10 Private Islands You Can’t Afford to Live On: Amazing, Exotic and Remote Luxury Retreats

Guest author Brian Thibault lives and breathes (and occasionally writes about) international real estate as the CEO of International Listings LLC.

Feeling a little cramped in your thousand square foot Manhattan apartment? Got a few extra million to blow? If so, you too can join the elite of the elite and buy your very own private island. Private islands have always been the mark of the uber filthy rich, and the dream of Joe Everyman running his day-to-day rat race. Maybe it’s not actually owning an island that excited people but the idea itself of being able to afford and own such a rare commodity. What most people don’t realize is that private islands (granted, somewhat less tropical islands) can be bought for as little as $100k, or even rented for weekend getaways.

Isla de sa Ferradura [Spain] -The Isla de sa Ferradura sits in the Bay of San Miguel just off the North coast of Ibiza, Spain. This 14-acre resort island is fully developed with a hacienda, kitchen, pool, bar, and even a wine bodega. With 300 days per year of sunshine, and a view of the bright blue Mediterrannean Sea, this truly is living large. Most people will never be able to experience even a vacation here - the island rents out for about $230,000 US dollars per week. Price:: $39,700,000 USD

Cabbage Cay [Bahamas] - Cabbage Cay is a private, 35 acre, fee-simple island, located in the World Famous Bonefish flats, within the inner bay of North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. A road has been pushed to the island, so whatever you decide to build on it, your access will be guaranteed for years to come. The island carries up to 24′ elevations. Three sandy beaches, lush vegetation, a protected anchorage area, and abundant exotic wildlife are some of the more amazing amenities. Turtles, fish, and birds abound. Did we mention the sailing is nice in the Bahamas? Price: $2,500,000 USD

Cerralvo Island [Mexico - Gulf of California] - Cerralvo Island is 60 square miles of undeveloped terrain. The island is mountainous as it was a former volcano. It is located in the Cerralvo Channel, in the Sea of Cortez, off the coast of Baja Mexico. These waters are prime for big game fishing. This massive private island could contain several enormous mansions and you still would never see your neighbors. This sandy beach island gets plenty of warm Mexican weather and sunshine, and offers plenty of privacy, yet is only about 30 miles away from the mainland. Price: $35,000,000 USD

Singer Castle on Dark Island [Canada] - The island sits in the St. Lawrence river between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. Dark Island isn’t known for its tropical jungle or white sand beaches. The real gem is the 100 year old castle on the island. It was originally built in 1905 as a hunting lodge family retreat by Fredrick Bourne (Then president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company). With towers and secret passages abounding you could literally be your own King of the Castle. The island would be a great getaway from the hustle and bustle, and is still only a short helicopter ride away from New York or Toronto, but it is currently only available for rent. Price: Available upon request - for rent

Necker Island [British Virgin Islands] - Virgin Record’s super mogul Richard Branson took private islands to a whole new level in the late 1970’s by purchasing Necker Island. Branson built an unparalleled resort, that now rents for approximately $329,000 US dollars per week. The island is in the Caribbean and surrounded by a coral reef with extremely diverse sea life. The island hosts pristine beaches and vibrant plant life. Rock stars party here, Hollywood notables and Google founders get married here, and the closest you’ll ever come is on a Caribbean cruise line. The 360 degree open bedrooms provide one of the best views of the Sunset you’re ever likely to see. Price: $47,000 USD / day

Musha Cay [Bahamas] - Musha Cay is actually 4 private islands owned by renowned magician David Copperfield. The islands are located 85 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, and has its own runway for top secret celeb landings. This private island resort has 5 houses. The resort offers activities such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, a gym, and walking paths, but you could always choose to sunbathe on one of Musha’s seven gorgeous private beaches. Also, Copperfield reportedly has found the “Fountain of Youth” on the Island… can you really put a price on that? Price: $32,250 USD / day for 12 or fewer people.

