10.29.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 4:32 pm by smartfinance
This is a brief overview of the earthquake that today struck the central Italian region of Italy.? We are keeping an eye on the situation, so come
back for regular updates.
What’s happening:
Reuters news service reports (06/04/09) – Rescuers searched through the night for survivors of an earthquake
that killed more than 130* people in central Italy early on Monday and
left thousands of homeless huddled in tent camps and rough shelters.
Rain complicated the task of firemen and emergency workers combing
the rubble in the hope of plucking people alive from collapsed houses
in the medieval mountain city of L’Aquila and nearby villages, some
almost entirely destroyed.
The quake struck shortly after 3.30 a.m. (9:30 p.m. EDT) on Monday,
catching residents in their sleep and flattening houses, ancient
churches and other buildings in 26 cities and towns.
Aftershocks rattled the area, some 100 km east (60 miles) of Rome in the Abruzzo region, throughout the day.
Local authorities said more than 130 people were confirmed dead and
more than 1,500 injured. The civil protection agency put the number of
homeless at up to 50,000.
In other reports –
- SMH.com.au reports (as of 08/04/09) Current death toll stands at 235 with 50 unaccounted for.
- SMH.com.au reports Italian disaster management authorities had said there were no
foreigners among those confirmed dead, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith
said this morning. But he warned the final toll was feared to be much
higher.
- A civil protection official told the BBC that 3,000 to 10,000 buildings may have been damaged by the earthquake.
How does this affect travellers?
L’Aquila, the captial city of the Abruzzo region is a very popular tourist destination as well as being a large University city.
Laid out within medieval walls on a hill in the wide valley of the Aterno river, and surrounded by the Apennine Mountains, with the Gran Sasso d’Italia to the north-east.
Unbeknown to most international travellers is that Italy is a hot spot for Earthquakes. Caught between two fault lines at the juncture of tectonic plate
movements between Europe and Africa, the country is prone to regular
quakes. However, it is unusual for the country to experience an earthquake as deadly as today’s as outlined in this Guardian article.
Common sense dictates that all unessential travel to this region of Italy should be avoided.
What is the official Govt Travel Advice?
This
data can change frequently, so please check your local Government’s
website.? Also, register with your foreign affairs department so they
can more easily find you in the event of an emergency.
AUS – Smart Traveller Website
"On 6 April 2009, an earthquake measuring 6.3 magnitude, occurred near
the city of L’Aquila in the Abruzzo region. Many people were injured or
killed and thousands have been made homeless. Australians in the area
should follow the instructions of the Italian authorities and monitor
the media for further developments. If you are travelling to the
Abruzzo region, you should contact your tour operator to check whether
services at your planned destination have been affected."
UK Govt – Foreign & Commonwealth Office -
"We have been advised that there are no reports of British casualties or deaths so far, but the Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation.? The Italian government has asked people not to travel to L’aquila and we would advise British nationals to stay away from the area until further notice.? If you have any concerns about British nationals in the region please ring 020 7008 1500."
US Dept of State –
" Americans traveling in Italy should contact family in the United States
to let them know their current whereabouts. U.S. citizens traveling to
or through Italy are encouraged to follow post-earthquake developments
in the media. Americans in Italy are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov
or by phone or in person directly with the U.S. Embassy in Rome or the
Consulates General in Milan, Florence, and Naples. Registering gives
U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security
within Italy and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in
case of emergency."?
Canada – Foreign Affairs & International Trade –
"Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and follow the advice of local authorities coordinating the response. In case of emergency, contact the Embassy of Canada in Rome (see Section 5 below) or the Emergency Operations Center in Ottawa (call collect to 613-996-8885)"
What should you do after an earthquake?? Advice from security experts Red24
- After an earthquake, be prepared for aftershocks and plan where you will take cover when these occur.
