Fun Inspiration Planet

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is best known for its positive effects on helping the eyes adjust to changes in the light. Vitamin A contributes to the overall health of the eyes, the skin and the mucous membranes. This particular vitamin, which is also commonly referred to as Retinol, can be mostly found in animal food sources, but there are also a number of plant based food sources that supply beta carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A within the body. Vitamin A is also generally regarded as an excellent antioxidant, which means that it is responsible for neutralizing the free radicals within the body that cause damage to cells and tissue.

It has been suggested by scientific studies in the past that beta carotene and Vitamin A can help people who have Coronary Artery Disease or CAD. However, it is not recommended that beta carotene or Vitamin A supplements be taken for this purpose yet, until more scientific research can be conducted. It is already known that Vitamin A and beta carotene have a positive effect on the body, though it is not yet known what exactly Vitamin A can do for the body, especially when it comes to Coronary Artery Disease or CAD.

Vitamins are most commonly categorized based on what materials they can be dissolved in, and for that reason, Vitamin A is categorized as a fat soluble vitamin. Other fat soluble vitamins include vitamins D, E and K. The alternative is vitamins that are water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are stored within the fat tissue in the body, and they can be stored from as little as a few days until as many as six months. If you ingest too much of a fat soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the wrong place such as your liver, which can cause problems in your body. Fat soluble vitamins should never be taken in large doses, as this can lead to toxicity issues.

There are actually a number of health problems that make it difficult for people to absorb vitamins like Vitamin A. It is important to know how vitamin absorption will be affected by chronic health conditions. It is also important to know how much Vitamin A you need to consume for your optimum health. It is generally recommended that women consume around 800 mcg of Vitamin A, and that men consume 1000 mcg of Vitamin A daily for optimum health. Luckily, there are a number of sources of Vitamin A available, including beef liver, cheddar cheese, fortified milk, egg yolk, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, apricots,  and spinach or other collared greens.

Someone who takes too much vitamin A can have their feet and hands turn orange. Serious Vitamin A toxicity can cause hair loss, an enlarged spleen and liver, and even growth retardation in severe forms. For this very reason, it is important for you to understand how much vitamin A you are getting in your diet. If you are getting enough vitamin A and beta carotene in your food products, there is no need to take a vitamin supplement.

If you want to get the most amounts of vitamins possible from your foods, then you should immediately refrigerate your fresh produce products, and should keep milk and grain products out of strong amounts of light. The vitamins in your foods are easily washed out or destroyed during the food preparation and storage processes. If you are taking your vitamin A in the form of a supplement, you should make sure to store them in a cool and dry place that has no excess moisture.

The National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s Relay For Life is a high-spirited event here everyone in the community can join in the fight against cancer. It is an overnight team event in a carnival-like atmosphere filled with fun, comradeship and festivities. Participants have lots of fun as they challenge themselves and take turns to complete a relay style walk/ run. It is a time when people you know and people you don’t know team up to raise public awareness about cancer in the community and to raise funds to find the cure.

Venue - MSN Training Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
Date & Time - 6.00pm, 31 May - 10.00am, 1 June 2008
Includes activities, games and entertainment off the track

Website - http://www.cancer.org.my

We have all heard the phrase “Mothers Day is every day”. True.  And we should let every mother know that. Doing something really nice and out of the ordinary for your mother often, is something she is sure to adore. A surprise kiss and embrace. Telling her you love her. Those are not to be left for special occasions only. The day called Mothers Day is time for the official celebration. So comes the question: what to do on this day? How can you make your mother feel happy and loved?  Below is some tips for you.

- Your mother will enjoy something you made with your own hands (or at least she will pretend to!). The options here depend on your abilities. A painting. A piece of furniture you restored yourself for her home. A scrapbook showing the family history. A sweater or a coat you knit for her. A set of white mugs decorated by you. These are ony some examples, the list can go on and on; as I mentioned before, the options depend on your own abilities.

- Get her to dine out to her favourite restaurant. Or a new restaurant you think she will enjoy. If she mentioned she would like to try some chinese food, find a nice good chinese restaurant to take her to.

- What about a short trip? A weekend away? If it is within your possibilities, this is something different which could really surprise her.

- Does she love clothes? Have you seen something that would fit her really well? Get some clothes for her.  Think of the colors she likes to wear. And shop at a place where she has options in case she needs to change your present.

