The Roman de la Rose gives the best possible idea of both the French and English gardens of the Middle Ages. It was chiefly written by Guillaume de Loris, in the first half of the thirteenth century, and was probably well known in England before it was translated by Chaucer into English. There are several manuscript copies of it containing descriptions in the text, accompanied by illustrations giving vivid pictures of the pleasure garden. Its form—the walls enclosing it with their surrounding moat, the subdivisions of latticework, the "flowery mede," shaded by fruit trees, with a fountain in its center, and the stone-coped beds, containing clipped shrubs and other smaller plants—are clearly shown from various points of view.

In the most important of these illustrations (which is on the opposite page, and was taken from a fourteenth-century Flemish manuscript preserved at the British Museum), the garden is shown as a whole, ornamented with many quaint details. It is enclosed by a crenellated wall, surrounded by a moat. The subdivisions are formed by a fence of wooden trellis-work, on the topmost railing of which is balanced a peacock. In the left-hand division is a copper fountain head, where the water, spouting from lions' mouths, drips into a circular basin, and runs off through a marble channel embedded in the turf. Velvety grass, thickly sprinkled with daisies, surrounds the fountain and forms a soft seat for the little company of merrymakers who are singing and playing upon musical instruments.

A garden, according to the derivation of the word from zerd, garth, or yard (three nouns from the same Aryan root as the French word Jardin), originally signified a walled but unroofed enclosure containing cultivated vegetation. Usually this vegetation principally consisted of herbs, grass, or fruit trees.

This enclosure protected the vegetation from marauders, and secluded its occupants. Privacy was a very important characteristic of the garden. Inside the castle there was scant opportunity for confidential conversation. So when people wished to talk without being overlooked or overheard, they were apt to retire to the pleasure garden.

The earliest fences were commonly wattled, that is, woven of osiers. Others, more ornamental, were formed of rails or of pickets, and painted green. Hedges often enclosed the later gardens, instead of walls. The bushes used for this purpose were privet (thus called perhaps because it served to insure privacy), thorn, sweetbrier, and yew. Moats were also common, the water accommodating fish and swans.

Arthritis is often associated with people in their 50s or older. But nowadays, more and more younger people are showing signs of this joint-related disease. What exactly are the causes of joint inflammation and what are the best arthritis treatment? Inflammation of the joints can result from previous injuries, like tibial plateau fracture, which affects certain sensitive cartilages and muscle tissues. A person can also develop joint swelling and pain if two or more of his or her family members have gout or any related illness. Needless to say, age is also one of the most significant factors in determining the onset of swelling of the joints. As a person gets older, his or her bones tend to be weaker and more fragile as one of the results of the natural laws of aging. But this doesn't necessarily mean teenagers or the twenty-somethings can be complacent. There are cases of brittle joints among younger age brackets because of extraneous determinants like weight and existing illness.

It is understandable that obese or overweight persons have greater tendencies of exhausting or wearing out their bones. Since weight is identified as a factor in causing joint inflammation, doctors suggest arthritis treatment can be in the form of improving one's diet. There are specific diets, like meals heavy in unsaturated fat and cholesterol, that make a person even more susceptible in experiencing joint pain and swelling. On the other hand, foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins are one's best ally in preventing early signs of bone inflammation. Choose foods with high nutritional value and specifically contain Vitamins K and E, which promote healthier bones. To alleviate inflammation, a person should boost his or her intake of vitamins B12 and B6. If beneficial minerals like zinc and copper are not usually found on your daily meal plan, take health supplements that offer these specific nutrients.

There are also certain medications supposedly aimed at combating arthritis. Some of these drugs don't come without hazardous side effects so it is still best to follow natural remedies to prevent or cure joint inflammation. Arthritis treatment need not cost someone a fortune. The safest and surest way is still through sticking to a healthy diet, or even particular exercise routines, or whatever a doctor advised a patient to do. One should not wait to get older before he starts to take care of his bones and joints. A person may not realize the importance of bone health until he experiences the premature tell-tale signs of joint swelling and inflammation.

Popular with chefs and culinary experts across the globe, cast-iron cookware is a very useful tool to cook delicious food. This durable cookware is slow to heat, but once it reaches the required temperature it provides even heat, making it a necessary and valuable tool in every kitchen. Like copper, it is a very old cooking material and used for many cooking activities like browning, frying, stewing, slow cooking and baking.

