Test Your World Trivia Knowledge - Twenty World Trivia Questions

The world is steadily shrinking. It's time we started thinking globally. So let's begin by brushing up on our world trivia knowledge. I've put together about 20 questions with the answers for you to use.

Find out how much world trivia your family and friends know. You can print out the test and use a felt tip pen to mark out the answers, or simply copy and paste the questions and answers into any form you wish. Then print them out and have a trivia party!

\"Mineral Springs\"

World Trivia

Test Your World Trivia Knowledge - Twenty World Trivia Questions

What mammal do fishermen in China train to help them increase their catch?
A: The otter; The Chinese train otters to chase fish under large nets, which are then dropped and pulled in.

Where in the world is Spa, the resort town that gave its name to mineral springs everywhere?
A: In Belgium.

In 1512 why did Franc's King Louis XII order the removal of all the garbage that for years had been routinely tossed over the walls surrounding the city of Paris?
A: He feared invaders would climb the mounds of garbage and scale the walls.

What daily exercise routine did seventeenth-century French statesman Cardinal Richelieu perform to stay in shape?
A: He jumped over furniture.

How did the Caribbean island of Curacao get its name?
A: From the word cure--for the cure for scurvy it unexpectedly provided to Portuguese sailors set ashore with the disease. When they were later picked up, all were in good health--having partaken of the island's abundant crop of citrus fruit.

What was the name of the space vehicle in which Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet Union's first cosmonaut, orbited Earth on April 12, 1961?
A: Vostok I.

What nation was the first to be represented on both U.S and Russian space missions?
A: France. It had representatives aboard a Soviet space flight in June 1982 and on an American flight in June 1985?

What was the cost of a first-class ticket on the first and only around-the-world flight by an airship, made by the Graf Zeppelin in 1929?
A: The ticket for the 20,000 miles, 21-day trip was ,000.

What South American country is named for an Italian city?
A: Venezuela--which, translated, means "Little Venice."

How long did King Edward VIII sit on the English throne before he abdicated for the woman he loved?
A: Eleven months, from January 20 to December 10, 1936.

What are the citizens of Rio de Janeiro, Brail, called?
A: Cariocas.

For what country did Florentine explorer Giovanni da Verrazano sail to the New World?
A: France.

What would world-famous family changed its name from Wettin early in this century?
A: England's royal family. Wettin--the family name of Queen Victoria's German husband--was changed to Windsor when Great Britain was fighting Germany during World War I.

What country's highest mountain is named for Thaddeus Kosciusko, the Polish general who fought in the American Revolution?
A: Australia.

What was Pago Pago, the administrative capital of American Samoa, formerly known as?
A: Pango Pango, which is how Pago Pago is pronounced in the Samoan language, with "g" pronounced "ng."

What was 18-year-old Queen Victoria's first act after her coronation in 1838?
A: She had her bed moved from her mother's room to the very first room of her own.

In what country can you find Europe's last remaining herd of bison?
A: In Poland, in the Bialowieza Forest.

What natural phenomenon did the ancient Egyptians use to mark the start of their New Year?
A: The annual flooding of the Nile River.

Shang-tu in China was the summer palace of a great ruler. What name do we know it by?
A: Xanadu, the "stately pleasure-dome" of Kubla Khan in the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Where did the umbrella originate?
A: In Mesopotamia, in 1400 B.C. It was used for shade, which is why its name is derived from the Latin word for a shade, umbra.

Who made it fashionable to leave undone the bottom button in the vest of a man's three piece suit?
A: The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), at the turn of the century--because he was too portly to button his bottom button.

Test Your World Trivia Knowledge - Twenty World Trivia Questions

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Free fun triviaFun Trivia Questions and Answers. Thousands of fun-filled free trivia questions on all topics complete with answers.

The Philippine Topography and Its Scenic Beauties

The Philippines is a rugged land traversed by many mountain ranges, extensive but narrow coastal plains, navigable rivers, fertile valleys and deltas and beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

Most of the islands in the Philippine archipelago are characterized by irregular seacoasts, fertile plains and wooded uplands in the interiors.

\"Mineral Springs\"

The Two Largest Islands

The Philippine Topography and Its Scenic Beauties

• Luzon in the north, 104,688 square kilometers in area.
• Mindanao in the south, 94,630 square kilometers-comprise 67.1 percent of the total land area of the country.

The other major islands from the largest to the smallest are Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate. About 800 of the islands in the archipelago are inhabited, while the rest are islands, islets, or rocks too small to be populated.