Tetiaroa [French Polynesia] - Tetiaroa is located 40 miles north of Tahiti, and is actually an atoll comprised of 12 small islands. The island was made famous by the late Marlon Brando. The island currently has only one full time resident: Teihotu, Brando’s son. The island is mostly undisturbed and boasts a tropical bird sanctuary, but there are currently no accommodations on the island for visitors until the new hotel, aptly named “The Brando“, is completed sometime this year. Price: N/A

Ciftlik Island [Turkey] - Just 250 meters from off the coast line of Turkey in the Aegean Sea sits a gorgeous castle-style house, along with a guest house, and servants quarters. One of the few developed islands in the region with water, electricity and telephone. Although this island isn’t much for beaches, the sunny, warm weather, the proximity to mainland Turkey and Rhodes, and the finished house put this island right up there with the best in the world. Price: Approx. $25,000,000 USD

Piedade Island [Brazil] - Piedad is only 2.5 hours from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is one of 365 islands in the Angra dos Reis archipelago. The Island is fully developed with a resort, full time staff, and four beaches to choose from. What makes Piedade Island unique is the location - this island is one of the rare private tropical islands outside of the Caribbean, and is a perfect addition to trip to Brazil. Price: Available upon request - for rent

Nygard Cay [Bahamas] - Think Robinson Caruso. This Mayan architecture tree house island is an affluent traveler’s perfect getaway. The Cay lies on the tip of Lyford Cay in Nassau, Bahamas. With waterslides, pools, hot tubs, tennis courts and an 85 foot yacht, this is an adult playground in the rain forest. This is the only way to vacation in the Bahamas. Price: $42,000 USD / day

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20 Common Cooking Ingredients that Act Like Medicines

The use of herbal treatments for everything from sore throats to cancer has become more and more common with every passing year. We all know about the herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort that can help you with chronic health problems, but did you know that many common edible herbs can provide impressive health benefits?

While you probably already use these herbs in your home, you may not realize that they can do much more than just making your meals tasty and interesting. Here are five common herbs that do double duty as effective herbal treatments.

1. Turmeric. As anyone who has ever treated a head cold with a nice hot Indian meal already knows, turmeric is one of the best healing herbs available to us today. It contains the anti-inflammatory curcumin, which may function in the same way as some pharmaceutical arthritis drugs.

The next time your joints are aching, just have a healthy serving of curry and see if your symptoms respond to the exotic spice. Researchers recommend a daily serving of 400 mg each day.

2. Ginger. Ginger has been well-known as a calmer of upset tummies for many generations. This “old wives’ tale” has actually been proven to be true following several research studies on the effects of ginger ingestion of cruise ship passengers.

Many people around the world also use ginger as a mild pain reliever. For everyday aches or for arthritis pain, fresh or powdered ginger added to food can actually help to reduce your symptoms.

Ginger may also be an effective means of controlling ovarian cancer cells, according to a 2006 study by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. More research is needed, but the preliminary findings are very promising.

3. Cinnamon. Cinnamon was recently studied by German scientists for its effects on people with type 2 diabetes. Amazingly, they found that diabetics could decrease their blood sugar by up to 10% just by taking a cinnamon extract daily. Another study found that cinnamon may help to lower cholesterol as well.

Since cinnamon can be toxic when taken in very large quantities (much more than you would probably be able to eat at once), experts recommend that you use a cinnamon extract rather than actual cinnamon.

4. Garlic. Garlic is truly a super food. Not only does it taste wonderful, but it may even reduce your cancer risk. A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people who consumed high doses of garlic had low instances of several types of cancers.

Garlic is known to be extremely useful against bacteria, even those that are resistant to antibiotics. It has antifungal and antiviral properties and may even help to lower cholesterol and prevent strokes.

5. Rosemary. If you have to choose just one herb to help you avoid several different types of cancer, rosemary may be it. Rosemary can actually help to prevent carcinogens that you ingest from binding with your DNA. This can help to prevent the formation of tumors and the eventual development of cancer.

Although human studies have not yet been conducted, preliminary animal studies have shown amazing potential for this common herb. You don’t need to buy any special form of rosemary to get these benefits; simply use rosemary liberally in your cooking along with other beneficial herbs like parsley, oregano, onion, garlic, or thyme.

