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Tips To Deal with Exercise Induced Asthma

For approximately 80-90% of people that suffer from asthma, exercise can be a strong stimulus for an attack. This syndrome has become known as exercise induced asthma or EIA. The likelihood of an attack is further increased when exercising in cold weather, so this article offers some basic information on exercise-induced asthma and how to prevent or minimize the severity of an attack.

Asthma is a condition where the subject experiences bronchospasms and/or bronchoconstriction - a narrowing of the bronchii (airways) due to excessive smooth muscle contraction, and inflammation. An asthma attack can be very frightening and in severe circumstances, result in death by asphyxiation (suffocation). With the initiation of exercise in healthy individuals and asthmatics, hormones such as adrenaline produce a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the airways (bronchodilation). However in asthmatics, this relaxation is followed by bronchospasm and usually begins within 5-15 minutes after exercise.

The reason for this bronchospasm episode is not known exactly, but sports medicine research suggests a strong connection to heat and moisture loss from the cells lining the airways. Air that is inhaled through the mouth must be warmed and humidified before passing further into the lungs. Cold air cannot hold much water vapor, and as a result is also typically dry; so it is suspected that cold-weather exercise/sports may be even more likely to trigger airway constriction. Running in cold weather and sports such as ice hockey are classic examples. Swimming on the other hand is thought to be a relatively safe sport for EIA sufferers.

With winter around the corner, here are a few tips to help minimize the chance of an exercise induced asthma attack.

Perform an extended warm-up of continuous activity for 15-30 minutes, as this has been shown to produce a refractory period where more intense exercise does not trigger as severe an attack. This refractory period may last for up to 2 hours long.

Try to exercise indoors if possible. If this is not feasible, wear a scarf or something similar over your mouth while you exercise to help retain the warmth and humidity in the respiratory tract.

If exercising outside, avoid exercising along busy roads where car exhaust fumes and pollution may further aggravate symptoms.

Always carry bronchodilator medication when exercising

Exercise induced asthma can be an irritation and a potentially deadly situation for the sufferer. Following the tips offered in this article may help relieve or minimize attacks to allow for a more effective exercise session.

posted by blogs71770 @ 11:46 PM 0 comments

Make a Fairy Garden For Your Kids Party

A fairy garden is a great kids party activity, especially if your theme is a fairy party, garden party, or tea party. A dinosaur den or construction site garden is a fun alternativefor little boys too. Here's how to make a magical miniature garden kids will love.

This project is a truly unique kids party activity, combining fun, fantasy, and learning. Kids love getting their hands dirty and learning how things grow. They will also love the idea of making a magical garden place for a fairy to live.

A miniature garden takes little space and can rest on a tabletop. Maintenance requires only a light misting from time to time and watching for fairies to come to call. Just kidding about that last part, but you never know...

Start by collecting various containers such as woven baskets, large shallow bowls or deep dish clay saucers (like a birdbath), or even discarded bureau drawers. Check yard sales for innovative ideas and inexpensive materials.

Next, supply potting soil and a selection of small plants that will reach under a foot when fully grown. Dwarf zinnias, marigolds, violets, ivy, baby's tears and sprigs of vinca are all good choices.

There are many types of mosses that will work nicely too, fitting into corners and small areas easily to add texture and interest. A variety of low-growing herbs such as thyme and rosemary lend aroma to the mix as well.

Start by lining your garden container with heavy duty plastic, fill to within an inch of the top with potting soil then kids are ready to landscape the top. Let them choose their favorite diminutive plants, interspersing them with various materials to add charm and character to the fairy garden.

For example, turn a colorful plant pot on its side and submerge it halfway in the soil to serve as a proper fairy dwelling. Add dollhouse sized furniture to set in the garden, popsicle sticks to construct a fairy fence, or small flat rocks to make a wonderful stepping stone path.

A small mirror symbolizing water making a faux gazing pool. The round flat glass beads used in vases make nice accent pieces too. Tiny garden accessories like terra cotta pots and shovels give your garden a "lived-in" look.

Fairy gardens needn't be for little girls only. Boys can make a miniature dinosaur den using many of the same materials. Herbs, moss and other green plants can make a forest or wooded area in which small plastic dinosaurs return from extinction to live another day. Soil mounded to one side forms a volcano, spilling red aquarium stone lava.

A construction site garden is another option for boys. Tiny rocks, stick logs, and craft stick lumber can be stacked up waiting for the big rigs to move them. Small toy bulldozers and cranes can be scattered about, among the plantings.

These whimsical gardens can go wherever your child's imagination takes them. You provide the materials, they supply the ideas and creativity. Planting and maintaining a miniaturegarden teaches kids about plants, caring for living things, and most all the fun of gardening.

Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved

posted by blogs71770 @ 11:36 PM 0 comments

Log Homes and Log Furniture The Norman Rockwell Effect

In case you havent noticed, the world is going to hell in a handbasket. No one knows where that phrase comes from or what it means exactly, but the implication is understood by anyone who hears it - that things seem to be out of control. If you watch the evening news, read today's headlines, or listen to the radio then you know what I am talking about. The world is going to hell in a handbasket. So what does the worlds demise have to do with the title of this article? Thats easy, in a world out of control, there's just something miraculous about logs that creates peace and tranquility in my life.

If that sounds a little bizarre to you, permit me to explain. Your house may be of a contemporary design, or a Mediterranean style bungalow, or perhaps you make your home in a French chateaux, but for me there is no warmer, or more peaceful environment than a log home richly decorated with rustic and log furniture. I call it my Norman Rockwell effect.

The late Mr. Rockwell had a distinctive painting style and his prints portrayed an optimistic depiction of everyday life in America. Even while the world was at war and our nation was climbing out of the great depression, Rockwell had an uncanny knack of reinforcing what was really important to ordinary Americans. The imagery his pictures produced inspired us to be decent people and live a good life. They evoked a feeling of calming and harmony. I experience that Norman Rockwell effect every time I walk into my cabin in the woods.

There is this undefined something about a log home and log furniture that literally transfixes me in an extraordinary way. How best can I describe this to the uninitiated? When I look at a wall constructed of logs, I get a sense that it vibrates at a different intensity than the rest of its surroundings. No, I am not some new-age metaphysical tree-hugger, Im a guy who appreciates natural beauty and I connect with things created from logs.

Consider if you will that a pine log and a 2x4 (or 2x10, etc.) are both wooden building products of the same matter and used for the same purposes. However, if one were to erect a wall using both materials, there is no similarity in the visual experience, the character or any aspect of the two walls. The logs with irregular lines, bold grain, conspicuous knots and uneven coloring produce a visual rendering that Mr. Rockwell strove to achieve with every brush stroke. To me, logs exude a sensation of warmth, of strength, a sense that all is right with the world and that is a lot to expect from a dead tree.

So what is it about logs that give me this near spiritual experience? I think it is an implicit appreciation of a sense of perpetuity, of history, strength and permanence. America was built from logs. The first structures erected across this land were more often than not constructed of logs. For hundreds of years, people carved their homes, shops and churches from the wilderness using the most plentiful resource available, trees in their natural form. In addition, we Americans like to be noted for being individualists, and at a time when most of the population live in city apartments or suburbs with cookie-cutter houses, a log home sets one apart from the crowd. In that same rationale, log furniture is not generally available at ordinary furniture stores. One must venture out to the wilderness (or at least exit the shopping mall) to find quality log and rustic furniture.

Okay, I will admit to having some plastered walls in our home and yes, we even have several furniture pieces that one might label as conventional, but visitors to our home invariably remark about our log furniture and log accents. To date, no one has yet to compliment us on our marvelously plastered bathroom.

I began this dissertation with a clich about our world going to hell in a handbasket, and how that related to my love and appreciation for all things log. I am confident that my opinion on both matters is sound. We inhabit a turbulent and chaotic planet, but I live in a log home with hand-made log furniture. For that reason, all is right with my world. Now dont anyone turn on that darn TV while Im reading my old issues of the Saturday Evening Post.

posted by blogs71770 @ 11:19 PM 0 comments

Getting the Best Performance From Your Artist

So now you've decided to record your songs. Good for you, except that you will need people to play the instruments for which your music calls for. If you can play all the instruments on your own, then all the better. You will have less people to argue with! Other wise, you will have to hire (read: bribe with beer/food/hockey tickets) session musicians and vocalists to play and sing for you, putting you in the producer's chair.

Your songs are only as emotional as the performers who play them. It goes without saying that you should hire the best performers your budget will allow. But if $100/hour for a professional vocalist is a little steep, here are a few ways to help encourage the best from your session players.

1.) Always praise, never criticize.

The is THE most important rule in my book. The only way any session musician could ever get comfortable at your studio is if YOU put them at ease. That's one of your jobs as a producer.

