A team's football kit can set it apart from other teams. Style is definitely a part of the culture of football, and many teams like to change their kit designs every couple of years to stay up with current trends. Most professional teams will have two or three kits that they wear in a season, ranging from the more traditional home uniform to more creative styles for their away and alternate uniforms. The most versatile part of the kit is the shirt, but there are accents that can be added to the shorts and socks to create different types of looks.
From Kids to Professionals
The basic football kit is the same no matter what level the game is played. It includes a jersey that has the player's number on the back for identification purposes, and sometimes includes the player's name as well. Modern football shorts are worn above the knee, and can be the same color as the shirt or an alternating color. Knee socks are generally worn, with knee pads included for extra protection. The most versatile part of the kit is the shoes, which may be any color or design depending on the preferences of the player.
Different Styles
Aside from the general makeup of the football kit, everything else about each team's uniform can be drastically different. Football teams will show off their individuality with shirts that have collars, laces, buttons, or V-necks. The colors and patterns of each team's shirt range from solid colors to intricate patterns that are computer generated. Some teams will use the different textures that can be achieved with modern materials to create patterns, like checkerboards, without using alternating colors. Stripes are a traditional option, especially the thin, vertical stripe. It is also popular to have short sleeves that are a different color than the body of the shirt.
Practicality
Of course, the main purpose of a football kit is strictly practical. No matter how creatively they may be designed, they still serve an important purpose: comfort and easy identification. Player names and numbers are featured prominently on the backs of the shirts so that officials and fans can identify them quickly and easily. The colors of the shirts are usually bold and bright enough to be seen across the wide pitch so that players can find one another at a glance during the game. The materials used in football uniforms provide the maximum amount of cooling for the players, who prefer to wear the lightest and most breathable materials possible. Kneepads in the socks help to protect the most vulnerable part of a football player's body - the knees. A player's cleats are the key to his game, and can make the difference between a fabulous performance or a twisted ankle.
Football kits can be fashion statements, but it doesn't matter how good they look if they don't do the job. Combine the practical considerations of a good football uniform with the stylish nature of the designs and football is easily the most fashion forward game today.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Spring Cleaning, Even For Your Feet?
Weather is changing, although some snow flurries may keep us wondering, and is indicating that Spring is here and Summer is not far away. As we enter the warmer season, we tend to use more sandals, flip flops or even go barefoot. Feet that have been confined in shoes or boots are now again open to the air. Often even in the spring or summer shoe, socks are discarded for the foot to "breathe" more easily. At least this is what I am told on a regular basis. So you are ready for spring and summer footwear, but are your feet ready? Follow these five steps to "Spring Clean" your feet and you will be ready.
1. Prepare The Nail: Proper nail care can be important to how your feet feel and look. Nails should be carefully trimmed, using care to avoid curving the nails (as we do with our hands) to avoid ingrowing of the nail borders. If you choose to have a pedicure, ensure sterile tools are utilized, the foot bath is cleaned in front of you (or go first thing in the morning, when it is still clean) and don't allow them to dig too much down the edges. Careful care of the nails can limit infection and pain. In healthy toenails, painting of the nails may also be appropriate. If you have any concerns about your nails, visit a foot or ankle specialist.
2. Air Out The Feet: Fungal infections may present in the colder months, due to confining the foot to a shoe or boot. Fungus thrive in moist, dark places and the shoe is the perfect breeding ground for fungal growth. If your feet itch, crack or even stink, it may be a fungus that needs treatment to avoid embarrassment in your desired shoe gear. Athlete's Foot (fungal infection of the skin) can be treated easily by a foot or ankle specialist and may respond to many topical treatments.
3. Lumps and Bumps: If you have corns or calluses on your feet, treatment may be necessary to improve the appearance of your feet prior to "showing them off". In fact, many will get pedicures for this purpose also. Care should be exercised with pedicures, as instruments utilized must be sterile and injury should be avoided. Other treatments that should be avoided include corn pads or callus removal applications, as they include acids that can cause injury to healthy tissue also. Corns and calluses can be easily removed by a specialist, usually without pain or discomfort.
4. Moisture Is Your Friend: Your feet will dry out more as you utilize open heeled shoes, sandals or even flip flops. You may get "unattractive" changes to your feet, including thickening of hte skin, cracking or other changes. Lotions should be utilized to augment the oil releases to the skin to help maintain moisture. Most lotions, however, should be utilized 3-4 times a day to truly provide the necessary moisture. Specialized lotions, such as Sween 24, can be utilized once a day to maintain the same moisture and limit the drying and cracking of the feet.
5. Exercise The Feet: Depending on the shoes utilized, tendons may tighten in winter shoes. The Achilles tendon is notorious (especially in women) for becoming tight due to even mild heels on winter shoes. Increased heel heights can make this problem worse. When you transfer from heeled shoe to flip flop, flat sandal or barefoot, heel or foot pain may be experienced. Aggressive stretching of the ankles and feet will help prevent this pain that could present soon after starting to wear the Spring shoe gear. If you are having difficulty with foot pain, or understanding how to stretch to reduce these problems, please visit a foot or ankle specialist for assistance.
Now you know how to "Spring Clean" your feet so that you can show them off in the new Spring shoes.
1. Prepare The Nail: Proper nail care can be important to how your feet feel and look. Nails should be carefully trimmed, using care to avoid curving the nails (as we do with our hands) to avoid ingrowing of the nail borders. If you choose to have a pedicure, ensure sterile tools are utilized, the foot bath is cleaned in front of you (or go first thing in the morning, when it is still clean) and don't allow them to dig too much down the edges. Careful care of the nails can limit infection and pain. In healthy toenails, painting of the nails may also be appropriate. If you have any concerns about your nails, visit a foot or ankle specialist.
2. Air Out The Feet: Fungal infections may present in the colder months, due to confining the foot to a shoe or boot. Fungus thrive in moist, dark places and the shoe is the perfect breeding ground for fungal growth. If your feet itch, crack or even stink, it may be a fungus that needs treatment to avoid embarrassment in your desired shoe gear. Athlete's Foot (fungal infection of the skin) can be treated easily by a foot or ankle specialist and may respond to many topical treatments.
3. Lumps and Bumps: If you have corns or calluses on your feet, treatment may be necessary to improve the appearance of your feet prior to "showing them off". In fact, many will get pedicures for this purpose also. Care should be exercised with pedicures, as instruments utilized must be sterile and injury should be avoided. Other treatments that should be avoided include corn pads or callus removal applications, as they include acids that can cause injury to healthy tissue also. Corns and calluses can be easily removed by a specialist, usually without pain or discomfort.
4. Moisture Is Your Friend: Your feet will dry out more as you utilize open heeled shoes, sandals or even flip flops. You may get "unattractive" changes to your feet, including thickening of hte skin, cracking or other changes. Lotions should be utilized to augment the oil releases to the skin to help maintain moisture. Most lotions, however, should be utilized 3-4 times a day to truly provide the necessary moisture. Specialized lotions, such as Sween 24, can be utilized once a day to maintain the same moisture and limit the drying and cracking of the feet.
5. Exercise The Feet: Depending on the shoes utilized, tendons may tighten in winter shoes. The Achilles tendon is notorious (especially in women) for becoming tight due to even mild heels on winter shoes. Increased heel heights can make this problem worse. When you transfer from heeled shoe to flip flop, flat sandal or barefoot, heel or foot pain may be experienced. Aggressive stretching of the ankles and feet will help prevent this pain that could present soon after starting to wear the Spring shoe gear. If you are having difficulty with foot pain, or understanding how to stretch to reduce these problems, please visit a foot or ankle specialist for assistance.
Now you know how to "Spring Clean" your feet so that you can show them off in the new Spring shoes.
Improve My Memory? Is it Easy?
Lots of people for lots of years have been telling me to improve my memory. I told them I would and then went blithely on my forgetful way.
Little did they know that strategic forgetting can be an excellent labor saving device.
Two things have changed my thinking on improving my memory. The first is that I actually began to forget words, struggling with word recall, which is a signal that my brain is reaching the status of Senior Brain, and the second was that my 11 year old boy has very astutely picked up on my forgetfulness as a labor saving device, and put it to excellent use, which is frustrating.
So to all of you who felt equally as frustrated with me, my apologies.
But before I could work with my son on the use of this strategy, I had to remember what his chores were, so I began to search improve my memory tools.
I remember (honest!) using the Harry Lorayne tools as a kid, searching for ways to become a super star, so I could have started there, using the traditional association and mnemomic tools, but didn't go that route because there have been some wonderful breakthroughs in understanding how the brain grows new brain cells, which is called neurogenesis, and how neurons, whether new or old, connect, which is called neuroplasticity.
It turns out that if I attend to my brain's fitness, I can make all the different kinds of memory more efficient and effective.
Sort of like working out the physical body in preparation for an athletic endeavor, I work out the brain for memory endeavors, by taking care of the pillars of brain fitness.
Those pillars are described clearly and conscisely by Simon Evans,Ph.D. and Paul Burghardt,Ph.D. who are neuroscientists at the University of Michigan in their easy to remember book Brainfit for Life.The pillars of brain fitness, and therefore the pillars of improving my memory are, physical activity/exercise, nutrition, including lots of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acid, sleep, (yes, naps are good, but not on the job), stress management, and novel learning experiences.
If those pillars are attended to regularly, then neurons are poised to form new connections and to keep them, which is what memory is, simply a number of neurons connected.
A most interesting aspect of the pillars of brain fitness to me is the novel learning experience pillar, as most of the writers say that the kind of learning most helpful is the kind of learning we experience when learning a new language or new musical instrument, with increasing complexity, and appropriate levels of feedback.
If you are like me, you probably do not have a lot of free time to spend practicing a new instrument, or vocabulary lessons.
There are some computerized brain fitness tools that definitely fit the novel learning experience criterion and the 'improve my memory' criterion.
Very Interesting Computerized Improve My Memory Tools
Our theory here is that increased neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are very important aspects of improving your memory.
I have tried some computerized brain fitness programs, because the research associated with them or done using them, in this case the IMPACT study and the PNAS research is generating some positive vibrations from scientists and participants alike.
My experience with scheduling and practice varied with the tool I was trying out. One program, very helpful for my word recall issue, required an hour a day for 40 days, which could be a bit difficult to keep up with, and another required one half hour for nineteen days, and that one taught me how fast my attention wanders.
The latter program is marketed as a tool which will increase fluid intelligence, and as an older parent with active, noisy kids and a cingulate gyrus that can get stuck, anything that helps me sort through many competing noises without locking up my brain in a headache is something I am very grateful for.
There are many other computerized brain fitness tools on the market, and I know we will soon be seeing brain fitness and memory fitness trainers out there soon.
Just don't forget that improving your memory requires that all the pillars of brain fitness get handled, not just the novel learning experience.
Now did I forget where the vacuum is or did my son?
Little did they know that strategic forgetting can be an excellent labor saving device.
Two things have changed my thinking on improving my memory. The first is that I actually began to forget words, struggling with word recall, which is a signal that my brain is reaching the status of Senior Brain, and the second was that my 11 year old boy has very astutely picked up on my forgetfulness as a labor saving device, and put it to excellent use, which is frustrating.
So to all of you who felt equally as frustrated with me, my apologies.
But before I could work with my son on the use of this strategy, I had to remember what his chores were, so I began to search improve my memory tools.
I remember (honest!) using the Harry Lorayne tools as a kid, searching for ways to become a super star, so I could have started there, using the traditional association and mnemomic tools, but didn't go that route because there have been some wonderful breakthroughs in understanding how the brain grows new brain cells, which is called neurogenesis, and how neurons, whether new or old, connect, which is called neuroplasticity.
It turns out that if I attend to my brain's fitness, I can make all the different kinds of memory more efficient and effective.
Sort of like working out the physical body in preparation for an athletic endeavor, I work out the brain for memory endeavors, by taking care of the pillars of brain fitness.
Those pillars are described clearly and conscisely by Simon Evans,Ph.D. and Paul Burghardt,Ph.D. who are neuroscientists at the University of Michigan in their easy to remember book Brainfit for Life.The pillars of brain fitness, and therefore the pillars of improving my memory are, physical activity/exercise, nutrition, including lots of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acid, sleep, (yes, naps are good, but not on the job), stress management, and novel learning experiences.
If those pillars are attended to regularly, then neurons are poised to form new connections and to keep them, which is what memory is, simply a number of neurons connected.
A most interesting aspect of the pillars of brain fitness to me is the novel learning experience pillar, as most of the writers say that the kind of learning most helpful is the kind of learning we experience when learning a new language or new musical instrument, with increasing complexity, and appropriate levels of feedback.
If you are like me, you probably do not have a lot of free time to spend practicing a new instrument, or vocabulary lessons.
There are some computerized brain fitness tools that definitely fit the novel learning experience criterion and the 'improve my memory' criterion.
Very Interesting Computerized Improve My Memory Tools
Our theory here is that increased neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are very important aspects of improving your memory.
I have tried some computerized brain fitness programs, because the research associated with them or done using them, in this case the IMPACT study and the PNAS research is generating some positive vibrations from scientists and participants alike.
My experience with scheduling and practice varied with the tool I was trying out. One program, very helpful for my word recall issue, required an hour a day for 40 days, which could be a bit difficult to keep up with, and another required one half hour for nineteen days, and that one taught me how fast my attention wanders.
The latter program is marketed as a tool which will increase fluid intelligence, and as an older parent with active, noisy kids and a cingulate gyrus that can get stuck, anything that helps me sort through many competing noises without locking up my brain in a headache is something I am very grateful for.
There are many other computerized brain fitness tools on the market, and I know we will soon be seeing brain fitness and memory fitness trainers out there soon.
Just don't forget that improving your memory requires that all the pillars of brain fitness get handled, not just the novel learning experience.
Now did I forget where the vacuum is or did my son?
Five MLM Free Leads Tips
Using the tips below for free network marketing leads can really help to get your business opportunity in front of interested prospects on a consistent basis. These are people who are already interested in what you are offering. You just need to get them to take the next step, purchase your product, in other words, 'convert'
The below free leads tips can help you through the process that successful network marketers have used to build their downlines and profitable network marketing organizations.
Anyone who is involved in an internet home-based industry can vouch for the fact that the cut-throat competition keeps you on your toes. To step into this arena, if you can get free MLM leads on a regular basis, you will really be ahead of the game.
If you're new to this industry or have not tasted success yet you need to know that 95% to 97% of the leads you obtain will never convert and join your primary business opportunity and/or become part of your downline. Using free leads then is the best way to remove the cost problems of low conversion to lead ratio.
So if you're trying to make money online, here are five good free leads tips which are of premium importance.
Free Lead Tip #1: Every free lead you get is valuable. Don’t give up trying to help them/convert them. It’s a numbers game.
Free Lead Tip #2: Build relationships. Get your lead involved with something small to start with. It is easier to generate repeat business from an existing client than selling something big to a complete stranger for the first time.
Free Lead Tip #3: Offer the prospect a solution to a problem plus a decent customer support system and you will be presenting yourself as a professional offering value. Business is essentially about relationships and people buy from people they trust and who have helped them.
Free Lead Tip #4: With the right direction, the lead can learn to generate their own leads and business. Give them the right solutions now to get them started and they will continue to be loyal to you.
Free Lead Tip #5: Keep replenishing your free leads so you can continue contacting, emailing or calling. It should be obvious that if you don't keep building up your leads, that eventually all your leads will be gone. Don't let this happen to you.
We sincerely hope these free network marketing leads tips will help you succeed.
The below free leads tips can help you through the process that successful network marketers have used to build their downlines and profitable network marketing organizations.
Anyone who is involved in an internet home-based industry can vouch for the fact that the cut-throat competition keeps you on your toes. To step into this arena, if you can get free MLM leads on a regular basis, you will really be ahead of the game.
If you're new to this industry or have not tasted success yet you need to know that 95% to 97% of the leads you obtain will never convert and join your primary business opportunity and/or become part of your downline. Using free leads then is the best way to remove the cost problems of low conversion to lead ratio.
So if you're trying to make money online, here are five good free leads tips which are of premium importance.
Free Lead Tip #1: Every free lead you get is valuable. Don’t give up trying to help them/convert them. It’s a numbers game.
Free Lead Tip #2: Build relationships. Get your lead involved with something small to start with. It is easier to generate repeat business from an existing client than selling something big to a complete stranger for the first time.
Free Lead Tip #3: Offer the prospect a solution to a problem plus a decent customer support system and you will be presenting yourself as a professional offering value. Business is essentially about relationships and people buy from people they trust and who have helped them.
Free Lead Tip #4: With the right direction, the lead can learn to generate their own leads and business. Give them the right solutions now to get them started and they will continue to be loyal to you.
Free Lead Tip #5: Keep replenishing your free leads so you can continue contacting, emailing or calling. It should be obvious that if you don't keep building up your leads, that eventually all your leads will be gone. Don't let this happen to you.
We sincerely hope these free network marketing leads tips will help you succeed.
How to hit the golf ball longer and straighter with your driver
The mechanics of a golf swing are more complex than perhaps that of any other sport on the planet. A good golf swing must be underpinned with sold fundamentals including solid grip, square alignment to the target, a solid base / stance, and a dynamic upright posture. For the purpose of this article I am going to assume that you have solid basic fundamentals.
Try a few of the following tips and determine which ones create the most dramatic results. I can guarantee that you will begin to hit the ball further than you have ever done before.
Tip # 1 - Adopt a Stronger Grip
A neutral golf grip is when you can see 2 knuckles of your left hand / the hand at the top of the shaft. A weak grip is when you see less than 2 knuckles on the upper hand. This action tends to promote a fade or slice as the grip returns to neutral at impact thus ensuring the face is opened if the grip is weak. A strong grip is one in which you can see 3 or 4 knuckles on your left hand (for right handed golfers).
A good way to measure a strong grip is to make the "V's" formed by the thumb and index finger point towards your right shoulder. A strong grip will tend to promote a draw which every golfer knows is a top spin shot that travels much further.
This is especially true with their left hand. To achieve this you should see about three to four knuckles on your left hand. This gives you so much more leverage in terms of your wrist movement. You are able to wait to the last moment to release the club, which results in a surge of club head speed through impact.
Tip # 2 - Release Tensions in Your Hands and Arms
If you were to really tense up your leg muscles and attempt to run a race, you would not be able to walk very fast let alone say run. The muscles in your hands and arms are no different. The grip pressure is perhaps the most important element to eliminating a tense rigid swing. Grip pressure should be light but firm. Professional golfers have stated that you should grip the golf club with the same pressure as if you were:
Lightly squeezing a tube of tooth paste Holding a child's hand Holding a small bird in your hand Use which ever analogy is best for you but remember always be conscious of your grip pressure especially just before you commence your take away. It is literally not possible to grip a club too lightly. Your muscles will instinctively increase grip pressure throughout your swing to ensure the club does not fly out of your hands.
A light grip pressure will also have the positive effect of releasing tension in your arms. Build a few waggles into your pre-shot routine to further ensure there is no build up of tension.
You will be shocked an amazed how much further your ball will fly as a result of relaxed hand and arm muscles.
Tip # 3 - Increase the Width of Your Arc
Try this simple drill to realize the importance of the swing arc. Hold a golf ball in your hand 10 or so inches directly over your right shoulder. Now throw the ball as far as you can. You will notice the ball didn't travel very far. Now extend you right hand back as far as is comfortably possible and throw the ball as far as you can. You will notice that the ball traveled significantly further. Many amateur golfers fail to realize the importance of the width of the swing arc in determining the distance the ball flies.
Perhaps the best tip that I have come across for creating a wide powerful swing arc is that of Greg Normans. Greg Norman has long been one of the longest straightest drivers of the golf ball. His tip is simple and powerful. At your address position ensure your left arm and club shaft form a straight line down to the ball. Make sure there is no tension whatsoever in the hand or arm.
Now simply push your left elbow back away from the target. Keep pushing it back, back, back all the way. Sooner or later as your swing reaches the three quarter way position, somethings going to give and your wrist will automatically cock at the top. This business of an early wrist cock advocated by some of the games teachers doesn't work very well because it eliminates the extension of your arc which is a key source of power in the swing. With sufficient practice, this powerful technique will seriously increase your driving distance.
Tip # 4 - Delay the Club Head Release Through Impact
Many of the games greats will differ in their back swing but generate a very similar down swing sequence. Contrast "Jim Furyk" with "Tiger Woods". One swing attribute that they all have in common is a powerful late release of the club head (also known as club head lag). In my opinion the golfer with one of the most powerful late releases is "Sergio Garcia". He has a rather unorthodox back swing but a powerful late release ensures he hits the golf ball a long, long way. What I mean by late release of the golf club is a delayed uncocking/release of the wrists just before impact.
Many amateurs suffer from the dreaded 'casting' motion whereby they throw the club at the ball from the top of the swing. Thus they are releasing all their power long before the club ever nears the ball. In order to create a late release you should consciously focus on retaining your fully cocked wrists for as long as possible prior to impact. I have come across two excellent tips to achieve this goal. Please only use one or the other as you should never have two simultaneous swing thoughts prior to impact. The club head is moving too fast to execute more than one.
Insert a tee peg at the butt end of your shaft and focus on the mental image of trying to drive that tee peg into the back of the ball. In order to simplify this, think "drive butt of shaft down to back of ball". This will cause a very late release of your club and store up considerable power during the downswing.
Ernie Els advocates a late release maneuver created by Harvey Pennick called 'Golf's Magic Move'. To execute this technique, one you arrived at the top of your back swing think "right elbow down to right side". This effectively retains the wrist angle and ensures a late release into the back of the ball.
Tip # 5 - Increase Your Coil
This move is not for those who have a stiff, unsupple back or back problems in any sense of the word. One of the greatest power moves is the creation of coil by maximizing your shoulder turn and minimizing your hip turn. The further you can turn your shoulder and limit your hip turn the more wind up you generate in the backswing. This results in a powerful uncoiling in the downswing generating substantial power into the back of the ball. The effect is similar to wrapping an elastic band around your finger. The more tightly you wind it the faster it unwinds. A good mental image to achieve this goal is to imagine you are standing in a barrel of cement. Your legs and hips are thus restricted in their movement. Now focus on turning your back fully to the target. This will generate a powerful should turn on top of a minimal hip turn. You will create massive distance gains with this single tip alone.
Tip # 6 - Widen Your Stance, Retain Flex in Right Knee
In order to generate strong club head speed, you need a stable base to ensure it is correctly delivered to the back of the ball. Ensure the inside of your insteps are outside the width of your shoulders. To ensure the correct distance apart simply hang two clubs vertically from the outside of both shoulders. The club heads should be directly over the insteps in both feet.
Tip # 7 - Retain Flex in Right Knee
A critical element in the creation of a powerful golf swing is the retention of flex in the right knee in the back swing. If your right knee straightens it's like snapping the tension in the swing and all your power is immediately destroyed. A good tip is to bend the right knee and tilt it slightly in towards the ball. Focus on retaining this inward tilt throughout the back swing.
With practice you will build muscle memory and these swing changes will become a habit that will not require any conscious effort to execute. In the immortal words of John Daly "Grip it and Rip it."
Try a few of the following tips and determine which ones create the most dramatic results. I can guarantee that you will begin to hit the ball further than you have ever done before.
Tip # 1 - Adopt a Stronger Grip
A neutral golf grip is when you can see 2 knuckles of your left hand / the hand at the top of the shaft. A weak grip is when you see less than 2 knuckles on the upper hand. This action tends to promote a fade or slice as the grip returns to neutral at impact thus ensuring the face is opened if the grip is weak. A strong grip is one in which you can see 3 or 4 knuckles on your left hand (for right handed golfers).
A good way to measure a strong grip is to make the "V's" formed by the thumb and index finger point towards your right shoulder. A strong grip will tend to promote a draw which every golfer knows is a top spin shot that travels much further.
This is especially true with their left hand. To achieve this you should see about three to four knuckles on your left hand. This gives you so much more leverage in terms of your wrist movement. You are able to wait to the last moment to release the club, which results in a surge of club head speed through impact.
Tip # 2 - Release Tensions in Your Hands and Arms
If you were to really tense up your leg muscles and attempt to run a race, you would not be able to walk very fast let alone say run. The muscles in your hands and arms are no different. The grip pressure is perhaps the most important element to eliminating a tense rigid swing. Grip pressure should be light but firm. Professional golfers have stated that you should grip the golf club with the same pressure as if you were:
Lightly squeezing a tube of tooth paste Holding a child's hand Holding a small bird in your hand Use which ever analogy is best for you but remember always be conscious of your grip pressure especially just before you commence your take away. It is literally not possible to grip a club too lightly. Your muscles will instinctively increase grip pressure throughout your swing to ensure the club does not fly out of your hands.
A light grip pressure will also have the positive effect of releasing tension in your arms. Build a few waggles into your pre-shot routine to further ensure there is no build up of tension.
You will be shocked an amazed how much further your ball will fly as a result of relaxed hand and arm muscles.
Tip # 3 - Increase the Width of Your Arc
Try this simple drill to realize the importance of the swing arc. Hold a golf ball in your hand 10 or so inches directly over your right shoulder. Now throw the ball as far as you can. You will notice the ball didn't travel very far. Now extend you right hand back as far as is comfortably possible and throw the ball as far as you can. You will notice that the ball traveled significantly further. Many amateur golfers fail to realize the importance of the width of the swing arc in determining the distance the ball flies.
Perhaps the best tip that I have come across for creating a wide powerful swing arc is that of Greg Normans. Greg Norman has long been one of the longest straightest drivers of the golf ball. His tip is simple and powerful. At your address position ensure your left arm and club shaft form a straight line down to the ball. Make sure there is no tension whatsoever in the hand or arm.
Now simply push your left elbow back away from the target. Keep pushing it back, back, back all the way. Sooner or later as your swing reaches the three quarter way position, somethings going to give and your wrist will automatically cock at the top. This business of an early wrist cock advocated by some of the games teachers doesn't work very well because it eliminates the extension of your arc which is a key source of power in the swing. With sufficient practice, this powerful technique will seriously increase your driving distance.
Tip # 4 - Delay the Club Head Release Through Impact
Many of the games greats will differ in their back swing but generate a very similar down swing sequence. Contrast "Jim Furyk" with "Tiger Woods". One swing attribute that they all have in common is a powerful late release of the club head (also known as club head lag). In my opinion the golfer with one of the most powerful late releases is "Sergio Garcia". He has a rather unorthodox back swing but a powerful late release ensures he hits the golf ball a long, long way. What I mean by late release of the golf club is a delayed uncocking/release of the wrists just before impact.
Many amateurs suffer from the dreaded 'casting' motion whereby they throw the club at the ball from the top of the swing. Thus they are releasing all their power long before the club ever nears the ball. In order to create a late release you should consciously focus on retaining your fully cocked wrists for as long as possible prior to impact. I have come across two excellent tips to achieve this goal. Please only use one or the other as you should never have two simultaneous swing thoughts prior to impact. The club head is moving too fast to execute more than one.
Insert a tee peg at the butt end of your shaft and focus on the mental image of trying to drive that tee peg into the back of the ball. In order to simplify this, think "drive butt of shaft down to back of ball". This will cause a very late release of your club and store up considerable power during the downswing.
Ernie Els advocates a late release maneuver created by Harvey Pennick called 'Golf's Magic Move'. To execute this technique, one you arrived at the top of your back swing think "right elbow down to right side". This effectively retains the wrist angle and ensures a late release into the back of the ball.
Tip # 5 - Increase Your Coil
This move is not for those who have a stiff, unsupple back or back problems in any sense of the word. One of the greatest power moves is the creation of coil by maximizing your shoulder turn and minimizing your hip turn. The further you can turn your shoulder and limit your hip turn the more wind up you generate in the backswing. This results in a powerful uncoiling in the downswing generating substantial power into the back of the ball. The effect is similar to wrapping an elastic band around your finger. The more tightly you wind it the faster it unwinds. A good mental image to achieve this goal is to imagine you are standing in a barrel of cement. Your legs and hips are thus restricted in their movement. Now focus on turning your back fully to the target. This will generate a powerful should turn on top of a minimal hip turn. You will create massive distance gains with this single tip alone.
Tip # 6 - Widen Your Stance, Retain Flex in Right Knee
In order to generate strong club head speed, you need a stable base to ensure it is correctly delivered to the back of the ball. Ensure the inside of your insteps are outside the width of your shoulders. To ensure the correct distance apart simply hang two clubs vertically from the outside of both shoulders. The club heads should be directly over the insteps in both feet.
Tip # 7 - Retain Flex in Right Knee
A critical element in the creation of a powerful golf swing is the retention of flex in the right knee in the back swing. If your right knee straightens it's like snapping the tension in the swing and all your power is immediately destroyed. A good tip is to bend the right knee and tilt it slightly in towards the ball. Focus on retaining this inward tilt throughout the back swing.
With practice you will build muscle memory and these swing changes will become a habit that will not require any conscious effort to execute. In the immortal words of John Daly "Grip it and Rip it."
Friday, March 26, 2010
How Each of Us Uses the Tools That Life Provides
The uniqueness of each individual can be seen very early in a baby's life. Yes, he's got lots in common with all other human beings, but no one can settle on a decision whether his individual differences are based on the way his body looks, what he inherited from his family, or how great the contribution is from experience and education.
"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Some learned minds consider intelligence to be a fixed thing that we are born with and yet, we have seen the development in increased attention, in memory, in judgment and in our ability to unfold more intelligence than we were at our births. We have seen minds - starting with our own - become developed through training, experience and that unseen force called personal effort. We have seen some individuals exceed all that was expected of them.
Is there one way that is more accurate than any other in considering individual differences? Business people have a settled sense about the contribution of genetics or environment when it comes to how productive their employees are, and about how to improve this performance.
Your philosophy about all this has a profound impact on your success. Your "I can't" concepts can lock you into your current spot and you can move beyond that spot by changing to an "I can" concept. You might surprise yourself.
If you have a set series of beliefs captioned "This Is How I AM" and you also hold the belief "This Is How's It's Always Going To Be", you have what is referred to as a fixed mindset. You think: "This Is All I Can Accomplish." This mindset is limiting.
There is another way of being called the growth mindset. The growth mindset can see opportunities; it knows about capabilities; it isn't afraid of being "caught out" deficient. The growth mindset thinks: I can change and grow through application and experience. Having a growth mindset works really well to foster more success in business, vs. having a fixed mindset.
It's not possible to see your own end point from here or how far you'll get along the progress time line, but if you believe "I can develop into much more" you'll move far along that line. These tips will help you achieve a growth mindset and then experience more success:
- Look for friends who will encourage you to stretch, to grow in areas formerly not even thought of.
- Decide that you will consciously work to go beyond where your achievements are right now.
- Promise yourself that you will persevere through thick and thin.
Even when my Big Dream looked impossible, I continued to search for ways to make it come true for me. Having a group of friends that you can lean into will help you stay fresh, keep up with technology, use the concepts that others used to become successful. I looked for folks ahead of me on the path so that I could augment improvements to help me get to my next bigger vision. I found my perfect levels of rest, exercise, nutrition to support my own dreams. I became aware of my own mindset when it came to improvement and that's what I'm sharing with you because it seems to have worked for me. I'd love to think that these suggestions to absorb how wonderful you and your individual differences are and put these ideas to work to celebrate those differences.
"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Some learned minds consider intelligence to be a fixed thing that we are born with and yet, we have seen the development in increased attention, in memory, in judgment and in our ability to unfold more intelligence than we were at our births. We have seen minds - starting with our own - become developed through training, experience and that unseen force called personal effort. We have seen some individuals exceed all that was expected of them.
Is there one way that is more accurate than any other in considering individual differences? Business people have a settled sense about the contribution of genetics or environment when it comes to how productive their employees are, and about how to improve this performance.
Your philosophy about all this has a profound impact on your success. Your "I can't" concepts can lock you into your current spot and you can move beyond that spot by changing to an "I can" concept. You might surprise yourself.
If you have a set series of beliefs captioned "This Is How I AM" and you also hold the belief "This Is How's It's Always Going To Be", you have what is referred to as a fixed mindset. You think: "This Is All I Can Accomplish." This mindset is limiting.
There is another way of being called the growth mindset. The growth mindset can see opportunities; it knows about capabilities; it isn't afraid of being "caught out" deficient. The growth mindset thinks: I can change and grow through application and experience. Having a growth mindset works really well to foster more success in business, vs. having a fixed mindset.
It's not possible to see your own end point from here or how far you'll get along the progress time line, but if you believe "I can develop into much more" you'll move far along that line. These tips will help you achieve a growth mindset and then experience more success:
- Look for friends who will encourage you to stretch, to grow in areas formerly not even thought of.
- Decide that you will consciously work to go beyond where your achievements are right now.
- Promise yourself that you will persevere through thick and thin.
Even when my Big Dream looked impossible, I continued to search for ways to make it come true for me. Having a group of friends that you can lean into will help you stay fresh, keep up with technology, use the concepts that others used to become successful. I looked for folks ahead of me on the path so that I could augment improvements to help me get to my next bigger vision. I found my perfect levels of rest, exercise, nutrition to support my own dreams. I became aware of my own mindset when it came to improvement and that's what I'm sharing with you because it seems to have worked for me. I'd love to think that these suggestions to absorb how wonderful you and your individual differences are and put these ideas to work to celebrate those differences.
The Top Ten "Must Have" Features in Today's Home
In an article just released, according to Market Watch, consumer experts told audiences at the Las Vegas Home Builders Show that homeowners here in the U.S want smaller homes and are more than willing to downsize from the McMansions of the past few years. Today buyers are ready to be authentic - realizing how their families really live.
Because of the uncertain times in this country staying home and nesting has become a booming business. It's important to find a sense of order from the chaos of the past years - and look to our homes to provide us with a sense of comfort, calm and contentment. A more casual approach to family living, entertaining and gathering is ranking high these days.
Here are the top 5 "Must-Have" features in both new and improved homes.
1. Large Kitchens, With an Island.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and takes on several roles throughout the course of the day. People love islands - it's where we prepare meals, our families gather, homework is shared, emails are answered and our work is done.
Kitchen islands provide the perfect surface for all these tasks and more. If you have the space, include an island in your kitchen plans. A great kitchen should yield a return on investment between 75 - 100%.
2. Energy Efficient Appliances, Insulation and Windows.
People want greener homes and product manufacturers are making it easier than ever for us to incorporate eco-friendly materials appliances and windows into our lives.
Whether your appliances need to be replaced or you're purchasing for your new and improved home, Energy Star appliances lead the way. Double and triple pane windows in all shapes and sizes immediately save you money on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
3. Home Office/Studies.
Homeowners are spending more time working from home, and with the homepreneur trend growing people are opting for an extra space dedicated solely to operating their home-based business.
It seems that many folks would rather have a home office allocated and are willing to sacrifice a formal dining room if need be.
4. Main Floor Master Suite.
Access to the main floor is gaining in popularity.
Empty nesters and others, who no longer want to tackle stairs, prefer to have the master bedroom and bath retreat on the main floor level of the home. Immediate access to a gorgeous deck or patio outdoors also creates added living space and provides a quaint corner for morning coffee.
5. Outdoor Living Space.
People want to spend more time outside and need a peaceful oasis to unwind. Outdoor living spaces naturally transition the interior to the exterior - instantly expanding your living space.
Growing in popularity are wood-burning fireplaces, casual seating areas, hot tubs and outdoor kitchens - all of which add to the "vacation home" atmosphere - and it's all in your back yard.
The remaining 5 "Must Haves" to incorporate into your home are:
6. Ceiling fans
7. Master suite soaker tubs
8. Stone/brick exteriors
9. Community landscaping
10. Two car garages
Because of the uncertain times in this country staying home and nesting has become a booming business. It's important to find a sense of order from the chaos of the past years - and look to our homes to provide us with a sense of comfort, calm and contentment. A more casual approach to family living, entertaining and gathering is ranking high these days.
Here are the top 5 "Must-Have" features in both new and improved homes.
1. Large Kitchens, With an Island.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and takes on several roles throughout the course of the day. People love islands - it's where we prepare meals, our families gather, homework is shared, emails are answered and our work is done.
Kitchen islands provide the perfect surface for all these tasks and more. If you have the space, include an island in your kitchen plans. A great kitchen should yield a return on investment between 75 - 100%.
2. Energy Efficient Appliances, Insulation and Windows.
People want greener homes and product manufacturers are making it easier than ever for us to incorporate eco-friendly materials appliances and windows into our lives.
Whether your appliances need to be replaced or you're purchasing for your new and improved home, Energy Star appliances lead the way. Double and triple pane windows in all shapes and sizes immediately save you money on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
3. Home Office/Studies.
Homeowners are spending more time working from home, and with the homepreneur trend growing people are opting for an extra space dedicated solely to operating their home-based business.
It seems that many folks would rather have a home office allocated and are willing to sacrifice a formal dining room if need be.
4. Main Floor Master Suite.
Access to the main floor is gaining in popularity.
Empty nesters and others, who no longer want to tackle stairs, prefer to have the master bedroom and bath retreat on the main floor level of the home. Immediate access to a gorgeous deck or patio outdoors also creates added living space and provides a quaint corner for morning coffee.
5. Outdoor Living Space.
People want to spend more time outside and need a peaceful oasis to unwind. Outdoor living spaces naturally transition the interior to the exterior - instantly expanding your living space.
Growing in popularity are wood-burning fireplaces, casual seating areas, hot tubs and outdoor kitchens - all of which add to the "vacation home" atmosphere - and it's all in your back yard.
The remaining 5 "Must Haves" to incorporate into your home are:
6. Ceiling fans
7. Master suite soaker tubs
8. Stone/brick exteriors
9. Community landscaping
10. Two car garages
Eat Great With Low Calorie Healthy Food By Making Simple Substitutions
The decision to cut calories doesn't have to mean the end of delicious meals. You can still keep your favorite meals by beefing them up with some high fiber inclusions. By focusing on the possible additions that make you naturally inclined to limit your high fat options you can still enjoy everything you love and be healthy. You can undoubtedly lose weight and improve your overall sense of well-being without having to sacrifice taste. With daily, small, easy changes you can eat great with low calorie healthy food.
Often it isn't the foods that we love that kill us in dropping pounds. It's the amount that we eat of the food we love. Often dieting can seem like an impossible task because so much of what we enjoy becomes suddenly forbidden. By placing that food out our reach we make the temptation to reach for it grow even larger. The rich brownie that you cannot have may dance through your thoughts all day simply because you deny yourself.
Dieting should be more about getting creative than brutally cutting all ties with the creature comforts that fill our plates. Let's face it, food can be delicious, comforting, and a wonderful part of a normal, balanced life. Most of us do not want to go through the remainder of our existence crunching carrots and nibbling granola.
Focusing on the ingredients to recipes that have the highest fiber content can create a lifestyle change that will dramatically affect the way that you eat. A perfect example of how this can be done is by analyzing the high fat combination's of a good old fashioned Sunday morning Brunch. By switching portions and including a higher fiber content we can eat what we like, feel full and content and avoid the sluggish ill feelings that accompany food combination's that are higher in sugar and fat.
With each meal, simple high fiber additions and substitutions can make a huge difference in both your daily intake and the response that your see. The often greasy, slumber inducing concoctions of a weekend breakfast can get a recipe tweak to include lost of high fiber content, enabling us to enjoy what we are used to having with complements of fresh, low calorie substitutions.
By simply switching out a few ingredients you can limit your consumption of favorite food options that might be higher in fat and empty calories. This can mean success without denial. Including plenty of high fiber selections in your diet can make you feel fuller and healthier while still enjoying what you eat. This is an easy way to eat great with low calorie healthy food.
Often it isn't the foods that we love that kill us in dropping pounds. It's the amount that we eat of the food we love. Often dieting can seem like an impossible task because so much of what we enjoy becomes suddenly forbidden. By placing that food out our reach we make the temptation to reach for it grow even larger. The rich brownie that you cannot have may dance through your thoughts all day simply because you deny yourself.
Dieting should be more about getting creative than brutally cutting all ties with the creature comforts that fill our plates. Let's face it, food can be delicious, comforting, and a wonderful part of a normal, balanced life. Most of us do not want to go through the remainder of our existence crunching carrots and nibbling granola.
Focusing on the ingredients to recipes that have the highest fiber content can create a lifestyle change that will dramatically affect the way that you eat. A perfect example of how this can be done is by analyzing the high fat combination's of a good old fashioned Sunday morning Brunch. By switching portions and including a higher fiber content we can eat what we like, feel full and content and avoid the sluggish ill feelings that accompany food combination's that are higher in sugar and fat.
With each meal, simple high fiber additions and substitutions can make a huge difference in both your daily intake and the response that your see. The often greasy, slumber inducing concoctions of a weekend breakfast can get a recipe tweak to include lost of high fiber content, enabling us to enjoy what we are used to having with complements of fresh, low calorie substitutions.
By simply switching out a few ingredients you can limit your consumption of favorite food options that might be higher in fat and empty calories. This can mean success without denial. Including plenty of high fiber selections in your diet can make you feel fuller and healthier while still enjoying what you eat. This is an easy way to eat great with low calorie healthy food.
Go Rock With Your Electric Guitar Lessons
Rock guitarists are just so amazing to watch as they play with their electric guitars with skill and enjoyment. Their perfect notes and chords make guitar playing look so easy. You can't help but idolize them from afar, knowing you will never reach their level of expertise with this instrument.
That thinking is actually not true. Anybody can now learn to play the electric guitar. You just need to know a few tricks here and there, learn from professionals, and soon, you'll be on your own.
If you decide to really want to play an electric guitar like a pro, don't rely too much on online guides. That's not to say that online guides are useless, though. It's just that you can't learn as much only by reading articles and watching videos. That's simply it: a guide.
You cannot take them word for word, and not learn from other sources as well. If you really want to rock with electric guitars, go find a suitable instructor who can teach you every detail during electric guitar lessons that needs to be tackled. Teacher will be able to accurately pinpoint your areas of weakness and help you strengthen them.
However, getting a professional teacher isn't possible for some, for different reasons. You can still seek advices from forums and message boards, if that is the case. Be sure that you only listen and adhere to advices made by qualified individuals.
If not, you may likely be misled and misinformed. There are people out there who really spend time helping out other people willing to learn by replying on threads and such.
One of the basic things you will learn from reliable sources is proper hand positioning and holding of guitar. Don't think for a second that you can just skip this and move on to another electric guitar lesson. This is the mistake of many people, and as they go to intermediate electric guitar lessons, their basics are all wrong.
Aside from having a hard time with playing, there is also a possibility of injury. Your wrists and arms are the most vulnerable here, since these parts are the most strained during practice.
When you get to more advanced lessons, remember to practice with the basics, too, so that you don't forget them. Even trivial tips you've received should not be taken for granted. It is not difficult to learn to play the electric guitar if only you have the right materials and people to guide you.
When you begin to be proficient, make your practices constant and regular.
It is a sad fact that when you stop playing for a period of time, your fingers lose their dexterity. That's just how the brain and body works. Your fingers won't be as flexible and agile without exercise. This same thing happens to the brain, too. So for you to rock with electric guitar, you should constantly play it.
You will feel so proud of yourself when you start playing well in front of an audience, your family or friends. They will surely enjoy your talent, so long as it doesn't hurt the ears too much.
That thinking is actually not true. Anybody can now learn to play the electric guitar. You just need to know a few tricks here and there, learn from professionals, and soon, you'll be on your own.
If you decide to really want to play an electric guitar like a pro, don't rely too much on online guides. That's not to say that online guides are useless, though. It's just that you can't learn as much only by reading articles and watching videos. That's simply it: a guide.
You cannot take them word for word, and not learn from other sources as well. If you really want to rock with electric guitars, go find a suitable instructor who can teach you every detail during electric guitar lessons that needs to be tackled. Teacher will be able to accurately pinpoint your areas of weakness and help you strengthen them.
However, getting a professional teacher isn't possible for some, for different reasons. You can still seek advices from forums and message boards, if that is the case. Be sure that you only listen and adhere to advices made by qualified individuals.
If not, you may likely be misled and misinformed. There are people out there who really spend time helping out other people willing to learn by replying on threads and such.
One of the basic things you will learn from reliable sources is proper hand positioning and holding of guitar. Don't think for a second that you can just skip this and move on to another electric guitar lesson. This is the mistake of many people, and as they go to intermediate electric guitar lessons, their basics are all wrong.
Aside from having a hard time with playing, there is also a possibility of injury. Your wrists and arms are the most vulnerable here, since these parts are the most strained during practice.
When you get to more advanced lessons, remember to practice with the basics, too, so that you don't forget them. Even trivial tips you've received should not be taken for granted. It is not difficult to learn to play the electric guitar if only you have the right materials and people to guide you.
When you begin to be proficient, make your practices constant and regular.
It is a sad fact that when you stop playing for a period of time, your fingers lose their dexterity. That's just how the brain and body works. Your fingers won't be as flexible and agile without exercise. This same thing happens to the brain, too. So for you to rock with electric guitar, you should constantly play it.
You will feel so proud of yourself when you start playing well in front of an audience, your family or friends. They will surely enjoy your talent, so long as it doesn't hurt the ears too much.
3 Ways to Spot an Online Dating Cheat
Have you been caught out by an online dating cheat? I have, and can help you avoid that. As in most things, there are people around who are less than honest and can be seen to be dating cheats. By 'cheats' I mean people who describe a false history about themselves, claim to be single when they are not, and so on.
The very best cheats are very credible and can bluff the best of us. I have friends who have been 'conned' for many months by serial cheats. We have shared our online dating experiences and I understand what it is to find out that someone you are keen on turns out to be an online dating fraud. My tips can help you avoid that emotional investment and disappointment.
OK, so what about the tips for spotting these characters? None of these tips hold true in all cases, and you cannot easily tell if a genuinely single person is not interested in a long term relationship unless they say so (and assuming that is what you also want). The tips will help establish a pattern which will put you on your guard.
1. Tip #1 - Online Dating Phone Numbers
You have progressed past first email contact and start talking on the phone. Usually, a genuine man would usually offer his phone number, assuming that a lady may not want to disclose her number at an early stage. If the arrangement is always that the other person calls you, then that is a potential signal (whether the other person is a man or woman).
If they can only be called on their mobile phone or say that they don't have a regular landline phone then that could be another signal. Obviously, there are people today who genuinely do not have landline phone numbers, relying on mobile phones and Skype. So, why not Skype them at home in the evening (though of course you cannot be absolutely sure that they are at home). Did they give you their Skype ID?
2. Tip #2 - Telephone Talk Timing
Most working people cannot take personal calls at work (especially online dating calls), and that is fine. However, if you find that the other person is saying things like:
Only call me on Tuesdays and Thursdays... or I can't do evenings because mobile reception is bad at home (and don't have a landline)... or I'll call you on Friday at 8pm...and so on..
..then these are also signals of potential dishonesty.
3. Tip #3 - Where do we Meet?
Most often, the first one or two dates are on neutral territory. After that, people start travelling to each other's areas or towns. If there is reluctance on the part of the other person to meet you on their territory, then this could be a signal that not all is as stated in their online dating profile.
Have they given you their home address? You can test this by saying 'I'd like to see where you live'.
In Summary
These 3 key tips are powerful for identifying online dating cheats. There are others.
In spite of all this, most people are genuine, so enjoy your dating!
© 2010 Phil Marks
The very best cheats are very credible and can bluff the best of us. I have friends who have been 'conned' for many months by serial cheats. We have shared our online dating experiences and I understand what it is to find out that someone you are keen on turns out to be an online dating fraud. My tips can help you avoid that emotional investment and disappointment.
OK, so what about the tips for spotting these characters? None of these tips hold true in all cases, and you cannot easily tell if a genuinely single person is not interested in a long term relationship unless they say so (and assuming that is what you also want). The tips will help establish a pattern which will put you on your guard.
1. Tip #1 - Online Dating Phone Numbers
You have progressed past first email contact and start talking on the phone. Usually, a genuine man would usually offer his phone number, assuming that a lady may not want to disclose her number at an early stage. If the arrangement is always that the other person calls you, then that is a potential signal (whether the other person is a man or woman).
If they can only be called on their mobile phone or say that they don't have a regular landline phone then that could be another signal. Obviously, there are people today who genuinely do not have landline phone numbers, relying on mobile phones and Skype. So, why not Skype them at home in the evening (though of course you cannot be absolutely sure that they are at home). Did they give you their Skype ID?
2. Tip #2 - Telephone Talk Timing
Most working people cannot take personal calls at work (especially online dating calls), and that is fine. However, if you find that the other person is saying things like:
Only call me on Tuesdays and Thursdays... or I can't do evenings because mobile reception is bad at home (and don't have a landline)... or I'll call you on Friday at 8pm...and so on..
..then these are also signals of potential dishonesty.
3. Tip #3 - Where do we Meet?
Most often, the first one or two dates are on neutral territory. After that, people start travelling to each other's areas or towns. If there is reluctance on the part of the other person to meet you on their territory, then this could be a signal that not all is as stated in their online dating profile.
Have they given you their home address? You can test this by saying 'I'd like to see where you live'.
In Summary
These 3 key tips are powerful for identifying online dating cheats. There are others.
In spite of all this, most people are genuine, so enjoy your dating!
© 2010 Phil Marks
Questions & Answers on Common Issues for HOA Homeowner Associations
Question:
A guest of one of our residents was sitting outside a condo eating a smoothie yesterday when our grounds crew started to spray Ortho Weed-B-Gone on the grass approximately 10 feet from where he was seated. He claims to have suffered blurred vision, migraine-type headache above right eye, raw throat, chest pains, and nausea. He is seeking reimbursement for clothing he claims to have destroyed and help with the emergency room bill he encountered. I know you are not an attorney; but, I am asking what the policy is in condo associations with regard to spraying a relatively innocuous lawn product such as Weed-B-Gone. We are trying to decide whether it is best to turn it over to our insurance company, write a letter of apology, put up signs in the future that we will be spraying, or to offer some remuneration with a disclaimer for further liability. We are also checking into what local companies do when spraying. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
Anyone who sprays pesticides are required to be licensed and notice is to be given. No matter how little you spray. If your employee is not, both the association and your employee may be liable.
Contact your insurance agent and notify him of your situation. The association most likely has a medical rider to take care of such claims. Your refusal to try and help with the cost could bring in an attorney for the "Injured." Then it really gets expensive.
If the cost is pretty low, the Board my want to just pay the costs from the association operating funds, thereby avoiding a claim with the insurance. But whatever you do you should always notify the Insurance Agent and let him tell you what the next step should be.
If it was an outside landscape contractor who did the spraying then the homeowner and the association can go after them, whether or not they are licensed. I would be very careful on this as it could turn ugly.
Question:
Our association, at the president's urging, has just replaced its second management company in less than a year; he has hired his common-law wife to manage the property, his father to make repairs, his sister to take minutes of meetings. He has appointed Board members without votes of the Board. What steps might the Board take to control this individual?
Answer:
The Board President has a direct conflict of interest and should remove himself from the board or terminate his family members.
You can have the board call a special meeting of the members by submitting a petition signed by 25% or the owners to discuss this conflict, all in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes.
If nothing changes, you can do the same to remove a board member.
A guest of one of our residents was sitting outside a condo eating a smoothie yesterday when our grounds crew started to spray Ortho Weed-B-Gone on the grass approximately 10 feet from where he was seated. He claims to have suffered blurred vision, migraine-type headache above right eye, raw throat, chest pains, and nausea. He is seeking reimbursement for clothing he claims to have destroyed and help with the emergency room bill he encountered. I know you are not an attorney; but, I am asking what the policy is in condo associations with regard to spraying a relatively innocuous lawn product such as Weed-B-Gone. We are trying to decide whether it is best to turn it over to our insurance company, write a letter of apology, put up signs in the future that we will be spraying, or to offer some remuneration with a disclaimer for further liability. We are also checking into what local companies do when spraying. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
Anyone who sprays pesticides are required to be licensed and notice is to be given. No matter how little you spray. If your employee is not, both the association and your employee may be liable.
Contact your insurance agent and notify him of your situation. The association most likely has a medical rider to take care of such claims. Your refusal to try and help with the cost could bring in an attorney for the "Injured." Then it really gets expensive.
If the cost is pretty low, the Board my want to just pay the costs from the association operating funds, thereby avoiding a claim with the insurance. But whatever you do you should always notify the Insurance Agent and let him tell you what the next step should be.
If it was an outside landscape contractor who did the spraying then the homeowner and the association can go after them, whether or not they are licensed. I would be very careful on this as it could turn ugly.
Question:
Our association, at the president's urging, has just replaced its second management company in less than a year; he has hired his common-law wife to manage the property, his father to make repairs, his sister to take minutes of meetings. He has appointed Board members without votes of the Board. What steps might the Board take to control this individual?
Answer:
The Board President has a direct conflict of interest and should remove himself from the board or terminate his family members.
You can have the board call a special meeting of the members by submitting a petition signed by 25% or the owners to discuss this conflict, all in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes.
If nothing changes, you can do the same to remove a board member.
By What Method Can You Manage Child Meltdowns?
Typically, child temper tantrums will frustrate everyone but the youngster and his / her grandfather and grandmother. For the youngster, absolutely nothing would seem wrong, while the grandparents are entertained as they look at their children struggle to relate to their own children. There's also absolutely no avoiding the fact that tantrums can be almost always done by young children to have their way and generally, these fits start off when the youngster is around two years of age; it may then become a habit as these small children mature.
Even so, kids' meltdowns usually start to decrease at around the age of 4, although there are cases where youngsters can continue having emotional fits after they become adults. However, mums and dads mustn't agonize at all, because certain techniques are out there that may assist them in coping with this kind of scenario.
Primarily, it's imperative that you, as a fretful dad or mom, realize the significance of staying level-headed and staying serene, even in the middle of difficult times. Being frustrated is actually the most horrible thing you can do since only a comforting environment will help end a little one's outbursts.
Another thing you need to comprehend is that a fit doesn't automatically imply that the little one is demanding that they be given what they want; such meltdowns may be done due to stress and the little one might not get the right amount of consideration from you. Sometimes, the tantrum could be thrown due to a particular discomfort, for instance, going through a painful sensation as well as having problems with their bellies.
In order to deal with circumstances like this, you have to find a number of techniques that have been proved effective in managing little ones. In the event that your youngster throws a fit crying out that they be allowed to eat ice cream ahead of the evening meal, you could allow them an opportunity to make a decision: they may regain their self-control and eat ice cream soon after dinner, or you may make them transfer to a place in the house where they are not able to disrupt anybody.
When the young child makes a decision to relax, you can commend them and permit them to have ice cream right after dinner. If she / he must be managed, then you must take them to their room and firmly demand that they calm down. Always remember that ideas like these are more powerful when used on rather young children than on somewhat older kids.
In order to deal with child meltdowns, it is imperative that you don't allow yourself to be upset and not permit your blood pressure go up or be too stressed out. In case you don't have the ability to manage your young child, leave the little one's presence for a short period of time, and you have to stay relaxed and then be completely ready to address the child one more time with a sense of resolve and calmness.
The best tactic to put an end to a child's temper tantrums is to determine exactly what has brought on such behaviour, and then eradicate the determined triggers. Do not give in tantrums, but make sure you take the appropriate measures that will keep the kid from experiencing injuries and use reason to encourage the little one to behave properly again.
Even so, kids' meltdowns usually start to decrease at around the age of 4, although there are cases where youngsters can continue having emotional fits after they become adults. However, mums and dads mustn't agonize at all, because certain techniques are out there that may assist them in coping with this kind of scenario.
Primarily, it's imperative that you, as a fretful dad or mom, realize the significance of staying level-headed and staying serene, even in the middle of difficult times. Being frustrated is actually the most horrible thing you can do since only a comforting environment will help end a little one's outbursts.
Another thing you need to comprehend is that a fit doesn't automatically imply that the little one is demanding that they be given what they want; such meltdowns may be done due to stress and the little one might not get the right amount of consideration from you. Sometimes, the tantrum could be thrown due to a particular discomfort, for instance, going through a painful sensation as well as having problems with their bellies.
In order to deal with circumstances like this, you have to find a number of techniques that have been proved effective in managing little ones. In the event that your youngster throws a fit crying out that they be allowed to eat ice cream ahead of the evening meal, you could allow them an opportunity to make a decision: they may regain their self-control and eat ice cream soon after dinner, or you may make them transfer to a place in the house where they are not able to disrupt anybody.
When the young child makes a decision to relax, you can commend them and permit them to have ice cream right after dinner. If she / he must be managed, then you must take them to their room and firmly demand that they calm down. Always remember that ideas like these are more powerful when used on rather young children than on somewhat older kids.
In order to deal with child meltdowns, it is imperative that you don't allow yourself to be upset and not permit your blood pressure go up or be too stressed out. In case you don't have the ability to manage your young child, leave the little one's presence for a short period of time, and you have to stay relaxed and then be completely ready to address the child one more time with a sense of resolve and calmness.
The best tactic to put an end to a child's temper tantrums is to determine exactly what has brought on such behaviour, and then eradicate the determined triggers. Do not give in tantrums, but make sure you take the appropriate measures that will keep the kid from experiencing injuries and use reason to encourage the little one to behave properly again.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Taking Care of Your Parents - Even When They Are In Assisted Living
"I don't know what you are talking about," replied the Executive Director of a very posh Assisted Living Community I had just move my clients into. I had just listed the problems I saw with the care my clients were getting. "We just had our town hall meeting and all the residents said everything was great." I am hearing this clueless response more and more as the number of Greatest Generation seniors continues to fill Assisted Living Communities. Everything is not great, but they will tell you it is, and this is why.
Remember, the Greatest Generation survived the Great Depression as well as fighting WWII and literally saving the world. They came from a time when you learned to just "pull up your boot straps" and get on with your life. No complaining allowed. And that's just what they did. That served them well, then. It isn't serving them now. Now, they are easy prey for those who have figured out that they can neglect or even cheat seniors and have very little chance of it ever being discovered.
By both nature and nurture, Seniors rarely complain. In addition, by the time they have moved into Assisted Living (even posh ones), they are very old, frail and sick and feeling very vulnerable. They are afraid to complain for fear of retribution. Their caregiver just might "accidentally" drop them in the tub later. One client confessed to me recently that her next door neighbor was sleeping on a bare mattress because she was afraid to complain that her laundry hadn't been delivered in 2 weeks.
So what can you do? First and foremost, don't take "Everything is OK" for an answer. Trust,but verify - in much the same way you would do with your teenage children. It is much the same issue. Check their closets, drawers, refrigerators and beds to make sure everything is in place and clean. Ask them some open ended questions: "If you could have anything extra done for you, what would it be?"
Look for increasing dementia. One of the signs of dementia is that the sufferer doesn't recognize that they have it. So what's the use of taking their word for anything? Pay attention, open your ears and eyes and play detective at every visit and phone call. Notice everything and write down any changes or patterns you see that you might want to follow up on immediately or on the next visit. Don't assume that the Assisted Living Community is aware of your parents situation. Refer back to paragraph one!
Don't get me wrong. Senior Care Providers are for the most part, the most kind and caring people in the world. I know because I am one of them. I am proud to be a senior care provider and truly honor those who have a desire to serve. Unfortunately, this industry also attracts those who do not love seniors but rather seek to have power over them. We've seen this is the teaching profession and in other industries surrounding children. Unfortunately, it is exists in the senior world too.
The good news, bad news is this: Our generation won't be so easy. We know how to complain and will willingly do so. Fair warning, Assisted Living Communities: The boomers are coming and we're taking notes, taking numbers and will take no prisoners. In the meantime, protect your beloved Greatest Generation. Your actions now will teach your children how to take care of you later!
Remember, the Greatest Generation survived the Great Depression as well as fighting WWII and literally saving the world. They came from a time when you learned to just "pull up your boot straps" and get on with your life. No complaining allowed. And that's just what they did. That served them well, then. It isn't serving them now. Now, they are easy prey for those who have figured out that they can neglect or even cheat seniors and have very little chance of it ever being discovered.
By both nature and nurture, Seniors rarely complain. In addition, by the time they have moved into Assisted Living (even posh ones), they are very old, frail and sick and feeling very vulnerable. They are afraid to complain for fear of retribution. Their caregiver just might "accidentally" drop them in the tub later. One client confessed to me recently that her next door neighbor was sleeping on a bare mattress because she was afraid to complain that her laundry hadn't been delivered in 2 weeks.
So what can you do? First and foremost, don't take "Everything is OK" for an answer. Trust,but verify - in much the same way you would do with your teenage children. It is much the same issue. Check their closets, drawers, refrigerators and beds to make sure everything is in place and clean. Ask them some open ended questions: "If you could have anything extra done for you, what would it be?"
Look for increasing dementia. One of the signs of dementia is that the sufferer doesn't recognize that they have it. So what's the use of taking their word for anything? Pay attention, open your ears and eyes and play detective at every visit and phone call. Notice everything and write down any changes or patterns you see that you might want to follow up on immediately or on the next visit. Don't assume that the Assisted Living Community is aware of your parents situation. Refer back to paragraph one!
Don't get me wrong. Senior Care Providers are for the most part, the most kind and caring people in the world. I know because I am one of them. I am proud to be a senior care provider and truly honor those who have a desire to serve. Unfortunately, this industry also attracts those who do not love seniors but rather seek to have power over them. We've seen this is the teaching profession and in other industries surrounding children. Unfortunately, it is exists in the senior world too.
The good news, bad news is this: Our generation won't be so easy. We know how to complain and will willingly do so. Fair warning, Assisted Living Communities: The boomers are coming and we're taking notes, taking numbers and will take no prisoners. In the meantime, protect your beloved Greatest Generation. Your actions now will teach your children how to take care of you later!
Learn How to Cure Stress and Anxiety Naturally that Causes Sleepless Nights
Today everyday life brings many pressures, and more and more people are suffering from anxiety and stress, which leads to nights without sleep on a regular basis. The more you miss out on sleep, the harder it becomes to deal with the anxiety and stress that occurs on a daily basis in your life. It is important that you learn to cure stress anxiety if you are going to start getting better sleep at night and it can be done in an all-natural way. There are things you can do to naturally cure stress and eliminate that anxiety from your life that is keeping you awake at night. Here are some excellent tips that can help you get back in control.
Identify The Things Causing Stress and Anxiety
If you are going to naturally cure anxiety and stress, you first need to start by identifying the things that are causing the stress and anxiety in your life. If you don't know what is causing the anxiety to occur, finding the right cures for the stress is going to be impossible. Write down the things causing these problems and find ways to deal with them. As you identify the problem areas in your life, to you can take time to work on them so you can start eliminate that anxiety that is causing the sleepless nights all the time.
Pay Attention to Your Eating Habits
It is important that you pay attention to your eating habits if you are going to cure stress and cure anxiety. It is important to have right diet, making sure you get the nutrients that your body needs. A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals and a good multivitamin can help. Proper nutrition can help the body to deal with the build-up of stress hormones. Avoiding foods that are sugary and greasy should be limited as well, since they can lower the ability of the body to deal with the stress and anxiety. Healthy eating helps the entire body and can be a quality way to cure stress and cure anxiety naturally.
Start Using Meditative Practices
There are a variety of different meditative practices that you can begin using on a regular basis that can help you eliminate those sleepless nights because they will naturally help you cure anxiety and stress. Yoga is one option, and there are other types of meditative practices as well. Taking time out each day to use these practices will help you begin to relax and will alleviate the problems you have with anxiety and stress on a regular basis.
Of course, it is very important to start working on getting enough sleep. As you miss out on sleep, it causes your body more stress, which leads to a vicious circle. It is important that you learn to cure stress and anxiety naturally so you begin sleeping better at night. As you get more sleep, you'll find that it will also help you to eliminate the stress and anxiety from your life and the body will be better able to deal with the stress that occurs on a daily basis.
Identify The Things Causing Stress and Anxiety
If you are going to naturally cure anxiety and stress, you first need to start by identifying the things that are causing the stress and anxiety in your life. If you don't know what is causing the anxiety to occur, finding the right cures for the stress is going to be impossible. Write down the things causing these problems and find ways to deal with them. As you identify the problem areas in your life, to you can take time to work on them so you can start eliminate that anxiety that is causing the sleepless nights all the time.
Pay Attention to Your Eating Habits
It is important that you pay attention to your eating habits if you are going to cure stress and cure anxiety. It is important to have right diet, making sure you get the nutrients that your body needs. A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals and a good multivitamin can help. Proper nutrition can help the body to deal with the build-up of stress hormones. Avoiding foods that are sugary and greasy should be limited as well, since they can lower the ability of the body to deal with the stress and anxiety. Healthy eating helps the entire body and can be a quality way to cure stress and cure anxiety naturally.
Start Using Meditative Practices
There are a variety of different meditative practices that you can begin using on a regular basis that can help you eliminate those sleepless nights because they will naturally help you cure anxiety and stress. Yoga is one option, and there are other types of meditative practices as well. Taking time out each day to use these practices will help you begin to relax and will alleviate the problems you have with anxiety and stress on a regular basis.
Of course, it is very important to start working on getting enough sleep. As you miss out on sleep, it causes your body more stress, which leads to a vicious circle. It is important that you learn to cure stress and anxiety naturally so you begin sleeping better at night. As you get more sleep, you'll find that it will also help you to eliminate the stress and anxiety from your life and the body will be better able to deal with the stress that occurs on a daily basis.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Life of Love From Within
Love is very much a part of life, because loving yourself (whole heartedly and unconditionally), allows you to appreciate who you are and be very proud of yourself at all times on a deeper level.
Love can be defined as an affection of the mind caused by that which delights the individual. So for example, this could be a devoted attachment to yourself (not selfishly though), love for someone, a love affair, or the love of any object of affection.
The love of life involves living life to the full and that includes embracing life with our individual characteristics and nature, and being proud for it.
At the same time we also stretch out to help others (as much as we can) who may need our support, which could be emotional or other support. We are all part of the universal creative energy and each person is precious in their own special way. Hence we learn from one another on a daily basis.
Loving life involves filling ourselves with love so that we can then overflow to reach out to those who may need our care and affection. Life is a moving process and never stands still, hence the love of life also means embracing and overcoming the challenges in our special way.
Infact, when you begin to hold the thoughts of "love" in your consciousness and truly let the feelings sink into your subconciousness, you'll begin to notice an air of happiness that makes you feel really good and all around you will notice your countenance and the magnetic energy that you radiate. Such is the power of love.
So to enjoy and attract love with fulfilment and happiness from within, the key thing is to endeavour as much as possible to seek the things that puts you in a loving and happy state of mind.
Always ask yourself the question about what you really love, and try to carefully write these down, noting the feelings you generate while jotting each point.
This way you can become conscious of the things you really love and gradually you'll begin to attract more of your desires which include the material conditions and persons into your life, as corresponding to your inner love desires.
The way to a true and deeper life of love and happiness is always from within and you can seek this by first of all becoming conscious of those things that give you inner peace, happiness, and a fulfilled life of love and contentment.
Love can be defined as an affection of the mind caused by that which delights the individual. So for example, this could be a devoted attachment to yourself (not selfishly though), love for someone, a love affair, or the love of any object of affection.
The love of life involves living life to the full and that includes embracing life with our individual characteristics and nature, and being proud for it.
At the same time we also stretch out to help others (as much as we can) who may need our support, which could be emotional or other support. We are all part of the universal creative energy and each person is precious in their own special way. Hence we learn from one another on a daily basis.
Loving life involves filling ourselves with love so that we can then overflow to reach out to those who may need our care and affection. Life is a moving process and never stands still, hence the love of life also means embracing and overcoming the challenges in our special way.
Infact, when you begin to hold the thoughts of "love" in your consciousness and truly let the feelings sink into your subconciousness, you'll begin to notice an air of happiness that makes you feel really good and all around you will notice your countenance and the magnetic energy that you radiate. Such is the power of love.
So to enjoy and attract love with fulfilment and happiness from within, the key thing is to endeavour as much as possible to seek the things that puts you in a loving and happy state of mind.
Always ask yourself the question about what you really love, and try to carefully write these down, noting the feelings you generate while jotting each point.
This way you can become conscious of the things you really love and gradually you'll begin to attract more of your desires which include the material conditions and persons into your life, as corresponding to your inner love desires.
The way to a true and deeper life of love and happiness is always from within and you can seek this by first of all becoming conscious of those things that give you inner peace, happiness, and a fulfilled life of love and contentment.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Why Do Parents Enroll Children in Music Lessons?
If you've read my previous articles, you already know about the advantage of music education for children and how your child will benefit from voice lessons or playing musical instruments. Today we will cover that invisible motivational power that forces some parents to enroll their children in music education.
I suggest that, before you do this, you define exactly what you want from your children. If you're happy with the idea, they will likely go along well with it, too. Your moods and thoughts imperceptibly creep into the consciousness of your child every hour and minute of the day. Our little family members consider us, their parents, to be the authority in everything. And some of us manage to maintain that authority through the teen years and even until the end of their lives.
When I was writing "Voices of our Children", I re-read several old records I had kept from previous years. Many of them detailed conversations I had with parents who brought their children to music school for the first time.
The first meeting among parent, child and teacher is very significant. Everyone gets to know each other and things usually go very well in these introductory stages. But according to available statistics, only 1 percent (!) of parents is convinced at the very beginning that their child will become at least a very good musician. The other 99 percent bring their children with this thought: "Let's do this and then see what comes of it."
At one of the large conferences for music teachers organized by the Ministry of Culture of Russia in the Far East, I heard a phrase from one of the speakers that particularly drew my attention. He said: "It is a pity that those who are not as dedicated to music education do not hold conferences like these. Imagine how many mistakes could have been avoided during lessons?"
Whatever a person does for a living, in order for him to make a difference, he must have a passion and true zest for what he does. The child is not an exception. Parents know perfectly well that if their child is interested in something, he persistently asks for it. And no one will deny that a child's true interest in music is a must during lessons and practice homework. So, it's integral that parents are highly cognizant of their children's thoughts.
You may be thinking, "Is it really necessary for my child to study with constant interest; that is, with pleasure, all the time?" That's a good question, because sometimes it is necessary to forget your "wants" and tune in to your child's natural attraction to (or away from) music.
And certainly, every one of us must struggle and strain and make ourselves do something - even those things that we are passionate about. But this only occurs occasionally. If you force yourself to play music time and time again, you will slip into depression and possibly lose interest in everything, in addition to the dread of practicing homework, etc.
It is impossible to compare the mentality of an adult with that of a child and use yourself as an example, saying something like, "I too do not want to go for work; however, I do." In comparison to children, our life experience is much larger and our attitude to specific events is far more stable. In other words, we must work in order to make a living; to stay alive! Children do not have to play music to stay alive. So, these are two very different life experiences, and it amazes me that parents sometimes just don't see it that way.
So if you think it's time to force your child to prepare for music lessons, by all means do it, but do not make a habit out of it - and if your child is happy with every second lesson, it would be great to make sure that he constantly studies with interest. How can you do this? Hopefully, by finding a very good teacher who, in due time will suggest different ways of working with your child on a distinctly individual basis. It is only through cooperation with the teacher you can constantly promote and support your child's interest in music. If the options the teacher offers do not work, then make the necessary conclusions and modifications.
Where do parents get the information on how other children are doing at music lessons or prepare for them at home? Is it possible to read about it in books? Can you get the information in libraries?
Certainly, those are good resources, but you don't have to go that far, necessarily. Parents can hear about this from their child's teacher. A good teacher of music will openly and happily tell you about other students' experiences. But the main "news source" for parents is deceptively simple: other parents! The parental exchange of information is invaluable in that they can share stories that happened to their child, and vice versa. This makes it easier for Mom and Dad to compare the achievements of their own children to others. This is where they learn about difficulties in music education, such as when children immediately or gradually lose the interest and desire to study.
Unfortunately for parents, however, this exchange of information and/or the recognition that their child might be losing interest occurs too late, and no one can clearly explain to them the real reasons the child's interest vanished. And without finding a "quick fix" or a solution to this problem, again, your chances of re-enrolling your child are slim, because he isn't going to be interested in it! Also, by this time, the next group of parents step into the same "puddle," and as a result, your child will never complete music education. "What can I do, then?" you ask. I suggest that you learn and try to understand what not to do.
I suggest that, before you do this, you define exactly what you want from your children. If you're happy with the idea, they will likely go along well with it, too. Your moods and thoughts imperceptibly creep into the consciousness of your child every hour and minute of the day. Our little family members consider us, their parents, to be the authority in everything. And some of us manage to maintain that authority through the teen years and even until the end of their lives.
When I was writing "Voices of our Children", I re-read several old records I had kept from previous years. Many of them detailed conversations I had with parents who brought their children to music school for the first time.
The first meeting among parent, child and teacher is very significant. Everyone gets to know each other and things usually go very well in these introductory stages. But according to available statistics, only 1 percent (!) of parents is convinced at the very beginning that their child will become at least a very good musician. The other 99 percent bring their children with this thought: "Let's do this and then see what comes of it."
At one of the large conferences for music teachers organized by the Ministry of Culture of Russia in the Far East, I heard a phrase from one of the speakers that particularly drew my attention. He said: "It is a pity that those who are not as dedicated to music education do not hold conferences like these. Imagine how many mistakes could have been avoided during lessons?"
Whatever a person does for a living, in order for him to make a difference, he must have a passion and true zest for what he does. The child is not an exception. Parents know perfectly well that if their child is interested in something, he persistently asks for it. And no one will deny that a child's true interest in music is a must during lessons and practice homework. So, it's integral that parents are highly cognizant of their children's thoughts.
You may be thinking, "Is it really necessary for my child to study with constant interest; that is, with pleasure, all the time?" That's a good question, because sometimes it is necessary to forget your "wants" and tune in to your child's natural attraction to (or away from) music.
And certainly, every one of us must struggle and strain and make ourselves do something - even those things that we are passionate about. But this only occurs occasionally. If you force yourself to play music time and time again, you will slip into depression and possibly lose interest in everything, in addition to the dread of practicing homework, etc.
It is impossible to compare the mentality of an adult with that of a child and use yourself as an example, saying something like, "I too do not want to go for work; however, I do." In comparison to children, our life experience is much larger and our attitude to specific events is far more stable. In other words, we must work in order to make a living; to stay alive! Children do not have to play music to stay alive. So, these are two very different life experiences, and it amazes me that parents sometimes just don't see it that way.
So if you think it's time to force your child to prepare for music lessons, by all means do it, but do not make a habit out of it - and if your child is happy with every second lesson, it would be great to make sure that he constantly studies with interest. How can you do this? Hopefully, by finding a very good teacher who, in due time will suggest different ways of working with your child on a distinctly individual basis. It is only through cooperation with the teacher you can constantly promote and support your child's interest in music. If the options the teacher offers do not work, then make the necessary conclusions and modifications.
Where do parents get the information on how other children are doing at music lessons or prepare for them at home? Is it possible to read about it in books? Can you get the information in libraries?
Certainly, those are good resources, but you don't have to go that far, necessarily. Parents can hear about this from their child's teacher. A good teacher of music will openly and happily tell you about other students' experiences. But the main "news source" for parents is deceptively simple: other parents! The parental exchange of information is invaluable in that they can share stories that happened to their child, and vice versa. This makes it easier for Mom and Dad to compare the achievements of their own children to others. This is where they learn about difficulties in music education, such as when children immediately or gradually lose the interest and desire to study.
Unfortunately for parents, however, this exchange of information and/or the recognition that their child might be losing interest occurs too late, and no one can clearly explain to them the real reasons the child's interest vanished. And without finding a "quick fix" or a solution to this problem, again, your chances of re-enrolling your child are slim, because he isn't going to be interested in it! Also, by this time, the next group of parents step into the same "puddle," and as a result, your child will never complete music education. "What can I do, then?" you ask. I suggest that you learn and try to understand what not to do.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Does Purity of Heart Means You�ll Live a Sinless Life?
This is another of the Beatitudes that has been grossly perverted by the enemies of the Lord, enemies who have, like their predecessors the Pharisees, posed as the champions of the truth and boasted of a sanctity superior to that which the true people of God would dare to claim. All through this Christian era, also, there have been poor, deluded souls who have claimed an entire purification of the old man. Others have insisted that God has so completely renewed them that the carnal nature has been eradicated, so that they not only commit no sins but have no sinful desires or thoughts. But the Spirit-inspired Apostle John declares, �If we say that we have [present tense] no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us� (1 John 1:8).
Of course, such people appeal to the Scriptures in support of their vain delusion, applying to experience verses that describe the legal benefits of the Atonement. The words �and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin� (1 John 1:7) do not mean that our hearts have been washed from every trace of the corrupting defilements of evil, but primarily teach that the sacrifice of Christ has availed for the judicial blotting out of sins. When the Apostle Paul, describing the man who is a new creature in Christ, says that �old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new� (2 Corinthians 5:17), he is speaking of the new disposition of the Christian�s heart, which is wholly unlike his inner disposition prior to the Holy Spirit�s work of regeneration.
That purity of heart does not mean sinlessness of life is clear from the inspired record of the history of God�s saints. Noah got drunk; Abraham equivocated; Moses disobeyed God; Job cursed the day of his birth; Elijah fled in terror from Jezebel; Peter denied Christ. �Yes,� perhaps someone will exclaim, �but all these things transpired before Christianity was established!� True, but it has also been the same since then. Where shall we go to find a Christian of superior attainments to those of the Apostle Paul?
And what was his experience? Read Romans 7 and see. When he would do good, evil was present with him (v. 21). There was a law in his members, warring against the law of his mind, and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin that was in his members (v. 23). He did, with the mind, serve the Law of God; nevertheless, with the flesh he served the law of sin (v. 25).
The truth is that one of the most conclusive evidences that we do possess a pure heart is the discovery and consciousness of the remaining impurity that continues to plague our hearts. But let us come closer to our text. �Blessed are the pure in heart.� In seeking an interpretation to any part of this Sermon on the Mount, the first thing to bear in mind is that those whom our Lord was addressing had been reared in Judaism. As one said who was deeply taught of the Spirit, I cannot help thinking that our Lord, in using the terms before us, had a tacit reference to that character of external sanctity or purity which belonged to the Jewish people, and to that privilege of intercourse with God which was connected with that character.
They were a people separated from the nations polluted with idolatry; set apart as holy to Jehovah; and, as a holy people, they were permitted to draw near to their God, the only living and true God, in the ordinances of His worship. On the possession of this character, and on the enjoyment of this privilege, the Jewish people plumed themselves.
A higher character, however, and a higher privilege, belonged to those who should be the subjects of the Messiah�s reign. They should not only be externally holy, but �pure in heart�; and they should not merely be allowed to approach towards the holy place, where God�s honor dwelt, but they should �see God,� be introduced into the most intimate intercourse with Him.
Of course, such people appeal to the Scriptures in support of their vain delusion, applying to experience verses that describe the legal benefits of the Atonement. The words �and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin� (1 John 1:7) do not mean that our hearts have been washed from every trace of the corrupting defilements of evil, but primarily teach that the sacrifice of Christ has availed for the judicial blotting out of sins. When the Apostle Paul, describing the man who is a new creature in Christ, says that �old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new� (2 Corinthians 5:17), he is speaking of the new disposition of the Christian�s heart, which is wholly unlike his inner disposition prior to the Holy Spirit�s work of regeneration.
That purity of heart does not mean sinlessness of life is clear from the inspired record of the history of God�s saints. Noah got drunk; Abraham equivocated; Moses disobeyed God; Job cursed the day of his birth; Elijah fled in terror from Jezebel; Peter denied Christ. �Yes,� perhaps someone will exclaim, �but all these things transpired before Christianity was established!� True, but it has also been the same since then. Where shall we go to find a Christian of superior attainments to those of the Apostle Paul?
And what was his experience? Read Romans 7 and see. When he would do good, evil was present with him (v. 21). There was a law in his members, warring against the law of his mind, and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin that was in his members (v. 23). He did, with the mind, serve the Law of God; nevertheless, with the flesh he served the law of sin (v. 25).
The truth is that one of the most conclusive evidences that we do possess a pure heart is the discovery and consciousness of the remaining impurity that continues to plague our hearts. But let us come closer to our text. �Blessed are the pure in heart.� In seeking an interpretation to any part of this Sermon on the Mount, the first thing to bear in mind is that those whom our Lord was addressing had been reared in Judaism. As one said who was deeply taught of the Spirit, I cannot help thinking that our Lord, in using the terms before us, had a tacit reference to that character of external sanctity or purity which belonged to the Jewish people, and to that privilege of intercourse with God which was connected with that character.
They were a people separated from the nations polluted with idolatry; set apart as holy to Jehovah; and, as a holy people, they were permitted to draw near to their God, the only living and true God, in the ordinances of His worship. On the possession of this character, and on the enjoyment of this privilege, the Jewish people plumed themselves.
A higher character, however, and a higher privilege, belonged to those who should be the subjects of the Messiah�s reign. They should not only be externally holy, but �pure in heart�; and they should not merely be allowed to approach towards the holy place, where God�s honor dwelt, but they should �see God,� be introduced into the most intimate intercourse with Him.
Investing in Real Estate Today
Location is still a major consideration when it comes to building residential and or commercial structures. We live in a world that has limited space and with the migration of people towards trading cities or areas wherein commerce and trade is heavy; land utilization becomes more and more stressed. Therefore the need to build up, or higher rise, high density units is not only practical, but even necessary. And for that reason, the value of land seems to increase every year. Despite the present financial condition, which has been improving, it is still good to invest in real estate. Real estate is a limited resource, maybe a dwindling one and purchasing land is good business.
If you look at the development of hotels especially in the trading cities, those that are older or were originally developed where close if not central to the city. Hotels in the Cardiff city centre are examples of such. These hotels are very popular because of its location and are frequently booked during the working week. During the weekends, it may be a different story as businessmen and traders from out of town go back to their own respective places and these hotel In the Cardiff city centre compensate for the lack of bookings by enticing the local residents to either stay at the hotel with great weekend packages, or offer great deals with the restaurants, bars, and grill. Because of their ideal location, these hotels generally do well for such promotions.
In the area of residential housing, the development of suburbs or sub urban areas was due to the rising cost of land in the city. Purchasing property just out of the city and developing them into massive housing places or gated communities is another way of developing land. Huge tracts of agriculture land are slowly being transformed into housing clusters that serve those who can afford it. These developments in real estate can be for modest middle income families to the affluent and wealthy in our present society. Some may choose to live in such areas because of their budget and have to commute to work on a daily basis while others opt for living away from the city hoping to find some peace and tranquility in a place that still has more greenery than skyscrapers. Still, location is a consideration as closer to the city increases the value of the land. Whatever place you decide to choose to reside, just know that sooner or later, the value of that place will appreciate. They don't make land any more.
If you look at the development of hotels especially in the trading cities, those that are older or were originally developed where close if not central to the city. Hotels in the Cardiff city centre are examples of such. These hotels are very popular because of its location and are frequently booked during the working week. During the weekends, it may be a different story as businessmen and traders from out of town go back to their own respective places and these hotel In the Cardiff city centre compensate for the lack of bookings by enticing the local residents to either stay at the hotel with great weekend packages, or offer great deals with the restaurants, bars, and grill. Because of their ideal location, these hotels generally do well for such promotions.
In the area of residential housing, the development of suburbs or sub urban areas was due to the rising cost of land in the city. Purchasing property just out of the city and developing them into massive housing places or gated communities is another way of developing land. Huge tracts of agriculture land are slowly being transformed into housing clusters that serve those who can afford it. These developments in real estate can be for modest middle income families to the affluent and wealthy in our present society. Some may choose to live in such areas because of their budget and have to commute to work on a daily basis while others opt for living away from the city hoping to find some peace and tranquility in a place that still has more greenery than skyscrapers. Still, location is a consideration as closer to the city increases the value of the land. Whatever place you decide to choose to reside, just know that sooner or later, the value of that place will appreciate. They don't make land any more.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Strong Cover Letter Separates Winners From Also-rans
There is no question about it. A strong cover letter (aka sales letter)�can make the difference in your search for a job by separating your job application from the slush pile of resumes that accumulates on the desks of hiring officials.
In most instances, your cover letter will be your first and only opportunity to make a good first impression on the potential employer.
It's purpose is simple: gain the attention of the potential employer and encourage him to move on to study your resume which you hope will result in an interview and a job offer. It is meant to open the door so you can make the case that your training and experience qualify you as the best answer for the needs of the employer.
Career Advice: A Few Minutes Is All You Get
You only have a few minutes to grab attention and make your main point. Make your letter brief, to the point and well written...never more than one page, no matter how fascinating feel your selling messages are.
There's absolutely no allowance for mistakes in grammar and spelling. "Type write" your lette...no hand written notes. Use top quality stationery. Make it first class all the way. A sloppy letter will stop your application dead in its track.
Career Tip: Your Letter Should Be Comprised of Three Parts.
The Opening:
Personalize your letter by addressing it to a person and a title. Double check to make sure you've used the correct address. Cookie-cutter letters are a waste of time.
The first paragraph serves as the headline. Its task is to compel the reader to continue reading. Do not exceed 40 words. Relate to the employer by demonstrating that you are interested and resourceful enough to have accumulated knowledge about the business as well as the opening for which you are applying. The selling message:
Refer to the enclosed resume; summarize the reasons that the assets you bring to the table are aligned with the needs and interests of the potential employer. Deal with overall facts; leave the details to your resume.
The Closing:
Clearly state that you are seeking an opportunity for an interview to discuss in depth how your training and experience can be put to work for the employer. Say you will follow up by telephone to set up and interview at a place and time that is convenient for the employer.
Assure Total Quality and Relevance of Your Job Application
Have a third party (hopefully someone with strong talents in composition, grammar and proof-reading) to edit your sales letter and resume. Mistakes signal a lack of attention and ignorance.
Run a quality control check on the letter and resume.
1. Is it logical and easily understood? Is the layout easy and quick to read?
2. Is it persuasive?
3. Is it free of errors?
4. Does it convey a message of quality and professionalism?
5. Is the message expressed in terms of benefits to the employer? Did you use dynamic, action-oriented words and terms?
6. Does the message include a call for action?
Bottom line: Your resume will be awash in a sea of applications, all of which are clamoring for attention. A strong sales letter can make the difference between your becoming a serious candidate for a job and an applicant who never gets considered.
In most instances, your cover letter will be your first and only opportunity to make a good first impression on the potential employer.
It's purpose is simple: gain the attention of the potential employer and encourage him to move on to study your resume which you hope will result in an interview and a job offer. It is meant to open the door so you can make the case that your training and experience qualify you as the best answer for the needs of the employer.
Career Advice: A Few Minutes Is All You Get
You only have a few minutes to grab attention and make your main point. Make your letter brief, to the point and well written...never more than one page, no matter how fascinating feel your selling messages are.
There's absolutely no allowance for mistakes in grammar and spelling. "Type write" your lette...no hand written notes. Use top quality stationery. Make it first class all the way. A sloppy letter will stop your application dead in its track.
Career Tip: Your Letter Should Be Comprised of Three Parts.
The Opening:
Personalize your letter by addressing it to a person and a title. Double check to make sure you've used the correct address. Cookie-cutter letters are a waste of time.
The first paragraph serves as the headline. Its task is to compel the reader to continue reading. Do not exceed 40 words. Relate to the employer by demonstrating that you are interested and resourceful enough to have accumulated knowledge about the business as well as the opening for which you are applying. The selling message:
Refer to the enclosed resume; summarize the reasons that the assets you bring to the table are aligned with the needs and interests of the potential employer. Deal with overall facts; leave the details to your resume.
The Closing:
Clearly state that you are seeking an opportunity for an interview to discuss in depth how your training and experience can be put to work for the employer. Say you will follow up by telephone to set up and interview at a place and time that is convenient for the employer.
Assure Total Quality and Relevance of Your Job Application
Have a third party (hopefully someone with strong talents in composition, grammar and proof-reading) to edit your sales letter and resume. Mistakes signal a lack of attention and ignorance.
Run a quality control check on the letter and resume.
1. Is it logical and easily understood? Is the layout easy and quick to read?
2. Is it persuasive?
3. Is it free of errors?
4. Does it convey a message of quality and professionalism?
5. Is the message expressed in terms of benefits to the employer? Did you use dynamic, action-oriented words and terms?
6. Does the message include a call for action?
Bottom line: Your resume will be awash in a sea of applications, all of which are clamoring for attention. A strong sales letter can make the difference between your becoming a serious candidate for a job and an applicant who never gets considered.
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