TRADING SECRETS

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

2016-06-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

Elevated blood pressure is when the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels becomes too high and the arterial wall becomes distorted causing extra stress on the heart. Long term-high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes.
Causes of high blood pressure include a high salt diet, emotional stress, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, obesity, inactivity, birth control pills, and heavy-metal poisoning.

Blood pressure ranges include:

· Normal: Less than 120/80

· Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89

· Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99

· Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

Frequently, there are no symptoms as blood pressure increases but warning signs for very high blood pressure can include chest pains, confusion, headaches, ear noise or buzzing, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, tiredness, or vision changes.

Top Foods For Blood Pressure Diet

High fiber foods – Unprocessed foods high in fiber such as vegetables, fruits, and seeds should be the basis of any healthy diet.
Low sodium foods – Excess salt consumption raises blood pressure. Limit your consumption to no more than 1500-2000 mg daily.
High potassium foods – Potassium counteracts the effect of sodium and helps lower blood pressure, include foods like melons, avocados, and bananas.
Omega-3 rich foods – Consume omega-3 rich foods like grass-fed beef, wild caught salmon, chia and flax seeds to reduce inflammation.
Dark chocolate – Look for a dark chocolate that contains at least 200 mg of cocoa phenols which can reduce blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Foods to Avoid

High sodium foods -Sodium raises blood pressure, avoid high sodium processed foods, pickles, olives, or canned foods.
Trans fats and Omega-6 fats – These fats increase inflammation and blood pressure and are found in packaged foods and conventional meats.
Sugar – High sugar consumption is connected to high blood pressure.
Caffeine – Too much caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Alcohol – Narrows arteries and can increase blood pressure.

Top 5 Blood Pressure Natural Remedies

#1 Fish oil (1,000-2,000mg daily)
Fish oil reduces blood pressure and inflammation when taken long-term.
#2 Magnesium (500 mg before bed)
Magnesium helps with relaxation of smooth muscle and reduces blood pressure.
#3 CoQ10 (100-300 mg daily)
Becomes depleted as we age, which may be related to why blood pressure also increases as we age.
#4 Potassium
It is best not to take a potassium supplement in high doses unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
#5 Garlic (600mg aged extract)
Can help lower blood pressure and relax smooth muscles.
Lifestyle Tip

Reducing stress can lower blood pressure. Some tips include getting better sleep, scheduling in more free-time and fun, surrounding yourself with encouraging friends and also exercising on a daily basis.

Essential Oils For Blood Pressure

Essential oils lower blood pressure by dilating arteries, acting as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and by decreasing emotional stress. The most effective essential oils for blood pressure are lavender, ylang ylang, clary sage and frankincense.
Try these natural remedies for high blood pressure to improve your heart and overall health.

Remedies for Anxiety

2016-06-14T03:28:00.001-07:00

Anxiety is a normal response to stress or a dangerous situation, sometimes referred to as “fight or flight” response. Anxiety becomes problematic when it is constant or in reaction to inappropriate circumstances.
Constant anxiety can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia, digestive problems, and panic attacks. Causes include stress, thyroid problems, excessive alcohol, caffeine or sugar intake, and hormone imbalance. The good news is there are many natural remedies for anxiety.

Foods For Anxiety Relief

Foods high in B vitamins – Include grass-fed beef, wild caught fish, poultry, brewer’s yeast and green leafy vegetables to get sufficient intake of B-vitamins which help regulate mood.
Dairy and other foods high in calcium – Calcium is a relaxing mineral which can help reduce anxiety. Try unsweetened organic yogurt or wild-caught salmon as good sources for calcium.
Magnesium rich foods – Magnesium helps calm the nerves and many people are deficient. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, avocados and sea vegetables.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Cold-water, wild-caught fish can reduce inflammation and help stabilize mood. Omega-3s also contain DHA, vital for brain function.

Anxiety Foods To Avoid

High sugar foods – Sugar can give you blood sugar highs and lows throughout the day increasing anxiety.
Caffeine – Too much caffeine can cause more anxiety. Limit coffee or black tea to no more than one cup per day.
Alcohol – Can cause anxiety-like symptoms and is not a positive way to manage stress.
Processed and refined flour – These foods act very similarly to sugar in the body, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar and mood swings.

Top 5 Anxiety Natural Remedies

#1 Ashwagandha
This is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to improve anxiety symptoms by reducing the effects of stress on the body.
#2 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) (50-100 mg 2x daily)
Increases serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter. DO NOT take with any prescription antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.
#3 Kava (200-250 mg 3x daily)
Can help relieve panic attacks and reduce overall anxiety. Do not consume alcohol and ask your doctor first if you are taking other medications.
#4 GABA (500 mg 3x daily)
An amino acid that is responsible for decreasing anxiety in the nervous system, it also helps relax muscles.
#5 Magnesium and Calcium (500 mg Calcium and 250 mg Magnesium 2x per day)
Both of these minerals relax muscles and help calm the nervous system. Magnesium can cause diarrhea, so be careful with the dose.
Bonus Remedy
B-vitamins help combat stress and stabilize your mood. Make sure the supplement includes Vitamin B6. Take 50mg 2x daily of a B-Complex.

Essential Oils For Anxiety

Lavender oil has been shown to reduce anxiety and help relax the body. Put 3 drops of lavender oil in your palm and rub onto your neck for natural anxiety relief. Also, roman chamomile oil has been proven effective at lower stress and anxiety.

Right Way To Remove Skin Tags

2016-05-16T18:10:00.002-07:00

If you've noticed fleshy little growths on your skin that are tempting to pick at, you likely have skin tags. These raised bumps and flaps are known as "acrochordons" or "cutaneous tags" by dermatologists. Fortunately, they're completely harmless—but they can be super-annoying if you don't like the way they look. (Lose up to 25 pounds in 2 months—and look more radiant than ever—with the new Younger In 8 Weeks plan!)
"They often occur in areas of friction like around the neck, under the arms, and by the groin and are thought to be caused by irritation from skin rubbing against skin or clothing," says Bruce Katz, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.
You can probably blame them on your parents—skin tags are usually genetic. Obese people have a higher incidence of them since there is more flesh likely to rub against itself to provoke more tags. You may have just one or a couple of skin tags, or they can sprout up as a small, isolated group of bumps.

MORE: Are Those Razor Bumps...Or an STD?

And if you have them, you're definitely not alone. About one in four people will grow skin tags at some point, and it's especially common after the age of 50 to start seeing more of them (so that's something to look forward to, isn't it?). While harmless, skin tags can become irritated and inflamed and even bleed if you scratch at them or catch the skin on something like a zipper. Ouch.
While there are a plethora of DIY methods on the Internet that claim to remove skin tags at home—like tying the base of the tag with thread—Katz warns that this is something you absolutely shouldn't do yourself. "You're opening yourself up to risk of scarring and infection," he says.
MORE: 5 Skin-Care Tips You've Seen on Pinterest That You Should Never Actually Try

The good news is that they're easily removed if you'd rather do without them. At the dermatologist's office, a local anesthetic and quick snip of special doctor's scissors will do the job, says Katz. Super-freezing or heating (known as cauterizing) the tag are other common options.
Discomfort is minimal with any method, and you can immediately return to your normal activities. There should be no mark left behind after your tag is removed. The same skin tag shouldn't grow back, but there's always a chance that new skin tags may form in other areas.
MORE: How to Check Yourself for Skin Cancer

If your skin tags don't bother you, it's totally fine to forget about them. But as with any skin growths, if there's a noticeable change in the appearance or growth, you should have it looked at by your dermatologist.

Anti-Aging

2016-04-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Rosehip Oil: the Anti-Aging Oil

What do the Duchess of Cambridge, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and model Miranda Kerr all have in common? Reportedly, they use rosehip oil to keep their skin smooth and blemish-free
I never thought I would suggest something over coconut oil for skin, but rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is running a close race with coconut oil when it comes to its benefits for the skin. Rosehips were a remedy that was used by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans all because of its amazing healing properties
Indeed, rosehip oil was made into a syrup and rationed in Britain during wartime to ensure children’s resistance to infection. The syrup was made from the empty seed cases and also helped provide relief from diarrhea, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea and indigestion. As you can see, rosehip oil — which is technically not an essential oil — has many uses that go more than skin deep.

Why Is Rosehip Oil So Effective?

Rosehip oil comes from the seeds of a specific variety of rose, Rosa aff. rubiginosa or Rosa moschata, which is the fruit left behind after a rose has flowered and dropped its petals. Rosehip oil is harvested from the seeds of rose bushes predominately grown in Chile, and is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all while reducing scars and fine lines.
By using a cold-press extraction process, the oil is separated from the hips and seeds. For facial skin care, rosehip oil offers several benefits when applied externally. It protects the skin and increases cell turnover because it contains vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D and B-carotene, a form of vitamin A, and which are all antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Rosehip oil’s healing properties are due to its chemical structure. As I noted, it’s rich in essential fatty acids, but more specifically oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Rosehip oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (vitamin F), also known as an essential fatty acid (EFA), and when absorbed through the skin, these fatty acids convert to prostaglandins (PGE), which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration.
Specifically, it is that regeneration that can provide anti-aging benefits. It is particularly high in vitamin C, making it one of the richest plant sources for the skin and another reason why rosehip oil is a great choice.

Rosehip Oil Benefits

1. Anti-Aging Properties
Rosehip oil has signficant anti-aging benefits for your face. Super light and non-greasy, the anti-aging benefit comes from its high antioxidants and the oil’s ability to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. The vitamin C and vitamin A, in particular, stimulate collagen production. Because vitamin A has small molecules, it allows deeper penetration into the skin and improves the skin’s moisture levels — thus reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
For those who are seeking to avoid chemicals and Botox, rosehip oil may be perfect because of its skin rejuvenating properties of vitamin C and lycopene. This makes it a safer solution to repair the skin’s surface and restore elasticity.
2. Protection from Age Spots
The UV rays of the sun can damage the skin, resulting in age spots and discoloration on the face. The antioxidants found in rosehip oil combat free radicals that cause sun damage. The vitamin A, combined with the oil’s essential fatty acids, can help improve skin tone, texture and pigmentation.
While too much sun exposure can decrease collagen, vitamin C can help counteract this damage. The oil is deeply moisturizing and aids in removing redness and irritation. These properties also make rosehip oil a possible treatment for rosacea.
3. Helps With Eczema and Reduces Scarring from Acne
The essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil can help get rid of scars and reduce the effects of eczema by promoting skin regeneration. Essential fatty acids are emollients, which improve the skin’s flexibility and permeability and help the skin repair itself.
The vitamin A can play a role here as well since it has the ability to improve skin texture and tone. Also, these essential fatty acids aid in reducing dry scalp and itchiness that are often caused by chemicals in most store-bought shampoos.
4. Boosts the Immune System
Because rosehip oil is one of the best sources of vitamin C, and since vitamin C helps treat infections and boost the immune system, it makes for a great option to help keep the immune system strong. Besides being an antioxidant, vitamin C is responsible for collagen production in the body, which is an important element in the structure of bones and muscles. Also, vitamin C aids in the proper absorption of iron that produces red blood cells.
5. Helps Reduce Osteoarthritis
According the the University of Maryland, rosehip tea is a great option to help reduce inflammation in the body. Anyone suffering from osteoarthritis can benefit by having a cup of rosehip tea on a regular basis. Arthritis Research UK reported a study regarding the effects of rosehip for patients who had osteoarthritis. They found that those who were given rosehips had a positive affect versus those that were not.
Ultimately, the rosehip significantly improved hip flexion when compared with the placebo. Significantly more participants in the active treatment group reported a reduction in pain compared with the placebo group. The rosehip group also had a reduction in some disease-related symptoms (like morning stiffness) and a significant decline in painkiller use. Reports have also shown that relief of inflammation be can be found by adding rosehip oil to your bath water.

