Disruptive Technologies, Education and Some Social Issues

Tea and Coffee: Biological Accident or Gift from Nature?

dinu — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:51:42 +0000

Tea and coffee are the most popular beverages worldwide. People holding cups of coffee at public places, workspaces littered with coffee cups are a common sight. While tea is made from the leaves of plants Camellia sinensis, coffee is made from coffee beans. Both of them contain caffeine which is a drug notoriously known for its effects on human body. The most noticeable effect is the boost in energy that it provides. More often it is used as a drug by many people. It is natural to wonder why plants have caffeine.

Caffeine is well-known to have ill-effects even on humans. Plants secrete caffeine to protect themselves from insects and animals that might eat them. That is, they are a defence mechanism to protect them from destruction. Coffee contains caffeine in much higher amounts than tea. A strong cup of coffee contains as much as 200 mg of caffeine. Tea contains much lesser amount of caffeine.

Large doses of caffeine cause anxiety, jitters and general malaise. Gradually the effects become more dangerous and they result in life-threatening situations like irregular or weak heartbeats ultimately causing death.

Though caffeine is very dangerous for both insects, animals and humans alike, their effects are more pronounced in smaller animals and insects. Human bodies have bigger biological systems and organs which work very efficiently to remove all the toxins and chemicals from the body. On consumption of a cup of coffee, there are many enzymes in the liver which work together and convert the harmful caffeine to harmless by-products. Eventually they get extracted from the body.

Unlike humans, insects do not have this luxury. They have a very small body and do not have large livers full of different kinds of enzymes. Since they have a restricted food chart, they only eat specific kinds of food. That is, their digestive system enables them to digest only certain types of food. They carry only the enzymes essential for them to digest the food they normally eat. Even a very small amount of toxin is highly toxic for insects thanks to their small body and defence mechanisms.

Different parts of plants produce varying amounts of caffeine. This is evidence enough that caffeine plays defensive role in plants. The concentration of caffeine varies in different parts of plant depending on the vulnerability. For example, leaves especially tender young leaves contain maximum amount f caffeine as compared to other parts. This is because they are the most vulnerable. Young leaves being tender, they are easy to chew for herbivores. Hence they secrete high amounts of caffeine thus playing gracefully carrying out the role of defence mechanisms. Tougher, bigger leaves are hard to chew and therefore less vulnerable to attacks from herbivores.

This is the secret of tippy leaves. The tea leaves when young and tender are plucked because they contain high caffeine concentration as compared to mature leaves. The next time you go shopping for tea or coffee you know what to choose. Before having your cups of coffee remember what you are consuming.

As you take a sip of coffee, be sure to get a good deal when you are buying coffee. HostingCoupons.org strives to provide you with good hosting coupons code for yahoo, godaddy and hostgator at http://www.hostingcoupons.org/hostgator-coupon/Similar Posts:

6 Best Organic Toys for Babies

dinu — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:46:41 +0000

A lot of my friends are having babies, and I seem to always be on the go looking for toys to get the new additions. Since I have allergies, I always buy organic toys for my children, and have come to learn a lot about undiagnosed baby allergies as well.

Signs of Infant Allergies

Many times when babies cry uncontrollably, have trouble sleeping, or get a lot of colds, moms just automatically think colic. Even baby doctors can overlook the more subtle signs of childhood allergies when they start in infancy.

Since babies can’t take treatments for hay fever like adults can, it’s a good idea to stay away from things that can trigger allergies. A lot of the materials used in regular toys have chemicals and fibers that bring on allergy attacks.

Organic Solutions

Organic toys are a great way to give a baby a comfortable, clean and still environmentally friendly toy that won’t aggravate allergy symptoms. When my second little girl was born, I noticed she was crying a lot more than was probably normal. It didn’t seem to be colic, since pressure on her stomach didn’t make the crying worse or better, and nothing seemed to help.

After reading about infant allergy symptoms, I started replacing her regular toys with organic ones. I was pleasantly surprised to find her crying become less frequent.

