The "Bermuda Triangle" or "Devil's Triangle" is an imaginary area located off the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States of America, which is noted for a supposedly high incidence of unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft ......

Q: Why are veterans, active duty, and National Guard men and women opposed to the war in Iraq?

A: Here are 10 reasons we oppose this war:

1. Eat and drink sensibly. Alcohol and food abuse may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it.

2. Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others' expectations or demands. It's okay to say "No." Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs while respecting those of others.

3. Stop smoking or other bad habits. Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and brings on more stress symptoms. Give yourself the gift of dropping unhealthy habits.

4. Exercise regularly. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude).

5. Study and practice relaxation techniques. Relax every day. Choose from a variety of different techniques. Combine opposites; a time for deep relaxation and a time for aerobic exercise is a sure way to protect your body from the effects of stress.

6. Take responsibility. Control what you can and leave behind what you cannot control.

7. Reduce stressors (cause of stress). Many people find that life is filled with too many demands and too little time. For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen. Effective time-management skills involve asking for help when appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself, and taking time out for yourself.

8. Examine your values and live by them. The more your actions reflect your beliefs, the better you will feel, no matter how busy your life is. Use your values when choosing your activities.

9. Set realistic goals and expectations. It's okay, and healthy, to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything at once.

10. Sell yourself to yourself. When you are feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself of what you do well. Have a healthy sense of self-esteem.

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According to Monash University researcher Dr Chua Tock Hing, the particular strain of bacteria was found in the Malaysian state of Pahang and produces a toxin that kills mosquito larvae by destroying their gut tissue.

"If we can isolate the toxin, it can perhaps be developed into an alternative way to control mosquito population," said Dr Chua, who is leading a joint research effort between Monash University's Sunway campus and the Malaysian government's Institute of Medical Research in Kuala Lumpur to isolate the toxin. He said the strain of the Bacillus thurigiensis bacteria was discovered by the IMR and made available to the university for the research project.

The joint research project, which includes the involvement of an honours student from Monash, has the two institutions sharing staff and equipment for work on extracting several toxins produced by the bacteria and isolating the specific toxin that destroys the mosquito larvae gut tissue.

"At this stage, we have already extracted several types of toxins from the bacteria and are currently conducting tests to isolate the specific toxin that attacks the mosquito larvae."

"Having done this, we will also need to identify the concentrations of the toxins needed for it to be effective when used to control mosquito populations in the environment," explained Dr Chua.

Dr.Chua pointed out that the toxin appears to only affect mosquito larvae and this offers many advantages over other forms of controlling mosquitoes.

"We may have the opportunity to develop an alternative way of controlling mosquito populations without resorting to heavy use of chemical pesticides."

"In addition, this eco-friendly approach may also produce little effect on other insect populations in the environment,"......

Herbal Essences: A Totally Chemical Experience

With a name like Herbal Essences, one might think that these products contain natural ingredients, but the brand uses fragrance, sodium laureth sulfate and other chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive problems in its body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Some of the most toxic ingredients may not be on the label.