Tips and Solutions

Tips of Camping to make Survivors out of Couch Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:18:00 +0000

With summer just around the corner, many are looking to the outdoors for a relaxing break from the daily grind. For would be campers who don't know where to start, Field and Stream provides these tips.

Lighting a lantern. A gasoline lantern will sputter if you attempt to light it when it has less than a full tank. Therefore, if you plan to light the lantern, fill the tank first.
Splitting a big log. To split a big log for firewood pieces, first split off the pieces from the sides. don't try to split the log down the middle first. When just a small center chunk is left, it can then be possible to split the log down the middle with a single axe stroke.
Magnifying camp light. Placing a mirror or a sheet aluminum foil on the wall behind a candle, lantern. or oil lamp will increase the amount of illumination cast by the light source.
Dealing with ant bites. Household ammonia will take the sting out of fire ant bites. The bites will still blister the next day, though.
Starting a fire. Tie a rubber band around 20 narrow strips of rolled newspaper. After dipping the roll in melted paraffin. let it drain and harden. These make great fire starters.
Getting rocks for bears. For those planning to camp in areas frequented by bears, never take food into tent. Food should be suspended in a pack at least 10 feet off the ground from rope strung between two trees. Put pebbles in clean metal cooking utensils, and prepare rocks small enough to throw within reach. These will act as an early warning device and a weapon against bears if a bear comes and rattles the utensils, shout and throw rocks at the bear. If there is nothing to eat most bears will leave if challenged.
Sending distress signals. When in a boat or hiking in remote territory, carry a pocket-sized mirror. This can be used to flash sunlight toward distant sources of assistance to draw attention to your location. Polished metal mirrors are more durable than glass mirrors.
Detecting bad weather. Low clouds signal coming rain. Distant sounds coming in louder than normal also signal bad weather. The reason is that when the cloud ceiling lowers, distant sounds are forced to dissipate outward rather than upward making them sound louder.
Staying away from venom. Even if they are dead, sharks, snapping turtles and venomous snakes can still be dangerous because nerves that control their muscular reactions don't need a beating heart to trigger a bite when the dead creature is handled, Venomous snakes, long after they are dead, can still release venom.
Keeping warm. Wearing polypropylene sock liners under a pair of wool-synthetic blend boot socks will keep feet warmer and mean fewer blisters. The liners provide an air space between the feet and socks, removing moisture. And they also protect the feet from rubbing that causes blisters.
Getting located. Bring a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and a pocket-sized CB radio, so you can relay your exact position to other members of your group when needed.

Tips on Increasing your Foot Speed

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:43:00 +0000

Discover the secrets world-class sprinters have known for years. that the key to foot speed is dorsi and plantar flexion.

It is a well known fact that the dorsi and plantar flexion action of the foot is a characteristic of sprinters. To improve on the working capacity of the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, peroneus longus, soleus and gastrocnemius (which does most of this work) they all have to be strengthened to create a greater capacity to apply force faster.

The dorse flexion action is not merely of lift of the toes, but rather a lifting of the front part of the foot. The plantar flexion action is not just a downward movement of the foot, it has to be done in such a manner that it applies maximum force against the ground in the shortest possible time.

Basically we are trying to reduce the athlete's ground contact time and thus help improve on speed.

Here are some ways to improve your speed:

Seated foot up. Do three-four sets of 30 lifts per foot at varied pace.
Standing foot lifts. Do three-four sets of 30 lifts per foot. Balance plays a role here; it can also help improve your stability.
Walking with foot lifts. (Small steps). Every time you lift your foot up moving forward, make sure you lift your foot up and land on the front part of your foot. Throughout this exercise you stay on your toes. Walk distance of 15-20 meters. Three-four reps.
Jogging with foot lifts. (Small steps to long steps). Do this with stiff knees and "pull" with the hanstrings and calf muscles to move forward. Dorsi flex the foot every time it lifts off the ground to take another step. Do three-four reps over distances ranging from 15-35 meters.
Skipping. This is a very common training method that will enhance the dorsi and plantar flexion. It's important to note that the foot lifts up every time it leaves the ground. Start with 30 touch downs and work it up to 100. It can also be done against time.
Short jumps (Static or dynamic forward movement, mini hurdles). Do three-four sets of 10/20 jumps and lift the feet after every touchdown. Dynamic jumps: Work from 15-35 meters with the same action. Here's also an important tip: Try not to bend the knees too much. This will only slow the action down.

Banish mildew easily

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:50:00 +0000

Here's a tip for getting rid of mildew from your bathtub that requires practically no effort. when it's time to clean your bathroom, start by dipping cotton balls in bleach and pressing them into the tub's corners, where mildew is most likely to sprout. leave them there while you finish cleaning. When you're done, remove the cotton balls and rinse the corners with water.

