The Effects Of Their Use During Pregnancy

Expecting mothers have a lot on their minds when it comes to the health of their babies. Diet, stress level, and general health all affect an unborn baby in its mother’s womb, but which drugs a mother chooses to put into her body, if any, can potentially have an enormous impact on the long term health of the child. Many parents have questions about drugs. Which are safe? Which can be harmful to the child? What are the possible effects of medication a mother might need to take? When these questions arise, the most important thing an expecting mother can do for her baby’s health is to educate herself and take informed action.



1 Ibuprofen

Two studies have shown that Ibuprofen use is associated with an increase chance of miscarriage, but other studies did not find that link. However, it is accepted that usage of Ibuprofen in the third trimester can have adverse effects on the child.

Physical Effects: Usage of the drug in the third trimester can lead to premature closure of the arteriosus, a valve in the fetal heart, or may inhibit labor. If the mother must take Ibuprofen during pregnancy, she should take the lowest possible dosage, and have her doctor closely monitor the baby’s heart rate and fluid volume.


Brain/Learning Effects: None


Psychological Effects: None


Addiction Issues: None




2 Acetaminophen (Tylenol)


Tylenol is the pain reliever of choice for most pregnant women. It has no known effects on the development of infants still in the womb, though it should not be taken above the recommended dosage, or by women with liver complications.

Physical Effects None


Brain/Learning Effects: None


Psychological Effects: None


Addiction Issues: None



3 Aspirin

The original “wonder drug,” Aspirin has been associated with a number of birth defects and pregnancy complications, and should not be taken during pregnancy unless the mother has been prescribed Aspirin for a specific condition, such as heart disease.


Physical Effects: Taken during the early days of the pregnancy, Aspirin has bee associated with miscarriage. Adult-sized doses of Aspirin taken in the second and third trimester have been known to cause delayed labor. Aspirin use has also been associated with bleeding complications during pregnancy and heart and lung problems in the child.


Brain/Learning Effects: Aspirin has not been reported to affect the brain or development of children.


Psychological Effects: None


Addiction Issues: None



4 Benzodiazepines

These anxiety-relieving drugs include Valium , Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan , and should be avoided during pregnancy if possible.

Physical Effects: Studies have not associated usage of these drugs with physical birth defects.


Brain/Learning Effects: Normal usage does not appear to correlate to any long term developmental problems, but exceeding the recommended dosage is not recommended.


Psychological Effects: Taking these drugs close to the time of delivery can cause jitteriness, irritability and sleep disturbances in infants.


Addiction Issues: Babies who are exposed to Benzodiazepines close to the time of delivery have exhibited withdrawal symptoms including abnormal body temperature, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, irritability, crying, sleep disturbances, tremors, and jitteriness.



5 Isotretinoin

Marketed as Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, ad Sotret, isotretinoin is a man-man made form of Vitamin A used to treat severe acne. It has been found to contribute to a number of serious birth defects. Risk of early pregnancy or miscarriage could be up to 40%.



Physical Effects: Up to 35% of babies whose mothers use isotrentinoin during pregnancy experience some form of physical birth defect, including small or absent ears, hearing and eyesight problems. Fewer will have a small jaw, small head, or cleft palate and some will be born with a small or missing thymus gland. Almost half risk threatening heart defects and/or fluid in the brain.


Brain/Learning Effects: The risk of fluid developing in the infant’s brain is almost 50%, and almost 40% will have difficulty hearing or seeing. Some experience severe retardation and developmental delay.


Psychological Effects: None, on the infant, but some cases depression and/or psychosis in adults have been linked with isotretinoin, which in turn can affect a child reared by the adult.


Addiction Issues: None



6 Alcohol

The dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy are well documented. The drug causes numerous birth defects and the condition fetal alcohol syndrome. It should be noted that many over the counter drugs, like Nyquil, contain alcohol as an ingredient, and should be avoided during pregnancy for this reason.


Physical Effects: Physical deformities of FAS include facial deformities, such as widely-spaced eyes, overgrown eyelids, thin upper lip, small distance between the upper lip and nose, and a flattened, or spread-out, nose.


Brain/Learning Effects: The brain is impacted by FAS as well, and babies born with it exhibit abnormal brain development, leading to impairment of intellectual and motor (movement) abilities.


Psychological Effects: Due to developmental problems in the brain, children with FAS may have difficulty keeping up with classmates, and may not wish to attend school, a serious detriment to their long term social and psychological development.


Addiction Issues: None



7 Cocaine

There is no safe amount of cocaine that may be taken during pregnancy, as some amount will enter the infant’s body and remain there for 2-7 days, potentially causing severe defects.


Physical Effects: Defects reported with cocaine use include abnormality in the infant’s skull, face, eyes, heart, limbs, intestines, genitals, and urinary tract. Babies tend to weigh less at birth and be shorter in length, making them more likely to die in their first month. They are also more likely to have serious chronic health problems, such as difficulty breathing.


Brain/Learning Effects: The brain and central nervous system can be significantly impacted by maternal cocaine use. These could lead to changes in behavior language difficulties and delayed learning later in life.


Psychological Effects: Infants exposed to cocaine are found to be more irritable, jittery, and to have interrupted sleep patterns, visual disturbances, and problems with sensory stimulation.


Addiction Issues: Infants exposed to cocaine near birth often exhibit withdrawal symptoms, including increased irritability, tremulousness, muscular rigidity, poor sucking ability that hampers feeding, sleeplessness, and hyperactivity or, in some cases, tiredness. Less common but more serious withdrawal symptoms have been noted, among them vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.



8 Marijuana



While not known to cause significant birth defects, it is known that THC does cross the placenta and enter the body of the child.


Physical Effects: The primary physical dangers of marijuana usage during pregnancy are the same as cigarette use: a link to miscarriage or low birth weight.


Brain/Learning Effects: Some mental development issues have been reportedly linked with marijuana usage during pregnancy (see Psychological Effects below).


Psychological Effects: Behavior issues include problems with attention, impulsive behavior, and academic performance have been reported.



Addiction Issues: If the mother uses marijuana in the third trimester of her pregnancy, the baby could experience withdrawal symptoms such as increased tremors and crying.



9 Methamphedamine

Drugs in this category are often prescribed by physicians to treat specific problems, and small doses can be weighed against the possible risk they pose to mothers and their infants. However, high (illegal) doses of Methamphetamine should never be taken during pregnancy under any circumstances, and even small, prescribed doses should be avoided if possible.


Physical Effects: Methamphetamine usage is strongly associated with miscarriage, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome.


Brain/Learning Effects: Infants whose mothers used Methamphetamines during pregnancy are at risk for life-long breathing, hearing, vision, and learning problems.


Psychological Effects: Some studies show that children whose mothers used methamphetamines exhibit trouble in school, and more behavior problems.


Addiction Issues: Babies often exhibit serious withdrawal symptoms if their mothers used methamphetamines during the third trimester. These symptoms include trouble eating, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, being very floppy or very tight, and being very jittery. Sometimes babies experience tremors or lack of muscle tone for many months after birth.



10 Tobacco

Smoking and tobacco use in general should be avoided during all trimesters of pregnancy, though mothers may find it easiest to quit during the first trimester.


Physical Effects: Cigarette use can cause premature and underweight births, and increases the chance for a miscarriage or stillborn birth significantly. It is also linked with Placenta previa (a low-lying placenta that covers part or all of the opening of the uterus) and placental abruption (in which the placenta peels away, partially or almost completely, from the uterine wall before delivery). Tobacco use can also contribute to sudden infant death syndrome.



Brain/Learning Effects: None


Psychological Effects: None


Addiction Issues: Babies of mothers who smoke do appear to experience withdrawal symptoms, and are more jittery and difficult to soothe.

Health Benefits of Clove Oil

Clove is an evergreen tree, which produces a flower bud that has numerous medicinal properties. It is often referred as clove bud. Clove bud has a shaft and a head and hence it has the Latin name clavus meaning nail. Clove was extensively used in the ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations and it spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, during the seventh and eight centuries.

Clove is rich in minerals such as calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A and vitamin C. The health benefits of clove oil include the following:

• Dental Care: The most prominent use of clove oil is in dental care. The germicidal properties of the oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, tooth ache, sore gums and mouth ulcers. Clove oil contains the compound eugenol, which has been used in dentistry since numerous years. Gargles with diluted clove oil help in easing the throat. The characteristic smell of clove oil helps removing bad breath. As a result, clove oil is added to numerous dental products and medications, including, mouth washes, and tooth pastes. Dentists also mix clove oil with zinc oxide and prepare a white filling material as a temporary alternative to root canal.

• Infections: Due to its antiseptic properties, clove oil is useful for wound, cuts, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, bruises, prickly heat, scabies, etc. It can also be used insect bites and stings. Clove oil is very strong in nature and hence should be used in diluted form. Further, it should not be used on sensitive skin.

• Skin Care: Clove oil is often recommended for skin care, especially to acne patients.

• Stress: Clove oil is aphrodisiac in nature and hence serves as an excellent stress reliever. It has a stimulating effect on the mind and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue. When taken internally, in appropriate amounts, it refreshes the mind. Clove oil also induces sleep and is helpful to insomnia patients. It is useful for treating mental problems such as loss of memory, depression and anxiety.

• Headache: Clove oil when mixed with salt, and applied on the forehead, gives a cooling effect and helps in getting relief from headache.

• Respiratory Problems: Clove oil has a cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and thereby clears the nasal passage. This expectorant is useful in various respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. Chewing a clove bud eases sore throats.

• Earache: A mixture of warm clove oil and sesame oil is a good remedy for earaches.

• Indigestion: Clove oil is effective in stomach related problems such as hiccups, indigestion, motion sickness, and flatulence. Hence, clove one of the important spices added in Indian dishes.

• Nausea: Clove oil is helpful in case of nausea and vomiting and is often used for pregnancy related vomiting.

• Blood Circulation: Clove oil is increases your body metabolism by increasing blood circulation and reducing body temperature.

• Blood Purification: Clove oil also helps in purifying the blood.

• Diabetes: Along with blood purification, clove oil also helps in controlling the blood sugar levels and hence is useful to diabetics.

• Immune System: Both clove and clove oil are useful for boosting the immune system. Its antiviral properties and ability to purify blood increases your resistance to diseases.

