Embattled President Hosni Mubarak has appeared on television for the first time since protests erupted demanding his ouster, and he says he will press ahead with social, economic and political reforms.
He is defending security forces' crackdown on protesters.
Protesters have seized the streets of Cairo, battling police with stones and firebombs, burning down the ruling party headquarters, and defying a night curfew enforced by a military deployment. It is the peak of unrest posing the most dire threat to Mubarak in his three decades of authoritarian rule.
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Friday, January 28, 2011
Huge parking fines inspired parking watch app!
Massive parking fines inspired one Australian man to create an iPhone app that lets users warn each other when parking officers are spotted lurking near their cars.
"The idea was pretty much born out of frustration," said Joseph Darling of "ParkPatrol," the app developed by his Sydney-based firm to help users avoid tickets that cost what he said was at least $82 Australian ($81) a shot -- and often more.
"I could show you a list of maybe 20 to 30 parking tickets that I had last year, in my town, just by being a normal driver. I must have spent thousands of dollars."
The final straw came when he was ticketed in his own neighborhood despite a parking permit that he pays hundreds of dollars for each year.
The app lets users "sign in" and report sightings of parking officers with a single push of a button. Cartoon faces wearing a police cap then appear plotted on a map of the area, along with a notice thanking them.
The app will also alert users if a parking officer is spotted in their area and how close. Notification options for 500 meters (1,640 ft), 200 meters and 100 meters are available.
The free app is available in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Roughly 80 percent of users are in Australia, but it is also used in England, Spain, France and Germany, Darling said.
"With an active community, it's pretty accurate. We reckon around 90 percent," he added.
Future versions, currently being finished, will include an alert function for when parking time has expired. The company is also finalizing an Android version.
Next on the drawing board? A similar app that allows women to report sightings of handsome men.
*This is very interesting. What a way to not get a ticket. Next up major American cities, where the fines are hefty. Can you say Philly!*
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"The idea was pretty much born out of frustration," said Joseph Darling of "ParkPatrol," the app developed by his Sydney-based firm to help users avoid tickets that cost what he said was at least $82 Australian ($81) a shot -- and often more.
"I could show you a list of maybe 20 to 30 parking tickets that I had last year, in my town, just by being a normal driver. I must have spent thousands of dollars."
The final straw came when he was ticketed in his own neighborhood despite a parking permit that he pays hundreds of dollars for each year.
The app lets users "sign in" and report sightings of parking officers with a single push of a button. Cartoon faces wearing a police cap then appear plotted on a map of the area, along with a notice thanking them.
The app will also alert users if a parking officer is spotted in their area and how close. Notification options for 500 meters (1,640 ft), 200 meters and 100 meters are available.
The free app is available in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Roughly 80 percent of users are in Australia, but it is also used in England, Spain, France and Germany, Darling said.
"With an active community, it's pretty accurate. We reckon around 90 percent," he added.
Future versions, currently being finished, will include an alert function for when parking time has expired. The company is also finalizing an Android version.
Next on the drawing board? A similar app that allows women to report sightings of handsome men.
*This is very interesting. What a way to not get a ticket. Next up major American cities, where the fines are hefty. Can you say Philly!*
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Literary Diva Presents: A Black American Princess Literary Chat! Author Angela Nicole Parker!
Join Literary Diva as she welcomes author Angela Nicole Parker to Diva's House of BTR. Angela will be chatting with us about her new novel "Tethered." This novel with it's main character "Madison Baldwin" is a sassy dramady that will surely appeal to any female reader. It's what Parker calls "BAP" lit. Angel will also discuss her column, blog and her other literary goals. Tune in for a black princess literary chat with author Angela Nicole Parker. Stay tuned and keep it locked.
Tune in live Sat Jan 29@ 12pm est @
6 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Alzheimer's and Dementia!
1. Physical activity
Research from the University of Illinois has suggested that regular aerobic activity—like running, walking, or bicycling, which require oxygen to produce energy—may do a better job of protecting brain function than nonaerobic activity, which does not recruit oxygen and uses short bursts of motion (golf, tennis, and lifting weights). Reaping the cognitive benefits of pumping oxygen- and sugar-rich blood to the brain won't require high intensity exercise, says William Thies, chief medical and scientific officer of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association advises picking activities you like and doing them regularly for at least 30 minutes a day.
