Replies

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10201651-83.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

March 21, 2009 12:03 PM PDT

Report: Smart-grid hackers could cause blackouts

by Zoë Slocum

* 11 comments

Deployments of smart grids should be slowed until security vulnerabilities are addressed, according to some cybersecurity experts, citing tests showing that a hacker can cause a major blackout after breaking into a smart-grid system.

The idea behind smart grids, a burgeoning energy sector in which even Google is playing a role, is that automated meters and two-way power consumption data can be used to improve the efficiency and reliability of an electrical system’s power distribution. A washing machine in a household hooked up to a smart meter, for instance, could be set up to run only at lower-cost, off-peak hours, and a home sporting solar panels could give power back to the grid.

Through the U.S. economic-stimulus package, the Department of Energy is set to invest $4.5 billion in smart-grid technology. And while many utilities are embracing the initiative by installing smart meters in millions of homes nationwide, security experts and others caution that the technology may not be ready for prime time. According to a CNN report published Friday evening:

continued.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10200710-38.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=News-PoliticsandLaw

March 20, 2009 6:00 PM PDT

A bill to shift cybersecurity to White House

by Stephanie Condon

* 23 comments

Forthcoming legislation would wrest cybersecurity responsibilities from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and transfer them to the White House, a proposed move that likely will draw objections from industry groups and some conservatives.

CNET News has obtained a summary of a proposal from Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) that would create an Office of the National Cybersecurity Advisor, part of the Executive Office of the President. That office would receive the power to disconnect, if it believes they’re at risk of a cyberattack, “critical” computer networks from the Internet.

“I regard this as a profoundly and deeply troubling problem to which we are not paying much attention,” Rockefeller said a hearing this week, referring to cybersecurity.

Giving the White House cybersecurity responsibility was one of the top recommendations of a commission that produced a report last year to advise President Obama on cybersecurity issues. However, the Homeland Security Department, which currently has jurisdiction over cybersecurity, has insisted the reshuffling of duties is not needed.

Given the enormity of cybersecurity threats, the responsibility is a natural fit for the White House, said James Lewis, a director and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which issued last year’s commission report.

continues......Yesterday, I had a report[3 times] that employees of the U.S. Gov can not reach the website “Atlas Shrugged”, one of the “truth telling websites”, from a Gov computer, it comes back as a “Hate Speech site”, so will Free Republic any day now.........granny

Cyber Security reports:

http://news.cnet.com/security/

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_cramp.htm

Muscle Cramps

Causes

A mineral deficiency of calcium and/or magnesium is probably the most frequent cause of night leg cramping.

Cramps are often caused by a lack of potassium, resulting in an electrytic imbalance. Strenuous exercise with sweating and diarrhea or other bowel disease may cause loss of potassium and other important minerals. It is very important to replace them with supplements. Some people get leg cramps at night for no apparent reason. This is called restless legs syndrome.

Another cause may be a deficiency in hesperidin, one of the bioflavonoids (sometimes called vitamin P), naturally occurring nutrients usually found in association with vitamin C. These bioflavonoids, including Hesperidin, Citrin, Rutin, Flavones, Flavonals, Calechin and Quercetin, were found to be essential in correcting the night leg cramps.

Wine induces stomach cramps in some people. To ease the cramps or perhaps eliminate them altogether, take some olive oil before imbibing. Try some oil on bread, or on a salad.

Milk and other dairy products can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, gas and discomfort in some women. If you are eating dairy products to get calcium, try switching to yogurt, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, tofu, collard and other greens, turnips, rhubarb and almonds.

Gastroenteritis, caused by a virus that has entered the digestive tract or contaminated food or water, causes inflammation, cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink fluids and balance your electrolytes (take Pedialyte for young children and the elderly, and sports drinks for everybody else.)

Diarrhea caused by intestinal parasites is the third leading cause of illness. If you have a number of the following symptoms: gas, diarrhea, chronic constipation, bloating, fatigue, skin rashes, nail biting, mood swings, insomnia, dry skin, brittle hair, hair loss, weight gain, bad breath, and muscle cramping, you should be tested for parasites.
Tips

* To stop leg/foot cramping, firmly press in on the upper lip. This is the meridian which is connected to the legs and feet.
* Take a hot shower before going to bed, letting the water run down the part of your leg that gets cramps. Or, if you get cramps in the night, take a shower then. Get the water as hot as you can stand it, as this will help relax the muscles.
* If you are in bed when you get a leg cramp, stretch your leg straight out and bend the toes back toward your head. Hold in this position for 30 seconds, relax, and repeat until the cramp is gone.This will stretch out your calf muscle. You may also do this standing up - push your heel onto the floor and bend your toes upward. This forces the calf muscle to lengthen.
* If you get leg cramps frequently at night, start a stretching regimen before bed. Try pressing your toes against a wall to stretch out the calf muscles; hold for 30 seconds, relax, repeat several times.
* Cramping often comes while you are exercising. follow these tips:
o Keep hydrated. As you sweat, you lose important electrolytes, which are needed to prevent cramps.
o Warm up for 10-15 minutes before exercising. This will stretch out the muscles you will be using.
o If you exercise and get cramps after eating, you have probably begun your exercise too soon after eating. As you digest, your body diverts blood from your muscles and cramping can result.
o Take magnesium, potassium and calcium supplements daily, especially before exercising.

Remedies
Folk

Apple cider vinegar Drink a mixture of two teaspoons of vinegar and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Apple cider vinegar is high in potassium.

Aspirin (or ibuprofen) taken at the earliest signs of menstrual cramps will help relieve them. Aspirin helps stop the production of prostaglandins, part of the process that causes cramps.

Calcium A calcium deficiency causes muscle cramps or involuntary movement of muscles. If you are prone to leg cramps at night, take a calcium supplement (calcium lactate is preferred), a warm cup of milk, or chew on some Tums an hour before going to bed. However, we do not recommend taking Tums on a regular basis due to its interference with your normal digestive process. We suggest that if you get frequent leg cramps you take a calcium supplement daily. Taking magnesium with the calcium will aid in the absorption of the calcium and prevent calcification of various organs and soft tissues. 200-300 mg of calcium before bedtime is recommended.

Chamomile tea A study showed that drinking five cups of this tea each day for two weeks reduced the pain of menstrual cramps. The tea increased the level of glycine in the urine. Glycine is an amino acid that helps relieve muscle spasms and relax the uterus.

CoQ10 may aid in relieving muscle cramps.

Magnesium will help the smooth muscles that surround your arteries to relax, and your body uses it to process calcium. Try taking 400 mg of magnesium before bed. A calcium/magnesium supplement, taken one hour before bedtime, is recommended.

Mustard For years coaches have given mustard to their athletes with leg cramps. Cramps are sometimes caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that stimulates your muscles to work. Mustard has acetic acid, which helps the body make more acetylcholine. Take a spoonful or two of mustard.

Pickle juice As with mustard coaches have given pickle juice to their athletes with leg cramps. Cramps are sometimes caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that stimulates your muscles to work. Pickle juice has acetic acid, which helps the body make more acetylcholine. Take a few ounces of pickle juice.

Quinine/tonic water Drinking four to eight ounces of tonic water (make sure it has quinine in it!) an hour before going to bed is a very effective remedy for most people. If it is too tart for you, add some lemon for flavoring. You should notice a difference within a few days, otherwise discontinue. OTC quinine was banned by the FDA because of health risks, but there is enough quinine in tonic water to help most people. See the Hyland’s homeopathic remedy below for another similar option.
Homeopathic

Leg Cramps with Quinine by Hyland’s. Take as directed. This remedy contains: Cinchona Off. 3X HPUS, Viscum Alb. 3x HPUS, Gnaphalium 3X HPUS, Rhus Tox. 6X HPUS, Aconitum Nap. 6X HPUS, Ledum Pa. 6X HPUS, Magnesia Phos. 6X HPUS.

Mag Phos, by Hyland’s. Take 4 pellets under the tongue at bedtime.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_sinus.htm

Sinus Problems
Tips

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine recently reported on research done at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, that found that people who hum exhale 15 times more nitric oxide from their nasal passages than non-hummers. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax, thereby reducing swelling in the nose and improving the flow of blood. The increase in air flow due to the humming also helps to ventilate the sinuses, which may decrease the susceptibility to infection.

Massaging your sinuses by pressing your thumbs firmly on both sides of your nose, holding for 15 to 30 seconds, releasing, then repeating, will temporarily relieve sinusitis because it brings a fresh supply of blood to the area.
Remedies
Folk

Cayenne pepper Take several capsules of cayenne during or after each meal for several days. The sinus infection should clear up. If it starts again, keep on a maintenance dose of 460 mg three times a day. Another cayenne remedy is to put one teaspoon of cayenne into a cup of hot water and drink three cups a day.