6. Honey. Honey is commonly used as a digestion aid and to soothe sore tummies and throats. The hydrating qualities of honey are well-known all around the world, and desert travelers have been known to carry honey and water to quench their thirst on long treks.

Honey is used externally as well as internally. Its ability to hydrate skin works even when it is applied topically. Because of this, honey is a common ingredient in many skin treatments, lotions, soaps, and anti-aging skin creams.

Perhaps the most impressive of honey’s abilities is its effectiveness as a burn treatment. Honey helps to soothe the pain of a burn while limiting inflammation and retarding infection.

7. Chili Peppers. Hot peppers are an amazing food that can help you treat any number of common conditions. At home, you can eat them to to clear up a congested head and as a natural pain reliever.

An exciting and often-publicized use for chili peppers is as a metabolism boost. Adding chili peppers to your meals can help you burn more calories, and it is believed that chili peppers can even help you feel fuller after a meal.

8. Olive Oil. This delicious and exotic-tasting oil may help to save your life some day. With regular modest consumption, olive oil can help stop plaque from forming in arteries, thus reducing your risk of heart attacks.

9. Rice. Rice is one of the best-tolerated foods available. It can help to soothe a stomach that is suffering from constipation or diarrhea, and even people suffering from the flu are likely to be able to take some rice. Eating rice regularly can prevent the formation of kidney stones and block some types of intestinal cancers.

10. Parsley. Because it is rich in antioxidants, parsley can help to block certain types of cancers and keep your body’s cells young and healthy. Antioxidants are particularly useful for detoxifying carcinogens, such as the types found in cigarette smoke.

11. Onions (and related plants such as chives, shallots, and leeks). Plants in the onion family have been used as medicines since ancient times. Their properties have been known and enjoyed by cultures all around the world. Their exceptionally high concentration of antioxidants makes onions and related plants ideal for preventing cancer.

Onions and related plants are also a hugely effective treatment for lung disorders such as pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. They have outstanding anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as antibiotics and antivirals.

12. Lemon. Lemon has a multitude of medicinal uses and has been a prized part of the medicinal kitchen for many generations. It is a general clarifier and purifier, and can be taken to cleanse the body of impurities. It has also been used to treat headaches, arthritis, and pneumonia.

Although it seems counterintuitive (or just plain painful), applying lemon juice to cuts and scrapes is great for preventing infections. The natural antiseptic properties of lemon juice will keep infections at bay and can even reduce the appearance of bruises.

13. Mustard. This humble little plant is commonly used as an expectorant and decongestant. It is antibacterial and can also help to clear nasal passages when one is suffering from a cold or other sinus malady.

Surprisingly, mustard is also used to increase the metabolism. Using plain yellow mustard liberally on foods adds a negligible amount of calories and helps to increase the amount of calories that the body burns.

14. Cloves. Clove oil is used by many cultures as a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory. It is used in many modern toothache remedies to dull the pain and swelling.

15. Apples. An apple a day keeps the cancer away. Regular consumption of apples can block many types of cancer and act as a general health-booster. Apples can reduce appetite and even lower your cholesterol.

16. Kale. Kale has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity lately, and with good reason. It has more lutein than any other vegetable and more beta carotene than spinach. It can help prevent cancer and regulate estrogen in the body.

17. Licorice. Not the licorice candy sold in the United States - this often contains no licorice at all! Real licorice contains a substance that is strongly anti-cancer. Licorice is also antibacterial and can reduce stomach ulcers and diarrhea.

18. Peppermint. Most mints, in fact. The leaves of mint plants are commonly used in teas and medicines to calm upset stomachs, promote sleep, and reduce stress and tension.

19. Horseradish. Like its relative mustard, horseradish is a fantastic tool for fighting digestive disorders. It can be used to treat constipation. It is also a great immune system booster, giving the liver increased power to filter out harmful substances from foods.

20. Avocado. The main ingredient in guacamole isn’t just tasty; it’s the source of lots of “good” fat and can prevent the buildup of “bad” cholesterol. It keeps your heart and circulatory system healthy by preventing the clogging of arteries.

Now that you know the incredible health benefits that some common herbs, spices, and plants can provide, try to incorporate some of them into your everyday eating. You may just find yourself in better health today and in the future.

