Wednesday, December 31, 2008

America Needs a Makeover

Let’s face it; America isn’t what it used to be. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The problem lies with America’s image crisis. “Since 2000, the United States' standing has deteriorated in all parts of the world, and anti-Americanism has grown intense.” This creates all kinds of issues other than the obvious complications. There are global problems that need to be addressed by the international community. America cannot tackle these alone. Without help from other nations things can potentially get complicated very fast. Therefore, this is the time for change. Not campaign talk change, but real policy change.
Read full article

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Facebook Bans Breast-feeding?

The social network giant Facebook is making some mothers very unhappy. In an effort to protect its 120 million members, Facebook has made the choice to remove photos that expose too much of a mother's breast. This has sparked a huge online debate of whether photographs of a mother breast-feeding are indecent. This debate has spilled out of the online world and into reality. Protesters even went as far as holding “a small demonstration outside Facebook's office in Palo Alto, California.”
Read full article

Monday, December 29, 2008

Forget the Vitamin C

It’s cold outside. The wind is blowing. You step into the office and everyone is sick. Doesn’t this seem to be a reoccurring theme every year? What do you do to avoid getting sick? Like most Americans you’ve been told the usual – “eat right, rest and drink plenty of fluids.” However, if you’re one of those that trust in vitamin c tablets and zinc to help you heal think again. “Numerous studies over the last few years have shown that some of the so-called immune-boosting supplements, such as echinacea or high doses of vitamin c, really don't do much good.”
Read full article

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tina Fey Wins AP Entertainer of the Year

If you don’t know who Tina Fey is you may have mistaked her for the real Sarah Palin. The SNL veteran and star of NBC’s hit show 30 Rock is now getting more then just laughs. Tina Fey was voted The Associated Press' Entertainer of the Year, an annual honor chosen by newspaper editors and broadcast producers across the country. “Fey was selected by AP members as the performer who had the greatest impact on culture and entertainment in 2008.” This notorety came mostly due to Fey’s amazing impression of Govenor Palin.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Love Has Gone Hathaway

Actress Anne Hathaway is opening up about her breakup with ex Raffaello Follieri. Follieri was convicted for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. Anne is moving on with her love life and looking for another guy to fill the void. Ms. Hathaway “has recently been linked to little-known actor Adam Shulman,” and is ready for another shot at love.
Read full article

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Face Off

What used to be science fiction and the focus of the blockbuster Face Off is now reality. A few weeks ago the first face transplant was successfully performed on a woman at the Cleveland Clinic. “Reconstructive surgeon Dr. Maria Siemionow replaced nearly all of the woman’s face – 80 percent – with that of a dead female donor.” “The world’s first partial face transplant occurred in France three years ago on a woman who had been mauled by her dog. Two others have been announced since then – a Chinese farmer attacked by a bear and a European man disfigured by a genetic condition”
Read full article

Monday, December 15, 2008

Let’s Talk Babies!

Why is it always interesting when celebrities get knocked up? Or even might be knocked up. The latest celebrity with baby rumors is the diva of meltdown Mariah Carey. It all started two weeks ago when Mariah “told Ellen DeGeneres that she wasn't baking a Nick Cannon-beget bun in her oven even as she turned down a proffered glass of champagne.” Who wouldn’t sip the bubbly – someone who is pregnant.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Addicted to Sugar?

The sweetness may have a real darker side. A recent study shows sugar may actually be addictive. This has long been joked about but now there is scientific data to back it up. Lead researcher Bart Hoebel, a professor of psychology at Princeton University, said "evidence from an animal model suggests that bingeing on sugar can act in the brain in ways very similar to drugs of abuse.” A "sugar addiction" may even act as a "gateway" to later abuse of drugs such as alcohol, Hoebel said
Read full article

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Oprah is Setting the Scale Straight

It’s no secret. The woman known for fluctuating her weight has an admission to make. However, this time she’s not celebrating weight loss like in 1988 when “she wore a slim pair of Calvin Klein jeans as she wheeled a wagon loaded with fat onto her set to show the 67 pounds that she had lost.” This time Oprah is talking about gaining weight – yes, again. The most powerful woman in the world can get anything she wants except a slim waste.
Read full article

Monday, December 8, 2008

Madonna Wins in Court

She always seems to be everywhere. Madonna, recently rumored to be hanging with New York Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez, has fought and won in British court. The ageless star won a judgment against a British tabloid that she accused of breaching her privacy and copyright by publishing pictures of her 2000 wedding to soon-to-be ex Guy Ritchie. Madonna, who says “the pictures were stolen by an interior decorator from her home in Beverly Hills, California, is seeking damages in excess of 5 million pounds ($7.5 million) from the publishers of the Mail on Sunday newspaper.”

Friday, December 5, 2008

Make Money the Good Ole Fashioned Way

When all else fails, sell your body. No, not all your body – just part of it. With the economy in uncertain times people are resorting to unusual methods to collect extra cash. Donate plasma $20-50, let loose at the sperm bank $60-100, chop off that oversized ponytail $150-200, and for just one fertile egg $7,000. At first the may seem appalling, but the prospect of making quick cash for basically no work can be appealing when money is tight.
Read full article

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Scammers Hit Facebook

The internet is an amazing tool and its power is shocking. However, in this technological age scammers spammers and hooligans are doing whatever they can to pull a fast one over unsuspecting individuals. In fact, these scams are spreading and becoming more prevalent. Facebook is the latest target of Nigerian scams aimed at leading people into believing their friends are in danger.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Lamest Blogs

Hopefully your blog (or this one) never ends up on this list. In shocking fashion, PC World has unveiled their Top 11 Lamest Blogs. “Let's face it, though: The blogosphere isn't all brilliance. For every innovative and inspiring site, there are at least a dozen downright dreadful alternatives.” These lackluster blogs are broken down into categories and their lameness is humorously pointed out.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Stop Stress in Seconds

“Did you know that the holiday season is the time of the year when you're most likely to die from a heart attack?” Stress is everywhere in our lives but there are easy things you can do to lower your stress level in just seconds. Utilizing these easy to follow quick stress reducers can be just what you need this holiday season and will definitely make you feel a whole lot better.
Read full article

Monday, December 1, 2008

Add a Warning Label to Bikini Pics

In the December issue of Shape magazine 41-year-old Faith Hill will appear on the cover in a bikini. The problem with this is that Faith Hill is 41, has had two kids, and still she looks fantastic. Although she looks fabulous, it’s easy to see why people may be skeptical of her “natural” body. It is suggested that photographs such as these should include this label: “WARNING! ARTICLE CLAIMS DIET AND EXERCISE GAVE 41-YEAR-OLD CELEBRITY A BODY THIS SPECTACULAR. SHE'S ACTUALLY PROBABLY HAD PLASTIC SURGERY, A PERSONAL CHEF, HOURS WITH A TRAINER, AND A LITTLE HELP FROM PHOTOSHOP, SO BEFORE YOU START FEELING GLUM, JUST REMEMBER WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT IS AN ILLUSION, A MANUFACTURED IMAGE TO SELL MAGAZINES DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL BEASTLY SO THAT YOU SPEND MONEY TO IMPROVE YOUR LOOKS DESPITE THE CRAPPY ECONOMY.”
Read full article

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Avoid Gaining Weight This Winter

Does it seem like every holiday season you struggle to fight the temptation of sugar cookies, candy canes and the all powerful gingerbread house? Unfortunately, the holidays are “the season when Americans put on half of our annual weight gain.” But the news isn’t all bad. A team of Harvard researchers concluded that it’s what we choose to drink that’s the “key contributor to excessive weight gain and obesity.” So don’t drink a Starbucks 16-ounce eggnog latte (500 calories) or a cup of rich hot chocolate (13 Hershey's Kisses) and you’ll be fine this holiday season.
Read full article

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Holiday Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time even with all the food, family and presents. The holidays can magnify underlying issues and emotions. “An American Psychological Association study conducted in 2006 found that while 78 percent of respondents reported feeling often happy around the holidays, about two-thirds sometimes or often felt stressed and fatigued.” Taking some extra time to prepare yourself for this onslaught of holiday cheer can pay huge dividends instead of a lump of coal.
Read full article

Monday, November 24, 2008

Google’s not in the Holiday Mood

Google, known for extravagant holiday parties with attendees in the thousands won’t be having their usual throwdown this year. “Google has decided to scale back its holiday celebrations this year due to a global economic downturn and an ever-expanding workforce that had grown to 20,000 in October,” according to a person familiar with the matter. In previous years, Google holiday parties have included ice sculptures of the company's logo, virtual reality video game stations, karaoke booths, sushi buffets and burlesque dancers.
Read full article

Friday, November 21, 2008

Tobacco Money

Is your money in tobacco? Everyone knows smoking is hazardous to your health, shortens your life expectancy and is horrible for your skin and teeth. However, few people are aware that your state is banking on the success of the tobacco industry. Shocked? States have essentially borrowed against future payments from the tobacco industry. These payments stem from “when a collection of state attorneys general delivered a crushing blow to Big Tobacco. On Nov. 23, 1998, the nation's four largest cigarette sellers agreed to pay $200 billion over 30 years.” Now, if “Big Tobacco stumbles, states will be on the hook for these massive, billion-dollar loans.”
Read full article

Thursday, November 20, 2008

New Skin Cancer Drug

A new drug to combat skin cancer is close to being available to the public in Sweden. The new drug that researchers at the Örebro University in Sweden have developed is “based on the use of photo-dynamic therapy in cancer treatment. In short, this is a drug that after reorganization in the cell is activated by light, which in turn leads to chemical reactions that effectively kills cancer cells.” The development of the new drug is being carried out with the aid of advanced computer modeling – a method that has proven to be highly successful.
Read full article

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Britney Spears on Lockdown…Not Meltdown

Britney Spears is feeling trapped like she can’t get out. “According to Spears, who turns 27 on the same day "Circus" is released, her current, closely monitored circumstances are kind of like being in prison – or a Bill Murray movie.”
"Even when you go to jail, you know, there's the time when you're gonna get out," sighs Brit, who is legally unable to make any major decisions (her father, Jamie, remains her permanent guardian until the court says otherwise). "But in this situation, it's never-ending. It's just like 'Groundhog Day.”
Britney’s new album “Circus” is set to be released in the United States December 2, 2008.
Read full article

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

New Rare Skin Disease

Surely this is would be a great thing to hear from doctors. We’ve discovered a new disease! PS: you have it. “A new skin disease and the defective gene that causes it have been discovered by doctors at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem. Called Syndrome H, the symptoms include increased hairiness and pigmentation, but it can also harm a variety of other bodily systems."
Read full article

Monday, November 17, 2008

TRL Calling it Quits

After years of entertaining the world from a glass walled room overlooking Time Square, TRL is now calling it quits. The once iconic music video countdown show held their final show Sunday night. MTV pulled the plug on its most influential franchise “following years of declining ratings.” The TRL finale was a star filled occasion with artists Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Beyonce, and Justin Timberlake stopping by to name a few. TRL will be replaced by FNMTV.
Read full article

Friday, November 14, 2008

Tyra Banks Shocked

Former supermodel and current host of The Tyra Banks Show can’t believe what is happening to teens. An anonymous survey of 10,000 teenage girls and young women provided results that will shock and scare parents. The survey was conducted over the summer on TyraShow.com, the Web site of “The Tyra Banks Show.” The Survey found:
• On average, girls are losing their virginity at 15 years of age.
• 14 percent of teens who are having sex say they’re doing it at school.
• 52 percent of survey respondents say they do not use protection when having sex.
• One in three says she fears having a sexually transmitted disease.
• 24 percent of teens with STDs say they still have unprotected sex.
• One in five girls says she wants to be a teen mom.
• About 50 percent acknowledge that they’ve hit someone.
• One out of three teens has tried drugs.
Read full article

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Caffeine Benefits Skin

Caffeine can do more then just wake you up in the morning. A new study shows that “caffeine might help inhibit, and possibly even reverse, damage to skin caused by the sun.” However, don’t start downing excessive cups of Starbucks thinking that you’re preventing skin cancer. For the caffeine to have an impact, it has to be applied topically. When caffeine is applied directly to damaged skin it “blocked pre-cancerous cells from dividing and becoming skin cancer.” In the future, be on the lookout for caffeine to be included in skin products like lotions, moisturizers and sunscreens.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Don’t Forget to Wash Those Hands

This message is especially for the ladies. “A new study found that women have a greater variety of bacteria on their hands than men do.” Researchers aren't sure why women harbor a greater variety of bacteria than men, but they think it may have to do with the acidity of the skin. This is a possibility because men generally have more acidic skin than women. Other possibilities could include “differences in sweat and oil gland production between men and women, the frequency of moisturizer or cosmetics applications, skin thickness or hormone production.”
Read full article

Friday, November 7, 2008

Stem Cells

Stem cells are being found in places scientists once thought was impossible. Recent research from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet reveals completely new properties of the skin’s stem cells. “The stem cells don’t behave at all in the way we’d previously thought, and are found in unexpected places”, says Professor Rune ToftgÃ¥rd, one of the scientists at Karolinska Institutet responsible for the study.

“The stem cells examined by the present study are found in the skin’s hair follicles, around which the cells are able to move depending on their stage of growth. The scientists believe that their growth is governed by previously known mechanism called Hedgehog signaling.”
Read full article

On the cutting-edge of science, HydroPeptide® is in developmental stages of creating the first stem cell revitalizing eyelash and brow product. More details will be available when HydroPeptide’s® chemists conclude their research.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Sleeping Beauty

Sleep is related to beauty. Sleep deprivation is serious and can cause many problems including:
· Reduced energy, resulting in fatigue and exhaustion
· Reduced memory
· Inability to focus and respond quickly, which often leads to accidents
· Lower body immunity, often resulting in increased risk of infection, illness and disease
Between 50-70 million people suffer from sleep disorders. Sleep should “put you in a good frame of mind and induce a feeling of wellness.” Before you go to bed, prepare yourself for relaxation with April Rain Skin Science’s® Night Rainew®. Night Rainew® is so luxurious and soothing it will help you dream your wrinkles away.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Beauty Spending

What’s more important to you…food or beauty? “According to a British e-tailer, one-third of women in the U.K. would prefer to eat less than cut their beauty spending.” With a recession looming, it’s interesting to note that although people deliberately cut back spending on almost everything they tend to not cut back their spending on beauty products and services. I guess that just shows people would rather be poor and beautiful than rich and ugly.
Read full article

Monday, November 3, 2008

Latest Election Results


The day is finally here; the campaigning is over and the votes are in. Who will become the next president is still in question. However, the people have already spoken and it’s clear how they feel.

April Rain Skin Science® has an approval rating superior to any previous president. Women love Night Rainew® so much that after only 35 days of testing Night Rainew®, 100 percent said they would recommend it to their friends and family.

Only time will tell, but we’re betting that Night Rainew® will get you more results in the next four years than either candidate.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Their Money is on Retinoids

The editors at Allure Magazine no one thing for sure...retinoids work. "We try every new anti-aging product, from the rice fields of Japan to the labs of Long Island. But the cream that earn a permanent place in our medicine cabinets all have one thing in common: retinoids, the family of vitamin A derivitives including retinol, Retin-A and Renova," said Allure beauty editor Diana Byrne.

Night Rainew® contains retinyl palmitate, vitamin C, and 4 peptides that have been proven to directly stimulate collagen and are less harsh on your skin then vitamin A derivities alone. The difference is that vitamin A indirectly helps with collagen production by simply increasing cell turnover.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Vitamin D Skin


A Recent study has found yet another thing to help your skin. The study found that “oral supplements of vitamin D may boost production of protective compounds in the skin, and may ultimately help prevent skin infections.” The study also examined the importance of peptides and found that supplements of vitamin D “enhanced the skin’s ability to produce a peptide called cathelicidin, which protects against microbial invasion.”
Read full article

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Cigarette Skin

By now everyone knows smoking is dangerous and harmful to your health. But did you know that smoking can accelerate aging and damage you skin? According to the Mayo Clinic, “smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. These skin changes may occur after only 10 years of smoking and are irreversible.”

Irreversible is the fact that most are unaware of. If that’s not a reason to quit smoking what is?
Read full article

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Spend Your Money Where It Matters


Experts agree that the most important part of your skin care regiment is your night treatment cream. According to TODAY powered by msnbc.com, “If you have a limited budget, your splurging should be done on your treatment cream. What do you get for your money? More sophisticated research and development, and a higher quality and concentration of active ingredients.” Read full article

This is the case with Night Rainew® by April Rain Skin Science®. Every ingredient has been individually researched and tested to provide the best long-lasting hydration and anti-aging results. With the science of April Rain® it is easy to see why 9 out of 10 women saw their fine lines and wrinkles diminish after only 35 days.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Vote For The "Best Skin" President Of All Time!

Organic Skin Care


What is organic?

Organic can be a classification for anything from food to the military. In the world of skin care one thing is for sure. Organic is better. Why pollute your skin with potentially dangerous harmful chemicals and toxins if you don’t have to.

Luckily April Rain Skin Science® looks out for your skin. We kept the health of your skin in mind when we developed Night Rainew® and that’s why it contains 100 percent organic Echinacea extract, eco-cultivated in the Swiss Alps. Organic Echinacea heals damaged skin, prevents collagen breakdown, and retains renewing moisture for improved firmness, elasticity, and lift. Night Rainew® also contains 100 percent organic Buddleja extract, an ancient Chinese skin-healing remedy. Organic Buddleja neutralizes dangerous free radicals, protects and repairs skin cell DNA that has suffered from environmental stressors, and offers lasting skin renewal and radiance.

How important is staying organic to you? Do you eat organic foods?

Thursday, October 16, 2008

ECOCERT®


Did you know?
The April Rain Skin Science® collection contains ingredients that are ECOCERT.

What is ECOCERT?
According to their website, ECOCERT is a control and certification organization, whose activities are governed accordingly by the public authorities and legislation. ECOCERT is accredited for structure and procedures by COFRAC (French committee for accreditation), in accordance with guide standard ISO 65 (EN 45011), which requires independence, competence and impartiality.

Wikipedia defines ECOCERT as an organic certification organization, founded in France in 1991. It is based in Europe but conducts inspections in over 80 countries, making it one of the largest organic certification organizations in the world.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Breast Cancer Month


April Rain Skin Science® is honoring National Breast Cancer Month by donating 25 percent of all October profits from the April Rain® line to the American Cancer Society®. April Rain’s® founder April Zangl had her own scare with breast cancer early in 2008 when she was told by her doctor she had lumps in her breasts that were growing and needed further tests. Luckily biopsies proved the lumps to be benign, but this close call with cancer inspired April to help in the fight against cancer.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

President Stress











There’s no doubt being the president of the United States is a stressful job. It has been documented that the stress occurring as president can lead to what appears to be accelerated aging. This has a devastating impact on the skin of presidents.
Did you know that stress leads to free radicals that cause wrinkles? These free radicals can be combated by anti-oxidants. The ultimate in anti-aging, Night Rainew®, contains 16 anti-oxidants! Check out this article on how to fight stress.

What do you think: Who will have better skin four years from now?
John McCain
Barack Obama
Thanks to PopPhoto.com for giving us this look into the future

Monday, October 6, 2008

HydroPeptide®


Peptides have quickly become a popular skin care treatment and alternative to cosmetic and plastic surgery because of their great results. Based on these first-generation peptides contained in products such as Strivectin and Regenerist, the chemists at April Rain Skin Science® researched more advanced peptides and ingredients from around the world and created the future in skin care – HydroPeptide®.

HydroPeptide®, found exclusively in April Rain Skin Science® products, is the age-defying breakthrough behind all Rainew® products. It communicates through skin’s layers to provide deep, rejuvenating moisture – night and day. No other night cream can boast the efficacy and richness of Night Rainew®.

Have you used any peptide based skin products?

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Why Does My Skin Need To Stay Hydrated?

Your skin is always thirsty. When your skin is dehydrated it appears dry, brittle and can crack. Keeping your skin healthy and hydrated makes your skin soft and supple. According to Sephora.com, to determine whether your skin is dry simply “lay your finger just above your jaw line, extending it toward the chin. Then gently glide your fingers upward toward the cheekbone. If you notice any sort of creepiness to your skin texture as you work your finger up your face, your skin is parched.”

Additionally, it is important to keep your skin hydrated at night. April Rain®’s ultra-hydrating, age-defying, night repair cream Night Rainew® provides long-lasting moisture with groundbreaking and intelligent, time-released hydration. It’s the only nighttime cream clinically proven to restore, protect and continually supply renewing hydration to skin exactly where and when skin craves it.

When do you feel your skin is dry? What products are you using to keep your skin hydrated?

Friday, September 26, 2008

The Dermatologist Behind Night Rainew®


Dr. Vivian Bucay, the guiding dermatologist for April Rain Skin Science®, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Bucay also teaches medical students as well as dermatology residents and mentors high school students who plan to pursue a career in medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from the Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Bucay did her dermatology training at the University of Miami and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She practiced for eight years in Mexico City before relocating to San Antonio, TX, in 1999. Dr. Bucay currently maintains a private practice in San Antonio and travels regularly to Laredo, TX, where she sees patients as well.Dr. Bucay is a member of many professional organizations, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the International Society of Dermatology, the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

She is the author or co-author of many publications, and has made numerous presentations both nationally and internationally. In 2004, Dr. Bucay was recognized as a “2004 Texas Super Doctor” in Texas Monthly Magazine and was again awarded this honor in 2005 in 2006.
Dr. Bucay has many years experience injecting botulinum toxin and soft tissue fillers and actively trains physicians in the use of these products. She serves as the local dermatology expert for WOAI, the NBC affiliate in San Antonio and makes regular television appearances on San Antonio Living, the city’s popular morning talk show. Dr. Bucay served as a judge for the Miss Texas USA pageant held June 2005.

Night Rainew® Launch

Everyone needs help with their skin; men and women, young and old. There have always been questions about skin care but now there is an answer. April Rain Skin Science®, the premier peptide-based skin care line, is proudly announcing that the launch of Night Rainew® is scheduled for early 2009. Night Rainew® is the only product to marry cutting-edge science with the most potent, life-giving organic essences from nature for complete skin renewal.

Clinical studies performed by third-party laboratories found that after only seven days of using Night Rainew® Collagen III levels tripled, providing smoother, healthier, youthful skin. Following 35 days of use, 100 percent of women said they were thrilled to keep using Night Rainew® and 100 percent said they would recommend Night Rainew® to their friends and families.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

There's Proof!

After only 35 days of applying Night Rainew® once a day,
100% of women felt that their skin was softer feeling and smoother looking
Almost all women felt that their skin was more hydrated
86% of women felt that their skin looked younger
9 out of 10 women saw wrinkles and fine lines diminish
98% of women felt that their skin looked more rested, revitalized and refreshed

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Night Rainew® Testimonials


Night Rainew®


AprilRain

Night Rainew® is a groundbreaking new skin care product that nourishes, rejuvenates and quenches the thirst of damaged deprived skin. Night Rainew® is backed by the breakthrough science of proprietary HydroPeptide® technology. Night Rainew® is unique in that it offers what most other skin care products can’t – real results.