Zubbles!!

I just descoved zubbles and I'm excited!

it took tom 10 years and a half million dollars to create and it's colored bubbles!

Bubble boy Ram Sabnis helped an inventor complete his decade-long quest to create a new kids’ toy: the first bubbles with disappearing color, so they won’t stain your kids or your floor (see photos). Like sticky notes, their impermanence is their selling point (via Boing Boing). I knew that textile industry would come in handy someday!

Ram Sabnis is a leader among a very small group of people who can
point to a dye-chemistry Ph.D. on their wall. Only a handful of
universities in the world offer one, and none are in the U.S. (Sabnis
got his in Bombay). He holds dozens of patents from his work in
semiconductors (dying silicon) and biotechnology (dying nucleic acids)…

Sabnis
told them he’d have it ready to market in a year… “This is the most
difficult project I have ever worked on,” Sabnis says now… For months,
he ran 60 to 100 experiments a week, filling notebooks with sketches of
molecules, spending weekends in the library studying surfactant
chemistry, trying one class of dyes after another…

He
synthesized a dye that would bond to the surfactants in a bubble to
give it bright, vivid color but would also lose its color with
friction, water or exposure to air… go away completely, as though it
had never been there. When one of these bubbles breaks on your hand,
rub your hands together a few times and look: Poof. Magic. No more
color… [Link]

Ah, lactone rings. Why didn’t I think of that

Sabnis’s solution was to build a dye molecule from an unstable base
structure called a lactone ring that functions much like a box. When
the ring is open, the molecule absorbs all visible light save for one
color—the color of the bubble. But add air, water or pressure, and the
box closes, changing the molecule’s structure so that it lets visible
light pass straight through. Sabnis builds each hue by adding different
chemical groups onto this base.

“Nobody has made this chemistry before,” Sabnis says. “All these
molecules—we will make 200 or 300 to cover the spectrum—they don’t
exist. We have synthesized a whole new class of dyes…” [Link]

There are many other potential applications besides bubbles:

Among the ideas Kehoe has already mocked up are a finger paint that
fades from every surface except a special paper, a hair dye that
vanishes in a few hours, and disappearing-graffiti
spray paint. There’s a toothpaste that would turn kids’ mouths a bright
color until they had brushed for the requisite 30 seconds, and a soap
that would do the same for hand washing.

He’s also thinking outside the toy chest, mucking around in
the lab on weekends making things like a Swiffer that leaves a
momentary trace showing where you’ve Swiffered and a temporary wall
paint that would let you spend a few hours with a color before
committing to it. [Link]

Another site back up! HGHLink

Hi folks,

I finily moved my site about HGH HGHLink.com to a new host. I had it a GoDaddy and as much as I love their other services, I find their hosting too limited for my programming style (ie PHP limits & CRON events).

I've got a few bugs to squish but at least it's up again.
Zaak

A Joyful note

It's our 1st anniversary! 1 year since Tia and I jumped the broom at a motorcycle run for kids. I still feel she's the universes way of rewarding me for something. I'm just not sure what it is I did that was that good ;) Happy anniversary mybaby.

14 PRACTICAL METHODS TO COMBAT STRESS

A stress- free lifestyle could very well do wonders in eliminating depression.
Here are some practical methods to combat stress:

1. Express Amusement And Be Happy.
Laugh hard and loud. If you don’t have a sense of humor, find someone else who
has. Laughter releases endorphins (happy chemicals) from the body, and it helps
boost your immune system.

2. Take Control Over Your Time and Schedule.
You’ll be much more able to deal with stress if you have a good handle on your
job, relationships, and other activities. When you are in control, you are more
inclined to stay focused and calm. Plan your time wisely.

Remember to leave room for unexpected events – both negative and positive. Be
adaptable in rearranging your agenda. Get up 15 minutes early in the morning.
Allow an extra 15 minutes to get to all appointments.
Avoid procrastinating on important or urgent tasks. Whatever needs doing, do it
immediately. Do the unpleasant tasks early, so that you won’t have to worry
about them for the rest of the day. Keep an appointment or record book. Don’t
just rely on your memory.

Do your tasks one thing at a time at a time. Focus your attention on the present
moment, whether it’s the person talking to you or the job at hand. This helps you
to avoid making errors - which lead to more tension and anxiety. Be patient in
waiting. Anxiety caused by impatience can rise up your blood pressure.
Say “no” to requests that you cannot accomplish. Delegate trivial tasks. You
must remember that you don’t have to do it all yourself. Crack a job into separate
tasks and assign them to people with the suitable skills.

3. Work Out
Strive and get some habitual exercise such as brisk walking, swimming or
whatever appeals to you. Play a sport you’re interested in. Aerobic exercises can
considerably reduce the stress factor. Work out also improves sleep and gives you
time to think and focus on other things. It also promotes the release of natural
soothing chemicals in your body. Do not result to excessive exercise, however, as
this may have an adverse effect and might cause more depression.

