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December 31, 2011

6 Powerful Tips to a Better Sleep

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — admin @ 12:03 pm

Many Americans are having difficulties falling asleep at night. Instead of sleeping and dreaming they roll around in their beds trying to fall asleep. The result usually is people not rested enough in the morning and tired all day. This results in stress and less performance on the job or at home. We have developed a list of 6 powerful tips that have helped us to achieve better sleep.

1) Room temperature: Keeping the temperature in your bedroom at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended. Too often an overheated bedroom is causing sleep problems. Scientific studies show that the body can better relax with temperatures at 70 degrees or slightly below.

2) Reduce caffeine. A recent study showed that caffeine is not metabolized efficiently and fast enough at night. The effects of caffeine last much longer than most people expect. The result is difficulty falling asleep. Studies have shown better sleeping patterns if no more caffeine is consumed after 6.00 PM.

3) Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will keeps the body from reaching the deeper stages of sleep, where the body does most of its healing and resting. The result of drinking can be a very light sleep or difficulty falling asleep in general.

4) Beds are for sleeping. If you are used to watch TV in bed or even work while being in bed, you may find it much harder to relax and to fall asleep. Remove the TV and do not work in bed. Sleep requires your brain to slowly shutdown and any distraction will cause sleeping problems.

5) Go to bed at around the same time every day. Don’t change your bedtime back and forth. Having a certain schedule developed it will be easier to fall asleep pretty much at the same time every day. A recurring schedule will help your body to get into a sleep pattern and make it easier to fall asleep.

6) Remove the alarm clock from your view. Starring at the time will only create the feeling that you have to sleep, but you are not. These worries will make things even worse. Losing the feeling for time by not seeing the actual and how long you have been awake has shown to improve healthy sleep.

Picking Up the Pieces of a Shattered Mind

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:22 am

For some, it is easy to visualize the Human Mind as a single, cohesive unit with all parts collectively working to run the rest of the body. This is the way the mind works for most people. The process is smooth, clean, and seamless. However, most people who are not mental health experts fail to see that the mind is a fragile thing. An appropriate metaphor for mental health would be a beautiful porcelain tea set from the Ming Dynasty of China. You lose just one piece and the set automatically loses all value. In a similar manner, damaging or losing one aspect of a person’s mental health can create permanent damage.

My Prized Piece of Baseball Memorabilia

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 6:02 am

Back in the day …

I used to deal in baseball cards, and some memorabilia in the mid to late 1980′s. Through an old client I had the opportunity to sell a very rare piece of baseball lore. The piece that I was fondest of was a rare document signed by Harry Wright. A founding father of the game. The document was a contract of some player that was signed by Harry Wright, the manager, circa 1870. It was written on Cincinnati Red Stockings letterhead.

I was impressed. I was so excited to be entrusted with this rare artifact. I remember saying to myself.
Oh my god. You have got to be kidding.
I was astonished. I was in awe. I felt like I was let into a special group.

I sold the piece in the range of $10,000 – $12,000 if memory serves me. But selling the piece did not compare to the dreams I had about the contract.

Imagine, what it must have been like 130 years ago on the ball field. The baggy uniforms, and the teeny gloves for the players. The pitchers, hurling both games of a double header was common practice and a home run was a rarity. Boy has the game changed.

Handling that document made the early times of baseball real for me. I visualized those men playing in those old ballparks. I felt like I was part of that time. I was having a dream. I was there, back in the late 1800′s sitting in the stands. Smiling and watching baseball – Back in the day.

Handling this artifact was like punching a time clock and never punching out. I was in baseball memorabiliaville.

I can see why some people are so zealous about baseball memorabilia. Their baseball fantasy made a lot more sense to me after I sold this Harry Wright piece.

Shopping For Sports Fan Gear On The Internet

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 4:15 am

In the 21st century, millions of people from around the world are turning to the Internet each and every day to shop. Indeed, at this point in time, it is hard to find a product or service that is not now available to consumers on the Internet and World Wide Web. If you are in the market for different types of sports fan gear, you will want to take the time to explore what is available to you in this regard on the Internet and World Wide Web. There are a number of definite benefits that can be realized by shopping for these products on the Net. These benefits will be explored generally for you in this short article.

One of the most important and significant benefits of shopping for sports fan gear on the Internet is convenience. As with the purchase of so many other products and services in this day and age, the Internet allows a person to make the purchase of sports fan gear any time of the day or night. Therefore, even if you are inclined to do some Internet shopping in the middle of the night, you can purchase those kinds of sports fan gear that you might be looking for — literally at any time.

In addition to being convenient, another of the benefits to shopping for sports fan gear on the Internet and World Wide Web is selection. Again, as with so many products and services in this day and age, the Internet is home to a significant number of websites that specialize in the sale of sports fan gear — for sporting fans of all types. These sites offer products in support of professional teams, college teams and even individual athletes of different types.

Finally, one of the most significant benefits associated with shopping for sports fan gear on the Internet is price. By spending a bit of time surfing around the Internet and World Wide Web, you will be able to find some significant bargains when it comes to sports fan gear online.

As an aside, while you are online, you will want to make sure that you visit the website established by favorite sports team or teams. These websites offer a wide array of products of all types. At times, these sites even offer these products for sale at discounted prices, prices that can save you a good deal of money.

Cocktail Vibe

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 2:20 am

Cocktail Vibe – a home for unique martini glasses and barware on the internet- is offering free stirrers with orders over $20. If you enter the term “web2promo” in the promotion field during checkout, this special will be yours.

