Is The Vegetarian Diet Healthy?

May 7, 2012 — Owen Jones

Some individuals say that many of the items that are in a regular western diet are inherently bad for adult human beings. Their argument basically goes that if we were to cut out these things, then we would live longer, healthier lives. Before we take a look at some of these items, I want to point out that not everybody agrees with these points of view.

One of the most well-liked foodstuffs that is not much use to adult human beings is milk. Animal milk is just too rich for humans and besides that it is acidic and mucous-forming Think about it: why would we be designed to require the milk of other animals after we have been weaned off our own mother’s milk because we no longer needed it? It sounds farcical, does it not?

Maybe the reason we are told to drink milk is so that farmers can sell it to us. Some of the major worries with drinking milk is the quantity of chemicals and growth hormones that were fed to the cow.

It remains in the milk for the benefit of her calves, and we drink the same cocktail of drugs and hormones that is intended to force calfs grow. Unfortunately, the antibiotics given to the cow and the pesticides in her feed also show up in the milk she produces. Regrettably for us humans that is. Milk is also loaded with cholesterol and it’s calcium content is a problem for humans to extract.

It is often said that drinking milk will help stave off osteoporosis because of the high calcium content of milk, but if it is a problem for us to extract, then that is a very dubious claim. Why take the chance when you can simply take a couple of calcium pills? In rural Thailand very, very few individuals eat any dairy products at all yet a lack of calcium is not a local concern.

Eggs are not that healthy for you either because they are high in cholesterol. They also contain growth hormones, pesticides and antibiotics for the same reasons that milk does. Salmonella is a serious danger if the chickens are not dosed up to the eyeballs with antibiotics. Eggs can also result in constipation.

Fish is considered a healthy alternative to meat, yet you have to be careful with that as well these days. There is so much heavy metal is some fish like tuna and salmon, that it is recommended not to eat these fish more than once a week.

So it cannot be wise to eat it at all if you are ingesting doses of mercury and whatever else as well.

Of course, not all vegetarians stay away from all the foodstuffs listed above. In fact, most vegetarians will eat fish, a few less will eat cheese, eggs and drink milk. The smallest group of common vegetarian creeds is the vegans who will eat none of the above – no animal products whatsoever may pass their lips.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on several subjects, but is now concerned with low cholesterol diet recipes. If you want to know more, please visit our site at What Foods Lower Cholesterol?

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Save Money By Starting Spring House Improvement Projects Now

April 26, 2012 — Jay Miller

Sure, it may still be rainy and chilly outside, but spring is officially here and it’s never too early to start thinking about summer house improvement projects. By starting early you can actually take advantage of some early sales, get a better idea of what you want to do and even finish your projects early enough to enjoy the summer months!

Springtime is the perfect time to begin a lot of outside projects that involve planting things because the frequent rain and mild weather help seeds and starter plants get a good start on the season. During these months before summer you don’t have to worry about the humidity of the summer so it’s more fun to work outside and get things done in advance. Here are three great outside projects you can start right now:

Clean and Inspect Your Rain Gutters: The gutters of your house probably took a beating through the winter months. Ice and water and all sorts of debris from late fall can do quite a number on gutters and if you haven’t replaced them in a while. You might may want to check them over for cracks or weak points. A leaky gutter could sending water against your home and that can cause wood to rot around your roof line.

Plant Grass:Early summer is an excellent time to plant new grass seed for your lawn because rainfall is high and the temperatures are still moderate. But don’t believe that just scattering some grass seed over your lawn is all you have to do. To really get a green lawn you’ll want to use some advanced methods for planting grass seed around your home. Remember that all grass, especially new lawns, really need a lot of water to get started.

Make New Flowerbeds: If you’ve been in your home for a couple years then your flower beds around your home are probably aging and maybe even falling apart. The spring is the perfect time to get outside while it’s still mild and put together some new flower beds. Learning how to make a raised wooden flower bed is not difficult if you’re handy with just a few tools and you don’t mind a little work.

Springtime is a great time to get your house ready for summer. The warm weather makes it easier to spend a lot of time outside and the sale prices on home improvement materials and supplies usually can’t be beat. A little hard work during these next few months will make the summer all the more relaxing and enjoyable!