4. Search Out For A Support Group.
You’ll be able to manage stress much better if you have other people helping and
supporting you. Did you know that married people and people who are outgoing
(always meeting with friends), have considerably low levels of stress in their
lives?

Choose positive friends who are not worriers. Friends who continually put you
down or talk gloomily about life will increase your anxiety. Invite a good friend
to help you talk out a problem and get it off your chest. A long-distance call to an
old pal can be great therapy.

Pardon others instead of holding grudges. Slow down your standards – for
yourself and others. Don’t expect too much. Perfectionism is not the means to
happiness. Become more flexible and adaptable to your environment.

Communicate clearly with your co-workers and boss. Ask questions. Repeat
instructions that you are given. Clarifying directions at the start of a project can
save lots of time later rectifying out misunderstandings. Be honest in your
dealings with others. Lying and cheating leads to stress.

5. Take Breaths Deeply and Slowly.
Calm down your muscles, escalating your stomach and chest. Exhale slowly. Do
it again several times. Follow your breath as it flows in and out. Do not try to
have power over it. This is a good way to relax in the midst of any activity. This
practice allows you to find a breathing pattern that is natural and relaxing to you.
Make use of this yoga technique: Inhale slowly, counting to eight. Exhale
through your mouth, even more slowly, counting to sixteen. Make a sighing
sound as you exhale, and feel tension dissolve. Do it again 10 times.

6. Consume Healthy Foods at the Appropriate Time.
Never skip meals, especially breakfast. Get time out to eat heartily no matter how
busy you are. Take nutritious snacks to the office, or even the shopping mall. A
nutritionally balanced diet is essential to your health and lifestyle. For example,
researchers have found that even small deficiencies of thiamin, a B-complex
vitamin, can cause anxiety symptoms. Pantothenic acid, another B-complex
vitamin, is critical during times of stress. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large
amounts of sweets, which can worsen symptoms of stress.

7. Live Optimistically.
Count your blessings, particularly when everything seems to go wrong. Believe
that many other people are living in worse conditions than you are. Don’t
exaggerate the complexity of your problems. Every problem has a solution. All
you need to do is find that solution. Learn to be happy and to enjoy life’s
blessings. Live one day at a time.

8. Put Off Problems Earlier Than They Occur.
This takes some preparation. If you are going to another city for an valuable
meeting, carry your presentation materials and dress suit on board the plane.
Acquire gas for the car before the tank is unfilled. Get usual oil changes and
checkups. Keep food ready anytime at your house so you can fix a fast meal
without going to the store. Keep food, medicine, and toiletries on hand so you
never have to feel tensed when they run out.

9. Enjoy The Good Things That Life Has to Offer.
Grant yourself some physical pleasure and enjoyment to help your stress slip
away. Indulge yourself to a professional massage, or trade massages with a loved
one. Give yourself consent to enjoy a movie, watch a concert or sports event,
listen to music, or read a book. Take pleasure in a soothing cup of chamomile
herb tea with a little bit of honey. Chamomile has long been used to relieve
nervous tension.

Arrange a day of beauty with a friend. Do each other’s hair, or paint your nails
and chat.

Make a simple steam facial at home by boiling water. Remove the pan from the
stove. Cover your head with a large towel so that it creates a tent over the pot.
Steam your face for five or 10 minutes. Add aromatic herbs to the water for a
sensual touch. Center your attention on any of the senses – hearing, seeing, eating
or body movements – for a few minutes. Even washing your hands can become a
sensual experience.

10. Possess a Definite Goal or Purpose in Life, and Strive for it..
Plan ahead to meet your most desired goals in life. You should always wake up
with a sense of purpose.

Time management experts highlight the importance of writing down your
important goals. Break big projects down into a series of small steps that you can
work on every day. Want to change jobs? Contact one prospective employer
today. Is writing a book your dream? Commit to writing one page a day. Inch by
inch, slowly but surely, you will get to your ultimate destination.
Knowing that you are striving toward your dreams relieves frustrations that mount
when you feel stuck in a situation that seem to have no direction.

11. Move Away to Recharge Your Spirit.
Make a schedule for a private time alone every day. You deserve it. Unplug the
telephone and enjoy a quiet evening alone or with your family, or even 15
continuous minutes in the shower or bathtub. You may want to spend a few
minutes writing your feelings out in a journal. It can help you find a new
viewpoint in life and relieve internal conflicts.

