Archive for October, 2009

Komodo National Park: Into The Heart of The Dragons

Real dragons spurt no fire, have no need to fly and cast no magic spells. And still, one look from them might render you speechless.

These komodos, the real life dragons, are a sight indeed.

Gigantic, the lizard-like creatures are about two or three meters in length. They can easily weigh about 165 kilograms. Despite of their sheer size and appearance, they are not active hunters. What makes them intimidating is the fact that they are a patient predator. In the wild, they stalk a victim, usually a weak or injured one. One bite and that’s what it usually takes. After following the victim for a while, sometimes up to several days’ time, the komodos will devour the dying prey.

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an endangered species which can only be found in the Komodo National Park (KNP) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).  Because of the unique and rare nature of this animal, its habitat – KNP – was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

The park includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2.
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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder may be easily misdiagnosed or even be mistaken as a form of shyness. Having said that, many sufferers of social anxiety are not even aware that they are experiencing an anxiety disorder.

Approximately seven percent of the population suffers from social anxiety. Recent years have shown progress in treating this type of disorder.
Social anxiety can be defined as fear of social occasions and situations and the interaction with people due to feelings of negative evaluation, inadequacy, embarrassment, humiliation and self-consciousness.

This form of phobia provoked by the social situations exceeds the ordinary shyness when it ultimately leads to complete or excessive social avoidance and invariably causing substantial social impairment. People with this disorder are often the world’s loners.

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Raja Ampat: Divers’ Paradise

If you really like diving, after you’ve seen Raja Ampat, you might not want to return home.

Raja Ampat archipelago covers an area of 43,000 km2. It has more than 610 islands, located at the west side of Papua Island. Here, you can find more than 540 types of reefs, 1000 types of reef’s fish, and 750 types of mollusks. Raja Ampat offers 75% of the world’s reef!

You can also witness other unique species such as pigmy seahorse, webbegong, manta ray and endemic fish called eviota raja (king eviota).

One of the best spots is Chicken Reef, where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of fish, bamboo sharks and snappers. There are just too many species in Raja Ampat, so unless you’re a scientist, it’s best to enjoy watching them rather than naming every one of them!
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Air Purifiers: The Importance of Filters

When it comes to purchasing an air purifier, there are many individuals who are concerned with the cost of doing so. While it is important that you are able to find a product that you can afford, the cost of an air purifier is not all that you need to think about. In fact, it is important to not only examine the air purifier as a whole, but its parts as well. When it comes to air purifier parts, you are advised to place a focus on the filters used.

Before you can begin examining the filters that are used with most air purifiers, it is important to remember one thing. Most air purifiers use filters, but not all do.  There are a number of air purifiers on the market that are filter-less. Many times, these air purifiers use a collection grid instead of a filter.  Instead of replacing a filter, these collection grids often just need to be wiped off. Essentially, if you are looking for a low maintenance air purifier, you may want to think about purchasing an air purifier that is filter-less.
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Healthy cooking tips

Good nutrition is not a matter of selecting the “right” foods to eat. It’s also important to prepare these foods in ways that will maintain their nutritional benefits. Careful decisions about cooking techniques can have a profound effect on the nutrient content of the foods they prepare. These cooking strategies and ingredient substitution ideas can help retain and, in some cases, improve, the nutritional value of your most popular dishes. They can also help you meet the American Institute for Cancer Research’s recommendations for lower cancer risk and better overall health:

Cut the salt in half in your favorite recipes. Most of the time this will not produce a noticeable taste modify. Consider replacing part of the salt with an herb or spice, flavored vinegar, citrus juice or peel. Garlic or onion power (not garlic or onion salt) work well in meats, soups, and sauces. Make your own mix of garlic, onion, paprika, and parsley flakes.

Use veggie spray or non-stick pans for grilling or stir-frying.

Pick methods of cooking that will retain flavor, color, and nutrients. Steam instead of boiling vegetables. Avoid cooking at high temperatures (except for speedy stir-frying) and long cooking times. Both extended heat and liquid can destroy or leach out valuable nutrients. (more…)