Now, that’s all I use for my own kids, and I always give the same types of toys for friend’s babies. There are a wide variety of baby toys that are organic and allergy safe. These are my top 6 favorite types of infant toys that you can find in most organic baby stores online.

Plush balls
Plush animals
Bath toys
Dolls
Rattles
Teething rings

Organic Materials for Infant Toys

Most of the organic plush animals, balls and dolls are made with 100% cotton that is grown organically. The great thing about organic fibers is that when your baby puts it in their mouths, like all babies will, they aren’t getting a mouthful of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Organic baby toys come in all colors, dyed with non-toxic colors. Plush animals are easy to find in a wide variety of species from dolphins to horses, doggies to kitties and even spiders and frogs.

Safe Organic Teething Toys for Babies

Teething toys are made from either hard woods that won’t splinter, or soft polypropylene that is completely PVC and BPA-free. The soft teething toys are great because you can put them in the freezer to so they soothe sore gums as those little teeth pop through.

The smooth hardwood toys also make great organic rattlers. Baby rattles end up in mouths as much as teething toys do, and being organic means pesticide and other chemical free. It also means that when you throw out old toys, they don’t pile up in landfills.

There isn’t a lot of scientific data on it, but some studies suggest that by avoiding those things that bring on allergy attacks in infants, it may help keep them from developing allergies as they get older.

I’ve dealt with allergy symptoms all my life, and even in childhood, had to take a regular remedy for allergic rhinitis. If going organic can help avoid that for the new generation, I’m all for it. If nothing else, having a baby who is less prone to crying, colds and other infant aggravations can also help moms sleep better and feel more rested as well.

Babies and moms being well-rested and healthy is what it’s all about. Like Leigh Hunt said: “The groundwork of all happiness is good health.”

Melissa Cameron is a mother of two and freelance writer who lives with her husband and children in Austin, Texas. She is a big fan of organic foods and gifts, because she herself has had to deal with allergies and take treatments for hay fever all her life. During the day she researches ways to create a healthier lifestyle for herself and her family, and shares those thoughts with readers through her writing.Similar Posts:

Choosing Right or Wrong: Simply a Matter of Hormones

dinu — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:36:23 +0000

Where does our sense of right and wrong come from? One researcher says it comes from the production of a specific hormone in our brain, called oxytocin. Could it be this hormone that gives you the urge to want to help someone begging on the street? Conversely, is it a lack of this hormone that causes the unfeeling actions of murderers like Ted Bundy?

Paul Zac, Ph.D., a professor and neuroeconomic researcher, recently completed a series of studies which determined that oxytocin is responsible for our innate feelings of right and wrong. Oxytocin is an interesting hormone to study because it is only produced in the brains of mammals. It has been commonly associated with a mother’s innate need to nurture and care for offspring. Many of it’s effects are still being studied, as well as the things that can help produce, or inhibit production, of this all-important hormone.

What can oxytocin do? It produces feelings of trust, empathy, and generosity. In general, it begins production when we come in close contact with another human being, whether it’s a pat on the back, hug, or even kiss. However, it can also be produced when we see another human being or creature who is in pain. Other factors that influence it’s production are high levels of stress, which can inhibit the level of oxytocin produced. While men do produce oxytocin, production level is inhibited by the stronger male hormone, testosterone. This may be why men are seen as less sensitive and caring than women. (Who knew it was a chemical thing!)

A few surprising things Dr. Zac found in his research is that 5 percent of the population doesn’t release oxytocin. These people who don’t produce oxytocin are the same people who seem to have no moral compass. They are generally seen as selfish, narcissistic, and even psychopathic, in an extreme case. If you aren’t nurtured properly, such as people who have been abused, then your brain may also stop creating oxytocin.

So what do you think? Is your ability to choose right and wrong influenced by how much of a certain chemical is produced in your brain? Whether you believe that it or not, everyone has to admit that there is something going on when they see a child in pain or empathize with the joy of a loved one. And just like any other emotional sense, you can dull the feeling of it by making it too common or ignoring it.

