Archive for February, 2008

Why a Voodoo Lily Is Not a Carnivorous Plant

Thursday, February 14th, 2008

By Jacob Farin I was visiting one of my doctor-friends at her office, and I noticed a faint peculiar odor. I finally had to ask her, What is that smell? Did you forget to take out your biohazard containers? No, she said. It is the Voodoo Lily that just bloomed outside the window. Sure enough, right below her office window was a plant with a strikingly beautiful flower, but with the scent of a rotting dead mouse on a hot summer day. I told her that she needed to dig that plant out. Even though its flowers were stunning, its odor was putrid! It would give patients the wrong impression about her clinic! The next day, the Voodoo Lily was promptly dug up and thrown away. What is interesting about Voodoo Lily flowers is that they attract flies, not bees, for pollination. That is why they produce an odor similar to rotting meat. Their flowers are also ingenious traps that keep flies buzzing around until they pollinate all parts of the flower. Voodoo Lilies flowers also produce heat, raising the air temperature in the flower by several degrees. Some botanists reported flower temperatures as high as 110F (43C) in cool shade! This increase in temperature makes flies more active. However, Voodoo Lilies attract flies for the sole purpose of pollination and is sometimes mistaken as being carnivorous. To qualify as being carnivorous, a plant needs to: 1) Have a specific mechanism for capturing insects. 2) Secrete enzymes to breakdown the insect. 3) Digest and utilize the nutrients found in the insect. Nearly all plants growing in your garden get their nutrition through their roots. Nitrogen, phosphorous, minerals and other nutrients are absorbed by expansive root systems found beneath the soil surface. Roots are designed to search for rich deposits of nutrients and water. Once found, they gather available nutrients and send them to the upper parts of the plant to produce leaves, branches, flowers, and fruits. Carnivorous plants, on the other hand, grow in acidic and very nutrient-poor soil. So, they need to get their nutrition by other means, mainly through their leaves. Their leaves are designed to capture insects where they are broken down into a form that is easily absorbed. Though there are several methods carnivorous plants use to capture insects, they all use digestive chemicals, called enzymes, to increase absorption. These enzymes are very similar to those found in your own digestive tract. Enzymes break down protein into smaller bits that are capable of passing through plants’ tough cell walls. So, based on these criteria, the Voodoo Lily is not at all carnivorous. No parts of their flower have been found to secrete any chemicals that absorb nutrients, even though flies have been known to die in its flower from total exhaustion. Without digestive chemicals to absorb nutrients through its leaves, Voodoo Lily fails as a carnivorous plant. Voodoo Lilies also attract flies by its gut-wrenching, meat-rotting smellng flower. Carnivorous plants, on the other hand, attract flies with a sweet nectar secreted by their leaves. No carnivorous plants produce a scent that even comes close to the putridity of a Voodoo Lily. So next time you see, or smell, a Voodoo Lily, you can tell your friends why it is not a carnivorous plant. About the Author: Jacob Farin is co-owner of Sarracenia Northwest, a nursery that specializes in the cultivation of carnivorous plants located in Eagle Creek, Oregon. He is also co-author of Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants for Your Home and Garden. For more information about carnivorous plants, visit http://www.CobraPlant.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Farin http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-a-Voodoo-Lily-Is-Not-a-Carnivorous-Plant&id=228990 cheap phentermine no prescription needed canadian pharmacy site phentermine ltxt com phentermine online no prescription required phentermine without doctor prescription

