Friday 27 April 2012

Good Posture





https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522343_10150762137904523_65950834522_9260933_1322688619_n.jpg


For every inch that the head moves forward in posture, it increases the weight of the head on the neck by 10 pounds!
Poor neck posture leads to a Forward Head Position which is one of the most common causes of neck, head and shoulder tension and pain. This can be a result of injuries like sprains and strains of the neck leading to weak neck muscles, poor sleeping positions and the illustrated examples of driving stress, computer neck, couch neck and readers neck along with improper breathing habits.

The extra pressure on the neck from altered posture flattens the normal curve of the cervical spine resulting in abnormal strain of muscles, ligaments, bones and joints of the neck causing the joints to deteriorate faster than normal resulting in degenerative joint disease or neck arthritis as indicated in an article published in the Spine Journal, recognized internationally as the leading journal in its field and the leading subspecialty journal for the treatment of spinal disorders, 1986;6:591-694.
By: MaxLife Chiropractic

Michele Oka Doner Figures

 
 
 
Cast Bronze
















 
Cast Bronze













 
archival wax








casting wax









cast bronze









 
casting wax

Quote of the Day



“When I understand myself, I understand you, and out of that understanding comes love. Love is the missing factor; there is a lack of affection, of warmth in relationship; and because we lack that love, that tenderness, that generosity, that mercy in relationship, we escape into mass action which produces further confusion, further misery. We fill our hearts with blueprints for world reform and do not look to that one resolving factor which is love.”
― Jiddu Krishnamurti

Thursday 26 April 2012

The The Illusion Of Choice.







The illusion of choice in the commercial food industry.

Consumers may look at the grocery store shelves and think they've got a multitude of options, but the truth is, the same huge corporations own all of the brand names, use the same toxic ingredients in the products and care not the slightest about your nutrition or health. Take a look at this diagram for proof that your freedom of choice in the grocery store is an illusion.

Saturday 21 April 2012

Abdi Farah- Baptism


 Next Great Artist: Episode 9 - Natural talents



http://abdiart.com/



http://www.phillipsdepury.com/xigen/lotimg.aspx?salenum=NY010610&lotnum=200&height=600 
 Charcoal, dirt and black pigment on paper.
44 x 96 in. (111.8 x 243.8 cm).

Friday 20 April 2012

Aboriginals


“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love... and then we return home.” - Australian Aboriginal Proverb

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/7361/australian-aboriginal-girl.jpg

Thursday 19 April 2012

Grow your own celery


Re-Growing Celery

Post by community member:
Did you know that you can grow another complete celery stalk from the bottom piece that you cut off and throw away? This is new to me, too, but I have been doing it this year and it works! I use a lot of celery when cooking and I hope to save quite a bit by re-growing it throughout the spring and summer.


When I bring the celery home, I cut the end off first then put the rest into the refrigerator.

I usually set the bottom piece on a saucer of warm water overnight to get it started. Also, because I am usually busy cooking and working in the kitchen when I do this and don’t have time to plant it right away, I think this gives it a head start.

When I have time, I will take that piece and plant it just like it is, in the vegetable garden with the stalk side up. Just dig a small hole, fill it with water and set the end in the hole, then cover it up with an inch or so of soil. Water thoroughly.
This is one planted about three days ago.

This one was planted about 10 days ago.

It will grow a brand new top to be cut and used. After re-growing celery, you can cut and plant the bottom again for more new growth from the top.
I plan to start planting my cut celery bottoms in small pots or trays late next winter so that I have a few dozen to plant out into the vegetable garden in May. I wonder if I can grow it in a sunny window all winter!
Once you have it growing, you can cut it off on an “as needed” basis and just keep it regrowing in the garden or pot.
I may never need to buy celery again!









