Friday, September 26, 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Ballo the Slumlord--What U Can Do!!

Here are requirements from the Waltham MA Housing Code Checklist...

If your "Ballo" owned apartment has these issues also then call the city of waltham for help!!
http://www.city.waltham.ma.us/building/index.html
(781) 314-3285

Ballo is only in business because his residents do not report on-going violations, do your part and protect us all.

Common Ballo Violations
-inadequate exits, all apartments must have two exits.
-accumulation of garbage or filth that provide food or shelter for pests.
-kitchen sink, over, or stove not in working condition; appliances must be in good working condition
-any electrical, plumbing, or heating defeat that violates "generally accepted standards"
-adequate water to meet ordinary needs with sufficient pressure to be usable
-wiring must not pass under rugs or through doorways
-foundations must be weather tight, inset proof and rodent proof
-interior walls must be free of holes, cracks, loose plaster and must be cleanable and weather tight
-in buildings with three or more units the landlord must provide enough watertight garbage cans to contain all accumulation of trash between regular pick ups.


FOR HELP & MORE INFORMATION CALL WATCH AT 517 MOODY STREET 02453 781-891-6689 X203


some pictures of my apartment where Phil Ballo has failed to keep up to code for the last two years...




And here are images from when Phil broke in to my apartment with no notice and left a repairman alone in my apartment. He admitted this in court on September 22nd and it made his lawyer so sad :(


Sunday, September 14, 2008

alternative remedies for pain

Capsaicin: For arthritis, shingles, or neuropathy

What the science says: An active component of chile pepper, capsaicin temporarily desensitizes pain-prone skin nerve receptors called C-fibers; soreness is diminished for 3 to 5 weeks while they regain sensation. Nearly 40 percent of arthritis patients reduced their pain by half after using a topical capsaicin cream for a month, and 60 percent of neuropathy patients achieved the same after 2 months, according to a University of Oxford study. Patients at the New England Center for Headache decreased their migraine and cluster headache intensity after applying capsaicin cream inside their nostrils.

How to try it: Capsaicin ointments and creams are sold in pharmacies and health stores. For arthritis or neuropathy, try 0.025 percent or 0.075 percent capsaicin cream one to four times daily; best results can take up to 2 weeks, says Philip Gregory, PharmD, a professor at Creighton University and editor of the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. But research on capsaicin and headaches remains limited — and don't expect stronger versions anytime soon: "Current formulations are better suited for more acute problems, like a sore muscle or an arthritis flare-up, than everyday pain and stiffness," Gregory says.

InflaThera or Zyflamend: For arthritis

What the science says: Both supplement brands contain ginger, turmeric, and holy basil, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric (a curry ingredient) may be the best: A component, curcumin, eases inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, according to the Methodist Research Institute in Indianapolis. Researchers are now testing Zyflamend in RA patients, but some experts are already sold: "Each herb has its own scientific database of evidence," says James Dillard, MD, author of "The Chronic Pain Solution."

How to try it: ProThera, InflaThera's maker, will only sell to health care professionals, so your doctor has to order it for you; that said, it's reportedly stronger (and slightly cheaper) than Zyflamend. InflaThera's suggested dosage is twice daily with food. For the more readily accessible Zyflamend, take one capsule two or three times daily, but avoid it near bedtime — each pill contains 10 mg of caffeine (another version, Zyflamend PM, is reportedly less stimulating). Buy Zyflamend at swansonvitamins.com or immunesupport.com/zyflamend.htm. Or, save money and try curcumin to start: Taking 500 mg four times daily, along with fish oil and a diet low in animal fat, can ease arthritis, says Jane Guiltinan, ND, immediate past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Arnica: For acute injury or post surgery swelling

What the science says: This herb comes from a European flower; although its healing mechanism is still unknown, it does have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Taking oral homeopathic arnica after a tonsillectomy decreases pain, say British researchers, and German doctors found that it reduces surgery-related knee swelling.

How to try it: Use homeopathic arnica as an adjunct to ice, herbs, or conventional pain meds, suggests Guiltinan. Rub arnica ointment on bruises or strained muscles, or take it in the form of three lactose pellets under the tongue up to six times per day. Boiron is among the most reputable arnica manufacturers.

Aquamin: For osteoarthritis

What the science says: This red seaweed supplement is rich in calcium and magnesium. A preliminary clinical study showed that the ingredients may reduce joint inflammation or even help build bone, says David O'Leary of Marigot, Aquamin's Irish manufacturer. In a study of 70 volunteers published in Nutrition Journal, Aquamin users reduced arthritis pain by 20 percent in a month, and had less stiffness than patients taking a placebo.

How to try it: Marigot recommends 2,400 mg a day (two capsules) of Aquamin in tablet form, sold domestically in products such as Aquamin Sea Minerals and Cal-Sea-Um. A 60-pill jar of Swanson Vegetarian Aquamin Sea Minerals costs about $6 at swansonvitamins.com.

AM-e (S adenosylmethionine): For osteoarthritis

What the science says: SAM-e is made from a naturally occurring amino acid and sold as capsules. Doctors aren't entirely sure why it tamps down pain, but it reduces inflammation and may increase the feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine.

Studies by the University of Maryland School of Nursing and the University of California, Irvine, showed that SAM-e was as effective as some NSAIDs in easing osteoarthritis aches; the California researchers found that SAM-e quashed pain by 50 percent after 2 months, though it took a few weeks to kick in. SAM-e produced no cardiovascular risks and fewer stomach problems than the conventional meds.

How to try it: Costco and CVS both carry it; a month's supply costs $30 to $60. Guiltinan prescribes 400 to 1,600 mg daily, often with turmeric or fish oil. SAM-e can interact with other meds, especially MAO-inhibitor antidepressants, so it's vital to talk with your doctor before taking it (and avoid SAM-e entirely if you have bipolar disorder).

Also, inspect the packaging before buying, advises Gregory: Make sure the product carries a USP or GMP quality seal, contains a stabilizing salt, has a far-off expiration date, and comes in foil blister packs — SAM-e can degrade rapidly in direct light.

Fish oil: For joint pain from arthritis or autoimmune disorders

What the science says: Digested fish oil breaks down into hormonelike chemicals called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. In one study, about 40 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients who took cod-liver oil every day were able to cut their NSAID use by more than a third, Scottish scientists recently reported. People with neck and back pain have fared even better: After about 10 weeks, nearly two-thirds were able to stop taking NSAIDs altogether in a University of Pittsburgh study.

How to try it: Taking 1,000 mg is proven to help your heart, but you should up the dose for pain. For osteoarthritis, try 2,000 to 4,000 mg daily; for rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases associated with joint pain (such as lupus), consider a much higher dose of upwards of 8,000 mg daily — but ask your doctor about such a large amount first, says Tanya Edwards, MD, medical director at the Cleveland Clinic's Center for Integrative Medicine. (The same rule applies if you take BP or heart meds, as omega-3s can thin the blood.) Read the nutrition label carefully: The dosage refers to the amount of omega-3s in a capsule, not other ingredients. Nordic Naturals (nordicnaturals.com) and Carlson (carlsonlabs.com) are both reputable brands; for something stronger, GNC's Triple-Strength Fish Oil (gnc.com) has 900 mg of omega-3s per capsule.

Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM): For osteoarthritis

What the science says: MSM is derived from sulfur and may prevent joint and cartilage degeneration, say University of California, San Diego, scientists. People with osteoarthritis of the knee who took MSM had 25 percent less pain and 30 percent better physical function at the end of a 3-month trial at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. Indian researchers also found that MSM worked better when combined with glucosamine.

How to try it: Start with 1.5 to 3 g once daily and increase to 3 g twice daily for more severe pain, suggests Leslie Axelrod, ND, a professor of clinical sciences at Southwest. Patients in the Indian trial improved on dosages as low as 500 mg three times daily. Vendors of OptiMSM, the brand tested in Axelrod's trial, can be found at optimsm.com.



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26136767/

Frenemies & Dating

A friend who feeds you negativity isn't a friend, but a frenemy. A frenemy may be chipping away your dating potential without you even being aware of it. Ask yourself, do any of these incidents sound familiar?
  • A "best friend" takes an instant dislike to a date you really like
  • A friend insists that all the "good ones" are taken
  • A sister/brother reminds you of your past failures or the duds you've fallen for
  • Dad criticizes any date you bring around
  • Mom clucks about how men/women would find you more attractive if you only lost those 10 pounds
  • Your two closest friends flake on the first dinner party you're hosting with your date
These are typical behaviors of friends-turned-frenemies.

Here are four steps to use to handle frenemies and protect your love life:


Step 1: Uncover frenemies
Who do you spend the most time with socially? Regarding the people close to you, answer the following questions:
  • Are they single? Are they in a relationship? If so, do they generally describe it as loving or not?
  • Do you feel good hanging around them? How do you feel right after being with them?
  • Are they supportive of your self-esteem and attractiveness?
  • What are their attitudes towards love or relationships in general?
  • How do they react when you're in a relationship?

Step 2: Stop your whining
Often you are unconsciously encouraging your frenemies to be negative by complaining to them about what is wrong with your love life. For three days, take a notebook and make a note of every time you complain to anyone. For the next three days complain to no one. Write about how this feels.

Step 3: Make a list of what you need from frenemies
For example, you may need your best friend to stop complaining about how awful men/women are. You may need your dad/mom to tell you what he/she really likes about your new date.

Step 4: Ask your frenemies to give you the support you need
Be straight and honest.
Tell them you want to have a positive outlook about love and you need them to be positive too. Most will respond. With the few frenemies who resist and continue being negative, move to a more distant, yet polite, relationship with them. You have to protect yourself and your own hopeful outlook on love.
Anyone can make a mistake and can turn frenemy on you. But if this does happen, follow these steps, and you will find that you can turn things back around so that you have a truly supportive posse. And by the way, if you and your wonderful posse would like to see if your dating patterns are more like Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, or Miranda, take my free quiz at ww.mydatingpatterns.com.

http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/datingtips/86482/dating-advice-spot-and-stop-friends-who-botch-your-love-life

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Ballo the Slumlord Trumps Himself :D

Phil Ballo and his attorney filed a lawsuit based on fraudulent evidence and got caught.

should have seen the pair of idiots back tracking in court when asked what the charge was for.

absolutely no response from either and quickly agreed to settle with just the rent as it is all that is due.

funny how quickly a liar and an asshole folds when confronted with the truth!!

a good day.

the best part being that I am outta here...i suggest you stay away!!

properties on trapelo road and cresent street in waltham, ma

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Slumlord Update :: Ballo Real Estate Waltham, MA

Here are some more pictures of what the Ballo family and Ballo Real Estate Services find to be acceptable living conditions.




Thursday, September 4, 2008

Chronic Aches and Pains??

I was blessed enough to have natural athletic abilities and many found childhood memories of sports and being outside. As i grew up I also became competitive and made decisions to play games when my body had not fully recovered. Add in a few more years of an active lifestyle and years in front of a computer, suddenly I have some chronic aches and pains in my knees and ankles. Although I do enjoy being able to predict a rainstorm I have also found that with some simple lifestyle changes I can reduce the pain before it beings. As the pain comes from muscle stiffness which is a result of inflammation the logic thing to do is reduce the inflammation. Magnesium has been my savior and very easy to add to my diet.

The article below has some other interesting information....

*******************************************************

Arthritis is a common, debilitating disorder that affects nearly one in three adults in the United States (Arthritis Foundation, 2005), and is usually classified by an inflammation of the joints. This inflammation leads to stiffness, pain, instability and weakness in the body that generally worsens with age. Unfortunately, anti inflammatory drugs only mask the problem.

Arthritis-related inflammation is usually treated with a combination of natural anti inflammatory solutions, such as supplements, rest, exercise, stretching and an anti inflammatory diet, or with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Frequently, a combination of both natural and physician-prescribed treatments are used to reduce the symptoms.

Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used anti inflammatory drugs recommended by physicians to treat arthritis today. However, these drugs are often associated with adverse side effects, some of which can be quite serious.

NSAIDs decrease the production of a prostaglandin that protects the stomach lining. This allows the acids in the stomach to erode the lining, thereby resulting in bleeding and ulcers.

NSAIDs also have anti-clotting effects, which result in increased bleeding or bruising. Mouth sores, skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and ringing in the ears are all other common side effects related to this class of anti inflammatory drugs. Not everyone who takes NSAIDs will experience adverse events; however, they have been observed in the clinical setting.

In light of the fact that many people have experienced negative reactions to NSAIDs and other anti inflammatory drugs, many are now turning to natural anti inflammatory options to alleviate their arthritis pain.

One of the easiest ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis and inflammation naturally (without the assistance of drugs) is to follow an anti inflammatory diet. This includes avoiding white flour, excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates. These diets also suggest incorporating more produce (fruit and vegetables) and lean meat (fish and chicken) into your diet and limiting the amount of processed or packaged foods that you consume.

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty oils - found in many type of nuts, fatty/oily fish, and pumpkin seeds - are a great way to alleviate some of the inflammation discomfort naturally.

Additionally, when following an anti inflammatory diet, it's important to ensure that the body receives an adequate amount of water to keep it hydrated. Hydration will help lubricate joints and reduce some of the pain caused from inflammation.

There are other natural anti inflammatory solutions that have also proven successful in many people who've had a less-than-ideal experience with prescription or over the counter anti inflammatory drugs.

Certain herbs - including turmeric, rosemary and ginger have all shown to consist of natural anti inflammatory qualities. Similarly, many vitamins, including A and E can decrease the pain and inflammation in arthritis sufferers, as well as the sulfur derivative, MSM.

Anti inflammatory drugs may be successful at temporarily relieving some of the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. However, they will not correct the underlying cause of the inflammation that exists within the body.

By substituting drugs with natural treatments - including following an anti inflammatory diet - the body will be nourished with nutrients, vitamins and other herbs that it may be missing.

Take a positive step in improving your health and your arthritis symptoms & educate yourself about the benefits of natural anti inflammatory agents and begin to relieve your arthritis naturally.

http://www.joint-pain.com/natural-anti-inflammatory.html