June 30, 2006

Quality and Tradition--The Royal Winton Chintz Company

The Royal Winton Chintz Company is well known as the creator of the elegant Royal Winton Chintz line of products. The Royal Winton Chintz Company was founded in 1885 by Leonard Lumsden Grimwade, who was a skilled ceramicist and potter. In only a few years, the Royal Winton Chintz Company was producing Royal Winton Chintz from four factories and had a new spectacular showroom. Grimwade proved to be an excellent innovator and invented a number of new lithographic, enameling, and related techniques that, to this day, form the foundation of the Royal Winton Chintz mystique.

The famous Royal Winton Chintz line was introduced in 1928 to universal acclaim. The intricate patterns of Royal Winton Chintz contrast with the bold and dynamic colors. The Royal Winton Chintz Company went on to introduce more than 60 intricate patterns in the successive decades.

Unfortunately, producing high quality Chintz in the Royal Winton style is very expensive, and so the Royal Winton line was discontinued in the nineteen sixties. The high production costs were related to the high quality raw materials as well as the incredibly complex lithography and coloring process that each piece of chintz must undergo in order to achieve the ornate artistry that is expected of all Royal Winton pieces. Therefore, pieces of Royal Winton Chintz became very valuable collector's items due to their quality and scarcity.

The Royal Winton Chintz Company was acquired in the nineteen nineties, and the current owners have begun to reintroduce some of the classic pieces. The old processes and procedures have been revived to ensure that the newer pieces of Royal Winton Chintz conform to the quality and craftsmanship that the public expects.

June 29, 2006

The Pros and Cons of Taking Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are becoming increasingly popular options for treating a number of health disorders as well as for the promotion of general good health. Not all health professionals are convinced, however. While experimental evidence has shown that some herbal supplements are effective in the treatment of some disorders, they are not subjected to the same sort of rigorous testing and certification that pharmaceuticals must undergo and therefore herbal supplements can not be guaranteed to be either safe or effective.

Those who use herbal supplements are convinced of their efficacy. For instance, supplementing with such herbs as Ginko Biloba and Saint Johns Wort have been used to successfully treat anxiety and stress disorders, and ginger, papaya, and other herbal supplements have been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain digestive disorders. Many other illnesses and conditions have effective herbal treatments available as well. Proponents of herbal supplements argue that herbal treatments are better than their pharmaceutical counterparts because they are created by nature and, as such, are less likely to have harmful side effects.

While herbal supplements are becoming increasingly accepted by the western public at large, the western medical community has not been quite as accepting. The key point of contention is the fact that herbal supplements do not have to undergo the rigorous FDA certification process that manufactured medications must pass before they are made available for general consumption.

The bottom line is that herbal supplements are potentially effective treatments for some conditions, the lack of regulatory oversight means that herbal supplements are somewhat risky. Therefore, you should always consult with you physician before taking herbal supplements

For a wide variety of Herbal supplements visit the World Wide Shopping Mall.


June 27, 2006

A Brief Introduction to the Theory of Acupuncture

Many in the west are familiar with the popular image of acupuncture--the seemingly random placement of needles into patients that is supposed to somehow cure illness. While superficially this may be true, acupuncture is actually a very highly refined form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced and improved for thousands of years and is based on a logically self consistent belief system. The western medical community is indecisive about acupuncture--some studies have indicated some effectiveness while others have been inconclusive.

In western medicine, the body is looked at as essentially an unimaginably complicated machine. Cells form tissues which form organs which form systems, and so on, and every condition can, theoretically, be isolated to its root causes and treated. In this way of thinking, the body is a sum of its parts. If all of the parts work correctly, the body will work correctly. Hence, modern western medicine treats individual systems, organs, and tissues.

Traditional Chinese medicine takes a rather different approach to biology. In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is an organic, fluid whole that is something greater than the sum of its parts. Traditional Chinese medicine does not ignore organs and systems, but it does not view the body as reducible to component parts. In the Chinese view, illness is caused by imbalances of certain vital forces and pathways in the body. By stimulating these pathways with acupuncture, it is possible to correct the imbalances and cure the illness.

June 24, 2006

High Quality with a Bargain Price-- Hartley Greens Pottery

Harley Greens Pottery is created by the Hartley Greens Company in Leeds, England. Hartley Greens Pottery is known for its austere yet elegant functionality. Hartley Greens Pottery is almost exclusively bone white, with no color working added either pre or post firing. Regardless of your pottery needs, there is certainly a Hartley Greens Pottery piece that is perfect for you.

The British love affair with tea is well known throughout the world. Other countries have adopted tea time as a relaxing late afternoon ritual and tea time typically features both tea and light, delicate finger foods such as cucumber sandwiches. Hartley Greens Pottery has a number of pieces, both tea pots, cups, and kettles, as well as small serving dishes that give tea time a traditional British ambience and feel. The Hartley Greens Pottery straight spout tea kettle is the perfect addition to any team time. Featuring a long straight spout, interleaved handles, and the soft cream coloring that is so characteristic of Hartley Greens Pottery, this kettle is a perfect piece for the tea time purist. The Hartley Greens Pottery large tea kettle and stand features an ornate ropey handle with a detachable kettle and stand that lends an air of solid elegance to any tea time observance.

In addition to tea kettles, there are also Hartley Greens Pottery pieces that are unique and elegant tea cups. The Chocolate cup is an austere white tea cup that features an interleaved handle with floral end points and is a perfect match for either of the Hartley Greens Pottery tea kettles mentioned above.

June 22, 2006

Kick Your Bad Habit Using Herbal Stop Smoking Products

While we are all aware of the dangers of smoking, millions of American's still participate in this dangerous and potentially fatal habit. Why is it that so many continue to smoke even though the dangers have been extensively publicized? The reason is fairly simple--the nicotine in cigarette smoke is an incredibly addictive chemical that makes it almost impossible to quit "cold turkey." Fortunately, there are now a number of methods available to help people kick the smoking habit. Nicotine patches and gum are popular choices, as are hypnosis and other forms of smoking cessation therapy. Some people who are trying to quit smoking are nervous about using nicotine replacement therapy. Fortunately, for these people, some companies are now offering herbal stop smoking products.

Many herbal stop smoking products are based on the action of the herb Lobelia Inflata, which is actually a form of tobacco. Lobelia Inflata contains a chemical that has a chemical activity similar to nicotine, but it has a longer duration. Therefore, Lobelia Inflata extract is perfect for helping keep the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal at bay. Many Labelia based herbal stop smoking products consist of consist of capsules containing the extract that must be taken daily or several times a day. Some herbal stop smoking products also include Labelia based mouth sprays that can administered as needed when unexpected and unwelcome cravings occur.

Herbal stop smoking products can be a viable alternative to the other types of stop smoking medications that use nicotine. Quitting smoking is the number one thing that smokers can do to improve their health, and herbal stop smoking products are a welcome addition to the nicotine battle.

Visit the World Wide Shopping Mall for the best in Herbal Stop Smoking products.

Treating the Person Not the Disease--Bach Flower Remedies

The Bach flower remedies are a method of homeopathic remedies that are designed to mitigate negative thinking patterns that result from sickness, stress, and other outside situations. The Bach flower remedies consist of thirty eight flower extracts that are to be applied to the patient based on both his or her personality as well as current emotional state. Like all other homeopathic treatments, there is absolutely no accepted scientific evidence that can vouch for the efficacy of Bach flower remedies. However, practitioners and patients of Bach flower remedies are convinced, and we all know that western medicine is not completely infallible.

There are thirty eight different extracts that are used in Bach flower remedy treatments. The floral extracts are diluted in brandy, which can be applied either directly to the tongue or dissolved in a cup of water and sipped throughout the day. Some of the Bach flower remedy treatments available include Agrimony, which is taken by those who always try to put the best possible face on any situation. Aspen is for people who have unexplained feelings of anxiety. Water violet remedy is used for people who are quiet and reserved but are often perceived as overly proud and arrogant. Olive is useful for people who are feeling weak and physically drained because of illness.

While the efficacy of Bach flower remedies has not been scientifically established, the scientific community does agree that they are completely safe. The doses are so small as to be negligible, so there is no need to worry about side effects or harmful drug interactions.

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June 21, 2006

Make a Statement with Business and Office Designer Shoes from Moda in Pelle

Dressing successfully for business and office life is always a balancing act. The idea is to look good without sacrificing your professional appearance. Many high powered executives (with executive salaries to match) buy top quality designer shoes which look stunning while maintaining the professionalism that their position requires. Where does this leave up and comin business woman who has not yet broken into the executive ranks? Fortunately, business and office designer shoes from Moda in Pelle are perfect for the business woman on a budget who can not sacrifice style or professionalism. Moda in Pelle shoes have all of the quality of top designer shoes without the designer price tag.

The business and office designer shoes from Moda in Pelle in the Audrey style are perfect for the busy business woman on the go. These high heeled business shoes are remarkably comfortable to wear even after standing all day. The business and office designer shoes from Moda in Pelle in the Audrey style are a black on black tweed high heel that is the perfect example of form without sacrificing function.

If high heels are not for you, there are also business and office designer shoes from Moda in Pelle that feature more conservative low heel and heelless designs. For example, the Fren line of low heeled office shoes features black and tan conservative shoes that go perfectly with moderate business attire. There are also business and office designer shoes from Moda in Pelle in more traditional business loafer styles.

For more information visit World Wide Shopping Mall.