Abdominal Defects & Omphalocele Linked to Antidepressants

Wednesday, February 13th, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robert_McKay] Robert McKay PAXIL AND THE POSSIBLE LINK TO OMPHALOCELE The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health define Omphalocele as a birth defect in which the infants intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button. In babies with Omphalocele, the intestines can be easily seen. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant and you use Paxil, Omphalocele is a birth defect you should be aware of. A recent study from GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Paxil (a study the pharmaceutical company was asked to conduct at the request of the Federal Drug Administration), Omphalocele was found to be a side effect of using the antidepressant. The results of the study caused GlaxoSmithKline to send a letter to health professionals in September 2005. That letter, in essence, said that of the women who used antidepressants during pregnancy, Paxil accounted for 36-percent of all infants born with Omphalocele. CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OMPHALOCELE An Omphalocele develops inside the mothers womb as the baby grows. Internal organs growing outside the babys abdominal cavity is normal up to the 10th week. If the problem continues after that the baby is diagnosed with an Omphalocele. Simply put, the intestine remains outside the umbilical cord. Other risk factors include: genetic problemscongenital diaphragmatic hernia (a very dangerous side effect that can lead to underdeveloped lungs)heart defectsNearly 25-percent of all babies born with an Omphalocele are born with or develop other birth defects. SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT Omphaloceles can be clearly seen with prenatal ultrasounds before birth. The condition is repaired with surgery after birth. However, if there are additional problems, such as heart defects, that problem has to be dealt with first. EXPECTATIONS AND COMPLICATIONS In most cases, patients can expect a full recovery after surgery. However, other birth defects are common with Omphaloceles. If the mothers baby is diagnosed with an Omphalocele, her pregnancy should be monitored very closely. Preparations should be made well in advance at a hospital experienced with dealing with this issue. Prenatal screening for other birth defects should be considered. Complications associated with Omphaloceles: Intestinal infections Death of intestinal tissue SHOULD YOU STOP USING PAXIL With the threat of Omphalocele and other genetic defects such a huge factor in using Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy, the question becomes, Should you take yourself off the drug? Thats a question that you should discuss with your physician. You should take into account however that studies have found that the use of other antidepressants do not present the same risk factors that Paxil does. According to GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil is responsible for 36-percent of all fetus exposures that transformed into Omphalocele and other birth defects. Schmidt & Clark | A National Law Firm specializes in mass torts and drug side effect lawsuits. For more information or a free review of your potential case, please visit: [http://www.schmidtandclark.com] http://www.schmidtandclark.com or [http://www.schmidtandclark.com/Paxil] Paxil Omphalocele Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robert_McKay ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_McKay [http://ezinearticles.com/?Abdominal-Defects-and-Omphalocele-Linked-to-Antidepressants&id=500766 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?Abdominal-Defects-and-Omphalocele-Linked-to-Antidepressants&id=500766 purchase phentermine without prescription get phentermine without a prescription i want to buy phentermine phentermine 37.5 mg overnight shippimg no prescription