Seasoning of cast iron cookware is required before using it for cooking. For seasoning your cast iron cookware, wash, dry and then proceed to coat the surface with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly. Leave the pot in the oven at low heat for about two hours. Your cookware is now ready to use. Seasoning protects the vessels from rusting.

Some health experts recommend cooking in cast iron cookware to provide a healthy, iron-rich diet for your family. This type of pan serves as a natural and affordable non-stick option and lasts longer than the expensive ones. Modern methods like enameling have enabled cast-iron cookware to proudly sit on the table as an attractive serving option. A thin coating of glass, when applied to the surface of metal, makes it look smooth and gleaming. If handled roughly, enamel can chip, making your pot unfit for cooking.

Cast-iron cookware rusts very easily. When exposed to air or certain foods your pots will become pitted and stained. Although inexpensive compared to stainless steel or other modern cookware it reacts chemically with high-acid foods. Cast iron is heavy and takes more time to clean. But despite its disadvantages, cast-iron cookware is still as popular as it was ages ago, and no kitchen is complete without some pots and pans made from this basic cooking material.

Are women fashion style statement just about wearing women fashion clothing? Every one of us are different and so its important that we have a fashion statement that best suits our personality. Fashion is nothing but highlighting the best and hiding all the flaws.

Points all you women wanted to know about clothing • Always wear a free flowing fabric in one tone to achieve a long and slim look. • Wear clothes on the basis of your body structure. • Velvet and leather is apt for winters and silk, organza and cotton for summers. • For a morning party opt for lighter shades like emerald green, ocean blue, pink or you could also try out for some trendy pastel colors. • For late evening occasions opt for vibrant colors that can add sparkling effect to your dressing sense. • If you are short it would be advisable you avoid wearing short dresses. Rather go for long skirts with a nice fish cut. • If you are thin avoid wearing sleeveless clothes. It would be advisable to wear dark color clothes as they hide your pale body structure. • If you have a medium structure you need to wear beige and fawn color clothes.

Skin tone

• If you have a fair complexion, then gold with a blend of copper would just look beautiful. • If you are medium wheatish colored, then mixed shades of white, beige and bronzy golden would suit your style. • Dark skin women should wrap themselves with golden copper shades.

Helpful tips

• Wear clothes of your own size. Never opt for oversized clothes. • Be careful while selecting accessories for a wear. Just don’t pick up something for the heck of it. Remember your accessories speak more about you than your clothes. • Make sure whatever jeweler you wear blends well with your style.

In the third grade I was told I could write a paper on any topic for an English homework assignment. I chose the subject of scurvy as it affected sailors who were away at sea for long periods of time and the resulting discovery of Vitamin C as its cure. I remember the paper well for I was literally transcended from ignorance to a place of awe at the intricacies of the human body and its response to nutrients.

Today, antioxidants are the word on the street. They are used to boost energy (forget caffeine - this stuff rocks!) and these antioxidants fight infection, and address a whole range of health issues.

Before XanGo, Tahitian Noni, Fruta Vida, (containing, respectively, mangosteen, goji, and acai) and now Amigo Juice (a marriage of all three super foods), we had Vitamin C, E, and A. For many of us, it was all about drinking that cup of orange juice at breakfast or taking a vitamin supplement. But today, we are not talking about just a punch but a real blow to sickness and disease, taking the form of antioxidant rich health beverages that many consumers swear by in their quest for wellness.

Living in today's very toxic world, antioxidants deserve a special place in the area of nutritional supplements and are certainly worth examining closer to see what they are all about and learn how we can implement them into our daily routine.

Quite simply put, at the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain particles called free radicals. In humans, free radicals usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule desires to be oxidized, and this oxidation process can sometimes be carcinogenic. Free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. They are also created by exposure to various environmental factors, tobacco smoke and radiation. Of course, this certainly includes air quality and all the junk we put into our bodies that our immune system is forced to combat.

If allowed to run amok, these free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, cell structures, and genetic material within the cell. They are the bully on the playground and need to be dealt a firm hand for the resulting damage can eventually lead to disease and ultimately death.

