Summer Fitness For Kids By Judi Shepard Missett, Contributing writer
The school bell has rung for the final time this year. The kids are home. You have a few ideas to keep the kids fit, but it is hard to compete with cartoons, MySpace, and Nintendo. Obesity rates among children are reaching epidemic proportions, due in large part to a sedentary generation of kids. So, how can you keep your kids moving this summer? It does not take a lot of money, time, or advance planning to add fitness into your kids’ summertime activities. Here are a few summer fitness ideas for kids of all ages: • Family Walks - Schedule a family walk through the neighborhood after dinner. Ask your local parks and recreation service about hiking trails in your area. If the weather is uncooperative, try a walk through the local mall. • Vacation Days - Try a vacation day to the beach, with boogie boards to boot. Or try a local theme park. All of the walking from ride to ride adds up. • Kids Camps - Check out your YMCA or Boys & Girls Club to find out what sports camps are available this summer. • Neighborhood Games - Invite the neighborhood kids for an old fashioned game of hide and seek, kick the can, or stickball. • Buy the Basics - If expensive exercise equipment is not in your budget, just purchase a few jump ropes and balls for your children to use. • Family Challenges - Set up some family challenges for the summer. Keep track of each family member’s progress on a chart. Who can do the most push-ups during a segment of television com-
mercials? Who can complete 100 jumping jacks without stopping? • Crazy Adventures - Older kids may enjoy skateboarding parks or indoor rock climbing gyms. With the proper safety equipment in place, these activities are a good way to keep older kids from becoming couch potatoes. • Set the Example - What are you doing to set the example for your child? Does your child see you participating in recreational sports, fitness classes, weight training, bike riding, or outdoor walks? School is out for the summer. But that does not mean that kids are resigned to three months on the sofa. Aim for one form of family exercise each day. Your kids, and you, will enjoy the health benefits for years to come. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1355267
Thinking about a swimming pool? By Rob Coxworth, Contributing writer
Backyard swimming pools have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity as a great way to cool off and relax in a private setting. A swimming pool can be a great focus for family, friends and entertaining. As great as owning a swimming pool can be there are things to consider if you’re thinking of “taking the plunge� and getting one installed for your home.
What kind of pool do you want?
You will need to decide if you want an above ground or an in-ground pool. Both have advantages and special considerations. Usually the main factor in this decision is cost. A perfectly fine above ground pool can be installed for under $1500 while an in-ground pool will cost at least 8 times as much depending on size and location. Appearance can be another factor. Generally speaking an in-ground pool is more attractive to most people than an above ground pool. Conversely, above ground pools are far more attractive than in years past. The look of fake wood slats and such is pretty much a thing of the past. Liner choices too are much wider and more attractive for an above ground pool than they used to be. Generally speaking, an above ground pool will cost less to operate. Because they hold less water they use smaller pumps and are a little easier on chemicals. Just for yucks consider an in-ground pool has a lifetime of up to forty years. The average above ground pool is in operation for about five years.
I want an in-ground pool, how about that?
In addition to the factors above an in-ground pool allows far more flexibility in design and options. Your budget is really the only limit on what you can do with an in-ground pool design. Negative edges, waterfalls, natural rock formations, swim in bars, attached spas, you name it and with enough coin of the realm you can have it. Even standard designs and forms can yield a very attractive backyard feature at a relatively reasonable price.
I’ve decided an above ground pool is the way to go. Above ground pools have come a long way. Much improved wall designs and liners make them much less the eyesore that kept prospective buyers away. Add on decking, whether prefab or custom built, can make the above ground pool a very attractive focus for summer fun and for considerably less money. Pool accessory manufacturers have gotten the message and offer many products for above ground pools that used to be available only to in-ground owners; basket ball and volley ball games, solar blanket reels and even pool slides!