Tips on How to Use Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is delicate and can easily go rancid, so it’s important to take great care of it. Oftentimes, vitamin E oil is added to improve shelf life. Keeping it in the refrigerator or stored in a cool, dark location can help prevent rancidity.
Though it’s more expensive, cold-pressed rosehip is best because it hasn’t been altered by heat and, therefore, retains more nutrients.
Because rosehip oil classifies as a dry oil, it absorbs quickly into the skin. You can apply the oil directly to the face using gentle, massaging motions or use it in numerous skin care recipes.
It’s a good oil to experiment with for DIY lotions, such as this Silky Rosehip Face and Body Lotion.
Applying the oil twice a day can have great benefits, but it is important to note that rosehip oil does not protect against sunburn.
And while it can prevent and reduce acne scars, it should not be applied directly to active acne.
If you have oily skin, make sure to test an area first to ensure the product won’t clog your pores, causing unwanted flare-ups.
Last but not least, because it is a dry oil, meaning it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily skin residue, it may be best for normal to dry skin users.

Essential Oils for Arthritis

2016-04-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Facts on Arthritis

Arthritis is a joint disease that causes swelling and pain in and around the joints. It’s usually classified as either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between joints wears down causing inflammation and pain and generally occurs in the joints we most frequently use, such as knees, hips, spine and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where the white blood cells destroy the cartilage. Research suggests that RA may be related to food allergies, bacterial infections, stress or excess acid in the body, but the exact cause of RA is not yet known.
Although the word arthritis actually means joint inflammation, it’s rather widely used in the public health world to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary — however, typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, and certain rheumatic conditions can involve the immune system as well as various internal organs of the body.
The CDC reports that 52.5 millions adults are told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia. To be more specific, in 2010–2012, 49.7 percent of adults 65 years or older reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis. By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
On top of that, an estimated 294,000 children under age 18 have some form of arthritis or rheumatic condition. This represents approximately one in every 250 children in the U.S. It’s no surprise, with these astounding numbers, that arthritis sufferers are in need remedies that they can feel good about using. Thankfully, the following essential oils for arthritis can help.

Top 5 Essential Oils for Arthritis

Essential oils are natural plant products, most of which possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils from ginger, orange and black cumin seeds have been shown to hold promise for the relief of symptoms of arthritis.
How do essential oils work? Essential oils and their components are rapidly absorbed through the skin and are detectable in plasma after topical application. Therefore, topical dermal delivery of essential oils represents an effective method to directly provide a natural, anti-inflammatory agent to the site of inflammation.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine shares this report and notes a study that used topical application of an ointment containing essential oils that decreased the severity of arthritis. Furthermore, this suppression of arthritis involved changes in the disease-related immunological and biochemical mediators of inflammation.
Here are the five most beneficial essential oils for arthritis.
1. Ginger
Ginger essential oil is an amazing healing agent that contains chemicals with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. It’s been shown to lessen pain associated with arthritis, making it a great pain reliever. It provides this relief by acting on vanilloid receptors, which are located on sensory nerve endings.
Ginger has that slight burning sensation similar to the initial intense burning feel you get when you consume spicy pepper. While it typically only lasts a few seconds, researchers discovered that it affects the pain pathways directly and rather rapidly in most cases, relieving the inflammation, which in itself causes pain.
The Arthritis Foundation reports a study from the University of Miami that concluded that ginger extract could be a substitute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study compared the effects of a highly concentrated ginger extract to placebo in 247 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The ginger reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40 percent over the placebo. That is a big difference and one worth noting!
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles showed that ginger affects certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities, as well as a small amount of analgesic properties, making it a great option for arthritis sufferers. (5)
2. Turmeric
The most active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has become known as a great anti-inflammatory. Turmeric benefits include being highly effective at helping people manage rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study out of Japan evaluated its relationship with interleukin (IL)-6, the inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in the RA process, and discovered that curcumin significantly reduced inflammation. This evidence suggests that regular turmeric use could be a powerful way to combat the development of RA!
Try this turmeric tea recipe to help soothe arthritic pain and inflammation.
3. Frankincense
Frankincense oil can inhibit the production of key inflammatory molecules associated with conditions like arthritis and can be useful in helping to prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue. This has been shown to significantly reduce levels of inflammation, making it a natural treatment option for pain-related conditions that affect the muscles, joints and tendons.
4. Myrrh
Myrrh oil also had anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s often used in tandem to treat arthritis. A study published in Scientific Reports showed that frankincense and myrrh are highly effective in treatment of inflammatory diseases, especially when combined.
The study revealed that frankincense and myrrh, especially when used together, suppress inflammation and the intensity of joint inflammation. Results showed that the individual extract of frankincense or myrrh and combined extracts used to treat groups showed significant differences when compared with the arthritis control group.
5. Orange
Citrus scents make you feel more awake, and the strong anti-inflammatory properties of orange oil have been researched in regard to their effects for fighting pain. A 2009 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research investigated the antioxidant potential of various essential oils, reporting that orange was the most highly effective of those studied, which in turn makes it a great essential oil for arthritis treatment
Try diluting a few drops of the orange essential oil with 1 teaspoon of avocado or almond oil, and then rub it onto the back of your hand or wherever you have arthritic pain.

How to Use Essential Oils for Arthritis

There are several ways you can use essential oils for arthritis.
To relieve pain and inflammation while improving your sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse essential oils while you sleep. You can also rub topically, when blended with a carrier oil, directly onto the area where you feel the pain. Be careful to avoid the eyes.
Try this recipe:
Frankincense, Ginger and Myrrh Natural Ointment Blend for Arthritis
INGREDIENTS:

20–30 drops pure frankincense essential oil
10 drops pure ginger essential oil
20–30 drops myrrh essential oil
4 ounces unrefined coconut oil

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients into a bowl until well blended. Place into a glass jar with a lid for continued use.
Massage the ointment in the areas where you feel pain. Use twice daily. You can also take it to your masseuse and ask him or her to use it while performing a mild massage.

You can also try my Homemade Frankincense and Myrrh Lotion, which does wonders to soothe pain.

Risks of Essential Oils for Arthritis

Use any essential oils sparingly, whether internally or topically. High levels might cause reactions and sensitivity, so be sure to do a skin patch check before using on a regular basis. You also want to use caution if you take blood pressure medications or have an existing heart condition. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any new treatment.
It’s important to make sure that any essential oils you choose are 100 percent pure. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first. While most oils are safe for children, please do proper research and review with your physician.

Essential Oils for Arthritis Takeaways

52.5 million adults in the U.S. alone are afflicted with arthritis. That breaks down to over one in five U.S. adults (22.7 percent).
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between joints wears down causing inflammation and pain and generally occurs in the joints we most frequently use.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where the white blood cells destroy the cartilage.
Arthritis is widely used in the public health world to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints.
By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
The top essential oils for arthritis are ginger, turmeric, frankincense, myrrh and orange

Secret Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Skin

2016-04-26T06:19:00.002-07:00

It’s no surprise that I’m a huge coconut oil fan, for it’s the do-everything oil with next-to-zero downside. Coconut oil is loaded with good fats that provide us with energy, able to fight microbes in the body and excellent for cooking. It even smells amazing! But did you know that coconut oil for skin is also a thing? That’s right, you can reap coconut oil’s benefits from the outside-in.

Not only is using coconut oil on your skin an all-natural method to eliminate many of the toxic ingredients that are found on drugstore shelves, but it’s also a cost-effective way to care for your body. Coconut oil also is able to penetrate your skin on a deeper level than your average product because of its low molecular weight and the way it bonds with proteins.
I predict that you will be surprised to learn just how great coconut oil is for the skin. Soon, you can ditch those extra products in the medicine cabinet and try many, if not all, of these 20 ways to use coconut oil for healthy, radiant skin instead!

20 Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Skin

1. Body Butter

Skip the chemicals and fake fragrances found in conventional lotions and whip up your own instead. My homemade body butter recipe uses shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and essential oils of your choice for a butter that’s great for your skin. Slather it on after the shower to lock in moisture.
Why does coconut oil for skin work so well? In part, it’s due to the saturated fats that helps the skin stay moisturized, with the fat preventing moisture loss through the skin’s pores. These fats give the skin a healthy, smooth and even tone.

2. Body Scrub

Moisturize while getting rid of dead skin cells by making your own body (or facial) scrub. Just mix coconut oil with coconut sugar to reveal smoother skin. Try it a few times a week.

3. Body Oil

If your skin’s seriously dry, coconut oil for skin is one of the best remedies. Rub coconut oil in hands to warm it up and then use it in lieu of body lotion. Focus on spots like elbows and knees that tend to get even drier than other spots.

4. Cold Sore Treatment

Prone to cold sores? Dabbing coconut oil on them can help speed up healing time, alleviate pain and reduce the risk of scarring or discoloration.
Coconut oil contains three fatty acids —capric, caprylic and lauric acid — that possess both disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against as well as heal microbial infections. (3)

5. Cuticle Oil

Use coconut oil in your next at-home manicure. Rubbing the oil into cuticles helps keep germs at bay and will loosen up cuticles, making them easier to push back or cut.

6. Detox Bath

A good detox bath is a great way to eliminate toxins while allowing your body and mind to unwind. Create a simple detox bath with coconut oil by adding ¼ cup of Epsom salts, great for detoxing, to ¼ cup of coconut oil into a hot bath. For added aromatherapy benefits, include a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

7. Diaper Rash Guard

Using coconut oil for skin eases the pain, itch and redness of diaper rash. Using it regularly can also help keep it at bay. Use about a tablespoon over affected areas.

8. Dry Hands

If washing dishes or tinkering around the tool shed is taking its toll on your hands, coconut oil is a great remedy. Keep a jar by the sink or in the garage to replenish hands. Bonus: Rub coconut oil over hands and then cover with gloves to get skin soft and supple even more quickly.

9. Face Wash

With its antimicrobial properties and moisturizing abilities, coconut oil for skin is perfect to clean your face. I love my homemade face wash recipe. It’ll kill any bacteria (goodbye, pimples!) while hydrating skin to keep it looking and feeling vibrant.

10. Homemade Deodorant

If traditional deodorants irritate your skin, using coconut oil is a great alternative. Try my three-ingredient homemade deodorant recipe to make your own at home. It hardens into a natural, healthy alternative to store-bought brands that’ll keep you smelling fresh

11. Insect Repellent

Put down the toxic chemicals and make your own repellent to keep insects at bay. To make about eight ounces of repellent, simply mix eight ounces of coconut oil with 40 to 50 drops of essential oils; some favorites are citronella, clove, eucalyptus, mint and lemongrass. While you’ll need to reapply throughout the day, you’ll avoid introducing harsh chemicals and toxins into your body.

12. Lip Balm

The simplest products are often loaded with frightening ingredients. Instead of accidentally ingesting toxic chemicals through your lip balm, make your own instead. My homemade lavender mint lip balm gets rid of dry, cracked lips — and toxins — for a lip ice that you can feel safe about using.

13. Makeup Remover

Using coconut oil for skin around the eye area will allow you to remove makeup without fear or irritating your eyes. Plus, you’ll give extra hydration to that sensitive area — and reduce your wrinkles! To use, gently rub coconut oil onto lids and dab off eye makeup with a cotton pad or warm washcloth.

14. Massage Oil

Why purchase expensive massage oils when it’s so easy to make your own? Combining coconut oil with several drops of your favorite essential oil does the job just as well; it’ll alleviate sore muscles while also tickling the senses and encouraging a mindful meditation.

15. Night Cream

Keep your skin hydrating and repairing itself while you sleep by applying coconut oil gently on your face. If you’re prone to acne or have very oily skin, try adding a few drops to your normal moisturizer instead to amp up hydration without adding too much extra oil. If you’d like to use coconut oil as a daytime moisturizer as well, combine it with sunblock to reap the benefits throughout the day without risking sun damage.

16. Scalp Moisture

Dry, flaky scalp got you down? Using coconut oil for hair and scalp will keep the area moisturized, discouraging dandruff growth and keeping hair looking shiny. If you have dry ends as well, rub some oil on them to provide deep conditioning.

17. Shaving Gel

Get a close, smooth shave by using coconut oil instead of shaving creams or gels. Coconut oil for skin will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn plus add moisture — no extra products in the medicine cabinet necessary! Just rub onto skin, shave and pat dry.

18. Skin Conditions

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil is on a rise in popularity for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. In fact, a recent study found that 46 percent of patients with a chronic skin disease who used coconut oil had an excellent response in treating their condition. Meanwhile, only 19 percent of those who used mineral oil to treat their condition had an excellent response. (4) If you suffer from a skin disease, using coconut oil regularly might help alleviate symptoms.

19. Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur as the skin’s elasticity changes, most frequently after weight gain/loss or pregnancy. Using coconut oil can help reduce the marks that are left behind, helping them fade more quickly while keeping skin moisturized to allow quicker healing.

20. Sunburn Relief

Got a little too much sun? Coconut oil can help soothe inflamed skin, reduce redness and rehydrate skin. The caveat is that while coconut oil does provide minimal sun protection — about SPF 4 — I’d recommend adding red raspberry seed extract or zinc oxide to make a stronger sunblock if you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time.

Uses for Honey in Home Remedies

2016-04-26T06:14:00.001-07:00

HONEY is a delicious and natural sweetener many of us are already familiar with. For those looking to eat fewer processed foods, honey may seem like a good natural choice as a sweetener, but first you must know that not all honey is created equal.
Most commercial honey sold in stores is heated to high temperatures and pasteurized, getting rid of most of the beneficial enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients that are heat-sensitive.
Commercial honey has also had most of the pollen removed. Bee pollen is considered to be one of the most nutritionally-complete foods available due to its high amino acid and antioxidant content.
Although most commercial honey is not beneficial to your health, raw honey has multiple health benefits. Raw honey is unheated, unprocessed and unpasteurized. Therefore, it is able to keep all of its nutrients intact, as they are not destroyed by processing.
Raw honey contains bee pollen, has a high content of antimicrobial agents, and is full of antioxidants. It will generally have a honey comb included in the jar along with the honey.
Since it is not processed, it will usually crystalize easily and may not be in an easy to use liquid form. It will also usually not be clear, as we are used to with commercial honey, but may be a little cloudy due to the pollen and nutrient content.
The best way to buy raw honey is from a local honey producer in your area. Many larger farmer’s markets may have a honey stand which may offer raw honey. Raw honey will likely be more expensive than traditional honey, so be prepared. Make sure to ask questions about where the honey is sourced from and if it has been processed.

Types of Honey

There are several types of honey each with their own nutritional benefit and usage.
Manuka honey is a common natural healing agent that has been used for centuries as a topical antibiotic on wounds and acne. It can also be used for sore throats, colds, and other common ailments due to these properties. Other types of honey with antibacterial properties are eucalyptus and linden honey.
Acacia honey helps cleanse the liver and digestive tract.
Buckwheat honey, usually darker in color than its other counterparts, is full of antioxidants due to that deep color.
Neem honey has been used to treat high blood pressure and diabetes.
If you’re ready to incorporate raw honey into your diet then check out these honey uses.

20 Uses For Honey in Natural Remedies

Improve digestion – Use a tablespoon or two to counteract indigestion since it doesn’t ferment in the stomach.
Relieve nausea – Mix honey with ginger and lemon juice to help counteract nausea.
Acne cure – It can be used as an affordable face cleanser to fight off acne, gentle on sensitive/all skin types. Take half a teaspoon, warm between hands and spread on face gently, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Exfoliator – Honey makes a great exfoliator! Use honey on dry winter skin by adding two cups of honey to a bath, soak for 15 minutes, then add one cup of baking soda for the final 15 minutes.
Improve diabetes – Consumption of raw honey can reduce risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia. Add a little at a time and see how your blood sugar reacts to it.
Lower cholesterol – It can help reduce cholesterol and therefore decrease your risk for coronary artery disease.
Improve circulation – Raw honey makes your brain function optimally by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.
Antioxidant support – Consumption of raw honey increases plaque-fighting antioxidants.
Restore Sleep – Raw honey promotes restorative sleep. Add a tablespoon to warm milk to help increase melatonin and help you sleep.
Pre-biotic support – Raw honey is full of natural prebiotics which promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.
Improve allergies – If sourced locally, raw honey can help reduce seasonal allergies.
Lose weight – Substituting raw honey for white sugar can help in weight management
Moisturize – A spoonful of raw honey mixed with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon can be used as a hydrating lotion.
Hair mask – Raw honey hair mask can help boost shine, mix 1 tsp of raw honey with 5 cups of warm water, rinse thoroughly , air dry and style as usual.
Eczema relief – Use to treat mild eczema. Use it as a topical mixture of equal parts of honey and cinnamon.
Reduce inflammation – Raw honey has anti-inflammatory agents that can treat respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Heal wounds – Raw honey used topically can help quicken healing time for mild burns, wounds, rashes, and abrasions.
Cure UTI – Honey can help improve urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties.
Shampoo – Raw honey can cleanse and restore the health of your hair and scalp. Try this homemade shampoo recipe.
Relieve sore throat – Honey uses for sore throats is another fantastic remedy. Simply mix it with lemon essential oil and peppermint oil for fast acting benefits.

As you can see, there are many uses for honey in personal care products, as medicine, and of course, a way to naturally sweeten up your diet without the negative side effects of sugar. I recommend going to your local farmers market, health food store, or buying raw honey online.
With so many great benefits, why not try adding a little raw honey to your diet?

Health Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon

2016-04-26T06:00:00.002-07:00

Honey and cinnamon, this combination has been used for centuries to promote general well being and cure many conditions and ailments. Although, there is a lack of scientific evidence, many people swear by this simple home remedy.

This natural treatment is well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani Medicine (Greek), ayurvedic and Tibb (which means the science of medicines based on natural treatment in the East).

According to experts in Chinese Traditional Medicines, cinnamon is hot. It produces heat in the body which is known as “yang”. Yang cures “yin” which means coldness. Honey, on the other hand, is neutral and it balances both “yang” and “yin”.

Before I list the curing properties of honey and cinnamon combination, it is extremely important to know the true cinnamon and distinguish it from cassia. True cinnamon is also known as Ceylon cinnamon. The fake or cassia type is toxic and is not recommended for medication or regular use. It is even banned in some countries.

Anti-bacterial paste

Honey possesses anti-bacterial properties. This claim is supported by numerous studies. It fights against external and internal infections. Cinnamon also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. When combined together, they form a great potion for external infections.
2. Good for Heart
Healthy diet, active lifestyle and moderate exercise are great ways to maintain a healthy heart. Taking a drink of cinnamon and honey on a regular basis can prevent heart diseases by clearing the clogged arteries.
3. Bladder infections
Honey and cinnamon drink is a super anti-bacterial solution for treating bladder infections and bacterial cystitis. The anti-microbial and healing properties of both the ingredients work great to clean the bladder off all the infections.
4. Treating Arthritis
People report to have significantly improved their conditions in just a few days by drinking the mixture twice a day. For curing arthritis, add a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon and a tablespoon of raw or manuka honey. Drink half a glass before breakfast and half before going to bed. A study was conducted in Copenhagen University in which patients were given honey and cinnamon for treating arthritis. After a week time, it was found that 73 out of 200 patients were relieved of their symptoms. After a month trial, almost all patients were able to walk and work.
5. Treating Gingivitis
Researchers in New Zealand have found Manuka honey effective in fighting against dental plague, itchy gums, infections and bleeding. Apply honey and cinnamon paste to gums every day is an effective treatment for bleeding gums.
6. Tooth Decay
This is a bit controversial. Researchers in New York suggested that honey can cause tooth decay. However, it has been suggested by scientists in New Zealand that honey can actually prevent tooth decay on account of its anti-microbial properties. Applying the paste to gums regularly and maintaining oral hygiene treat the infected gums as well as avoid tooth decay.
7. Helping Digestion
It cleanses the colon by eliminating the toxins. It helps promote good bacteria in the colon resulting in better digestion.
8. Bloating, Gas and Acid Reflux
It helps protect the stomach wall by coating it. By cleaning the system of bad bacteria, it helps to heal any infection thereby helping to treat symptoms of bloating, gas and acid reflux.
9. Weight Loss
There is huge anecdotal evidence that honey and cinnamon works to reduce weight. When taken together, the solution burns the fat faster. It also regulates eating habits by eliminating food cravings.
10. Mental Alertness
Many people report that honey works great for enhancing memory. When taken with cinnamon, it increases mental alertness and improves memory. Treating Cancer Like many other claims, this is unproven scientifically. It may prove helpful in reducing the chances of cancer by eliminating free radicals. Some people have even reported to have treated breast and colon cancers by using honey and cinnamon.
12. Boosting Energy
Honey is rich in many minerals and vitamins, while cinnamon contains calcium, iron, vitamin c, vitamin K, manganese and fiber. When combined they make a great immune boosting tonic. Taking honey and cinnamon tea regularly boosts energy levels, physical strength and mental alertness.
13. Treating Acne and Pimples
Applying the honey and cinnamon paste to acne can rid your skins of the acne and pimple problem. Honey is anti-bacterial and cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Honey in the paste helps cinnamon stick to skin for longer.
15. Cough
Taking the solution in lukewarm water reduces both dry and phlegmatic cough. It clears the phlegm from the chest and thereby relieving the symptoms of cough.
16. Insect Bites
Great for itching or pain resulting from insect bites. Take one teaspoon of honey and mix it in two teaspoons of water. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon and apply it to the affected area. It relives the pain or itching instantly.
17. Hair Loss
Mix one tablespoon of honey in equal amount of extra virgin organic olive oil. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the mixture and stir to make a paste. Apply the paste to the bald areas or patches on your head. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water with an herbal shampoo.
18. Cholesterol
Regular intake of honey in small amount mixed with ground cinnamon lowers bad cholesterol. It lowers blood pressure and clears the clogs in arteries. Replacing other fat intake with extra virgin olive oil works like a tonic reducing bad cholesterol.
19. Toothache
Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoon of honey and apply to the aching tooth several times a day until the pain disappears.
20. Bad Breath
Mix an equal amount of honey and cinnamon and add some lukewarm water and stir to mix well. Gargle with the solution first thing in the morning and your breath will stay fresh all day long.
21. Indigestion
Sprinkle a small amount of the herb on one teaspoon of honey and eat before meals. It helps digest even the heaviest of meals.
22. Impotency and Sex Boost
Try it and see the difference! Add one teaspoon of the herb in to 300 ml hot water. Leave it for 15 minutes to cool down. Add one tablespoon of raw, manuka or organic honey. Drink half of it before breakfast and the remaining half before going to bed.
23. Boosting Immunity System
Keep you immune system strong and diseases will not touch you. Both the ingredients are anti-bacterial and anti-viral making the body strong enough to fight and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Honey also contains vitamins and minerals providing the body with essential nutrients.
24. Treating Excessive Flatulence
There are conflicting reports from users regarding the treatment of flatulence using the cinnamon-honey combination. Some people report increase in wind while others swear by it. Depending upon the individual’s physical health, it may work for some and not for others. Give it a try by eating one tablespoon of honey before each meal and sprinkling one teaspoon of cinnamon on the food to enjoy its perfect taste and reap its true benefits.
25. Other Benefits
The above list is by no means exhaustive and people have been using it for several other conditions such as diabetes, leg cramps, general weakness, memory loss, ulcers, wound healing, herpes, anal itching etc.
How to Take it?
You can take it either in drink form for internal health benefits or use the paste for external applications. It is simple and easy. Honey and cinnamon can also taking by adding it your fruit juice, smoothie, ice cream, yoghurt, coffee, bread, cereals etc.
How to Make Honey and Cinnamon Tea or Drink? You will need:

A cup or glass
200 to 300 ml water
Electric kettle
Ground Ceylon cinnamon
Honey

Boil the water in the electric kettle
Put one teaspoon of cinnamon in the cup
Pour the hot water into the cup
Stir to mix well.
Leave for 15 minutes and let it cool down
Add two teaspoon of honey and stir to mix well.
Drink half a cup before breakfast
Drink half a cup before going to bed.

How to make the paste? What you will need:

A spoon and a small bowl
Ground cinnamon
Honey
Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Take one teaspoon of cinnamon
Add one tablespoon of extra virgin oil
Add one tablespoon of honey
Mix well to make a paste
If the paste is too thick, add a little water.

Have you ever tried honey and cinnamon? If you have tried it yourself and want to share your experience, you can post your opinion in the comments sections below. Alternatively, you may contact us +234806113222 or gideonforces@gmail.com. I received several emails regarding the best type of honey. In my own personal experience and opnion Wedderspoon Raw is the best one. I love it.

Clinton, Trump up big in New York

2016-04-04T04:47:00.001-07:00

New York looks set to deliver both presidential front-runners big primary victories on April 19, with Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump sporting double-digit leads in their home state in a new poll.

Clinton leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 54% to 42% in the Empire State, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday.

On the Republican side, Trump is in first place with 56% support, while Texas Sen. Ted Cruz trails with 20% and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 19%.

The Quinnipiac poll also found that the New York remains solidly blue, as both Democratic candidates would soundly defeat the Trump in a general election match-up.

Clinton leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 54% to 42% in the Empire State, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday.

On the Republican side, Trump is in first place with 56% support, while Texas Sen. Ted Cruz trails with 20% and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 19%.

The Quinnipiac poll also found that the New York remains solidly blue, as both Democratic candidates would soundly defeat the Trump in a general election match-up.

Dark vision of Hong Kong's future wins city's top film award

2016-04-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Ten Years," a controversial low-budget independent movie that predicts a bleak future of oppression and censorship for Hong Kong under increased Chinese rule has won Best Film at the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards -- the city's version of the Oscars.

The film, which achieved huge success in Hong Kong, has been censored and denounced on the mainland. Several Chinese web portals that had streamed the film awards ceremony in the past did not do so this year over fears that "Ten Years" would win.

The nationalistic Chinese tabloid Global Times slammed the film as "absurd" and accused the filmmakers of wanting to "scare the public in Hong Kong and spread anxiety."

The film's creators thanked the Film Awards for its "courage" in giving the award to the contentious project.

"Thank you for having the courage to give this to us," producer Andrew Choi said in his acceptance speech.

"This award shows that Hong Kong actually has hope. This award tells us that we need to keep working hard."

Dark vision

Set in 2025 -- a decade on from its release -- "Ten Years" predicts far greater Chinese control of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), with restrictions placed on the use of the Cantonese dialect, uniformed "youth guards" attacking shops selling banned materials, and desperate protesters driven to self-immolation as Beijing tightens its grip on the city.

Director Chow Kwun-wai told CNN earlier this year that the film was an attempt to shock audiences into taking concrete action to better their situation now, lest they be left with only terrible choices later on.

"Hong Kong has been fighting for democracy for many years, and we've been lied to for many years," he said.

Huge success

The terrifying vision of the future in "Ten Years" has resonated with audiences in the city, even outperforming "Star Wars" in one cinema on the two films' opening weekends.

After its initial success, the film opened city-wide, far exceeding its creators' expectations.

"The reaction was quite unexpected," director and co-producer Ng Ka-Leung told CNN.

On April 1, more than a dozen special screenings were held of the film around the city, to packed crowds, and the filmmakers are in talks with international distributors.

Panama Papers: Rich and powerful, billions offshore

2016-04-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

Elected leaders and top officials from around the world are responding with denials and outrage to allegations that they used secret offshore companies and accounts to hide billions of dollars.

The media reports, based on a massive leak of documents, allege the existence of a clandestine network involving associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and business ties between a member of FIFA's ethics committee and men indicted for corruption.

The Kremlin has dismissed the allegations as "a series of fibs," while the FIFA official has described them as "ridiculous" and "outrageous." But some governments are acting on the information -- the U.K., France, Australia and Mexico have pledged to investigate for possible cases of tax evasion.
Several news organizations published reports Sunday drawing on more than 11 million documents leaked from a law firm in Panama that allegedly helped set up secret shell companies and offshore accounts.
The documents go back decades and reference 12 current or former world leaders, as well as 128 other politicians and public officials, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which carried out the yearlong investigation in cooperation with more than 100 different news organizations.

CNN hasn't been able to independently verify the reports and is seeking comment from the most prominent figures mentioned in the reports. Those people are spread across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
The documents do not necessarily indicate illegal activity. But shell companies and offshore accounts can be used to mask the origin of financial transactions and ownership. The files include people and companies blacklisted by the U.S. government because of links to drug trafficking and terrorism, according to the ICIJ.
They also suggest that the law firm in Panama, Mossack Fonseca, did not have adequate controls in place. According to the ICIJ, a 2015 internal audit found that the firm knew the identities of the real owners of just 204 of 14,086 companies it had incorporated in Seychelles, an Indian Ocean archipelago often described as a tax haven.
Ramon Fonseca Mora, a co-founder of Mossack Fonseca, told CNN late Sunday that the information published about the firm was false and full of inaccuracies.
In longer statements provided to the ICIJ, the firm said that the parties "in many of the circumstances" cited by the ICIJ "are not and have never been clients of Mossack Fonseca."
It said its role was to incorporate companies and that in 40 years, it had "never been accused or charged in connection with criminal wrongdoing."
A German newspaper, Suddeutsche Zeitung, obtained the files from an anonymous source and shared them with the ICIJ. Eventually, more than 100 other media organizations became involved, including the BBC, The Guardian, Univision and McClatchy.
Here are some of the most high-profile allegations from the reports:
RUSSIA
The reports say the leaked documents show the existence of "a clandestine network operated by Putin associates that has shuffled at least $2 billion through banks and offshore companies."
The files describe about 100 complex deals involving a network of Putin allies, including one where the rights to a $200 million loan were sold for just $1, according to the ICIJ. Putin isn't mentioned by name in any of the documents, the ICIJ notes.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov anticipated the reports last week at a news conference, saying a media "attack" was expected in the coming days, according to state media. He called the accusations "another series of fibs."
The Kremlin hasn't commented since.
FIFA
Still reeling from an ethics crisis last year, FIFA is once again in the spotlight. The reports allege business ties between Juan Pedro Damiani, a member of its Independent Ethics Committee, and three men indicted on corruption charges by U.S. authorities.
The three men caught up in the FIFA corruption scandal are Eugenio Figueredo, a former FIFA vice president, and Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, a father and son who ran a sports marketing business in Argentina.
The leaked files show Damiani and his law firm did work for companies linked to Figueredo, the ICIJ reported. His law firm also served as an intermediary for a company linked to the Jinkis family, it said.
The report doesn't allege illegal behavior by Damiani, but it raises difficult questions for the embattled world soccer body that's trying to clean up its image.
Damiani, who is also the president of the Uruguayan soccer club Penarol, told a local TV station that the reports about him were "ridiculous" and "outrageous."
FIFA said it has begun a preliminary investigation to review the allegations.
ICELAND
The reports accuse the prime minister of Iceland, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, of having ties, through his wife, to an offshore company that were not properly disclosed.
When asked about the company during an interview with a Swedish TV channel, Gunnlaugsson ended the conversation and said the journalists had asked an inappropriate question.
Among the firm's more significant holdings were bonds of three major Icelandic banks that collapsed in 2008, according to ICIJ. It said it was unclear how Gunnlaugsson's political activities might have affected the bonds' value.
In a statement later provided to ICIJ, the prime minister's office said the firm in question was merely a holding company for his wife's assets, enjoyed no tax advantages and had been created to avoid conflicts of interest in Iceland.
ARGENTINA
Argentinian President Mauricio Macri is alleged in the reports to have been a director of a company in the Bahamas that was incorporated in 1998 and dissolved in 2009. His father and brother were also reported to have been directors.
The ICIJ reports that he didn't disclose his link to the company in asset declarations in 2007 and 2008, a time when he was mayor of Buenos Aires.
A spokesman for the president, Ivan Pavlosky, said in a statement that Macri never had a stake in the company.
"President Macri didn't list that asset on his affidavit because he had no capital participation in the company and never had shares in it and therefore he didn't need to include it," he said.
Macri was "appointed occasionally as a director" of the company because it was "linked to the family business group," the spokesman said.

King Tut's tomb: '90%' chance of hidden chambers

2016-03-17T04:25:00.001-07:00

It's a mystery that has evaded the best minds in archeology for decades: the unknown fate of a beautiful queen who ruled over ancient Egypt at the height of its power.

But Nefertiti may be hiding in plain sight. At least, that's according to one recent theory that's set the Egyptology world buzzing.

The hypothesis that she was buried in a chamber just behind King Tutankhamun's tomb was put forth by British archaeologist Nicolas Reeves in August.

What's behind King Tut?

Preliminary findings from a radar scan of the tomb site were announced Thursday, a crucial step in resolving one of ancient Egypt's biggest enigmas.

In the findings, the antiquities minister said they are "90%" sure they found two new chambers behind King Tut's tomb.

The scan also revealed metallic and organic material, Minister Mamdouh El Damati said. They plan to do additional scanning at the end of the month to determine the size of the chambers and the thickness of the wall.

El Damati said they won't move forward with digging unless they are sure the chambers exist.

The minister has always been skeptical that Nefertiti is in a chamber behind King Tut. He says he believes there's female royalty behind the boy king, just not Nefertiti.

'Ghost' doorways

After extensive analysis of high resolution images published online last year, Reeves spotted cracks in the walls that could indicate two previously unrecognized "ghost" doorways lay behind.

The size of Tutankhamun's tomb -- "less than appropriate" for the final resting place of an Egyptian king -- added more credence to the view. Reeves' hunch is that its unusual size and layout is because it is an extension of an earlier tomb originally designed for a queen, and was repurposed upon Tutankhamun's untimely death at 17 years old.

Since September, Reeves and his team have been using state-of-the-art surveying equipment to look for a secret doorway on the northern wall that would reveal a previously unknown chamber.

King Tut's 'virtual autopsy' reveals surprises

Who was Nefertiti?

Historians say Nefertiti ruled Egypt alongside her husband Amenhotep IV. But after reigning for 12 years she appeared to have vanished. Some Egyptologists believe she became co-regent under a new name, while others think she may have died.

The search for her tomb has been a long and drawn out process -- due in no small part to the extra care needed to avoid damaging the historical site.

Eight face charges over broken King Tut mask

"We must find a way to protect the tomb of Tutankhamun," El Damati told CNN in October. "Does that mean we will dig from above, below or from the side? We don't know."

King Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Although Tutankhamun was a relatively minor pharoah, his tomb has been a treasure trove for experts and remains the most intact tomb ever unearthed.

Other ideas floated for who might occupy a possible chamber include Kia, said to be Tutankhamun's mother, or other family members.

Egypt removes 'Frankenstein' Nefertiti statue

But if it is Nefertiti's final resting place, experts say the finding would be monumental.

"When we find Nefertiti, I think it will be more important than the discovery of King Tutankhamun himself," said El Damati.

world's happiest countries

2016-03-17T04:11:00.002-07:00

Where are the world's happiest countries?

Fans of Denmark must be even happier than usual: Denmark has retaken the title of "world's happiest country," knocking Switzerland into second place.

Denmark and Switzerland were closely followed by Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, according to the World Happiness Report Update 2016, released Wednesday in Rome by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations.

Denmark won the title three of the four times the report has been issued, losing to Switzerland only once.

People in Burundi are the least satisfied with their lives, according to the survey of 156 countries, but residents of Benin (153rd place), Afghanistan (154), Togo (155) and Syria (156) aren't doing much better.

The United States ranked 13th in overall happiness, lagging behind Canada (6), the Netherlands (7), New Zealand (8), Australia (9), Sweden (10), Israel (11) and Austria (12). Germany came in 16th place, while other superpowers -- the United Kingdom (23), Japan (53), Russia (56) and China (83) -- were markedly lower.

Some countries that saw drops suffered economic and political turmoil -- including Greece, Italy and Spain -- while Ukraine's political trouble and violence likely caused a significant drop in happiness there.

Measuring happiness is important

Happiness is a better measure of human welfare than measuring education, health, poverty, income and good government separately, the report's editors argue.

There are at least seven key ingredients of happiness: People who live in the happiest countries have longer life expectancies, have more social support, have more freedom to make life choices, have lower perceptions of corruption, experience more generosity, experience less inequality of happiness and have a higher gross domestic product per capita, the report shows.

"Measuring self-reported happiness and achieving well-being should be on every nation's agenda as they begin to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals," said Jeffrey Sachs, the report's co-editor and director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, in a statement.

"Indeed the goals themselves embody the very idea that human well-being should be nurtured through a holistic approach that combines economic, social and environmental objectives," Sachs said. "Rather than taking a narrow approach focused solely on economic growth,we should promote societies that are prosperous, just, and environmentally sustainable."

Not just about the money

Iceland and Ireland both suffered through banking crises that dramatically affected their economies but didn't greatly affect their happiness, according to the report. What both countries have is a high degree of social support, enough to put Iceland in third place and Ireland in 19th place this year, according to the report.

Strictly focusing on financial well-being can obscure the larger picture, according to the University of British Columbia's John Helliwell.

"In Norway, it's quite common for people to paint each other's houses even though they can all afford to pay to have their houses painted," said Helliwell, a report co-editor and co-director of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.

"They go out of their way to help each other, and it becomes a social event, and those events are enormously supportive of well-being," Helliwell said. "In the commercialization of activity -- when people are more likely to buy things than to do them for themselves and each other -- we lose something along the way."

Inequality of happiness

It turns out that people are also happier in countries where there's less inequality of well-being, the report found. And happiness inequality has increased significantly "in most countries and regions of the world," said Helliwell, comparing 2012-15 data with 2005-11 data.

The country of Bhutan, a tiny country famous for measuring the "Gross National Happiness" of its people, ranked No. 1 in happiness equality, followed by Comoros and the Netherlands. South Sudan, Sierra Leone and Liberia had the highest happiness inequality.

A country may have really rich and really poor people, and the poor people don't have enough money to construct a good life for themselves, he said. Or people may have money but have no social support or friends, or live in an area where there's government corruption or lack of freedom to make their own life choices.

The birth of 'Gross National Happiness'

It's no surprise that Bhutan would come out on top, despite not being a world economic power: Its Prime Minister proposed a World Happiness Day to the United Nations in 2011 and launched this international focus on happiness.

Following in Bhutan's footsteps, the U.N. General Assembly declared March 20 as World Happiness Day in 2012, recognizing "happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world."

In recent years, other countries have made happiness a public policy goal of their governments. Bhutan, Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela have all appointed "Minsters of Happiness" to focus on the happiness of their people.

Barack Obama says 'don't blame me for Donald Trump'

2016-03-16T08:09:00.003-07:00

US election 2016: Barack Obama says 'don't blame me for Donald Trump'

Barack Obama has dismissed suggestions that he is responsible for the rise of Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.

"I have been blamed by Republicans for a lot of things but being blamed for who they are selecting for their party is novel," he said at a welcome for Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Mr Obama said he aimed to unify the US.
Meanwhile a man is reportedly facing assault charges for attacking a protester at a Trump rally.
The 78-year-old attacked a demonstrator being removed from the event in Fayetteville in North Carolina on Wednesday, US media reported.
Senior Republicans have urged supporters not to vote for Mr Trump.
The Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus supporting Trump
Could Trump's vulgarity cost him the nomination?
Why are Americans so angry?
Mr Obama's remarks came after he was asked by a reporter whether his administration was to blame for the increasing polarisation in US politics.
He blamed Republican elites and right wing media for feeding the Republican base "a notion that everything I do is to be opposed, that co-operation or compromise somehow is a betrayal".

"What you're seeing in the Republican party is all those efforts over the course of time creating an environment where someone like a Donald Trump can survive. He's just doing more of what's been done over the past seven-and-a-half years," Mr Obama said.
On Tuesday Mr Trump won primaries in three more states and called for the Republican party to unite behind him after a week of stinging criticism from party leaders.
"Instead of fighting it, they should embrace it," he said.
But Mr Obama said that although Mr Trump was known for his "provocative" comments, his policies on issues such as immigration were not that different from those of his presidential rivals Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.

How extreme is Donald Trump?

Donald Trump has been condemned by many on the left and some on the right as being beyond the pale, a toxic virus that exists on the fringes of the political mainstream. But where do his policy views actually fit when compared to his fellow presidential candidates - and past Republican commanders-in-chief?

He also refused to endorse one of the two rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.
"My most important role will be to make sure when primaries are done I'm bringing everyone together so we can focus on winning the general election," he said.
Mrs Clinton increased her overall lead over Mr Sanders in Tuesday's primaries.
The primary and caucus elections determine the number of delegates assigned to each of the candidates.
The delegates then endorse their candidate at the party conventions in July.

Lamborghini Centenario

2016-03-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Lamborghini Centenario is not a pretty car. It is dramatic, arresting, even frightening. But it is not pretty. The car company that a tractor-maker named Ferruccio founded in 1963 gave up building beautiful cars long ago, devoting itself instead to becoming the world's preeminent purveyor of rolling aggression. A fellow car writer, defending the antisocial appearance of the Centenario — and Lamborghini's current Weltanschauung — wrote in a Facebook comment: "Someone's gotta play the bad-boy card, and they play it well." That is the modern Lamborghini: the bad boy.

Unveiled this week at the Geneva motor show, the Centenario exists as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Ferruccio's birth. And despite its abject outlandishness, this is no token gesture: the Centenario is a full-on production model, albeit one destined for a very brief run. The company plans to build just 20 coupes and 20 roadsters — every last one of which was claimed before the lights went on in Geneva. It also happens to be the most powerful production car in Lamborghini's history, packing a 760-horsepower naturally aspirated V12, and one of the most expensive, with a sticker price of €1.75m (about £1.4m, or $1.9m).

What was the last truly beautiful Lamborghini? Certainly nothing in the current range. The Hurácan is a bit too Teutonic for its own good, with a shape that is more focused on going fast than pleasing the eye. And the Aventador is preposterous from any angle. Moving backward, the Murciélago — the first new Lamborghini under Audi ownership — is positively modest by the standards of today's Sant'Agata, the unadorned arc of its body perfectly reflecting the tidy values of its new corporate parent. But you'd be hard-pressed to call it beautiful. Ditto the Gallardo, which strived to be simultaneously different from and identical to the (legitimately pretty) Ferrari 360 Modena, and failed on both counts.

Fins and creases have scalpel edges, scoops and vents and wheel arches are raw and woundlike. And fine yellow stripes catch the eye like police tape around a crime scene. This is a car that does not slip through the wind; it slashes and hacks its way through.

The 1990 Diablo may be the last Lamborghini that aspired to actual beauty. And it's no coincidence that the car's initial design came from one Marcello Gandini, perhaps the most gifted supercar stylist who ever lived. Any discussion of beautiful Lamborghinis must begin and end with Gandini, who in addition to the Diablo penned two of Italy's undisputed beauties: the Miura of 1966 and the Countach of 1971, both luscious concept cars that became equally luscious production cars. Gandini's other Lamborghini concept cars, the 1967 Marzal and the 1974 Bravo, and his 2+2 production models — Jarama, Espada and Urraco — were less swooningly lovely, but even so, their designer's devotion to visual harmony shines through.
The Centenario, in contrast, is monstrous — and quite intentionally so. It is angry, brutal, even dangerous. From the shovel nose to the trio of exhaust tips, the car's glossy gray surfaces are festooned with prickly details. Fins and creases have scalpel edges, scoops and vents and wheel arches are raw and woundlike. And fine yellow stripes catch the eye like police tape around a crime scene. This is a car that does not slip through the wind; it slashes and hacks its way through.

One cannot help but wonder how Ferruccio, who died in 1993, would feel about his 100th birthday gift. He'd be impressed by the performance, certainly; the Centenario is capable of howling from zero to 62mph in 2.8 seconds and punching onward to a top speed in excess of 217mph. And he'd be dazzled by the masterful use of advanced technology and materials; the car is crafted almost entirely of carbon fibre and incorporates such cutting-edge features as permanent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel steering, an adaptive magneto rheological suspension and even Apple CarPlay.
But gazing at the car, we suspect he'd feel a twinge of remorse. His directive for Automobili Lamborghini, inspired by an infamous snubbing by Enzo Ferrari himself, was to beat 'Il Commendatore' at his own game, to build the anti-Ferrari. It's a comic-book revenge plot, an arch villain’s origin story. The modern Lamborghini — this modern Lamborghini, the Centenario — is the ultimate expression of Ferruccio's hot temper. It is a car — and a company — that exists now solely to "play the bad-boy card". And though, as my colleague noted, they play it well, there is something empty, even sad, about devoting your existence to being someone else's undoing.

(Credit: Automobili Lamborghini)

Eight-year-old teachers

2016-03-16T07:45:00.003-07:00

Nigeria's 'eight-year-old teachers' draw salaries

Children as young as eight are being paid teaching salaries by the state as part of identity fraud in the north-eastern Nigerian state of Bauchi, officials have found.

The scam, which involves drawing the salaries of non-existent civil servants, is widespread, a BBC correspondent in Nigeria says.
But the government has recently been cracking down, removing thousands of "ghost workers" from its payroll.
Nigeria is Africa's biggest economy.
It is the continent's top oil producer, but its economy is currently under huge strain due to the recent collapse in oil prices.
The state has been able to save millions of dollars as a result of an ongoing verification of its workforce, the auditor general for Bauchi said.
Abubakar Gabi said that thousands of workers and pensioners did not appear for an exercise aimed at rooting out ghost workers and claimants.

SUV Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

2016-03-16T07:33:00.002-07:00

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

Starting price: approximately $138,000
Engine horse power and top speed: 536 HP / 175 MPH
The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is the company’s most expensive SUV sold in the United States, but is also one of the fastest. Featuring a turbo 5.5 liter, eight cylinder engine, the V8 is rated at 536 HP and 560 lb-ft of torque. The auto can go from zero to 60 in approximately 5.3 seconds and has a top overall speed of 175 MPH. Although the SUV is very boxy in shape, it is one of the company’s more popular designs. The auto comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and includes the Mercedes 4MATIC driving system helping make this a very capable off-road SUV. The fuel economy for the G63 AMG is at the lower end of SUVs with its overall EPA rating coming in at 12 MPG city / 14 MPG highway.

China's $185M football factory

2016-03-16T06:33:00.002-07:00

Guangzhou Evergrande: Inside China's $185M football factory

Rising from the early morning mist like a Disney castle sits the imposing face of what President Xi Jinping hopes is the future of Chinese football.

Evergrande Football School is front and center in the push to bring footballing glory to a nation currently languishing in the lower echelons of the sport.

China's leader has made no secret of his love for the "beautiful game." He's also made it clear he wants to see China qualify for, host and one day win, the World Cup.

And in China, what Xi says, Xi usually gets.

Big spenders

Billions of dollars have been ploughed into the Chinese game in recent years, most notably in the form of high-profile marquee signings in its professional league.

The country's transfer record was broken four times in the space of a month during the close season, as Chinese Super League teams spent more during the winter transfer window than even their English Premier League counterparts.

The likes of Brazilian midfielders Alex Teixeira and Ramires, as well as Colombian striker Jackson Martinez, stole the headlines as they left Europe for China in big-money deals. But there's much more going on behind the scenes.

In addition to buying players, several of China's top clubs are pumping money into the grassroots side of the game -- specifically youth football.

But it isn't purely for the love of the game. Experts say it's all about buying favor with Xi.

"To a Chinese billionaire, a few hundred million dollars is a small price to pay," China football-watcher Rowan Simons says.

On an Evergrande scale

In just 10 months, and at a cost of $185 million, real estate company Evergrande turned an area of rural southern China into the biggest football school in the world.

If all goes to plan, the kids learning to trap and pass a ball today could be the ones pulling on a first-team shirt and running out at Guangzhou Evergrande's Tianhe Stadium in a few years.

Sitting proudly outside the front gates of the school is a 40-foot tall replica FIFA World Cup trophy -- a daily reminder of the ultimate goal.

Fourteen-year-old He Xinjie left his family in neighboring Fujian province almost four years ago to chase that dream.

"I hope to make it into the national football team and then make it into the Spanish clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid," the slightly-built teen says, with a wry smile. "Or get into the national team and fight for national pride."

He is one of China's best players in his age group and is here on a scholarship.

Without it, he'd still be kicking a ball around the dusty streets of his hometown, he tells us. But he's one of the fortunate ones and has already been to Spain with the school to play against some of the best Europe has to offer.

"I feel very lucky," he says, almost embarrassed.

A Spanish flavor

He's one of 2,600 boys and 200 girls from across the country -- including Tibet, we're proudly told by our guide -- who live and breathe football here.

The reason behind his desire to make it to Spain's La Liga soon becomes apparent.

Cries of "buen pase" and "gol" echo across the 50 pitches. Two dozen Spanish coaches, the result of a partnership with Real Madrid, bark out instructions -- instantly translated into Chinese and repeated with added vehemence.

Unfortunately, for most if not all of the near 3,000 students here, it's the closest they'll ever get to playing for the European giants.

After two decades of coaching in Europe, Sergio Zarco Diaz swapped sunny Spain for a challenge in China.

In his four years here, he says the standard has improved dramatically but admits Chinese youngsters have a long way to go.

"What we notice is the children are at a high technical level but the greatest difference is tactically, particularly in the decision making process," he explains.

A costly pursuit

China has qualified for just one World Cup -- in Japan and South Korea in 2002 -- but it didn't go to plan. Team China went out in the group stage, losing all three matches without scoring a goal.

It's a problem we saw firsthand. Plenty of huff and puff but not much end product.

Every Saturday morning all 50 pitches are in use as the school's teams pit themselves against each other, taking a break from the week's training and putting their skills to the test.

Prowling the touchline are the Spanish coaches, their translators in tow. They're drowned out only by the shrieks of excited parents who take this weekend opportunity to see their children.

They're paying up to 60,000 yuan ($9,200) a year to send their children here -- slightly more than the average annual wage in China. Unless you're talented enough to win a scholarship or some form of assistance, you've got to be wealthy to come here.

One class in five is football training, the rest of the time taken up with traditional subjects. But football is what everyone really wants to do, so even the non-football classes have a heavy slant towards the game.

"When I first came here I taught using key football terms," says Zhang Liya, an English teacher from Beijing. "These kids come from all parts of our country and their English level is quite different. They say, 'When I was young I just learned how to play football, but we never had lessons.'"

For Zhang and her colleagues, teaching comes first -- even if it might not for their soccer-mad students.

"First we should train the kids to be a good person and how to behave," she adds. "Then we can train them to be a footballer and maybe eventually they can be a famous football star."

Traditionally in China team sports have been of low importance, with parents preferring to push their children into prestigious professions like law and medicine. If they did turn to sport, it would be individual events like swimming or gymnastics.

Investing China style

But times are changing. And football is emerging.

The investment here is on a scale you'd only see in China. The 50 pitches are spread over more than 160 acres. They sit alongside basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a swimming pool and movie theater, as well as a gym, library and several canteens. Special chefs have been flown in from the western Xinjiang province to cater for the dietary requirements of the region's Muslim players.

Linking it all together are tree-lined avenues, imposing street lamps and grand European-style piazzas.

The Football Center Building is like Hogwarts, or something from a Disney film.

The manicured lawns and more than $30 million worth of Southeast Asian trees, we're told, are all just a few hundred yards from barren vegetable patches, wooden shacks and potholed roads. At the heart of the campus is the centerpiece Football Center Building -- a huge Hogwarts-style mansion, complete with clock towers and spires.

It's a stark reminder of China's wealth divide, and a not-so-subtle reminder of the money the country is throwing at its footballing problem.

China is ranked 96, below minnows like Faroe Islands and Guatemala.

The man who oversees things here at the school, Principal Liu Jiangnan, tells us there's definitely room for improvement.

Principal Liu Jiangnan thinks China's soccer status will spike in the next five years.

"This ranking is incongruous with China's international standing as a world power," he says.

"In about four years, Chinese football will definitely see an improvement and maybe return to be one of the top contenders in Asia.

"And of course, in about 20 or 30 years we will set our sights on the top world rankings."

With the money flowing into Chinese football at the moment, you wouldn't bet against them.

Black Hawk Down

2016-03-16T06:02:00.002-07:00

Mike Durant:

More than just the 'Black Hawk Down' guy

I can hear them coming ... they are on their way and they are going to kill me."

Sitting in the cockpit of his downed Black Hawk helicopter, Chief Warrant Officer Mike Durant looked to the sky and tried to come to terms with his imminent death.

With each passing moment, his fear built until the crowd descended on him, ripping off his gear and beating him mercilessly.

They broke his nose, eye socket and cheekbone, and Durant was certain they were going to beat him to death.

But just when his chances for survival seemed bleakest, he heard it.

Pop. Pop. Pop.

The sound of gunfire rang out from somewhere in the crowd, and the beating stopped. At that instant, a man emerged from the mass of Somalis surrounding the battered pilot and proclaimed that he would be taken prisoner.

"That's the turning point where I went from being another American fatality to (realizing) they wanted to keep me alive and brought me into captivity," Durant said.

Fast-forward nearly 25 years, and Durant, now 54 years old, stands in the kitchen of his Huntsville, Alabama, home, quietly flipping pancakes with his wife, Lisa. The youngest of his six children, Michael, 11, sits at a table, waiting to eat breakfast before school.

During the day, you can usually find Durant at the office of Pinnacle Solutions, the company he owns and operates that specializes in building military training simulators.

Three to four times a week, he heads to Huntsville's Municipal Ice Complex after work to lace up his skates and play hockey on an organized team.

At first glance, there is little to suggest that the Durants are any different from most American families. Family photos and sports memorabilia line the walls in their home. Michael, dubbed by his siblings as the "Golden Child," plays hockey, like his father, and hates to be late for school.

But if you look closely at the personal effects that fill a glass case in the living room, there are three medals, lying side by side on the bottom row.

Purple Heart.

Distinguished Flying Cross.

Distinguished Service Medal.

The subtle way that these prestigious military awards are displayed in his home is perhaps a reflection of Durant's self-image today.

While he fully embraces his experience in Somalia as a pivotal part of his journey through life, Durant admits that he wants people to see him as more than just "the 'Black Hawk Down' guy."

If given the choice, Durant would prefer not to talk about being shot down and held captive for 11 days. But he said he has an obligation to tell his story and share his unique perspective.

'You feel somewhat invincible'

Made famous by the 2001 film "Black Hawk Down" and his own book, "In the Company of Heroes," Durant piloted a Black Hawk helicopter that was shot down during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993.

His Special Operations aviation unit was deployed to Somalia in August 1993 to assist U.S. forces that had been engaged in the country for roughly eight months. The year before, President George H.W. Bush had ordered thousands of U.S. troops into the war-torn country, leading a United Nations effort to ensure food supplies for starving people.

The unit's overall goal was to capture the leader of a Somali clan named Mohamed Farrah Aidid and provide security for relief organizations that were giving aid to the hungry in Mogadishu. At the time, Somalia was being ripped apart by clan warfare after the downfall of its former strongman ruler, Mohamed Siad Barre.

That summer, Durant and his team of U.S. soldiers conducted several successful operations, capturing around two dozen Somali warlords.

But everything changed on October 3, 1993, when his elite helicopter unit was tasked with providing air support for ground forces as they hunted two of Aidid's senior militia leaders in the country's capital.

Along with other armed opposition groups, Aidid's forces were instrumental in driving out President Barre and spearheaded the effort to challenge the U.S.-led NATO presence in Somalia at that time.

Durant was riding a rush of adrenaline as he climbed into the cockpit of his helicopter that day, a feeling he compared to playing in the Super Bowl.

"We're flying Delta Force and SEAL Team Six into the target ... I mean, it doesn't get any better than that," he said. "When you first dream about getting involved in in military aviation, you put that as the highest level you could ever achieve."

Confidence was high as the team of U.S. Black Hawks flew in formation from the United Nations compound on the outskirts of Mogadishu toward the city center.

"You feel somewhat invincible," Durant said. "I mean, even today when I look at the videos of us flying in formation, it's pretty intimidating."

The operation was intended to last only an hour or two, using an assault force made up of 19 aircraft, 12 vehicles and 160 men.

Circling high above the targeted drop area, Durant and his three-man crew could see a battle begin to escalate below. U.S. ground forces had engaged Somali militia members and armed civilians who were loyal to Aidid and controlled the urban interior of the city.

As the firefight raged, Durant flew his aircraft into a tight orbit around the combat space to provide fire support for the U.S. troops below.

Suddenly, a man stepped out from a doorway and fired a rocket-propelled grenade toward the slow-moving helicopter, hitting its tail and sending Durant and his crew spiraling violently toward the ground.

The Black Hawk spun an estimated 15 to 20 times from about 70 feet in the air and crashed into a shanty area near where the main battle was taking place.

"I think in my mind, I died," Durant said, thinking back on moment the helicopter hit the ground. "But somehow we didn't."

'We are alone, we are surrounded'

When Durant regained consciousness after the crash, he immediately knew the situation was dire, but he did not panic.

"It's like coming out of a deep sleep," he said. "I remember regaining consciousness and thinking, OK, what do I need to do?"

Realizing that he could not exit the helicopter, as his back and leg were badly broken, Durant pushed away the debris blocking the windshield to get a better view of the situation. He found the personal weapon that was lying next to him and prepared to make his final stand.

"We are badly injured, we are alone, we are surrounded and there are really no reinforcements left to come to our aid," he said.

But just as he had come to terms with his fate, two Delta Force operators, Master Sgt. Gary Gordon and Sgt. 1st Class Randy Shughart, suddenly appeared at the crash site.

Somalis look at the wreckage of a U.S. helicopter in Mogadishu in October 1993.

Durant would later learn that Shughart and Gordon had volunteered to drop into the crash site from one of the other U.S. helicopters providing suppressive fire from above, despite the heavy volume of Somalis in the area and not knowing if Durant or his crew had survived impact.

Both men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions that day.

"I felt like somehow, miraculously, a reaction force has gotten here much faster than I would've ever thought possible," Durant said.

He felt that he and his crew were going to make it out of the situation alive. But that hope evaporated only two or three minutes later, once Durant realized that the two men standing beside him made up the entire rescue operation.

With gunfire raging all around the downed helicopter, Durant recalled the way Gordon and Shughart seemed completely calm, setting up a perimeter and making radio calls as they were trained to do.

They held off the mob for a time, exchanging volleys of gunfire with the Somalis who had surrounded the chopper. But the prospect of a successful rescue slipped away with each passing moment.

Durant said the relief he had felt when the two Delta Force operators showed up dissolved the moment Gordon was shot.

"It's like being shot down initially," he said, "because now one of the guys you thought was indestructible has just been taken down."

Durant was assessing the injuries of the rest of his crew when he heard Shughart make his last stand.

"The volume of gunfire was unbelievable," he said. "I kind of knew there was no way he could hold them all off."

Then the shooting stopped, and Durant knew Shughart was down. He said the moments that folloawed were the most fearful of the entire battle.

"I remember just trying to come to terms with it, looking up to the sky and thinking I can't run, I can't fight, and I can't hide. ... It's over," he said.

The three men in Durant's crew were killed as the Somalis stormed the crash site, but Durant did not die that day. Instead, he was thrown into the back of a pickup truck and taken prisoner by a local warlord.

Eventually, 'the Somalis liked me'

While in captivity, Durant had one mission: Try to survive.

Initially, Durant says, his captors treated him badly. Despite nursing severe injuries from the crash and subsequent beating, he was shot in the leg while being held prisoner, constantly threatened by guards and kept in deplorable living conditions.

He remembers how the Somalis had tied him with a dog chain, wrapping his hands together so he couldn't even wipe the dirt from his face.

They kept him in a concrete room with no furniture and only one door, which remained closed.

But day by day, they became less hostile.

Despite the cultural differences, Durant was able to build a rapport with the guards by using his sense of humor, to the point where the Red Cross determined that his captors experienced "reverse Stockholm syndrome."

"My way of dealing with stress is to make jokes," he said. "Basically, their (the Red Cross) conclusion was that the Somalis liked me."

While in captivity, Durant said, he never lost hope that he would be freed.

"You have got to be hopeful ... telling yourself that someday, I'm going to get out of here to keep yourself motivated psychologically," he said.

And after 11 days, Durant was released back into U.S. custody after negotiations spearheaded by American diplomat Robert Oakley.

But he did not fully accept that the ordeal was over until he walked through the gate of the United Nations compound that he had taken off from 12 days earlier.

Once securely inside the base, Durant was comforted by familiar faces, but was also greeted by more, unexpected heartbreak.

"When they brought some of the guys from the unit over, that was a very emotional moment because, first of all, I got to see these guys. But that's also where I found out that two of our very close friends, Donovan Briley and Cliff Wolcott, had been killed," he said. "I knew my crew was gone, I had 11 days to kind of come to terms with that, but I didn't know two other very good friends were gone."

Claims insufficient resources

Durant was still reeling from the news when he received a call from President Bill Clinton.

"I just told him that I was proud to be an American, or something stupid like that," he said. "I didn't tell him what I really wanted to say."

Looking back on his conversation with Clinton, Durant says he was adhering to the obligation of those who serve in the military to not to openly criticize civilian leaders. But the reality is that what happened in Somalia is "absolutely the fault of our civilian leadership at the time," he said.

"We didn't have the resources we needed to do that mission. We had asked for them, they were denied, and the results speak for themselves," he said. "We took what was a very successful operation that had gone on for 10 months and turned it into what, unfortunately, history will always look at, overall, as a failure."

"It was a tough pill to swallow to know that you and your friends did everything you could do, fought your tails off in that battle, and our hands were tied because of political decisions, which is unacceptable," he added.

Eighteen soldiers in the U.S.-led force were killed and 74 were wounded in the Battle of Mogadishu.

'I've been given this second life'

Durant had to face another difficult reality upon returning to U.S. soil: His experience had made him famous.

"Some people like being the center of attention, but I don't," he said.

While in captivity, Durant had little idea of how much the media had covered his story and the public interest that awaited him at home.

"For a long time, I was pretty bitter about the whole thing because, you know, my friends are dead and within 90 days, the U.S. withdrew all forces from Somalia and basically gave up," he said.

But today, Durant says, he understands why his experience resonated so deeply with people all over the world and recognizes that some good has come from the terrible events in Mogadishu.

"Something I am still not comfortable talking about, but it is part of the story, is when American bodies are dragged through the streets ... the shock factor goes up another level," he said.

The media frenzy just after his release, in many ways, made Durant the face of the U.S. involvement in Somalia.

While the news coverage was, at times, overwhelming, he said the exposure highlighted the fact that the U.S. military needed to adapt to the realities of modern, unconventional warfare.

"If Somalia doesn't happen, we aren't as ready for the war on terror," he said. "To me, that is the one silver lining to what happened. ... I truly believe it left us better prepared for the conflicts that we face today."

On a personal level, Durant said his experiences in Somalia have had a lasting impact on the way he approaches life.

"If I face challenges or setbacks, I put it in perspective by saying I should be dead," he said. "I've been given this second life that's almost as long as my first life, at this point."

That attitude has helped Durant find personal and professional success in his "second life."

Not long after his release, the Army told him that he would not be allowed to fly again, because of his physical injuries.

But that only fueled his desire to get back into the cockpit. After only 10 months of healing, Durant ran the Marine Corps Marathon, an accomplishment that gave him the confidence to sign a waiver and eventually fly for five more years.

He also said he probably would not have started his own company if it weren't for what happened to him in Somalia, as his experience opened his view to new possibilities outside of being a pilot.

His company, Pinnacle Solutions, has grown significantly since he founded it in 2008. Nearly 85% of the people he employs are veterans.

'The ghosts are gone'

Today, Durant says his injuries give him very little physical discomfort, and he is able to play hockey on a regular basis. But like many, many vets, he says the psychological healing process was incredibly difficult.

While he has never experienced many of the negative effects usually associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, he admits that he struggled to deal with grief for a long time.

"There was a time where I cried every day," Durant said. "It would be a wave of emotion that just came over me ... my friends are dead, and if that doesn't bother you, then you are made of something different than I am."

Telling his story has helped Durant heal. He now travels across the country speaking to various groups.

"Telling the story was absolutely therapeutic for a long period of time," he said. "I didn't realize it, but one theory I have about why I don't think I suffer from most of the symptoms that would be associated with PTSD is that I have told this story."

"The ghosts are gone," he added.

But just after he returned home, Durant says, the media attention affected his relationship with his family, specifically his first wife, Lorrie.

"The media is very aggressive, and if there's a big story, pretty much anything's going to be done to try to get that story," he said, adding that his handling of some situations with the media "probably became a contributing factor" to his divorce.

Despite the divorce, Durant said his experience in Somalia is almost a "nonfactor" in terms of his relationship with his six children. Most of them were either very young or not yet born when he was shot down, and his experience in Somalia isn't now part of his family's daily life.

"Every once in a while, there'll be something that comes up in the news about it, or someone will recognize me somewhere, and the topic will come up, and so they all know," he said. "But it isn't who we are. It doesn't define us, at all."

And while his time in Somalia has had a significant impact his life, Durant doesn't want people to see him as just "the 'Black Hawk Down' guy." He'd rather they see his accomplishments as a businessman and parent.

However, he said, he does understand the lasting relevance of his story and the way it has shaped the man he has become.

"Whether it sounds good or not, in the end Somalia has turned out to be a great thing for me, because of the effect that it's had on me and the opportunities in my life," he said.

"Is Somalia a good thing? It's a horrible thing. But, you know, I guess there's something to be said for taking something horrible and finding a way to make it in any way positive."

Presidential Graveyard

2016-03-16T05:49:00.003-07:00

The U.S. presidential graveyard:

Intriguing end for lifelike sculptures

In a field in Williamsburg, Virginia, a ghostly army of U.S. presidents appears buried chest-deep, as if caught in a nightmarish quicksand.

George Washington's nose -- or what's left of it -- struggles to stay attached to his crumbling concrete face. Stains streak from his dead eyes like tears. The back of his head is a battered mess of exposed metal rods.

Welcome to intriguing remains of America's Presidents Park, the failed museum where visitors once walked among 43 eerily lifelike busts of the nation's leaders.

More than five years after the sculpture park closed, its hefty 20ft presidents remain clustered together on Howard Hankins' nearby farm.

The concrete businessman, who helped build the original sculpture park, couldn't bear to see the stony-faced men destroyed when the tourist attraction closed in 2010, and instead moved them to his own property.

He now hopes to restore the busts to their former glory and exhibit them in a new museum -- which would also feature President Barack Obama and previous First Ladies.

Photographer Patrick Joust traveled to the farm to document the dilapidated monuments, finding that the more famous the president -- the greater the decay.

"The ones that had a large amount of decay included Woodrow Wilson and Abraham Lincoln," he added.

"Funnily enough, a lot of the lesser-known presidents seemed better preserved."

Joust also brought his two-year-old son on the photoshoot and was struck by the way the youngster, who didn't recognize the stern presidents, took a more playful approach.

"I was always fascinated by the kitschy nature of the statues," explained Joust. "Finding them in a somewhat forlorn place, crumbling away, had obvious symbolism.

"It seemed to symbolize the crumbling state of the 'Great Man' narrative that we use to simplify and obfuscate history."

With around $240 of Hankins' $500,000 campaign raised at time of writing, whether these great men will rise again, remains to be seen.

Blood oil

2016-03-16T05:24:00.002-07:00

'Blood oil': How you can stop funding dictators

Think of the last time you filled your car with petrol. Where did your money go?

To buy a glass of champagne for the dictator of a country whose children die at the highest rate in the world?

To buy a textbook that teaches that it's a child's religious duty to kill "sorcerers"?

To Vladimir Putin? READ: Angola makes new steel from old guns

We know that what we spend at the pump may end up going to the autocrats in places like Angola, Saudi Arabia and Russia. They send oil to us in the West, we can't help but send money back to them.

In 2014, for example, the average American household sent around $250 to authoritarians, just by filling up. That's a lot of money that Americans gave to autocrats to help them violate basic human rights and spread religious intolerance around the planet.

This may seem to be just the way the world works. But it doesn't have to. We can change the rules. If you think about the rule we use today to decide who to buy oil from, it makes no sense.

To see why, imagine that an armed gang takes over your local petrol station. Should that give them the legal right to sell the petrol and keep the money? Should our law at home say that "might" makes "right" for oil?

No. A law like that at home would cause complete chaos. We'd see ever-more powerful gangs, turf wars, kingpins.

But "might makes right" is the law that we actually do use for the oil of foreign countries. When Saddam's gang took over Iraq in a violent coup, our law gave us the right to buy Iraq's oil from them.