Antioxidants play a key role in cleaning up the destruction caused by these free radicals. They clean house before free radicals get a chance to harm the body. Researchers have determined that antioxidants are useful in the prevention of carcinogenic effects of oxidation.

To that end, a variety of health companies, most notably in the form of multi-level marketing, have cropped up offering antioxidant rich health drinks, as captured in the pericarp, hull, pulp, rind, basically the whole fruit, the kitchen and its sink, ground and mixed and served up in tasty 1 oz. servings. Not to mention the mangosteen fruit has introduced an entirely new classification of antioxidants, called Xanthones with professed health benefits too numerous to list, many years of research, and centuries of positive use.

Although it may sound frightening and risky to many investors, if handled correctly, commodities could be the missing piece of an investor’s portfolio. What exactly are commodities? Commodities are any mass goods traded on an exchange or in a cash market including: cocoa, coffee, eggs, lumber, orange juice, soybeans and sugar just to name a few. Industrial metals are also included with copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel, silver, and lead ranking among the most popular industrial metals holdings. Finally, the most widely followed commodities include oil, natural gas and gold.

The diversification benefits equal or surpass those of other asset classes like fixed income and real estate. The primary reason for this is their correlation, or lack thereof, to the stock market as represented by the S&P 500 (Correlation describes how similar the price movement is between two investments). Commodities have historically exhibited absolutely no correlation to the stock market or any of the bond market indices. In fact, they have a negative correlation. This non-similar pattern of performance allows an investor to minimize volatility and protect capital in down markets. Overall, these factors help to decrease overall risk in a portfolio of investments. In short, commodities have historically been a good compliment to a traditional stock, bond and real estate portfolio.

When commodities are utilized as a stand-alone investment, commodities are relatively volatile, exhibiting wild price swings. At times, they are also illiquid, prohibiting the investor from exiting a position that is dropping rapidly. Another factor to be aware of when investing in commodities is the unusual income taxation. Most notably, investors are taxed each year on their share of the profits, if there are profits, regardless of whether the investment has been sold. This is a significant disadvantage compared to investments in stocks, because one does not pay income taxes until the stock is actually sold. Finally, fees to implement a commodities strategy are significantly higher than for those of traditional mutual funds, for example. For these reasons, it is best to only consider 5-20% of one’s portfolio for this strategy.

At a time when stocks and bonds are predicted by most academics and investment gurus such as Warren Buffet, Bill Gross of PIMCO, and Jeremy Grantham of Grantham, Mayer, and Van Otterloo, to produce 5.0% returns or less over the next decade due to historically high market valuations. On a historical basis, commodities are inexpensively priced and substantial upside potential is possible. U.S. inflation is historically low right now but with the effects of massive fiscal, monetary policy and already robust consumer spending, raw goods prices will inevitably increase. When they do, commodity indices will follow. As inflation gradually rises in 2006 and beyond, industrial metals prices will rise as investors begin to direct large amounts of money into these hard asset commodities. The high correlation between commodities and inflation provide an important hedge against considerable losses in traditional financial instruments such as stocks and bonds.

I have come to believe that there are some good things associated with getting older. For one thing, I am much wiser than when I was younger. I know this because I am able to admit I don’t know very much about a lot of things at 52 years old. When I was 19, I knew everything. For me, it is now all about awareness. Awareness of my surroundings, the potential dangers of lifestyle choices, my attitude towards those choices and the motivation to do something about the way I live.

In my late forties, early fifties, I started experiencing the changes that aging brings about. I noticed I got tired more easily and didn’t recover as quickly. I also had aches and pains in places where there were none before. Being a typical male, one of the things I was totally ignorant about was prostate health. I didn’t know, for example, that prostate disease affects one out of every two men at some point in their lives. The prostate is a gland located in the male reproductive system. The prostate produces and holds a component of the semen. It is found near the bladder and the rectum. The prostate encapsulates a portion of the urethra, the tube that delivers urine from the bladder. An average prostate is the size of a walnut. If the prostate enlarges, the urine flow can be diminished or completely cut off.