Now that you’re growing some grass, how about improving your home’s exterior with some cheap curb appeal ideas that can increase your property value and help sell your house quickly.

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How To Go About Choosing Your Garden Furniture

April 11, 2012 — Owen Jones

If you are going to take your garden seriously, there are a couple items that you have to do. This first thing to do is work out a plan of how you want your garden to look like. This is easily done using graph paper or the more artistic may choose to draw it. Then you need to landscape your garden according to your plan, although you can modify your plan as you go. After all, you are the boss. Put in any electric cables and water pipes that you may need. Put up your shed and greenhouse, if required then you can start planting and start to choose your garden furniture.

The point of this article is to help you choose your garden furniture. There is so much diversity of garden furniture that it can be quite difficult to make up your mind. Do you go for hardwood, softwood, metal or plastic?

Which colour and which style? Some of your choice will be restricted, if you are on a budget, but in reality, over the long term of twenty or thirty years, hardwood is the cheapest alternative and plastic the most expensive. Over the short term, two to five years, the opposite is the case.

Whether you want armchairs or recliners is certainly up to you and so outside the scope of this piece, so is the style that you prefer, although I will say that the most successful choice of garden furniture should blend in with the garden rather than stick out like a sore thumb. Plastic tends to look OK on a patio or deck, but rarely goes well with a garden full of pretty plants and bushes, whereas hardwood garden furniture tends to fit in well everywhere. You need to be a little careful with softwood and metal.

In a way, it is a good idea to tackle choosing your garden furniture in the your same way that you would select the furniture for inside your home. It has to blend in with your overall style.

Therefore, you might want to put off purchasing your garden furniture until you get your first crop of flowers up, unless you can imagine it in your mind. The only trouble with waiting for Spring is that that is when garden furniture is at its most expensive.

Ask yourself what you intend doing in the area where you are planning having your furniture. Are you and the family just going to collapse there after work and on weekends or are you going to hold more formal garden parties there? If you are going to have guests, it should be big enough for the number you expect and the furniture should be robust enough so that it will not give way under some of the heavier guests. If it is just for the family at least you are dealing with known information: how big they are and how many of them there are.

Another aspect to bear in mind is maintenance. Plastic does not have to be taken care of, but it will perish – become brittle – after a few hot summers and cold winters. You can prolong the life of your plastic garden furniture by keeping it in a shed when not in use. Metal garden furniture might need anti-rust treatment from time to time and if the seat is made of cloth, you should also check for signs of rot, which could lead to someone falling through the chair.

Softwood needs to be treated with preservative, paint, varnish or oil quite frequently and you should check for signs of rot or splitting, which can still occur no matter how much you take care of it. Hardwood garden furniture has to be treated once a year as well, but it is by far the most robust material used for making garden furniture.

Plastic and metal furniture are available in many colours; softwood can be painted or stained any colour you like and hardwood is available in all shades of brown from light oak to rich dark mahogany, but it should never be painted only oiled and stained, if you want to.

If you select hardwood, it can be a bit hard on the backside after a few hours, so buy a few cushions that match the colour and style of your garden furniture too. These can be stored inside when not in use or they will become unbelievably dirty and if they get wet it can take days for them to dry, during which time they might begin to rot and smell. Removable cushion covers are a decent idea.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on a range of subjects, but is now involved with large dining tables. If you would like to know more, please go to our website at Solid Oak Dining Tables.

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How to Clone Weed, Part One

April 2, 2012 — Jared Perkins

Cloning is a must have skill for anyone that is growing medical marijuana. Having a mother plant instead of seeds will do wonders for your turn around rate. Even though it sounds like science fiction, cloning is a fairly easy process. With a couple tips and some guidance from yours truly,you will have it down quicker than you think.

If you are thinking about cloning then you should already know the difference between male and female marijuana plants. Just in case you are getting ahead of yourself, let me clear the subject up for you. Male marijuana plants are nothing more than pests to growers unless they are cross breeding strains. Unless you are at that level have a 0% male policy. Unless you are sure that a plant is 100% female you have no business cloning it.

Preparation consists of some simple tasks and the acquisition of some very inexpensive materials. You will need a razor blade, rubbing alcohol or prep pad, clear plastic disposable cups, soil, water sprayer bottle, and either cloning powder or gel. All of this can be bought at Lowes for under $15. Make sure that you have an area set aside for the clone/clones with proper lighting set to 18 on 6 off cycle. You will need to be able to keep a close eye on your new clone so make sure that the area is easily accessible. Airflow is also important, like in all other stages of growth. The clone can stay pretty wet for stages in the process, some airflow will help you from developing deadly mold issues.

Now we need to build the dome that the clone will be growing in. Starting with a clear plastic cup we will need to make sure that water can properly drain. This can be achieved by cutting 3 holes along the rim on the bottom of the cup using the razor blade. Now you need to make something to catch the water run off from the original cup. Anything that is slightly bigger and tall enough to catch a little water should do. In order to use another clear cup as the top dome you will have to do a little retro fitting. Cut the top inch off the original, drainage cut, cup so that the other cup can slide down over it. Now you have your dome built.

Now that the your cloning dome is complete its time to add the soil. I’m going to leave your soil selection up to you with one exception. I suggest using soil that is not on the nutrient rich side of life. There will be plenty of time to feed it once it grows up and becomes more resilient. One trick with the soil that seems to work well is to saturate it with water and pour out the excess before planting the clone. The water in the soil will provide great humidity for several days while the dome is air tight. This will save you from having to spray the top dome as often and help encourage early root production. The last tip regarding soil is to already have the hole dug for your clone and add a little cloning powder/gel into it. This is just something I like to do. It’s just about time to cut, part two will be out soon.

Have you ever wanted to grow your own pot? Learn How To Grow Pot Indoors the right way. Start Growing Weed Indoors and ditch the dealer.

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How To Grow A Healthy Lawn

March 30, 2012 — James Malcheck

Whether you are beginning a new area of grass or just filling in some holes in an existing lawn there are some things you can do to assure that your grass seed will grow. It doesn’t take much skill to grow a healthy yard but it does require a good bit of time for your lawn to reach its full maturity. Each spring many people turn their attention to their back yards and begin the process of sewing grass seed in hope of having a green lawn before summer. Below are some tricks for growing a healthy yard:

Lots of Water: You will probably need a long hose and a sprinkler or sprayer. If it does not rain each day you will need to give your grass at least 15 to 25 minutes of sprinkling. The most important thing to remember when you begin growing your lawn is that it will require a lot of water. This video will show you the easiest way to plant grass seed with just a shovel, a garden rake and some soil and seed.

Do Not Walk On It: New grass must be left alone and not walked on while it is starting to sprout. Some people rope off an area around where they are planting grass in an effort to keep the new grass from being trampled by careless people and pets. Other than not watering your grass, crushing on newly planted grass is an almost certain way to kill your grass.

Mow Your Grass Sparingly: Sometimes grass grow too much and in those cases you should learn how to mow tall weeds. While mowing your grass does make it look cleaner, it is important to remember that you should let your grass become mature before you cut it for the first time. Many people know that when you do mow your grass you should use a higher setting on your lawn mower so that your grass can grow thick and green. Grass needs an opportunity to grow strong and healthy before you mow it down.

To have a beautiful yard you only need to spend two to three hours a week caring for it. The first time you attempt to grow a lawn you might need to buy some simple gardening tools such as a mower. It’s easy to have the yard of your dreams if you are willing to put in some time and effort every day.

A big part of keeping your lawn green is keeping out the weeds before they become too much of a problem. There are lots of ways to permanently kill dandelions, but only a few select ways actually work well.

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Controlling your Grow Room Air Quality

March 12, 2012 — Jared Perkins

When growing medical marijuana indoors it is your responsibility to control the environment. There are several aspects that need to be controlled in order to ensure your plants not only survive, but thrive. The air in your grow room is an important aspect of the growing process for many reasons. You will need to control a couple aspects of the air in order to get the harvest you desire. Although it may not seem like rocket science, there is a balance that that will take time to understand how to control. One aspect of control can affect another, so the basics are crucial.

Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen are crucial to plant life. Air delivers both of these to a plant. Plants, especially marijuana, do not thrive in stagnate air. It is important to have a steady flow of fresh air to your grow room, otherwise your plants will suffer. Experienced indoor growers go as far as to add co2 to their grow rooms air. Incredible increases in yields have been achieved by the addition and regulation of co2.

You are going to have to control the temperature of the air in order to ensure peak growth and potency. Temperature will only affect plants in a negative way under extreme conditions. As long as you keep it above freezing and below 110 degrees your plants should survive. The best range to shoot for is between 70-90 degrees. Studies show that plants that are budded in 90 degree heat ( while the lights are on ) end up having the best potency. Making drastic changes to the temperature can affect other aspects of air quality, so keep a watchful eye on the overall picture. Don’t over think temperature. Keep her steady around 80 degrees and make adjustment to compensate for any spikes or dips.

The last aspect of air control is humidity. Like with temperature humidity levels can affect both growth rate and potency. Humidity is similar as well to temperature in that there is a very forgiving range of acceptable humidity percentages. The only time that humidity will affect growth rate is when it dip below 20% or raises above 90%. Rule of thumb in as far is potency goes is that a relative low humidity around 40% is best. Humidity can be controlled by humidifiers and dehumidifiers. A humidifier may be necessary in the winter as home heating sucks humidity out of the air. Dehumidifiers are only necessary in extreme cases and most often in basements.

If you can control the air in your grow room you will be well on the way to having the healthy plants needed to bring you the harvest you desire. There are several other areas of control for you to work on, but if you do not have your air control under control the rest of your grow will surely suffer. Remember to always keep an eye on the temperature and humidity at all times, but especially during seasonal change. A digital thermometer with a humidity gauge runs around $10 at Lowes, so there are no excuses to not be on top of it.

Have you ever wanted to learn to Grow Weed? Marijuana has been used in cultures for thousands of years. Start Growing Weed Indoors and ditch the dealer.

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Unfounded Fear Of The Brown Recluse

February 1, 2012 — Dr. Doug Asher

When it comes to fears of being bitten the brown recluse reigns supreme. It’s not that this pest is large and so the bite would be very painful or cause an immediate open wound. In fact most people aren’t even aware that they have been bitten until a few hours pass by and the swelling and other symptoms begin to set in. The fear with the recluse bite is not the initial bite, it is the aftermath and the on going progression of the wound that people fear most. The only other bites that folks fear as much would be snake bites or one from a black widow spider. It is the recluse however that comes with ready made stories about gaping wounds that never heal and even the extreme of cutting off hands or limbs to stop the poisons. This only half truth has spread through out the nation as everyone is at risk when in reality only a moderate region of the United States in documented to having the brown recluse as a native pest.

Recluse spiders have been found outside of their range but this is attributed to its habit of hiding in things like furniture or clothing. If these items are moved so is the spider. So when something is shipped or taken on vacation it takes with it a recluse and indeed the spider has been found in places it is not normally known to be. However the spider doesn’t fair very well at all in these areas and it is very rare that it becomes established. It is far more likely to find a dead recluse in the states its not known for than a live one. The range of the recluse includes states from north Texas and Oklahoma across to western Georgia and up to parts of Kentucky and as far up as parts of Iowa down to the Florida border. The states in between have healthy stands of the spider and that is where you’ll find them most.

This shy and tiny spider gets its moniker because of its habit of tucking away in quiet undisturbed places. They steer clear of human activity as much as possible and only venture out at night in which to find food. They do live very comfortably inside your home but because of their secrecy one may seldom have any clue. Exterminators who service homes for spiders often report killing hundreds of the recluse in a single home that they were just there to service for an ‘occasional’ sighting. The recluse lair or nest is usually nondescript with only a small amount of unorganized webbing around the entry. More silk can be found inside that secures the females egg sacs but no tell tale orb or other web is present. The spider prefers to return to its nest each morning but at times it finds the need to find a temporary day time nest. This can be a shoe or in some clothing where it thinks it will be undisturbed and this often where contact with humans is made.

It is common for homes to have large numbers of this arachnid since the occupants don’t realize they have a infestation. Pest professionals often report of killing a hundred or more brown recluse in a home that has never been sprayed. This large number takes time to build up because recluse females do not produce hundreds of babies at a time and only lays her eggs sacs once or twice per year. Even in homes with many recluses it is far more likely to find a dead one in the normal course of a day than it is to see live ones scurrying up the wall because of the nature of this spider. The recluse also does not need to eat or drink every day as is the case with other bugs. They can last six months with nothing and so they simply wait patiently to find food. They are also durable in that they can survive the hot attic temperatures in the summer or cold rooms in a home such as the basement.

Doctors far to often perpetuate the horror stories of the recluse. Without an actual specimen it is impossible to diagnose a recluse bite with any accuracy. It’s far to easy apparently to blame the recluse without taking in the many other possibilities. Actually the yellow sac spider is reported far more often as a biting spider and its venom is much like the recluses. No one wants to be bitten by any insect for sure but if indeed a bite occurs the proper identification is crucial so that correct treatments of the wound can be made. Passing off every single bite as a recluse or spreading their sphere of territory through horrible stories just flames the fire of people fears. If were up to the recluse he would probably ask you to live quietly and in in peace one with another just as the recluse does with you.

No other spider causes such fear of not only its bite but its painful aftermath. Myths and half truths rule the day but not for those who choose to be informed and trade in their fears, for these people therecluse is a manageable problem and one that won’t rule their lives.

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Fruit Fly Control

February 1, 2012 — Dr. Doug Asher

Drosophila is the scientific name for something you might know better as a fruit fly. This tiny pest only measures about 1/8 of an inch but it might as well be 3 feet tall when it comes to getting rid of him. Fruit flies are also called the red eyed fly, pomace flies and vinegar fly. This pest is found throughout the world and can make it’s home inside or out. This versatility makes it hard to get rid of in sensitive places like hospitals, restaurants or wineries. Building often offer many places for this fly to thrive and especially larger ones such as mentioned above.

The fruit fly is often mistaken for just another gnat or even the phorid fly but this is a mistake to give such a cavalier ID. The best way to identify this pest is by its red eyes which can easily be seen with just a little magnification. Knowing any pest ID is important so you know how to treat and where to look and this especially important fotr the fruit fly.

Fruit flies have a complete metamorphosis so they go from eggs to larva to pupa to adult. Up to 500 eggs are laid by each female which are very tiny and seldom seen. She lays these eggs in or near what you and I might call scum. Rotting vegetable matter or build up grime in a sinks drain are two of the most common sites. The eggs hatch in just over a day and the larva feed for about 6 more. Moving to a drier location larvae begin to pupate and emerge as an adult a few days later. The whole process can be in as little time as 8 days total. This quick life cycle can lead to explosions in numbers of the fruit fly in a very short time.

Fruit flies easily follow air currents and usually have several breeding places in any building. Do not assume that all of your breeding sources are indoors; fruit flies will wander in from nearby dumpsters, outdoor garbage cans or even damp compost piles where fruits and vegetableshave beendisposed of. After the source of attraction and breeding has been removed, a pyrethrum-based insecticide may be used to kill any remaining adult flies in the area.

Once the source is removed spraying with an aerosol pyrethrum can kill remaining adults for quick relief. Traps are also common and can be home made. A small jar or glass with either cider, wine or old banana at the bottom will attract the. Making a funnel from construction paper and placing the small end in the container will allow the fly in but they won’t be able to find their way back out. This very simple trap will help you greatly in getting rid of the adult flies and hopefully before they’ve laid more eggs.

Getting to the source is the best way to deal with fruit flies but having a trap to give you much needed relief in between will definitely cut down on the frustration of dealing with this pest. Find out how to make a do it yourself gnat and fruit fly trap here

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Eliminating Bedbugs

January 31, 2012 — Dr. Doug Asher

Cimex lectularius, which are found in the northern temperate climates of North America, Europe, and Central Asia, are parasitic insects that are small and elusive. Commonly called bedbugs they have several different names, including the wall louse, mahogany flat, chinche, redcoat, crimson rambler and heavy dragoon. For Floridians they most likely are Cimex hemipterus bedbug that is more commonly found in tropical climates like Africa, Asia and semitropical areas.