The nitty gritty
Installing a pool also has some serious considerations safety and liability being paramount. Most non-rural areas will require a building permit and mandate safety fencing for the pool area as well as limited access to the pool. Local ordinances vary so make sure you know what’s in place in your town. Wherever you live securing a pool from unauthorized entry should be a no-brainer. Real estate values can also be an important consideration. Realty research shows that a pool is neutral factor in a home’s value. Potential buyers are about evenly divided on whether a pool is a good or bad thing in any given property. Research on the type of pool is sketchy but remember, an above ground pool is removable an inground is not. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/326298
Sotterley Corn Crib Project Continues & Unveils First Look at Exhibit By Historic Sotterley Plantation
Our Corn Crib project, funded by a grant from the African American Heritage Preservation Program, has been progressing over the fall and winter. Visitors were able to watch the restoration work taking place on the building’s exterior through December. The original grey, weathered shingles were so beautiful, that it was with some sadness that we watched this part of the project take place. To preserve this historic building, all of the old shingles and some of the support structure had to be replaced. As spring continues, the building will reclaim a little of its former look as the shingles begin to grey naturally. There is still more work to be done on the structure to including a restored ramp and door. The Land, Lives, and Labor exhibit which will be housed at the Corn Crib has been progressing under the leadership of project director Merideth Taylor. Working with the talents of Dennis Kund, exhibit designer, and Jeanne Pirtle, Sotterley’s Education Director, the first draft of the interior exhibit was unveiled in February. The exhibit will bring into focus the lives of the enslaved and farm workers who toiled at Sotterley. The review committee was extremely impressed with the choices made to bring this part of Sotterley’s history to life. The exhibit work will continue in the months ahead and we look forward to unveiling the exhibit later this year. Visit Historic Sotterley Plantation this summer. The plantation is open Tuesday through Sunday for you to enjoy a guided tour or walk the grounds at your own pace. Wander our exquisite gardens and enjoy the grandeur of the view from the mansion to the beautiful Patuxent River. You are invited to attend our educational Speaker Series, or any of our special summer events. Please visit www.sotterley.org for more information.
Steps To Follow Before Approaching A Boat Dealer By Juzaily Ramli, Contributor
Looking for a new boat are you? If so, then you should know that buying a new boat is not like buying a bicycle for your son. The decision to buy a boat is a major one as it is considered as a luxury purchase. It’s not a matter of finding the one that looks good, whip out your cash and then off you go boating. It’s a matter of finding everything you can about the type of boat that you have in mind before approaching a boat dealer.
Before you go searching for a boat dealer, you should do research of your own. The Internet is one of the best places for that. Another one is boating magazines. You might also want to study brochures and sales materials carefully. If you’re using the Internet, you’d want to find a forum that discusses boats. In here, you’ll find boat owners who are willing to share with you their experiences of owning boats of their own. Who knows, you might get a few tips from them either about boating in general or about what it is like to deal with a particular boat dealer. You’d want to ask around about the types of boats that are out there, the brands, the prices and only then, should you be able to find out about the most reputable boat dealers in your area. We will be discussing each of the points below. Decide on the type of boat you want. What sorts of activities are you planning to do with your boat? Are you planning to go fishing with it? Or just cruising around the lake? Or water skiing and other water sports activities? Only you can make this decision. Take note that not all boat dealers sell all types of boats. For example, if
you are looking for a jon boat, most likely you won’t be purchasing it from a bass boat dealer. By knowing the type of boat you want, you are able to narrow down the dealers easily. Boat brand of your choice - To further narrow down your choices, you should also decide on the brand name. Choose at least two or three different brands and find a boat dealer that sells both brands. This way you’ll be able to get a solid opinion from that dealer and he might be able to give you the feedbacks that he’s received previously from his customers who had made a purchase. Knowing how big you want your boat to be is also important. Boats come in different sizes. Big boats are expensive, smaller boats cost less. Decide whether a certain size fits the type of activities that you want to do, the number of friends or family members your boat might want to cater. Once you know the type and brand of the boat you want, you might want to compare the prices of these boats. You will not know how much money you can save by comparing the different boat dealers available. In some parts of the world, the prices of the boat depend on the boating season. Usually most boats are marked down significantly when the boating season is over, usually in fall. You might want to buy it and keep it until the next boating season starts. Last but not least, decide on the comfortable price, know exactly how much you want to spend before you walk in. How do you go about finding a boat dealer? Ask around, either from your neighbors, your friends or those who know about boating if they could recommend you a boat dealer that they did business previously with. You can also find dealers in the phone book and the Internet by typing “boat dealer + your location” without the quotes in the search box. You can also make a call to Better Business Bureau in your area to find out whether there are any customer complaints registered to a certain dealer. Once you find a boat dealer, ask questions and negotiate for a good price. Don’t worry about it. If you’re armed with all the knowledge everything will come to you naturally. If not, just act like you know everything about boats. You should ask if the boat purchase comes with registration fees. If not, register the boat yourself with the state. It depends on where you live. In the states, you can do so through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. You should also ask whether the boat has been used before. If it has, ask about the year of the boat and the problems that you should look for. As mentioned in the beginning, a boat is a luxury purchase and a big investment. As with most investments, you might want to take your time to evaluate the offer and compare it to other available offers. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/540063