I guess I shouldn’t feel too foolish about my ignorance as only fifteen percent of Americans have even heard of a serious and painful condition known as prostatitus. I didn’t hear about it until I started experiencing discomfort and urgency at times and incontinence at other times. Becoming concerned when the symptoms didn’t go away, I naturally scheduled an appointment with my physician. He, in turn referred me to an urologist. I learned about the possible causes of prostatitus:

• Bacteria driven infection
• Yeast infestation
• Virus
• Food allergy
• BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• Auto-immune response
• Possible rare tumor in or around the prostate
• Physical injury
• Uric Acid disorder
• Prostate stones
• Prostate cancer
• Urethral stricture


Yes it is a long list of possible causes. It sounds complicated and it may well be. I did find out that there are a number of things I can do to address prostate problems. It starts with diet and exercise, limiting my intake of caffeine and alcohol, giving up extreme habits such as smoking, and getting a prostate exam at least once a year. Diet turns out to be of primary importance and a large intake of fiber was recommended. It was also strongly suggested that I start a regular regiment of mild daily exercise. An annual PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) test was recommended and administered. This test measures the levels of a specific protein in the blood, which, along with a digital rectum exam is used to help detect prostate cancer in men over fifty. It is also used to monitor any recurrence of cancer. The effectiveness of the PSA test is still controversial but my urologist suggested it was a good idea to have the test.

I learned a bit about prostate cancer. If it is detected early, the treatment is highly effective. Nevertheless, 30,000 men die from prostate cancer annually. There is strong evidence that a dietary supplement of certain vitamins, herbal extracts and minerals can do much to prevent this type of cancer. In several studies it was found that men that had high intakes of the following, had much lower incidences of prostate cancer diagnosis: Boron, Daidzein, Grape seed extract, Green tea, Lycopene, Vitamin E, Selenium, Kohki leaf, Pygeum Africanum and Nettle root. In addition, Saw Palmetto berry has been widely documented as an effective treatment to lessen pain, swelling and irritation of the prostate. This is usually recommended for prostate cancer treatment, possibly inhibiting dihydrotestosterone, and slowing cell growth.

In learning about BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), I found that Saw palmetto has a long history of use. It is thought by some to have a very mild aphrodisiac effect. It is thought to boost the body's manufacturing ability of sperm and increase sexual energy. Saw palmetto extract is still used by many as the primary treatment for both short-term and long-term treatment of BPH. It also appears to be devoid of side effects.

Also recommended for good prostate health are:
Zinc & Copper, Stinging Nettle, Golden Flax Oil, Active Aminos™, Pygeum Bark, Beta Sitosterol , Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine HCl), Pumpkin Seed, Burdock Root, Cayenne Fruit, Goldenseal Root, Gravel Root, Juniper Berry, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Leaf and White Pond Lily Root.
There are a number of packaged combinations that are available that can supply these necessary vitamins, herbs and minerals for good prostate health. They are not as exotic and hard to find as in the past. There are some excellent sources of not only supplements for prostate health but a great source of information on holistic health.
As it turns out, I have a mild case of BPH. It is very common in men over fifty. I have taken my primary care physicians’ and urologists’ advice in all areas. Along with regular check-ups and tests, diet and exercise and my new supplemental intake plan. BPH is something I can live with. I’ve started to make healthier lifestyle choices and I feel good about it. My BPH doesn’t seem to be a big deal anymore.

Real estate sales around the country have been slowing this year. However, in Summit County, Colorado sales have continued to expand.

The Land Title Guarantee Company states that during June of 2006 there has been an increase of 45% over a similar period in 2005. And sales for the first half of 2006 have increased from $554 million to $681 million, an increase of more than 22 percent.

Summit County, Colorado which is located 60 miles west of Denver includes the towns of Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. The area includes such famous winter sport destinations as Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper, Loveland, Keystone, and Ski Cooper. Tourists flock to this area in the winter months for a range of activities include skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, extreme skiing ice skating, and snowmobiling.

Summer activities in the area include camping, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, canoeing, sailing, fishing and horse riding. Added to these activities are shopping, sight seeing and the attraction of many fine restaurants.

Breckenridge is a year round resort with a population of around 3,000. To complement the winter and summer recreational activities there are many restaurants and bars in Breckenridge as well as shops and boutiques. There is also a Victorian historic area that is popular with visitors. Breckenridge was founded in 1859 after gold was discovered in the Blue River and has a rich history that is well worth exploring. In 2004 the Barney Ford House Museum was opened.

