Archive for the ‘Fact Of The Day’ Category

Today’s pulse on 542542: Nail mats

Friday, December 11th, 2009
According to Herbert Ponting hindu sadhu, who ...
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kgb_ Special Agents are pointed and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on the “bed of nails”:

What is a nail mat?

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Inspired by the classic “bed of nails” famously used by ancient Hindu yogis, the new take on the bed of nails is the Shakti Mat (nail mat).  Touted as a cure-all, the mat is sold to facilitate mental and physical renewel and has taken Europe and the United States by storm.

Over 300,000 of the modern version of the bed of nails have been sold.  Recently, approximately 3,000 people gathered in Sweden to lay on their mats and chant.

Prices range from $50-$115 for a mat containing 4,000-8,000 spikes.  Claims are being made that the nail mats can help decrease pain and inflammation, reduce stress, increase metabolism, improve the complexion, induce relaxation and release tension, and lower blood pressure.

Further claims suggest that the mat can strengthen the immune system, and alleviate headaches, fatigue, depression and insomnia.  The list goes on to include claims that the mat can treat spinal problems, eliminate illness and disease and so on.

With its home base in Sweden, the manufacturers of the Shakti Mat state that the bed of nails is a “well-tested tool” citing the thousands of years it has been in use.  It has a lengthy history of healing the body and improving the mind.

Creation of the Shakti Mats includes rituals and mantras in the temple-factory where they are built.  If you purchase a Shakti mat, it is recommended that you store it hung up in the northeastern corner of your home to insure prosperity, harmony, and accident protection.

For best results, use the bed of nails daily for sessions of 20-40 minutes.  There is a milder version of the product for beginners and those with sensitive skin.  There’s even a “green” version of the nail mat with environment-friendly spikes!

Simon Borg-Oliver on the Shakti Mat

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Source:  “Bed of nails” fad, patterned on ritual of ancient Hindu yogis, engulfs Europe & USA

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Humanure

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
VACAVILLE, CA - APRIL 20:  a worker holds fini...
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kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions. And what does America want to know, you ask? Well, today’s buzz centers on the latest in composting:

What is humanure?

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Writer Joseph Jenkins has buckets in the five bathrooms in his house. When the buckets are full, he carries them over to his backyard compost pile and dumps the contents. He eventually uses it as fertilizer in his vegetable garden.

Jenkins refers to his routine as a no-waste sanitation system and has even published a guide called the Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure. The 255-page guide is a popular one and has been translated into five languages and is in its third edition.

Jenkins touts that, when appropriately managed, human manure is odorless. His big audience is ecologically-minded city folk who want to do more to help the environment than just recycling their newspapers or riding a bicycle to work.

Some tips for those who choose to go back to basics in this unique way: Add sawdust to the bucket, it neutralizes odors and speeds up decomposition. Proponents cite that human waste is loaded with nitrogen and the no-longer-flushed water savings are immense.

One ecologist zealot in Chicago inspired 22 neighbors to save their poop. In three months she processed 1,500 pounds and gave it all back to her neighbors in the form of fertilizer – sans any detectable fecal bacteria.

Humanure activists are organizing and becoming politically active as evidenced by the sprouting of McPOOP, Marin Composting Portable Odorless Outhouse Project in California. The group is dedicated to establishing humanure toilets in county parks and tourist areas where the committee can take advantage of a good, steady supply.

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Source:  Humanure: Goodbye, Toilets. Hello, Extreme Composting

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Today’s pulse on 542542: The Sun-Maid raisin girl

Friday, December 4th, 2009
First Sun-Maid packaging to feature a likeness...
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newsunmaid

kgb_ Special Agents are fruitful and iconic in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on advertising imagery:

Who is the Sun-Maid raisin girl?

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Like her colleagues Betty Crocker and Mrs. Butterworth, the Sun-Maid raisin girl has been made over and some are sqwawking about it.

The face of the original Sun-Maid belongs to one Lorraine Collett Petersen who has been the cover girl since 1915.  Corporate execs discovered her in her parent’s backyard in Fresno, California.  She posed for a watercolor featuring her long black curls, sunbonnet and basket of grapes.

While Petersen’s image has been tweaked here and there over the years to keep up with the times, all variations have been based on the original watercolor pose.

Well, Peterson’s image is now a faded memory as computer animation has created the new Sun-Maid.  The new version sports a buxom bustline and form fitting bodice to accentuate this new feature.  Some critics report the Sun-Maid has had implants.

Company execs feel the modernization was reasonable and they look forward to depicting the new Sun-Maid going to the gym and shopping.

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Source:  ‘Sun-Maid Girl’ Makeover Sparks Controversy

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Human placenta and bird poop facials

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
A Facial mask.
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kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on the beauty industry:

What is a placenta facial?

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If you happen to be in Dubai, you can stop by the Biolite Skin Clinic for a human placenta facial, specifically a “Placenta Diamond Facial.”

The facial starts off with a thorough cleansing and exfoliation with steam.  A placenta facial cream and placenta eye gel is used along with massage and low-level laser treatment.

The placenta products used are sold by EMK Placental.  The products are formulated from placenta extract harvested from the placentas from women giving birth in Russian maternity units.

The treatment costs $545 (USD). Most get the treatment for a special occasion like a wedding.

The placenta facial is popular with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria-Parker.  Customers report healthy glowing skin after the treatment.  Fine lines are gone and the skin appears tighter and brighter.  The results last for about five days and salon owners report that the secret is the combination of the human placenta products with low-level laser treatment.

The placenta facial treats dehydrated problem skin, pigmentation issues, acne and general anti-aging concerns.

Of course, if the thought of a placental facial makes one a bit squeamish, there’s always a bird poop facial formulated from nightingale droppings. That will only set you back $180 in a New York City day spa.

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Source:    Human placenta facials? Whatever next?

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Black Friday Crowd Control

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
SECAUCUS, NJ - NOVEMBER 20:  Bargain DVDs are ...

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kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on Black Friday:

What are stores doing to prevent stampedes on Black Friday this year?

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Many Black Friday shoppers are concerned about safety this year.  Sadly, you may recollect that a Wal-Mart worker died after being trampled by a crowd of early-morning shoppers.  Eleven customers were also injured.

Retailers expect Black Friday to be busier than last year and the U.S. Government has issued guidelines for stores to follow to keep everyone safe.  Wal-Mart has already announced modifications for this Friday, including:  Lines in front of the store instead of a mass crowd, more dedicated staff to manage shoppers and even a “crows nest” where crowds can be monitored from above. Wal-Mart will be open at 6am on Thanksgiving Day and remain open which might ease Friday crowds.

Shopper surveys suggest that 52% of Americans will shop on Black Friday – up from 42% last year.

OSHA has detailed guidelines for stores to follow and they can be viewed here.

If you shop on Black Friday, look around and size up the situation.  If there appears to be no crowd management plan in place at your local retailer, proceed with caution.

Use the Web to plan Black Friday deals

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Source:  Cloud from trampling hangs over Black Friday

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Silly Bandz

Thursday, November 19th, 2009
Choices
Image by MGShelton via Flickr

kgb_ Special Agents are elastic and animal-like in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on a collectible fad:

What are Silly Bandz?

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Silly Bandz are taking the pre-teen world by storm and school administrators are shaking their heads.

The animal-shaped elastic bands are manufactured by Brainchild Products, LLC, based in Toledo, Ohio.  Sold in packs of 24 bands, they feature assortments like pets, zoo animals, sea creatures, dinosaurs and more.  There’s a pack of holiday symbols as well.

The animal rubber bands are made of silicone and die molded into the shapes.  When you take them off your wrist or if they are holding something and you take them off, they spring back into their original shape.  Kids collect them, wear them, and trade them.

Schools are starting to ban the bandz due to classroom disruption as well as safety concerns.  School principals report that kids shoot them at each other and have spats over trades gone bad.  Some kids wrap them so tightly around a finger that blood circulation concerns exist.  School personnel also warn that those under the age of five warrant close supervision as they are a potential choking hazard.

Knock-off brands exist but savvy kids appear to be able to tell the difference and reject the fakes.  Some college students trade them for a kiss.

Silly Bandz Sales Boom In Birmingham

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Source:

Shaped arm bands take region by storm

Silly Bandz

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Minx Nails

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

@perezhilton @ladygaga ... I was there in spirit? I know y'al... on Twitpic

kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on a recent fashion trend, Minx Nails:

What are Minx Nails?

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Minx is a solid film with an adhesive back that is heat activated. The heat gives Minx the conformability to fit over the compound curves of nails and seals it onto the nail bed. No drying time is needed.

Application takes less time than it takes to apply two coats of nail polish.

Singer Beyoncé launched the trend when she was spotted with 10 Minx-covered nails in metallic gold. Singer Katy Perry was seen with Oompa Loompa-imprinted nails, and Lady Gaga and Rihanna wear chic Minx patterns.

Popular styles include solid metallic shades or striped and cheetah prints. For the adventurous, you’ll find lace prints and playful skull patterns. You can even put your favorite photo on your nails.

Competitive rates for the Minx nails are around $7.50 a nail or $50 for all 10 fingers. Full pedicures average $60.

The Minx company suggests that they will last 1-2 weeks, though many clients stretch them out to three weeks. The quality of the application is critical as peeling can take place after about four days. As a result, many nail fashionistas save their Minx Nail applications for special occasions only.

Minx Nails – The Hottest New Nail Fashion

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Source:

Minx nails bring trendy designs to your fingertips

MinxNails, Inc

Today’s pulse on 542542: Tapeworm Diet

Thursday, November 12th, 2009
The scolex of Tenia solium
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kgb_ Special Agents are relentless and squeamish at times in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on fad diets:

Is the tapeworm diet for real?

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The Tyra Show recently discussed the tapeworm diet.  As you may know, a tapeworm is an intestinal tract parasite found in animals and, at times, humans.

The premise behind the tapeworm diet is the hopes that the tapeworm will eat half the food an individual consumes and weight loss will occur as a result.

While the diet is illegal in the United States, there appears to be a thriving black market business in tapeworm eggs.

To begin the diet, a tapeworm egg is consumed.  The tapeworm attaches to the intestine and starts consuming some calories.  While there may be no symptoms related to consumption of the tapeworm, abdominal pain, diarrhea and even seizures can occur.  When one is done with the tapeworm, a drug is consumed and the tapeworm is evacuated on the toilet.

The diet is unsafe as tapeworms can become gigantic (ten feet long and over, sometimes up to 50 feet) and the things have the capacity to travel to the brain…not good.

What next?

E! Investigations:  The Tapeworm Diet

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Source:

“The Tyra Show” explores the tapeworm diet

Tyra Banks publicizes tapeworm diet

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Fitness Trends for 2010

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
Personal trainer showing a client how to exerc...
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kgb_ Special Agents are energetic and aerobic in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on getting fit:

What’s a good way to get fit?

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The American College of Sports Medicine recently announced their list of the Top 10 Worldwide Fitness Trends for 2010.  Here we go:

1. Educated and Experienced Fitness Professionals

It has become increasingly clear that as the market for fitness professionals becomes even more crowded and more competitive, workers in the fitness field will be better trained and certified in their field than in previous years.

2. Strength Training

Look for both men and women to incorporate more strength training into their exercise routines.

3. Children and Obesity

If childhood obesity trends continue, the next generation of young people may not live as long as their parents or grandparents. The health and fitness industry has recognized this problem and will be providing more programming for obese youth.

4. Personal Training

As more professional personal trainers are educated and certified, they become more accessible to the general public, not just the rich and famous.

5. Core Training

This is a trend that emphasizes strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the abdomen and back. Core training uses stability balls, BOSU balls, wobble boards, and foam rollers, among many other pieces of equipment.

6. Special Fitness Programs for Older Adults

This is a trend that emphasizes and caters to the older adult. As the baby boom generation ages into retirement and because they may have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts, fitness clubs will capitalize on this growing market.

7. Functional Fitness

This is a trend toward using strength training to improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance to improve one’s ability to do activities of daily living. Exercise programs reflect actual activities someone might do during the day.

8. Sport-Specific Training

This is a trend that incorporates sport-specific training especially for young athletes. For example, a high school athlete might join a commercial- or community-based fitness organization to help develop skills during the off-season and to increase strength and endurance.

9. Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise that targets the core of the body (i.e., the abdomen, back, and hips) while using the entire body during a training session. It also increases flexibility and improves posture. The exercises are typically done lying down on a mat and involve a series of controlled movements of the arms and legs that strengthen the abdominal muscles, hips, and back.

10. Group Personal Training

This trend expands the personal trainer’s role from strictly one on-one training to small-group training. The personal trainer works with two or more people (but in a small group) and offers discounts for the group.

Other popular trends that did not make the Top 10 include:  Exercise and Weight Loss, Wellness Coaching, Yoga, Spinning, Boot Camp, Stability Ball and Balance Training among others.

How do you BOSU?

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Source:  WORLDWIDE SURVEY REVEALS FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2010

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Today’s pulse on 542542: Zhu Zhu Pets

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

zhuzhupet
kgb_ Special Agents are tireless and relentless in their search for the answers to America’s questions.  And what does America want to know, you ask?  Well, today’s buzz centers on hot toys for the holidays:

What’s a Zhu Zhu Pet?

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And you thought finding a Tickle Me Elmo was a challenge, just wait.

Zhu Zhu Pets are cuddly and lovable battery-operated hamsters on wheels that are stealing the hearts of toddlers to teens.

The little pipsqueaks sell for less than $10 in the big-box stores like Wally World, Toys R Us and Target but good luck getting your hands on one.  Most stores are unable to keep them in stock and some stores report at least 50 calls a day from consumers on a mission to find them.

Some consumers are venturing to eBay to find the critters and are paying up to four times the retail price or more.

In addition to the motorized hamsters (there are four different ones currently) there are plenty of accessories to add to the mix.  Look for playhouses with kitchens, surfboards, exercise wheel, connecting tubes, beds and more.  They can even drive a car without a license.

While the motorized pets are marketed to 5 to 8 year olds, teens are seeking them too as collectibles – similar to the old Beanie Babies craze.

The manufacturers reports “they have artificial intelligence that allows them to know what room of their hamster habitat they are in. They make toilet-flushing or teeth-brushing sounds when they enter the bathroom and sleeping noises and alarm-clock sounds when they go into their bedroom.”

Shop early and good luck to one and all!

Zhu Zhu Pet Commercial

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Source:   Zhu Zhu Pets are latest toy fad

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