5 Reasons To Make Classical Chinese Medicine Your Medicine Of Choice

1. Clinical effectiveness: Chinese medicine, particularly when it is practiced in a Classically-based manner, works. In my scant year of clinical observation, I have seen miracles transpire. I have seen people shackled by various conditions, sometimes all their lives, be simply TRANSFORMED after only a few treatments. Many of you have probably seen this as well. It works for patients - and that's what medicine is supposed to do.

Yes, I've read THAT study, too. Studies have flaws - THAT study has been roundly denounced by a number of people in a number of different ways. I'd be glad to discuss it in another post. Think also about this - Chinese medicine works in a manner entirely different from Western medicine. It's so different, in fact, that placebo controlled double blind studies may simply be ineffective for displaying what it is that Chinese medicine can do. Clinical studies are another matter, and many show the great effectiveness of Chinese medicine. Where those studies have been negative or inconclusive, I feel that it probably has something to do with the level of Chinese medicine being practiced in the study. That's why I'm hoping to do (and encourage others to do) clinical studies through Helfgott Research Institute. I'll certainly post about any future results.

2. Doctors who take their time: When you see a Chinese physician for the first time, you will probably be amazed by the intake process. The process is extremely detailed, and Chinese physicians take all of your concerns under advisement - not just those that fit neatly into a simple diagnostic category. Chinese medicine physicians will not dismiss your concerns as "irrelevant" or "psychosomatic," they will integrate each manifestation of disease into a full diagnosis that will guide a treatment to rectify the balance of your ENTIRE system.

3. Fewer environmental impacts than Western medicine: Chinese medicine doesn't employ pharmaceuticals or other chemicals in carrying out treatment or diagnostics. The pollutants dumped into our waterways by the pharmaceutical industry are a significant problem. That being said, there are real environmental issues that the CM profession must grapple with, including the problems inherent in importing herbal products from China. Although that is most certainly a post in itself - I want to point out that many American companies are working to find pesticide-free and sustainably produced herbal products. More of this is surely to come.

4. Good cost-benefit ratio: As we all know, the escalating costs of healthcare are leaving many Americans uninsured, causing nearly unbearable pressure on the hospital system and social services. That the wealthiest nation in the world leaves so many people without access to basic care is reprehensible. Natural medicine in general represents an answer to this problem. Many treatments by Chinese medicine physicians use food therapy and economically priced herbal supplements. Further, you will find that the average office visit for a Chinese medicine doctor is very reasonable considering the great depth of care you receive. Insurance companies are beginning to pick up the cost of these office visits, which is an encouraging sign.

5. Total integration: This medicine doesn't "rob Peter to pay Paul," as the saying goes. When your chief complaint is treated, it is treated in order to integrate your entire self - mind, body and spirit. So, for instance, your ongoing treatment for seasonal allergies isn't going to create dryness in your mucus membranes, difficulty sleeping and pervasive feeling of anxiety. This will reduce your overall discomfort, as well as keeping costs down - you won't need to buy medicine to treat the problems that your medicines produced!

There are certainly many more reasons you should make Classical Chinese Medicine your medicine of choice - but I hope this list will provide you with some food for thought as you contemplate your health care options. Remember - YOU DO HAVE OPTIONS!

Eric Grey is a third year student of Classical Chinese Medicine at National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. He is also a member of NCNM's Presidential Ambassadors Leadership society, the President of his class two years in a row, and a repeat scholarship winner from every institution he has been in. He has recently started blogging on the topic of Classical Chinese medicine as a subject of study, as a group of practices for self-transformation and as a revolution. His blogging covers diverse topics such as personal development, herbal medicine, medical ethics, politics and health, social problems and solutions and spirituality.

http://www.deepesthealth.com

7 Reasons You Should Be Using Social Media

1. Social media is the 21st century Town Hall.

People do not meet the way they used to. Sure, we all still attend meetings at church and at city hall and at our children's teacher conferences, but more and more people are congregating online. Did you know that, according to iStrategyLabs, Facebook's United States' user base grew by 144.9% in 2009? Some estimates put all Facebook activity worldwide at as high as 20% of all internet traffic!

Facebook, and increasingly Twitter, are the places people are going to find out what is happening in the lives of their friends and family. Furthermore, with the explosion of fan pages, users are seeking out news from businesses, organizations, and causes that they support.

Friends and family meet regularly on Facebook. Colleagues and like-minded people use Twitter to share ideas throughout the day. Professionals are connecting on LinkedIn. Flickr and YouTube stream photos and videos to the world eternally. And blogs are maintained for topics as varied as pro football officiating and crocheting. All this is going on 24 hours a day, every day of every year. Is your business connecting with people where they are now?

2. Yours is a small company.

You own a small business, perhaps a local party store or an independent insurance agency. Social media is intriguing, but you cannot see the benefit to a business of your size. Let's say you own a small party store. You check out the largest chain pharmacy's Facebook Fan Page. They have 433,000+ fans. Do you have 433,000 customers?

Or say you are an insurance agent. After spending some time on a national insurer's Facebook fan page, you find you're joining 16,600+ others. Do you have 16,600 clients?

Small businesses need revenue streams more than ever. One cost effective way to generate business is through social media marketing. People who become your fans and see regularly what you post on your fan page are more likely to do business with you than a larger company with whom they might not share a connection.

Social media does not have to be a daily task, but it certainly should be something used weekly. A small business might post community news, events in the lives of staff members and their families, cross-promotions with other local businesses, and content related to its products or services.

3. Yours is a large company.

You are a president of business development for a large, globally-known company. The board of directors has asked you to find new ways of connecting with prospective customers. Let's go back to the example of chain pharmacies. The number of fans is staggering - 433,000 - when you consider how few fans Competitor #1 has (5,967) and that Competitor #2's page (88 fans) is apparently created by someone outside the company. If you are in business development for the competitors, do you think there is an urgency to use social media effectively?

Social media is essential to large companies in the 21st century. Modern consumers are discerning and intelligent. They want companies to be responsive and transparent. Social media allows your company to hear from and speak with customers, address their concerns, and generate positive feelings about your brand.

4. Your client base is mostly local.

Your company is successful on the local level; it sustains your business and you've reported moderate growth for several years. But lately you have wanted to drive business on a larger level.

Social media is a place to go "remote" while never leaving home. The beauty of platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter is that you can reach a global audience from wherever you are. These sites will allow your business to be seen and known by thousands and thousands of people who might otherwise never know it existed.

Your business can promote its products and/or services to these new potential customers. You can inform them of your past successes and current specials. You can tailor orders easily without having to spend time on the phone or meet in person. Social media will introduce you to new people and render services to them more efficiently.

As well, local support will grow for your business so long as you focus some content on items of local interest. Producing social media content about civic news, high school events, community fundraisers, and the like will keep your base loyal and growing.

5. Your client base is mostly remote.

Your company sells mostly to customers who are remotely located from you. You engage people mostly through your website. Business is good, but you haven't made much progress with local customers. Perhaps you are a new business in a region that has long been faithful to a competitor. Social media is a way to bridge this gap. Your company may simply suffer from a lack of exposure. A strong presence on social media sites is evidence to prospective customers that you are interested in their ideas and that you are responsive to their concerns. These platforms of "open conversation" can showcase your business as part of a mutually-supportive community.

6. Your friends (and their friends) are your best advocates.

Who are you more likely to trust when he says you should buy a car from a particular dealer - someone you just met on the street or your friend of 20 years? We hope you chose the latter. If so, you are like 99% of the people in this world who believe the word of their friends because they share a common past and have trusted them in other situations.

A company needs friends or fans or followings (depending on the social media platform). You need not fear that you are breaching a social contract with friends so long as your social media is about your customers, their needs, and conversations driven by them. Strangers don't want to be "sold" anything and neither do your friends.

Social media is about conversation and community and relationships. Developing strong relationships does not mean you cannot promote your business, but it does mean you have to listen more than you talk.

7. Money goes where people go.

You can't afford not to participate. The perception of social media is that it is for young people. Sure, Facebook and MySpace began as platforms for college students and high school kids. However, according to iStrategy Labs, Facebook users of the age 35 and older are now 30% of the entire user base. Additionally, in 2009, users who are 55+ grew an astounding 922.7%. In fact, every demographic grew in 2009 except college users.

So everyone and their brothers are using Facebook and other social media platforms. Grandmothers are sharing pictures of grandchildren on Flickr. Auto dealerships are bringing the showroom to the customer's home with videos of cars on YouTube. And the local coffee shop is "linked in" with a new coffee bean distributor with lower shipping costs. People are taking their lives and their money to these virtual worlds. Are you there to meet them?

Getting Started Yesterday

Social media, while not ubiquitous to business, is by no means still a mystery. There are thousands of businesses of all sizes who "get it". Is yours one of them? If so, that is great and we'd love to share insights with you. If not, how will you get up to date? Where do you begin?

Facebook is the proverbial tip of the social media iceberg. The best advice we have is: choose one to three platforms and commit yourself to producing content on each one consistently. If we had to suggest three, we would probably choose Facebook, LinkedIn, and a company blog. However, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and many other sites have their merits. Depending on your size, time constraints, and budget, you may want to hire an outside agency to handle social media content. Whichever path you choose, we welcome you to the conversation.

iStrategyLabs is a social media solutions company. Their Facebook research can be found by searching their name in a Google search.

Now, we understand that the majority of businesses do not have the time to execute even half of these engagement methods. At Xspond, we can. Our social media staff can implement these ideas and all the other ones we develop with you. Let us show you how at http://www.xspond.com.

Social Media Programs
Work Phone: 810-225-8350

5 Reasons For the American Physician Shortage-Didn't Know There Was One?

Wake up, America! What is it about the pending demise of the traditional medical profession that you don't understand? You may have been attentive enough to notice in the broader sense that as the percentage of American doctors decreases it becomes camouflaged by the increase in foreign doctors practicing here.

If that's not enough of a concern, then why are the American medical schools having a problem recruiting American doctors, the AMA is promoting re-entry programs for physicians in its February 2009 issue of AMA Voice, a Bulletin September 2008 is asking "Where Have All The Doctors Gone?," and why the U.S. Congress, now trying to revamp the health care system, is having to consider what language to publish the new Health Care Legislation in.

Every physician in this country can see how desperate the situation is, but can't seem to do much about it, at least that's obvious to those of us kept out of the committee room conferences where strategies are born. Physicians also see the problems from the inside of the profession and already know the reasons a medical doctor shortage is moving like an avalanche. So, who's doing anything to prevent it, or at least slow it down? But to do that you need to understand the causes.

Open your eyes to these 5 reasons why we have an American physician shortage: It is vividly clear to every medical doctor in order to survive in the medical profession today, must create a series of defenses against the economic, political, and legal-social barriers which are shredding the medical profession. Who in their right mind would want to become a physician, only to understand that for the rest of their career they will be fighting against the divisive tactics of governmental restrictions?

1. The economic barriers:

If you knew that doctor's incomes have dropped almost 10% over the last 10 years and are continuing to drop by all national surveys, that medical practice business expenses have risen steadily over that same period, and governmental medical fee restrictions are to be increased soon as they are each year, would you consider there was a real problem brewing?

And, even worse, there's no halt to the process over the foreseeable future.

When a physician recognizes that high school dropouts are making more income on the Internet and as managers of a fast food restaurant than he is earning after 20 plus years of education, why not get out quick? And, that's not even figuring in their incurring an educational debt of over $200,000 to pay back as soon as they finish medical school.

Might a doctor seriously consider changing to another career? Or, while in college decide that becoming a medical doctor isn't worth the risks, education, and money spent. Why then, do any of them do it anyway? Who knows?

You, may believe that this information is biased, inaccurate, and deliberately misleading. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you find out from any legitimate sources.

2. The political barriers:

Other than having to deal with fee regulations, which no other profession suffers from, the malpractice issue rises up like a monster in the sea. Why would any college student choose to become a medical doctor, expose themselves to devastating medical malpractice litigation over and over throughout their medical career in practice, and possibly wind up losing their medical practice and medical license (often blackballed in their profession)?

The fact that attorneys compose the majority of the legislative bodies in this country should be a clue as to the cause. They vote in or out medical malpractice laws within each state. Only a small minority of states have been able to establish legislation capping the outrageously high jury verdicts handed down for plaintiffs (patients).

California became the first state to suffer from the results of these run-away verdicts in the 1970s. It was the first to establish a cap on the verdicts. You and I know that lawyers will do all they can do to keep their cash cow producing income.

Understand, the cap on jury awards has to do only with that part of the verdicts called "for pain and suffering"----not for the primary segment of the award to cover the injured patient's future medical bills and care.

There is no national consensus as to how to resolve the issue of legitimacy of a malpractice suit. Some states (like Nevada) have a review panel of several individuals who offer an opinion as to whether the case should go to trial or be dropped. The attorneys are not obligated to take the panel's advice.

With the stagnation of protective medical malpractice legislation progress, doctors will continue to live with the high risk if they choose to become a doctor.

3. Medical Malpractice barrier:

For 2 years in the 1970s in California there were no insurance companies who would write medical malpractice policies for doctors at any premium price. Doctors either left to practice in another state (like has happened in Pennsylvania recently), or went "bare" (no insurance).

With no insurance, doctors took on the high risk of loss or their medical practice, bankruptcy, or worse. The doctors responded by forming their own malpractice insurance organizations which have served them well.

Nevada physicians, especially high risk specialties such a Obstetrics, has recently faced the same problem of unaffordable medical malpractice insurance premiums---and the state still hasn't learned the lesson. Large numbers of Obstetricians left the state leaving patients without care and forcing them to drive out of state to get care.

It's a repeated scenario. No cap on the jury verdicts (the cause)-malpractice insurance companies skyrocket their premiums-doctors can't afford to pay premiums-doctors leave the state to practice elsewhere-patients lose their doctors and doctors become scarce.

Any physician, no matter what kind of specialty they practice, has to learn to live with the risk of a medical malpractice suit.

Also know, doctors live daily with the possibility that any patient can file a medical malpractice suit against them anytime, even years after the event. Even then, the physician becomes "labeled" whether they are guilty of malpractice or not. Further, the mental anguish of court investigation and trial takes a permanent and huge toll on the doctor-win or lose.

Would you be willing to work every day under that threat? Retiring early, changing professions, moving to medical administrative jobs, and trimming medical practices to low risk patients is what is going on now in the medical profession. The prediction is that it will get much worse in the near future.

4. Legal barriers:

Medical licensure has become a political toy. Medical Boards are normally composed of physicians along with a few non-physicians appointed by the state governor. Members often have conflicts of interest which reflect on their management of physicians who are brought before the board.

So it's an arcane topic in most circles. When a physician is reprimanded or punished by the medical board, the action is spread throughout the country to all other medical boards.

If punishment of renegade physicians is not harsh enough, pressure is put on the board to be tougher-or else. Any black mark placed against a physician follows him or her wherever they go to practice. Simply another reason to quit the profession when the board is unduly unfair.

An example of unfairness by a medical board: An experienced and respected physician, board certified, 15 years in practice with a clean record was brought before the board for a legal issue completely outside the medical profession. He was brought before a trial judge, who had just completed her own vicious divorce from a physician husband in the same specialty as the doctor involved.

She proceeded to disregard any defense issues and wrote a 3 page order to the medical board insisting on putting this doctor back through a residency training program for his specialty among several other practice destroying requirements. The medical board ruled exactly the way she wanted.

The real story of the bad treatment was magnified by the fact that no direct contact was made with the doctor by the board other than a letter. He was never interviewed by any member of the board, as is the standard procedure, nor was he ever permitted a hearing in front of the board to present his own rebuttal, evidence, and defense.

Be aware, this was what was done to a physician of quality for a problem that had nothing to do with his medical practice. And, yes, there is more to the story than this which revolved around poor judgment by the board.

Physicians are often unaware of how other physicians view their actions and judgments. They have to live with that.

5. Social barriers:

Physicians have their own clicks they work with, socialize with, and refer to. It's normal and friendly interaction. However, within that physician community are many areas of quicksand which directly affect their medical practice and income. Offending one doctor can lead to 20 others stopping all referrals to that doctor. Peer review of practice mistakes or blunders which are unintended and accidental can turn a doctor's future practice associations into dead ends.

Normally one would expect a professional to act in a mature professional manner-sometimes they do. Often it is more devious and crude when the battles occur. Physicians are very unforgiving of those others who don't meet their own expertise and ability standards. That's what all doctors have to live with to survive.

These five factors have a profound and direct effect on why the physician population is dwindling. The other factors are less extreme. Face it! Doctors are sick and tired of being stomped on and dragged around by those who seem to believe that doctors aren't practicing up to expected standards. There lies the problem.

Expectations for a profession which yet doesn't understand everything in medicine are beyond reality. Medical practice functions on basic medical principles that constantly must be modified depending on the circumstances, and judgment calls which unintentionally lead them astray.

The bottom line is.........what's going to be done about it.......if anything?

The author, Curt Graham, is a medical doctor, marketer, copywriter, author, speaker who has written extensively over his 35 plus years in active medical practice. He is a published author in Modern Physician, and is credited as an expert author by web article directories and self help websites including selfgrowth.com.

If you want to know how physician shortages affects your own healthcare....Go Here Now! http://www.healthcaresecretsrevealed-finally.com

Please feel free to copy, send, or distribute this article as long as the article is not changed, and the resource box is included as written.

© Copyright 2008 L & C Internet Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The author, Curt Graham, is a retired medical doctor who has written extensively on many topics over his 35 plus years in active medical practice as a specialist in OB-GYN. He has been published in Modern Physician, and is credited as an Expert Author by EzineArticles.com directory. Go to his website for more detailed and expanded articles concerning obtaining better health care, among others:

http://www.HealthCare-Toolbox.com

Please feel free to copy, send, or distribute this article as long as the article is not changed, and the author bio resource box is included with the article as written.

Copyright 2005, L & C Internet Enterprises, Inc., Curt Graham, All Rights Reserved.

Three Reasons to Buy US Made Molded Keypads

The globalization of modern industry has generated more than its share of controversy. The arguments over buying foreign or domestic products usually revolve around stimulating the local economy but there are other issues that should be considered. Even when shopping for components as simple as molded keypads, manufacturers should consider all the implications of buying foreign products.

Quality Of Materials

When buying custom silicone keypads, quality may not seem like an issue. After all, silicone is silicone. Or is it?

Silicone can be contaminated with other materials or cured improperly. Molded keypads made from these inferior materials will not hold up as well as those made from purer silicone blends. The characteristics of these unknown contaminants can compromise your product yielding effects as mundane as discoloration over time to as serious as emitting toxic byproducts.

Quality extends to the manufacture as well. Sloppy graphics, incorrect snap ratios, improperly matched colors and more can turn molded keypads into liabilities that will mark your equipment as inferior. Don't let your superior products be marred by substandard components. Saving a few cents on molded keypads could cost you thousands of dollars in lost business.

Environmental Concerns

The US has strict laws regarding environmental contamination by industrial operations. These laws protect our citizens, our lands and future generations from harmful byproducts produced in manufacturing operations. Silicone manufacture is a fairly benign process but still has the potential to produce hazardous waste.

Does a foreign supplier follow the same rules? Many nations have much laxer environmental laws and are even now destroying their environments in an effort to allow their industries to compete with US industries. Don't think you are safe from the effects just because the contamination is taking place in a far off land. It's all the same planet and pollution dumped into the atmosphere and oceans will find its way to our shores soon enough.

Foreign Sweat Shops

Another concern when buying from foreign suppliers is the terrible work conditions that exist in many of these manufacturing operations. Molded keypads produced by some foreign providers are produced in factories that use inexpensive labor that is barely above slavery. Workers toil in brutal conditions and are paid pennies a day so the factory can create cheap products for export.

The rights guaranteed to US workers are better than those offered to workers in most nations in the world. In addition to good salaries, American worker receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement pay that are rare in other nations. Even things as easily taken for granted as holiday pay or a 40-hour work week are unheard of in many nations.

Before buying molded keypads from a foreign provider, ask yourself what you are really buying. Are you getting value for your money, or are you simply shortchanging yourself with inferior products produced in appalling conditions?

Author is a freelance writer. For more information on molded keypads, visit http://www.sitech-corp.com/products/

Five Reasons Why Your Property Needs a Garden

The top two complaints that people often cite as to why they do not have a garden at home are (a) I don't have time, and (b) I don't know where to start. But since gardening is the #1 most popular at-home hobby in America, there are plenty of people out there who can tell you, don't let your complaints or concerns stand in your way. With just a little bit of gumption and a couple of afternoons of dirty hands, you can be well on your way to having a flourishing and abundant garden at home. The benefits of having a garden by far outweigh the lack of time that you may cite as a hindrance. There are countless reasons to plant a garden at home. Here are the top five:

(1) Gardening is exercise in disguise.

If you dread going to the gym, or spending an hour running on your treadmill every day, then plant and maintain a garden instead. Think of all the actions that you must complete while working in a garden: reaching, bending, raking, hoeing, digging, squatting, pulling, and pushing. It truly is a full-body workout, and many gardening experts suggest that you should remember to stretch well before and after gardening for this reason. Gardening is a good calorie burner, too. A 35 year old woman who is 5 feet and 5 inches in height, and weighs 140 pounds, can burn over 230 calories per hour working in her garden.

(2) It is the best way to insure that you are feeding your family fresh, healthy produce.

I'm sure you've heard by now that organic produce is safer and healthier than conventional produce is. Some fruits and vegetables may contain several different chemical pesticides all at once. For example, when you consume "normal" celery that you have purchased in the grocery store, you may be consuming the residue of 13 different chemical pesticides with it. When the Environmental Working Group tested conventional strawberries for pesticide residue, they found a total of 53 different chemical pesticides on them. And these pesticides don't wash off with plain water. If they did, farmers probably wouldn't bother using them. Recent studies by the University of Texas School of Public Health have also found BPA, a dangerous hormone- disrupting chemical, in the packaging of conventionally canned vegetables. The best way to insure that your produce is chemical-free is simply to grow it yourself. By growing your own produce, you can insure that your food is healthy and free of poisonous chemicals from the time that you plant the seed to the time that the fruits and vegetables reach your plate.

(3) Growing your own produce is a major money saver.

Yes, there is an initial investment that is required to begin your first garden. You may need to purchase topsoil, and you will surely need basic necessities such as quality tools, heirloom seeds, a garden hose, and soil amendments. But the buck stops there. Once you have made this initial investment, you will hardly have to spend any money on your garden at all. You will never even have to purchase seeds again- all you need to do is save some seeds from your fruits, vegetables, and flowers in order to plant them again the following year. You can freeze, dry, and can your produce so that you have your own supply of healthy food, even during the winter. And with the amount of food that you can harvest from a home garden, you can rest assured that it is tremendously cheaper than buying all organic produce at the grocery store year round. Inflation has been climbing out of control lately, but inflated food prices do not apply to your garden.

(4) A garden is like an insurance policy (but better).

I know that it is a fearful thought that none of us like to consider, but think about this realistically for a moment: If tragedy were to strike your home, would you be able to provide food for your family? Every day all around the world, there are disasters such as floods, fires, tornadoes, economic collapses, and wars occurring. Think about what happened in hurricane Katrina. Do you think grocery stores were open and operating when this horrible, tragic event occurred? No, of course not. A garden is like an insurance policy (only better) because it allows you to have a reliable source of food, and therefore allows you to be self sufficient. So many of us take it for granted that all we need to do to obtain food is drive to the nearest grocery store. But what happens when the grocery store shelves are empty? Maintaining a survival garden, or crisis garden, filled with vitamin-rich and powerfully healthy fruits and vegetables, is a way to insure that you can keep your family healthy in dire circumstances.

(5) Gardens are great for your kids.