About the Author

Tiffani Azani is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers makes it easy to find accredited online colleges where students can get the education and training they need.Similar Posts:

How to Use Twitter Properly as a Business Tool

dinu — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:09:30 +0000

Twitter has been around for a while now and it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Twitter can be a very powerful tool for businesses. Many businesses unfortunately don’t know how to use it to its full potential and will waste a lot of time on something that probably won’t have any measurable return.

There are two main business uses for twitter,

1) market and sell your product and

2) maintain a good public image and maintain good public relations.

Too many focus on the first point and don’t even consider the second. The key is balance…To start with, you have to put into place some sort of guidelines or rules for whomever is maintaining your businesses Twitter personality. This is because Twitter, like most social media, is a wonderful waste of time and will suck you in if you are not careful. One hundred forty characters are more than enough especially when they are accompanied by images and links. Being witty is great and may get you a few more “retweets” but if you spend half the day trying to be witty on Twitter you won’t get a thing done. The best thing to do is allow only a certain amount of time each day to dive in. Adjust to your business needs accordingly as you gain or lose traction; the basic idea is to prevent yourself from tweeting all day and not getting any business coming in from it.

So what if the best time to send out your tweets to your audience happens to be at specific times or throughout the day but keeping up with it would fly in the face of not wasting time? There is an easy answer; all you need is to do sign up for a social media dashboard. There are a number of these out there with various features usually with a free version that does more than enough when you are first starting out. The basic feature you need is the ability to schedule your tweets, this way you can spend a half-hour every day or an hour every week on your social media and be done with it.

Sending out your company message and promotions is great, you should do that, but in moderation. Now that you have the ability to send out tweets 24-7 doesn’t mean you should. People will stop subscribing to you and just ignore your stream if they are constantly broadsided with “BUY! BUY! BUY!”. This is where you have the opportunity to build your businesses public image and engage with your customers at large about your industry. All you have to do is make a little commentary on current news and point people at things that will help them understand your industry better. Remember it’s okay to be professional but Twitter is an informal realm, so don’t take yourself too seriously.

Pat Lindle is a marketing manager at D-Mac Industries, a metal deck / steel deck facility found in Alpharetta, GA. He is also a social media coordinator and moderator of the company’s blog.

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Does Banning Alcohol Advertising Have a Positive Effect on Society?

dinu — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:32:59 +0000

What is your opinion on banning certain types of advertising? Do you think it’s an effective solution to some of society’s pervasive problems? Do you think it helps to save people from themselves?

It’s been several years since cigarette ads were banned from pretty much all forms of media. You won’t find tobacco ads in newspapers, radio, TV or even before films. Cigarette companies aren’t allowed to sponsor events or advertise at events. Smoking has even been banned from certain types of TV shows and hardly anyone smokes in movies anymore.

Now, how people do you know who smoke?

How many of them are youngsters who haven’t been exposed to decades of tobacco ads and who have been exposed to all the dangers of smoking? How many persistently smoke despite the dwindling opportunities to do so in public?

A lot, right?

Many countries are initiating similar bans on alcohol advertising. Already, alcohol advertising is severely restricted in many countries.

For instance, many countries forbid alcohol advertising on TV, although ads in newspapers, magazines, billboards and before films is still allowed. Some countries don’t allow ads during family TV viewing, which means that ads can only run before and after certain times. Some countries allow alcohol companies to sponsor sports events or even sports teams, while others won’t even allow advertising billboards at sports stadiums.

Some countries distinguish between advertising “light” alcohol products, like beers, ales and ciders, and adverts for hard liquor, like whisky, vodka and rum.

Calls for an outright ban on all forms of alcohol advertising are becoming increasingly vociferous throughout the world. The thinking is that banning ads will help decrease the incidence of drunk driving and alcohol induced violence, particularly domestic violence and child abuse.

A number of studies dispute this, however, by revealing that advertising actually has very little effect on drinking habits. Most people learn their drinking habits from their parents and friends, who in turn learn their habits from their parents.

Other studies reveal that alcoholism is determined in large part by genetics, so, once again, advertising plays a very small role.

Instead of having an attraction effect, advertising tends to build loyalty among those who already drink a certain brand. It also allows brands to introduce new products or announce competitions and the like.