10 Hot Jobs And The Certifications You Need To Get Them

Monday, February 11th, 2008

By Tony Jacowski While scouting for the top 10 hot jobs, we combed through tons of data offline as well online. Making a small list for just 10 hot jobs has taken some important considerations like the following ones: 1. Longevity of relevance of the job 2. Salary and growth potential 3. Universality of the field While most job seekers looked for higher positions and salaries, others considered permanence of their job was their priority. It is noteworthy that the definition of job security has changed substantially in the last decade and it is all about continuing in the same job but under different employers. Ready? Here we go! 10 Hot Jobs And The Certifications You Need To Get Them The top hot jobs were all of a high profile nature and most of them were in the field of computers. 1. CISCO CERTIFIED NETWORK EXPERT: This hits the top for the second successive year. Candidates consider themselves lucky to pass this test even on their second attempt where the percentage success rate is just 15. This hits the top because of its ever-increasing popularity, salary potential and vast potential. 2. MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SYSTEMS ENGINEER: The MCSE certification has stayed on top for many years now. The job involves working with operating systems and security issues. The popularity is also because it doesnt require additional certification to get through to your dream job. Job profile: Systems Engineer and Systems Analyst. 3. TEACHER: Why do you think this found its way to Top-3 slot? Close to 1.3 million teachers need to be recruited in the next 5-6 years. Teachers in the K-12 bracket: 724,000 and post secondary teachers: 603,000. We had to give this position its due. All states offer various educator preparation programs for aspirants through their respective boards of education. 4. REGISTERED NURSES: Registered nurses are going to be in top demand in the next 5-6 years due to the governments spending on healthcare programs. This had to happen sooner than later after the recent well-publicized nursing shortage. Certification: The boards of nursing in every state administers the certification exam, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Minimum qualification to appear for this exam is graduation from approved nursing schools. Average salary, $53,000 5. COMPUTER SOFTWARE ENGINEER: CNN reports that 307,000 computer software engineers will be required in the next 3-4 years. This is one interesting job with lots of code writing or fixing for making the computers of the world work. Certification: University graduates with computer science as a major, with physics and math can jumpstart their careers. Some top certifications are MCSE, Sun Certified Java Programmer, MySQL and Red Hat Certified Engineer. 6. INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR: Tops the salary charts for both federal as well as private employers. Based on the risk profile and risk-benefit analysis, they advise their clients on personal and business financial matters. Salary ranges from $28,500 to $145,600. Certification: College graduation along with a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification can enhance prospects. 7. CISCO CERTIFIED INTERNETWORK EXPERT (CCIE): If difficulty, prestige and recognitions are any thing to go by, here it is. CCIE is not among the most sought after certification but it is very difficult. This simply is the most feared exam of all. Certification: By CISCO 8. RED HAT CERTIFIED ENGINEER (RHCE): Increase of interest in open source code has shot up the popularity of this job. This is hailed as the MCSE of Linux certifications. 9. MEDICAL SCIENTIST: Broad category that involves medical research. This career is hot because of the large amount of research activity initiated by the government and private organizations on AIDS, cancer, Parkinsons Syndrome and many more. Certification: Doctorate: $100,000 and above. 10. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER: This job ranks high because of its high growth index in the next 2-3 years itself. Salary indicated ranges from $38,950 to $92,940. They work in laboratories in universities, governments, or research firms etc. Stringent environmental regulations are expected making the job a much preferred one. Certification: College graduation and degree in Environmental Engineering or Geology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Hot-Jobs-And-The-Certifications-You-Need-To-Get-Them&id=204591 buy phentermine blue where can i buy phentermine without a prescription buy phentermine no rx phentermine online without a prescription

Dating After 40: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Naked with Him

Saturday, February 9th, 2008

By R.L. Morgan Youre really attracted to the guy youve been dating. Things have been heating up and you feel soon youll be salsa-ing under the sheets. You think hes attractive perhaps even hot and you cant keep your hands off each other. My friend George says he asked himself two questions when dating before deciding to jump into bed with a woman. You may have other questions, but I think these two are a great start. At least theyve worked for me. 1. In the morning, would I look at my date and think this was a good idea? If you project yourself into the future and imagine yourself looking at him next to you in bed, how would you feel? That this was a good idea or a stupid one? If you envision that youd feel positive about waking up next to him, tousled hair, morning breath and all, then that is a good sign. However, if you cant conceive spending the whole night next to him, nor waking up to his unshaven mug, perhaps its best to wait. Of course, if one-night stands are fine for you, then you neednt even ask this question. 2. How would I feel introducing my date to my friends? Often our friends are more important to us than our dates until weve fallen head over heals. Ive taken some suitors to social events and later my friends told me, I just didnt see you two together long term, or He didnt seem right for you. If you value your friends insights and assessments, then you often know whether you would feel proud to introduce your date to them or not. If you dont see introducing your date to your best pals, perhaps its not a good idea to get naked. Unless, of course, you see this as a one-time occurrence. If you decide to move forward even after answering no to these two questions, ask yourself why. Are you just after a physical release? If you are okay with no-strings-attached sex, what if he sees this as a sign you are more committed to the relationship? Are you leading him on? Is that fair to him? What if you get more emotionally attached after the roll in the hay, yet know you dont think of him as a long-term boyfriend? How will you handle that? In the heat of passion, often you arent thinking with your brain. It would head off some heartbreak if you could collect yourself for a few minutes and ask yourself some questions before you decide to move forward. These two questions are a start. Write them in your PDA, or on a paper in your wallet and add your own if you want. R.L. Morgan, “The Dating Goddess,” brings you her experience from the front line of dating after 40 — having dated 73 men in 2 years after her 20-year marriage broke up. Read her insights and lessons to help you date more effectively. She’s a bestselling author, Oprah guest, and speaker. Read all of the Dating Goddess’s wisdom at Adventures in Dating After 40, http://www.DatingGoddess.com 2006-07 RL Morgan, All rights reserved. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R.L._Morgan http://EzineArticles.com/?Dating-After-40:-Questions-to-Ask-Yourself-Before-Getting-Naked-with-Him&id=422351 buy phentermine no prescription needed get a prescription for phentermine phentermine pills online buy phentermine cheap no doctor contact