Spray Mildew away

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:46:00 +0000

Fighting mildew is an everyday battle. Arm yourself with an inexpensive homemade weapon. Mix one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, three cups of water, and one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on your tiled bathroom walls after each shower.

Erase Dirty Grout this 'Elementary' Way

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 04:01:00 +0000

Erase dirt between your bathroom tiles with a circular typewriter eraser. Simply roll it along the grout to rub it clean. Many of these erasers come with brushes to sweep away the eraser dust left behind.

Muscle out Bathroom Mildew

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Cleaning your bathtub and shower regularly can stop mildew in its tracks. That's because a clean bathroom doesn't contain the things mildew thrives on, like soap scum, shampoo residue, and body oils. To deprive mildew of the moisture it needs, leave shower doors or curtains open right after you've bathed or showered. Keep the bathroom door open to dry the room out, too.

Wash Mildew down the Drain

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 04:03:00 +0000

If your shower is becoming mildew's favorite hangout, mix three-quarters cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Rub this powerful solution on your tile and grout, and wipe down your plastic shower curtain. Once the mildew fades away, rinse with plain water.

Fight Soap Scum on Tiles

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:09:00 +0000

To clean grime off your bathroom tiles. whip up a solution of equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent. The salt adds friction, which helps the detergent scour away the scum.

Spray Mildew Away

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:57:00 +0000

Clean your Shower while you Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 04:29:00 +0000

Make cleaning mildew and muck on your tub or shower tiles as easy as calling it a night. Spray bleach on paper towels and spread them on the grungy areas. The wet towels will stay in place and clean throughout the night. All you have to do is rinse off the tiles in the morning.

Stop mildew before it starts

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:07:00 +0000

Scrubbing mildew off your shower tiles can be as much fun as going to the dentist. Instead, prevent mildew from growing in the first place by running a squeegee over your tiles after every shower. Keep the squeegee in your shower stall so you won't forget to use it.

Spray away shower scum

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 04:02:00 +0000

Commercial shower cleaners can clean out your wallet if you use them every day, so make your own daily cleaner instead. Pour 8 ounces of rubbing alcohol in a 32-ounce spray bottle and top it off with water. Spray this concoction on your shower walls and curtain after every shower. You won't even have to rinse it off

Strike a match to strike out odor.

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 22:32:00 +0000

One of the most effective ways to mask unpleasant bathroom odor is also one of the easiest. Simply light a match or two, and you'll camouflage any smells. Keep a few matchbooks in your bathroom for emergencies.

Prevent toilet trouble with baking soda

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 16:16:00 +0000

One of the most effective ways to mask unpleasant bathroom odors. pour in one cup of baking soda once a week

Bounce odors with fabric softener

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:07:00 +0000

Freshen the scent of your bedroom or bathroom without throwing away money on fancy-smelling air fresheners. Just put a fabric softener sheet in your wastebasket.

Get Disposable gloves for free

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:07:00 +0000

Need to get down and dirty? Save those plastic produce bags you tear off in the grocery store and turn them into disposable gloves, Slip the bags over your hands and hold them in place with rubber bands. When you're done, just toss them out.

In Deep Water

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Want to get exercise? Reach for your swimsuit instead of your sneakers, Research shows deep-water running can give you the same cardio benefits as an intense jog, minus the wear and tear on your joints. When you run on land, the impact creates a force equal to two to three times your weight, says Tish Doyle-Baker, a Calgary clinical exercise physiologist, But the buoyancy in the water eliminates most of that stress.

You can't just jump in and casually tread water, though. You have to actually run - raising your knees and pumping your arms - to get results.

That can be difficult, says Lawrence Golding, coauthor of a paper on the benefits of deep-water running published in the American College of Sports Medicine's Health & Fitness Journal. "There is a tendency to not work as hard in water," he says. One solution is to use a waterproof heart-rate monitor to ensure you're exercising within your target heart-rate zone, helping you achieve maximum benefits.

Bitter Remedy

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:03:00 +0000

A STAPLE OF CHINESE and Indian cuisine, bitter melon lives up to its name. also know as bitter gourd, bitter apple and bitter cucumber, it's been used as a contraceptive, a treatment for psoriasis, and a variety of other purposes. Mainly though, it's been hailed for lowering blood sugar, and the fruit and seeds are loaded with chemicals that appear to have an impact on glucose or insulin.

Studies suggest bitter melon may work on several levels, such as boosting insulin secretion, improving the ability of cells to absorb glucose, and hindering the release of glucose from the liver. One of the largest studies of bitter melon in people with type 2 diabetes lasted only two days, but it caused significant drops in blood sugar for 100 participants within hours of drinking suspended vegetable pulp.

