Treasure Hunting for Star Garnets

Written by admin on March 9th, 2010. Posted in Destinations

David Cowley asked:


Polished Garnets

India and Idaho are the only two places in the world that star garnets are found.  They range in size from a grain of sand to golf ball in size.  Star Garnets display a reflection of the light with a four or six ray star, which is caused by an inclusion of rutile in the gemstone.  Idaho is the only known place where six ray star garnets are found.

The U.S. Forest Service operates a star garnet gemstone collection area at Emerald Creek Idaho.  For a fee of $10 per day the treasure hunter can search for garnets and remove a maximum of five pounds of gemstones.  Screen boxes, buckets and shovels are provided by the Forest Service; however you should bring drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, gloves and a container for your treasures.  The treasure hunting season starts at the end of May and lasts until after Labor Day.  No pets allowed.

How Is It Done

Use the shovel and fill your five gallon plastic bucket with dirt and rocks at the mining area.  Next take your bucket to the screening area and sift all of the dirt and sand leaving only the rocks.  Next take your collection of rocks to one of the two sluice boxes to wash the material and look for garnets.  Any rock that appears to have a shiny plastic like shine could be a garnet.

Rough Garnets

The garnets found at emerald creek are nearly opaque and will be a dark reddish or purple in color.  Good quality large gemstones are rare and about one half of the gemstones you discover will not be of a quality suitable for cutting or polishing.  Many of the stones will show a four ray star but the six ray star is quite rare.  A good quality star garnet may fetch up to $100 per carat.

The garnet name is believed to have come from the pomegranate.  Many of the ancient pieces of jewelry have clusters of red stones that do look a lot like a cluster of pomegranate seeds.  Travelers often carried garnets to protect them from accidents.  Legends suggest that garnets will glow at night and will protect the owner from nightmares.  Noah has also been rumored to have used a garnet lantern to navigate the Ark at night.

Happy Treasure Hunting.



gold panning supplies

Soltera Mining Acquires Three More Past-producing Gold Prospects

Written by admin on February 28th, 2010. Posted in Investing

Eric Pratt asked:


Soltera Mining Corp. (OTCBB:SLTA) has been busy acquiring properties during the first quarter of 2008. Unstable markets have been unable to dampen the resolve with which management goes about building shareholder value.

Three weeks ago, Soltera announced it had obtained two new Mexican gold properties through the acquisition of Aztek Mineral, S.A. de CV. One week after that, the vending in of the Eureka Copper-Gold property and joint venture with TNR Gold Corp. (TSX.V:TNR) was announced.

That brings to 4 the number of gold projects under development by Soltera, summarized as follows:

El Torno (Argentina, gold, mining rights 7,863 hectares) is located in the Andean Cordillera near the international border with Bolivia. The property contains a very large gold-bearing quartz vein that extends intermittently for at least 14 km long north-south. The vein is sub-vertical and the gold is concentrated in a 2 meter-thick breccia zone along its western flank.

Historically, El Torno was worked by the Incas and the Spanish over a long period and has more than 1,000 m of underground galleries. There is still a small-scale operation extracting gold from elluvial deposits on the east side of the vein. In 1997, Puma Minerals carried out 2,100 m of drilling on a 1 km length; and in 1999 Penoles Minerals (operators of the world’s richest silver mine and Mexico’s richest and largest gold mines) undertook surface sampling, geological mapping and an IP geophysical survey in the same area. The combined (non NI-43-101 compliant) results of this work showed:

a) El Torno is within a “gold province” that extends several hundred kilometers north-south through Argentina and Bolivia;

b) The strongly mineralized breccia zone on the west side of the vein carries up to 37 gpt gold in the tested area, and has potential for several million ounces along the length of the vein;

c) Samples of stockwork zones some distance from the main vein gave up 23 gpt and in one case 112 gpt gold;

d) There are several IP geophysical anomalies that could indicate mineralization, but have not yet been drilled.

Soltera holds almost all the 14 km length and commenced their exploration in late 2007 with a geochemical stream sediment survey combined with structural mapping designed to target specific parts of the vein and the surrounding area for more detailed investigation.

Soltera will now define drill targets using more detailed geochemical and geophysical surveys. Drilling is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2008 and, given success, this will lead immediately to a full feasibility study to commence before year’s end.

Real de Cananea, Mexico

The “Real de Cananea” (Mexico, gold, mining claims 1,030 hectares) is located in Sonora State 26 km from the Cananea copper mine owned by Penoles. It contains a gold-bearing fault zone up to 270 m wide and more than 400m long within Cretaceous volcanic rocks that are intensely altered and carry gold.