More Tips to Recharge Your Spirit
· Have on earplugs for instant peace anytime, anyplace.
· Be taught of a meditation technique. Two methods: Observe your thoughts as
they pass through your mind. Or, repeat a word or phrase with an uplifting
meaning.
· Put into practice progressive relaxation for 20 minutes twice a day to relive high
blood pressure and other physiological responses to stress. Make tighter and
release each muscle group in turn, starting with the soles of the feet and slowly
working up to the scalp.
· Schedule a weekend activity that is a change of your usual routine. If your week
is a lot scheduled, relax and enjoy noncompetitive activities. If you are never able
to finish anything during the week, choose a project that you can complete in a
few hours on weekends.
· Take time out for a little entertainment in the middle of your workday. When the
pressures of completing a project are too great, your productivity can drop. Take
a walk or eat lunch outside the office.

12. Use Visualization and Affirmation Techniques.
You can conquer a circumstance you fear by going over the event in your mind.
Imagine the scene in clear detail and visualize the best possible result that may
happen.

You can also reduce an imagined fear down to size by picturing the worst possible
outcome. Visualize describing this worst case to your best friend the next day and
the sympathy you receive. Imagine telling a group of friends the next month, who
contribute to their similar experiences. Finally, imagine joking about your
unpleasant experience with a complete stranger a month later. If you carry this
exercise through to the end, your stress will become something to laugh about.
Replace negative self- talk with affirmations. Don’t let your mind be filled with
gloom: You’re too ugly. . . you’re too old. . .you’ll never achieve anything. And
things like: What if I fail the exam? What if she doesn’t like my gift? What if
we get lost? These things haven’t even occurred yet. Nourish your mind with a
constant stream of “I can; therefore, I will.”

13. Get Sufficient Sleep.
Settle on how much sleep you require for best possible performance. Lack of
sleep worsens the body’s responses to stress and lowers the immune system.

14. Don’t Be Self-Centered.
Always remember that you don’t have to attain all the money, fame, and success
in the world. Today’s society forces us to build up as much accomplishments as
we can, while trying to balance our own personal and family life. There’s just not
enough time to do all these things. Start from the most important task and focus
on one thing at a time.

Excerpted from the book "How to Manage and Conquer Depression"
Get the rest of the book at http://Your-Health-Center.com/isdepression
Zaak spends his day there and with his wife, kids, cats and ferretts.

Do You Know These Essential Conditions to a Sharp Memory?

Do you constantly misplace significant things such as your car keys? Do you often forget important dates like birthdays and anniversaries, thereby negatively affecting your relationships with loved ones? If so, don’t panic.

Many people are experiencing memory problems, regardless of age, sex, or stature. So don’t think only aging people can experience forgetfulness, because everyone can encounter memory loss from time to time.

If you want to have a sharper memory, you will find these conditions indispensable:

* You must be able to focus well and be attentive. If you get distracted easily by things around you, then it will take you longer to memorize and remember things. Try to find a quiet room and concentrate on what you are reading, learning, or observing.

* You must be interested in what you want to remember or memorize. Let’s say you love to study Psychology more than any other subjects in the world. Do you think you would remember your lessons in Psychology more than your studies in Math, Literature, and other subjects? You bet. By becoming more interested in the subject matter, you are also giving more attention to it; thereby this increases your chances of retrieving it from your memory anytime you wish.

* You must have the imagination of a child. Be creative. Many memory techniques require the practitioner to think of the most outrageous and exaggerated images/pictures in order to remember certain facts or information. The funnier and more out-of-this-world the images, the better chances you will retain data in your mind.

* You must have a healthy lifestyle. Eat less fat and consume more foods rich in vitamins and minerals (especially beta-carotene), drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, engage in cardiovascular exercises, relax and be happy always. By doing these, your mind will benefit as much as your body.

Discover more secrets to a powerfull memory here:

5 Super Effective Tips To Kill Depression

Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives. We
get sad when we fail in our exams, when we're rejected by
the person we love, or when someone very close to us
passes away. Depression, however, could be more fatal
than just plain loneliness. It could render life-long
consequences that could ruin your self-esteem, health,
and well-being.
Here are some superb tips to conquer the melancholy mood
and get the most bliss out of your daily activities.

1) Get Enough Light and Sunshine.
Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the
secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger
a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition.
Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the
body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you
are always cooped up in your room (with the curtains
closed), it would be difficult to restrain yourself
from staying in bed.
This is the reason why many people are suffering from
depression much more often in winter than in the other
seasons. It's because the nights are longer.
If you can't afford to get some sunshine, you can
always lighten up your room with brighter lights.
Have lunch outside the office. Take frequent walks
instead of driving your car over short distances.

2) Get Busy. Get Inspired.
You'll be more likely to overcome any feeling of
depression if you are too busy to notice it. Live
a life full of inspired activities.
Do the things you love. If you're a little short
on cash, you could engage in simple stuffs like
taking a leisurely stroll in the park, playing
sports, reading books, or engaging in any activity
that you have passion for and would love to pursue.
Set a goal - a meaningful purpose in life. No
matter how difficult or discouraging life can be,
remain firm and have an unshakable belief that you
are capable of doing anything you desire. With
this kind of positive attitude, you will attain
a cheerful disposition to beat the blues.