The Philippines has an irregular coastline totaling 17,465.5 kilometers long or about twice as long as the coastline of the United States. Our coastline is considered the longest discontinuous coastline in the world. This has resulted in a great many fine harbors and landlocked straits. Located between Samar and Leyte is what has been called "the narrowest strait in the world."-The San Juanico Strait. Manila Bay, with a circumference of about 193.2 kilometers is one of the world's finest natural harbors. The fourth lowest spot in the world ins the Philippine Deep, situated off northeastern Mindanao. It is only a little less deep than the Marianas Deep, just east of Luzon, and is about 10,539 meters deep. Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, can easily be submerged in it, with 1.6 kilometers of space to spare.

The Philippines has four major plains

• Central Luzon Plain is the largest lowland area in the north and is considered the rice granary of the Philippines.
• Cagayan Valley, in Northeastern Luzon is the leading tobacco-producing region in Asia.
• Agusan-Davao Plain
• Cotabato Valley

It also has two pricipal plateaus-the Lanao-Bukidnon Plateau and the Tiruray Tableland in Maguindanao.

Volcanoes abound in the Philippines, a few of them active.

The Most Known volcanoes in the Philippines

• Mayon in Albay
• Iraya in Batanes Islands
• Taal in Batangas
• Banahaw in Quezon
• Apo in Davao del Sur
• Makaturing in Lanao del Sur
• Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin Island
• Isarog in Camarines Sur
• Bulusan in Sorsogon.

Among these, Mayon is the most active and the most famous, with its nearly perfect cone rising above the surrounding landscape that it enriches with its occasional eruptions.

Of the many scenic waterfalls in the country, the best known are Pagsanjan falls and Botocan Falls in Laguna, Hinulugang Taktak in Rizal, Tamaraw Falls in Oriental Mindoro, and Maria Cristina Falls-the tallest and most beautiful of them all-in Lanao del Norte.

Mineral springs are plentiful in the Philippines too. Best known among these are Tiwi Hot Springin Albay; Los Baños, Pansol, and Bumbungan Hot Springs in Laguna; the Pandi and Sibul Hot Springs in Bulacan; and the Magsingal Spring in Ilocos Sur.

There are some 59 lakes in the country. Lake Dagatan in Quezon is said to be the smallest of these lakes.

The Six Largest Philippine Lakes

• Laguna de Bay - pronounced as ba-I,a rich source of fish and shellfish and is Manila's source of these items.
• Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur
• Lake Taal in Batangas - surrounded by fertile agricultural land; it is a lake at the top of an extinct volcano, and there is another volcano in the middle of the lake.
• Lake Mainit in Surigao del Norte - the crater of an extinct volcano and got its name from the many hot springs along its shores.
• Lake Naujan in Oriental Mindoro - abounds in ducks and edible shells as well as freshwater fish.
• Lake Buluan in Sultan Kudarat
• Lake Bito in Leyte

The Philippine Topography and Its Scenic Beauties

About the Philippines

Philippine Almanac offers you all the information you need about the Philippines. If you are a traveler, a student, foreigner or native who is looking for a certain information about the history, politics, livelihood, entertainment, tourist destinations and attractions, accommodation or where to stay, jobs and specific places in the Philippines, then this website can offer you so much. To visit Philippine Almanac immediately, Click Here.

Dead Sea Salt - Anti-Aging Naturally

Anti-aging - Mineral Rich

These genuine essential minerals enhance your skin's natural ability to retain moisture. Retaining moisture in your skin will help keep lines and wrinkles from forming, making it smooth and healthy.

\"Mineral Springs\"

Dead Sea salts can be used widely in anti-aging skin care products for the body, face, and hair, treating skin aliments, aromatherapy, or simply bathing.

Dead Sea Salt - Anti-Aging Naturally

Deep Sea Benefits

Genuine Dead Sea salt provides the highest mineral content possible. Minerals such as calcium chloride, magnesium, bromine, potassium, and many others are vital for your skin's health and proper function. This composition improves cell metabolism and contributes to its restoration and regeneration.

Dead Sea products can exfoliate your skin, clean your pores, and help rid your skin of toxins.

This natural salt will work therapeutic wonders. Used as a soak or spa bath treatment, the crystals will nourish, cleanse, and refresh your skin. A Sea Salt bath provides a medium for deep relaxation, as well as a feast of minerals for the skin. This luxury was once relegated to high-end spas and expensive skin clinic's, but now therapeutic salt baths are becoming common practice in homes all across America.

Bringing the Dead Sea properties right into the privacy of your home for relaxation and relief, the widely reputed soothing effects of it can now be enjoyed. Now every bathtub and jacuzzi can be a private spa, rich in benefits of Dead Sea salt and its life giving minerals.

Another benefit it offers is its effective relief from psoriasis, eczema, hemorrhoids, muscular pain and stress induced tension. Many people travel from all over the world to the Dead Sea to find relief from their skin aliments. The minerals in the salt are also naturally present in our skin cells. When some of these minerals are lost it can cause skin to appear dull, become dry, and wrinkles may set in.

Using Dead Sea salt ant-aging products will help restore and improve the over-all health and vitality of the skin. Not only are these minerals able to help in slowing down the aging process, but they are also able to improve the condition of our skin and enhance it's natural beauty.

History "Mystic"

The therapeutic and beautifying properties on the skin have been legendary for centuries.

Cleopatra - the queen of ancient beauty was legendary for her magically youthful looks throughout her whole life.

She went to great expense to obtain exclusive rights over the Dead Sea area so she could gain access to supplies of Dead Sea salt and black mud. The remains of the first cosmetic factory commissioned to be built by Cleopatra are still visible today.

It is said the secret to the beauty of her skin was the anti aging effect of bath salts, mud and cosmetics made with Dead Sea salt.

Unique elements of nature

The Dead Sea forms part of the Israeli-Jordan border, fed by the Jordan River. This unique sea has no out-flow. The high rate of evaporation produces the large quantities of raw chemicals that are extracted and exported world wide.

It is some of the saltiest water anywhere in the world, almost 9 times as salty as the ocean. It is the most un-drownable lake on earth because of the extremely high concentration of mineral salts in the water. It makes it impossible to sink below the surface and one can float effortlessly.

A unique combination of the chemical composition of the water, the mineral-rich mud, and the adjacent fresh water and mineral springs - A trip to the Dead Sea will rejuvenate your spirit, body, and mind. You don't have to wait to take a trip to the Middle East to soak up the benefits - Bring the Dead Sea to you - experience the beauty products.

Dead Sea Salt - Anti-Aging Naturally

Hope this proved useful information. Interested in more Anti-aging skin care information? - Visit- http://www.anti-aging-skin-care-illusions.com/index.html

In the meantime- "Pamper yourself"- Create a more "beautiful you"-The total package!

The Dead Sea History!

The Dead Sea

Dead Sea, located in the south of the Jordan Valley, the salty closed sea 400 meters below sea level is the lowest spot on Earth. The scenery on the shores of the sea in enchanting.
The Dead Sea is famous for its extraordinary salt and mineral content, which many people say makes it a natural healing agent for skin problems. To ORDER The Dead Sea Products Click HERE. Or visit http://www.giftsfromtheholyland.com. Or call TOLL FREE 1-888-336-3275. People from around the world have been visiting the Dead Sea for many years for curative treatments and to enjoy its relaxing waters.

\"Mineral Springs\"

5.000 Years of History

The Dead Sea History!

King David, King Herod, Jesus, and John Baptist were closely linked with the Dead Sea and its surroundings. The prophets knew it via the infamous Sodom and Gomorra. During the Egyptian conquest it is said that Queen Cleopatra obtained exclusive rights to build cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories in the area. Later on, the wily Nabateans discovered the value of bitumen extracted from the Dead Sea and needed by the Egyptians for embalming their mummies. Aristotle wrote about the remarkable waters. In Roman times the Essenes settled in Qumran on the Dead Sea northern shore as a place of refuge and on the heights of Masada a small group of rebellious Jewish zealots held out against the might of the Roman Legion. The remoteness of the region attracted Greek Orthodox monks since the Byzantine era. Their monasteries such as Saint George in Wadi Kelt and Mar Saba in the Judean Desert are places of pilgrimage. Bedouin tribes have continuously lived in the area and more recently explorers and scientists arrived to analyze the minerals and conduct research into the unique climate. Since the 1960's, tourists from all the world have also explored the Dead Sea region.

The Lowest Point on Earth

Situated on the heart of the Great Syrian-African rift valley that stretches throughout Israel and beyond, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth (400 meters or 1,320 feet below sea level), and is flanked by the Judean Mountains on the west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Mountains of Moab on the east, the Jordan Valley and Sea of Galilee to the north and the Negev Desert as well as the Red Sea to the south.

The Dead Sea Water

The water of the Dead Sea contains 21 minerals including magnesium, calcium, bromine and potassium. 12 of these are found in no other area or ocean and some are recognized for imparting a relaxed feeling, nourishing the skin, activating the circulatory systems and for easing rheumatic discomfort and metabolic disorders. As an example, the Dead Sea contains 10 times more salts and minerals than the Mediterranean Sea. The high salt and mineral concentration enables everyone to float in its waters but doesn't allow the proliferation of fish and other marine life.

Thermo-mineral Springs

Found in several locations along the Dead Sea shores. The many minerals contained in the warm water are dominated by sulfur. Soaking in the heated sulfur pools activates the circulatory system and increases the oxygen supply to the body.

Natural mineral spring water

Flows from the Judean Hills into the lower areas fronting the Dead Sea. When hiking along the area's "wadis" (seasonal dry river beds) and oasis, one can often splash in waterfalls and cool streams. Natural mineral spring water is bottled and locally marketed throughout the country.

The Sun

The Dead Sea is the only place on earth where one can sunbathe for extended periods with little or no sunburn because harmful ultraviolet rays are filtered through three natural layers: an extra atmospheric layer, an evaporation layer that exists above the Dead Sea and a rather thick ozone layer.

The Air
The region's miraculous air is dry, unpolluted and pollen-free with low humidity. Due to the constant evaporation, the air contains high concentrations of several minerals, mainly bromine, providing a genuinely relaxing effect.

Because of the high barometric pressure it has approximately 8% more oxygen than anywhere else on earth and consequently makes breathing easier.

Black Mud

A signature element of the Dead Sea, black mud is homogeneous mixture of Dead Sea minerals, important organic elements from the shoreline as well as earth. Indulging in a black mud body wrap has both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits - known to cleanse and stimulate the skin, relieve muscle and emotional tensions, improve blood circulation, and ease rheumatic pain. The rich minerals and the mud tightening action promote circulation by increasing the supply of oxygen to and removing the toxins from the skin, thus toning and firming up skin tissues, leaves the skin glowing and youthful looking. Dead Sea Mineral Mud cleans, purifies, and restores the skin's natural minerals.

The Salt

As the name suggests, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to an extremely high content of salts and minerals. It is these natural elements which gave the water its curative powers. Dead Sea Salt and Dead Sea Mud have been recognized by millions of people as a single source of health and beauty since the days of Herod the Great, more than 2,000 years ago. The Dead Sea has a 33% concentration of salts and minerals (compared to only 3% in the ocean). Dead Sea Salt original mineral composition improves cell metabolism and contributes to its restoration and regeneration. Dead Sea Salt also acts as a disinfectant and help in removing harmful substances from the skin.

The Dead Sea History!

Anwar Abedrabbo CEO Gifts FromThe Holy Land john@giftsfromholyland.com 1-888-336-3275 Voice/Fax

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

Shakespeare's much-loved heroine Juliet may well have felt that "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" as far as her beloved Romeo was concerned. However, when it comes to the names of spa treatments, there's no doubt that a well-chosen and imaginative name certainly helps to grab the attention of prospective spa visitors more than a mundane, literal one.

Let's face it, if you were choosing between two treatments - one called "scrub treatment to remove dead skin" and the other called "Lavender and Tea Tree Exfoliation" - which would be more likely to appeal to you? For most of us, the latter would almost certainly seem more alluring, even if we knew deep down that a "Lavender and Tea Tree Exfoliation" may well involve precisely what the first option suggests...

Spa

Other scrub pseudonyms at top UK spas include intriguingly titled treatments such as "Li'Tya Yanko" or "Madagascan Red Island Ritual". Unsurprisingly, names like these have spa-goers signing up in droves and, in fairness, these treatments don't tend to disappoint.

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

The first treatment involves a full body exfoliation that cleanses the spirit and revitalises the energy meridians, bringing tone and clarity to the skin. During this treatment, Australian oils are applied and desert salts are sprinkled over your skin, then massaged in to exfoliate and purify the skin. Finally, a warm shower rinses away any residual stresses, before cherry alder body lotion is applied to soothe and nurture. Sounds gooooood!

And judging by the detailed description of the Madagascan Red Island Ritual, this one is equally worth adding to your list of "spa treatments I'd love to try". It's billed as "a ritual with a strong sensorial dimension directly inspired by the rich and resourceful nature of Madagascar Island" - but what does it actually involve? Well, for a start, it appears that a fabulously fruity experience is in store...

This ingenious treatment combines the sweet scents of apricot, orange and argan fruit powders, blending them with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, and incorporating essential oils including grape, sunflower and apricot. All these natural ingredients conspire to create an indulgent, nurturing beauty treatment that leaves your whole body superbly silky and soft.

During the treatment, the therapist's professional hand massage technique is expertly complemented by the use of a unique wooden relaxer to apply 100% natural aromatherapy balms - the end result is that tension and knots simply melt away, to be replaced by feelings of comfort and relaxation.

So much for fabulous exfoliation techniques - what about other types of spa treatments? Are they blessed with equally irresistible names? A quick glance at the "pamper menu" of any self-respecting spa reveals that they certainly are.

For example, during your spa visit you could choose spa experiences such as Shakra Silks, Crystal Wand Therapy or even Visibly Stoned - not to mention Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage) or Mini Lava Shell Tummy Treatment.

Alternatively, if you're more of a "get-up-and-go" than a "lie-back-and-be-pampered" type, energetically inspiring exercise class names such as Pom Pom Workout, Sinatra Swing and Hoola Hooping are sure to have you heading hotfoot for your chosen spa's gym or aerobics studio. Somehow, the rather pedestrian term "keep fit class" just doesn't have quite the same magnetic appeal.

So it seems that, despite what star-crossed lover Juliet may have thought, modern-day spa managers know that designations do matter. It really is all in the name.

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

Many of today's spa treatments boast truly fabulous names - and luckily for spa guests, the majority of them live up to those names.

Wonder of the Waters - A History of Essential Mineral Baths

For centuries, hot springs have offered numerous health benefits for everything from arthritis to indigestion. Sulfur, for instance, is credited with relieving nasal congestion, while sodium bicarbonate and calcium are said to enhance circulation. A number of studies have also indicated that soaking in hot mineral spring waters lessens the pain of arthritis. For instance, a study published in the August 1995 issue of the Israeli medical journal Harefuah reported patients bathing in the Dead Sea salt experienced improvement in knee pain. Other Israeli study results published in the April 2001 issue of the Rheumatology International indicated that hot sulfur baths helped relieve the pain and lessen the fatigue of fibromyalgia.

The benefits of hot springs, or mineral baths, were first endorsed by the Romans. They were so much a part of life that nearly every Roman city had at least one bath, which served as centers of public bathing and socializing. Throughout the Empire, baths sprung up wherever natural hot springs existed, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Algeria, and The Netherlands. Here, Romans bathed, exercised, and socialized with one another. They were used by the rich, poor, free or slave.

\"Mineral Springs\"

The hot springs in Baden-Baden, Germany, were well known to the Romans. In 1847, well preserved remains of Roman vapour baths were discovered below the castle. In fact, the direct translation of Baden-Baden is Baths-Baths. The name actually refers to both the city and the Baden region of Germany and the city lies along the Oos River in the Black Forest. One of the world's great spas, Baden-Baden has been popular with patrons of its natural mineral springs for centuries. In fact, Britain's Queen Victoria was an annual visitor who made the health benefits of Baden-Baden well known during her reign.

Wonder of the Waters - A History of Essential Mineral Baths

Today, the bathing houses in Baden-Baden are considered some of the most elegant in Europe. However, the baths cater to people of all means. There are a total of 29 hot springs, which is conveyed through the town in pipes to the various baths. The waters at Baden-Baden are known to bring relief for cases of rheumatism, gout, paralysis, neuralgia, and skin diseases.

One of the world's first health resorts, the Dead Sea is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. Herod the Great, the Roman king of Judaea from 73 BC to 4 BC, enjoyed the healthful benefits of the Dead Sea, as well as Queen Cleopatra, who obtained exclusive rights to build cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories in the area. The region's climate and unique conditions created by its low elevation has made the Dead Sea a popular destination for a variety of health and beauty treatments. Multiple studies have shown the mineral essentials of the sea are effective for psoriasis, acne, and rheumatism. The Ein Gedi Spa, a well-established site on the shores of the Dead Sea, offers indoor thermo-mineral pools, resting areas, and a large outdoor bath containing rich, heavy black mud, which is ideal for ridding the body of poisons.

The healing properties of hot springs were espoused by the Native Americans, as well. When Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto reached the Valley of the Vapors in 1541, he was the first European to see the curative nature of what is now known as Hot Springs, Arkansas. For many years, tribes had been enjoying the springs - agreeing to put aside their weapons to partake of the healing waters in peace while in the valley. By 1832, the Hot Springs National Park was formed, which granted protection of the thermal waters, giving Hot Springs the distinction of being the first national park to be designated for government protection.

The thermal springs, situated in the Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas, emerge in a gap between Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain. Nicknamed "The American Spa," visitors from around the world flocked to the natural hot springs. Today, this rich history is preserved in the faithfully-restored Fordyce Bathhouse, a museum and visitors center on Bathhouse Row. A variety of bathing facilities are open as well to visitors on Bathhouse Row and in hotels and spas downtown.

More than 100 years ago, the rich and famous traveled by private rail car to Mount Clemens, Michigan, to experience its magical mineral waters pumped from 1,400 feet under the city. Following the opening of the first bath house, "America's Bath City" reached its height of popularity with luxury resort hotels offering heated baths, which were widely known to relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism, as well as skin problems such as eczema. Henry Ford, William Randolph Hearst, Mae West, Babe Ruth, and European royalty made visits to Mount Clemens to partake of its mineral essentials.

In the 1900s, the mineral water from Mount Clemens drew thousands of polio patients. Legend had it that people came to the city in wheelchairs and left walking under their own power. Ultimately, eleven major bath houses operated in the city, supported by dozens of resort hotels, resulting in a thriving therapeutic industry.

Wonder of the Waters - A History of Essential Mineral Baths

Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin -- a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Visit us at http://www.mineralessentials.com and http://www.acheaway.com

Baking Soda For Gout: Why Take Drugs?

Bicarbonate of Soda, bread soda, cooking soda, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate... all names for Baking Soda.

What is Baking Soda? Here's what you will find at Wikipedia:

\"Mineral Springs\"

Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda (sodium carbonate). It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs. The natural mineral form, nahcolite, is found in dissolved form in bile, where it serves to neutralize the acidity of the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach, and is excreted into the duodenum of the small intestine via the bile duct.

Baking Soda For Gout: Why Take Drugs?

Why is Baking Soda so good for Gout?

Baking Soda has been used for relieving the symptoms of Gout for hundreds of years. The condition of Gout is well-known for the high levels of Uric Acid that develop in the blood stream.

Uric Acid is a natural and normal part of our metabolism that is an important and essential Free Radical. It helps to eliminate pathogens and microscopic foreign invaders that cause various illnesses but when it becomes too concentrated, the body deposits it as crystals in a number of different joints throughout the body.

Baking Soda is a natural alkalizing agent and is used for many different medical applications including forms of Metabolic Acidosis like Chronic Renal Failure and Renal Tubular Acidosis. Typically the over-abundance of Uric Acid in the blood is an indication of an over-all condition of Acidosis and the sign that the pH of the body chemistry is down at the acidic levels.

In the event of a Gout Attack, periodically smalls doses of Baking Soda will serve to raise the pH of the body back up to the alkaline levels and also keep the Uric Acid in solution. Additionally, it will dissolve the Uric Acid Crystals that have already formed. It is especially effective when combined with Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemons or Limes.

The medical industry is fully aware of the effectiveness of Sodium Bicarbonate and uses specialized forms of it to neutralize many different acidic conditions. The question that needs to be asked is: "Why don't we use natural alkalizing agents to relieve the Acidosis that causes Gout Attacks instead of using anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that inhibit the production of Uric Acid?"

So much emphasis is placed on limiting the production of Uric Acid rather than addressing the general Acidosis of the body when plagued with Gout; the corrosive damage and oxidation that is the root cause of so many other degenerative diseases is swept under the rug.

Gout is just a painful Omen of Heart Disease and Diabetes.

The typical "treating of the symptoms" of Gout by western medicine is another example of how our current medical system is designed to manage diseases rather than promote wellness. If our MD's observed the overall acidity that is generated by our diets and lifestyles and did not add to the acidity with pharmaceutical drugs, we could maintain a far higher degree of health and dispense with the need of so many detrimental prescription drugs.

The measured and moderate use of Baking Soda is a perfect example.

Baking Soda For Gout: Why Take Drugs?

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Arkansas Casinos

The state of Arkansas is a Southern state with a population of nearly 3 million. Arkansas' capital city is Little Rock, where one of Arkansas' casinos is located. The state of Arkansas is the only U.S. state with an official pronunciation (ar-kan-SAW), and the only state where diamonds are found naturally. There are not a large number of Arkansas casinos, but visitors to Arkansas can find gambling action in several places situated around the state.

One popular Arkansas casino is Cherokee Casino in Siloam Springs. This 50,000 square foot casino is open 24 hours a day and features a restaurant and a bar with live music. This Arkansas casino boasts 813 electronic gaming machines and over 40 tables for card games, roulette, craps and more--including 19 poker tables. One interesting feature of Cherokee Casino is that they offer poker games that are played against other players rather than the house. Cherokee Casino is an Arkansas casino worth checking out.

\"Mineral Springs\"

Another Arkansas casino, located in Holiday Island, is Spinzz Casino. This Arkansas casino was closed down because of gambling law disputes but has recently reopened for business. Guests visiting Spinzz Casino can stay at the nearby Spinzz Casino Hotel to be close to the action.

Arkansas Casinos

Though there are not many Arkansas casinos, there is a town with a rich casino history, which also happens to be former President Clinton's boyhood hometown. Hot Springs, Arkansas, in addition to being celebrated for its naturally 140-degree mineral springs, was one of America's original "sin cities." The town was a meeting place for gangsters, but instead of shoot-outs and showdowns, crime families such as the Nittis and the Capones would come to Hot Springs to sit down and talk. Historic Arkansas casinos were rampant in Hot Springs, and despite their "illegal" designation, residents of the town insisted that the casinos were good for business. At its peak, Hot Springs served as a Mecca for gambling and tourists flocked to the colorful Arkansas casinos lining its streets.

Today there are fewer choices for Arkansas casinos. However, gamblers looking for great casino action can visit the exciting Cherokee Casino or the centrally located Spinzz Casino. Of course, online Arkansas casinos are always a great option for anyone! Despite limited availability, Arkansas casinos have a long and rich history and should not be overlooked by casino aficionados and casual gamblers. Visit an Arkansas casino today!

Arkansas Casinos

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The Origin Of Spa - A Brief History

A spa, as known to us today, is a centre for treatments through various alternate medications, and has grown to include relaxation, unwinding and getting pampered. But what makes for an interesting read is the origin of this culture, and the genesis of the word spa. So, when did the concept of spa - relaxing and getting treated for ailments through water - come into being? Where from did it get its present name? There are myriad answers to these questions, but all intertwined in the same theory.

