July 6th 2008

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost
immediately — without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional
“pain relievers.”

Did you know that Colgate Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with
mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoid
Peppermints. They’ll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of Horseradish in a
cup of Olive Oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a
massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore Throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1
tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets
in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer
begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly — even though
the product was never advertised for this use.

Eliminate puffiness under your eyes….. All you need is a dab of
Preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The
hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling
instantly.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes… Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and
place a band-aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile,
and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus… Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus
by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves
your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection.. To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from
loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear Nail Polish to the
threads of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-Cola cure for rust… Forget those expensive rust removers. Just
saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The
phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer… If menacing bees, wasps,
hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the
insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground
instantly.

Smart splinter remover… just pour a drop of Elmer’s Glue all over the
splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks
to the dried glue.

Hunt’s Tomato Paste boil cure… cover the boil with Hunt’s tomato paste as
a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothes the pain and brings the boil
to a head.

Balm for broken blisters.. To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops
of Listerine.. a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz Vinegar to heal bruises.. Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and
apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and
speeds up the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn Dish Washing Liquid does the trick. Add a few
drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly Rinse well to
avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor… Next time your dog comes in from the rain,
simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making
your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites… All it takes is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in
your cat’s ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily
for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and
accelerates healing.

Vaseline cure for hair balls….. To prevent troublesome hair balls, apply a
dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat’s nose. The cat will lick off
the jelly, lubricating any hair in its stomach so it can pass easily through
the digestive system.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief…. It’s not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2
cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave
for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for
soothing relief from arthritis pain.

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July 6th 2008

Declaration of Independence Facts

Declaration of Independence Facts

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed

the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the

British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their

homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the

Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56

fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their

sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

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July 6th 2008

Crazy looking plants!

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July 2nd 2008

Coolest trees in the world

1. Tree of Life - Bahrain

The Tree of Life is a 400-year old mesquite tree in Bahrain which is considered a natural wonder. This unique tree stands alone in the desert about 1.2 miles (two kilometers) from the Jebel Dukhan. The source of water for this tree still remains a mystery, because it stands in a place completely without water supply. Mesquites yield yellowish gums used in making mucilage, candies and dyes.

2. Cedars of God - Lebanon

The Cedars of God are among the last survivors of the immense forests of the Cedars of Lebanon that thrived across Mount Lebanon in ancient times. Their timber was exploited by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians as well as the Phoenicians. The wood was especially prized by Egyptians for shipbuilding; Solomon used them in the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and the Ottoman Empire also used the cedars to build its railroad system.

The Cedars of God is a small forest of about 400 Lebanon Cedar trees at about 2,300 meters above sea level in the mountains of northern Lebanon. The Cedars of Lebanon are mentioned in the Bible over 70 times and used as symbols of the Messiah, and they were prized by historical figures such as Herod, Alexander, and Caesar. They also have a mention in the Epic of Gilgamesh.

3. World’s Hardiest Conifer - Chile

Araucaria araucana (Pehuén or Monkey-puzzle) is the hardiest species in the conifer genus Araucaria. It is native to central Chile and Argentina, and is an evergreen tree growing to 40 m tall and 2 m trunk diameter. Because of this species’ great age it is sometimes described as a living fossil. Araucaria araucana is the national tree of Chile.

4. Curtain Fig Tree - Australia

Curtain Fig Tree a massive tree near Cairns, Australia is one of the largest trees in North Queensland. The vine dangles 15 meters to the ground to create a curtain-like effect and one of the best known attractions on the Atherton Tableland. The Curtain Fig Tree is from the strangler fig species Ficus virens. Normally these parasitic figs germinate on top of another tree and try to make roots into the ground. Once this important step is done, the fig will grow vigorously, finally kill the hosting tree and then grow on independently. In this case the hosting tree tilted towards the next one, the fig also grows around that one. Its curtain of aerial roots drop 15 meters (49 feet) to the ground.

5. Cathedral Fig Tree - Australia

The Cathedral Fig Tree, like the Curtain Fig Tree, is a gigantic 500 year old strangler tree.

6. Ginkgo Tree - Japan

This ginkgo tree is located in Toyama, Japan. It is said to be 1,400 years old and is a female ginkgo. Ginkgo is deciduous tree having fan-shaped leaves and fleshy yellow seeds; exists almost exclusively in cultivation especially as an ornamental street tree and medicinal tree.