And then in mid-2014, ISIS took over some of those same Iraqi wells -- and their oil sales helped the extremist group to become "the world's richest terror army."

Anyone outside of Iraq who bought gasoline made from ISIS oil would have owned that gas free and clear under the laws of their own country.

READ: Women secretly film inside ISIS stronghold

The default law of every country for the oil of other countries is literally the ancient rule of "might makes right." Every country's law is: whoever can control oil by force - we'll buy it from them.

This is why oil-rich countries are much more likely to suffer civil wars and political repression. Because our law rewards successful violence with big money, the most violent men rise to the top. And when those men get to the top, they can use our money to buy penthouses and superyachts -- or to spread an extreme, intolerant version of Islam around the world by funding schools and mosques like the Saudis have.

READ: Saudi Arabia official: If all else fails, remove Syria's Assad by force

'Might makes right'

We take the law of "might makes right" for granted because it's been around for so long. The law is a relic of centuries past -- from the days when the European empires were blasting each other's wooden ships with cannons. Back then, "might makes right" even made the slave trade legal. Back then, the world's law even for human beings was "whoever can control them by force can sell them to us."

That's the law that made it legal for 12 million captured Africans to be forced through the horrific Middle Passage, where the survivors were legally bought in the Americas.

In one of humanity's great steps forward for freedom, we abolished "might makes right" for human beings. It's now illegal to sell captured people. But, for captured oil, "might makes right" zombies on, because we've never had the courage to change it.

We can change it now. The west now has enough energy of its own -- we don't need to send our cash to despots and fanatics any more. To make the change, our governments only need to pass new laws making it illegal to buy oil from such men. Our laws are up to us -- and changing our laws now would get us out of business with today's men of blood.

Of course, other countries might still buy oil from them. But we would no longer be complicit with torturers and terrorists whenever we purchase petrol. And if the West took the lead in abolishing this archaic, destructive law of "might makes right" for oil, we might just inspire the rest of the world to join us in taking humanity's next big step toward freedom and peace.

Something to think about the next time you fill up.

Big wins for Trump

2016-03-16T04:30:00.003-07:00

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump won pivotal primaries Tuesday, while Gov. John Kasich's long-awaited debut victory in his home state of Ohio raised the chances of a historic GOP convention fight.

A humiliating loss on home ground in Florida, meanwhile, ended the White House dreams of Sen. Marco Rubio, who was once hailed as a Republican Party savior.

Clinton took big strides toward the Democratic nomination by winning Florida and North Carolina. And in crucial victories, she stopped Bernie Sanders in his tracks in the industrial Midwest by taking Ohio and Illinois.

The Republican Party, meanwhile, veered closer to a contested convention after Kasich held his own state and deprived Trump of its 66 delegates. That makes it more difficult for the billionaire to reach the 1,237 delegates he needs to capture the GOP prize.

Trump did, however, prevail in the biggest contest of the night, taking all of Florida's 99 delegates. That resounding win helped force Rubio out of the race after failing to win his own state and unite the Republican establishment against Trump. The real estate tycoon also won primaries in Illinois and North Carolina.

"This was a great evening," he said. "This was an amazing evening."

Jerry Springer: Donald Trump was 'inevitable'

The drama is still unfolding in other key races. Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are locked in a tight battle for Missouri. And Clinton is still hoping for a sweep, with votes still being counted in the close race with Sanders in Missouri.

Vote counting was completed for the night in Missouri with both Clinton and Trump clinging to tight leads of less than half a percentage point, but CNN will not project a winner in either contest as the margin of victory in each case is less than 1 percentage point.

Trump was already looking forward to the general election as he urged party unity amid growing speculation about the potential for a convention fight.

"We have to bring our party together," he said. "We have to bring it together."

Still, GOP leaders may now look to Kasich as their final chance to unite behind a candidate who could challenge Trump in the event of a contested convention.

"We are all very, very happy," Kasich told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in a telephone interview.

According to CNN estimates, Trump needs to win about 60% of the remaining delegates available in the GOP race -- a goal complicated by the fact that some states award delegates on a proportional basis, rather than doling out their entire hauls to the winner, as is the case in Ohio and Florida.

Obama knocks 'vulgar and divisive' presidential campaign

But it's unclear how Kasich, a contender who has won only one state and who has been laboring in obscurity for much of the race, can overtake Trump, who has now won 18 states and is far ahead in the delegate race.

The billionaire, who has harnessed the anger of grass-roots Republicans against party elites, is responsible for destroying the campaigns of some of the GOP's most imposing personalities -- all of whom were once considered strong White House contenders, including Rubio, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie.

Democrats battle it out

On the Democratic side, Clinton has won the Illinois, North Carolina, Florida and Ohio primaries -- crucial victories that bolster Clinton's claim that she is her party's only candidate who can win diverse states that will be pivotal in the November general election.

Her win in North Carolina completed her sweep of Southern states, where she has enjoyed strong support from African-American voters.

"We are moving closer to securing the Democratic Party nomination and winning this election in November," Clinton said in a victory speech in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Clinton campaign defends Libya comment in face of RNC attacks

Clinton said that by the end of the night, she would have two million more votes than Sanders, and hold a lead of more than 300 in the delegate count. While Clinton did not urge Sanders to quit the race so she could turn her fire on Trump, her comments appeared to be a gentle message to her stronger-than-expected challenger.

Clinton's victory in Ohio follows her surprise loss in Michigan last week, which raised fresh questions about her campaign strategy and provided a lift to Sanders that he hoped would help him sweep the Midwest. That loss may ultimately turn out to be an anomaly given her wins in Illinois and Ohio.

She unveiled a retooled message in her victory speech that simultaneously rationalized her campaign against Sanders and foreshadowed a general election duel with Trump, as she stressed repeatedly she would create jobs as president and stand up for the middle class.

"We are going to stand up for American workers and make sure no one takes advantage of us -- not China, not Wall Street, not overpaid corporate executives," she said.

Clinton's victories on Tuesday give Sanders a tough climb if he is to grab the nomination.

He would need to win about 72% of the remaining delegates in order to do so, according to CNN estimates, and time may be running out for him unless he can start racking up huge victory margins in coming state contests. Still, most Democratic strategists expect Sanders to stay in the race for several months.

DIABETES NATURAL CARE

2016-03-16T02:16:00.001-07:00

What you need to know
about diabetes and diet

Diabetes is on the rise, yet most cases of diabetes are preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Some can even be reversed. The bottom line is that you have more control over your health than you think. If you’re concerned about diabetes, you can make a difference by eating a healthy diet, keeping your weight in check, and getting exercise.

Eating right for diabetes

comes down to three things:

What you eat. Your diet makes a huge difference!! You should eat mostly plant foods, cut back on refined carbs and sugary drinks, and choose healthy fats over unhealthy fats.

When you eat. Diet is part of it, but keeping regular meal and snack times also affects your blood sugar levels and will help to keep them more constant.

How much you eat. Portion sizes matter. Even if you eat very healthy meals, if you eat too much you will gain weight, which is a factor in diabetes.

You do not need to eat special foods, but instead simply emphasize vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A diabetes diet is simply a healthy eating plan that is high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories. It is a healthy diet for anyone!

TRAFFIC, blogging

2016-03-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

TRAFFIC, Though i may not be an expertise in blogging but at least the few i know will definitely help you as a blogger to boost your traffic by nothing less than 40% I guaranteed!!!...
:
To start with I will be dropping those great tutorials in series, one after the other, so as for you to benefits from its fully!...
FIRST PRINCIPLE:
:
Login into your blogger dashbord then >> Settings >> Search preferences
:
Where it says “Custom robots header tags”, click on edit and where it says “Enable custom robots header tags?” click on yes.How To Setup Custom Robots Header Tags
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Now you will see lot of options, just copy what i Ticked, from the image attached below.
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Now click on save changes.
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Thats all! for the first principle!... If you have not done this before, then u are missing alot of traffic...
When u are done with this then we proceed to the next principle...

Can Nigeria breathe new life into its factories?

2016-03-14T08:08:00.001-07:00

Nigeria, haunted by high unemployment and a sinking oil-dependent economy, is pushing to diversify its economy with a "made in Nigeria" manufacturing campaign. The BBC's Martin Patience went to the northern city of Kano to see what difference it will make.

Cobwebs brushed against my face and dust covered my shoes as I was taken around the Gaskiya textile plant, a ghost factory since its closure in 2005.
Kano used to be one of Africa's great commercial hubs. The former emirate was famed for its fabrics drawing merchants from across the Sahara.
But in recent decades, the winds of global trade have blown through the city, leaving devastation in their wake.
Gaskiya employed 5,000 people who churned out African prints and school and military uniforms until it shut.
In the face of competition from China, large-scale smuggling and high production costs, dozens of factories were forced to close their doors and tens of thousands of workers lost their jobs.

'Things need to change'

In one section of the factory stood row upon row of weaving looms - more than a hundred in total. They took up a floor the size of a football pitch.
A former worker, who did not want to be named, showed me around the building and told me the dilapidation left him feeling devastated.
"When I was working here my country had a future, it had hope," he said.
"I'm a product of this factory, I got an education here, I got married here and my children are from here."
I ask him whether he thinks his children could ever work here. "Things will need to change dramatically," he told me, "that is what we are praying for."
Our voices echoed through a plant where the once thunderous machinery was now silent.
The roof was ripped off and the machinery - exposed to the elements - was left rusting in the sun.
The decaying factory was a poignant symbol of how far the once mighty textile industry in Kano has fallen.

Nigeria in numbers:

Population - 178 million - largest in Africa
Africa's biggest oil exporter and largest economy
Oil accounts for 90% of Nigeria's exports and is roughly 75% of the country's revenue
2014: Oil and gas output declined by about 1.3%, after 2013 decline of 13%
GDP per capita: $3,000 (2013), World Bank

Sources: World Bank, Opec

'Survival of the fittest'

Africa's largest economy is reeling from the slump in the global oil prices - growth is at its slowest pace in more than a decade.
But while it is probably too late for Gaskiya factory, there is a glimmer of hope for the industry.
The Nigerian government wants to revive the country's manufacturing base in an effort to diversify the economy.
It is pushing a campaign of "made in Nigeria" to support domestic firms.
One of the companies that may benefit is the Terytex factory - one of just a handful of textile businesses still operating in the city.
The firm makes towels and sheets for hospitals and hotels. It currently runs at half its capacity, employing 200 workers.
The managing director, Mohammed Sani Ahmed, is a man who appears surprised that the firm has survived.
He told me he was recently called to a board meeting. "I thought I was going to get crucified for not performing," he said.
"But I ended up receiving praise. We thought this company would have closed last year."
Running a factory in Nigeria is survival of the fittest. Terytex spends half a million dollars a year on fuel for generators because the national grid does not supply enough power.
And then, when the products are made, there are high costs to get them to market.
Mr Ahmed's latest problem: He cannot get foreign currency to buy machine parts from Europe.
While he is grateful that the government is trying to bolster the industry, he is sceptical about the plans.
"We have a history of beautiful policies but implementation is bad," he said.
"We are not afraid of the Chinese but let them pay proper duties and then we can compete."
Nigeria desperately needs to create jobs - almost two million young people enter the job market every year.
In Kano it is not difficult to spot young men with time on their hands.
One of them, Nuhu Ibrahim, said: "If you don't have contacts with the government or if you don't have anyone that can back you up in terms of business and education it's really hard."
And that is the challenge for the government: Either fix the economy or face growing unrest.
Large swathes of northern Nigeria have been devastated by the Boko Haram insurgency, fuelled in part by soaring unemployment.
Kano is a city with a glorious past but its future looks less bright.