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Brain cancer survivors share stories, advice

(CNN) -- Thomas Sedowski saw the big white dot on his brain scan, but thought he'd gotten a lucky break when the doctor called it a "lesion."

Bruce Blount had to give up his U.S. Air Force position after being diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumor.

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"I'm thinking, well that's not so bad, a lesion, you know, I thought that's like a sore or cut or something," he said. "Gosh, I thought I had cancer!"

But Sedowski, director of accounting at a university in Missouri, quickly learned that the dot was actually glioblastoma multiforme.

With his diagnosis in 1999, he entered the complicated, jargon-filled world of cancer, just as Sen. Edward Kennedy has this week.

People who have survived brain tumors emphasize that such diagnoses do not necessarily mean that death is around the corner.

"It used to be considered a death sentence, and it's not anymore," Sedowski said.

CNN.com asked readers to submit their stories of struggling with brain cancer. Dozens of users like Sedowski shared their experiences on iReport.com. Read more iReports of brain cancer survival.

At age 32, Teresa Seely of Liberty Lake, Washington, also received a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme, commonly called GBM, a type of tumor that represents about 23 percent of all cancers that start in the brain. She urges patients to learn as much as they can as fast as they can and not to be afraid to question doctors.

"I think it's important for every patient to take what they have and be their own advocate," she said, speaking from a hospital because she now has another form of cancer.

"Research things and demand to have their questions answered and just continue to be in charge, and don't just let their fate rest in the hands of doctors, some of whom feel that GBM is a death sentence," she said.

Seely, now 40, went through an arduous process of surgery, chemotherapy and other medications. She credits her recovery mostly to an experimental drug called Thalidomide, which she said many doctors are afraid to use because of its history of causing birth defects and because it's not FDA approved for cancer treatment.

Having difficulty communicating with doctors is a problem for patients with many kinds of cancer, said Sedowski, who participates in a support group. He says that among patients who have all kinds of cancer, he sees many other similarities, such as insurance difficulties.

The tumor affected Sedowski's right parietal lobe, which he said made it relatively more accessible for surgery than other locations might have.

"The thing with brain tumors is that it's just like real estate: location, location, location," he said.

Today, Sedowski, who lives in Jefferson City, Missouri, says he doesn't have any sign of an active tumor. He still takes anti-seizure medication every day.

Cancer can change many aspects of a life. Sedowski was able to continue working in the same occupation, but Bruce Blount of New Egypt, New Jersey, had been a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force for more than 13 years when he found out he had ependymoma, a rare kind of brain tumor, in 1995.

At 36, he thought he would die. He spent three months in the hospital, undergoing a craniotomy and radiation therapy, and battled blood clots, infections and pneumonia.

The surgeons removed more than 99 percent of the tumor. Though he wasn't qualified for his job after treatment, he didn't feel upset about retiring.

"All that wasn't too important anymore," he said. "I'd been through enough."

Blount runs an online support group with about 100 members worldwide who have his condition. The group is part of an organization called T.H.E. Brain Trust, which provides support for more than 2,000 people. He and Sedowksi urge other cancer patients to find a support group.

"There's nobody better to talk to than somebody who's been through it," Blount said.

He also emphasized that a seemingly dire diagnosis does not always mean death is imminent, and that a patient should seek the best brain tumor center possible for treatment.

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Top Medical Myths Most People Believe

It is difficult to determine where some medical myths originate from, but many are old wives' tales passed on from generation to generation (Don't touch that toad, you'll get a wart!!). Here are some more common, often believed medical myths.

Myth: Drinking water keeps skin from drying out.

Truth: It seems obvious that water would help to hydrate the skin. However, if you wash your hands frequently they become dry and rough.

Water helps to hydrate and keep internal organs functioning, while application of moisturizer helps keep the external organ, skin, moisturized. Avoiding such things as hot showers, harsh deodorant soaps, and rubbing skin dry after bathing also helps to improve dry skin.

Myth: Shaved hair grows back coarser and darker.

Truth: Unfortunately for bald men, this is just an urban legend. Hair may appear to grow back faster, but it is just an illusion. New hair growth on clean-shaven skin is more noticeable than on a hairy surface.

When hair first grows in after being shaved, it has a blunt edge, which makes it seem thicker than it really is. This blunt edge gets worn after time. Emerging hair may look darker because it has not been bleached by the sun.

There are alternatives to shaving, such as waxing or using depilatories, which lasts longer than shaving. Laser hair removal is a more permanent solution.

Myth: Reading in dim lighting ruins your eyesight.

Truth: Many people think reading in dim lighting is dangerous because it causes temporary eye strain. While reading in dim light can cause stress in the eye, it is unlikely to cause permanent damage.

Reading in dim light decreases the rate of blinking, which leads to drying; however, the effects do not persist. Using a bright book light can help reduce eye stress.

Myth: Your skin pores open and close.

Truth: The size of our pores often depends on hereditary factors and does not change, so quit splashing cold water on your face in hopes of smaller pores.

Pores may appear larger than usual due to dead skin cells that have built up in the pore, not because they have opened up. A good skin care regimen that includes exfoliation can help reduce the appearance of pores.

Myth: Having a tan means you are more protected from the sun.

Truth: You might not get sun burnt with a tan, but your tan does not protect against dangerous ultraviolet rays. Tanned skin is damaged skin, so further tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

It is well known that excessive sun exposure can promote the development of many skin cancers, including melanoma. Limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and performing monthly skin cancer self-exams can help prevent skin damage.

If you must have a tan, use a sunless tanning lotion or spray.

Myth: Hair and fingernails continue to grow after death.

Truth: The body does some weird things after death, like making noise (which is just gas escaping), but it does not continue to grow. After dying, our bodies dehydrate, drying our flesh, which pulls away from the hair and nails.

Nails remain the same length while the skin shrinks, making it appear as if the nail has actually grown. Funeral parlors hide this "growth" by putting moisturizer on bodies.

Myth: Poison ivy is highly contagious.

Truth: Most people are afraid to come into contact with someone who has any kind of illness or condition, but someone with poison ivy cannot infect you with a cough or hug. Any skin that comes in contact with the oil of the poison ivy plant can cause an itchy rash to develop.

Skin-to-skin contact, without the presence of the oil, cannot spread the rash. However, any traces of oil on clothing or other objects can continue to spread the rash. If you come into contact with poison ivy, it is important to use soap and water to wash all potentially exposed areas and garments.

Wearing protective clothing and barrier cream can help to protect against potential exposure when outside.

Myth: Lip balm is addictive.

Truth: Several women claimed to be addicted to Carmex in 1995. Thankfully none of them ended up in lip balm rehab, or on a street corner begging for spare change for their next "fix."

There are no addictive chemicals in lip balm. People may become addicted to the feeling of wearing lip balm but not the actual lip balm itself.

There are a few things you can do to break the habit of lip balm overuse. Try to not lick your lips. The discomfort returns after the saliva is dry and makes lips feel more chapped. You may also want to try a humidifier, which will hydrate the air and bring moisture to your lips.

Myth: Greasy foods cause acne.

Truth: It makes sense that grease would cause oily skin and pimples, right? If you were rubbing pizza and potato chips directly onto your face, then yes, but if you're just eating it, then no.

Acne is the term used for plugged pores and even deeper lumps that occur on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper arms. Overproduction of the normal skin oil, sebum, coupled with insufficient shedding of exfoliated dead skin cells, causes acne.

Between 85-100% of people are affected by acne at some point in their life. Benzoyl peroxide is most effective at treating acne and is available in a variety of forms and strengths.

Myth: People with darker skin do not have to worry about sun exposure.

Truth: While people with darker skin do not burn as easily or frequently as lighter skinned individuals, they are still not safe from harmful ultraviolet light from the sun. People with darker skin are actually more likely to die from skin cancer than those with fairer skin. This is due to the common belief that darker skin protects against sun damage.

Those with darker skin are likely to develop skin cancer on their hands or feet.

It is recommended that everyone wear an SPF of at least 15 and perform a self-exam monthly to check for signs of skin cancer.

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