Some of the coolest glasses at Cocktail Vibe can be found in the martini section, though the shot, wine, rocks, hiball, and accessories section certainly offer unique designs (and sometimes comical verbiage).

I would recommend while navigating, you take advantage of Cocktail Vibe’s swatch viewer by clicking “Color Guide” on the product pages. This allows you to see zoomed in shots of every in stock item.

The site also offers many free (and delcious) drink recipes in the Drinkology section, as well as reviews of hip bars and lounges, in the Vibe on Location section. Best of all, they keep their prices low by avoiding the bells and whistles of other websites.

So what fuels this desire to deliver the perfect cocktail? Under the ABOUT US section, the site offers an answer: “Perhaps it’s the fact that cocktailing is an activity that involves people, conversations, depth and overall good times. There’s nothing better than getting together with friends and family, mixing a concoction of choice, sitting back, and relaxing. If you subscribe to our outlook and enjoy cocktail culture, great! We love to welcome new members into our world … so join us for the ride, be in touch with your vibe, and enjoy …”

Best of all, the company offers an e-mail address and a phone number in case you require assistance finding the right glassware for your occasion, or need help with gift ideas (or customer service). This is a rare occurence on most glassware sites.

Take a look today at http://www.cocktailvibe.com, and make sure to use the promotional code if you want the free stirrers.

Dart Your Way To An Exciting Evening

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 12:14 am

Be it at the bars, pubs, clubs or your own living room, darts are an excellent way of spending time with friends and family. Spending time at home will never be boring as long as you have a dartboard hanging in your room.

The history of the game of darts goes back a long time. Legend has it that soldiers during the Middle Ages used to throw spears at barrel bases or cut-up tree trunks to get over their boredom. This gradually gave shape to what we now know as dart games. The system of scoring, followed across the world, came into being during the early 18th century.

Dart games have become popular over the years as it is inexpensive to play, can be played indoors during bad weather, no dress codes are required, and can be played by anyone – male or female, young or old.

The basic requirements are a dartboard and darts. With the advancement of technology dartboards have also evolved through the times. The most common dartboard is the bristle board – either cork or sisal. Cork dartboards deteriorate quickly with continued used, as the darts leave holes in the boards and the cork crumbles. The fibrous nature of sisal, however, is able to overcome this drawback and has therefore gained popularity. Sisal does not crumble even after constant use. Electronic dartboards are also available, and are equipped with sensors allowing for automated scoring.

There are various types of darts. The main parts of a dart are the tip, barrel, shaft and flight. Tips are either steel or soft. Soft tips are preferred on electronic dartboards and cork dartboards and are also recommended for new players. Steel tips are for the more experienced dart players. Shafts also come in various types. Synthetic flights are the most common nowadays and can be combined with the shafts. The use of feathers as flights has decreased considerably nowadays.

Many dart accessories are available nowadays. Instead of simply hanging the dartboard on walls, dart cabinets can be used to add style and elegance to your dart game. Many players also attach add-a-grams to get the required weights on the darts. The perfect weight improves accuracy in shooting. Dart mats are useful for new players, as the bounce-off from the boards may cause considerable damage to the floor. It is also important to have a rulebook as there are many methods of keeping scores and the game can be played under different rules. Scoreboard is also a must if you are not using electronic dartboards.

December 30, 2011

Guitar Lessons String Bending

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 8:21 pm

Bending strings is used to give the guitar a more personalized and harmonic quality. The technique is used mostly by lead guitar players but is also applied in all styles of playing. String bending and vibrato techniques are two large components in making up a guitar players style. The combination of these skills more or less defines a considerable part of what makes your playing different than the next guy.

Bending the strings far enough to reach a desired pitch is the goal. One of the keys is to use three fingers to bend the string, instead of just one finger. Use your third finger on the fret you’re bending and place your first and second fingers on the frets behind it, and use the strength of all three fingers when you do a bend.

Fret the note on the 7th fret of the third string with your third finger. Your other finger should follow on the 6th and 5th fret. Our goal is to bend this note up one step (the equivalent of two frets) and then release the note to its original pitch. Before you do your first bend hit the note on the 9th fret, this will be your reference note. When you do your bend the goal is to make the tone of your bend reach the tone of the reference note. Repeat: hit your reference note, then immediately jump to the correct position and play a bend until to can consistently match the reference note.

The length you hold the bend, how quickly you release it and any vibrato you add to the bend will define a large part of playing your style. Its good to just have fun and try doing a number of bends and releases to hear all the different sounds you can generate. Try bending the note before you strike it so you just hear the release, or try using a wide or narrow vibrato so act character and color to your bends.

Be patient you haven’t used these muscles before, and is will take time to strengthen. Keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it eventually.

How to Become a Successful Independent Artist or Songwriter

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:11 pm

By far the most important skill to have if you wish to become successful with anything, is ATTITUDE. An old Chinese proverb once said, “90% of the journey towards success is over once you have stepped outside your front door.” The reason many people fail, is because they’d rather stay in and watch the TV.

Of course, that first step outside is a philosophical one. As a musician or songwriter, you spend the vast majority of your time being creative. If you think that writing a great song, or playing an instrument well, is the hardest part of being a successful artist, you are wrong.

Despite all the skills you need to know and perfect in order to make your music shine, these pale into insignificance compared with the hard work and other skills you will need to learn in order to record, market and sell your art successfully.

