Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.
One thing every golfer will agree on is no golf course is ever the same. While playing different courses is fun and challenging, playing ones home course, no matter how many times it is done, is always going to be different.
Yes, it is the same course, nothing has been changed, except for the position of the cup on the green, but no golf course is ever exactly the same two days in a row, or, for that matter, the same day.
Will Smith in the movie “The Legend of Bagger Vance” told his protégé how the grass follows the sun, which means a putt that broke one way in the morning will break in the opposite direction in the afternoon.
Another thing that makes the same course different every day is the weather conditions. Weather plays a big factor in golf, and how a course plays. A wet course will play slower and the ball will not travel as far after hitting the ground. On a dry course, the ball will roll farther after hitting the turf.
A course will also play differently in hot or cold weather. Colder weather keeps the ball from traveling as far, while a well hit ball will go further on a warm or hot day. Additionally, if an area has been dry for any length of time, the fairways, unless they are watered heavily every day, will become as hard as concrete and provide extra distance once the ball hits the ground.
Then comes the golfer’s attitude. Yes, the frame of mind a golfer is in will have a direct affect on how well he or she plays and reacts to the course. Golf is a game requiring a calm, focused mind, so the player can concentrate on what he or she is trying to do on any particular shot.
One other thing that will make the same course play differently is how the grounds are kept. If the fairway is allowed to grow a little long, balls will not be able to roll as far, whereas, if they are kept trimmed close to the ground, the ball will roll further.
The rough is a whole other problem, as are other obstacles on the course, such as sprinkler heads. The rough is always going to be thick and hard to play out of, but a heavy, wet rough makes it almost impossible for a golfer to do much more than simply attempt to chip back onto the fairway. Sprinkler heads, which are positioned all over the course, will have an adverse affect on a ball that happens to hit them.
Believe it or not, who a person is playing with, or if he or she is playing alone when he or she normally plays with someone else will affect the way the course is played. So, this only goes to show how the same course, no matter how many times a person plays it, is never the same course twice.
Knowing enough about golf courses to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you’ve just learned about golf courses, you should have nothing to worry about.
Unchecked gutter leaks can wreak havoc on even the newest homes. Replacing old gutters also prevents home water damage. This relatively common issue makes properly installed and maintained gutters a vital, yet often overlooked, part of a house’s exterior. If you have damaged, clogged or low capacity gutters, overflowing water can lead to drainage issues, and ultimately water damage to the wood, siding and dry wall of your home. Gutter Replacement to Prevent Home Water Damage
Properly functioning gutters help your home hold up under harsh weather conditions. When it rains, water flows off the roof into gutters, which directs the water away from the house. This drainage system ensures that water is not able to pool on your roof and leak under shingles ultimately entering and damaging the interior of your home. There’s a variety of reasons why your current gutters may be inadequate and in need of replacement, including:
- Severe blockage due to fallen leaves and other debris
- Low capacity gutters, which cannot handle the volume of water that comes with heavy rainfall
- Damaged gutters, which can be caused by icing over in the winter, and general wear and tear
Replacing your current gutters with a RainPro gutter system by Integrity Home Pro, can help you avoid the costly repairs that come with water damage. The uniquely designed RainPro gutter system offers two great benefits that most gutter systems do not: These custom built systems are well-built to last for years, and they come in a variety of styles to match your home.
No matter what style your home is, you’ll find a RainPro gutter system that compliments it. At Integrity Home Pro, we don’t think you should have to sacrifice looks for quality in a gutter system. The RainPro gutters have a refined look, and come in a variety of color options, that contributes to your home’s unique style. And since each RainPro system is custom configured for your home, we’ll send contract professionals to measure the perimeter of your house to ensure a perfect fit.
The RainPro gutter system by Integrity Home Pro is built to last. Manufactured to be about 18% thicker than standard gutters, RainPro gutters hold up longer, and can withstand harsher weather conditions. They’re also better at handling the heavy rains, since the gutter bottoms and downspouts are larger than in most residential gutters. And, since each system is protected by a ScratchGuard paint coating, there is very little upkeep and maintenance, just great looking gutters that are built to last. If you’re interested in a free consultation, contact Integrity Home Pro and ask about our RainPro gutter system today.
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Empty nesters, retirees and busy baby boomers can all take advantage of travel deals to plan a great getaway. If you’re over age 50, there’s a bargain for you. Bargains for Travelers over 50
National Parks. The America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass. For $10, U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over can get a lifetime pass to any federal recreation site, which admits the pass holder and all car passengers in for free. It also provides a 50 percent discount on some fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming and boating. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. Visit www.nps.gov for more details.
Educational Tours
Don’t let the name fool you – Elderhostel offers nearly 8000 educational tours in all 50 states and in 90 countries around the world. Their Web site, www.elderhostel.org, showcases many tours under $600 including:
- A three-night Napa Valley winery trip
- A five-night service trip in Maryland to help build a Heifer Global Village
- A one-night Dine Like a Critic experience in Cambridge, MA
- A three-day digital photography class in Raquette Lake, New York
Cruises
There are cruise deals aplenty these days. Talking with a travel agent and searching online can turn up some significant savings. If you are interested in a specialty cruise for seniors only, visitwww.cruisecompete.com, a cost comparison site. Searching under the seniors category will list offerings from various cruise lines and lets you compare features and pricing. Cruises for the end of 2009 and well into 2010 are listed.
Active Vacations
If sitting around the pool is too tame for you, look into the many active vacations available. The travel site www.away.com lists the Top 10 Active Baby Boomer Vacations. Affordable options include biking in Vermont, birding in Alaska,
trekking the Appalachian Trail in Maine, horseback riding in Wyoming, hiking in Colorado.
There is also Passport in Time, a volunteer archaeology and historic preservation program of the USDA Forest Service. Work with professional archaeologists and historians on archaeological survey and excavation, rock art restoration, archival research, historic structure restoration, oral history gathering, and analysis and curation of artifacts. You must submit an application, be chosen, and be ready to pitch a tent or pay for accommodations nearby. Find out more at www.passportintime.com.
GENERAL MONEY-SAVING TIPS
- Joining AARP nets discounts on hotels, rental cars, vacation packages and more. At www.aarp.org, they also have a Trend Tracker that lets you evaluate the least expensive hotel and flight prices for the time of year you want to travel.
- Combining air fare, hotel and rental car costs under a package deal can often save quite a bit of money. Do some homework, however, and compare the package price with the total cost of booking each element separately to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Sign up for promotional emails from several hotel, airline and travel sites, such aswww.expedia.com, www.orbitz.com and www.travelocity.com. You’ll receive alerts on special promotions and fare reductions. Sites such as www.transitionsabroad.com have helpful travel tips and resources that can save you time and money.
Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home isn’t as hard as it may sound. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. 10 Easy Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden
Once you’ve prepared your garden plot, select one or all of the following vegetables, and then get growing:
- Lettuce – Plant lettuce seeds directly into the garden or a pot then repeat every two weeks throughout the spring. It can be cut a few weeks after planting. Some harvest lettuce by pulling it up – roots and all – but cutting a little off the top every few days will keep it growing until summer’s heat turns it too bitter.
- Spinach – This vitamin-packed green is planted and harvested just like lettuce.
- Cucumbers – Once the danger of frost has passed, make several mounds of dirt near the edge of your garden and place 2-3 plants around the center of each. Cucumbers are notorious for growing vines that overtake other plants. So, be vigilant about keeping them contained.
- Squash – Like cucumbers, summer squash is planted on small mounds at the edges of a garden so their vines can be contained. Most varieties, such as yellow squash and zucchini, are quite prolific and just a few plants will feed a large family all summer long.
- Green Beans – Early in the spring plant green bean seeds directly into the soil. They should be planted in a long row under a tall fence, trellis or other support system. They love to climb. Sow out more seeds every two weeks for a continual harvest through the summer.
- Tomatoes – Purchase plants from your local garden center, making sure to get those which grow best in your area of the country. All plants should be staked or enclosed in a tomato cage because successful plants produce an abundance of large, heavy fruit throughout the summer months.
- Radishes – Radish seeds should be planted directly into the soil as early in the spring as possible. Keep planting new rows every two weeks until mid-spring. They grow quickly so should be checked and harvested often. Once summer sets in, radishes become spongy and too hot to eat. So, enjoy early in the season.
- Bell Pepper – Bell peppers are easiest to grow from plants. Space them about a foot apart and then watch them take off. Little care is required. The only real trick to growing bell peppers is knowing when to harvest. If you’re growing red, orange or yellow varieties, they’ll start out green then turn color as soon as they ripen.
- Carrots – Dig a long, shallow trench in soil that is free of rock. Sprinkle the seeds along the row, cover lightly with topsoil and wait for the top of the carrot to pop through the soil. Once a bit of orange appears, pull and enjoy.
- Beets – Nothing beats a beet for its earthy, sweet taste. They should be planted from seed as soon as the ground can be worked in early spring.
Whether a patient faces a simple health problem, such as a head cold, or one as complex as Alzheimer’s disease, easing the symptoms is often as important as resolving the issue itself. Yet for the more than 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, treating the symptoms is even more vital. Easing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life, mood and personality changes, and difficulty solving otherwise simple daily tasks.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Of the top 10 causes of death, it is the only one for which there is no cure or preventive measure. However, research suggests that addressing one early facet of the disease – decreased blood sugar in brain cells, also known as diminished cerebral glucose metabolism (DCGM) – may help relieve symptoms for certain people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
In a healthy brain, glucose is the primary energy source. A brain affected by Alzheimer’s doesn’t process glucose into energy as efficiently as a healthy brain.
“Unlike other cells in the body that can metabolize fats as fuel, brain cells rely on glucose (sugar) for their primary energy source,” says Dr. Richard S. Isaacson, associate professor of clinical neurology and vice chair of education at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. “One aspect of Alzheimer’s is that it hinders the brain’s ability to use glucose, and this significantly affects brain function.”
“DCGM is an early feature of Alzheimer’s disease, represented by region-specific declines in brain glucose – or energy – metabolism,” Isaacson says. “DCGM correlates with both the cognitive decline and the pathology associated with Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that addressing DCGM may help mitigate symptoms for some patients.”
Providing brain cells with an alternative energy source may help ease the effects of DCGM, while enhancing memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. One prescription-only medical food aims at helping Alzheimer’s patients by addressing DCGM – Axona by Accera, Inc.
The easy-to-mix, once-daily drink is currently the only prescription therapy for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s that addresses the link between the brain’s inability to process and use glucose with the degenerative symptoms of Alzheimer’s by providing the brain with an alternative energy source. The liver digests and metabolizes Axona to produce the naturally occurring compounds – ketones- that the brain can use as an alternative energy source. Patients or caregivers mix the powder with other liquids or foods and take it once a day in conjunction with commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s medications.
“More research is necessary to determine the exact reasons why DCGM can have profound effects on cognition over the long term,” Isaacson says. “When blood glucose drops rapidly, significant decline in cognitive function occurs and may be accompanied by confusion, coma and even brain death.”
While Axona is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, it can help some patients mitigate the symptoms of the disease. Doctors and caregivers of patients using Axona have reported patients appear more alert and engaged in daily activities and conversations. “If you or a family member experience symptoms such as poor short-term memory, changes in behavior and difficulty with language, see your doctor for a full evaluation,” says Isaacson.
Noticing foot coverings is a habit that many people practice without giving much thought. Many people will notice that a friend or co-worker is sporting a new pair of heels and soles before noticing a new tie or new hair cut. Many people automatically look a person’s shoes without giving a second thought as to why they look at a person’s feet.
Some men will not leave their house without a polished shine on their shoe whereas some men do not even own a shoe shine kit. But the reality is that if a man wants to make a good impression he should keep his shoe wear polished at all times. A pair of shoe covers that are polished show that the person cares about his appearance and is worthy of respect.
Pick the right color of shoe based on the color of the suit. The brown shoe matches the brown or light colored suit. The black shoe goes with the black, blue, or dark colored suit. The burgundy colored shoe goes with any color suit because burgundy is a neutral color. The belt should match the color of the shoe so wear a brown belt with the brown shoe and a black belt with black shoe wear.
One’s wardrobe should have more than two or three pairs so that the foot gear will last longer. It is believed that alternating foot gear will add life to the heels and soles. For instance a pair will last longer if worn every third day rather than every day which will help stretch one’s wardrobe budget.
Be good to the feet covers and they will last longer and will stand up better to natural wear and tear. Always use shoe trees when to keep the leather from cracking. Without shoe trees the leather will collapse and develop unsightly lines and cracks.
Casual foot gear that requires no laces can be a convenient choice because there are times when foot ware has to be removed. For instance some people ask visitors to remove their foot covers before entering their home because of cultural reasons or because they have a new carpet. The slip on foot ware is perfect when visiting a home where one is asked to check his foot ware at the door.
Mens shoes do not always get as much attention as do women’s but men are catching up as far as foot ware collections are concerned. People notice new foot ware before they notice a new hair cut or a new tie because for some reason people are fixated on foot ware and will also notice a shined shoe and a shoe that is dirty and scuffed. Burgundy is a universal color because it goes with any color suit. Alternating foot ware will make the heals and soles last longer and will stretch one’s apparel budget. Shoe trees keep the leather from cracking and will extend the life of the shoe leather.Available in the market for Womens Puma Drift Cat? Get the ultimate low down on the best sneakers and apparel now in our complete cheap puma shoes guide.
There are many factors in determining the value of an antique doll. For instance, you should consider the age, originality, quality, size, clothing, markings and body type of the doll. Determine the Value of Antique Dolls
Age
It may surprise you that age is not the determining factor in considering value of an antique doll. Certainly, if a doll is rare as well as old, the value increases. Is the doll readily available? Is the doll a one of a kind? It is interesting to note, that many 20th century mass produced dolls are more valuable than older, rarer dolls.
Completely Original?
If an antique doll is completely original, including all body parts, wig, eyes, clothing etc. it is much more valuable than many dolls we find today, that are “put together” dolls. This means that the doll has been recreated using an assortment of genuine antique parts, but the parts are not original to the actual doll. Finding a completely original doll today is becoming harder and harder to find, so don’t pass up a beautiful doll just because her clothing or wig may not be original.
Quality of the Doll
Two doll heads from the same doll mold can look very different, and have equally different values. The talent of the artist painting the dolls had a lot to do with this. Always select the best quality of a particular mold that you can find. Look for uniform painting, smooth clear bisque, realistic coloring and nicely set eyes. Avoid dolls with unevenly painted brows and lips, black spots in the porcelain and eyes that are not set properly, often giving dolls a cross eyed appearance.
Size
As a rule of thumb, larger versions of the same mold will be more valuable than their smaller counterparts. This is only a guideline, and collectors of small dolls (such as myself) will often argue this point. Expect to pay more for large dolls, or have your large dolls valued higher than smaller versions.
Clothing
The most desirable clothing on your doll is of course original clothing in good condition. If you are fortunate enough to have original clothing on your doll, don’t be tempted to redress her simply to match a room, or to “freshen her up”. If you simply must replace her clothing, keep the original clothing wrapped in acid free paper, and stored in a dark, cool place. Make sure as well that you label the package according to what doll it belongs to. If the doll has no clothing, or is not original, be sure to dress it in fabrics and of the fashion popular when the doll was made.
Markings on your Doll
A marked doll is worth more than an unmarked doll, if all other factors are equal. On a shoulder plate doll, you will find the markings on the back of the shoulder plate itself. On a head meant for a ball joint body, the markings will be found on the back of the head, often under the wig area. In some cases the doll bodies were marked as well, usually with a hallmark stamp.
Body Type
Some body types are more desirable to collectors than others, but this is often a personal preference. Beautifully made and maintained kid bodies if in good condition, enhance the value of a doll. Equally so, a ball joint body in original, or skilfully repaired condition can add to the value. In dealing with newer dolls of vinyl or plastic materials, avoid dolls that have ink stained bodies as this will greatly detract from their value.
Hopefully I have provided some information that will help you in deciding what dolls to purchase, or if the dolls you have are worth what was paid for them. Most important, when purchasing antique dolls, learn to know what you are looking for. If you are unsure be sure to purchase your dolls from a reputable doll dealer rather than from a flea market or from a private seller. Purchase some good books on doll markings and values that includes good photos. There are many reproduction dolls on the market today that can easily fool a less seasoned doll collector.
By: Jayne Cremasco
Superbugs are putting your health at risk. If you’ve ever felt sick or battled a bug, you may have asked your doctor for an antibiotic. Ever since the advent of these wonder drugs, these medications have one common goal: fight bacteria in the body to help maintain a healthy immune system. As new medical breakthroughs emerge, the role of antibiotics has also evolved and helped patients dealing with anything from ear infections to serious lung infections like pneumonia. Health watch: Superbug infections putting more at risk
However, antibiotics are not foolproof. Bacteria, when exposed to antibiotic drugs, can learn how to resist them. These resistant bacteria are known as superbugs, which are harder for antibiotics to kill.
Recently, superbugs have become a greater and far more serious concern. In March 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning about a new class of superbugs called Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), which can cause dangerous infections that can get into the bloodstream – and kill up to 50 percent of people when they do.
So what can you do about it?
“The best way to keep yourself healthy is to be proactive,” says Steve Kennedy, director of infusion pharmacy services at Walgreens Infusion Services. “While there’s no foolproof way to ensure you don’t get a superbug infection, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.”
To reduce your risk for CRE and other superbug infections, the CDC suggests taking the following actions:
* Be diligent about hand washing. Keeping your hands clean reduces the transfer of bacteria, so this is an easy first step to take to help prevent infections. If you change wound dressings or bandages or handle medical devices, it’s extra important to keep your hands clean.
* Take prescriptions as directed. If your doctor has prescribed oral antibiotics, follow the doctor’s instructions on how long to take them. These instructions typically include that you should not skip doses or stop the course of treatment early. In addition, the CDC recommends that if you have leftover pills after you’ve completed your course of antibiotics, you should not save them or share them with anyone else. Instead, dispose of them in a safe and effective manner.
* Be a critical consumer. The CDC urges patients not to take antibiotics unless their doctors think they really need them. One of the best ways to keep antibiotics working – and to keep superbugs from getting worse – is to ensure they’re used only when needed. Remember that antibiotics do not work when you have a virus (like a cold or the flu), and sometimes infections caused by bacteria can clear up on their own. Patients should discuss with their doctors whether they really need prescriptions and avoid taking antibiotics if they are not necessary.
* When possible, keep your hospital stay as short as possible or stay out of the hospital. Hospitals are life-saving institutions, but they also concentrate a lot of sick people in one place. This can increase your risk of catching a superbug. In many cases, therapy provided in the hospital can be given in a different and oftentimes more convenient setting, like a non-hospital medical center or even in your home. Patients should ask their doctors if their hospital-based therapy can be provided somewhere else. For example, if you are on clinical nutrition support (receiving food through a feeding tube or an IV), your therapy could be provided at home through a home health services provider. Of course, patients should follow their doctors’ orders and seek treatment at whichever facility their doctors suggest. However, if doctors believe home health care is the best option, Walgreens Infusion Services, which offers home infusion in all 50 states, may be able to provide the necessary services to patients.
* Be proactive with your health care providers. No matter where you’re receiving medical care, make sure all those who help care for you (from doctors to nurses to family members) wash their hands before they touch you. Soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub will do the trick.
Before you set out, make sure the driver’s seat, steering wheel, seat belts, head restraints and rear- and side-view mirrors are positioned for maximum comfort, control and visibility. Check your tire pressure and treads at least once a month, as worn tires and improper pressure can affect the steering and handling of your car and put you at risk for a crash. Check fluid levels for oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, water and gasoline. Always buckle up. Seat belts are effective in both high- and low-speed accidents, so be sure to wear them at all times.
The National Automobile Dealers Association reports that more than half of all accidents occur after dark, even though traffic is significantly reduced. When the sun sets, remember to:
- Slow down. Reduce your speed at night to compensate for lost visibility and never over-drive your headlights.
- Dim your high beams. In most states it is illegal to use high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Be considerate; dim your high beams to oncoming traffic as well as to vehicles you approach from the rear.
- Use turn signals. Your chances of preventing an accident are greater if other drivers know what you are going to do well in advance of turning or making lane changes. And once you have used your signals, don’t forget to turn them off.
For enhanced driving confidence, consider changing your headlamps. Ultra-bright GE Nighthawk replacement automotive headlamp bulbs give consumers the brightest GE automotive lamps available and offer greater night driving confidence.
Available as sealed beams, capsules and fog lights, Nighthawk bulbs offer consumers 30 percent brighter light on average than the company’s standard lamps — putting maximum light on the road.
Consumers want more light both inside and outside their vehicles. GE Nighthawk interior and exterior convenience lamps produce 20 percent brighter light than GE standard lamps, providing maximum light where consumers need it. Brighter automotive lighting can make a big difference when consumers are strapping in the kids, reading a map or searching their glove box.
As consumers spend more time in their vehicles for business or pleasure, brighter lights can make a difference:
- Navigating at night with brighter dome or map lighting
- Finding all the essentials in the glove compartment
- Locating everything you need in your trunk or cargo compartment
- Outlining your car with brighter directional and sidemarker lights
- Revealing the step up to your truck or SUV door
- Illuminating your car’s parking lights for oncoming traffic
- Reading license plates at night
- Watching your speed with brighter instrument lighting
- Locating all the essentials inside your car
- Communicating with other drivers with brighter exterior directional lighting
For more information, visit www.gelighting.com. Click on Automotive Wizard to find the right automotive bulb for your vehicle.