How do you not worry when your life becomes filled with issues, problems and catastrophes; things, which any reasonable person would definitely worry about? Like what if you have no money, or job issues, or in a damaging relationship, or suffering a breakup, or worst of all health problems. These are the kinds of things we worry about in America. In other countries, places are war torn, and people worry about their basic survival.The list of reasons to worry could go on forever, and actually all are valid.

The best thing for every worrying situation is prayer. I know a lot of people can't stand any kind of religious talk, rightfully so with all the judgement and war that has been brought about by religions. But there is good in there too, and people that have nothing to do with God or any religion may not know about prayer as a tool for life. And it really is a tool. Praying soothes the soul.

I personally have seen miracles come from prayer. I have seen people come off of hard core drug addictions. I've seen marriages saved. I have seen people meet their soul mate through prayer. I have not seen people become rich through prayer. To me its embarrasing to pray to God for wealth, but it might work. I don't know.

What I have seen is miraculous things like when I've needed desperately for a large bill to be paid, money out of nowhere was unexpectedly wired in to my account on that day the bill was due. It was miraculous. It was payment for a job that I was supposed to do a few months later and they accidentally paid me early. Weird.

That's what I would call the "daily bread" in the Lords Prayer that Jesus teaches. When Jesus says "Give us this day our daily bread" that means cover our immediate needs right now. I have definitely seen all my needs covered through prayer. I give prayer the credit because those times when I was in a financial hole and my needs got covered when I prayed about it.

I have deeply Christian beliefs, but I don't feel like convincing people to believe what I believe. I don't have interest in that. I wanted to write this because I know we all go through difficult times, painful times, and this is something that really does help. Prayer invites miracles in to your life and brings peace and solutions.

Heading to Vegas this fall? Between partying like a rock star, shopping and gambling your mortgage payment away, get a little R & R at the Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Located inside the luxurious HRH Tower, Reliquary is a destination spa experience which has recently recreated their menu to further reflect the hotel’s deeply rooted ties to rock and roll.  With amazing facials like the Nirvana; an 80 minute treatment that includes an anti-aging facial, a warm paraffin mask on the face, hands and feet, or the Drum Sticks; a massage ritual using bamboo reeds for drumming, tapping and rolling to rebalance the body’s energy flow or the Satisfaction, which is a 50 minute body wrap that includes a firming mask. After spending a day at Reliquary spa you will be ready to go on tour or at least go back to your crummy 9-5 gig.

Besides the new beauty treatment menu this 25,000 sq. ft. spa includes a lounge area, 21 treatment rooms, fitness center, a swanky men’s and women’s locker facility  complete with lounge, fire place, Jacuzzis, and saunas. Did I forget to mention the co-ed Roman Bath?

To check out all of the new menu or book an appointment call The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at 702.693.5520 or visit www.hardrockhotel.com.

Fast food isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when someone utters the word "healthy," but people often find themselves in situations where there is no other choice. While it's difficult to order Chinese food that actually qualifies as a healthy dish, it is possible, and some restaurants will go out of their way to meet their customers' needs.

The Salty Beast

Sodium is unavoidable when ordering Chinese. If possible, dieters should plan their meals ahead of time and avoid sodium at all costs prior to ordering Chinese food. Since the main concern with sodium is water weight, it's possible to lessen the impact of consuming so much of it by drinking copious amounts of water throughout the day.

Avoid Sauces

Soy sauce is yet another way that sodium works its way into Chinese food, and the sweeter sauces contain lots of carbohydrates. Some Chinese restaurants offer alternatives, but in almost every case, someone can request that the sauces not be used at all.

Use Rice as Filler

Rice is an incredibly healthy food, and while it might not make a satisfying meal on its own, it can lessen someone's appetite for the fattier things on the menu. Of course, fried rice is just as bad as anything else on the menu; it's steamed rice or bust for those who want to get in shape.

Cantonese is What the Doctor Ordered

Cantonese dishes tend to be made with better ingredients, and they're generally lighter than other Chinese dishes. Another alternative is to order foods that place an emphasis on vegetables over everything else. A prime example would be beef and broccoli.

Mention Special Needs

Not everyone can have everything, and Chinese food may contain elements that could cause problems beyond mere weight gain. Mentioning that to the person working at the restaurant when the order is placed can help avoid the snafus that accompany eating something that's completely inappropriate.

Avoid Nuts and Fried Food

Most dieters are fully aware that they should avoid fried food, and Chinese food is no exception. What people may not be aware of is that there are a lot of Chinese dishes that heavily feature nuts, and while nuts are healthy in small servings, they add a lot of fat and calories to dishes where they are key ingredients. It may be possible to get a restaurant to omit the nuts or reduce the amount they use in certain dishes, but if they won't, it's better to just avoid those dishes altogether.

Slimming Down Isn't Easy

Ordering takeout is always a gamble, but Chinese food does provide some healthy alternatives for those who don't want to expand their waistlines. It's a bit of a minefield at first, but with a little practice and knowledge, it's more than possible to get enjoyable food that won't require someone to add another notch to his belt.

Chloe Summers is a guest writer for delivery.com, a site she recommends for finding the best delivery options in your area.

What do Navy Seals, your NFL team, and Arnold Schwarzenegger have in common? The Burpee. Learn the single most Mansome exercise you can do.

Food additives have been used for centuries to enhance the appearance and flavor of food and prolong shelf life. But do these food additives really “add” any value to your food?

Food additives find their way into our foods to help ease processing, packaging and storage. But how do we know what food additives is in that box of macaroni and cheese and why does it have such a long shelf life?

A typical American household spends about 90 percent of their food budget on processed foods, and are in doing so exposed to a plethora of artificial food additives, many of which can cause dire consequences to your health.

Some food additives are worse than others. Here’s a list of the top food additives to avoid:

1. Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is found in foods labeled "diet" or "sugar free". Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures. Acesulfame-K, a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baking goods, gum and gelatin, has not been thoroughly tested and has been linked to kidney tumors. Read more about the dangers of Aspartame here.

Found in: diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and over gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. It is found in almost all processed foods. HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage, among other harmful effects.

Found in: most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals

3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / E621)
MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects which include depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG effects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengaged the "I'm full" function which explains the effects of weight gain.

Found in: Chinese food (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome ) many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch meats

4. Trans Fat
Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and is among the most dangerous substances that you can consume. Found in deep-fried fast foods and certain processed foods made with margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are formed by a process called hydrogenation. Numerous studies show that trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems. Oils and fat are now forbidden on the Danish market if they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent, a move that effectively bans partially hydrogenated oils.

Found in: margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods

5. Common Food Dyes
Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. Animal studies have linked other food colorings to cancer. Watch out for these ones:

Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)

Banned in Norway, Finland and France. May cause chromosomal damage

Found in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet foods

Red dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124)

Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission

Found in: fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products and more!

Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)

Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage.

Found in: American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more!

6. Sodium Sulfite (E221)
Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods. According to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in food. The majority of these individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.

Found in: Wine and dried fruit

7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. This ingredient, which sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to ban this additive in the 1970's but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products. Why does the industry still use it? Simple: this chemical just happens to turn meats bright red. It's actually a color fixer, and it makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant.

Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat

8. BHA and BHT (E320)
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

Found in: Potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello

9. Sulfur Dioxide (E220)
Sulfur additives are toxic and in the United States of America, the Federal Drugs Administration have prohibited their use on raw fruit and vegetables. Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys vitamins B1 and E. Not recommended for consumption by children. The International Labour Organization says to avoid E220 if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.

Found in: beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products.

10. Potassium Bromate
An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans.

Found in: breads

Read the Full Article at Food Matters

Skora sneaker are great for wearing around town, on the beach or running, to the gym, to work, to yoga. They are super comfortable and light, and they feel like your floating or walking on clouds. They feel totally natural, almost like being barefoot, only better! And that is just what the designers intended.

Skora was founded by David Sypiewski, a well-funded entrepreneur and formerly injured runner.

His shoes, like so many of the new, minimalist running shoes crowding the market today, are based on the notion that humans were designed to run shoeless, and that most running shoes overcorrect the human foot’s natural ability to adjust and function. Rather than piling up more features, more support, more cushioning and more everything, the minimalist or natural shoe designers start from the bare foot and its inherent abilities.

Skora’s first two models are based on a last that is shaped like the natural arch, and they have no height drop from heel to toe. The mid-foot hits the ground first, not the heel as with most running shoes.

In addition to loving the look of the shoes and loving the amazing feeling of wearing them, we also love their branding. The website is easy to navigate and the entire brand works. We are definitely fans. - Bill Tikos

Read the full story at Cool Hunter