Fortunately, most creative people also seem to excel at other things. The term “Jack of all trades” could quite easily apply to most musicians or artists. After all, the first thing most artists have to learn, is how to find time for their art whilst running a home AND holding down a Day Job in order to pay the bills! It is therefore not unusual to find musicians who are also Physicists, Engineers, IT Professionals or Teachers, to name but a few.

Most of these people are quite content to keep music as a hobby, at least whilst bringing up a family. However, we all get to a stage in our lives (usually once the kids have grown up and left home), where we want to cease working for a “Living”, and instead, work for our own “Satisfaction”.

There are few things in life more satisfying than being admired for something we created. If our creations also manage to influence others, then it is even more rewarding.

This “first step outside your front door” is taken when you decide to pause from the creative aspect (the ideas), and take a positive step towards learning new skills, or employing others who can do those things for you.

There has never been a better time in the history of mankind, to take those steps, either by yourself, or with others who would help you.

–Where you used to have to pay for tutoring, or buy books, in order to learn the techniques of songwriting, or playing an instrument, you can now find scores of articles on the Internet (like this one!) that will help you for free.

–Where you used to have to save up a considerable amount of money to pay studio costs and hire session musicians to make a decent demo recording, you can now find all the necessary tools, and even the musicians, on the Internet who would help you for little or no cost at all.

–Where you needed to sign a record deal in order to be able to afford a producer and a master quality studio, you can now buy your own PC and some music software, and collaborate with a producer online, who will give you the capability to make radio-ready recordings.

–Where you needed a record company with a huge advertising budget to market and sell your recordings, you can now (with some hard work), market and sell your CDs to the Whole World for next to nothing.

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The Music Industry doesn’t like the changes that the Internet has brought to the business. Digital media can be freely copied by anyone with a PC, anywhere in the World. No longer do the record companies just have to worry about the CD pirates who manufacture illegal copies to sell on the black market; they also have to now worry about every PC-literate man, woman and child, making their own copies too! This has led the music industry into a perpetual fight against filesharers (making enemies of many consumers in the process), instead of embracing the business advantages that the Internet brings to us.

The Music Industry still believes that 8-16 year-olds buy most of the records, so they are still catering primarily for that market. Recent industry figures are telling a different story, and the secret is the “Baby Boomers”.

Yes … The same people who created the above market perception in the 70′s by buying the largest proportion of records ever, whilst they were teenagers, have now grown up! The largest age group to buy CDs TODAY, at 26% of the population, are over 45. Not only that, but they still like the same kinds of music as they did then. So there is no need to change your art to fit today’s teenybopper market if you aren’t that way inclined.

Now that we know the secret, we also know that the next big thing in music, isn’t going to be another form of Hip-hop, Techno, or R’n'B; but a return to real music, such as was made during the 60′s and 70′s. However, we’ll be creating it with modern tools on a Home computer DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) system, instead of in a multimillion pound studio complex!

So, whilst the Music Industry is still hesitating by trying to shun the new digital era in favour of antiquated business models, hardware in the form of CDs, and markets that still only cover limited territories; we can now jump ahead of them onto a more level playing field, find our own markets, and sell to the Whole World with only a simple website!

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? … Well, that is the first hurdle you will face. So many musicians think it is easy, that there are millions already doing it! So to be successful you will need, like any other business, a proper business plan.

CONCLUSION

The road to being a successful independent musician, begins with ATTITUDE.

You need to find enough time in your schedule to drop the guitar & scoresheet and use your creative energies towards developing a proper BUSINESS PLAN. This means taking a step back and listening to your music through Joe Public’s ears. You need to think up a business name, logo, and short slogan that encompasses what you are, and what your music is trying to say to people.

Register your business “name” by buying a domain name that suits you as soon as possible.

Pages on free MP3 sites and Free domains do not give you a professional image. You MUST have your own site, or at least something that offers you a unique look and features of your own. If you want people to find your music unique & special, then you also need an image that is unique and special. That goes for your email address too. Genuine business people don’t use their Hotmail, AOL, or Yahoo addresses for formal communications.

Make sure all your paperwork is in order.

If you are planning on making an eventual living from your art, you will need to be registered as a business or as a self-employed sole trader. You need to make sure your tax and income are all accounted for, so you may have to buy yourself an accounting package, or learn to use Excel Spreadsheets, or employ an accountant. There is also a lot to learn about how copyright systems work and whether you feel you need to form your own publishing company, record company, or register your copyrights with an agency. Much of this will depend on the laws of your home country. Alternatively, you can sign a non-exclusive deal with a small independent label or publisher to handle all the music-related paperwork for you.

You need to either take the time to develop some basic web design skills, buy ready-made templates, or employ someone to design a site for you.

Make sure your logo and colour scheme is fluent throughout your site, your stationery, your CD artwork, and any other communications device, such as email. Make sure your site includes some way of gathering a mailing list, such as a response form or a “double opt-in” form of registration.

Plan a marketing strategy.

Marketing is all about finding the right market for your product. This may involve a certain amount of consumer research. This can be expensive, so use the Internet as much as possible to find groups of people who like similar music to yours. Try to find out other things about these people so that you can get a clearer picture of who would be interested in your music.

Plan a promotional strategy.

Gather contact lists of magazines, local newspapers, TV and radio stations. Plan an 8-week promotional strategy leading up to the release of your CD. Use any press, or airplay you get as a news item on your website. If you have some money to invest, plan a set of concert dates in local venues for dates close to any publication dates. Plan a poster or postcard campaign. Contact local charities, hospitals, schools and shops, in fact anyone who might be prepared to play your CD in a public place. If you want local record stores to stock your CD, you will also need barcodes and counter display boxes. Use the mailing list you have been gathering from your site to promote any news to your fans with a regular newsletter. Offer free tickets to gigs, or run competitions for free CDs. Use your fans as extra leverage to increase the momentum of your promotional campaigns.

Don’t under-sell yourself.

Make sure that any music you decide to give away as a promotional MP3 is different in some way to the music you are selling. E.G. It will either be an early un-mastered mix (demo), or a different mix, or a song you are never going to release for sale. Otherwise, make sure all samples you make of your records, are either short clips, or low-fi mono samples. The price you set for your releases should never be too far below that of major record company releases. Your price tells your customer what “stage” you are at in the business. Price yourself too cheap and you are more likely to lose customers because they will automatically assume you are an “amateur”.

Make yourself and your CD easily accessible to your fans.

Always answer any emails promptly. Check your emails at least once a day and reply to any new enquiries immediately. The average time expected by most people for a response by email is 12-24 hours. Do not SPAM. Make sure you only send bulk emails to people who have opted into your mailing list, and if anyone wants to opt out, make sure you delete them straight away (not several weeks and 10 disgruntled emails later!). To contact businesses, you will need to write individually and personally to each of them. Always use a business “signature” with your artistic or business name, slogan, web site address, and possibly your telephone number, on every email you send. If you have released a CD, make sure you add the link to that too! If you have had your CDs duplicated professionally and are barcoded, you can also expand from selling them in internet stores such as iTunes, Amazon, and CDbaby, to high street stores. You must also sell them from your own site or at least provide links to the stores where they are available.

Never stop “Networking”

Carry your business cards with you at all times. At every conversational opportunity, if someone happens to mention music, or gigs, make sure you advertise yourself as an independent artist. If you have a modern mobile phone or MP3 player, make sure your latest CD is on it! You never know who you’ll bump into in the supermarket. The first thing someone will ask when you mention you are a recording artist is “What kind of music do you play?” If you have your MP3 player with you, you won’t even have to answer! (This is always a difficult question for an artist). You can just play it to them! Also make sure you frequent all the music-related newsgroups, forums, bulletin boards, MP3 sites, chat rooms etc. at every opportunity.

Finally, my “Promotional Tip of the Week”

Familiarise yourself with all the P2P filesharing systems that the music business hates so much. You can use them to your advantage. Make ads or lo-fi samples of your music or CD and label them like this…
John_Mckeon_Friends_SoundsLike_Simon_&_Garfunkel.mp3
Make copies labelled with every well-known artist you think you sound like, and keep all the files in your shared folder. Then, whenever you are logged onto the service and someone searches for music by these well-known artists, your music will be on their list of results!

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Tire Rack Selection Guide

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 4:15 pm

If the active life is for you and your vehicle you will need all the help you can get to make sure you enjoy your relationship on and off the road. For the sporty driver, it will not do to just keep your sports gear, fishing gear, or camping gear in the passengers side of the car. The solution is a multisport car rack that is versatile enough to meet the demands of your adventures and activities.

1. Know Your Vehicle

First of all you have to know what you need and what you have before buying a car rack. Car racks are extremely versatile. The type of rack you purchase depends on the type of vehicle you have. There exists four types of car racks that work with most vehicles.

2. Rooftop Racks

These are the racks that attach to the roof of your car. These types of racks are sometimes factory installed. It can either attach to the gutter of your vehicle or to the clamps inbetween the frame and the door. With this in place you can now place additional carriers on the rack customizable to your needs.

3. Trunk or Deck Rack

Mounted using hooks and straps, these are attached to the hatchback or the car trunk. Some dont consider them as pure racks so they may be called mounts at times.

4. Hitch Racks

These attach to your car receiver standard hitch and may be preinstalled or installed separately.

5. Spare Tire Racks

Spare tire racks attach to a device that interfaces with the spare tire attachment. It may attach to the spare tire itself too. This makes for a snug, secure fit. Always consider the height limitation of your carport and your garage. Garages usually have enough room to accommodate most car racks. Keep in mind that this will add height to your vehicle so your car may not be able to fit in the same underground parking areas you are used to. Many adventurers forget that their stuff is on top of the vehicle. This has led to quite a few losses of equipment among rack owners. If your garage cannot accommodate such top-mounted racks, you should choose a rear or tire mounted rack instead. Cars will usually do well with a hitch rack while SUVs do well with tire racks.

6. Know Your Activities

Your choice of rack also depends on your activities. For activities such as biking, or skiing, you will want a basic rack that can be configured to accommodate more gear. Among them, the hitch rack and the rooftop rack are the best when it comes to versatility because they have a modular build that means you can configure it according to your needs. If you need to transport a kayak or surfboard, however, or rooftop racks are the only way to go.

7. How Much Can You Shell Out?

Carefully consider what you need before you make a purchase. Many people succumb to buying whatever looks shiny. Never salivate over features that, frankly, you do not yet need. Plan for your future needs but leave out features that you are sure you do not need. To save yourself a great deal of pain and cash, always consider which rack you will often use. The best way to go is to buy the basic attachment mount and then add the accessories later. Since these attachments are modular, you will not have a hard time removing and re-attaching accessories you may need.