Frisco is a small mountain town with a population of around 2600 located at 9100 feet above sea level. Frisco was founded in 1873 as a mining town. The boom in mining continued until the great depression devastated the area. By 1930 the population of the town reached its lowest level of only 18 people. The development of the area as a ski center has made Frisco a boom town again.

Dillon is a lakeside resort. The town was founded in 1883 as a trading post. The town has actually been moved 3 times and has ended up on the shore of the new reservoir called Lake Dillon which was established in 1961. The permanent population of Dillon is around 800 and this number swells during the winter to 4,000.

Silverthorne was incorporated in the 1960s and is a great center for exploring Summit County. The population is around 4,000. Silverstone has a large recreation center as well as the Keystone Ice Rink, Colorado Mountain College, Beaver Creek. There are also great shopping amenities including the Silverthorne Factory Stores which hosts around 70 factory outlet stores.

The real estate market in Summit County, Colorado is booming. This is due to the fact that there area is a great place to call home. It is also close to the major metropolitan areas of Denver and Boulder. Because of the range of winter sports activities and summer recreational activities many people are investing in second homes in the area. The mountain views, the healthy lifestyle and the general quality of life make Summit County a dream location for owning real estate.

Minerals are natural elements or compounds formed through geological processes in the earth’s crust. Minerals range from pure elements to simple salts or complex silicates. Minerals are basically inorganic, homogeneous solids with a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition. The chemical makeup is different for each mineral. Chemical tests and x-rays are needed to identify a mineral. Currently just over four thousand minerals are known to mankind. Minerals are being used in various walks of life – at work, in schools and homes. One such area is the cosmetic industry.

Elements and compounds are the building blocks of minerals. Minerals made up of only one element are called native minerals like silver, gold, mercury and copper. Minerals composed of compounds are simply referred to as minerals.

Mineralogy is the study of minerals. Bare minerals that are used to make cosmetics consist of cosmetic grade minerals and mineral pigments. Bare minerals are obtained from various sources like plants, plant sources and the earths crust. Bare minerals may include pure elements, simple salts or complex silicates. Minerals are made of elements like oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium. Minerals are identified by their color, luster, transparency, hardness and florescence. They are also identified by their magnetism, odor, solubility and radioactivity. Minerals are classified as silicates, carbonates, sulphates, halides and oxides. They are also classified as sulphides, phosphates, organic and mineraloids, on the basis of their chemical composition.

The human body requires certain bare minerals like, potassium and magnesium, to function properly. They are needed for body functions like building strong bones, transmitting nerve signals and maintaining a normal heartbeat. They are also used to air hormone production in the body. One such area is the cosmetic industry. Bare minerals are used to make cosmetic products called mineral makeup. Cosmetics made out of bare minerals are called mineral makeup. These cosmetics contain no chemicals and are a popular natural option to traditional makeup.

There is no specific definition to define troubled teens. You try to locate points of difference between your teen and others to identify existence of any problems. However, instead of comparing, evaluating troubled teens individually to identify any problems in behavior or physical features works well. It is better to go by your instincts and appraise the situation accordingly.

Ignoring the problems of troubled teens could make things worse. You can seek help from outside sources to change your parenting ways. The Internet offers many solutions or you can read books on efficient parenting. Discussing with other parents or taking help of support groups can help you analyze any loopholes in your parenting. You can take adequate steps to amend these shortcomings.

Proper communication holds the key to solving all problems of troubled teens. Give a full hearing to your teen and place him or her on an equal footing. Try to come to an amicable compromise. Have full faith and trust in your teen to make them achieve respective goals. Although things do not work out as smoothly, keep up your tireless efforts.

Giving proper guidance to troubled teens is essential for their development into mature and responsible adults. Therefore, if you unable to comprehend or adopt suitable measure, you can take help of professionals and support groups like Copper Canyon Academy, Aspen Education Group, Turn-About Ranch, Lone Star Expeditions, and similar others.

All such support groups concentrate on ensuring proper coordination and communication with troubled teens. Rather than confronting and compounding the problem, support groups try to assess the teen as a separate individual. They give full credence to their physical and behavioral abilities and canalize their energies positively. Such a constructive approach proves beneficial to you and your teen.

Alternatively, you can talk to other persons like schoolteachers, friends and peer groups of troubled teens. Adopt therapy programs for the entire family as a whole and do not seclude your teen. If need be, you could hire the services of a professional to identify problems and suggest remedial measures.