Genesis of the spa

\"Mineral Springs\"

Popular belief has it that the origin of spa dates back to the Roman era, when soldiers of their legions fatigued by wars, would take to rejuvenation, relaxation and treatment of sore wounds through water. Hot, natural spring water was considered to be the best cure for wounds and tired muscles. The legionnaires, hence, started building baths around naturally found hot water springs or hot water wells. These baths were popularly known as 'aquae', while the treatments undertaken at these aquae were called 'Sanus Per Aquam' - of which SPA is considered to be an acronym - meaning health by or through water. Others believe that spa is an ellipsis of the Latin phrase 'Sanitas Per Aquas', meaning the same. The Belgian town Spa, which rose to fame in the 14th century in this context, thus got its name, since a thermal spring having curative and thermal properties was discovered there.

The Origin Of Spa - A Brief History

Another accepted credence is that the word spa is derived from the Walloon (the dialect of the people of Wallonia in south Belgium) word espa, meaning fountain. Alternatively, the origin of the word can also be attributed to the Latin word 'spagere', which means to scatter, sprinkle or moisten.

History of the spa

Social bathing was religiously adhered to as a culture in the ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Minoan, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Among the first to use a variety of baths, the Greeks pioneered the concept of laconica (hot water tubs and hot air baths). The Romans adopted and modified it progressively into balneum and then thermae (Greek for heat).This spearheaded the culture of social bathing which gained immense popularity in the following years. Even though the first thermae can be traced back to 25 BC, the balneum existed in the Roman society almost 200 years before the advent of thermae. Each succeeding emperor to the Roman throne outdid his forerunner in building more spacious and luxurious baths. Some baths were large enough to hold about 6000 bathers at a time.

Growth of the spa culture

Subsequent years saw the thermae grow into wholesome entertainment complexes where bathers could indulge in sports, leisure, and restaurants apart from the varied baths available. A characteristic bath comprised of visits to different chambers for a complete relaxation routine. The bathing ritual started with exercises at palestra, followed by an hour long session in three increasingly warmer rooms beginning with tepidarium, where the bather's body would be smeared with oils and other herbal extracts. Private bathing rooms called caldariums that offered a choice of hot or cold water would be the next in line. The bather then moved on to laconicum, the hottest chamber of the thermae, where a vigorous massage and dead skin scraping would be carried out with the help of an object called strigil. The bath would end with a dip in a pool of cool water known as the frigidarium. After this ritual, the bather could relax in the other parts of the thermae indulging in a sumptuous meal, or retiring to the library. Since baths were located in close proximity to natural hot or mineral springs, the Renaissance witnessed towns abundant in natural springs graduating into spa destinations. Some examples are that of Spa, Belgium; Paeffers, Switzerland; Baden-Baden Germany; and Bath, Engalnd. Often these natural waters were considered to have medicinal properties and curative value.

The downfall and rediscovery of the spa

The fall of the Roman Empire resulted in a decrease in the popularity of the thrmae concept the world over. All existing spas fell prey to the cyclic order of being discovered, forgotten, and then being rediscovered. But although spas and hot water treatments went in and out of vogue since man first stumbled over the concept, water as a healing liquid never lost sheen. With innovations in the medical science, allopathy took over almost every other branch of medicine and well being in the early 20th century. Dispensaries and public hospitals started to be viewed as an alternative to natural healing processes. This threw the existing spas out of gear as they got transformed into vacationing hubs, losing their original purpose and catering only to the rich. Other spas responded by concentrating on the beauty business offering an amalgam of fitness and beauty in glorified saloons called day spas.

But, thanks to the indulgent and health conscious populace that looks at relaxation more as a way of life rather than a leisure activity, the spa culture has sprung back to life in most parts of the world. Modern spas, though having undergone a paradigm shift in their ways of treatment, still retain water therapy as their nucleus, and follow a routine of cleaning, heating, treatment and rest, akin to their older counterparts.

The spa of today

Call it thermal waters or spa, the concept of healing through water is also known by copious other terms such as taking the waters, spa therapy, balenotherapy, or hydrotherapy. The meaning of spa has constantly evolved through the ages to accommodate several other types of treatments. Now, spa treatments can range from wet and dry treatments to wellness therapies and beauty treatments. Treatments at spa include thalassotherapy, meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda flotation therapy, watsu, wassertanzen, water dance, liquid sound, Swedish massage, Japanese Shiatsu, Thai massage, European facials, acupuncture, Dead Sea salt scrubs, Moor mud wraps, aromatherapy, reflexology, microdermabrasion, endermologie, reiki, aura imaging, rasul, hypnotherapy, Tai Chi, dream therapy and much more. Mechanical devices such as Jacuzzi whirlpools, hydrotherapy tubs, Swiss showers, scotch hoses, and vichy showers have been developed to assist these therapies efficiently, and have collectively made the spa experience a better one. Today's spa has successfully stuck to its core traditions, simultaneously innovating, interpreting and expressing them in its own way.

The Origin Of Spa - A Brief History

Rohan Mistry is the owner of a day spa in Mumbai. Being in trade for about a decade, he is the keen observer of upcoming trends in the spa industry. Destination spas are the next big thing if his predictions are to be believed.

Salt Chlorine Pool Problems

As salt chlorine generation becomes more popular, problems are abounding due to a lack of consumer education and dealer / installer education.  What are the problems? There are FOUR general issues.  They deal with water quality as well as equipment maintenance.  The issues are water quality, general misunderstanding of the product and process, lack of education (installer as well as pool owner), and finally equipment problems.

Let's first say that the overwhelming majority of customers are ecstatic with their salt-chlorine pool -- the first season, then reality sets in (that's somewhat facetious).  And that's true with virtually any pool care system. Why? Because normally the first season you have a freshly filled pool (new water) and zealous care by the new pool owner. In subsequent years, routine sets in, lack of zeal is the norm, and novelty is lost (these are general statements - not all pool owners are this lax).

\"Mineral Springs\"

The first general issue with salt - chlorine pool care is water quality.  Water quality is just that: how the water looks, feels, tastes, and performs.  All of these are connected to water balance and products used.  Saline pools tend to run with a higher pH, so a dry or liquid acid must be added to the pool on regular basis to maintain proper pH.  Most saline pools are started on "plain salt," that is salt without any additives.  In a swimming pool, these additives are necessary to 1) buffer the water, 2) shield the chlorine from UV degradation - stabilizer, 3) stain and scale prevention - staining and scaling of pool surfaces and equipment especially in areas of typically "hard water".  Often times, pool owners neglect maintaining proper levels of salt in the pool, either high or low.  Low levels prevent proper chlorination.  High levels add to scaling and "salty" taste, not to mention wasted product.  High levels of salt can cause the water feel "thick" and look dull.  This we have noticed to be especially true with indoor pools (lack of fresh water additions is one cause).  All of these sub-issues leads us to the general misunderstanding of the product and the process.

Salt Chlorine Pool Problems

When set up properly, saline generation is a fantastic way to treat a swimming pool.  The key is proper set up.  And the fault often lies with both pool owner and builder-installer.  As far as product goes, using the correct product in the correct amounts makes all of the difference. Pool owners, know the correct volume of water that your pool holds.  Incorrect knowledge is the cause of over or under dosing.  Make sure that the system is operating 10 to 12 hours every day the pool operating.  Test the water twice each week - chlorine level, pH, total alkalinity.  Add algaecide periodically.  Contrary to what your builder told you, no saline system is "set it and forget it," there is upkeep and maintenance needed.  Builder-installer, don't oversell what the product and system can do.  The saline system can not maintain water balance.  Use the best salt products available.  There are different kinds of salt available: mined versus "solar."  What kind of other minerals or impurities are present in the salt, etc.  For example, depending on where the salt is mined from, there may be "excess" amounts of magnesium or potassium that scale differently on pool surfaces.  So called "solar salt" is salt that is harvested from ponds adjacent to the ocean.  A great idea but what is flying over head and making deposits in the salt?  That's one form of impurity.  The actual equipment to convert the salt to chlorine: the bottom line is you get what you pay for.  The name brand equipment with a proven track record is the best to use.  There are newer, cheaper "cells" that may work the first year (see above), but will be disappointing in subsequent pool seasons.

All of what has been just said ties directly to education of the product by all of the parties - pool owner, builder, installer, service person.  Know what saline generation can and will do.  If what you hear sounds too good, it probably needs further explanation or investigation.  A saline pool system is a big investment.  Do the necessary homework.

Finally, there are equipment problems.  More than anything else, these problems can be almost eliminated or at least marginalized. What do we mean by equipment problems?  Scaling of cell - where the chlorine is actually generated. The cell needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to optimize the chlorine generation process.  Keep in mind that the inside of the generating cell is one of the most hostile environments on planet earth - pH alone is incredible with one side of the plates having a pH of less than 1 (purely acidic) and the other side of that same plate having a pH of almost 14 (purely basic).  Never mind a local electrical charge. That's a harsh environment!  That's why thorough, regular cleaning of the cell is imperative and water balance must be maintained.  Other equipment issues to watch for: be sure that the pool is and has been properly electrically grounded. Stray electrical currents from the salt generator can lead to early degradation of ladders and railings (including stainless steel), heaters, and excess scaling and staining on pool surfaces including vinyl liners.

All of that said, saline generation, salt - chlorine generation, Mineral Springs, whatever you choose to call it is an excellent way to sanitize and treat your pool.  But now you know and understand full the picture.

Salt Chlorine Pool Problems

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