4 Preparations To Make When Travelling With Your Pet
by Duncan Lancer, Contributor Isn’t it fun to go on vacation with your pet? While it’s great to do it, the unfortunate thing is that you have to prepare yourself thoroughly to ensure that everything runs perfectly. Some of the preparation that you need to do include: Motel to Stay As rule of thumb you should ensure that the motel you want to book is pet friendly. In addition to this you should ensure that there is enough space for your pet to exercise. To protect your pet from diseases, the motel should provide a crate for your pet. This means that your pet shouldn’t live in the same place as other pets. To find the best place you need to do plenty of research. This calls for you to visit review sites and see what different people have to say about a given facility. If you will be visiting the motel during the holidays, it’s wise that you make the reservations early in order to avoid the last minute rush. Unfamiliar Surrounding Since you will be living in a motel, the pet will notice that he isn’t in his familiar surrounding which might stress him up. The best way of dealing with things is to put the pet in a crate. This will prevent him from scratching or chewing up the place that you are staying. When-
ever you will be leaving the pet alone, always ensure that you leave him in the crate. You shouldn’t leave him in the car as he can easily die. Runaway Pets Pets are quite unpredictable. Since you will be living in a new area, the new sounds, sights, animals and people might overwhelm the pet and provoke him to escape. To make it easy to locate the pet, you should make tags that contain all the vaccinations that he has taken. You should also include your contact information in the tags. For additional assurance, it’s wise that you consider a pet ID registry service. Veterinary Emergency The pet might pick an infection and require emergency veterinary services. To be on the safe side you should ask for references of the best veterinary doctors in the area. Always ensure that you have the contact details of the doctors with you. Conclusion These are some of the ways that you can prepare yourself when travelling with your pet. To have a great vacation, ensure that you book the best motel in the area. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8934695
Is It Too Late To Find A Summer Job? By Jennifer Peek, Contributing writer
It seems that each summer - around May - at least one article comes out painting a less-than-optimistic view for summer jobs for teenagers. This year is no exception. But should teens completely believe the statistics and the dire forecasts? Nope. And here’s why. The basis for a number of the articles is that Snagajob.com did a survey of 1,100 hiring managers recently. These managers are responsible for hiring summer help - and almost half of them do not anticipate hiring any summer help. The other half of the jobs will be filled largely by returning summer employees leaving about one-third of the positions for everyone else to fight over. Yikes! That seems pretty depressing - and defeating before you even get your first application handed in. But there are some things that surveys can’t tell you. And these could be the very things that are the most important in your summer job search. The Summer Teen Job Search: Get Creative The managers in the survey may very well hire at one of the places you would like to work this summer. But probably not all of them. Eleven hundred sounds like a lot. And it is a good survey number to get a general pulse of a trend. But it cannot cover every town or every employer - especially the smaller employers and seasonal businesses that may rely solely on summer help to get through the peak demands of the summer months. As with any job search, summer jobs for teenagers can be the easiest to find when you look in your own town and focus on some key areas. The local pool, water park or amusement park. These are seasonal businesses that are not even open during other times of the
year. They have to hire seasonal help to staff their businesses. And while they may have a number of returning employees, there are always opportunities for new staff members. Landscaping and lawn care. Lots of people love to have a great lawn and landscaping but just cannot find the time to do it themselves. Lawn care businesses fit the bill. And the demand for their services increases dramatically when the final frost has come and gone. They may new customers throughout the season and continue to hire into summer. Gardening centers. Whether attached to a local Home Depot or Wal-Mart or as a nearby nursery, demand for these plant-it-yourself centers is highest in late spring but continues throughout the summer into the fall. Some even set up mini-locations that are temporary and have to completely staff that separate location. Local retailers that need summer “fill-in� help. Local (non-chain) stores are often overlooked by teens looking for summer jobs because of their size. But even these stores can need seasonal help - either due to increased demand or simply because the other employees are going on vacation. Having some qualified, dependable help to fill those gaps can be a win-win situation. Once you have the employers in line, get started applying. Conduct your application process seriously. Go to employers with a resume in hand and dressed as if you were interviewing. You may land (or lose) a job with that initial impression - make it a good one. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1183702
6 Things to Consider While Selecting New Windows By Anubha Shyam, Contributing Writer
Buying new windows is not an easy proposition. There are so many factors that you have to take into consideration. For instance, you have to determine whether it efficiently resists heat loss, air leakage and condensation or not. You also have to feasible answers for questions like how much solar radiation does the casement allow to pass through it, are the sash and frame energy efficient, is the window easy to operate and maintain, and will it help to bring down the heating and cooling costs. Here are a few useful tips that will help you to buy first-rate new windows with ease.
