Time to Detox?

In this endless flood of information we are swimming in nowadays are brains can be burned out by the task of sorting through this flow of valuable useless information -- the point where we become burned out. Have you ever sought ways to recuperate from all this?


This relief is actually not far away if your turn to nature. In his feature, "Nature and the brain"  in the May 2012 edition of  Alive magazine, Eva Selhub, MD says: "Researchers from the United Kingdom, Japan, China and the US have connected  parks, gardens, green areas, and forests with lower mortality from cancers, circulatory diseases, stroke and other causes.


Apparently living in areas surrounded  by parks or other green areas can  create a host of benefits such as lower stress; reduced illness; better mental health; more caring attitudes in people and  memory.


So you might want to think twice before moving into that glass tower surrounded by nothing by steel, glass, and concrete -- unless it has the new style roof gardens or is not far from parks or other areas.
Taking time to meditate or walks in such areas can be critical to your health.


(For a more more detailed explanation of all this  pick up the May 2012 edition  of  Alive  magazine from a health food store or the publishers -- or check with the publishers online at www.alive.com.)

Get Eyes Behind Your Head When Driving

Yes. You can get eyes behind your head -- cameras that let you see what is behind you when backing  -- or even when parked.


I first saw this idea in the Mechanics  Illustrated  years ago in its "Inventions Wanted? department which features innovative ideas from readers.


The idea somebody sent in was for a camera to be developed that truckers could put behind their semis to see what was behind them. And now I cameras like this are actually on the market.


Two are currently advertised by a leading Canadian auto supply dealer. One is a "digital wireless backup camera with a dash-mount 4.3inches display and the other one with a 3.5 inches display.


The miniature weather-proof camera  is mounted on the rear license plate.


If these cameras give you a wide enough angle of vision they would be great for not only seeing  what person is behind you when backing up but also who might be trying to sneak up from you behind.


Definitely worth checking out. Another version of this camera kit  has the monitor on one side of the rear-view mirror.

Most Lethal Worm Yet Discovered

For information on the most lethal cyber worm discovered yet click on www.cbc.ca.


then click on "Technology".

Here's A New Twist to Watch Out For

You need to be careful  when dealing with any potential clients by e-mail as are a clever bunch -- as in this example.


The other day I received an e-mail from a Mr/Mrs Linda Steve (sent to undisclosed recipients)  offering $400.00 to clean their apartment before they moved back from Ireland.


I responded to this by asking for more information. And they responded to this by  thanking me for responding so quickly and again offering me $400.00 by  certified cheque or money order.


All I have to do is provide them with my full name, address and phone number.


I don't know what they are up to. Possibly they want me to start providing personal information bit by bit. Don't know. It is intriguing.


I have written back to them asking for the name of their landlord and the address of the apartment so I can let their building manager at tis end know what is going to be happening next week first.






The whole this is very strange as you would think that the moving company they say is orchestrating this move for them  with would contact a professional cleaning company  to handle the cleaning instead of broadcasting a requesting to "undisclosed recipients" over the internet.


Most moving companies handling this type of move for people who are out of the country  would handle the entire operation -- including  finding the cleaning company, supervising the cleaning, and then paying the cleaner. The mover would then add this expense to their bill.


I'll let you know how this one turns out. This offer has me more than a little  curious -- and concerned.  Since so many residential cleaners are women -- and many people are desperate for money nowadays  is this some scheme to entice people to give out their personal address and phone number?

Get that App!

Get that App!   It could help you save a life!


Apparently you can get  a S.O.S. App for your Android cell phone that will guide you through the proper emergency response to a variety of medical emergencies --that typically strike like lightening when you least expect it.


The guides take you through emergency treatment of things like choking, allergic reactions, heart attacks and other emergency situations.


For more information again click on the Dr. Oz show online.

It Doesn't Have To Be A Death Sentence

Hardly a day passes when you don't hear of some well-known celebrity or public figure -- not to mention some family member or close friend being diagnosed with cancer And many of these persons regard it as a death sentence.


But it does not have to be a death sentence. There are many different types of complementary health care treatments that have cured to helped to cure very severe cancer eruptions -- working either solo or in combination with mainstream chemo therapy and surgery.


