Insect Lore

Borror and DeLong's Introduction to the Study of Insects

2010-09-22T03:31:00.001-07:00

Borror and DeLong's Introduction to the Study of Insects Review

As an amateur entomologist with interests in their taxonomy, this book was perfect for identifying insects to the family level. There are sections on insect morphology and ecology in the beginning to help the reader become familiar with entomological and taxonomic nomenclature, as well as sections and keys on Arthropoda as a whole, orders of arachnids, millipedes, and centipedes, and families of spiders, as well as the families of all orders of North American insects. A must-have for any insect collector's collection (of books anyway)!

Borror and DeLong's Introduction to the Study of Insects Overview

First published in the 1950s by the late James Borror and Dwight Moore DeLong, this classic text, INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF INSECTS 7TH EDITION, leads the market by combining the study of insects with clear and current insect identification. In this new edition, Johnson and Triplehorn supply updated information on phylogeny using systematics while adding a greater emphasis on insect biology and evolution. This greater concentration on insect systematics necessitated many content changes. For example, a chapter has been added for a newly described order, the Mantophasmatodea, as well as a new chapter reclassifying Order Homoptera (Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Hoppers Psyllids) into Order Hemiptera (previously known as "bugs"). Nearly every order has been modified, sometimes substantially, to reflect new discoveries and scientific hypotheses. Many new families have been added throughout the book, some reflecting revised classifications, but many are the result of the discovery of new groups within the United States and Canada, particularly from the New World tropics. These include the families Platystictidae (Odonata), Mackenziellidae (Collembola), Mantoididae (Mantodea), and Fauriellidae (Thysanoptera), to name just a few. The results of molecular analyses are beginning to substantively contribute to the development of a robust and predictive classification. Thus, the phylogeny of insects has changed drastically from the last edition due to the incorporation of molecular data. The most conspicuous of these changes, for example, is the recognition that the order Strepsiptera is most closely related to the true flies (Diptera), rather than to the Coleoptera. Since it was first published in the 1950, this text has played an important role in understanding and preserving the diversity of the insect world. This title's long history, coupled with the authors' passion for currency and accuracy, make this book once again the classic text and reference

Customer Reviews

Eveyone needs this book!! - Joel Thomas - PLAINS, MT, US
Great book , in great shape. very excited to get it. There are a lot of valuable updates in the keys and a excellent buy!!

Book purchase - Insect Goddess -
Product was in excellent shape as indicated.
I received the book quickly and would definitely do business with these people again.
thanks

REVIEW - Borror & DeLong - S. Matisoff - Kentucky USA
This is a keystone book that should be in every entomologist's library next to Chapman's The Insect: Structure & Function and Romorser & Stoffolano's The Science of Entomology.

Borror and Delong's Study of Insects - anonymous -
Great price...well over half off of the university's bookstore. Only black and white pictures and illustrations, but very thorough coverage of entomology.

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Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton Field Guides)

2010-09-20T20:04:00.001-07:00

Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton Field Guides) Review

This book was on the suggested reading list for a Master Gardener class. I have found it to be very interesting and helpful in helping me to identify the "bad" bugs that invade and destroy my gardens and the "good bugs" that will help protect my garden. I am looking forward to warm, sunny weather and a chance to go play in the dirt!

Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton Field Guides) Feature

ISBN13: 9780691095615
Condition: New
Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton Field Guides) Overview

Garden Insects of North America is the most comprehensive and user-friendly guide to the common insects and mites affecting yard and garden plants in North America. In a manner no previous book has come close to achieving, through full-color photos and concise, clear, scientifically accurate text, it describes the vast majority of species associated with shade trees and shrubs, turfgrass, flowers and ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruits--1,420 of them, including crickets, katydids, fruit flies, mealybugs, moths, maggots, borers, aphids, ants, bees, and many, many more. For particularly abundant bugs adept at damaging garden plants, management tips are also included. Covering all of the continental United States and Canada, this is the definitive one-volume resource for amateur gardeners, insect lovers, and professional entomologists alike.

To ease identification, the book is organized by plant area affected (e.g., foliage, flowers, stems) and within that, by taxa. Close to a third of the species are primarily leaf chewers, with about the same number of sap suckers. Multiple photos of various life stages and typical plant symptoms are included for key species. The text, on the facing page, provides basic information on host plants, characteristic damage caused to plants, distribution, life history, habits, and, where necessary, how to keep "pests" in check--in short, the essentials to better understanding, appreciating, and tolerating these creatures.

Whether managing, studying, or simply observing insects, identification is the first step--and this book is the key. With it in hand, the marvelous microcosm right outside the house finally comes fully into view.

Describes more than 1,400 species--twice as many as in any other field guide

Full-color photos for most species--more than five times the number in most comparable guides

Up-to-date pest management tips

Organized by plant area affected and by taxa for easy identification

Covers the continental United States and Canada

Provides species level treatment of all insects and mites important to gardens

Illustrates all life stages of key garden insects and commonly associated plant injuries

Concise, clear, scientifically accurate text

Comprehensive and user-friendly

Customer Reviews

a good reference for the gardener - Joanna L. Sharon - GLASTONBURY, CT, US
I had this book for about three days when a flock of bugs turned up in my back yard. I looked them up in the book; read what they eat and decided nothing needed to be done. A good book for the home gardener, who should not spread poisonous insecticides indiscriminately.

A Great Gardening Resource - D. Thurber - Easley, SC
This is a very comprehensive compilation. Thorough and well-organized,with great photographs showing variations of the insects' forms and stages of development, this book will be a standard for gardeners for many years.

Master Gardener Hotline Resource Library Selection - V. Walton - Ohio
Although the volume is not a hardcover it is of durable material. Excellent photographs. This should be a valuable resource for the many questions that are presented to the Master Gardener Hotline Volunteers for identification.

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Jumbo Insects

2010-09-15T02:25:00.001-07:00

Jumbo Insects Review

We have LOTS of Learning Resources toys in our house and have never been disappointed. My son got this set for Christmas and for the most part the quality was superb. The butterfly's wings are very hard plastic (vs the rubbery plastic that the other items are made of) and broke in half the 2nd time he played with them. The company never responded to my email about this which surprised me because the Christmas before last, we contacted them about a missing piece and they sent it immediately no questions asked.

Fortunately, my son couldn't really care less about the broken butterfly as the insects are more fun to have fights with his dinosaurs and other animals. The insects are very realistic looking and are very well put together.

Jumbo Insects Feature

Imaginative play with realistic-looking Insects
Provides a great way to explore early science
Made of durable, dishwasher-safe plastic

Jumbo Insects Overview

Bee" one with nature. These jumbo-sized insects provide a great way to explore early science. Includes butterfly, ant, ladybug, fly, bee, dragonfly and grasshopper in realistic detail for imaginative play. Made of durable, dishwasher-safe plastic. Insects measure approximately 3".

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Learning Resources - Inflatable Insects

2010-09-13T19:01:00.001-07:00

Learning Resources - Inflatable Insects Review

As a Master Gardener and an elementary school teacher, I conduct seminars on various garden-related topics. I find that the collection of giant inflatable bugs useful in lectures as an initial attention getter for both children and adults. I don't actually "play" with them, so I can't vouch for their durability. However, I have displayed them on tables, hung them on umbrellas, walls, fences, and trees, and I still have them all, with no patches or leaks. They are colorful, and and easy to inflate. I think they're great!

Learning Resources - Inflatable Insects Feature

Get kids interested in nature with these large inflatable insects.
The ladybug, dragonfly, ant, bee and grasshopper have beautiful realistic details based on insect field guides.
Hang tabs allow for a cool display in a child's room.
Largest insect measures 26"L x 29 ½ W.
Includes a repair kit and Activity Guide.

Learning Resources - Inflatable Insects Overview

Get kids interested in nature with these large inflatable insects. The ladybug, dragonfly, ant, bee and grasshopper have beautiful realistic details based on insect field guides. Hanging tabs allow for an insect display in a child's room. Largest insect measures 26"L x 29.5"W. Includes a repair kit and activity guide.

Customer Reviews

Great for classroom - M. Hughey - Longview, TX USA
I got these to hang from the ceiling in my science classroom. They were a big hit with my 6th & 7th graders. There's no excuse to not have a fun classroom!

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Backyard Safari Bug Vacuum

2010-09-12T03:21:00.001-07:00

Backyard Safari Bug Vacuum Review

We purchased this for our nephew's fourth birthday this summer. My nephew, his six year old brother, and their older cousin were all taking turns stalking and catching bugs at the outdoor party. We purchased this with the Backyard Safari Bug Podz Habitat and the brothers have been having a great time all summer collecting bugs, setting up homes for them in the habitat, and watching them live in their new environment. Do change out from the demo batteries immediately as another reviewer suggested--the suction wasn't strong enough on the demos but worked fine with the new batteries. (A huge thanks to the reviewer who suggested that--we went prepared!)

Backyard Safari Bug Vacuum Feature

Battery operated vacuum powered control
Two "capture" cores
Safely catch and release insects
Super cool magnifier for viewing

Backyard Safari Bug Vacuum Overview

Kids love catching bugs! This fun outdoor toy captures insects by battery-operated vacuum suction power without harm into a clear plastic capsule. You can view the bugs through the magnifier in the capsule. Then you can either release the insects back into the outdoors or into the Backyard Safari Bug Habitat (sold separately), built especially to house small insects. The "capture core" even includes a magnifier for cool viewing. Requires four "AA" batteries, included.

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Big Bunch O' Bugs

2010-09-11T07:53:00.001-07:00

Big Bunch O' Bugs Review

grandson loved these bugs. many looked very real. Found one of the bugs under the couch and thought it was real. Scared the life out of me. The detail of these bugs are excellent. great gift for the ones who love bugs.

Big Bunch O' Bugs Feature

Includes 15 to 20 giant-sized beetles, caterpillars, spiders, ants, flies, praying mantises and more!
Comes with its own storage tote.
Insect enthusiasts and children will be amazed by the selection of giant-sized bugs!
Made of durable, flexible plastic and colorfully detailed.
The included bug tube keeps all the insects in one place, and the tote strap is great for kids on the move. Perfect for ages 3 and up.

Big Bunch O' Bugs Overview

Now this is one big bunch of bugs! Little insect lovers will be overwhelmed with this stampede of 15 to 20 giant-sized beetles, caterpillars, spiders, ants, flies, praying mantises and more! Made of sturdy, flexible plastic and colorfully detailed. The resealable tube keeps all the bugs in one tidy place, and the tote strap is great for kids on the go.Ages 3 and up.

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Little Bug Locket

2010-09-10T06:36:00.001-07:00

Little Bug Locket Review

i was looking for a toy for my 4 year old nephew who LOVES bugs, and this was a great choice. He could wear it around his neck, where he could look closely at whatever bug he found that day. Affordable, and durable.

Little Bug Locket Feature

Ages 4 & up
The critter keeper you can wear!
Part bug observatory, part fashion statement.
Slip the Little Bug Locket over your head, pop in a bug, and you're stylin' bug-style.
Features an impact resistant bug observation chamber and magnifier lid for up close views.

Little Bug Locket Overview

Is the Little Bug Locket a scientific insect-observation chamber, a fashion statement, or a giggle-filled way to grab your friends' attention? After a few comments like "Are those really bugs around your neck?" you'll see that it's all three!Slip the nylon necklace over your head and begin your insect excursion. Constructed of clear, high-impact plastic for 360 degree views of your buggy friends, or anything else you'd like to keep safe and snug.Bugs not included.Ages 4 & up.

Customer Reviews

Bug Locket - Kim A. Stamps - Yardville, NJ USA
This was the cutest bug catcher I ever saw. My step daughter wears it all the time. Perfect for any bug, but esp. great with lightning bugs. Delivery came in time. Product was in perfect condition.

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Insect Lore Earthworm Nursery

2010-09-06T20:18:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Earthworm Nursery Review

I was surprised at the negative reviews. I got this a couple years ago for my kids. It did take awhile for the worms to hatch. As I recall they start out as these little seeds and then hatch into these tiny white worms. The hatching took awhile - maybe a couple months in some cases. You can put them in the dirt shortly after that but by then my kids had kind of lost interest. Once you put them in the dirt you don't see them much unless you are feeding them and you move the dirt around. After all, they are worms and that's what worms do...go underground. They don't come to the surface unless they have to. Most all the worms hatched and got to be a pretty nice size before we released them into the wild. I felt bad doing that because I figured the birds would get them and they were safer in the little plastic box. Like the moms who cry at Disney movies, I got attached to the worms. *sniff*

Another reason I liked this toy is that the worms don't fly or crawl around your house and make nests (like ants or butterflies or ladybugs). If any of those creatures got loose in my house I'd probably scream. But worms don't freak me out as much.

Insect Lore Earthworm Nursery Feature

Multi-chambered greenhouse habitat
Watch the earthworms dig and grow in this special greenhouse habitat
Release them safely into your yard to continue the lifecycle
Includes approximately 50 Vermipod earthworm cocoons, greenhouse habitat and special growth soil
Also includes instructional guide full of earthworm facts and activities

Insect Lore Earthworm Nursery Overview

You've never seen a nursery like this before! Hatch baby earthworms from real earthworm cocoons, then watch them dig and grow in the special multi-chambered greenhouse habitat. Release them safely into your yard to continue the lifecycle. This educational and ecological kit is available year-round, and comes complete with approximately 50 Vermipod earthworm cocoons, greenhouse habitat, special growth soil and a instructional guide full of earthworm facts and activities. Measures 6"L x 5"W x 11"H.

Note! Please be advised that there is an additional .00 required when redeeming your coupon for shipping and handling.

Available at Amazon See more Product Detail!!

Insects: Ants: Ant Hill

2010-09-01T04:30:00.001-07:00

Insects: Ants: Ant Hill Review

Insects: Ants: Ant Hill Feature

Item#: 2100
Ages: 8+
Weight: 3 lbs

Insects: Ants: Ant Hill Overview

This AntHill is the world's first living ant habitat designed like a real ant's home!Just mail in to receive a generous supply of live Western Harvester ants, ready to dig in. Watch as these hard-working critters burrow underground to create an amazing network of subterranean tunnels, walkways and secret chambers.The AntHill's unique "cross-cut" design features an oversized tunneling chamber for easy "underground" observation, an "aboveground" view to observe your ants' foraging behavior, and a wide base that makes tipping over virtually impossible.Features a realistic double-sided viewing area, wide base for super stability, escape-proof locking lid, special AntHill fill sand, fun ant activities and complete instructions. NOTE: Ant certificate must be returned to receive your live ants. Insect Lore does not stock live ants at our facility. Extra .00 required for ant shipping. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for live ant delivery.

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Insect Lore Pop-Up Port-A-Bug

2010-08-27T22:26:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Pop-Up Port-A-Bug Review

We can't get enough of these habitats! They are so convenient! We usually have three on hand, with one always in the minivan. They work so well because they fold down and go in a storage bag when not in use so that they can be stored almost anywhere very easily. They give whatever is in them a nice airy environment, and the white mesh and clear top make for pretty unobstructed viewing. The only drawback is that the mesh, as can be expected, is not the sturdiest of materials and can be ripped. We have taped a couple of small tears back together, but they do eventually become beyond repair. However, for the price and the fun, good use that is gotten from them, they are a great buy.

Insect Lore Pop-Up Port-A-Bug Feature

Pop up your Port-A-Bug, put in some friendly insects, and you're ready for buggy fun
Observe butterflies, ladybugs, and other friendly critters in the airy mesh habitat, and then let them go
Compress the Port-A-Bug back into its tote-sack; clip it to your hip

Insect Lore Pop-Up Port-A-Bug Overview

Pop! Pop up your Port-A-Bug, put in some friendly insects, and you're ready for buggy fun!Observe butterflies, ladybugs, and other friendly critters in the airy mesh habitat, then let them go! Compress the Port-A-Bug back into its tote-sack, clip it to your hip, and you're ready to explore some more!Features lightweight and escape proof ventilated mesh, convenient nylon carrying handle. Great for show-and-tell, field trips, and insect excursions.Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award.Ages 4 and up.

Customer Reviews

Perfect for Bugs - Michael Basile - New York, NY United States
I got this for my daughter to collect bugs. It has a great design, is well made, and folds up very nicely.
I would recommend this to everyone.

From a praying mantis fan. - Aloofite -
Do you remember the old plastic Bug Keeper from the 70's? Or maybe the 60's? The one shaped kind of like a bottom-heavy hourglass? With a neon top and bottom? ... No?! ...
Well, I would say this is the next best thing-- but it's even better.

Great bug house - Victoria Sutton -
Easy to use and store - this bug house is fun to own. I've given it to kids of various ages, and when combined with a butterfly net and possibly a book for identifying what's seen in nature, this is a terrific kit/gift!

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Diamond Ring

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden

2010-08-26T09:53:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden Review

After being barraged by the commercials on television, I ordered this Live Butterfly Garden for my son's birthday. First, buyers should understand exactly WHAT you will get in the initial "Live Butterfly Garden" pack:

1. A butterfly habitat "pop-up" tent, which is made of a mesh material on the sides, a plastic lid with a zipper to open on top, and a solid material bottom.
2. A butterfly food "feeder". This is a little plastic dropper. Once your butterflies emerge from their cocoons, you will need to make a mixture of water and sugar to feed them. This kit does not bring food for the butterflies once they have transformed. You will have to make it yourself, which is easy enough.
3. A post-card (mail-in) coupon and an instruction pamphlet.

It is important to realize that you will need to mail-in a redemption coupon in order to actually receive the caterpillars. When THIS kit is delivered to your house, it does not have the caterpillars inside the box. You can also call the company (with out waiting to mail in your postcard), or you can go to their online website and place your order. That's what I did - the online ordering system asks you to enter a unique code that comes with your initial kit. There was an additional processing and handling fee of .00 that I had to pay for them to ship the actual caterpillars to my house (I live in Florida).

One thing that I think ALL people who are thinking about ordering this set should keep in mind is... these are REAL LIVE animals. It makes sense that they would not be able to keep them in a box in some warehouse somewhere until the kit sells. By that time... well, let's just say that the animals inside probably wouldn't make it. So, you get this kit, and then you send away (or call or go online) to request your caterpillars.

We did all that. A few weeks later, a TINY little box came. Now, here is where I personally had a little problem. I live in a gated community, and every house has a little metal mail box with a lock & key. Packages that are too big to fit in these boxes are delivered directly to our doors. However, if a package will fit into the little metal mailbox, the postal carrier will leave it there. Well, being a busy Mom, I sometimes do not check my mail EVERY day. It must have been 4 days before it dawned on me... OH! I ordered that butterfly - caterpillar thing! I RAN out to my metal "community" mailbox, and sure enough... there was a tiny box inside.

Upon opening the tiny box, I found a little clear plastic container. Inside the container was a bunch of brown stuff (which turned out to be the caterpillar food), tons of brownish looking spider webby stuff, 3 crispy things (cocoons, or chrysalides) and 2 REALLY BIG caterpillars. Shocked and mortified, I called the customer service phone number immediately. I spoke to a nice man who explained that due to the extremely hot summer, the entire life cycle was sped up (during shipping, and no doubt sitting in my mailbox). It turns out that 3 of the caterpillars had already spun themselves into cocoons, and the other two had already eaten and grown to their maximum size. The customer service guy was really nice and he arranged to have another set sent out to me, FREE of charge. He recommended that we schedule it for another time of the year, so we settled on October. This man was so kind; he took the time to answer all of my questions and didn't make me feel like a dope for asking. I'm sure he's had SEVERAL calls like mine... but he was extremely apologetic and sincere. He made me feel better about the whole thing.

Well, here I had already called my son to come and look at his new "pets" BEFORE opening the little box. There was no going back. He looked inside, and said "EWE!" He also told me that it did NOT look like it did on the commercials. The food was supposed to be sand - ours was a brown, jelly like goop. There were webs (it was actually silk) all inside and the cocoons were NOT attached to the top (like they were supposed to be). What was I going to do? I decided to keep the little container and follow the instructions. I pretended like nothing was wrong! Maybe we could save the two big caterpillars and still have the experience, I thought to myself.

I will not go into any more detail about the wonder of it all - you will just have to get your own kit! I will, however, tell you that ALL of our butterflies hatched! Once they were inside our cool house... nature took its course (we keep the a/c cranked to about 70 all day, and about 65 at night). Maybe the cooler air helped them to survive. It has been in the high 90's here in Florida... probably about 120 degrees in that mailbox! DESPITE the weird start to these little creatures' lives... they really turned out to be an amazing experience. They all came out perfect.

Once they had transformed into butterflies, we actually kept them for a few weeks, feeding them a sugar and water "nectar" that we made. The whole thing was messier than I had anticipated. The "pop up" tent definitely needs to be washed out BEFORE the other replacement caterpillars get shipped to us in October. The butterflies secret this red stuff from their bottoms (the instructions stress that this stuff is NOT blood) and it dripped all down the sides of the habitat. The home-made nectar was sticky after a few days and got all over the bottom and the sides of the tent. (I used brown sugar because that was all I had on hand, so I'm sure that didn't help the cleanliness issue.) Depending on the age of the recipient, it can and will make an impact upon young minds. My son is 9... so he was old enough to stick his arm in the tent and feed them (while they fluttered around his hands!)

Anyway, that brings me back to my point that these ARE live creatures, little animals. They require CARE and you DO have to feed them. Then there is the issue of feeding them without letting them free in your house. This kit DOES live up to the hype. You just need to be ready for what ever nature throws in your direction! Also, in the event you DO get a "dud", the customer service for this product is top notch. It's well worth the price, and Amazon DOES have the best price around.

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden Feature

See butterfly metamorphosis up close.Reusable, collapsible habitat.
Includes feeder.Complete instructions included.
Includes mail-in voucher for five butterfly larvae and special food. (.00 fee for processing)
Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close.
Just mail in the included coupon for larvae and food.

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden Overview

Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with this reusable, collapsible habitat. Fine, transparent mesh lets you see butterfly metamorphosis up close. Product includes easy-to-use feeder and complete instructions for habitat. Butterfly larvae with food shipped directly to your home. The habitat collapses for storage when not in use. You can adopt and raise a handful of caterpillars, watch them transform into painted lady butterflies, then lift the garden cover to release your beautiful specimens into the wild. This exciting habitat makes a fabulous introduction to the miracles of nature. The larvae and food available round the year.

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden Specifications

Did you know that painted ladies (the butterflies, that is) taste with their feet and have 10,000 eyes? You and your kids will be fascinated by all you learn about these beautiful creatures with the Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore. The kit comes with a relatively easy-to-assemble observation chamber; supplies for feeding the butterflies (you provide only sugar and water); an informative booklet of clear instructions and butterfly facts; and a certificate for three to five free painted lady caterpillars. The metamorphosis from larva to butterfly takes about three weeks from when you receive the caterpillar larvae (which arrive in a small container with all the nutrients they need). Your children can watch the larvae increase dramatically in size, form chrysalides, and finally emerge into full-fledged painted ladies (it's suggested that they release the butterflies after a few days of observation). This would make a wonderful activity for families with kids of any age, but younger children will need help assembling the observation chamber and reading the instruction booklet. (Note: The manufacturer recommends that butterflies should not be set free in temperatures lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.) --Rachel Radway

Customer Reviews

Great learning - MaMaDoppler -
I think my husband and I were just as excited as my daughter to check on our caterpillars every morning! The chrysallis stage kind of bored my daughter after a week but she is 3 so thast's a given. GREAT product that I would highly recommend.

3.00 processing fee?! - Margaret A. Collrin - Royal Oak, Michigan United States
I bought for my grandson's birthday and was very disappointed find the certificate required another 15.00 to be sent in! I understood the cost of the larvae would be covered. I have done this project with students and it is a wonderful experience but I think this particular kit is misleading.

A great learning experience. - Stephan And Emily Christensen - Horace, ND United States
We bought this for my 7 year old daughter after seeing a similar product in a major retailer; and I can't recomend it enough for anyone who's kids (or parents, aunts, uncles, etc) are curious about where those colorful butterflies come from every summer.
The kit says that at least 3 of the 5 larvae will survive to become butterflies, we had all 5 survive.
My daughter loved every stage; from watching the larvae grow (very quickly) into caterpillars and become crysalids (not cocoons daddy! Moths come from cocoons!" my daughter corrected me more than once)and then creating her own environment for her butterflies.
When it came time to release them they actually stayed in our yard for a few days (nothing cuter than watching a little girl talk to her butterfly friends about life outside.)
Again; can't recomend this enough.

Additional 3.00 for caterpillars... - Olivia Bryant - HUBERT, NC, US
I like to give this as a gift, but still have not come up with the "ideal" way to address the additional 3.00 to order the caterpillars (hand them 3.00, write a check...either way it is akward). I think the price of the caterpillars should be included, and then you can just enter the code when you want them sent.

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Cheap Video Games Xbox 360 Figures Toys

Insect Lore Creature Peeper

2010-08-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Creature Peeper Review

This is easily the best toy my three-year old has owned. She uses it not just to look at bugs (hard to find in the New England winter!), but she also uses it to peek at leaves, pebbles and M&M's! The Creature Peeper comes with a ugly brown toy grasshopper, which immediately caught my kid's fancy! She calls him Slimy, feeds him all kinds of stuff and pretends to watch it through the magnifying glass. She is OBSESSED with this thing, which is not bad at all! I think it has great educational value because she is now following nature with greater interest.

The toy itself is very durable and easy to clean. I'm thinking of getting one each time I have to go to a birthday party!

Don't think twice, buy it!

Insect Lore Creature Peeper Feature

Escape-proof viewing chamber
Stable durable magnifier base
3x magnified views
Above and below viewing
Interactive packaging

Insect Lore Creature Peeper Overview

4 years & up. Keep your creature for a short time, then let it go. This bug viewer allows children to see the bug two ways, from the top or from the side. It is watertight, so children can view tadpoles or small fish. The peeper is escape proof and won't break or tip over. Great for show and tell. Comes with a beetle replica.

Customer Reviews

Critical Flaw - Francis Arellano - westminster, co
The lid doesn't secure to the unit so it is only suitable for adult use. Children do not have the coordination to keep the unit upright while trying to view the unit from the side. Unfortunately, the lid that contains the bug falls off unless the unit is held perfectly level. This is not good if you are trying to teach a child to confront their bug fears.

Great gift - Coffee mama - South Dakota
Gave this to my grandson for Easter,we had so much fun observing the insects with this. It has good magnification. A fun toy!

boys n bugs - J. T. Davis - danvers, mass
My twin boys have had the Creature Peepers for two years now (when they were 3y.o.), they leave them outside all year (winter and all) and look forward to start using them in the Spring again. Although the plastic has gotten a little scratched from filling them with sand and dirt they can still see their little friend from the viewing areas. They know more about bugs than I do now! We bought this with the Spark Bug Identifier which comes with a little book about the different bugs (most importantly which ones are dangerous for the kids to touch)

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Iron Man Helmet

Wonderful, magical, Part 1 Mustika-Pearls

2010-08-23T12:53:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

to find anomalies and freaks are rich in nature and its creations - if we seek it. "Mustikas" or "magic beads", which originate in animals and plants some of the curiosities of nature or little known in Western literature, perhaps accept Faerie tales. It 's different in the East, but. Pearls, other than that indicated in oysters from Hindu scriptures, "Sri Garuda Purana," which explains the different forcesTypes of pearls from mammals, reptiles and even natural conditions or natural events derived. In Indonesia, the legends are found where brave men died searching for these pearls - and when they are purchased appreciated and valued as high as the other family heirloom, such as keris, tips and other sacred objects. Almost all the magic stones in Arabic, Chinese and other eastern European fairy tales and legends which actually refers to mustikas or magical pearl of organic origin.Dragons, for example, in Chinese tradition, are known to Guard beads - these beads actually purchased their products from some external source.

Should explain here, the word "Mustika" is out of the Kawi language, an ancient Javanese origin meaning "jewel Magick" or "jewel." Some Indonesian occultists use the word referring to any magic item or service. The fact that most western occultists and shamans mention beads animal orBead-based plants is quite unusual in itself. One would expect this knowledge to be universal, especially among local Aboriginal shamans all parts of the world - and yet we find that this is not - as we can tell (if someone can provide some information about it we would much appreciate it to know) . In contrast, the shamans of India, China and Southeast Asia, keep looking for hidden objects as these took a great power and the magical powers - often the strengths and virtueswork magic, mystic rituals, spiritual development, healing and the occult. tried in the past, kings, ministers and nobles and paid for his great reward for those who are able to acquire them - many die in the attempt. Familiarity with different origins pearl oysters, Westerners approach the subject with much skeptism - even those involved in the occult are a bit 'surprised at the chance. This shows that much work and investigation is still in view of the researcher andMedia professionals from the West to the mysteries of the occult depths East. We also heard that the open-minded zoologists and botanists to say about this Mustika pearls have.

In Indonesia, is a specialist in the animal kingdom as a shamanic "pawang research" in the rule that for these objects in the jungles and desert. Sometimes beads are magical in a hidden way, directly from the Faerie realm, where they are held by them acquired primaryNature - often with considerable psychological struggle. Pawangs are those who speak the "language" of animals, birds and plants. The pawang would meditate and sleep in the wilderness to take their gifts in the form of mustikas. In dreams or while in the trance state that is driven by the-spirit inhabitants and custodians of forests and jungles, can be purchased where mustikas, and sometimes what he must do to obtain them. He is almost always dependent, caves, lakes nearbyor streams and displays the carcasses or remains of animals or plants and trees, where they are. Animals are never hunted for their pearls, as shamans and pawangs respect them. However, the gems are sometimes found in animals hunted for food by indigenous hunters. Are said to be senior members of a species or the display of exceptional quality that yields mustikas.

Sometimes people would visit the town in a rural setting in the dreams ofregional spirits. These intelligences would direct someone who is a special gift of nature at some point to accept. These dreams are often found in substance true when the object is - the elements that normally Mustika-pearls.

Why mustikas value so high? Magic Pearls are large, held not only for their scarcity, and sometimes the beauty but also because of the power that is in them. These beads are made with the help of elementalSpirits - gnomes, elves and other fundamental essence of nature. Essentials to help souls, to form stones is not completely unknown in Western occultism. In the fairy tale "Snow White", for example, we read of the seven dwarves in their "mines to work." From the esoteric point of view, were not really mine at all, but they are gems and crystals. Stories like hens' eggs of gold "has a certain truth, when viewed in the light of magical pearls. There are many such golden eggs available. ElementaryNature's servant and the hidden forces behind all natural phenomena and formations or creations. Elementary to help "paint" the flowers and feed them with prana and the gas needed. Science process called osmosis seconds, but behind the scenes physical, ethereal world, you can perceive, you jump through the trees, flying back and forth, inside and outside the stems and leaves of plants under the balls by Prana from the air and in the flora.

These similarWork as above shall be made in the training of elementary mustikas. The difference between ordinary crystals and gemstones is that these elements make the pearl at the end of his apartment until released by the destruction of pearl, or for any other reason - so we have some real pearls, not to present the spirit base. Below we cite a document "talks about the occult" HP Blavatsky Elementals give a better understanding of these creatures are (emphasis added):

Student .- If I understand it is a primary center of force, without intelligence, without moral character or because trends, but in position, its movements by human thoughts, consciously or not, there can be addressed and any form of intelligence some extent, in its simplest form, it is visible as a disturbance in a transparent medium, Such as would be "a glass of fish are produced, so transparent as to be invisible to swim through the air in the room," andLeaving a glimmer of hot air makes when rising from a furnace. Moreover elementals, attracted and stimulated by certain thoughts, you can enter the human system (which then shared the government of the self-effect), and are very difficult to get out.

"Wise .- correct, in general, unless their 'cause housing. Some classes of elementals, but their intelligence and character, but are beyond our understanding andperhaps some other name.

to "Student .- I understand that a clairvoyant or do hellhörig or affected by a particular class or classes of elemental?

"Sage .- Yes clairvoyant, only the places belongs properly to the levels of ITS development has reached or opened. And to show the elemental in these levels, the clairvoyant images only as one of its airplanes. Other parts of the idea or thing mapped can be maintained inAircraft not yet open to the seer. For this reason, some seer to know the whole truth.

"What is the moral character of elementals, they do not, they are themselves colorless - take classes with the exception of some - and only the color, so to speak, the person using them."

E 'grade in the presence of these spheres to further their sense of power. Normal elemental gems and crystals have not dwelling in them, except by an occult practitioner wanted;mustikas not an ethereal beings live in them, as are a must. Dweller in the absence of a spirit, a pearl Mustika is more powerful than an ordinary gem or crystal, as the energies of the Guardian Spirit, or intelligence (the owner of Totem Animals / Plant Deva) incorporated the animal / plant species in them.

Some occultists believe that living beings are mustikas human minds, but we believe that this is false. human spirits do not return to live in animals orStones, but living in different spheres of the astral regions and above.

Elementary pearls apartments are not demonic, although some amoral, perhaps. Some can do to support the owner, for example, Gamble - focused on the negative things from his master. The primary not know the difference between good and evil or the natural law accordingly. Elementary love for people to imitate in dress, names and titles. So sensory identified by high-profile that most elementary adoptedTitles and names of saints and kings. These names and titles should not be taken too seriously, but if the item is answered, her mind them. The acquisition of names and details of the elementary Dweller is not a simple process, though once purchased and placed in contact with the Pearl degree of intelligence, many things about the origin of Mustika and their virtues to be known. However, clairvoyant, who manages the basic spirit probably 40-70% accurate in thisMatter. It should be noted that even without such knowledge, skills and virtues of a magic pearl can still be easily heard by the possession of it after a short period.

Land may have mental problems, identification and communication with elementals. The interaction with the human spirit and the jinn can no problem, but some elemental can evade them. This is because, with no primary people who are mentally unbalanced and not harmonized their interactionpsychological element in the psyche. be mistaken for that reason mustikas or magical pearls can be used for falsification of mediums who do not know better. Sometimes other factors to trick people think they know something mustikas, two factors are the color and shape of a pearl. When shown a real gem of a certain color and size, as true to its roots by a bamboo plant, for example, would look mustikas bamboo with just more property Suche - otherBamboo beads different shape and color would be "labeled wrong." This is inappropriate because there is nothing in nature that are exactly alike. Oyster pearls, as an example, in various colors, shapes and sizes. Oyster pearls are not always round, may form themselves into pear-shaped, as in drops of tears, and even flat pieces are similar to angel-wings. We are personally bamboo pearls as big as a hen's egg, red. We also have blue and green beads and black bamboo differentShapes and sizes. Not all our stock are presented on our website. The beads are shown only as representative of what is available. This order Mustika-Pearls of us are not always exactly the same file seen in the Pearl Mustika - Mustika-Pearls are one-of-a-kind.

The descriptions from ancient texts, as they say the color and shape of a history of Mustika whole, not just as pearls were found at that time WAS a reasonable solution or to make a true statement. Let me be clear,mustikas or magical pearl of the same animal or vegetable, not always the same color, size and shape. It's like an unworthy object, or as a thing of beauty - do not you think they would look too is a problem for practicing magic for their real value in their hidden character.

In their most natural state mustikas have rough texture. And 'only after they have fallen and polished to give a shine. It is actually in their natural state that you can see thatMustika one is real, since, unlike all the gems of crystal or not cut them, and are untumbled raw state. Sometimes natural objects, like a meadow or a portion of an insect, you can find integrated - magic beads that often has the extra power.

Pearls can lay either true or false they are tested with the test finger, but this method is not conclusive - which is run under a certain psychic sensitivity testing of the person. The method isa jewel with his right hand between thumb and forefinger. Inhale and hold your breath and feel the energy flowing along the arms to the heart. Exhale when you need it. Repeat the breathing cycle - the more you do, the more secure energy is felt. The arm, the pearl would be difficult to hear a serious issue - this effect is usually not felt by ordinary objects and stones. You should be able to try it for yourself you have a magic pearl. Some people make aError indicating that each test subject makes my fingers tingle and she felt then, as a consequence of this is in possession of a magic pearl, not imported. This is wrong and is not required for the effect. This tingling is the result of pulsation of blood as her fingers against the hard surface of the bead to be pressed. What really after in this experiment is to feel the flow of subtle energy in the arms - and then the heel should not be held between the fingers to be tight. When energystreams, accumulates in the arm before the body - which makes it difficult arm hard. If a mental toxins subtle nadis or etheric nerve were cleaned and enlarged to a greater degree of energy flow, just a Mustika Pearl for a few seconds is enough to feel the rush of power.

In the old days, most men could only speak of animals and plants pearls in their writings. Today, the magic beads rich and readily available to a widerPublic - those who are looking for. The reason lies partly with the Aquarian age that we live in is precisely because of the nature of humanity, something to help men embrace and not destroy the platform where the other kingdoms have placed less Their offer greetings of evolution. Mustika-pearls are nature's gifts to humanity, it connects directly to intelligence-Spirit of the mineral, vegetable and animal.
As indicated above, the realityMustika pearls are found in specific literature. Here are all full and gemologist summary / translation of Sri Garuda Purana those of Robert S. Brown, in this matter. The comment in square brackets are our:

"Besides (natural) oyster pearls there are seven other species, [in fact, almost all species of animals and, perhaps, the plant life that can produce pearls - though rarely are] in the shells of mussels, boar heads, elephant heads, king cobra heads, bamboo Stengel, clouds and fishHeads.

"Pearls of elephant head, bamboo stems, boar heads, the mouths of fish and shells are without light, although other beneficial properties owned [Not all crowns are deaf animals - some are clear and crystal structures give a star Some have bamboo pearl luster]. beads made of shells are usually the size of a large Kona (the big end of a drum stick), and They have a similar color, their host shell.

"Pearls are fishperfectly round and symmetrical. They possess a yellowish hue like the scales of fish that inhabit the mouths of the deep sea, whales often pathenam [Again, not entirely true, we have shark pearl white to be seen.]

"[Pearl Boar Pearl this we are] in our collection as boar tusks were found only in color, and in remote parts of the world. Such pearls are symbols of happy Varaha boar incarnation of the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.

"Pearls come fromBamboo look like hailstones in color, and are only Within bamboo in a region of religious people [lots of pearls in our collection of bamboo - is populated mainly by Ujung Kulon, Java, sources say are secret, is cultivating a of the remote locations where the Indonesian Spiritual convene regularly].

"Pearls from the cobra hood are perfectly round, like fish pearls, and radiates a natural light. With repeated washing, a snake is a pearlshiny shiny blade. Who has such a pity Naga-Mani reached, rare happiness, and finally as the leader of famous people, complete with a large collection of gems [cobra-pearls are not always round, they] can come in other forms.

"With the acquisition of a pearl as a snake, the owner should the rite of installation by a priest who had learned in religious formalities, was created to be. After consulting the owner, as the pearl was obtained andImplementation of the ritual blessing, the priest should formally install the jewel in the owner's house. On this solemn occasion, filled the sky with dark clouds and heavy rain, thunder, lightning and flash, as that issued in the global resolution. A man in possession of such a snake pearl will never be troubled by snakes, demonic beings, diseases, disorders or in any way.

"Pearls Cloud [This could be] a" pearl dew "or a variant, with itsnaturally radiant as the sun, the sky lights in all directions and dispel the darkness of cloudy days. Glowing brighter than the combined light of the moon, the stars that shine, and the fire came a pearl of scattered clouds, the darkest night exactly like the sunrise. A cloud pearl is so valuable that the entire earth with its oceans filled with countless jewels, and a layer of gold, do not receive the Same value. Cloud pearls rarely reach this earthly world, because they arenormally taken away by the demigods.

"Even a low born man would become supreme ruler of the world, whether as a result of some past pious actions, where he was to come into possession of such a pearl. The occurrence of such a man to the ground, while a cloud of Pearl Life will be available not only happiness to himself, but to all humanity as well. No form of evil could even touch the ground within a radius of 8000 miles from his hometown. "

The "other" pearlsRichard S. Brown, Gemologist (GIA)

How can animal and plant pearls are different from ordinary gemstones and crystals? Mustika-pearls contain the animal totem energies / Plant Spirit Guardians (devas Power-Animals/Plant) species under its care. During its construction Suitable basic spirit of this building Actually, each line of the driving force in the Pearl and stay in it after it is organized. The energies of the spirit and Totem-Animal/PlantThere are two primary factors, the occult mustikas differs from normal crystals and gemstones.

Extraordinary Mustika-pearls are occasionally found. These are the crowns and horns of animals that usually do not. In this category are fossilized eye and other parts of animals and creatures. Crowns are usually boring as described in Sri Garuda Purana. There are, however, crocodile crowns, the crystalline nature. Most of the pearls of the crown be-snakes and centipedes. These rings usually have a spiral, conical form. Horns / crowns of animals such as horses (Unicorn) and cats do not exist when they are scarce.

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Tips to Teach Children About Nature

2010-08-22T08:13:00.001-07:00

When looking for another method of teaching children about nature, look at the selections for an Insect Lore Butterfly product. Butterflies have enthralled and delighted people for thousands of years and have been depicted in artwork from these centuries past as well. They are fascinating additions to the planet, and their metamorphosis is one of the most incredible transformations that children and adults alike will enjoy. There are a variety of butterfly gifts and products to select as gifts or educational projects.

Butterfly Gardens

One of the most fascinating products is a butterfly garden. This is an enclosed mesh pavilion that provides a home to the creatures as they metamorph from the eggs, to the larvae, through the construction of the chrysalis, and the emergence of the beautiful adult butterfly. These come with instructions for the care and feeding of the creature through all the stages of its transformation. They come in a variety of sizes and designs that are perfect for the classroom or a home.

Books and DVDs

A variety of books about butterflies are available for both young and old. There are delightful stores about these butterflies, and educational books about these interesting creatures and the various species that are found across the planet. There are also several selections that help students identify the difference between moths and butterflies and their native regions. There are also a variety of books that providing great ideas for activities involving butterflies that are excellent for teachers seeking new project ideas.

There are also varieties of DVDs that provide the students with a lot of information about butterflies and other insects. These help the students identify the various species of these stunning creatures, and discusses their transformation and feeding habits.

Puzzles

Many people, both young and old, enjoy putting together jigsaw puzzles, and they have a variety of puzzles that portray various species of butterflies, moths, and other species. Some puzzles depict the anatomy of the butterflies, while others show the species, and life cycle of this beautiful living thing.

Food and Butterfly Feeders

Most communities find those who enjoy having butterflies around their homes and will purchase food and feeders that will help attract these wonderful beings. The food contains various types of nectar that attracts a variety of species. There are also a variety of feeders that people can purchase to attract the butterflies.

Live Caterpillars

This company provides the caterpillars that can be placed in the butterfly pavilions so that the students can observe the metamorphosis of these creatures. Typically, these will turn into Monarch or Painted Lady butterflies. There are also instructions for feeding the caterpillars and plants for gardens that attract the butterflies after they are released.

Posters

One gift that children who enjoy butterflies will love are posters of the beautiful Painted Ladies and Monarch butterflies. These posters are excellent illustrations of these stunning creatures and are perfect for the child's bedroom or even the classroom.

There are so many gifts available that the Insect Lore Butterfly store has in stock that will make great gifts for anyone.

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Bowed Before the Winds

2010-08-19T14:45:00.001-07:00

Children love to use new, strange words. Sometimes, when we stopped to rest on field trips, we would have a "Nature Spelling Down." In the schoolroom, whenever we came across a new and grand-sounding word connected with our Nature-study we would write it down on the board in a special corner, where it could be left undisturbed. Since "Teacher" had a pair of binoculars that the children were free to use, that word headed the list, with other such words as "petiole," "deciduous," "stomata" and "lenticels" of plants; and "mandibles," "primaries" and "nape" of bird lore. Since they were not required for their regular spelling lessons, most of the children thought these words were fun and vied with each other in being first to learn them.

Always, on our field trips, each child watched out for his particular tree, and there was friendly rivalry over who counted the most specimens of "his tree." One sparkling, autumn day, with goldenrod and chicory lining the dirt roads, with the maples aflame and Lake Erie in the distance blue as the sky above with great, white, billowy masses of clouds, we walked three miles to see a hundred-year-old "stump fence" made of the upturned roots of white pines.

Again, in spring, we walked five miles to see a dogwood in bloom, for dogwoods are rare in that northern hill land. But the children had seen the picture of the flowers in Keeler's Our Native Trees, a well-thumbed volume by the end of the school year. The American elm, with its graceful, vase-like form, was the first tree that the children learned to identify at a distance. So large was this scarlet oak that we thought it must be at least three or four hundred years old. As we sat and rested under its shade, we tried to imagine all that it must have seen happen.

Throughout the year we visited the same woodlands and isolated trees, to know them in autumn when the color parade was on; in winter, when they were bare, and, again, when they wore glittering mantles of snow or crystal; in spring when they were in bloom. And during all seasons we learned to listen to the winds in the trees, and found that Nature has a different tune for her winds, whether they go creeping softly or roaring through her various kinds of trees. We watched to see how the different trees reacted to storms, too, contrasting the rugged oak, which was tortured and buffeted by them, with the supple birch, which "bowed before the winds."

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Monarch of Antiquity - The Sacred Yew Tree in the Heart of Scotland

2010-08-18T07:07:00.001-07:00

Located close to the geographical centre of Celtic Scotland is to be found a remarkable yew tree which is currently believed to be around 5,000 years of age, thus dating its origins to about 3,000 B.C. This yew is to be found in Fortingall, Perthshire, which lies at the entrance to Glenlyon, the longest and arguably the most spectacular glen in Scotland. When the 18th century traveller and naturalist Thomas Pennant (1726 - 1798) visited Fortingall, he reported that the girth of this age old yew was fifty six and a half feet. One can but wonder what is giving life force to this extraordinary aged yew tree which can still be seen to be thriving at the present time, and is reputedly the oldest tree in Europe.

In a land which is permeated with an ancient Celtic mythos relating to fairy realms and other worldly devic entities, such an elderly yew tree would have been highly venerated during the remote ages of past antiquity. Indeed, it has been said that Beltane fires celebrating the old Mayday festival were at one time lit at this site. Moreover, this ancient yew may have been 3,000 years old when, according to a local oral tradition, Pontius Pilate was born at Fortingall, which translates from the gaelic placename 'Feart-nan-Gall' as the 'Stronghold of the Strangers'. Nowhere else in Scotland, or for that matter in the British Isles, has an oral tradition and association with the birth of Pontius Pilate; so why should the tiny and obscure hamlet of Fortingall lay claim to this tradition, unless there is an intrinsic element of truth in what would otherwise be deemed as an audacious presupposition.

The yew is a primordial tree, believed to date back for at least two hundred million years, which considerably antedates the era of the human race. It is no wonder that from time immemorial the eternal yew appears to have been seen as the immortal tree of life and held with sacred reverence throughout the ages. According to ancient lore it would appear that the yew was seen as an arcane repository, i.e. a tree of knowledge. It has also been noted that yew trees were often associated with ancient hill forts and, true to form, on an elevated position close by the Fortingall Yew is to be found the remains of an old hill fort called Dun Geal which translates from the gaelic as 'the white fort'. At the time of Christ, Dun Geal was the residence of the Caledonian King, Metallanus, of whom local tradition claims Pontius Pilate was a relative.

Aerial photographs of Fortingall reveal a marking in the landscape which is believed to indicate the enclosure or vallum of an early Christian monastic site. This monastic settlement appears to have been centered around the Fortingall Yew tree. Such is the reputation of this remarkable Yew that in 1993 a sapling from this archaic tree was planted in Glastonbury Abbey, while concurrently monks from the Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Samye Ling, in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, planted another sapling on Holy Island, off the coast of Arran, Scotland. More recently cuttings were taken from the Fortingall Yew to be grown by the Forestry Commission at Roslin, another historical sacred site in Scotland. These yew cuttings will eventually be planted around the country at such places as the arboretum at Scone Palace. Interestingly, Scone was at one time home to the famous "Stone of Destiny" which was central to the Coronation ceremony of the old Scottish Kings.

There has been a traditional association with the mythos of the sacred yew and the natural philosophy of the Celtic Druid Magi. "Without doubt the yew stood for sacred mystery in the Druid tradition." (The Book of Druidry by Ross Nichols). In both the Druidic tradition of reincarnation, and the later Christian doctrine of the resurrection, the yew was viewed as a natural emblem of everlasting life.

There is a tradition that the Cross of Christ was a yew tree probably because of its symbolism of immortality. This may explain the following observation: "Although the Yew was planted on temple sites, and was a survival of cultus arborum (tree worship) yet, strange to say, it was never damaged, but was adopted by the Christians as a holy symbol." (The Church Yew & Immortality by Vaughan Cornish). Furthermore, the yew also figures in the folklore of the gypsies who believe that the planting of a yew near one's home provides protection. Interestingly, about a century ago gypsies were found to be living in the hollow churchyard yew at Leeds in the English county of Kent.

It is known that the yew was often used as a landmark. Writing about straight tracks or leylines on the landscape, Alfred Watkins in his classic work The Old Straight Track (1925) makes an interesting observation: "There is every reason to surmise that trees were planted in prehistoric times as sighting marks....trees are joined with stones, water [wells], mountain-tops, mounds, and fire as objects of ancient reverence and even worship; all these are found as sighting points on the ley." Notably, a number of telluric leylines or earth energy currents have been dowsed as passing through Fortingall, thus indicating that a major earth energy vortex may be located here. Could this account for the specific placement and perhaps longevity of what is reputed to be the oldest tree in Europe?

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My First Woodcock Nest

2010-08-17T02:00:00.001-07:00

Like most country boys of early America I learned to hunt and in the course of time, among other species that were sacrificed that I might examine closely their plumage and structure, a woodcock fell to my none too certain aim. I shall never forget with what delight I examined the long slender bill, with its sensitive and flexible tip, with which the marshy ground is probed for worms; the large expressive eye, set far back and high up in that queerly-barred head, and that during the evolution of the woodcock from some earlier form seems to have moved back from the bill past the ear, which now lies below it. That eye surely serves well this bogtrotter in the semi-darkness of its daytime haunts, and in its nocturnal food seeking. The beautifully mottled back, with its mixture of rich brown and black, and those gray stripes that look so much like withered stalks of last-year's herbage when the bird is crouched, are striking features, as well as the peculiar color pattern of the tips of the tail feathers, gray on the upper surface and silvery-white below, that show to such advantage in the upspread tail.

During the next few years, I must confess, I tramped many a mile in the golden day of October, seeking the spots where the migrants from farther north concealed themselves during the daylight hours. Looking back over those woodcock quests of early days two convictions are prominent in my mind. That the country boy, ranging with single gun, and assisted by no dog, has been no serious factor in th lessening ranks of the woodcock; and that I am now glad that my success was no greater.

And what a rich mine of Nature lore was opened for my benefit in the course of those woodland wanderings. Can one ever forget the finding of his first woodcock nest? Mine was in a patch of young second-growth oaks and maples where the stone-studded ground gave chance for little undergrowth. The bird rose almost in my face, and revealed the four beautiful eggs at my feet. A few yards away she alighted, and nervously, and seemingly in pain, threaded her way among the rough frostriven boulders, seeking to draw me from the spot. When next the place was visited I failed at first to flush her and thought that she was away from the nest, but finally I detected her within a foot of my shoe.

An attempt to stroke her back just failed, for she slipped away frorm under my hand. Almost daily I went there, hoping to see the newly hatched young, until one day only the discarded shells were found. Those particular young birds I was never able to find, but as the recurring springs sped by many mother birds that were guardining their buffy short-billed youngsters came under my observation, and many interesting habits were revealec.

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Get a Cool Picture to Wear on Your Skin - 5 Reasons to Get a Celtic Cross Tattoo and Why So Great!

2010-08-15T23:36:00.001-07:00

Druid Identification - Celtic Cross Tattoos came into existence 1000s of years ago when they were employed by Celts to show off their art in addition to their talents. This really common tattoo is still called the Celtic Cross today. It does not matter whether if it is blue, black, or Celtic green. One of the various legends related to this Cross is that St. Patrick who was attempting to make the Pagan Irish become Christian created it.

It Has Special Symbols:
The Celtic cross mixes the Christian cross which Jesus was crucified on along with the sun which the druids worshiped. This understanding of intense significance of the Celtic cross has been looked upon by several contemporary people and has been employed as the Celtic Cross tattoo. The meaning of this cross is unclear and beliefs related to this cross are many. The Catholic people believe the circle symbolizes eternal life in addition to the unending love of the Lord.

It Has Special significance:
The cross was employed as a phallic symbol by the Druids. Neo-pagans saw the symbol as a representation of the sun. This tattoo is often displayed on upper arms. This is a fantastic tattoo location since it is simple to cover whilst providing you the choice to display the artwork. The fundamental Celtic cross tattoo design is a cross that has a circle in the back. These are more often than not completed with knotted patterns.

It Has Special Design:
These designs are really common with males who enjoy flaunting them on their backs. These tattoos are a really popular Celtic design. They might have a circle going around it, or inside where the cross is intersected. This emblem symbolizes faith and the eternal love of the Lord for all men. Many meanings are related to this tattoo. The curves and interweaving loops demonstrate a continual round of life. The cross is additionally shown to have nature involvement.

It Has a Special Purpose:
The rays or beams of the cross symbolize the 4 elements: Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth. The symbol may additional be directions such as North, etc. When choosing one of these tattoos, you may show your participation of your life within these mysteries. The intertwining knots of the design demonstrate eternal life. Tattoo experts may design this cross. Nevertheless, they are really complicated to make yourself. The crosses have a certain amount of digits which symbolized Celtic lore.

It Has Special Origins:
9 knots was believed to be a sacred digit. If there were additional knots, according to legend this gave the person wearing it more power. The digit 5 is a popular digit whilst representing the family and 5 provinces of Ireland. 17 stands for the cycles of the moon. Several meanings are related to the design. If you are considering getting one of these tattoos, it is really vital to do your homework to locate the design that is ideal for your requirements.

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Leaves of the Chinaberry

2010-08-14T19:01:00.001-07:00

When it finally dawned upon a certain Carolinian newspaperman, an admirer of the "Chinaberry Tree", that its' oriental form was the familiar "chancyberry" he wrote: "The thing that fooled me was the shape of the tree. All the Chinaberries I had seen-in people's yards-were low and densely foliaged, with stocky trunks and thick, bushy crowns. I had not known that, undipped the Chinaberrv would soar up and up on a graceful, curved bole to spread its delicate foliage in light, feathery, and semi-pendant sprays. I have decided that man, with his clippers and pruning hooks, has not done right by the Chinaberry tree."

There hangs a tale of interest to the South, and to Texas in particular. It was not man, with his "clippers and pruning hooks," who had changed the shape of this tree, but Nature herself. And she had not done it in China, or in its original home in the Himalayas, or even along the famed Burma Road, but in Texas! The form of this tree most commonly seen in the South, where it is often referred to as the "umbrella tree," actually originated in Texas. It came from what is known botanically as a "sport" of the Chinaberry tree that had been introduced from the Orient. This low-spreading variety-Americanized child of oriental heritage-has the familiar short, umbrella-like crown that gives the tree its common name, especially those around cabins. It seems to be far more common everywhere than the original form of the tree.

One wonders why, because its foliage is thick, and the tree usually grows just about tall enough to shut off most of the air and light from cabins. The original shape of the tree, although less well known in this country, is generally considered to be better and more artistic. Even in its original form the Chinaberry is not a large tree. It seldom attains more than forty or fifty feet in height, often much less. In whatever form it grows, the trunk is usually short, and the dark gray bark is marked with shallow, longitudinal furrows. No particular use of the wood has ever been made here, but in the Orient it is used to some extent for cabinetwork. Since the tree belongs to the Meliaceao, which is the mahogany family, it may he that we have been overlooking an opportunity. Leaves of the Chinaberry have sometimes been called the most beautiful of all tree leaves.

To the uninitiated in tree lore, a single leaf of it might if taken for a graceful spray, for the leaf is twice compound, or sometimes thrice compound, with numerous dainty leaflets. The margins of the leaflets arc toothed, and the terminal leaflets are often lobed. In summer the leaves are a lovely cool green; in autumn they turn pale yellow and fall early.

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Experience Tennessee

2010-08-11T23:04:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Tennessee can provide you with a pleasant slice of an old west experience, even to pick out your western boots. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy the scenic beauty of Tennessee is to have a horse back ride wearing your own western apparel. And anyone who loves cowboy movies and fantasizes about hitting the high country and trailing along in their own western adventure might be pleasantly surprised to find many of the western features in Tennessee.

The state provides horse back riding. They even provide for camping trips that extend overnight. When it comes to horse rides, you need not be ornamented to look like a cowboy; however, make sure that you have short and thick heeled footwear. Plus if you can have a hat with an edge that can keep your face protected from the sun, that would be great too. The hat with a brim will additionally keep insects and trail dust from getting in your face. And keep in mind that layered clothing works best for adapting to the temperature changes in your overnight camp.

Western Clothing

When you have boots, layered clothing and a hat, you are nearly dressed up to the hilt for cowboy mode. Then shop around for cowboy gun bolsters, cowboy boots and everything you need to complete your look and you're ready to start shouting, "Yee-haw!" with hat held high in the air.

You will be enjoying a whole range of authentic western activities in Tennessee if you can plan overnight trips, well prepared with insect repellents and camera of course. While darkness covers the scene, you will be cooking and singing over your open fire. You can organize an open campfire and prepare your own cowboy meals in groups, roasting marshmallows, singing out cowboy songs and whispering stories of ghosts and lot of things, too.

Since you have hired an overnight horse for a ride you will also be participating in taking care of the horse and you will feel like a real cowboy, even though you will actually be only a temporary modern cowboy or cowgirl. Note if you are not sure of cowboy folk lore, you can play cowboy commercial CDs from a CD player or MP3 music through your iPods. How's that for modernization with no guitar?

After enjoying your cowboy meal while at the campfire, you might not expect to have a cozy comfy sleep, since you are involved with a rustic trip. But if you were traveling with kids, you might want to consider having them sleep in the tents rather than in the open air with only the sky for cover to protect them - and to protect their new, cool kids cowboy boots or kids western boots while having their sweet night dreams. Perhaps they might picture themselves in their dreams wearing western gun holsters and performing the old hip shooting trick!

Well, if you are a modern day cowboy story lover, a trip to Tennessee and an overnight trip and campfire can bring in experiences you have heard about in folklore. So start your own adventures and enjoy!

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Dinosaurs Extinction - The Asteroid Theory

2010-08-10T21:12:00.001-07:00

During the Mesozoic Era millions of dinosaurs belonging to thousands of species roamed our planet. They were the largest and most important animals on land. Today there are no living dinosaurs anywhere, they have all become extinct. Dinosaurs became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period, and then vanished from all the continents at the same time. As fossils cannot be dated exactly it is impossible to say if the extinction happened suddenly or was spread out over thousands of years. Once an animal has become extinct it cannot come back naturally.

Blood sucking insects, such as mosquitoes, used to feed on the blood of dinosaurs, much as they feed on animals today. Sometimes these insects have been trapped inside the resin from trees and become fossilized and form amber, thus preserving the insect. This could enable scientists to recreate dinosaurs from information contained in the DNA extracted from the blood of these insects.

Several other groups of animals vanished at the same time that dinosaurs became extinct. The flying reptiles, the pterosaurs and sea reptiles. Several types of shellfish, reptiles and other animals also died out about the same time.

Scientists studying the rocks from the time dinosaurs became extinct noticed that they contained large amounts of a chemical called Iridium. This chemical is rare on Earth, but is common in asteroids. This interestingly enough suggests one theory that a giant asteroid hit our planet and from the impact and explosion scattered dust all over the planet, and if it was big enough would have filled the upper atmosphere blocking the sun and plunging it into a long period of freezing darkness. Inevitably this would have killed most plants and without food, the dinosaurs would have become extinct and died out.

There are obviously no dinosaurs alive today and to date there have been no fossils found which date to after the Cretaceous Period. It would seem that all the dinosaurs died out. However a type of Theropod dinosaur had evolved into birds around one hundred and sixty million years ago. These birds survived, so the descendants of dinosaurs did survive the extinction. After the dinosaurs became extinct other types of animals took over the world, and even though mammals were small in numbers when the dinosaur was about, they have now increased in number and have rapidly evolved into many different types of animal, and now it is the mammals that rule the planet as the dinosaurs once did.

There are other theories that can explain the extinction of dinosaurs this is just one of them, and if scientists could recreate dinosaurs from the DNA of prehistoric insects, how would they contain such large and ferocious animals amongst our populated world, scary stuff.

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An Introduction to Carnivorous Plants

2010-08-09T15:10:00.001-07:00

Being a gardener doesn't have to be dull. If you want something unique, carnivorous plants are bound to get attention. From the common Venus Flytrap to the Cobra plant, these unusual plants have long fascinated nature lovers, children and botanists alike.

Because they have originated in places where the soil is thin or poor in nutrients, especially nitrogen, such as acidic bogs and rock outcroppings, they have adapted to garnering minerals and nutrients in bizarre ways. They all attract and trap prey, generally insects and arachnids, and produce digestive enzymes to digest and absorb the resulting available nutrients. There are five unique subsets of carnivorous plants, according to their trapping mechanisms.

The first type of carnivorous plant utilizes pitfall traps, and the most common is the pitcher plant. These traps require prey tumbling into the plant and being unable to escape. The pitchers or traps attract insects by visual lures or by nectar. The traps or pitchers are formed in different ways, depending on the genus. One type, the Old World Nepenthe, have a pitcher that is attached to the end of a tendril which depends from the underside of a leaf. The New World Sarraceniaceae family,consists of ground-dwelling plants whose pitchers arise from a horizontal rhizome. In this family, the entire leaf forms the pitcher. Heliamphora, or marsh pitchers have a simple rolled-leaf pitcher, with a spoon-like structure at the tip that secretes nectar.

These plants undergo constant evolution, as liquid can gather in the pitchers of the plant in addition to the bugs that the plant eats. Some of these have developed an 'overflow', similar to that in a bathroom sink. Excess water can flow out so the digestive enzymes are not diluted. These plants range from beautiful to bland, and do not have moving parts like their snap trap cousins.

The most well known type, the same family that the Venus Flytrap contains, is the snap trap group. Snap traps rely on a mechanism that snaps around its prey. The traps of the flytrap are leaves whose terminal section is divided into two lobes, hinged along the midrib.The trapping mechanism is tripped when prey items stumble against one of the three hair-like trichomes that are found on the upper surface of each of the lobes. The trapping mechanism is so specialized that it can distinguish between living prey and non-prey stimuli such as falling raindrops. When two trigger hairs are touched in succession or one hair touched twice the lobes of the trap will snap shut in about a tenth of a second! When trigger hairs are touched, the trap snaps closed, trapping the insect. The stiff hairs at the leaf edges mesh together and prevent the insect from escaping, and digestion occurs over two or three weeks.

Flypaper traps are among some of the most interesting and widespread carnivorous plants, with over 170 species.These plants secrete a glue or mucilage from glands which ensnares insects for food. Some, like the sundew, have these mucilage glands on the tips of long tentacles which aid in the trapping process. A second group of glands secretes esterase, peroxidase, phosphatase and protease enzymes which both both dissolve the insect and free the contained nutrients. The nutrient soup is then absorbed through the leaf surface and fuels the plant's growth. These carnivorous plants should be treated with caution in the home, as the secretions can cause rashes or inflammation of the skin.

Bladder traps, exclusive to the bladderworts, are a fascinating subset of carnivorous plants. Bladderworts are unique in that the underwater leaves bear small oval "bladders" that trap and digest small aquatic creatures. Bladderworts are usually found in quiet shallow, acidic waters and can form dense mats. These plants function through the osmosis of water to create a suction within the bladder of the plant. Once an insect or aquatic species has been trapped within, escape is difficult. Unlike many carnivorous plants, these are more commonly found underwater than above ground, and some lack roots.

Last but not least are the lobster pot trap plants. There are approximately 21 species of the Genlisea genus, commonly known as corkscrew plants.These plants function by giving teir prey a simple way to gain entry, but slim chance of escape, similar to a lobster or crab trap. In the case of the corkscrew plant, the traps are underground -- the insides of the plant's roots have downward pointing obstructions or hairs so the prey, tiny soil-borne invertebrates, cannot move backward.

Many of these plants are rare in their natural state, and should not be collected from the wild. If you are interested in growing them, they should be purchased from a reputable grower who uses tissue culture or vegetative means to grow the plant, or who starts them from seeds. Carnivorous plants should be placed out of the reach of young children and pets. While most of them are mostly non toxic to humans, eating one of these plants could be harmful, due to the digestive enzymes that the plant uses to devour prey.

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Periwinkle and Chemotherapy Drugs - Why Limit Its Uses to Just Chemotherapy?

2010-08-07T03:39:00.001-07:00

Periwinkle: This simple little plant is the source of most common chemo drugs used in the treatment of cancer. The properties which linked Periwinkle to the treatment of cancer were discovered inadvertently by a major pharmaceutical manufacturer while looking for a drug to control blood sugar in diabetics. Common folk lore attributed such a property to Periwinkle, but painstaking research revealed that the plant had no effect on blood sugar levels. Instead, the research uncovered the antineoplastic effects of plant extracts, prominent among them, the extraordinary properties of periwinkle and components in its makeup which form the basis of our common chemotherapy drugs.

The plant components, vincristine and vinblastine, in periwinkle, were found to bind to tubulin in cellular microtubules. The short story here is that the process arrested cellular division and killed the cells.

But the embarrassing factor in this that keeps getting swept under the rug is that these drugs don't particularly discriminate between healthy cells and cancer cells. As a result, numerous healthy cells are killed in the course of chemotherapy as these drugs, in their mission of killing off cancer cells, go about causing general and widespread cell death, including the cells that comprise our immune system.o It's like using a shotgun to kill a fly on an elephant. Not good.

The logic of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer just doesn't make any sense at all. That is, as far as curing cancer is concerned. Or curing any other disease for that matter. Our immune system is designed to attack and destroy any harmful invading organisms. So where is the logic of killing the immune system in order to cure a disease?

But there is still a very solid logic to the use of chemotherapy. It is the most profitable therapy in medicine. Profitable to the pharmaceutical industry, profitable to all segments of the medical business involved in the treatment of cancer. And this seems to explain why the many extraordinary properties of periwinkle are being quietly passed over in favor of the logic of profit in chemotherapy.

The therapeutic uses of the periwinkle plant are not limited to its derivations of the chemo drugs. The plant itself was introduced in Europe during the mid 1700s, as an ornamental plant. Today it grows throughout the world, mainly in the warmer climates, and it has been widely used in tropical folk medicine. Besides being useful in the treatment of cancer, decoctions of the plant have been used for maladies ranging from ocular inflammation, diabetes, hemorrhage, and insect stings.

Research conducted by several pharmceutical companies, and later abandoned, show derivatives of periwinkle to be a high octane fuel for the brain. This is due to an almost miraculous brain booster called vinpocetine. It is so effective against fading mental processes that it is being used routinely in supplemental form by nearly 50 countries.

Vinpocetine has been shown to improve blood circulation to the brain, reducing senility and age related dementia. It has been used successfully to improve hearing function by relieving that ringing and buzzing in the ears known as tinnitus, and it has eliminated vertigo (dizziness). Vinpocetine is also used extensively in Europe for improving visual function, including night vision, and in preventing or relieving glaucoma and age related macular degeneration.

Periwinkle is also an excellent, all around astringent that may be used internally and externally. Mainly it is used in the treatment of excessive menstrual flow. And as in other remedies that can affect the uterus, it can be used to address similar processes in the urinary system. Digestive problems can also benefit from treatment with periwinkle; problems such as colitis or diarrhea where it will act to reduce the loss of fluid or blood. Nose bleed, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and sore throats, all benefit from the use of periwinkle.

There are few health hazards associated with the use of periwinkle as a therapeutic drug, although anyone wanting to avail himself of this drug would be well served to consult a homeopathic physician who understands its uses. Overdosage can result in a severe drop of blood pressure. Other than that, the side effects seem to be very minimal, being largely limited to gastrointestinal complaints and skin flushing. The drug is usually made available in the form of ampules, capsules, coated tablets, and compound preparations.

It seems totally ironic that the USFDA continues to "protect" us from the perceived dangers of such a beneficial plant, in spite of its internationally proven safety and effectiveness while at the same time, allowing virtually unrestricted use of the same plant's well known most toxic elements.

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Healing Aloe Vera Plants Are Easy To Grow Indoors or Out and Provide Health Benefits

2010-08-06T02:09:00.001-07:00

Aloe Vera , known as the healing plant, is easy to care for indoors or in the garden. It is a drought tolerant succulent which grows well in dry shade to part sun. Its bright green stalks grow up to 1 foot long and up to 2 inches thick They usually have creamy white stripes or dots along the leaves. Aloe plants grow upright and spread with time by creating clumping offsets. Perennial aloe produces dramatic, bright orange flowers on long stalks in the spring and summer. Used medicinally aloe vera gel is beneficial for burns, minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other skin irritations.

Water-wise aloe is great for xeriscaping in dry gardens with other succulents and cacti. They don't mind heat as long as they don't get too much sun. Aloe does best in light or dappled shade on the porch or on the windowsill. It is even reliable in dry shade. One to two hours of direct sun is plenty. Dark brown or orange spots on the leaves is a sign of sunburn. Aloe vera is easy to care for and only needs water once a month or when the stalks become shriveled. Planted in the ground, it can tolerate more drought and will grow slightly larger. Aloes are cold hardy to about 45 degrees. Mine have survived a light dusting of frost, but they have overhead protection. I wouldn't leave them outdoor in the open if Jack Frost visits your area frequently. Frost damage usually shows up as brown tips or shriveled, brown stalks. Indoors, they are suited to the hot dry conditions of the average home. They will tolerate a few hours of sun a day, but should be fine anywhere with lots of bright, indirect sunlight.

Aloe vera plants form offset pups and will eventually become a clump. Mine started out in a small 4" pot from the nursery. Normally, you should repot plants in a slightly larger pot. But I planted my aloe in a huge 12" pot, knowing it would fill in. Who has time to repot their plants all the time? To keep the pot from looking empty, I planted a small trailing succulent around the edges. They have similar cultivation needs, so they get along great and look terrific. You can see an aloe vera picture and even download the wallpaper on my succulent webpage at http://www.theGardenPages.com. After the first year, my aloe created lots of offsets and filled in the pot nicely. The new shoots are easy to tease out from the main plant so I can repot them or give them to friends.

Aloe vera is famous for its healing benefits and is commonly grown in kitchen gardens to help with minor burns and other skin problems. To use aloe, work with one inch chunks cut from the tips of the leaves. Peel off the spines and cut open the chunk. Squeeze out the aloe juice and pulp onto sunburns or other skin irritations. Spread it around with your fingers or the aloe peel. It will feel cold on burns. The juice may feel sticky at first, but will eventually dry out, leaving a slight green tint. Apply 1 - 2 times a day to cool off burns and help heal skin. I was amazed at how well it worked on my baby's diaper rash when nothing else helped. First, I'd slather the skin with aloe gel, then put the remaining pulp into his diaper and wrap it all up like a little burrito. Usually the rash was cleared up in a few hours. Fresh is best, studies suggest aloe starts to loose its properties within an hour of picking.

Healing aloe vera plants are easy to grow indoors or out, with outstanding health benefits and makes a great addition to any garden.

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Angel Tattoo Designs - A Must See

2010-08-04T22:20:00.001-07:00

Angels are fascinating beings for young and old alike. Many kids, teens, and ladies, in particular, are fond of collecting angels as a hobby. It therefore comes as no surprise that even in the realm of body art, angel tattoo designs are being snapped up. Even men who want to make a statement or appreciate the symbolism of angels sport angel tattoos.

There are actually vast assortments of angel tattoo designs to choose from, and the options keep evolving. Some ladies love sporting a simple cherub or angel wings, along with some other tat, while others opt for really big and bold angel designs that seem to have an imposing presence.

Just as there are many delicate-looking angel tattoo designs (like a cherub's face, a guardian angel, an angel playing a harp, frolicking or sitting on a cloud), there are also complex-looking ones that seem to bring to mind religious (like archangels) or historical accounts and lore.

Some individuals go for a combination of a cherub tattoo with the name of a beloved who may have passed away but whose memory remains. Others choose too have an angel's wings, instead, along with some other symbolism like a cross or a Celtic image, or other religious images.

Whether they're small or large, combination angel tats are a must-see. You can have a better appreciation of the numerous angel tattoos and the endless variations that can be done with them by browsing online tattoo galleries showing tattooed parts of the body.

Among the favored spots for angel tattoos are backs, arms, and ankles (for small angel tats). While taking your pick from the numerous designs, it will also be interesting to note the rich religious meanings and other connotations that winged beings have.

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Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs - Your Ultimate Guide

2010-08-03T12:38:00.001-07:00

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs could probably top the list of the most preferred tattoos by women. One cannot deny the beauty and delicate nature of every cherry blossom, perhaps being the reason why they are wanted by many aside from the fact that they have a very deep meaning both in the Chinese and Japanese culture. If you're considering getting a tattoo, and have already found a design that you like, it's best to find the meaning behind it before having it done. The worst thing that could happen is for you to regret the tattoo that'll be there on your skin forever.

In Chinese culture, the cherry blossom signifies feminine power and dominance. It exemplifies the beauty that women possess and the strength of character that they exude. In Chinese herbal lore, meanwhile, cherry blossoms symbolize love.

In Japanese culture holds an entirely different meaning for this beautiful flower. For them, cherry blossoms represent the transience of life. Since the flower is one that blooms for a very short period of time and withers right after. This also has a very deep connection with the Buddhist teachings regarding the emotional attachment to a particular outcome. The teaching says that all suffering will pass in time since everything in life is transitory.

The fallen cherry blossom in Japan stands for the life of a warrior which was cut short in battle. It also has a deep meaning in Japanese literature as it is connected with snow.

Knowing the beautiful and very symbolic meanings behind tattoo designs could not only help you decide but also add up to your knowledge of tattoo meanings. Once you find one that you like, it would be great to connect these meanings to your own perception of Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs so that every piece of artwork marked on your body would have a special meaning which you could tell everyone about.

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Cherry Blossom Tattoos - What Do They Mean

2010-08-02T11:50:00.001-07:00

Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can't be denied. In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance. Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one. So don't fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.

While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways. Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different in each culture.

Chinese Cherry Blossom

For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle.

As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is important to think about these symbols and connect this with what your personally believe the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not speak to you or you're somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.

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Japanese Sleeve Tattoos - The Coolest Japanese Tattoo Designs For Men

2010-08-01T11:17:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

A lot of guys out there these days are looking for something unique different and cool looking. Often guys get skulls, flames and sexy pinup girls as a sleeve tattoo design. However, recently there has been more and more men interested in Japanese sleeve tattoos. This is great because the Japanese have a long history of full body tattoos and therefore they are very advanced in their sleeve tattoos. These designs are cool and they make a great tattoo design for men also. Here are some ideas to help you get started on your own full sleeve tattoo design.

Koi Fish

Koi fish are an ever popular theme for sleeve tattoo designs. The beautiful oranges of the koi fish and the blue water background lend themselves to the perfect tattoo design for a sleeve. By wrapping the fish around the front of the arm the fish looks dimensional and really pops out and comes to life. Thus it makes a cool looking tattoo with a lot of life. However, more then that the Koi tattoo represent strength, power and individuality. It represents the struggle of going through life and striving to be better. You see the Japanese myth is that the koi fish try to swim upstream. Not all of them make it but the ones that make it to the golden bridge become dragons and fly off into the sky. This is a way cool symbolism and a deep meaning and the chicks will go wild with how thoughtful and deeply emotional you are when you show off your tat and explain why you got it and the dudes in the group will admire it as well.

Dragons

Of course there is always the dragon. This is only second to the koi fish because dragons have been so common place. However, a powerful fierce dragon in red or black makes for the ideal tattoo design for men. It looks rough and tumble and ready to throw down or just breathe fire on a person. The dragon is a very mystical and mythical beast that is filled with all kinds of magic and great lore. The symbolism is of course of power and strength.

Samurai

Samurai and gods are always very popular in traditional Japanese sleeve tattoos. These designs of course feature either fierce samurai in the heat of battle of gods fighting off evil spirits. Either way you end up with a way cool dude tattoo. What can be more guy then a man swinging a huge katana sword and slaying a dragon or a demon. It is the ultimate. The reason the Samurai is so popular in Japanese tattooing and traditional arts is that the samurai is seen to embed everything that is important to the Japanese male. The samurai carries the Japanese culture as well as being a strong and fierce warrior in battle yet is always mindful and follows the code of bushido. This is what every Japanese male wants to be deep down.

Hannya Masks

The Hannya mask was originally used in Kabuki plays in Tokyo. However, the masks were such beautiful yet haunting piece of artwork that they became stand alone pieces of art. Many Japanese would collect and display them in their house and they believe it would ward off evil spirits. The Hannya masked represents a scorned women that has been overcome by her rage that she has turned into an evil demon. These are also very popular in traditional Japanese tattoos and tattoo in the West. It is hard to make a full sleeve of one mask but it can easily be combined with other Japanese designs and symbols.

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Silver Celtic Ring

2010-07-31T11:04:00.001-07:00

Celtic rings are popular pieces of jewelry not only for the Irish, but anyone who craves for rings with unique designs. Celtic rings are not only full of symbolism; they are steeped in history, folklore and mystery as well.

Celtic Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is a popular choice of precious material for Celtic rings. This type of silver contains 92.5% alloy of silver and 7.5% of other metals like copper, platinum, germanium or zinc. This jewelry usually comes with a certificate of authentication or it is hallmarked on the ring itself as a guarantee of its purity. Sterling silver has a millesimal fineness of 925. Basically, when buying Sterling silver, your main concern is that you see no visible imperfections or blemishes on the ring. Go to a trustworthy jeweler to make sure you are getting the real deal.

Silver Celtic rings are available for women, men and children. These rings can be worn as wedding rings, engagement rings, men's protection rings, and many more. They come in several different designs and adornments (precious stones, birthstones, etc.).

Some of the Celtic ring designs you can choose from are:

1. Claddagh band

The Claddagh ring can be traced back to the fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway in Ireland. This ring is traditionally passed on from mother to daughter or given by a man to his beloved signifying their romantic relationship. The design is unmistakable: two delicate hands holding a heart surmounted by a crown. The heart represents love, the hands symbolize friendship and the crown, a sign of loyalty. The way the ring is worn indicates the wearer's current romantic state: married, engaged, in a relationship or open to finding love.

There are different variations of the original Claddagh design. Some feature precious or semi-precious stones inlaid either in the heart or the crown or surround the band itself. Others use a combination of silver and other precious metals like gold, titanium, or platinum.

2. Celtic knot

The Celtic knot is unending or unbroken, symbolizing eternity. This classic Celtic ring design is popularly featured on wedding and engagement rings. Different interpretations of the knot include 'cut-out' type designs and embossed patterns.

The Trinity knot or triquetra design is a variation representing the Holy Trinity or the Triple Gods or Goddesses of ancient Celtic tradition. This design appears to have no beginning and no end.

The isolated knot ring design is made up of individual or single knot patterns. Instead of running the circumference of the band, a number of solitary unconnected knots are seen on the ring.

3. Celtic Newgrange spiral

The spiral design is believed to date back as far as 3,200 BC. This design can be seen at the Newgrange site in Ireland, specifically on the Megalithic Passage Tomb. It appears as a seamlessly continuous spiral design on the band.

4. Serpent

The Celts view serpents as immortals that only shed their skin with age and are renewed. Serpents are used as a symbol for rebirth. This design is incorporated in rings solely or in combination with knot work. You can also find a two-strand braid design on an 'S' shaped ring that goes around your finger like a serpent.

5. Celtic cross

The traditional Celtic cross is also featured in silver Celtic rings. It is a standing cross with a circle or ring surrounding the intersection of the cross. This design can be featured in silver wedding rings, signet rings and other types of rings. It can also be incorporated with the other Celtic design styles.

6. Coat of Arms

Silver Celtic rings can also be made to feature your Family Crest or Coat of Arms mounted on a signet ring. The colors and designs of the shield vary according to your family's tradition.

7. Mo Anam Cara

The phrase Mo Anam Cara is Gaelic for My Soul Mate. This is another popular design of silver rings used as engagement or promise rings both for men and women.

There is a wide array of elegant silver Celtic ring designs out in the market. It is not only popular with the Irish, but with other cultures, too. Celtic rings in Sterling silver are delicately beautiful, ornate and rich in symbolism and lore.

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Companion Planting For Organic Vegetable & Herb Gardens

2010-07-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

How does Companion Planting work and what do I plant for which plants?

Companions help each other grow. Tall plants, for example, provide shade for sun-sensitive shorter plants. An example of this was the year the HerbFest sold "Elephant Ears" tropical plants so the heat sensitive French Tarragon, Dill, and Chervil could be planted underneath the large leaves providing shade during the hot part of the day.

Companions use garden space efficiently. Vining plants cover the ground, upright plants grow up. Two plants in one patch. This is double edged use of companion and a short exception to this rule is although a vining plant is intended to "cover the ground" that may only be due to not thinking of using supports such as fencing, lattices, or overhead stringing to direct the "vining" aspect to a vertical aspect.

Example of this is cantaloupes or watermelons and having those plants trellissed up although only practical with certain watermelon varieties since the melons can get pretty heavy!

Companions prevent pest problems-Plants like onions repel some pests. Some plants repel insects, like marigolds, nasturtium, borage, thyme and oregano. Other plants can lure pests away from more desirable plants.
African marigold releases a chemical called thiopene which is a nematode repellent and these flowers are extensively used for companion planting. Santolina, also known as green or white lavender cotton, is a good insect repellent, especially for spinach and lettuce.
Thyme is a good protective border for the vegetable garden and repels fruit moths.
Keep ants away? Catnip, Mint, Onion, Peppermint, Spearmint, Tansy, Wormwood. Remember though in many situations ants are not harmful to the plants but may be undesirable to the gardener.
Slug repellent? Artemisia, Fennel, Garlic, Rosemary, Sage (Fennel is harmful to most plants especially beans, cucumbers and tomatoes) Opposite of this would be an attractant such as good ole Bud Light in a saucer. I chose Bud Light cause it's cheap and I can't stand it!!!:)
Geraniums repel cabbage worms, Japanese beetles, and leafhoppers so if you're planting corn, grapes, peppers or cabbage, geraniums are also beneficial.

Marigolds and Garlic have a reputation for repelling a number of insect pests such as Aphids and Carrot Root Flies. The Mexican Marigold, Tagetes minuta or Muster-John-Henry, is an annual which grows to about 3 feet (that is flower tip, not total plant height ). The roots have an insecticidal effect on nematodes and some effect on keeled slugs. Even better, furry varmints (such as deer, rabbits, woodchucks, voles, and squirrels) find them completely unpalatable, and neither insects nor diseases are a major problem.

Companions attract beneficial insects- The following plants, when sown near tomatoes are beneficial:

Basil - Probably the most widely used companion for tomatoes, basil attracts bees to aid in pollination, as well as repels whitefly, aphids and spider mites. Basil sprays are also thought to destroy these same pests, while some gardeners also believe that tomatoes grown near basil will also produce tomatoes with a basil tinged flavor. And of course, using basil as a companion also provides plenty of this lovely herb for your kitchen.

Nasturtiums - Thought to reduce the chances of fungal attack on your tomatoes and to also repel aphids and Green Shield beetles.

Stinging Nettles - Scientifically proven to dramatically increase the overall yield of tomato plants as well as to deter fungal disease.

Borage - Attracts beneficial insects.

Lemon Balm - Attracts beneficial insects.

Umbilliferae - A family which includes parsley, parsnips, carrots and others that attracts hoverflies which in both mature and larvae form feed on a wide host of tomato pests.

French Marigolds - Neither nematodes, nor whiteflies like marigolds, which makes them a wonderful companion for tomatoes, as well as others.

Thyme, Asparagus, Foxglove, Lavender and Garlic are also good companions to be intercropped with tomatoes.

On a final note, Rosemary, Potatoes, Kohlrabi, Fennel, Strawberries, members of the Brassica family (Cabbage, Kale, etc) and Dill should NOT be planted near tomatoes for these plants often attract pests which will attack tomatoes.

Every successful garden needs plants that attract the predators of pests - humans included:).

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Plant Propagation From Hardwood Cuttings

2010-07-23T15:05:00.001-07:00

Plant propagation is fun and easy. One of the easiest ways to propagate certain types of plants is by taking and rooting cuttings. Plant cuttings are parts of a parent plant that are severed and then placed in a rooting medium, such as peat moss, soil or water, until they root and can be replanted as a new plant. Growing from cuttings produces a very predictable product.

There are 3 types of wood cuttings for propagating your plant: softwood, hardwood and semi-hardwood. I think the terms are fairly self-explanatory. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring and early summer, before the shoots become woody and hard. Semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings are best taken late in summer, fall or early winter, from mature or last season's wood.

In this post, I'll just talk about hardwood cuttings. Most of the information is also applicable to semi-hardwood cuttings. Since we're coming into fall, this is a great season to get these started for next year's plantings. Hardwood cuttings are much more durable than softwood cuttings which is why hardwoods are the best technique for the home gardener.

All your cuttings should be collected from vigorous, healthy plants that are free of insect pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Take cuttings a quarter to three-eighths inch in diameter (about the diameter of a pencil or slightly larger), and generally four to six inches long. Look for a stem that does not have a flower or a flower bud. Remove the lower leaves, and cut off the stem about half an inch below the leaf node.

Hardwood cuttings are more difficult to root than softwood cuttings, and it may take two to four months for roots to form. The use of a rooting hormone will often ensure a better chance of your cutting rooting. Before you insert the cutting in the rooting medium, scarify the lower part of the stem and then dip it into the rooting hormone.

Hardwood cuttings generally will root successfully when inserted in garden soil in the open. Select a protected area, then keep an eye on them over the winter. Since hardwood cuttings are harvested in the least desirable growing season, they are slower to root, and often the percentage that will root is lower. However, don't give up on them too soon. I have had cuttings take up to 8 months to root! Come early spring, transplant them to pots or to their permanent home in your garden.

Another alternative that I use is to put each cutting into its own container of soil, and then bury the container to the rim in the garden. When the new rooted plant is ready to be moved to its permanent location, it will be less stressed, as the roots are contained, so disturbed less with replanting.

Some of the landscape plants and herbs that I have found easy to propagate this way are escallonia, lavender, ivy, rosemary, sage, roses and figs. I am enthused to try even more this fall. So this fall, propagate some of your leafy shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, by taking cuttings.

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Why You Should Be Using Natural Pesticides in Your Gardens

2010-07-16T16:20:00.001-07:00

Many farmers and gardeners use chemicals to kill bugs that harm their crops. These pesticides are an environmental and health hazard. Often local governments spray pesticides to combat mosquitoes and other insect infestations, and these sprays can drift... who knows where.

Understandably, we all want to protect our crops and maximize production. It shouldn't be at the expense of your health, the health of those who consume produce, or the purity of our water supply. The good news is there are sustainable practices to keep slugs and bugs off your garden fruits and vegetables.

Improve Your Soil

This may sound odd as a pest control, but if you have built up a fertile, loose soil, your plants will grow much more healthy. Healthy plants can more easily resist the devastation of insects and disease. When you do see insect or pest damage, if the pests are visible, just pick them off and destroy them. If not, give these other measures a chance.

Make Your Own Natural Pesticides

You probably have in your kitchen or home some of the ingredients for natural pesticides. For example, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper and dish soap steeped together and sprayed on some plants will protect against slugs and many bugs. Combat caterpillars, aphids, and several types of worms with a mixture of water and tobacco. Look for more recipes for natural pesticides online.

Garden Pest Deterrents

Slugs and snails can destroy your plants and flowers faster than you can say "slimy". You can deter them from getting near your precious plants in a variety of ways. They will have difficulty crossing a barrier of sharp gravel ashes and soot or broken eggshells or copper wire. You can set up a vertical barrier around plants with clear rigid plastic inserted on edge around a group of plants. Protect a group of plants by setting beer traps - containers filled with beer and set in the ground, with rims just above the surface. The slugs will crawl in and drown. Get rid of excess mulch and decaying leaves, as these are natural hiding places for slugs and snails.

Encourage Carnivorous Bugs

Ladybugs are wonderful for your garden. They eat aphids, scales, and mites. Many garden supply shops will sell them, or you can order them online.

Use Companion Plants

Finally, many plants work quite well to repel bugs from your garden. Plant marigolds among your vegetables. They look pretty and colorful, and also will repel nematodes, Mexican bean beetles, squash bug, thrips, tomato hornworms, and whitefly. Geraniums repel cabbage worms and leaf hoppers and mint repels ants and aphids, and the cucumber beetle. Plant garlic next to or beneath your rose bushes, and say goodbye to aphids.

What do pesticides do?

Pesticides (and there are well over 9,000 different acceptable pesticides approved by the FDA) have a number of health implications:

* Pesticides can be carcinogenic

* Pesticides can cause infertility

* Pesticides can cause neurological complications

* Pesticides can cause birth defects

And a whole lot more. Scientists are only beginning to understand the level of contamination already existing, and how pesticides are affecting our health, the health of our children and our planet.

You can reduce or eliminate pesticide damage by buying organic whenever possible, and by using natural pesticides when you grow your own fruits and vegetables. No one likes a bug-infested garden; however, it takes just a few simple steps to deter or eliminate them.

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Wonderful, Magickal, Mustika-Pearls Part 1

2010-07-12T16:15:00.001-07:00

Freaks and anomalies are found abound in Nature and her creations--if we would just look for them. "Mustikas" or "Magickal Pearls" having their origin in animals and plants are just some of Nature's curiosities hardly known or mentioned in the literature of the Occident, accept perhaps in faerie tales. It is different in the East, however. Pearls, other than those originating from oysters are mentioned in the Hindu scripture, "Sri Garuda Purana," where it explains the powers of several types of pearls derived from mammals, reptiles and even the natural conditions or specific events of Nature. In Indonesia, legends are found in which brave men died searching for these pearls--and when acquired they are treasured and valued as high as other family heirloom items such as kerises, spear heads, and other sacred objects. Almost all magickal stones mentioned in Arabian, Chinese, and other Eastern tales or legends actually refer to mustikas, or magickal pearls of an organic origin. Dragons, for instance, in Chinese lore, are known to guard pearls--these pearls are actually produced by them rather than acquired from some external source.

It would be appropriate here to explain the word "Mustika": it is from the Kawi language, of an old Javanese origin and translates as, "magick jewel," or "precious stone." Some Indonesian occultists use the word to refer to any magickal object or power. That most western occultists and shamans do not mention animal pearls or pearls originating from plants is quite unusual in itself. One would expect this knowledge to be universal, especially among aboriginal shamans in all parts of the world--yet we find that this is not--as far as we can tell (if anyone can offer us some info on this regard we would greatly appreciate it). In contrast, the shamans of India, China, and South-East Asia are always on the look-out for these occult objects as they hold great power and magickal virtues--powers and virtues often employed in magickal work, mystical rites, spiritual development, and occult healings. In the past, kings, ministers, and noblemen sought for them and paid handsome rewards for those able to acquire them--many have died trying. Unfamiliar with pearls of origin other than oysters, westerners approach the subject with a good deal of skeptism--even those involved in the occult are somewhat surprised at the possibility. This shows that a good deal of work and investigation still lies before the seeker and average practitioner of the occult from the Occident in the probings of Eastern Mysteries. We also still have to hear what open-minded zoologists and botanists have to say about these mustika-pearls.

In Indonesia, a shamanic specialist on the animal kingdom called a "pawang" is normally the one that goes looking for these objects in the jungles and wilderness. Sometimes magickal pearls are acquired in an occult manner directly from the faerie realms where they are guarded by elemental beings--often with considerable psychological struggle. Pawangs are those who speak the "language" of animals, birds and plants. The pawang would meditate and sleep in the wilds requesting Nature for her gifts in the form of mustikas. In dreams or while in the trance-state he is guided by the spirit-dwellers and guardians of the forests and jungles as to where mustikas may be acquired, and sometimes what he has to do in order to acquire them. He is almost always directed to caves, nearby lakes or streams and shown the cadavers or remains of animals or plants and trees where they are found. Animals are never hunted for their pearls, as shamans and pawangs respect them. Nevertheless, pearls are also sometimes found in animals being hunted for food by native huntsmen. It is said that it is the senior members of any animal species or those displaying exceptional qualities that yields mustikas.

Occasionally, ordinary people in a rural environment would have visitations in dreams by the regional spirits. These intelligences would direct someone to accept a special gift from Nature lying at a certain spot. These dreams are often found to be substantially true as the object is located--objects which are normally mustika-pearls.

Why are mustikas so highly valued? Magickal pearls are held in great regard not only because of their scarcity, and sometimes beauty, but also because of the power that resides in them. These pearls are formed with the help of elementals spirits--gnomes, elves, and other etheric beings of Nature. That etheric spirits help to form gems is not quite unknown in western occultism. In the fairy tale, "Snow White," for instance, we read of 7 dwarfs working in their "mines." From the esoteric perspective, they were actually not mining at all, but forming gems and crystals. Tales such as hens laying "golden eggs" possesses some truth if considered in the light of magickal pearls. There are many such golden eggs available. Elementals are Nature's handmaidens and are the hidden forces acting behind all phenomena and natural formations or creations. Elementals help "paint" the flowers and nourish them with prana and the necessary gases. Science calls the latter process osmosis, but behind the physical scene, in the etheric world, one may perceive fairies frolicking among plants, flying to and fro, entering and exiting the stem and leaves of plants taking the pranic globules from the air and into the flora.

Such similar work as the above are being done by elementals in the formation of mustikas. The difference with ordinary gems and crystals is that these elementals eventually make the pearl their dwelling place until released by the destruction of the pearl or for some other cause--thus sometimes we have genuine pearls without the elemental spirit present. Below we quote a paper, "Conversations on Occultism" by H.P. Blavatsky on elementals to give a greater insight on these beings (italics are ours) :

"Student.- If I understand you, an elemental is a centre of force, without intelligence, without moral character or tendencies, but capable of being directed in its movements by human thoughts, which may, consciously or not, give it any form, and to a certain extent intelligence; in its simplest form it is visible as a disturbance in a transparent medium, such as would be produced by 'a glass fish, so transparent as to be invisible, swimming through the air of the room,' and leaving behind him a shimmer, such as hot air makes when rising from a stove. Also, elementals, attracted and vitalized by certain thoughts, may effect a lodgment in the human system (of which they then share the government of the ego), and are very hard to get out.

"Sage.- Correct, in general, except as to their 'effecting a lodgment.' Some classes of elementals, however, have an intelligence of their own and a character, but they are far beyond our comprehension and ought perhaps to have some other name.

"Student.- Am I to understand that a clairvoyant or clairaudient has to do with or is affected by a certain special class or classes of elementals?

"Sage.- Yes. A clairvoyant can only see the sights properly belonging to the planes his development reaches to or has opened. And the elementals in those planes show to the clairvoyant only such pictures as belong to their plane. Other parts of the idea or thing pictured may be retained in planes not yet open to the seer. For this reason few clairvoyants know the whole truth.

"As to the moral character of elementals, they have none: they are colourless in themselves - except some classes - and merely assume the tint, so to speak, of the person using them."

It is the presence of these elementals in pearls that give them an extra feel of power. Normal gemstones and crystals do not have any elemental spirits dwelling in them unless willed by an occult practitioner; mustikas, however, do have an etheric being living in them as a matter of course. Lacking a spirit dweller, a mustika-pearl is still more powerful than an ordinary gemstone or crystal as it possesses the energies of the Guardian Group-Spirit or Intelligences (Animal Totems/ Plant Devas) of the animal/plant species embedded in it.

Some occultist believe that the beings living in mustikas are human spirits, but we feel this to be untrue. Human spirits do not return to dwell in animals or stones but live in the various realms of the astral and higher regions.

Elementals dwelling in pearls are not demonic; although some may be amoral. Some may assist the owner to gamble for instance--directed to do something negative by its master. The elemental would not know the difference between good and evil or the natural law of consequence. Elementals love to imitate human beings in clothings, names and titles. Thus, psychics of high-caliber have found that most elementals adopt the titles and names of saints and kings. These names and titles should not be taken too seriously, but when given by the elementals themselves, they do respond psychically to them. Acquiring the names and details of the elemental dweller is not an easy process, although once acquired and contact made with the pearl-intelligence, many things may be known about the origin of the mustika and its virtues. Yet, psychics who manage to contact the elemental spirit are probably 40-70% accurate in this matter. It should be noted that even without such knowledge, the powers and virtues of a magickal pearl may still be readily felt by those possessing it after a short period of time.

Undeveloped psychics may have trouble detecting and communicating with elementals. Interacting with human spirits and jinns may not pose a problem but elementals may sometime elude them. This is because elementals will not interact with humans that are spiritually unbalanced and have not harmonized their element psychologically within the psyche. For this reason, genuine mustikas or magickal pearls may be mistaken for fakes by psychics who know no better. Sometimes other factors fool people who think they know something about mustikas; two such factors are the color and form of a pearl. When shown a genuine pearl of a certain color and size, like one having its origin from a bamboo plant, for instance, they would search for further bamboo mustikas having only such characteristics--other genuine bamboo pearls of a different form and color would be labeled as "false." This is unreasonable as there is nothing in Nature that are exactly alike. Oyster pearls, as an example, come in various colors, sizes, and forms. Oyster pearls are not always round, they may come in pear-shape forms, as in tear-drops, and even flat pieces resembling angel-wings. We personally possess bamboo pearls as large as a chicken egg, red in color. We also have blue and green, and black bamboo pearls of diverse shapes and sizes. Not all of our stock are presented on our web-site. The pearls shown are merely representative of what is available. Those ordering mustika-pearls from us are not always given the exact same mustika as seen in the pearl-pictures--mustika-pearls are one-of-a-kind.

Descriptions from ancient texts as to the color and shape of a mustika do not tell the whole story as not enough pearls were found at that time to make a proper comparison or a true statement. To put it plainly, mustikas or magickal pearls of the same animal or plant origin do not always have the same color, size or form. They may appear as an unworthy object or as a thing of beauty--their appearance should not be too much of an issue for the magickal practitioner, for their true value lies in their occult nature.

In their natural state most mustikas have rough textures. It is only after being tumbled and polished do they give a lustre. It is actually in their natural state that one may see that a mustika is genuine as they are unlike any crystal or gem stone in their uncut, untumbled, and unpolished state. Sometimes natural objects such as a grass or part of an insect may be found embedded within them--these magickal pearls often possesses additional power.

Pearls may be tested by the layman whether they are genuine or fake using the finger test; however, this method is not conclusive--it does entail having some psychic sensitivity on the person testing it. The method is to hold a pearl with the right hand between the thumb and forefinger. Inhale and hold your breath, then feel the energy flowing along the arms to the heart. Exhale when you need to. Repeat the breathing cycle--the more you do this, the more definite will the energy be felt. The arm holding the pearl would feel intensely heavy at one point--this effect is generally not felt with ordinary stones and objects. You may test this for yourself should you possess a magickal pearl. Some people make a mistake of stating that testing every object makes their fingers tingle and thus feeling this as a result of holding a magickal pearl is of no import. This is fallacious, and is not the effect sought. This tingling is the result of the blood pulsation as the fingers are pressed against the hard surface of the pearl. What we are actually after in this experiment is to feel the subtle energy flowing into the arms--thus the pearl should not be held between the fingers too tightly. When the energy flows, it accumulates in the arm before reaching the body--this makes the arm intensely heavy. When one's subtle nadis or etheric nerves have been cleansed of psychic toxins and enlargened for a greater capacity of energy-flow, just holding a mustika-pearl for a few seconds is sufficient enough to feel the rush of the force.

In the days of yore, most men could only mention animal/plant pearls in their writings. Nowadays, magickal pearls are bountiful and readily available to a wider public--to those that seek them. The reason has partly to do with the Aquarian-Age that we find ourselves living in. It is, however, mainly because Nature wishes to offer humanity something that would help men embrace her and not destroy the platform where the other lower kingdoms have their place of evolution. Mustika-pearls are Nature's gifts to humanity, it connects us directly to the Spirit-Intelligences of the mineral, plant, and animal kingdoms.
As alluded to previously, the reality of mustika pearls are to be found in certain literature. Below we quote fully the summary/translation of the Sri Garuda Purana by the gemologist , Robert S. Brown, regarding this matter. The commentary in square brackets are ours:

"Besides (natural) oyster pearls there are seven other types [In fact, almost every animal specie and perhaps plant-life may produce pearls--although rare] found in conch shells, wild boar heads, elephant heads, king cobra heads, bamboo stems, clouds, and fish heads.

"Pearls from elephant heads, bamboo stems, boar heads, fish mouths, and conch shells are lusterless, even though possessed of other auspicious qualities [Not all crowns of animals are lusterless--some have clear crystalline-structures and do give forth a sheen; some bamboo pearls also have lustre]. Pearls from conch shells are usually the size of a large kona (the large end of a drum stick), and they possess a color similar to their host shell.

"Fish pearls are perfectly round and symmetrical. They possess a yellowish hue like the scales of the pathenam fish which often inhabit the mouths of deep sea whales [Again, not totally true, we have seen shark pearls white in color.]

"Boar pearls [we have this pearl available in our collection] are colored like a boar's tusks and are found only in remote parts of the world. Such pearls are auspicious symbols of the Varaha boar incarnation of the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.

"Pearls derived from bamboo appear like hailstones in color, and they are found only within bamboo that has grown in a region populated by religious people [Lots of bamboo pearls in our collection--they mostly come from Ujung Kulon, Java, which secret sources say is one of the remote places where the Indonesian Spiritual Masters regularly convene].

"Pearls from the cobra's hood are perfectly round, like fish pearls, and they radiate a natural effulgence. By repeated washing, a snake pearl becomes as lustrous as a polished sword blade. Anyone possessing such a naga-mani attains piety, rare good fortune, and eventually becomes illustrious as a leader of men, complete with a great collection of all precious gems [Cobra-pearls are not always round, they may also come in other shapes].

"Upon acquiring such a snake pearl, the owner should have the rite of installation performed by a priest who is learned in religious formalities. After hearing from the owner how the pearl was obtained and conducting the benedictory ritual, the priest should formally install the jewel inside the owner's house. On such an auspicious occasion, the sky becomes filled with dark and heavy rain clouds, thunder, and flashing lightning, such as exhibited at the time of universal dissolution. A man in possession of such a snake pearl will never be troubled by snakes, demonic beings, diseases, or disturbances in any form.

"Cloud pearls [this could possibly be a "dew pearl" or a variation], being naturally effulgent like the sun, illuminate the sky in all directions and dispel the darkness of cloudy days. Glowing brighter than the combined light of the moon, the twinkling stars, and fire, a cloud-born pearl dissipates even the darkest night exactly like the sunrise. A cloud pearl is so priceless that the entire earth, with her oceans filled with countless jewels and covered in layers of gold, would not be equal in value. Cloud pearls rarely reach this earthly world, because they are usually taken away by the demigods.

"Even a low born man would become supreme ruler of the entire world if, as result of some past pious actions, he were to come into possession of such a pearl. The appearance of such a man on earth who obtained a cloud pearl during his lifetime would bring good fortune not only to himself, but to the entire human race as well. No form of evil could even touch the land within an 8,000 mile radius of his birthplace."

THE "OTHER" PEARLS By Richard S. Brown, Gemologist (G.I.A.)

How do animal/plant pearls differ from ordinary gem stones and crystals? Mustika-pearls contain energies of the Totem Animal/Plant Spirit-Guardians (Power-Animals/Plant Devas) of the species under its care. During its construction, an elemental spirit appropriates these energies to actually construct every line of force within the pearl and to actually dwell within it after it is fully formed. The energies of the Totem-Animal/Plant Spirit and the presence of the elemental are the two occult factors that differentiates mustikas from ordinary crystals and gems.

Extraordinary mustika-pearls are sometimes found. These are the crowns and horns of animals that normally do not possess them. In this category are also the fossilized-eyes and other parts of animals and creatures. Crowns are normally lusterless as described in the Sri Purana Garuda. There are, however, crocodile-crowns that are crystalline in nature. Most crown-pearls come from snakes and centipedes. These crowns normally have a spiral, conic shape. Horns/crowns of animals such as horses (unicorn) and cats do exist, though they are scarce.

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A Quick Guide to Ten Medicinal Herbs

2010-07-11T07:10:00.001-07:00

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years, and in parts of the world they are still the only readily available treatment. Modern physicians argue that synthetic medications are superior to medicinal herbs, since they are believed to be free of impurities, are of known strength and effects, and are more stable.

What we should realize is that many of today's medicines have been derived from naturally occurring plants, where the efficacious ingredients have been isolated and reproduced synthetically. A common example is the familiar Aspirin. This procedure does not take into consideration the possible positive interaction of the many ingredients within the plant from which the medicine is derived.

Herbal remedies can be prepared in several ways; as infusions, decoctions and syrups, as compresses and poultices, or as oils, ointments and tinctures. The type of preparation depends on the herb and how it is to be used. Here are some of the most common and beneficial medicinal herbs, along with their soothing and healing properties, and how they should be prepared to use:

Aloe: Use the fresh gel from the leaves to soothe scalds, sunburns, scrapes and to prevent infection. Do not take it internally.

Arnica: Make a tincture from the flower heads, and apply it as a compress to soothe sore muscles and sprains. Not for internal use.

Calendula: Make a compress from the flowers to apply to stings, bruises, scrapes and burns. As an ointment, it has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects and effectively heals dry skin and promotes healing of wounds.

Dandelion: Make an infusion from the leaves or a decoction from the roots. Drink up to 3 times daily for its diuretic and laxative qualities.

Eucalyptus: Make an infusion from the leaves and inhale the vapors to relieve congestion and other cold symptoms.

Horehound: Make an infusion from the leaves and drink up to three times daily as an expectorant. It is efficacious in treating coughs, colds, and bronchial and lung congestion.

Peppermint: Make an infusion from the leaves to use an a decongestant, or to relieve an upset stomach.

Sage: Make an infusion from the leaves for cold symptoms and stomach upsets, and to aid digestion.

Thyme: Make an infusion from the leaves to relieve flu and cold symptoms.

Valerian: Make an infusion from the roots and take about one half cup to calm nerve, relieve insomnia and relieve headaches and menstrual discomfort.

Witch Hazel: Make a decoction from the leaves and bark and use it as a compress for aching joints, sore muscles, cuts, bruises and insect bites. It is useful to soothe diaper rash, external hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

This guide is for reference only. Consult a qualified herbalist for full information.

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The Pleasures of a Home Herb Garden

2010-07-09T17:45:00.001-07:00

Herbs have been used as curatives and flavorings for thousands of years. Early cultures found that their pungent flavors made food more palatable, that some would help heal wounds cleanly, and others ease pain and suffering. They were strewn on the floor to release their scents as people walked on them, or carried to disguise unsanitary smells. Early Greek doctors compiled and recorded their herbal remedies, and these became the foundations of all western medicine. Ancient Chinese, Indian and Egyptians also recorded and used herbs as medicine. Many of these same herbs are in use today by various cultures as their traditional medicines.

Throughout medieval times, herb gardens became important additions to homes and religious centers. Every housewife knew which herbs to use for home doctoring, preserving and cooking. Herbals were written, describing plants and stressing their virtues, both medicinal and superstitious. It is interesting to note how many of the medicinal herb constituents are part of medicines today.

Herbs, as we tend to think of them today, are plants that we use in cooking, for aromatic scents or perhaps to enhance our health. In the last few years, there has been a revival of interest in and appreciation of herbs. More and more people grow them for their beauty as well as their many other uses. Old favorites as well as familiar herbs are more readily available, both fresh or dried, and in plant nurseries devoted to herbs, as well as seed catalogs.

A special garden is not necessary to grow herbs. These accommodating plants grow successfully in pots on windowsills, in tubs on patios and balconies, or in back yards. Most people begin with culinary herbs, for their aromatic and flavorful foliage. If you want a culinary herb area, include some of those also with edible flowers and roots. All culinary herbs can be used fresh or preserved in some way.

Herbs can be perennials, living for several years; biennials which have a two year life cycle; or annuals which grow, reproduce and die in a single year. Some are small and compact plants, others as large as shrubs. Many have beautiful foliage and blossoms, and can be grown interspersed with your landscaping. Most herbs like a sunny location, with well drained soil, and you will find that most resist disease and insect infestations.

If you are just beginning your gardening adventure with herbs, a good way to begin is to purchase starter plants from a reputable nursery. You may only need one or two plants of each herb. You can grow these in containers, or transplant them outdoors to a suitable location. Some of the common cooking herbs should be planted from seed, notably dill, fennel, and coriander. You will generally find herbs quite easy to grow if you take the time to learn the requirements of the plants you decide to grow.

Everyone has their own reasons for deciding to grow herbs; to flavor food, for potpourris to scent their home, for refreshing and invigorating teas or tisanes, for health enhancement or to even to control garden pests. Herb gardens can be a separate specialized type, or you can grow a variety of herbs for different uses. Whatever your reasons for growing a home herb garden, you will enjoy the adventure, and reap the benefits for years to come.

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Stop That Foul Odor - Stop the Pests - History of Herb Strewing

2010-07-05T01:50:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Herb Strewing For Deodorizing, Protecting Health and Remembering Wedding Vows

In England there was an official profession called the "Royal Herb Strewer". This was a hand me down title derived over the centuries from the Romans who had similar positions for the presentation of the Emperor to the masses. One of the primary duties of the Roman Strewer was to lead the Emperor's entourage down the stone roads strewing herbs, generally rosemary, in front of the Emperor and his entourage. As the Emperor's entourage marched they crushed the rosemary and out wafted the "Imperial Scents" of the Emperor. Not only practical but one of the first uses of fragrance for marketing purposes!!.

The primary duties of the Royal herb strewer included distributing herbs and flowers throughout the royal apartments in order to mask the unpleasant odors of living in a city. The Royal family often had many residences within the city and the sanitation practices, or lack thereof, made the smells unbearable. Many herbs were used, along with straw for their aromatic and insect repelling properties.

Horses and other livestock were crucial to the Royal family. The stable areas would use straw for the absorbent properties and herbs such as pennyroyal for the insect repelling properties spread liberally throughout the stable areas. The animals were allowed an area to rest without the incessant insect biting and once the Royals were ready to move on the fleas and other insects would not attack them as they saddled on the horses or in the carriages.

Strewing herbs were used in all areas of the households, not only by the Royalty but also the common masses. The dining, kitchen and bedrooms were liberally strewn with herbs adding to the environmental enjoyment. Also since the masses often lived in houses with thatched roofs, it was important to keep the insects living in the roofs from venturing down into the home. Insect repelling fragrances would waft upward and the roof was not the best place for the insects to live. As the family members walked on the herbs in the home the fragrances were released and upwards they went, not only to the delight of the residents, but to the detriment of the fleas and ticks.

The attire of the day was often women wearing long, voluminous skirts that trailed behind them. Rather than having grass lawns it was common to have lawns liberally planted with thyme, Thymus serphyllum, and the long tails would pick up the essential oils on the dress after the lady had walked over the thyme and released the fragrant oils. The smell was rather pleasant, and some of the oils were captured and retained by the long dress prolonging the delightful scents.

The "planted seat" was also designed to scent clothing. It was created of carved stone and appeared much like a heavy church pew. The seat was hollowed out into a cavity about 6 inches deep and into this was packed earth planted with either chamomile or thyme. When a person sat down and crushed the plants, resulting oils soaked into breeches or skirts. The seat would be replenished as needed but did require high degree of maintenance to keep it watered and fertilized. Eventually potpourri would replace the "live planted seat" and the potpourri changed seasonally.

One of the common practices today of herb strewing is in weddings where once again rosemary is strewn, rather than rice. Of course the rosemary smells better but the real reason is the historical reason for rosemary, the herb of remembrance.

Remember those wedding vows!!!

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Add Easy-to-Grow Savory to Your Herb Garden

2010-07-02T14:20:00.001-07:00

Summer and winter savory are two of the most aromatic and easy to grow Mediterranean herbs that should be in everyone's garden. Both have hints of thyme and oregano, with just a little pepperiness. Traditionally these two plants were grown near bee hives, providing nectar for honey production. Both plants have small pale purple flowers that the bees love. They also are great companion plants, because their aromatic essential oils help mask the scent of other plants, making it difficult for pests to locate their targets.

Summer and winter savory are dissimilar in life cycle and appearance, so are usually grown separately. Summer savory, an annual herb, grows best in rich soil, full of humus and with good drainage, so is often grown along with vegetables in the garden. It can fit in at the ends of your rows of vegetables, where it will grow into a bushy plant about 18 inches tall. With its lanky stems and narrow leaves, it is not one of the most beautiful herbs. However, its texture will complement larger leafed annual herbs like basil. If you have a separate annual herb bed, plant it there, alongside basil, marjoram and parsley. Throughout the summer, harvest this herb as required, taking off the growing tips to encourage growth.

On the other hand, winter savory is a hardy perennial herb, surviving in areas with temperatures down to -20F. It appreciates a less fertile but well drained soil, and can handle a moderate drought. With needle-like foliage that covers the stems quite thickly, it will grow into a thick mound about 12 inches tall. This neat bushy growth habit it makes a good edging plant. It can be planted with other perennial herbs like thyme and sage, or with your low growing perennials like dianthus and thrift. It even works well in rock gardens.

Start summer savory from seed, indoors in early April. Don't cover the seeds, since they need light to germinate. The seeds will germinate quickly and the seedlings can be hardened off and planted outside when the weather is reliably frost-free. Winter savory is slow to germinate from seed, so you may find it more convenient to buy a healthy nursery plant or two. They can be transplanted into the garden in either spring or early fall. Once growing in the garden, winter savory is easy to propagate from cuttings or layering, and as it ages and becomes woody, it will need dividing.

Neither savory needs much maintenance if you have provided the proper growing conditions. They are seldom bothered by insect pests or diseases. Summer savory will love a watering with fish emulsion to kick start regrowth after harvesting, but winter savory will thrive quite nicely all summer with just a little compost top dressing each spring.

Both savories are easy to harvest and preserve. Harvest summer savory throughout the summer and fall, and if you are going to preserve it for winter use, do so just before the plant flowers, when essential oils are at their peak. Winter savory can be sheared any time, and the trimmings used right away or dried. Both savories are easy to dry, either in a dehydrator or by air drying. You can also remove the leaves from the stems and freeze them in bags. One other preservation method is to make a savory pesto by pureeing the leaves in a food processor with olive or safflower oil. Freeze the paste in ice cube trays, and pop the frozen cubes into freezer bags. You can then drop them into soups, stews or sauces.

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Get Rid of Gnats Today

2010-06-29T08:45:00.001-07:00

Do You Really Have Gnats?

The word "gnat" is used to describe a number of small, swarming, pesky creatures. These pests include non-biting fungus gnats, midges, biting flies, punkies and the always popular "no see um" insect of lore and fame. These annoying creatures relentlessly bother you with buzzing, bumping into your head, with a tenacious non-stop assault on your sanity. Gnats, however, can be controlled and repelled with a few simple remedies.

Slow Moving Gnats in Your House?

The fungus gnat and the related fruit fly are drawn to your home because it is a welcoming environment. Also known as vinegar flies, these gnats love the smell of rotten food, vinegar and overwatered plants. These gnats live for about four months and spend most of that time laying eggs for future generations of gnats. It is important to employ measures to get rid of gnats as soon as they appear in your house.

Can I Trap Indoor Gnats?

The fungus gnat can be trapped with an easily made home remedy using vinegar. Gnats and fruit flies are attracted to the smell of vinegar. Place some vinegar and sugar (dish washing detergent and vinegar also works) in a jar with a screw on cap. Punch holes in the cap like your childhood firefly jar large enough for the gnats to enter. Most gnats will not be able to get out and will drown in the vinegar. Several traps will work better than one. It's not the best smelling solution, but it is effective.

Keeping Indoor Gnats Away

Once you have made an attack on the existing swarm of gnats, you need to take steps to making your home less hospitable to them. Immediately discard of any food that has potential of being rotted, over-ripe or moldy. Check your garbage cans and the surrounding area to make sure no rotting food has accumulated in a corner. Your sink drain should also be checked thoroughly. Place any over-watered plants outside to dry out before returning them to an inside position.

Detestable Outdoor Gnats

These are the gnats that drive people crazy. These irritating, swarming, biting, annoying pests can really ruin an outdoor gathering. Other common terms for these insects are midges, biting flies, punkies and no see ums. DEET, the always outdoor companion, is an excellent way to repel them. Yes, products that contain DEET leave an unpleasant odor and a bit of a greasy feeling, but it really works very well. Citronella candles also deter gnats oo a lesser extent.

You Can Repel and Trap Gnats

You can trap and kill indoor fungus gnats and the related fruit fly with a simple homemade vinegar trap. It is important to do so before they lay their eggs. You should also eliminate any decaying and rotten food and check other areas that food may accumulate. Outdoor gnats, known by several other names, are virtually impossible to trap. The flying range of midges, biting flies and their like preclude a satisfactory trapping environment. It is best to simply repel these gnats with commercially available products containing DEET.

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Herbal Home Remedies From Your Kitchen

2010-06-28T03:25:00.001-07:00

I uncovered many forgotten secrets about herbal home remedies through conversations with my grandmother. Through her, I found out that herbal remedies have been used for many thousand years to treat a variety of health conditions. In fact, many of the secrets about their healing abilities are lost because they are not documented. Herbal home remedies can be easily found just lying along the side roads or growing in our garden. Deriving benefits from them can be obtained from including herbs in our diet.

Since the conversations, I've unearthed more about herbal home remedies by doing some research on them. Here are some herbs that can probably be found in your kitchen and that can also be used to heal you and your family:

1. Garlic. Garlic is a herbal remedy that is used in a lot of cooking. While garlic is usually used to add a distinct taste to your food, it has a much more powerful use. Many do not know that this is one of the herbal remedies that can be used as an antibiotic in your body. Garlic contains alliin, which is an antioxidant. However, when you crush or chop garlic cloves up, the alliin converts to allicin, which is an enzyme. These enzymes help to activate cellular activity required to fight off infection.

2. Rosemary. A herb that you normally marinate your chicken with is rosemary. But do you know that rosemary also contains healing properties? As a herbal remedy, rosemary is good as a stimulant and mild analgesic. It is also useful for those who suffer from frequent headaches and poor circulation. So don't forget to add a generous dose of fresh rosemary herb to your dishes next time.

3. Lemongrass. If you are into Asian cooking, like I do, then you probably would use lemongrass as one of the herbs. According to folk lore, known to my grandmother, it is often used because it has antibacterial, antifungal and fever reducing abilities. A check on the web also revealed that in Brazil, lemongrass is one of the most popular herb medications used for treating nervous disorders and stomach problems. People from the Amazon drink lemongrass tea as a form of sedative.
More studies are being looked into the lemongrass, which is said to help in stomach upsets, gas, bowel disorders and diarrhea as well as vomiting and fever. As a remedy for acne and pain, lemongrass is also being used by some people.

4. Another herbal remedy drink is cranberry juice. Through my grandmother and a search on the web, I realized that the cranberry is classified as an herb. Cranberry is a strong natural combatant of urinary tract infection because it stops bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. This makes it difficult for bacteria to multiply in the bladder.

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Herb Garden Information - Know This Or Know Nothing

2010-06-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

Herb Garden Information: How to grow

Popular herbs may either be bought, propagated or planted from seeds. Watching seeds germinate and grow does anyone's heart good and should be experienced by all gardeners. Almost like seeing a child grow in front of you, you are able to enjoy every step of the process. And nearly all herbs can be grown from a seed.

Herb Garden Information: Usage

Growing herbs as an essential inclusion in any type of modern garden can have many benefits to a gardener and householder; practical uses include:

Culinary
Aromatic
Medicinal
Beverages
Pest repellents
Decoration
Treats for pets (catnip)

Within these base categories are a host of uses, the scope limited more by imagination than practicality. Knowing more about the virtues of herbs will allow you to target certain types and avoid others as superfluous to your requirements.

Herb Garden Information: Types of gardens and growing

One of my friends practices growing herbs like bush basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary and chives on her kitchen windowsill. And yes - she is a great cook.

The eye-catching appearance and aromatic nature of many herbs has popularized their use in conventional gardens while plants such as lemon verbena are used either as a companion plant which is a natural insect repellent, for its aromatic properties or simply for the beauty of the plant itself. Herb gardens can be successfully grown in a section of your garden no larger than a double bed. Properly planned, such a garden should be sufficient to supply a household's normal daily usage. Unlike most other garden residents, herbs can be processed for storage, extending their utility throughout the year.

Herbs can be grown either with other types of plants, in a separate garden of their own or indoor/outdoor containers. Many herbs are referred to, rather charmingly I think, as 'companion plants'. This denotes their perceived ability to assist, protect or even improve the growth pattern or taste of the plant they are paired with, whilst repelling insects and diseases. However, that is a whole chapter in herb garden information - much of it learned by observation.

In general, seeds should be placed in a shallow pot or box in late winter and moved to their garden location in spring. Use light, well-drained soil. Many herbs can be grown in seed trays but not all take kindly to relocation; some types do better planted directly into the chosen garden location.

Another snippet of herb garden information you are not likely to hear too often is the fact that eventually you will find that the seedlings talk to you. Not in an esoteric way, though; for instance, I transplant coriander (cilantro) very successfully, but I don't really have a specific timing plan: the time just seems right. Most - but not all - herb seedlings have a high immunity to insects and pests if transplant timing is good. So get the timing right as soon as you can. You may have a few false starts but it won't take long to get in sync.

Many popular herbs have a shallow root base, so make sure not to smother the seeds in soil or planting medium. There is a simple rule of thumb with planting seeds: the smaller the seed, the lighter the covering.

Herb Garden Information: Position and preferences

Herbs like to make their homes in light, well-drained soil. Add organic matter to clay-streaked or clotted fine soil to achieve this. Fertilizers are less valuable than organic matter. As a rough guide remember that herbs prefer a sunny location although a few do like medium to full shade. (But you will learn all this as you go along; I did say that you had to do some homework) Many herbs will grow well with afternoon shade.

Herb Garden Information: Historical

One of the things we have in common with the Neanderthals is probably the use of herbs. Passages from many medieval and ancient tomes refer to the growing and processing of herbs as an everyday household task. Evidence of growing herbs for both medicinal and culinary use go back to before antiquity. We're talking about the cradle of man here.

So-called 'hedge witches' of medieval times were probably just women with a wealth of herb lore growing herbs in their gardens and collecting their stock-in-trade from hedges and fields around Britain and Europe. On the premise that any advanced technique is regarded as magic, they were probably held in awe when their willowbark and feverfew remedies actually eased pain. Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) comes from willowbark. Those old biddies could have given us all a lesson in herb garden information and how to best utilize herbs for healing. What a pity our mindless ancestors persecuted so many and burned them in a religious frenzy.

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The Myth of Genetic Diseases

2010-06-24T19:55:00.001-07:00

There is a general misconception, fueled by a lot of pseudo-scientific nonsense, that most modern diseases are caused by "genetic" deformities.

If that were true, however, why is this problem suddenly exploding onto the scene only now, but was never a problem for past generations?

Something is clearly not completely genuine about this proposition.

To paraphrase Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain): A hurtful truth has no value over a hurtful lie. Neither should be uttered. The man who speaks a hurtful truth, thinking to save his own life, should stop and think; that sort of life is not worth preserving.

Neither is it worthy living a lie, yet that's just what science fiction, posing as science fact, would have you do.

The great deception of evolution -- despite no real convincing evidence of it in nature or the fossil record (How many people on 9-11 faced with the choice of death sprouted wings and flew away unharmed?) -- was just the beginning.

Now an entire generation has been trained to look upon scientists as "saviors" who will solve all our modern ills, even while they busily create new and worse ones every day.

Genetic research, in particular, has become the new "holy grail" of scientific inquiry and tampering.

Once upon a time, in the thirties and forties particularly, radioactivity was thought of in the exact same light, with all manner of admittedly "miraculous" properties being ascribed to it.

You wouldn't know it from recent movies on the comic fiction "hero" based on a poisonous insect, but the story line originally -- as late as the early sixties -- was that the spider was radioactive, the same thing credited with creating another more monstrous but just as popular comic book, TV and movie fiction a lot more hulkish in nature.

At one time, in those days just after the assassination of president Kennedy, as a junior high school student, I wrote and drew my first and only comic book, the main character of which received super powers from a similar accidental exposure to a nuclear bomb test.

The reality of radiation poisoning, sickness and death never occurred to my immature mind, so steeped as I was in the mythic lore of pseudo-science taught and encouraged from every quarter in the decade of the space race.

Gamma rays, another form of solar radiation, was even credited with creating a certain phantasmagorical foursome in yet another comic book fiction of pseudo-scientific nonsense.

As I grew up I discovered many of the flaws in what was seriously taught as "science fact," and by my senior year of high school -- the year men supposedly walked on the moon for the first time -- I was giving lectures before my earth science class on the impossibilities of evolution and proofs exposing it as among the biggest hoaxes ever perpetrated upon a gullible and eagerly receptive public.

You may well have a genetic predisposition to illness affecting one bodily organ or system over another, but this has absolutely nothing to do with the cause of the disease, which is invariably either some form of malnutrition, toxic poisoning, or environmental contamination.

Obesity, for instance, like heart disease or diabetes, runs in families that have the same dietary customs, learned and indulged by habit from childhood and rarely changed or altered in adulthood.

My own pre-diabetic hypoglycemic condition -- following the same diet as my parents and grandparents (both parents and maternal grandfather became diabetic), and my siblings, several of which also became diabetic -- cleared up over forty years ago and never returned, after I drastically overhauled my lifestyle and diet.

The only thing "genetic" about this condition was how the bad diet I once had affected my body at its weakest "link."

It's remarkable how easily I changed and avoided this "genetic predisposition" to diabetes, by simply changing my outer and internal environments for the better.

There is even recent evidence that electropollution, or dirty electricity emitted by electrical power lines, some computers, cordless and mobile phones, compact fluorescent lights, and even treadmills, can cause what Dr. Magda Havas (Trent University, in Peterborough, Canada) has labeled Type 3 diabetes (Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine).

Basically some people's genetic makeup (and most likely diet also) predisposes them to being sensitive to electropollution from dirty electromagnetic fields (EMFs) -- even from devices plugged in near them -- which causes a diabetic spike in blood sugar levels.

Apparently the spike in blood sugar, other than strictly dietary in source, may be caused by the effect of electromagnetic pollution on the pancreas, by lowering its production of insulin, or possibly on insulin's ability to deal with blood sugar properly.

This should not come as any surprise, considering the fact that the cells of your body all communicate with one another by means of minute electrical impulses, often in the microwave range.

It stands to reason, therefore, that certain levels of electropollution smog can have an adverse effect on whatever systems of your body are most susceptible to this pernicious but mostly hidden influence.

Electromagnetic radiation can also adversely effect your heart rate, estrogen and adrenaline levels, hormone balance, can damage your DNA, and causes stress that can result in cancer as well.

Statistics are just now beginning to trickle in linking long term cordless and cell phone usage with brain tumors, just as electric blankets and even alarm clocks plugged in and situated near where you sleep have also been implicated in increased risks of developing fatal cancers.

It has been long known -- for more than thirty years that I am personally aware of -- that high tension power lines are linked to a higher than average rate of leukemia and other forms of cancer in children.

Radar from airports and military bases has been shown to cause high cancer-incidence locales in those living within the range of these facilities, just as children of radar operators also have a statistically significant higher incidence of leukemia.

I know about this first hand, because my dad used to work for the FFA (Federal Flight Administration), before it became the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), and one of his co-workers had a son about my age, I used to play with, who died of leukemia.

This is especially interesting, considering the fact that the children themselves are not exposed to the radar. Only their fathers are exposed on a daily basis, who then apparently develop a genetic abnormality as a result of this exposure, which is then passed onto their children in the form of a predisposition to this particular form of cancer.

Little wonder, as most of science spins its wheels looking in the wrong direction of the chimera called genetics, that no progress is being made toward discovering either the direct causes of the virulent diseases running rampant in our age, much less any actual cures.

Monkeying around with the genetic code, splicing in genes from species entirely foreign to a plant, animal or human, can only have unforeseen adverse effects, some of which will threaten the existence of all life on earth if not halted in time!

Amazingly, when you consider how evolution-tainted science today so despises anything smacking of religion, this was all prophesied long ago:

"For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now -- and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened" (Matthew 24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20).

Science comes from the Latin word scire, to know, meaning: "knowledge."

Though some of that knowledge is good, a lot of it is pure evil (witness all the terrorist weapons of mass destruction now threatening to exterminate all life on earth hundreds of times over).

Science is the path mankind took when it first sinned, choosing the fruit of the tree of the knowledge (science) of good and evil over the tree of life (Genesis 3).

One of the worst mistakes of pretentious science today is the entire myth of genetic-caused diseases, and the false "savior" hope in genetics to somehow "save" us from ourselves.

Only once mankind is finally forced to turn its collective back on genetic manipulation and experimentation will society finally learn the incredible truth, that we truly are our own worst enemies, and that worshiping before the monstrous altar of modern science (industrial, military and especially medical and pharmaceutical) is what has been largely responsible for the explosion in so many deadly diseases in recent history.

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Maintaining Your Greenhouse

2010-06-23T18:55:00.001-07:00

The closed environment of a greenhouse is not only a good climate for growing plants, it also is a good place for disease and pests to flourish. Keep a close watch for any problems so you can nip them in the bud. Proper sanitation is essential, and the following ten practices will ensure your greenhouse stays a clean and healthy environment for your plants.

Keep the inside and outside of the greenhouse clean. Cut down any surrounding grasses or weeds outside, as they harbor insects and pests. Remove any dead leaves or fruits that your plants drop to avoid mold and mildew starting.

Provide a healthy environment for your plants. Use rich soil to supply plants with nutrients. Water regularly but do not over water your plants or their roots will rot. Provide good ventilation to remove stagnant air. Screen the windows and vents to prevent insects from entering.

Inspect new plants. Before you place a new plant in the greenhouse, inspect it for insect infestation or disease. Both will spread rapidly in the closed environment. Have a separate spot where you can hold new plants for a week or so, to make sure they are clean.

Remove any problem plants. Any infestation, disease or insect, can quickly spread to other plants. Remove the plant and treat it.

Clean plants regularly. Remove any dead leaves from the plants. Dead leaves are a breeding ground for disease and pesky insects.

Space your plants. Overcrowded plants prevent air from circulating well and stagnant air encourages diseases to start and spread.

Disinfect tools and pots. When you are reusing plant pots, wash them thoroughly and use a disinfectant rinse. It's a good idea to disinfect your tools as well, especially if they have been used with diseased plants. A 10 percent bleach solution is a good disinfectant.

Water early in the day, and never over water your plants. Keep water off the foliage.

Use a clean hose. Don't let your hose or sprayer end touch the soil or the plants. It can easily pick up spores or disease and spread it to the plants.

Use the down season to clean and repair. Go through your shelves and check supplies. Reorder any supplies that are low. Clean and sharpen the tools. Scrub out the pots and clean the hoses and nozzles. Check weather-stripping around the door. Wash the glazing and the shelves, and get rid of any weeds. Check the roof for damage, and make sure the automatic vents are working properly.

Implement these ideas throughout the year and then do an annual maintenance check to revitalize your greenhouse, leaving it fresh and ready for a new year of growing.

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Tornado Preparedness - The Six Keys to Safety

2010-06-22T18:05:00.001-07:00

The US has more tornadoes than any other area on the globe. We get them in the spring, as weather changes in the fall, when summer storms hit, and as byproducts of hurricanes. Though the Midwest is known as "tornado alley," there's really no place in the country that's immune. Add to this the fact that hurricanes and severe thunderstorms can produce directional winds nearly as destructive as the vortex of a twister, and it's easy to see that we need additional preparedness info beyond "duck and cover."

We're going to cover the six main areas of tornado preparedness that will help you before, during, and after a tornado or heavy storm strikes. Appropriately, we'll use the acronym S.T.O.R.M.S.:

Shelter - Strengthen your home and know where to find expedient shelter.

Time - Increase your chances of getting the early warning.

Others - Safety and protection involves the whole family and communicating with others.

Resources - You'll need everything from immediate supply to good insurance.

Medical - Help yourself now to save the injured later.

Sweeping Up - Tips and tricks for dealing with the aftermath.

Shelter

Severe storms with driving rain, possible hail, and projectiles hurled by strong winds offer extreme dangers from which we need to protect ourselves. The best protection would be a steel-reinforced concrete safe room located in the basement of a structurally sound building. Lacking that, let's look at a few things you should do now:

Reinforce your house. There are simple things we can do to greatly strengthen our homes. Ask your local home-supply store rep about angle brackets, strapping, and techniques to install them to make your roof, walls, and connection to the foundation stronger. Also, do an internet search for "hurricane retrofit" (including quotes) to find additional instruction. One such source is from the Institute for Business and Home Safety at http://www.ibhs.org/publications/downloads/128.pdf.
Create a safe room or area within your home. The general rule of thumb is to pick an area near the center of your house and below ground if possible or at least on the lowest floor. Consider these points:
Ø Turn your walk-in closet into a safe area. Remove the sheetrock from walls and ceiling, add extra wall studs held in place with screws, strapping, and angle brackets, and then replace the sheetrock with one or two layers of ¾" marine plywood held in place with structural adhesive and screws. Finish and paint the walls and you'll never know it was retrofitted. Ø For some online sources of "safe-room construction" do an internet search or see:

· National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/pdf/building_safe_room.pdf.

· The University of Missouri has a detailed "Storm Shelter Pack" available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/webster/security/Storm_Shelter_Packet-2007-03-05.pdf.

Ø If you live in a mobile home, your best bet for safety would be a storm cellar. One simple and relatively inexpensive way to make a storm cellar is to have a septic tank company install a clean new unit in your yard, but leave about a foot above the ground. You can build a strong cover over that and use it as an outdoor deck, or as the foundation for a storage shed.

Ø Some locations might reimburse you for building a safe room. Check with your tax assessor, county extension office, insurance provider, insurance commissioner, or local emergency management office.

Learn the "safe points." When a tornado strikes you might be at home, but it's more likely you'll be at work, out running errands, or on a trip. Learn to recognize all the locations that will provide protection. Does the building you're in have shelters? For example, in the Denver Airport, the restrooms are designated tornado shelters. Does the building have a basement? Are you on the road? How far are you from a known safe building, or from a deep ditch?
Time In emergencies, our most important asset is time. The two best ways to gain extra time in weather emergencies are to prepare now, and to get as early a warning as possible that severe weather is heading your way. If you wait for your community's alert sirens, you've waited too long.

Buy a Weather Alert Radio. Not only do they warn you of inclement weather, but the system is now being tied in to the regular EAS system to warn you of other emergencies.
Sign up for an alternate alert service such as the Weather Channel's "Notify" which can be found on their website. Hint: When you get the warning, take action! Don't do dumb things like videotaping the tornado.
Learn the indicators of severe weather. The Weather Channel and others such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at http://www.noaa.gov, have educational information that will teach you how to spot incoming severe weather. Some "symptoms" may include:
Ø A large anvil-shaped thunderhead cloud or a thick, very dark, cloud cover with a pea-soup consistency. Ø Hail or, in some cases, unseasonable snow.

Ø Green lightning (as lightning flashes behind clouds heavily laden with water).

Ø A sudden change in humidity, wind direction or wind speed, rain volume, or rain direction.

Ø A sudden change in air pressure (your ears may pop).

Network with others. Sometimes our friends and coworkers are our best early warning system. Develop a phone tree or at least a general agreement among friends and relatives that you'll warn each other about dangers in the area.
Others There are two sets of "others" you might deal with in concert with a severe storm. One is your family and the other is first responders. Communicate with your family both now - to prepare for a tornado - and later in the event a tornado watch or warning is given. You also may need to communicate with first responders if you experience injury or certain types of property damage that requires official assistance. Consider:

Tornado drills. Emergency reactions are worth practicing. Have your family practice getting into the safe room and into a safe position ("duck and cover") within 30 seconds or less.
Protect your pets. On warning of severe weather, round up your pets, put them on leads or in carriers, and take them to your safe area. If your house is damaged in the storm your pets are more protected and easier to care for afterward. Hint: You can train your pets to head to the safe room on command. Your vet can give you some training pointers.
Communication and signaling may be vitally important if your home is damaged and/or someone sustains injury during a tornado. For example, though everyone might be uninjured, you may be trapped in the debris that was once your home and need someone to dig you out. In addition to your house phone and cell phone, have backup options like a hand-held two-way radio, and something that can make a loud noise such as an air-horn. Also, make sure your neighbors know you have a safe room in the house, or storm cellar in your yard. They can tell authorities where to look if no one has heard from you.

Resources In a disaster, you'll need goods, gear, or services to help you deal with the event and then recover afterward. Make sure you have adequately covered each of the following areas:

Make sure your insurance policy covers all types of natural disaster including water damage from rain or flood since many policies have strict exclusions. Also, make sure your policy will provide for the costs of temporary lodging and the full replacement value for your property and possessions.
Keep your isolation and evacuation supplies together in a protected spot where you can access them immediately, or where they'll be protected if your home is damaged while you're away.
Make a list of services you might need after a tornado, such as cleanup and repair services or temporary lodging. Look through your phone book to find services like tree-cutting and debris removal, structural home repairs, automotive repairs, lodging, etc. Write their contact information down and keep it with your emergency kits so you can call these services immediately after a disaster to get your name on their lists.

Medical We're hoping that all the advice above has kept you safe in the event of a tornado. However, we know things do happen and people get hurt. Cover the following, just in case:

First aid training is important for every family regardless of the threat, so learn the basics of general first aid and CPR. Next, talk with your doctor about first aid measures for specific ailments. For example, if someone in your family has Asthma and they have an attack, what are some things you can do to care for them if you can't immediately get to their inhaler or medication?
First aid kits are a must and families should have several and not just one. The main kit should be kept in the home, but smaller kits should be kept in each automobile and at your workplace.
Copies of medical information should be kept at home. After a destructive event there's no guarantee your family doctor will be available or that the hospital's computers will be functional. In case of injury, medical practitioners will need to know a general medical history of the injured. Keep a list of ailments, conditions, special medical needs, and current medications of each family member (including pets). Remember, even though you're the head of household and you know all that information, you may be injured and unable to communicate.

Sweeping Up All destructive events have at least one thing in common; they're going to create quite a mess. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while cleaning up:

Though you might think the power is completely out, stay away from downed power lines.
Stay alert to the hissing sound of a broken gas line or the smell of gas.
Dress for the weather, but still dress to protect. Wear sturdy shoes or boots (and watch out for boards with nails), a hat and sunscreen, insect repellant, and heavy work gloves. The hospitals will be too full of major injuries to deal with the minor injuries you could have prevented.
Physical labor after a stressful event can be quite taxing. Drink plenty of fluids, eat regularly, and take periodic breaks.
Here is where you'd need your list of professional cleanup services. Call as soon as possible.
In the case of total destruction, your property itself will be a trash pile. Therefore, use your main trashcan as a receptacle for the items you want to salvage. Label it accordingly so no one throws away its contents. Hint: Take photographs or video of all the damage for insurance purposes.
It's possible that your valued possessions might be strewn about the neighborhood. It'll be easier to have things returned if your name is written or engraved on them. If you don't want to use your name, use a unique identifier such as the first phone number you can remember from childhood. Hint: Never use your Social Security Number.
Though this article is longer than average, there is still no way we can pass along all the helpful hints and tips that will keep you safe in an emergency and help you recover afterward. Do what you can with the information presented, and continue your education on your own. The steps you take to protect yourself against tornadoes will help protect you and yours during any number of other disaster preparedness scenarios. Stay safe!

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Praying Mantis Pagoda(R)

2010-06-21T17:10:00.001-07:00

Praying Mantis Pagoda(R) Review

I actually bought 2 of these. My grandson already had his eggs and in now waiting for them to hatch. He is very excited by this since he loves science and nature. I bought the second one for my husband and we are waiting for the eggs now. I can't wait for spring to put these in my garden. They are better than pesticides for your roses!

Praying Mantis Pagoda(R) Feature

Real live Praying Mantis egg
Hanging Asian theme habitat
Learn the life cycle of the famous insect
Includes easy to follow instructions
Recommended for ages four and up

Praying Mantis Pagoda(R) Overview

Orient your learners to the life cycle of the mantis as you watch anywhere from 75 to 200 nymphs hatch from a live egg case in the adorable Asian-themed habitat. Special hanging mantis-hatching platform makes care easy. Egg cases available mid-January thru April with redeemable coupon (plus .00 shipping and handling). Ages 4 yrs. +.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

Seasonal and supply is limited - Nelson Grimes - West Bloomfield, MI United States
I bought this for my kids in May, thinking that they would have all summer to watch the mantids hatch and release them. When we sent away for the egg sack, we found that the supply was gone for the year and we would have to try again in January. I think that is an awful long time to wait for a child. When we sent the coupon in January we did get the egg sack, but I have heard other reports that these sell out as early as February or early March. Be prepared for long delays if you miss the window.

mantis pagoda - D. Lynch -
the pagoda works well for its purpose, hatching and viewing mantis babies. I wish it had two sections so we could raise more than one, it seems large enough.....

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 21, 2010 17:10:12

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Folklore With Regards To Fruit Therapy

2010-06-20T17:05:00.001-07:00

Potato: There was an Irish proverb: Be eating one potato, peeling a second, have a third in your fist and your eye on the fourth.

Spinach: In ancient times, spinach juice was used as a cure for conjunctivitis and defective vision; a cure for anemia, weakness and low vitality.

Carrot: In medieval times, it was believed that carrot juice improves eye sight; it was also used as a cure for loose teeth; bleeding gums, anemia, scurvy and rickets.

Beet root: In dark ages, beet juice was used for dissolving fibroid tumours in the uterus, in the bones and in the stomach. Its juice was also used as a cure in fevers, bronchitis, cough and cold.

Tomato: Tomato is neither a vegetable nor a fruit but botanically it is considered a berry. In ancient times, half-ripe tomatoes were used as a remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. It was also called 'love-apple'.

Cabbage: In ancient times, cabbage juice was used as a cure in gastric or peptic ulcers. Its juice was found to be very useful in all sorts of stomach or liver troubles. For this reason, ancient people ate only boiled cabbage with salt.

Margosa: In dark. ages, margosa (neem) leaf juice was used as a cure for fevers, skin diseases and boils.

Holy basil (tulsi): In ancient times, holy basil leaf juice with honey and liquorice was used as an effective remedy in malarial fevers, bronchitis, cough and cold.

Pumpkin: In medieval times, pumpkin seed were used as a cure for prostate gland disorders, impotency, sterility and leucoderma.

Peppermint: In dark ages, peppermint oil was used as a cure for flatulence, nausea and gastralgia.

Rhubarb (pies): In ancient times, rhubarb root juice was used as a purgative.

Apple: In medieval times, apple juice was regarded as a cure for anemia, low vitality, and general debility. Ancient people believed in the proverb: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Fig (dumur): In ancient times, figs were used as an effective remedy for menorrhagia, diabetes and sore throat.

Anise: In medieval times, the dried seeds of the anise plant were used to relieve flatulence and were considered as a remedy for worms, stomachache,

vertigo, giddiness and nausea. They were also used to increase the breast milk of nursing mothers.

Cherry: In ancient times, it was believed that six cherry kernels a day prevented the formation of kidney stones. It was also used as a cure for appendicitis.

Cloves: In medieval times, the dried, aromatic immature flower buds of the evergreen clove tree were used as a breath sweetener, a comfort for the heart and stomach; a remedy for nausea, colic, flatulence and diarrhea.

Ginger: In ancient times, raw ginger was used as a breath sweetener; an aid to digestion; a cure for toothache and bleeding gums, and as a strengthening agent for loose teeth and weak eyes.

Black-pepper (kalajira): In medieval times, the black-pepper was used as a cure for toothache. It was also used as a preventive drug in blood dysentery, scarlet fever, small-pox, leprosy, typhus, cholera and plague.

Garlic: Ancient people believed that garlic was a powerful charm against evil eye, demons, witches and vampires. In ancient Rome, the garlic was dedicated to Mars, the god of war. Medieval people used garlic as a cure for heart-attack, cancer and tumour. Garlic was believed to be sure remedy for all sorts of ailments in the body. It was also regarded as 'heal-all' vegetable. Externally garlic juice was applied to insect bites, scorpion stings, and even to dog bites. In old age, it would be very difficult to keep the body fit and active by drugs. If one takes a few cloves of fried garlic daily and a glass of musumbi juice the morning, one will remain free from all sorts of diseases. Medical experts gave us this valuable advice.

Onion: In ancient times, onion was used as an effective cure for insomnia, sunstroke, heat-stroke, headache, and travel sickness. Externally its juice was applied to insect bites and scorpion stings.

The ancient people used to eat raw onions at supper time in order to get sound sleep. If anyone eats fried garlic at supper time, he will surely get a very sound sleep.

Bitter-gourd (karela): In ancient times, raw bitter gourd juice was used as an effective remedy for diabetes, eye troubles, jaundice, skin eruptions, liver troubles and stomach disorders.

Lady's finger (dheras, bhindi): In ancient times, raw lady's finger was used as remedy for impotency,' sexual frigidity, sterility.

Musumbi (lime): In medieval times, musumbi was regarded as a 'miracle fruit'. They treated this fruit as a 'heal-all' fruit. Musumbi juice was used as a very effective and sure remedy in diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, diabetes,

cirrhosis of liver and all sorts liver troubles. It was also used as a specific remedy for heart-attack and thrombosis. Musumbi juice was also used as a sure remedy for anemia, fever, bronchitis, general debility, small-pox, prostate gland disorders, kidney disorders and uterine troubles. Ancient people treated this fruit as all-purpose medicine.

Sabeda: In ancient times, sabeda was used as a cure for anemia, general debility, low vitality, lassitude, general weakness, headache, and travel sickness. They believed that this fruit was a sure remedy for impotency, sexual sterility, frigidity, etc.

Orange (narangi): In olden days, orange juice was used as an effective remedy for fever, bronchitis, cough and cold, low vitality, lassitude, general debility, anemia, general weakness, impotency, sterility, kidney disorders and prostate gland disorders.

Lemon (nimbu): In ancient times, lemon was regarded as a miracle fruit. It was used as.an effective remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, cirrhosis of liver, diabetes, dropsy, and intestinal troubles. It was also used as a cure in eye troubles and kidney disorders.

Plantain (kela): In medieval times, green plantain flower (mocha) juice was treated an effective remedy for menorrhagia. Boiled green plantain was regarded as an effective remedy in diarrhea and dysentery.

Liquorice (jastimadhu): In ancient times, liquorice with honey and ginger was used as a powerful remedy in fevers, bronchitis, cough and cold.

Tamarind (imli): In medieval times, ripe tamarind pulp was used as a remedy for loss of memory, bilious vomiting, loss of appetite and travel sickness.

Papaya: In ancient times, ripe papaya was used as an effective remedy for all sorts of stomach troubles. Green papaya was used as a vegetable in diarrhoea and dysentery.

Marmelos: In ancient times, ripe marmelos was used as a cure for diarrhea and dysentery. A few slices of marmalade of marmelos will be very useful in diarrhea and dysentery.

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Certificate for Live Butterfly Garden

2010-06-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

Certificate for Live Butterfly Garden Review

I am not sure what happened with the other reviewers, but I purchased the whole kit as a gift for a great niece last spring.By carefully following directions she ended up with six very healthy butterflies that were released into her yard. She now can't wait to do it again this spring.

I recommend this kit highly. It is a great educational experience.

Certificate for Live Butterfly Garden Overview

This certificate is redeemable for the live caterpillar unit that completes the Butterfly Garden and other live butterfly kits.Once mailed, you'll receive 3 to 5 Painted Lady caterpillars and food, full instructions and butterfly facts. Order as a refill for the Butterfly Garden or Butterfly Pavilion, or if you simply want additional butterflies to really fill your habitat with wonderful wings!Makes a great stocking stuffer for those who want to repeat the fun of butterfly raising.**Please note: You are not going to receive live butterfly larvae, you must mail or fax your certificate in to receive your butterfly larvae.**

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

Look for another vendor - MaryAnn -
The caterpillars are an excellent gift - my niece loves them; however, I strongly recommend finding another vendor. When you order the butterfly garden you have to open the box to get out the certificate and mail it back with money for S&H in order to receive the butterflies. Based on comments by others I thought I was planning well ahead when a month before my niece's birthday I order this certificate separate from the butterfly garden so I could purchase the caterpillars in advance and avoid some of the problems others described. However, it took almost two weeks for the certificate to arrive. Then I had to fax it back to them to order the caterpillars and it took more than two weeks for the caterpillars to arrive. When I called to complain about the shipping time, their customer service rep - Jamie - told me "that's why we tell you it takes three weeks" and when I pointed out that no where in the materials I received with my certificate did it say three weeks she had no explanation. After my experience with them, I will not order from them again and have since discovered that there are plenty of biological supply companies with competitive prices that have moved into the 21st century and allow you to order the caterpillars directly online and that will delivery them overnight or two-day shipping. Do your research first - the butterfly garden itself is cute and worth the but order the butterflies elsewhere.

Costly to get more - Kimberly Mcnamara - Chicago, IL USA
I love this product and idea...The problem I have is that the butterflies on their own are alot of times more expensive than ordering the whole kit with the big net, etc. For example; right now the butterfly garden is only .00 and comes with the certificate for 5 butterflies yet if you want to just get more butterflies; it costs and you don't get the whole garden with them so it's better to just order another garden! I also ordered the pavillion for and it came with a certificate for 10 butterflies yet to order 10 butterflies alone; it comes to !!! So again, makes more sense to order the entire butterfly pavillion again then just the butterflies. I do love this item though as does my son and now I have friends and other family members who are ordering them as it is really cool. I just wish ordering just the butterflies was cheaper than having to keep ordering the whole kit each time you wanted to get more.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 19, 2010 17:00:25

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Insect Lore Critter Carnival

2010-06-18T16:55:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Critter Carnival Review

Insect Lore Critter Carnival Feature

This amusement park for bugs is the ultimate bug playground
Features and extra-large built-in magnifier lid
A great observation habitat for ladybugs, pillbugs, grasshoppers
The live insects are not included
Watch them play and perform in the zany carnival bug-play area with slide, swing, maze, tightrope, Ferris wheel and teeter totter

Insect Lore Critter Carnival Overview

This amusement park for bugs is the ultimate bug playground! Find some bugs and watch them play and perform in the zany carnival bug-play area with a slide, swing, maze, tightrope, Ferris Wheel, and teeter totter. Then let them go after the show. Escape proof domed habitat provides 360 degree views and features an extra larvae built in magnifier lid. A great observations habitat for ladbugs, pillbugs, grasshoppers..... it's the insects' own one-ring circus!

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 18, 2010 16:55:09

Diamond Ring

Insect Lore Ladybug Land

2010-06-17T15:15:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Ladybug Land Review

My 5-year old daughter and I just released our adult ladybugs into our yard this morning. It was a wonderful experience, from start to finish! Our first batch of ladybug larvae didn't seem to be doing very well, so I called Customer Service and they quickly shipped out another batch of larvae, which was much appreciated. We ended up with approximately ten ladybugs growing to maturity and it was pretty fascinating. The dome lid sits very loosely on top of the Ladybug Land, so I put two pieces of scotch tape on each end so little fingers wouldn't knock it off by accident. The larvae and ladybugs would hardly move until I shone a light on them while observing, so if you want some action, this seems to wake them up. Then they scoot all over the place! Two of our ladybugs were having an "intimate moment" this morning as we went to release them, which was hilarious to explain to my daughter. She can hardly wait to see the new baby ladybugs that will be arriving in our yard! We will be definitely be ordering anther batch of larvae to start again, it's a very educational and fun project.

Insect Lore Ladybug Land Feature

Watch the small larvae eat and drink from special gels, form cocoons, and emerge as adult ladybugs
Includes sturdy Ladybug Land habitat, magnifier dome cap, coupon for 15 to 20 ladybug larvae with special food and complete instructions
See-through domed habitat allows you to get a bug¿s eye view
Discover the ladybug metamorphosis in the Ladybug Land
Watch your larvae grow into adult ladybugs

Insect Lore Ladybug Land Overview

Witness the magic of biology as tiny larvae bloom into beautiful ladybugs. The ladybug metamorphosis kit is a colorful, see-through habitat that provides kids with an up-close look at the miracle of nature. Features: Colorful, see-through Ladybug Land habitat. Mail-in certificate for ladybug larvae and food -15-20 larvae, shipped separately. It includes a magnified viewing lens fun-filled fact and a instruction guide. You can watch in amazement as the larvae shed their skins and extend their delicate new wings. Then set them free into your backyard, where they will contribute to the living ecosystem. A wonderful journey for little nature a lover, this one-of-a-kind kit makes the wonders of the world real, tangible and fun.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

Wonderful! - Susana M. Garcia - San Diego, CA
We bought this for my four year old daughter as a gift. I was a bit nervous that the ladybugs wouldn't make it as many of the reviews had mentioned, but decided to take the chance anyway. I was happy I did. Surprisingly, every single one of our larva turned into a ladybug. I think I was more excited than my daughter to watch the transformation into ladybugs. My daughter did enjoy keeping the watering pad moist to "care" for the little critters. One of our ladybugs was a bit of a late bloomer. I thought for sure he didn't make it, but two days after the rest had emerged from their pupa, that one finally did.

Ladybug Land of Education - Hedge - Bakersfield, CA
It's hard to imagine an easier life-cycle set up. Watch the larvae turn into adult ladybugs over a two week period of observation, then let them go in the roses out back. I learned a ton, since I'd not seen a ladybug larvae, or a ladybug's cocoon before. My girls drew pictures as the insects changed form, kept little journals of what they saw, and took pride in keeping their "little pets" and letting them go. Way better than a puppy, and way more educational. I highly recommend for anyone with children from say, 3 to 15.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 17, 2010 15:15:08

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Angel or Fairy - Four Tips to Tell the Difference

2010-06-16T15:05:00.001-07:00

The fashion industry sometimes takes creative license when making fairy and angel motifs. You don't want to think you're buying one, only to find later that you're wearing just the opposite! Here are four ways to tell at a glance exactly what you're seeing when shopping for jewelry and fashions.

WingsThe design you're looking at is sure to have wings, and you can use those to determine which creature you're seeing. Angels have bird-like wings, which may be indicated by feathers or overall shape. Fairies have insect wings, usually indicated by color, transparency, or shape. A quick way to remember this is to envision a peace dove and a butterfly.

DressClothing is helpful in distinguishing between the two options. Angels are usually depicted wearing flowing gowns or robes, often with sashes. Fairies are often dressed in clothing reminiscent of flowers, with petaled borders and soft colors. Jewelry items often depict the two in the nude. Chubby cherubs are easy to recognize, while adult angels may simply wear a sash or be positioned with their leg hiding their sex. Nude fairies often strike a flirtatious nymph-like pose.

HairAs a rule, female angels' hair is attractively and neatly styled regardless of length. Males either have wavy, well-groomed hair or slightly longer curly hair. Fairies usually have carefree flowing hair, perhaps even tousled. Children and males may sport a short and casual "pixie" cut.

HeaddressIf a headdress is present, you can probably be sure of what you're seeing. Everyone knows that angels have halos, though lack of one certainly doesn't indicate that the motif isn't an angel. A fairy's headdress will likely be woven from flowers into a casual open ring placed upon their head.

Bear in mind that exceptions to these rules do apply. For example, you may be looking at a Garden Angel that's been designed with a whimsical halo of flowers, wearing a country dress and having a casual hairdo. But her wings will be the giveaway that assures you she's an angel.

Remember these four tips and you're sure to select exactly the creature you're looking for in the marketplace!

http://www.giving-angels.com/angel-fairy-difference.htm>Click here for Eight Tips to Tell an Angel from a Fairy when you're seeing an actual creature.

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Growing and Using Medicinal Herbs

2010-06-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

Healing or (as they are sometimes called) medicinal herbs may provide a safe, healthy alternative to alleviate various aliments and physical problems, or to improve the quality of life. However, keep in mind that herbal medicinal plants, like pharmaceuticals, should be treated with respect. Although herbal practitioners claim herbs have an important role when used correctly, remember that they still share a lot of the ingredients of over the counter medications, so use them with knowledge and caution.

For thousands of years, herbs and the minerals they contain have been used successfully to enhance wellness and prevent illness. Being rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, medicinal herbs help rejuvenate and heal the body. Disease occurs by imbalances in the body, mind or spirit as well as influences such as diet, environment, pollution, and smoking. Herbal remedies are natural and effective ways to detoxify and cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system and contribute to vibrant wellness.

Health food stores carry a large number of herbal preparations, as do many pharmacies. Chinese medicine practitioners and naturopathic physicians as well as herbalists often prescribe carefully prepared herbal ointments, tinctures and infusions.

Some ailments that herbal medicine plants can alleviate are the common cold, sleep disorders, fatigue, and pregnancy symptoms such as nausea. Medicinal herbs can help improve your quality of life by relieving aching muscles and joints, insect bites, congestion, bruises and upset stomachs. They can also be used to promote healthier weight, or help your system to digest food and eliminate waste.

Healing herbs such as thyme, arnica, calendula and chamomile, are easily grown at home, easy to care for, and can be used to prepare home remedies. Some medicinal herbs, for example, sage and rosemary, can be used for home herbal remedies as well as for cooking. Knowing which herbs are both medicinal herbs and culinary herbs will transform your garden into a multipurpose plot, so you to get the most use from the plants you grow.

You can prepare medicinal herbs for use in several ways. Familiarize yourself with each type of preparation, and its safe use.

infusions or decoctions are prepared like teas
syrups are concentrated and sweetened infusions
compresses are made by soaking a towel in a warm infusion.
plasters use a paste of fresh or dried herbs and oatmeal, applied to the skin
oils and tinctures use herbs steeped in oil or alcohol
ointments are herbs mixed with beeswax and oil
By growing your own herbs to prepare as medications, you can control the purity, quality and freshness. As you grow your herbal healing plants, and harvest them for use, keep these guidelines in mind:

Always label each plant, or make a map your herb garden, so avoiding others using the wrong herb.
Clearly labeled any plants with poisonous components, and keep these safely away from children and pets.
Keep detailed notes on how to process and use your medicinal herbs.
Never mix herbal preparations with medical prescriptions.
Stop using any herbal medicine if you notice side effects such as headaches, dizziness or nausea.
If you have any concerns over the use of herbal medicine plants, consult your pharmacist or a local herbalist.

Toys For 5 Year Olds

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Pavillion

2010-06-14T14:40:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Pavillion Review

Hi -- we love doing this as a family -- getting the caterpillars, watching them grow, watching them spin silk, noticing all the changes.

An excellent companion book is "From Caterpillar to Butterfly" -- a Let's-Read-And-Find-Out science book. The learning level on the book is kindergarten and up, and the illustrations and information are EXCELLENT.

When ordering the larvae from Insect Lore, please note it takes a LONG time to receive your caterpillars. The timing seems way off. So far it hasn't mattered for us, but the wait time can be 3 or 4 weeks. It is regrettable there's no way to coordinate it so that the live butterflies can be released as part of a child's birthday celebration (for example).

BE CAREFUL ordering the larvae in the summer -- caterpillars need to ship in cooler weather.

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Pavillion Feature

Caterpillars Become Butterflies Before Their Curious Eyes
Become a Butterfly Farmer
Comes with certificate for 6-10 caterpillars, a 2 foot tall pop-up pavilion with zippered entry, feeding eyedropper and guide.
**Available only in the Continental USA and Alaska; Requires an additional priority shipping fee for the caterpillars. ** Mature butterflies take about 2 weeks to develop and may be released outdoors in temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. **Please allow 2 weeks for larvae to arrive on your doorstep.

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Pavillion Overview

The 2-foot tall Butterfly Pavilion "pops-up" easily. Hang it from a string or set it on a table-top. The see-through mesh and zippered entry allow easy access for care and feeding. Includes habitat, mail-in coupon for 6-10 Painted Lady butterfly larvae with special food and complete instructions. Please be advised that there is an additional .00 required when redeeming your coupon for shipping and handling. Available only in the Continental U.S. and Alaska.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

My kid is happy playing it!!! - Ellora -
This was really good in entertaining my two kids they really love playing it daily they learn a lot from home... it adds more educational values and keep them interesting .They enjoy a lot!!!Good one!!

Insect Lore Live Butterfly Pavillion

Overpriced! It's just a cylindrical net. - Scott G. Lewis -
The product is fun, educational and reasonably durable, no problems there. But at over twenty dollars, it is just a simple, lightweight mesh net sewn into a cylinder -- that's it. There are no accessories to embellish the "habitat" or to nurture the inhabitants -- just the tubular net with a zipper for . This product should cost just and at that price would be properly valued.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 14, 2010 14:40:19

Lego 2010 Uncle Milton

Butterfly, Flower and Fairy - Most Popular Feminine Tattoos

2010-06-13T14:30:00.001-07:00

Women with tattoos are very common nowadays and its even growing because of celebrities sporting them. Female tattoos are considered as sexy and attractive. In fact, women like Kat Von D and Suicide girls are the latest sensation mainly because of their tattoos. This is a proof that tattoo has indeed gone mainstream.

Butterfly Tattoo Design

Butterfly tattoos are feminine tattoos with various shapes and sizes and it is the 4th most popular tattoo design after the tribal, star and cross tattoos. These are most popular feminine design also. Butterflies are always been an inspiration for the visual arts. Butterfly tattoo can be considered as first tattoo as it does not need to be big to get noticed. A small butterfly tattoo on the shoulder or ankle can make a difference with its pretty look. Depending on the individual or the culture, butterfly tattoos have a lot of meanings such it is symbolized as rebirth and transformation i.e. it symbolizes new life and new beginning for those who have gone through rough times. This also symbolizes the delicate beauty, as the butterfly is delicate and small. It also symbolizes as freedom, soul, good luck, love, peace etc.

Fairy Tattoo

Fairies are cute little winged creatures and are a part of a more naturalistic type of religion than of a pagan feel. They have the characters in western lore, mythology and religion. They are looking similar to angels of Christian religion. But fairies are more naturalistic or nature based religion and at present they lost their significance and meaning once they had and become a popular icon that is cute, helpful, sweet and may even little magical. For getting these tattoos each individual has a reason and interpretation. They are popular because they are innocent as well as sexy, represent freedom with their wings, colorful, can be done easily, look great as lower and upper back tattoos and are mystical.

Flower Tattoo

Flower tattoos represent the beauty that is timeless and these are the popular choices among the women but are not uncommon among men. They can be placed in any part of the body from arms, legs, neck, belly, lower back, chest, breast etc. Rose tattoo is the most commonly used flower tattoo and each rose has its own meaning. Red rose stands for unity and romance, pink rose stands for keep the love secret and a white rose stand for the assurance of love. Budding rose represents innocence and youth. Water lily expresses the purity of heart and it also symbolizes survival, rebirth and enlightenment. Cherry blossom tattoos are also famous and cherry blossom has symbolic meaning and importance in both Chinese and Japanese cultures. In Chinese cherry blossom is the symbol of power and in Japanese; it represents the transience of life.

Gabba

Explore Dwarf Conifers - You May Get to Love Them

2010-06-12T14:25:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for plants that can add year-round color and textural interest to your landscaping? Whether or not your gardening space is limited, dwarf cultivars may just be the answer. These little gems come in many shapes, sizes and even colors. They can be columnar, pyramidal, prostrate or globose. Many distinct cultivars are now available, from among the fir, juniper, spruce, yew, arborvitae, hemlock, pine and false cypress groups.

Many dwarf species can be grown successfully in pots to add greenery, color and privacy to a balcony. They are invaluable in rock gardens, as edgings, as ground-covers, or just as specimens within the overall landscaping. Their compact size needs no hard pruning,since they typically grow from less than an inch a year to just a few inches per year. And they add visual interest even in winter.

Most dwarf conifers require a sunny exposure, fertile and slightly acidic soil with good drainage and an adequate supply of water. They will not tolerate drought, nor will they thrive in soggy soil, so they do well in raised beds with automatic drip watering. Combined with heathers and alpine plants, they will add color and structure year-round wherever they are planted.

There are a few ways these dwarf conifers have been developed. Perhaps the soil or environment was so severe that the plant developed dwarf conditions. Some are seedling mutations. Prostate variants can be cultivated by taking scions from lateral growth. Insect or disease can cause 'witches brooming' -- a cluster of short shoots with dwarf characteristics. These are some of the common source of cultivars.

These dwarf evergreens can be planted as the centerpiece of a garden bed -- a permanent structure or shape surrounded by more colorful perennials, annuals and bulbs that come and go with the seasons. Think of a dwarf mugo pine surrounded by colorful perennials like daylilies or colorful candytuft. They also pair well with deciduous summer-blooming shrubs, adding texture and contrast. A few shrubs to plant them with are roses, deutzia, smaller cotoneasters, hydrangea, some spireas and Japanese barberry.

Some dwarf conifers add the element of verticality without taking up lots of room. Pyramidal ones suitable for this are dwarf Alberta spruce, dwarf blue spruce, and some arborvitae. Use them to make a vertical break along a rock wall, or grouped as a backdrop with mid-sized perennials such as hostas, astilbe, shasta daisies or dahlias in the foreground.

If you need contrasting color, dwarf conifers can supply it. The blues, greens and silvers of some add a cooling effect to the hot colors of flowering perennials and annuals. For example, dwarf Colorado spruce, dwarf Korean fir and Montgomery spruce all have silvery needles that look amazing with purples, reds and blues. Others have yellow foliage that can brighten a partly shaded area. Golden threadleaf cypress, Standish yew and some Hinoki cypress have golden foliage that pair well with greens or dark foliage perennials.

In choosing these dwarf specimens, keep in mind that 'dwarf' is a relative term. Many of these are not true dwarfs, but just slow growing that will eventually outgrow their space. Read labels carefully and do some research to separate the dwarfs from the giants. You can control the size of pines by pruning half off the new candles. Others should be lightly pruned to enhance the growth habit. If you need to retard growth, then root prune by inserting a spade along the drip line.

With their amazing array of shapes, colors sizes, textures and habits, you may just fall in love with dwarf conifers.

Alex Toys

Watch a Bug

2010-06-11T13:55:00.001-07:00

Watch a Bug Review

My 3 year old loves this watch because it leaves his hands free to catch additional insects/bugs; and I love this watch because it tightly clicks shut! So many other bug "boxes" and containers just have lids that are placed on top but don't lock into place which means 99% of the time the little critters are going to end up in places you don't want them! (such as running around your house or in your car while you are driving and your child is strapped in his carseat so obviously can't re-catch them). I have bought about a dozen or so other bug "boxes" or "houses or "containers" and this is by far the best one. I only wish I had found it before wasting all my money on all those others.

Watch a Bug Feature

Colorful and flexible "one size fits all" plastic wristband
Ventilated mesh canopy sides
The bug chamber floor is composed of high-impact plastic
The canopy pops open and snaps shut!
Ages 4 and up

Watch a Bug Overview

Anytime is bug-time with Watch-A-Bug! The pop-open, snap-shut Watch-A-Bug features a see-through mesh canopy and a bug chamber floor composed of high-impact plastic.The versatile "one size fits all" wrist band keeps your critters close at hand - until you pop Watch-A-Bug open to set them free!Ages 4 and up.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

great idea, poorly made - Leah Mack - Washington DC United States
It's a neat idea but the "screen" is a very weak fabric mesh that was quickly broken. Also the watch band was so stiff that it hurt my four year old's wrist. Furthermore, rather than a velcro closure as was indicated on the box, it came with the kind that requires a plastic bump to be inserted in a hole. Given the stiffness of the band, even I found putting it on and taking it off to be a chore and my son wasn't close to being able to, which frustrated both of us. I wonder if the company decreased the quality after the purchase of some of the other reviewers?.

Critter Keeper A Neat Idea - At the Lounge - Way Down South
OK, so my son was too creeped out by the idea of being this intimate with a bug, but I loved it!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 11, 2010 13:55:09

Vulli Sophie Sunny Patch Toys 2010

Butterfly Life Cycle Stages

2010-06-10T13:50:00.001-07:00

Butterfly Life Cycle Stages Review

These replicas of a butterfly's life stage are a great assest in the classroom. The students are able to closely examine the replicas and really understand each stage more clearly. My son got a hold of these before I could bring them to my classroom. He is 3 and he enjoyed looking at each piece. Eventhough, he didn't understand all of the stages he knew about caterpillars and butterflies. These would be great for a classroom and/or for a child who is interested in the world around him/her.

Butterfly Life Cycle Stages Feature

These meticulously designed Painted Lady lifecycle figures are an educational accessory to any of our live butterfly kits.
The accurately detailed Egg, Larva, Chrysalid and Adult butterfly replicas are oversized for little hands
The replicas of a butterfly's life stage are a great asset in the classroom
Oversized, anatomically accurate figures. Package dimention 7"H x 1"W x 10"H, Set of 4
Ages 4 & up

Butterfly Life Cycle Stages Overview

These meticulously designed Painted Lady lifecycle figures are an educational accessory to any of our live butterfly kits. The accurately detailed Egg, Larva, Chrysalis and Adult butterfly replicas are oversized for little hands.Ages 4 & up.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

For our Son's School.... - Mom in San Jose, CA -
While I Love the butterfly kit wherein you can see eggs to caterpillars to chrysalis to butterfly, children need to TOUCH things. Of course, they can't touch the live critters.

That's where this product comes in. It compliments the kit and allows a hands-on experience for the little ones.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 10, 2010 13:50:17

Toys Electronic

Insect Lore Ant Hill

2010-06-09T13:40:00.001-07:00

Insect Lore Ant Hill Review

My grandmother bought this for my daughter. We sent away for the ants in winter thinking that they wouldn't send them until spring. WRONG! They arrived on December 24th and our mailperson left them in freezing temperatures on the front porch. Fortunately, they weren't there long and all survived. Much to our delight our shipment of ants included one pupae and one larva ant. My daughter was absolutely delighted. She's spent a lot of time with a magnifying glass observing the ants. It is facinating watching the ants tunnel. The only drawback of the toy is that it does look like it is challenging for the ants to climb the hill and will sometimes fall down. They don't appear to be harmed. We are hoping they survive longer than the 2-4 weeks stated in the brochure.

Insect Lore Ant Hill Feature

This AntHill is the world's first living ant habitat designed like a real ant's home
Features realistic double-sided viewing area, wide base for super stability, escape-proof locking lid,
Ant certificate must be returned to receive your live ants
Features special AntHill sand, fun ant activities and complete instructions

Insect Lore Ant Hill Overview

Watch as these hard-working critters burrow underground to create an amazing network of subterranean tunnels, walkways and secret chambers. Features a realistic double-sided viewing area, wide base for super stability, escape-proof locking lid, special AntHill fill sand, fun ant activities and complete instructions. Note: Ant certificate must be returned to receive your live ants. Extra .00 required for ant shipping.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

My daughter is very excited about this toy - Backyard Bees -
My daughter really loves ants! I bought this for her for her birthday. We have not yet received the ants, however, she is eagerly anticipating their arrival. So for this has been a very exciting toy for her.

Good Buy - benji -
This is a really cool product. I think that every kid should have one of these. I am shocked at how many people have never owned one. I am 24 and am still captivated by my ants. It is not a toy that can be handled, but the toy can teach children (and adults)a lot about life and responsibility. It is fun to watch the ants solve their problems and dig their tunnels. It is perfectly safe as long as you follow the directions and the ants do not need a queen to survive.Buy one of these or any ant farm for that matter and you will not be disappointed. After I showed all my friends and family everyone always wants to see pictures and a couple people have ordered their own.

arnt ants suppost to TUNNEL!?! - E. davidson -
recieved ants in about 2 1/2 weeks, have had them for about a day and a half...it took them a while to get on the same page, some ants would take sand out, and others brought it back in (werent very team oriented). they seem to be discarding sand, not really making tunnels, like i thought they would. they are just creating huge gaps in the and removing ALL the sand from the sides and off the top. if they keep at it, there wont be any sand left for them to tunnel through! they are very entertaining to watch for both myself and my 3 yr old, i just wish they'd do more tunneling and less "shoveling"! i think next time i will be getting one of those ant farms, like they made when i was a kid (...one that they couldnt "toss" all the sand out of!)

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 09, 2010 13:40:14

How To Train Your Dragon

Nautical Star tattoos the history, meaning and symbolism - What a strange mix!

2010-06-08T13:25:00.001-07:00

The history, meaning and symbolism of nautical star tattoos is
a hotly debated topic. Today many different groups have
adopted the Nautical star tattoo as a symbol for their own
movement and they have all ascribed their own meaning and
history to the symbol. Thus has lead to a wide
disagreement as the the meaning of the tattoo.Historically
most everyone agrees that Sailors were the first people to get
nautical star tattoos. In fact the very word nautical
relates back to sailing. So this connection has been
pretty firmly established. Most people would agree the
sailors were a pretty superstitious group historically and
sailor lore abounds with superstitious and fantastical stories
of life and death and being lost at sea. Early on
sailors navigated by the stars at night and the north star
became the symbol for finding ones way home. Once you
know where the north star is you can point your ship in the
right direction to get home. So the star became a symbol
for finding ones way home or more symbolically even finding
ones path in life. Therefore many sailors would tattoo
nautical stars on their forearms as a good luck symbol in
hopes of returning home.

However their modern day meaning is a more debated topic.
Many believe that groups including gay and lesbians, punk
rockers and those in the military have adopted the nautical
star tattoo as a very important symbol. The diversity of
these three groups has lead many to argue the meaning of their
tattoos.

For the military the connection is pretty obviously point
back to the early sailors and the symbolism and meaning is the
same as the early sailors. Many military people get a
nautical star tattoo as a symbol for finding ones path home
safely. Of course this can also include more
symbolically just finding ones way in life.

Here is a quote we found from a member of the armed
services and his interpretation of the tattoo:

"I am in the United States Army, an MP who searched towns
and villages for Al Quida and insurgents. I was in Iraq for 1
year. I have a red and black nautical star on my wrist. The
reason I got it was because when I was out there, I felt it
was a guide to guide me home to my family safely. I got it so
that it would remind me that I am going to make it to see my
son grow up. I am not gay, it doesn't matter what you believe
it represents, it means something different for everyone. Out
in the desert, I would look up at the stars and think about
home. So anyone can think what they want to, that is what it
means to me. "

Punk rockers have also adopted this as a popular symbol to
have tattooed. The punk movement traces its history and
use of the nautical star tattoo back to Sailor Jerry.
Sailor Jerry is historically one one of the most famous tattoo
artists ever. He was well known for his innovative and
"cool" designs. Punks have taken this symbol and it has
very much the same meaning of finding one way in life.
Being the rugged individualists type Punks are drawing to the
symbolism of true north and finding one own unique way in
life. So the Nautical star has become a symbol for this.
You see many punk bands that have full sleeve tattoos
typically incorporate nautical star tattoos either on their
elbows or elsewhere.

The lesbian and gay connection is the one that does not
seem so obvious at first. Historically back in the
1940's and 50's when alternative lifestyles were not the norm
and often women had to hide their alternative choices they
would sport a hidden nautical star. Often they would get
the star tattoo done on the inside of their wrist where it
could easily be hidden by a watch during the day but shown off
in the evening when out on the town. Today many lesbians
where the nautical star tattoo to show their connection with
their early pioneering sisters. Here is a little
evidence to support my points.

"Here's the passage (with some pieces dropped) from "Boots
of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian
Community" by Elizabeth Lapovsky Kennedy and Madeilne D. Davis
copyright 1993 p. 189.

(talking about the 1940's and 1950's):

"...During this same time period, the cultural push to be
identified as lesbians- or at least different- all the time
was so powerful that it generated a new form of identification
among the tough bar lesbians: a star tattoo on the top of the
wrist, which was usually covered by a watch. This was the
first symbol of community identity that did not rely on
butch-fem imagery. We can trace this phenomenon back to an
evening of revelry in the late 1950's, when a few butches
trooped over to "Dirty Dick's" tattoo parlor on Chippewa
Street and had the tiny blue five-pointed star put on their
wrists. Later, some of the fems of this group also go the idea
one night and did it...The community views the tattoo as a
definite mark of identification..."the Buffalo police knew
[that] the people that had the stars on their wrist were
lesbians and they had their names and so forth. That it was an
identity thing with the gay community, with the lesbian
community". The fact that the star tattoo was created by those
who were firmly into roles, in fact by the group that was
considered the butchy butches and their fems, suggest that the
force to assert lesbian identity was strong enough to break
through the existing traditions of boldness based in butch-fem
roles. The stars presage the methods of identity created by
gay liberation. In fact, the mark has become something of a
tradition in local circles and has seen a revival since the
1970s."

This meaning of the symbol has of course created a lot of
problems and arguments among the other two groups of bearers
of nautical stars. Most puck and military people do not
want to have a nautical star that points back to anything from
the lesbian movement so many will say that there is no
connection there and this is false.

Here is a quote from another armed forces member about the
symbolism of the nautical star among the gay community:

"This "gay symbol" is a load of hooey that someone made up
VERY recently. The nautical star tattoo has been around nearly
as long as tattooing itself. The late Celts (or early Irish,
depending on your view of World History) were said to have
been the first to have the tattoos, although evidence of it
being used on ships in Spain has been found pre-dating the
Irish claim.

As a Marine, it's a very commonplace symbol amongst us if
we have been part of a Boat Raid company, red for port, green
for starboard on varying parts of the body. On ship, I saw
about a million different variations on the Sailors I was was
serving with, obviously harking back to the sailor roots."

Here is a quote from a punk rocker and his feelings about
the symbolism of the tattoo:

"what idiots..even the military boys dont know what it
really means....JUST SO YOU ALL KNOW!!!!!it was used by OLD
sailors.. and the symbol represents North on a Map ...and it
is the North Star the sailors would use it as a baring to get
home....you can find it on Really really old maps and old navy
vessels... Punk Rock.. well we use it because we can and
because Sailor Jerry made the coolest tattoos who started
putting them on everyone.. my grandfather even had one thus
being used as a traditional icon"

It just goes to show that when the same powerful symbol is
used over and over again over decades of time it can taken on
very different meanings for different groups. So all of
those that you see sporting a nautical star tattoo might not
all have the same interpretation of its symbolism.

So do you have a nautical star tattoo or think about
getting one in the future? Which meaning of the symbol
will you get the nautical star for? As long as you know
what the symbolism behind the star is for and you have gotten
it for the right reason to either support the lesbian movement
or as a symbol to finding your way!

Toys Action

Building Stairs Might Be Easier Than You Think - Then Again Maybe Not

2010-06-07T13:20:00.001-07:00

Some would say I'm not a carpenter, and I might even agree, yet if you walk down the back stairs, you'll be walking down a set of stairs that I built. Honestly, I surprised myself and it's not nearly as difficult as you might think. This assumes basic woodworking skills, a decent set of tools, and the ability to do a little math (with the help of a simple calculator). Oh, and you also need to enjoy a good, challenging, weekend project. If you do you'll find that building stairs can be easy and maybe even fun.

NOTE: If your stairs require extensive twists and turns, coupled with landings, we suggest consulting a professional.

Here are the simple tools required to build your own set of stairs,

Circular saw (nothing too fancy)
Framing square (can be obtained inexpensively)
Hand saw (you need one of these anyway, so buy a good one)
Carpenters pencil (that's ideal, but any pencil will do)
Measuring tape (measure twice, cut once)
4' Level (keeping things on the straight and narrow)
Masking tape (good to have around anyway)

STAIR BUILDING NOTES: there are basically two types of stairs, the ones made in a mill (usually prefabricated). The second are those built by a carpenter on site.

One very important item on your checklist if you've decided to build your own stairs, check with your local codes authority to be certain you're not violating any ordinance. While no one likes "Big Brother" peering over their shoulder, failure to check could result in an official letter stating, "Mr. Jones, we've found the construction at your home located on 555 Maple St, does not comply with code #6548 (or some such number) and will need to be removed within the next ten days".
That is never good news, but can easily be avoided.

Next on the checklist is planning how you'll build your stairs on paper. Believe me, it's a lot easier to fix a mistake with an eraser than a handsaw. Additionally, this will allow the time to inventory your tools and materials', making certain everything is readily at hand.

STAIR LEGEND and LORE: technically speaking there is nothing difficult about building a set of stairs, anyone with good carpentry skills and stair building plans should be able to easily build accomplish this project. However, over the years the most challenging task a do-it-yourselfer will ever attempt is building a good set of stairs.

If you have the desire to build stairs, but not the knowhow, there are of course other options.

1. Hire a carpenter (something no self-respecting do-it-yourselfer would consider.

2. Buy a set of pre-fabricated stairs that can easily be installed, even by those with limited carpentry skills.

STAIR BUILDING COSTS: the labor involved in building a simple set of straight stairs will be approximately $1500.

There are multiple plans, blueprints and in-depth books concerning the challenging but rewarding task of building stairs. A simple web search should provide all the information needed. As for me, I'm going to walk out the back door, down my stairs and enjoy an afternoon on the deck.

Movies How To Train Your Dragon Toys For One Year

A Great Picture of Tiger Tattoos the Animal Inside

2010-06-06T12:50:00.001-07:00

For many people looking to have a bit of the wild side tattooed on their bodies, there's nothing like a picture of tiger tattoo. The tiger is known throughout the world as a fierce and wild creature and many people who want this sort of tattoo may want other people to think of them this way too. Just as people who have butterflies and flowers tattooed on their bodies want to project an image of softness and gentleness, so too do these people want to project an image. This fierce image is reinforced by the image of a tiger tattooed on them. Many cultures have beliefs and lore attached to the image of the tiger and some even revere it as a creature of great power and even holiness.

That's just one more reason why some tattoo shop customers come in and want a picture of tiger tattoo on their body. The tattoo shop artists are usually very good at creating this sort of design because of its popularity among people coming into the tattoo shop. The source of the design may be an image taken from a magazine or a drawing done by someone who's studied the creatures. The familiar orange and black stripes of the tiger can sometimes be replaced with the pure white and black stripes of the albino or snow tigers made famous by some magic acts in the world. There are even some picture of tiger tattoo designs that have many different colors of stripes on the tiger to create a more fantastic looking creature that may be said to be magical looking even.

For anyone thinking of having this sort of tattoo work done on their body, the first thing is to do a search and find some images that you like. You can also just visit a lot of tattoo shops and look through their catalog until you find a picture of tiger tattoo that you like the best. The tattoo artist can then create a design that you can have him modify a bit to make it unique to you. The main thing is to remember that you can have whatever picture of tiger tattoo you like to have done.

There are many tattoo shop artists that can create very detailed and colorful designs of this fierce and beautiful creature. You should be able to find many tiger designs on the Internet at various image web sites or just by searching for tiger tattoos in any search engine. The location on your body where you get the picture of tiger tattoo can depend on the way the tiger is situated in the tattoo image. Longer designs can be tattooed along a leg or arm, for example.

Kid Bike Magnet Balls Toys For Ideas

Live Butterfly Garden Habitat & Discovery Kit by Insect lore with free Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way Book (Smithsonian's Backyard)

2010-06-05T12:48:00.001-07:00

Live Butterfly Garden Habitat & Discovery Kit by Insect lore with free Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way Book (Smithsonian's Backyard) Review

I highly recommend this kit! This is an good educational project that kids love. My older kids did this when they were young, so I bought this for my youngest daughter to experience this. Be aware that your kit won't come with live butterflies in it. You get a certificate inside to send away to order them. I remember sending in money to order the butterflies with the certificate. So if you are getting this as a gift, remember that the child won't get butterflies immediately and you should throw in some cash to purchase the butterflies. Check inside the box so you can see how much they are going to cost. It's not that much more for the butterflies. It's worth it. Make sure you also tell them to keep and read the informational pamphlet included. I think the pamphlet came with the butterflies, but it is very important to read. The book is an added bonus, so I got this particular habitat because of it. Just be aware that when you send your certificate in for your butterflies, you will not be getting MONARCH butterflies for your kit.

Live Butterfly Garden Habitat & Discovery Kit by Insect lore with free Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way Book (Smithsonian's Backyard) Feature

See butterfly metamorphosis up close.Reusable, collapsible habitat.
Includes feeder.Complete instructions included. Just mail in the included coupon for larvae & food.
Includes mail-in voucher for five butterfly larvae and special food.
Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close.
FREE Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way Book (Smithsonian's Backyard)

Live Butterfly Garden Habitat & Discovery Kit by Insect lore with free Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way Book (Smithsonian's Backyard) Overview

Live Butterfly Garden Habitat & Discovery Kit by Insect lore with free Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way Book (Smithsonian's Backyard) by Elizabeth Ring, illustrated by Katie Lee This is an amazing science project for families to enjoy together. Watch your caterpillars eat and grow to ten times their original size, hang upside down and shed their skins to form chrysalides, emerging as beautiful Painted Lady Butterflies. Includes pop-up Butterfly Garden habitat, certificate for five butterfly larvae, food and complete instructions that are delivered to your doorstep together with a helpful guide bursting with fascinating butterfly facts. Watch them grow and let them go! Learn all about Monarch Butterflies with the free 32-page full-color paperback book, 11-1/2" x 8-1/2, included. Follow the migratory path of the Monarch Butterfly across the United States and down to Mexico where it spends the winter. Please be advised that there is an additional .00 required when redeeming your coupon for shipping and handling of the live larvae. (Ages 4+) Can only ship caterpillars to the continental U.S. and Alaska. They cannot be shipped to Hawaii.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 05, 2010 12:48:52

Toys 2010 New Toys 2010