Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Coffee As Your Health Drink

For some time now, debates continue on the health benefits of coffee. There are a variety of studies which found that indulging on certain amounts of coffee causes high blood pressure, heart ailments and even ulcers.

On the other hand, there have been an almost equal number of researches that proved the health benefits of drinking coffee. Let's look more closely at the benefits.

Recent medical findings have shown that regular consumption of coffee reduces the risk of Parkinson's, diabetes, and even lowers the risk of having colon cancer.

And it seems that the high caffeine content of coffee is the one responsible for all these. The development of Parkinson's for one has been found out to be indirectly correlated to the intake of caffeine. The more you take in caffeine, the less the risk you developing the disease. The same goes with type 2 diabetes.

As more studies are being conducted, the more they are moving towards making their studies conclusive, without any doubts whatsoever. It has been found that taking two cups of coffee a day can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by as low as 25 percent.

Also an 80% drop in the risk of having liver cirrhosis was observed in people who drink at least 2 cups of coffee on a daily basis.

The antioxidants found in the coffee appear to be the ones responsible for reducing the chances of developing such diseases. It seems that the antioxidants control the growth of the cells of these diseases.

Also, antioxidants are great sources of chlorogenic acid which have been found to be able to reduce glucose concentrations in one's body.

However, one important factor in all these studies is the quantity of coffee consumption. They have found a number of benefits from drinking a cup or two per day.

However, some of the benefits disappear once the individual drinks more than two cups of coffee in a day. The more you drink, the less benefits you will get.

Aside from the antioxidant contents, coffee's caffeine also has some great effects on our body. Recent research from the University of Bristol found out that the caffeine influences our cognition and mood.

According to the study, caffeine from coffee can increase alertness and performance thus increasing one's productivity especially in the workplace.

Still, coffee does have some not so good effects. Caffeine contains a mild addictive stimulant, coffee itself can cause an increase heart rate as well as an increased blood pressure. But as always, the key is moderation.

RESOURCE BOX: Author: James Dodson Are you interested in enjoying top brands of coffee for less money. This includes Starbucks and all of the leading brands and also assecessories. Here is the website. Just click.

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Monday, January 21, 2008

The Growth and Development of Coffee Shops

During the recent years, we have been taken over by an experience a lot different from others. An experience of pure and unadulterated goodness…one that makes a rollercoaster ride like a slow turtle in mud. An experience that makes chocolate fantasies like a dream of rotting corpses.

An experience so magical, so unique and so electrifying that many people are standing in line to be served the ultimate coffee experience.

We have seen them sprout and mushroom almost everywhere. Cafés and coffee shops have been steadily increasing in number not only in urban areas but in suburban and rural areas as well.

This is brought about by the large demand of the current generation for a place to do their business, meet people, hang-out with friends and spend moments with special people.

And because of the abundance of choices and the seemingly endless choices of products, people are becoming more and more discerning of their choice of venue and product. As they say only the best will survive, and the truth is only those who can provide the best coffee experience last long enough to say how they manage to do it.

Out on a coffee experience

The seemingly endless competition of big and small coffee shops and cafés all boil down to one thing, how you make the coffee. Being the primary product of a coffee shop it is imperative that the coffee served meets the high standards of the consumers.

Not only is the taste being judged, the presentation, the excitement and the experience that it gives and creates in the customer serves as the basis for how much the product will impact the society.

Classic combinations like coffee and sugar and coffee and cream of course will never be out of the picture but since people are looking for an adventure with every cup, it wouldn't be bad to experiment with different brews that would create a sense of anticipation on the part of the consumer.

Trying out different flavors like hazelnut, nutmeg, cinnamon, chocolate, milk, honey, and other flavors that could boost the smell of the already aromatic smell of pure coffee can make a person's day.

Blending coffee with different bases also creates a different texture. Blending coffee with different ingredients like ice, jelly and colas also gives your boring old coffee a different kick.

Since you became so brave and creative as far as experimenting with your coffee, why not try outrageous and totally out of this world blends that would surely be the talk of the town.
RESOURCE BOX: Author: James Dodson, Email: datasan6@gmail.com
Now you can experiment with all types of coffees and coffee machines at home with the finest coffees in the world. At a reduced cost. Even the great Starbucks Brand and all of the others. Here is the website:

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Picture of Route 374, Death Valley, California, USA - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com

Picture of Route 374, Death Valley, California, USA - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com

Photo Story of 30,000 ft Skydives

Photo Story of 30,000 ft Skydives

Sunday, January 20, 2008

How To Have Better Solutions

Does the quantity of your efforts match the quality of the results you get? Do you wish that you could get better results? There is one simple and effective way that anyone can use to get better results without it costing a single cent.

Just ask better questions!

You can choose to ask yourself if you are happy. There are times when the answer will be "yes" as you can feel a surge of joy and confidence inside you when things have gone well. There are times when your answer will be "no" if you had a bad day, and your confidence has taken a beating. If your answer was "no", you get into a worst state than before you asked yourself the question.

Ask a better question. Ask yourself what you can be happy about. When most people ask themselves this question, they think of the things that they normally take for granted. By doing this, you can shift yourself to a more resourceful state and get out of the "poor me" state which will sap your energy.