A recent study conducted by independent researchers at the National Foundation for Education Research has shown that children who take an active role in maintaining a school garden experience countless benefits both in school and at home. Gardens help to foster confident, focused, and active learners. Children who are gardeners also take a greater interest in sustainability and an active, healthy lifestyle. And don't forget that kids who garden are getting good exercise, too. In a world where more children recognize Ronald McDonald than an eggplant, teaching your kids about fresh fruits and vegetables, and their value, is crucial. A garden is an excellent way to teach children, right from the start, how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

More valuable than silver or gold in a real meltdown... New "Survival Seed Bank" Produces Thousands Of Pounds Of Nutrient-Dense Food For Pennies Per Pound... Enough To Feed Friends And Family Forever! I want to make SURE you understand how much you're getting here. If you purchased these same seeds "retail" you could very well pay over $600, if you can even find them. That makes the Survival Seed Bank package a ridiculous bargain. For just $149.00 plus 15.00 shipping and handling (total $164.00), you get enough seeds to plant a full acre survival garden! And... you'll have confidence knowing that you and your family will be able to eat if the Insiders trigger some huge meltdown. You'll have the best germinating seeds available. Don't wait another second - call or order online right now, while you're thinking about it: http://www.survivalseedbank.com/

6 Reasons Why College Football Should Go to a Playoff System

Reason # 1. Obviously, so that we can finally have a clear cut winner, with no speculation. And it's teams that fought hard to get there. Teams that are deserving..not some over weight powerhouse that hasn't played a game in 2 months because they don't play a conference championship.

Reason # 2. It would give more deserving conferences like the SEC and the Big12 a chance to get in. Thus insuring a exciting game. No more blow outs!

Reason # 3. It's what the fans want. President elect Barrack Obama even said a 8 game playoff system has been long over due in college football. Let's give the people what they want!

Reason # 4. Nobody cares about the outback bowl. Nobody cares about any of the bowls other than the BCS bowls and the title game is the only real tv draw on a weeknight. You bring in this playoff system and suddenly it's March Madness in December. What's more exciting then a bracket with these 8 teams in it. Florida, USC, Texas Tech, Georgia , Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma ST. I wouldn't put Penn ST. or Mizz on there but for you fans,it could happen. Then,think of the action that a 16 game system would produce. The Sweet Sixteen has never been seen like this...

Reason # 5. I'm sick of all the talking. Let's put this to rest. No more will there be some under achiever that achieved over crying for a piece of the title. No more "co. champions." Not that there ever was really. To my recollection they only give out one crystal ball each year. Still,I am sick of the chatter. I want to see some action.

Reason # 6. I'm sick of hearing Pete Carrol cry about how his team deserves a shot. I want to see USC take on a real team.Not one of these mediocre teams that seem to throw a monkey wrench in the National title implications for USC every year, but a real team, with a real defense. I guess that doesn't take care of Pete Carrol's crying though,because after a thrashing from UG or UF. USC will finally be seen as they are. And not the greatest team in college football.

b-rad from the boot signing off

[http://bradfromtheboot.com]

Grand Canyon: 9 Reasons You've Got to See It

Putting together a list of vacation options? Add the Grand Canyon. The National Park has tons of incredible trails, abundant wildlife, and rustic lodging that's steps from the edge. Not enough to get you over there? Here are nine more reasons why you've got to see the canyon:

1. Incredible sunrises and sunsets. Nothing beats the Grand Canyon for watching the sun start and end its day. For sunrise, go to Yaki Point or Mather Point. For sunset, go to Hopi Point. Some of the best times to watch are right after snowfall and during a summer Monsoon.

2. The disabled can enjoy it. Handicapped-accessible bathrooms, campsites, showers, parking lots, and guest rooms are just a few of the many amenities suited for travelers with disabilities.

3. Really cool events are held there. The canyon plays host to a number of unique festivities including the Native American Heritage Days on the North Rim in August and the Grand Canyon Music Festival in September at the South Rim. The holiday spirit kicks into high gear during Halloween and Christmas.

4. It's fun for the entire family. The canyon has a fantastic Junior Ranger program wherein kids can go on nature hikes, capture insects, go rock hunting, and more. Park Rangers also give free talks on digital photography, the California Condor protection program, and Park history/geology.

5. The fresh air. The South Rim in particular is a great place to have your olfactory system (a.k.a. the nose) stimulated by the scents of Ponderosa Pine, Fir, and Aspen trees.

6. It's one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. An honor it shares with Mount Everest, the Paricutin Volcano, and the Great Barrier Reef.

7. It's a Mecca for travelers. Five million people visit the canyon annually. Now that's an endorsement if there ever was one.

8. Perfect for photographs. There are no bad views at the Grand Canyon. Make sure you bring extra batteries and memory sticks for your digital camera.

9. It's the quintessential American experience. Grand Canyon National Park is the among the oldest in the National Park system, and is recognized as one of the West's most iconic landscapes.

This is not an exhaustive list. For that, I recommend picking up a free copy of "The Guide," a free publication produced by the Park Service. It includes an updated calendar of events and a map of the shuttle system. This free guide, which is only available at the South Rim, can be found at the main entrance gate or inside most of the lodgings and shops inside Grand Canyon Village. It's can be downloaded from the Park's website at:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/newspaper.htm

If you are looking for activities and sightseeing opportunities, Grand Canyon National Park is the ticket. It also makes the perfect day trip from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Sedona. Tours include helicopter, bus, airplane, and river raft. And, when it's time to relax, there are plenty of restaurants, accommodations, and easy walking trails from which to choose. No matter what type of adventure vacation you are looking for, the Grand Canyon's got it.

Travel journalist Keith Kravitz writes exclusively about the Grand Canyon. If this article inspired you to see the canyon, check out Kravitz' Grand Canyon tour reviews at: http://www.GrandCanyon123.com

50 Reasons Nigeria Should Mourn at 50

"Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom" - King David

I'm sorry if this is not the kind of headline you hoped to see in a time like this. I didn't want to be perceived as a negative person, neither do I enjoy messing up the spirit of celebration for fellow countrymen who feel we should jubilate as a country after 50 years of independence. If you read this and still think I was wrong about the topic however, I will appreciate it if you can tell me ONE reason we should celebrate.

I started out wanting to write about 50 reasons Nigeria should celebrate at 50, but couldn't come up with a single one!

Starting from the initial N10billion to N16.4billion and back to N9.5billoin, The Federal Government of Nigeria finally spends N6.6billion for the one-day Nigeria @50 Independence Anniversary celebration event.

For 38 of the 50 years of Nigeria's independence, the country had been ruled by a military dictatorship.

Ibrahim Babangida, a former military dictator who annulled the presidential election that was won by MKO Abiola in 1993, deprived citizens of their fundamental human rights and unleashed untold terror and civil unrest that resulted in the death of over 120 innocent Nigerians now aspires to be the President of the same people. Yet, people trooped out to Eagle Square to support him!

The Swiss foreign ministry says it has done all it can to ensure that funds stolen by the late Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha were used properly in his homeland. The authorities were responding to allegations that $200 million (SFr240 million) of $700 million handed back by the Swiss Banks to Nigeria had been misappropriated.

A former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tafa Balogun, was arraigned in court in 2005 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and slammed with a 70-count charge of stealing and money laundering, among other offences. The former IG was accused of stealing about N10bn, most of which he returned in a plea bargain deal with the EFCC.

The pioneer of the contentious Sharia criminal law, the former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Sani Yariman, married a 13-year-old Egyptian minor girl. Yariman is well into his 60s.

1 US Dollar is equal to about 150 NGN.

Due to inflation, per capita GDP today remains lower than in 1960 when Nigeria declared independence.

About 57% of the population lives on less than US$1 per day.

Nigeria is the only remaining country of the world with polio cases.

The Daily Trust of November 26, 2008 reported that the government recently acknowledged that about 80% of Nigerian youths are unemployed and 10% underemployed. This is mostly because they lack the skills employers want. A disorganized educational system can only produce half-baked graduates.

"Of the over 40 million unemployed youths in the country, 23 million are unemployable and therefore susceptible to crime" - Mr. Depo Oyedokun (House Committee on Youth and Social Development).

There exists such a body as "National Association of Unemployed Graduates".

There has been no notable invention from Nigeria in the entire 50 years of existence.

In recent years, major companies have relocated their headquarters or production bases from Nigeria to neighboring countries due to ridiculous factors as lack of basic infrastructures like power, good roads and security.

Nigeria currently has under 3000MW capacity to produce electricity and does not even produce up to the installed capacity. In contrast, the UK with a little less than a third of Nigeria population produces 300,000MW electricity (over a 1000 times).

In 2009, Nigeria consumed approximately 280,000 bbl/d of oil. The country has four refineries (Port Harcourt I and II, Warri, and Kaduna) with a combined capacity of around 500,000 bbl/d. But as a result of poor maintenance, theft, and fire, NONE of these refineries have ever been fully operational.

During 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Championship held in Nigeria, one of the flood lights at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano broke down forcing the match to be stopped twice. The incident that took place during the second match of the day between Spain and USA was a repeat of similar situation that took place ten years ago in Ibadan during the Nigeria 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup Championship.

The Nigerian Super Eagles could not qualify for the second stage in the last FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.

Over 30% of childhood deaths and 11% of maternaldeaths in Nigeriaare causedby malaria.

Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, was recently quoted as saying, "Nigeria has the worst maternal newborn and child mortality rate in the world with an estimated 52,900 women and 250,000 newborn babies dying yearly from causes that are largely preventable."

The oil boom of the 1970s led Nigeria to neglect its strong agricultural and light manufacturing bases in favor of an unhealthy dependence on crude oil. In 2000, oil and gas exports accounted for more than 98% of export earnings and about 83% of federal government revenue.

Despite being the largest oil producer in Africa and the 12th largest in the world, Nigeria is ranked 158 out of 177 on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Poverty Index. - In 2007/2008 Human Development Reports.

Of the 80,500 kilometers (50,000 mi.) of roads, more than 15,000 kilometers (10,000 mi.) are officially paved, but many remain in poor shape. Thousands of accidents have claimed numerous lives because of bad roads while many are not motorable at all.

In Nigeria, an estimated 3.6% of the population are living with HIV and AIDS - UNGASS (2010)

Approximately 192,000 people died from AIDS in 2009. - UNGASS (2010)

In 1991 the average life expectancy was 54 years for women and 53 years for men. In 2009 these figures had fallen to 48 for women and 46 for men. - CIA World Factbook (2010)

23-year old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab became the first Nigerian terrorist in December 2009.

Nigerian lawmakers are the highest paid politicians in the world.

Since January 2009, over 111 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Nigeria, including 18 in 2010. - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria and continues to recommend U.S. citizens to avoid all but essential travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, and Imo; and the city of Jos in Plateau State, because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas.

In the north, Islamic groups such as the Izala and most recently the Boko Haram (also known as the Nigerian Taliban) have championed eradicating Western civilization and establishing an Islamic theocracy in Nigeria. The result: conflicts in northern cities and constant clashes between government forces and youth militias in the Niger Delta and southeast. The persistence of these ills - which have killed, injured, displaced, and dislocated thousands and destroyed their livelihoods - has greatly disillusioned many Nigerians, thousands of whom have sought asylum abroad.

Following an upsurge of renewed unrests and conflicts, Nigerians registered asylum applications in 17 countries in 2008. According to UNHCR, no fewer than 12,573 Nigerians applied for asylum in Europe (mainly Italy) and other developed nations- a 71% increase over the 2007 figures.

Indiscriminate murder of innocent citizens by members of Nigerian Police Force who are supposedly meant to protect the same masses is on alarming increase. Recently, a kid was even reported shot by a police officer who alleged that the boy was making jest of him.

University of Sussex's Global Migrant Origin Database reveals that nearly a quarter of Nigerians were in Sudan, with 14% in the United States, 9% in the United Kingdom, 8% in Cameroon, and 5% in Ghana. Much smaller populations were scattered across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

The massive brain drain from Nigeria has been attributed to poor wages, lack of job security, lack of access to good facilities and technologies, lack of professional advancement and trainings, political and civil unrests etc. The World Bank Development Prospects Group reported in 2007 an estimated emigration rate of 36% for Nigerians with tertiary education. For physicians and nurses, the rates were about 13.6% and 11.7%, respectively.

According to UNDP Human Development Report, Nigeria's Emigration Population has risen from 94,100 in 1960 to 1,127,700 in 2010.

It has been 50 years of countless cases of rape, sexual harassment and even cold-blooded murders by so-called men of God, who indulge in various heinous evils in the name of church pastors like the infamous Rev. King.

In the early 1960s, Nigeria's palm oil production accounted for 43% of the world production; today it has dwindled to 7% of total global output. Malaysia, the country which took the oil palm seeds away from Nigeria several years ago, and currently accounts for 39% of world palm oil production is planning to flood the Nigeria market from its silos in Ghana.

Toothpicks are imported to Nigeria.

NigeriaSat-1 mysteriously disappeared from orbit in 2008 after its launch in 2003.

According to uni-dir.net, NO Nigerian University surfaces in the list of the 1000 best Universities in the world and the first one came up on 61 in the list of 100 best Universities in Africa.

A survey by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2006 found that 46.7% of Nigerians are purely illiterate while 53.3% are literate in the use of the English language. A breakdown of the study, which used 15 years as "adult age," shows that 61.3% of the literate population is male and 45.3% female. That implies that one out of every two Nigerian is an illiterate.

A United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) study that came out on January 15, 2008 found that over 10 million Nigerian children of school age are not in school and that most of them are either hawking goods on the streets or doing some form of menial labor to make ends meet.

An average monthly supply output from water schemes in the urban centers are less than 30 liters per person per day. This was due to the fact that all aspects of urban water supply schemes are fraught with serious problems ranging from the source, distribution systems, transmission systems, treatment processes and management of schemes. Less than 15% of all water schemes in the country operates above 50% installed capacity. While the rural dwellers are left with no source of portable water, hence thousands die of water-borne diseases year in year out.

Most of the facts and figures in this essay were gotten from non-indigenous sources because of unavailability and lack of credibility from Nigerian sources.

Most Nigerians will never get to read this because they don't have access to the internet, or there is no power, or can't even read at all.

Nigerians who gets to read this will typically shake their heads, say "na wa o" and forget about it all.

Nigerians are celebrating at 50 years of decline instead of reflecting and forging the way forward for the next 50 years.

Nigeria is my country and I feel responsible for her. My heart bleeds as I write this and I wish someone will read this and not just feel my pains, but also resolve to do his/her best to help save our dear country. I hope my grandchild will be able to write about 100 reasons Nigeria should celebrate at 100. God bless Nigeria!

Gideon Banks is the founder/CEO of Unstopabbles International. He is an artist, entrepreneur, business consultant and writer who believes life is an art and every waking moment must be lived in style without losing touch on individuality, creativity and humanity. "Some people find me crazy, others, amazing; but I'm categorically unconventional. I figured I can only be the best by being myself."

Read more articles by Gideon Banks on his personal website, http://gideonbanks.com