U-value- It signifies the rate at which heat is transferred through the window. Heat transfer can occur in three ways viz. conduction, convection and radiation. U-value is influenced by several factors as the material of the frame, sash and spacer, presence of special film, and type of glass and gas used. For instance, if the spacers used are not thermally efficient, then U-factor is bound to increase. Likewise, if the frame is made of metal, then too U-value will increase. The lower the U-value the more energy efficient will be the casement. For cold climate, choose new windows with the lowest U-value. In warm weather conditions, as compared to U-factor, SHGC gains greater significance. Condensation resistance- Condensation can reduce the visual trans-
mittance of the transom significantly. It can also lead to the corrosion of frame and sash. While buying new casements, make sure that the CR value is between 50 and 60 because higher the condensation resistance more efficiently will the window prevent the water vapors from condensing on its surface. Air infiltration- Air infiltration refers to how much air in cubic feet per minute can pass through one square feet of window. Excessive air leakage not only makes the space uncomfortable because of draft, but also increases your electricity bill. Maximum air infiltration takes place from the edge of the window. In conventional transoms, sealants are usually made of aluminum, which is strong and lightweight, but virtually ineffective in preventing heat loss due to conduction and convection. Structural foam sealant is a better option. For optimal performance, the AL (Air Leakage) score should not be more than 0.3. Solar heat gain coefficient- It indicates the amount of solar heat that can pass through the window. Lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) means less amount of heat is able to enter into the house. In south-facing casements, SHGC value should be low to prevent
excessive heat gain. On the contrary, if you experience cold climate for a large part of the year, then opt for transoms with high SHGC value. Visual transmittance- It denotes the amount of visible light that can pass through the casement. Visual transmittance (VT) is influenced by two factors, first, the kind of glass pane used in the window, and second, the amount of space taken up by non-transparent components like frame and sash. VT usually ranges between the values 0.3 and 0.8. New windows with higher VT would bring in more daylight. However, if you wish to reduce solar gain, you should opt for casement with lower visual transmittance. Low-conductivity frame- A frame that is thermally inefficient can be responsible for one-third of heat loss. A good way to prevent heat loss is to opt for new widow frames made of low-conductivity material like fiberglass. The loss can further be prevented by reducing the frame area. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6693115
Maryland State Chesapeake Class Sportfishing Records By Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Summer is for fishing! Thousands of Southern Marylanders enjoy the sport of fishing, and chances are you may be trying your luck this summer. Everyone knows the “one that got away” always provides the best stories, but what about the ones that didn’t get away? Here is a list of the Chesapeake Class Maryland state sportfishing records.
Atlantic Spadefish
10 lbs.
Charlie Barron
7/15/2007
Robert Messik Jr.
9/23/1973
Thomas R. Talbott Ronald Raffo John Davidson
5/8/1991 5/31/1986 10/18/1979
Jimmy Lake
4/28/1978
Ed Jones
8/13/2012
Kevin Kern
4/26/1997
Crappie
103 lbs., 8 oz 22lbs. 22lbs. 22 lbs. 44 lbs., 6 oz 84 lbs 29 lbs., 10 oz 55 lbs. Min Wt 7 lbs 6lbs., 8 oz 97 lbs., 12 oz 4lbs.
Croaker
6.52 lbs.
Russell Knapp
9/4/2006
15 lbs.
Kenneth Grimes
10/14/1978
4 lbs. 11.18 lbs. 17 lbs. 2 lbs.
John Schaeffer Jr. Justin Riley Justin Kelley Parlett Moore
7/23/1971 1/26/2008 7/31/2011 9/5/1978
16.94 lbs.