June 20, 2006

Stimulating Vital Energy Centers with Acupressure

Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is closely related to acupuncture. Both acupuncture and acupressure are based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine which differs considerably from western medicine. Traditional Chinese medical theory states that the body is not merely a collection of parts, but is an organic whole that must be kept in continuous balance. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that energy flows through the body in channels that may become restricted or blocked which leads to an imbalance that causes illness. In acupuncture, illnesses are treated by using needles or similar implements to stimulate vital energy points to relieve imbalances. An acupressure practitioner uses the hands or blunt implements to directly stimulate the energy points without using needles. Interestingly, acupressure is also used in traditional Asian martial arts. The martial artist seeks to damage his enemy by striking energy points.

Clearly, the modern western medical community is skeptical about the efficacy of acupuncture and acupressure. While acupressure has been shown to be mildly effective in a few studies, it is possible that the improvements seen are caused by a placebo effect rather than an actually direct improvement caused by the application of acupressure. Nevertheless, acupuncture and acupressure are becoming more popular as many inhabitants of the west become more aware of eastern ideas and seek to infuse meaning into what many perceive as an overly mechanical way of thinking. The interest in acupressure and acupuncture mirror similar enthusiasm that is seen in other oriental beliefs such as I Ching, Taoism, and Feng Shui.

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June 17, 2006

Invoking the Law of Similars--Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that uses extremely diluted doses of substances to produce beneficial effects. Homeopathy is based on the so called Law of Similars, which claims that substances that can produce effects that mimic a certain illness in healthy individuals can also be used to treat people who have the disease whose effects are mimicked. The substance is diluted to such a degree that it is statistically unlikely that even a single molecule of the target substance is present in the therapeutic does. Therefore, if homeopathy is indeed effective, it is necessary for the effects of the target substance to somehow influence the water it is dissolved in. While homeopathy is becoming increasingly popular, there is little or no scientific evidence that shows that homeopathy is effective, and no plausible scientific explanation has been put forth to explain how the effects of the substance could be present in a therapeutic dose even if there is not a single molecule of the target substance in the final dose.

Today there are over three thousand homeopathic remedies available. Some are based in tradition. For example, the ancient homeopathic remedy for rabies involves ultra dilutions of the saliva of a rabid dog. Newer homeopathic remedies may involve using an element of the causal agent as the base of the homeopathic remedy.

To say that the jury is out on homeopathy is being extremely generous. For the most part, homeopathy has been totally discounted by western medicine. Nevertheless, many practitioners and patients of homeopathy swear by its efficacy.

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June 15, 2006

For your Budding Builder--Bob the Builder Toys

Bob the Builder is a pre-school phenomenon that airs on the Nickelodeon owned cable network Nick Jr. Featuring Bob, a hard hat wearing construction worker, his assistant Wendy, a host of living construction equipment, Farmer Pickles, and the mischievous scarecrow Spud, Bob the Builder is an entertaining show with a positive "can do" message.

One of the most beloved Bob the Builder characters is Scoop the digger. This loyal, yellow construction machine is the most reliable member of Bob's team and is the de facto team leader. Understandably, toys featuring Scoop the digger are amongst the most popular of all Bob the Builder toys. The Scoop the digger Bob the Builder toy features a fully mobile scoop with magnets that allow metallic objects to attach to the scoop. The toy is quite durable, and should be able to stand up to whatever your toddler or young child can throw at it.

In addition to the Scoop toy, there are also durable plastic toys for the other Bob the builder characters as well. From Muck the truck to Roley the cement roller to Skip the Skip loader, all of the major as well as most of the minor characters are represented. These Bob the Builder toys were designed with durability in mind, so they should survive even the roughest of treatment.

Bob the Builder is not only entertaining, but educational as well. Children learn the value of hard work and having a positive attitude, and also learn about basic construction machinery as well. Bob the builder toys reinforce the positive elements of the television show.

Healing Scents and The Benefits of Aromatherapy Pure Essential Oils

The benefits of using aromatherapy pure essential oils is not completely accepted by the modern medical community, but aromatherapy practitioners and patients are convinced of its effectiveness, and there is a growing body of anecdotal evidence that suggests that the benefits of using aromatherapy pure essential oils are very real. Whether the benefits of using aromatherapy pure essential oils stem from real biological activity or from a placebo effect, both patients and practitioners of aromatherapy are convinced that the process is very effective.

Proponents of aromatherapy point out the fact that the sense of smell is our most primitive sense and, unlike our other four senses, is in direct contact with those parts of the brain that control basic functions such as emotion, digestion, breathing, etc. The benefits of using aromatherapy pure essential oils stem from the close connection between the sense of smell and those essential brain functions. Most of us recognize the emotional power of certain smells. Aromas such as baking bread and honeysuckle can instantly transport us back to times past, bringing back emotions and feelings that have not been experienced for years.

Practitioners of aromatherapy claim that the benefits of aromatherapy pure essential oils vary widely between individuals and cultures, but it is still possible to localize the effects of a several essential oils to benefits that are applicable to all patients. Lavender and cedar wood help reduce stress, ylang ylang and rosemary promote hair health, and geranium and carrot seed are conducive to healthy skin tone.

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