• Premature Ejaculation: Research has indicated that clove can be useful for treating premature ejaculation. Further research needs to be carried out to confirm these results.
• Cholera: It is believed that clove oil is useful for treating cholera.

• Sty: Clove and clove oil is a very effective home remedy for treating sty. Sty is an inflammation on the eyelash and is a very irritating condition. Sty is not only painful, but also causes difficulty in the proper functioning of the eye.

Other benefits of clove oil include the following:

• Cosmetics: Clove oil is often added in cosmetic creams and lotions. It is a good massage oil providing relief from pain and stress.

• Clove Cigarettes: Usage of clove in making cigarettes is a new trend all over the world. Traditionally, clove was added in cigarettes in Indonesia. Smokers (wrongly) feel that the numerous health benefits of clove would nullify the ill effects of smoking. Flavoring Agent: Along with its digestive properties, clove oil is added in food items due to its flavor. It is added in many Indian dishes, pickles, sauce, spice cakes, etc.

• Soaps: Due to the characteristic aroma, soothing effect and antiseptic properties, clove oil is added in making soaps.

• Perfumes: Clove oil is also used in making perfumes.

Many people believe that clove oil is useful in preventing and treating cancer. However, the American Cancer Society clearly mentions that there is no scientific evidence on the curative properties of clove oil. It is also claimed by many that clove oil is useful in treating viral hepatitis.

One should be careful while using clove oil. Clove oil is strong in nature and hence should be diluted before application.

Clove oil blends well with many essential oils including basil essential oil, rosemary essential oil, rose oil, cinnamon essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, lemon essential oil, nutmeg essential oil, peppermint essential oil, orange essential oil, lavender essential oil, geranium essential oil, etc.

Farm Of Death – The Remains Of Doctor Bass

Please enjoy this regurgitated article as we scramble to deal with a parade of unrelated but time-consuming crises. This item was originally published on 29 October 2007.

Dr. Bill Bass, forensic anthropologist

Under normal circumstances, one would expect a wandering throng of students to demonstrate animated displeasure upon encountering a human corpse in the woods; particularly a corpse as fragrant and festering as that which was found on an August afternoon in Knoxville, Tennessee.

From a short distance the male figure almost appeared to be napping among the hummingbirds and squirrels, draped as he was over the pebbled ground. But something about his peculiar pose evoked a sense of grim finality– the body language of the deceased.

The students knelt alongside the slumped form, seemingly untroubled by the acrid, syrupy tang of human decay which hung in the air. They remarked on the amount of decomposition that had become evident since their last visit, such as the sloughed skin and distended midsection. The insects which feasted upon the decommissioned man were of specific interest, prompting a number of photographs and note-jottings. After surveying the scene to their satisfaction, the students strolled across the glade to examine a considerably more decayed corpse in the trunk of an abandoned car. Their lack of alarm wasn’t altogether surprising, for they were part of the organization responsible for dumping these corpses– along with dozens more– throughout the otherwise serene forest. They were forensic anthropology students from the University of Tennessee.

Affectionately referred to as the Body Farm, the facility was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bill Bass, a professor of anthropology at the university. Before the Body Farm was established, information on human decay was astonishingly inadequate, leaving criminal investigators poorly equipped for determining abandoned bodies’ time of death. On one occasion, Dr. Bass was asked to estimate thepost-mortem interval of some human remains, and conventional methods indicated approximately one year given the moist flesh still clinging to the man’s bones. When other evidence later revealed that the body had been occupying its coffin since the Civil War, a flummoxed Dr. Bass took it upon himself to finally fill the forensic gap.

In what must have been an animated conversation, the professor convinced the university administration to set aside over an acre of woodland for his pioneering decay research. Two wrecking-yard-style barriers were erected along the plot’s perimeter: an inner wooden “privacy fence,” and an outer layer of chain-link. For good measure, the chain-link was garnished with a coil of prison-grade razor wire. To discourage those whose curiosity is aroused by pungent breezes and formidable fences, a series of signs were installed to warn away would-be interlopers, broadcasting their unsettling all-caps pronouncements across the countryside: RESEARCH FACILITY. BIOHAZARD. NO TRESPASSING.

The main entrance to the Body Farm

In the intervening years, many anthropology students at the University of Tennessee have been engrossed by the decay research at the Body Farm. A continuum of corpses occupy the facility thanks to unclaimed remains from the medical center, and persons who have donated their bodies to science. Owing to these selfless subjects, the stagnating field of forensic anthropology was rapidly revitalized.

As the lifeless subjects are interred into the grisly forest hideaway, each is assigned an anonymous identification number. Some are situated to provide interesting decomposition vectors, while others are used to reconstruct specific circumstances for police investigations. At any given time, several dozen perished persons are scattered around the hillside within automobiles, cement vaults, suitcases, plastic bags, shallow graves, pools of water, or deposited directly upon the earth. Except when clothing is necessary for a particular study, cadavers are disrobed, and frequently certain factors such as fire and chemicals are introduced to measure their effects. Grad students and professors return periodically to check on the subjects’ progress, with occasional visits from police officers or FBI agents undergoing training.

One of the facility’s first non-living participants was Pig Doe, a hog who was anesthetized and shot on the facility grounds. Within eighty-seven seconds a vigilant blow fly made berth upon the unfortunate animal and installed a cluster of eggs, thereby tipping the first domino of decomposition. The predictable timing of infestation waves represents the main thrust of the research at the Body Farm: forensic entomology, the examination of insects for law-enforcement purposes. When a human victim is found within twenty-four hours, the time of death can generally be determined by checking the potassium level in the gel of the eyes, or by taking a temperature reading. Beyond that point, it is up to the forensic anthropologists to examine the body and its bug collection.

Technically decomposition begins about four minutes after death, when cells are deprived of their usual supply of nourishment. Absent these food molecules, digestive enzymes begin gnawing upon the cells themselves, a process called autolysis. Within a few hours the chemicals that allow muscle fibers to slide freely are metabolized, causing a temporary profound stiffness known as rigor mortis. The body pales in color as its blood pools at the lowermost portions.

A typical blowfly maggot

A corpse after approximately fifteen days

With the human immune system permanently off-line, the digestive bacteria in the gut gain the upper hand, causing an upset in the uneasy intestinal alliance. These bacteria begin nibbling on the body itself. As the host’s cells steadily self-destruct from autolysis, their membranes rupture, spilling the nutrient-rich cell filling into the tissues. The bacteria thrive in this river of food, and they soon establish decomposition franchises at every extremity.

Meanwhile, back on the surface, scores of flies are drawn to the fresh-corpse scent from up to a mile away. They lay their eggs at every exposed opening, and soon the newborn maggots are making a meal of the cadaver’s subcutaneous fat. Forensic entomologists can measure the size of these developing fly larvae to determine “time since colonization.” Over several days the spongy brain will liquefy and leak from the ears and mouth, while blisters form on the skin which eventually evolve into large, peeling sheets. Often the skin from the hand will slough off in one piece, an effect known as gloving. Body Farm researchers have discovered that such skin can be soaked in warm water to restore its flexibility, and placed over a researcher’s hand for the purposes of fingerprint identification.

By day four or so, the rigidity of rigor mortis has subsided, and the rapidly reproducing anaerobic bacteria have expelled enough gas that the skin takes on a green tinge. The sickly sweet smell of decay begins to saturate the air as bacterial byproducts such as putrescene and cadaverine become concentrated, and the abdomen, groin, and face begin to show noticeable swelling. Steadfast insects have thoroughly colonized the cadaver, with writhing mounds of maggots obscuring every orifice and a fog of flies swarming above. Maggot-hunting beetles and wasps may join the fray, adding another dimension of mortality; as well as another measurable milestone for the entomologists.

As the tenth day of decay approaches, the bacteria-induced bloating becomes pronounced. Sometimes this pressure is relieved via post-mortem flatulence, but occasionally an over-distended abdomen will rupture with a wet pop. Ants, moths, and mites begin to capitalize on the corpse cornucopia along with the other insects, while the single-celled citizens dutifully dissolve the internal organs. Soon the soil beneath the corpse is sodden with liberated liquids, while the skin– unappetizing to most insects– becomes mummified and draws in close to the bones. Natural soap buildup might also be present due to the interaction of bodily fats and acids, a process known assaponification.

After about twenty days, several generations of maggots have matured or died out, leaving most of the leftovers to molds and flesh-eating beetles. But even after a couple of months, when the flesh is all but gone, forensic entomologists can interrogate the remaining maggots by extracting their juices; most toxins will linger in the fly larvae, so investigators can detect the presence of poisons, drugs, and other such chemicals. Additionally, the victim’s race can sometimes be determined based on the amount of melanin skin pigment in the soil.

Although factors such as predators, toxins, age, and injuries may cause variations from this predictable progression, most corpses in the wild are skeletonized or mummified according to the formula y = 1285/x, where x is the average temperature in Centigrade, and y is the total number of days. When the decomposing donors have completed their stint at the Farm, their bones are steam-cleaned and added to the University of Tennessee skeletal archives, ready to return to the aid of science at a moment’s notice.

Owing to the information harvested from the Body Farm, in a feat that is sure to impress at parties, any forensic entomologist worth their salt can now determine time of death when presented with a reasonably fresh unembalmed corpse– sometimes to within an hour. Using the results of numerous experiments, investigators have the data to properly adjust post-mortem interval estimates, taking into account conditions such as burying, embalming, and weather. One example of such variation was Dr. Bass’ underestimated civil War remains, which were found to be contaminated with lead from the cast-iron casket. This effectively embalmed the body, making the meat unpalatable to tiny foragers.

It should be noted that forensic entomology is not limited to those insects that feast upon the deceased. For instance, certain insect species can be highly particular to a localized area, so an automobile’s route can sometimes be traced by examining the bugs smashed on the grill. Parasites such as mosquitoes can also act as nature’s little DNA collection kits by taking tiny, itchy blood samples from unsuspecting perpetrators.

Investigators can then erect traps to collect bugs in an area, and extract the evidence in classic Jurassic Park style. Life finds a way.

Dr. Bass has since retired from teaching, but he has continued as head of the Forensic Anthropology Center with characteristic zeal. He has also written a number of books about his experiences at the Facility. Though the work he pioneered is patently unpleasant, the fruits of his research have since helped to solve countless crimes. He continues to stress the need for similar facilities elsewhere, since Tennessee offers a limited selection of decay conditions. In 2006 another Body Farm was established at Western Carolina University, but numerous efforts elsewhere have been halted due to objections from residents.

While the prospect of having one’s naked, lifeless husk flung into the woods lacks general appeal– most people opting to decompose with dignity in the privacy of an overpriced crate– there is nevertheless an ever-growing waiting list of enthusiastic, not-yet-deceased Body Farm volunteers. Dr. Bass himself has stated that his hatred of flies compels him to decline the opportunity to rot for the benefit of science; but for some people, the idea of wasting a perfectly good corpse is just too horrible to contemplate.

John Lennon £5 coin

A commemorative £5 John Lennon coin had been released by Royal Mint. The limited edition coin shows Lennon with long hair and sideburns and his trademark round glasses. It will have a face value of £5 and the coin is priced at £44.99. Only 5,000 will be offered for sale. Struck in sterling silver to Proof quality, the coin comes in a splendid display case complete with a Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing the specifications of the coin and paying tribute to the genius of John Lennon.


Lennon won the Royal Mint's public vote for the next "Great Briton" to be immortalised on a limited edition coin. Other names on the shortlist were Jane Austen and John Logie Baird. The Beatles singer, assassinated in 1980, now joins William Shakespeare, Sir Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale in the series.

Dave Knight, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: "It's entirely fitting that John Lennon has been chosen by the public in what would have been his 70th year.

"The massive proportion of the vote he received shows clearly just how much his untimely death still resonates with the nation.

"He ranks alongside, and even ahead of, some of the greatest names in history and the Royal Mint is proud to commemorate a genuine British legend."

Lennon fans launched Facebook and Twitter campaigns to ensure the Liverpudlian legend came out on top. A total of 27,874 people, 92% of those who voted, nominated Lennon for the £5 coin. Only 5,000 of the coins, issued as Alderney tender, have been minted. A one off 24carat gold version of the coin will be given to the John Lennon Estate.

Specification:
Denomination: £5
Alloy: .925 sterling silver
Weight: 28.28g
Diameter: 38.61mm
Designer (Reverse): Danuta Solowiej-Wedderburn
Designer (Obverse): Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS

The Bank of Sugar £55 notes

Thousands of fake bank notes bearing the face of Lord Alan Sugar have been handed out along with £500 in real cash. The "Bank of Sugar" £55 notes were stuck on a hoarding, as well as 10 actual £50 bills, to promote the launch of The Apprentice star's autobiography. Passers-by were encouraged to pluck the money off the "cash point", which was put up in Golden Square near Regent Street, central London. Scattered among the fake cash were 25 special notes entitling the winner to prizes based on Lord Sugar's favourite pastimes.

The former Amstrad boss is a keen cyclist and offered a Pinarello FP1 British Cycling Replica 499 as one of the top rewards. Others included a flying lesson and an oyster dinner for two. Lord Sugar will be signing copies of What You See Is What You Get: My Autobiography at Waterstone's Piccadilly Tuesday. The book charts his rise from growing up on a Clapton council estate to becoming a multi-millionaire businessman. Lord Sugar was made a peer by the last government and appointed Gordon Brown's enterprise tsar.

Its an offence to print fake banknotes under section 12 of the 1928 currency and bank note act: "If any person prints or stamps, or by any means impresses, on any bank note any words, letters or figures, he shall, in respect of each offence, be liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding a level 1 fine [£200 in today's money]."

Iraq Dinar Scam is back

Iraq Dinar scam is back following a rumour that Central Bank of Iraq has announced their plans to redenominate the Iraqi Dinar. This is in order to increase the strength level of the Iraqi currency, which will allow people to carry less paper money. By the end of 2010, they intend to drop three zeros from the nominal value of bank notes. That means that 1,000 IQD (pre-redenomination) and 1 dinar (post-redenomination) will both be worth the same amount in US Dollars.

Iraq Dinar speculation has been around since a new Dinar has been introduced in 2003. Speculator will sell their item in bulk with a statement from Iraq news that Iraq Dinar value will be going up one day. One of the reason most of this speculator will be saying is that Iraq is the second largest oil reserve holder in the world. 95% of Iraq revenue come from oil export. They were saying that Iraq will gain its independence one day and Iraq economy will be bounce back. At that time, all Iraq Dinar holder will gain profits by trading their Iraq Dinar. The news that the speculator reported as a good news for Iraq Dinar, they're no single source or link that come from Iraq government or any news agency (some quote a news by reuters in Wikipedia, but the link is from a website: radio free Iraq?).

Where do you sell your Iraq Dinar? The truth is, there is no legitimate market that will buy any of your dinar outside Iraq. Some people suggest that we can trade Iraq Dinar via online banking? Do you know that you cannot trade it via banks or money changers outside Iraq? Buying Iraq Dinar will be easy but selling them will be a big problem. Most of the Iraq Dinar trader in US registered with the U.S. Treasury as a Money Service Business.

Some speculator even show the historical value of the Dinar. They were speculating that Independence might help Iraq to gain its value near its historical value before gulf war. Is that for real? I think to anyone who want to believe anything about that should read this statement by CNN money expert in 2004, Walter Updegrave:

"The economic prospects for a country that determine the future value of its currency, not the price it trades at now or the price it traded at in the past. And no matter how low a value a currency reaches, it can always go lower." Source: CNN

The only people who really gaining profit from this speculation is the first person who started this Iraq Dinar trading. Before you invest on anything, make sure that you can sell them. Unless there is a legal way to sell your Dinar, this speculation will always be one of the biggest Internet scam.

Cheng Ho the first explored Africa

A finds by Professor Qin Dashu maybe can be an evidence that Cheng Ho is the first explored Africa. Professor Qin Dashu from Peking University and a joint team of Kenyan and Chinese archaeologists found the 15th Century Chinese coin in Mambrui; a tiny, nondescript village just north of Malindi on Kenya's north coast. In barely distinguishable relief, the team leader Professor Qin Dashu from Peking University's archaeology department, read out the inscription: "Yongle Tongbao"; the name of the reign that minted the coin some time between 1403 and 1424.

"These coins were carried only by envoys of the emperor, Chengzu," Prof Qin said.

"We know that smugglers would often take them and melt them down to make other brass implements, but it is more likely that this came here with someone who gave it as a gift from the emperor."

How did a coin from the early 1400s get to East Africa, almost 100 years before the first Europeans reached the region? The answer seems to be with Zheng He, also known as Cheng Ho; a legendary Chinese admiral who, the stories say, led a vast fleet of between 200 and 300 ships across the Indian Ocean in 1418. It is now believed that China's Zheng He reached East Africa long before any European explorer.


A few years ago, fishermen off the northern Kenyan port town of Lamu hauled up 15th Century Chinese vases in their nets, and the Chinese authorities ran DNA tests on a number of villagers who claimed Chinese ancestry. The tests seemed to confirm what the villagers have always believed that a ship from Zheng He's fleet sank in a storm and the surviving crew married locals, meaning some people in the area still have subtly Chinese features. It was then that Peking University organized its expedition to try to find conclusive evidence. The university is spending $3 million (£2 million) on the three-year project.

Ancient texts told of Zheng He's visit to the Sultan of Malindi; the most powerful coastal ruler of the time. But they also mentioned that Malindi was by a river mouth; something that the present town of Malindi doesn't have, but that Mambrui does. The old cemetery in Mambrui also has a famous circular tomb-stone embedded with 400 year old Chinese porcelain bowls hinting at the region's long-standing relationship with the East. In the broad L-shaped trench that the team dug on the edge of the cemetery, they began finding what they were looking for.

Mohamed Mchuria, a coastal archaeologist from the National Museums of Kenya, unearthed a stunning fragment of porcelain that Prof Qin believes came from a famous kiln called Long Quan that made porcelain exclusively for the royal family in the early Ming Dynasty. The jade green shard appears to be from the base of a much larger bowl, with two small fish in relief, swimming just below the surface of the glaze.

BNM 125 Anniversary of JUPEM's coin

Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing three types of commemorative coins to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia (JUPEM). The commemorative coins were launched by YAB Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin bin Mohd. Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister, at Dewan Perdana FELDA, Jalan Maktab, Kuala Lumpur. The coins are available in three versions of gold, silver and Nordic-Gold.

The Obverse Side of the Coin, the centre of the coin illustrates a surveyor of JUPEM carrying out measuring works with the theodolite, a device used to measure angular values in a traverse or network between survey marks. It is also used for defining the direction of lines of sight. The name "Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia" appears on the lower circumference of the coin, whilst "125 Tahun" appears at the top of the coin.

The Reverse Side of the Coin, the centre of the coin features the official logo of JUPEM. At the upper circumference, the words "Bank Negara Malaysia" appear as the issuing authority of the commemorative coins. The years "1885-2010" appear below the logo and the denomination is at the lower circumference of the coin.

Technical Specifications:

Type: Gold Proof.

Alloy: Gold (Au999.9)

Face Value (RM): 100

Selling Price(RM): 1,200

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 150

Diameter (mm): 22.00

Weight (gram): 7.96

Shape: Round with milled edge


Technical Specifications:
Type: Silver Proof

Alloy: Silver(Ag92.5)

Face Value (RM): 10

Selling Price(RM): 150

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 300

Diameter (mm): 35.70

Weight (gram): 21.00

Shape: Round with milled edge


Technical Specifications:
Type: Nordic Gold (B.U.)

Alloy: Cu89 Zn5 Al5 Sn1

Face Value (RM): 1

Selling Price(RM): 10

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 10,000

Diameter (mm): 30.00

Weight (gram): 8.80

Shape: Round with milled edge

These commemorative coins are also available in a set of 3 and a set of 2. The Set of 3 consists of the gold, silver and Nordic gold proof coins. It will be sold at RM1,450 per set with only 250 sets available. The Set of 2 consists of the silver and Nordic gold proof coins. This set will be sold at RM200 per set with only 200 sets available.

These commemorative coins are minted and distributed by Bank Negara Malaysia and will be available for sale from 15 October 2010 at Bank Negara Malaysia's headquarters and its branches located in Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

BNM 125 Anniversary of JUPEM's coin

Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing three types of commemorative coins to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia (JUPEM). The commemorative coins were launched by YAB Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin bin Mohd. Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister, at Dewan Perdana FELDA, Jalan Maktab, Kuala Lumpur. The coins are available in three versions of gold, silver and Nordic-Gold.

The Obverse Side of the Coin, the centre of the coin illustrates a surveyor of JUPEM carrying out measuring works with the theodolite, a device used to measure angular values in a traverse or network between survey marks. It is also used for defining the direction of lines of sight. The name "Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia" appears on the lower circumference of the coin, whilst "125 Tahun" appears at the top of the coin.

The Reverse Side of the Coin, the centre of the coin features the official logo of JUPEM. At the upper circumference, the words "Bank Negara Malaysia" appear as the issuing authority of the commemorative coins. The years "1885-2010" appear below the logo and the denomination is at the lower circumference of the coin.

Technical Specifications:

Type: Gold Proof.

Alloy: Gold (Au999.9)

Face Value (RM): 100

Selling Price(RM): 1,200

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 150

Diameter (mm): 22.00

Weight (gram): 7.96

Shape: Round with milled edge


Technical Specifications:
Type: Silver Proof

Alloy: Silver(Ag92.5)

Face Value (RM): 10

Selling Price(RM): 150

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 300

Diameter (mm): 35.70

Weight (gram): 21.00

Shape: Round with milled edge


Technical Specifications:
Type: Nordic Gold (B.U.)

Alloy: Cu89 Zn5 Al5 Sn1

Face Value (RM): 1

Selling Price(RM): 10

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 10,000

Diameter (mm): 30.00

Weight (gram): 8.80

Shape: Round with milled edge

These commemorative coins are also available in a set of 3 and a set of 2. The Set of 3 consists of the gold, silver and Nordic gold proof coins. It will be sold at RM1,450 per set with only 250 sets available. The Set of 2 consists of the silver and Nordic gold proof coins. This set will be sold at RM200 per set with only 200 sets available.

These commemorative coins are minted and distributed by Bank Negara Malaysia and will be available for sale from 15 October 2010 at Bank Negara Malaysia's headquarters and its branches located in Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

The deepest swimming pool on Earth

Feel like doing some deep scuba diving without visiting an ocean? Then go take a trip to Nemo 33, the deepest pool in the world.

Located in Brussels, this swimming pool is perfect for learning how to dive or for fine-tuning your skills before you hit the deep ocean. It’s 105 feet (33 meters) deep with 2.5 million liters of chlorine-free warm water. But the pool isn’t just used for practice; it’s also a tourist attraction. Everyone is welcome to test dive with instructors who will provide training if you are a beginner.

The pool was created by Belgium civil engineer John Beernaerts 13 years ago. He was sitting in a Belgium bar one day with a pen and a napkin and just started drawing. What he eventually sketched amazed even him. He envisioned a giant indoor diving complex, full of underwater tunnels and chambers. An almost byzantine maze was what Beernaerts had in mind, and that’s essentially what Nemo 33 is. The type of pool you can get lost in if you’re not careful.

Why is the water in the pool 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees F)? Well, John’s vision was to create an environment that would mimic deep-sea diving in the Caribbean. He felt that type of an experience would be the kind that locals and tourists would enjoy the most, and given the number of people who have turned out to swim in or tour his facility since its inception, he seems to have guessed correctly.

Since 2004, over 100,000 divers have visited Nemo. So, far, they all have come back alive. No sharks or terrifying octopuses to contend with in these waters. No stingrays to pinch you as you explore deep sea passageways. No jellyfish to make you squeal as you try to make your way back to shore. No, what Mr. Beernaerts built in Brussels is nothing short of a scuba utopia. It’s one of the most unique tourist attractions in the world, and truth be told, if you’re a scuba fan, you’ll probably want to give Nemo a taste test before you die.

Restasis Faq

Restasis contained by Canada, where on earth can i get hold of the forms that my doctor desires to permeate out.?

Where can i obtain forms in order to be able to go and get restasis eye drops in Canada? I went to my doctor and he didn't know anything about this. Thanks. - Health Canada Special Access Program Link...

What are RPG contacts exactly? and what roughly speaking using restatsis for the dry eye aspect? would the restasis ...?
react with the medicines I'm on now.clomipromine, tramadol aka ultram, ambien at bedtime, ativan for migraines, and sometimes phenergan for nausea. Most are outstandingly drying medicines, that's why I ask. RPG contacts are rigid gas permeable lenses. That means that they are hard contacts...

Whats similar and cheaper to restasis dry eye drops?
- You can get a generic form of restasis called cyclosporine. It's usually only given if your dry eyes are caused by optical inflammation or some type of infection. Otherwise, any other form of OTC eyedrops are sufficient.

Can i use restasis (over the counter) instead of cyclosporin for a dog that have dry eye?
it would save me a fortune! but not at the expense of the dog..please let me know Restasis is a prescription drug, not over the counter (unless you are buying it online from a different country and it isn't approved by Allergan), and it isn't cheap!...

I enjoy dry eyes, and I can't even cry. I've tried restasis, but that doesn't work. Any thinking?
I just saw a commercial on tv for a prescription you can take for this problem. You have to go to the eye doctor to get hold of a prescription though. I would suggest you see your optometrist, they can put plugs in...

Why do my eyes quality so dry next to restasis?
Im having lasik eye surgery so they put me on restasis for dry eyes. My eyes were only dry when I wore contacts but since starting restasis a month ago my eyes burn, itch, and are more dry than before. Should I stop? - Ask your eye consideration professional as it...

Restasis - - Can I use more than one drop within respectively eye at a time? ?
There's enough in each vial that I can get 3 drops within each eye. Is it OK to do that? The directions are for a drop... but don't explicitly state ONLY one drop. - Yes. You can use more than one drop, but it...

Restasis contained by Canada, where on earth can i get hold of the forms that my doctor desires to permeate out.?
Where can i obtain forms in order to be able to go and get restasis eye drops in Canada? I went to my doctor and he didn't know anything about this. Thanks. - Health Canada Special Access Program Link...

Restasis eye drops reusing them and side effects?
I know that the manufacturer says to dispose of the bottle when you use it. Someone told me that they use a vial in the morning and tape up the top of their vial to use 12 hrs. latter. They said that it works and it saves on money.I haven't tried it yet, Has anyone else did...

Should I stop using the Restasis?
I've had dry eye issues for awhile now, but it's really at its worst in the dry cold weather. A few weeks ago, an eye doctor gave me Restasis. I also used Lotemax (eye steroids) for just about a week or two, and I've done the other usual dry eye basics. My eyes aren't perfect, but...

What are alternatives to Restasis?
I've only been taking Restasis for two weeks or so, but the side effects are horrible for me! My eyes burn all day long and worst of adjectives, I'm having bad sinus symptoms, like vertigo, nausea, etc., from the drainage. I really couldn't stand another day using this. However, my eyes are soooo dry (I can no...

I own chronic dry eyes,I own tried oodles eye drops, including Restasis - nil have help me, what can I do?
I have suffered with dry eyes syndrome since I am a teenager - I have see eye doctors, I have used all kinds of eye drops for dry eyes - nothing have help me. Its becoming very difficult to deal with it. Thanks...

Has anyone tried Restasis for dry eyes?
Did it work? - no, but if you find out if it works let me know. My eyes are sooo dry right now. Its making me sleepy. No! I'd rather use Refresh drops and take Flax-seed grease. Most of the "new miracle" drugs cause, at the very least, liver prejudice. I even...

How much does a bottle of Restasis eye drops cost?
Treatment Cost: AWP: $108.90 per box of 32 single-use vials. Two boxes supply sufficient medication for one month. Source(s): http://www.bcbswny.com/content/bcbs_prov?

Anybody adapted beside Restasis eye drops?
I just started using them because my optometrist told me I should get my eyes more moisturized before I get my unmarked contacts. My eyes have always been dry, but not so dry that they're too irritated or red. I've been using the Restasis drops for a few days immediately, and while my eyes aren't feeling irritated,...

Barack Obama Loosens White House Dress Code

Just over a week into his new digs, and Barack Obama is already shaking things up in the White House. He's changing up the dress code and having a small shindig for Congressional machers.

President Obama in a meeting last week in the Oval Office, where his predecessor required a coat and tie at all times.

He's ditched the jacket-and-tie-only rule for the Oval Office that his predecessor George W. Bush mandated , while also instituting a weekend business casual dress code for the White House staff. Time to open up that L.L. Bean catalog, Obama staffers, and pick out your perfect Saturday khakis.

Obama has also using the space to entertain a little. On Wednesday evening he held a cocktail gathering for some House and Senate movers and shakers of both parties he'll desperately need in the coming months was reportedly a success. According to Slate, he's part of a long tradition of presidents who gets things done by unhitching a notch or two in the evening hours :

" Harry Truman favored bourbon and branch water. (As vice president, Truman had just arrived to have a bourbon with House Speaker Sam Rayburn when he got the call that FDR had died.) When he was president, LBJ came to the Capitol on several occasions for an after-work drink with Senate Republican leader Everett Dirksen. [...] FDR won the presidency on a platform of ending Prohibition. Every evening, including during the war, Roosevelt mixed drinks in the Oval Office from behind his desk, before him a tray equipped with whatever he needed for the martinis or old fashioneds he was mixing. "

While it may be traditional, Obama is now taking some lumps for sipping libations while the economy burns. News that wagyu beef was served at the cocktail party has raced around the conservative blogosphere today, raising questions of why the president would serve something that can cost up to $100 per serving when hundred of thousands are losing their jobs. Typical is this comment from ThatSamIam at Michelle Malkin's blog :

" Anyone surprised? Of course they will spend big on everything. That’s what socialist progressive liberals do because they consider our money their money. "

If the Obama White House is going to be a more casual affair, could we suggest maybe something a bit more low-key for the next shindig? Some deviled eggs and one of the Safeway vegetable plates, perhaps.

What The Hell Is This ?

I Found These pictures on Discovery ( New Species Found). And i'm wonder, WTF is this?
It looks like some kind of VOODOO DOLL!!! And those wings looks like tree leafs!But then again, can it be some kind of " parallel universe creature " , demon or some kind of cryptozoology animal?

What do YOU THINK?