Herbalist often suggest taking it in juice (50ml is a typical daily dose), but if you don't like the bitter taste you can consider capsules instead. Look for products made from the fruit or seeds - the apparent source of bitter melon's effect.

The Healing Power of your Chums

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:59:00 +0000

It's been known for a while that our relations with others can affect longevity - married men, for instance, live longer than unmarried ones on average. But a new Australian study suggest that it's not just close family that counts.

Monitoring 1477 people over the age of 70 for ten years, scientists found that those with the strongest network of friends tended to live longest, whereas contact with relatives didn't make much difference.

The team suggest that friends might affect health behaviours such as smoking and drinking, as well as boosting mood and self-esteem, which can have a positive physiological effect in the same way stress can have negative one.

Do You Smell That?

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:54:00 +0000

What do strawberies, lemon, smoke, leather and pineapple have in common? Well, according to a recent study on memory, they're five of the ten most recognisable smells that may help detect the first signs of Alzheimer's disease.

The inability to recognize these scents appears to show which people are developing dementia as opposed to those suffering simple mental decline due to aging, says Dr D.P. Devanand of the New york State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University.

Using a relatively quick and easy ten-smell test, Devanand evaluated 150 patients with minimal to mild cognitive impairment every six months, and 63 healthy subjects annually, for an average follow-up of five years.

However, Devanand cautioned that these results are very preliminary and that it's difficult to accurately diagnose who is going to get Alzheimer's over time.

Scientists hope this "scratch and sniff" test will improve diagnoses, so patients can begin taking antidementia drugs long before Alzheimer's would normally be diagnosed.

Body Language

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:02:00 +0000

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, What secrets do other body parts reveal about your?

A University of Alberta study found the shorter a man's index finger is compared to his ring finger, the more likely he'll be physically aggressive. There's a correlation between finger length and the amount of testosterone you exposed to in the womb; more testosterone may mean a shorter index finger.

Studies show, for men, a long ring finger and symmetrical hands indicate fertility. Women are more likely to be fertile if their ring finger is shorter than their index finger.

From the time of Confucius, Chinese doctors have used face reading as a diagnostic aid. Their findings include deductions that people whose eyebrows are thick are more driven and may be more aggressive, while people with thin lips tend to be workaholics.

How To Talk To Anyone

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:57:00 +0000

Be a Social Success at every party - try these tips from Leil Lowndes, relationship expert and author of Always n the Kitchen at Parties.

Never give one-word answers. If your asked what you do, expand on your response so it can start a conversation, for example "I'm a social worker and I work with adopted children."

Leave out "uh-huh," Encourage people to keep on speaking by asking questions about what they're saying.

Choose the right questions. Avoid "where?" or "when?" - they tend to promote one-line answers. Use "why?", "how?" or "tell me more."

Sound "dazzled" even if the conversation is dull. A great conversationalist makes everyone feel appreciated.

Exercise In A Pill

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:45:00 +0000

NO TIME for the gym? No problem: Oral drugs may one day allow anyone to extend many of the benefits of exercise. As reported in the journal Cell, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California found that using drugs to simultaneously trigger two muscle-signalling pathways - usually activated by exercise - enhanced training and endurance in mice.

Professor Ronald M. Evans and his team found the drug GW1516 activated the "PPAR delta" pathway, resulting in improved resistance to weight gain and insulin response. When Coupled with training (four weeks of up to 50 minutes a day on a treadmill), endurance rose by 77 percent over exercise alone.

And after four weeks on another drug, AICAR - which triggers the "AMPK" pathway and, says Evans, "puts a turbocharge on PPAR delta" sedentary mice ran 44 percent longer than those not given the drug.

Researchers suggest these "exercise mimetic" drugs could be useful for conditions such as metabolic disorders, muscle diseases and obesity, for which exercise is beneficial.

The 7 Dangerous Acts After A Meal

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:44:00 +0000

The Final Frontier

noreply@blogger.com (Vanz) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Late last year, British billionaire Sir Richard Branson unveiled the world's first commercial spacecraft. Virgin Galactic's SpaceShip Two (SS2) is planning to begin passenger flights between 2011 and 2012, with 300 adventurers from around the world already signed up for the 2 1/2-hour journeys at $200,000 each. Designed as the most luxurious private jet in the world, the "mothership" will carry six passengers and two pilots to a height of 50,000 feet (15km) before SS2 is released and launched to the edge of space. Virgin Galactic eventually hopes to reduce the ticket price to a more affordable level. Said Branson at the launch, "We hope to create thousands of astronauts over the next few years and bring alive their dream of seeing the majestic beauty of our planet from above, the stars in all their glory and the amazing sensation of weightlessness."