Bust Tanning Myths And Have A Safe Tan

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 2:03 am

The custom of tanning is highly popular among western societies. Recent studies from several sources have come up with reasons to discourage the practice of tanning as it runs the risk of the person getting cancer. This is because the tanning method actively damages the DNA of the individual and causes mutations to occur in the cells of the individual. Besides this risk, tanning also leads to a blocking of the bodys natural anti- depressants and thus runs the increased risk of getting cancer. Nevertheless, the growing evidence of linkages between cancer and tanning have not led to a complete ban of tanning.

Several myths are propagated in support of the case for tanning and these myths have done much groundwork leading to the continuation of tanning under artificial conditions.

One of the common myths prevalent is the belief that tanning is healthy because it protects the body from sunburn. This is totally baseless observation by the pro tanning lobby. The myth relies on the idea that the tan is the bodys natural way of preventing UV rays from penetrating into the skin and thus reduces the risk of getting skin cancer. This is not the actual fact as the tan over a white skin acts as much of a sunscreen as an SPF4 strength sunscreen. Even to protect skin under normal conditions in the sun, one is recommended the use of SPF 15 sunscreen strength. Thus this weak protection of tanning, equivalent only to SPF 4 strength, is too weak to help.

Also, it is necessary to know that sunburn is a long term effect and that it does not immediately surface on the skin. So the belief that if the skin feels cool immediately after a dip in the sea, it will not sunburn is again a false belief. This is a false belief considering the fact that sunburn is a continuing process and a cumulative process that ultimately surfaces as the effect of sunburn. Thus the idea that staying out in the sun for a longer time when under water is not as harmful as being on the beach for the same amount of time, is totally mythical. Sun bathing, for longer hours even with breaks in between, will not stop the sunburn from taking place as water is not an agent that can prevent the harmful effects of sunburn.

Many a time people make it a habit of staying out in the outdoors on a day that is cloudy under the belief that tanning effects will be reduced as the sun is clouded over and sunburn cannot take place. Although the radiation is partially reduced on a partially cloudy day, the cumulative effect of exposure to the sun, albeit in spasms of cloudiness, is likely to have its cumulative effect, though the radiation effects would be reduced somewhat.

For many bathers at resorts by the sea side, tanning experience is continued, propped by the myth circulated that tanning and bathing are a correct mix as water is a perfect sunblock and sunburn cannot take place if one bathes and then relaxes on the beach. This is a wrong idea because shallow water affords minimal protection from the suns harmful rays and some believe that it even enhances UV rays exposure.

As a way out of all these contradictions, the common myth is that tanning can be kept safe and healthy provided one covers the exposed skin with a sunscreen lotion before going out under the sun. The sunscreen protection, one must remember, is only a partial protection as it cannot be applied all over the face. The eyes cannot be covered with sunscreen and one needs to protect them differently. Sun glasses are not meant to be a protection from UV rays and thus the skin around the eyes becomes a vulnerable area during tanning.

Besides as one tends to sweat in the sun and swimming in the water tends to wear off the effect of the sunscreen lotion, the chances of exposure to the sun even while consciously tanning with an eye on safety and protection comes to light. The loss of protection despite wearing a sunscreen lotion for protection is thus not enough and the myth does nothing to counter this genuine problem.

Hence the person opting for tanning must be conscious of the hazards involved and not continue to believe in myths without checking them out thoroughly.

December 29, 2011

How To Develop Your Own Personal Mission Statement

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — admin @ 8:17 pm

Your personal development and motivation is the key to a successful and happy life. If you want to feel fulfilled from day to day then you need to know what makes you tick and how to get it. You need to be able to meet your goals and even exceed them and with a personal mission statement you will be that much closer to being in the position to do so.

Even businesses are getting in on these mission statements. They are a great way to make it known to yourself and others just where you want to be and what your goals really are. When you know your goal you can be constantly working towards them. If you simply bumble through life you will not stay on course with the same amount of steady ease. Everyone can benefit from a mission statement and if you want to get where you are going you will start writing your own today.

Your personal mission statement is not only about getting what you want out of work or the people around you, it is also about giving back to the world and your loved ones. This mission statement will help you to find out just where you stand in the world and help you to find out just what you should be doing for those around you. Take your time with this mission statement and see how you can change the world for the better. If you know that there is more that you could be doing for the entire world then this will help you to realize those dreams as well.

Your personal mission statement will help you to evolve into the person that you have always dreamed of becoming. If you are sick and tired of being the kind of person who simply lets things happen to them then a mission statement is for you. You will become a person to reckon with, a powerhouse of determination and skill. This statement is going to change your entire life for the better and it will begin to do so immediately. As soon as you take the step to start writing it you are going to begin to grow and evolve in ways that you ever thought that you could.

Start with just a simple pen and paper. Sit down and write about the person that you are today. Do you like yourself? Do you think that there are areas in your person that you could improve? Write about it and how you are going to change for the better and how you are going to do it. Focus also on your strengths and your abilities. Write how you want to change and in what areas of your life as well as about the goals that you want to see yourself meet over time. Which goals are short term ones and which are long terms goals. Write down all of the personal tings that you want to see happen and change in your life and you will change from that day forward.

All About Love

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 12:20 pm

How do you know if youve ever been in love? Most people would argue that although being in love with someone is non-tangible, there is absolutely no doubt in their mind of it existing. In fact, if you are questioning whether or not you are in love, then you are most certainly not.

While I do not doubt for a second the existence of being in love (albeit being one of those sad individuals yet to experience it), I am somewhat perplexed over our perception of what constitutes humanities most sought after experience.

For me, falling in love with someone is a decision made based on the successful matching of ones own predetermined criteria or preferences.

