Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
What is bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A, also called BPA, is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins.
Polycarbonate plastics are used in certain food and drink packaging (including some water bottles and baby bottles) and also in compact discs, computers, impact-resistant safety equipment (such as helmets and goggles), and medical devices.
Epoxy resins line metal products such as canned foods, bottle tops, dental composites and sealants, and water supply pipes.
Is bisphenol A safe?
That's a controversial question.
An FDA draft report issued in August 2008 says bisphenol A is safe at typical exposure levels from food and drink. But another government report, from the National Toxicology Program, doesn't rule out safety risks and notes "some concern" about effects on the brain, prostate gland, and behavior in fetuses, infants, and children.
The NTP's report, issued in September 2008, also notes "minimal concern" about effects on the mammary gland, early female puberty, and reproductive effects in adults who work with bisphenol A, and "negligible concern" about fetal or neonatal death, birth defects, reduced birth weight or grown in babies born to women exposed to bisphenol A during pregnancy, and reproductive effects in adults who don't work with bisphenol A.
The American Chemistry Council, a trade group for the plastics industry, says bisphenol A is safe for typical consumer uses.
What does the research say about bisphenol A?
A study published in the Sept. 17, 2008 edition of The Journal of the American Medical Association shows that adults with high levels of bisphenol A in their urine samples are more than twice as likely to report a history of heart disease or diabetes, compared to adults with low urinary levels of bisphenol A.
That study was the first to show an association between higher urinary levels of BPA and health problems in human adults. But it doesn't prove that bisphenol A causes heart disease or diabetes, and the researchers caution that their findings need to be confirmed.
Much of the other bisphenol A safety research has been done on rodents, which handle bisphenol A differently from humans. In those rodent studies, the greatest risk has been seen in developing fetuses and infants.
How are people exposed to bisphenol A?
Mostly through food and drink packaged in containers that include bisphenol A.
Bisphenol A can leach into food from food and beverage containers lined with epoxy resin coatings and from products such as polycarbonate tableware, food containers, water bottles, and baby bottles.
Does heating polycarbonate products or cleaning them in a dishwasher increase leaching of bisphenol A?
Yes, but not enough for concern, according to the American Chemistry Council. "Although the level increases slightly, it's still far below the science-based safety standard by at least a factor of 100 or so," says Steven Hentges, PhD, of the council's Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group.
But that, too, is controversial. In January 2008, a University of Cincinnati researcher who studied polycarbonate plastic exposed to boiling liquid told WebMD that while there is little direct evidence that bisphenol A poses a risk to humans, he sees "clear reason to proceed cautiously."
Who is exposed to bisphenol A?
Just about everybody. Nearly 93% of Americans age 6 and older who took part in a CDC health study in 2003-2004 had detectable levels of bisphenol A in their urine samples.
How can I avoid bisphenol A?
Here are tips posted on the web site of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a branch of the National Institutes of Health:
* Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate plastic is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from use at high temperatures.
* Reduce your use of canned foods.
* When possible, opt for glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
* Use baby bottles that are free of bisphenol A.
The FDA hasn't advised anyone to avoid or reduce their exposure to bisphenol A, and the American Chemistry Council says there's no reason to do so.
Totally avoiding bisphenol A isn't a reasonable goal because it's so widespread, notes David Schardt, MS, senior nutritionist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
"You can't drive yourself crazy trying to eliminate every speck," says Schardt. "It's not going to happen." Schardt sees the biggest priority as limiting exposure in small children. He suggests using cardboard cartons of milk, for instance, and baby bottles or sippy cups that don't contain bisphenol A.
Other alternatives include glass bottles, but of course, those aren't shatter-resistant like polycarbonate plastic.
Are products made from bisphenol A marked as containing bisphenol A?
No. Some plastic products have labels saying that they are free of bisphenol A, but there are no required labels for products that contain bisphenol A.
Do plastic containers with "7" within the "chasing arrows" all contain bisphenol A?
No. The numbers in those "chasing arrow" symbols on the bottom of some plastic products are only about recycling.
The numbers 1-6 in the chasing arrows aren't supposed to be polycarbonate plastic, so they shouldn't contain bisphenol A. But the number 7 isn't just for polycarbonates; it's a catch-all category of plastics, and not all polycarbonate plastics have the "7" on them, notes Schardt.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Showing posts with label info. Show all posts
Showing posts with label info. Show all posts
Selamat buat Depag dan Depkes RI...Guys, please dong ah!
CFahmi Rizwansyah says:
Pemerintah melalui Menteri Keuangan meminta 4.127 rekening sejumlah Kementerian dan Lembaga (K/L) senilai Rp 1,17 triliun dan US$ 9,3 juta dibekukan. Rekening yang berada di sejumlah perbankan itu dianggap tidak sesuai dengan aturan atau dinamakan rekening liar.
Demikian disampaikan Irjen Depkeu Hekinus Manao ketika ditemui di Gedung MPR/DPR, Jakarta, Kamis (18/12/2008).
"Menkeu sebagai Bendahara Umum negara telah meminta hal ini pada tanggal 16 Desember lalu. Rekening ini akan terus dibekukan, kalau lewat satu bulan dan tidak ada pemiliknya yang protes, maka rekening itu akan ditutup. Dan uangnya masuk ke kas negara," katanya.
Selain pembekuan rekening, Hekinus juga mengatakan Depkeu meminta sejumlah Dirjen di 57 kementerian dan lembaga untuk menyelidiki 4.085 rekening senilai Rp 1,32 triliun dan US$ 10,28 juta.
"Depkeu meminta mereka menyelidiki mengenai keabsahan rekening tersebut." ujarnya.
Hekinus mengatakan, dari 4.085 rekening yang minta diselidiki tersebut, paling banyak terdapat di Departemen Agama. Jumlahnya mencapai 479 rekening dengan nilai Rp 32,4 miliar.
"Tapi kalau dari segi jumlah yang paling banyak Departemen Kesehatan. Jumlah rekeningnya 37, tapi nilainya Rp 480,4 miliar," katanya.
by detik.com
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Pemerintah melalui Menteri Keuangan meminta 4.127 rekening sejumlah Kementerian dan Lembaga (K/L) senilai Rp 1,17 triliun dan US$ 9,3 juta dibekukan. Rekening yang berada di sejumlah perbankan itu dianggap tidak sesuai dengan aturan atau dinamakan rekening liar.
Demikian disampaikan Irjen Depkeu Hekinus Manao ketika ditemui di Gedung MPR/DPR, Jakarta, Kamis (18/12/2008).
"Menkeu sebagai Bendahara Umum negara telah meminta hal ini pada tanggal 16 Desember lalu. Rekening ini akan terus dibekukan, kalau lewat satu bulan dan tidak ada pemiliknya yang protes, maka rekening itu akan ditutup. Dan uangnya masuk ke kas negara," katanya.
Selain pembekuan rekening, Hekinus juga mengatakan Depkeu meminta sejumlah Dirjen di 57 kementerian dan lembaga untuk menyelidiki 4.085 rekening senilai Rp 1,32 triliun dan US$ 10,28 juta.
"Depkeu meminta mereka menyelidiki mengenai keabsahan rekening tersebut." ujarnya.
Hekinus mengatakan, dari 4.085 rekening yang minta diselidiki tersebut, paling banyak terdapat di Departemen Agama. Jumlahnya mencapai 479 rekening dengan nilai Rp 32,4 miliar.
"Tapi kalau dari segi jumlah yang paling banyak Departemen Kesehatan. Jumlah rekeningnya 37, tapi nilainya Rp 480,4 miliar," katanya.
by detik.com
Cheers, frizzy2008.
THE WITTELSBACH DIAMOND
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
© Press Release by: CHRISTIE'S LTD.2008
Christie’s are privileged to present the Wittelsbach diamond (estimate upon request), an extremely rare 35.56 carat, historic 17th century fancy deep greyish-blue diamond, to the international market for the first time in almost 80 years, on Wednesday 10 December 2008. Known as ‘’Der Blaue Wittelsbacher’’ since 1722, it is one of very few diamonds which can claim 17th century heritage, incredible rarity and exceptional beauty. Upon the engagement of the Infanta Margarita Teresa (1651-1673), who is illustrated in both paintings by Velazquez above, to Leopold I of Austria (1640-1705), who later became Holy Roman Emperor, her father King Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665) selected, in 1664, the diamond as part of her dowry. Subsequently, it entered the Austrian and then the Bavarian Crown jewels. This extraordinary diamond is offered for sale from a private collection, where it has been since 1964.
Gemological Certification
The Wittelsbach diamond is accompanied by a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America dated September 24th, 2008, indicating that the diamond is fancy deep greyish-blue, VS2 clarity.
Coloured diamonds
The diamond market as a whole, like the international jewellery market, continues to be strong. The level of demand for coloured diamonds is high, with a 13.39 carat fancy intense blue diamond fetching $8.9 million, a world auction record, at Christie’s Geneva in May 2008; though no examples to date are comparable with the Wittelsbach diamond being offered at Christie’s London. Blue diamonds are rare and to offer a blue diamond of this size, quality, shape and provenance is truly extraordinary. In the mid-1980s the Christie’s sale of a 0.95 carat red diamond for $850,000 marked the start of true appreciation of coloured diamonds and, today, their great rarity makes them the most desirable of all.
Royal Provenance
King Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665) is known to have selected only the very finest gemstones for the dowry of his fifteen year old daughter, the Infanta Margarita Teresa (1651-1673), upon her betrothal. This included the exceptionally rare 35.56 carat greyish-blue blue diamond originating from the famous Indian diamond mines. Upon the Princess’s untimely death in 1673 her husband, Emperor Leopold I of Austria (1640-1705) retained the dowry and the diamond was passed on to his heirs.
In 1722 the diamond entered the Wittelsbach family, on the occasion of the marriage of Archduchess Maria Amalia of Austria (1701-1756) to the Bavarian Crown Prince, Charles Albert (1697-1745), and became a prized family possession. It was worn by successive rulers in both the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Bavarian Royal Crown until the abdication of King Ludwig III (1845-1921) in 1918. For full chronology of the Wittelsbach diamond please refer to Notes to Editors.
India: The Source for many of the World’s Greatest Diamonds
Diamonds were discovered during the 4th century B.C. in India, which remained their only source until 1723. Being greatly prized for their size and beauty, they were mined largely in the State of Hyderabad and sent to their principle sorting centre, Golconda, hence the name of many of these special gemstones. Blue diamonds were also mined in the State of Bihar; the fourth Mogul Emperor, Jahangir (1569-1627), stated in his memoirs that ‘diamonds from this place are of a variety and beauty above all other kinds of diamonds,’ he particularly mentions a large blue piece of diamond which, unlike today, was not considered to be as valuable as a colourless gem. Perhaps this is the extraordinary diamond which later became the Wittlesbach. The largest and most famous blue diamond in the world is the “Hope Diamond”, a 45-carat deep blue stone, formerly from the French Crown Jewels and now in the Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC.
Historic Royal Diamonds
Until 1723, all diamonds worn by European Royalty came from India. Today, only very few survive and can be traced back to their original owners. Among the most famous are the “Koh-I-Noor” now in the British Crown Jewels, the “Régent” at the Louvre Museum, Paris and the “Orlov Diamond” in the Kremlin. The appearance of the Wittelsbach at auction is a landmark event, as it encapsulates all that one looks for in a gemstone or indeed a work of art: history, Royal provenance, exceptional beauty and original condition.
Christie’s and Royal Collections
Since 1766, Christie’s has been synonymous with auctions of Royal and aristocratic collections. From the sale of Madame du Barry’s jewels in 1795, to that of the Russian Crown Jewels in 1927, and more recently the Private Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret in 2006, these events have created worldwide interest and are remembered as legendary moments in auction history. In April 2008, the Louvre Museum was able to acquire the Empress Eugénie Diamond Brooch, through Christie’s, thereby allowing its return to the French Crown Jewels.
Three Hundred Years of History (1664-1964)
1664 - King Philip IV of Spain formed a collection of the finest gems for the dowry of his daughter, Infanta Margarita Teresa, when she married Leopold I of Austria (who later became Holy Roman Emperor) in 1667. This included the 35 carat blue diamond.
1673 - The jewels were recorded in an inventory of the Austrian Crown Jewels dated 13 March 1673.
1705 - Leopold I bequeathed the blue diamond to his third wife, Empress Eleonore Magdalena.
1720 - Archduchess Maria Amalia inherited the blue diamond from her grandmother, the Empress Eleonore Magdalena.
1722 - The diamond entered the House of Wittelsbach after the marriage of Archduchess Maria Amalia to the Bavarian Crown Prince, Charles Albert. The diamond then became known as ‘Der Blaue Wittelsbacher’.
1745 - The Wittelsbach was first mounted within the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The diamond was handed down through successive Bavarian rulers.
1806 - Maximilian IV Joseph von Wittelsbach became the first King of Bavaria and commissioned a royal crown prominently displaying the blue diamond.
1921 - After the proclamation of the German Republic in 1918, the Wittelsbach made its last State appearance.
1931 - Christie’s offered for sale important jewellery from the Bavarian Crown Jewels, which included the Wittelsbach.
1964 - The diamond was purchased by a private collector, in whose family it remained until the present day, being offered for sale in Christie’s upcoming December 2008 sale Jewels: The London Sale.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Natural Gemstones How to...
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
The aesthetic appeal, magic and mystery have lured mankind since ages. Different cultures across the world have lore and beliefs associated to colored gemstones. In this day and age, natural gemstones are more of a fashion accessory, though the mystical symbolism remains.
What are natural gemstones
A gemstone is defined as a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished, can be used in jewelry. It is a mineral that is valuable, rare and often beautiful.
Minerals were forged beneath the surface of the earth over millions of years through the forces of heat and pressure, resulting in a distinct crystal form with an orderly pattern of atoms. This internal arrangement determines a mineral’s chemical and physical properties, including its color. Crystals are not necessarily formed only in rocks or beneath the surface of the earth; they are also formed within plants and animals. Such gemstones are called Organic gemstones (coral, amber etc.). Every mineral originates as a small crystal and “grows" as more atoms are added. A particular gem or mineral can be a variety of different colors, depending on impurities, also known as inclusions, in its atomic structure. Quartz, for example, is normally colorless, but occurs in a range of colors from pink to brown to the deep purple of amethyst, depending on the amount and type of impurities in its structure.
Gemstones are precious because the extreme climatic conditions and the nurturing inside earth’s womb for millions of years, are not just rare conditions but almost impossible to occur again. And this is the reason that the importance of gemstones is much beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal.
Of almost 4,000 different types of minerals found on earth, fewer than 100 are considered beauteous or durable enough to be used as gemstones. Of those, only around 20 are commonly used in jewelry. The traditionally included category of most valuable gemstones is emerald, ruby, sapphire and pearl. Because of their aesthetic appeal and glorious history, these gemstones are more valuable than other colored gemstones. Finest quality emeralds and rubies can sometimes be more valuable than diamonds of comparable size.
Gemstones are classified into different varieties, species and groups. For instance, ruby (gemstone) is the red variety of the species corundum (mineral) that belongs to the hematite (crystal) group. Varieties of the mineral beryl include emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), heliodor (yellow), bixbite (red), goshenite (colorless) and morganite (pink).
Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their aesthetic appeal or durability, or even change their color. Almost all gemstones are treated in some or the other way. Most of these treatments are permanent in nature and an accepted norm in the industry. Treatments do not affect a gemstone’s value.
Seeking quality
Akin diamonds, gemstones are judged by the "Four Cs" of color, clarity, cut and carat weight, with color being the most important consideration, by far. As a general rule for all gemstones, the better the color, the higher the value; better clarity and better cut are also valued more - and generally, the larger the stone, the more it will cost per carat. Even to an untrained novice eye, many of these types of differences can be seen when similar stones are examined side-by-side.
Other factors that may influence the price of a gemstone include whether it is available readily or is rare in existence; whether it is a rare fancy shape or a calibrated size; and sometimes the origin of the gem. For instance, sapphires from Kashmir or rubies from Burma command a higher price than their equivalents from other origins.
by Rajesh Kumar is a writer for gemstones and jewelry working with www.angara.com.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
The aesthetic appeal, magic and mystery have lured mankind since ages. Different cultures across the world have lore and beliefs associated to colored gemstones. In this day and age, natural gemstones are more of a fashion accessory, though the mystical symbolism remains.
What are natural gemstones
A gemstone is defined as a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished, can be used in jewelry. It is a mineral that is valuable, rare and often beautiful.
Minerals were forged beneath the surface of the earth over millions of years through the forces of heat and pressure, resulting in a distinct crystal form with an orderly pattern of atoms. This internal arrangement determines a mineral’s chemical and physical properties, including its color. Crystals are not necessarily formed only in rocks or beneath the surface of the earth; they are also formed within plants and animals. Such gemstones are called Organic gemstones (coral, amber etc.). Every mineral originates as a small crystal and “grows" as more atoms are added. A particular gem or mineral can be a variety of different colors, depending on impurities, also known as inclusions, in its atomic structure. Quartz, for example, is normally colorless, but occurs in a range of colors from pink to brown to the deep purple of amethyst, depending on the amount and type of impurities in its structure.
Gemstones are precious because the extreme climatic conditions and the nurturing inside earth’s womb for millions of years, are not just rare conditions but almost impossible to occur again. And this is the reason that the importance of gemstones is much beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal.
Of almost 4,000 different types of minerals found on earth, fewer than 100 are considered beauteous or durable enough to be used as gemstones. Of those, only around 20 are commonly used in jewelry. The traditionally included category of most valuable gemstones is emerald, ruby, sapphire and pearl. Because of their aesthetic appeal and glorious history, these gemstones are more valuable than other colored gemstones. Finest quality emeralds and rubies can sometimes be more valuable than diamonds of comparable size.
Gemstones are classified into different varieties, species and groups. For instance, ruby (gemstone) is the red variety of the species corundum (mineral) that belongs to the hematite (crystal) group. Varieties of the mineral beryl include emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), heliodor (yellow), bixbite (red), goshenite (colorless) and morganite (pink).
Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their aesthetic appeal or durability, or even change their color. Almost all gemstones are treated in some or the other way. Most of these treatments are permanent in nature and an accepted norm in the industry. Treatments do not affect a gemstone’s value.
Seeking quality
Akin diamonds, gemstones are judged by the "Four Cs" of color, clarity, cut and carat weight, with color being the most important consideration, by far. As a general rule for all gemstones, the better the color, the higher the value; better clarity and better cut are also valued more - and generally, the larger the stone, the more it will cost per carat. Even to an untrained novice eye, many of these types of differences can be seen when similar stones are examined side-by-side.
Other factors that may influence the price of a gemstone include whether it is available readily or is rare in existence; whether it is a rare fancy shape or a calibrated size; and sometimes the origin of the gem. For instance, sapphires from Kashmir or rubies from Burma command a higher price than their equivalents from other origins.
by Rajesh Kumar is a writer for gemstones and jewelry working with www.angara.com.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Another sad story of our forestry
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
SIARAN PERS
Nomor: S.632/PIK-1/2008
POHON KI TENJO (Anisoptera costata Korth) TERANCAM PUNAH
Pohon Ki Tenjo yang dalam bahasa latinnya disebut Anisoptera costata (Korth) tumbuh alami di Cagar Alam Leuwi Sancang dan Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon. Menurut hasil penelitian Pusat Litbang Hutan dan Konservasi Alam Bogor, di habitat alam aslinya pohon Ki Tenjo tinggal satu batang, dan tidak ditemukan anakannya.
Eksplorasi yang dilakukan oleh Titi Kalima pada tahun 2008 di Kawasan TN Ujung Kulon hanya menemukan satu batang Anisoptera costata Korth yang berdiameter 121 cm. Pohon tersebut masih berdiri tegak pada ketinggian 80 m di atas permukaan laut. Keberadan spesies pohon tersebut sangat rawan punah. Dari pohon yang tersisa tersebut tidak ditemukan anakan. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa A. costata Korth di tempat tersebut tidak dapat melanjutkan keturunan.
Ancaman yang paling mengkhawatirkan adalah penebangan yang dilakukan oleh perambah hutan. Aktivitas perambahan yang makin mendekati lokasi pohon ini sangat mengancam percepatan kepunahannya. Pada tahun 2005 Titi Kalima mencatat bahwa di Cagar Alam Leuwi Sancang terdapat masyarakat yang berkebun sayur mayur, kelapa, coklat, karet, dan lain-lain. Pada saat itu masih ditemukan pohon-pohon A. costata Korth, D. gracilis, D. hasseltii, dan D. littoralis. Satu tahun kemudian (2006) banyak pohon-pohon tersebut yang ditebang. Pada tahun 2007 ditemukan pohon-pohon D. Littoralis, D. gracitis, dan D. Hasseltii yang berdiameter 76 cm, 58 cm, dan 64 cm telah ditebang. Saat itu masih tersisa satu batang A. costata berdiameter 105 cm pada ketinggian 560 m di atas permukaan laut.
Jakarta, 16 Desember 2008
Kepala Pusat Informasi Kehutanan,
ttd.
Masyhud
NIP. 080062808
Cheers, frizzy2008.
SIARAN PERS
Nomor: S.632/PIK-1/2008
POHON KI TENJO (Anisoptera costata Korth) TERANCAM PUNAH
Pohon Ki Tenjo yang dalam bahasa latinnya disebut Anisoptera costata (Korth) tumbuh alami di Cagar Alam Leuwi Sancang dan Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon. Menurut hasil penelitian Pusat Litbang Hutan dan Konservasi Alam Bogor, di habitat alam aslinya pohon Ki Tenjo tinggal satu batang, dan tidak ditemukan anakannya.
Eksplorasi yang dilakukan oleh Titi Kalima pada tahun 2008 di Kawasan TN Ujung Kulon hanya menemukan satu batang Anisoptera costata Korth yang berdiameter 121 cm. Pohon tersebut masih berdiri tegak pada ketinggian 80 m di atas permukaan laut. Keberadan spesies pohon tersebut sangat rawan punah. Dari pohon yang tersisa tersebut tidak ditemukan anakan. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa A. costata Korth di tempat tersebut tidak dapat melanjutkan keturunan.
Ancaman yang paling mengkhawatirkan adalah penebangan yang dilakukan oleh perambah hutan. Aktivitas perambahan yang makin mendekati lokasi pohon ini sangat mengancam percepatan kepunahannya. Pada tahun 2005 Titi Kalima mencatat bahwa di Cagar Alam Leuwi Sancang terdapat masyarakat yang berkebun sayur mayur, kelapa, coklat, karet, dan lain-lain. Pada saat itu masih ditemukan pohon-pohon A. costata Korth, D. gracilis, D. hasseltii, dan D. littoralis. Satu tahun kemudian (2006) banyak pohon-pohon tersebut yang ditebang. Pada tahun 2007 ditemukan pohon-pohon D. Littoralis, D. gracitis, dan D. Hasseltii yang berdiameter 76 cm, 58 cm, dan 64 cm telah ditebang. Saat itu masih tersisa satu batang A. costata berdiameter 105 cm pada ketinggian 560 m di atas permukaan laut.
Jakarta, 16 Desember 2008
Kepala Pusat Informasi Kehutanan,
ttd.
Masyhud
NIP. 080062808
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Informasi ini berguna gak ya? -- gak ngerti deh!!!
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
10 besar orang terkaya di Indonesia:
Cheers, frizzy2008.
10 besar orang terkaya di Indonesia:
- Sukanto Tanoto,�� 2 miliar dolar AS
- R. Budi Hartono,�� 1,72 miliar dolar AS
- Michael Hartono,� 1,68 miliar dolar AS
- Putera Sampoerna, 1,5 miliar dolar AS
- Martua Sitorus, 1,3 miliar dolar AS
- Peter Sondakh, 1,05 miliar dolar AS
- Eddy William Katuari, 1,04 miliar dolar AS
- Eka Tjipta Widjaja, 950 juta dolar AS
- Aburizal Bakrie, 850 juta dolar AS
- Murdaya Poo, 825 juta dolar AS
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Launching Dell Mini 9 di Fx Mall
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
Seru banget acaranya...Yang hadir adalah master2 community dan blogger2 paten.
Diantaranya adalah Andrew Darwis, founder & CEO Kaskus Network. Trus ada mas Budi Putra, blogger senior. Trus ada pasukan gatorade, gadget to trade community dan banyak lagi.
Acaranya yang bertempat di 3 Degress - FX Mall ini dipandu oleh Steny Agustaf dan Rahmah Umayya, dengan bintang acaranya adalah si cantik Maylaffayza, violis piawai yg baru married dan katanya menunda bulan madu demi bela2in ngisi acara ini. Bersamanya berkolaborasi biola dan racikan musik oleh DJ Ellen dan yang gak kalah menariknya...wow...sexy dancernya bo.
Asiknya euy, dapat makan malam gratis prasmanan ditambah freeflow coke dan juice...
Bos Andrew dalam kesempatannya mengatakan akan mereview produk dell tersebut di kaskus secepatnya.
Ok d, aku gak dapat door price tapi dapat tas dell besar dan payung, lumayanlah mumpung lagi musim hujan n' pulang2 kekenyangan..phew.
Yang ini sih biasa...numpang keren doang.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Barusan habis menghadiri launching produk Dell Inspiron mini 9 dan mini 12.
Seru banget acaranya...Yang hadir adalah master2 community dan blogger2 paten.
Diantaranya adalah Andrew Darwis, founder & CEO Kaskus Network. Trus ada mas Budi Putra, blogger senior. Trus ada pasukan gatorade, gadget to trade community dan banyak lagi.
Acaranya yang bertempat di 3 Degress - FX Mall ini dipandu oleh Steny Agustaf dan Rahmah Umayya, dengan bintang acaranya adalah si cantik Maylaffayza, violis piawai yg baru married dan katanya menunda bulan madu demi bela2in ngisi acara ini. Bersamanya berkolaborasi biola dan racikan musik oleh DJ Ellen dan yang gak kalah menariknya...wow...sexy dancernya bo.
Maap, motretnya cuma pake Motorola V6 Razr Maxx...
Asiknya euy, dapat makan malam gratis prasmanan ditambah freeflow coke dan juice...
Bos Andrew dalam kesempatannya mengatakan akan mereview produk dell tersebut di kaskus secepatnya.
Ok d, aku gak dapat door price tapi dapat tas dell besar dan payung, lumayanlah mumpung lagi musim hujan n' pulang2 kekenyangan..phew.
Yang ini sih biasa...numpang keren doang.Cheers, frizzy2008.
LASIK Eye Surgery and Other Refractive Surgeries: An Updated Guide
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
LASIK surgery is one type of refractive surgery. Refractive surgery can eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses in people with these conditions:
* Nearsightedness
* Farsightedness
* Astigmatism (unevenly curved cornea)
* Presbyopia (age-related loss of sharp close-up focusing)
Done on both eyes, these procedures work by changing the eyes' focus to improve vision.
You might assume that refractive surgery is fairly new. But it goes back about 100 years! You're right, however, to think that today's state-of-the-art refractive surgery procedures are of more recent development. These newer techniques were first performed in the U.S. in 1978.
Types of Refractive Surgery
Three types of refractive surgery procedures are available. They include:
* Excimer laser procedures (including LASIK surgery)
* Artificial lens implantation
* Cornea reshaping procedures (including radial keratotomy, the first-used refractive surgery)
The Excimer Laser Used in LASIK Surgery
Developed in the 1980s, the excimer laser is computer-controlled.It gives eye surgeons the ability to remove precise amounts of tissue from the surface of the eye. This provides a high degree of safety and precision for laser-assisted procedures like LASIK.
LASIK Surgery Steps
LASIK is an abbreviation for "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis." The steps of LASIK surgery include:
1. Eye numbing drops are given before surgery to prevent pain.
2. The eye surgeon creates a flap in the cornea. The surgeon may use either an instrument called a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. The flap is folded back to reveal the cornea's midsection (stroma).
3. The excimer laser vaporizes part of the stroma.
4. The corneal flap is put back in place. It reattaches within a few minutes without sutures.
5. Eye drops or ointment is applied to aid healing.
Recovery from LASIK surgery is usually fast and painless.You may notice improved vision by the next day or sooner.
Procedures Related to LASIK Surgery
Doctors have developed other surgeries similar to the standard LASIK procedure. These include the following.
* Epi-LASIK uses a special instrument, the Epi-keratome, to create the corneal flap on the layer of cells covering the cornea (epithelium). Epi-LASIK is used in patients with corneas too thin to allow the standard LASIK surgery.
* Wavefront-guided LASIK creates a highly detailed "map" of how light moves through the eye. This shows even the subtlest distortions of focus. The goal is to reduce the chance of after-surgery problems such as glare, light "halos," and poor night vision.
* PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) corrects low to high nearsightedness, low to moderate farsightedness, and astigmatism. The eye surgeon removes the epithelium. Then the surgeon uses the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Healing occurs with help from a "bandage contact lens" applied at the end of the procedure. Healing takes three to four days and may involve some discomfort. Full recovery may take several weeks. For these reasons, LASIK surgery has generally replaced PRK except for patients with corneas too thin for LASIK surgery.
* LASEK (later epithelial keratomileusis) is similar to PRK. The difference is that the surgeon replaces the epithelium after completing the surgery. LASEK may be recommended for people with thin corneas. As with PRK, healing may involve some discomfort.
Implant Refractive Surgery
Several types of refractive surgery rely on implants to help improve vision. These procedures include the following:
* Intrastromal corneal ring segment (INTACS) implants
* Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs)
* Accommodative IOLs, multifocal IOLs, and refractive lens exchange
Each implant is described below.
* Intrastromal corneal ring segment (INTACS) implants. Semicircular pieces of plastic are implanted in the cornea. These objects are called INTACS (intrastromal corneal ring segments). They change the cornea's shape and adjust the person's power to focus. INTACS are inserted through a small corneal incision. The incision is closed with two small sutures, or stitches, typically removed two to four weeks later. If necessary, INTACS can be removed. The cornea returns to its original shape within a few weeks.
* Phakic IOLs. These areused for people whose degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness is too high for safe use of the excimer laser. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery except that the natural lens is not removed. The eye surgeon positions a vision-correcting plastic lens in front of the patient's natural lens, which is left in place to preserve reading vision. Because the eye is actually entered, phakic IOL surgery carries a higher risk of complications.
* Accommodative IOLs, multifocal IOLs, and refractive lens exchange. These implants areused to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. Vision-correcting, surgically implanted artificial lenses replace natural lenses. No corneal reshaping is done.
Surgery to Reshape the Cornea
Two surgical procedures are used to change the shape of the cornea, achieving vision correction. These procedures include the following:
* Conductive keratoplasty (CK) uses heat to reshape the cornea. The heat source may be a type of laser (not the excimer laser used in LASIK surgery). The heat is applied to the cornea's outer edge so it tightens and makes the cornea steeper. This can be used to correct farsightedness, presbyopia, and near-focus problems in people over age 40. CK causes little or no discomfort. It improves vision almost instantly. This effect may not last, however. Later re-treatment may be required.
* Radial keratotomy (RK) is the first form of refractive surgery used in the U.S. It has been largely replaced by LASIK surgery. RK may be chosen to correct very mild nearsightedness and astigmatism. The eye surgeon uses a diamond scalpel to make spoke-like (radial) cuts on the cornea. These cuts flatten and reshape the cornea. RK weakens the eye's structure, a primary reason it is seldom done now.
Who Can - and Cannot -- Have LASIK Surgery or Other Refractive Procedures?
Everyone considering refractive surgery should make the decision only after meeting with a refractive surgeon. General requirements include:
* Being age 18 or older
* Having healthy eyes
* Not needing a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription over the past year
* Having vision that refractive surgery can correct
Most forms of refractive surgery cannot be done on people who:
* Have a history of eye disease, including autoimmune disease, or previous eye injury
* Take certain prescription medications known to affect vision or corneal healing
* Are pregnant or nursing
Ask your surgeon about the risks of surgery as well as the benefits. That way, you can make a more informed decision. The outcome will be more likely to meet your expectations.
The Cost of LASIK Surgery
Most types of health insurance will not pay for refractive surgery. Only about 3% of LASIK surgery procedures cost less than $1000 per eye. The good news is that the cost seems to be coming down.
On average nationally in mid-2006, the cost of having LASIK surgery done on both eyes was $1950. Using wavefront technology or the "laser microkeratome" costs more. Price also varies slightly by region.
Be sure your surgeon makes clear what is and is not included in the price you are quoted. Ask, too, if you will have to pay more if you need follow-up visits or treatment for complications.
by webMD
Cheers, frizzy2008.
LASIK surgery is one type of refractive surgery. Refractive surgery can eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses in people with these conditions:
* Nearsightedness
* Farsightedness
* Astigmatism (unevenly curved cornea)
* Presbyopia (age-related loss of sharp close-up focusing)
Done on both eyes, these procedures work by changing the eyes' focus to improve vision.
You might assume that refractive surgery is fairly new. But it goes back about 100 years! You're right, however, to think that today's state-of-the-art refractive surgery procedures are of more recent development. These newer techniques were first performed in the U.S. in 1978.
Types of Refractive Surgery
Three types of refractive surgery procedures are available. They include:
* Excimer laser procedures (including LASIK surgery)
* Artificial lens implantation
* Cornea reshaping procedures (including radial keratotomy, the first-used refractive surgery)
The Excimer Laser Used in LASIK Surgery
Developed in the 1980s, the excimer laser is computer-controlled.It gives eye surgeons the ability to remove precise amounts of tissue from the surface of the eye. This provides a high degree of safety and precision for laser-assisted procedures like LASIK.
LASIK Surgery Steps
LASIK is an abbreviation for "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis." The steps of LASIK surgery include:
1. Eye numbing drops are given before surgery to prevent pain.
2. The eye surgeon creates a flap in the cornea. The surgeon may use either an instrument called a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. The flap is folded back to reveal the cornea's midsection (stroma).
3. The excimer laser vaporizes part of the stroma.
4. The corneal flap is put back in place. It reattaches within a few minutes without sutures.
5. Eye drops or ointment is applied to aid healing.
Recovery from LASIK surgery is usually fast and painless.You may notice improved vision by the next day or sooner.
Procedures Related to LASIK Surgery
Doctors have developed other surgeries similar to the standard LASIK procedure. These include the following.
* Epi-LASIK uses a special instrument, the Epi-keratome, to create the corneal flap on the layer of cells covering the cornea (epithelium). Epi-LASIK is used in patients with corneas too thin to allow the standard LASIK surgery.
* Wavefront-guided LASIK creates a highly detailed "map" of how light moves through the eye. This shows even the subtlest distortions of focus. The goal is to reduce the chance of after-surgery problems such as glare, light "halos," and poor night vision.
* PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) corrects low to high nearsightedness, low to moderate farsightedness, and astigmatism. The eye surgeon removes the epithelium. Then the surgeon uses the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Healing occurs with help from a "bandage contact lens" applied at the end of the procedure. Healing takes three to four days and may involve some discomfort. Full recovery may take several weeks. For these reasons, LASIK surgery has generally replaced PRK except for patients with corneas too thin for LASIK surgery.
* LASEK (later epithelial keratomileusis) is similar to PRK. The difference is that the surgeon replaces the epithelium after completing the surgery. LASEK may be recommended for people with thin corneas. As with PRK, healing may involve some discomfort.
Implant Refractive Surgery
Several types of refractive surgery rely on implants to help improve vision. These procedures include the following:
* Intrastromal corneal ring segment (INTACS) implants
* Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs)
* Accommodative IOLs, multifocal IOLs, and refractive lens exchange
Each implant is described below.
* Intrastromal corneal ring segment (INTACS) implants. Semicircular pieces of plastic are implanted in the cornea. These objects are called INTACS (intrastromal corneal ring segments). They change the cornea's shape and adjust the person's power to focus. INTACS are inserted through a small corneal incision. The incision is closed with two small sutures, or stitches, typically removed two to four weeks later. If necessary, INTACS can be removed. The cornea returns to its original shape within a few weeks.
* Phakic IOLs. These areused for people whose degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness is too high for safe use of the excimer laser. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery except that the natural lens is not removed. The eye surgeon positions a vision-correcting plastic lens in front of the patient's natural lens, which is left in place to preserve reading vision. Because the eye is actually entered, phakic IOL surgery carries a higher risk of complications.
* Accommodative IOLs, multifocal IOLs, and refractive lens exchange. These implants areused to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. Vision-correcting, surgically implanted artificial lenses replace natural lenses. No corneal reshaping is done.
Surgery to Reshape the Cornea
Two surgical procedures are used to change the shape of the cornea, achieving vision correction. These procedures include the following:
* Conductive keratoplasty (CK) uses heat to reshape the cornea. The heat source may be a type of laser (not the excimer laser used in LASIK surgery). The heat is applied to the cornea's outer edge so it tightens and makes the cornea steeper. This can be used to correct farsightedness, presbyopia, and near-focus problems in people over age 40. CK causes little or no discomfort. It improves vision almost instantly. This effect may not last, however. Later re-treatment may be required.
* Radial keratotomy (RK) is the first form of refractive surgery used in the U.S. It has been largely replaced by LASIK surgery. RK may be chosen to correct very mild nearsightedness and astigmatism. The eye surgeon uses a diamond scalpel to make spoke-like (radial) cuts on the cornea. These cuts flatten and reshape the cornea. RK weakens the eye's structure, a primary reason it is seldom done now.
Who Can - and Cannot -- Have LASIK Surgery or Other Refractive Procedures?
Everyone considering refractive surgery should make the decision only after meeting with a refractive surgeon. General requirements include:
* Being age 18 or older
* Having healthy eyes
* Not needing a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription over the past year
* Having vision that refractive surgery can correct
Most forms of refractive surgery cannot be done on people who:
* Have a history of eye disease, including autoimmune disease, or previous eye injury
* Take certain prescription medications known to affect vision or corneal healing
* Are pregnant or nursing
Ask your surgeon about the risks of surgery as well as the benefits. That way, you can make a more informed decision. The outcome will be more likely to meet your expectations.
The Cost of LASIK Surgery
Most types of health insurance will not pay for refractive surgery. Only about 3% of LASIK surgery procedures cost less than $1000 per eye. The good news is that the cost seems to be coming down.
On average nationally in mid-2006, the cost of having LASIK surgery done on both eyes was $1950. Using wavefront technology or the "laser microkeratome" costs more. Price also varies slightly by region.
Be sure your surgeon makes clear what is and is not included in the price you are quoted. Ask, too, if you will have to pay more if you need follow-up visits or treatment for complications.
by webMD
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Undangan resepsi pernikahan Demian dan Yulia Rahman
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
Aku share yaa...bagus soalnya....
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Aku share yaa...bagus soalnya....
Cheers, frizzy2008.
The World Of Touch
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
With more than 200 variations of massage, how do you know what's what, and what's best for you?
Almost anyone - from infants to seniors - can enjoy the benefits of a good massage.
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.
Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching, says Les Sweeney, executive vice president of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). Massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as so many of us already know, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
But with more than 200 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies, how do you know what's what, and what's best for you? First, a definition of the different therapy categories is in order, says Sweeney.
* Massage is the application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. It taps into the energy systems in the body.
* Bodywork includes various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
* Somatic, which means "of the body," is often used to describe a body/mind or whole-body approach as opposed to a physical perspective only.
According to William F. Burton, Jr., a professional massage therapist/bodyworker and co-owner of the Enraptured Day Spa in Philadelphia, most varieties of massage and bodywork therapies can be broken down into four broad categories:
1. Contemporary Western massage
2. Oriental methods
3. Structural/functional/movement integration
4. Non-Oriental energetic methods
Here's a brief explanation of some of the more common techniques of Western and Oriental massage.
Swedish massage: This is the predominant example of Western massage and is the most commonly used method in the United States. Developed in Sweden in the 1830s, it uses a system of long, gliding strokes, kneading, and percussion and tapping techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It is designed to increase circulation, which may improve healing and decrease swelling from an injury. This technique also results in generalized relaxation.
Neuromuscular massage : Trigger point massage and myotherapy are varieties of neuromuscular massage, which applies concentrated pressure on trigger points of pain and passive stretching of specific muscles.
Deep tissue massage : This approach is used to alleviate chronic muscle pain by reaching deeper muscles in problem areas.
Sports massage: This uses techniques similar to deep tissue massage but more specifically adapted to deal with the needs of athletes (both professional and the weekend variety); it's often used before or after athletic events as part of an athlete's training and to promote healing from injuries.
Manual lymph drainage massage: This approach improves the flow of lymph fluid with rhythmic strokes and is used primarily in conditions with poor lymph flow, such as edema.
Oriental methods of massage are based on the principles of Chinese medicine and the flow of energy or chi through the body's meridians, or energy points, says Burton. In Oriental massage techniques, pressure is applied by finger or thumb tips to predetermined points rather than by the sweeping broad strokes of Western massage.
There are more than a dozen varieties of Oriental massage and bodywork therapy, but the most common forms in the U.S. are acupressure, shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure.
Acupressure and shiatsu : These are similar varieties of finger pressure massage, with pressure applied to specific points that correspond with acupuncture points. In acupressure and shiatsu, pressure is applied to specific points with the thumb, finger, and palm to release muscle tension and increase circulation. Acupressure is the more generic term used for this approach and shiatsu is the Japanese version.
Jin Shin Jyutsu: This approach comes from an ancient Japanese healing tradition that uses touch to restore the internal flow of energy through the body by releasing energetic blockages. In this therapy the touch is very light a holds each pressure point for several minutes.
Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure: Developed by a California psychotherapist, this approach applies stronger acupressure on the points and for a longer period of time than does Jin Shin Jyutsu. It focuses on the deep release of muscular tension through gentle yet deep finger pressure.
Thai massage: At least 2,500 years old, Thai massage focuses on balancing energy. If you're receiving a Thai massage, you'll be placed into yoga-like postures while the "Sen" energy lines are compressed rhythmically with hands, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet.
Tui Na: Tui Na has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. The combination of massage and manipulation techniques is designed to improve the flow of energy so the body can naturally heal itself.
The strokes that massage practitioners use also vary, as do their effects, says Burton. A few of the more common strokes and their effects include:
* Feather stroking: soothing/sedative (may be ticklish)
* Fan stroking: soothing
* Circular thumb stroking: loosens tight areas
* Kneading: loosens and stimulates
* Skin rolling: stimulates
* Compression/pressure: breaks down muscular adhesions
* Percussion: stimulates (fast); relaxes (slow)
If you have a certain technique in mind, ask the massage therapist about his or her training, suggests Jeanne Girard, a vice president of the American Massage Therapy Association and a massage therapist in Canon City, Colorado. "If the therapist doesn't have training in what you need, he or she will refer you to someone who does."
As beneficial as massage can be, there are some people who shouldn't have one, says James Dillard, MD, DC, L.Ac, Oxford Health Plans' medical director for complementary and alternative medicine and author of Chronic Pain Solution. "You want to have intact skin, muscles, bones, and tissues before having a massage," says Dillard. That means if you have any fractures, infections, active cancer, orthopaedic conditions, or skin problems, massage is a no-no until you've recovered.
When choosing a type of massage, know what's best for you, says Dillard. "Do you want a gentle, serene experience, or would you like more pressure?" Don't be afraid to communicate with the massage therapist, he adds. Tell the therapist about any medical conditions or concerns you have, and if you're uncomfortable at any point during the massage, let the therapist know.
To get the most benefit from the massage, try to relax for the rest of the day, Dillard says. "You want the glow to last."
Having a massage on your lunch hour and then going back to a stressful afternoon on the job is not a great idea, agrees Jeanne Girard. "Don't overtax your body."
Girard also suggests that you drink plenty of water before and after the massage to help flush out the toxins that massage loosens up. (One other piece of advice, courtesy of Dillard: If you do drink a lot of water before the massage, make sure you go to the bathroom before the massage!)
Stretching beforehand allows the therapist to get into your muscle tissue more easily, says Girard; when it's cold outside, a warm shower or bath beforehand will also loosen your muscles.
And just how often should you have a massage? That's easy, says Dr. Dillard. "As often as you can afford it!"
Thirty-three states require massage therapists to be licensed, says ABMP's Les Sweeney. To find a practitioner near you, you can visit ABMP's web site or the web sites of the American Massage Therapy Association, or the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia.
By Carolyn J. Strange
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
Cheers, frizzy2008.
With more than 200 variations of massage, how do you know what's what, and what's best for you?
Almost anyone - from infants to seniors - can enjoy the benefits of a good massage.
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.
Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching, says Les Sweeney, executive vice president of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). Massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as so many of us already know, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
But with more than 200 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies, how do you know what's what, and what's best for you? First, a definition of the different therapy categories is in order, says Sweeney.
* Massage is the application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. It taps into the energy systems in the body.
* Bodywork includes various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
* Somatic, which means "of the body," is often used to describe a body/mind or whole-body approach as opposed to a physical perspective only.
According to William F. Burton, Jr., a professional massage therapist/bodyworker and co-owner of the Enraptured Day Spa in Philadelphia, most varieties of massage and bodywork therapies can be broken down into four broad categories:
1. Contemporary Western massage
2. Oriental methods
3. Structural/functional/movement integration
4. Non-Oriental energetic methods
Here's a brief explanation of some of the more common techniques of Western and Oriental massage.
Swedish massage: This is the predominant example of Western massage and is the most commonly used method in the United States. Developed in Sweden in the 1830s, it uses a system of long, gliding strokes, kneading, and percussion and tapping techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It is designed to increase circulation, which may improve healing and decrease swelling from an injury. This technique also results in generalized relaxation.
Neuromuscular massage : Trigger point massage and myotherapy are varieties of neuromuscular massage, which applies concentrated pressure on trigger points of pain and passive stretching of specific muscles.
Deep tissue massage : This approach is used to alleviate chronic muscle pain by reaching deeper muscles in problem areas.
Sports massage: This uses techniques similar to deep tissue massage but more specifically adapted to deal with the needs of athletes (both professional and the weekend variety); it's often used before or after athletic events as part of an athlete's training and to promote healing from injuries.
Manual lymph drainage massage: This approach improves the flow of lymph fluid with rhythmic strokes and is used primarily in conditions with poor lymph flow, such as edema.
Oriental methods of massage are based on the principles of Chinese medicine and the flow of energy or chi through the body's meridians, or energy points, says Burton. In Oriental massage techniques, pressure is applied by finger or thumb tips to predetermined points rather than by the sweeping broad strokes of Western massage.
There are more than a dozen varieties of Oriental massage and bodywork therapy, but the most common forms in the U.S. are acupressure, shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure.
Acupressure and shiatsu : These are similar varieties of finger pressure massage, with pressure applied to specific points that correspond with acupuncture points. In acupressure and shiatsu, pressure is applied to specific points with the thumb, finger, and palm to release muscle tension and increase circulation. Acupressure is the more generic term used for this approach and shiatsu is the Japanese version.
Jin Shin Jyutsu: This approach comes from an ancient Japanese healing tradition that uses touch to restore the internal flow of energy through the body by releasing energetic blockages. In this therapy the touch is very light a holds each pressure point for several minutes.
Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure: Developed by a California psychotherapist, this approach applies stronger acupressure on the points and for a longer period of time than does Jin Shin Jyutsu. It focuses on the deep release of muscular tension through gentle yet deep finger pressure.
Thai massage: At least 2,500 years old, Thai massage focuses on balancing energy. If you're receiving a Thai massage, you'll be placed into yoga-like postures while the "Sen" energy lines are compressed rhythmically with hands, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet.
Tui Na: Tui Na has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. The combination of massage and manipulation techniques is designed to improve the flow of energy so the body can naturally heal itself.
The strokes that massage practitioners use also vary, as do their effects, says Burton. A few of the more common strokes and their effects include:
* Feather stroking: soothing/sedative (may be ticklish)
* Fan stroking: soothing
* Circular thumb stroking: loosens tight areas
* Kneading: loosens and stimulates
* Skin rolling: stimulates
* Compression/pressure: breaks down muscular adhesions
* Percussion: stimulates (fast); relaxes (slow)
If you have a certain technique in mind, ask the massage therapist about his or her training, suggests Jeanne Girard, a vice president of the American Massage Therapy Association and a massage therapist in Canon City, Colorado. "If the therapist doesn't have training in what you need, he or she will refer you to someone who does."
As beneficial as massage can be, there are some people who shouldn't have one, says James Dillard, MD, DC, L.Ac, Oxford Health Plans' medical director for complementary and alternative medicine and author of Chronic Pain Solution. "You want to have intact skin, muscles, bones, and tissues before having a massage," says Dillard. That means if you have any fractures, infections, active cancer, orthopaedic conditions, or skin problems, massage is a no-no until you've recovered.
When choosing a type of massage, know what's best for you, says Dillard. "Do you want a gentle, serene experience, or would you like more pressure?" Don't be afraid to communicate with the massage therapist, he adds. Tell the therapist about any medical conditions or concerns you have, and if you're uncomfortable at any point during the massage, let the therapist know.
To get the most benefit from the massage, try to relax for the rest of the day, Dillard says. "You want the glow to last."
Having a massage on your lunch hour and then going back to a stressful afternoon on the job is not a great idea, agrees Jeanne Girard. "Don't overtax your body."
Girard also suggests that you drink plenty of water before and after the massage to help flush out the toxins that massage loosens up. (One other piece of advice, courtesy of Dillard: If you do drink a lot of water before the massage, make sure you go to the bathroom before the massage!)
Stretching beforehand allows the therapist to get into your muscle tissue more easily, says Girard; when it's cold outside, a warm shower or bath beforehand will also loosen your muscles.
And just how often should you have a massage? That's easy, says Dr. Dillard. "As often as you can afford it!"
Thirty-three states require massage therapists to be licensed, says ABMP's Les Sweeney. To find a practitioner near you, you can visit ABMP's web site or the web sites of the American Massage Therapy Association, or the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia.
By Carolyn J. Strange
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Dental Health: Braces and Retainers
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
If you have crooked teeth and/or a misaligned bite (an underbite or overbite), there are a variety of treatments that can help straighten your teeth, including braces and retainers.
Ask your dentist to refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in correcting irregularities of the teeth.
The orthodontist will ask you questions about your health, conduct a clinical exam, gather impressions of your teeth, take photos of your face and teeth, and order X-rays of your mouth and head. An appropriate treatment plan is made based on analysis of the gathered information.
In some cases, a removable retainer will be all that's necessary. In other rare cases (especially when there is an extreme overbite or underbite), surgery may be necessary. In most cases, however, braces will be needed.
What Types of Braces Are Available?
If braces are indeed the solution for you, your orthodontist will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs. The braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances.
Generally, there are three types of braces:
* Brackets: Made of stainless steel or clear or tooth-colored ceramic or plastic, brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth. Ceramic or plastic brackets are often selected for cosmetic reasons. Plastic brackets, however, may become stained and discolored by the end of treatment. Another disadvantage of ceramic or plastic brackets is that they cause more friction between the wire and brackets, which can increase treatment time.
* Lingual-type brackets: These are brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hiding the bracket from view.
* Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.
Newer "mini-braces," which are much smaller than traditional braces, may be an option for some. Your orthodontist will discuss the various types of available braces with you and determine which might be the best option for you.
How Do Braces Work?
In their entirety, braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bony tooth socket reabsorbs and changes shape as pressure is applied.
Braces are made up of the following components:
* Brackets are the small squares that are bonded directly to each tooth with a special dental bonding agent or are attached to orthodontic bands. Brackets act like handles, holding the arch wires that move the teeth.
* Orthodontic bands are stainless steel, clear or tooth-colored materials that are cemented with dental bonding agents or cement to teeth. They wrap around each tooth to provide an anchor for the brackets. The clear or tooth-colored bands are more cosmetically appealing options but are more expensive than stainless steel. They are not used in all patients. Some people have only brackets and no bands.
* Spacers are separators that fit between teeth to create a small space prior to placement of orthodontic bands.
* Arch wires attach to the brackets and act as tracks to guide the movement of the teeth. Arch wires can be made of metal or be clear or tooth-colored.
* Ties are small rubber rings or fine wires that fasten the arch wire to the brackets. They can be clear, metal or colored.
* A buccal tube on the band of the last molar holds the end of the arch wire securely in place.
* Tiny elastic rubber bands, called ligatures, hold the arch wires to the brackets.
* Springs may be placed on the arch wires between brackets to push, pull, open or close the spaces between teeth.
* Two bands on the upper teeth may have headgear tubes on them to hold the facebow of the headgear in place. (A headgear is another tool used by orthodontists to aid in correcting irregularities of the teeth; see below)
* Elastics or rubber bands attach to hooks on brackets and are worn between the upper and lower teeth in various ways. They apply pressure to move the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve a perfect fit of individual teeth.
* Facebow headgear is the wire gadget that is used to move the upper molars back in the mouth to correct bite discrepancies and also to create room for crowded anterior teeth. The facebow consists of an inner metal part shaped like a horseshoe that goes in the mouth, attaching to buccal tubes, and an outer part that goes around the outside of the face and is connected to a headgear strap.
How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?
The time required for treatment varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem; the amount of room available; the distance the teeth must travel; the health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone; and how closely the patient follows instructions. On average, however, once the braces are put on, they usually remain in place for 1 to 3 years. After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first 6 months, then only during sleep for many years.
How Often Will I Need to See the Orthodontist During Treatment?
Your orthodontist will want to see you about every month or so in order to make sure that the braces are exerting steady pressure on your teeth. To create more tension and pressure on your teeth, your orthodontist will make adjustments in the wires, springs, or rubber bands of your braces. In some cases, braces alone aren't enough to straighten the teeth or shift the jaw. In these situations, an external appliance, such as a headgear may need to be worn at home in the evening or through the night.
Will Braces Cause Pain?
Some of the adjustments your orthodontist may make to your braces may make your mouth feel sore or uncomfortable. When needed, over-the-counter pain relievers like Motrin or Tylenol can help relieve the pain. If you always experience a lot of pain after your braces are adjusted, talk to your orthodontist about it; he or she may be able to make the adjustments a bit differently.
Does the Age at Which I Get Braces Affect the Success of Treatment?
The mechanical process used to move teeth is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.
Can I Continue to Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
You can continue to participate in any sport you choose. When playing sports where there is a possibility of getting hit in the mouth, a specially designed mouthguard will need to be worn. The mouthguard, made of durable plastic, is designed to fit comfortably over your braces and will protect the soft tissues inside your mouth.
What Care Can I Expect After the Braces Come Off?
After your braces are taken off, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. Your orthodontist may want to take another set of X-rays and bite impressions to check how well the braces straightened your teeth and to see if any wisdom teeth have developed. If wisdom teeth are beginning to come in after your braces have been removed, your orthodontist may recommend the wisdom teeth be pulled to prevent your newly straightened teeth from shifting position in your mouth.
Your orthodontist will also fit you with a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made, removable appliance that help teeth to maintain their new position after braces have been removed. Retainers can also be used to treat minor orthodontic problems. The use of a retainer is a very important part of post-braces care. Retainers, which are typically made of rubber or clear plastic and metal wires that cover the outside surface of the teeth, need to be worn all the time for the first 6 months and then usually only during sleep. The time frame for wearing a retainer will vary from patient to patient. The reason why a retainer is needed is that even though braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they are not completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the change. Also, after long periods of time, teeth tend to shift.
How Much Co Braces Cost?
The cost of braces varies, but you can expect the cost to be between $1,800 and $5,500. Some insurance carriers provide partial coverage for orthodontic treatment while others provide none at all. Check with your insurance provider for the specifics of what your policy covers.
by webMD
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
If you have crooked teeth and/or a misaligned bite (an underbite or overbite), there are a variety of treatments that can help straighten your teeth, including braces and retainers.
Ask your dentist to refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in correcting irregularities of the teeth.
The orthodontist will ask you questions about your health, conduct a clinical exam, gather impressions of your teeth, take photos of your face and teeth, and order X-rays of your mouth and head. An appropriate treatment plan is made based on analysis of the gathered information.
In some cases, a removable retainer will be all that's necessary. In other rare cases (especially when there is an extreme overbite or underbite), surgery may be necessary. In most cases, however, braces will be needed.
What Types of Braces Are Available?
If braces are indeed the solution for you, your orthodontist will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs. The braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances.
Generally, there are three types of braces:
* Brackets: Made of stainless steel or clear or tooth-colored ceramic or plastic, brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth. Ceramic or plastic brackets are often selected for cosmetic reasons. Plastic brackets, however, may become stained and discolored by the end of treatment. Another disadvantage of ceramic or plastic brackets is that they cause more friction between the wire and brackets, which can increase treatment time.
* Lingual-type brackets: These are brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hiding the bracket from view.
* Traditional bands: These are the generally outdated "full metal-mouth" look, which consists of the use of metal brackets soldered to metal bands that wrap around each tooth.
Newer "mini-braces," which are much smaller than traditional braces, may be an option for some. Your orthodontist will discuss the various types of available braces with you and determine which might be the best option for you.
How Do Braces Work?
In their entirety, braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bony tooth socket reabsorbs and changes shape as pressure is applied.
Braces are made up of the following components:
* Brackets are the small squares that are bonded directly to each tooth with a special dental bonding agent or are attached to orthodontic bands. Brackets act like handles, holding the arch wires that move the teeth.
* Orthodontic bands are stainless steel, clear or tooth-colored materials that are cemented with dental bonding agents or cement to teeth. They wrap around each tooth to provide an anchor for the brackets. The clear or tooth-colored bands are more cosmetically appealing options but are more expensive than stainless steel. They are not used in all patients. Some people have only brackets and no bands.
* Spacers are separators that fit between teeth to create a small space prior to placement of orthodontic bands.
* Arch wires attach to the brackets and act as tracks to guide the movement of the teeth. Arch wires can be made of metal or be clear or tooth-colored.
* Ties are small rubber rings or fine wires that fasten the arch wire to the brackets. They can be clear, metal or colored.
* A buccal tube on the band of the last molar holds the end of the arch wire securely in place.
* Tiny elastic rubber bands, called ligatures, hold the arch wires to the brackets.
* Springs may be placed on the arch wires between brackets to push, pull, open or close the spaces between teeth.
* Two bands on the upper teeth may have headgear tubes on them to hold the facebow of the headgear in place. (A headgear is another tool used by orthodontists to aid in correcting irregularities of the teeth; see below)
* Elastics or rubber bands attach to hooks on brackets and are worn between the upper and lower teeth in various ways. They apply pressure to move the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve a perfect fit of individual teeth.
* Facebow headgear is the wire gadget that is used to move the upper molars back in the mouth to correct bite discrepancies and also to create room for crowded anterior teeth. The facebow consists of an inner metal part shaped like a horseshoe that goes in the mouth, attaching to buccal tubes, and an outer part that goes around the outside of the face and is connected to a headgear strap.
How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?
The time required for treatment varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem; the amount of room available; the distance the teeth must travel; the health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone; and how closely the patient follows instructions. On average, however, once the braces are put on, they usually remain in place for 1 to 3 years. After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first 6 months, then only during sleep for many years.
How Often Will I Need to See the Orthodontist During Treatment?
Your orthodontist will want to see you about every month or so in order to make sure that the braces are exerting steady pressure on your teeth. To create more tension and pressure on your teeth, your orthodontist will make adjustments in the wires, springs, or rubber bands of your braces. In some cases, braces alone aren't enough to straighten the teeth or shift the jaw. In these situations, an external appliance, such as a headgear may need to be worn at home in the evening or through the night.
Will Braces Cause Pain?
Some of the adjustments your orthodontist may make to your braces may make your mouth feel sore or uncomfortable. When needed, over-the-counter pain relievers like Motrin or Tylenol can help relieve the pain. If you always experience a lot of pain after your braces are adjusted, talk to your orthodontist about it; he or she may be able to make the adjustments a bit differently.
Does the Age at Which I Get Braces Affect the Success of Treatment?
The mechanical process used to move teeth is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.
Can I Continue to Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
You can continue to participate in any sport you choose. When playing sports where there is a possibility of getting hit in the mouth, a specially designed mouthguard will need to be worn. The mouthguard, made of durable plastic, is designed to fit comfortably over your braces and will protect the soft tissues inside your mouth.
What Care Can I Expect After the Braces Come Off?
After your braces are taken off, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. Your orthodontist may want to take another set of X-rays and bite impressions to check how well the braces straightened your teeth and to see if any wisdom teeth have developed. If wisdom teeth are beginning to come in after your braces have been removed, your orthodontist may recommend the wisdom teeth be pulled to prevent your newly straightened teeth from shifting position in your mouth.
Your orthodontist will also fit you with a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made, removable appliance that help teeth to maintain their new position after braces have been removed. Retainers can also be used to treat minor orthodontic problems. The use of a retainer is a very important part of post-braces care. Retainers, which are typically made of rubber or clear plastic and metal wires that cover the outside surface of the teeth, need to be worn all the time for the first 6 months and then usually only during sleep. The time frame for wearing a retainer will vary from patient to patient. The reason why a retainer is needed is that even though braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they are not completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the change. Also, after long periods of time, teeth tend to shift.
How Much Co Braces Cost?
The cost of braces varies, but you can expect the cost to be between $1,800 and $5,500. Some insurance carriers provide partial coverage for orthodontic treatment while others provide none at all. Check with your insurance provider for the specifics of what your policy covers.
by webMD
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Make Over Your Mouth
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
From a mere cleaning to tooth whitening to "smile design," a trip to the dentist can be a cosmetic experience these days.
If you're in the market for a makeover, there are many beauty specialists who can help you. You might turn to a hair stylist, cosmetic surgeon, or dermatologist. You probably wouldn't think of going to the dentist, yet dentists can do things for your appearance that no one else can.
It goes far beyond scraping the plaque off your choppers during a biannual checkup. "We have procedures where we can change the shape, size, and color of the teeth," says Michael Malone, a cosmetic dentist in Lafayette, La., and president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry isn't exactly a dental specialty. Those who call themselves cosmetic dentists usually do cleanings and drill cavities, too. They're just particularly interested in aesthetics, and they have extra training to do cosmetic procedures.
Tooth Whitening
The simplest and most common thing they do is tooth whitening. This is nothing new, but it is cheaper and easier today than it used to be.
"We were doing it 30 years ago," Malone says. "We were using at that time a very, very strong solution of hydrogen peroxide -- so strong that if it touched the lips or the gums it would actually injure a person."
In this type of tooth-whitening treatment, called "power bleaching," teeth are isolated with rubber dental dams, and the peroxide solution on the teeth is heated up with lamps.
"It worked, but it was so much trouble that very few people would go through it," Malone says. "Also, it was quite expensive because it took so long in the dental chair."
Power bleaching is still available, but there's a cheaper alternative. A new tooth-whitening technique uses lower-strength peroxides that are left on the teeth longer.
After the dentist makes sure your teeth are healthy enough for the treatment, you have an impression of your teeth taken, and the impression is used to make a tray that holds a peroxide gel on the teeth. You wear this tray at home for a few hours every day, over the course of one to five weeks.
The resulting brilliant whiteness still isn't cheap. Depending on where you live, a take-home tooth whitening can cost anywhere from $150-$1,000. An in-office bleaching tends to be more expensive.
'Smile Design'
Tooth whitening can be just the beginning. If you want to get serious, you can have your teeth and gums overhauled completely. "Smile design" is what San Francisco cosmetic dentist Jerry Bellen calls it.
"Smile design is looking at the positions of somebody's teeth, and how the teeth are framed by the lips," he says.
For example, if your gums show too much when you smile, that can be fixed. "We do what's called a gum lift," Bellen says. "The technical term for it is crown lengthening."
This is a surgery that can be done in the dentist's office, whereby the gums are pushed up so that more of the teeth show. "Surprisingly, there isn't much pain," Bellen says. "It's a fairly minor surgery."
You can also have your teeth shaped any way you want them to be. Bellen says that lengthening and rounding the edges of your front teeth can actually make you look younger. A lifetime of chewing (and especially of nail biting) wears down your teeth. Even after a facelift, worn teeth can add years to your appearance.
To shape a tooth, a cosmetic dentist may bond a resin or porcelain veneer or crown to it. Resin bonding is the older method. "It still is good and used a lot today," Malone says, but it doesn't last as long as porcelain, the newer material.
Resin may, in time, wear out or become discolored, whereas porcelain doesn't. The other difference is that resin bonding is done in the dentist's chair, usually in one visit. For a porcelain veneer, a mold is sent away to a dental lab to be made, then bonded on later.
In addition to shaping teeth attractively, a cosmetic dentist can give you pouty lips. "We take profile photographs of the lips," Bellen says, "If somebody wants a fuller lip, we can actually increase the bulkiness of the veneer," so that it pushes the lip outward.
Tetracycline stains can also be covered with veneers. "When tetracycline [a commonly used antibiotic] is given as a child, it tends to stain developing teeth," Bellen says. "It happens in bands -- striations across the teeth."
If your molars are a mess of metal fillings, that can be fixed by grinding them down and capping them with new porcelain crowns.
The Architecture of a Smile
Bellen says a cosmetic dentist can do just about anything needed to improve your smile, but he stresses the work must be carefully planned. "I go though a pretty detailed evaluation before I start any work at all," he says.
Your bite -- the way your teeth fit together when your mouth is closed -- is an important consideration. "You can put porcelain on everything and not pay attention to the bite, and have everything break down," Bellen says.
That means that before any veneers or crowns go on, your teeth may need to be realigned, and you may even need jaw surgery. "I, as a cosmetic dentist, will diagnose and plan the treatment," Malone says. Then he may involve other professionals, such as an orthodontist or an oral surgeon.
When teeth need to be realigned, it's usually an orthodontist who takes care of it. And you may not need braces. Many people can have their teeth straightened with the Invisalign system, which uses clear plastic "aligners" to gradually move the teeth around. Although it is widely accepted, "You cannot use Invisalign for every case that you can use braces for," Malone says.
Often the jaw can be repositioned without surgery, but sometimes an oral surgeon may need to join the team. As part of a "whole mouth rehabilitation," as Bellen terms it, some people need to have a severely recessed or protruding jaw corrected.
How much you want done depends on how much time you're willing to commit to it, and how much money you have at your disposal. Strictly cosmetic dental work isn't covered by insurance, and the cost can be steep. Veneers, for example, may cost as little as $250 and as much as $2,000 -- per tooth.
Again, you would be paying for a lot of time in the chair. Bellen says he sometimes works on a single patient for a full eight-hour day. What's more, the end result can take many months to accomplish. "There are cases I have in progress right now that have been going on for a year," he says.
But for some, an elaborate and costly production may be worth it in the end. "People smile more when they have nice-looking teeth," Bellen says. "Your whole face brightens up."
By Martin F. Downs
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD
Cheers, frizzy2008.
From a mere cleaning to tooth whitening to "smile design," a trip to the dentist can be a cosmetic experience these days.
If you're in the market for a makeover, there are many beauty specialists who can help you. You might turn to a hair stylist, cosmetic surgeon, or dermatologist. You probably wouldn't think of going to the dentist, yet dentists can do things for your appearance that no one else can.
It goes far beyond scraping the plaque off your choppers during a biannual checkup. "We have procedures where we can change the shape, size, and color of the teeth," says Michael Malone, a cosmetic dentist in Lafayette, La., and president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry isn't exactly a dental specialty. Those who call themselves cosmetic dentists usually do cleanings and drill cavities, too. They're just particularly interested in aesthetics, and they have extra training to do cosmetic procedures.
Tooth Whitening
The simplest and most common thing they do is tooth whitening. This is nothing new, but it is cheaper and easier today than it used to be.
"We were doing it 30 years ago," Malone says. "We were using at that time a very, very strong solution of hydrogen peroxide -- so strong that if it touched the lips or the gums it would actually injure a person."
In this type of tooth-whitening treatment, called "power bleaching," teeth are isolated with rubber dental dams, and the peroxide solution on the teeth is heated up with lamps.
"It worked, but it was so much trouble that very few people would go through it," Malone says. "Also, it was quite expensive because it took so long in the dental chair."
Power bleaching is still available, but there's a cheaper alternative. A new tooth-whitening technique uses lower-strength peroxides that are left on the teeth longer.
After the dentist makes sure your teeth are healthy enough for the treatment, you have an impression of your teeth taken, and the impression is used to make a tray that holds a peroxide gel on the teeth. You wear this tray at home for a few hours every day, over the course of one to five weeks.
The resulting brilliant whiteness still isn't cheap. Depending on where you live, a take-home tooth whitening can cost anywhere from $150-$1,000. An in-office bleaching tends to be more expensive.
'Smile Design'
Tooth whitening can be just the beginning. If you want to get serious, you can have your teeth and gums overhauled completely. "Smile design" is what San Francisco cosmetic dentist Jerry Bellen calls it.
"Smile design is looking at the positions of somebody's teeth, and how the teeth are framed by the lips," he says.
For example, if your gums show too much when you smile, that can be fixed. "We do what's called a gum lift," Bellen says. "The technical term for it is crown lengthening."
This is a surgery that can be done in the dentist's office, whereby the gums are pushed up so that more of the teeth show. "Surprisingly, there isn't much pain," Bellen says. "It's a fairly minor surgery."
You can also have your teeth shaped any way you want them to be. Bellen says that lengthening and rounding the edges of your front teeth can actually make you look younger. A lifetime of chewing (and especially of nail biting) wears down your teeth. Even after a facelift, worn teeth can add years to your appearance.
To shape a tooth, a cosmetic dentist may bond a resin or porcelain veneer or crown to it. Resin bonding is the older method. "It still is good and used a lot today," Malone says, but it doesn't last as long as porcelain, the newer material.
Resin may, in time, wear out or become discolored, whereas porcelain doesn't. The other difference is that resin bonding is done in the dentist's chair, usually in one visit. For a porcelain veneer, a mold is sent away to a dental lab to be made, then bonded on later.
In addition to shaping teeth attractively, a cosmetic dentist can give you pouty lips. "We take profile photographs of the lips," Bellen says, "If somebody wants a fuller lip, we can actually increase the bulkiness of the veneer," so that it pushes the lip outward.
Tetracycline stains can also be covered with veneers. "When tetracycline [a commonly used antibiotic] is given as a child, it tends to stain developing teeth," Bellen says. "It happens in bands -- striations across the teeth."
If your molars are a mess of metal fillings, that can be fixed by grinding them down and capping them with new porcelain crowns.
The Architecture of a Smile
Bellen says a cosmetic dentist can do just about anything needed to improve your smile, but he stresses the work must be carefully planned. "I go though a pretty detailed evaluation before I start any work at all," he says.
Your bite -- the way your teeth fit together when your mouth is closed -- is an important consideration. "You can put porcelain on everything and not pay attention to the bite, and have everything break down," Bellen says.
That means that before any veneers or crowns go on, your teeth may need to be realigned, and you may even need jaw surgery. "I, as a cosmetic dentist, will diagnose and plan the treatment," Malone says. Then he may involve other professionals, such as an orthodontist or an oral surgeon.
When teeth need to be realigned, it's usually an orthodontist who takes care of it. And you may not need braces. Many people can have their teeth straightened with the Invisalign system, which uses clear plastic "aligners" to gradually move the teeth around. Although it is widely accepted, "You cannot use Invisalign for every case that you can use braces for," Malone says.
Often the jaw can be repositioned without surgery, but sometimes an oral surgeon may need to join the team. As part of a "whole mouth rehabilitation," as Bellen terms it, some people need to have a severely recessed or protruding jaw corrected.
How much you want done depends on how much time you're willing to commit to it, and how much money you have at your disposal. Strictly cosmetic dental work isn't covered by insurance, and the cost can be steep. Veneers, for example, may cost as little as $250 and as much as $2,000 -- per tooth.
Again, you would be paying for a lot of time in the chair. Bellen says he sometimes works on a single patient for a full eight-hour day. What's more, the end result can take many months to accomplish. "There are cases I have in progress right now that have been going on for a year," he says.
But for some, an elaborate and costly production may be worth it in the end. "People smile more when they have nice-looking teeth," Bellen says. "Your whole face brightens up."
By Martin F. Downs
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
Greenhouse Gas Overview
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called greenhouse gases. This section of the EPA Climate Change Site provides information and data on emissions of greenhouse gases to Earth’s atmosphere, and also the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. For more information on the science of climate change, please visit EPA's climate change science home page.
Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities. Other greenhouse gases (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities. The principal greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere because of human activities are:
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
* Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
* Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
* Fluorinated Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are sometimes used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (i.e., CFCs, HCFCs, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent greenhouse gases, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential gases (“High GWP gases”).
Greenhouse Gas Inventories
A greenhouse gas inventory is an accounting of the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to or removed from the atmosphere over a specific period of time (e.g., one year). A greenhouse gas inventory also provides information on the activities that cause emissions and removals, as well as background on the methods used to make the calculations. Policy makers use greenhouse gas inventories to track emission trends, develop strategies and policies and assess progress. Scientists use greenhouse gas inventories as inputs to atmospheric and economic models.
To track the national trend in emissions and removals since 1990, EPA develops the official U.S. greenhouse gas inventory each year. The national greenhouse gas inventory is submitted to the United Nations in accordance with the Framework Convention on Climate Change Exit EPA Disclaimer.
In addition to the U.S. inventory, greenhouse gas emissions can be tracked at the global, state and local levels as well as by companies and individuals:
* Many other countries also develop national greenhouse gas inventories, which can be compiled into global inventories. EPA works with developing and transition countries to improve the accuracy and sustainability of their greenhouse gas inventories. EPA has developed Greenhouse Gas Inventory Capacity Building templates and software tools targeting key sources, emissions factors, good practices, institutional infrastructure and use of the latest IPCC guidelines on greenhouse gas inventories.
* Many states prepare greenhouse gas inventories, and EPA provides guidance and tools to assist them in their efforts.
* Corporate greenhouse gas inventories provide information on the emissions associated with the operations of a company.
* Individuals produce greenhouse gas emissions through everyday activities such as driving and using air conditioning or heating. EPA provides an online calculator for estimating personal emissions.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Exit EPA Disclaimer publishes internationally accepted inventory methodologies that serve as a basis for all greenhouse gas inventories, ensuring that they are comparable and understandable. The 2006 IPCC Guidelines Exit EPA Disclaimer were completed and accepted by the IPCC in May 2006.
Emission Trends & Projections
Estimates of future emissions and removals depend in part on assumptions about changes in underlying human activities. For example, the demand for fossil fuels such as gasoline and coal is expected to increase greatly with the predicted growth of the U.S. and global economies.
The Fourth U.S. Climate Action Report concluded, in assessing current trends, thatcarbon dioxide emissions increased by 20 percent from 1990-2004, while methane and nitrous oxide emissions decreased by 10 percent and 2 percent, respectively. The declines in methane emissions are due to a variety of technological, policy, and agricultural changes, such as increased capture of methane from landfills for energy, reduced emissions from natural gas systems, and declining cattle populations. At least some of the decline in nitrous oxide emissions is due to improved emissions control technologies in cars, trucks, and other mobile sources. (Fourth U.S.Climate Action Report, 2007)
Many, but not all, human sources of greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise in the future. This growth may be reduced by ongoing efforts to increase the use of newer, cleaner technologies and other measures. Additionally, our everyday choices about such things as commuting, housing, electricity use and recycling can influence the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted.
The United States government prepares projections of emissions and removals of all greenhouse gases. The following links provide more detailed information on projections:
* Greenhouse Gas Projections, Chapter 5 of the U.S. Climate Action Report: In Chapter 5 of the Climate Action Report, the U.S. forecasts future emission levels using information developed from models.
* International Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emission Projections
* Methane Projections
* Nitrous Oxide Projections
* Fluorinated Gases
Project Methodologies
EPA has developed several Climate Leaders Offset Project Methodologies that use a standardized approach to determine project eligibility, address additionality, select and set the baseline, identify monitoring options, and quantify reductions. This approach seeks to ensure that the GHG emission reductions from offset projects meet four key accounting principles—they must be real, additional, permanent, and verifiable.
To be eligible as offsets, project activities must be surplus to regulation. Projects are also required to demonstrate additionality by achieving a level of performance with respect to emission reductions and/or removals that is significantly better than business-as-usual. Business-as-usual is determined from similar, recently undertaken or planned practices, activities or facilities in the same geographic region. This level of “performance” may be defined as an emissions rate, a technology standard or a practice standard. Data used in setting the performance standard is primarily collected from publicly available historic data (although planned or projected activities may be used in certain cases as well). The performance standard approach minimizes the risk of accepting a project that is not additional or rejecting a project that is additional. A performance standard approach also reduces the complexity, cost, and subjectivity of constructing individual project-specific reviews.
References
* Fourth U.S. Climate Action Report, 2007 Exit EPA Disclaimer
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Greenhouse Gas Overview
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called greenhouse gases. This section of the EPA Climate Change Site provides information and data on emissions of greenhouse gases to Earth’s atmosphere, and also the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. For more information on the science of climate change, please visit EPA's climate change science home page.
Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities. Other greenhouse gases (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities. The principal greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere because of human activities are:
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
* Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
* Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
* Fluorinated Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are sometimes used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (i.e., CFCs, HCFCs, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent greenhouse gases, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential gases (“High GWP gases”).
Greenhouse Gas Inventories
A greenhouse gas inventory is an accounting of the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to or removed from the atmosphere over a specific period of time (e.g., one year). A greenhouse gas inventory also provides information on the activities that cause emissions and removals, as well as background on the methods used to make the calculations. Policy makers use greenhouse gas inventories to track emission trends, develop strategies and policies and assess progress. Scientists use greenhouse gas inventories as inputs to atmospheric and economic models.
To track the national trend in emissions and removals since 1990, EPA develops the official U.S. greenhouse gas inventory each year. The national greenhouse gas inventory is submitted to the United Nations in accordance with the Framework Convention on Climate Change Exit EPA Disclaimer.
In addition to the U.S. inventory, greenhouse gas emissions can be tracked at the global, state and local levels as well as by companies and individuals:
* Many other countries also develop national greenhouse gas inventories, which can be compiled into global inventories. EPA works with developing and transition countries to improve the accuracy and sustainability of their greenhouse gas inventories. EPA has developed Greenhouse Gas Inventory Capacity Building templates and software tools targeting key sources, emissions factors, good practices, institutional infrastructure and use of the latest IPCC guidelines on greenhouse gas inventories.
* Many states prepare greenhouse gas inventories, and EPA provides guidance and tools to assist them in their efforts.
* Corporate greenhouse gas inventories provide information on the emissions associated with the operations of a company.
* Individuals produce greenhouse gas emissions through everyday activities such as driving and using air conditioning or heating. EPA provides an online calculator for estimating personal emissions.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Exit EPA Disclaimer publishes internationally accepted inventory methodologies that serve as a basis for all greenhouse gas inventories, ensuring that they are comparable and understandable. The 2006 IPCC Guidelines Exit EPA Disclaimer were completed and accepted by the IPCC in May 2006.
Emission Trends & Projections
Estimates of future emissions and removals depend in part on assumptions about changes in underlying human activities. For example, the demand for fossil fuels such as gasoline and coal is expected to increase greatly with the predicted growth of the U.S. and global economies.
The Fourth U.S. Climate Action Report concluded, in assessing current trends, thatcarbon dioxide emissions increased by 20 percent from 1990-2004, while methane and nitrous oxide emissions decreased by 10 percent and 2 percent, respectively. The declines in methane emissions are due to a variety of technological, policy, and agricultural changes, such as increased capture of methane from landfills for energy, reduced emissions from natural gas systems, and declining cattle populations. At least some of the decline in nitrous oxide emissions is due to improved emissions control technologies in cars, trucks, and other mobile sources. (Fourth U.S.Climate Action Report, 2007)
Many, but not all, human sources of greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise in the future. This growth may be reduced by ongoing efforts to increase the use of newer, cleaner technologies and other measures. Additionally, our everyday choices about such things as commuting, housing, electricity use and recycling can influence the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted.
The United States government prepares projections of emissions and removals of all greenhouse gases. The following links provide more detailed information on projections:
* Greenhouse Gas Projections, Chapter 5 of the U.S. Climate Action Report: In Chapter 5 of the Climate Action Report, the U.S. forecasts future emission levels using information developed from models.
* International Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emission Projections
* Methane Projections
* Nitrous Oxide Projections
* Fluorinated Gases
Project Methodologies
EPA has developed several Climate Leaders Offset Project Methodologies that use a standardized approach to determine project eligibility, address additionality, select and set the baseline, identify monitoring options, and quantify reductions. This approach seeks to ensure that the GHG emission reductions from offset projects meet four key accounting principles—they must be real, additional, permanent, and verifiable.
To be eligible as offsets, project activities must be surplus to regulation. Projects are also required to demonstrate additionality by achieving a level of performance with respect to emission reductions and/or removals that is significantly better than business-as-usual. Business-as-usual is determined from similar, recently undertaken or planned practices, activities or facilities in the same geographic region. This level of “performance” may be defined as an emissions rate, a technology standard or a practice standard. Data used in setting the performance standard is primarily collected from publicly available historic data (although planned or projected activities may be used in certain cases as well). The performance standard approach minimizes the risk of accepting a project that is not additional or rejecting a project that is additional. A performance standard approach also reduces the complexity, cost, and subjectivity of constructing individual project-specific reviews.
References
* Fourth U.S. Climate Action Report, 2007 Exit EPA Disclaimer
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Indonesia Official Sites
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
Indonesia Official Sites
Peace Pak Presiden, tujuan saya sih sekedar menyebarluaskan saja.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Indonesia Official Sites
Lembaga-Lembaga Negara
- Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat
- Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat
- Dewan Perwakilan Daerah
- Mahkamah Konstitusi
- Mahkamah Agung
- Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan
Komisi-Komisi Negara
- Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi
- Komisi Yudisial
- Komisi Pemilihan Umum
- Komisi Pengawasan Persaingan Usaha
- Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia
- Komisi Perlindungan Anak Indonesia
- Komisi Ombudsman
Departemen
- Departemen Dalam Negeri
- Departemen Luar Negeri
- Departemen Pertahanan
- Departemen Hukum dan Hak Asasi Manusia
- Departemen Komunikasi dan Informatika
- Departemen Keuangan
- Departemen Perdagangan
- Departemen Perindustrian
- Departemen Perhubungan
- Departemen Pekerjaan Umum
- Departemen Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi
- Departemen Pertanian
- Departemen Kehutanan
- Departemen Kelautan dan Perikanan
- Departemen Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral
- Departemen Kesehatan
- Departemen Pendidikan Nasional
- Departemen Sosial
- Departemen Agama
- Departemen Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata
Kementerian/Lembaga Setingkat Menteri
- Kementerian Koordinator Politik, Hukum dan Keamanan
- Kementerian Koordinator Perekonomian
- Kementerian Koordinator Kesejahteraan Rakyat
- Kementerian Negara Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional/BAPPENAS
- Kementerian Negara Riset dan Teknologi/BPPT
- Kementerian Negara Koperasi dan UKM
- Kementerian Negara BUMN
- Kementerian Negara Pembangunan Daerah Tertinggal
- Kementerian Negara Lingkungan Hidup
- Kementerian Negara Pendayagunaan Aparatur Negara
- Kementerian Negara Perumahan Rakyat
- Kementerian Negara Pemberdayaan Perempuan
- Kementerian Negara Pemuda dan Olahraga
- Sekretariat Negara
- Sekretariat Kabinet
- Kejaksaan Agung
TNI dan POLRI
Lembaga-Lembaga Pemerintah Non-Departemen
- Arsip Nasional Republik Indonesia
- Badan Akuntansi Keuangan Negara
- Badan Intelijen Negara
- Badan Kepegawaian Negara
- Badan Koordinasi Keluarga Berencana Nasional
- Badan Koordinasi Penanaman Modal
- Badan Koordinasi Survei dan Pemetaan Nasional
- Badan Meteorologi dan Geofisika
- Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan
- Badan Pengawas Perdagangan Berjangka Komoditi
- Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir
- Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan
- Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi
- Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional
- Badan Pertanahan Nasional
- Badan Pusat Statistik
- Badan Standarisasi Nasional
- Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional
- Badan Urusan Logistik
- Lembaga Administrasi Negara
- Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia
- Lembaga Informasi Nasional
- Lembaga Penerbangan dan Antariksa Nasional
- Perpustakaan Nasional Republik Indonesia
- Badan Narkotika Nasional
Pemerintah-Pemerintah Propinsi:
- Propinsi Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam
- Propinsi Sumatera Utara
- Propinsi Sumatera Barat
- Propinsi Riau
- Propinsi Kepulauan Riau
- Propinsi Jambi
- Propinsi Bengkulu
- Propinsi Sumatera Selatan
- Propinsi Bangka-Belitung
- Propinsi Lampung
- Propinsi Banten
- Propinsi DKI Jakarta
- Propinsi Jawa Barat
- Propinsi Jawa Tengah
- Propinsi D.I. Yogyakarta
- Propinsi Jawa Timur
- Propinsi Kalimantan Barat
- Propinsi Kalimantan Tengah
- Propinsi Kalimantan Selatan
- Propinsi Kalimantan Timur
- Propinsi Bali
- Propinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat
- Propinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur
- Propinsi Sulawesi Selatan
- Propinsi Sulawesi Barat
- Propinsi Sulawesi Tenggara
- Propinsi Sulawesi Tengah
- Propinsi Gorontalo
- Propinsi Sulawesi Utara
- Propinsi Maluku
- Propinsi Maluku Utara
- Propinsi Irian Jaya Barat
- Provinsi Papua
Peace Pak Presiden, tujuan saya sih sekedar menyebarluaskan saja.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Tatkala Orang Kaya Malu Bermewah-mewah, katanya...shhh
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
"Hidup boros terlihat kuno sejak 6 Oktober 2008 manakala CEO Lehman Brothers, Richard Fuld, tampil memalukan selama dengar pendapat dengan Kongres AS menyusul bangkrutnya Lehman dengan meninggalkan utang 600 miliar dolar AS (setara dengan Rp7.200 triliun).
Orang-orang seperti David Koch, yang punya harta 16 miliar dolar AS (Rp192 triliun) dan Ron Perelman yang kekayaannya ditaksir 9,5 miliar dolar AS (Rp114 triliun) adalah anggota kelompok 10,1 juta manusia HNWI (high net worth individuals, berkekayaan pribadi bersih) yang ada di seluruh dunia.
Berdasarkan perhitungan Merrill Lynch dan Capgemini dari Paris, total kekayaan bersih kelompok ini mencapai 40,7 triliun dolar AS (Rp488.400 triliun) atau 113 kali produk domestik bruto (PDB) Indonesia tahun 2007 yang mencapai Rp3.957 triliun.
"Jika salah seorang dari mereka kehilangan 100 juta dolar AS (Rp1,2 triliun) di pasar modal, itu tak akan membuat gaya hidup mereka berubah. Mereka selalu menginginkan apa yang mereka inginkan, kapanpun mereka inginkan," katanya."
Selengkapnya
Cheers, frizzy2008.
"Hidup boros terlihat kuno sejak 6 Oktober 2008 manakala CEO Lehman Brothers, Richard Fuld, tampil memalukan selama dengar pendapat dengan Kongres AS menyusul bangkrutnya Lehman dengan meninggalkan utang 600 miliar dolar AS (setara dengan Rp7.200 triliun).
Orang-orang seperti David Koch, yang punya harta 16 miliar dolar AS (Rp192 triliun) dan Ron Perelman yang kekayaannya ditaksir 9,5 miliar dolar AS (Rp114 triliun) adalah anggota kelompok 10,1 juta manusia HNWI (high net worth individuals, berkekayaan pribadi bersih) yang ada di seluruh dunia.
Berdasarkan perhitungan Merrill Lynch dan Capgemini dari Paris, total kekayaan bersih kelompok ini mencapai 40,7 triliun dolar AS (Rp488.400 triliun) atau 113 kali produk domestik bruto (PDB) Indonesia tahun 2007 yang mencapai Rp3.957 triliun.
"Jika salah seorang dari mereka kehilangan 100 juta dolar AS (Rp1,2 triliun) di pasar modal, itu tak akan membuat gaya hidup mereka berubah. Mereka selalu menginginkan apa yang mereka inginkan, kapanpun mereka inginkan," katanya."
Selengkapnya
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Visa to Norway
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
Schengen Visa
Norway is part of the Schengen area which includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. A visitor's visa for one of the Schengen countries will be valid for travelling to all the other Schengen countries during the period for which the visa is valid. Over a period of six months, you are not permitted to spend more than three months in the Schengen area.
You may apply for a Schengen visa at the Norwegian Embassy if Norway is your main destination within the Schengen area. If you do not have a main destination, you must apply for a visa at the foreign mission of the Schengen country where the initial entry is to take place. The processing time of visa depends on each individual case, but normally you will receive an answer within 2 weeks. The Embassy urges applicants to apply well in advance of planned travel dates.
A visitor's visa is valid for a maximum of three months. The current visa fee is EUR. 60 (approximately IDR. 830.000). In order to be able to process the application, the Embassy will need the following documents:
* A passport or travel document valid for at least three months beyond the date of return from Norway
* A duly filled and signed application form
* Two photocopies of the personal data page of the passport, as well as all previous stamps and visas existing in the passport. Accompanying children over 18 years of age must submit their own applications The Embassy will accept passports and travel documents including more than one person. However, each person travelling over the age of 18 years has to present his/her own travel documents.
* Proof of funds (bank book, other savings, investments etc.) in cases where expenses for the visit are going to be covered by the applicant himself.
* Invitation from the host, explaining the purpose of the visit. When travelling to Norway, and expenses for the visit are to be covered by the host, a "Guarantee form for visits" has to be filled in by the host and certified by the local police authorities in Norway.
* Two passport photographs (background must be white), size 4x6 mm.
* When a visa is granted, the applicant must present a return ticket and travel insurance covering medical expenditures (miniumum coverage of USD 42.500,-) before the visa will be issued.
Royal Norwegian Embassy
Menara Rajawali Building, 25th floor
Mega Kuningan
Jakarta 12950
Republic of Indonesia
Tel: + 62 21 576 1523/24. Fax: + 62 21 576 1537
E-mail: emb.jakarta@mfa.no
Embassy opening hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 - 15.00. The visa section is open 09.00 - 12.00 Monday to Thursday. Friday the visa section is closed.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Schengen Visa
Norway is part of the Schengen area which includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. A visitor's visa for one of the Schengen countries will be valid for travelling to all the other Schengen countries during the period for which the visa is valid. Over a period of six months, you are not permitted to spend more than three months in the Schengen area.
You may apply for a Schengen visa at the Norwegian Embassy if Norway is your main destination within the Schengen area. If you do not have a main destination, you must apply for a visa at the foreign mission of the Schengen country where the initial entry is to take place. The processing time of visa depends on each individual case, but normally you will receive an answer within 2 weeks. The Embassy urges applicants to apply well in advance of planned travel dates.
A visitor's visa is valid for a maximum of three months. The current visa fee is EUR. 60 (approximately IDR. 830.000). In order to be able to process the application, the Embassy will need the following documents:
* A passport or travel document valid for at least three months beyond the date of return from Norway
* A duly filled and signed application form
* Two photocopies of the personal data page of the passport, as well as all previous stamps and visas existing in the passport. Accompanying children over 18 years of age must submit their own applications The Embassy will accept passports and travel documents including more than one person. However, each person travelling over the age of 18 years has to present his/her own travel documents.
* Proof of funds (bank book, other savings, investments etc.) in cases where expenses for the visit are going to be covered by the applicant himself.
* Invitation from the host, explaining the purpose of the visit. When travelling to Norway, and expenses for the visit are to be covered by the host, a "Guarantee form for visits" has to be filled in by the host and certified by the local police authorities in Norway.
* Two passport photographs (background must be white), size 4x6 mm.
* When a visa is granted, the applicant must present a return ticket and travel insurance covering medical expenditures (miniumum coverage of USD 42.500,-) before the visa will be issued.
Royal Norwegian Embassy
Menara Rajawali Building, 25th floor
Mega Kuningan
Jakarta 12950
Republic of Indonesia
Tel: + 62 21 576 1523/24. Fax: + 62 21 576 1537
E-mail: emb.jakarta@mfa.no
Embassy opening hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 - 15.00. The visa section is open 09.00 - 12.00 Monday to Thursday. Friday the visa section is closed.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Selamatkan Indonesia dari cengkraman HIV/AIDS
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
Artikel menyambut hari AIDS sedunia, 1 Desember
Perkembangan epidemi HIV dan AIDS di Indonesia meningkat cepat beberapa tahun terakhir ini. Hal ini terutama didorong oleh penggunaan narkoba suntik dan akibat hubungan seks berisiko yang sangat tinggi terutama di kota-kota besar. Saat ini Indonesia menghadapi epidemi ganda, yaitu epidemi HIV dan epidemi pengguna narkoba suntik. Ini adalah ancaman yang serius yang harus dihadapi bersama-sama antara pemerintah dan seluruh masyarakat.
Saran-saran untuk ODHA:
1. Melakukan positive prevention yaitu, upaya untuk menyetop penularan HIV hanya pada diri mereka, sehingga tidak menulari orang-orang yang dicintai seperti istri dan anak-anak.
2. Merubah perilaku berisiko agar tidak terjadi re-infeksi virus HIV yang bisa memperparah kondisi kesehatannya.
3. Memanfaatkan semaksimal mungkin kesempatan untuk bisa sehat dan produktif dengan kegiatan yang berguna untuk keluarga dan masyarakat, serta ikut aktif dalam melakukan kampanye, penyuluhan tentang HIV/AIDS di masyarakat.
*Sumber dari press release Depkes RI
Indonesia masuk kategori the fastest growing epudemic in Asia...serem banget yaaa.
Pengidap HIV/AIDS yang tercatat dan melapor saat ini berjumlah 21.151 orang. Namun diperkirakan jumlah pengidap seluruh Indonesia berkisar 200.000 orang.
*Sumber Komisi Penanggulangan AIDS (KPA)
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Artikel menyambut hari AIDS sedunia, 1 Desember
Perkembangan epidemi HIV dan AIDS di Indonesia meningkat cepat beberapa tahun terakhir ini. Hal ini terutama didorong oleh penggunaan narkoba suntik dan akibat hubungan seks berisiko yang sangat tinggi terutama di kota-kota besar. Saat ini Indonesia menghadapi epidemi ganda, yaitu epidemi HIV dan epidemi pengguna narkoba suntik. Ini adalah ancaman yang serius yang harus dihadapi bersama-sama antara pemerintah dan seluruh masyarakat.
Saran-saran untuk ODHA:
1. Melakukan positive prevention yaitu, upaya untuk menyetop penularan HIV hanya pada diri mereka, sehingga tidak menulari orang-orang yang dicintai seperti istri dan anak-anak.
2. Merubah perilaku berisiko agar tidak terjadi re-infeksi virus HIV yang bisa memperparah kondisi kesehatannya.
3. Memanfaatkan semaksimal mungkin kesempatan untuk bisa sehat dan produktif dengan kegiatan yang berguna untuk keluarga dan masyarakat, serta ikut aktif dalam melakukan kampanye, penyuluhan tentang HIV/AIDS di masyarakat.
*Sumber dari press release Depkes RI
Indonesia masuk kategori the fastest growing epudemic in Asia...serem banget yaaa.
Pengidap HIV/AIDS yang tercatat dan melapor saat ini berjumlah 21.151 orang. Namun diperkirakan jumlah pengidap seluruh Indonesia berkisar 200.000 orang.
*Sumber Komisi Penanggulangan AIDS (KPA)
Cheers, frizzy2008.
I cry for these sad news...
Fahmi Rizwansyah says:
Indonesian workers facing massive layoffs
By Andi Abdussalam
(ANTARA News) - Hundreds of thousands of Indonesian workers at home and abroad are facing the threat of losing their jobs as a result of the global financial crisis. At home about 200,000 will likely be laid off shortly. In Malaysia, the main destination of Indonesian migrant workers, at least 300 thousands are facing the same fate, while hundreds of others are waiting repatriation from Kuwait.
"We have to make all-out efforts to prevent massive layoffs," General Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Ms Hidayat said on Monday. He said he had witnessed that the economic recession in the United States had really taken place. Thus, labor intensive industries at home need to make all-out efforts in order to prevent massive layoffs.
In Malaysia about 3,000 Indonesian migrant workers are facing the same fate. According to Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Dai Bachtiar, about 300 thousand Indonesian workers (TKIs) would likely face layoffs due to the on-going global economic recession.
"I am concern with Indonesian workers employed in Malaysian companies whose number reaches 300 thousands," the ambassador said. According to him, the impact of the global economic crisis has not yet been felt by most of Indonesian migrant workers who are bound with work contracts. But workers at Malaysian companies will face the impact if demand for the companies` production fall.
Therefore the ambassador expressed concern over Indonesian workers at Malaysian companies. Those working as domestic helpers and are bound by work contracts will not be much affected. "But this all will depend on the policy of the Malaysian government," the ambassador said.
In the meantime, at least 380 Indonesian migrant workers are facing repatriation in Kuwait. They are now placed at the Indonesian embassy. They are among Indonesian problematic workers in that country.
In order to help their repatriation, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, Head of National Workers Protection and Placement Overseas (BNP2TKI), flew to Kuwait to meet the problematic TKIs.
Luckily, the Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Office (KUODLO) has promised to help repatriate about 380 problematic Indonesian workers now being placed at the Indonesian Embassy.
KUODLO chairman Fadel Mohammed Al Sharaf said it was ready to help. "We are ready to provide assistance," Al Sharaf said in a meeting with Jumhur in Kuwait on Monday night.
In the January-July 2008 period, according to the Indonesian embassy, 12,205 Indonesian workers had been placed in Kuwait, the third biggest after Saudi Arabia which has 75,770, and the United Arab Emirates 14,191 in the same period.
At home, Indonesian companies have begun entering the difficult phase. Kadin chairman for fiscal and monetary affairs Bambang Soesatyo said on Tuesday that about 200,000 workers will be laid off in the coming six months in Indonesia as a result of the financial crisis. Many businesses in December 2008 are likely to announce minus profits.
Kadin General Chairman MS Hidayat said that labor-intensive companies had sent signals of layoffs. "This begins with placing workers at home because demand for products had been declining. This trend will increase next January where labor intensive industries have to be safeguarded," Hidyat said.
Attention must also be given to exporter companies as the main foreign exchange earners so that they would not be affected by the rupiah depreciation and would survive the 2009 crisis.
One of the factors that had begun to affect businesses is the depreciation of the rupiah against foreign currencies, the US dollar in particular. The rupiah has fallen to Rp12,000 per US dollar, even it happened to touch the Rp13,200 level.
The depreciation of the rupiah to the Rp13,200 per US dollar was the weakest one since the 1998 financial crisis when it was recorded at Rp16,800 per US dollar.
On the layoff issue, Bambang said the weakening of the rupiah hampered companies to boost their production. At the same time, demand for goods abroad was also declining.
Bambang said goods purchase contracts were to expire in December and many of them were not likely to be extended. Therefore, the number of trade contracts next year was expected to decline. As a result, production of goods at home would also drop.
The solution that could be made, he sad, was to generate infrastructure development to accommodate workers. The funds for infrastructure development are however taken from the state budget, whose absorption is rather slow.
"Up to November 2008, the absorption of the state budget was only 60 percent. About 90 percent of the state budget is kept in banks," he said.
The other solution, he said, was to increase cuts in the price of premium gasoline from Rp500 per liter to Rp1,500 per liter. The diesel oil price also needed to be cut by Rp1,000 per liter. "A cut to that extent will be significant in raising the purchasing power of the people," he added
Even though many workers are facing layoffs, those working with crude palm oil industries still could breathe fresh wind. Palm oil industry workers could still be safeguarded from layoffs despite the fact that demand for crude palm oil (CPO) has been declining since the second semester of 2008.
"I don`t think it is that easy for industries to lay off their workers because it would neither that easy for them to find suitable workers when the economic crisis has recovered," General Chairman of the Indonesian Oil Palm Businessmen Association (Gapki), Akmaluddin Hasibuan said.
He said that industries needed to carry out capital restructuring if they lay off their workers. Over the past few months, CPO industries have been facing difficulties due to the global financial crisis that had spread to various parts of the world.
Hasibuan said that layoffs is possible if the capital structure of industries was not strong. He said that factors in other countries should also be taken into account. "If the composition of the funds is 90 percent from banking credits, the industries concerned will face problems because they would bear a too heavy burden," he said.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
Indonesian workers facing massive layoffs
By Andi Abdussalam
(ANTARA News) - Hundreds of thousands of Indonesian workers at home and abroad are facing the threat of losing their jobs as a result of the global financial crisis. At home about 200,000 will likely be laid off shortly. In Malaysia, the main destination of Indonesian migrant workers, at least 300 thousands are facing the same fate, while hundreds of others are waiting repatriation from Kuwait.
"We have to make all-out efforts to prevent massive layoffs," General Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Ms Hidayat said on Monday. He said he had witnessed that the economic recession in the United States had really taken place. Thus, labor intensive industries at home need to make all-out efforts in order to prevent massive layoffs.
In Malaysia about 3,000 Indonesian migrant workers are facing the same fate. According to Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Dai Bachtiar, about 300 thousand Indonesian workers (TKIs) would likely face layoffs due to the on-going global economic recession.
"I am concern with Indonesian workers employed in Malaysian companies whose number reaches 300 thousands," the ambassador said. According to him, the impact of the global economic crisis has not yet been felt by most of Indonesian migrant workers who are bound with work contracts. But workers at Malaysian companies will face the impact if demand for the companies` production fall.
Therefore the ambassador expressed concern over Indonesian workers at Malaysian companies. Those working as domestic helpers and are bound by work contracts will not be much affected. "But this all will depend on the policy of the Malaysian government," the ambassador said.
In the meantime, at least 380 Indonesian migrant workers are facing repatriation in Kuwait. They are now placed at the Indonesian embassy. They are among Indonesian problematic workers in that country.
In order to help their repatriation, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, Head of National Workers Protection and Placement Overseas (BNP2TKI), flew to Kuwait to meet the problematic TKIs.
Luckily, the Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Office (KUODLO) has promised to help repatriate about 380 problematic Indonesian workers now being placed at the Indonesian Embassy.
KUODLO chairman Fadel Mohammed Al Sharaf said it was ready to help. "We are ready to provide assistance," Al Sharaf said in a meeting with Jumhur in Kuwait on Monday night.
In the January-July 2008 period, according to the Indonesian embassy, 12,205 Indonesian workers had been placed in Kuwait, the third biggest after Saudi Arabia which has 75,770, and the United Arab Emirates 14,191 in the same period.
At home, Indonesian companies have begun entering the difficult phase. Kadin chairman for fiscal and monetary affairs Bambang Soesatyo said on Tuesday that about 200,000 workers will be laid off in the coming six months in Indonesia as a result of the financial crisis. Many businesses in December 2008 are likely to announce minus profits.
Kadin General Chairman MS Hidayat said that labor-intensive companies had sent signals of layoffs. "This begins with placing workers at home because demand for products had been declining. This trend will increase next January where labor intensive industries have to be safeguarded," Hidyat said.
Attention must also be given to exporter companies as the main foreign exchange earners so that they would not be affected by the rupiah depreciation and would survive the 2009 crisis.
One of the factors that had begun to affect businesses is the depreciation of the rupiah against foreign currencies, the US dollar in particular. The rupiah has fallen to Rp12,000 per US dollar, even it happened to touch the Rp13,200 level.
The depreciation of the rupiah to the Rp13,200 per US dollar was the weakest one since the 1998 financial crisis when it was recorded at Rp16,800 per US dollar.
On the layoff issue, Bambang said the weakening of the rupiah hampered companies to boost their production. At the same time, demand for goods abroad was also declining.
Bambang said goods purchase contracts were to expire in December and many of them were not likely to be extended. Therefore, the number of trade contracts next year was expected to decline. As a result, production of goods at home would also drop.
The solution that could be made, he sad, was to generate infrastructure development to accommodate workers. The funds for infrastructure development are however taken from the state budget, whose absorption is rather slow.
"Up to November 2008, the absorption of the state budget was only 60 percent. About 90 percent of the state budget is kept in banks," he said.
The other solution, he said, was to increase cuts in the price of premium gasoline from Rp500 per liter to Rp1,500 per liter. The diesel oil price also needed to be cut by Rp1,000 per liter. "A cut to that extent will be significant in raising the purchasing power of the people," he added
Even though many workers are facing layoffs, those working with crude palm oil industries still could breathe fresh wind. Palm oil industry workers could still be safeguarded from layoffs despite the fact that demand for crude palm oil (CPO) has been declining since the second semester of 2008.
"I don`t think it is that easy for industries to lay off their workers because it would neither that easy for them to find suitable workers when the economic crisis has recovered," General Chairman of the Indonesian Oil Palm Businessmen Association (Gapki), Akmaluddin Hasibuan said.
He said that industries needed to carry out capital restructuring if they lay off their workers. Over the past few months, CPO industries have been facing difficulties due to the global financial crisis that had spread to various parts of the world.
Hasibuan said that layoffs is possible if the capital structure of industries was not strong. He said that factors in other countries should also be taken into account. "If the composition of the funds is 90 percent from banking credits, the industries concerned will face problems because they would bear a too heavy burden," he said.
Cheers, frizzy2008.
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