7. Banyan Tree - Philippines

Banyan tree or locally called Balete tree in the Philippines has always been associated with supernatural and believed by many to be a dwelling place of supernatural beings like the white lady, tikbalang and many others. In India it is a sacred tree and their national tree. A single banyan tree may cover an area nearly 1,500 ft. (460 m) in circumference and have more than 3,000 trunk-like roots.

8. Emancipation Oak - U.S.A.

Emancipation Oak is a historic tree located on the campus of Hampton University in what is now the City of Hampton, Virginia The large sprawling oak is 98 feet (30 m) in diameter, with branches which extend upward as well as laterally, as if offering refuge. It is designated as one of the 10 Great Trees of the World by the National Geographic Society and is part of the National Historic Landmark District of Hampton University. The tree is a Live Oak (Quercus virgiana).

9. Bottle Tree -Australia

This tree is extremely drought tolerant and can thrive with little to no water. They are cultivated in other warm regions as ornamentals. The name refers to the peculiar shape of the tree trunk. The Aborigines ate the young roots and seeds either raw or roasted. Bottle trees store water inside the swollen trunk, up to 120,000 liters (32,000 US gallons), to endure the harsh drought conditions particular to each region.

10. Major Oak of Sherwood Forest - England

This giant tree, with a waistline of 35 ft, a height of 52 feet and weighing an estimated 23 tons, has been here for about 800-1000 years. Legend has it that once upon a time Robin Hood hid from his enemies inside the hollow of the Major Oak

11. Tane Mahuta - New Zealand

Tane Mahuta, a giant Kauri in the Waipoua Forest of Northland Region, New Zealand. The tree’s Maori name means “Lord of the Forest” and is the name of a god in the Maori pantheon. Tāne Mahuta is the most massive kauri known to stand today. It is 51 meters (169 feet) in height, and has a circumference of 13.8 meters (45 feet). There is no proof of the tree’s age, but it is estimated to be between 1250 and 2500 years old. The trunk girth is 13.77 m, the trunk height is 17.68 m, the total height is 51.2 m and the trunk volume is 244.5 m3. It is the most famous tree in New Zealand and the oldest.

12. Te Matua Ngahere - New Zealand

Te Matura Nagger is a giant Kauri in Waipahu Forest of Northland Region, New Zealand.The tree’s Maori name means “Father of the Forest”. Although not as massive or tall as its neighbor Tame Mahuta, Te Matura Ngahere is much stouter, with a girth just over 16 meters (52.5 feet). There is no proof of the tree’s age, but it is estimated to be about 2000 years old. The tree is a remnant of the ancient rain forest that once grew on the North Auckland Peninsula.

13. The Largest of the Oldest - Patriarch Grove, U.S.A.

Bristlecone Pine trees live longer than 4,000 years. This is not the oldest, but the largest Bristlecone pine tree in the world located in White Mountains, California. The ancient trees have survived more than 40 centuries, exceeding the age of the oldest Giant Sequoia by 1,500 years. For trees that old, one would expect giants, but Bristlecone pines look more like weathered dwarfs than like old giants. They add no more than an inch per century to their girth. The harsh climate above 10,000 ft elevation and very poor soil conditions don’t let things grow too big. As a matter of fact, Bristlecone pines are the only trees to have adapted to these conditions. That gives them a competitive edge allowing for a long and undisturbed life.

14. Baobab Tree - South Africa

The Sunland “Big Baobab” in Limpopo Province, South Africa is famous internationally for being the largest of its species in the world. Africa is symbolized by these magnificent trees. The Sunland Big Baobab is carbon dated to be around 6,000 years old. When baobabs become a thousand years old, they begin to hollow inside. The Big Baobab has resulted in wonderful caverns and caves, where the world famous Baobab Tree Bar and Wine Cellar now amaze visitors. The tree bar can accommodate more than 60 people.

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July 1st 2008

Coconut Mouse

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June 30th 2008

Goji Berries

I just planted a bunch of these in my yard!

What are goji berries?
Other Names: Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, gou qi zi, Fructus lycii

Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. They are in the nightshade (Solonaceae) family.

Goji berries are usually found dried. They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins.

Why do people use goji berries?
Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:

* protect the liver
* help eyesight
* improve sexual function and fertility
* strengthen the legs
* boost immune function
* improve circulation
* promote longevity

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.

One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.

In recent years, goji juice has become popular as a health beverage. Companies marketing goji juice often mention the unsupported claim that a man named Li Qing Yuen consumed goji berries daily and lived to be 252 years old. Marketers also list extensive health benefits of goji juice, even though there are few published clinical trials in humans.