- If she enjoys reading, a book is a good option. Write a dedication on the first page to make it special. If you don’t know which book to pick, you can get her a gift card for a bookstore. And in that case, complement your present with a dedication written on a greetings card, to make it more personal.

- Music is another alternative, as is movies, or box sets of her favourite tv series. Try to find out what she wants, talking to her about the subject trying to make it look casual. If you are still not sure which one to pick, you can get her a gift card and let the choosing to her. In any case, it would be nice to add a greetings card with a handwritten message to your gift.

- Something she may enjoy is a change in life. A day at a spa sounds like a good alternative here.

- Technology alternatives are always a possibility too: a cell phone, a computer, an MP3 player, a digital camera. For mothers that love technology items.

- Flowers and chocolates are another traditional present. A nice flowers bouquet together with a box of chocolates. Try to find some original chocolates, or ones you know she loves. The flowers may come with a vase she can keep, or it can all be arranged in a nice basket.

-  Cosmetics, lotion, perfume, bathing products. Beauty products are a good choice if your mother loves them, or if you want to show her something new to try.

On Mothers Day it is all about making your mother happy and making her feel your love for her. In any case, no matter what you give her, always try to add your personal touch. A written dedication, a greetings card, a cake you prepared yourself. And of course a kiss and a big hug. Happy Mothers Day!

To all jazz and music lovers, Miri International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is back again this year, 2008. Miri International Jazz Festival aims to be the leading tourism-driven music festival in the region. By assembling regionally and internationally recognised, jazz musicians, the musical event aims to draw visitors to Miri and the Northern Region of Sarawak for a fun-filled and entertaining experience and at the same time showcasing Miri as a city of cosmopolitanism and relaxing lifestyle. MIJF 2008 will be liven up by renowned jazz performers from Australia, Philippines, Korea, Cuba, Japan, Holland, USA, France, UK and Canada. We will also see bands from Sarawak and Sabah taking centre stage among the foreign performers. Their genre of jazz include blues and fusion jazz with a tinge of Latin, Caribbean and oriental music. Book your ticket online now at www.TicketCharge.com.my

Event : Miri International Jazz Festival 2008
Date : 9 - 10 May 2008
Time : 5:00pm - 1:00am
Venue : The Pavilion, Parkcity Everly Hotel,Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tickets : Daily Pass: RM60 / RM30 (child)
* Free admission for infants in arms & children below 3 years old.
* Please present photocopy of birth certificate/MyKid/Passport upon entrance for verification
purposes: - for children below aged 3 for free admission
- for children aged 3-12 years old who hold Child tickets.

Website : www.mirijazzfestival.com

The powerful nutrients of alfalfa are not a new discovery. Chinese healers have used alfalfa as far back as the sixth century, mainly for kidney stones. Alfalfa is known to improve urinary tract health, detox the body and rid it of harmful substances and support menstruation with its estrogen properties. It has been noted for its use as a diuretic and an appetite suppressant, therefore it is often found on the ingredient lists of over-the-counter weight loss supplements. It also aids the thyroid and helps it to function properly.

Nutrition Facts about Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a purple flowering plant that is considered a legume. It has a high amount of protein, calcium, minerals, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. It is available as a supplement and it is used as an herbal remedy by holistic doctors. The natural ingredients found in alfalfa treat the heart, digestive tract; help with poor digestion, and helps patients that are anemic or diabetic. It is also used to control appetite for lose weight, as a diuretic, improves bladder problems and helps with estrogen replacement to increase breast milk and can be taken as a dietary supplement to lower cholesterol.

Because alfalfa is one of nature’s most nutrient rich foods it is used to aid in a host of medical problems. Alfalfa has antibiotic properties and antifungal properties. It is used as an anti-tumor remedy, for smooth muscle relaxation and is beneficial to one’s overall health. Properties of alfalfa will actually improve your quality of life.

Alfalfa is high in protein. Farmers continuously work to grow higher protein alfalfa. It is a delicate process, however. Alfalfa can contain as much as 20% protein. Because of this it is often used by vegetarians as an alternative protein source. Alfalfa is also recommended for overall health and wellness. Dieters used alfalfa sprouts or supplements to help curb their cravings, suppress appetite and improve their quality of life.

The Health Benefits of Alfalfa

Alfalfa is high in calcium, magnesium, potassium and carotene. One of the benefits of using alfalfa is that it works to protect the heart and helps with cell division. Since the discovery of alfalfa during the sixth century, alfalfa has been used to aid body functions and correct imbalances.

