The Facts on Overpopulation

We were warned some years ago not to have more than two children for this would feed the problems of world overpopulation. Since we had five more, we obviously didn’t heed this advice. The warning today is louder than ever.

Several decades ago, Paul Ehrilich said, “It is already too late to avoid famines that will kill millions, possibly by 1975″. Another false prophet said, “I state flatly that the hungry world will not able able to feed itself ten years from now”. This was stated in 1967. Yes, the evidence for world overpopulation and its destruction of the earth, has vanished.

Admittedly world population is constantly increasing. In the U.S. the rate is presently one more person every 16 seconds. We have 3.5 billion more people in the world than in 1950. However, this does not mean it is overcrowded. As proof, how long would you have to drive from your present location to be in wide open places? For us, it would take five minutes.

In the U.S. the population density of the state of New Jersey is indeed 1171 people/mile2, yet 7 states have less than 20 people/mile2 and the same number have fewer than a million citizens. The average population density of the entire country is only 95 people/mile2. The city in which I live can fit comfortably its 65,400 people into 30 square miles, a population density of 2160 people/mile2. The average school classroom, where children spend more time than any other place during the week, has a population density of a million people/mile2. In other words, to be crowded, you have to choose to bunch together. Overpopulation is not caused by a lack of land.

The population density of the world is presently 34 people/mile2, or a full seven and a half acres of usable land for every person on earth. The simple fact is that most of the world is empty. In fact, we could get the entire world population into West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri if everyone lived as close as they do in New York City, about 25,000 people/mile2. If you refer the less crowded suburbia density, everyone could live comfortably in the 48 contiguous states.

The starving people of Bangladesh (2750 people/mile2) or India (890 people/mile2) are often presented as evidence for overcrowding. The crowded conditions are blamed for their troubles. Yet, contrast India with the industrial giant Japan whose density is only slightly less. Instead, the reasons why starvation is rampant in areas include false religious beliefs, unwise political control, corruption, wars, and other man-made conditions, rarely overpopulation. Honestly, most lands, including India, could easily sustain its present population.

Yet the warning trumpets continue to be blasted. “We cannot long continue our present rate of progress. The first check for our growing prosperity, however, must render our population excessive”. Does this sound like the result of a recent study? It was written in 1865! “Our number are burdensome to the world, which can hardly support us”. That was written by Tertullian in the second century! How comical in light of the fact that India alone has sufficient rich farmland to provide food for the entire world! And food production has increased 1000% in the last 75 years. The danger of starvation is decreasing, not increasing.

What difference does it make whether or not these facts are believed or not? The principle is, if you cause a crisis, you can get just about anything you want. The doom and gloom about world overpopulation has encouraged the justification of abortion since another person will demand food, water, fuel, and the like. Children are a liability to the world and any way to get rid of them is viewed as good.

The medical field is also influenced, as expressed in a leading textbook for training Gynecologists. “In the minds of many, rapid growth of population has become second only to nuclear warfare as civilization’s greatest menace. The gynecologist- obstetrician has assumed a leadership role and has recognized the necessity of controlling human fertility… Population growth is perforce temporary; that it will- indeed must- eventually cease, halted either by an increase in deaths or a decrease in births. There is no other way. Thus, people must come to want fewer children”. A woman visited a doctor so trained might get what advice if he feels she has had enough children? In fact, at 800,000, hysterectomies are the second most common major surgery each year in the US, yet only 10% are due to cancer.

The heart of the problem is not overpopulation but lack of love for children. They are too often viewed as a hindrance to accomplishing our goals. However, the truth is that children are the future of any country. When properly trained, they multiply the potential of parents and benefit society in a multitude of positive ways. Children are indeed not the cause of the world’s destruction, but its future hope.

The Facts on Overpopulation

How To Select Healing Teas for Healthy Living

Welcome to the world of healing teas. Regular tea, a refreshing stimulant, only two calories per cup, is the world’s most popular non-alcoholic healthy drink. Tea glorifies us with many different flavors, scents and colours; the colours are determined by the length of exposure to oxidation.

A great amount of tea is produced in Asia, while it is actually grown in India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and Indonesia. Tea is a member of the camellia sinensis family. The best quality teas are grown in the high altitudes and the finest leaves are plucked from the youngest shoots and unopened leaf buds. These buds contain the highest levels of phenols, enzymes and caffeine.

The manner in which fresh tea leaves are processed includes the length of time the leaves are exposed to the oxidation process; it is that which will determine the colour and the flavor of the tea.

There are three main types of tea leaves; black Indian tea produced by drying and fermenting the leaves; thereby converting the flavorless colourless leaves into a pigmented astringent tannin. Researchers believe due to bioflavonoids, plant pigments have been linked to the protection agents that prevent heart attacks, by the reduction of the ability of blood platelets to clot. Antioxidant properties of tea also block damage caused to the arteries by free radicals released when the body consumes oxygen lack tea, researchers have found that by drinking five cups a day, reduced the incidence of stroke by 70% in men.

Green (Japanese) Tea was flavored by the Asians, and is not fermented, but dried and produces a green leaf. It is lighter in color and the tannins are the chemicals in green tea which bind surface proteins in our mouths to produce a tightening effect thereby incapacitating plaque forming bacteria. It aids in digestion of oily substances and is thought to normalize metabolism. It also contains a natural fluoride which prevents tooth decay. Researchers feel this is similar to an antiseptic effect.

Recently, researcher Iman Hakim, a professor at Arizona Cancer Center suggested the compounds in green tea positively affect genes involved in cancer susceptibility and DNA repair. Green tea has been recommended highly for the prevention of colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Tea researchers have only been interested in the effects of tea for the last 30 years and point to a 5,000 year track record of the attributes of green tea; they say that at the very least, green tea cannot hurt you, and most likely is beneficial to our bodies.

Dr. Hakim says the ongoing trials of smokers with COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, have found a significant improvement in the levels of HDL and LDL in cholesterol testing, to those given green tea and those given a placebo.

John Fox, professor of Neuroscience, biology and Psychology, in New York, USA held a symposium where participants were given 10 cups of tea each, and the other group a placebo. Those given the tea had a notable increase in the ability to focus better on given tasks. The active ingredient in this case in green tea is theanine, an amino acid.

The third main tea produced is oolong tea which stems from a combination of black tea and green tea. The actual brand names of oolong tea may contain as many as 20 different types of tea. I have purchased such teas many times, and they are truly exotic in blend and flavor. At this stage of tea drinking, one must purchase a tea steeper, which is relatively small, oval in shape, and holds the tea leaves in when you place it in a cup, this the process of “steeping” the tea is taking place. Remove when the dark colour appears.

Naturally occurring theophyllines in teas have proven to assist people with asthma. These theophyllines have been developed in the use of drugs and inhalers to treat asthma and other constrictive lung disorders.

Dandelion tea is an effective diuretic which stimulates and cleanses the liver. It has also been used to sip for bloating and constipation. You may wish to add sugar to the tea to sweeten the bitter taste of dandelion tea.

Chamomile tea is recommended by many naturopaths to take before bed time to help with insomnia and in low doses, it may relieve anxiety. Chamomile tea is a light coloured tea.

Ginger Tea is a spicy brew, and my favorite; it has long been used for gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting. Ginger tea is so tasty with a little honey and milk. Of course, ginger, being a very popular spice, is used in many variations of teas, which definitely would be a healthy recipe for healthy living.

Licorice tea is bold, aromatic and is known to fight off stress and fatigue. In ancient civilizations, it was thought to be a potent aphrodisiac. So, if you want to feel sexy, try drinking licorice tea. Good luck with the results.

Peppermint tea sweetens your breath with its pungent concoction, leaving your mouth fresh for a kiss! Peppermint has long been known to ‘tame the tummy’.

Rooibos tea is a caffeine free South African tea, low in tannin levels, and rich in mineral content, which promotes healthy skin, teeth and bones. Apparently, rooibos tea has antioxidant properties and is reputed to be anti-ageing, which I am certain would be appealing to most of us for healthy living.

If sales are any indication of use of teas, last year was the 15th consecutive year consumers in America have bought more tea than ever before. On any given day, about one half of the population drinks tea. In 2006, US consumed 2.25 billion gallons, of which 83% was black tea, 16% green tea, and 85% iced tea.

It is very obvious to me there are numerous healthy benefits to consuming teas and it is quite clear that tea drinkers need not worry about toxicity as according to studies shown in 2008, as Author Beverly Sills says, there are no published records concerning toxicity. It was also noted that tea has less caffeine than coffee.

“Polly put the kettle on.” It is clear to me that tea, the world’s most popular non-alcoholic drink, is a healthy recipe for healthy living. Now you are aware of the healing teas to select. Bottoms up everyone.

How To Select Healing Teas for Healthy Living

Making Love - Good Sex With Sex Toys

Sex toys are not invented for nothing. Till these days, there are still couple rejecting the idea of using sex toys when they are making love. Sex toys are actually a very useful tool to help spice up the sex life between you and your partner.

By using sex toys when you are making love with your partner, you can help create that extra sparks and fun in it. So what are some sex toys that you can consider introducing into your sex life?

1. Whip and handcuffs. These toys are great when both of you want to enjoy some play acting and erotic sexual experiences. One activity that you can do with these toys is to tie your partner onto the bed post with your handcuffs, and then using the whip on your partner.

2. Poker cards and board games. There are a lot of erotic board games and strip pokers out there. By playing some board games or poker before both of you get into the real action; it can help create anticipation between both of you. Therefore while both of you are playing the games, your minds will be thinking about sex, which will definitely leads to a passionate sex later on.

3. A vibrator. This is the most common sex toy in the market. The man can use the vibrator on the woman to locate her G-Spot. If you are adventurous enough, you can film your woman, while she is masturbating with the vibrator.

Sex toys are being categorized between Beginner and Advanced. The sex toys listed above are considered beginner toys. Try exploring them. Once your partner and you feel that both of you have passed the Beginner stage, move on and explore those advanced toys on the market.

Making Love - Good Sex With Sex Toys

Coming of Age Day - Japan

Every year during the second Monday of January celebration ceremonies are held for Japanese men and women who have reached the age of twenty. Coming of age day is part of young Japanese man or women passage into adulthood and includes coming of age ceremonies held at their local prefectures city office, where they dress in traditional Japanese kimonos. After the ceremonies most young people go out to celebrate their new right to consume alcoholic beverages. This tradition originally date back to about 714 AD, when a young prince wore a new robe and featured a new hair style to mark his passage into manhood. The holiday was truly established in 1948 and as be held in January ever since.

The ceremonies are usually held in the morning at local town halls or city offices, where all young adults of the area who have or will turn twenty that year attend. Government officials give speeches and small presents are handed out to the newly-recognized adults.

Many of the women who are coming of age wear traditional Furisode Kimonos which feature long sleeves and wear Zori sandals. Since most women can not put on the kimonos themselves, this is one of the busiest times of year for many Japanese beauty salons and hair dressers. The men also some times wear tradition Japanese robes, but nowadays many men wear formal suits and ties. The celebration of one’s coming of age reflects both upon the rights of an Adult and the new responsibilities of being an adult.

Coming of Age Day - Japan

The World's Most Potent Sex Herb Revealed - The Only Natural Way to Get Harder and Longer Erections

Erectile dysfunction is a horrifying condition that is very commonly experienced by older men. Most men between 40 and 70 years of age will endure the humiliating experience of ED or impotence at least once during their lifetime. But the inability to attain and sustain an erection of the penis that is strong enough for satisfactory love-making can strike any man at anytime at any adult age.

Erectile dysfunction may be caused by both physical and psychological causes, including heart disease, hypertension, and more commonly by everyday stress, anxiety, depression and partnership problems. The good news is there is an effective herbal treatment for impotence. Combined with a few simple lifestyle changes, including weight reduction, and a regular exercise program, the embarrassing condition of ED can be easily destroyed.

However, it is extremely important to choose a natural treatment due the fact that many men have had negative experiences using synthetic, chemical prescription medications, such as Viagra which has been known to cause nausea, nasal congestion, heartburn, headaches, flushes, and visual disturbances.

Announcing the world’s most powerful natural herbal aphrodisiac. Eurycoma Longifolia, known as Tongkat Ali, or Pasak Bumi is the most integral ingredient in the manufacture of leading 100% herbal sex pills.

Tongkat Ali root extract has testosterone enhancing properties that have been scientifically proven to directly cause significant enlargement of the penis and testicles. Due to its powerful ability to increase penis and testicular mass, plus boost libido, Tongkat Ali has been used for hundreds of years as a tonic for general well-being, and as a potent herbal cure for erectile dysfunction.

Tongkat Ali increases blood flow into the penis, which in fact, is the only natural way to get harder and longer erections. It improves stamina, boosts libido, stimulates mental alertness, enhances sexual activity, and increases testosterone production. Tongkat Ali is the ultimate natural herbal aphrodisiac, in fact, it is the world’s most powerful sex herb!

When Tongkat Ali is carefully fused together with several other herbal ingredients, the result is a 100% natural, safe and effective erectile dysfunction cure. Herbal sex pills are fast acting, and the sensuous effects linger on for days, leaving you fully prepared for any unexpected sexual opportunities. You do not need a doctor’s prescription to purchase herbal supplements, and most importantly, you will not experience any nasty side effects.

The World's Most Potent Sex Herb Revealed - The Only Natural Way to Get Harder and Longer Erections

China's Chocolate Market Dominated by Foreign Brands

Foreign chocolate brands such as Dove, Cadbury and Hershey’s have now captured about 70% of the Chinese chocolate market. As Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer with 25% of the global market, recently opened its first chocolate factory in China in Suzhou City, the top 20 chocolate companies in the world have now all entered the Chinese market. But in the face of global competition, China’s local chocolate companies have been further suppressed down the value chain.

Second largest chocolate market

As the CHF 4 billion-revenue-per-year Barry Callebaut set up its first production line in Suzhou, a complete multinational chocolate industry chain is also emerging. Industry insiders suggested that this would be a blow to local Chinese chocolate companies in this globalized competition. It further indicated that keeping up with international competition is particularly important, or the Chinese industry chain will become even more vulnerable.

In recent years, the global chocolate market has notably slowed down, with only 2-3% growth per annum. This is mainly because per capita chocolate consumption in developed countries is already at a high level, averaging 11 kg. On the other hand, China’s per capita chocolate consumption is only 0.1 kg, and its domestic chocolate market has been growing at a staggering 10-15% per year, with an estimated market potential of US$2.7 billion. Thus China has become the world’s second biggest chocolate market only behind the US. The world’s top 20 chocolate companies have all entered China, and there are more than 70 imported or JV chocolate brands in today’s Chinese market.

Barry Callebaut has made it clear that they are coming to share and participate in China’s economic growth. It plans to build the Suzhou factory into the largest among its 38 factories globally, and achieve a 6-fold sales increase in the next five years via the Suzhou factory’s high capacity. “We hope we can fully utilise this factory’s capacity to rapidly increase output from 25,000 tons to 75,000 tons, making it the world’s largest chocolate factory,” said Barry Callebaut CEO Patrick De Maeseneire.

Multinational ambitions

It is understood that Barry Callebaut’s new plant in Suzhou will become the company’s Asia-Pacific headquarter, as well as a sales network centre for serving China and multinational food manufacturers and specialised customers. Major brands, such as Cadbury, Hershey’s and Nestle, all currently have large quantity of outsourcing manufacturing contracts with Barry Callebaut, whose OEM output of cocoa liquor and chocolate products amounts to 15-20% of each of the three major brands’ annual output. So the Swiss Barry Callebaut is indeed the Big Brother of the global chocolate industry.

In fact, even before the arrival of Barry Callebaut, China’s local chocolate companies had already been losing market shares to multinational competitors. The US Hershey’s has determined to plough the Chinese market, planning to achieve 23% share of the local market by 2010 and the runner-up position in China. Meanwhile, Korean and Japanese chocolate producers are also accelerating their entry into the Chinese market.

Local companies not in the local market

Although the rapidly growing Chinese chocolate market is good news for its local chocolate companies, Chinese consumers today are frequently referring to foreign brands such as Dove, Cadbury, Hershey’s and Ferrero but seldom mentioning local brands.

As a foreign product, China only has a chocolate manufacturing history of less than 50 years, so there is inevitable gap behind foreign brands in terms of production techniques and technologies. Due to inappropriate processing equipment and incomplete production facilities, product quality assurance is difficult for many local chocolate companies. Furthermore, most Chinese chocolate companies are weak in product R&D, resulting in slow product changes and updates. At present, most local chocolate companies are stuck in an embarrassing situation of low product quality.

The above industry issues have costed local companies’ opportunities to participate in the competition for the Chinese chocolate market. Multinational chocolate brands have come to the Chinese market one by one since the 1990s, and now they are in a dominant market position. With their considerable financial power, multinationals can play their technological and cultural cards, as well as promoting their premium quality and unique tastes, to rapidly capture the Chinese market.

As Barry Callebaut finally entered the Chinese market, its Suzhou factory will make chocolate production even cheaper for multinational brands. For local Chinese companies that are mostly in the low-end market, they may no longer hold this market segment firm.

Keep up with the globalization

Statistics showed that there are about 63 large-scale local chocolate companies in China, with annual production of 150,000 tons. Statistics from industry associations also revealed that China currently has about 250 chocolate companies in total.

Industry insiders pointed out that the Chinese food and beverage industry is a highly and internationally competitive market. The vast potential of China’s chocolate market is not only for foreign brands, but is also laid in front of local chocolate producers. The local chocolate industry is now in a structural change and survival-of-the-fittest stage, and no doubt the entry of foreign brands will present challenges to the local industry. But if local chocolate companies can participate in this international competition, it could not only drive the chocolate demand from Chinese consumers, but also promote development of China’s chocolate market.

Local Chinese chocolate companies need to constantly improve their product quality, select finer raw ingredients, upgrade production facilities, adopt international technologies, enhance product innovation and brand management. Only then can they compete with multinational companies on a level-playing field, and make a breakthrough in this foreign-dominated Chinese chocolate market.

For more information on Chinese businesses, please visit www.chinabizintel.com

China's Chocolate Market Dominated by Foreign Brands

5 nguồn tư liệu khẳng định chủ quyền “Hoàng Sa, Trường Sa” của Việt Nam.

(Dân trí) – Bản đồ và tư liệu trưng bày tại Triển lãm là một phần bằng chứng lịch sử và cơ sở pháp lý chứng minh chủ quyền của Việt Nam đối với hai quần đảo Hoàng Sa và Trường Sa trên Biển Đông.

5 nguồn tư liệu khẳng định chủ quyền “Hoàng Sa, Trường Sa” của Việt Nam.