stinger http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for stinger Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:39:17 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/stinger Inova And Streamlight Flashlights - Two Of The Best Flashlights Money Can Buy http://www.artwoo.com/article/inova-and-streamlight-flashlights-two-of-the-best-flashlights-money-can-buy http://www.artwoo.com/article/inova-and-streamlight-flashlights-two-of-the-best-flashlights-money-can-buy#comments Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:27:08 +0000 inova flashlightsstreamlight flashlightsbest flashlightsled flashlightled lightslithium batteriesilluminate http://www.artwoo.com/article/inova-and-streamlight-flashlights-two-of-the-best-flashlights-money-can-buy best flashlights on the market are and . They both have a wide variety of models available. No matter whether you need a small durable flashlight or a direct light source that is rechargeable you will find what you need with either Inova flashlights or Streamlight flashlights. An overview of some of the different models gives you an idea of what's available.

Inova Flashlights Outstanding flashlights like the Inova flashlights never existed before Inova. Just take a look at a few of the Inova flashlights offered and you will see how great they are.

X5- The X5 cannot be crushed. Or at least it is crush proof up to an amazing 2,000 pounds! Up to 20 hours of battery life is guaranteed from the . The five up to 120 feet ahead.

Microlight- If you like Inova flashlights you will love the microlight. It is tiny, but powerful. It offers more than 33 feet of visibility and 15 hours of battery time.

24/7- The 24/7 Inova flashlights are probably the best handheld flashlights on the market. With eight light functions and a projection of light for 75 feet there just isn't any other handheld flashlight to compete.

X1- This LED spotlight is one of a kind. It is small and powerful and is a quality flashlight. Water resistant and crush proof the X1 Inova flashlights are durable and long lasting. A 65 foot beam offers direct light for a good distance.

Streamlight Flashlights Streamlight flashlights are durable because they are made of quality materials. They are a favorite of police officers and firemen. The overview of some of the Streamlight flashlights will show how nice they really are.

Stinger- The Stinger Streamlight flashlights bi pin bulb filled with Xenon gas. The focus beam is adjustable and has 15,000 candlepower.

SL- The SL 20X has almost a 30,000 candlepower. It uses a 10 watt halogen lamp and has a mode for constant on.

Vulcan- The Vulcan Streamlight flashlights use a halogen bi pin bulb. Up to 80,000 candlepower is used. One charge results in more than three hours of continuous use of these Streamlight flashlights.

Which to Choose? After reading the different specs for Inova and Streamlight flashlights you might want one of each, or several of each! But, if you must pick one it is best to determine what you need the flashlight for. Then, you will be able to compare your needs to the flashlights available and find the best one for you. The Product Wizard offers the finest equipment for military, fire, police, hunters, campers and enthusiast. Some of the primary lines carried by the Product Wizard include Surefire Flashlights, Galco Holsters, Pelican Flashlights, Streamlight, Fobus, Harris Bipods, and Hatch Gloves. Visit http://www.productwizard.com today to view many of their fine products! ]]> What You Need To Know About Doggie First Aid http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-doggie-first-aid http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-doggie-first-aid#comments Tue, 11 Apr 2006 22:00:07 +0000 dogdoggie first aidbulb syringestingergauze padstweezerssterile http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-doggie-first-aid dog. Just like people, dogs have accidents and need medical attention sometimes. And the thing is that sometimes there is just not time to get to the vet, that is when is so handy to know. Knowing what should go into your animal first aid kit is the key to keeping your dog alive and well no matter what happens. If you do a lot of hiking and walking in places like parks or on trails then you should also have a kit in your car for emergencies out of the home.

Most of the items in your doggie first aid kit are similar to those you have in your regular one for the family. There are however some things that need to be specialized for the animal of your life. Here are some of the basics that your first aid kit cannot do without:

Hydrogen peroxide eyewash solution made specifically for pets Roll of absorbent cotton Some cotton balls Clean, white cotton sock (to cover wounded paws) Tape Small scissors with rounded tips Instant ice pack for suctioning mucous from mouth or nose Injection syringe without the needle (to give liquid medication) Small flashlight

All of these things should fit neatly into a container that has a nice tight lid. This will help to keep everything clean and sterile no matter how long it is sitting on the shelf or in the car. It is also a good idea to have the name of the vet and his or her phone number right there on the lid so that even in a panic you will know what to do. You may even want to put the number of the local emergency animal hospital as well in case something happens early in the morning or late at night when the regular vets are all closed.

Bee stings are one of the most common of all dog injuries. It is important that you get the out right away before an infection has time to set in. This will also help to minimize any pain that your dog may be in. If you have to, restrain your dog and then use the tweezers in the first aid kit to pull out the stinger. You can then wash the area with some luke warm water and baking soda. This can help to take some of the nasty stinging away and easy the pain suffered by your dog. Ice and Benadryl will also help to keep the pain and swelling to a minimum, just make sure that you ask the vet just how much Benadryl is enough for your dog. Just like kids it is important that dogs get the right dosage when they take medications.

Never rush an injured animal. While it may be your instinct to run over and start taking care of the injury, this may spook your dog and scared animals can get a little upset. You do not want to end up with an injury as well, do you? Of course not, so take your time and let the animal know that you want to help not harm. About The Author: John Rivers is the editor of Dog Food Specialists. Find information on dog food products, and answers to dog behaviour questions. http://www.dogfoodspecialists.co.uk ]]> Treating Different Problems Related To Your Pets http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-different-problems-related-to-your-pets http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-different-problems-related-to-your-pets#comments Sun, 23 Jul 2006 08:27:11 +0000 aloe vera planttsp milkorganic apple cider vinegarmilk of magnesiaaloe vera gelepsom saltteaspoon vinegar http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-different-problems-related-to-your-pets
- When your Pet gets Stung

• If your pet is stung remove the stinger with tweezers, this increases his/her chances of survival with the removal of the venomous stinger.

• The stung area can get some relief with the use baking soda and water solution.

• To reduce the swelling apply ice pack covered with a thin towel over the affected area. Do it within every five minutes.

- For Skin Irritation

• If your pet has suffered insect bites, hot spots or other skin problems you can dab some to soothe and calm the irritated skin.

• Apply over the affected area. If you have you can cut the leaf and use it as a soothing gel.

• Apply over the irritated skin.

• For hot spots you can use witch hazel for a continuous period of time.

• For itchy skin and paws you can bathe your pet in solution. In 2 cups of warm water mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt.

• You can make a home-made spray to treat any skin problems. Use 3 capsules of sage, 1/4 teaspoon of Epsom salt and 2 cups of water. Boil this solution and let it cool. After straining, store this solution in spray bottle and keep it in the refrigerator.

- Other Problems

• Emu oil is can be used for many problems such as ringworms, flea bites, bee stings, rashes, hot spots and laceration.

• If your pet has been poisoned notify the vet immediately.

• If the pet has swallowed any toxic substance except for caustic substances, getting him to vomit, this would reduce the danger.

• If the pet has ingested alkaline substance such as cleanser or kerosene, vomiting would not be a good solution. Instead give 3 or lemon juice diluted in equal amounts of water.

• If a battery has been ingested which is acidic, 1 of magnesia, per 5 Lbs. of pet.

• If your pup has diarrhea and adult dog suffers with soft stool problem you can add canned pumpkin in their diet.

• A very common problem in pets is loss of vision caused mainly due to cataract. A very useful flower called cineraria has been known to reduce the size of cataract as well as minimize its existence. With the help of tincture, dilute 1/2 saline (to be purchased) and 1/2 cineraria to make eye drops. A daily dosage of 2 drops for 3 months can help to solve this problem.

• If your pet has lost his or her sense of smell, a nutritious meal can just be the right motivator. Feed your pet a rich and nutritious diet which improves the keen sense of smell. Warm canned food without salt, but with a dash of garlic powder is a good way to improve that smell.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. Sharon Hopkins is the webmaster for home remedies sites similar to http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com. The site provides knowledge about home remedies and natural cure. Pets are affected by common problems which can be treated by simple and easy solution. ]]> Not The Whitsundays, Australia, Part 4 http://www.artwoo.com/article/not-the-whitsundays-australia-part-4 http://www.artwoo.com/article/not-the-whitsundays-australia-part-4#comments Sun, 02 Sep 2007 06:30:01 +0000 bowenhugh jackmanaudio visual presentationmuralsmangonicole kidmanbaz luhrmann http://www.artwoo.com/article/not-the-whitsundays-australia-part-4 Bowen takes about an hour.

The approach to the town from the South has the usual Information centre, with a feature of the Big . The pleasant staff at this centre, are very helpful to visitors. On first sight the big mango looks like an Easter egg, but becomes more realistic from a different angle. The next thing we noticed going into Bowen was the BOWENWOOD sign on the water tower above the town, in the style of the HOLLYWOOD sign in that location.

The reason for the sign, we discovered when we were in Bowen, was that part of the town was roped off as a set for the movie "Australia" with and . There were sandbagged buildings, red dirt streets and an army tent camp.

The idea is to represent Darwin during the war. It all looked very effective. The crew were due to move on to Kunnanurra in Western Australia - over 4000km, 2500miles, for the next shoot - maybe we would see them over there.

Bowen brings more golden beaches within reach. There are several in town, and further up the coast, with island views and tideless clear water, snorkelling and coral, close to shore. Stinger nets are provided in a couple of places - do they work? We will stick to the lagoon and the park pool.

A feature of the main town beach, is the golf course laid out along it, making a beautiful location for the golfer. What a great excuse for an afernoon stroll in the fresh air.

Other noteworthy features of the town are a series of beautiful , one by Pro Hart, depicting trains, planes, ships, wagons etc. There are a total of twenty-two murals in all. A historical record of the area can be visualised with this series.

There are a couple of high points with lookouts to the islands, and a museum.

As Queensland's oldest town, founded in 1861 Bowen was once under consideration as State capital.

Inland you can visit Colinsville, a coalmining town and see the "Coalface Experience", an audio-visual presentation to show the workings of the mine. (Having had a couple of "school visits" to working coalmines in England - "Doon the Pit", I did not partake).

On the way back to Airlie, you can take a side trip to Dingo Beach, said to be white sand, a beachcomber's delight, and Cape Gloucester.

The latter is one of the few places on the East coast to see a sunset over the sea, although Airlie can be almost as good.

So there you have it =96 plenty to do on the Whitsunday Mainland! Tony has retired and is travelling around Australia with his wife Louisa and Snowy, their West Highland X Maltese terrier. You can follow their trip on their website http://www.5thwheeltravels.com with daily updates by Louisa. ]]> Not The Whitsundays, Australia, Part 2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/not-the-whitsundays-australia-part-2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/not-the-whitsundays-australia-part-2#comments Fri, 31 Aug 2007 09:35:00 +0000 airlie beachmainland beachesbushwalking trailslorikeetskookaburrasshute harbouryellow sand http://www.artwoo.com/article/not-the-whitsundays-australia-part-2 lorikeets and cockatoos, to curlews and , even the odd bush turkey.

There are plenty of in the National Park ranging in length and difficulty.

is just that, a harbour for the island cruises, including a vehicle ferry.

There is a secure multi-story car park to leave your car while you're away, or you can catch a bus from your park. There is, however, an excellent lookout, just above the harbour, and easily accessible by road. This is provided by the Lions, and has parking for big rigs, while you take your photos of the Whitsunday Passage.

does not have much of a beach, as such.

Visitors always ask, "where are the White Sandy Beaches?". Unfortunately, the answer is only on the Islands.

The are all coarse , or mud.

Shingley Beach, doesn't have shingle either - more mud, or, to be kind, coarse grey sand. This is probably due to the well set out extensive marina in the bay there, no doubt a worthwhile alternative.

Another marina is being developed around the headland, and certainly it will look great when completed, but we felt sorry for the people in the resort hotels and apartments who had paid for their ocean view.

What Airlie does have, is a beautiful long lagoon. This extends along the ocean front, and has its own beach, shallows, and water up to two metres deep. It has stinger free water, (a hazard in the tropics) with permanent lifeguards, places to sunbathe, showers, shady areas and barbecues.

And it is free. A boardwalk extends around the shoreline for most of Airlie, and provides places to stop and admire the views.

A typical resort village, Airlie caters for everyone from backpackers to the spare-no-expense holidaymaker. There are many restaurants with almost every kind of cuisine.

Nine eating places in one short street and double that in the surrounding area. Shopping centres in the area have the usual big supermarkets and discount chain stores you will be familiar with, plus many of the specialty shops.

There is a booming night life, hotels, bars and clubs provide everything you could wish for.

If you don't have your own get-around vehicle, you can rent anything from a car to a push-bike, including four wheel drives, scooters and mokes.

We have our own transport, and found it essential for what we wanted to do. Tony has retired and is travelling around Australia with his wife Louisa and Snowy, their West Highland X Maltese terrier. You can follow their trip on their website http://www.5thwheeltravels.com with daily updates by Louisa. ]]> Home Remedies For Bee Stings http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-remedies-for-bee-stings http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-remedies-for-bee-stings#comments Thu, 04 May 2006 20:32:02 +0000 tspvenom sacjewelweedbaking sodastingcrampsitching http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-remedies-for-bee-stings sting is very painful. To give you a sting a bee loses its life. It leaves a venomous sac which has to be withdrawn immediately. These stings can be fatal if proper measures are not taken. It is known that due to bee stings many people have lost their lives. Swelling, and constant pain is what you suffer due to the sting. There are allergic reactions too which can take people's life. These are some of the severe reaction symptoms you can identify.

-Difficulty in Breathing -Dizziness -Anxiety -Speedy Heartbeat -Nausea, and Vomiting -Abdominal Cramps -Shock -Headaches

When attacked, the first thing to do is to remove the that is left behind by the bee. Don't try to pull out the sac but rather scrape it off by a blunt object. By removing this sac the chances of spreading reduces marginally.

Home Remedial Measures

-Wash the area carefully with water and soap to heal the wound.

-You can use an ice pack to cover the wound to prevent any swelling and inflammation.

-You can make a paste of and water to be applied on the wound. Keep it for 15 to 20 minutes.

-Dabbing small amount of household ammonia can provide relief.

-Extract juice from plantain leaves which can be applied on the injured area. This may relieve you from the pain.

-By rubbing granulated sugar on the affected area can help you get rid of the scar due to the wound.

-Mix 1 lavender essential oil and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Apply this mixture directly on wound except around the eyes.

-By placing a raw onion on the wound it can draw the poison from the wound, helping you to get relief easily.

- is another natural remedy to lessen itching and burning sensation of the wound. Apply the juice of jewelweed on the wood to get proper benefit.

-Make a plaster of 1 tsp yellow dock leaf tincture and 2 tsp baking soda. Apply this mixture on the wound to reduce the allergic reaction of the sting.

-By rubbing wet aspirin on the wound it will negate the burning and inflammatory sensations due to the venom.

-A paste of vinegar, baking soda and meat tenderizer used on the wound helps you get relief from the pain very soon.

-You can dab apple cider vinegar as soon as you remove the stinger. It prevents swelling and spreading of poison.

-Thyme and rosemary mixed with vinegar are also very good to relieve pain.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. Sharon Hopkins manages home remedies sites such as http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com to help you in your daily life with simple and easy home care remedies. Bee sting can be very nasty and by use of some very easy home remedies you can easily cure it. ]]> Tasers And Non-Lethal Stun Weapons EMDT http://www.artwoo.com/article/tasers-and-non-lethal-stun-weapons-emdt http://www.artwoo.com/article/tasers-and-non-lethal-stun-weapons-emdt#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2007 06:27:10 +0000 stun gunsstun guntaser9 volt batterywikipediavolt lithiumelectrical probes http://www.artwoo.com/article/tasers-and-non-lethal-stun-weapons-emdt
s Versus s: Most people use the terms andquot;Taserandquot; and andquot;Stun Gunandquot; interchangeably. The difference between the two is more than the fact that one (Taser) shoots , and the other (Stun Gun) works on contact. The technology employed by each is different and a Taser is not just a Stun Gun on a String as it is sometimes described. First, let me briefly rehash the physical differences. A Stun Gun is a contact weapon in which the electrical probes must be physically touched to your attacker's body. It works on a relatively simple principle by which some method is employed to take a very low input voltage (such as a basic 9-volt battery), and dramatically multiply it to produce a tremendous output voltage (while keeping the amperage output well below lethal levels). You can read about the different methods for doing this on my web site (http://www.snjselfdefense.com/stunmaster.htm), , or a number of other self defense sites on the Internet. The Taser on the other hand, is a stand-off weapon that shoots electrical probes which need to attach to the assailants clothing or skin. Tasers employ what is known as Electro-Muscular Disruption Technology (EMDT) in addition to a voltage step-up method. It is the EMDT that gives a Taser such incredible takedown power with only a (relatively) small voltage output. Simply stated, a Taser shoots, a Stun Gun does not, although nearly all Tasers have a contact Stun Gun built into them in case of a miss, a misfire, or the attacker is already too close to fire in the stand-off mode.

Stun Guns themselves are incredibly effective both as deterrents and in actual use. It has been my experience that normal people are just as terrified of the 80,000 volt Talon Mini as they are of the 975,000 Hot Shot. Just activating the stun gun for a .1 second demonstration scares the pants off of most anybody. The problem is that andquot;normal peopleandquot; aren't the ones out there raping, mugging, and purse snatching; hence the extreme voltage required to ensure stopping some monstrous, muscle bound nut case jacked up on Crystal Meth or PCP. Tony Montana soaking up round after round of small arms fire while andquot;introducing his little friendandquot; is a bit of a stretch but not that much of one, for a cocaine saturated madman. A stun gun's effectiveness increases with the amount of time it remains in contact with the attacker. So much electrical energy is dumped into an attacker's body, that neuromuscular connections are overwhelmed. This causes the muscles to do a phenomenal amount of work almost instantaneously, resulting in a rapid build up of lactic acid rendering the assailant incapable of controlling voluntary muscle movement. The best analogy I can think of (that I am familiar with) is how we use jamming to confuse and degrade the enemy's radar and communications in aerial combat.

Communications jamming: The purpose of both types of non-lethal stun weapons is to andquot;jamandquot; the electrical communications between the brain and muscles. If we look at it in terms of the military application of communications jamming, the analogy fits quite well. Noise jamming or area jamming is conducted when attempting to deny an entire spectrum such as say, VHF frequencies. A high powered signal is sent out covering the entire frequency spectrum with undecipherable noise. It is quite effective and all you hear on the radio is annoying static. The way to overcome noise jamming is to andquot;out powerandquot; it, or in practical terms: A very powerful, highly focused single frequency signal can break through the noise. A Stun Gun operates on a similar principal. A huge amount of energy (voltage) in the 14-17 Watt range, blocks out and confuses the body's electrical signals from the brain to the muscles, and overwhelms them. Several factors such as pain tolerance, mental focus, body salinity, musculature and others, determine the amount of power required to totally overwhelm the neuromuscular system. That is why you hear andquot;strange but trueandquot; stories of whacked out, drug crazed, maniacally focused individuals fighting through the stun gun's effects for longer than seems humanly possible. No one can fight it off for long, but it is difficult to maintain continuous probe contact with a wildly flailing attacker.

Pinpoint jamming: One way to dramatically increase jamming effectiveness is to pinpoint a specific frequency or very narrow band of frequencies. Less power out is required and some very interesting things can be done such as mimicking or manipulating a specific frequency to your own purposes. This is the the desired end result of Electro-Muscular Disruption Technology, and the reason a Taser is so effective with a voltage output of only 50,000 volts. There are several methods for manipulating and refining the targeted neuromuscular communication frequency band. In general, varying the voltage waveform or the Joule energy output are the most commonly employed. As far as I can tell, Stinger and Taser International are on the cutting edge of these new developments. There is a great test comparison video that you can find on the Internet buy searching for andquot;Stinger Versus Taser Videoandquot; on any major search engine. The test was conducted by an independent outfit called CRT, and (just for full disclosure) funded by Taser International. You can judge the results for yourself (I am by nature skeptical of everything), but the one thing that is unmistakable, is the immediate effectiveness of the Taser. The electrical andquot;jammingandquot; output through the M-18 Taser leads, is in the specific 18-26 Watt range. It essentially overrides the neuromuscular connection and commands the muscles to full contraction. The subjects of the aforementioned experiment, repeatedly refer to the sensation as being immediately, and completely andquot;locked upandquot;, the truth of which is clearly evidenced in the video. There is no time requirement for the Taser to andquot;build upandquot; effectiveness. The debilitating effects are immediate and last as long as electricity is being applied.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both Stun Guns and Tasers, the primary of which is cost. You can purchase a basic 80-100,000 volt stun gun for around 20 to 25 dollars with the most powerful lithium battery models running upwards of 75 to 80 dollars each. Tasers on the other hand, are in the hundreds of dollars range. You are going to have to pay for that cutting edge technology! Two other obvious advantages of the Taser are stand-off capability and instantaneous disabling force. Police forces use the Taser to subdue violent subjects immediately, while a cheaper Stun Gun is great for stunning the crap out of an assailant and getting out of the target area safely.

I hope that explanation makes sense. I welcome comments and suggestions from those with extensive expertise in this area. Scott Barnes is a retired Naval Aviator and an Airline Pilot. He owns and operates two small businesses specializing in Self Defense Products (http://www.snjselfdefense.com) and Surveillance Gear (http://www.snjsurveillance.com). ]]> 3 'weeds' You Should Start Cultivating http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-weeds-you-should-start-cultivating http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-weeds-you-should-start-cultivating#comments Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:24:57 +0000 mild laxativeblood cleansersasian placesurinary tract infectionsvitamins and mineralsblood cleanserchickweed http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-weeds-you-should-start-cultivating s, liver detox, skin problems, wound healers, hemorrhoid relief. Is it possible that herbs so common that they are considered weeds can have such properties? Yes, and the list is even longer! Read on how one persons weed can be your treasure.

has a very close association to itching and rashes. Saponins in the Chickweed produce an anti-inflammatory action similar to cortisone. A simple oil of Chickweed is effective for itching, rashes, and eczema. The oil will also work great on cuts, bruises and wounds making this a great first aid herb. A second great use for this herb is as a blood cleanser. A strong tea can be taken 3 times a day for blood toxicity and even to use if you were poisoned! The last tip I have for chickweed is its ability to help in weight loss. The herb is good enough to eat and drink as a tea, and since its free of toxins it can be taken in abundantly. Chickweed has 3 properties to help in weight loss. This hero is diuretic, a and has an expanding effect on the body =96 meaning you feel very full from ingesting it.

To my fellow Americans this next `weed' may be one you dread to see, Dandelion. To many European and , this `weed' is instead grown and harvest where it is taken as strong teas (sometimes as a coffee replacement with chicory). Dandelion is a powerful detox herb that has a special affinity for the liver. It is usually the main herb in a liver detox and has been used to fibroids, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and many more problems. Dandelion also is an herb known to break up lumps and tumors in the body, making it a perfect herb for Cancer help for both its anti-carcinogenic and liter detox properties. The Chinese use Dandelion or Pu Gong Ying also to treat anti-inflammatory conditions, boils, and sores as well. Dandelion also is a great diuretic and along with its cleansing properties makes a great herb to use for as well. Lastly, Dandelion is full of . Taking in some strong Dandelion tea or another formula will also aid in getting those valuable minerals most of us are lacking.

The final `weed' to be discussed here is Plantain, one of my favorites. Since I have a love of sports medicine and first aid in my herbal usage, Plantain gets a good amount of usage (I use the Chinese Che Qian Cao). Although Plantain has great uses in first aid, its main usage is for kidneys and the urinary bladder. Plantain is first and foremost and herb for urinary tact infections, kidney infections, edema, hepatitis. Plantain then would have a place in treating the stomach for diarrhea or constipation as well. This herb to many herbalist, including myself, has the power of drawing above all others. A poultice of Plantain can be left on for many hours or even days to draw out stinger, venom, splinters, and even shrapnel! Plantain externally is also great for healing wounds and stopping bleeding. A poultice can simple be applied to a wound for a quick heal, and it is a very soothing herb that can be felt immediately upon application.

My last statement I wanted to make is to show one other thing these herbs have in common other than being weeds. All three of these herbs happen to have an affinity in the treatment of hemorrhoids. They all are also commonly ingested and taste pretty good! A poultice on the piles and regular cups of tea of these three herbs can cure hemorrhoids faster than you can get into see a doctor. So next time your out on your lawn with your deadly weed picker, throw these weeds in a bag to bring inside and enjoy! Sean is a Chinese and Western Herbalist. Visit Dimmak Herbs Herbal Supplements for more information and product related to this article. To keep up daily with herbal and health tips visit The Blog of Health and Herbs ]]> What Drinks Go Best With Cigars http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-drinks-go-best-with-cigars http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-drinks-go-best-with-cigars#comments Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:22:27 +0000 amy sedariscigar aficionadoscigar partycigar industryamazon searchcigar smokercigar smoking http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-drinks-go-best-with-cigars
An for books on "entertaining" calls up over 468,000 hits, while--if you search "party ideas" on Google--you get nineteen million. Whereas entertaining seemed to disappear from the culture's radar during the ultra-busy, tech-obsessed 1990s, these days you can turn on cable channels devoted almost entirely to the teaching of techniques for entertaining. You can even find, if you frequent the right bookstores, a tongue-in-cheek children's book purporting to show your toddler how to mix a drink. The wild popularity of all those cable TV shows about food and drink, the success of 's book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence and similar tomes, the mega-success of Martha Stewart: all are linked by a new generation's interest in throwing good parties, offering tasteful hospitality, and having sophisticated, grown-up fun. The same core motivators, presumably, may have led many twenty- and thirty-somethings to take up during the 1990s, the "boom" years of the .

So, if you're a (occasional and social, or everyday) who frequently entertains, you may be considering throwing a party that unites those two often-linked pleasures: smoking and drinking. Though there are some who prefer to keep the two tastes distinct, many others find that, with a little creative blending, the right cocktail can really make a perfect warm-up (or finish) to a good cigar. It's always a matter of personal taste--and if you're entertaining, your first duty, of course, is to be sensitive to the needs and interests of your guests, especially those who are nonsmokers, dislike the smell of smoke, or are allergic to it. (This might be a good reason for throwing a , with invitations restricted to those who are interested either in trying a smoke for the first time or who are already committed cigar smokers.)

As far as beverages go, good wine goes with cigars--the finer the wine, the better the mix. Wine and cigars, after all, make a lot of sense together: they're both acquired tastes, they're both somewhat bitter, they both need to be aged, and they both need to be savored rather than rushed. Red wine, especially port, is a good possibility. You'll probably want to steer clear of wines on either the extremely-sweet or extremely-bitter side of the taste scale. For that reason, beaujolais nouveaux and some cabernet sauvignons won't work. Ultra-bitter or -sweet wines, including white wines, tend to have such a strong taste that they won't get out of the way and make room for the taste of your stogie, so to speak. The opposite problem occurs with ultra-subtle wines that won't assert themselves against the taste of a cigar. Also recommended: red zinfandels, Pinot Noirs, and Spanish and Italian red table wines, which avoid extremes and have a taste strong enough to interact with that of your cigar but not so strong as to dominate it.

Beers might work--if they're well-made, strong-tasting and dark. Stouts and ales work, especially a chocolate stout with a chocolatey puro cigar.

As for liquers, try fine malt whiskey. Or consider a coffee-flavored liquer. Best of all, according to some smokers, serve a fine scotch. Single malt scotch comes especially recommended.

Like mixed drinks? Consider trying a White Russian (the Dude's drink of choice in the slacker classic The Big Lebowski, a movie that might make a nice background entertainment during your party), or a coffee-based mixed drink such as a Mudslide. (Instructions for making these drinks are easily found online.)

A cocktail that some bartenders have specifically chosen to accompany cigars is the stinger, which mixes crθme de menthe and brandy. Several New York hot spots serve this cocktail with cigars.

Be creative and have fun! To round things out, try serving a hard cheese as an appetizer. Generally speaking, the stronger and more distinctive the taste, the better it will go with cigars.CigarFox provides you the opportunity to build your own sampler of the finest cigars that include cigar brands like Montecristo, Romeo and Julieta, H Upmann, Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, Gurkha and many more. Choose from more than 1200 different cigars! Other cigar products include cigar humidors, cigar boxes, and cigar accessories like Zippo Lighters.]]>