Alfalfa is one of nature’s most nutritious rich foods and is therefore viewed as a type of miracle plant. This plant is beneficial in so many ways. A high level of nutrients it contains are beneficial for everything from heart function, tumors, illnesses, digestive tract disorders, anemia, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, weak bladder, sore muscles, under active thyroid and low levels of estrogen. The list of ways that alfalfa will improve your quality of life goes on and on.

Add alfalfa sprouts to salads and sandwiches regularly for a big boost of nutrients and antibiotics. When fresh alfalfa isn’t at your fingertips, go to a local pharmacy or health market and inquire about an alfalfa supplement. Over time, you’ll notice positive changes in your body and experience fewer health problems by including alfalfa in your diet. There is no reason to tolerate symptoms or live in pain when such a simple cure from a plant makes such a dramatic difference in your health.

The state of being in love sometimes triggers different emotions and behavior in a person. Love has a capacity of transforming a person overnight due to hormonal changes which influence the way a person feels. But what would love do? Love can break your heart to pieces. If expectations in a relationship are not met hearts are shattered to smithereens. Love is not a simple issue. It is full of complexities and absurdities. When two people are in love they develop a bond that is sometimes hard to break. They feel they are one. They are usually so much into each other and they get an impression that they cannot stay without each other. When such strong love is betrayed, the heart break is enormous. It takes a long time in order to recover from it. It is love that has broken a heart.

Love can kill if you didn’t know. It creates jealousy in the heart which is formidable. It becomes worse when it is a love triangle. A woman decides to court two men at the same time but without their knowledge. These woman many times is a wife of either of the two men she is sleeping with. This is cheating in simple words but it turns tragic when the husband discovers that his woman has another lover. Jealousy combined with anger leads to a violent confrontation between the two men. They want exclusive rights for the love and affection of this one woman but what would love do? The fringe lover is killed! The most dangerous thing in relationships is sleeping around with people’s wives. You hurt their husbands big egos forcing them to scheme behind your back.

Well intended love cares. True love brings two people together and they feel as one. It harmonizes their lives where they feel so indebted to each other. They always wish the best for each other and pay a keen interest to the happenings in each others lives. Whatever that happens in their lives affects and influences the relationship either positively or negatively. They are bosom friends and they would sacrifice anything for their partner. But what would love do? It brings them closer. They care for each other so much. It would be heart breaking to see either of the partner suffering. They would go to any length if it is for the sake of the relationship.

Love sometimes is an ambiguous term and in any case what would love do? Love perseveres any tribulations, it is comforting and accommodating. Love has a tendency of taking a gradual growth which is deep rooted. It is able to withstand any upsets and withstands nerve raking storms as they come and go in every day life. Love overlooks human weaknesses and faults in a person. It has a capacity of accepting a person as he or she is if only for the sake of love. Their is nothing as comforting in this world as the knowledge that a person loves you. The mere knowledge that you have a person who can listen to you. A person who would offer a shoulder to lean and cry on.

Sooner or later, almost every mattress ends up with a stain. While it’s true that only the person who changes the bed will see whether or not the mattress is stained, ignoring the stain won’t make it go away. You can learn how to clean mattress stains using either commercial products or things you probably have in your kitchen. After any stain removal, place a dryer sheet on the mattress before covering it with the bottom sheet to neutralize any odors and keep it smelling fresh. Here are some techniques for how to clean mattress stains of various types.

General mattress cleaning

For stains of an unknown nature, spray a citrus based cleaning product on the soiled area and let it stand for approximately five minutes to penetrate the stain. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly without rubbing for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry and odor free. Citrus based cleaning products may be used on almost any type of mattress stain. As an alternative, you can use a mild dish detergent for spot cleaning. Blot the stain with the detergent and wipe it clean with a damp sponge.

Cigarette odor removal

In addition to the risk of starting a fire, the problem with smoking in bed is that cigarette odors can penetrate absorbent materials such as mattresses deeper than the surface area that can effectively be cleaned. If you’re not ready to replace your mattress, you need to find out how to remove this smell. Working in sections, use the citrus cleaner technique specified above. Repeat the cleaning and blotting process on each section of the mattress until the whole thing is dry and odor free. Baking soda is another option. Sprinkle the whole top of the mattress with baking soda and leave it there overnight to absorb and neutralize the odors. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

Removing mold and mildew stains and odors

Cleaning mold and mildew from mattresses is a difficult, especially if they have penetrated deep inside the mattress. Since mold and mildew are caused by moisture, it might be beneficial to run a dehumidifier, heater or air conditioner in the room periodically to take the dampness out of the air to prevent mold and mildew from attacking the mattress. Another alternative for how to clean mattress stains caused by mold and mildew is to take the mattress outside on a sunny day. Sweep off all visible mold and mildew and then vacuum the mattress with a heavy duty vacuum cleaner. Allow the sun to shine on the mattress for several hours. This will dry and freshen it.

Removing urine stain and odors

Accidents happen. When the accident involves pets or small children and mattresses it is more than just embarrassing. Urine can saturate absorbent materials such as mattresses well beyond the surface area. Cleaning urine from a mattress is difficult if it has penetrated deep into the cloth materials. This creates ideal conditions for bacteria and mold growth and the related unpleasant odors.

It may be possible to rescue your mattress if you know how to clean mattress stains. First blot up as much of the urine as possible with an absorbent cloth. Then spray a product like PAWS - Pet Accident Washup Solution or Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate or any other brand that mentions urine odor removal on its label on the soiled area. Follow up with the blotting and drying techniques indicated above. Vinegar will also remove urine stains. Saturate the stain with vinegar and blot until no more of the urine can be removed. Cover the area with baking soda to neutralize the odor, leaving it on overnight. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

Removing Kool-Aid stains from mattresses

Kids, brightly colored beverages and beds don’t mix. Even the most careful child will have spill something eventually if they drink in bed. A mattress will soak up these liquids. It is impossible to remove the entire liquid spill from inside the mattress. The dyes in Kool-Aid generally leave a permanent stain, but you can try to remove the surface stain. First, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with an absorbent white cloth. Use the citrus cleaner techniques shown above. You might also try spraying vinegar onto the stain and letting it sit for about an hour. To remove as much liquid from the mattress as possible, cover it with a thick cloth and weigh the cloth down with a heavy book or brick. After the hour is up, spray the stain with vinegar again and blot it with a clean cloth to lift the color. Repeat the process until the stain is completely removed or no further reductions of the colored stain occur.

KLAB, or the Kuala Lumpur Alternative Book Festival, is where book lovers, hipsters, politicos, film-makers, anyone who’s love books which feed the mind and soul and champion causes, gather.  Among the events being planned are book launches and a book giveaway - where you can drop off books you no longer want. Although most of the booksellers at KLAB are local publishers, the Project Connect booth will be offering readers a selection of non-Malaysian second-hand books of all genres, from classics to popular and literary fiction, children’s books and non-fiction titles.

Venue           :    The Annexe @ Central Market
The Annexe Gallery Studio Theatre, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi
Kuala Lumpur
Date & Time  :    Sat 3 - Sun 4 May 2008 (12noon - 6pm)
Tickets          :    Free Admission

For more information, e-mail Amir Muhammad (kancah2001@ yahoo.com), Zulhabri (zulhabri@gmail.com) or Dina Zaman (dinazaman@gmail.com).

By Peter Hutch

Bacteria and other microorganisms cause food poisoning. There is no way to prevent food poisoning after ingestion of contaminated food. The key is to avoid eating such foods. The best food poisoning treatment is to let it run its course. The body has two ways to get rid of contaminated food: diarrhea and vomiting. Vomiting does not prevent food poisoning. But once the body is void of the contaminated food, the food poisoning will be over. Another aspect of food poisoning treatment is to prevent dehydration. Loss of fluids is serious in food poisoning. Thus the fluid intake must be replenished at regular intervals.

The best thing for food poisoning is sleep. You’re probably exhausted from being ill anyway, so when you get home, drink some 50/50 gatorade and water, maybe have some broth and toast if you can handle it, and then just pass out. Fall asleep where you’re comfortable — if that means partially sitting up (the only way I can sleep when feeling sick to my stomach at all) then that’s fine.

When packing the foods prepared to take along you should put the food items in an air tight container. The food can be put in a cooler to keep it cool. Make sure you put plenty of ice in the cooler to keep the food cool enough. When packing food in the cooler always pack the food you are going to use last first. When packing the cooler put the food in first and proceed to put the ice on top around the food complety covering it. Remember a full cooler keeps cooler longer. Keep plenty of ice around so your able to keep refilling the cooler with ice as you need it. Pack pop in a separate cooler with ice.