What research has been done on goji berries?
Goji has only been tested on humans in two published studies. A Chinese study published in the Chinese Journal of Oncology in 1994 found that 79 people with cancer responded better to treatment when goji was added to their regimen.

There have been several test tube studies that show that goji berry contains antioxidants and that goji extracts may prevent the growth of cancer cells, reduce blood glucose, and lower cholesterol levels. However, that doesn’t necessary mean that goji will have the same benefits when taken as a juice or tea.

Although goji berries like the ones used in traditional Chinese medicine aren’t very expensive, goji juice is very pricey. Considering that a 32-ounce bottle of goji juice (about an 18-day supply) can run as high as $50 USD, the evidence isn’t compelling enough at this time to justify the cost of goji juice.

Also, we don’t know the side effects of regular goji consumption, or whether it will interfere with treatments or medications.

What do goji berries taste like?
Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. They have a similar shape and chewy texture as raisins.

Where can i buy them localy?
The nursury in briceland has many goji berries and other exotic berries.

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June 30th 2008

Bob Barr - A Real Choice for Change!

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June 30th 2008

Chokeberries (Aronia Berries)

Aronia Berries

I just planted 4 of these bushs in my back yard!

The chokeberries (Aronia) are two species of deciduous shrubs in the family Rosaceae, native to eastern North America and most commonly found in wet woods and swamps. The two species are readily distinguished by their fruit color, from which the common names derive. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblanceolate with crenate margins and pinnate venation; in autumn the leaves turn a bold red color. Dark trichomes are present on the upper midrib surface. The flowers are small, with 5 petals and 5 sepals, and produced in corymbs of 10-25 together. Hypanthium is urn-shaped. The fruit is a small pome, with a very astringent, bitter flavor; it is eaten by birds (birds do not taste astringency and feed on them readily), which then disperse the seeds in their droppings. The name “chokeberry” comes from the astringency of the fruits which are inedible when raw.

Red chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia, grows to 2-4 m tall, rarely up to 6 m. Leaves are 5-8 cm long and densely pubescent on the underside. The flowers are white or pale pink, 1 cm diameter, with glandular sepals. The fruit is red, 4-10 mm diameter, persisting into winter.

Black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa, tends to be smaller, rarely exceeding 1 m tall, rarely 3 m, and spreads readily by root sprouts. The leaves are smaller, not more than 6 cm long, with terminal glands on leaf teeth and a glabrous underside. The flowers are white, 1.5 cm diameter, with glabrous sepals. The fruit is black, 6-9 mm diameter, not persisting into winter.

The two species can hybridise, giving the Purple Chokeberry, Aronia x prunifolia. Leaves are moderately pubescent on the underside. Few to no glands are present on the sepal surface. The fruit is dark purple to black, 7-10 mm in diameter, not persisting into winter.

The chokeberries are attractive ornamental plants for gardens. They are naturally understory and woodland edge plants, and grow well when planted under trees. Chokeberries are resistant to drought, insects, pollution, and disease. Several cultivars have been developed for garden planting, including A. arbutifolia ‘Brilliant’, selected for its striking fall leaf color, and A. melanocarpa ‘Viking’ and ‘Nero’, selected for larger fruit suitable for jam-making.

Juice from these berries is astringent and not sweet, but high in vitamin C and antioxidants. The berries can be used to make wine or jam after cooking. Aronia is also used as a flavoring or colorant for beverages.

The red chokeberry’s fruit is more palatable and can be eaten raw. It has a sweeter flavor than the black species and is used to make jam or pemmican.

Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) has attracted scientific interest due to its deep purple, almost black pigmentation that arises from dense contents of phenolic phytochemicals, especially anthocyanins. Total anthocyanin content in chokeberries is 1480 mg per 100 g of fresh berries, and proanthocyanidin concentration is 664 mg per 100 g (Wu et al. 2004, 2006). Both values are among the highest measured in plants to date.

The plant produces these pigments mainly in skin of the berries to protect the pulp and seeds from constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation[1]. By absorbing UV rays in the blue-purple spectrum, pigments filter intense sunlight and thereby have a role assuring regeneration of the species. Brightly colorful pigmentation also attracts birds and animals to consume the fruit and disperse the seeds in their droppings.

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June 30th 2008

Trinity County, CA - Coffee Creek

Trinity County, CA
Trinity Alps

View from the top!
View from the Top!

Summer road to Hyampom
Summer road to Hyampom

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