In China and Japan sea plants have been used for many heart problems. It helps lower the risk for heart disease, and can help detoxify the blood that is pumped through out the heart.

China and Japan aren’t the only cultures that have used sea plants for heart problems. All over the world cultures have used sea plants for heart burn, reflux disease, and the prevention of heart disease.

The natural chemicals and elements in sea plants is able to almost completely counter heart problems. It has been researched and proven that sea plants were able to keep people from even having heart attacks in old age.

Now sea plants are not able to do that all the time, but for someone who has a strong diet of sea plants is less likely to have heart problems then someone who takes medicine for it.

No one fully sees that sea plants are able to cure you of just about everything. The sea plants are actually able to take out the toxins that cause heart problems and dispose of them before they are able to start tearing up your heart.

Some people even believe that sea plants are the reason why live expectancies have actually risen in the past few years. People who are on a sea plant diet are not only eating right, but are insuring their hearts safety and proper workings.

If sea plants can be put onto open wounds to prevent infection, and can be used to help with obesity and such, then using sea vegetation for heart problems is basically a natural thing to do.

Sea plants are capable of so much and yet not many people know that. Some of the greatest civilizations have lived off of sea plants for years before they were able to grow their own food.

And unlike land grown food, sea vegetation doesn’t require a time of year or a certain season.

Sea Vegetation in Health.

When someone says they are using sea vegetation for dieting or health eating, what do you think of? Does your mind suddenly picture them eating a big glob of see weed? Or do you see them making a salad out of coral reef?

Sea vegetation is actually one of the few types of plants on earth that is still perfectly healthy. Sea vegetation has more things in it, such as vitamins, elements, and irons then most of the vegetation grown on land does.

There are three main groups of sea vegetation too, but instead of being classified by hard to pronounce words, they are classified by the color of them. The red sea vegetation has three different types, the green sea vegetation has two different types, and the brown sea vegetation has four different types in it.

Sea vegetation has been known to have as many things as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B 12, C, D3, E, K, phytohormones, pigments, proteins, polysaccharides, alginic acid, carrageenans and cellulose, a high concentration of potassium, chlorine, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur phosphorus, iodine, iron, copper, manganese, and others.

You don’t see that type of combination in your every day garden salad. Another great thing about sea vegetation is that it is almost completely untouched. It sits there out in the ocean, growing, and when it is done growing, it just survives until it is washed up or taken out of the water.

Even sea animals feed off the vegetation down there. Sea vegetation has been known to help with carb diets, maintain a good percent of calcium, and the best part, it has been used by other cultures for hundreds of years.

Sea vegetation has been used for healing, heart problems, as a food source, and more. So when you put it all together and get down to it, eating sea vegetation, which you usually picture as slimy and green, is better for you then eating a hamburger and fries.

Sierra Tarahumara, popularly known as Copper Canyon is situated in Mexico. The area is a favorite destination among those seeking an adventurous vacation. Copper Canyon is one of the six gorges in the area. Although the name suggests that the gorge might have some relevance to copper mining, this is not the case. The name is derived from the copper and green lichen covering the canyon.

Copper Canyon has two climatic zones. The region features an alpine climate at the top and a subtropical climate at the lower levels. Winters are cold with frequent snowstorms at the higher altitudes. Summers are dry and hot. The capital city, Chihuahua, is a high altitude desert where weather ranges from cold winters to hot summers. The region is unique because of the various ecosystems that exist within it.

Another unique feature of Copper Canyon is the presence of the Tarahumara Indian culture. These semi-nomadic people live in cave dwellings. Their livelihood chiefly depends on farming and cattle ranching. Apart from the native population, the local wildlife is also a major crowd puller. Several migratory and native birds, mammals and reptiles call Copper Canyon their home. The exquisite fauna in this near-pristine land is also worth checking out.

A traveler may choose to explore the area by hiking around the canyon or venturing into it. Detailed planning is required for those who wish to venture into the depths of the canyon. There are a number of travel companies that specialize in organizing tours to the region. Visitors can fly to Copper Canyon using a tourist visa, which is valid for 180 days. Travelers can also drive from anywhere in the United States and acquire a visa at the Mexican customs station at the border.

