Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Your future after your postgraduate study
Being a research student
What lifestyle can you expect?
Research is essentially about discovery and new knowledge. This is how a research degree differs fundamentally from a taught one. You need to accept that you will spend a lot of time barking up the wrong tree so perseverance and motivation are all-important when pursuing a research postgraduate study.Being a research student, your relationship with your supervisor is also fundamental. With this in mind, it is important to make a good choice. The role of your supervisor is to ‘manage’ your project, keep it on track, edit your thesis, select your external examiner and will, of course, be your referee. Your supervisor will also be a mentor, introduce you to their network of contacts and, as time goes on, attend relevant meetings and conferences.If you don’t meet people through your subject, there are a few other ways to make contact. It is very important to avail of whatever mechanisms exist or which are being developed, to help bring postgraduate students together, be it at department or graduate student union level.Developing a network of useful contacts and remaining motivated is critical to a research student. Treating the project as a job, planning your tasks and sticking to them from the outset will be vital for you to do so within the expected timeframe and before the funding runs out.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ingredients We Avoid
2. Artificial fragrance (parfum)Artificial Fragrances and Perfumes are all petroleum-based. They enter our bodies through our skin contact and by inhaling them. They may contain phthalates. Synthetic fragrance is the most frequent cause of allergies and oftentimes the fragrance can be annoying, cause skin and eye irritation, and headaches. Artificial fragrances are toxic, and children in particular tend to be more sensitive to fragrances and can develop allergic reaction easily.
3. DEA, MEA or TEAA colorless liquid or crystalline alcohol that is used as a solvent, emulsifier and detergent (wetting agent). Works as an emollient in skin softening lotions or as a humectant in other personal care products. DEA, MEA, Cocamide DEA, and TEA can react with nitrites in the air or in other products to form nitrosamines which are carcinogens that are readily absorbed by the skin into our bodies. These chemicals are endocrine disrupters and may be toxic to our cardiovascular, central nervous, gastrointestinal and kidney systems as well as our skin. Commonly used in detergents, shampoos, dishwashing soaps, bubble baths, and face cleaners for foaming, these are synthetic chemicals made from coconut or animal oil and Diethanolamine, a derivative of Ammonia.
4. Formaldehyde (formalin / formal and methyl aldehyde, DMDM Hydantoin and Urea-Imidazolidinyl)A toxic, colourless gas that is a KNOWN carcinogen, and can cause irritation to eyes, reproductive, liver, and respiratory system, as well as asthma. It is toxic if inhaled. When combined with water, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, fixative or preservative. Found in many cosmetic products and nail care systems including deodorants, shampoos and hand wash. The World Health Organization has confirmed that it is indeed a carcinogen. Be aware of products containing:
o Imidazolidinyl
5. Isopropyl Alcohol This ingredient is prepared from propylene, which is obtained in the cracking of petroleum. Used in anti-freeze and as a solvent. It is a denaturant which is a poisonous or unpleasant substance added to alcoholic cosmetics to make them undrinkable. Changes another substances natural qualities or characteristics. Can cause nausea, confusion and neurological damage to cells. Found in hair colours, body products, hand creams, after shave lotions.
6. PEG (polyethylene glycol)PEG is used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease, thicken products and act as a foaming agent. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners.These compounds are a potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. Could increase the appearance of ageing and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria.
7. Parabens Used as a preservative in many toiletries and cosmetics. Parabens work by inhibiting enzyme activity. Traces of parabens have been found in human breast tissue although a link with breast cancer has not been proven 6. Parabens have been shown to have an estrogenic effect, i.e. they can mimic hormones and have been nick named 'gender benders'. One, propyl paraben, has been shown to adversely affect male reproductive functions; at the daily intake level acceptable under EC law, it decreased sperm production.These include:
o Methylparaben
8. Mineral oil and petroleum derived ingredientsA derivative of crude oil, mineral oil forms an oily film over skin to lock in moisture. Initially it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. However it traps in toxins and hinders normal respiration by keeping oxygen out. This can exacerbate skin disorders such as eczema. Mineral oil is found in many products including baby oil and bath and body oils. Petrochemicals used in beauty products and toiletries include compounds such as propylene glycol, SD alcohol & benzene. Benzene is used as a solvent in lacquers and nail varnishes. It is highly toxic even in tiny quantities and has carcinogenic properties. Propylene glycol is a surfactant (found in anti-freeze). Breaks down protein and cellular structure. This is a somewhat natural ingredient, composed of vegetable glycerin and grain alcohol. However, it can be a strong skin irritant, can cause contact dermatitis, allergic reactions and acne, and may cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
9. Phthalates (DBP / DMP / DEP)Phthalates, commonly used in fragrance formulas and PVC (so many toys!), are chemicals known to hormone disrupters which means they can harm reproductive and hormonal systems. Phthalates can be carcinogenic chemical plasticizers, solvents, and fixatives. They have been linked to birth defects and that's why many advise pregnant women to choose unscented products and skip the perfume altogether. Children and pregnant women are cautioned against using APEs (alkylpehnol ethoxylates), Octoxynol, and Nonoxynol as they can disrupt normal hormone function. Most artificial fragrances, especially those found in perfumes and fragranced personal care products, contain Phthalates including deodorants, nail polish, hair care, and lotions. Phthalates are readily absorbed into our body through our skin and through inhalation. These do not have to be listed on the label since they are considered trade secrets and are often included under blanket terms such as 'parfum'. . They are merely listed as "fragrance" on the label and can contain hundreds of different chemicals, all of which have not been completely tested (feel like a walking experiment) on adults or children.
10. SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate)SLES - Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate or SLS - Sodium Laureth Sulfate may be the most commonly used dangerous ingredient. It is an inexpensive emulsifier which helps create the foam in many cleaners from shampoo (including "no more tears" baby shampoos), cosmetic cleansers, bath and shower gels, bubble bath to floor cleaners, car wash soap, and even engine degreasers. It makes a product bubble and foam.
It is highly corrosive that can cause irritation to the scalp, eyes and skin. According to the Women's Environmental Network there is some evidence to suggest reproductive effects and damage to liver, lungs & immune system. It also has even been linked to hair loss since it is so corrosive and attacks the hair follicle. It eats at the skin and can be quite an irritant; it can cause rashes. It strips off protective skin lipids. There is also a risk of forming nitrosamines as it interacts with other chemicals. It may be a strong carcinogen when contaminated with nitrosamines and is readily absorbed through the skin (when combined with TEA, DEA or MEA). The Journal of American College of Toxicology has determined that it damages the immune system. It is also a mutagen, according to the Tohoku School of Medicine in Japan, and as such can change our cell's genetic information.
Be cautious of other -eth compounds as well.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
Unfortunately, both sodium laureth sulfate and its cousin are also very dangerous, highly irritating chemicals. Far from giving "healthy shining hair" and "beautiful skin", soaps and shampoos containing sodium laureth sulfate can lead to direct damage to the hair follicle, skin damage, permanent eye damage in children and even liver toxicity.
Although sodium laureth sulfate is somewhat less irritating than SLS, it cannot be metabolised by the liver and its effects are therefore much longer-lasting. This not only means it stays in the body tissues for longer, but much more precious energy is used getting rid of it.
A report published in the Journal of The American College of Toxicology in 1983 showed that concentrations of SLS as low as 0.5% could cause irritation and concentrations of 10-30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation. National Institutes of Health "Household Products Directory" of chemical ingredients lists over 80 products that contain SLS and SLES. Some soaps have concentrations of up to 30%, which the ACT report called "highly irritating and dangerous".
Shampoos are among the most frequently reported products to the FDA. Reports include eye irritation, scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face and arms and split and fuzzy hair. This is highly characteristic of sodium laureth sulfate and almost definitely directly related to its use.
Click here to learn of the possible health effects of sodium laureth sulfate
So why is a dangerous chemical like sodium laureth sulfate used in our soaps and shampoos?
The answer is simple - it is cheap. The sodium laureth sulfate found in our soaps is exactly the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines.
In the same way as it dissolves the grease on car engines, SLES also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect. It is also well documented that it denatures skin proteins, which causes not only irritation, but also allows environmental contaminants easier access to the lower, sensitive layers of the skin.
This denaturing of skin proteins may even be implicated in skin and other cancers.
Perhaps most worryingly, sodium laureth sulfate is also absorbed into the body from skin application. Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of SLS is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications and may be responsible for a variety of health problems from PMS and Menopausal symptoms to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers such as breast cancer, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved.
Products commonly found to contains SLS or Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SoapsShampoosBubble-bathsTooth pasteWashing-up liquid / dish soapLaundry detergentChildrens soaps / shampoosStain RemoverCarpet CleanerFabric glueBody washShave creamMascaraMouthwashSkin cleanserMoisture lotion / MoisturiserSun Cream
To find hair, personal and household products without ANY SLS or other harmful chemicals, please click this link - SLS-free products.
The use of sodium laureth sulfate in childrens products is particularly worrying. It is known that, whether it gets in the eyes or not, skin application DOES lead to measurable concentrations in the eyes of children. This is known to affect eye development, and the damage caused in this manner is irreversible. If you have children DO NOT USE products containing sodium laureth sulfate or SLS - they will thank you for it one day.
Do not believe that just because a product is labeled as "natural" it is free from SLS or sodium laureth sulfate. Most common brands of "Natural" or "Herbal" shampoos and cleansers still use these harmful chemicals as their main active ingredient - check your labels!
That is not to say that you can't get sodium laureth sulfate-free shampoos, soaps, detergents and toothpastes. Some highly reputable companies have been producing such products for years. These products not only contains no sodium laureth sulfate, they are also free of other harmful chemical colorings, preservatives and even flavourings.
The importance of Hyaluronic Acid
Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol---Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News
March 24, 2009 -- A team of veterinarians has found a surprising link between compulsive tail-chasing in dogs and high cholesterol, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice.The finding adds to a growing body of evidence -- mostly from studies on humans -- that high cholesterol may be a marker for behavioral problems such as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder, which could be expressed by frequent tail-chasing falls in dogs. Bouts of tail-chasing can also occur after a dog experiences physical trauma, surgery or illness, noted Hasan Batmaz, a member of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Turkey's University of Uludag, who conducted the study along with a team of colleagues.
Certain breeds, such as bull terriers and German shepherds, seem to chase their tails more often than others. For the study, the researchers took blood samples from 15 otherwise healthy dogs that were compulsive tail-chasers. To serve as controls, 15 dogs that rarely chase their tails were included in the study as well.
Monday, March 23, 2009
女人我最大--Malaysia Live at Sin Chew Newspaper hall
Saturday, March 14, 2009
EARTH HOUR 2009 PLS SUPPORT IT..ONE ACTION CAN SAVE THE WORLD..
Earth Song lyrics
What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain...
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about the bleeding Earth
(What about us)
Can't we feel its wounds
(What about us)
What about nature's worth
(ooo, ooo)
It's our planet's womb
(What about us)
What about animals
(What about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We're ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
(ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by creed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can't we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can't you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
(ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about babies
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What was us)
What about death again
(ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Michael Jackson《Heal the World》live