All of which begs the question: what effect will banning alcohol advertising have on drinking?

If the results from countries that have already banned advertising are anything to go by, it seems that the effects will be negligible. The only cost will be to the economy and these days that doesn’t seem like a very good idea.

Sandy writes for a number of different blogs, on a number of different topics, including advertising prices, travel, technology and the environment.Similar Posts:

Google’s Internet TV and Controversies

dinu — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:23:54 +0000

Now when it already rules your computer, Google wants a beachhead to sit on your TV. For internet TV fans, Google has come up with something really interesting, something that can transform your high-definition TV set into an exceptional Internet-surfing device. This is really going to revolutionize how websites and programming are experienced.

However, the introduction of Google TV is not without controversies. In its voracious quest to deliver complete search results along with its ability to track what viewers do, the company is actually triggering a firestorm. From Hollywood to Washington, critics are saying bad things about the implications for privacy, competition, and even piracy.

Internet TV is the latest craze for sure, but the technology requires specifically configured TV sets. Once you get a right TV set, finding content online is a snap. You just need to type a specific subject or the name of the show into the search bar; you can do it using your wireless keypad. Enter it and Google TV will help you see content and videos that come from a number of platforms – from YouTube as well as from other sources, including broadcast and pay-TV channels.

The problem is that in order to provide all this, the company has started a war over the use of intellectual property. That’s why some major broadcasting companies are not allowing their content to be viewed through Google TV. Another argument made against the use of Google TV is that it is going to inspire people to view pirated videos, which can be found and streamed onto digital TV sets with the help of Google TV. The critics don’t stop here and have some other things to say. For instance, piracy experts believe that this particular form of internet TV may allow Google to collect data on its users. It may be used to study your viewing habits, which is going to help advertisers produce relevant ads. It makes your TV set an intelligent device, but most Americans are still afraid of having their TV sets turned into a device that has memory and the ability to monitor them.

The privacy concerns get to the center of attraction with Sony producing a line of smart TVs with Google TV built in. They say that the TV is going to keep a record of all sites you visit more frequently; in fact, it may keep track of your favorite podcasts, online series, online news feeds, and recorded videos.

On the other hand, Google TV’s piracy policy is also available to say a few things about the way they plan to work. It is clearly mentioned that the company is not going to collect TV-viewing histories, at least for now – but they may do so in the near future with users’ permission. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Google TV’s privacy policy states that the company reserves the right to store and collect “non-personalized” information even without asking for permission. It all implies that though Google’s critics have a lot to say about this new technology, internet TV users are going to enjoy this technology, at least until the FCC rules or legislation have something specific to say about it.

The article is contributed by Calvin Scott. Calvin is fascinated with technology and loves updating his knowledge bank by browsing the net. Visit his site for internet and internet en tv.Similar Posts:

Communities That Created Their Own Currency

dinu — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:13:17 +0000

Credit: dan taylor

‘No State shall …..coin money’, says Section 10 of Article 1 of the US Constitution, banning in a simple statement the production of private coinages and ensuring that the existing coins signify true value, perhaps leaving printed notes to signify something more ephemeral.

In many countries local currencies have been accepted practice at times when communities have striven to bolster local trade. In America communities can legally produce paper currency providing it does not resemble federally issued money.

Historically scrip has been used for the same purpose: not as legal tender, but a form of credit. Typically, a few businesses get together and print a new currency which customers can then buy at a discount.

Upstate New York has had a local currency since Ithaca Hours was created in 1991. It was named ‘Hours’ as a reminder that money represents someone’s time. Today it has over $100,000 in circulation today and 900 participating traders, including some local employers and employees who pay and receive the currency as part of their wages.

Plenty, a North Carolina currency was established in 2002. A local bank now exchanges it $9 for $10 of Plenty. It has $1, $5, $20 and $50 denominations.

The most established of local currencies are BerkShares in Massachusetts. In business since 2006 they now circulate some £2.3 million dollars. To spend BerkShares a customer visits one of 12 banks and pays $95 for $100 worth of BerkShares, these can be spent in 370 local businesses.

In Pittsburgh N.C. Detroit Cheers is the newly reinstated local currency scrip. $4,500 worth of Detroit Cheers are circulating today, backed by three businessmen: Belanger, Tharp and Linardos who each put up $1,500. More than 25 businesses accept the scrip.

Struggling in a climate of high local unemployment the 2,400 people of North Fork, CA, now have their own currency: North Fork Shares. Each share is worth $12 and is available in $12, $6 and $3 denominations. In Traverse City, Michigan, over 100 businesses accept a local currency known as Bay Backs.

Credit: Stepheye

Lewes, in East Sussex, UK has created the Lewes pound or £31,000 and has over 130 businesses accepting them. Germany, meanwhile, is estimated to have 16 regional currencies, such as the Urstromtaler accepted at over 200 businesses in the City of Magdeburg.

Each of these currencies has historical precedents. Local currencies have been used to restore regional economic confidence, encourage people to buy locally and keep money circulating within the community.

This article was produced by PrinterInks.com – suppliers of top brand printing products, including Dell, HP, Brother, Epson and Canon printer cartridges.Similar Posts:

Buying New Cars: Does it Make Sense for You?

dinu — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:17:00 +0000

You’ve probably heard that when you drive a new car off the lot it automatically drops in value. But does it really?

Yes, it makes sense that you walked into the dealership to buy your new car and you paid the retail price. It also makes sense that if you drive it off the lot, stop, hit it into reverse, and want to return your car to the dealership, they won’t buy back your car for that same price. Instead, they would only buy back your car at wholesale. It’s called depreciation and it also occurs as the time passes. Estimates range depending on car and mileage from 15% to 20% of your car’s value lost each year.

When else does the value of your new car drop significantly? When your model year ends. Your 2012 model won’t be worth as much when the 2013 is available. It’s similar to the new iPhone 4GS you just picked up. Once 5 comes out, 4GS won’t be worth as much.

So why would you want to buy a new car if it loses value so quickly? Turns out, there are a few good reasons:

High Enjoyment Payback

Sure, if you tried to return that brand new car you just paid an arm and a leg for, you wouldn’t get your limbs back. However, returning your new car isn’t something you want to do. When you buy a new car, if you’ve done your research, taken the test drive, and fell in love with the car, you’d have no reason to take it back.

You have to take into consideration how much happy you get from the car. Happy, it turns out, is the direct result of a good purchase. A good purchase when it comes to cars very well can mean the peace of mind you get with warranties … and the enjoyment you get out of the bells and whistles of brand new car.

Low Maintenance Costs

When you buy a new car, you won’t need any maintenance for the first several thousand miles. After that, you’re only looking at an oil change and tune-up. In today’s hard economy, many car manufacturers are even covering these costs. Unlike used cars, your new car won’t need new tires, brakes, battery, exhaust system or more during the first few years-plus of your ownership.

This goes for any large purchase. For instance, if you’re looking into trailers for sale to give your brand new truck even more hauling power, consider a new trailer and you won’t have the extra expenses as you might with used.

Warranties Mean Peace of Mind

Today’s warranties cover more than they did in previous years. In fact, many luxury carmakers are offering warranties of four years and up to 60,000 miles. Add these comprehensive warranties to the corrosion resistance and powertrains warranties offered by automakers and you’re driving off the lot with not only your sweet new ride, but peace of mind.

Guest Author Byline Now that you know more about the advantages of buying new cars, expand your horizons and consider learning more about new trailers for sale. Post written by guest blogger Michelle Anderson.Similar Posts:

Arranged Marriage

Avant-Garde — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:05:09 +0000

It was warm morning; I took my phone and gave a glance on the time. Shucks!!!! How can I miss the Alarm again and again? I had only half an hour to freshen up and reach the office. I remembered the face of the HR asking me, why I’m late to office often. I clubbed brushing my teeth, with toileting and shaving, with the shower.
Got into the first outfit I could grab and jumped into the shoes through the socks. Took the key and the helmet and rushed through the stairs. Having breakfast on the bike became a routine now because my flat speedometer can hold at least 4 breads.
I somehow managed to punch in to the office before 9. I switched on my computer and opened the “to do list” I made by spending two weeks. Yeah at last the Friday is here. I gave a Quick gaze again through the list. Everything seems to look fine as I thought.
I was talking to myself the whole day and thinking about how I should split my vacation days. I had managed to make plans with the family, Road trip with friends and dates with some old class mates. This vacation is going to be the best vacation I ever had because I had a clear plan for each day, to make it colorful.
I looked around to have a check on my boss and opened Facebook account. WOW!! My classmate just uploaded an awesome cute picture. I didn’t think twice, because no one ever got anywhere with thinking. I posted my proposal to her publically on her wall. This was the last hope; I was waiting a chance to propose her from the moment she broke up with her previous boyfriend.
Got back home packed my stuffs and left home thinking about the nice vacation and that FB girl. I checked my Facebook again and again on my way to the airport. There wasn’t any reply from this girl. I sat on the plane, building up a pile of hopes and dreams.
I checked my Facebook again while I was on the taxi from airport to home and I got disappointed to see that she removed me from her friends list. With a distressed mind I got out from the taxi, took my luggage and rang the doorbell.
My mom invited me in and told me to get freshen up. I had a shower and came down for the dinner. I could see my mom and dad waiting for me with a fully opened smile.
The moment I reached the table they handed over the photo of the girl they choose for me. They didn’t even ask me whether I liked the girl. It might be those Italy pictures which made my mom realize that it’s her time to search a girl for her son. I sat on the table like a paralyzed tiger. Dreams gone!! Expectations gone!! Dream girl gone!! Dates gone!!.
All left in me was that choice “When Should I marry her”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arranged Marriage

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How do I Decide Whether to Buy or Rent a Home?

Kenney Jacob — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 06:45:29 +0000

Whilst it might not have been quite the question on Shakespeare’s lips, many of us today are asking this very question; are we better off renting or buying?

‘If we rent, we’re throwing away money.’

You’ve probably heard a similar statement many times, the reason being? Technically it’s true. We don’t get anything back in financial terms when we rent, while buying means we are putting our money into something.

However, homeowners with an average deposit of 10% and an average interest rate of 5% could find themselves paying around 20% more each month than a similar property would cost them on the rental market.

What’s more, over half of their monthly payment could well be going on interest; i.e. dead money!

In addition, homeowners need to consider maintenance costs. In a rental property, most problems are dealt with by the tenant’s landlord or letting agent. When you own the home, these problems are yours to deal with, and repairs won’t always come cheap.

‘If we rent, we can’t make the home ‘our own’.

Another very valid point; rental homes are rarely customisable. Tenants are forced into keeping the property in a neutral state so it is as easy as possible for the landlord to find a replacement tenant when needed. If you want to express your interior design talents or just paint the door your favourite colour you could be out of luck.

Conversely, when you own your home you can do pretty much what you want with it. If you want you can not only paint your doors you could change them for some fancy oak doors. In most cases you are free to make changes and improvements to your heart’s desire. Want black walls and pink carpets? Really? Well, you can have them too.

When you own your own home, you can even have pets! Something very few landlords will allow.

‘If we buy, we’re stuck.’

Not technically. You can always sell up and move, but this is time-consuming, stressful and expensive.

Renting on the other hand, allows you to move home with relative ease; a great benefit if you’re unsure where your job or just your heart’s desire may take you.

Renting therefore, offers you freedom.

No-one wants to rent in retirement

The fact is, when we retire our income drops substantially. If upon retirement you’re still paying rent, chances are you will struggle greatly to get by.

Conversely, when we buy, we will eventually be able to live rent and mortgage free. That will free up money so we can enjoy better holidays, invest in new home improvements such as those oak doors you always fancied or simply eat out more often and at better restaurants. It might be 20, 25 or 30 years in the future but buying will lead to a better standard of living in the end.

James Harper wrote this post for UK Oak Doors who specialise in supplying oak doors and oak interior doors. James writes on issues relating to the home and ownership.Similar Posts: