Strike or Strong Blog4600

What Should You Do If Your Home Isn't Selling?

2007-05-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

It can be very frustrating to put your home on the market, expecting a fast sale, only to find that after six months youre still waiting for an offer. What can you do?

First, determine if its a result of timing. You may have started worrying too soon. If it has been only a month and you havent gotten a bite, not to worry. The time a home stays on the market is related to the markets strength, which varies regionally. According to The 2003 National Association of REALTORS Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, two-thirds of all homes sold in the United States in 2003 sold within two month, with the average sale taking place within five weeks. However, homes in the Northeast and West sold slightly faster (four weeks) than those in the Midwest and South (five weeks).

Of course, other factors may be responsible for your home not selling.

Inaccurate pricing. A house priced at market value piques the interest of real estate professionals and buyers, while overpricing chases them away. Even if the seller adjusts the price later, its difficult to recapture peoples interest.

Because its only natural to overestimate the value of ones home, homesellers should depend on factual reference points, such as an appraisal and comparables (Comparable Market Analysis or CMA) to help estimate market value. Real estate professionals prepare comparables by examining similar properties that recently sold in a neighborhood. This practice is the best way to arrive at a realistic asking price.

Insufficient exposure. If youre selling your home on your own, you may want to consider using a real estate professional. As reported in the previously mentioned NAR study, buyers were most likely to learn about the home they purchased through a real estate professional. Sales professionals develop comprehensive marketing strategies to sell a home. They generally use open houses, yard signs, MLS, newspaper ads, the Internet and brochures to give a property maximum exposure. Limited interest and thinly attended open houses may indicate a need for more exposure.

Condition and appearance of a home. Sellers shouldnt rely on buyers to use their imagination; they need to capture it. Remember that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious, the most cheerful. This invariably means rearranging and eliminating furniture, removing excess knickknacks and so on, to create an open, uncluttered look. Outside, do a visual check of the front of the house from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and a freshly painted front door. A real estate professional can offer some guidance in this area.

Terms/conditions. Even if the home is accurately priced, and the buyer is delighted with what he or she sees, if the buyer cant live with the terms of the sale, he or she may walk away. What sort of terms or conditions have you placed on the sale? Evaluate how this may be affecting a potential sale.

Less-than-desirable neighborhood. Normally, theres not much a homeowner can do about the surrounding neighborhood. But if your home is not selling and youve examined every other factor, this may be something to consider.For homeowners who can postpone selling and are aware that certain issues need to be addressed on the neighborhood level, now is the time to join or organize a town beautification group. By the time youre ready to sell, todays eyesores will have been eliminated.

Internet Marketing

Exercise Bikes - Why Should You Get One?

2007-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Fitness is the key to optimal health and an exercise bike can help you to achieve just that. But, why an exercise bike? Why not go for something else? There are many reasons why you should purchase a bike and use it. If you plan to use it for a clothing hanger, dont bother. But, if you are ready to improve your overall health, then you should consider the purchase of an exercise bike.

Here are some reasons why you need a bike:

Are you seriously overweight? Those that are more than 25 pounds overweight often have trouble losing that weight no matter what they try. The catch 22 is that you need exercise to lose the weight but you barely can make it from the bedroom to the living room without becoming tired. How can you possibly do a routine that will allow you to lose weight? An exercise bike is the perfect solution because it allows you to work at your own pace. It allows you to start off slowly and build up in speed gradually without overexerting yourself.

Heart problems? Many doctors that have patients with cardiac conditions will tell them they need to lose weight. But, stressing out the heart is a huge problem for them. The benefit here is that the body gets a workout and the cardio workout obtained is significant but light enough for many heart patients. Simple. Its the right combination for those with a heart condition. Of course, as with all other fitness equipment, you should consider talking to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

You wont go broke- Most people can afford a decent bike. Thats because you dont have to purchase the most expensive to get the benefits of exercise. A simple stationary bike can be a great way to start off.

Do you get bored? Okay, the problem with many exercise routines is that they are boring or too hard. But, with an exercise bike this is anything but true. If you find yourself becoming bored, move the bike in front of the TV. Turn on your favorite football game and youll never realize you did three miles while the team has the ball. You get your mind working and your body too.

Easy to do- Many people find that things that are too hard are things they just find excuses not to do. With an exercise bike, you have less of a chance of this because you can do it. Results happen each time you get on and youll see yourself building muscles that burn fat and youll see the inches coming off. Its that easy.

Online Dating

Top 30 Politics Quotations

2007-05-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

"It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs."
-- Albert Einstein
"Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles."
-- Ambrose Bierce
"Man is by nature a political animal."
-- Aristotle
"I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians."
-- Charles De Gaulle
"The mistake a lot of politicians make is in forgetting they've been appointed and thinking they've been anointed."
-- Claude D. Pepper
"Politics is made up largely of irrelevancies."
-- Dalton Camp
"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy."
-- Ernest Benn
"Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think it's important."
-- Eugene McCarthy
"We would all like to vote for the best man but he is never a candidate."
-- Frank McKinney Hubbard
"When the political columnists say 'Every thinking man' they mean themselves, and when candidates appeal to 'Every intelligent voter' they mean everybody who is going to vote for them."
-- Franklin P. Adams
"Run for office? No. I've slept with too many women, I've done too many drugs, and I've been to too many parties."
-- George Clooney
"My choice early in life was either to be a piano-player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference."
-- Harry S. Truman
"Nothing is so admirable in politics as a short memory."
-- John Kenneth Galbraith
"The word 'politics' is derived from the word 'poly', meaning 'many', and the word 'ticks', meaning 'blood sucking parasites'."
-- Larry Hardiman
"Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects."
-- Lester B. Pearson
"Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed."
-- Mao Tse-Tung
"Nothing can so alienate a voter from the political system as backing a winning candidate."
-- Mark B. Cohen
"You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think."
-- Milton Berle
"Politics is the art of the possible."
-- Otto Von Bismarck
"In politics, an absurdity is not a handicap."
-- Napoleon Bonaparte
"Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them."
-- Paul Valery
"Politicians are wonderful people as long as they stay away from things they don't understand, such as working for a living."
-- P. J. ORourke
"In politics you must always keep running with the pack. The moment that you falter and they sense that you are injured, the rest will turn on you like wolves."
-- R. A. Butler
"Politics is largely a matter of heart."
-- R. A. Butler
"Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary."
-- Robert Louis Stevenson
"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."
-- Ronald Reagan
"Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first."
-- Ronald Reagan
"A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country."
-- Texas Guinan
"The political machine triumphs because it is a united minority acting against a divided majority."
-- Will Durant
"The more you read and observe about this Politics thing, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other. The one that's out always looks the best."
-- Will Rogers

November NFL Thoughts

2007-05-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Picked up pieces from the sports betting weekend. A pro handicapper told me about an old betting angle started back in the 1970s which relates to the mid-point of the NFL season. According to him, people bet on any team that starts the season 2-6 or worse for the rest of the year, and against any team that starts 6-2 or better. This is not a formula for hitting 80% winners the rest of the way, but for sports betting grinders. I don't do that, but I can see reasoning behind the angle. You're going against public perception which means, in theory, youre getting a few extra points each week, as teams that that 2-6 are likely to be big dogs the rest of the way, while currently strong teams like the Colts and Broncos will be getting respect from oddsmakers. Just thought I'd pass that wagering angle along.

The Terrell Owens saga is ridiculous. A pampered, problem-child superstar continues to backstab teammates and talk about ME, ME, ME, so the coach throws him off the team. A pat on the back for Andy Reid for making that decision. Football is not about ME, it's about teamwork, working hard and working together. Owens was suspended for Sunday night's 17-10 loss at Washington, and will remain suspended for three more games without pay. After that, the Eagles plan to deactivate him for the rest of the season. Does anyone recall the TV speech Owens gave early in preseason, trying to explain his actions? It was embarrassing. Let's hope Owens and his agent aren't dumb enough to go on TV again to try and plead his case.

Athletes wear out their welcome all the time in sports, and most move on to another team for a few years where they often wear out their welcome again. Lost in the shuffle of the Owens' saga is a similar thing that happened in the NFL four years ago. Early in the 2001 season, Patriots All-Pro WR Terry Glenn was being a problem child, missing practices and complaining about a variety of topics. Coach Bill Belichick laid down the law and suspended Glenn. At the time it was a surprise, as New England was short on offensive speed. However, the team showed they were better without Glenn, recovering from an 0-2 start and the sideshow antics by winning the Super Bowl, all without Glenn.

In Cleveland, first-year coach Romeo Crennel has the Browns playing hard. A defensive expert, the Cleveland defense is allowing 17 ppg after allowing 24 per game last season. The offense is still short on talent and plays a conservative, grind-it-out style. Notice that the Browns are 7-1 under the total.

The 3-5 Raiders have had a tough schedule and some bitter defeats, losing at home to KC by 6 when a late drive stalled, and at Philly by 3. Sunday's shocking 27-23 loss at Kansas City on the final play was easily the hardest to take. "This is about as bitter a defeat as you could have," said Oakland quarterback Kerry Collins afterward. It's the type of loss that could break the back of a team. Watch for any finger-pointing or complaining by Oakland players over the next few weeks, especially Randy Moss, who hasn't spoken to the press since early September, which is probably a blessing.

Online Dating

Land Subdivision - $1.2 Billion Dollar Developer Tells You How To Do It

2007-05-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Land subdivision is a bit like helping Mom slice up her beautiful Apple Pie; its all so easy, when, like Mom, youve done it a few times. So lets see if we can get the ingredients for a land subdivision correct so you can do it right first time, OK?

Every city or town in the free world has a Town Plan and it comprises, not surprisingly, of plans or maps, usually with lots of different colors all over them, but also lots of words explaining what the colors mean as well as lots of Rules that tell you what you can do with land.

The colors indicate different zonings that your elected Council has decided upon. So say, Residential housing may be Yellow; high density housing like units, condos may be Pink; and industrial Orange, whatever. So you can see at a glance how the town plan is subdivided into land use categories.

Just as you cant build a house anywhere you like, you cant have a farm or a factory in the middle of a residential area either. So the first thing you must do is find out what is the Zoning of the land you own or are thinking of buying. Getting land Rezoned is another issue altogether.

Lets assume your land is zoned for residential housing. The Town Plan will tell you all the requirements you have to undertake for land subdivision. It will tell you the minimum Lot size allowed in a residential subdivision. It will tell you the distance in feet or metres you have to Set-Back each lot from the road, either internal and/or external, as well as the side boundaries of your land.

Now all that seems a bit complicated, but dont worry, there are professional land subdivision experts who will do all this work for you. Depending in what part of the world you come from, you will engage either an Engineer in the USA or a Land Surveyor in Australia, New Zealand, UK or Ireland to prepare you land subdivision plan.

Always engage one who does their main work in your area, because these are the professional where local knowledge is very important. They will know about soil conditions in your area, because they may have done several land subdivisions in the area already and completed soil testing.

They will also know about the provision of utilities like water supply, electricity, gas, telephone. All of these impact on the cost of your development. For example, if water reticulation is not available on your road frontage and the nearest water supply is a mile away, then you may have to pay for the cost of piping water that distance.

It is vital you know this information before you commit yourself to land subdivision costs and so the Engineer or Land Surveyor are very important not only at your investigation stage, but also when you proceed with the land subdivision planning application preparation and lodgment with your Local Authority. These guys will do all that work for you.

So what does all that add up to?

Yes, you should go the Local Authority in your area of the world that handles Town Planning and study their Town Plan. You may even be able to get a photo copy of that area of the plan that concerns your land. Read the local By-Laws about the type of land subdivision you plan to do.

Next, if you dont have a recommendation as to which Engineer or Land Surveyor to use, do as I suggest in my e-book, Residential Development Made Easy, go and interview several of them in your area. Remember, as you are low on experience, the interview is your opportunity to find someone with whom you feel comfortable on a personal level.

Do they talk down to you and treat you as though youre a mug? Are they information givers? Do they explain things to you? What land subdivision are they currently working on? Where is their most recently completed land subdivision?

You dont have the expertise in the profession, so use you own instincts. When you find one that suits you, Do Not start off your relationship, by attempting to haggle over the professional fees he proposed to charge you. If you have interviewed several professional you will know the range of fees charged, BUT you do not know the extent or range of work the firm has to carry out.

So to haggle with a professional based on such skinny information, tells the professional that they should avoid you by a mile. I have developed over $1.2 Billion worth of real estate and have never in my life haggled over a professional fee and the reason is simple.

First: I believe everyone is entitled to a profit from their endeavors, provided they do a good job.

Second: If you land subdivision financial feasibility study is so marginal that you have to save a few thousand dollars by screwing the fees of your professional consultants, then either you have a bad development or you are just a bad employer.

Third: I believe in incentive. I prefer to pay a guy more than he asks. Guess how he performs for me as opposed to clients who dont.

Jaques Blog

Advertising: Friend, not Foe!

2007-05-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

They say advertising is excessive: it interrupts TV series, preceding movie shows and dominating music award ceremonies. Some even lament that advertising not only occupies the media, but is also present everywhere else; the latest music editor softwares could be seen at bus shelters, and online VoIP products pictured in public telephone booths. It is irrelevant and disruptive.

If you agree with my last sentence above, continue reading. You might decide to change your mind.

First of all, I dont think advertisers occupy the media. As a matter of fact, it is the media that courts companies, maybe except for over-popular shows. TV stations need funds to run your favorite programs, and radio broadcasts have to pay for the Music on Demand. It boils down to us consumers: we demand, and the media provides, at a price of course.

Ah, you might now argue that it is the advertisers who flock to the media and pay for available ad space. True! But how many time slots are so coveted over? Shows like the Super Bowl Football are rare. Other less endowed channels, in fact, have some hard time securing long-term ad contracts to be financially sufficient. It is thus fair to conclude that advertisers and the media, and us, are in a multilateral relationship.

Besides its commercial relevance, there is more to this misunderstood industry that we often miss out on, like how advertisements might effect cultural understanding, especially in this globalizing world of business. HSBC features newspaper ads of cultural differences across countries. FedEx has their TV ads filmed in Japan, showing the way Japanese people live and work. And I actually learned from a MasterCard ad that in India, people release white doves for luck. Interesting, isnt it?

In addition, informative ads feed useful information to our preoccupied minds. Public service messages could be conveyed effectively through ad-works on air. And people get to know the latest products available on market during review hours. I mean, it would be a pity if we work so hard to produce all these commodities just to, in the end, know nothing of them. And because we work so hard, we could hardly afford to find out about whats going on ourselves. Informative ads keep our society functioning as it is meant to.

But most of all, advertisers are creative (e-mails are not advertisements; they are spam). The appealing advertisements that crack you up or hook your eyes for the hundredth time take much more than the 30 seconds of airtime. Creativity, and the resulted attention, increases sales, and the advertising environment is so competitive nowadays it truly stimulates the human edge of creativity and nurtures it to flourish. Advertising signifies the human drive to succeed.

To me, what makes modern advertising desirable, besides bridging cultural gap, informing the populace or generating new ideas, is that it empowers every individual possible. It no longer takes an established firm to put up an ad. Any one anywhere can promote their ideas, products and even themselves through the thriving medium of the internet. 15-year-olds can now economically design and effect ads to promote their companies (yes, dont look down on these young entrepreneurs). Any one could adopt different voices using voice changer softwares, and edit audio as well as video ads with the many music editor softwares and video editor softwares available. Because advertising could so omnipotently enable far-reaching creativity of expressions, it is relevant to our human society that values progressing thoughts and selective reception of ideas.

The staunchest critics of advertising might ask, what would be the future of advertising, now when people are able to get rid of the commercials. MythTV offers a plug-in that automatically filters out commercials during recording, whereas video editor softwares allow you to freely cut out unwanted ads from pre-recorded clips. Yes, people are actually paying to be free of advertisements.

But hey, think again! Advertising is not that inconsiderate. Have you ever listened to radio broadcasts so excessively loaded with audio commercials its impossible to follow? And advertising might be excessive and disruptive, but I suppose only to a minority few. In fact, like I have said, informative ads are actually desirable. Dont you or your children feel excluded if you are not aware of the new iPod, or the latest music editor gadgets?

Trust the media. They are doing their work. Isnt Google putting into place keyword-related ads to better suit your preference? Trust the authority, too. They approve all circulating ads, or at least those we often see. And most of all, trust the advertisers. We are mutually dependent; we need them for our TV shows, and they need our money votes.

Pet Supplies

Young Wrestlers Fast, Sweat to Make Weight

2007-05-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

Weight Loss Their Greatest Opponent
---------------------------------
Before high school and college wrestlers can face their opponents in the ring, they must first vanquish one in the locker room, the scales that determine whether they're eligible to compete in a given weight class. In order to make the weight they want, many of these young athletes are using fasting, dehydration, diet pills, and laxatives as ways to lose weight quickly.

How widespread is this potentially deadly practice? A recent study of wrestlers in Michigan high schools found 7 out of 10 used at least one possibly harmful weight loss method each week of the wrestling session -- and just over half of them used at least two methods each week. About a quarter of the young wrestlers lost 10 pounds or more during the season, and 11% fasted longer than 24 hours before a match.

The study was published in the May issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

"This study reinforces what we've known for years," lead author Robert Kiningham, MD, tells WebMD. "While previous studies have looked at elite, highly committed wrestlers, we looked at everyone. Disturbingly, we found the same percentage of harmful behaviors as previous studies of elite wrestlers, suggesting these behaviors are widespread."

Kiningham is an assistant clinical professor and director of the sports medicine fellowship program at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Ann Arbor.

Many wrestlers try to compete in an unrealistically low weight class because they believe this gives them a competitive advantage, says Doug Andersen, DC, nutrition consultant for West Coast Sports Performance and Sports Medicine Consultants in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and a nutritionist for the Los Angeles Kings hockey team.

"First, wrestlers should qualify for a sensible weight class," he says. "If you skip one meal the day beforehand in order to drop two or three pounds, that's one thing. But when someone tries to drop tremendous amounts of weight, 10 pounds or more, we're concerned. While they may not have an eating disorder in the strict sense, they certainly have disordered eating."

"In 1997 three healthy college-age men all died because they were trying to make weight for the wrestling team, using similar rapid-weight-loss regimens based on dehydration. Wrestlers put on nonpermeable clothing and exercise hard, and then don't rehydrate themselves. This is dangerous," says Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center and an exercise physiologist.

Short-term studies have found rapid weight loss can lead to a decline in the ability to think clearly, loss of athletic strength and power, and mood changes, Heller says. No one knows if there are long-term effects, because long-term studies haven't been done.

The authors of the Michigan study conclude by saying, "Altering these entrenched behaviors will require a unified effort by coaches, administrators, parents, and wrestlers throughout the sport."

However, some coaches don't see any need for change.

"Wrestlers have a short-term goal, to make their weight," says Dick Bellock. "They may not eat for a day but we all skip meals once in awhile. Teenage kids get hungry. They make weight, they eat right afterward; that isn't necessarily binge eating."

Bellock wrestled in high school and college and is now the athletic director of McKay High School in Salem, Ore.

Bob Ferraro agrees.

"We already have safety measures in place," says Ferraro, executive director of the National High School Coaches Association, based in Easton, Pa. "Every wrestler must be examined by a physician, and the physician determines the weight class that wrestler will compete at. These issues have already been addressed."

Andersen, however, believes changes are needed.

"Today, wrestlers weigh-in hours before or the day before the match. They should have to weigh-in just beforehand. If someone had to wrestle in a dehydrated state, weak as a kitten, they wouldn't like it."

Since the data was collected for the Michigan study, the state has instituted a new program using mandatory weight standards based on a measured percentage of body fat. Kiningham hopes the new program will be effective in limiting pressures on young wrestlers to engage in unhealthy weight-loss behaviors in order to compete.

Source: WebMD

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

House Decorating Ideas

79 Ways For Kids To Exercise- - Indoors Or Out

2007-05-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

79 Ways for Kids To Exercise Indoors or Out

Do you spend all your free time watching TV or playing video games? Two hours of TV or video games a day should be your limit, if you want to be healthy and strong and develop your creativity. Here are some exercise ideas!

1. Walk your dog

2. Walk your neighbors dog (with permission from your parents and your neighbor, of course)

3. Fly a kite

4. Toss a Frisbee

5. Ask your parents or grandparents to take you to a state park or other area where you can take a nature hike. Look for unusual plants, insects or wildlife and take samples or pictures for your science class or show and tell

6. Ride your bike

7. Skate

8. If you have a yard, pick up sticks or trash

9. Pull weeds

10.Rake the yard or garden

11.Play tag 12.Play hopscotch

13.Have a hula hoop contest, and see who can keep the hoop up the longest

14.Learn to juggle

15.Jump rope (boxers do it, and look how strong & healthy they are!)

16.Visit the zoo, amusement park or museum (lots of walking)

17.Wash the car

18.Have every family member wear a pedometer, and have a daily challenge to see who can take the most steps. Losers do winners chores the next day!

19.Shoot hoops

20.Play soccer

21.Play softball

22.Play badminton

23.Have a water balloon fight

24.Put on your bathing suit and run through the sprinkler

25.Go swimming (never without an adult to supervise!)

26.Give the dog a bath. The bigger the dog, the more exercise you'll get!

27.Sign up for a charity walk-a-thon with your parent, grandparent, or other relative. Youll help raise money for a good cause and get in shape at the same time. If your town doesnt have a walk-a-thon, start one for your favorite charity

28.Do jumping jacks

29.Do push-ups

30.Put on an exercise video and get a good workout

31.Do sit-ups

32.Learn to play golf, or caddy for someone else

33.Play tennis

34.Play miniature golf

35.Go bowling

36.Learn to twirl a baton

37.Take a class in martial arts and learn to defend yourself

38.Build a fort and play cowboys and Indians

39.If you have a two-story home or a home with a basement, carry out-of-place items up or down stairs, one item at a time

40.Run the vacuum

41.Wash windows

42.Clean your room

43.Ride your skateboard

44.Learn yoga, either at a class or from a video

45.Race-walk

46.Have relay races with your friends or family

47.Play touch football

48.Learn ballroom dancing

49.Learn hip-hop dancing

50.Take classes in ballet, jazz or tap dancing

51.Join a clogging or Irish step-dancing club

52.Learn to play an instrument and join the marching band

53.Join a gym or work with a private fitness trainer

54.Practice turning cartwheels in the yard

55.Walk on the beach and collect shells

56.Set up an obstacle course in your back yard, and practice going faster and faster through it

57.Have a tug of war

58.Get several parents & kids together and have one-legged sack races

59.Learn to water ski (again, make sure you have adult supervision at all times!)

60.Learn to surf (same as number 59)

61.Play hockey

62.Climb the monkey bars or a climbing wall

63.Go horseback riding

64.Learn gymnastics

65.Play volleyball

66.Play table tennis

67.Use normal household items and form a rhythm band. March around the house or neighborhood playing your instruments

68.Pull your little brother or sister around the yard in a wagon

69.Play croquet

70.Have a long-jumping contest with your friends, and see who can jump the farthest

71.In the winter, you can ice skate;

72.Ski- - either downhill or cross-country

73.Build a snowman

74.Build a snow fort and have a snowball fight

75.Go sledding

76.Shovel snow off your sidewalk or driveway

77.Take your dog outside and play fetch in the snow. Most dogs love snow!

78.Take a walk in the snow, then try to step in your own tracks all the way back

79.Shovel snow off someone elses walk, either as a favor or to earn money

What are you waiting for, kids? Start moving!!

Learn SEO

Do You Know How To Clean A Fish?

2007-05-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Now that you have caught your dream fish, do you know how to clean?

Good job. You must be so proud of yourself. You have just landed the biggest fish of all. How do you clean it? You certainly don't want those ugly fish scales all over your wife's clean kitchen. Now what to do. What about cleaning the fish before you leave your fishing spot.

You will need a great knife to start with-a fish fillet knife. Spread out some old newspaper. Use a fish scaler or knife and work against the grain of the scale. Once all the scales are removed, you can toss the newspaper and rinse the fish.

Now it gets even messier. Do you know how to gut the fish? The less mess the better. Take your knife with the blade pointed toward the fish's head, poke the stomach and slit the fish moving the fillet knife towards the fish's head. Do not cut deep.

Secondly, take the fish fillet knife with the blade pointing toward the fish's tail and open the stomach. Remove all the fish guts.

Thirdly, remove the gills and lastly, wrap up the messy newspaper and toss. There you have it. A perfectly cleaned fish.Chocolate Recipes

Getting Hearts and Hands Ready for the Holidays

2007-05-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

"At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year." -Thomas Tusser

OK. Thanksgiving was wonderful, visiting with family and sharingfun stories and adventures; laughing around the dining roomtable, enjoying favorite stuffing and pies; watching parades andfootball games; and counting your many blessings.

It is now time to turn our attention to the many preparations for Christmas. Coming from a Christian perspective, I can speak for the anticipation which we all feel to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. It brings us wonder each and every year, and the time and energy we put into its celebration never wanes. As I watch my Jewish friends prepare for Hanukkah, I sense, too, the joy with which they prepare celebrations with loved ones.

The gift of sacrificial love is the true essence of Christmas.

Teaching your children to give generously and to give cheerfullymodels the life of Christ. Our God, who created each one of uswith more love than we can imagine, desires this same outpouringof love to others, and it is at Christmas that we likewise shareour love through gift-giving and through acts of generosity andhospitality. We are buoyed by the "Christmas spirit" because itis through giving--rather than receiving--that we receive themost joy. Pausing to think about others, about their needs anddesires, and extending yourselves to their benefit, brings deepinner satisfaction not found any other way.

Have you made your list of those people with whom you want toshare the Christmas spirit?

Consider giving small, inexpensive gifts to a large list, rather than more extravagant gifts to a very few loved ones.

When Ithink of the model of giving I want to pattern for my own family, I cannot exclude from the list those folks who cross my path on a daily basis--in one way or another--who may or may not have yet reached into close friendship with me. And so I am always thoughtful for small yet kind ways in which I might extend generosity.

Extend your circle of concern.

Think not only of what members of your own family would appreciate at Christmas. Think of cousins and aunts and uncles, and of closest friends. And don't stop there. Extend your circle. Think of your mail carrier, pet groomer, your pediatrician's office staff, the folks at your gym, your neighbors, friends of your children, office workers at youor your spouse's place of work, your manicurist, thelandscaper....think through the flow of your typical week andthose people who enter your life on a regular basis. If they areserving you in some capacity, isn't it kind to remember them now?

Many people refrain from practicing generosity to those outsidetheir small circle of concern because of the lack of money withwhich to do so. But inexpensive gifts can be handmade for pennies if we will only stretch our imaginations and put our hands--and those of our children--to good use.

Look to nature and to materials right outside your front door

Free for the asking and the picking: a fresh bouquet of greens--evergreens, magnolia leaves, and berries, tied with a gorgeoussilk ribbon--would be cherished by any receiver.

Tiny bird nest ornaments fashioned from Spanish moss, filled with speckled beans and a silk butterfly, and with a wooden clothespin glued from underneath, make delightful gifts for children and adults alike. My own tree is filled with them.

Collect pinecones and make an arrangement with them. Yourthoughtfulness will be appreciated and it will have cost nothingmore than a walk in the woods.

Homemade candies or cookies wrapped in inexpensive cellophanebags look elegant tied with ribbon and make perfect gifts forvirtually anyone on your list.

Miniature baskets filled with one tiny, simple gift, are perfect for your children's friends.

Remember: children love exaggeration; anything diminutive (or enormous!) appeals to their sense of wonder.

Homemade "snow globes" make our list every single year

Simply use a baby food or other small jar and fill it with water and a small bit of glycerin (found at your local drug store) and white glitter; add a few plastic toys--Legos, Barbie doll shoes, jacks and balls, plastic bugs--and then squeeze a think line of silicone sealant around the lid before screwing it on to prevent leakage.

Homemade glycerin soaps filled with tiny plastic toys areadorable

They'll delight your children as well, for they'll have created happy memories making them with you for all of their friends.

Consider making homemade wrapping paper or handmade gift tags.

I buy inexpensive tags at office supply stores by the hundreds.They cost about a penny apiece. I also use twine instead ofexpensive ribbon. One bolt lasts several years and costs a couple of dollars.

And mail those out-of-state gifts early to avoid long lines atthe post office as well as the extra expense of priority mail.

Model a generous life...at Christmas and throughout the year.Give faithfully and give cheerfully. You will be blessedbeyond measure.

Frank Ward - The Hero

Sport

2007-05-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

In our modern day society we have moved away from walking anywhere and think nothing of jumping into the car for a quick trip to the corner shop. We live life at such a fast pace that we feel we dont have time to walk anywhere and as a result we are probably the most unfit that we have ever been.

Things are beginning to change as we slowly realise that our own health is in our hands and many people are turning to Sport to help them enjoy becoming healthier.

Sport is a diverse area, which continues to grow. Many countries around the world embrace and claim a Sport as their own, calling it a national Sport. It has become a World Wide industry in which countries compete and stake claims on titles and trophies. There seems to be a Sport that suits everyone and of every age.

There are various types of sport that range from professional to amateur. There are Olympic Standard Sports and sports that are just for fun. There are lone sports such as hurdles, javelin throwing and pool. There are team sports such as basketball, hockey and rugby. There are also sports that can be both, such as tennis, running and swimming.

Sports can be played on many different levels, such as locally, nationally and internationally. Sports can be relaxing, or stressful, depending upon which sport you choose to pursue.

There are so many different types of Sports, that it is sometimes difficult to define exactly what sport is, as for some people, in some countries, yodeling is a competitive sport!

Mortgage Refinancing

Success Lessons From Three UK Soccer Managers - People Are Always Quick To Put You In A Coffin

2007-05-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Arsenal Football Club were the Champions of the Premier league in English soccer in 2004. This year they have not done as well and are only in third place.

The manager of Arsenal is Arsene Wenger. He is the French magician who brought Arsenal to the top of English football.He has found out the hard way how quick people are to write you off even if you recently achieved a huge success. He commented

"People are always quick to put you in your coffin."

Arsene admits that Arsenal have little chance of retaining their title as Champions but they are still third in the league and as such will be able to take part in the European Champion's league next year.

Arsenal have also just reached the quarterfinals of the first great soccer competition in the world -the FA Cup. They are in form at the moment.

Arsene Wenger and Arsenal football club have not given up. They know that they have not reached the pinnacle of English football but there are several other smaller mountains they are still busy climbing. They are not yet ready to climb into their coffins.

Too many people, at the first sign of criticism or the first hint of failure, meekly get into their own coffin and die before their time. This can happen at any age.

The great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas told people not to die meekly but to "rage, rage against the dying of the light!"

Quite a few people retire from life when they retire from their job. They potter about and waste their valuable time because they accept the verdict of society that the elderly have little left to offer the community.

Retirement is a chance to try learning some new skills; a chance to grow in character and knowledge. Let's not give up the ghost too soon! Let's not get into the coffin before our time.

Soccer managers live on the edge of life. They are always on the knife edge of success or failure. They are sacked when their teams fail to perform.

I enjoy listening to them especially after their teams have lost! Their comments usually have a motivational tip or two in them.

Jose Mourinho won the European soccer champions league with Porto in 2004 and then moved to Chelsea in West London where his team won game after game

Recently he has had two poor results and already is being asked if the honeymoon with Chelsea is over. He looked glum after two unaccustomed losses but denied that he was worried. He has retained his confidence and motivation.

"Our mood has changed but not our confidence or motivation. When you lose you don't smile so much but the confidence is still there".

He was asked about the Carling Cup final (one of the two main knockout competitions in England) and pointed out that his team had reached the final by a harder road than their rivals in the final - Liverpool. However, he said: "When you arrive in the final you have to forget how you got there and concentrate on the final." Jose knows how to focus on what is important.

A reporter asked him how long it would be before his injured Dutch star Arjun Robbin could play again. Jose replied in typical fashion.

"I want to be fair with you. I have no idea and to be fair I don't want to have. I'm just interested in the players I have and the doubtful ones that might come and give you a hand. Robbin is not in either of these groups and I just prefer to forget!"

Jose knows how to concentrate on what he can do and not on what he can't! He doesn't want to waste time on sentimental talk about how Arjun is doing!

He claims to have a relaxed attitude to the nemesis of soccer coaches - the threat of the sack: "My life is easy. When I am not happy with my club - Goodbye! When my club is not happy with me - Goodbye"

Jose's confidence is astonishing. In fact he does not need to worry about the sack. A hundred clubs would ask him to be their coach if he was sacked. However I think he could still say 'Goodbye' without hesitation even if this was not the case. He is a man of decision and not one to wait around for things to happen. He is the type to make things happen his way or he'll head for the highway.

Alex Ferguson at Manchester United is another great soccer manager who never gives up. This season he is trying to catch up with Chelsea. He looks for any signs of hope: "Chelsea are not playing as well as they were four or five weeks ago. They don't have the form to fall back on." United are ready to pounce if Chelsea slip up. Sir Alex is a ferocious competitor.

All three of these managers are great leaders and motivators. They maintain their confidence and motivation and put a brave face on things when games go wrong. They never give up and they are decisive proud men who know their value.

They teach us not to get into the coffin before our time; to climb smaller mountains if we fail to climb the tallest;to focus on what we can do something about; to concentrate on what we have available and not on what we haven't; to move on if we are not happy; to compete ferociously even when we are behind - we can never know when our competitor might slip up!

Better Gardening

How To Live Alone And Love It

2007-05-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Do you live alone? Would you like to know how to make your life happier, more fulfilled, and more purposeful?

People who live alone are often challenged to develop a positive attitude and find those activities, friends, and goals that make their lives meaningful. However, with a shift in attitude, they can find themselves attracting people and events into their lives that they have always wanted.

Some people often feel that they are destined to have lives that are less that satisfying. Many stoically carry their burdens and their unrealized hopes in their hearts, never speaking up or stepping forward to seize the opportunities that are waiting for them. This consciousness does not just happen to those who are alone...it can happen to anyone. But when we are alone, we are more vulnerable. It becomes even more important that we look after our best interests.

It is true that there are many circumstances that are beyond our control. However, those circumstances do not have to stop us from discovering the plans, dreams, and ambitions that are meant to be ours.

Here are some ideas and actions that you can implement to give yourself a richer life. Some of these ideas can be acted upon immediately, and some can be a work in progress:

1. Ask yourself everyday, What do I want?

Set some simple goals for just one thing that you want. Make a list of the actions it will take to achieve that goal.

2.Explore your passions.

What do you LOVE to do? What gives you energy, makes you smile to think about, or seems like a dream that could never come true? What did you always want to do but never got around to doing? What would it take for you to move closer to doing one of your passions or finding one of your forgotten dreams?

3.If you had worlds of money and time, what would you do?

Make a list. These are some of the things you need to start doing now.

4.Watch your thoughtsthey lead to your actions.

If you notice your thoughts are negative, replace them with ones that make you feel good. Spend 20 minutes every day thinking of things that make you happy,--places you want to visit, people you want to be with, objects you would like to own. Picture yourself there. FEEL it.

5.Keep your mood and thoughts in a positive place.

Read books that inspire, watch TV that makes you laugh or gives you hope, and be around people that feed your spirit. Weed the rest out. Do not start or end your day watching news filled with tragic stories.

6.Re-define your purpose and vision for your life.

The purpose of your life needs to be very clear. Its who you are and how people identify you. Exercise your creativity to re-invent any part of yourself or your life.

7.Have a career that feeds you enough money for your lifestyle, pride about what you are doing, and excitement for your day.

If you feel at a stand-still in your work and career, brainstorm with people about ideas for a career shift. Dont stop searching until you find something that you feel excitement for.

8.Reach out to people and build a network of support.

If you are having a bad moment in life and doubt your worth or contribution to others, make a list of five friends and call them and ask them to tell you what you mean to them. This is a very powerful exercise. I guarantee you will never forget it.

9.Learn new skills, techniques, crafts.

There is nothing like learning something new that gives a special hopefulness for the future.

10.Exercise.

You have to take care of your body so your body can take care of you and take you where you want to go. Besidesit gives you energy and is a mood elevator.

11.Meditation and prayer.

They both have a profound affect on mental and physical health.

12.Consider adopting a pet.

Pets give us unconditional love, 24/7.

To live alone and love it, adopt any or all of the above attitudes, strategies, and ideas. Your great life is waiting for you.

Online Dating

Injuries & Defense

2007-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Before we look ahead to this weekend's NFL conference championship games, let's take a look backward. What was all the talk in the NFL over the last month? Should the Colts sit their starters to have them rested for the playoffs or not? There were many people that split on the answer, but I think we'd all agree what the correct answer is: Play 'em! Or at least, rest any injured players, but don't bench the majority of starters the last two weeks of the regular season, even if everything is sewed up.

That was the position the Colts found themselves in after that 13-0 start. They had clinched everything: The division title, the bye week, home field for the postseason, the No. 1 spot. However, anyone who watched Sunday's loss to the Steelers saw an Indy team that was rusty for most of the game. Very rusty.

The Colts were out of sync most of the way in their 21-18 loss to the Steelers. Overall, having a bye week gives a team enough time, two weeks, to rest and prepare. It takes time and practice to get a team in sync because there are so many players that need to work together in unison: Blocking patterns, running backs hitting the proper holes, lineman pulling, receivers running patterns, quarterbacks getting the football to them on timing routes, etc.

Think back to the final regular season game for the Denver Broncos. Denver was a 12-point dog at San Diego in a meaningless game for the Broncos. They had everything sewed up and needed only to stay healthy. Instead, Mike Shanahan had several starters play significant first half minutes. They also played inspired football, dominating the Chargers in an impressive performance. I think back to the regular season finale a year ago when the Patriots hosted the terrible 49ers at home in a meaningless game, yet Bill Belichick played the starters for three quarters. The reason was a little different, as the Patriots played a sluggish first half, tied 3-3, as a big favorite. Belichick didn't like the performance and sent the starters back out for the second half, injuries be damned! They followed the next few weeks with dominating performances on the way to winning another Super Bowl title.

With the four remaining teams, does anything stand out? Yes, defense! Carolina and Pittsburgh are ranked No. 3 and 4 in the NFL in total defense, with the Broncos and Seahawks at No. 15 and 16. More important is run defense, and notice that all the remaining teams are in the Top 5 in the NFL at stopping the run! It goes Denver (2nd), Pittsburgh (3rd), Carolina (4th) and Seattle (5th). One of those will win the Super Bowl, so again, stuffing the run is a huge key to building a championship defense.

That hasn't translated into a significant amount of unders for those teams, but keep in mind that 6 of the 8 playoff games thus far have gone under the total. Yes, it should come as no shock that defense wins championships in all sports, once again!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Phishing with a Net

2007-05-13T23:30:00.001-07:00

When geeks gave us the Internet and the means to use it, they also gave us a new segment of vocabulary ...

I've often thought it a shame that a few of them didn't make their way to a campus literature or marketing department and see if a student of poetry or sizzle could assist them in assigning names to their innovations. For example, did the manual cursor operator have to be called a 'mouse?'

Geeks have overtaken sports-speakers when it comes to coining bad phrases. I've never understood why basketball types say a player 'kicks out' a ball to a teammate on the perimeter when his feet never touch it. Worse yet, I've always wondered if a gridiron football player would really want to dive on the ball if the carrier truly 'coughed it up!' That bit of literal imagery is more revulsive than handling a mouse. Do these guys really think about what they're saying?

There is one instance, though, where the geeks thought it through and got it right. 'Phishing' is a perfect connotation for cyber-cons who troll for prey.

The word's spelling distinguishes this nefarious activity from a sporting endeavor, but it's still a game. The definition that's been developed for it is "a technique used to gain personal information for purposes of identity theft, using fraudulent e-mail messages that appear to come from legitimate businesses. These authentic-looking messages are designed to fool recipients into divulging personal data such as account numbers and passwords, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers."

Another term that alludes to the emotive consequences of cyberobbery is the perjorative sense of 'hacker.' That bit of etymology seems to be a work in progress. The accepted definition refers to "individuals who gain unauthorized access to computer systems for the purpose of stealing and corrupting data." However, the added qualifier is, "Hackers, themselves, maintain that the proper term for such individuals is cracker."

Being hacked or being cracked makes little difference to those on the receiving end. They just know they've been had. Understandably, their first impulses are to get mad and want to vent. My contention is that, most of the time, they're lashing out in the wrong direction. After all, crooks are crooks; that's their job and they're out there in numbers. That's not going to change anytime soon.

These victims need to take a hard look at themselves.

The economics of law enforcement --- in cyberspace or elsewhere --- limits what can be investigated and prosecuted. Thus, smart spoofers often keep their 'take' per scam campaign at levels sufficiently low that the cost of prosecuting them is not viable. Then, they change their coordinates, plus their identities, and do it again.

So, obviously, the most important factor in cyber-diligence is self-precaution. Most steps are basic, as evidenced by the checklist on the USA government's Federal Trade Commission website:

"If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And dont click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies dont ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the companys correct Web address yourself. In any case, dont cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but that actually send you to a different site.

"Use anti-virus software and a firewall, and keep them up to date. Some phishing emails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.

"Anti-virus software and a firewall can protect you from inadvertently accepting such unwanted files. Anti-virus software scans incoming communications for troublesome files. Look for anti-virus software that recognizes current viruses as well as older ones; that can effectively reverse the damage; and that updates automatically.

"A firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all communications from unauthorized sources. Its especially important to run a firewall if you have a broadband connection. Operating systems (like Windows or Linux) or browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) also may offer free software 'patches' to close holes in the system that hackers or phishers could exploit.

"Dont email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your personal or financial information through an organizations website, look for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browsers status bar or a URL for a website that begins 'https:' (the 's' stands for 'secure'). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some phishers have forged security icons.

"Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or bank to confirm your billing address and account balances.

"Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them. These files can contain viruses or other software that can weaken your computers security.

"Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on their websites about where to report problems.

"If you believe youve been scammed, file your complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the FTCs Identity Theft website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Victims of phishing can become victims of identity theft. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft, you can take some steps to minimize your risk. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these new accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. You may catch an incident early if you order a free copy of your credit report periodically from any of the three major credit bureaus."

If you use e-currency or e-payment services, be aware that they are usually not liable for any of your losses if you've been hacked or cracked due to identity-theft issues. All reputable services have support divisions that investigate any complaints of spoofing --- for example, Paypal asks you to mail them at spoof@paypal.com if you receive a suspicious message using their name --- and if anyone is going to pursue, or at least keep on file, complaints of any amount, it will be them.

Virtually all e-currency services offer options of 'virtual' keyboards for logging in to accounts. They may be a bother, but they are very effective at adding a formidable obstacle for cyber-invasion. Then, whether or not you took this step to access your account, make sure you take the time to actually log out of your account, as opposed to merely clicking away to your next site.

I note that the Longer Life site has two very good preventive products as sponsors, Kaspersky Labs and Identity Guard. They are first-class products and well worth your while to consider.

This stuff doesn't take long to research or to implement and you don't have to be a geek to do it. You don't even have to know their their terminology. Instead, when you're done, you can confidently refer to a familiar term in both sports and banking:

Safe.

Online Dating

Refresher Course for Women on How to Win an Argument With a Man

2007-05-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, most of you are going to say -- I win all my arguments with him, I don't need a refresher course. Sure, that's what he wants you to think. But I've been reading the courses available for men on how to win arguments with women, and I have to tell you ladies, we might be in trouble. Have you ever noticed that even after you win the argument, he goes and does the same thing yet again? Is it because he hates you? Is it because he wants a divorce? NO. It's because he wasn't listening when he nodded his head at you; he was just trying to get you to shut up. It means he's been reading those articles too, and that means Trouble.

We don't want to lose our edge here, girls. So, for those of you who haven't quite finessed the art yet, and for those who've become complacent over the years, here is a quick refresher course.

It is, of course, best to nip the head-nodding response in the bud. The first time he ever nods his head at you and says, You know what? You're right. Smile at him and say, I knew it. What do you want to name her? You'll have his undivided attention for the rest of your life. If it's too late for that, and you've already married the bastard, then the next time he does it, smile at him and say, I knew it. I can't wait to tell your mother. You will have his undivided attention for at least another two to three years.

Now that you have his attention, argument two should go much more smoothly. Every time he disagrees with you, add a different topic to the conversation. It will confuse him, distract him, and give you the upper hand in a REAL way. E.g.: He says, I was in my underwear 'coz I don't expect people to just walk into the house unannounced. I was happily drinking beer and watching the Braves. How was I to know your mother would come charging in here? Don't take the bait -- this is his attempt to change the subject. Steel yourself and say: The Braves? Who cares about the Braves? NOW, you're in the lead. He, of course, has to defend the best baseball team in the world. And we all know how to respond to this one, right? You say, Yes, you're right, except for the Dallas Cowboys. While he uses up his energy explaining the subtle differences between football and baseball, all you have to do is bat your eyelashes and wait for him to reach the boiling point of frustration. This is the moment to get back to the real point, Can't you at least put on a pair of shorts while you're guzzling your beer in front of the TV? -- and quickly insert You know, your mother loves the Cowboys. Trust me, you've won this argument.

And lastly, don't ever forget, whenever you're making a point, always add something at the end that insults him a little bit. E.g. Yes, we are lost. You never admit it when you get lost. If you had really huge balls, you'd admit that we're lost. This way, he has to stop and wonder why you don't already think he has enormous balls, and once men start thinking about that part of their anatomy, they never get back to the argument. You will not only have won the argument, but also have gotten the upper hand in the next three to come.

Self Improvement Blog

The Old Man And His Bluegills

2007-05-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

I started fishing a little lake just south of Somerset, Ohio, called Clouse Lake about 35 years ago. Matter of fact, when I first started fishing it, I fished with a fly rod. One day, I was fishing and noticed this older gentleman trying to get a little plastic boat on his car after a hard day's fishing. He was using a fly rod too. We began chatting and discovered we lived about 10 miles from one another. He lived in Pleasantville. As the conversation closed, he said he would call me sometime and we would go fishing together. I thought "Yeah, I bet he calls me". Imagine my surprise when he called two days later and wanted to know if I wanted to go fishing with him the next day.

Earl and I became good friends, we fished Clouse many times and about every other place that we could find, that held water. He was an excellent fly fisherman. There was only one thing wrong with Earl, he liked to catch bluegill. Actually, he loved catching Bluegill. He showed me how to clean bluegills in a matter of seconds. Here is how he did it. First, he got out his board and filet knife. He would scale the fish. Second, He would cut around the head but not clear through. He would leave just a piece of meat right under the head. Then he would twist the head and pull and the whole insides would come out at one time. He could clean bluegill faster than anyone I have ever seen.

One day, I got teasing Earl about fishing for bluegill, I told him the only reason anyone would fish for bluegill is because they couldn't catch a bass. I have to admit, I had seen him catch bass on his flyrod while fishing for bluegill. Anyway, Earl said to me that he could catch bass anytime he wanted. I just laughed. So, Earl put on a little bigger fly and threw it about a dozen times and out comes a bass. Not only was it a bass but it weighed about 6 and 1/2 pounds. He just looked at me and smiled, never said a word, then threw it back. I was dumbfounded, to say the least. He then went and tied his little fly back on and fished for bluegill some more. I sat in shock the rest of the day.

I learned two lessons that day, one was never to run my mouth about people who like to fish for bluegill and the second was, right when you think you have the bull by the horns, some old fellow is going to show you different. By the way, I never teased Earl about his bluegill fishing again. Earl passed away not too long after that, I was one of the last people he asked for. I miss you my friend.

Did you know a large mouth bass and black bass really are not a bass? They are in the sunfish family.

Clouse Lake is on RT668 out of Somerset, Ohio. There are some nice bass there and I have seen some in the 5 pound range taken right below the dam. There is a boat ramp on the south side of the lake...a smaller boat is more suitable.

Self Improvement Blog

Championship Betting Review - 26 February 2006

2007-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Reading ended Preston North Ends 22-match unbeaten run at the Madjeski Stadium. Steve Sidwell opened the scoring for the 7/10 Royals after six minutes but Calum Davidson equalised almost immediately. Leory Lita netted the winning goal for Stev Coppells side on the stroke of half time.

Sheffield United lost ground on Reading after losing 3-2 at Brammall Lane to Queens Park Rangers. Marc Nygaard gave the Hoops a sixth minute lead but the 1/2 lead 2-1 through Ade Akinbiyi on 21 and a Marc Bircham own goal eight minutes later. But 5/1 outsiders Rangers levelled through a Chris Morgan own goal after 54 minutes and completed an unlikely win when veteran Paul Furlong netted the third with 15 minutes left.

Watford edged closer to the second placed Blades with a late winner against Cardiff City. The 4/5 Hornets broke the deadlock after 69 minutes through Malky Mackay but Jeff Whitley levelled for the Bluebirds on 77. A Riccy Scimeca blunder allowed top goalscorer Marlon King to net the winner with two minutes left.

Gary Kelly became only the tenth player in Leeds history to make 500 appearances for the club as 8/11 United sunk Luton Town at Elland Road. Two goals in four second half minutes from Jonathon Douglas and Eddie Lewis put Leeds in the driving seat before Steve Howard pulled one back with seven minutes remaining.

Crystal Palace hammered Norwich City 4-1 as they maintained their fifth placed position. Andrew Johnson and Ben Watson gave the 5/6 Eagles a half time lead before Clinton Morrison and Fitz Hall piled more misery on Nigel Worthingtons side. A Darren Ward own goal two minutes from time was the only consolation for the Canaries.

In the battle at the bottom, rock-bottom Crewe Alexandra ended a 17-match winless run against second-from-bottom Brighton & Hove Albion. Colin Kazim-Richards gave the visitors the lead after 11 minutes but the Alex came back through Lee Bell and Stephen Foster to win at 13/10 odds.

Stoke City dealt a major blow to Millwalls survival hopes with a 2-1 win at the Britannia Stadium. Ben May gave the 3/1 Lions and unlikely lead after eight minutes but a Carl Hoefkens penalty seven minutes later restored parity. Paul Gallaghers goal after 57 minutes ensured a home win at odds of 9/10.

Political Correctness Blog

Custom Car Options like Paint and Accessories Add Sizzle to your Ride: a Primer

2007-05-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

Custom car accessories help gearheads to soccer moms personalize their rides and improve resale value. Dealer service departments can guide your ride customization effort, installing custom features and ensuring you meet warranty guidelines.

Breaking down the hot trends.Hip accessories abound. Choose from rims to running boards, spoilers to grills, and stereos to sunroofs.

Lighting (neon, strobe, and fluorescent) is a top customization trend. Clearance lamps and fog lights are also popular.

Raise your cars profile with wheels and lift kits.

Cool wheels are another hot trend. Choose from a variety of styles, including white walls or monster tires. Custom rims make a huge impact on a cars look and resale value.

Do you prefer a big bruiser or stylish low rider? A body lift kit raises the body from the frame so that taller tires can be installed. Suspension lifts improve clearance between axles and the ground. You get better results in terms of height, handling and ground clearance.

On the flip side: lowering kits make vehicles look sleek and mean. They also improve handling and response by dropping a vehicles center of gravity for better stability in turns.

Body shop artists at RK Auto Group say color is IN this season.

Another way to change a vehicles look is by painting it with bright non-factory colors. RK Chevrolet has a state-of-the-art downdraft paint booth that gives the finest finishes available outside of the factory. Dont forget pinstriping, custom flames, interior painting of dash panels or powder coating of vehicle components.

Want more options? RK Auto Group suggests talking with your local dealer today.

FA Cup Third Round - Possible Upsets

2007-05-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly, there are no "all Premiership" ties for the third round and has set up more "Championship vs Premiership" matches than usual. Championship sides awarded a home tie against Premiership opposition have a good winning record in recent seasons and here are a few matches where an "upset" could be on the cards:

WBA vs Reading @ 3.40
Reading top the Championship table and are unbeaten away from home this season, winning nine and drawing five so far. Comparatively, the Baggies are hovering just above the Premiership relegation zone.

Sheff Wed @ 4.00 vs Charlton
Alan Curbishleys side have a dismal record in the FA Cup against lower opposition, last season losing to Leicester, 2003/04 losing away at Gillingham and at home to Walsall in 2001/02. The Owls are finding life in the Championship tough and will do well to avoid relegation but a possible cup scalp could provide a welcome distraction.

Norwich @ 2.75 vs West Ham
Relegated from the Premiership last season, Norwich were expected to storm the division and return to the top flight at the first time of asking. This hasnt happened but the Canaries are pressing for a play-off place. West Ham have had a solid season, sitting comfortably in the top 10 after their promotion in May, but will be without the injured Danny Gabbidon and may find their FA Cup campaign is a short one.

Ipswich @ 3.20 vs Portsmouth
Perrenial promotion contenders Ipswich Town are finding life hard this season and the new strike pairing of Sam Parkin and Nick Forster have not been firing on all cylinders. However, they will be up for the visit of Harry Redknapps Portsmouth who are in dire straits in the Premiership and have won just twice on the road this season.

Watford @ 3.40 vs Bolton
Watford are mounting a surprise promotion challenge under new manager Adrian Boothroyd while Bolton are having another remarkable season and are in touching distance of a Champions League spot. However, the Trotters do not have the largest of squads and their extended involvement in the UEFA Cup may sap energy levels even further.

Hull @ 3.60 vs Aston Villa
Hull have found the step up to the Championship difficult following two successive promotions but are clear of the relegation places. They have been generally solid at home while opponents Aston Villa have been diabolical on their travels, winning just twice in the league and demolishing Wycombe 8-3 in the Carling Cup.

Millwall @ 4.00 vs Everton
After finishing 10th in the Championship the last two seasons and appearing in the final of the 2003/04 FA Cup, Millwall find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table. After last seasons heroics, Everton have themselves under achieved this term and have also flirted with relegation. Millwall held fellow struggling Birmingham to a 2-2 draw after extra time, losing on penalties, in the Carling Cup earlier this season and will fancy their chances against the Toffees.

Political Correctness Blog

Mid Year Student Motivation Tips

2007-05-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Student Motivation List

At this time of year many of our students have begun to loose focus, and interest begins to wane. As a result off-task behaviors begin to rise and classroom disruptions increase and we miss out on quite a bit of instructional time as we deal with these issues.

It may be helpful (especially with the males in your classroom) to take this opportunity to build into our instruction some items of high interest.

To that end, I am attaching to this message one of the surveys I provide students who have behavior challenges in an effort to find out some of their motivating factors. Feel free to add to, remove or modify the list as you see fit. Uses can be as simple as counting soccer balls instead of oranges during math class, or building the topics into your writing prompts.

Here is the list:
Airport tour
Animals
Architecture
Art
Auto mechanics
Auto dealerships
Backpacking
Barbecue party
Baseball
Basketball
Beaches
Bike/Hike Trail
Birds
Board games
Boating
Bowling
Buy a car, how to
Camping trip
Canoeing
Car wash
Career clinic
Cars
Cartoons
Castles
Cats
Cave exploring
Child care
Civil defense
College or University visit
Collections
Communications
Community service
Conservation project
Cooking
Court Session
Cruises
Cycling
Dance
Diet and nutrition
Disabled citizen assistance
Dogs
Dolls
Drug abuse/alcoholism
Emergency preparedness
Exercise
Fashion/design
Fire safety
First aid training
Fish
Fishing
Football
Gardening
Golf
Gothic
Government officials
Ham radio
Hiking
History, town
History, family trace
Horseback riding
Horseshoes
Hunter safety
Indians
Industry, local
Insects
Job interview skills
Jogging/running
Jumping rope
Jungles
Leadership skills
Lifesaving, swimming
Martial arts
Military
Model building
Morality, ethics
Motorcycles
Mountaineering
Movies
Music listening
Nature
Nature walks
Newsletter writing
Orienteering
Outdoor living
Part-time jobs
Photography
Physical fitness
Planetarium
Plants and wildlife
Plays produce
Playgrounds
Power station
Public speaking
Puzzles
Racing
Recycling
Rafting
Road rally
Rock climbing
Sailing
Saving money
Scholarships
Scuba
Senior citizen assistance
Skateboarding
Skating
Skiing
Slide show, plan a
Snorkeling
Soccer
Softball
Sports
Sports medicine
Sports safety
State capitol
Summer jobs
Television station
Tennis
Trains
Video games
Volleyball
Walking
Watercraft
Waterskiing
Weather bureau
Wilderness survival
Winter sports
Wolves
Woodcrafts
Other___________________________________

Let me know if you have any questions.

Reggie

Water Bed