By taking the time to make sure your preparing and packing your food for your picnic or family gathering safely will help in everybody enjoying the picnic or gathering and will also prevent somebody from getting sick.

Food poisoning can be prevented by thoroughly cooking food and practicing good hygiene. A meat thermometer is a good way to ensure meats are cooked to the proper internal temperature. Store uncooked food in a refrigerator or freezer at the proper temperature, and never defrost food at room temperature. If food smells or looks bad, throw it away. Be sure to clean surfaces such as countertops, cutting boards, plates, and utensils properly whenever they contact raw meats. Don’t let cooked food contact any surfaces that may have been contaminated by raw food. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them raw, and buy only pasteurized dairy products

Don’t drink anything for 2 hours. Then take sips of water(room temp)…if you hold that down try a bit more. If you have Gatorade that’s better because it has electrolytes & hydrates you faster. Try chewing on ice chips (unless you have caps on your teeth).

Cook food to the appropriate temperature (145°F for roasts, steaks, and chops of beef, veal, and lamb; 160°F for ground veal, and ground beef; 165°F for ground poultry; and 180°F for whole poultry). Use a thermometer to be sure! Foods are properly cooked only when they are heated long enough and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause illness.

Remove the stuffing from poultry and other meats immediately and refrigerate it in a separate container.

A journey through the history of chocolate reveals that this mysterious food has woven its story throughout multiple cultures and continents impacting civilizations culturally, socially, economically and spiritually. A study of the history of chocolate begins by going back in time to the realm of the Maya Indians and the Olmec Civilizations of Central America.

The word cacao was found in the Olmec vocabulary nearly 3,000 years ago. The hot, humid, but shady climate of the tropical rain forests of this region was perfect for growing cacao plants. The Maya felt the cacao tree was owned by the gods and the pods were offered as a gift from the gods to man. The cacao pod became the symbol of fertility and life in the Mayan culture.

Later, in the 18th century, a Swedish botanist named Linnaeus, called the cacao tree theobroma cacao, which means “drink of the gods”. It was the Mayan people that did indeed make a drink from the cacao pods. This drink was considered a “royal” brew enjoyed by the noblemen and kings and was often used in sacred rituals. Hot chili peppers were added to flavor it or maize was often added to change its texture.

In 1502, Columbus, on his 4th and final voyage to the Caribbean, was given a sack of cacao seeds as a form of payment. He was unsure of the worth of the seeds, so the Aztecs made him a drink from the pods to show him its potential. They felt this drink was a source of energy, spiritual wisdom, and enhanced sexual powers. They used it to fortify their warriors when in battle. Although Columbus did not personally care for it, he accepted the seeds in payment, being curious as to its value upon returning to Spain.

Years later, when Cortes arrived in the New World, he noted that the Aztecs used the cacao beans as their treasury and kept huge storehouses of the seeds. Cortes was offered a cacao plantation and a royal welcome from the Aztec ruler Montezuma, when he mistakenly thought Cortes was the reincarnation of a former god and king. This was the beginning of the downfall of the Aztec Empire, but helped Cortes realize that this crop had tremendous potential led him to establish cacao plantations throughout the Caribbean.

When Columbus and Cortes returned to Spain the bitter cacao drink of the Aztec culture was introduced to Europe and there it was sweetened to make it more in tune to the European tastes. It became a drink of the elite and wealthy. Within ten years, chocolate was enjoyed throughout the courts in the French aristocracy. Chocolate became known throughout the countries of Europe and in the middle of the 17th century chocolate appeared in England. There it was highly taxed continuing its reputation as a luxury to be enjoyed only by those privileged enough to afford it.

Cacao was primarily only for drinking until 1828. Chocolate was prepared as a drink by grinding up the beans into a thin paste and adding spices and sweetening and then adding something to soak up the cocoa butter, which would float to the surface.

Coenraad J. Van Houten, a Dutch chemist in that year invented a press which would release the cocoa butter from the bean, leaving the dryer cake that could be ground up into a powder similar to the fat-free cocoa powder we enjoy today.

Twenty years later European companies used the presses made by Van Houten to produce the first eating chocolate. By taking what was left after separating the cocoa powder from the butter, the industry saw that they could melt the cocoa butter and combine it with a blend of ground cacao beans and sugar, mix this into a paste and mold it. Edible chocolate was the final product. Chocolate appeared on the market in the United States around the turn of the twentieth century and now nearly one hundred years later is still in harmony with all who love it’s unique, rich taste.