SHE KNEW HOW TO WORK A CAMERA. . .

. . .MARILYN MONROE. REMEMBERING AN ICON, A TRUE BEAUTY.

Born June 1, 1926, died August 5, 1962, 46 years ago today.

Grafitti in Berlin. . .

FOODS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY. . .

1. Coffee - Among its remarkable benefits, new research shows. coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attack, gallstones, Parkinsons's disease, kidney stones, and cirrhosis (disease of the liver). Black coffee may lead to thinner bones, especially in women, so add milk to your coffee.

2. Chocolate - Dark chocolate, which contains at least 70% cocoa, has proven health benefits. It contains less sugar than white or milk chocolate, and is a rich source of health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoid antioxidants (similar to those found in green tea). Studies show that even a small intake of dark chocolate may reduce the risk of blood clots that cause heart attack or stroke and may lower blood pressure. Chocolate also can life your mood and give you a boost of energy. Chocolate is high in calories and contains saturated fat, so enjoy it in moderation - no more than 2-1/2 ounces a day.
3. Pizza - Pizza isn't exactly a health food, but it certainly is a food with healthy ingredients. Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Recent studies suggest that lycopene may have a range of benefits including reducing the risk of cancer and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Adding veggies to pizza further improves its health benefits. But stay away from sausage, pepperoni, and other toppings rich in saturated fat - you already get that with the cheese. The biggest concern about pizza is calories and what they can do to your waistline, so order by the slice.

4. Eggs - Eggs get a bad rap. Their negative reputation started because egg yolks are a source of cholesterol. But studies have not shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases in egg eaters. In a study of more than 115,000 men and women, there was no association between egg intake and the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke over an eight-year period, except among those with diabetes. Women who ate more than one egg a day actually had the lowest risk of coronary heart disease. Eggs also are a great source of protein, and many organic eggs are now rich in omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to a change in chicken feed.

5. Fish - Eating fish twice a week may cut your risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiovascular death. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammation. The best for your health are oily and small fish such as sardines, herrings, anchovies, salmon (organic or wild), and mackerel (except king mackerel). Large fish such as swordfish, tuna, tilefish, and shark live at the top of the marine food chain and accumulate many contaminants. In general, canned chunk light tuna - lower in such contaminants as mercury than albacore or sushi tuna - is also a good choice.


From: The Parade Magazine, July 27

GOTTA LOVE MARTHA STEWART. . .

. . .PAPER TOPS

In minutes, you can make tiny tops that are durable and compulsively twirlable. Since they're made of paper strips wound around a toothpick, you can shape them to the silhouette you like. You'll need toothpicks, some thin strips of paper (quilling paper works well since it's already cut into long, thin strips), and glue. You will want to make several since some are sure to find their way into friends' pockets.

Paint toothpicks with paint pens if you like; let dry. Glue one end of a 24-inch-long strip of paper just above the toothpick's tip. Roll tightly, and secure the end with glue. Glue on another strip and continue rolling; repeat about six times to make a disc 1 1/4 inches across. To decorate, glue on thinner strips in other colors. Press the coiled paper between thumb and fingers to shape the top.

WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT. . .

. . .that sugarless gummy bears can prevent cavities????? According to an article, researchers have found a way to reduce cavity-causing bacteria on young children's teeth. Read the article if you don't believe me!

NEW YORK (July 31) - Gummy bears containing a sugar substitute called xylitol seem to reduce cavity-causing bacteria on young children's teeth suggesting, researchers say, that candy could be turned into a weapon against tooth decay.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in various berries, corn, birch and other plant sources. Research has shown that the sugar substitute reduces levels of mutans streptococci (MS) bacteria, which are known to cause cavities.

This is because xylitol differs from others sugars, like table sugar and glucose, which MS bacteria use for energy. MS bacteria "take in" xylitol, but can not break it down to use for fuel, explained lead investigator Dr. Kiet A. Ly of the University of Washington in Seattle.

"So in the process of trying to break down xylitol, they expend energy and don't get any in return," Ly told Reuters Health. "That reduces their ability to reproduce and multiply and leads to a reduction in number."

Xylitol-containing chewing gum is available, but it's not considered suitable for young children. So Ly and his colleagues tested the effects of xylitol-sweetened gummy bears in 154 elementary school children.

Each child was given four gummy bears, three times per day, during school hours. Some children received xylitol-containing gummy bears, while the rest were given candies sweetened with maltitol, another sugar substitute.

At the beginning of the study and six weeks later, the researchers measured the amount of bacteria in plaque samples from the children's teeth.

In the end, both the xylitol and maltitol gummy bears reduced levels of MS bacteria in the children's mouths, the researchers report in the online journal BMC Oral Health.

According to Ly, the findings suggest that gummy bears containing either sugar substitute could benefit children's oral health. But, he added, there has been little research on maltitol, and more study is needed to confirm the current findings.

The next step is to show that xylitol gummy bears actually prevent cavities in young children.

Ly said he and his colleagues are collaborating on just such a study with researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

He noted that the xylitol gummy bears were created for the current study and are not yet on the market.

RETRO ADVERTISEMENT. . .

. . .while surfing the net I came upon this old-school poster. It's a good reminder for all of us to buckle up for safety. From Smashing Magazine.

OMG. . .IT'S AUGUST. . .AND TIME FOR ANOTHER CALENDAR. . .

Once again, SMASHING MAGAZINE has some truly awesome desktop calendars available. So many kewl calendars to choose from that I'm having trouble picking just one. Guess I will have to change my calendar 5 or 6 times this month.