Saturday, July 31, 2010

Creating a Custom Closet Organizer

Do you feel like your closet is too crowed? Chances are you have a hard time finding a particular item in it. Have you ever noticed all the empty space that isn’t used in a closet? Installing a closet organizer system can really help you access that open space and put it to good use. Each year, Americans spend more than $2 billion dollars on supplies and kits to organize their closets.

There are so many custom closet organizer products and complete kits to choose from. You have the option of hiring someone to install them or to put them in by yourself. As long as you are able to operate a level, hammer, screwdriver, and a drive; you won’t have any problems with the process.

It is very important that you learn about the various closet organizing products and their uses. For example canvas materials and baskets won’t work well for heavy items such as books. You will need something sturdier such as solid wood. If you have many sweaters, shelves are a better option than wire shelves because they are known to leave their lines on the sweaters. Some people are very good at wood work, and can design a custom closet organization system using scrap wood on their own.

While the ultimate goal with such a project is being able to find everything in your closet quickly, most of us want the design to look just as good. Make sure you take the time to check that the colors, materials, and the style of the design are going to work well for you. If you have a walk in closet you may decide to move your dresser from the bedroom into the closet area. You can also install a bench to sit in comfort while you are getting dressed and a hamper to put your dirty clothing in.

You might find those closet organizer kits on the market to be too predictable and too similar to what everyone else has. Organizing your closet doesn’t have to mean you give up your personal style. Be creative when selection the closet organization products you want to us. Add beautiful knobs and accessories to them. You can find these items at your local home improvement store and at your local craft store.

Use glitter or paints to customize canvas baskets. Spray painting wire accessories to make the décor of your best room is simple and inexpensive. Adding a full length mirror or a round mirror with fancy framing is a great personal touch for the middle of your closet on the back wall.

Regardless of the products you use to create your own custom closet organization system, it is very important that you choose quality products. No matter how great it looks, it isn’t going to do much good if the products don’t hold up well. Make sure each product you choose to use in your closet organization endeavor is strong enough to hold the items you are designating it for.

Proper installation is essential as well. Make sure every item is level and securely fastened to the wall. This is to prevent damage as well as possible injuries. Follow the manufacturers instructions for every item you purchase to organize your closet.

It is always a good idea to mix and match products that are made by the same manufacturer. You will find they install very similar to one another. If you choose to use items from various manufacturers you run the risk of them not installing properly together. There is also the fact that the quality may not be as comparable.

Most of us open up our closet at least once each day. Make it a pleasant experience. You can create a custom closet organization system that works well for your closet and that fits your unique decorating style. The sky is the limit when it comes to how you want it to be designed, so be creative and have some fun with this project!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Auto Sound Systems Should be Superior Quality

I for one can't imagine entering into my daily commute without the sound assistance of a good auto sound system. Music in the morning is as necessary for me as oxygen and caffeine. If I live without any of those above my day is already up and running with wrong foot first. Music is a very important part of any given day for someone like me. My wake up call in the morning comes in the form of my favorite radio station and from that point on I have music as my companion for the vast majority of my morning routine. That is of course with the exception of children and husband and some of their more insistent demands for food, money, and last minute homework crisis. I will gladly take my music and tea most mornings and skip the drama.

The point of all this is that I am not alone in my morning preference. If I were there wouldn't be so many variations of the music driven alarm clock. Today you can even have CD player alarm clocks in order to get you up and running to your favorite tunes. Of course this brings me to an important point. A good auto sound system will sound much better than your morning music wake up call. Most alarm clocks will not have the best quality of sound. They are designed for minimal space, minimal intrusion, and to be annoying enough that you will get up (eventually) and turn them off. If the music is good and the quality even better, most of us, can manage to incorporate the music into our dreams and go right back to sleep.

While you do not want your auto sound system to necessarily put you to sleep you do want it to be enjoyable to listen to. You are after all most likely shelling out a good portion of a month's salary in order to pay for it. Some may say this is extravagant but many people spend more time each week in their cars than they do in front of their televisions and are much more inclined to spend a great deal more on big screen or LCD televisions for their homes. I like being surrounded by nice things and music is one of those things. A great auto sound system is one way that I can bring music into my life day in and day out. I am quite certain that there are others out there just like me. Just like the alarm clock radios, there are many wonderful auto sound systems on the market today competing with one another for a slice of the music lover's pie. That would not be the case if there were only a select few of us who enjoyed great music.

The trick is always going to be finding the sound you like at a price that is just as delightful as the sound they provide. A good auto sound system is not an impulse buy. This is something you consider carefully, shop around, and compare prices on before you make the decision to purchase. Also consider things such as free installation and how they will affect the overall price when the time comes. It could very well be that the same sound system will cost a different amount at several different stores, if one of those stores offers free installation (depending on the cost of installation) it may be a much better deal even if the cost of the system is slightly greater than those at the other competing stores.

There are many things to consider when purchasing an auto sound system for your vehicle. The most important of those things is how well you like the system you are purchasing. This is your money after all and you should spend on the systems that sounds best and offers the most features that you desire.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

How and Why You Should Find Bathroom Remodeling Instructions Online

Have you recently made the decision to have your bathroom remodeled? Better yet, have you made the decision to do it yourself? Although many homeowners prefer to have their bathrooms remodeled by a professional, there are others who are more than happy to remodel their own bathrooms. In addition to having complete control over your next bathroom remodeling project, you may also be able to save yourself a fairly large amount of money by doing your own remodeling. Although there are a number of advantages to doing your own remodeling, there are also a number of disadvantages. One of those disadvantages is the difficulty.

With bathroom remodeling, it is important that you keep one thing in mind. Many of us have different understandings, when it comes to the meaning of remodeling. There are many individuals who assume that you must change around a whole bathroom for it to truly be called a remodeling project. Yes, remodeling projects are often associated with big changes, but small projects can also be considered remodeling projects. In all honestly, the size of the project really don’t matter because, when it comes to remodeling your bathroom, all you really need is one hard task for it to become a problem.

If you are planning on remodeling your own bathroom, but you are worried about the difficultly of doing so, you should rest assure. There are a number of different steps that you can take to make it easier for you to remodel your bathroom, all by yourself. Perhaps, the easiest way is to familiarize yourself with the work that you will be doing. The best way to do this is by using the internet. Online, you can not only find bathroom remodeling ideas, but you can also find tips and instructions. These instructions may come in handy, especially if you weren’t given a set of installations instructions with your new bathroom fixtures or other remodeling materials. Whether you are interested in learning how to install a new bathroom sink, replace your bathtub, or install a new shower stall, you should easily be able to find what you are looking for online.

When looking for kitchen remodeling tips or instructions online, it may be best to perform a standard internet search. If you are looking for something in particular, such as instructions on how to install new bathroom cabinets, you may want to tailor your internet search to bathroom cabinet installations and so on. Tailoring your search, to exactly what you are looking for, is one of the best and the easiest ways to come up with the results that you need. In addition to performing a standard internet search, you may also want to visit the online website of a home improvement store. Many home improvement stores have free information, as well as instruction guides, on how to remodel bathrooms on their online websites.

Using the internet to find bathroom remodeling tips and instructions is one of the best ways to do so. However, you may not necessarily need to. Many bathroom fixtures and bathroom remodeling materials are sold with a set of directions. If you notice that your instructions are missing, you may want to speak to a sales associate. If the mistake was by error, you should be given a set of replacement instructions; instructions that may tell you or show you exactly what you need to do. If a set of directions does not come standard with you are buying, whether it be remodeling materials or bathroom fixtures, you may be pointed in the direction of a how-to book.

As you can see, you can easily find bathroom remodeling tips, as well as detailed instructions online. Whether you are looking to learn how to install a new bathtub, toilet, kitchen sink, cabinet, or all of the above, you can easily find the information that you need online, with a standard internet search. Of course, you can also purchase a kitchen remodeling book or a how-to guide if you want, but why waste your money when you can find the same information online, free of charge?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

9 Beach Vacation Ideas

When it comes to go on your beach vacation, it can
be very hard to pick a destination. There are many
places you can go, whether you want to explore the
beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia.
Below, you'll find 9 ideas to help you decide on
where to go for your vacation.

1. Hawaii resort
You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to
good use and take a beach vacation on the island of
Hawaii. Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in
the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of
the many innovative spa treatments. Hawaii enjoys
some of the best weather in the world - making it
a great choice for your beach vacation.

2. Golf and Beach in Georgia
Popular among the East Coast, the Cloister at Sea
Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship
golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for
you to do.

3. Oahu beach vacation
At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be
pampered like never before. You can visit the spa,
take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up
with the dolphins. The resort is conveniently
located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki
Beach.

4. Virgin Islands vacation
At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue
waters and sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton, and
St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury
hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin
Islands.

5. Half Moon Bay California
Located just 30 minutes by car away from San
Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a
quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life
of the city.

6. Luxury Beach Resort of Bermuda
Two hours away by flight from New York City,
Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the
East Coast. Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms
with gourmet food and breathtaking views.

7. Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the
Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches,
The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach
vacation mood like never before.

8. Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Islands offers
a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with
several water rides, slides, and water attractions
the entire family will enjoy.

9. Family fun in Hawaii
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you
several vacation activities that include snorkeling,
kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing,
scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

4 Great Ways to Learn to Dance

Dancing is something that many people enjoy not only as a recreational pursuit but also as an integral part of their fitness routine. Dance is a great way to keep your body in shape without feeling as though you are somehow being punished for enjoying that extra scoop of ice cream on your cone. At the same time, dance is also something that many people simply find enjoyable. As with most things in life though, there are often right and wrong ways in which you can make most dance moves and some of them might not be as good for you as they think. For this reason you really do need to seek qualified instructions. Below you will find four different methods in which you can get the instruction you need to dance your heart out.

Private Dance Instruction

If you are in a financial situation that allows for this then this is the ideal option. With private lessons you will have one on one instruction and the direct attention of the instructor. Private lessons provide the absolute most bang for your buck and will provide the most immediate pay off for your efforts as you will move at your own pace and will not have to wait on other students to catch up or feel left behind by students who have a higher beginning level of skill.

Private lessons also provide the opportunity to address specific needs and problem areas when it comes to your dancing. This means you will learn the right way from the beginning, provided you went with a reputable instructor who is very knowledgeable. The benefits of private instruction are really amazing when compared to some of the other available methods of learning to dance.

Formal Group Dance Lessons

You can sign up for group dance lessons at almost any age. There are very few requirements and classes are offered for many different experience levels as well. If you are an utter novice there will be classes that will teach you the basics and get you started on your way. There are also classes that are designed to teach advanced students more difficult footwork and techniques. Some people thrive in these sorts of classes because there is some degree of competitiveness involved. Friendly competition is often a great motivator for success. Others however, feel somewhat left behind or unchallenged in these sorts of classes and would do better with a different form of instruction.

Informal Group Dance Instruction

This is the type of instruction you will often find prior to dances in local dance halls and nightclubs. The atmosphere is very informal and the goal is to give a basic primer. This sort of instruction will prepare to you to execute a few very basic moves and very little else. This is very popular in areas where line dancing is common to teach patrons how the moves involved in specific dances. This type of instruction is not recommended for those who want a serious amount of instruction when it comes to dance but for those who have a fleeting interest and only want to learn a couple of dances for fun on a night out, this is ideal.

Video Dance Instruction

Believe it or not, many would be dancers are petrified at the very thought of someone watching as they attempt to learn the moves required for the dances they wish to execute. We live in a world of perfectionists however and if you happen to be a perfectionist, then video dance lessons may be the perfect bet for your needs and wishes. You will find a wide selection of these video lessons online if you are willing to look. You will even find many that are designed to teach dance for the sole purpose of fitness while others teach dance for the sole purpose of fun.

The direction you take when it comes to learning to dance is entirely up to you. The many different types of classes offer appeal to the many different types of people in the world today. If one type of class worked for everyone wishing to take classes then there would be no need for the different types of dance classes. The truth is that not everyone learns best in the same situation. Select the learning method that you feel will be best for you and start learning to dance today.

Monday, July 26, 2010

4 Great Reasons to Enjoy Geocaching with your Auto Navigation System

Geocaching is a great way to spend an afternoon, a day, or a weekend. This activity seems to be taking the nation by storm and is responsible for the rising popularity and availability of GPS and auto navigation systems on the market today. Many people aren't simply purchasing minimal systems that guide them to their coordinates with beeps and blips but investing in complete systems that can provide much more useful tracking and mapping utilities.

Regardless of whether you are purchasing the bare minimum system when it comes to geocaching or investing in a top of the line auto navigation system that has all kinds of bells and whistles, I am fairly certain you will find that geocaching is a great activity for many reasons. Everyone who participates in this activity has something special that they enjoy and appreciate about it. Below you will find some of the more popular reasons that people choose geocaching as a fun way to use their GPS devices.

1) Being a kid again. You heard correctly, this is my personal favorite reason to participate in geocaching. I remember going on treasure hunts as a child and drawing out intricate maps and pretending for days, even weeks on end that I was a pirate in search of some rare treasure. That treasure usually ended up being holly berries or a rather large pinecone, but it was the thrill of the hunt that was important.

2) Enjoying the great outdoors. You may argue that one can do that anytime and wouldn't really need geocaching in order to do so. You would be correct, however, geocaching can take you hiking, biking, swimming, and mountain climbing in search of one little prize stash. Most of us wouldn't tackle all of those things in the course of an afternoon. In other words it's a way to experience the great outdoors only intensified.

3) Learning about others. When Geocaching you can find all kinds of neat and nifty treasures. The idea is that if you take something you should leave something behind and create a log. You learn about a lot of different people by examining the treasures they've left behind and reading the logs. You will experience many different people from many different cultures as this seems to be a rather universal pastime in which all ages and cultures spend hours upon hours participating.

4) Being a part of something bigger than us. I remember watching Treasure Hunters on NBC last summer. They were all off in search of a specific treasure but kept getting clues at different destinations along the way. Geocaching might not have a million dollar payoff but there are little treasures along the way and many people participate which makes the hunt thrilling and fun at the same time. By participating you are one of many people who will tread the same ground and seek the same treasure. It is a unifying experience in many ways and can be excitingly competitive.

If you have never experienced geocaching, I hope you will at least consider this fun and thrilling pass time as you check out possible auto navigation systems and other GPS technology that might be good for you and your family. Geocaching is one of many ways that auto navigation systems can bring more life to your daily living.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

All About Autograph Collecting and Autograph Books

Before the advent of cell phones, television, ipods, computers, and other forms of technology, autograph collecting was one of the most treasured past times. This interest was done on all levels, the very young, the young adult, the mature adult, and even the more wisdom matured. In fact autograph collecting was so popular until there were special books produced especially for autograph collecting. This autograph collecting was not necessarily geared to celebrities only.

Persons in the community were more accessible than movie stars and sports figures, so autograph collecting was popular throughout all walks of life. In the nineteenth century keeping an autograph book for the purpose of autograph collecting was a popular practice. As the word got around about autograph books and they became available at the local five and dime stores, it was a must have, just as the cell phone is today. The autograph book was even more popular in many areas than the personal diary. Many people during the 1950’s and 1960 have purchased autograph books. Most of these autograph books were designed for just what the name of the books implies and that is autograph collecting. These books were small, about eight inches tall by five inches wide. The book had 70 pages. Some books had different colored pages. Usually the pages were in pastel colors, such as pink, blue, lilac, yellow, and light green.

The popularity of these books was unbelievable in high schools and on the college campus. These autograph books were circulated from classmate to classmate during the recess period and during social functions at school and away from school. There were two goals for this autograph collecting. The first goal and perhaps the most important was to get a signature from every classmate. Secondly, it was a desire to fill every page in the book. You were honored and delighted when someone, who was collecting autographs, asked you for your autograph. Those classmates who were high up the ladder rungs in popularity were sort out first. Sometimes in fact there would be a little line waiting to get the persons autograph. Even more so, everyone wanted to have the teachers, administrators and other school personnel sign their book. Getting these signatures had the same importance as it is to get celebrity signatures today.

Some of these autograph books still exist today. Autograph collecting collections can be found in many special collections on campuses today in the college libraries. Many students wrote their favorite verse or quotation before autographing the book. Others wrote about special memories shared with the person during this period of time. These memories included college pranks, dormitory rooms, card games, hangouts, and stunts. Nothing is left out of these books. Included in these books are accounts of professors and various class experiences.

It was not unusual for some who were less verbal to just autograph the book and date it. As you can see autograph collecting, crosses all walks of life, all races, and socio-economic levels.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Bad Habits Can Be Expensive

Bad habits can be very expensive to maintain. Never mind that they are annoying to others. Do not think about the pain you cause yourself, if you do not want to. Just remember that your bad habits are hitting you where it hurts-in your wallet.

Smoking has always been a bad habit to have. In past times, people smoked more cigarettes, but cigarettes were cheaper. Now, many people have cut down on the number of cigarettes they smoke per day. Yet, those few are more expensive now than the many were back then. That's accounting for inflation, too.

This is because lawmakers have seen fit to put large taxes on cigarettes. In many areas, the taxes are set to go up even higher. Some states are planning hikes of $10 per carton. If that will not stop you from smoking, what will?

Alcohol, too, is a bad habit that is subject to sin tax. It depends on how expensive your taste in alcohol is whether it will cost you more or less. Usually, most people will go to drinking less expensive alcohol as their dependency grows. However, it is not unusual for someone to go to a bar on a Friday night and spend their paycheck on alcohol.

Many people get into bad habits of taking prescription drugs when they have an injury, such as a back injury. They may be given muscle relaxants and strong pain relievers to get them through the first painful days. This is a reasonable medical response to their condition.

Yet, the medication helps them feel so good that they will want to get more. They may go back to the doctor to get more. If the doctor will not agree, they may go to different doctors to get different prescriptions. All these doctor visits and prescriptions usually come with a price tag. Then, when that no longer works, they will go to get their pain relief medications on the streets. It will cost even more to keep up their bad habits.

Of course, people who have bad habits with illegal drugs probably have some of the most expensive bad habits of all. Whether it is cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or methamphetamine, there are no cheap drugs. At least, there will not be an unlimited supply of cheap drugs. If a person truly has a bad habit with one of these drugs, they will always want more until they quit. The cost can get to be astronomical.

Gambling can lead people into financial hardship. Some people have such bad habits with gambling that they lose their houses and everything else they own. They may be in staggering debt on top of that. Now that there is online gambling, they cannot even get away from their bad habits by staying home.

Shopaholics spend money like there is no tomorrow. This bad habit can destroy a budget. It can take money away from things that need to be paid, like a mortgage or car payment.

It is clear that these bad habits are costly in the short run. Many of them are also costly over time, as health issues settle in. The cost of cigarettes is high, for example, but the cost of lung cancer is very much higher. Ridding yourself of these bad habits can only help your finances to get better.

Properly Cleaning Your Grill

When purchasing your barbeque grill, think of it as an investment rather then just another item for your outdoor entertainment. You should expect this item to become a large part of your outdoor activities for many years to come. But like any other investments, proper maintenance and care is needed to ensure that your barbeque grill will work for you for many years to come.

Leaving you grill messy after each use will not only make it harder on you when you finally do clean the grill, but it will also drastically decrease the lifespan of your grill. If you grill sits dirty, you increase the risk of rust.

While some maintenance and cleaning is specific to the type of barbeque grill your own (gas, electric, charcoal or smoke barbecue grill), the majority of maintenance that should be carried on does not change from grill to grill.


Step 1- Gathering The Necessary Items

You will need some common household items on hand when it comes time to clean your barbeque grill.

Brass wire grill brush
Steel wool pads, preferably that contains soap already.
Mild dish soap
Sponge or dishcloth
Spray cooking oil
Dry baking soda
Aluminum foil

Step 2- Brushing Your Grill Off

The first thing that should always be done to your grill is a routine brushing. Using your brass wire grill brush (or other brush suitable to your type of grill) you should brush off all the surfaces. By routinely brushing your barbeque grill, you will prevent any type of buildup. If buildup from food is left to long, it can become increasingly difficult to remove, and can end up causing problems such as rust.

Step 3- Spray Cooking Oil

Once you are sure that your grill is free of all buildup and debris, and that your grill is completely cooled off, you will want to spray it down with a light layer of cooking oil. Spraying it down with cooking oil will prevent your barbeque grill from rusting. It is especially important to make sure you barbeque grill is completely cold, as spraying cooking oil on a hot surface may cause the oil to heat up and ignite, which could be potentially dangerous to you and your barbeque grill.

Step 4- Use Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil on Your Grill
Baking soda is a very nice cleaning and polishing agent. Once you have removed any extra debris and buildup, lightly scrubbing your barbeque grill with baking soda will give it that extra shine, similar to the day that you brought it home from the store. This can also be used on handles and knobs to remove any extra buildup tat cannot be taken off with a wire brush.

Aluminum foil can also be used to keep your grill looking nice. Gently rub the aluminum foil on your grill, and you will notice that it removes grim and buildup. This is a cheap and inexpensive way to clean your grill.

Step 5- Clean Your Racks

The racks in your grill are especially important as this is where the food touches when it is cooking. You will have to use the wire brush to remove as much buildup as possible. Once you remove as much as possible, start washing the racks with dish soap. If the racks are really dirty, you may also want to use the steel wool pads. Be sure to completely rinse off all soap and residue before cooking on these racks again.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Asteroids

There is a lot of exciting stuff going on in the stars above us that make astronomy so much fun. The truth is the universe is a constantly changing, moving, some would say “living” thing because you just never know what you are going to see on any given night of stargazing.

But of the many celestial phenomenons, there is probably none as exciting as that time you see your first asteroid on the move in the heavens. To call asteroids the “rock stars” of astronomy is simultaneously a bad joke but an accurate depiction of how astronomy fans view them. Unlike suns, planets and moons, asteroids are on the move, ever changing and, if they appear in the night sky, exciting and dynamic.

Like rock stars, asteroids have been given their fair share of urban myth and lore. Many have attributed the extinction of the dinosaurs to the impact of a huge asteroid on the earth. This theory has some credibility and, if it is true, it evokes some pretty startling images and foreboding fears in the current reining species on earth, the human race.

The fact that asteroids are fast moving space debris only makes their movement and activity more interesting and exciting. Unlike a moon, planet or star, the odds that an asteroid could hit the earth are entirely reasonable and in fact, there are many documented cases of small asteroids making it through our atmosphere and leaving some pretty impressive craters in the earth’s surface.

Popular culture has happily embraced the idea of an asteroid impact. The idea has spawned many a science fiction story adding the idea that alien life forms may ride asteroids to our world and start a “war of the worlds” situation. But by far, the most talked about concept that has captured the imagination and the fears of science fiction fans and the general public is of another asteroid hitting the earth that could wipe out life as allegedly happened to the dinosaurs. In fact, the movie “Armageddon” was based on this idea and the concept that somehow mankind could avert that catastrophe with technology.

But probably the best way to calm our fears and replace science fiction with science is with understanding and knowledge. The truth is, there has been a lot of study of asteroid activity and the serious scientific community has gained significant knowledge of these amazing celestial bodies. A number of probes to asteroids have been conducted which have given us a wealth of information about their composition and how we might predict their behavior.

We now know that the majority of asteroids we get to witness come from an asteroid belt that exists between Mars and Jupiter. It is from this community of asteroids that many of the notable asteroids emerged. Scientists have gained significant knowledge about the composition of asteroids and separated them into classes including class S which comes of the part of the belt that is closest to Mars, classes C, D and V which are classified by composition and a class called “Centaurs” whose flight patterns take them closer to Jupiter and Uranus.

Some of the probes NASA has conducted on near flying asteroids have performed some pretty amazing studies of these eccentric celestial bodies. In 1994 the Galileo probe got within 1000 miles of the asteroid Ida and discovered that Ida actually had its own moon.

Other probes have fired impactors into asteroids and even landed on an asteroid to produce some amazing scientific data for us. There is much to learn about asteroids in our love of astronomy and that knowledge only makes our enjoyment of seeing them in the cosmos even more exciting.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Ideas for Baby Showers

People do baby showers in anticipation of the newborn baby. This is usually done by a group of close friends of the future mother to be. Such events are mainly for gift giving which make it awkward for a family member of the mother to be to host such an event.

This can be done a month or two before the arrival of the baby or right after the baby is born.

Invitations should symbolize the birth of the future baby. One can get an invitation that has been made by a card company but for it to be special, it is best to choose the design then have it custom made.

Just like any other invitation, it should have the name of the person to be invited, when and where the event will take place, the contact number of the one hosting the event, the gender of the baby and the theme of the party.

The invitations should be given out a month to a month and half prior to the event. This will give people time to make plans for that day and pick the right gift.

Since the party has to have a theme, there are many to choose from and it all depends on the gender of the baby.

If it is a boy, an example of a good theme is a sailboat. The place can be setup with all sorts of boats both big and small. The punch bowl used for the cocktail can also have one that has a centerpiece. The most important thing for this kind of theme is the name of the baby which can be highlighted using an inner tube or any other object that will suit the occasion.

If it is a girl, an example of a good theme is a cookie. The theme is based on the poem that tells how little girls are made which usually come from sugar and spice and everything nice. It is like have a tea party with lot of cookies around as well as cooking recipes and jars with various ingredients like chocolate chip and peanuts. The name of the girl can be highlighted in the form of a giant cookie.

What if the parents have not decided on the name of the baby yet? This too can be another good idea. The baby shower can help the parents decide on the baby’s name. The place can be decorated with letters of the alphabet and games can be made to help people think of possible names.

Some parents don’t want to know the gender of the baby until the baby comes out. Others keep the guests in suspense. Another idea for a party is only letting the people the sex of the baby at the party. An ultrasound can be brought in so everyone will be able to find out all together what the baby is.

Another way to have fun is to let the guests play a Girl or Boy Quiz. The questions are designed to determine the sex of the baby.

There are other ideas and themes to make the shower a memorable occasion. It just takes some planning and little imagination to make this baby shower stand out over others that people have gone to.

The host can do alone, plan it with other friends or get a professional to help out.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Adding an Oyster to the Ecosystem Inside a Saltwater Aquarium

Saltwater aquariums can make a lovely addition to a home, and are a source of endless fascination to young and old alike. The different fish and plant life which are capable of living in a saltwater aquarium are both exotic and beautiful, and provide a rich introduction to life under the sea. Fish and plants are not the only things which can be found in the deep blue, however, and it is becoming more and more common for aquarium owners to attempt to incorporate these other elements into their home aquarium.

Artificial oysters which open up and blow bubbles into the water have been a part of home aquariums for many years. With the increase in desire to perfectly emulate the ocean floor live oysters are becoming a common addition to saltwater aquariums. It is not common but not unheard of for a pearl producing oyster to be offered as an addition to a home aquarium; however, it is generally their less productive relations that become permanent residents. Since scallops and oysters have more specific needs than many of the inhabitants of the home aquarium it is necessary the aquarium owner be sure that they are prepared to make these adjustments prior to installing the oyster into the aquarium.

Oysters require very "pristine" water conditions; these are not the organism of choice for those who tend to be a bit lazy about cleaning their tank, as the oyster will not survive long if their water becomes cluttered with junk. Fortunately, the oyster also filters the water, so this may balance itself out. They also have specific dietary needs that will not be met with the generic food fed to many saltwater inhabitants. They will need a specialized organic food designed especially for filter feeders which can be inserted with a pipette upstream of the oyster. Each oyster is going to need to be fed individually, so unless an aquarium owner finds themselves with a great deal of time on their hands it may be wise to keep the oyster population of their aquarium to a minimum. These invertebrates also require nutritional supplementation with phytoplankton, a microscopic portion of plankton that drift through the water.

Certain types of oysters have been shown to have a better chance of survival in captivity than others. The beginner would be wise to look to these breeds to begin with, moving on to the more delicate oysters as they become more comfortable with their needs. Common aquarium oysters are the spiny oyster and the thorny oyster; strange yet accurate names for these beautiful and unique creatures.

Oysters are a demanding but beautiful addition to any home aquarium; for more information on introducing an oyster to a home aquarium consumers should speak with the retailers who sell them. Remember, no detail is too small when attempting to take an organism from its natural environment and watch it thrive.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Honey

Honey bees spend their entire life pollinating flowers and making honey. Bees use pollen that they gather from flowers to create honey that the bees use to feed themselves. Beekeepers are responsible for removing the honey from the bees and using for human consumption.

After the beekeeper has collected the honey from the bees, removed the wax caps that the bees use to seal the honey in the honey comb, and extracted the honey from the honeycomb it's time to process the honey.

Not all beekeepers have process their honey. Unprocessed honey is marketed with words like raw, areanic, unfiltered, and natural printed on the label. The words are different words to say unprocessed. Beekeepers that choose to process their honey, should have it done as quickly after extracting the honey as possible. The act of processing honey is making sure that the honey is heated and filtered. Processing honey is a sticky and hot process, it is important that the person is patient and diligent. The area where the processing is taking place should be kept clean and free of insects. Before you start processing the honey crop make sure that all your equipment is dry. Honey absorbs water. Honey that has to much water in it will ferment.

Experienced beekeepers can look at a vat of honey and tell you what type of flower the worker bees who were attracted to when they were gathering pollen. They can do this by looking at the honey's color. The type of flower the bees collected pollen from also affects the honey's flavor. Other factors like soil quality and honey comb quality can change the flavor of the honey. On the average lighter colored honey has a milder flavor then darker colored honey. There sre approximately three hundred different varieties of honey produced in the United States.

The plugs that bees use to seal honey into the honey combs can be used to make bee's wax candles.

For the health conscious, honey is a great substitute for white sugar.

Honey that is still in the honeycomb has a more natural flavor then honey that has been extracted. Extracted honey works best for flavoring teas and cooking.

Fans of natural healing have always bee big fans of honey for medicinal purposes. It is believed that honey is an excellent way to soothe sore throats, can help regulate blood pressure, burns, pressure wounds, and infectious wounds. Honey has been used by Chinese apothecaries to soothe aches and pains. The Egyptians favored using honey when they were treating wounds. Even the Greeks and Romans left behind literature that spoke of the medicinal benefits of honey for curing various forms of illnesses.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Coffee Makers Online

Coffee makers are usually bought in a retail store like K-mart and the like but with the advancement of technology, you don't even have to leave your home to review and buy a new coffee maker. There are many sites on the Internet that specialize in selling you coffee makers. Many are brand name sites that are well respected and offer you a great product at a great price. There are also overstock sites, discount retail sites, and even auction sites you could browse around on before you make a decision.

When purchasing a coffee maker or anything else over the Internet, you want to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate company. The first one you see on Google might not necessarily be the best one either. Make sure you know the companies procedures and that they guarantee you will get your product by a certain time and nobody but them will have access to your credit card or bank account information. If there are testimonials or you know someone who has used that site it is even better. There are many scams on the Internet and you don't want to end up with a coffee maker key chain for $50.00 or worse, nothing at all. Just use your discretion and stick with sites you know.

Many coffee maker dealers on the Internet will give you something with your order. It might be a free sample of their coffee or a subscription to a coffee of the month club. This can be fun and makes a great gift for a friend or loved one. A new coffee maker is always appreciated and if they receive something extra with it, it's very nice and keeps on giving. You may receive some kind of membership which is usually free but read the fine print to make sure you won't be billed. Unless you want to that is.

Brand name sites are usually the preferred method of buying over the Internet. Amazon, Gevalia, Wal-Mart, it doesn't really matter. You know you are dealing with a respected company and are sure to get a good deal on their products. Discount websites might offer you even greater savings but you will get very weird brand names that might not be available in your area or country. Make sure they have the features you are looking for and aren't going to fall apart or be a fire hazard.

If you look around on auction sites, you might find the perfect coffee maker you have been looking for. There are many new items up for auction so you won't get a used coffee maker unless you specifically want one for some reason. Coffee makers aren't light so you might have to pay a bit of shipping and handling.

Overall, the Internet is a great place to find a new coffee maker and you are sure to find the perfect one. Just use your judgment and you won't be ripped off and might find an amazing deal.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Books for Beginners to Advanced on Airbrush Art

When looking to learn on your own about airbrush art then reading is one area where you can gain a wealth of information to help you learn more. There a lot of great books out there that will help you from the beginner level of experience all the way through to the expert level. Books designed to teach airbrush art can be used alone or along with magazines and videos. To get you started are the following books covering beginner and advance information on airbrushing.

If you are just now looking into learning airbrush art then Airbrush by Parramon's Team is your best bet to start with. The book explains all about airbrushes and the uses of airbrushes. Instructions are also included in the book on how to use each airbrush. So someone who has no real prior knowledge this book will help you understand the airbrushes that you will be using when creating airbrushed artwork.

Getting Started in Airbrush by David Miller is also a great beginner's book on airbrushing. The book will give step-by-step instructions on the basic level of airbrushing techniques and how to create different effects with your airbrush art. By reading this book you will learn about the equipment and other materials that you will be using. The effects that you will learn about include freehand, edge effects, highlights, lettering and several others.

How to Airbrush T-shirts and Other Clothing by Diana Martin is good for beginners or can be used by the more experience airbrush artist who wants to learn the techniques used for airbrushing textiles. This book contains information on all the equipment, materials and techniques needed to create airbrush art on textiles. With 18 step-by-step guides you will be fast on your way to showing off your work on clothing.

Professional Airbrush Techniques by Vince Goodeve will teach you some pretty intricate designs. This book will help you learn how to prepare metal surfaces so that you can begin to learn or advance with airbrush art on motorcycles and cars. While the book will teach you some intricate designs do not worry though cause the book, also has some simple projects that you can start with when working with airbrushing motorcycles and cars.

If you are at an intermediate level with airbrush art then The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook by Pamela Shanteau is for you. This book will show you all about airbrushing everything from t-shirts to home interiors. Almost all surfaces for airbrush art are covered at the intermediate level in this book. Airbrushing nails to airbrushing cars is explained in great detail to help you advance further no matter what surface you like to put your airbrush art on.

Airbrush2: Concepts for the Advanced Artist by Radu Vero will help to teach the experienced artist more advanced techniques. By learning these advanced techniques the artist can start to create even more complex airbrush art. After all in the world of art there is always room to learn more and advance one's way of doing something to create a whole new aspect for the current art.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Organic Foods: What You May Find Available for Sale

Are you interested in eating organically? If you are, you may be interested in reaping a number of the benefits that there are to eating organic foods, many of which are health related. With that said, if you have never tried organic foods before, you may be wondering what type of products are available for you to eat. One of the best ways to get a good idea is to examine a number of popular and well known organic food brands.

Dean Foods is well known for selling a large selection of dairy products. Just a few of the many products that they have available for sale include milk, soy products, creamers, ice cream, yogurt, and much more. Dean Foods has recently gone organic. Their website claims that they have over 130 organic foods currently available for sale. Since Dean Foods is a well known brand, many of these new organic foods are available for sale at supermarkets, as well as specialty natural and organic food stores.

Simply Organic is another well known organic food brand. Simply Organic can help those who are looking for quick, yet easy ways to make tasty homemade meals. They have a large selection of organic food that are perfect for accomplishing this goal. Just a few of the many organic foods and organic food products that they have available for sale include flavor and extracts, spices, Mexican mixes, chili mixes, pasta sauce, and so much more. Also, Simply Organic is known for regularly placing moneysaving coupons on their website, which are available for printing.

Amy’s Kitchen is another one of the many organic food brands that is well known. They are a supplier of frozen organic foods and dinners. This brand is ideal for families who want tasty meals, but also meals that can be prepared and cooked without any hassle. All frozen foods are tasty, made with natural ingredients, and meat free. Amy’s Kitchen also recently unveiled a new line of frozen organic meals for kids.

Those living in Canada, as well as those living in certain US states, will want to examine McLean Organic Foods. McLean Organic Foods is known for their amazing lines of meats, which are all organic. Their meats come from specially selected and trusted farms. These farms do not use antibiotics and other chemicals or additives. Strict standards are put in place for the well-being of all animals, ensuring that you receive the best tasting organic meat products.

Earth’s Best Organic is another company that is well known for their production of organic foods. Earth’s Best Organic is known for their great selection of foods for newborns, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Many of their products have Sesame Street themes. For newborns, organic baby formula is available. For infants, first and second organic jarred foods are available. For toddlers and preschoolers, a wide range of organic foods are available for sale, including snacks, meals for dinner and lunch, as well as breakfast foods.

As you can see, there are a number of organic food brands for you to choose from. What is even more amazing is that the above mentioned brands and food types are just a few of the many that exist. You can get a better idea of some of the organic foods available for sale by visiting a natural or organic food store or by examining the organic food section at your local supermarket.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Antique Carpet

Antique type carpets help to add a touch of grandeur
and glamour to your home or office, speaking greatly
about your rich and extravagant tastes. Antique
carpets are beautiful home furnishings and solid
art investments. They aren't just decorative items,
but pieces of tradition, ethniticity, and true class
that dates back thousands of years.

Antique carpets represent enormous range in motifs
and color harmonies and you'll simply lose yourself
seeing the diverse combinations of rich antique
colors and heavy intricate weaving.

The diverse range of antique carpet pieces that you'll
encounter while shopping for them are mostly Oriental
carpets and rugs that portray the mystery and legend
of the far off lands of the Orient.

Antique carpets and rugs are imported mostly from China,
Persia, India, Afghanistan, Caucasus, and Turkey.
Some of the famous weaving areas of such antique carpets
include Kashan, Agra, and many other locations.

Antique carpets have a more artistic integrity, as
they are exclusively hand woven. They are sold all
over the world, with clients more than willing to pay
whatever they have to in order to redefine their home and
decorate in style.

If you are looking to add luster and glamour to your
home or office and are ready to spend a fortune on the
exquisite pieces of art, then you shouldn’t wait a single
minute.

The first thing to do, is contact one of the several
reliable, knowledgeable, and genuine art dealers
and galleries who deal in antique carpets and
have profound knowledge about the various aspects
of a good and genuine antique carpet. They can
guide you in selecting the best one per your
budget and tastes.

You've got a bit of work to do as well. You should
visit a lot of dealers and educate yourself
about dyes, wools, design quality, and the many
styles of weaving as well. Touch the carpet and
scrutinize them carefully. Beware of the machine
made synthetic carpets that some dealers will
tell you are antique carpets.

Below, are some tips to help you when buying
antique carpet.
1. You have to remain careful and thoughtful
while analyzing each piece of antique carpet.
2. You'll also need to try and understand
the age and origin of the carpet that will in
turn give you a much better insight about the
overall quality of the carpet.
3. You'll also need to look and see if
the edge and borders are there in the antique
carpet you intend to buy, as the end and edge
borders are sometimes lost or even cut out on
purpose. Keep in mind that the borders will
determine the overall value of your carpet.
4. Keep an eye out for holes and moth
attacks that are both common when dealing with
antique carpets. These problems must be attended
to before you buy the carpet.
5. You should always deal with dealers who
have the prices marked on the carpet. See to it
that your dealer sticks to that price.

Monday, July 12, 2010

4 Tips for Planning a Girls Trip to a Day Spa

Are you recently decided that you and some of your friends could use some quality time together? If you have, you may want to consider planning a girls’ day at the spa. After speaking it over with a few of your close friends, there is a good chance that everyone will agree that it is a great idea!

A nice as it is to hear that you can plan a girls’ trip to a day spa, you may be curious about making the plans. This may be particularly true if you have never visited a day spa before. For tips on how you can plan for your upcoming girls’ trip to the spa, please continue reading on

1 – Examine All of Your Options

Examining all of your options is important. No matter where you live, you should have at least a couple of day spas within the surrounding area. For starters, be sure to find a spa that can accommodate to you and your group. If you have more ten girls, you may be required to arrange a private party, as opposed to a traditional day spa visit.

It is also advised that you examine spa services offered as well. If you are looking for the largest selection of treatments, examine establishments that double as both salons and day spas. Here, you may be able to get a haircut followed by a relaxing massage with your friends. If any members in your group are on a budget, examine day spas with affordable rates.

2 – Know Who Will Be Going…For Sure

Before making your reservations or appointments at a day spa, it is important that you have an exact total of those who will be going. There are some upscale day spas that require you to cancel your reservations within four-eight hours of your scheduled visit. If you cannot, you may be responsible for a late cancellation fee or you may still be charged for the whole session! That is why it is important to not count on those who are still saying “maybe.” If you must, add their names to the reservation list later.

3 – Examine Spa Packages

Most day spas offer guests a large number of packages. These packages often provide you with a full day or at least a half day worth of treatment. In addition to having everyone in your group pick out their own individual packages, you can also inquire about group packages or group rates. Some day spas have been known to offer them. Everyone in your group could receive something like a massage, facial, and body wrap all for one large price, which your group can then spilt the cost of.

4 – Be Sure to Have Fun

Most importantly, it is important to remember to have fun. You and your friends will want to be able to sit back and relax. Encourage everyone in your group to leave the “real world” and all of the stresses and demands that are associated with it at home. A girls’ day at the spa should be about receiving some much needed rest, relaxation, and pampering, together as friends.

As a reminder, be sure to make your day spa appointments or reservations well in advance. It is best to aim for two weeks ahead of time. Depending on the size of your group, special arrangements may need to be made.

Friday, July 9, 2010

A Troubled Time

From 1955 to 1965 there was a war right in the middle of America. No, it wasn’t a war like World War II or the Revolutionary War. It was a war for the heart and soul of this country to determine once and for all if America was really going to be a land of equal opportunity for all. It is a war that eventually took on the name of “The Civil Rights Movement.”

We must make no mistake, this was not just a shouting match. Some of the events that we even remember today became quite brutal and deadly. Those who fought in this war on both sides were deadly serious about the causes they represented and willing to fight and even die to see their cause succeed. The war waged for years and steady progress was made but not without tremendous sacrifice by the leaders of the movement who were committed to a giving a new meaning to the phrase “set my people free.”

In all of black history, there may be no more significant a time since the Civil War when the rights of African Americans were so deeply fought and won. The tensions in the country had been building. When the Supreme Court mandated desegregation in the schools in the historic case Brown versus the Board of Education, the stage was set. But it was on December 1, 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama to a white man that the movement finally took shape and became a titanic struggle for the rights of African Americans in America. That first battle brought to the front line one of the most important figures to fight for Civil Rights of that era, the Reverend Martin Luther King.

This tremendous struggle for freedom was never easy and was often marked with violence. Over the next ten years some of the most important milestone in black history took place including…

* 1957 – President Eisenhower had to send federal troops to Arkansas to secure admission to Central High School by nine black students.

* 1960 – The sit-in at Woolworths lunch counter in Greensboro North Carolina set the stage for nonviolent protest that was used with great success for the rest of the struggle. Nonviolent protest and civil disobedience became a staple of the civil rights movement because of the influence of Martin Luther King.

* 1963 – The historic March on Washington in which over 200,000 people gathered to hear Dr. Kings famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

* 1964 – President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill that was the most significant event of his presidency and one he believed deeply in, the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

* 1965 – The assignation of Malcolm X and the Watts race rights.

* 1965 – President Johnson takes another bold step to accelerate the civil rights movement implementing Affirmative Action when he issues Executive Order 11246.

This short list is just a few of the highlights of this troubled time in which the rights of all citizens of American, black and white and of all colors were being redefined both on the streets, in the courts and in the different branches of government. In the years to come there would be great steps forward. One by one, every area of American life would see breakthroughs by African Americans in the areas of sports, entertainment, education and politics. There were many proud moments and there were moments of tremendous shame and heinous acts committed by both white and black people. But through all that struggle, the society continued to grow and adapt to the will of the people as has always been the tradition in American culture.

The struggle is far from over. Discrimination and hate speech continue to be a problem to this day. And while it is easy to reflect on those days of struggle with regret, we can also look at them with pride. We can be proud of the great leaders who demonstrated tremendous courage and wisdom to lead this nation to a better way of life. And we can be proud of America because it is here where such a struggle can result in equality and freedom for all citizens, not just a few.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Crochet for Beginners

Many theorize that knitted and crochet items survived in the early period of imperialism. Many communities in this era used this kind of industry as their main source of living. The crocheted and knitted products are mostly purchased by the middle class society.

Crochet was known to identify the status symbol of a person from the early history. This kind culture was practiced by the royalties who were able to afford buying expensive lace products and make the value of crochet products to depreciate.

Many have theorized that knitting and crocheting was developed through the old practices of people leaving in countries like China, Middle Eastern countries, and in South America. Many people believe that crochet may have been practiced by early cultures to flex the muscles of the forefinger rather than a fashion hook. This theory was accepted by many craft historians because of the lack of artifact crochet products as proof of its traditional practices.

In the early 1800’s, many European communities have used crochet products in place of the much expensive lace made materials. Crocheting only requires fewer materials, and it is also widely accepted by different social classes. From these periods, crochet was done mostly on thread. The most common widely made products from crochet were filet crochet made in rows either open or close mesh to make a particular pattern. While in the 1900’s, the massive production of steel hooks have introduced many products which are made from thread.

In today’s time, crocheting and knitting is the pleasure of many people. It has recently evolved the interest of many people on handicraft making that made it so popular with the high quality of yarns and threads used. The pleasure of making a crochet item is working it with different yarn textures and colors.

As a beginner, a person should learn the process of making a pattern row and a single stitch crocheting. Here are some basic steps that will help a person learn how to make a crochet product.

1. First, the person may need the use of crochet supplies like a size G crochet hook, small scissors, worsted-weight yarn with any colors, and a big-eyed yarn needle.

2. He may start by holding the crochet hook in his right hand if he is right-handed. Then he may create a slipped knot on the hook.

3. He may slide the hooked yarn to the slipknot of the hook. This process will create a continuous stitch or a chained like stitches. He will then proceed to bringing back the yarn on top of the hook making the thread go into the hook and grabbing the slip knot into the hook.

4. He can pass on the first chain stitch allowing the knot to be properly hooked on the knot of the thread. This will allow the thread to be properly in place so that it will not loosen. A much tighter knot would be better to create a chain stitch.

5. He may insert the hook to the hole of on the next chain stitch, and then slide the yarn passing through the center of the second chain stitch going to the upper part of the hook. He may have now created two loops on the hook of the threads.

6. He may bring the yarn back on the hook from back to front and slide the knot in the center of the loops that he had created on the hook.

7. From the second loop, create another one chain stitch to make a counter clock wise loop. This allows the hook to remain in the chain stitches. He may start again in creating the following rows, creating the same loops on the previous rows.

8. He may create a single crochet stitch in the first loop tightened going to the following loops of the previous rows. He must be exactly sure to create the hook on the last stitch to retain the stitches on their places.

To finish the work, he may cut the excess yarn on the skin. He must not forget to retain at least 6 inches of the thread on the last chain stitch. This will allow him to slide the hook up to the upper part of the loops and bringing the thread into the last loops of the hook. As a beginner, he may find it difficult to do especially on more detailed crochet products. He may start doing these basic steps to help him get used with the techniques.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

A Dog's Diet Influences Oral Health

Your dog is your very best friend. Every single time you walk through the door your dog is so happy to see you that he wags his tail and practically smiles at you. How can you show your pet how much they mean to you? Well, one way is to take care of that smile for your pet. Did you know that your dog's diet can influence their oral health?

Humans need to brush and floss their teeth regularly to keep their teeth, tongue, and gums in good condition. Research has recently shown a link between good oral health in humans and a lower risk of heart disease. If good oral health can have such a profound affect on people, then it only makes sense to consider the impact it can have on man's best friend.

It is important to brush your dog's teeth frequently to keep plaque and tartar from becoming an issue. Even wiping his gums with a clean, damp cloth can be beneficial.

Your dog's diet also plays a role in your pet's oral health. Do you typically feed your dog canned or dry dog food? What kind of treats and toys do you provide for your pet? All of these things can affect the likelihood of trouble with your pet's teeth.

When your dog's diet is nutritionally sound, containing essential vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes, your pet's oral health will be at its very best. Feeding dry dog food rather than a moist canned variety is best for your dog. The tiny kibbles' hard surface rubs against the teeth to remove and reduce plaque. The simple act of moistening the dry dog food with water or gravy eliminates this property from dry dog food.

The treats you give your pet are part of your dog's diet just like snacks are part of a person's diet. As humans, we tend to want to overlook our snacking habits, so it can be easy to overlook the treats you give your dog. This is not a good idea. Carefully consider any and all items your dog will consume.

Do you give your dog bones, rawhides, jerky treats, or dog biscuits? Maybe your pet prefers greenies or corn starch chews. You may not have considered it, but tossing Spot a rawhide chew is like giving him a candy bar. The rawhide, for example, contains calories and is often provided between meals.

Many of the treats and snacks you provide in your dog's diet can be just empty wasted calories. Some treats, alternatively, provide excellent opportunity to improve oral health. Greenies, rawhides, bones, and hard dog biscuits all help to keep tartar at bay. The softer snacks, such as jerky treats, do not provide much relief from plaque. The healthy treat, on occasion, will also prevent your dog from having bad breath.

Your dog's diet must be healthy to ensure excellent oral health. Dry dog food is best whenever possible. Don't forget to select treats for your pet that will enhance your dog's diet. Consciously monitoring your dog's diet will positively influence your best friend's oral health.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Summer Grilling

Summer time is the perfect time for barbequing. Not only is the temperatures perfect for outdoor activities, but often the children are out of school, and families are traveling for their summer vacations. Today in America, it is unheard of for a family to go a full summer without having or attending a barbeque cookout. Today, over 90% of families attend a barbeque at least once a year.

Summer is indeed the perfect time to plan a barbeque party. It is important to remember certain things when barbequing to ensure that your party goes flawless.


Grilling Do’s and Don’ts

1. Always start with a completely clean grill. The amazing fish that you cooked last week was indeed tasty, but unless you want a hint of fish with your hot dogs, you need to clean your grill before cooking. It is recommended that you clean you grill each and every time you use it. Wait until it cools down, and then clean the surfaces with baking soda and the racks with grease fighting dish soap and water.

2. Before you begin cooking, spray your cooking area with a nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent your meat from sticking when you are rotating or removing it. If your meat sticks and tears, you will lose a large amount of juice, and your meat may dry out.

3. Never place food on the grill until the temperature is correct. The fluctuation in temperatures will cause your food to dry out or burn. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure that the coals are completely gray before putting the meat on the grill. This will allow the temperatures to level out, and the majority of the lighter fluid to burn off.

4. While marinating before you cook will add flavor, covering your meat in barbeque sauces before cooking will dry your meat out, and may even cause it to burn. This happens because most barbeques sauces contain high amounts of fat and sugar, which burn really easy. Alternatively, lightly seasoning your meat will work well, and will not have any adverse effects. If you must use barbeque sauce, only add it in the final minutes before taking your meat off the grill. Just remember that meat has a natural flavor that is only brought out by barbequing, so you do not want to ruin that.

5. Searing you meat will lock in the juices and taste, but you do not want to cook your meat at that temperature for the whole amount of time. Once you have seared both sides, reduce the heat to medium. This will ensure that your meat is full of flavor and tender.

6. Once meat is cooked, never put it back in on the same plate you had it on when it was raw. This could cause the spread of many unwanted illnesses. Do not handle cooked meat with the same utensils that you used when it was raw.


7. Never poke you meat while it is cooking. Poking holes in meat will cause the juice inside to leak out into the bottom of the grill. Not only will this make your food dry and unappealing in the end, but it also could potentially ruin your barbeque grill. At the very least, it will cause a buildup of unwanted grease and juices on your grill, which will make cleanup harder.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Have a Break, Have Thrill and Excitement with Alaska Cruise

People of the present age are preoccupied with their respective endeavors. They want to keep up with the fast pace of the contemporary life. They often end up fatigued. They take no time to relax. They sacrifice even their precious sleeping time until their body gives in to dizziness and cramps.

Many times, they skip meals or eat in a rush. They are always armed with alarm clocks, appointment pads, or planner calendars to keep their feet on the go. Don't they know that keeping up to the fast rhythm of life without a break could pin them to the sick bed, or worse, to the grave? Mental and physical fatigue accumulated but ignored through the years and could make one ill.

Wait! Work, work, work. Doesn’t it sound too much? Why not give yourself a break?

Life need not to be lived at a fast pace. After all, life is better enjoyed when regular retreats are squeezed into the rigors of one’s job or chosen endeavor.

You can do plenty of relaxation activities during your spare time. If you are planning to make it more exciting and fun, Alaska could be the best choice for you. It is just a matter of taking a thrill and sight-seeing of the wonders of the world at once.

Alaska cruise is divided into three various categories of packages. Each of the packages will render you an enchanting experience that you find only in Alaska. These are the following:


• Alaska Inland Cruise – you will have the chance to visit all the inland wonders that can be situated within the vicinity of Alaska. You will surely be captivated with icebergs and glaciers.


• Alaska Day Cruise – here, you will have a clearer view of the entire of Alaska. From the name of the package itself, you will be toured on a day cruise. You can have a face top face with a huge wall of ice in Alaska.

• Alaska Celebrity Cruise – this is the so-called first class cruise in Alaska. You will also experience more royalty treatment with the celebrity cruise. On the other hand, this is the most expensive among all Alaskan cruises.


The usual attractions that cruisers love about Alaska are the humpback whales, sailing Fjords and glaciers. You can have an actual view of these depending on the package that you have chosen.

In addition, nothing can also be compared to the magic of Alaska cruises. This is the only place where you can find mystery of ice and wildlife. You also have the opportunity of go on sailing with the ice.

The package that you prefer will also determine the length of your stay in Alaska. Usually, most of the cruisers choose to have the seven-day cruise. This is enough time for you to explore the entire cruising points of Alaska if you will maximize your time. However, the length of your stay can also be extended to as long as 14 days or the two-week cruise.

You have the privileged to choose the size of the ship where you can be most comfortable. Sometimes, it is more preferable to ride inside on smaller ships with lesser number of capacities of passengers. You can have closer look to the view.

Unlike the bigger ships with almost more than a thousand of passengers, it is harder or you to go out of the crowd, make a nearer look, and even touch on the glaciers, larger ship has also more luxurious amenities while the smaller ship can bring you into thrill because of its incomparable speed.

You grab the chance of choosing the best package. Find the best package that will hit your needs. Therefore, Alaska Cruise is offering amazing trips with helicopter and then you will land on the glaciers. If you want to keep yourself in an adventure, you can also take a walk on the glaciers.

You can never compare your experience with Alaska cruise. Unlike in other cruises that you have before where you had a single regret with your expenses during the cruise, well in Alaska it will all be fun for you.

What are you waiting for? Leave all your worries in life and enjoy Alaska Cruise!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Back Pain and Tendons

The skeletal muscles supplies us movement, which is supported by the posture. Our muscles will shorten, tighten, contract, and promote mobility. The muscles join with bones that attach to the tendons. Once the muscles begin contracting, the muscles are stimulated and join the fibers through our motor neuron cells. The nerves makeup axon, body of cells, dendrites, etc, and these elements transmit impulses to the nerves, sending the impulses to the major components of our system, such as Central Nerve System. The network joins with cells, fibers, muscles, etc, and conveys messages, transmitting them through sensations that stop at the brain. The brain transmits signals that are sent from motor impulses and carries onto the organs and muscles. Collagen is produced from the muscle fibers, which the tendons surround the fibers via the softer tissues. (Paratenon)

Injuries in this area occur when a person suddenly stretches, or overexerts the tendons. The back muscles in the leg make up the gluteus medius, (Hamstrings) biceps femoris, (Hamstrings), gluteus maximus, iliotibial tract, Sartorius, adductor Magnus, gastrocemius, semitendinosus, and the soleus. In this area, the muscles can be completely ruptured, or incompletely ruptured. The soleus, tibia, fibula, Achilles, etc, is the areas that are usually strained, or ruptured. The pain can caused from the injury can also affect the back. Since the legs are limited, as well as the tendons, muscles, etc, mobility is limited, which restricts muscle movement. This means that muscles are not exerting daily on the level it requires to function properly. Tendons operate akin to the ligaments.

Ligaments are vigorous bands that mingle with threads of collagen fiber. The fiber connects to the bones. The fiber bands and bones connect and encircle the joints. We get our strength from these joints. Tendons are ligaments and muscles respectively, since tendons join with the muscles, which make up connective proteins and/or collagen. Tendons make up fiber proteins. The protein fibers are created in the cartilages, bones, skin, tendons, and interrelated connective tissues. Tendons are affected when various conditions interrupt its actions, including simple tendonitis, and peritendinitis.

Tendons are also interrupted when spinal or neck injuries occur. Neck injuries include whiplash, which many people believe is a head injury. Contrary to their notions, whiplash is a neck injury usually caused from rear-ends motorized collisions. Whiplash is neck damage, which can cause disjointed, fractures, ruptured spines, etc. Whiplash can lead to edema, hemorrhaging, and so forth. The problem causes pain around the neck and shoulders, but extends to the back. Whiplash can also depress the nerves, which leads to linear and/or comminuted difficulties. Comminuted difficulties arise from bone damage.

Spinal injuries often occur during falls, slips, inappropriate movement, muscle exertion, automobile accidents, trauma, and so on. In fact, the coccyx lies at the bed of the second spinal column. Damage to this baby can lead to serious problems, which the coccyx is non-supported. The coccyx creates the fused bones. The fused bones reside at the baseline of the spinal columns. The bones in summary are the tailbone.



The coccyx is at greater risk than any other element within the skeletal structure, since the coccyx can break easily from falls, thus leading to coccygodynia. Coccygodynia is a condition of the spinal that can create damning pain. Back injuries and injuries to the neck can affect the airway, breathing, and blood circulation. Some injuries require resuscitation.

Resuscitation is the process of clearing the airway. The act is performed by smoothly tilting the head back and lifting the chin. The tongue is pulled clear so that air can travel to the lungs. If neck injuries are present, you want to take extra precautions if resuscitation is necessary. Once you clear the airway use your ear, placing it over the mouth and listen for breathing. You can also put the hand over the mouth to feel breathe. If you cannot get results after testing for breathing, you will need to test the carotid pulses located in the neck to check for circulation.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Architecture overview

When it comes to architecture, you will find that it is a science or even an art. You will want to keep in mind that designing and planning is just half of the wonder when it comes to putting a town together or working on the local surroundings.

There are some people who specialize in just architecture and that is known as being an architect. Architecture has played a key part of our entire worlds history. For wherever there have been buildings or structures that were safe for inhabiting, there has been some sort of architecture.

When it comes to architecture, you will find that it all begins with imagination and then it is created to be functional, educational, useful, and even fun. From the smallest 1 bedroom home to the grandest palace or biggest cathedral, every structure is based on some form of architecture.

Overtime architecture tends to change with time and design. You will find that there are many eras of architectural design as well. Each era has its own style of architecture, from Baroque, Greco-Roman, Art Deco, Victorian to American Colonial, Prairie, and Bauhaus. Lines, materials, structure and symbolism all contribute to the different styles of architecture.

Architecture styles can be anywhere from subtle to garish and materials vary from lumber to limestone. When it comes to the earlier designs you will find that they are made from local and natural materials and they are also materials that are bountiful.

In Greece, limestone happened to be bountiful and it was the material that most structures were created from. And since marble was not only rare but for a few select islands, but very difficult to transport, it was used sparingly and usually only for ornamentation.

When it comes to early America, you will find that the saltbox houses where made from wood, which was readily available and it was easily to build, so it took practically no money at all to build one of these homes. You will find that the joints could have been put together with nails, but they were very expensive, so they were usually put together with wood joints.