Choosing A Cellular Phone Service Provider

Friday, February 8th, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery]Michelle Bery With the advent of the cell phone came the convenience of always being in touch. No longer were we tied to landlines in order to communicate we now had a slick and compact companion that kept pace with our busy lifestyle. But along with the convenience came a multitude of decisions that had to be made including the type of phone that you would best be served by and the particular cellular phone service provider that would meet all your service needs at an affordable price. Finding that cellular phone service provider, however, comes with some research and comparison shopping. Not every provider will make financial and logistical sense for your particular situation. Start with some online shopping which can be a great way to compare and contrast from the privacy of your own home and without the pressure from in-store employees. Success can come with finding a cellular phone service provider that offers a balance between affordable service, quality customer service, and technologically advanced phones that provide the features that are important to you. Pay attention but also be wary of incentive deals that a cellular phone service provider will offer in an effort to expand their customer base. While these deals may seem initially attractive, there may be caveats lurking in the fine print. Read everything you can find on each cellular phone service provider assess their reputation among cell phone customers, their standing in the industry, and their available plans. Be sure that they offer a plan that works for your particular needs including minutes, free phone service to friends and family, and rollover allowances. Finally, be sure you understand the billing process for each cellular phone service provider including all miscellaneous charges. And be sure you understand the contract before you sign with a cellular phone service provider including length of time and the availability of phone upgrades throughout the course of the contract. A cellular phone service provider should ultimately make you feel comfortable and confident that you understand the service for which you are paying. Choose the provider that supports your cell phone service with quality customer service and affordable prices. For easy to understand, in depth information about cellular phone service provider visit our ezGuide 2 [http://cellphones.ezguide2.com]Cellphones. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-A-Cellular-Phone-Service-Provider&id=611491 buy discount phentermine buy phentermine 37.5 phentermine diet pills without prescription buy phentermine us pharmacy

Keep Your Dentures in Good Condition

Friday, February 8th, 2008

By Charles Kassotis If you dont wear dentures currently, theres a good chance that you will at some future point. Millions of people around the world have been fitted with artificial dental plates, bridges, and other forms of denture appliances to make their smile more attractive and to help them eat more easily. Teeth help us to talk, to eat, and to express ourselves in a variety of situations, and without them may put us at a loss. That is why an average person may spend thousands of dollars to regain use of lost teeth by getting dentures. After getting your dentures, you dont want to forget about their care. It may be tempting to stop brushing if several teeth have been pulled and replaced by an artificial device. But you need to keep dentures clean and in good condition if you want them to last. Your dentist or hygienist will explain how to brush, soak, and otherwise clean your dentures when you receive them. There are several steps to be followed, and taking shortcuts may lead to stained, broken, or ill-fitting teeth that could become increasingly uncomfortable. 1. Use a dental adhesive to get your dentures to fit properly. Stuffing them into your mouth any old way can lead to sores or an improper fit, which could throw off your chewing and speech. Work with your dentures at first until you develop a routine for getting them into your mouth smoothly and easily. It wont take long, and the results will be worth it. If the adhesive irritates your mouth or doesnt work right, ask your dentist to recommend another product. He or she may be able to provide samples. 2. Brush your dentures daily. Use the toothpaste recommended by your dentist. Treat them as well as you would your original teeth. Then soak them in the suggested solution overnight unless you plan to wear them while sleeping. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess toothpaste or soaking solution. Use mouthwash as needed for extra anti-bacterial assistance and oral freshness. 3. Report any problems to your dentist. If the dentures chip, bend, or otherwise get broken or warped, let your dentist know so they can be quickly repaired. Leaving them out of your mouth for more than a day or two may cause your mouth to regain its former position, which will make it difficult to start wearing the dentures again when they have been repaired or replaced. Also let the dentist know if you experience any sores, a bad taste, or other generalized problems with your mouth after you begin wearing dentures. Denture care is not difficult, but it needs to be practiced consistently for good results. Dont neglect any remaining original teeth you have, but rather give them great care to keep them as long as possible. Let your dentist know if you develop tooth sensitivity or discomfort that may signal a cavity. Heading off major problems can help your dentures to work more effectively and for longer periods of time. If you would like to learn more about this important part of your daily hygiene regimen, visit the Denture Spot at http://www.denturespot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Kassotis http://EzineArticles.com/?Keep-Your-Dentures-in-Good-Condition&id=88862 phentermine no prescription next day cheapest phentermine pharmacy buy phentermine no prescription needed where to order phentermine