They come from the family Cimicidae. That term refers to species that feed preferentially on human blood. All bugs in the Cimicidae family feed exclusively on warm blooded animals and humans. The name bedbug has been given to this particular bug because of its habit to infest houses, particularly beds, couches and any other common areas a person might sleep. Bedbugs are mainly nocturnal, and are able of feeding unnoticed by their host. The Bedbugs were largely destroyed in the 1940′s by powerful insecticides such as DDT. But bedbugs have resurged since about 1995 and have become more and more prolific.

The common bedbug is the best adapted species to human environments. It can be found in temperate climates throughout the world. Bedbugs can survive in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. However, bedbugs cannot survive however in high concentrations of carbon dioxide for very long.

The way a bedbug eats is by perforating the skin of its host, with a pair of hollow feeding tubes. One tube will inject its saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anesthetics, while the other draws up the blood of its host. The bedbug only feeds for about 5 minutes, and then it will return to its hiding place. Bedbugs often hide unnoticed in dark cracks, and eggs can be nestled in fabric seams, carpets, and bed frames. Aside from bite symptoms, signs of an infestation include: fecal spots, blood smears on sheets, and molts.

Eliminating bed bug infestations require persistence, elbow grease and a thorough cleaning and possible disposal of beds, couches, and infested items. Because they hide in many tiny places, inspections and treatments must be very thorough. Infested bedding, clothing and other items will need to be laundered. And a proven effective, efficient way is to place clothing, shoes, backpacks, and toys in a clothes dryer on high heat for 10-20 minutes. This will kill the bedbug in all stages.

The name bedbug has been given to this particular bug because of its habit to infest houses, particularly beds, couches and any other areas a person sleeps. Bedbugs are mainly active at night, and are capable of feeding unnoticed by their dinner victim. The Bedbugs were largely destroyed in the 1940′s in the developed world by powerful insecticides such as DDT. But bedbugs have resurged since about 1995 and have become a major nuisance.

Professional Bed Bug Tips and how to’s…

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The Top Reasons To Place Surveillance Cameras Around The Property

January 17, 2012 — Eric Stonebred

There are many reasons why you should install surveillance cameras around your home. Most people don’t understand how important they can be. The truth is, this is an exceptional way to protect all members of the home as well as valuables.

For those who haven’t noticed, the world is a very different place. Crime rates are constantly increasing, especially with regards to theft. And the way that thieves operate have also changed. In the past, they only went to homes that were vacant, when people were out shopping or working. Now, they don’t have to wait.

Many prefer to just invade. They wait and wait until someone opens the front door, for whatever reason. So, if the proper surveillance cameras and equipment are not installed, one would never know what is waiting on the other side of that door.

Yet, even those who know that the world has changed still will open their front doors to all kinds of strangers. This puts them in grave danger. However, if the home is properly secured with equipment, there would be no need to worry or put anyone at risk. Thankfully, these things are not just for the rich any longer.

The fact is, they are much more affordable pieces of equipment. So, there is no reason why an average homeowner or renter wouldn’t invest in these. It’s a matter of protection, not for just valuables, but for the most important part of life, family members. People can check in on their properties no matter where they are, at any time of the day or night.

Certainly, this gives a sense of security to those who have this installed like nothing else. It is through the help of the Internet that all this is possible. And with these little hand-held electronic devices, peace of mind can be had by anyone. There are different types of system setups that allow for different types of surveillance.

Furthermore, there are different grades of security equipment that are within reach of all budgets. It’s important to look at what type of security you are interested in to provide you that security you want. From there, it’s easy to deter people who have less than honorable intentions with this manner. And just like that, it can give anyone the peace of mind knowing that their families are well protected and safe from harm.

Get exclusive inside information on good reasons to install surveillance cameras around your home now in our complete review of all you need to know about how and where to find the best residential security system .

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