BobZardee's Tips and Tricks

Healthy Gums Make a Beautiful Smile

2010-09-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

One of the popular misconceptions about dental health and beauty is that it is the teeth that make up the smile alone. However, healthy teeth can only sustain themselves in the mouth if they are supported by healthy gums. Gums serve a very important function of providing support to the teeth and retaining them in the socket. Gums also help in filling up the space between individual teeth. When gums get removed from this space an older looking appearance emerges. Gums provide the necessary aesthetic contours to the teeth and help provide a beautiful finish to the smile. Finally, a healthy pink gum provides a younger look to the teeth.

Maintaining the health of the gums is as essential as maintaining the health of the teeth. Gums can be very important indicators of health and any changes that take place in the body can be identified through changes in the gums. In the case of females for example, the hormonal changes in the regular menstrual cycles and during pregnancy can lead to swelling and bleeding of the gums, which is known as gingivitis. This can be a painful condition, causing bad taste in the mouth and limiting the ability to eat. The use of certain medicines such as for high blood pressure may also cause changes in the gingiva. Certain other drugs can cause discoloration. Excesses of substances in the body can cause changes in the color of the gingiva, and these changes can help diagnose the disease a person is suffering from.
Patients with diabetes raste and run a very high risk of developing gum related complications.

When there is no bacterial infection involved, the gums may only swell a bit and appear reddened. This can be remedied through the use of mouthwash, flossing and use of proper tooth paste. However, where an infection sets in, the patient may complain of pus and blood from the gums, swelling in the gums, and foul taste and breath. In these cases, the proper use of antibiotics may be advocated.

Gums can also swell when there is a build up plaque and calculus on the teeth surfaces. this plaque can either cause a recession in the gum margins, which is the shifting of the position of the tooth to a new position revealing the underlying roots of the teeth. Otherwise it can lead to infection of the teeth, causing swelling, bleeding, pus formation and foul smelling odor. Both conditions indicate the presence of bacterial infection and therefore treating is of utmost importance.

These are however, advanced stages of gum disease. Proper care of gums requires the use of m outh wash and floss along with tooth paste in order to clean areas which are not easily accessible to the toothpaste. The flushing action transmits antibacterial substances to the gums, and helps flush out toxins and bacteria from the area. Eating a healthy dose of vitamin C and using strawberries in daily diet also ensure healthy maintenance of the gums.

Source: Asianwomenmagazine

How to Grow and Harvest Dry Beans

2010-09-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Grow dry beans on your small farm or homestead

Overview:

Dry beans are easy to grow and can be stored after harvest for a healthy, delicious meal all winter long. There’s a lot of satisfaction in producing your own low-cost, vegetable-based protein on the farm.

Combine beans with corn, rice, or other grains to make a complete protein. Beans are rich in B vitamins and folic acid, contain minerals including iron, selenium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, and are high in fiber.

Description and Varieties of Dry Beans

Planting Time:

Plant beans after the last frost date in your area, and ideally, wait until the soil is well-warmed (70-90 degrees F). Beans should be direct seeded into the soil.

Spacing:

Space seeds 1 1/2 inches apart. Space rows 14 to 36 inches apart depending on your equipment. If growing a small amount of beans to hand harvest, space rows closer together. If using a tractor, space 36 inches apart.

Growing Notes:

Beans do best in moderately rich soil but they will thrive even in somewhat depleted soils, as they have the ability to fix their own nitrogen. Beans do not respond very well to added fertilizer.

If your soil is acidic, add some lime before planting.

If this is the first time you’re planting beans in this soil, make sure to coat your bean seed with inoculant, a specific species of Rhizobium that beans need for sprouting (you can get this from the seed company or farm store where you purchase your seed). Once in the soil, the inoculant will stay there and multiply almost indefinitely, so this is just a first-time planting task.

Mulch during early growth to keep weeds down. Once plants are well-established, they are excellent at shading out weeds.

Pests and Problems:

Cutworms and root maggots sometimes attack seedlings. Thin plants to allow for good air circulation.

Too much rain can lead to rusts, molds, and blights. Avoid working among wet plants. Turn under bean debris at the end of each season and practice crop rotation.

If fall weather is very wet or if frost threatens the harvest, pull plants early and finish drying under cover, such as in a shed, barn or basement. Beans will continue to mature in the pods even after they are picked, so don’t worry too much if you have to harvest immature beans.

As tender annuals, beans are very sensitive to frost. Plant once you’re sure all danger of frost has passed, and harvest early if needed, as described above, to avoid frost damage in the fall.

Maintenance:

Beans are quite easy compared to other crops. Just weed, water and mulch as needed through the growing season.

Beans are fairly drought tolerant, but you must make sure they have enough water while they are forming pods and seeds for a good harvest.

Harvesting:

Dry beans are harvested when they rattle in the pod. Pull up the plant by hand and hang from the roots. Traditionally, bean plants are lashed to a 5- to 7-foot high pole. You can harvest up to 5 acres of beans by hand but more than that will need specialized harvesting equipment for your tractor.

Dry beans require threshing – getting the beans out of the pods. For small amounts, you can do this by hand by squeezing the pods open. A traditional method is to hold the plant by the roots and bang it against the inside of a barrel. For more than about a half-acre of beans, you might want to invest in threshing equipment.

After threshing, beans must be cleaned and sorted. For small amounts, do this by hand, using a screen and a hair dryer to blow off debris (or an air compressor if you have it). Split beans can be fed to farm animals. For large bean harvests, you can buy a seed cleaner.

If beans are soft (bite one and see), continue drying them until they feel firm to the bite before moving them to storage.

Freezing beans before storage kills any potential insects such as the pesky bean weevil.

Storage and Preservation:

Store dry beans in a dry, cool, airtight container away from sunlight. Beans are best used in the season after they have been harvested, but they will last for several seasons if needed.

Seed Saving:

Beans are self-fertilizing, so you don’t have to space different varieties apart from each other. Just save your best and earliest-maturing seeds for next year.

How to convert word files into PDF?

2010-09-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

You can convert your reports, spreadsheets and any word files into Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf). There are many free and paid software’s available to convert normal files into .pdf, for example you can download “Universal Converter Software” free trail. Using this converter you can convert your web pages, emails, books any others important documents into .pdf.

Benefits of .PDF

PDF files are platforms independent, for example if you are creating your resume in Microsoft windows, and you obviously wants that your resume look the same on all platforms, whether computer has Mac, Linux and Microsoft windows. PDF is the great way to send your important documents to others in same and secure ways.

PDF can not be modified in text or formatting in new style without your permission. Internet users prefer the .pdf format because they can download it easily in Adobe Reader.

Fellow the given steps to convert word file into PDF.

First download the “Universal Converter Software” and install onto your computer.
Now open any word document and press the File and then click on Print option to open printer dialog box.

Here select the “Universal Document Converter” from the printer list and press Properties button to select the “Document to PDF, Color, and Multipage” profile.

Now press the Ok button to start the converting process into PDF.

Essential Vitamins for Balanced Diet

2010-08-19T18:52:00.001-07:00

We recommend a balanced diet, consuming fruits both fresh vegetables, eggs, meat and fish, because that way you can get the necessary amounts of all vitamins, and improve eye health. Meet the most important vitamins for maintaining good eye health.

1. Vitamin A – Retinol and beta-carotene

Vitamin A has two natural sources: retinol, from the animal kingdom, and beta-carotene from the vegetable kingdom. Matches all who say that carrots are good for the eyes, contains beta-carotene, a substance that our body can convert into vitamin A, crucial in the process of vision and represents a great help in keeping daylight vision and night.

Vitamin A is essential in the regeneration of rhodopsin, whose decomposition by the light allows the process of vision. The lack of this vitamin can lead to blindness or decreased Twilight visual acuity after dark. And other problems such as dry eye conjunctiva and corneal ulceration.

Its combination with other antioxidant vitamins (C and E) as well as with lutein may decrease the occurrence of cataracts, and the chances of developing muscular degeneration associated with age (AMD). Vitamin A is present in tomatoes, spinach, liver, eggs (yolk) and colored vegetables.

2. Vitamin E

Tocopherol is known as a powerful antioxidant and its combination with Vitamin A and C can help in some studies to delay the onset of cataracts and AMD. Vitamin E is present in apples, avocados, plums, melons, bananas, tomatoes, asparagus.

3. Vitamin C

As a powerful antioxidant, acts very effectively in combination with vitamin E and A. The combination of these three vitamins can help delay the onset of cataracts and muscular degeneration age-related. Vitamin C is present in: citrus, gooseberries, strawberries, kiwi, green peppers, cauliflower.

4. Lutein

It is an antioxidant of the carotenoid family, which has proved effective in preventing cataracts and macular degeneration. It is also clear about its role in strengthening the immune system and protection against ultraviolet radiation.

The consumption of spinach, one of the largest sources of lutein, five times a week reduces the risk of cataracts by almost 50%. Lutein is present in broccoli, spinach, pumpkins, corn, green leafy vegetables (raw).

Source: phoenixcodepink.org

Guide to Harvesting and Storing Herbs

2010-08-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

Growing herbs for culinary, aroma therapeutic and medicinal purposes is becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines. Some of them are utilized as freshly harvested leaves while others are dried for future use.
Here are some useful pointers on harvesting, drying and storing these useful herbs. It is from the pamphlet of Aubin’s Village from Rockhampton, Australia. Herbs have to be harvested correctly, otherwise they will lose their value. Harvest the plants on a dry day. Don’t harvest them if the dew has not disappeared.

Pick the herbs and place them into a flat box or baskets to avoid crushing or bruising. Don’t gather more than what can be dealt with at a particular time because they do not retain their fragrance for long periods.

The experts suggest that if both roots and leaves are to be used, lift the plant when it is in bloom and wash off any soil.

They say that most herbs have reached maturity after the plant has flowered, and should be cut off at ground level with a sharp knife during gathering. If only the leaves are to be used, strip them off shortly before maturity to make sure that the essential oils have not been lost. Ascertain that the blooms are perfect, otherwise they will deteriorate while drying and spoil the product for which they will be eventually used.

To extract seed, cut off the whole flower head and tie the stems at the mouth of a paper bag. Hang the bag in a light, airy position and seeds will fall into the bag as the head dries.

DRYING. Herbs should be dried indoors, preferably in an area with good ventilation and a steady temperature of 30 degrees Centigrade. The leaves should be dried in the shade but the roots require sun.

Spread the herbs in a shallow lidless box or similar receptacle. Make sure that the plants lie flat and do not overlap. Some plants like sage’ or thyme can be hung upside down in small bunches.

How to make Greeting Cards with Word 2007?

2010-08-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

You can make homemade cards for your friends and family on any occasion if you don't get time to buy cards from the shop. You can make greeting cards with Word 2007. You can make greeting cards with Word 2007 for many occasions and events as well as the Get Well, Friendship cards etc. As you decide to make greeting cards with Word 2007, you can make one card for everyone or a customized one for every individual. You can later print them on a greeting card paper or just the regular one. Follow these steps in order to make greeting cards with Word 2007:

Click on the Office Button from the top left corner.

Click on New. The New Document window will open.

From the list under Templates, click on Greeting Cards.

You can choose the option you want from under the Greeting Cards section.

You will be connected to the Microsoft Office Online site. You can select from hundreds of templates or you can go to this website in the browser and download the templates from there.

You can preview every template in Word and then click the Download button.

The Office Genuine Advantage validation dialog box will appear. You might also have to download the updated version of OGA to be capable of downloading a template.

You can customize the downloaded card by changing the colors, fonts etc or adding your message before printing it.

Now you can print the card.

You can make the holiday card even more personal by adding your own photos to it. You should always have greeting card paper by the side of your printer for ceremonious events.

Is healthy lifestyle enough ?

2010-08-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Are you living an healthy lifestyle, doing plenty of exercise, eating fresh vegetables and fruits ? Never on coke, fries, snacks, pizza and burgers ? Then you are probably what we can call a healthy person : nice skin, looking young, fresh, sporty. No ? you’re not ?

Indeed, sometimes an healthy lifestyle is not enough in order to lose weight or just stay in good shape and avoid health issues. This is why dietary supplements can help you find your way to a brighter future, far away from the stress session when you put your feet on the balance.

In fact, if you’ve just some pounds to get rid of, diet/weight loss pills are the perfect, natural diet supplements you should consider.

More and more people turn to these diet pills when they want to look slimmer and sexier, especially before the summer. They are the perfect supplements you should take with or before each meal if you want to avoid fat absorption or burn fat the quick and easy way. Another way to lose weight would be to carefully select appetite suppressant pills, hoodia based diet pills made of the purest P57 ingredient. Thanks to hoodia, this famous South African plant, thousands of people can control their appetite and avoid excess food consumption.

Prevent Deterioration of Perishable Crops

2010-08-13T22:56:00.001-07:00

The Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) advises farmers to prevent the deterioration of perishable crops like fruits and vegetables. The products must be of good quality even before harvest. This is because production practices have a tremendous effect on crop quality. This quality must be maintained through appropriate postharvest handling as they reach the consumers.

BPRE specialists tell us that recommended postharvest handling technologies and practices can no longer cure prior damage and injury suffered by the harvest. Farmers must understand that respiration, loss of moisture, and microbial growth induce quality deterioration of perishable crops. Thus, these must be minimized to attain optimum shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

During respiration, sugars, fats, proteins and other food reserves in the product are converted into metabolic energy needed to keep plant tissues alive and functioning. Since respiration uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, the respiration rate of a product determines its transit and postharvest life. The higher the rate of respiration, the faster the product losses moisture, and the faster it deteriorates.

High temperature, bruises, injuries and stress cause faster respiration, resulting in shriveling, discoloration, senescence, and loss of market value.

Microorganisms multiply rapidly on vegetables and are prolific over a wide range of temperature and relative humidity. Their presence results in unpleasant smell and taste, and generates heat that hastens respiration.

To maintain high quality of fruits and vegetables, here are some tips on harvesting and packing.

Harvesting
• Harvest at the coolest time of the day, usually in the early morning, to minimize deterioration and water loss.

• Harvest the crop at the optimum stage of maturity because immature or overmature products may not last in storage.

• Use clean (sanitized) harvest containers to minimize the spread of decay pathogens.

• If possible, pack the harvest right in the field to prevent further physical damage.

• Avoid or reduce damage by gentle and minimized handling. Bruises and other mechanical damages do not only affect the appearance but also provide entrance for decay or
ganisms.

Packing
• Trim the unwanted parts (excess outer leaves, and discolored or damaged parts), which would be likely rejected by consumers, shorten shelf life, and increase chances of injury.

• Clean the product by soaking, washing, wiping, brushing and drying to prevent pathogen buildup and contamination.

• Dry or remove excess external moisture, which might promote diseases especially at high temperature and humidity.

• Sort and classify products according to size, weight, shape, appearance and other physical attributes. Sorting minimizes the spread of diseases and premature ripening. It also reduces packaging, transport and handling costs.

• Pack produce in properly cleaned shipping containers to minimize bruising and damage.

• Pre-cool the product at lower temperature before shipping to maintain fresh appearance, prevent decay and extend its shelf life.

• Store the product at ideal conditions to minimize quality loss.

How to Create a Shortcut for Locking the Computer Screen in Windows 7?

2010-08-13T22:54:00.001-07:00

There are many ways in which you can lock the computer screen. The most popular as well as the fastest way to lock it is to use a keyboard shortcut. The keyboard shortcut used to lock the computer screen is Win+L. A few of us choose to utilize the mouse to lock it. And of course many people like to use both the options.

There is another method in which we can lock the computer screen. It is to create a shortcut for locking the computer screen in Windows 7. You can create a shortcut for locking the computer screen in Windows 7, XP and Vista too. Follow these steps in order to create a shortcut for locking the computer screen in Windows 7 as well as other editions:

Right-click on the desktop where you would like to create the shortcut.

Point to New.

Click on Shortcut from the menu.

Type in this text in the shortcut textbox. (This text will work for Windows XP as well even though the screen will be different)

rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation

Click on the Next button.

Type in a name for your shortcut.

Click on the Finish button.

You have successfully created a shortcut to lock your workstation. Just click on the shortcut whenever you want to lock the computer screen.

Anti Aging tips: How to prevent Wrinkles

2010-08-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

We all on the earth have to accept one of most fact of life is “Growing old”. With old age we lose some of our physiological functions that hasten death. This loss occurs primarily within the cells in our brain, heart, kidney, and bones.

We have to aware from signs of aging and the correct way on how to slow them.

Creases, Lines on the Skin a especially with old age at face, called Wrinkles. It’s one of the most Natural Part of Aging.
Most of Young aged people’s skin also affected by this condition, if they are smoker or skin damaged by sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays in atmosphere from sunlight, can damage collagen and elastin, which are very helpful our skin smoothness. Collagen is a protein that makes up a large part of your skin.

The toxins in cigarette smoke stop your skin from producing as much new collagen. So we can say that “Smoking also causes wrinkles.”

As you get older, your skin gets thinner, more fragile and less stretchy, so it tends to wrinkle and crease.

Some people wrinkle more than others. This can happen for different reasons.

Wrinkles Symptoms:- (1) Deeply formed lines.
(2) Skin that is wrinkled may also have a tough, leathery appearance if the person has had a lot of exposure to the sun.
(3) Fine, crinkling crosshatch marks.

Wrinkles Causes:-
Wrinkles are also one of the main causes of skin aging.
Rapid weight loss can also cause wrinkles by reducing the volume of fat cells that cushion the face.
Other environmental factors, including cigarette smoke and pollution, particularly ozone, may hasten ageing by producing oxygen-free radicals. These are particles produced by many of the body's normal chemical processes in excessive amounts, can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of wrinkles and cancer.

Wrinkles Treatment:-
One of most common treatment and we can say Wrinkles Care Tips is,
To minimize skin wrinkling, stay out of the sun as much as possible. When you are outside, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. If you smoke, stop smoking.
Other effective options of wrinkles are, Chemical peels or laser resurfacing.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) may be used to correct some of the wrinkles associated with overactive facial muscles.
Tretinoin (Retin-A) or creams containing alpha-hydroxy acids may be recommended.

Tips on Controlling Golden Apple Snail

2010-08-10T17:33:00.001-07:00

Unmanaged water supply in the farm can aggravate golden apple snail infestation. According to the book “Global Advances in Ecology and Management of Golden Apple Snail”, continuous source of water enhances snail growth and development, which results in rapid growth, reproduction, and dispersion of snails.

Hence, Mario dela Cruz of the Technology Management and Services Division of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) strongly emphasizes the importance of having a well-leveled field for this facilitates water management, which plays a big role in controlling movements and feeding activities of the snails.

He also recommends maintaining a shallow water depth of 1 cm-2 cm from transplanting because golden apple snail, locally known as golden kuhol, can move only when the depth of water is half or more of its shell height.

In direct-seedling, he said that pre-germinated seeds should be broadcast to saturated field with 1 cm water depth. Farmers should drain water from the field the day after broadcasting. Keeping the field drained for two to three weeks after seeding is the most effective way to avoid snail damage in direct-seeded areas. Farmers are also advised to prepare canalettes around bunds to attract golden kuhol.

However, when there’s 1 snail per 2 square meters in direct-seeded fields or 3 snails in transplanted fields, adds dela Cruz, farmers should prevent impending damage by practicing other non-chemical approaches such as the following:

• Place attractants along the edges of the dikes to make collection of snails easier. These include old newspapers and leaves of gabi, banana, and papaya.
• Raise strong and healthy seedlings for transplanting. Seedlings should be sturdy enough to discourage the snails from attacking them. They should be at the three-leaf stage or 21-25 days old before transplanting. Sturdy seedlings have erect, light green colored leaves and long, fibrous roots.
• Dry-plow after harvest as this enhances snail mortality. This method exposes the snails to the heat of the sun, which they cannot stand for a long time. It also makes them susceptible to predators such as rats.
• Herd ducks in rice paddies immediately after harvest up to the last harrowing for the succeeding crop. Handpicking is suggested to control large adult golden kuhol as these are not eaten by ducks. Collect also egg clusters, crush or leave the eggs in dry areas to desiccate and die.

When all options failed, farmers could apply moluscicide at label recommendation. Application should be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the snails are out and active.

How to Add Horizontal Lines in Word 2007 Document Quickly?

2010-08-10T17:31:00.001-07:00

You can add horizontal lines in Word 2007 document quickly without having to use the ribbon on the top of the page. A very easy way to add horizontal lines in Word 2007 quickly is by using the keyboard shortcuts. This method will save your time. You will be able to insert lines of many different designs by using the keyboard and not having to use the mouse at all. In order to add horizontal lines in Word 2007 document quickly, you can use one of the following procedures:

1. If you want to add a simple straight line, type three dashes (---) and press Enter on the keyboard.

2. For this style of a horizontal line, type three asterisks (***) and press Enter.

3. Type three underscores ( ___ ) and press Enter to get this line:

4. Type three equal signs (===) and hit Enter to get this line.

5. Three pound signs ( ### ) and press Enter for this style of line:

6. Typing in three tildes ( ~~~ ) and hitting Enter will allow you to add this horizontal line:

You can add horizontal lines in Word 2007 document quickly by using these shortcuts to break two paragraphs, to mark the end of a document or to break the numerous sections of a document. By simply using a new character such as an asterisk or a pound sign, you can add style to the Word document.

Just 10 Minutes of Exercise Could Help Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma

2010-08-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

here may be a new ray of hope for glaucoma patients striving to preserve their vision. According to a recent study that appears in August’s online issue of BMC Ophthalmology, just ten minutes daily of aerobic exercise may help prevent further vision loss.

Researchers from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Department of Anesthesiology at the "G.Papanikolaou" Regional Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece, sought to explore the effects of exercise on medicated patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, often resulting in severe vision loss or blindness. It is an irreversible condition that affects roughly 4 million people in the United States, about half of whom are unaware that they have it. Women, persons with diabetes or stroke, and African American men over 40 are at a greater risk.

Although glaucoma is typically seen in the elderly (persons over 60), everyone is at risk. Glaucoma may develop with or without symptoms, and as many as 10 percent of people receiving proper treatment will still experience vision loss. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of its many risk factors.

“Since exercise increases systemic fibrinolytic activity (such as dissolving blood clots), one can speculate that exercise decreases intraocular pressure by facilitating (uveoscleral) outflow,” authors of the study wrote.”

Based on this information, researchers gathered data from 145 individuals—100 healthy and 45 with POAG. Prior to testing researchers checked IMP levels using Goldmann’s applanation tonometry, a method of measuring the amount of pressure needed to flatten the cornea.

IMP was measured again hours after receiving medicated eye drops. Participants were then asked to engage in “moderate to sub-maximal” aerobic exercise (on a bicycle) for 10 minutes, after which IOP data was again measured. All participants experienced lower IOP levels, even in the participants who received no medication.

“Regardless of the antiglaucoma medication instilled, they still benefited from the aerobic exercise since they all had a post-exercise reduction of IOP,” the authors wrote in the study. “It is obvious that these patients should be encouraged to perform aerobic exercise.”

He Harvests From the Same Mango Trees Twice a Year

2010-08-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

Normally, mango trees will bear fruit only once a year. But one fellow who grows mangoes in Libungan, North Cotabato, can make two harvests from the same mango trees twice a year. And both harvests are considered off-season so he gets a very good price for his two crops

The fellow is Francisco “Frank” Sacdalan, a retired accountant whose passion these days is farming, particularly mango production. He operates four mango farms with a total area of more than 40 hectares, two of which he owns while two others are leased. Many of the trees are 16 to 20 years old but there are 63 trees that are at least 50 years old. These old trees are really big and very productive because they are adequately fertilized and judiciously pruned.

At the recent National Mango Congress in Tagbilaran City, he detailed how he produced two off-season mango crops in 2007 from the same trees. He revealed that although he had owned the two farms for many years, it was only starting four years ago that he took over the management of the trees. In previous years, a contractor took charge of production under a sharing scheme of the harvests.

How did he manage to produce two off-season crops in one year? First he treated the mango trees with Paclobutrazol in October 2006. This chemical hastens the maturity of the mango leaves so that they can be induced to flower just three to four months from the time of treatment. Normally, he said, you will have to wait for eight months for the new leaves to mature and are ready for flower induction.

The trees treated with Paclobutrazol (brand name is Cultar) were sprayed with flower inducer in February. He harvested the fruits in June which is considered off-season since the main crop in Luzon was already over. Immediately after the June harvest, he induced the trees to flower again. There was no need to apply Cultar again. The crop was harvested in late October, another off-season crop.

Of course, Frank does not induce the trees in the four farms that he operates all at the same time. Harvesting would be problematic because of the huge volume. Some are timed for harvest in February, which is also considered off-season because supply of fruits during this time is still scarce.

He particularly cited one crop from 500 trees that he harvested in February 2008. He harvested 142 tons, about 60 percent of which was export quality. He was able to sell the harvest at a very good price of P31.50 per kilo so that he grossed P4.4 million. He revealed that his cost of production was P1.7 million so that he made a profit of P2.7 million from that one crop.

Of course, not all harvests are that profitable. There was a harvest of 127 tons in September last year from about 200 trees that are 23 years old. One food processor had contracted the harvest for P29 per kilo. Before the fruits were harvestable, however, the buyer had begged off because his buyers from abroad had stopped remitting payments due to the financial meltdown in the United States.

Two other buyers had subsequently offered to buy at P24 per kilo but before harvest time came, they also had to beg off due to lack of funds. He was eventually forced to ship the harvest to Cebu where he got P20 per kilo. Actually, he said, he got a price of only P18 per kilo because the shipping had cost him P2 per kilo. He made only half a million peso profit from that crop which he considered not so profitable because it cost him P1.5 million to produce.

What’s good about Frank is that he is an accountant and he records all his expenses and incomes. That’s why it is very easy for him to know if he is making money or not from his operations.

He observes that it takes good management to make money from mango production. He offers a number of pointers to make mango farming profitable. One is to schedule the harvesting at a time when prices are usually high. One way to do it is to treat the trees with Cultar.

He also recommends that the trees be judiciously pruned. The top of the canopy should be open and the weak branches cut off. Exposure to the sun of the inner branches will result in higher fruit production.

The trees should also be adequately fertilized so that even if they are made to bear two off-season crops in one year, they will be able to sustain their good health. After a double harvest in one year, he rests the trees for another year so that they can recover their strength.

He follows a schedule of spraying his flowers and fruits to protect them from pests and diseases. He bags the fruits when they are 55 days old or about pullet-egg size. That way, he saves money because he does not have to spray pesticide on the bagged fruits. The bagged fruits have a cleaner appearance; hence they usually fetch a better price.

Frank was the most-applauded resource person at the mango convention. lie freely shares his experiences so that other growers may be able to produce profitable mango crops, too.

How to Secure a Wireless Network from Hackers?

2010-08-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

The reason we secure a wireless network is to stop people from using the services of our network who don't have permission to utilize them. It is harder to secure a wireless network from hackers as compared to a classic wired network. This is due to the fact that a wireless network can be accessed anywhere inside the range of its antenna.

In order to secure a wireless network from hackers, we should take proper steps to save ourselves against security issues. If you don't secure a wireless network from hackers, you might end up without its service. The consequence might also include the utilization of our network to attack further networks. To secure a wireless network from hackers, you should follow these simple wireless networking tips:

1. Strategic antenna placement:

The first thing you have to do is to position the access point's antenna in a place which restricts the range of its signal to go further than the required area. You should not put the antenna close to a window because glass can't obstruct its signals. Place it in a central location of the building.

2. Use WEP:

WEP stands for Wireless encryption protocol. It's a customary technique for encrypting traffic on a wireless network. You should never skip it as that will allow hackers to get instant access to the traffic over a wireless network.

3. Change the SSID, disable the broadcast of SSID:

SSID stands for service set identifier. It is the recognition thread utilized by the wireless access point due to which the customers are capable of starting connections. For every wireless access point arranged, select an exclusive as well as unique SSID. Also, if it's attainable, hold back the broadcast of the SSID out over the antenna. It won\t appear in the listing of offered networks, while being able to provide services as usual.

4. Disable DHCP:

By doing this, the hackers will have to decode the TCP/IP parameters, subnet mask as well as the IP address in order to hack your wireless network.

5. Disable or modify SNMP settings:

Change the private as well as public community settings of SNMP. You can also just disable it. Otherwise the hackers will be able to utilize SNMP to get significant info regarding your wireless network.

6. Utilize access lists:

For additional security of your wireless network, and if your access point support this feature, employ an access list. An access list lets us determine precisely which machinery is permitted to attach to an access point. The access points which include the access list can employ trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) now and then in order to download modernized lists to steer clear of hackers.

Healthy Way of Smoking

2010-08-09T00:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever think about quitting smoking? But don’t know how to? Have you ever imagined what will your life be after 10 years from now if you still continue smoking? Well, probably you will have some diseases that might be a problem for you. Did probably know that you can get cancer or other disease from smoking. Some still thinks of ways how to get rid of their addictiveness in smoking. Some doctors say once you start smoking it will take so much time to get rid of it because of the ingredients that cigarette have. Well have you heard about this electric cigarettes? This is made to help you quit your smoking without noticing it in any time. Electronic cigarettes is quickly rising in popularity as more smokers become aware of this healthier smoking alternative. So in this way, you won’t notice that your addictiveness in smoking will be gone in no time. Try to check out their site for more info at smokeelectriccigarettes.info, stop smoking now and live a healthy life…

Air-Dried Versus Sun-Dried Corn

2010-08-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

One simple technique that could add more weight to our corn harvest is to air-dry the husked ears rather than drying the kernels in the sun.

This is what Virginia de Guzman has found in her own experiment. De Guzman is the provincial agriculturist of Salvador town in Lanao del Norte. At the recent agri-fair in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of Lanao del Norte, she showcased her technology.

In her experiment, she has found that grains of air-dried husked corn ears are heavier by three percent than the kernels dried in the sun to about 14 percent moisture content. Besides being heavier, she said that the air-dried corn grains have a longer storage life.

What gave her the idea to conduct the experiment on drying corn? Well, although she has been the municipal agriculturist of Salvador for 17 years, her college training is actually as a marine biologist. In fact, she was responsible for starting and developing the seaweed industry in the town of Kolambugan, also in Lanao del Norte. Today Kolambugan is a major producer of seaweeds. She said that they had long found that when the seaweeds are air-dried, they are heavier than those sun-dried. So she thought of finding out if that would also work in drying corn. And she found that the technique does work.

A three-percent increase in weight may not look much when small quantities are involved, but when it comes to thousands of tons, the increase in weight would be substantial. De Guzman said that the town of Salvador is a major corn producer. No less than 6,000 hectares are devoted to corn which are planted three times year. The wet season crop is planted late May to June, the “palagad” from in late September to October, and the dry season crop planted in February.

The farmers plant mostly hybrid corn seeds so that the average yield per hectare is 6 to 7 tons. The corn harvests are bought by traders from Cebu, Negros, Cagayan de Oro and others. The current buying price is P11.50 per kilo ex-farm, according to De Guzman. -The farmers also plant white corn which fetches P13 per kilo with 14 percent moisture content. The problem is that there are no big feedmills in Lanao del Norte that is why most of the grains are sold to traders outside of the province.

Many of the corn farmers have small landholdings. But there is one fellow who is planting corn on 2,000 hectares of mostly rented farms. He is Sultan Johnny Tawan-tawan.

Aside from corn, Salvador farmers also produce rice on 2,605 hectares, most of which are planted two times a year. Most of the rice farms yield about 100 cavans per hectare.

How to quickly repair your Mobile Phone dropped in water?

2010-08-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Many of you get your mobile phone wet by one way or another. You worry as you mistakenly drop your mobile phone in water. It can also get wet if you are out in a heavy rain. However, there is no need to panic. It is possible to save your wet mobile phone by quickly repairing it. In order to save your mobile phone from water damage, you can consider these easy and simple solutions:

Act rapidly :

The first thing you have to do in order to save your wet mobile phone is to act rapidly. Quickly remove all the detachable parts as well as covers possible such as the back cover, battery, the SIM card, memory card etc. Next, take a piece of cloth or a tissue paper to wipe the excess water you are able to notice within the mobile phone. Make sure that you dry it completely. If you don' t do this, the water inside the mobile phone will begin to evaporate and gather in places which will be difficult to reach.

This will save your wet mobile phone and it will start working if it was under water for just a little while.

Using a hairdryer :

Take a hairdryer and begin drying the mobile phone while giving more consideration to the place where the battery is located. The battery housing usually consists of tiny holes to let in air (so giving more space for water) inside the mobile phone.

Make sure that you are not holding the hairdryer very near to the mobile phone. Keeping it too close to the mobile phone may harm the electrical mechanism of the mobile phone. Keep on drying the mobile phone from a safe distance for about twenty to thirty minutes.

If solution number 1 and solution number 2 don't work, try solution number 3.

Drying for a long time:

Take off the covers as well as battery from the mobile phone. Put the phone in a dry as well as warm place to let the water inside the phone evaporate gradually from the little holes in the mobile phone.

Strategic Weed Control in Hybrid Rice

2010-08-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

“Weed” is a harsh and very condemning term that we can coin for a plant whose economic importance and value is yet to be discovered. Weed is a plant that is unwanted at a particular space and time. Such unwantedness can be traced by generalizing that it can do more harm than good under such particular condition.

These are some of the possible damages weeds can do in ricefields.
1. It reduces yield due to competition with crops for light, water, and nutrients.
2. It reduces quality of produce through adulteration.
3. It blocks irrigation and drainage-canals.
4. It interferes with cultural practices.

5. It makes harvesting difficult.
6. It harbors insect pest and pathogens that attack the rice.

In comparison with other pests, weeds do not show visible damage to rice and because of this farmers do not recognize the yield reducing effect of weeds. Some farmers often neglect their presence, and will only remove when weeds have already grown vigorously and have already produced seeds. On the other hand, some farmers are so meticulously concerned to achieve a weed-free field in the whole cropping season. Both situations are an example of improper weed management. Removal of weeds after completing their life cycle is already too late because the weeds have already established themselves in the ricefield. Maintaining absolutely weed-free fields is too costly and time and labor consuming. Both approaches will reduce – farmer’s productivity either by reduced yields or by unnecessary channeling of resources to weed control. Weeds should only be controlled only when they pose significant yield reduction.

To avoid significant yield losses, we must observe a timely weed management. Providing a good head start for the rice will pose less competition, thus weed management should be done early in the cropping season within the first 40 days. The said 40 days corresponds to the critical period of crop-weed competition.

WEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Over the years, weed management strategies have evolved from manual to mechanical to the use of herbicides. Mechanical control includes some cultural practices, including the seedbed preparation, crop rotation, land leveling; levee construction, seed selection and water management.

Moisture availability, financial capability of the farmer, and cultural practices significantly contribute to the reduction of weed problems, control, and cost. These are some of the strategies that farmers can employ.