When trying different versions of a take, tell them how you would like it to sound, instead of what they did wrong ie: "That was great, but let's try to hit the high note a little stronger" instead of "you know, you were a little off on the high note, it didn't sound that good".

Always start with praise, then with a correction. Keep your vocabulary positive. The best producers make the artist feel as if they can do nothing wrong.

2) They Can Do Nothing Wrong

Remember this rule while you are writing or recording. There is no "wrong way", there is only "a different way". Don't tell people that their way is wrong. Remember that music is an art, and there are no rules in art. When a performer is playing something you don't like, correct them by saying "let's try it this way too". Don't start off my saying "nope, you were wrong, do it the right way".

3) Let Them See The Light

Ambiance, atmosphere, vibe: whatever you call it, they need it. I guarantee that you will get a much better performance if you have water on the table, comfortable chairs, maybe a few candles, a towel, mints, and candy. Have you ever tried recording in an office with harsh florescent lights and hard wood chairs?

4) Take Your Time

If you're recording at your own studio, you have all the time in the world (which is an evil thing in my opinion). Let the artist relax, "get into the groove", talk a little and get comfortable with the other people in the control room. A tense artist's performance will always sound 'artificial' in the final song.

Don't be worried if it takes another 10 minutes to finish the take. Each performer works at their own pace, and the best thing you can do as the producer is to respect that and adjust your pace to theirs. Unless you have a record company breathing down your neck. Then everyone has to work at THEIR pace!

5) Ask For Help

Artists love to be listened to. It's always good to ask them for their opinion. Whether you actually listen is up to you. But once in a while, a simple question like "What do you think? Do you want to keep that take?" can do wonders for their performance. It helps keep them involved in the project and make them feel less like a "hired hand".

Obviously, if it was the worse singing you've ever heard and they want to keep it, just mention that you will do "one more take as a safety". And then, when they're not looking, use the better take instead and auto-tune it to no end. This is a little producer's secret, but don't let the artists know!

6) Know The Words

Make sure that you, the engineer, the assistant engineer and everyone else in the control room has lyrics to all the songs. The best way for your studio team to find their way around the songs is with the lyric sheets. Another good idea is to USE THE WHITEBOARD! That's why it's there. If you don't have one, get one. Write down the chord progressions, lyric ideas, timing marks, track listings, McDonald's lunch orders, everything.

7) It's MOSTLY About The Music

I've heard people say "it's ALL about the music". Well, in my books, that's not the truth. I'd rather say "it's mostly about the music". Because you have to remember, it's also about having fun, having a good time, writing and performing the best you can and above all, sharing your talent and gift with others. Try to make it less of a job, and more of a passion and you'll find yourself doing it for the rest of your life!

2005 Richard Dolmat (Digital Sound Magic)

posted by blogs71770 @ 11:15 PM 0 comments

Free and Low Cost PC Offers - The Catch

You've probably seen the ads for "low cost" PC's - "PC's for $199" - or even "free" computers. If you're in the market for a personal computer, you should know "free" doesn't always mean free. Very often, certain conditions and restrictions found in the fine print of advertisements for "free" or "low cost" PC's can turn a so-called deal into an expensive purchase.

Bundled Services

"Free" or "low-cost" PC offers often require "bundled" Internet service contracts, which may last up to three years. In return for signing up for Internet service, you can get as much as a $400 rebate on the computer purchase. While some of these offers can be good deals, many are not as affordable as they may seem. Frequently, important details about the rebate and Internet service offer are difficult to ferret out because they're left out of the advertising or buried in the fine print.

Up-Front Costs

To get a "low cost" PC, you may have to pay the full cost of the computer up front - that is, the total price without any rebates. If the PC is advertised for $199 after rebates, you may have to pay $599, plus any sales tax and shipping charges, and then send for the $400 rebate.

Usually, you have to apply for the rebate in writing, mail in documentation of the sale and then wait - sometimes months - until you receive your rebate check. Sometimes "instant" rebates are offered and you can get your deduction immediately. But some offers allow you to spend the rebate only on other merchandise from the manufacturer or retailer, meaning you still have to pay the full price for the computer.

Internet Access

When you buy a "free" or "low cost" computer, you often have to sign up for three years of Internet service at $20-$30 a month - a total cost of up to $1,000 for three years. Technology is changing at a dizzying pace. It's possible that the three-year Internet service you lock in today could be out of date in six months or a year. And if you'd like to cancel your service, you'll likely have to pay a substantial penalty.

If you decide to cancel your Internet service for any reason, chances are you'll have to pay back some or all of the rebate you received; you also may have to pay a cancellation fee of $50 or more.

If you don't live in a major metropolitan area, you may have to pay long distance telephone charges to access the Internet. Or you also may be able to use a "toll-free" (800, 888 or 877) number supplied by the Internet Service Provider (ISP), but you may be charged five or six dollars an hour to use their "toll-free" number. Whether you choose to use the ISP's telephone number or pay long-distance charges, your phone calls to access the Internet could add up to more than you'll save through the rebate.

If the PC offer requires you to sign-up for Internet service, ask the retailer and the ISP for the Internet access phone numbers closest to you. Then check with your local phone company to determine whether you have to pay long distance rates to use those phone numbers. You may want to consider another offer if the "deal" you're considering requires you to call long distance or pay a fee to access the Internet.

Other Costs

It's possible that the cost of a monitor or other crucial system components may not be included in the PC offer you're considering. The advertisements for the offer may not be clear about what's included. If you have to buy a monitor, for example, plan on spending at least an additional $150.

When considering a "free" or "low cost" PC offer, ask the retailer about up-front costs, rebates, essential components, Internet access costs, long-term commitments, cancellation policies, local or long distance phone access and any other important issues. Details will help you determine if you can afford the free PC.

posted by blogs71770 @ 7:04 PM 0 comments

League Two Betting Review - 13 February 2006

Grimsby Town are the new leaders of League Two after beating Boston United 1-0 at Blundell Park. Michael Reddys goal after 72 minutes was enough to secure the Mariners second win in a row at odds of 9/10.

Last weeks leaders Carlisle United were held to a tense goalless draw at promotion rivals Leyton Orient. Draw backers could have got on at 23/10 with Carlisle now two points behind Grimsby.

Third placed Wycombe Wanderers fought back from two goals down at home to draw 2-2 with relegation strugglers Mansfield Town. Jon Olav-Hjelde and Richie Barker put the Stags 2-0 ahead after 33 minutes, but goals from Tommy Mooney and Stefan Oakes denied an unlikely 9/2 away victory.

Northampton Town squandered the chance to move in to the top three by losing 3-1 at Cheltenham Town. Steve Guinan, Kayode Odejayi and JJ Melligan ensured a home win at 6/4.

Rushden & Diamonds refuse to go down without a fight and Petr Miklondas 30 yard strike gave them all three points against Notts County. Barry Hunters side, 8/5 on the day, have lost just one of their last five games.

Bottom club Stockport County also earned a vital win at faltering Chester City. Liam Dickinson broke the deadlock for County after 76 minutes but Ryan Lowe equalised for City five minutes later. With the match heading for a draw Dickinson grabbed the vital 5/2 winner a minute from time to keep the Hatters just one point from safety.

Meanwhile, Torquay United remain in deep trouble after losing 2-0 at Lincoln City. Scott Kerr after 12 minutes and a last minute goal from Jeff Hughes secured a 5/6 win for the Imps.

Macclesfield Town vs Wrexham, Rochdale vs Barnet and Bury vs Oxford were all called off due to frozen pitches.

posted by blogs71770 @ 3:38 AM 0 comments

BygoneTV

Are you fascinated by old TV shows from 50's and 60's? In its infancy, TV wasa cross between music-hall entertainment and a picture version of radio. Lot'sof tv shows came and went - a few stuck around for quite some time.

These old tv shows are becoming modern day antiques. Let's not let them beforgotten just yet, especially as older members of our community will stillremember them.

Shows like The $64,000 Question, Smilin' Ed McConnell and his Buster Brown Gangand Dennis the Menace are little gems that gave millions great pleasureand should not be forgotten. They are our heritage. Westerns like Adventures of Kit Carson,Nine Lives of Elfego Baca, The Lone Ranger. All these are based onthe real life activities in the wild west.

Take railroad westerns like The Iron Horse and Casey Jones. Infact, take Casey Jones as an example. This tv show was based on a real liferailroad engineer who was actually called Casey Jones.

Quizzes, drama, variety - even more fanciful tv shows like The Man fromU.N.C.L.E. - have their roots in the human existence.

There is an excellent forum at www.bygonetv.com Why not getinvolved. These antiques could be worth quite a lot in a few years!

posted by blogs71770 @ 3:29 AM 0 comments

Retirement Party Oh the Easy Life

You or someone in your life has worked hard for many years. Retirement is just around the corner and so is a big party! The retirement party can follow a theme, be a complete surprise or even a small, intimate gathering. Whatever you decide, a party supply store will have all of the products you need for a successful celebration.

When sending invitations out, include an old picture from the retirees workplace. If the guests work with the honoree, have them write down or remember old memories to share at the party. You can also ask if they have pictures from the job that can be included in a scrapbook for the retiree.

A scrapbook detailing their career and all of the accomplishments is a great gift. Make copies of any certificates, awards or pictures with important people to include. Have guests sign the book and add their own good wishes for the retiree. Take lots of pictures, and after the party add pictures of the person by their signature in the scrapbook.

A retirement party requires decorations. If you pick a theme, a party supply store will have all of the paper products such as plates, napkins, silverware and cups you need. If you dont want a theme, they have plain colors available in every shade. Balloons and crepe paper also coordinate with all of the supplies and make your party extra festive.

Personalized banners can be made with the retirees name and start and end date of working. Party favors can also be given out to everyone in the shape of a timecard, lunch pail or whatever matches your theme.

Games to play at a Retirement Party could involve the gift giving. Make it gag gifts only so the entertainment is covered, as well as some fun. Think of some trivia questions about the company the retiree worked for and who has the most right answers. Have fun!

posted by blogs71770 @ 3:20 AM 0 comments

Enlightenment, or World Cup Football?

Football (English/Euro) is 1 of my passions. Last WorldCup, I got cable just for that spectacular month. GeneralHospital is the only TV that I ever watch, but for that July, I was glued to the box like any other normal, crazed person!

There was an enlightenment course that I wanted to do around that time. I arranged things just right for uninterrupted World Cup! No way was I going anywherewhen there were games to be watched! Hell no!

7 months pregnant with my 2nd child, I lived and died for football that month. It really fed my soul. It actually was a great lead-in to my awakening that August on TheAvatar Course.

I was in heaven. My team, Brazil, won everything! I was ecstatic! I cheered, I danced, I jumped up and down likea crazy person. I sang, I screamed and had a great party through all hours of the night.

I was relieved that my country of origin - Jamaica - was not in the World Cup. How could I bear to watch JA playBrazil? Who would I pick to win? Damn. My national anthem and the Reggae Boyz, or my Brazilian men withthe exotic, and hypnotizing moves? Thank God I didnt have to choose! Relief...

This year, the World Cup finals are the exact same week that I had decided to be in service as an Avatar Master for 1 of our International courses in Florida.

Oh my God. I considered not going to the course. So, naturally, 1 of my sisters who has never, ever been interested in self-help, now decides to show an interest in her spiritual awakening!

Enlightenment? Not now honey, I have men to watch on TV! Whats the karma for that?

Okay, so I will show up.

I put my Avatar tools to good use to creatively explore assisting others with their awakening, doing my reading and writing assignments, taping my 2 or 3 games a night, watching every one and still walking up fresh and present for you the next morning!

Of course I can have it all! Now Im living! Being fully present in the moment, so alive that my heart is burstingopen with excitement, joy and passion. Thats living. Bring it on baby!

When you find something you love, go for it, revel in it, soak it up! Enjoy being with it in that moment, for that is all that there is.

The moment.

posted by blogs71770 @ 2:58 AM 0 comments

Slumber Party Fun - With or Without the Slumber

Slumber party themes tend to work best for girls, although boys can have sleepovers too. Somewhere around the age of ten would be a good starting out point for parties of this nature. To start your slumber party planning, first consider who to invite and form a list. These invitations should be mailed giving guests a couple of weeks notice. Invitations can be postcards, sleeping bag cutouts or anything you choose from a party supply store.

A simple yet fun theme would be a night of food and fun. Request that each girl bring some of her favorite things to the party. Examples could be a favorite snack, movie, magazine or game. They might not have time for everything, but leaving all of their options open is better than hearing, Were bored. This allows them to move from activity to activity with minimal help from you while they eat. Each girl should also bring a sleeping bag and pillow if and when it comes time to go to bed.

Another great activity is makeovers. Buy them cheap makeup from a dollar store or if they are old enough they may have their own. Set up a Salon and let the girls experimenting. See who can be made into the scariest or goofiest. If its a slightly older bunch, the makeovers could be more serious and result in some great new looks. Facials or hand and foot scrub kits are other pampering ideas that could also make your party a hit.

Plan a nice breakfast for the morning before all your guests depart. Pancakes are a good choice; simple yet delicious and easy to make for a crowd. Breakfast is the perfect way to cap off a nice night with friends and end the experience on a great note.

posted by blogs71770 @ 12:10 AM 0 comments