I fondly refer to the preliminary stage of partner selection as the terminator glasses phase, since it filters through a potential mates attributes and matches them off against our own unique preferences.

On the New Years Eve just passed I went to meet friends at a bar where we would be celebrating the evening. There, waiting at the door with my friend, I saw HIM for the first time. I did a quick terminator scan:
Height: Around 6 foot. MATCH.
Build: Not too skinny, not too fat, not too buff. MATCH.
Hair: Short dark brown. Not over the top alla David Beckham. MATCH.
Complexion: Dark olive. MATCH.
Lips: Plump. MATCH.
Smile: Oh my God. MATCH.
Eyes: Big, brown, expressive, with long thick lashes. MATCH!
Stance: Gentle, not cocky. MATCH.
Nationality: Clearly foreign, probably Brazilian. MATCH.

With the terminator glasses still firmly planted on my face, the confirmed Brazilian was permitted to move onto the second part of phase one: interaction. This is often the most fatal part of any potential relationship, since every sentence uttered, every look given, and every movement is put through the filter of the terminator glasses. Any miss-match could lead to premature relationship death. Very little is forgiven during this part, especially if ones program is set at long term mate. In saying this, it is also my favorite part of the process as it is the most fun. I see it as a game we both know were playing, but refuse to acknowledge as existing. One can withdraw from the game at anytime without repercussion (that is, of course, when both parties are working under the same set of rules. If this is not the case a few unwanted phone numbers are collected, followed by a few awkward conversations. And depending on how weak one is – unwanted dates followed by unwanted kisses, possibly ending in unwanted sex!).

Stage two, the rose coloured glasses phase, is extremely dangerous and not usually approached with caution by either candidate. Depending on the impact of stage one, bombs warning relationship doom could be dropped right in front of ones eyes, yet getting let go un-noticed. Everything appears and is, invariably, utterly workable. Despite my cynicism, this stage is defiantly more exciting than the terminator phase, albeit being laced with the fear of it all ending. The premature I love you could escape ones mouth, falling like a ball onto a roulette table. The stakes are high, but it could also very well pay off and pass you onto stage three. Or not

Declaring the title of stage three is difficult. And the truth is, I dont know what to call it because Im usually making my way to the green exit sign above the fire escape before you can say marry me.

My experience with stage three is that I usually realize Mr Perfect is human. I resist accepting him just the way he is, and try to point out where he is lacking (he is usually not so open to my constructive criticism. I wonder why?). This of course does not lead him to change his ways, but firmly ground himself in them (and resent me in the process). Love and commitment gets swapped with fear and dependence. Some stay to battle it out to the very end, most head straight for the green exit light.

People claim at this point that they have fallen out of love. My argument is that they were never in love in the first place. One of my favourite movies, Moulin Rouge, melodically states, The greatest thing you will ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return. I believe this is what we think being in love is all about. Yet being loved in return implies that there is a condition to your giving love. So romantic love is conditional love. If romantic love only goes one-way, it is termed unrequited love or even desperate.

What if I said that true love can only be unconditional? And inside of that, true love can only mean 100% acceptance of the subject, just the way they are and just the way theyre not. What if love, real love, is just loving?

Making A Life

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:19 am

Tom Paterson, in his book, Living The Life You Were Meant To Live, made a very interesting comment. God isnt interested in us just making a living as He is in us making a life. Well said! I believe a good question we can ask is are we so consumed with making a living that we have forgotten how to make a life!

In this world of me focus and striving to get ahead, maybe we need to take a deep breath, step back a little and get a larger perspective on life. At the end of our lives, I dont think it will really matter how much money you and I made or how successful we were. I think the questions we will be concerned about are did we love our God and others well? Did we make a difference in this world? It is not that success or money are a bad things, but Jesus was so right when he said that life was so much more than the things that we possess. At the end of our lives, I think it will be more important to know we were the kind of people that loved and served others well rather than what kind of car we drove, the house we lived in or how much money we made. Did we love with Gods love and did others see in us who Jesus really is.

The reality is that there are no guarantees about time. Time is precious. It waits for no one and its the one thing we can never get back. If we postpone what we really want to do in this life, people we want to touch or influence, or even a trip we want to take that time may never come. People wait for retirement to pursue a dream. Retirement comes and health fails and the dream never happens.

Are you making a living or making a life? Why postpone even simple joys another day? Why not take the time for a long walk and actually smell the roses and enjoy Gods beautiful creation? It wont cost you a thing and will not only renew your senses but also clear your head. Why not take time to lay hold of courage and forgive or to tell someone that you love them? Maybe its time to be a voice of encouragement to someone who desperately needs a kind word or hug. Take the time to cultivate some new friendships or get together with old friends over coffee, dinner. What about the possibility of extending an act of service or kindness to a complete stranger just because you can.

Are you making a living or making a life? What a perspective! When we begin to be people of life instead of performing in life our lives can be not only meaningful but lived with no regrets!

Finding a Restaurant Equipment Supplier Crucial for New Restaurant Owners

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 6:01 am

If you are in the restaurant business, you probably already know just how crucial it is to find a restaurant equipment supplier who can take care of your individual needs. For those who are considering opening a restaurant, finding a reliable equipment supplier should be one of your first priorities.

So many people assume control of an already existing establishment assuming that they have a grasp on the fundamental aspects of proper restaurant management, when very few actually do. Of course, food distributors are a very integral piece of the puzzle that is seldom overlooked. Most new restaurant owners then move on to equally vital matters such as evaluating the current staff, streamlining or changing the menu and advertising the change of ownership locally. What they rarely consider is that at some point, one or more pieces of kitchen equipment will probably fail. Unfortunately, events like these tend to happen on a busy night with the front of the house packed full of customers. This is just one of the reasons to find a competent, reliable restaurant equipment supply dealer.