A holiday to the Copper Canyon promises to be an exciting mix of relaxation, culture, history, wildlife and hiking.

Tuscan kitchen design immediately conjures images of Italy and sunlight and warmth. In fact these kinds of images are just what you need to think of when coming up with the perfect Tuscan kitchen design.

Tuscany a region in north central Italy is known as a warm place almost year round an Tuscan kitchen design should reflect this. Tuscan kitchen designs are defined by colors such as siena, terra, and sepia. Tuscan Kitchen design uses a lot of soft warm colors and textures. Windows in the kitchen should provide as much natural sunlight as possible.

The Tuscan style has evolved through the centuries, influenced by Etruscan metal craft and pottery as well as the Italian Renaissance. The Tuscan style can be seen in mosiac tiles, wrought iron gates, bridges and architecture.

Tuscan kitchen design and décor can enhance the look and feel of any kitchen. You can add a big wooden table, open cupboards, along with ceramics, pots, pans and Tuscan-inspired dinnerware. These items can also make great decorations when you are not using them.

Kitchen island design in the Tuscan kitchen design style has its origins from ancient Roman times. This is the origins of the nice ornaments you will find with all tuscan kitchen design. The Tuscan kitchen island is usually of a dark color painted on oak. Sometimes the islands are given one coat of white paint. Scratches are added to give the wood a more antique look.

In Tuscany families tend to eat and cook together. A good Tuscan kitchen design should provide for adequate room for you and your family to more around the kitchen freely.

The Tuscan kitchen design style is very popular now. One reason is that this design style be quite affordable while be stylish and providing more comfortable kitchen. The Tuscan kitchen design style accessories include pottery, jars, and hand crafted tiles depicting grapevines and vineyards as well as grapes, tomatos, and olives. Having these design elements just naturally goes with Tuscan meals.

Walls - Wall should be painted in a rich Tuscan color such as rich reds, intense yellows, or strong yellows. Consider a wall treatment such as molding, or murals to create a more Tuscan feel to the walls.

Floors - Use Terra cotta or clay tiles, glazed ceramic and marble inlay in intricate patterns. Wooden floors can be left plain with natural color and finish with a Persian rug.

Furniture - For a Tuscan kitchen design use sturdy pieces of furniture that is also strong and functional. Kitchen tables and chairs should also be well-built and strong.

Cabinetry - Cabinetry should feature open shelves for displaying your ceramics, as well as baskets, and cooking utensils

Sink - Kitchen sink should be white ceramic to be more compatible with your Tuscan kitchen design. You might also consider a large rectangular marble sink.

As for other Tuscan kitchen design ideas you can add racks to display copper pans. Also wrought iron pull for drawers, and wrought iron light fixtures. You might even want to add a brick-fired oven just like the type found in large Italian farmhouse kitchens.

By designing your kitchen with the Tuscan design style and bring in the look of old Tuscany your kitchen and home will never be quite the same.

Taking your electrical needs for granted? A new five-year plan announced by the Chinese government may put the reliability of your electrical supply at risk. China may snap up all the available uranium over the next few years. U.S. utilities depend upon uranium to power their nuclear reactors, which provide 20% of your electricity.

According to China’s Ministry of Land Resources, China plans to build up “sufficient reserves” of uranium and other minerals, in a new five-year government plan. The ministry said it would be stockpiling strategic reserves of uranium, copper, aluminum and other key minerals because of rising demand for those commodities. The Chinese also wish to avoid supply disruptions by hoarding uranium and other minerals, over the next few years.

Until now, you’ve probably taken for granted a steady, reliable source of electricity. A large part of your dependable energy came about because of the nuclear energy generated by the 103 nuclear reactors in 30 states. Without a steady supply of uranium to power those nuclear reactors, the U.S. electrical transmission network suffers a 20 percent loss. China’s new five-year plan to stockpile uranium had better be a Wake-Up Call to U.S. utilities. If they missed the import of China’s announcement, we are all going to be in a heck of lot of trouble before this decade ends.

Since June 2004, we have warned of supply disruptions for uranium. David Miller, who has since become President and Chief Operating Officer of Strathmore Minerals, argued at the time, “In my opinion, no one has any extra uranium to sell on the spot market. There’s just not excess inventory that people are unloading in the spot market.” We interviewed Miller again in November 2005, for an article entitled, “China Demand for Uranium, World Growth in Electricity Demand to Drive Uranium Price Higher.” Miller warned us, “China is the future wild card… what they are planning for nuclear is probably the most aggressive program in the world.” Miller added in his explanation, “All the new production is already factored into the future market for uranium. We’re underwater right now without building one more nuclear power plant.”