Theodore McKenzie 6/1/2014
Black Drum Bluefish Bluefish Bluefish Carp Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, White Chain Pickerel Cobia
Flounder, Summer Hickory Shad Largemouth Bass Longnose Gar Norfolk Spot Northern Snakehead
74 lbs., 6 oz Rock Bass 1 lb Sheepshead 13 lbs 5 oz Smallmouth Bass 6 lbs. Spanish Mackerel 12.4 lbs. 16 lbs., 6 Spotted Seatrout oz 67 lbs., 8 Striped Bass oz Tautog 9 lbs. 16 lbs., 8 Weakfish oz White Shad 8 lbs., 2 oz 2 lbs., 10 White Perch oz Yellow Perch 2 lbs., 3 oz Red Drum
Vacant Vacant James Grant
5/19/1965
John Scheifele
9/12/1969
Sid Stollings
3/30/2007
Earnest Hutchinson 5/15/1977 Timothy A. Adams Dan Thomas Charles Janes Dean Mitchell
5/4/1997 9/16/2012 7/23/1979 10/6/2007
John Phillips
5/15/1977
Devin Nolan
5/13/1995
Gary Halbeisen
10/29/2005
Wayne Lappe
5/8/1979
Vance Carter
5/3/1975
Sid Stollings
5/18/1979
Niles Pethel
11/21/1979
Finishing Your List of Summer Home Improvement Jobs By Alexander Fishback, Contributing writer
Summer is the season when home improvement fans really get to go wild and let their imaginations fly, undertaking projects that at no other point in the year would they even consider tackling. Indeed most people end up scribbling down a fairly extensive list of renovation projects that need to, supposedly, be over and done with by the time the leaves start to fall. Yet, as with so many things in life, all of this is easier said than done, and oftentimes projects either get left for the cold season or pushed back for an entire year! To help home owners out in this regard, here we have highlighted a few renovation projects that are likely to be on most people’s summertime list and offered a few ideas for how to finish these projects on schedule and without too much hassle. An excellent summer home improvement project could very easily be replacing any old and deteriorated windows in the home. This sort of project is on the one hand cosmetic (windows have a real-
ly big impact on the way a home looks from the street, the backyard, etc.) and on the other hand it’s a functional project, as good windows will improve insulation throughout the home and will thereby reduce the electricity and/or the gas bill. Don’t just look into any old window set and don’t let your aesthetic priorities dominate your choice entirely, but rather research which window brands have got the best energy-efficiency ratings according to Energy Star. Fortunately, these sorts of ‘smarter’ windows come in many shapes and designs and therefore you won’t have to be choosing between performance and looks. Another home improvement project that any home owner would be wise to do in the summer has to do with fixing roofing materials. Whether it’s a shingled roof you’re dealing with or a flat, painted roof, summer is the best time as you can really dry things out under the hot sun and ensure yourself the best results at the end. Similarly, for projects focusing on fixing water filtration issues below ground level, the summer is once again going to be the season of choice. Then again, many people choose the summer to focus on outdoor home improvement jobs, such as those having to do with landscaping. Landscaping is perhaps the one type of project that more people will be willing to try to do on their own than any other kind of home improvement project, though at the same time it is highly visible to the public and therefore you won’t want to mess it up! In any case, the rest of the summer is a great time to go ahead and put in those new flower beds you’ve been wanting for so long, for building an outdoor barbecue pit or arranging a poolside lounging area, or even carrying out diverse landscaping jobs to help improve overall home security conditions on your property (reducing fire hazards, eliminating appeal for burglars). Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4795817
Tips on Preparing Your Child for the First Summer at Sleepaway Camp By Genie Fletcher, Contributing writer
It’s exciting and a little scary; your child is taking that big step, the first summer at sleepaway camp. Whether your youngster is following friends or siblings to camp or striking out bravely on his own, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier for your child - and for you. Have a Trial-Run Sleepover If your youngster had limited experience with staying away from home overnight, have him spend the night with a relative or friend he hasn’t stayed with before, and don’t go and get him in the middle of the night! A new sleepover experience will be a little like the first night at camp and will help you address any issues that may arise. If your family is from the city, an overnight camping trip can get him used to unfamiliar things in the outdoor environment like wildlife, bugs and nighttime sounds in the woods. Go to Open House If possible, attend an open house at your child’s camp while the camp is in session. Your child will get a better idea of what to expect and can become somewhat familiar with the facilities, what the atmosphere is like and what would be happening on a typical day. Go Shopping Your child’s camp will likely send along a list of necessities and optional items, so bring your youngster along on a cool camp shopping spree. Although most camps encourage older t-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts that can withstand lots of outdoor adventures, it’s fun to get one or two new items or splurge on one “in” bit of clothing or accessory. Explain About Sharing Space Many kids these days have never had to share a bedroom, so living in close quarters with eight other campers can be a bit overwhelming. In fact, one of the challenges of summer camp counselor jobs is teaching kids to cohabit in a relatively small space. Provide some pointers on keeping organized and not infringing on cabin-mates’ space. Try throwing a slumber party for your child before camp starts or letting him attend more overnight get-togethers than usual to provide more exposure to group living.
Go Over the Basics Camp is great for teaching kids how to take care of themselves. Go over the importance of separating out clothes that need to be laundered, hanging up wet clothes, bathing suits and towels and keeping toiletries segregated in a bucket for carrying to the bathroom. Let Your Child Know It’s OK to Be Homesick Let your first-time camper know that’s it’s perfectly normal to be a little homesick, but don’t tell them you’ll come and get them if this happens. The vast majority of youngsters overcome an initial bout of homesickness fairly quickly, and encouraging them to call and come home is setting them up for failure. Instead, tell them to talk to their summer camp counselors, who are well-versed in dealing with this common first-time camper complaint. Staying busy and active and seeking out new friends will quickly push thoughts of home into the background. Discuss Communications Depending on the camp your youngster is attending, phone calls may be prohibited or only allowed at certain times of day. Letter writing is a great way to stay in touch, so send your camper off with a supply of stationery and stamped, self-addressed envelopes. You can even write a letter in advance and slip it into your child’s suitcase or mail it in time to get there as camp starts, just as a little transitional item to remind him that though you’ll miss him, you’re excited for all the fun and new experiences he’ll have at sleepaway summer camp. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Genie_Fletcher
Summer Heat & Your Pet By Ricardo Lumbardo, Contributing writer Summer may be a good season for your dog to be running around, exercising, and going to parks for strolls. But don’t forget that summer can also be bad for your dog if you don’t keep your pet protected from disasters that can be caused by the summer heat. These disasters include overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Animals are also very vulnerable to sunburns or heat stress. The summer heat can also be especially difficult for animals who suffer from certain respiratory diseases. The summer heat does not choose its victims. And if we humans can do things to cool us down, dogs just can’t. The responsibility to cool dogs down falls upon their dog owners. Aside from that, the summer season, in general, can be bad for your dog because of the activities during summer. A lot of people become quite busy during the summer, when there is no rain to keep them from their usual activities outdoors. Summer is a time for sports, gardening, and exercise. However, even though exercise is
good, and so are sports, for your dog, the level of heat that you and your dog absorbs is different. Also, you have shoes, and your dogs don’t. Not because the summer heat feels mild enough for you also means that your dog is in no danger. The safety of dogs during the summer season lies entirely on their owners. Summer still poses other dangers to your dog aside from the grueling summer heat. Summer is the time for gardening, and of insects out and about. The summer season can also somewhat be regarded to as the fleas and ticks season in the doggie world. That’s yet another thing to worry about. In addition to that, you may be expecting many different events during the summer, but try to avoid bringing your dog to crowded places. This can cause a huge amount of heat exhaustion and heat stress in your dog. You might also think that bringing the dog to pools can do the trick. However, without the proper care and attention, dogs in crowded pool areas spell trouble. Be on the lookout for signs of stress in your dog, and breathing difficulties. These are usually the first signs of heat exhaustion and heat stress. Don’t leave your pet outside for too long without a shade. The summer heat can affect dogs faster than it can affect humans. Dogs have thicker skin and hair, and thus can absorb more heat. Also, since they have less sweat glands than humans, they also don’t easily
release the heat through sweat. It is advisable to bring a water spray with you if you take your dog outdoors during the summer. Giving your dog water to drink is not enough. Spraying water on your dog’s body can help cool your dog down immensely. Another important bit of advice is not to leave your dog inside a parked car without a shade. Cars cannot keep the heat out, and even if you leave the windows open a bit, your dog can still absorb the nasty heat. When you take your dog out to exercise, make sure to set a limit. It might also be a good idea to get your dogs some booties to protect their paws from the heat-soaked ground. Try to avoid the hottest hours as well. You can try exercising with your dog early in the morning or after the sun has set. Finally, get your fleas and ticks treatments ready, and groom your dog regularly. More frequent bathing and a good grooming habit can help cool your dog down. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5210948
Ten Tips to Make You a Better Sailor! By John N. Jamieson, Contributing writer
1. Pack the Right Clothes. There’s a saying that goes something like this “There is no such thing as bad weather-only bad clothes”. Makes a lot of sense-in particular in a dynamic environment like sailing. Put together a small duffel bag with the “must have” sailing gear. Include a foul weather jacket, complete change of clothes, wide-brimmed hat. That way, if you get spray or rain or stay out longer than expected, you will stay dry and warm (or cool) in most any sailing weather. 2. Bring Your Own “Grab Bag”. Make up a personal “must have” bag. Match the contents to the type of sailing you do. Your grab-bag will be the one thing you grab in an emergency. If you need to leave the boat for any reason, you need common items like extra keys, wallet, cell phone, change, and identification in order to get home safe and sound. Pack your personal grab bag now to give you peace-of-mind for safer sailing. 3. Carry a Sailing Knife. Sail World carried a tragic story a short time ago about a young teenage girl. Her sailing dinghy capsized. She had attached herself by a hiking harness to the boat. When she capsized, the boat turtled (turned over--bottom up) on top of her. She was unable to untangle herself from the harness and drowned. It’s understandable that folks tend to shun knives and similar equipment on their belts. It’s a bit weighty, adds bulk on a hot day, and many like to sail unencumbered. Find a small compact knife that will fit into a sheath or has a clip that will fasten to your sailing shorts. Carry it when you go sailing. Not below packed in a bag--but on your shorts or pants. If you need to use it for cutting rope or in an emergency, it will be with you, ready in the blink-of-an-eye.
4. Build Up Wrist Strength. Did you realize that wrist injuries and soreness plague sailors? You use your wrists to steer the boat, crank on winches, hoist or lower sails, lower or raise the anchor, move forward or aft on the boat, or brace yourself below in the cabin when heeled over. Use a soft ball like a tennis ball and squeeze; hold for ten seconds; release. Repeat this while you walk or sit several times a day. This simple exercise will help build up this often-forgotten vital muscle fast and easy and lessen the chance of injury aboard any sailboat you sail aboard.
Spend part of each sailing day and practice one specific maneuver. Toss a fender overboard and tack or jibe to see if you can sail your boat up to the fender, stop alongside the object with the sails luffing, and retrieve the object. The more your practice intricate maneuvers the better you will be at sailing in tight quarters, turning your boat around in an emergency, or coming alongside a float, pier, or mooring buoy under sail alone.
10. Read and Learn About Sailing Each Day. Legendary sailor and author Hal Roth once said “A good sailor is always studying and learning and asking questions”. Whether 5. Listen to the 24-hour Weather Forecast. you are stuck in a place far from the coast, waiting for winter to end, Expect to be out longer than you plan. Turn on the Weather Radio or find that you just don’t have time for sailing right now--never, ever and listen to the forecast for the next 24 hours. How will the wind stop learning. Each day, set yourself a goal to learn something new shift? Will this create a long hard slog to windward back to the marina about sailing. Learn a new sailing term, read up on the latest sailing slip or pier? If you go out for a day-sail, consider sailing to windequipment, or visit a sailing forum like Sailnet or Sailing Anarchy to ward early on so the sail back will be an easy reach or run. Look for see what experienced sailors have to say. Discover something new anchorages along your sailing route in case the weather turns foul. each day to become more comfortable and confident in sailing. Become weather wise to keep your sailing fun and safe for you and your sailing crew. Follow these ten top sailing tips for smoother, safer, more fun sailing. This will give you the confidence and skills you need to enjoy 6. Know Your Anchoring Techniques. one of the life’s greatest pleasures--wherever in the world you choose No piece of vital sailing gear gets ignored more than the boat to go sailing! anchor. Make sure that the anchor aboard any boat you sail on will be ready to lower within 10 seconds. Check the parts of the anchor from Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6907548 the bitter end of the anchor rode where it ties to your boat, all the way down the rope rode, anchor chain, anchor shackles, and all parts of the anchor itself (ring, shank, flukes). Keep this #1 life-insurance gear in tip-top shape for worry-free sailing worldwide. 7. Inspect Your Sailboat from Bow to Stern. Start at the bow and check the anchor, lifelines, turnbuckle fittings, cotter pin integrity, standing rigging like boom vangs, traveler lines, mainsheet and Genoa sheets. Look for chafed line, missing cotter pins, bent anchor shank or distorted turnbuckle barrels. Take five minutes to check your boat before you get underway to save you the headache of an unexpected fitting failure underway. 8. Use Nautical Charts Along with Electronics. Read the opening screen of any electronic GPS or chart plotter and the disclaimer warns about total reliance on that gear. Purchase the paper charts you need for your sailing area. If you day sail, carry aboard a large-scale (magnified) chart of your sailing grounds. If you coastal cruise, you need navigational charts of the coastline, approaches to harbors, and inner harbor areas. Offshore sailors need the same and more. Paper charts back up the electronics. Electronics can never replace paper charts. Stay safe and sound when you carry the paper charts you need for sailing safety. 9. Practice Boat Maneuvers and Control.
Top Ten Flowers For Your Summer Flower Garden By Pierre Schneider, Contributing writer
One of the simplest, most enjoyable tasks for beginning and advanced gardeners alike is choosing summer flowers for your summer garden. Every gardener has their favorite summer flowers. If you are looking to discover your favorites, here is a list of favorites that many gardeners recommend and find pleasure in. Pink Cone Flower - This is a wonderful selection to add to any garden bed, especially one that has full sun. The flower grows up to 3’ tall, so they make a good choice for the back of the flower bed or in the center if the bed is a circular, oval or kidney-shaped. Cone flowers will bloom from mid-summer into the fall. Shasta Daisy - Like the Pink Cone Flower, the Shasta Daisy is a tall flower that can withstand the full sun and heat of the summer. Blooming time can vary from all summer long to mid-summer through fall. Brown-Eyed Susan - Not quite as tall as the Cone or Shasta Daisy, this flower is bright to deep orange with a brown center. It also is sun-sturdy, and the blooming time will vary from all summer to mid-summer through fall. Lily of the Valley - A very fragrant flower that is a great plant for a front border as it only grows to 6”-8” tall. The small white, bellshaped flowers bloom late spring into early summer, but the green leave and stem remain all summer.
Hostas - Makes for a great border plant and comes in a variety of green shades, and some are even variegated with white. The low, leafy plants come up in the spring and bloom tall stemmed flowers from their centers in mid-summer. Heirloom Roses - Different from the hybrid roses sold in flower shops, Heirloom Roses are hearty sun-worshipers and come in a multitude of colors and shades. They can grow on trellis’, fences, or in a bush and make incredible summer flowers. Pansies and Violets - These are great summer flowers for flower beds, and for potted plants to adorn your front porch. These annual flowers will bloom all summer long if well maintained. and will add tons of color to your garden palate. Butterfly Bushes - Attract butterflies and pollinating bees to your summer garden by adding one of these bushes. They are very fragrant, bloom most of the summer, and can withstand summer heat. Day Lilies - One of the most popular medium sized summer flowers, and one of the most varying ones. Flower shoots can grow as tall as 4’ and flower color will range form white to orange to red. Gladiolas - This tall, spear shaped flower loves the sun, and will continue blooming as long as the “spear” continues growing. It’s a great summer flower for adding accents to greenery background. Ajuga - A low lying ground cover, Ajuga is a good choice for space between flowers and bushes. Mid-summer, it blooms a beautiful small purple flower, and is fragrant. With all your summer flowers, be sure to “dead head” - pinch off dead blooms - and water on a regular basis, especially for full sun gardens. By choosing the right summer flowers and properly maintaining them, you can enjoy your colorful garden all summer long. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3973449
Chicken Fajitas with Peaches By Rona Lewis, Contributor
Preparation Pre-heat the broiler. Mix the cumin, white pepper, chili powder and thyme together and coat the 4 chicken breasts. Broil chicken breasts, turning after about 5 minutes. Take out and set aside. In a large saute pan over medium heat, heat the oil and add the garlic. After 1 minute, add the peaches. Cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onions and jalapeno and stir. Cook about 5 minutes. Add balsamic and chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook down until onions are soft and translucent and peaches have become very soft. Add lime juice and stir. Serve with rice or beet flavored tortillas.
Chicken Fajitas with Peaches Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 Recipe Ingredients 4 halves chicken breast 1 tsp (2g) chili powder 1 tsp, (2g) ground cumin 1 tsp, ground (2g) white pepper 1 tsp, (2g) dried thyme 2 tbsp (14g) Olive Oil 3 cloves (9g) minced fresh garlic 2 large peaches, about 2 cups (154g) sliced thin 3 large sweet onions (331g) sliced thin 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeds and all (14g) chopped (more or less according to heat preference) 1/2 cup (240g) low sodium chicken broth 3 tbsp (16g) balsamic vinegar Juice of 1/2 lime yields (44g) Salt and pepper to taste
Written by Rona Lewis, Fitness and Lifestyle Coach, Healthy Gourmet Chef and Motivational Speaker. You can find lots more tips and recipes on her website. http://www.ronalewis.com Her funny, healthy cookbook series, “Does This Cookbook Make Me Look Fat?� is available there, as well! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6471394