A good restaurant supply dealer can not only give you proper maintenance tips on your existing equipment, but also give you an idea of how much use you can expect from various kitchen essentials, such as ice machines, ovens, broilers, refrigeration units and freezers. Additionally, some restaurant suppliers offer services to help streamline your kitchen for maximum efficiency and ease during food preparation. They can give you cost estimates on replacing worn or improperly functioning equipment so that you can be prepared for doing so in the event of a failure. They can even make recommendations for cost cutting measures that will help decrease your expenditures.

Successful restaurant owners know that an equipment supplier should be more than just someone you call when something breaks. Find an equipment dealer who can offer you more. If you aren’t able to find someone who will take an active interest in helping you succeed by providing the products, service and advice you need, look elsewhere. As with all businesses, cultivating the right relationships can make all the difference.

Bowling Lessons for Intermediate Techniques

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Everybody loves bowling. It is the game where a person can experience fun and excitement. The game is played by aiming and rolling the ball down a lane in an attempt to knock down all the pins standing at the other end of the lane (target). When the attempt was good enough to knock down all the pins that is when it is called a strike. If there are pins left standing and they are knocked down with another roll of the ball, he made is a spare. Most beginners tend to make a low score because their attempts railed on the lane and did not knock down any pins.

December 28, 2011

10 Safety Tips When Riding An ATV

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 2:04 pm

More and more these days, riders of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are becoming injured or even killed when their ATV wrecks, enforcing the need for safe operating procedures. This is especially important for teenagers who are interested in riding ATVs and are less likely to practice safe conduct while operating the vehicles. Keep in mind that ATVs are just as dangerous as cars, motorcycles, trucks, or sport utility vehicles, so only operate them using the proper techniques and procedures. Many riders neglect the fact that these vehicles have the capability to extremely injure or kill the drivers, but in the correct hands, ATVs can be a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors. Follow these ten safety tips when riding any ATV:

1.) Only drivers over the age of 16 should operate an ATV.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children under the age of 16 should not operate an ATV. This is especially important, since younger children are usually injured on ATVs due to their size or inexperience with operating vehicles. Even once a child is 16 and able to operate an ATV, adult supervision should be present at all times.

2.) Always wear protective gear.
Just like operating a motorcycle or bike, riding an ATV requires you use proper protective gear. ALWAYS wear a helmet. Most serious or fatal accidents occur when the rider is not wearing a helmet and falls on his or her head. Helmets may not be the most stylish accessory, but they can literally save your life. Also, since most riders operate ATVs in wooded environments, be sure to wear proper eye protection, as a rock, branch, or even a bug can fly into your eye and cause damage. Furthermore, be sure to wear boots and gloves to protect your hands and feet while operating the ATV.

3.) Take a drivers safety course.
Before you drive a car, you take a safety course, so why should driving an ATV be any different? Safety courses educate riders of the correct way to operate and ride an ATV to ensure he or she knows how to handle the vehicle. Also, safety courses will teach riders of all ages the appropriate behavior when riding an ATV, making it critical for teens and adults to attend.

4.) Only one rider per vehicle.
ATVs are designed for only one rider at a time. Since you have to manipulate your weight in order to control the vehicle, two riders on a vehicle is incredibly dangerous. Also, the ATV may be unable to successfully hold the combined weight of two riders, making it less stable and more apt to roll over. Finally, having an additional rider can distract the driver from the task of properly operating the vehicle.

5.) Ride ATVs in appropriate settings.
When it comes to where to ride your ATV, ensure you choose a proper setting. Avoid roads and streets, since ATVs are not designed nor intended to be driven on concrete or asphalt with larger cars and trucks. Also, avoid improper terrain that may encourage the ATV to roll over due to instability in the ground.

6.) Do not speed.
ATVs are designed to go a certain speed safely. Increasing the speedespecially through certain terrainsdecreases your control and the vehicles stability, making you more prone to have an accident.

7.) Do not operate an ATV impaired.
Many adults find themselves tempted to operate an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even over the counter or prescription medications can impair your reaction time, thinking process, and judgment, so be sure to avoid operating an ATV during this time. Just like drinking and driving, alcohol and ATV driving does not mix.

8.) Carry a communication device with you at all times.
ATV operations should be sure to carry a cell phone or walkie talkie with them at all times so that they can call for help in the event of an emergency. This is especially true if you are riding alone, which is not encouraged, so that someone will be able to find you if you become injured. Whenever you plan to ride your ATV, you should either have another individual with you or notify someone of where you are going and when you plan to return.

9.) Do not attempt tricks or stunts while riding an ATV.
The most injuries on ATVs occur when the vehicles are operated improperly. Take great care in riding your ATV and be sure to avoid any tricks or stunts that will encourage an accident. Furthermore, avoid improper interaction with other individuals, whether they are on an ATV or not.

10.) Use common sense.
This final safety tip is by far the best. Your common sense can carry you a long way, especially involving your safety.

Affordable Performance Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:18 am

In 1993 the all new Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T replaced the successful R32 GTS- T. Little brother to the all conquering GTR the GTS25-T is more affordable and still a thrilling ride. It features a more modern new shape with smooth lines rather than the sharp edges of the previous model. The new looks were debatable some liked the newer styling of the R33 and some preferred the harder edges of the R32.

On the road with the R33 the first thing you notice is how smooth the R25DET engine is power delivery is linier and the car pulls hard from 3000rpm to the 7000 rpm redline. The manual coupe version will propel you from 0-100 in 6.18 seconds and complete the quarter in 14.4. Maximum power is 187kw at 6400 and a max torque 295nm at 4800.

The RB25DET is a ripper and featured technology ahead of it time. The 2.5 liter turbo intercooled straight 6 features a twin cam head with variable valve timing on the intake side.

Handling of the coupe is great with a good balance between comfort and a sports like feel. The rear of the car steered by a system called HICAS which works by calculating the speed and angle of the car through the corners. This feature seems to minimize under- steer and kept the car flat through the corner. The rear on the car is equipped with a viscous LSD and steps out ever so progressively when pushing hard. This makes the car easy to control but if pushed to hard it would be easy to loose the rear end. The skyline is a medium size coupe weighing in at 1360kg and when cornering its a great drive but not quiet as direct or nibble though the bends as the lighter R32 was. But light suspension modifications improve handling significantly.

In Australia a good series 1 GTS25-T can be picked up for around $17,000 and a series 2 for around 20,000. With standard features including electric windows and climate control I thinks it is great value for money. With light modifications to the engine and suspension this car can be turned into a street weapon.

The Benefits Of Using An Online People Finder Service

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: — admin @ 4:21 am

Whether you are looking to reconnect with a former love, searching for old friends or trying to locate a family member, an online people finder service can provide you with a variety of resources to help accomplish your goal. Depending on the type of service and the company offering it, some online people finder resources are free and others are available for a small fee.

For many, finding someone can be a daunting task and the hope often seems to diminish with each passing moment. Prior to the internet, individuals were limited in the way that they could attempt to locate someone. Today, that is no longer the case thanks to online people finder services, which help individuals around the globe to conduct online people finder searches every single day.

Among the most popular reasons for using a people finder service include an upcoming family or high school reunion, the hopes of reconnecting with a long lost love or former friend and sending special announcements and/or notices.

As it pertains to a family reunion, many individuals use a people finder service if their family is planning a reunion and some relatives have moved and/or lost touch with everyone. An online people finder service can help to find updated contact information for these family members so that they can be contacted about the upcoming reunion.

A people finder service is very popular when it comes to planning a high school reunion. Approximately every 10 years, high school classmates get together and talk about the old days. After graduation, most people go to college, get married and some even start working immediately. It sometimes will become necessary to relocate and often it is impossible to keep in touch with former classmates. When reunion time rolls around, every student is contacted by phone, mail or otherwise with an invitation to attend. At this point, it is necessary that the individual(s) responsible for planning the reunion have all of the updated contact information on former classmates, which is why an online people finder service is so beneficial.

And finally, one of the most popular reasons to use an online people finder is for personal reasons. Many want to reconnect with a former love and others simply want to get back in touch with an old friend. Perhaps its for reasons of closure on a relationship, things that were left unsaid or just a simple contact to say hello, all of which an online people finder service can help to make a reality.

December 27, 2011

Finding Recipes, Low Calorie Style!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 4:16 pm

If you are one of the many people that have decided to take the low calorie leap, you are probably at a loss as to where to find recipes to cook. It is great to want to eat healthier, but sometimes you need a little guidance. If you need help finding recipes, low calorie style, here are few simple ways to locate recipes and shake up the recipes you have.

The easiest, most convenient way to find recipes, low calorie style, is to look on the internet. The information superhighway has thousands of recipes that you can access with a few clicks of the mouse. You can start your hunt by typing recipes low calorie in the search engine and watch the possibilities pop up. Just going through these sites will keep you more than busy and stocked up on ideas for sometime. However, if you want more, there is plenty more out there. Another idea is to look at specific websites that are focused on food preparation or have a recipe section. Look up your favorite cooking television show in the internet and see if they have a website. You would be surprised how many publish recipes they have aired or plan to air in the near future.

You can also take a stroll down the magazine aisle at your local store. There are hundreds of magazines that feature recipe sections. Pay special attention to magazines about women, family, and the home. Even if they are not specifically about cooking, many will at least throw in a few recipes. Womans Day is a perfect example of a magazine that targets women but always has several recipes inside, usually those that are low calorie.

Once you have done the first two suggestions, you should be swimming in recipes, more than you could cook in a year! However, there are still more available. If your thirst for recipes, low calorie style, is still strong, it is time to hit the bookstore. Be prepared there are roughly a billion books of cooking. Luckily, there are only several million on low calorie cooking. That may be an exaggeration, but it certainly will not seem so when you make it to the cookbook aisle! Try to focus on the healthy cookbooks so you will not be distracted by all the others on the market. Scan through a few books and look for something that may look good. This is mostly trial and error unless there is a specific chef or series of books you are interested in.

Sunglasses Replicas Oakley

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 4:14 am

Replica sunglasses are cheaper and they effectively serve the purposes of the sunglass buyers who purchase the eyewear as a stylish tool. Replica Oakley sunglasses are in high demand, actually the younger people prefer the Oakley sunglasses due to their design. Oakley offer a wide range of products and some of them are prescription eyewear, premium sunglasses, goggles etc. Replica Oakley sunglasses are within reach of the common people and this is the main case behind rising demand of them. The replica sunglasses are made with such craftsmanship and expertise that often it becomes difficult to distinguish between the original ones and the duplicates.

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