From the Studio of Luisa Mesa

From the Studio of Luisa Mesa



What is your medium?
I work in varied media, including, but not limited to, ink on paper, oil markers on wood panel, spray paint and digital images.  I utilize whatever material will allow me to express what I am feeling at the moment.
What themes do you pursue?
All my work is intuitive.  It is meditative and the process has a calming effect on me.  I allow the work to unfold and when it’s finished it “speaks” out.  Others often interpret my abstract work as what you see under a microscope, such as bacteria and marine life.  In my image-based pieces, I often use old family photographs, as well as shots of places that I feel attracted to.  These works are personal and through them I explore past relationships.  The memories that these photographs bring forth, and the imagined realities that I create digitally by removing them from their original context, all serve to process their meaning.  Although these pieces are emotionally charged, I consider them intuitive as well, because I allow my subconscious to dictate the order and placement of the images that compose them, and the final piece is always a surprise to me.  Moreover, even in these image-based pieces there is a first and last layer of repetitive drawing.  I frequently create large-scale installations; the theme of which is that “everything is connected to everything else.”

Emerging is a mixed media on wood piece 60 x 24 x 4 in available for sale at Saatchi Online for $7,500.00
How many years as an artist?
As a child I was always creating things and drawing, so I can honestly say that I have always been an artist.  While life took me in a different direction, I studied art independently for years, by taking workshops in photography, painting and drawing.  Then, thirteen years ago, I returned to school and earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts.  Ever since, I have been a fulltime artist.
Sketchbook? Do you use one? What type?
I rarely use a sketchbook, although there is always one lying around at home and in my studio.  I mainly use them to write down ideas before I forget them.  Also, when I come across an image that seems interesting to me I cut it out and keep it in my sketchbook.  These books are spiral-bound.
Most important tool you use?
Oil markers and/or ink pens because every one of my pieces begins with a layer of repetitive drawing.
Where is your studio?
My studio is in an industrial warehouse district known as the Bird Road Art District.  It is a 1200 square foot warehouse space with 20-foot ceilings, concrete floors and a bay door big enough to fit a truck.  I just moved there about six months ago… It’s the studio I always dreamed of, and it sort of found me.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
Just do it… It will reveal itself.
Process> Concept or Process
Definitely, Process > Concept.
Why do you make art?
I make art because I HAVE to make it… It is a tremendously strong impulse that is ever-present.  When I make art all is good in my life.
Art school or self-taught?
Art school
Favorite font? Helvetica

Tattoos?
Don’t have any.

Prefer to work with music or in silence?
I usually work in silence because my work is meditative.

iTunes, spotify, records?
iTunes

Everyone has a vice. Care to call yourself out
? I can’t say I really have a vice, but I do love red wine.

What’s around the corner from your place?
A Cuban restaurant, a bunch of warehouses, other artists’ studios, auto body shops.

Favorite sound?
Ocean waves hitting the shore.

Favorite smell?
Coffee in the morning.
Meditations Series is a pen & ink drawing available for sale at Saatchi Online. Original: $700.00 |Prints: $60.00

Where can we find you outside the studio?
At home with my husband, my African Grey parrot and my two dogs.  I frequently attend art exhibitions, and I love the movies and dining out.
If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do? I would probably be a writer or a psychologist.

Food or sleep?
Sleep

Greatest achievement?
Going back to school and earning my degree in art.

Finish the sentence: “I would never be caught dead …”
without my iPhone…

Would you rather be able to make a living as an artist now or become famous after you die?
I would rather be able to make a living as an artist now!

Would you rather see your art on a t-shirt or on a billboard?
Billboard.

Astrology or astronomy?
Astronomy.

Would you ever figure model naked?
No… I don’t think so.

Religion or pop culture?
Neither.

What do you collect?
I collect tools, spray paints, nuts and bolts, lenses…

Favorite contemporary artist?
I love Tom Brydelsky because his work has an otherworldly feel to it… It transcends our every day reality.


Favorite paper type? Arches watercolor paper.

Use anything other than paint?
Oil markers and ink.

Oil or acrylic?
Both

Figurative or abstract?
Both

Photo references?
I use my own and old family photographs

Is painting dead?
I don’t think painting will ever die.

Favorite brush?
Palette knifes?

What do you wear while you paint?
Jeans and a T-shirt

Painting Inside or Outside?
Inside

Monet or Manet?
Manet

Throwing Shapes




Testers for bigger sculptures to follow, maybe in clay or wood. Made by taking a lump of wet clay  in my hands and molding a shaping till I achieve something interesting.







































Latest Work





 My latest piece of work from our end of term exhibition. 

Sound piece were you can hear the sounds of the Mahana Yehuda market in Jerusalem played through an avocado.

 Sound recording taken from my visit to the Mahana Yehuda market on Shabbat in December in Jerusalem.










https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpUXKSIk53OcUtI2iRcawuAXwZ0iWbxoevs-hDzfRbofB2kS25ugkgms82VpdxZISld_Zr0xsx9pYP_-7c9JgWpzTc0UXPA21_Uj8I-Z5hcgR8I-FMflnhZdGcQrJQ1VCHq1UBHRjB_E/s1600/CNV00005.JPG 


















Monday 16 April 2012

Reflexology





https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/66403_366628600042746_175402889165319_971997_1654809964_n.jpg 


This is a reflexology foot pressure points map.
This alternative healing technique is good for treating and/or relieving many health conditions such as headaches, nausea, fever and it is also considered an effective means of relieving mental stress, anxiety and depression.

Thursday 12 April 2012

Get the Brightest Whitest Teeth with Turmeric




Yes, it's true. The yellow powder that will stain (almost) everything it touches is the secret ingredient in giving you the brightest whitest teeth possible. The yellow powder that we all know so well actually comes from the small orange root see in the image above. Turmeric is a superstar for cooling inflammation and protecting the brain against aging, as well as being a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial agent.

As a side note, turmeric has other beautifying properties as well, and can be taken orally or topically as a mask to shrink the pours on the face, and is used by Indian brides before their wedding day for just this reason.

Anyway, using about a half tablespoon dried organic turmeric powder and a bit of water to make a paste, I gave it a go. You do have to be very careful because anything not inside of your mouth that comes in-contact with it will be dyed bright yellow (including the toothbrush). But, as you might have guessed, it works like a miracle to whiten teeth.

Turmeric would also be great for oral hygiene, not just tooth whitening, because it is such a strong anti-inflammatory, which is good for the gums--since 90% of people over the age of 30 have gum disease, and is also a strong antimicrobial, so it kill all those bag germs causing tooth decay and gum disease (and be sure to take your vitamin K2).

Directions: use 1/2 tablespoon dried organic turmeric root (bulk in any health food store), add just a bit of water to make a thin paste. I use a small--real small--cup for this. Scoop it up with the bristles of your toothbrush (which will become irreversibly stained), and brush like normal. Enjoy!

Tuesday 10 April 2012

160 uses for coconut oil








Coconut Oil – An Overview
Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. I buy it in 5 gallon increments and keep it all over my house. I even have some in the car. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil!
Coconut Oil Is:
  • Anti-bacterial (kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum diseases, and other bacterial infections)
  • Anti-carcinogenic (coconut oil has antimicrobial properties so it effectively prevents the spread of cancer cells and enhances the immune system)
  • Anti-fungal (kills fungi and yeast that lead to infection)
  • Anti-inflammatory (appears to have a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.)
  • Anti-microbial/Infection Fighting (the medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in coconut oil are the same as those in human mother’s milk, and they have extraordinary antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. About half of coconut oil consists of lauric acid. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.)

  • An Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage)
  • Anti-parasitic (fights to rid the body of tapeworms, lice and other parasites)
  • Anti-protozoa (kills giardia, a common protozoan infection of the gut)
  • Anti-retroviral (kills HIV and HLTV-1)
  • Anti-viral (kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other viruses)
  • Infection fighting
  • Has no harmful for discomforting side effects
  • Known to improve nutrient absorption (easily digestible; makes vitamins and minerals more available to the body)
  • Nontoxic to humans and animals
Daily Dosage:
Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin coconut oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready. (Starting at 12 months of age, I gave my daughter one teaspoon per day and she weighed about 16 pounds at that time.)
Weight in pounds/kilogramsNumber of tablespoons of coconut oil daily
175+/79+4
150+ /68+3 1/2
125+ / 57+3
100+/ 45+2 1/2
75+ / 34+2
50+ / 23+1 1/2
25+ / 11+1

Type of Coconut Oil to Use:
  • Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil tastes and smells coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor. You can use it for anything but it will impart a coconut taste (mild) and odor (pleasant in my book)! Unrefined coconut oil retains the most nutritional value and is superior to refined oil.
  • Expeller pressed (refined) coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell or taste. It is still outstanding to use but does lose some of it’s health properties during the refining process.
  • Food grade should always be used.