And then there is your mind. Many persons have successfully defeated this disease  through a combination of mind power and a proper diet.


Of course many persons are already fighting cancer successfully with a combination of these techniques, but far too many are still giving in -- accepting it as a death sentence -- and it does not have to be. You can gain a reprieve from this sentence by seeking out and using a combination of treatments.


See the Dr. Oz Show for more information ways to fight cancer with supplements and other types of treatment.


And don't forget that reflexology is another proven complementary therapy in the cancer fight. 

Not So Fast with That Fish or Other Meat!

Fish is supposed to be a healthful, nourishing meal -- but is it always?


The answer to that is, of course, no!.  For various reasons the fish you often buy at the supermarket that looks so delicious is actually rotten -- or going rotten.


A good way to test the fish before you buy it is to stick your finger or thumb into its side with extra pressure. If the flesh and skin bounce back within a second or two it is fresh -- but if it takes a few minutes to bounce back -- it is rotten or nearly rotten. Beware.


Another good way to test the freshness of  --any meat -- if your have doubts is to cook a small portion and offer it to your cat -- or dog.
Cats are generally the best for this but dogs are good too.


If  your pet turns its nose up at it when it would generally gobble it down. Beware. The meat is probably going bad.


Other things you want to do when buying any meat include checking to see if that meat, chicken or fish has any unusual odours. Check to make sure that any wrapping is not damaged. Dangerous bacteria can still contaminate the food through rips in the wrapping say experts. And think twice about buying food that is passed the expiry date. Food that looks, smells and tastes good can still make you sick -- especially if you have an extra sensitive stomach.


So don't be too fast when buying -- or eating -- that fish or other meat. Test it first.


See  you next Tuesday, May 22, with a few more ideas on protecting yourself -- and others.  until then have a great Victoria Day weekend -- or just a great weekend. It looks like it's to be a great one out here in Vancouver, B.C. with nice sunny weather.

Kamloops This Week - Smart-meter opponents gather

Kamloops This Week - Smart-meter opponents gather

If you're concerned about much higher electrical bills created by the installation of a smart meter in your house keep in touch with this union -- rather than trying to fight BC Hydro by yourself.

Renters Beware!

If you are apartment hunting on Craigslist  or other such sites (It has even happened with newspapers.)  be careful of scammers who try to get you to forward confidential information and even a security deposit electronically.


According the article the Tri City News, Port Coquitlam  BC on May 2, 2012 the scammers. In the article, "Rental Scam" the advertiser is described as a person who  tries to create a sense of urgency because of being unavoidably out of town on business, tries to prove their honesty by mentioning God or describing them self as a lawyer or a doctor and requests your personal information and electronically and a wire security deposit in exchange for the keys-- which doesn't exist -- at least it is not owned  by the online advertiser.


Of course if you were foolish enough to fall for this you would find that the rental apartment does not exist and that the supposed owner has vanish -- with your money -- your personal information.


For more information on this scam click on: www.tricity news.com. You can also find additional help at: www.antifraudcentre.ca

Medical Alert As a Tatoo?

It seems some persons are turning to tatoos to alert paramedics and other about their medical conditions such as diabetes.


While it seem like a good idea according to a story in The Montreal Gazette that might not be so and it is a little risky to ditch to traditional medical alert bracelet for tatoo alert; even many paramedics would think to search for medical alerts as a tatoo


For more information on this click on: www.montrealgazette.com

Is An Economic Collapse Imminent?

An economic collapse is imminent -- according to The Elevation Group. But you can survive it --just like the one  percent of the rich people who are taking drastic steps now.




According to their spokesman a major economic collapse is inevitable because of a short sited law passed in the United States 38 years ago.


Another doomsday cult crying out?  Don't know. But experts associated  with Early to Rise  a very reputable organization have also warned about the possibility of another economic disaster looming on the horizon so it wouldn't hurt to check this out.


Just lock on Elevation Group at www.theelevationgroup.net. to sign up for their free Webinar explaining their claims. Just remember to play the investigative reporter in your own mind  with those  "5 w's" - who,what,why,where, and when as well as how.




Have a Great Weekend!

Canadian Cyber Crime is Exploding

Do you keep your computer system properly protected from cyber crime?  According to a report on www.cbc.ca. cyber crime is ballooning.


Canada it seems  ranks second in the world -- even ahead of Russian and Egypt --  for hosted phishing sites  and such sites have ballooned  239 percent since last year. This is part of a world wide trend.


Some  50,000 such sites are discovered around the world each month according to a spokesperson from DV Labs, Hewlett Packard's security division.


The CBC feature is worth a look as it also contains a link to a related feature on protecting yourself online from phishing and other sites.

Help Stop Violence Against Women and Children

You can help protect women and children from violence in your community by making a donation to the Canadian Women's Foundation.


For more information on this check with City T.V. in Vancouver or other Canadian communities or click or a variety of sites online such as www.stopviolence.ca


This site has some stark reminders such as: "
every minute of every day a Canadian women or children is being sexually assaulted," or "One to two women are murdered by a current or former partner in Canada."


It's hard to believe that this story of violence against women and children goes on --but it does.


But you can help to put an end to this by your contributions  the Canadian Women's Foundation.

Want to See Who's Behind You?

Sometimes it is good to check quickly to see  what that person who just passed you with the odd look on his face -- or anybody else behind you -- is doing.


You could make a half turn or twist your head around of course, but that is awkward and very obvious (not necessarily bad in some cases) and there are other ways you might want to accomplish this in some cases.


One way is have a small round mirror that would fit into the palm of your hand that you can easily pull out and watch that person or the scene behind you, just as you do when driving.  Many loss prevention people working in stores  use such mirrors to watch suspected shoplifters at the end of  a store isle. They simply hold the mirror quickly up to their eye while their back is turned toward the suspect to watch his or her activities. It work excellently.


Or if you have the money and want or need to work more professionally, you can buy a special pair of sunglasses used by professional surveillance operatives.


These have a special lens for covert surveillance of the scene behind as you  walk along or pass somebody.  Like everything else these come in a variety of prices and quality ranges.  The best have the rear-vision strip embedded right in the lenses.


You can check the yellow pages for dealers in this type of thing or check out Eye Spy magazine for more information.  They print quite few advertisements for this type of thing.


Don't buy anything compulsively, however, check such devices out carefully first -- and remember that old hand-held mirror might be all you need.  

A Great Weekend

That's all for now. Make it a great weekend.  See you on Monday.

Have You Installed Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Yet?

You could be subjecting yourself and family to a silent killer if you have not installed your working carbon monoxide alarm yet. According to the CBC television  this morning an Ottawa family just missed such a death this morning.

Some family members were found unconscious after one of their children started throwing up and the Ottawa, Ontario firemen found a reading of 300 ppm in the house.  A normal reading is 10.

You don't hear about such things in the news that often but according to officials carbon monoxide kills over 500 persons every year in America and accounts for another 15,000 emergency hospital visits. I don't have the current Canadian statistics for this right now but the rates must be quite high.


What you have to remember with carbon monoxide poisoning is that even if you do survive the initial poisoning and recover through some type of oxygen therapy --  involving breathing pure oxygen through a mask or being treated in a special hyparbaric chamber,  you can still suffer  debilitating after effects.  So it is not something you want to take for granted.

For more information on this case involving the Ottawa family  click on www.cbc.ca

Detect Possible Stalker or Trackers

If you are concerned about the possibility of been tracked by either stalkers or professional surveillance practitioners  of some ilk you can counter their efforts in a number of ways.


When you are driving for instance (of course this works just as well in many cases when you're on foot) keep  an eye open for that vehicle or person who keeps a certain distance behind your for a long period of time.


Then at a convenient and safe spot suddenly turn on your flashers and pull to curb to let that persons pass. Watch carefully to see if the person is paying undue attention to you when he or she passes or pulls off to the side of the road too further down to the road.


As they pass also try to have your cell phone camera ready so you can take a quick shot  of the rear licence plate in case you need to pass the plate number on to the police later.


You can't use any such hand-held device legally in many areas of North America now when driving, but your cell phone should still be kept on the seat beside you or in an easily accessible pouch in case you need it  in instances like this other other emergencies.