1. Use hybrid varieties with high percentage of productive tillers. The use of hybrid seeds from reputable sources such as Pioneer Hi-Bred will ensure farmers that the seeds have high germination percentage, minimal or no weed seed mixtures. The use of hybrid seeds also assures an increase in yield. Planting of hybrid rice follows a planting scheme, one seedling per hill with given dimensions, thus population density and spacing is properly observed. Weed management is easier because planting is more organized. Correct choice of hybrid variety should also be considered.

Remember that a weed is any plant that competes for basic necessities of your crop. Therefore, non-productive tillers can be considered as weeds! Choose hybrid varieties that have high percentage of productive tillers such as Pioneer’s PHB71. Be wary of varieties that have recommended spacing of less than 15 cm between hills as these varieties tend to produce non-productive tillers if planted in more than 15-centimeter spacing.

2. Good land preparation. The farmers’ first line of defense against weeds is good land preparation. It is one of the standard cultural management practices for good seedling establishment. A field that is properly prepared will have good water management and reduced weed population. Good land preparation involves one round of plowing, followed by a weekly interval of 2-3 harrowing and leveling. Puddling uproots weeds that grow after plowing and buries them under the layers of mud. The process also allows for weeds to flush and then removed by the Subsequent harrowing. Research shows that cultivation stimulates first weed flush by 50 percent to 79 percent (Baki and Jeremiah Jr., 2001 and Paller. 2002). Leveling, on the other hand, become very important by eliminating the areas that were inadequately flooded and hence, ideal for the growth of weeds.

Good land preparation will prevent the re-establishment of the previously existing weed population.

3. Good water management. Flooding is commonly practiced to control weeds, especially in transplanted irrigated rice. The flooded condition will inhibit the germination of most weed species associated with rice because of reduced oxygen supply and accumulation of carbon dioxide and other gaseous products o: anaerobic respiration.

Research shows that it is desirable that the field is flooded 2-3 days after transplanting at a 5 cm water depth. In direct seeded rice, flooding is done at 7-10 days, accompanied with pre-emergence and early post emergence herbicides that take its full effect when the field is in the saturated condition. Late emerging weeds can be further controlled if the water is maintained at 3 cm-5 cm deep throughout the season.

Intermittent irrigation enhances growth; however minimal application of herbicides can control weeds.

4. Weed Control Action Indicator. The Weed Control Action Indicator (WCAI is a tool used to determine if there is need for a subsequent weed control after implementing an initial weed management strategy. WCAI was developed at UPLB and has been tested in different agronomic crops, especially in rice. The parameters being used as basis for the decision making were percentage weed cover (WC) and relative weed height (RWH) of the crop over the weeds.

At 15 DAS, if RWH > 20% and %,WC >5%, there is a need for a subsequent weed control.

At 30 and 45 DAS, if RWH > 30% and %WC > 5%, there a need for a subsequent weed control.

By using WCAI, farmers are able to implement different weed control options such as spot weeding or use oi post-emergence herbicides application Research shows that WCAI can reduce weed control cost by 6 percent to 79 percent.

5. Use of herbicides from reputable suppliers. Herbicides are agrochemicals that either kill or suppress the growth of weeds, thus farmers who will employ this control should be properly equipped with the required skills and knowledge on how to apply them. It is a must that farmers should have a basic identification and knowledge about weeds and the intensity of the infestation. Proper timing and method of application should also be observed.

Make sure that you are using herbicides from a reputable company with excel after sales support such as DuPont. An excellent pre- and early post-emergence herbicide is DuPont’s Londax. Almix is a recommended post-emergence herbicide for rice. Consult your local DuPont technical support if you have questions regarding these herbicides.

How does Smoking Affect your Health

2010-08-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

The effects of smoking on human health are serious and in many cases, deadly. There are approximately 4000 chemicals in cigarettes, hundreds of which are toxic. The ingredients in cigarettes affect everything from the internal functioning of organs to the efficiency of the body's immune system. The effects of cigarette smoking are destructive and widespread.

Smoking Effects on the Human Body

Toxic ingredients in cigarette smoke travel throughout the body, causing damage in several different ways.
Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after smoke is inhaled. It has been found in every part of the body and in breast milk.

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing affected cells from carrying a full load of oxygen.

Cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in tobacco smoke damage important genes that control the growth of cells, causing them to grow abnormally or to reproduce too rapidly.

The carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene binds to cells in the airways and major organs of smokers.

Smoking affects the function of the immune system and may increase the risk for respiratory and other infections.

There are several likely ways that cigarette smoke does its damage. One is oxidative stress that mutates DNA, promotes atherosclerosis, and leads to chronic lung injury. Oxidative stress is thought to be the general mechanism behind the aging process, contributing to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COPD.

The body produces antioxidants to help repair damaged cells. Smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood than do nonsmokers.

Smoking is associated with higher levels of chronic inflammation, another damaging process that may result in oxidative stress.

Virtual Memory too low Warning Trouble in win xp and vista

2010-08-06T19:52:00.001-07:00

When there is less physical memory than needed, then some virtual memory (virtual RAM) is created on the disk. When there is a limit set to the size of virtual memory usage and there is not enough of it present there is a warning that frequently comes“Virtual Memory too low”.

Solution 1 :
This problem occurs when physical RAM + Virtual RAM (usually created on hard disk)together are not sufficient to take care of the currently needed RAM size, or this situation is about to arise. This usually happens when some fixed upper limit for Virtual Memory has been set. To solve this problem, you can either upgrade you physical RAMon your computer (recommended), or you can set the Virtual Memory to system managed size or you can do both. Setting Virtual Memory to system managed sizemeans windows will set it to higher size whenever needed automatically,for this,

Right click on My computer --> goto properties, goto advanced tab, click onperformance settings, now click on advanced, now click on advanced, now click on change button for Virtual memory.

On this screen select the System managed size, press OK. After this re-start your computer. This will solve the virtual memory too low problem.

Solution 2:Recommended solution is to upgrade your physical memory (RAM) according to requirements of the kind of applications that you run on your computer. If you upgradeRAM or not, the following procedure will help prevent this warning by increasing the virtual memory limit.

Right click on My computer icon and click properties.
This will show system properties window. Click on a advanced tab and click on the settings button under heading performance.
This will open performance options window. Click on advanced tab and click on change button under heading virtual memory.
Check if the space available is set to some custom value or double the RAM size ?
If it is not double the RAM memory size , then select the size option set the virtual memory size double the RAM Size and press set button and press OK button.
Restart the computer.

Helpful Tips in Choosing a Livestock Shelter

2010-08-04T18:06:00.001-07:00

Most livestock can usually handle rainy, windy or cold temperatures. But if you live in a climate where snow falls and temperatures plummet in the winter, you need to provide your animals protection from harsh weather.

A three-sided shed is a great way to give animals protection and is far less expensive than an enclosed barn. To help you choose the best shelter for your critters, keep some of these criteria in mind:

Consider placement. Choose well drained, high ground to prevent the floor from flooding or turning into a mud pit. Face the shelter away from prevailing winds. Also consider snow drifting patterns as you don't want your shed buried in a snowdrift.
Consider shed size. Determine what kind of animals will use the shed and give each animal a space about four times their body size. A shelter that's too small will allow an aggressive lead animal to force the rest of the herd to stand out into the cold. Choose a shelter large enough that you have room to add panels to make a stall if needed. If you have a sick or injured animal they will need to be separated from the other livestock.
Proper ventilation. Cover the openings with carpet or other heavy fabric in regions of extreme cold. Be sure the livestock can push through it to enter or exit and that it doesn't completely reduce airflow. Ventilation is critical for allowing fresh air inside the shelter while allowing harmful gases to escape.

Lack of Water is Dangerous for Your Blood

2010-08-04T18:00:00.001-07:00

If we consume less than 8 glasses, then our body will create a balance by taking water resources from one element of the body, including the blood. Lack of water is harmful for our blood. Because, the blood will be thick. As a result, the journey of blood as a means oftransport of oxygen and nutrients is disturbed. Blood which is thicker will also pass throughthe kidney that functions as a filter or tool to filter toxins from the blood.

If you a kidney have to filter thick blood, it must work extra hard. It is not impossible that the kidney could be damaged and will later have hemodialysis. what about the brain?

The thick blood travel will also be hampered as it passes through the brain. In fact, brain cells are most wasteful, consuming food and oxygen carried by blood. Thus the function of brain cells is not running optimally and may even die quickly. These conditions will increasingly lead to stroke.

Brain and blood are two important organs that have moisture content over 80 percent. The brain has a component of water by 90 percent, while the blood component has 95 percent water. At least, we normally need two liters a day or 8 glasses a day. Here are nine benefits of water (mineral) for the body.

1. Streamlining the digestive system. Consuming adequate amounts of water every day will expedite the digestive system so that we will be avoided from digestive problems such as ulcers or constipation. Burning calories will also run efficiently.

2. Slow the growth of cancer-causing substances, prevent kidney stones and heartdisease. Drinking water will give the body more energy.

3. If we lack of water, our body will absorb the water content in the skin so the skin becomes dry and wrinkled. Therefore, consuming plain water can protect the skin from the outside, as well as moisturize and heal the skin. To maintain the beauty (especially for woman), we should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.

4. For fertility, water increases production of testosterone hormones in men and estrogen hormones in women. According to the findings of a thrombosis research institute in London, England, if someone always showers with cold water then their blood circulation will be more smoothly and their body feels fresh and fit. Bathing with cold water will increase production of white blood cells in the body and increase a person’s ability to attack viruses. Even a cold shower in the morning can increase testosterone production in men and estrogen in women. Which means fertility and sexual excitement will increase. Also improves skin tissue, healthier and stronger nails.

5. Water is also believed to be able to cure heart disease, rheumatism, skin damage, respiratory diseases, bowel, and female diseases, and much more. There are also pretty much alternative medications which uses water.

6. Hot water is not only used to treat various skin diseases, but also effective for treating paralysis such as stroke. Therefore, water can help strengthen back muscles, circulatory system and respiratory system. Effect of heat causes dilation of blood vessels, improving blood circulation and oxygen network, thereby preventing muscle stiffness,relieve pain. The content of ions, especially chlorine, magnesium, hydrogen and sulfate carbohydrates in hot water, helps dilation of blood vessels thus increasing blood circulation. Besides that, the water PH, can sterilize the skin.

7. Water gives relaxation effects. Try standing in the shower and feel the effects in the body. Shower water that falls into the body feels like a massage and is able to eliminatefatigue because it feels like a massage. A number of alternative medical experts say, that having contact with shower, a walk in the surrounding waterfalls, or rivers and parks with lots of fountains, will acquire the properties of ions negative. Negative ions which arise due to water droplets collide can relieve pain, neutralize toxins, combat disease and help to absorb and utilize oxygen. Negative ions in the blood stream will accelerate the delivery of oxygen to the cells and tissues.

8. For those who want to loose weight, drinking hot water before eating is one way to reduce the amount of food intake. Moreover water contains no calories, sugar, or fat. However it is best to drink water at medium temperature, not too hot, nor too cold.

9. The decreased amount of water in the body, will also decrease the organs function and will be more easily disturbed by bacteria, viruses, and others. However, the human body has a mechanism in maintaining the balance of water intake in the body. Water our bodies require approximately 2 – 2.5 liter (8-10 cups) per day. Total water demand is already including the water intake from food (such as soup, soto), syrup and others. In addition, water intake also obtained from the metabolism of food consumed and tissue metabolism in the body.

Installing and configuring a Wireless Router

2010-08-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

A wireless router affords laptop or portable computer users greater mobility in their homes and businesses. In most home networks, wireless routers are connected to a cable or DSL modem, and the router sends the signals and information that make up an Internet protocol (IP) thread to the user's computer via radio signals rather than wires.

To communicate with the wireless router, individual computers house transceivers such as an internal expansion card, a peripheral docked by USB or, in the case of laptops, a PC card or hard-wired internal device. For those accessing the Internet through a high-speed connection, a wireless router can also serve as a hardware firewall (as opposed to a software program), enabling protection from undesirable outside computers without exhausting as many system resources as traditional firewall programs.

Installing a Wireless Router

First, turn off the PC and modem, then remove the Ethernet cable from the PC and plug it into the router's WAN port. Install a second Ethernet cable between the PC's Ethernet port and one of the router's Ethernet ports. Power the modem, router and then PC, waiting for the system to boot and initialize before attempting an Internet connection.
Most routers are programmed with the manufacturer's default settings, including the network's name or service set identifier (SSID), channel and sign-on password. These default settings generally may be changed using included software or an online setup utility provided by the router's manufacturer.
Configure the router by entering the router configuration IP address at the URL provided, followed by the configuration utility ID and the default password. To find your router's default IP address and the default login info, refer to the owner's manual. If you own a Linksys router, a popular brand, the IP address is usually 192.168.1.1. Two other popular brands, D-Link and Netgear, generally use 192.168.0.1.

Connecting a Printer to a Wireless Router

First, check the documentation that came with your printer to determine how it's designed to connect to computers. Connections made through Ethernet, USB and (obsolescent) parallel ports are common, but newer printers are sometimes wireless-enabled and allow you to simply add them to your wireless network.
Refer to the owner's manual for your particular wireless router. Inside, find the default IP address and the default login info. If you own a Linksys router, the IP address is usually 192.168.1.1. Other popular brands D-Link and Netgear generally use 192.168.0.1.

Connecting Two Wireless Routers

Bridging two wireless routers involves configuring both networks manually. Visit each network location - which should be recognized by your computer automatically - and configure the appropriate Service Set Identifier (SSID), Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) or WiFi Protected Access (WPA) key and authentication information. Make sure you know the SSID and WEP or WPA key ahead of time.

Connecting an Xbox 360 to a Wireless Router

Connecting an Xbox 360 to a wireless router allows you to use Xbox Live without physically connecting your Xbox to a cable. Power up your Xbox system and the router, then plug the wireless networking adapter into the two slots at the Xbox's rear. Unplug any existing Ethernet cables and connect the USB connector to the port adjacent to the adapter. Use the system area of the Xbox dashboard to adjust your network settings. This should connect you to the wireless network.

Fourth storm enters RP

2010-08-03T17:35:00.001-07:00

THE state weather bureau said the low pressure spotted off Catanduanes intensified into a cyclone, bringing heavy rains to some parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Prisco Nilo, director of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said tropical depression “Domeng” will cross Northern Luzon.

Pagasa said that as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Domeng was spotted at 570 kilometers east northeast of Catanduanes and has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph).

The new weather disturbance is also moving west northwest at seven kph but no storm signal was raised as of this posting.

Earlier, Pag-asa said that about 13 to 15 tropical storms are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this year, with three coming from August alone.

Meantime, the state weather bureau is also monitoring another low pressure area estimated at 950 kilometers east northeast of Basco, Batanes.

On July 13, the overnight onslaught of tropical storm Basyang (international name: Conson) ravaged communities, property and claimed lives.

Last July 21, strong winds and heavy rains due to a low pressure which later became storm ‘Caloy’ triggered flashfloods in Dingalan, Aurora.

The flashfloods also prompted authorities to evacuate 105 families and declare a state of calamity in the area.

Meantime, Pagasa’s 5 p.m. bulletin Tuesday disclosed that Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

The rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

In Metro Manila, Pagasa’s extended weather forecast indicated that cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms for Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northwest will prevail over the northern and eastern section of Luzon and the coastal waters along this area will be moderate to rough.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the northwest to west will prevail over the rest of Luzon and Visayas and from the northwest to southwest over Mindanao with slight to moderate seas.

Tips in Storing Fresh Tomatoes

2010-08-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Tomatoes can be kept field fresh for a period of three weeks without using cold storage
One economical alternative is to use the Evaporative Cooling and Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) Technologywhich prolongs the storage life of fresh tomatoes under ordinary condition using coco coir dust, polyethylene (PE) plastic packaging and a suitable crate or container.

Tomatoes to be stored must be green, firm and free from injury and mechanical damage to maximize the benefits of this technology. Otherwise, storage period will be shorter than what is expected.

Steps:

Wash the tomatoes in water with chlorox (1 tablespoon of chlorox for every 1 liter of water) to disinfect the fruits from pathogenic microorganisms.
Dry the tomatoes and pack in PE bags with 2 pinpricks per kilogram of tomatoes.
Moisten the coir dust with chlorox-mixed water and line the base of the container with this.
Place the packed tomatoes in the middle and cover with moist coir dust. It is recommended that a kilo of coir dust be used per kilo of tomatoes.

How does this technology work for tomato plants? The PE bag modifies the tomato surrounding by decreasing oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide. These delay ripening and discoloration of the peel, reduce weight loss and moisture loss, and reduce in injuries from chilling. The cooling effect of moist coir dust, on one hand, also delays ripening of tomato.

Calcium Supplements Could Increase Risk of Heart Attack

2010-08-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Supplements of calcium, which is usually consumed by elder people with osteoporosis (bone loss), is associated with an increased risk of heart attack. This is the results of a study in theBritish Medical Journal published last July.

The result showed that reassessment is required for the role of calcium supplements in osteoporosis management. Calcium supplements are commonly prescribed for bone health, but the experiment has recently mentioned that these supplements can increase the risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) and cardiovascular events in healthy older women.

The research was led by Dr Ian Reid, professor of medicine at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and his colleagues from the University of Aberdeen, UK, and from Dartmouth Medical School in the United States.

The international research team that analyzed results from 11 randomized controlled trials of calcium supplementation intake (without addition of vitamin D), involving 12 000 patients.

Researchers found that calcium supplementation is associated with about 30 percent increased risk of heart attacks. They also found that calcium intake increases the risk ofstroke and death although this increased risk is smaller and insignificant.

Previous studies have shown that high intake of calicum does not increase cardiovascular risk.

They conclude, given the modest benefits of calcium supplements for bone density and prevent fractures, reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in osteoporosis management is required.

How to open office 2007 files into Office 2003

2010-08-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to resolve the compatibility issues between the Office 2003 and Office 2007. Because all programs in office 2003 used the old file extensions for its different programs. For example Word 2003 saved files with extension .doc, Excel 2003 with .xls and PowerPoint with .ppt. but on the other office 2007 used the new file extensions for its different programs. For example Word 2007 saved files with extension .docx, Excel 2007 with .xlsx and PowerPoint with .pptx. Now the problem is that when you will try to open office 2007 files into office 2003 and you will not open the file due to compatibility issues between both office versions. Microsoft provides a free compatibility pack to convert office 2007 documents to the office 2003 format. There are many third party free converter are available but here we are using Microsoft office compatibility pack.

Follow the given steps to download free Microsoft compatibility pack and install it.

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Visit the following link to download the Microsoft compatibility pack:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en

Legazpi City to privatize Lignon Hill view deck

2010-08-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

Legazpi City (2 August) -- The increasing rate of tourist arrival in this city continuous as the local government here remains relentless in pursuing developments for local tourism industry with the Mayon Volcano, budding Embarcadero lifestyle mall, and Lignon Hill on the frontline.

Mayor Geraldine Rosal averred that the surge of local tourism is gaining more grounds to propel the city's budding economy, now with the private sector will be involved the development of one of these icons in the city's tourists attraction.

Rosal elaborated that private firm JEDI Property Management, Inc. apparently won the bidding to operate view deck portion on top of Lignon Hill after the Provincial Government of Albay has already authorized the City Government of Legazpi to lease the area and ensuring a reasonable return of investments or stable income pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement dated October 16, 2006.

In the agreement, JEDI will pay the city government P40,000 monthly for the first year of operations, P42,000 for the second and third year, and P44,000 for the fourth until the sixth year.

JEDI, further, will hire their own workers for the maintenance ad cleanliness of all walkways of the said place.

Rosal, meanwhile, said that the privatization of a portion of Ligñon Hill is more advantageous to the city government as it will no longer spend for the maintenance and improvement of the place, adding that the rentals will also be used for other local tourism projects in the area. (LGU Legazpi)

Tips in Planting Hybrid Rice

2010-08-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few helpful tips in planting hybrid rice:

1. Seed and Seedbed preparation - for every 2 kg of seeds, prepare 40 m2 seedbed. Each bed must be about 1m wide, of any length, and raised to a height of 4 to 5 cm. Soak the seeds for about 12 to 24 hours in clean water until these have swelled. Some seeds will float. Do not remove them. Change the water every 5 to 6 hours. Then drain the water and incubate them for 24 to 36 hours until a white dot comes out from the seeds. After preparing the seedbed, apply 1 to 1.5 bags of organic materials for every 40 m2 seedbed. Once the seedbed is prepared, sow 20 kg of pre-germinated hybrid seeds at a rate of 50g for every square meter.

2. Transplanting - this method only requires 20 kg of hybrid rice seeds per hectare. Transplant 21 to 25 day-old seedlings at 1 to 2 seedings/hill. Plant at a distance of 20 cm x 20 cm during wet season. Replant missing hills within 7 days after transplanting.

3. Irrigation - maintain soil saturation within 1 week after transplanting. Gradually raise the water level to about 2 to 3 cm at tillering stage. Later, achieve 3 to 5 cm water depth every irrigation time until 1 to 2 weeks before harvest. Drain standing water(if any) 1 week before the expected harvest for easy harvesting and grain quality preservation.

4. Fertilizer application - for basal, apply 4 to 6 bags of 14-14-14 depending on the results of soil analysis or minus one element technique. If K is deficient in a sandy loam soil, apply half bag of muriate of potash (0-0-60) at panicle initiation. If both N and K are needed at panicle initiation, apply 2 bags of 17-0-17 per hectare. Otherwise, apply N and K fertilizer separately. Spray 0-0-60 for three times starting at 50% heading then every other day at a rate of 2 kg/ha per tank load of knapsack. Twelve tank loads of knapsack sprayer will be used in a hectare of ricefield. A total of 6 kg 0-0-60 will be used for the entire spraying time.

5. Harvesting - harvest the crop when 80 to 85% of the grains are clear, firm and straw-colored even if the rest are still in hard dough stage.

3 Types of Teenagers Who Are Vulnerable to Hypertension

2010-08-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

High blood pressure is generally regarded as a problem of adults. But teens also can experience this condition. Therefore you should know what causes rise in blood pressure on teenagers.

According to Mayoclinic, hypertension in adolescents are most often caused due to heart and kidney problems.

But now the causes can vary, although it can not be identified more clearly. Because various risk factors can contribute to developing this condition.

Dr. Muntner, an epidemiologist in New Orleans reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association that high blood pressure or hypertensionin adolescents has increased from 1 percent to 5 percent between 1989 to 2002.

Three are at least three types teenagers who are vulnerable to hypertension:

1. Teens who have family with hypertension
High blood pressure does tend to be influenced by family descendants. Therefore, if parents or grandparents have hypertension, the risk factor will be higher.

2. Obese Teens
Being overweight or obese can lead to hypertension because it requires more tissues to carry blood, oxygen and nutrients.

Because the blood volume increases, the pressure on the artery wall also increased. Today more and more teenagers do less physical activity that causes obesity.

3. Teenagers with poor eating habits
Most teens have bad diets and rarely wants to eat healthy and balanced diet. Teenagers prefer junk food or foods.

Hormonal changes that occur in adolescents also influences the risk of high blood pressure. The existing hormonal changes includes a surge in testosterone and estrogen sex hormones. However, the effects of these hormonal changes are not yet fully understood.

Download Multiple Free Files From Rapidshare

2010-08-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

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With RapidShare Download Accelerator, you can add all the files you'd like to download, and it will do all the annoying work for you. Now you can just sit back and watch your files download without paying a dime.

Links : Download Rapidshare Download Accelerator

Five Things to Remember in Corn Production

2010-08-01T18:45:00.001-07:00

The following are the five key technologies one should remember in pursuit of better profitability in corn:

Seed selection – choose the best adapted hybrid for your area and your needs.
Plant population – ensure proper planting distance; each hybrid you choose has specific recommended planting distance or seeding rate.
Balanced fertilization – follow the recommended fertilization rate for your field; even better would be soil analysis for your field.
Pest control – timely and effective control or management of diseases, insect pests, and weeds; you get to know them.
Water management – take note of the critical stages where your corn needs the most water and where it is most sensitive to water stress.

How to Prevent Osteoporosis

2010-08-01T18:36:00.001-07:00

Osteoporosis is a disease of decreased bone density. Bones become thin, weak, fragile, and may break easily. This diseases strikes more on women and older people. But people of any age or gender still has the risk of osteoporosis.

According to healthday, The National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the United States recommends the following steps to prevent osteoporosis:

- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, rich in vitamin D and calcium.
- Exercise frequently designed to help strengthen bones. Your doctor may recommend certain exercises.
- Consumption of drugs designed to prevent bone loss or increase bone density.
- Avoid things that could make you fall and avoid wearing high heels.

How to access the sharing data offline

2010-08-01T18:34:00.001-07:00

Access the shared data offline allows you to keep using your shared files, folders and software programs when disconnected from the data server. When you reconnect to your data server, all files will be synchronized to the files on the network.

There are two types of configurations required to set the access shared folders offline available, one for data server and other for client computer.

Configuration on Data Server.

First locate the folders that you would like to share or make new folders then share these folders so they can be accessible to any one on the network.

Now right click on that folder and click on the option "Sharing and security".

A small dialog box will appear with the title "data properties". Under the "Sharing" tab, select the check box "Share this folder on the network" under the "Network sharing and security".

Now set the share level permissions that you want to give the users on every folder. Enable cache of share folders by click on cache button (by default it will be enabled).

Configuration on Client Computer

On the client computer, first open My Computer then click on Tools.

In Tools menu bar, click on Folder Options, a window will appear with the title Folder Options.

Under the Offline File tab, check the option Enable Offline File. Here you can choose the synchronization process "Synchronize all offline files when logging on", "Synchronize all offline files before logging off" and others.

Click on Apply button to save the settings and then Ok button to close this window.

Now sitting on the client computer, try to access the shared folder from the data server.

First Right click on the shared folder and Click on Make available offline.

To synchronizing the offline work from client computer to data server, again open My Computer then click on Tools. Click on Synchronize then click on synchronizing button.

After that down to data server and then try to access share folders by give the UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path of data server. But it will be accessible weather the server is down or up.

8 TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN EASILY ATTAIN YOUR GOAL

2010-08-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

8 TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN EASILY ATTAIN YOUR GOAL

By: Richard Bobis

1. Reach for today’s opportunities.

2. Exercise your right to succeed.

3. Use your courage to stand up under stress.

4. Jump the hurdles of doubt and indecision.

5. Be aware of your real potential.

6. See yourself successful.

7. Seek improvement.

8. Nourish your Self-image with faith and belief.

APAT NA PABATID KUNG PAANO MAGING PRESKO O SARIWA ANG KATAWAN SA LAHAT NG ORAS

2010-08-01T17:10:00.001-07:00

APAT NA PABATID KUNG PAANO MAGING PRESKO O SARIWA ANG KATAWAN SA LAHAT NG ORAS

By: Richard Bobis

Una:

Maligo palagi at mag-suot ng preskong damit araw-araw.

Pangalawa:

Gumamit ng deodorants o anti-perspirants. (Ang magandang oras na gamitin ang mga ito ay kaagad pagkatapos maligo.) Ang Deodorant ay binabawasan lamang ang masamang amoy, habang ang anti-perspirants naman ay napapanatili ka nitong tuyo, presko at ligtas sa masamang amoy sa lahat ng oras.

Pangatlo:

Tingnan ang iyong pagkain sa araw-araw. Ang ibang madaming rekadong pagkain ay dahilan sa paglabas ng masamang amoy sa ating katawan.

Pang-apat:

Hayaan munang matuyo ang deodorant o anti-perspirant bago isuot ang damit para maiwasan ang mantsa sa damit.

Security agencies top labor violations

2010-08-01T16:52:00.001-07:00

SECURITY agencies are the most common violators of the country's labor standard, said an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sunday.

In an interview, Labor Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte said the department finds security agencies that wanted to lure more clients resulted to their frequent failure to meet required labor standards.

“Because of their cut-throat competition, binababaan nila yung contract rate binababaan nila at nagsa-suffer naman yung kanilang payment of minimum wage, etc,” said Trasmonte.

Aside from security firms, also among the sectors often found violating the labor standards are manpower agencies, subcontractors, cooperatives, manufacturing establishments, restaurants, and fast food enterprises.

Violations include those in the core labor standards such as minimum wage, ECOLA, 13th month pay, holiday pay, service incentive leave, overtime pay, night-shift differential, SSS, Pag-ibig, and Philhealth.

And with several frequent violators on-hand, the labor department has set an intensified inspection program among all establishments around the country beginning today (Monday) with the aforementioned sectors in their priority list.

According to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, the program is part of the department’s Project Labor Enforcement and Action Program or Project LEAP that was included in her Administrative Order No. 281 issued in accordance to the policy of the Aquino administration.

“The objective is to effect a compliance rate with labor standards of at least 70 percent,” Baldoz said.

Pagasa: 3 storms in August

2010-07-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

Pagasa: 3 storms in August

THE Philippines will have to brace at least three storms in August as the La Niña phenomenon expected to bring above normal rainfall, the state weather bureau said.

Prisco Nilo, director of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said three moderate to strong storms will visit the country next month.

“These storms will also bring moderate to strong winds and these are expected to bring much rainfall because of the possible onset of the La Niña, which is marked by above normal monsoon rains,” he told Sun.Star.

Susan Espinueva, chief of Pagasa’s hydrometeorology division, said in a separate interview that the rains will be a welcome development especially in Angat Dam, with its receding waters in the past weeks triggered a water shortage.

As of 6 a.m. Friday, the water level in the dam is at 163.72 meters, which is 16.4 meters lower than the critical level of 180 meters.

The water reservoir in Norzagaray, Bulacan supplies 97 percent of the capital’s water needs and the remaining three percent are sourced from deep wells.

Pagasa earlier said it would take at least three strong storms to replenish the water level in the multipurpose dam.

Meantime, the public should expect a rainy weekend due to an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, Pagasa said the country will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southeast to south will prevail over northern Luzon and the coastal waters along this area will be moderate to rough.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the southeast will prevail over Central Luzon and coming from the southwest to south over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas.

Twin quakes jolt Southern Luzon

Two moderate quakes jolted parts of Batangas and Mindoro Friday morning but no damages had been reported, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In an interview with Sun.Star, Renato Solidum, director of Phivolcs, said the quakes are tectonic in origin but too weak to cause damage.

“It is too weak to affect the ground,” he said.

The first quake, 8:22 a.m., had a 4.6 in magnitude and was traced at 24 kilometers southeast of Mamburao town in Occidental Mindoro. It was felt at Intensity 3 in Mamburao, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, and Ilijan in Batangas.

Meanwhile, Intensity 2 is recorded at San Pascual, Batangas and Aplaya Bayan, Batangas.

This was followed by a 9:07 a.m. tremor with a magnitude 3.1. Its epicenter was recorded at 22 km southeast of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro which was felt at Intensity 2 in the area alone.

Last week, more than 250 aftershocks were recorded following a magnitude-6.9 tremor that rocked parts of Mindanao.

The Philippines sits on the “Pacific Ring of Fire” where continental plates meet, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

About 20 earthquakes hit the country everyday but only few are felt.

HOW TO GET A RAISE

2010-07-30T20:34:00.001-07:00

HOW TO GET A RAISE

By: Richard Bobis

Do a better job than is expected of you.

One and all, the experts agree that this is the prime essential to advancement. In other words, give more and you’ll get more.

Make sure you do the job your boss wants done.

As the personnel manager of one large firm says: “You can do the best job in the world, but if it’s not the one your boss wants, he will find it upsetting.”

Get along with your fellow workers and others with whom you come in contact.

This is very important. Many times people work against themselves in terms of their personality – and, or course, they seldom realize that they’re doing it.

Be sure your boss knows what you’re accomplishing.

Often when a fellow isn’t appreciated, it’s simply a matter of lack of communication.

Be able to make decisions.

This, according to the president of a job consultant firm, is a must. “You’d be surprised what a rare trait this is,” he says. “Most people do just what they’re told and pass all the decisions on to the next fellow.”

Look for responsibilities beyond your present assignment.

The manager of an executive recruiting firm strongly recommends this to the young person on the way up. “A young tiger in the accounting department might say to her chief, “If you need any help in the credit union plan, just let me know.” In from five to seven years, this expert predicts, “she’ll be head of the plan.”

Study at night and keep well-informed.

“It’s also wise;” adds another personnel officer, “to get involved in the community you live in. I don’t mean just joining things, but really contributing your talents to the library, the hospital, and any good fund-raising project that comes along.”

This man’s own superior says, “Someday, Somebody will say to you, “Joe, what are they paying you in your company? Well, why don’t you come with us? We can do better than that for you.”

MGA PABATID PARA MABAWASAN ANG KAGAT NG MGA BUBUYOG

2010-07-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

MGA PABATID PARA MABAWASAN ANG KAGAT NG MGA BUBUYOG

By: Richard Bobis

Una:

Isuot ang kasuotan sa pagbu-bubuyog bago lumapit sa bahay-pukyutan.

Pangalawa:

Pag-aralan ang paglakad ng tahimik, mabagal at dahan-dahan kapag malapit sa bahay-pukyutan.

Pangatlo:

Gawin and iyong pag-bibisita sa bahay-pukyutan sa loob ng alas-dyes ng umaga hanggang alas-dos ng hapon, dahil sa oras na ito ay nasa labas ang karamihan sa mga mang-gagawang bubuyog.

Pang-apat:

Pumuli ng panahon na malakas at maliwanag ang sinag ng araw. Ang bubuyog ay madalas sumasama ang pakiramdam kapag malamig at maulan ang panahon; hindi sila lumilipad ng maraming bilang para maghanap ng nektar kundi madalas magtampo malapit sa bahay-pukyutan.

Pang-lima:

Huwag gumawa ng pasampal na galaw sa isang bubuyog na lumilipad malapit sayo. Ang ganitong galaw o kilos ay ika-gagalit ng mga bubuyog. Ang isang bubuyog na iyong napag-bantaan ay tatawag ng maraming bilang ng mga bubuyog na papasok sa eksena para ipag-sanggalang ang napag-bantaang bubuyog.

Pang-anim:

Siguraduhin na walang kahit na anung klaseng amoy ang iyong damit at ang iyong sarili.

Pang-pito

Iwasang hingahan ang bubuyog kapag ikaw ay naka-baluktut sa bahay-pukyutan.

Pang-walo

Mag-ingat na hindi makagalaw o makasakit ng bubuyog habang mina-manipula ang bahay pukyutan. Ang buong kolonya ay iisipin na iligtas ang bubuyog at itaboy ka palayo.

Pang-siyam:

Gamitin ang iyong pausok para agapan ang pag-kakagambala sa bahay-pukyutan. Sa ganitong paraan ay mapapatahimik nito ang mga bubuyog.

At ang pang-sampu at pang-huli:

Kapag nakaramdam ka ng kahinahonan, ang iyong presensiya ay hindi masyadong makakagambala sa mga bubuyog. Umakto kaagad kung sakaling nagawa mong gambalahin ang bahay-pukyutan at gumawa ng isang magandang halimbawa.