What about at work where somehow you are not getting the recognition and the monetary rewards? You can ask yourself as to why your boss does not recognize your capabilities and reward accordingly. You will get answers to why you got a bad boss and in most instances you can do little or nothing to change that.

A better and more basic question may be to ask yourself what is it that you need to deliver to get the recognition and rewards. Sometimes, this question may show that you are missing some elements in delivering on the job. Tough pill to swallow but it is easier if you discover it yourself rather than having the boss pointing it out to you.

If you cannot answer the question yourself, ask your boss how you are doing on the job. You do not have to wait for the annual appraisal for him or her to tell you, by which time it is too late.

As you discuss with your boss, if the answers are not clear enough for you to act on, ask better questions. If for example, he says that your report is not detailed enough, you can ask him what else might be required to make it sufficiently detailed.

Remember that if you volunteer to ask these questions, you will be seen as taking initiative. However, if the boss pulled you up for a badly done job, and you ask the same questions, he or she will see it as being challenged. So, be proactive whenever possible.

Now, if you find that your work is good and yet you are not getting recognized, you can either gripe about it or ask yourself another question like should you look for another job? If the answer is "no", then next will be to question yourself as to the value of staying on. It could be that the learning experience is valuable enough for you to stay on for a while.

Asking better questions applies to any aspect of life. The trick is in asking questions that will give you answers that will solve your problems, not create bigger problems.

If you asked yourself why you are sad or why you are doing a bad job of whatever it is you are doing, you will get answers as to what makes you sad or do a bad job. Those are not the actions you want to take. Ask questions that will give you actions to achieve better results.

You may argue that if you know what you should not do, the opposite is what you should do. Sounds logical! The only problem is that your brain absorbs and attracts the negatives if that is what you are primarily feeding it. You then start attracting negative elements. So, it is crucial that your answers are the positive ones that you want to act on.

Does this apply when you are at social gatherings? Most definitely!

A typical question will be "how are you?" and the person replies "fine, thank you" and that ends the conversation. Better questions must involve something that the person with whom you are speaking knows a lot about.

Everyone knows about him or herself well. So, if you ask a question like "what was the last enjoyable movie that you watched" followed by "what was it about the movie that was enjoyable," the chances are this person will be able to talk about it. Or it could be "did you read any good books recently" and "what was good about that book?"

The trick is in just remembering one thing. If you do not like the result you are getting, and you are frustrated, ask a question that will get you out of the frustrated state.

You will be amazed at the changes you will see in yourself, when you start asking better questions.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson, Email: datasan6@gamil:com
Here is a great opportunity to get the very best brands of coffee for less. Also the
best coffee machines and assocessories: Not only Starbucks but other great names:
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Saturday, January 19, 2008

Travel Assessories You Need: A Check List

So, finally you have found the time for your deserving break. You have already planned what to do on the big trip. Everything seems to be prepared. But what happens when you forget your favorite digicam and you only discovered it when you’re already nearing the point of your destination?

Why does it happen that every time you go out of town, you always forget an item or accessory that you only remember after you left the house? If you are lucky, you usually forget small things like a toothbrush, where you can buy one in the nearest store.

But what happens if you forget, for example, your digicam? Or how about your raincoat in a rainy season? How about the travel supplies you usually forget? If you’re lucky, it’s a simple accessory like a toothbrush, which any hotel will have in their gift shop. But what if you forgot a more important product, for example, a rain coat? Or a backpack you’ll be using for a hiking trip?

What are all the travel accessories you need?

When going on trips, whether it is big or small, check out if you have a complete set of your travel accessories. What accessories should I bring? Among the most obvious are:

- Suitcases

- Travel clothing

- Toiletries

-Travel appliances (electric razor, travel alarm, hairdryer)

These, however, are just the basic accessories. You will see that the more you travel, the more you need things other than suitcases, toiletries, and travel clothing and appliances. For example, did you think that you should have brought a small nice neck pillow in a long train ride or flight? Or, what if you get bruised from a hiking trip, do you have a first-aid kit close at hand?

Here are some accessories that you might want to bring when you take your next trip:

- Binoculars

- Music player

- Mini-flashlight

- Camera

- Clothing steamer

- Mini-umbrella

- Luggage rack

- Door alarm

- First-aid kit

It would not be surprising that you might have additional options to this list, or you might have a list entirely different from the list above. And when you check out stores and Internet sites that sell travel accessories, you would learn that there are many products out there that you thought you never needed but turned out to be the contrary!

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email: datasan6@gmail.com
Check Coffee for less tor additional assessories that will make your travels more enjoyable. Travel cups, coffees,and much more. Here is the website:
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Friday, January 18, 2008

Coffee Facts and Trivia You Will Enjoy

Coffee is actually a term that was once used for a wine that was made from the berries of a coffee tree. In fact, the black wine, as it was referred to during that time, is used in religious rites as wine by people of Mohammed. Of course, as time passed, coffee became a staple and not just wine for religious ceremonies.

Caffeine, although universally taken, is actually one of the substances that are being prohibited by the International Olympic Committee. In fact, there are athletes that are banned from competing because of caffeine.

They must not have 12 micrograms of caffeine in their urine. This can be reached when you drink about five cups of coffee straight. And here we thought it is only steroids were being banned in the Olympic battle ground.