- Check for injuries and provide first aid to those who need
- When returning home/to the hotel, exercise extreme caution. Check for gas, water and sewer breaks, downed electric lines and shorts, turn off appropriate utilities. Check for building damage and potential safety problems during aftershocks (cracks around chimneys and foundations. Because of the danger of gas leaks avoid the use of open flames such as matches and lighters
- Clean up dangerous spills
- Use caution when opening cabinets and cupboards as contents may have shifted and might fall on you as the door is opened
- Wear shoes
- Listen to the radio or TV for updated emergency information and instructions; local radio and local officials can provide the most appropriate advice for your situation
- Do not use the telephone unless for an emergency
- Use the car in very urgent situations only. In this way, streets and entrances are free for rescue and supply vehicles
- If you are in a coastal area be aware of possible tidal waves (tsunami). If necessary, move to higher ground
- Cooperate with police and other public safety officials
- Do not go into damaged buildings until they have been cleared by the authorities
- Gather your family together and make sure you have some shelter for the immediate future, even if it is simple protection from the rain and cold
- If you evacuate, call your contact to let them know where you are going and when you expect to arrive
- Stay in a group if possible
- After an earthquake, animal behaviour can change quite drastically and usually docile pets may become aggressive or defensive
Welfare and whereabouts after an earthquake
Concerned relatives and friends may try to contact you after an earthquake to check on your well-being and call the relevant embassy if they are unable to reach you at your home/hotel or on your mobile. Most embassies collect the names of their citizens possibly involved in a disaster, working with local authorities and possibly contacting hotels,? airports and hospitals as well. Once the phone lines are clear, you may want to contact your embassy or consulate to? update them on your situation. Embassies may send representatives to hotels to collect information lists, so try to
compile a list with your name, first name, date of birth, health status and the name and telephone number of? relatives in your home country to pass on to them. If you are staying in a hotel, or travelling with a group, you may? want to put together a list with everyone’s details to help facilitate this process.
Visiting an earthquake-prone area
?
Hotels in earthquake-prone areas should have an earthquake preparedness plan in place, providing pre-, during and
post-earthquake safety measures. Before travelling, check with your hotel whether they have such a plan in place,? and ask them what it is.
If they do not have an emergency plan, and you want to be prepared, keep a few extra bottles of water and some extra food in your room.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 8:32 am by smartfinance
It’s unbelievable … What if I told you that most of the popular beliefs about acne, are in fact myths?
Let?s take a look at some popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors …
Myth #1: Is it true that increased stress spreads acne?
Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body?s creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.
Myth #2: Acne is contagious, true or false?
Not! No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.
Myth #3:You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it alone – myth or truth?
This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn?t be left alone to possibly worsen.
Myth #4: Being out in the sun helps acne, right?
In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!
Myth #5: Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality?
Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body?s oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.
Myth #6: Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false?
False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.
Myth #7: People with acne are dirty and don?t wash enough.
Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.
Myth #8: Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality?
Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person’s lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.
Myth #9: OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne?
Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, "Prevention is the best medicine;" however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.
So there you have it … now that you are armed with this information you can do something to treat your acne condition. Why not visit Emily Clark’s website at now to get more helpful information and subscribe to her free newsletter.
Article source: Acne Myths Discover
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10.27.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:58 am by smartfinance
Acne affects people of every age, gender, and race. It usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. Acne can be caused by a number of factors such as contact with an oily substance, use of certain medication, steroids, or the secretion of certain hormones. Over ninety percent of acne patients respond to treatment, although the treatment may need to be continued for months or even years. Here are a few natural remedies that you can use to cure acne.
What Causes Acne?
As mentioned above, acne can be caused by a number of factors. Common causes of acne include contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum and the use of certain medication such as steroids or the contraceptive pill. However, acne is most often caused by the secretion of androgens, or sex hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. Androgens are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. They stimulate the production of oil from the skin’s oil glands. When these oil glands become overactive and the exit from the gland is blocked, oil builds up in the gland and they begin to swell. This is how acne forms. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and produce cysts. Recently health practitioners are associating acne with a fungus on the face. A clogged colon can also contribute to acne. We recommend using a colon cleanser like Oxy-Powder to keep the bowel clean.
How Can I Cure Acne?
Home Remedies:
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Posted in Uncategorized at 7:42 am by smartfinance
I find it interesting and fun to add scrapbooking quotes at my scrapbook pages. It gives some value added for me and other who want to see it (if I let them to see it of course).
There is some benefit when you add some quotes on your scrapbook.
Wonderful Space Fillers.
Then just keep those empty spaces look boring, why not put something in there. Just write down whatever comes up in your mind, whether it is messages/ideas that you failed to express effectively while you construct the pages that you working before. Maybe it can be an inspiration for the next page.
Inspire.
Imagine when someone open up your scrapbook and stumble on a line that can make them happy, or smile, or raise their confidence. Is it nice to know that? Is it wonderful that you can spice up someone else life in the entire day just because a scrapbook quotes that you pick carefully?
I remember when I surf the internet, I find an interesting quotes that say, “Do what you can do today better that yesterday”. So…why not make someone else enjoy their rest of the day?
Show others what’s important to you and sum up your emotions in the right way.
Sometime, other does not understand why you create pages A. But, by adding some quotes, you can tell a story about what’s important to you. And you can show how you feel that day
Delightful piece of art,
Pick a famous quotes that interesting and useful as if you want to say it your self to someone else. With the same rhyme maybe?
There you have a useful benefit of scrapbooking quotes that can motivate you to adding some in your scrapbook pages. Enjoy the fun…
Link to this article: http://scrapbooking.blogbuddy.ca/2009/scrapbooking-tips/the-benefits-of-scrapbooking-quotes/
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10.24.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:42 pm by smartfinance
Aries zodiac sign tattoo design for girls:
Aries Tattoo
Link to this post: http://ariestattoo.bloglife.ca/aries-tattoos-for-woman/aries-zodiac-sign-tattoo-sample-for-girls/
from the Aries Tattoo Samples website
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10.23.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:06 am by smartfinance
Want to get rid of those zits in your face but you are currently low on budget? How about looking for acne control to avoid the sudden appearance of acne in your skin? So how do we do this?
First, what is acne? Acne is a skin disorder caused by the hormones action on the oil glands of the skin which is called the sebaceous glands. The excretion of oils from this glands can lead to congested skin pores. This is when acne occurs. The face, neck, chest, back and shoulders is where the glands are most profuse, that is why most acne are found on this locations. People who are with this kind of disorder often tends to be depressed, and humiliated.
There are a lot of factors that can generate acne to transpire. First is our Genes. Genetics can’t be changed but other factors like our daily routine and the way we take care of our skin can be improved to make acne control no problem at all. Don’t feel so sad about your acne because there’s lots of things you can do. This acne control tips will help you say bye-bye to those zits.
1. Include Fruits and Vegetables in your daily Diet. A healthy diet consists of at least four to five servings of fruits and vegetables. Acne control will be a lot easier if you start including this in your daily habit.
2. Rose water can be used as a facial cleanser. Dipped in a cotton, clean your face using this everyday for at least two to three times each day.
3. Don’t wait for your pimples to form. If you see a bit of it in your face, do something. Acne control is best done early. Pat some ice on the affected area for this will make it less swollen.
4. Acne control is easier when accompanied with multivitamins. Start taking vitamins that contains zinc supplement. Zinc helps in making your skin stronger and acne resistant.
5. Cucumber can help in acne control. Blend it with some water to form a mask. Put it in your face and leave it for about half an hour before rinsing it off. This is a good and affordable acne control remedy that can also refresh your skin.
6. Use only mild soaps and avoid soaps that contains petroleum based products and animal based ingredient for this causes your skin to get dry and irritated.
Read the rest of this article: Acne Control – Natural Way
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10.22.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 1:51 pm by smartfinance
If you can read this post, it means that the registration process was successful and that you can start blogging
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Posted in Uncategorized at 1:18 am by smartfinance
Acne is the most common skin disorder. Over 10% of Americans age 25 – 44 have acne. Over 85% Americans age 12 – 25 will have acne at one time or the other.
If ignored, acne can become infected, create scars, and pockmarks that become permanent on your face. I don’t want this to happen to you, so I have written a series of articles on how to clear your acne.
Acne Is a Disease
Acne is a disease called seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs when the sebaceous glands, under your skin, become contaminated with oily toxic matter, which contains,
? dirt
? dead skin
? excess sebum oil
? acid waste
? bacteria
? toxic matter
Under normal conditions the sebaceous glands release oil that comes up through your pores onto the skin surface. This release keeps your skin moist and lubricated for protection from the environment.
If your pores on your face are not open or plugged, this creates toxic oil that cannot move out onto your skin. This results in a growth or pimple that start to increase in size as more toxic oil tries to reach the surface of your skin.
If the pore walls burst under the skin, white blood cells move in to digest the collagen around the pores. When this happens, you will have scars on your face.
To avoid having scars, you need to start an acne-clearing program before you get acne or just as soon as you see acne coming so that your pimples and back heads don’t get to the point where they get severely infected and burst.
Read this article: Acne An Introduction
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10.20.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 4:52 am by smartfinance
Upcoming Courses
Look out for upcoming courses at Sydney College of English!
> September 15, 2008
Cambridge* Examination Course (12 wks)
> September 29, 2008
English for Academic Purposes 1 & 2 (EAP 1&2)
> October 13, 2008
Cambridge* Examination Course (8 wks)
*First Certificate (FCE), Cambridge Advanced (CAE) and Proficiency (CPE)
courses are on offer
Don't forget !
General English courses start every Monday at SCE! (excluding public
holidays)
For further information about our courses or entry tests please contact us
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10.17.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:56 pm by smartfinance
The implications of snoring can be wide ranging, there are many theories and facts regarding this resounding sleeping activity. Snoring has been linked to such things as learning impairments, strokes and premature deaths. It is thought to cause brain impairments by reducing the amount of oxygen available to the brain, basically causing asphyxiation of the brain cells. Researchers have discovered that ‘obstructive sleep apneoa sufferers produce similar brain biochemistry to people with severe stroke or who are terminal. A new study as been able to analyze in minute timeframes the chemical changes in the brain as study volunteers sleep. With the results of this study, it is no longer believed that apnoeic snoring has no detrimental effects on the brain. Severe sleep apnoea causes long pauses in breathing creating the condition of asphyxia and sleep fragmentation.
Because of the mechanics of a body in sleep, the lack of oxygen can be far more detrimental than that of a body awake. It is believed that the normal compensatory mechanisms of the body don’t function as well when asleep as they do when awake and active. When asleep, a moderate reduction of oxygenation of the brain prompts a biological reaction of the brain. This reaction of the brain could be the brain building a resistance to the lack of oxygen in order to keep the person alive. There has not been enough study done as of yet that would place this deduction in the category of fact but it is a very educated deduction that should bear weight and consideration.
Social views on snoring needs to change drastically, people need to understand the possible dire consequences of not dealing with snoring as the medical issue it is. Snoring is not just an annoyance, not just a funny thing to see, not just a minor inconvenience. People need to view snoring as a medical issue that should be looked into just like any other medical issue.
The symptoms of sleep apnoea are not only snoring, but lack of energy; lethargy, clouded thinking process, loss of drive and direction. People who have been prescribed a breathing unit to wear when asleep have reported an amazing turn around in how they feel and how they look. Basically what this unit does is monitor your breath, if you don’t breathe, it reacts and pushes oxygen into your system. This way your brain does not suffer the effects of oxygen depravation and your system is not taxed by not only the lack of oxygen but the constantly broken sleep cycle.
Sufferers of snoring need to understand that snoring is a symptom of something that is wrong with their body, not just a stand alone ‘thing that they do’ the sooner they recognize this, the sooner they will get help and ward off more serious physical results as time goes on.
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