2. Weight control
The heavier a person is, the more likely he or she may be to develop Alzheimer's. Thompson published research that found that the brains of older individuals who were obese (with a body mass index over 30) had approximately 8 percent less brain volume than subjects of normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 25). When brain-volume loss reaches about 10 percent, Thompson says, symptoms like memory trouble or confusion appear. Earlier studies have suggested that people who are obese in midlife have a threefold increased risk of developing Alzheimer's, and those who are overweight (considered a BMI between 25 and 30) have a twofold increased risk. This is due, at least in part, to the fact that with added pounds, fat gets deposited in the brain and narrows blood vessels that deliver fuel, Thompson theorizes. Over the long term, brain cells die and vital connections and volume are lost.
3. Mental challenges
No, it's not just about doing sudoku—though puzzles do fall into the category. The brain's ability to reorganize neural pathways with new information or experiences means it's regularly changing; we can even generate new brain cells. But you need to work it. The general guideline, says Neil Buckholtz, chief of the dementias of aging branch at the National Institute on Aging, is regularly engaging in "some kind of new learning that challenges you." No one knows exactly what works, though population research has shown that having more years of formal education seems to be protective. Folks with lots of schooling can still get Alzheimer's, but the disease may appear later. From that, some extrapolate that lifelong curiosity and learning may have benefits.
4. Social connections
Research has found that people with larger social networks, while they had similar amounts of the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's as did more isolated people, were less affected cognitively. And separate research suggests that psychological distress over the long term significantly raises a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's. Thies predicts that science will eventually reveal that "this kind of interaction stimulates the brain to make new connections" that perhaps help compensate for decline. To get a threefer, try learning the intricate steps of the tango in a dance class with your friends.
5. Healthy diet
"What we have pretty good evidence for is that a diet higher in vegetables and lower in fat is [protective,]" explains Thies. While the evidence doesn't offer up any recipes for success, the general recommendation is to get plenty of veggies and fruits with dark skins, like spinach, beets, red bell peppers, onions, eggplants, prunes, blackberries, strawberries, red grapes, oranges, and cherries, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Some evidence suggests green, leafy cruciferous vegetables, in particular, are helpful. Eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. So may some nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, that have high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant. Research published in the Archives of Neurology suggested that the Mediterranean diet appears to be protective against Alzheimer's. Some animal research has shown that curcumin, which is in the curry spice turmeric, suppresses the buildup of beta-amyloid, a main component in the harmful plaques in the Alzheimer's-afflicted brain.
6. Chronic disease control
Buckholtz notes that "high blood pressure in old age is a very strong risk factor for developing Alzheimer's later on, but if you can keep the blood pressure down, that decreases your risk." And a study published in the journal Dementia & Geriatric Cognitive Disorders found that people in their 40s who had mildly elevated cholesterol were at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life. A sizable body of evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes and heart disease affect the brain and perhaps the development or severity of Alzheimer's.
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Research from the University of Illinois has suggested that regular aerobic activity—like running, walking, or bicycling, which require oxygen to produce energy—may do a better job of protecting brain function than nonaerobic activity, which does not recruit oxygen and uses short bursts of motion (golf, tennis, and lifting weights). Reaping the cognitive benefits of pumping oxygen- and sugar-rich blood to the brain won't require high intensity exercise, says William Thies, chief medical and scientific officer of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association advises picking activities you like and doing them regularly for at least 30 minutes a day.
2. Weight control
The heavier a person is, the more likely he or she may be to develop Alzheimer's. Thompson published research that found that the brains of older individuals who were obese (with a body mass index over 30) had approximately 8 percent less brain volume than subjects of normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 25). When brain-volume loss reaches about 10 percent, Thompson says, symptoms like memory trouble or confusion appear. Earlier studies have suggested that people who are obese in midlife have a threefold increased risk of developing Alzheimer's, and those who are overweight (considered a BMI between 25 and 30) have a twofold increased risk. This is due, at least in part, to the fact that with added pounds, fat gets deposited in the brain and narrows blood vessels that deliver fuel, Thompson theorizes. Over the long term, brain cells die and vital connections and volume are lost.
3. Mental challenges
No, it's not just about doing sudoku—though puzzles do fall into the category. The brain's ability to reorganize neural pathways with new information or experiences means it's regularly changing; we can even generate new brain cells. But you need to work it. The general guideline, says Neil Buckholtz, chief of the dementias of aging branch at the National Institute on Aging, is regularly engaging in "some kind of new learning that challenges you." No one knows exactly what works, though population research has shown that having more years of formal education seems to be protective. Folks with lots of schooling can still get Alzheimer's, but the disease may appear later. From that, some extrapolate that lifelong curiosity and learning may have benefits.
4. Social connections
Research has found that people with larger social networks, while they had similar amounts of the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's as did more isolated people, were less affected cognitively. And separate research suggests that psychological distress over the long term significantly raises a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's. Thies predicts that science will eventually reveal that "this kind of interaction stimulates the brain to make new connections" that perhaps help compensate for decline. To get a threefer, try learning the intricate steps of the tango in a dance class with your friends.
5. Healthy diet
"What we have pretty good evidence for is that a diet higher in vegetables and lower in fat is [protective,]" explains Thies. While the evidence doesn't offer up any recipes for success, the general recommendation is to get plenty of veggies and fruits with dark skins, like spinach, beets, red bell peppers, onions, eggplants, prunes, blackberries, strawberries, red grapes, oranges, and cherries, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Some evidence suggests green, leafy cruciferous vegetables, in particular, are helpful. Eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. So may some nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, that have high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant. Research published in the Archives of Neurology suggested that the Mediterranean diet appears to be protective against Alzheimer's. Some animal research has shown that curcumin, which is in the curry spice turmeric, suppresses the buildup of beta-amyloid, a main component in the harmful plaques in the Alzheimer's-afflicted brain.
6. Chronic disease control
Buckholtz notes that "high blood pressure in old age is a very strong risk factor for developing Alzheimer's later on, but if you can keep the blood pressure down, that decreases your risk." And a study published in the journal Dementia & Geriatric Cognitive Disorders found that people in their 40s who had mildly elevated cholesterol were at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life. A sizable body of evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes and heart disease affect the brain and perhaps the development or severity of Alzheimer's.
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
PANTRY HAIR PRODUCTS-Mother Nature At Her Best!
Need a quick fix for a hair problem? Start in your own kitchen! Check out these home hair remedies for strong, healthy hair.
Honey
Want extra shine and softness? Try adding a tablespoon of honey to your conditioner. Let penetrate for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly for silky, smooth hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar
After shampooing, rinse hair with a container full of 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to help remove product residue and add shine. Rinse thoroughly. The smell should fade within 20-30 minutes.
Avocado
A wonderful moisturizing treatment for dry hair. Peel one firm yet ripe avocado and remove the pit. Mash thoroughly and apply to washed or unwashed hair for a moisturizing deep treatment. Rinse thoroughly.
Beer
After shampooing, take warm flat beer and pour through the hair. Rinse thoroughly. The protein from the malt and hops help repair damaged hair and add body and shine.
Coconut Oil
This oil is highly recommend for dry, itchy scalp and dull hair. Warm 1/4 cup of oil and apply directly to the scalp and hair. Let sit for 30 minutes and shampoo out.
Cornstarch
No time to wash your hair? Apply 1/4 cup of cornstarch to roots and brush through. Cornstarch absorbs excess oil and odor.
Baking Soda
Hair looking a little dull? Try adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo. It will help remove product residue and add shine.
Egg
Add strength to your hair with an all natural protein conditioner. Mix one egg with 2 cups of conditioner.
Apply to dry unwashed hair and let sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Mayonnaise
Another strengthening treatment for weak hair. Apply 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to dry unwashed hair. Make sure to use all natural mayonnaise and rinse thoroughly.
Molasses
For shine and strength, try applying 1/4 cup of molasses to wet unwashed hair and shampoo out. Hair will feel strong, healthy and moisturized.
Olive Oil
This oil can help increase hair elasticity over time. Apply as a pre-shampoo treatment or add to conditioners for a moisture boost to dry hair.
Safflower Oil
Before washing, apply safflower oil to hair to counteract the harsh detergents in your shampoo.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is an excellent oil for daily maintenance or hot oil treatments. Apply directly to the scalp once a week to keep it healthy and flake-free. Or, after applying a moisturizer, add one drop and smooth through hair to lock in moisture and add a nice sheen.
* Remedies such as these can help you maintain a healthy head of hair. These tried and true products/remedies will always be around in your kitchen.*
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Honey
Want extra shine and softness? Try adding a tablespoon of honey to your conditioner. Let penetrate for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly for silky, smooth hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar
After shampooing, rinse hair with a container full of 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to help remove product residue and add shine. Rinse thoroughly. The smell should fade within 20-30 minutes.
Avocado
A wonderful moisturizing treatment for dry hair. Peel one firm yet ripe avocado and remove the pit. Mash thoroughly and apply to washed or unwashed hair for a moisturizing deep treatment. Rinse thoroughly.
Beer
After shampooing, take warm flat beer and pour through the hair. Rinse thoroughly. The protein from the malt and hops help repair damaged hair and add body and shine.
Coconut Oil
This oil is highly recommend for dry, itchy scalp and dull hair. Warm 1/4 cup of oil and apply directly to the scalp and hair. Let sit for 30 minutes and shampoo out.
Cornstarch
No time to wash your hair? Apply 1/4 cup of cornstarch to roots and brush through. Cornstarch absorbs excess oil and odor.
Baking Soda
Hair looking a little dull? Try adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo. It will help remove product residue and add shine.
Egg
Add strength to your hair with an all natural protein conditioner. Mix one egg with 2 cups of conditioner.
Apply to dry unwashed hair and let sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Mayonnaise
Another strengthening treatment for weak hair. Apply 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to dry unwashed hair. Make sure to use all natural mayonnaise and rinse thoroughly.
Molasses
For shine and strength, try applying 1/4 cup of molasses to wet unwashed hair and shampoo out. Hair will feel strong, healthy and moisturized.
Olive Oil
This oil can help increase hair elasticity over time. Apply as a pre-shampoo treatment or add to conditioners for a moisture boost to dry hair.
Safflower Oil
Before washing, apply safflower oil to hair to counteract the harsh detergents in your shampoo.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is an excellent oil for daily maintenance or hot oil treatments. Apply directly to the scalp once a week to keep it healthy and flake-free. Or, after applying a moisturizer, add one drop and smooth through hair to lock in moisture and add a nice sheen.
* Remedies such as these can help you maintain a healthy head of hair. These tried and true products/remedies will always be around in your kitchen.*
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DIVA'S NATION LOVES FOOTZYROLLS!
They are comfortable, cute, and will save your feet in those moments when you desperately need to get out of those Jimmy Choos. Yes, ladies we are talking about "footzyrolls!"
Footzyrolls is a rollable and foldable shoe that you can fold up and take with you where ever you go. They come in fabulous trendy colors like (candy striper-black or navy, snakeskins-black, silver, beige/gold, red and others like sparkle!).
This comfortable, clever and interestingly fabulous shoe, is a favorite among celebrities and women looking to take off their heels after a long day at work or to just have a pair of comfortable shoes.
Diva's Nation recommends Footzyrolls for any "Diva" who need to rest her feet and still look fabulous.
Visit "Footzyrolls"@ http://www.footzyrolls.com/
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Footzyrolls is a rollable and foldable shoe that you can fold up and take with you where ever you go. They come in fabulous trendy colors like (candy striper-black or navy, snakeskins-black, silver, beige/gold, red and others like sparkle!).
This comfortable, clever and interestingly fabulous shoe, is a favorite among celebrities and women looking to take off their heels after a long day at work or to just have a pair of comfortable shoes.
Diva's Nation recommends Footzyrolls for any "Diva" who need to rest her feet and still look fabulous.
Visit "Footzyrolls"@ http://www.footzyrolls.com/
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Diva's Nation Book Spotlight! "The Secret Life Of Girls And Their Sugar Daddies!" By Author Sahara Hill
Parents, teens and members of society, read this book! It's a story that spotlights young girls and how they get caught up in material things and will do anything to get them. It also let's you inside the mind of one of the characters who falls in love and kills to keep to it. It's heartbreaking, pyschotic and a story all parents should read.
Diva's Nation book spotlight is "The Secret Life of Girls and Their Sugar Daddies" by Sahara Hill
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Diva's Nation book spotlight is "The Secret Life of Girls and Their Sugar Daddies" by Sahara Hill
Diva's Nation
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Literary Diva Presents: Diva's Nation! Financial Literacy,Getting Organized,No Stress No Mess!
Join us as we continue our series Diva's Nation. On this episode we will discuss facing the music and getting your finaces in order. Often times finaces can keep you down and break up relationship. Also Organizing your life. It's important to understand that organization is a big part of who you are and says alot about you. Finally, we will discuss "no stress, no mess." When you alleviate those things that can absolutely cause stress in your life, the drama and the mess will not be present. It's important to note that you can control most things that enter into your live. Striving to be more efficient, and clear about what you do in your life is very important! That's the test that can determine the rest of your life. At the end of the day, you want "your happy!" Get It-Get It-Seize Life! Tune in as talk making-over your life to be happy and healthy. Plus, the Presidents State of The Union, and our favorite item of the week. Stay tuned and keep it locked.
*This episode of "Diva's Nation" aired today on "Diva's House of BTR." To listen to today's episode visit: www.blogtalkradio.com/diva29 and tune in.*
*Diva's Nation favorite item of the week*
Face Oasis™ Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser-
Deeply cleanse and revitalize skin with this gently refining, oil-free formula with natural fruit enzymes, jojoba beads, and moisturizing marine botanicals
Get yours today@ http://www.h2oplus.com/
Get yours today@ http://www.h2oplus.com/
Tune in every Wed@ 12pm est to catch "Diva's Nation." We are striving for a sound mind and body!
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President's State Of The Union-Diva's Nation Thoughts and Assessment!
Good Morning to all Bloggers and America!
Hopefully you watched the state of the union address last night with President Obama. It wasn't the normal state of the union with a long laundry list of this and that. What the President delivered last night was an energetic, electrifying and a "we need to keep it moving" state of the union address.
It's fitting to say that the two parties kept their peace as President Obama did his thing. Also, let's not forget that the mood was a calm one giving what took place in Arizona.
I believe that the President meant every word of his speech, but of course that will be up for debate. However, he did seem more energetic, enthusiastic, and amped up than usual. Setting it off is just an understatement. He took it the political head and gave a speech that most would be proud of this morning. It's one of those things you had to watch in order to understand.
As we go forth with wide eyes and futuristic thoughts, remember, that President Obama is a human being-an American who we elected as the leader of our nation. He's an individual who wants nothing more than to see great things for this country so that we all can prosper and feed our families. It's important to understand that, this country wasn't built in one day so therefore nothing will be solved in one day. The issues that this country face will be addressed at the right time and at the right place. Giving credit where credit is due is only right and we all have to acknowledge that our President is doing his best.
Again, let's keep it moving and help our gov't help us in amazing ways. Remember we all eat, sleep, get in trouble, are educated, and blog in this great nation. So let's cut the bull and stop the craziness. It's time to move forward and so we can all do "big things" together.
Diva's Nation
*Join The Conversation*
Hopefully you watched the state of the union address last night with President Obama. It wasn't the normal state of the union with a long laundry list of this and that. What the President delivered last night was an energetic, electrifying and a "we need to keep it moving" state of the union address.
It's fitting to say that the two parties kept their peace as President Obama did his thing. Also, let's not forget that the mood was a calm one giving what took place in Arizona.
I believe that the President meant every word of his speech, but of course that will be up for debate. However, he did seem more energetic, enthusiastic, and amped up than usual. Setting it off is just an understatement. He took it the political head and gave a speech that most would be proud of this morning. It's one of those things you had to watch in order to understand.
As we go forth with wide eyes and futuristic thoughts, remember, that President Obama is a human being-an American who we elected as the leader of our nation. He's an individual who wants nothing more than to see great things for this country so that we all can prosper and feed our families. It's important to understand that, this country wasn't built in one day so therefore nothing will be solved in one day. The issues that this country face will be addressed at the right time and at the right place. Giving credit where credit is due is only right and we all have to acknowledge that our President is doing his best.
Again, let's keep it moving and help our gov't help us in amazing ways. Remember we all eat, sleep, get in trouble, are educated, and blog in this great nation. So let's cut the bull and stop the craziness. It's time to move forward and so we can all do "big things" together.
Diva's Nation
*Join The Conversation*
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