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Tinnitus, the perceived ringing and buzzing in one’s ears, may not be fully understood, but what is known is that it can severely disrupt a person’s life. Treatment for the condition has been unreliable, but now scientists are reporting a new way to turn down the ringing by turning up music, according to a new study.

Scientists altered participants’ favourite music to remove notes which matched the frequency of the ringing in their ears. After a year of listening to the modified music, individuals reported a drop in the loudness of their tinnitus [BBC News]. Participants who listened to music in which notes of a different frequency were removed reported no such improvement. The treatment could be a cheap way to help the three percent of the population that suffers from tinnitus, say the researchers, who published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The idea is to remove the spectrum of noise linked to tinnitus from the music a person listens to so that the area of the brain associated with that frequency will not be as active. The researchers propose that the therapy might work by re-wiring parts of the auditory cortex that have become over-active to instead tune into surrounding—but different—tones. Another possibility is that with deprivation, these specially tuned auditory neurons would undergo “long-term depression,” causing them to become less active overall [Scientific American]. How ironic that one of the causes of ringing ears may also be the solution.

Related Content:
80beats: Clubbers More Likely to Give Cigarettes If You Ask Their Right Ears
80beats: Stem Cells Could Regenerate Inner Ear Hairs—and Hearing
80beats: Forget the Hearing Aid: Why Not Regrow Inner Ear Cells?

Image: flickr / Neil T

I have a friend whose daughter is getting married in May and she wanted me to come up with an idea for wedding favors. She and her daughter said that they were tired of the same old favors you see everywhere. So, I came up with this idea. It’s a terra cotta pot decorated with roses and they loved the concept.

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• One clay pot (you can really use any type of pot)
• White Patio paint
• A paint brush
• Ribbon roses (any color, I chose the color of the bridesmaid dresses)
• Spanish moss
• A glass votive holder
• Small candle
• Hot glue gun

Paint the pot with white paint and let it dry. You will probably need a second coat. Make sure the paint has dried thoroughly.

Hot glue the ribbon rose buds along the top of the pot, on the outside rim. Then glue one or two ribbon roses on the body of the pot. If you are using all white roses and leaves, you can add a little bit of gold metallic Patio paint by dabbing it randomly around the pot.

You can glue some white or green leaves around the roses on the body of the pot. Another option is to take a picture, maybe an engagement picture, of the couple and glue it to the front of the pot, but that will be a little more expensive to make pictures for all of the favors.

I am making the pot with the couple’s picture for the bride’s and the groom’s mother only and plain rose pots for the remainder of the guests. That was their choice.

Put some spanish moss in the bottom of the pot and top it off with a glass votive holder. Insert a candle, use a candle that is the same color as the roses you use. Finish it off by putting the Bride and Groom’s name under the picture or rose.

The cost for making this favor was minimal. There is no need to spend a lot on favors if you are willing to make them yourself. These turned out beautiful.

Post from: Blisstree

Rose Pot Candle Holder

The generl consensus is that november retail sales, including Black Friady and subsequent days, were something of a flop.

But maybe consumers were just sitting on their hands. Maybe.

Goldman Sachs retail analyst Michelle Tan thinks there’s reason to believe that December may have salvaged the season, as shoppers returned to malls.

—-

GS/ICSC Weekly Sales Index: Pickup last week from last minute
Holiday shopping
The ICSC Weekly Index is a long-standing, proprietary statistical measure compiled by the
International Council of Shopping Centers, now in collaboration with Goldman Sachs. The
index:
• Incorporates data from broadlines and mall-based retailers, past weekly spending
patterns and a weekly shopper survey. 
The raw yoy change in the index closely correlates with monthly same-store sales results
(Exhibit 4), while the seasonally adjusted data smoothes out fluctuations due to calendar
shifts, weather, and other extraneous factors to offer a better picture of the underlying
health of retail sales.

Month to date, the raw GS/ICSC index is +2.5%, above November which averaged
+1.0%. After seasonal adjustment, the GS/ICSC adjusted index was +2.3% last week,
well above the prior week but below November (which averaged +2.9%). 

Mall traffic, in particular, is clearly picking up.

December-to-date mall traffic still above November 
Weekly mall traffic is tracked by ShopperTrak using a proprietary traffic projection
methodology. The SRTI Enclosed Mall Index captures traffic from a sample of enclosed
malls and projects it to the total base of enclosed malls. The correlation between year-on-
year changes in the SRTI Mall Traffic Index and our comp sales indices is low, partly
because mall traffic does not reflect changes in conversion trends. Notwithstanding this,
over time there is some relationship between directional changes in year-on-year mall
traffic and comp sales of mall-based apparel retailers and department stores. Month to
date, mall traffic is +1.2% compared to the November average of -1.6%. 

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• The Christmas Retail Rally Could Be Toast
• Why The Tough November For Retail Doesn’t Mean A Bad December
• Holiday Sales Figures Aren’t Completely Horrible

With a $99 price tag, the Apple iPhone 3G is perfect for the person that doesn’t need the extra storage space, processor enhancements, or other goodies that come with the 3GS model.  That being said, another model is rumored to launch in June, so it’s assumed that the low-end model will be refreshed.

According to a report by Gizmodo, a German user reported receiving a replacement for his 8 GB iPhone 3G.  Though the device was in fact a standard 3G model, the box clearly indicated “iPhone 3GS, 8GB.”  So we’re either looking at a typo on the box, or a complete mismatch between old and new packaging.  One thing is for sure: launching the 3GS at the $99 price point would re-raise the bar on other sub-$100 smartphones in the arena. 

Perhaps we’ll hear more at the Apple event on January 26th.  Any speculations out there?

Via: PhoneArena

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, China, Chevrolet

The Chinese-market Chevrolet Sail has had quite a life, at one time being a rebadged Opel, at another time being built in China, at another time being called the Buick Sail. The 2010 model has been spotted – which was at one time thought to be the new Chevy Lova – and it’s plastic fantastic. Honestly, when we look at it we don’t even think Aveo, we think Cavalier, and then feel bad for anyone who might have to live through that experience.

But that’s our own flashbacks; the car has sold well and appears to have a solid reputation in China, and the 2010 version should continue the trend. Engine options are said to number two: a 1.2-liter with 78 horsepower, and a 1.4-liter with 96 hp. They will work through a five-speed manual or perhaps a four-speed auto in an upper trim. The price in China is expected to be less than $9,390.

[Source: Autohome (translated) via Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

New Chevrolet sets Sail for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

With a $99 price tag, the Apple iPhone 3G is perfect for the person that doesn’t need the extra storage space, processor enhancements, or other goodies that come with the 3GS model.  That being said, another model is rumored to launch in June, so it’s assumed that the low-end model will be refreshed.

According to a report by Gizmodo, a German user reported receiving a replacement for his 8 GB iPhone 3G.  Though the device was in fact a standard 3G model, the box clearly indicated “iPhone 3GS, 8GB.”  So we’re either looking at a typo on the box, or a complete mismatch between old and new packaging.  One thing is for sure: launching the 3GS at the $99 price point would re-raise the bar on other sub-$100 smartphones in the arena. 

Perhaps we’ll hear more at the Apple event on January 26th.  Any speculations out there?

Via: PhoneArena

When a startup files an S-1 form with the Securities and Exchange Commission to launch an initial public offering, it opens up info galore about the private company’s history, finances and strategy. We dug through the more than 230-page document filed yesterday by biocatalyst developer Codexis, and found tidbits on just how much the startup […]

Black Grape Resveratrol is a diet pill that claims it will help you lose weight and improve your life (website). However, this Black Grape Resveratrol review will expose the truth behind Black Grape Resveratrol so you know what to expect.

Black Grape Resveratrol Ingredients

The only ingredient listed on the Black Grape Resveratrol website is black grape. I contacted Black Grape Resveratrol customer service (via email since they do not have a customer service phone number). I specifically asked what ingredients are contained in Black Grape Resveratrol. Unfortunately, after 3 days I still have not heard back from them. Therefore, there is no way of knowing what other ingredients (if any) are contained in Black Grape Resveratrol.

There have been very bold claims made about black grape. The truth is it is a fad just like acai. It is an excellent antioxidant, but there is no scientific evidence to prove black grape will actually cause weight loss.

Black Grape Resveratrol Customer Service

In an attempt to find the complete list of ingredients in Black Grape Resveratrol, I contacted their customer service. Unfortunately, they do not have a customer service phone number. The only way to contact them is through email. I specifically asked for a list of ingredients, but they still have not responded after 3 days.

Black Grape Resveratrol Return Policy

Black Grape Resveratrol has one of the worst return policies I have ever seen. You have 7 days from receipt of the product to return it. In addition, the package must be unopened. This means you can’t even try it before you return it.

Therefore, if you try it and it doesn’t work you are just out of luck. Seven days is not nearly long enough to return a product. Companies should give 90 days and allow you to return opened packages.

Black Grape Resveratrol also has a 15% restocking fee, something you will only find in the fine print.

Black Grape Resveratrol Cost

Black Grape Resveratrol costs $34.95 per bottle (a one month supply). They claim this is much less expensive than the price of most products that include black grape. While this may be true, there is no reason to believe Black Grape Resveratrol diet pills will actually cause weight loss. Therefore, this Black Grape Resveratrol review finds $34.95 is too much to pay for Black Grape Resveratrol.

Black Grape Resveratrol Claims

The Black Grape Resveratrol website makes some interesting and misleading claims. They claim Black Grape Resveratrol is “pharmaceutical grade.” However, they do not explain what that really means. Products containing black grape are sold over the counter, so why do they advertise it as being pharmaceutical grade?

They also claim that Black Grape Resveratrol exceeds the standards set by the FDA. The way it is worded as well as the way it is presented on the website makes it seem that Black Grape Resveratrol diet pills have been approved by the FDA. However, the FDA does NOT approve any diet pills.

Black Grape Resveratrol Conclusion

This Black Grape Resveratrol review finds Black Grape Resveratrol is overpriced. There is no reason to believe it will cause weight loss. Do yourself a favor and go with a diet pill that includes proven ingredients in the appropriate amounts.

There is one area where multi-touch is definitely useful, and that is emulating the multiple buttons needed in game emulation, especially on today’s hardware button deficient devices.

Blutz on XDA-Developers have been working on getting the Morphgear game emulator to work better on the HTC HD2, and has recently added real multi-touch to the mix, and it certainly looks like its working pretty well.

Read more about this feat at XDA-Developers here.

Gosh, what ever shall we talk about tonight on PalmCast Live? How about the little webOS update that could? Yes, that’ll do.

8pm Eastern, tonight. If you have questions, we’ll endeavor to answer them. Just tweet it out and be sure to include the #palmcast hashtag.

We like to give stuff away almost as much as you like to get free stuff. We figure there are enough folks with new devices that could use a Touchstone and enough folks who wouldn’t spit on a second (or third?) Touchstone, so that’ll be the prize tonight, complete with a battery door to go along with it, be it for Pre or Pixi.

That’s the story, 8pm Eastern tonight. We’ll see you there.

Everybody has a damn iPhone app nowadays, and why should NCAA programs be any different? Row27 Studios, a design firm that has 58 NCAA clients including the Cal Bears, UNC Tar Heels and Florida Gators, has begun to fill that void. They’ve created an iPhone app that is perfect for University sports programs, and provides them with a way of reaching their fans through the mobile device we all know and love (or not). They launched their first app for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, and it boasts great features such as live scoring, RSS feeds of team news and a couple cool minigames to occupy you during half-time.

The Kansas Jayhawks app is just the first iteration of this platform, which can be re-purposed for any other NCAA sports program. According to Creative Director Jonathan Dusing, due to Row27’s close relationships with other NCAA sports teams, their iPhone app will probably soon be appear under many other college sports names.

Perhaps even more interesting than the launch of the app is the fact that Row27 didn’t spend a dime of its own money on development. The app was built as a custom project for Kansas University and Row27 managed to keep the rights to re-purpose the same application for other college sports teams. Besides being a great way to run a business, it also means that no other sports team has to take the risk KU did when requesting development of the app. Granted, KU bit the bullet – but they also got the special attention of getting to decide all the features and the specifics of the app themselves. It’s a win-win.

The app itself is pretty cool. Besides features that are available elsewhere such as live scoring and in-depth game-by-game statistics for all major sports, the app also has tons of additional features perfect for a University-specific sports application. For example, you can chat with other KU fans within the app – a great way to ask questions such as “What’s the best happy hour after the game” or “How do we make sure Cal doesn’t upset us during our game tomorrow?” Furthermore, it’s connected to KU’s news feeds so fans can get all of the sports news their hearts desire.

But one of the real benefits is for fringe sports – if you’re interested in Volleyball, Soccer, Softball and Baseball, it can be hard to get real-time sports statistics at the collegiate level on mobile. Because this is a University-sanctioned application, Row27’s app can provide data that no other application can. They are integrated to the standard NCAA statistics management system (Stat Crew) so they can stream statistics for any game that have live statistics.

It’ll be interesting to see if such turn-key branded applications do well on the App Store. With football season gone, it may be a while until the Kansas Jayhawks app will do a couple thousand sales, but I have no doubt that you’ll soon see branded apps across most NCAA programs. It’s just a matter of time.

UPDATED: I previously wrote that the app was named “Kansas University app.” Now changed to “Kansas Jayhawks app.” Furthermore, per a commenter, it is “University of Kansas” not “Kansas University.”

Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware.

We didn’t do it then

We need to do it now

But then was now

And now becomes then

And the question remains

When?

I’ve just spent a long time perusing our site, trying to compile just a few of my favorite posts of 2009. In doing so, I’ve taken peeks at several different continents, numerous countries, and ingredients of all varieties. And surprisingly, considering my cheesemonger leanings, none of them are cheese-related, all thanks to the diversity of our editors’ interests.

Read Full Post

Mode gives us a closer look at Acne’s Spring/Summer 2010 offerings. The Swedish label turns to a more relaxed and laid back look with neutral hues and softer fabrics. Light leather jackets are the highlight pieces for now, but the more simple items such as button downs, sweaters and trousers are also worth the look. As for footwear, we see a very interesting play on design especially with animal prints and contrasting colors.

Photographs by Daniel Troyse.

Continue reading for more images.

Source: Mode

Article Tags: Kenneth P. Green

In the aftermath of the Copenhagen Climate conference, it is clear that the United Nations-driven process is a bust, and that any similar process requiring economic suicide and massive wealth transfers will go nowhere. It is long since time to drop this charade, take the question of climate change out of the hands of the U.N., and implement more reasonable policies.

Fostering the resilience of societies around the world in case climate disaster strikes would be a start. Central to this process is for governments to stop making things worse, as they do when they subsidize risk-taking.

One reason that predicted damages from rising sea-levels and more powerful storms are so high is because of the popularity of coastal locales for high-density business and upscale residential development. As a result, damages from extreme coastal weather events have been fantastically expensive. The damages from Hurricane Katrina for example, reached over $150 billion. The question, however, is why there was so much value that was so badly protected against completely predictable events? Why were levees and sea-walls so under-designed? Why were so many houses and businesses uninsured? As Charles Perrow observes in “The Next Catastrophe,” “Even in areas known to be hazardous, only about 20% of homeowners purchase flood insurance, and less than 50% of businesses purchase flood and earthquake insurance in risky areas.”

Source: online.wsj.com

Read in full with comments »   

When China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group takes over FoMoCo’s Volvo next year, it will leave the Swedish luxury brand untouched. According to Li Shufu, the founder and chairman of Geely, Volvo’s production, research and development facilities, union agreements and dealer networks will be left intact.

“If the deal succeeds, nothing will change for Volvo, except the boss turns to Li Shufu,” Li said. “Volvo and Geely will be two independently-managed brands.”

Li said that Geely’s purchase of Volvo will help his company develop new energy vehicles, and that Geely would help Volvo reduce production costs and expand in the Chinese market.

“But based on current investment in research and development, China will be left far behind the pace of developed countries,” he said.

Ford announced last week that it has settled all substantive commercial terms to lead to the sale of Volvo to Geely. The sale is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2010.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters