B6 and C, and protein, this very versatile plant with it large purple colored fruit has also been found to contain a substance that might actually save your life.

Recently research scientists connected with the Royal London Hospital, have found that an eggplant derived extract called BEC5, is amazing effective in treating forms of non-melanoma types of skin cancer, with some cases being cured in as little as three months. The Royal London researches carried out a study in which thousands of patients were given derivatives of the BEC5 extract, and many cases not only improved, but were actually cured. Furthermore, not only were many of these patient cured, but the squamous and basel cell types of cancer they had did not recur. In addition to being effective against skin cancers, the extract has also been found to be effective in treating other skin conditions, including those unsightly blotches known as “age spots”.

Since the studies have been carried out over a 20 year period, literally thousands of people have already benefited from being treated by something that comes from one of our most common vegetables. Eggplants are actually part of the nightshade vegetable family that includes both tomatoes and potatoes. The plant is eaten extensively in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, as well as in man European countries. In addition to the already mentioned nutrients, eggplants also contain powerful anti-oxidants called phytonutrients. The plant is very versatile, even though it has a somewhat bitter taste. By salting slices or cubes of eggplant for several hours, much of the bitter taste can be removed. Very young eggplant fruit is also less bitter, and many people like to pickle them in the same manner as they would cucumbers and other vegetables. Eggplant can be grilled, fried, baked, or boiled; and many delicious salads are also made from them, especially in Middle Eastern countries.

Because this vegetable is relatively low in price, the BEC5 extract is also not expensive as compared to medicines and anti-aging preparations that are supposed to perform the same functions. The extract can usually be in holistic medicine pharmacies and also in whole foods stores that also stock a big selection of natural herbal remedies and products.

Hypnosis, from the Greek word hypnos, or sleep, is the science of inducing a sleep-like trance in people in order to either obtain information, or assist persons bring hypnotized by using suggestion to induce them to don actions as per command or per suggestion. For this reason, hypnosis of often referred to as “the power of suggestion”. Although hypnosis has been inexistence for more than two millennium it has only recently been seriously considered as a valuable tool to assist people suffering from a variety of psychological disorders, including chronic and acute stress, sleep disorders, phobias, shyness and “stage fright”, traumatic experiences, work and study problems, and many others.

Although it was used by a number of well known psychologists and psychoanalysts, including Sigmund Freud, it was only fully accepted as a therapeutic science in 1958 by the American Medical Association. Scientific research has proven that not everyone can actually be hypnotized, and that it is virtually impossible to force a subject to be hypnotized against his will. Those who do respond well to being hypnotized generally are put into what is known as a clinical hypnotic state in a matter of 10 to 15 seconds. Once in a state of hypnosis, it can be either deep or shallow, depending on the reason for inducing the person into being hypnotized, as well as the psychological state of the individual prior to being hypnotized.

Before the innovation of reliable means of anesthesia, hypnosis was used to prepare patients for undergoing surgical and dental procedures. It is still used to prepare patients psychologically prior to undergoing serious medical treatments and procedures, including many for treating forms of cancer. The science has also proven to be useful for helping cure people suffering from various forms of psychological disorders, including amnesia, serious fears and phobias, and for those who have been involved in serious accidents, wartime traumas, and other situations in which people were subjected to acute trauma and stress.

One of the more interesting uses of hypnosis is that involving theory called “hyper suggestibility” in which the hypnotic therapist helps a patient concentrate to a series of suggestions that are formulated to help him respond to certain stimuli. The hypnotherapist helps the subject use more intense forms of concentration to focus on the desired goal.

Although forms of hypnosis is also used for entertainment , it should not be practiced by those who are trained in the science; and people willing to subject themselves to being hypnotized by one who is using it to entertain audiences, are subjecting themselves at their own risk.

Have you ever wondered why dates are so much mentioned in the Bible and were often used as food by desert camel caravans? The main reason that dates have been so highly rated as a food sources has a lot to do with the nutritional composition of one of Mother Nature’s most nutritious foods.

Dates have been in existence for thousands of years and have probably been eaten by Man and other animals, ever since the fruit itself came into being. There are several varieties of dates, but the most common one is from the date palm, which by its Latin term is Phoenix Dactylifera. Dates are known by the word Tamar in Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. The dates from the date palm are very high in carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium. They are relatively low in calories with an average size date containing only 25 calories.

In America this species is known as the California or Perny Date, and is popular because of its candy-like flavor and ease in digestion. These dates can either be eaten in their natural state of made into a number of dessert dishes including cakes, candies, and as a filling for a number of baked goods. A syrupy version also resembles honey.

From a nutritional standpoint, a serving of 100 grams of dates contain the following nutritional elements.

Carbohydrates 75gram, including 63 grams of sugar
Dietary fiber 8 gram
Protein 2.5 gram
Vitamin C 0.4 mg

Dates can be stored for long periods without need for refrigeration. They are an ideal snack for both children and adults, and are easy to carry by hikers and campers.

In addition to being found in most supermarkets, organic varieties can be found in whole foods and natural foods stores. Many organic varieties have even higher levels of elements like potassium, even more than bananas. Dates are one of the most important agricultural produce fruits in Middle Eastern countries. Egypt has the largest amount of dates produced per year with more than 1,170 tons. This is followed by Saudi Arabia with 970 tons and Iran with 880 tons. In fact, dates are such an important food product in many Middle Eastern and Asian counties that many regions are known for the quality dates that are grown and produced there.

In addition to a number of food products, dates are also made into vinegar and alcohol. Date wines and liqueurs are often prized for their qualities. Dates also contain a substance known as tannin which is used in many countries as a medicine to treat conditions such as intestinal problems and in a syrupy form to treat bronchial problems.

Trying to find alternative fuels and improving the chances of our plant has become a growing concern with signs of stress showing all over the planet. We try to bring to light some news and clips that provide some alternatives and are hopeful. The field of Algae Fuel is one of those and we found this great clip.

First car powered by algal Biodiesel to demonstrate real-world driving at Sundance Solazyme, Inc., a synthetic biology company unleashing the power of aquatic microbes … More»to create clean and scalable solutions for biofuel, industrial chemical, and health and wellness markets, today revealed the first ever algae-derived biodiesel fuel (Soladiesel™) to have undergone road testing by successfully powering a factory-standard automobile for long distances under typical driving conditions. The car and fuel will make their public debuts at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where they are also featured in Fields of Fuel, Josh Tickell’s documentary about renewable fuels. Soladiesel biodiesel is clean, renewable, environmentally sustainable and scalable.

30888 Solazyme Unveils Renewable Biodiesel Derived From Algae Vi - Click here for the funniest movie of the week

(Hat Tip: Fitness Muscle)
Many people engage in the activity known as bodybuilding. The definition of the term refers to the goal of reaching maximum muscle tone and appearance which is accomplished by a combination of body work outs, sufficient calorie intake, and ample rest. Before beginning a fitness and workout program, it is wise to visit your family physician and make sure your body is capable of undergoing a serious physical exercise program. Afterwards, it is good idea to consult with a trained fitness and bodybuilding instructor in order to determine what kind of working out program is best suited for your age, weight, and present physical condition.

A bodybuilding program must be started gradually, with care not to over exert untoned muscles which can result in dangerous consequences. Older people, particularly those over 40, should build their bodies and not put too much stress on their bodies.

There are several areas of bodybuilding that can be considered, including natural body building without the use of muscle enhancers such as anabolic steroids, professional bodybuilding for those wishing to enter into professional competitions, and age and gender bodybuilding. Professional body builders who plan to enter numerous contests should become a member of the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB), and those wishing to take the natural approach should join an organization known as the North American Natural Body Building Association.

Diet and adequate rest are no less important than actual work out sessions themselves. Besides eating a well balance diet, serious body builders who want to develop sufficient muscular structure will need to eat special diets that are high in proteins and low in fats. Consulting a dietitian who is familiar with nutrition requirements for successful bodybuilding is advisable; and a number of books dealing in proper nutrition for bodybuilding are also available. Professional bodybuilding trainers recommend a diet of around 25 – 30% of proteins per total calorie intake.

Those embarking on a long term bodybuilding program, especially considering being a professional bodybuilder must accept the fact that it is long term commitment that has to be undergone continuously to prevent built up muscle tissue from reverting to “flab”. It is also recommended to avoid long term use of muscle enhancers, such as steroids, and to get plenty of rest. For without adequate rest and sleep, exerted muscles are not able to recover from the stress of the workouts and rebuild themselves.

The bottom line is to seek professional advice before embarking on a serious body building program.

Tattoos and other similar forms of body art have been in existence as long as the human race. Artwork from ancient Sumerian and Egyptian tombs indicate that the art was already well established during the 2nd millennium B.C.E. While much of this lifetime body adornment has been for religious and similar purposes, it has also been a form of art and even beauty for many, especially in more modern times.

Modern tattoo art came into its own during both world wars when both sailors and soldiers of many countries had tattoos inscribed on their bodies, usually on their forearms and shoulders. Many lonesome military personnel often had the names of their sweethearts inscribed on them, along with various romantic symbols. Some guys, especially sailors in both naval and merchant marine fleets went even farther and had tattoos of either partially of fully nude women, often with a name of a girl friend or famous film star, drawn onto their bodies.

Women as well as men have had tattoos put on literally all parts of their bodies, sometimes in the most “interesting” places. While most women’s tattoos are smaller and less revealing than men’s that is not always the case; and some “illustrated” women have the most intricate designs drawn on large sections of their physique.

Once done in what were known as tattoo parlors, often in sleazy or run down neighborhoods, tattoo emporiums can now be found even in the most upscale areas. Many Hollywood movie stars have tattoos, and some of these designs have even caused the actor or actress to gain more popularity. The art is no longer the exclusive adornment for sailors or bikers (motorcycle gang members), but is now even popular with men and women of the highest economic strata. There are tattoo societies, forums, magazines and conclaves, where recent developments in the art are portrayed and discussed, and new designs are shared. Tattoo conventions take place annually in many American states as well as in countries all over the globe.

Costs of having tattoos applied vary considerably, and depend of the intricacy of the design, including how many colors are used, and where the tattoo is done. Many tourists to countries such as India and Thailand wind up having tattoos made due to their low costs in these countries.

A word of caution, though. Tattoos done in unsanitary conditions can result in serious infections which can lead to complications, such as a condition known as M.S.R.A., Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, which often results after having a tattoo applied in unsanitary conditions and can cause serious skin diseases and even death. It is most important that strict hygienic measures be taken care of, including proper cleansing of the area where the tattoo is to be applied, since it does involve piercing the skin with a needle-like applicator.

Tattoo Magazine and other similar monthly and bi-monthly periodicals keep tattoo aficionados up on latest news and information on upcoming events. This information is also available though numerous internet websites.

As the practice of tattoos and similar body art becomes more and more fashionable, so does the risk of contracting skin diseases, including a serious one called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus which often results after having a tattoo applied under unsanitary conditions. Called M.R.S.A. for short, this bacteria induced skin disease is very serious because it has been found to be resistant to known antibiotics including Methicillin, Penicillin, Amoxicillin and Cephalosporins (for those who are allergic to penicillin based antibiotics).

Though not normally life threatening, M.R.S.A. is very difficult to treat once it infects the skin and begins to form painful and ugly abscesses on the skin, often following a tattoo. A serious cause can result in complications which can cause the bacteria to enter the blood stream and eventually cause severe damage to internal organs, as well as lung diseases such as Pnueumonia. The condition can be prevented though with sanitary precautions being made before and during a tattoo session, as well as afterwards, once a person is home. A tattoo piercing causes open wounds on the skin, which take several days to heal. Following a tattoo, care must be made to cleanse the tattoo and surrounding skin areas with a skin disinfectant like the ones surgeons used prior to performing an operation. If not available, a good quality soap and alcohol based disinfectant should be used until the wound caused by the tattoo is completely healed.

Other skin infections that are possible from a tattoo include Follicolitus, an infection in the hair follicles, and impetigo, a very contagious skin infection which causes boils and abscesses similar to those caused by M.R.S.A. infections.

Recently in the 1990’s, a different type of staphylococcus infection called CA-M.R.S.A. or Community Associated M.R.S.A. infection has begun to appear which is highly contagious as well as being resistant to most antibiotics. These infections are found to be more numerous due to the popularity of tattoos and due to more and more people developing weakened immune systems as a result of virus such as HIV/AIDS. Older people as well, whose immune systems are weaker, may also be at risk of catching an M.R.S.A. caused infection.

Many people are “carriers” of M.R.S.A. bacteria and other similar infections even they themselves my not have any actual sores or other symptoms. The carrier, when having a tattoo done can then transmit the bacteria to others, including the tattoo artist, if proper sanitary precautions are not made.

So besides being a “marriage for life” a permanent, needle induced body tattoo may also give persons something more than what they previously bargained for.

Only within the past couple of decades has the importance of detoxification of the body been made aware to most people. And this process of detoxification is very important in the liver, the body’s main “filtering” organ and one that is vitally necessary for survival. As we get older, accumulated toxins from the foods we eat (especially fried and “junk foods”) as well as taking abusive substances such as alcohol. What many people are not aware of is that the liver can be “cleaned” of detoxified by consuming a number of common plant products that are easily obtainable and cost very little. Some of these products are noted here as follows:

Curcumin is a common spice with a yellowish appearance that is used to flavor a number of foods, especially Mediterranean and oriental dishes. This spice contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents that act as “cleaning compounds” on both the liver and the gall bladder, that smaller organ the produces the bile so vital to digestion and proper liver function. By using curcumin on a regular basis, both your gall bladder and liver will benefit, and will enable the liver to properly manufacture bile acids which are then stored in the gall bladder for later use. A properly functioning liver and gall bladder will prevent the formation of gall stones, which can occur when the bile stagnates in the gall bladder.

Grapefruit contains an antiseptic-like substance that reduces toxic substances often found in the liver, including a chemical known as acetaminophen (found in analgesics like Tylenol) and proven to be very damaging to the liver if used in large amounts. Grapefruit also has other benefits including preventing the formation of kidney stones and for reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.

Quercitin is a flavonoid that is found in a number of citrus fruits including grapefruit. Use of quercitin also helps reduce toxins in the liver and is also very effective against various forms of cancers, including skin and prostate cancer. Large quantities of quercitin is also found in apples, onions, berries such as raspberries and cranberries, and in the fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

N-acety-L-cysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant that is partially found in high-protein foods, as well as in capsule form. NAC is considered great liver detoxifier and helps increase the body’s natural level of glutathione, a powerful anti-toxic agent in the body.

Methionine is an a-amino acid that is essential in proper food digestion as well as reducing toxins in the liver and other organs. High levels of methionine can be found in sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, fish, meats, and some other plant seeds, as well as in spinach, potatoes, and boiled corn.

Perhaps the most important aspect of keeping a healthy liver is simply by avoiding substances like excessive alcohol and acetaminophen, both of which are excessively damaging to the liver. Keeping your liver “clean” and healthy will not only make you feel good, but will prolong your life as well.