160 Uses for Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil for Personal Hygiene/Body
1. Age Spots (also known as liver spots) – applying coconut oil directly to the age spot will help it fade.
2. After Shave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores. Great for razor burn!
3. Baldness – apply three times a day to affected area of hair loss. Coconut oil supports cell regeneration.
4. Birth Marks – can be used after a laser removal treatment to aid in healing. Can also be applied after an apple cider vinegar treatment to help support and aid the fading process.
5. Body Scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
6. Bruises – applied directly to the bruise, coconut oil enhances the healing process by reducing swelling and redness.
7. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
8. Burns – apply to burn site immediately and continue applying until healed. Will reduce the chances of permanent scarring and promotes healing.
9. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
10. Cradle Cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.
11. Dandruff – coconut oil soaks into the scalp moisturizing dry skin and relieves symptoms of dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the scalp, another leading cause of dandruff.
12. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
13. Diaper Salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.
14. Exfoliator – coconut oil mixed with sugar or sea salt is a very nourishing and effective exfoliator and safe to use all over the body.
15. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
16. Face Wash/ Soap – mix equal parts coconut oil with olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and castor oil and use in place of soap when washing your face. Wet face, rub oil in and leave on for two minutes, rinse and pat dry. One teaspoon should be adequate.
17. Hair conditioner/ Deep Treatment – use as a leave-in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
18. Hair Gel/ Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).
19. Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20. Lubricant – it is an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
21. Makeup Remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
22. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!
23. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.
24. Mole Remover – when applied after an apple cider vinegar compress for several weeks, moles have been known to “slide off” or just disappear.
25. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.
26. Oily Skin Fix – prone to oily skin or an oily T-zone? Use a pea sized amount underneath makeup or alone to reduce the appearance of oil.
27. Pre Shampoo Treatment for Hair – rub a little into scalp and hair before shampooing. This is especially useful for those with course or frizzy hair.
28. Pre-Shave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
29. Skin Problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
30. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
31. Sun Burn Relief – rub liberal amounts of coconut oil into the affected area.
32. Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information.
33. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.
34. Tattoo Healing and Moisturizer – continued use of coconut oil on tattoos will help keep the pigment from fading. Used on new tattoos, coconut will hasten the healing process and decrease the chance of infection.
35. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
36. Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer – rubbing coconut oil on winkles and sagging skin helps strengthen the connective tissues to bring back that youthful look!

Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness
37. Breastfeeding – for breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich the milk supply.
38. Bones and Teeth – coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better development of bones and teeth.
39. Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
40. Energy Boost – coconut oil boosts energy and endurance making it a great supplement for athletes as well as those needed a quick pick me up.
41. Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat while increasing muscle.
42. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose making it great for both diabetics and non-diabetic.
43. Lung Function – increases the fluidity of cell surfaces.
44. Nausea – rub some coconut oil on the inside for the wrist and forearm to calm an upset stomach.
45. Nose bleeds – coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme heat and extreme cold. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.
46. Oil pulling with coconut oil offers a two for one health benefit!
47. Stress Relief – relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.
48. Vitamin and nutrient absorption
49. Weight loss - the saturated fats contribute to weight loss and controlling cravings. Also increases metabolic rate.

Coconut Oil for Health Problems (when taken internally it is known for aiding, preventing, relieving or even curing these health issues)
50. Acid reflux/indigestion aid if taken after a meal
51. Adrenal fatigue
52. Allergies (seasonal hay fever)
53. Alzheimer’s/Dementia
54. Asthma, even in children
55. Autism
56. Bowel function
57. Bronchial Infections
58. Cancer (has been shown to prevent colon and breast cancer in laboratory tests)
59. Candida Albicans
60. Cholesterol – improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol
61. Chronic Fatigue
62. Crohns Disease and resulting inflammation
63. Circulation/feeling cold all the time
64. Colds and Flus
65. Constipation
66. Cystic Fibrosis
67. Depression
68. Diabetes – helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings
69. Dysentery
70. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, but some don’t
71. Edema
72. Energy boost
73. Epilepsy (known to reduce epileptic seizures)
74. Fever Support
75. Flaky, Dry Skin
76. Gallbladder disease and pain
77. Gas
78. H. pylori
79. Head Lice
80. Heart Disease (protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis)
81. Hemorrhoids (can applied externally or internally twice a day)
82. HIV
83. Hot Flashes
84. Hyperthyroidism
85. Immune System Builder
86. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
87. Jaundice
88. Kidney Disease
89. Kidney Stones (aids in dissolving them)
90. Liver Disease
91. Lung Disease
92. Malnutrition
93. Mental Clarity
94. Menstruation Relief regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow
95. Migraines (with regular use)
96. Mononucleosis
97. Osteoporosis
98. Pancreatitis
99. Parasites
100. Periodontal Disease and tooth decay
101. Prostate Enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
102. Rickets
103. Skin problems
104. Scurvy
105. Stomach Ulcers
106. Toenail fungus
107. Thrush
108. Thyroid Function (regulates an overactive or underactive thyroid)
109. Ulcerative Colitis
110. Underactive thyroid gland – results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal after ingesting coconut oil daily
111. Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)
Coconut Oil and Health Problems (when applied topically it is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing these health issues)
112. Acne
113. Allergies/Hay Fever – rub a little inside the nostrils for quick relief. The pollen will cling to the oil.
114. Athletes foot
115. Back pain/sore muscles
116. Boils and cysts
117. Canker sores
118. Cellulite
119. Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.
120. Decongestant – rub coconut oil on the chest and under the nose when congested from a cold or allergies
121. Ear infection – place a few drops inside the ear twice daily for relief from pain. Also fights the infection itself.
122. Genital Warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)
123. Gum Disease and Gingivitis (use as a toothpaste or rub directly on gums)
124.Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)
125.Hives (reduces the itch and swelling
126. Pink eye (applied around and in the eye)
127. Ringworm
128. Toothache
129. Warts

Coconut Oil and Cooking
130. Butter Substitute – use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing butter in recipes with coconut oil.
131. Nutritional Supplement – melt and add to smoothies.
132. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in its solid form for greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.
133. Replacement for various oils in liquid form Рbaking, cooking, saut̩ing, etc.

Coconut Oil and Pets/Animals
Check with your veterinarian but the recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily.
134. Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
135. Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
136. Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
137. Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
138. Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin
139. Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
140. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.
141. Helps prevent or control diabetes
142. Helps sedentary dogs feel energetic
143. Helps reduce weight, increases energy
144. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
145. Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
146. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs.
147. Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
148. Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
149. Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
150. Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function

Other Uses for Coconut Oil
151. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!
152. Goo Gone – just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
153. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with DEET! Tons safer too.
154. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products
155. Oiling wood cutting boards and wood bowls
156. Polishing Bronze – all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
157. Polish Furniture – coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.
158. Seasoning animal hide drums
159. Seasoning cookware
160. Soap making – coconut oil can be used as one of the fats in soap.

Monday 9 April 2012

 

Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin


Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin neon lighting glass art anatomy

Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin neon lighting glass art anatomy

Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin neon lighting glass art anatomy

Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin neon lighting glass art anatomy

Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin neon lighting glass art anatomy

Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin neon lighting glass art anatomy

Embodiment: A Neon Skeleton by Eric Franklin neon lighting glass art anatomy


Portland-based sculptor Eric Franklin constructs stunning (if not slightly disconcerting) anatomical light structures that are fully hollow and filled with ionized krypton, causing them to glow similar to a neon light. The glass skeleton above, Embodiment, is my jaw-dropping favorite of this series. The piece took over 1,000 hours of work over a two year period and is actually built from 10 separate units of glass formed from borosilicate glass tubing. The process of creating something like this is unbelievably painstaking as Franklin shares via email:
Every glass seal has to be perfect, and this piece contains hundreds. Everywhere one tube joins another, or a tube terminates, glass tubes were sealed together. They have to be perfect in order to preserve the luminosity of the krypton. If one rogue molecule gets inside the void of the glass tubing it can eventually contaminate the gas and it will no longer glow. There are times when the holes in the seals are so small that you cannot actually see them with your eyes without the help of a leak detector. Once the glass pieces are ready to get filled with gas, I pull a high vacuum while the glass is hot in order to evacuate any dust or water vapor from the interior surface until there are literally no molecules inside the void of the glass. Then the krypton can be introduced and the glass sealed off. It’s an extremely tedious process, one I have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with.