Do this One Thing and Beat 85% of Your Competition!

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

By Steve Pohlit Maybe you don’t want to work that hard, or maybe you have been burned by consultants so you are not inclined to listen to one. Or maybe you already have a measure of success and don’t think you need to do anything more. No matter what positon you are in, if you Do This One Thing you will beat 85% of your competition every day of the year. If you are in the 15% category already, please email me with a sentence or two confirming how well this works for you. What we are about to discuss applies to every business large or small and in every industry. Next, this is easy to do, but it does require some work. and a minor level of technical skill. However, I assure you if I can learn this, you can to. Finally, when you do this consistently, you will make more money than you ever imagined. This action is at the core of what makes people happy. OK, here it is: every business has customers. if you are a professional service business, your customers may be called clients or patients. At the transaction level they are customers. They buy something from you. Some people cross the path of your business and don’t buy. Others you call on and some buy and some don’t. With each action there is a contact and when you have contact you have an opportunity to make a record of that customer or prospect’s contact information. That record can be as simple as a first name and email address. It may be comprehensive including complete contact information, biographical sketch, business history and so on. The one thing you must do if you are in business is obtain the contact information of people doing business with you and people who visit with you but have not yet purchased. You must then use this information and let them know you are thankful and you are sincerely interested in continuing the business relationship. Yes, this applies to every business. One of the questions I consistently receive is the concern of contacting customers using email. Think of it this way, for most people they are going to a business to buy something they want. They will welcome properly positioned messages from you. When you communicate with them regularly with messages containing valuable information and offers, they will continue to support your business and tell all their friends about you. In assisting clients with implementing a customer development plan I have confirmed the importance of a couple very important points: First you must have a clear privacy policy, next you must use a registration process that confirms their interest in receiving information from you (opt-in) and finally they must be able to easily unsubscribe from your mailing list at anytime. I do not recommend telemarketing to your customers. However, an email alerting them to be listening for an important voice mail broadcast can work and should be tested. Email should not be relied upon exclusively. It should be part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. I offer all potential clients a complimentary call for up to one hour and most prospective clients walk away with five or more ideas they can use right now to grow their business profits. I highly recommend you take advantage of this offer before time constraints make it impossible to continue. The number is 727-587-7871 or email me by visiting my web site www.StevePohlit.com and clicking on the contact link. Be well and prosper, Steve Pohlit www.stevepohlit.com P.S. There are some very effective techniques for drawing people who are not your customers and who are not looking for your business into your business. Look for an article on this topic soon. If you can’t wait. Call me 727-587-7871. For a FREE 6 week mini course where you will receive 10 easy to implement action steps guaranteed to increase business revenue in profits by at least 30% in the next 90 days, please visit http://www.StevePohlit.com Steve Pohlit, CPA,MBA. has served as the CFO of several major companies and has purchased as well as started his own successful companies. He is now a leading business consultant focused on helping companies improve their business performance. “I enjoy working with a variety of companies and helping businesses move toward their full potential. Your business can make 30-50% more money in the next 90 days. Contact me by visiting http://www.stevepohlit.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Pohlit http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-this-One-Thing-and-Beat-85%-of-Your-Competition!&id=58952 phentermine diet pills on line cheap phentermine free shipping phentermine w o prescription phentermine 37.5 mg no prescription