There is a small old mine in the center of the property that was probably first worked by the Mayas and certainly by the Spaniards, with several shafts reaching 100 m below surface. The hard wallrock was mined with enormous effort and this, together with the fact that water had to be transported 8 km, indicates the importance of the mineralisation. Gold is widespread on the property, with altered rocks showing up to 65 gpt.

Soltera’s target is a large-scale open-pit and the area is broad enough to accommodate well in excess of 1 million ounces. Geochemical, geological and geophysical surveys will be used to define drill targets and drilling is scheduled for the third quarter of 2008.

Eureka, Argentina

(Argentina, copper-gold, around 10,000 hectares) is located in northern Argentina near the Bolivian border and only 3 km from the El Torno project. The property contains ‘Red Bed’ type strata-bound copper mineralization within sedimentary sandstones, clays and conglomerates. The surface exposures are weathered and contain erratically distributed gold. Alluvial gold has been worked in the area since prior to the time of the Spanish arrival and there is an old mine with over 5 km of underground workings that exploited copper and gold on a small scale until 1987.

The deposit is similar in style to major copper deposits in the Bolivian part of the Tertiary Belt. A geological estimate in the late 1990’s (historic resources estimate which is not NI-43-101 compliant) was 50 to 60 million tons grading 1% copper. Only 70 meters of the 450 m deep formation has been explored to date which leaves extensive upside potential.

TNR Gold Corp. (“TNR”), a Vancouver based mining company listed on the TSX with extensive experience in Argentina, has entered into an option agreement with the option vendor to acquire a 75% interest in the property by spending a total of US$3,000,000 in exploration and option payments before April 20, 2010.

TNR will undertake detailed geological mapping, trenching, geochemical and geophysical surveys, sampling the historic underground workings and drilling. Soltera is not required to incur any expenditure on the project at the present time.

Casita Colorada, the Company’s other project in Mexico, is a large mineralized shear zone worked since the end of the 1800’s for gold. The mineralized zone was at least 400 m long and 150 m wide and there is potential for a substantial gold deposit, but the project is being held in reserve so that the company can concentrate on El Torno and Real de Cananea.

Be sure to keep a close eye on SLTA over the next couple months. Geochemical assay results are due any day now, and there’s plenty of news to be generated by exploration activity on all the properties.



gold dredge

How to Get Rid of Man Boobs – Suffer No More

Written by admin on February 18th, 2010. Posted in Health

Getting rid of man boobs is a topic which strikes a chord with poor men who suffer from gynecomastia or male breasts. Gynecomastia is the greek name for male breasts which resemble those of a woman. Though gynecomastia or man boobs are benign, ie harmless, the sociological and psychological impact those growths have on the male gender is adverse and should not be treated lightly. This article about man boobs, their causes and the existing treatment methods hopes to shed some light about the topic and seeks to offer some help to those men who are in need of a way to get rid of their man boobs.

Man boobs is rarely mentioned in a conversation with much respect. It is important to recognize that males who suffer from this special condition needs to be accorded with empathy. The public eye must learn to accept the terms man boobs or gynecomastia as a medical condition rather than an item of ridicule or vulgarity. According to the latest statistics, gynecomastia affects more than 30% of men in the world. So, a male friend or relative or even your most loved ones could be suffering from it. If you put yourself in their shoes, would you be able to withstand the jeers and disrespectful stares?

Though men who have man boobs seldom discuss openly about their problems, nevertheless, this condition still plagues many of them, bringing along emotional scars and poor self-esteem. Men want to know how to get rid of their man boobs but often do not know how to begin or where to seek help.

Man boobs or gynecomastia comprise of fat, glands or a mixture of both. Glands are firmer than fat which has a smoother texture. Medical studies have revealed that the causes of man boobs are tied closely to 4 groups of problems. People think that only obese men have man boobs. This cannot be further from the truth. Skinny people do develop man boobs as well. We will learn more why this is so as we trace back the causes.

Developmental problems through birth to old age such as testosterone deficiency or defects, hormone imbalances and other genetic defects could result in the development of man boobs. Obesity is a major problem that has led to growth of male breasts in many young to middle-aged men.

Congenital disorders or disorders developed since birth such as resistance to androgen, Klinefelter Syndrome and others have also been known to contribute to the development of gynecomastia.

The third group of problems is linked to health conditions after birth. These health problems such as liver diseases, tumors, kidney failure could be acquired due to unhealthy lifestyles or poor genetics.

The last group of causes is what we term as life-time acquired causes. Man boobs is often a side effect in such instances. Drug abuse or consumption of prescription medicine such as those with traces of estrogen, steroids, and androgen agents could lead to enlargement of the male breasts.

Good news for most men is that about 90% of them outgrow their adolescent gynecomastia problem as they enter into adulthood. Once the hormonal level during or after puberty tilts the scales to a balanced level, they do not need to know how to get rid of man boobs as the problem resolves on its own. Unfortunately, the rest of them probably have to learn how to deal with their man boobs in manhood as they start to be more conscious about their physical appearances. The instinct to start dating is stronger and this makes it more critical for them to find ways on how to get rid of man boobs problem.

Obese men have an instant answer to the question of how to get rid of man boobs. The solution is simply to lose weight through dieting and exercises.

Getting rid of man boobs or gynecomastia is also achievable if the root causes are non-genetic, such as drug abuse, or the diseases mentioned earlier that develop in the later stages of their lives. Proper medical care and recovery from these health conditions would help to get rid of man boobs subsequently. As for those who simply fail to lose those man boobs no matter how hard they attempt to, the option is to go through a gynecomastia operation to get rid of the man boobs.

Learn more about gynecomastia surgery, its procedures and dangers and how to get rid of man boobs with a natural and easy-to-follow treatment method, avoiding painful and expensive surgery all together at my blog.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.



By: Davion W

About the Author:

Davion is a successful webmaster and author. Discover how to get rid of man boobs using effective and natural methods and avoid expensive and painful gynecomastia surgery at his blog Get-Rid-of-ManBoobs.blogspot.com.



man boobs

7 Golden Characteristics of Philippine Girls and Filipino Women

Written by admin on February 11th, 2010. Posted in Dating

Dating Fish asked:


Philippine women or Filipinas are becoming popular these days, in America or any other Western countries. Filipino girls are famous in their characteristics which are faithful to their husbands, hard-working especially housework, taking good care of their children, and etc. Philippine women are different from traditional Filipino ladies. They are on high-level of education and getting good jobs as Philippine men. In Philippine traditional society, Philippine women can not make their own marriages, but most of their marriages are arranged by elders or the family of the boys. We sometimes feel heart-brokenly for such Philippine brides who got to live with unknown-until-married husbands to the rest of their life. Philippine American are gathered in California, USA at most. Even Philippine American girls who live in USA for a long time, they still keep their family-oriented custom.

There are 7 golden characteristics of Philippine girls or brides that you should know of. We want to say the beauty of Philippine women who are beautiful and gentle, patient and respectful to the Philippine traditional custom; that is, they take a good care of their husband and children. Women in Japan respect their men or their husband from the time they know their men until falling in love, and get married, and become the wives, they always respect the love that is giving by their husbands. A Philippine woman usually does not get divorced if she has an unfaithful husband because she always try to work it out to maintain her family and raise her children.

A Philippine woman usually keeps traditional family custom. They maintain and try to support their family relationship and respect their husbands as well as let their men lead the family. When you meet with A Philippine girl, you will see what I am talking about here, and will see Philippine ladies are the most pretty women on the world. In other words, Philippine women are someone who are honest, pretty, and faithful to their husbands because of their family oriented custom which you rarely find in Western women, generally. When Western guys look at the beautiful yellow skin and skinny body of most of Philippine girls, they will love them. Moreover, their faithful characteristics to their husbands and unlimited satisfaction of taking care of their children make Philippine women unique.

In other words, getting married with Philippine women are the best. Filipino ladies from Asia countries such as Japan, China, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and etc are the top. Philippine women who are currently living in the Western countries are the next best. Why Filipino women are the top women? Because they can cook delicious dinner and there are no guilt trips for going out with the guys after getting married. They are skinny, thin, and beautiful and there are no fights between husband and wife. In fact, when a Western guy find and talk to A Philippine woman, they never want to date with Western girls again. Moreover, Filipino ladies always keep classy, cultured, traditional values. So, they are decent wives for Western men. In fact, 7 golden characteristics of Philippine wives are:

1. Philippine girls are skinny, thin, and beautiful;

2. Philippine women can cook daily meals;

3. Philippine ladies are very family oriented;

4. Philippine woman enjoys her housework.

5. Philippine lady takes care of her children;

6. Filipino female is very hardworking and enjoy working;

7. Filipino women rarely goes out for the guys after married;

So, are you ready to find special Philippine girls? Do not wait. Take action now. Join these free Filipino dating services to find that special soul mate of your dream.



