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| January 2010 »
Certified Diamonds
With just a week to go until Valentine's Day, thoughts are probably turning to chocolates, flowers, and ... my personal favorite - jewelry. Actually, I'm not a big jewelry buff - especially not the super expensive options. I'm too hard on what I wear, when I wear it, to justify a serious expenditure.
Now, a good, sturdy, dependable, water-resistant watch?! Or two?! Bring 'em on! Can't have enough! {hint, hint}
As with everything else in my shopping adventures, I do like to window shop and publish personal recommendations or warnings - as warranted. One reason I don't personally own any diamonds is that they are darned pricey and, unless you're very careful, the quality may not be equivalent to the cost. Enter: certified diamonds.
I've heard the term, often lately, on the myriad of television commercials for local stores and national chains. Just what it means or what protection it offers, I wasn't sure. So, I decided to get educated.
One common phrase in the ads is GIA and EGL certs. GIA is the Gemological Institute of America; the laboratory that introduced the first systematic methods for diamond grading in 1955. EGL is the European Gemological Laboratory; as of 1986, EGL USA is an independently owned organization with offices in the United States and Canada. They introduced the internationally-used rating system for smaller diamonds.
There are other highly respected international laboratories responsible for grading diamonds, using (as I understand it) the systems designed by the GIA and EGL. Undoubtedly, there are many groups offering certification, but most sites I looked at used one or two of the same five. Obviously, the value of the certificate is only as good as the reputation of the laboratory.
A completed cert, also called a diamond dossier, should include analysis of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, color, polish, and symmetry. With consistent standards, it becomes simple to compare any number of stones - by price, color, clarity, carat, shape, or cut - to ensure getting the best value and best quality.
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The Myth of Protein Supplements
As my readers know, I have a real problem with 'magical' supplements that cure ills and fix problems. By and large, when one looks closely, those claims tend to be highly overstated - if not downright false. Most of my columns are related to weight-loss and fat-burning supplements, but it appears that protein supplements share much of the same mythos.
According to the Live Science article Protein Supplement Myth Revealed by Body of Work, "a growing body of research shows you don't need protein supplementation unless you are a professional-level athlete in intense training or perhaps gravely ill from starvation or a wasting disease." Even under those conditions, adding large amounts of protein may well do more harm than good. Each person's situation should be evaluated by a medical professional and regularly monitored.
We are familiar with muscle-wasting disease. End-stage liver disease is such a condition, and during Mark's illness we watched as he lost muscle-mass. However, the worst thing we could have done was increase his protein intake. Protein is processed / broken down in the liver and, with a damaged liver, the protein is not properly metabolized, leading to build-up of ammonia levels in the bloodstream. A contributing factor to a dangerous complication called hepatic encephalopathy.
Excess protein also breaks down into byproducts that are removed through, and may put a strain on, the kidneys. It is considered likely to trigger release of calcium by the bones. Although no indication of short-term problems has been found, there is a long-term risk for kidney damage or osteoporosis. Recent studies indicate that excess protein can cause inflammation and a greater risk of arterial blockage. These are major concerns, especially in the United States where few people actually suffer from a lack of protein in their diet.
The Harvard School of Public Health offers dietary information and guidelines, that show how much protein the body needs every day. It also explains healthy sources, how the body makes proteins from amino acids, and bottom-line recommendations.
Unless you're competing for Mr./Ms. Universe, protein supplements may be, at best, a waste of money and, at worst, a strain on your health.
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FDA Recall Notices ~ February 05, 2010
The following recalls, market withdrawals, and/or safety alerts have been posted, through today, by the FDA. In order of listing:
Please visit the above links for complete contacts, product information, recommendations, and return details.
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Electronic Cigarettes?
Okay, this is an interesting concept. Have you heard of
electronic cigarettes?
I am not certain, exactly, how this works. According to the sites I've visited, an atomized cartridge plugs into a battery unit and - you smoke. As a smoker, this intrigues me. A lot.
There are different flavors and strengths available. Which, now that I'm moving beyond the WOW-this-is cool phase, has some interesting possibilities for quitting smoking.
No, seriously. Stay with me here. There are about 250-300 puffs per cartridge, depending on manufacturer. The strengths vary from 16mg to 0mg of nicotine. With me now?
Heavy smokers start at the 16mg level, work their way through the strengths until they're getting 0mg. Not a bad idea at all. At least to my way of thinking.
I am going to have to try this. Even if I don't quit, I just can't resist the whole concept.
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We're Just Taking Them to the Orphanage
Now, I believe in helping out whenever and wherever help is needed. The idea of traffickers picking up children on the streets of Haiti is just terrifying to me. But - are these 'missionaries' any different?
Yes, I'm not happy with what they are trying to do. Are these children really orphans? Often, in poor countries or areas, parents will give up their children, if they think it will give the children a better life. Can you say Madonna and Malawi?!
From what I read, there is no orphanage. They have no papers allowing them to transport these children. Are they - truly - any different (on the face of it) than the people with the trucks?
Good grief people! Kidnapping is kidnapping - no matter what claims are made.
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Computers: Upgrade or Replace?
With the exception of the brand-new Toshiba that Mark and I aren't using, all of the computers in the house need memory upgrades. Not to mention, snazzy new graphics cards would be a big help. The laptop is old; the desktop is a mish-mash of parts.
Of course, by the time we fix everything up, we might be better off just getting (at least) a new desktop. (Can you say: "Sony VAIO"?) Memory for the laptop isn't that expensive and, for my purposes, the graphics card is sufficient. I wouldn't mind, however, finding a better desktop for Mark.
Have you seen these all-in-one desktop computers? I hadn't until today and now - big surprise - I want one, or two. This is the coolest concept!
Get this! No CPU! All of the goodies are in the monitor unit! Many have 4GB RAM, 320GB hard drives, top-of-the-line graphics and sound cards. All in a really, really small footprint.
Just when I thought I knew what I wanted - someone had to come up with new stuff! Rats!
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Holidays and Observances for February
This was so much fun in January, I decided to see what February has to offer.
On the lighter side, February is also:
- Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
- Grapefruit Month
- National Cherry Month
- Pull Your Sofa Off The Wall Month
- Library Lovers Month
Guess it's time to pull out the sofa, grab a good book, and enjoy a yummy fruit salad. What are your plans for the month?
- With many thanks to Brownielocks.com who offers amazing, validated holiday and observance information.
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JMark Afghans
We also have a page on
Squidoo that supports the
Genocide Intervention Network.
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God Bless!
Jules