In mid April, during an interview with Sprott Asset Management Market Strategist Kevin Bambrough, we asked him about the Chinese. He answered, “Why shouldn’t they have strategic uranium reserves to supply their nuclear reactors? It makes sense to have a good stockpile of uranium considering the relative cost of nuclear power versus anything else.” And now, the Chinese plan to build up a strategic reserve of uranium for their aggressive nuclear program.

In another interview, also published in April, Gene Clark, CEO of TradeTech LLC warned us, “In reality, the U.S. utilities, which tend to wait longer to contract, may be the ones on the losing end because the Chinese and the Indians will contract early. The implication of current group-think is that the Chinese and Indians are not going to be able to find enough uranium for their new plants. But, they are committing for supplies way out into the future. When the U.S. utilities come to the market, they’re going to look around say, ‘Oh blankety- blank, what happened? Where’s the uranium?’ They’ll be the ones that sat around. I think that is what’s going to happen unless things really change in the way contracting is done in the United States.”

The kitchen sink is definitely the most used item in the kitchen, other than the stove. In additional to being useful, they can add drama and style to any kitchen design. Also since a quality sink will last 30 years or more, an important consideration of your remodel should be selecting a kitchen sink.

The most traditional kitchen sink is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel became popular nearly 100 years ago because of its ability to fight corrosion. About the same time porcelain enamel was used for kitchen sinks. This enamel was fired onto a cast iron sink. People were encouraged to keep the porcelain white to be able to see dirt and debris more clearly on the white surface. Modern kitchen sinks are made of all kinds of materials, such as porcelain and corian.

While you might want to consider the color and style of your new sink, it is also important to think about how you will actually use your kitchen sink, in determining which type of sink will be best for your needs. For instance do you prefer a kitchen sink that has one large basin? This might be fine if you are always using a dishwasher. If you prefer to hand-wash your dishes, you might go with a two-or even a three-basin kitchen sink.

When making the decision on a new kitchen sink, durability and strength are important areas to consider depending on how you plan to use it, what your kitchen priorities are, and where the sink will be located.

There are so many styles of kitchen sinks to choose from today, from contemporary to rustic, in a large range of materials, colors and shapes.

Let us look at several kinds of kitchen sinks.

· Stainless steel - Popular choice for many homeowners. This material can go very well in a modern kitchen with clean lines. Stainless steel has the advantage of being easy to clean. Some disadvantages of this material is the fact that it can be easily dented and it can be noisy.
· Nickel, and Copper - Kitchen sinks can be made in other metals besides stainless steel. Metals sinks can be beautiful, but also more expensive. Nickel is the hardest of the two metals. At the current time copper is considered very popular. Copper requires no maintenance if it is a pure copper sink.
· Porcelain enamel on cast iron - This material is another popular choice for kitchen sinks because of its durability and it large range of quality, style, and colors. Porcelain enamel kitchen sinks usually last about 25 to 30 years or more. The surface of these type of kitchen sink is composed of ground glass melted and applied to the hot cast iron. This type of kitchen sink type is available for under mount, self-rimming, and tile-in installations. Because glass can easily break against this type of material it is necessary to use a sink mat.

There are five kinds of kitchen sink installation types that can used.

· Undermounted - The undermounted kitchen sink is attached underneath the countertop. This kitchen sink installation can be used to create a smooth look that is designed to blend with modern designs.

· Integral - This is where both the sink and countertop are made from one material. Therefore there are no noticeable seems on the surface. It is considered to be easy to maintain.

· Self-rimming - This type of kitchen sink has a rolled edge that is mounted over the countertop. This type of sink will look good with any type of kitchen design, from traditional to contemporary.

· Rimmed - Rimmed kitchen sinks are the most common and the least expensive type of kitchen sink. It can have many uses, but does not bring much in the way of style to a kitchen.

· Tile-in - The tile-in kitchen sink is used with tile countertops. These types of sinks are intended to be used in situations where there is no visible separation between the sink and surface.