Did you know that the body can absorb as much as 300 milligrams of caffeine at one time. This can be gotten from about 4 cups of coffee. Additional cups don't work because after this limit is reached, they don't provide any more stimulation. In fact, the body has an internal system that neutralizes caffeine every hour.

Coffee in the cowboy era makes theirs by straining ground coffee in a clean sock and then dousing them in cold water. This is then heated over fire. Hmm… Coffee in socks! Yukk!

In Paris, the first coffeehouse was opened in 1689. Its name Café Procope was taken from the owner Francois Procope. The café caters to artsy people in the city.

Cappucino is actually the result of several word derivations that are used in different ways. The most original derivation was from an order of friars, the Capuchin. Their name comes from the term used for the hood part of their habit, the cappuccio. Since the color of the cappuccino resembles the habit— coffee topped with cream or milk— it has long since began to carry that name.

Countries used different ways to grade their coffee. For instance, in Costa Rica coffees are graded according to the bean. In Kenya, they use the standard A, B, C system which are already in place as grading system for most products on the market.

Different countries drink their coffee in different ways. The Moroccans for instance add peppercorns while those from the Middle East use cardamom and spices. Austrians love putting whipped creams into their coffee cup while the German and the Swiss like it with chocolate. Egyptians drink it black while the Italians use sugar. The turks even use coffee in their wedding feasts.

Turkish bridegrooms present coffee to their new wives. The custom even mentions that failing to do so can be a grounds for divorce. There are coffee houses in Yugoslavia that are known as kafano. They will brew your own coffee while you wait. They use deyza, an open pot and use tiny cups called the demitasse.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson, Email Datasan6@gmail.com
Here is the website for Coffee for Less where you will find all top brands and blends from around the world. For far less. Here is the wensite:
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The Value of Acupuncture

Again this is something I found to be of great value from my long duration in Asia. I can verify that it not only works, it is excellent. Do not hestitate to make use of it. Just make sure the practioner is well qualified.


Acupuncture is used throughout the world as an alternative medicine for treating a series of health issues related to the overall body and mental conditions. It all began many centuries ago in China and was used to treat a series of ailments by using stone knives and there were no trigger points to follow. Nowadays, it is used by inserting needles into certain areas of the body called trigger points. An acupuncture treatment could take up to several weeks or even months to work.

It is thanks to this Chinese treatment that acupuncturists can unblock chi the source of energy in the body, and through the needles placed at determined trigger points they can counterbalance the conflicting forces of yin and yang. Consequently chi can flow without obstruction through the passageways of the body which are also called meridians. As long as the chi flows freely the body stays healthy; the problem occurs when there are some obstructions along these passage ways or meridians and that's when the body becomes sick.

As Acupuncture doesn't work the same way with every patient, sessions can be personalized according to the needs and effectiveness of the treatment itself. More than often, the first few sessions are longer than the others and may take more than six or seven sessions to find any relief. Some acupuncture treatments are longer than others depending upon the intensity of the pain but nearly everyone who has gone through it has found acupuncture to be very beneficial.

Ever since the discovery of lasers, acupuncture specialists have been using it for treating numerous ailments such as sinusitis, pneumonia, and asthma. This works by stimulating
by light those places where the trigger points were stimulated by traditional needles. The results of this procedure can be seen in the improvement in the functioning of the cells on the body making it easier to treat certain health conditions.

Another way of implementing acupuncture today is through the use of electrical currents. Electro acupuncture consists in employing a pulsating electrical current on the needles so as to stimulate those trigger points. The benefits of this kind of stimulation is that it is stronger and you can control its intensity.

Electro acupuncture is particularly indicated for those patients that have severe neurological disorders such as constant pain, severe spasms and some forms of paralysis.

This is a good way of getting some benefit from severe ailments but not everyone can use this kind of acupuncture. Electro acupuncture should not be used in those patients who have a heart condition, plus the sessions shouldn't last for more than twenty minutes depending on the patient's toleration to electrical currants.

To sum up, whatever form of Acupuncture you decide to opt for, these could potentially benefit your overall health if used with moderation, and of course don't forget to ask the advice of an expert prior to making any decisions.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email: datasan6@gmail.com
As mentioned in every Resource Box my website is a source of excellent coffee at less cost. Check it out. Many brands and related items. Take a look at the Kcups
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How To Dejunk Your Life

Are you constantly stressed because you can't get organized, no matter how hard you try? Do you ever feel as if you are drowning in a sea of stuff? Are you frustrated because you are always running behind? If so, here are a few steps towards a better organized you.

Start with a plan. Don't try to do everything at once, or you'll get overwhelmed and give up before you even start. Junk accumulates in 4 areas: space, time, priorities, and paper/information.

Decide which one of the 4 areas you want to deal with first, and then ask yourself these questions:

1. Why do I need this in my life?
2. Why do I want this in my life?
3. Why is this essential in my life?

As you use the 3 questions above, take baby steps in what will be a life-long progress that will help you be more successful and have less stress and more balance in your life.

Your Space

When you eliminate things you don't need or use, life becomes simpler, with less stress and more balance. You are able to focus on the things that are important to you, and you can get more enjoyment out of your space.

As you go through your home, tackle one room at a time, starting with the area that's most frustrating to you. Get that under control, and then move on to another problem area.

The bathroom is often a good starting place because it's one of the smallest rooms in your home, and de-cluttering it will give you a sense of accomplishment and renewed energy to keep going.

Your Time

Do you want more time to take care of yourself? Are you trying to squeeze more time out of your day to spend with your family? Are you looking to cut down on your chores at home? Time seems to be one area that gets out of balance very quickly.

There are many activities vying for your attention: socializing, church and school programs, recreation, yard work, reading, exercise, and so much more....And even though they all seem important, you don't have time for all of them. You need to make decisions about how to best spend your time.

To help you manage your time, make sure you have a family calendar with everyone's activities recorded on it: not only will this help you stay organized, but it will show you if you are spending enough time with your loved ones.

Use lists to stay on track: grocery lists, cleaning lists, project lists, etc. Lists help you in two ways: first, by writing down your tasks you are de-cluttering your mind, and second, you can do your chores quickly, knowing exactly what needs to be done.

Remember that time is a precious gift: use it wisely by making choices rather than reacting to situations as they occur.

Your Priorities

Do you find yourself on the run at all times? It's really easy to always be busy and not accomplish things that are most important in your life.

When you know what's important to you and what your goals are, it is easy to say "no" to those activities that don't move you towards those goals. To set priorities, you must first know what you want to achieve: take time right now and think where you want to be in 1 year, 5 years, and even 10 years.

What will you be doing? Where will you be doing it? Why will you be doing it? How will you be doing it? And lastly, with whom will you be doing it?

Once you have a clear picture of where you want to be, you can create a plan to take you there. Write your goals in pencil, and don't be afraid to change them, if your life's circumstances change. Goals are just guidelines for your life.

Your Paper/Information

You need a plan to control all types of information: your photos, children's mementos, bills to be paid, receipts, warranties, income tax information, and any other vital documents.

For photographs, have them placed in an album for that year, or for the occasion, immediately after you picked them from the photo shop: otherwise, you'll be wondering later on, where or when you took those pictures.

For your kids treasures, get a box for each child, and when they fill it, they need to throw away one memento before they add their last creation. This is the best way to save only the best of your children's treasures.

For your vital documents, make sure you have them in a safety deposit box.

As for your online information, organize your desktop and your email with well labeled folders, and make sure you only save information that is absolutely necessary: otherwise, you'll soon be overwhelmed.

There are so many things you can do to de-junk your life! I hope this is the beginning of a great adventure for you, as you declare war on junk and take control of your life.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email:datasan6@gmail.com
Meet the Purple Cowboys at

Generating Better Results

Does the quantity of your efforts match the quality of the results you get? Do you wish that you could get better results? There is one simple and effective way that anyone can use to get better results without it costing a single cent.

Just ask better questions!

You can choose to ask yourself if you are happy. There are times when the answer will be "yes" as you can feel a surge of joy and confidence inside you when things have gone well. There are times when your answer will be "no" if you had a bad day, and your confidence has taken a beating. If your answer was "no", you get into a worst state than before you asked yourself the question.

Ask a better question. Ask yourself what you can be happy about. When most people ask themselves this question, they think of the things that they normally take for granted. By doing this, you can shift yourself to a more resourceful state and get out of the "poor me" state which will sap your energy.

What about at work where somehow you are not getting the recognition and the monetary rewards? You can ask yourself as to why your boss does not recognize your capabilities and reward accordingly. You will get answers to why you got a bad boss and in most instances you can do little or nothing to change that.

A better and more basic question may be to ask yourself what is it that you need to deliver to get the recognition and rewards. Sometimes, this question may show that you are missing some elements in delivering on the job. Tough pill to swallow but it is easier if you discover it yourself rather than having the boss pointing it out to you.

If you cannot answer the question yourself, ask your boss how you are doing on the job. You do not have to wait for the annual appraisal for him or her to tell you, by which time it is too late.

As you discuss with your boss, if the answers are not clear enough for you to act on, ask better questions. If for example, he says that your report is not detailed enough, you can ask him what else might be required to make it sufficiently detailed.

Remember that if you volunteer to ask these questions, you will be seen as taking initiative. However, if the boss pulled you up for a badly done job, and you ask the same questions, he or she will see it as being challenged. So, be proactive whenever possible.

Now, if you find that your work is good and yet you are not getting recognized, you can either gripe about it or ask yourself another question like should you look for another job? If the answer is "no", then next will be to question yourself as to the value of staying on. It could be that the learning experience is valuable enough for you to stay on for a while.

Asking better questions applies to any aspect of life. The trick is in asking questions that will give you answers that will solve your problems, not create bigger problems.

If you asked yourself why you are sad or why you are doing a bad job of whatever it is you are doing, you will get answers as to what makes you sad or do a bad job. Those are not the actions you want to take. Ask questions that will give you actions to achieve better results.

You may argue that if you know what you should not do, the opposite is what you should do. Sounds logical! The only problem is that your brain absorbs and attracts the negatives if that is what you are primarily feeding it. You then start attracting negative elements. So, it is crucial that your answers are the positive ones that you want to act on.

Does this apply when you are at social gatherings? Most definitely!

A typical question will be "how are you?" and the person replies "fine, thank you" and that ends the conversation. Better questions must involve something that the person with whom you are speaking knows a lot about.

Everyone knows about him or herself well. So, if you ask a question like "what was the last enjoyable movie that you watched" followed by "what was it about the movie that was enjoyable," the chances are this person will be able to talk about it. Or it could be "did you read any good books recently" and "what was good about that book?"

The trick is in just remembering one thing. If you do not like the result you are getting, and you are frustrated, ask a question that will get you out of the frustrated state.

You will be amazed at the changes you will see in yourself, when you start asking better questions.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson, Email: datasan6@gmail.com
If you haven't checked out the Coffee For Less website now is the time to do it. Top brands and blends as well as coffee makers and related products.
CoffeeForLess.com

Buying An Expresso Machine

Those who want to start the day right with a fresh cup of coffee have to go out first and buy the machine. There are certain things to consider before shelling out those hard earned dollars and here are some tips that will help any potential buyer.

1. Household appliances aren't free. Price is definitely the most important factor. This may depend on the frequency that those in the household can consume on a daily basis that will determine whether to get the kind made of metal or plastic.

2. There are 4 types of espresso machines being offered on the market.

The basic model operates through steam. The second is called the semi-automatic because it has a few settings that will help the user control how long this will be brewed before it goes down from the pot and into the cup.

The third is called the automatic. You don't have to go back and forth to the kitchen to check on it because this can be fixed at a certain time so the only thing to do is get it while it's still hot.

The last is called the super automatic. It is just like the third type. The only difference is that it does other things such as eject the spent puck or pour steam milk out into the cup. This is the most expensive and will cost more than $1,000 and are only used by commercial establishments.

3. Coffee machines also come in various designs. The basic one is rectangular and bulky. But those who want a more modern look can look at the thin models which can be compared to flat screen television sets.

4. The boiler is the only part of the espresso machine that is made out of metal. Many prefer aluminum because they heat up faster compared to the others but brass and copper seem to be more durable in the long term.

5. Another factor that will help convert the coffee grounds into the espresso is the bar pressure. Ideally, machines that guarantee 9 bars is sufficient enough for household consumption even if there are other models that can promise double.

With all this information, it is time to go shopping. You should check out the various brands and compare the prices being offered at one store from the next before making that important decision.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email>datasan6@gmail.com
Here is a resource not only for buying coffee for less but all various coffee
appliances and assocessories. Coffee for Less has been in business since 1975.
They not only serve individuals but also business firms. Here is the website:
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Daily Opportunities to Teach Your Child

Children love to learn, and they learn best when parents take an active role in their education. The first response to this from many parents is that they do not have the time to sit down and teach their child math or reading. Many state that this is why they send their children into the school system. Teachers know best how to educate the children they teach.

There are many ways to teach children, and not all of them require a parent to sit down and have a structured plan. In every activity that a parent does with a child, there is room to add in an educational element. Here are just a few great ideas:

When swimming in a pool, have the entire family count before anyone jumps in. For younger children, try counting all the way to 10. For older children, introduce a new language. Counting to 10 in Spanish or Japanese is just as much fun and the child will learn the numbers quickly. Exposure to the sounds of another language will make it easier for a child to learn that language later in life.

Driving provides a wonderful opportunity for learning and fun. Use the time to play rhyming games and word games with the kids. For younger children, stick with words that are easy to rhyme: fun and sun; bug and rug. Older children can be challenged to make rhyming poems or haikus. Or keep a book of poetry in the car and have your child read out loud. Exposure to poetry teaches children the beauty of language and reading aloud will strengthen their reading skills. Discuss the poems after each reading to be sure that the child understood what they read. This will increase reading comprehension, a skill that every child will need during school years.

Another great driving activity is to make up math problems. Problems can be as simple as 1 + 2, or can be structured as word problems (Mom has 3 apples and ate 1). For older children, keep paper and pencil in the car for them to work on harder problems. To keep the game fun, allow your child to make up problems for you too. By taking turns and trying to stump each other, it creates a game atmosphere.

On long drives with older children, be sure to play informative talk-radio programs. When the program ends, ask your child what they thought about the broadcast. Ask for their opinions and feelings. Engage them in conversation and get their brains working. They must learn that it isn't enough to just listen to a broadcast, but to actually think about the material presented, digest it, and form opinions.

Learning should be fun. Parents can use everyday activities to teach, and do it under the guise of entertainment. Children need to be shown that learning is fun, and that it is a process that never ends.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email: datasan6@gmail.com
This is a great resource to purchase coffee for less. Ground, beans. Check out the prices and the other items like the Kcups. Tot brands available. Here is the Website:
CoffeeForLess.com

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General Information Note.

You will notice that the publisher of the blog is your venture. Just so there is no confusion, that is me, James Dodson. My Email is datasan6@gamil.com and you are most welcomed to Email me any time.
Questions or comments, or just to say "hello". I will ackowledge all Emails.

I enjoy writing the articles but it very rewarding hearing from my readers.

James

The Man Who Loved His Coffee !

Baked and basked in coffee

Let me tell you a story of a man who loves coffee. Let me tell you about Tony, the man who loves coffee. Tony loves coffee, which isn't hard to see.

He starts his every day with a cup or two of his favorite coffee. One day some gentleman offered him tea from the alley. He said, "No, thank you Sir but I would rather have some coffee?"

His love for coffee knows no bounds and no limits that is for sure, because one day Tony exchanged his coffee for a whole loot of hidden treasure. To make things worse he even said it was his pleasure. Tony 's liking for coffee started becoming disturbing.

One day, because of coffee, he stopped eating. It was so alarming and strange that his family made arrangements for him to be taken away and put inside a house of hallow beams.

The different facets of coffee

Yes, some people do experience things like that. Eventhough coffee is the number one companion and drink for people who want more out of life, too much can kill you. But before I scare you away with the bad things that your favorite concoction can bring, let us first look into the different possibilities that coffee can give.

Coffee in many societies acts as the catalyst of social non-alcoholic drinking. People gathering in common houses for a little afternoon chitchat would have coffee served rather than alcoholic drinks.

In business meetings, coffee is served first to break whatever tension business has brought to the agenda. So what else can we do with coffee?

Coffee like chocolate has properties that has been recently discovered to be good for man. Antioxidants found in every cup of coffee helps in digestion and help the body to have better metabolism. These properties are just some of the things coffee brings. So can we have other presentations of coffee to make it more exciting and make it more flexible?

Just recently, companies that manufacture candy products for children have ventured forward in to the adult market, the company aims to corner the market with a new product, the coffee candy. This may seem like a very simple idea but a very solid idea.

It is a well-known fact that many people are solid coffee drinkers, and because of that people behind the coffee candy banked on the idea that they can make coffee flavored candies for people who crave the taste.

Convenience was the key for the makers and it was the feature that some people were looking for in the coffee. Compromising two key elements of coffee people now have the convenience of brewed coffee inside their pockets.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email:datasan6@gmail.com
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Soccer Getting Popular In The US ?

Although not as popular in the United States and some other countries as many other sports, soccer (or football as it's otherwise known) is by far the most popular sport in the world. Its popularity in areas such as Spain, Portugal, Britain, Central America and Asia for instance can be likened more to a religion than a sport. By the way Soccer is my favorite sport.

Soccer consists of eleven players a side, one of which is in goal and ten players on the field for each team. The general aim of a soccer game is to score points by kicking the ball into the opposing teams' goal and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Each team positions players in either of three general groups which make up attacking players, defensive players and midfield players. Although the role of any player in a group can vary depending on what is happening in the game, they generally have the following responsibilities:

Attacking players - Otherwise known as strikers, these players are in the frontline and are responsible for trying to score goals by kicking the ball into the opponents net.

Defending players - Otherwise known as the backline, these players are responsible for defending their goal from the opposition players and stopping them from kicking the ball into the net.

Midfield players - These players have the most energy draining job on the whole field and must be very fit. A midfielder essentially has two jobs; the first is to help defend their own goal by stopping the opposition players running through the midfield with the ball and thus assist their defenders to protect the goal. The other job is to help "feed" the ball to their own attacking players to assist them in scoring goals.

Offside Rule
The offside rule is a rule that can be a little difficult for beginners to grasp but can be understood using the following list as a guide. You can not be offside if you are:

- Personally in possession of the ball no matter where you are on the field.
- Behind or inline with the ball.
- In your own half of the field.
- Receive the ball direct from a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in.
- You don't go past the last opposition field player (not including the opposing teams' goal keeper) before the ball is kicked. (Once the ball leaves the foot of any player kicking the ball through, you can move past the last opposition field player without being deemed to be offside).

Free-Kick Penalties
If a player breaks a rule of the game during a soccer match then he is penalized and a penalty kick is awarded to the opposing team. There are two different types of penalties that can be awarded when a game rule is broken in soccer, an "indirect" free kick or a "direct" free kick. The difference between the two kicks is with a "direct" free kick the player who takes the free kick can kick the ball directly into the opponents net and score a goal, whereas with an "indirect" free kick the ball must touch another player after the ball is kicked before going into the opponents net, otherwise it will not count as a goal.

Rule breaches that can lead to "indirect" free kick penalties include such things as dangerous play, impeding the progress of an opponent, preventing an opponent’s goal keeper from releasing the ball and anytime a red or yellow card is issued and a "direct" free kick is not awarded. Breaches that can lead to "direct" free kick penalties include such things as kicking or attempting to kick an opponent, holding an opponent, tripping or attempting to trip an opponent, pushing or jumping at an opponent, charging into an opponent and touching the ball with the hands (unless the player is a goal keeper who is within his own goal area or a player taking a throw-in).

The Card System
Soccer rules include a colored card system for imposing penalties on any player that either persistently or deliberately breaks certain rules. If a player is given a card penalty the match referee does not actually give the card to the player, he simply places a mark on his match card alongside the players name to indicate that a card penalty was issued to that player.

The following guidelines apply to the issuing of colored card penalties by the match referee:

- A yellow card is issued for things such as persistent rule breaches, defying the referee's instructions, dissent and un-sporting behavior.

- A red card is issued for more serious things such as spitting, deliberately attacking an opposition player and offensive behavior. A red card is also issued automatically if a player receives two yellow cards in a game. When a player is issued with a red card he is required to leave the field immediately and can take no further part in the game.

Throw-ins and Corner-kicks
The rules for throw-ins and corner-kicks are pretty simple to understand. If the ball goes out over either sideline, the opposite team to whichever player touched the ball last is given the ball to throw-in (this is the only time a player can touch the ball with his hands except the goalkeepers). If the ball goes out over either backline (the lines beside each goal) then if the last player to touch the ball was defending his own teams' goal then the opposing team are awarded a corner-kick, otherwise the goalkeeper is awarded a goal-kick.

The majority of the rules of soccer are easily understood once a new player gets a little experience. All of the penalty rules for instance are simply common sense rules for the safety and enjoyment of all players. Once a beginner gets out on the field and notices what other players are doing they'll soon pick up the rules and skills to perhaps unearth the next world cup star or at the very least have a great time.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson, Email: datasan6@gmail.com
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Thursday, January 17, 2008

How You Can Worry Less

There are several methods to help reduce worry. Worry can cause serious health problems.

1) It helps to commit to paper exactly what it is that's worrying you. Include here what you believe to be the worst case scenario. This helps to clarify exactly what the problem is. After having done this, you might find out that what you thought the problem was has changed a little. Until you are clear on exactly what is at the root of the problem, you can't formulate an accurate way to tackle it.

2) Once you have arrived at your worst case scenario, come up with as many ideas as you can to deal with it. Again, do this on paper. If you've never attempted to write down the problem and possible solutions like this before you'll probably be amazed at the clarity you can get just by attempting to write the problems and solutions down in a logical fashion.

3) Have a think about the possible courses of action that are available to you and for each of them come to a decision about how much they would individually help the situation. By doing this you can see which solution would help the most. Having done this, resolve to take action.

4) Try to take the emotion out of the subject and think as rationally as you can about what is worrying you. If you can do this you may well be able to decide that the worst case outcome doesn't justify the level of worry anyway. It's especially important to do this with aspects of the worry that you can't come up with a solution to.

5) For all of the things you're worried about that you don't feel you can do anything about try to challenge the worry by trying to see the problem in a different light. Try to come up with at least one good, logical reason why you have no need to worry. Write it down.

6) One of the reasons that it's a good idea to write down at least one good, logical reason that there's no need to worry is so that you can use this to remind yourself when you catch yourself descending into worry again. It's a concrete reminder of the time and effort you expended on thinking the situation through and formulating good reasons why your worries are unnecessary.

7) Take up meditation or a similar stress reduction and relaxation technique. One specific thing you can do is breathe slowly and deeply. This sounds very simple but don't dismiss it, it is a powerful relaxing technique that it is well-worthwhile getting into the habit of doing whenever you feel yourself getting stressed out because it has an immediate calming effect.

8) Learn not to fret about things you have no power over. One of the best ways to reduce a large amount of unnecessary worry in your life is to cultivate acceptance of those things that you cannot change. If you can rationally accept that it is pointless to get worked up about things you have no control over, you will have fought and won a major battle against the demon worry.

9) If you struggle on your own to come up with alternative scenarios to help you to put a different perspective on your worries, enlist the help of others who may be able to stand back from the situation and remove the emotion from it in ways that you find difficult to do and thereby convince you that there isn't as much to worry about as you think.

10) Many people find comfort in particular spiritual teachings and pursuits and find that they help them to keep a proper perspective on life and reduce or diffuse their worrying thoughts. Try to find a spiritual path that appeals to you and you may find yourself becoming a more centered, balanced individual.

If you find that your worries are becoming a more or less permanent feature of your life and are affecting your ability to function, you should seek proper professional help.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email: datasan6#gmail.com
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Take A Mini Vacation

Would you be surprised if I told you that going away this weekend would give you the same benefits as a longer vacation? Think about what exciting things you were going to do this weekend? Maybe mow your lawn? Clean your house? Re-arrange the furniture?

When you stay at home, even if you are planning to relax, you are going to be reminded of what needs to be done and it will only add stress. Getting away from routine chores will help lift your spirits and let you recharge mentally and physically.

Taking a short getaway vacation is especially significant when you have a reason to celebrate such as a wedding anniversary, birthday or Mother's Day. Taking a mini vacation is a great way to make the event really memorable. Do not just do the same old, same old, make the special occasion stand out, get away for the weekend and make it something you will always remember.

So how are you going to do it? Many getaways are available as last minute deals which save you money and time. Just choose your destination, pack your bags, and go! There are many last minute deals to be found on the internet. A recent search in Google for "weekend getaways" yielded more than 13,000,000 results, so you have no excuses.

So where can you go? If you live in North America, Mexico, Canada and US destinations are good choices. Other European countries make a great getaway for those living in Europe. Many cruise lines also have a three-day package available. Or you can stay closer to home, maybe really close to home and still get the benefits. An anniversary can be spent at a beautiful five star hotel 20 minutes away from your home and it can feel as though you are somewhere far, far away.

Some things to keep in mind; many hotels offer special weekend deals so keep your eye out for those. Often booking your airfare and hotel together as a package can also save you money. Stay flexible, as in the immortal words of the Rolling Stones, by booking last minute, you may not always get what you want, but you can get what you need.

So, whether you are taking the family or it's just the two of you for a romantic weekend, get online, check out local hotels in your phone book or call your travel agent. You do not have to wait until the "perfect" time or until you have the money for that around the world cruise. You can go on vacation this weekend!

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson, Email:datasan6@gmail.com
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Make Yourself Great Hot Milky Latte Coffee.

Imagine starting out your exciting day in Paris with a true continental breakfast, consisting of a hot milky latte coffee accompanied by a croissant served with plum jam. Or perhaps imagine yourself sitting down to a foamy cappuccino as your morning coffee, while looking out over the blue Mediterranean from high on the cliffs on Italy's Amalfi Coast.

If you make your hot milky coffee in the traditional French or Italian ways you can let your imagination take you to all sorts of romantic places while you enjoy your cup of coffee prepared in the authentic style of the destination of your choice.

A latte made in the French style uses steamed milk, while the Italian style cappuccino froths the milk. The difference is subtle, but important. In both cases, an espresso machine gives you the best results. Not long ago only commercial businesses could afford an espresso machine, but today there are many affordable models available for use in the home.

For both steaming and frothing the milk, you need to start with cold milk. You can't expect good results trying to foam milk that has already been steamed, for example. It is best to keep both the milk and pitcher chilled in your fridge.

A stainless steel pitcher works best, and for foaming milk a bell shape gives better results than a straight sided pitcher.

To steam milk, you can fill the pitcher to around two thirds with milk, but for foaming milk it should be filled to only about one third. To match your servings, choose a smaller pitcher size for use at home compared to the ones you see designed for making enough to serve several cups in a commercial coffee shop.

Before starting, run a burst of steam through the steaming wand to clear the jets, and make sure the wand is clean.

To steam the milk, bury the wand in the milk to just above the base of the pitcher, turn the steam on full, and hold the wand steady in one position. You are aiming to heat the milk to 170 degrees Fahrenheit or 76 degrees centigrade. Above 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 93 degrees centigrade the milk will scald, and the taste will alter sufficiently to ruin your coffee. An expert barista or coffee maker is able to judge the temperature by the sound of the steaming, but until you master this art you may want to use a thermometer attached to the side of your pitcher.

To foam the milk, the difference is that you place the wand just below the surface of the milk, and move it about to combine air into the milk to create a thick foam with fine and uniform sized bubbles. You are aiming for the same milk temperature as when steaming. Again, experts can judge the right temperature by the sound.

An ideal foam for a cappuccino can be assessed by waiting about 20 seconds, then taking some of the foamed milk in a dry spoon. The foam should be thick enough that it will not fall off the spoon when it is turned upside down.

To make the cup of latte coffee, add two thirds steamed milk to a one third of a cup shot of espresso. For a cappuccino, hold back the foamed milk to pour out one third steamed milk into the espresso, and then add one third foamed milk to top off the cup. Sometimes a latte is described as a flat white because it does not use the foamed milk.

A cappuccino is usually served with a sprinkling of cinnamon or chocolate to taste.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email: datasan6@gamail.com
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An Interesting Brief History of Coffee

Coffee has come a long way from being a little known beverage that was said to be accidentally discovered by a goatherder a long, long time ago. The origins of coffee as a beverage can't exactly be pinpointed. What has been accepted of its discovery was established in a popular myth that the coffee discovery began around the 9th century.

As the story goes, a young Ethiopian goatherder accidentally discovered that the coffee berries from which his goats had been eating began to have interesting side effects. Upon eating the berries, the goats seemed to jump around more often, seemingly having a sudden burst of energy.

And as the story went, the goatherder brought the strange berries to the village elders, believing that they may have magical properties. Upon boiling them into a brew, the elders stumbled upon the berries' stimulating effects and began consuming them on a regular basis. Thus, as the story goes, came the birth of coffee as a beverage.

The story may have some basis since it is known to day that the first coffee berries originated from Ethiopia and began to spread as the Ethiopians began trading with the Arabs, spreading the coffee influence eastward.

The Arabs began to take coffee as a highly regarded plant that they closely guarded being exported outside the Islamic world at that time. The Arabs prevented the possible transplantation of coffee by boiling or roasting them.

After centuries of closely guarding the spread of coffee cultivation, the Dutch were able to bring some coffee beans with them to Asia and transplanted them in the fertile soils of Java, Indonesia sometime in the 1600's. The began the eventual spread of the coffee plant cultivation all over the world.

It was sometime around the 17th century that the amazing berries were able to find their way onto the tables of the nobles in Europe. Eventually, coffee became a common privilege among the masses and the very first coffee houses were finally established in Austria, Italy and England.
By the 18th century, the French were able to introduce the plant in the Americas where it has widely grown into a highly valued crop. That tradition still is being continued today.

Currently, coffee is being grown on five continents and has become one of the most traded commodities on the world market today. It was a slow process for the lowly coffee bean to become one of the most highly regarded of plants known today.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson, Email: datasan6@gmail.com
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Just A Good Cup

This blog will be in honor a good cup of coffee.



Mixed with a series of interesting articles written by James Dodson, Ph.D. based on his observations, communications and interests, there will be articles on coffee. For example, the history of coffee, countires where grown, brewing a perfect cup, roasting, types of beans, etc.

Be sure to see Dr. Dodson's brief history. Oh, he may have a guest writer from time to time.

Your comments will be most welcomed.