3) Take a Break.
I mean it.
Listen to soothing music. Soak in a nice warm
bath. Ask one of your close friends to massage
you. Take a break from your stressful workload
and spend the day just goofing around. In other
words, have fun.

4) Eat Right and Stay Fit.
Avoid foods with lots of sugar, caffeine, or
alcohol. Sugar and caffeine may give you a
brief moment of energy; but they would later
bring about anxiety , tension, and internal
problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Many people
would drink alcohol to "forget their problems."
They're just aggravating their conditions in the
process.
Exercising regularly is a vital depression buster
because it allows your body to produce more
endorphins than usual. Endorphins are sometimes
called "the happy chemicals" because of their
stress-reducing and happiness-inducing properties.

5) Get a Social Life.
No man is an island. Your circle of friends are
there to give you moral support. Spending time
and engaging in worthwhile activities with them
could give you a very satisfying feeling. Nothing
feels better than having group support.
Never underestimate the power of touch. Doesn't
it feel so good when someone pats you on the back
and gives you words of encouragement during your
most challenging times? Hug or embrace someone
today. You'll never know when you have saved
another life.
Get intimate. Establish close ties with your
family and friends. The love and care expressed
by others could tremendously boost your immune
system and fend off illnesses. Best of all, you'll
live a more secured and happy life.
More tips on handling your depression here:

Remember when you're on your death bed, It not the things you did
That you'll regreat, It's what you didn't do that'll bug ya!

Has your work been stolen?

Here's a great FREE service I just discovered. Copyscape finds sites that have copied your content without your permission, as well as those that have quoted you. It's also useful if you're using "republish rights" matereal to compare your site to siomalar ones.

Simply go to http://www.copyscape.com/ and enter the site you want to check. Copyscape will return any with the same content.

Cool! and easier than googling phases from your site to test for the same thing.

4 Brilliant Tips to Speed Read Faster than Ever

Many people, particularly students, would love to be
able to absorb information faster. But before retaining
information, they have to go through the first stage of
learning, which is reading.
For many individuals who are pressed for time, speed
reading has become a necessity. However, it's not just
the reading part that is important. Equally essential
is for the reader to fully understand the words coming
out from the book or paper.
Here are some great tips to read and comprehend faster.

1) Relax.
If you're in the stressed mode, it would be much more
difficult to concentrate; hence, it would just be a lot
harder for the information to sink in.

2) Know what you want.
Focus on the areas that you really need to learn. Some
people read all parts of a book, when all they need to
know is a specific chapter.
Know your priority. If you need to find out about a
certain subject, go to the Table of Contents and search
for the heading that best suits your need. If you need
to learn more, then adjust accordingly. The important
thing is to weed out the stuffs that you don't
currently need.

3) Get rid of the structure words.
Did you know that around 60% of the words we read are
structure words? Examples are the words "the, or, and."
They are essential in the structure of the sentences;
but when you ignore them, they basically mean the same
thing. They only serve to beautify, yet you can
understand what you are reading even without them. Try
not to focus too much attention on structure words.

4) Practice, practice, practice.
When I started exercising with weights, I can only lift
the lighter ones. As the time goes by, I slowly add more
and more weights as my body tends to adjust and become
more comfortable carrying heavier ones.
The same concept goes for speed reading. Set a goal.
Figure out how fast you can read, then create a plan to
increase your ability.

Final notes:
If you can read 200 words per minute, set a goal to
read 250 words a minute. After accomplishing this feat,
set a goal to read 300 words per minute.
This takes time and practice, but the effort is all
worth it. If this is your first time to set such a
goal, read first those materials you are familiar with.
Carry on with more difficult ones as you progress. This
way, you're not overwhelming yourself with understanding
different new words and at the same time developing your
speed reading skills.
Click here >>> for more speed reading tips

Body Mind & Net: 1st Blog

Body Mind & Net: 1st Blog


"This is the way we blog ourselfs, blog ourselfs,
This is the way we blog oursefs so early in the morning"

1st Blog

Hi any & all,

Yep, it happened!

I'm a blogger. Only took me a year or so to catch on. :)

Any rate I've been online since the fido-net days (last century stuff).
Just google zaako and you'll see several hundred matches. Guess I leave a large trail.

I've got sites like my new health & growth Your-Health-Center.com
and WebWorkersWeekly.com where I play with web tools and trends.

HGHLink.com is about the Human Growth Hormone and its effects on you as you age,
and what can be done about it.
Plus about 20 others.

I'm 50 I've got a wonderfull wife and bunches of kids (mostly only 2 still at home).
More later if I can think of anything worth noting.
Zaak