Eucalyptus Boil ½ cup of water and add a few drops of oil of eucalyptus. Pour the mixture into a bowl, lean over it while covering your head with a large towel, and inhale the steam for 10 minutes, keeping your eyes tightly shut. Eucalyptus oil is widely used for various breathing problems.

* Put a few drops on a handkerchief and sniff periodically.

Salt Dissolve one tablespoon of salt in two cups of water. Use a nasal inhaler.

Salt/baking soda To relieve stuffed up sinuses due to allergies, try making this nasal flush: mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water; fill an ear syringe and squirt the mixture up your nose. Another variation uses one teaspoon of uniodized salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a pint of water. Place the mixture in a nasal inhaler.

Thyme has been used for generations for respiratory infections because of its strong antiseptic properties. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of thyme in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink a cup three times a day. Thyme is a drying herb for the body.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_nasal.htm

Nasal Spray

Over-the-counter (OTC) nose sprays can become addictive or cause “rebound” nasal congestion. To eliminate these problems, make your own saline nasal spray by mixing eight ounces of warm (boiled first) water with one-half teaspoon of salt. Pour into an empty OTC nasal spray bottle (you may have to remove the nozzle with pliers) and shake. This spray is good for relieving a stuffy nose caused by colds or allergies and for moistening dry nasal passages. It is also much cheaper than medicated OTC sprays.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_nosec.htm

Congested Nose
Causes

A Swedish study, published in the Environmental Science and Technology Review, found that chemicals from computer screens can cause allergic reactions, such as itching, nasal congestion, and headaches. The chemical compound that can trigger these problems is triphenyl phosphate, a flame retardant widely used in the plastic of video monitors and computers. If you use computers in a confined space, make sure you have adequate ventilation.
Remedies
Folk

Apple cider vinegar One unique folk remedy for nose congestion is to do the following: put two inches of apple cider vinegar in a pan and heat until it begins to steam. Inhale the vapor. If the vapor is too strong, add a bit of water. The nasal passages should remain clear for 12-24 hours. Repeat as needed. By removing the congestion, the inflammation in the nose’s mucous membranes will decrease and make breathing easier. The cold germs will also be killed. Drink a teaspoon of vinegar with a glass of water at meals to facilitate healing.

Cayenne pepper Both red and black pepper dilate blood vessels in the nose and stimulate secretions, which helps drain the sinuses. You can sprinkle it on your food, or put a quarter teaspoon in a glass of water. This will dilate the blood vessels and increase circulation. For really bad cases, and if you are bold, sniff a very small amount up your nose. This will sting a bit, but will have dramatic results. This remedy is especially good for chronic sinus infections.

Essential oils Place a drop or two of either eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball or handkerchief and hold near the nose while breathing deeply. This should increase the airflow. We do not recommend putting any of the oil actually in the nose as it may cause swelling.

Grapefruit seed extract This extract is a powerful all-around anti-microbial and antiseptic. Try a nasal rinse by putting a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup of warm water and inhaling it; repeat two or three times, especially before bed and when you get up in the morning. The grapefruit seed extract will help kill off the bacteria.

Salt water steam Here is another remedy that works well when you are stuffed up and your nose runs. In a large bowl or sink add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of salt. Let the salt dissolve, then immerse your face in the water for five to ten seconds; repeat 3-4 times. Keep your eyes and mouth closed, but try to breathe in the mixture.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_nail.htm

Nail Infections
Causes

Infections of the toenails and fingernails are caused by a fungus, trichophyton rubrum, and are often quite difficult to treat. In the same way one gets athlete’s foot, nail fungus is usually picked up when you are around damp conditions in public areas, such as locker rooms, pools, and spas. It can be spread by common use of manicure tools, and can spread to other toenails and fingernails. People are more susceptible to fungal infections if they have a weakened immune system, diabetes, or a history of athlete’s foot. We suggest boosting your immune system and using one of the following remedies.
Traditional Treatment

Several drugs, namely Griseofulvin (general side effects: nausea, headaches, insomnia, confusion) and Ketoconazole (side effects: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and liver damage), have been used successfully to treat nail fungus in the past. More recently newer drugs, such as Sporoanox (same general side effects, plus allergic reaction, chest pains, liver damage) and Lamisil (same general side effects, plus possible allergic reaction, changes in vision, liver damage) have been used, with the latter as the medication of choice. Again, however, there are side effects and treatment is quite expensive.
Prevention Tips

This type of fungus can spread to other toes, so it is important to treat it immediately. Since it is hard to get rid of, be patient, as a cure may be weeks or months away.

Trim your nail back and apply tea tree oil with a Q-tip or soft toothbrush twice a day. We also suggest using DMSO, a solvent. DMSO acts as a carrier and will aid in getting the tea tree oil to the fungus.

Go to our Athlete’s Foot section for some additional prevention tips.
Remedies
Folk

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Soak the affected nails for 15 minutes a day in a basin containing 2 quarts of warm water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. The ACV restores the proper pH balance to the skin, making it more resistant to fungal infections. The lavender has antimicrobial properties. Dry the area thoroughly using a towel followed by a hair dryer set to warm. Follow up with tea tree oil, as suggested below. You can also make a mixture of equal parts of tea tree oil and lavender and dab this on the nail.

Grapefruit seed extract This extract is a powerful all-around antimicrobial product and is an excellent disinfectant. Make a solution of 100 drops in two ounces of water and apply to the affected areas with a cotton ball two or three times a day.

Iodine is an old standby for killing bacteria, viruses and fungi. Paint the area with iodine, but since iodine can stain clothing and bedding, keep the toe covered with a loose bandage. Some people are allergic to iodine, so if you get a reaction, switch to another remedy. We recommend IOSOL or Lugol’s brands of iodine. Iodine can affect the thyroid, both in a positive or negative way, so since you will need to use iodine over an extended period of time we suggest you use it under the supervision of your physician. As with some of the other remedies mentioned in this section, you can use DMSO to enhance the performance.

* SSKI (soluble solution of potassium iodide) can also be used. This product has a different electron makeup than iodine, so is a different product altogether. Don’t confuse them! Again, you can use DMSO to make this remedy more effective. As with iodine, SSKI use can affect your thyroid, and some people are allergic to the iodine component.

Oregano oil This oil is probably the best anti-fungal. However, it is strong and may irritate your skin. If irritation occurs, dilute the oil in several drops of olive oil or aloe. Use a Q-Tip or toothbrush to get the oil under the nail. One way to make oregano oil more effective is to apply a natural solvent, DMSO after you have applied the oil. This will help the oil penetrate thru the skin and nail faster. As with other remedies, progress is going to be slow, so be patient!

Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree contains antiseptic and anti-fungal compounds that are a very effective skin disinfectant. Apply the oil on the affected area two or three times a day until the new nail has completely grown out. This can mean about 6 months for fingernails and up to 12 months for toenails. Make sure the product label says it is 100% pure tea tree oil. As with oregano oil mentioned above, the use of DMSO will make this remedy more effective.

Vick´s VapoRub Apply to the affected area every other day for 2-3 weeks. Although this may sound like a strange use for the product we used to rub on our chest, it contains eucalyptus oil and thymol (derived from thyme oil), both known as powerful anti-fungals.

http://www.homesteadblogger.com/quiverfull/

[Thanks for the link to Cottonball]

Soaked Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
05:43, 2009-Feb-28 .. 4 comments <%CommentAuthorIP%> .. Link

I took my own bread recipe and converted it to a recipe where I soaked the flour for 24 hours first and then made the bread the next day. I have done this 3 times now and think I have some success. You can see my two loaves that I made yesterday…

I have had several comments left with people asking for this recipe when I get done so here goes…

Soaked Whole Wheat Bread Recipe – 2 loaves

1 ½ cups warm water
2T whey
½ cup olive oil
5 ½ cups freshly ground whole wheat flour

Using a mixer combine the above ingredients until they form a ball of dough. Place dough ball in an oiled pan and cover. Let sit for 24 hours.

After 24 hours

In a measuring cup combine the following:

½ cup warm water
1T yeast
¼ cup honey

Let this sit until the yeast bubbles. Then add:

½ t baking soda
2 t salt

Pour this mixture into your mixing bowl. Add 1 cup white flour. Now add your dough ball. I break it up as I add it to the bowl. Begin kneading. This can take a few minutes to get it all incorporated. If the dough still seems sticky add more white flour. I added a total of about 1 ¼ cups (this includes the 1 cup I added to the bowl with the yeast). Knead for about 4 minutes in a Bosch, longer if you are using a Kitchen Aid. Let rise for 1 ½ hours. Punch down and knead for a few minutes more. Divide into two bread pans. Let rise.

I found it rose pretty quickly. You can let it rise till it reaches just above the top of the pan. I actually think the loaves above rose a little to much. I let them rise until they were about one inch above the bread pan. Next time I will try baking when they just get above the top of the bread pan.

Bake at 350 for 28 to 30 minutes.