Filipina Lady Dating — Online Dating Scams

Written by admin on February 8th, 2010. Posted in Dating

Filipina Eyes asked:


As a online dating webmasters, I get emails asking me how to detect a scammer. It is tough. When a member joins a site, they don’t put in their profile, “hey, I’m joining so I can try to scam money from other members”. Only after they try to commit the scamming deed do we know their true intentions. When that happens, it should be reported to the webmaster.

The following list was my guideline when looking for online dating love. Each person’s judgment varies and ultimately are responsible for their own decisions. The following has no guarantees, but if it works for you so be it.

1. Don’t send money to a person you are getting to know. During the getting to know each other stages, money should not be a topic. My wife never asked me for a dime during our courtship. Only after time invested in getting to know each other and marriage was discussed did we talk about expenses. Major financial decisions should be reserved for when the relationship is beyond the get to know each other stage and is heading for marriage. Only you can decide when that is.

2. Time is your ally. Most scammers do not like to exchange a lot of emails when their main objective is to get money. They want to get as much money in the short amount of time they can. In other words, they usually are not into long courtships, not unless that courtship includes you sending money on a regular basis.

3. Template letters or emails is usually a sign. If an email seems like it could of been copied and pasted to send to anyone, a red flag should be waving in front of your eyes. If they are not at least addressing some identifiable information about you when replying to your email, be careful.

4. Chatting — this is not the case for all, but I have to address it. Most scammers want to get you in an intimate conversation as soon as possible. They love to invite you to chat knowing they can pull at your heart strings in real time and learn if you are a mark or not. Personally, I would want to exchange several emails and even letters before chatting. There may be one exception to this, but I would still limit my time. If I suspected the person’s photo may not be who they say they are, I would want to chat with a webcam, but only do so for 5 or 10 minutes. Again, I’d rather invest time to getting to know each other by email or letter and if the other person is interested in you, they will also want to equally invest their time.

5. Endearments — why would anyone be calling another person, honey, sweetheart, lover, etc, within a few emails or within a short amount of time? First, it is disrespectful. When I was courting my wife and if I would of called her sweetheart after only a few emails she would of walked away. She doesn’t care for that type of arrogance and would take it as an insult to the Filipino culture. Respectful Filipina ladies are aware of the stereotypes and any man who tries to exploit another lady based on misguided cultural believes is not a gentleman. The same goes for ladies. If they are calling you honey, sweetie, etc, within a few emails or while chatting early in a relationship, I would be careful. It is not appropriate or the right time. If you are calling someone sweetheart early on in a relationship and they happen to be a scammer, you just made their job easier. Use words that is appropriate for the relationship stage you are involved in out of respect for their culture and to protect yourself from being a mark for a scammer.

The above is not all inclusive, but may help those who need some guidance. With that said, there are no definitive rules when it comes to love or courtship. Ultimately, common sense needs to prevail and only you can decide what is and what is not appropriate for you. With that said, I still say: don’t fall for any story that sounds too good to be true, don’t send money during the get to know each other stage of a relationship (unless the expense is minor and you decide it is not a financial burden) and let time be your friend. If red flags go off but you are not sure, at least slow down, take your time and get to know each other.

I remember watching a 60 minute show about a guy who was being scammed. He lost everything, even his house. Whatever the girl wanted, he bought. Unlike some, I did not feel sorry for the guy. I sat in wonderment thinking how he could be so stupid. Maybe he could falter one time, but to continue to send money to a lady he never met was financial suicide. He was desperate for love. A recipe for disaster. If you are this desperate for love and your judgment is that poor, do yourself a favor and don’t look for love on the internet.

Where are scammers? — E V E R Y W H E R E. They are on yahoo, youtube, myspace, online dating sites, etc. Even the big boys, like youtube (owned by google), can’t stop them. Instead they ask that members report when a person uses their site inappropriately. On Filipina Lady I ask the same. Any dating site who says they never had a scammer is probably lying or they are super unaware. There are times that members will not report a scammer from embarrassment. It is better to report them. On my site I do ask that you provide some evidence of scamming. I have had people falsely report someone for scamming because they were rejected by that person.

Finding love should not be a fast food mentality. It took me and my wife almost a year before we knew that it was meant to be. Oh sure, my hormones was in high gear, but I knew that true love was about commitment, time and a lifetime of happiness. For me, it worked. Whatever time table you are on may not be the same as mine, but if you think you are in love within a few emails and a couple of chats, you may want to step back and assess your judgment. For me, years later, I’m more in love with my wife than I ever was. I wake up every morning knowing I’m with someone who loves me for me. No doubts, no questions – the love and respect is mutual and will last a lifetime.

Good luck and happy holidays to all.