Why we Need to Take Risks

It does not matter if you are a Doctor, a Lawyer or an infantry soldier in the Army if you want to be the best and get ahead, you will need to take risks. A doctor may have to take risks when working with a patient. The Doctor may have to experiment with different forms of medications or new surgical procedures when all else has failed in an attempt to help the patient. A lawyer may have to argue a case in an unorthodox manner to win the case, but if the lawyer wants to become the top lawyer and make millions of dollars fighting high profile cases lots of risks have to be taken. A soldier may have to take a risk and run thru gunfire to save another injured soldier, to complete their mission, or just to secure an area from being overrun by enemy troops, after going days with little to no sleep, but if a soldier wants to get promotions and eventually lead men into battle they also need to take risks. These risks are not unlike someone looking to get rich in a casino, they have to be willing to risk everything they have to get that million dollar payoff. If you play it safe in a casino you may get lucky and win a big jackpot on the slot machines, but if you want to make millions you are going to have to play games such as Poker, Blackjack, Roulette and Craps . These are the games that with some skill, some luck and a lot of risk taking you can retire off your winnings. The same can be said about life in general. No one gets ahead in life from playing it safe. You will not meet your special someone if you are too afraid to risk getting rejected by someone, you will never get that big promotion unless you take risks at your job. It is very important to continue to take risks in life. To stop taking risks means to stand still in life. Standing still in life is one of the main causes of depression. These are usually the people afraid to confront the boss and tell him that they demand a raise; they are the ones that allow life to pass them by out of fear. The entire purpose of fear is to stop you from taking a risk. Fear is nothing more then the unknown. If you have always wanted to quit your job and open a shop but you are too afraid to do it, this is because you are afraid of failing and risking what you already have. It is important to learn to take risks in life if you want to be happy, you may not always get the things you risked for, but you will know that you tried, and in the end it does not matter in my opinion if you succeed or not it is how many risks you try to make that is the real test of how successful you are. Just remember if no one took risks we would be a world without flight and probably no automotive vehicles at all, maybe we would have no electricity. So risk truly is needed to improve the world.

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Wind Turbine Generators

 Wind Turbine Generators - Free power from mother nature. Maybe we could install it now.!!

Wind generators are one of the most reliable forms of alternative power sources on the planet.  They are made to manufacture power by transforming the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy, which is then either harnessed directly (in the case of windmills, for example, which were used to change wheat into flour, or to pump water for farming) or coupled to a generator that creates a DC output that can be used in a more general sense.  In this article I will be talking about the type of wind generators that produce electric energy, as this is more useful to us in our daily lives.

Wind turbines are basically large windmills, with gigantic blades that rotate in the wind and produce power from the conversion of the winds force.  Wind turbines are manufactured from plastic, aluminium, steel and numerous other space age metals.

Wind turbines have a few negative impacts on the environment.  They are very visible, and quite unsightly since they must be put in proximity to windy, open terrain to be useful - attempts to locate them off the coast have been met with great success.  They require a great deal of energy in their manufacture, energy which is typically fossil-based, and therefore it can take a considerable amount of time before they are positive in terms of total carbon emissions - this time can be anywhere from 2 to 5 years.  Wind turbines are linked to the mauling of rare species of birds that can be mutilated as they pass through the turbine fans during migratory passages.

With all of the downsides aside, wind turbines should be a choice when talking about a broad plan for renewable energy.  Once erected, wind turbines are amazingly efficient in a larger sense - they generate power from a natural, eco-friendly renewable resource, without the hidden social or environmental penalties that we incur with the use of fossil fuels - theres no need to mine for fuel or to transport it - there are no global warming pollutants created, and no need to store, process, or to dispose of toxic wastes.

At the small side of the scale, turbines can be as tiny as 5 feet in diameter and are capable of only a few hundred watts.  On the high end of the spectrum, turbines can be as huge as three hundred feet in diameter and are capable of generating two to five megawatts of power.

Similar to photovoltaic solar power generation, there might be rebates available for construction, and excess energy can be sold back to the power company.

Wind velocity is impacted by topography and increases with height above the ground, so wind turbines are generally installed on top of large towers.  In a typical application, the wind turbine sits on top of a tall  tower and generates low voltage DC which is used to charge a battery store - this stored potential energy is ultimately utilized by routing it through an inverter that changes the low voltage direct current power into utility voltage alternating current electricity that can be used in household applications.  By concentrating a lot of turbines into wind farms a substantial amount of electricity can be stored and utilized, perhaps for a whole city or town.

Because the wind doesnt blow all of the time in many areas, wind turbines are used as adjuncts in hybrid configurations with many different technologies like photovoltaic panels, and diesel generators to provide a consistent source of electricity.

Dissimilar to fossil-fuel stations, wind turbines are clean and green - they dont create the carbon dioxide emissions that are causing greenhouse gases or the SO2 emissions that cause acid rain.

Todays turbines are divided into 2 categories, namely horizontal turbines and vertica turbines.  Todays horizontal axis wind turbines are actually far better at capturing the wind than vertical axis turbines given the same amount of swept area (which is the diameter of the circle traced by the outside tip of the rotor blades).

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Sleeping Bag Ratings - A New Idea

It seems that sleeping bag ratings have no consistency. Temperature ratings are still determined entirely by the manufacturers of the bags. My 3-pound Sierra Designs bag, for example, was rated to 20 degrees. Honestly, it never kept me as warm as my 17-ounce Western Mountaineering sleeping bag, which is only rated down to 40 degrees. Isn't this a problem when you buy a bag? Maybe a 45-degree bag will keep you warmer than a 30-degree bag. Consistent Sleeping Bag Ratings No matter what temperature a bag is rated for, under any system of testing, it won't necessarily keep you warm to that temperature. We can't solve the problem of people having different metabolisms and bodies. A particular bag might be good for one person down to 20 degrees, while for another it is only good to 40 degrees. You generally can figure out if you are a cold or a warm sleeper, but that doesn't help if you don't know whether a bag is rated too high or too low. You need to know that if a bag says 30 degrees it will keep you warmer than one that says 40 degrees. With that, even if you add or subtract 10 or 20 degrees for your personal tastes, you can still figure out which bag is the warmer one. How do we get this consistency? Begin testing with any sleeping bag, by putting a bag of water in it that is human-sized, weighing perhaps 160 pounds. Have three standard sizes for small, regular and large sleeping bags. Always start with the water temperature at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and measure how long before it drops to 90 degrees. External air temperature has to always be the same too, whther it is 60 degrees or 40. The numbers are not crucial. What's important here is that once the standards are chosen, every bag is tested the same way, with the same conditions (even the temperature and material of the testing platform would have to be the same). This is what will give consistency to the sleeping bag ratings for warmth. Now, if a bag rated to 40 degrees keeps the water above 90 for two hours, a bag rated for 30 would obviously have to keep it above 90 degrees for a longer time. Pegging heat-retention times to specific temperature ratings would be a bit tricky at first. However, once done, each new bag on the market could be submitted to the testing and quickly given a consistent rating. We would know that a lower rating would always mean a warmer bag, degree-by-degree. We could even have old bags tested to see if it is time to replace them. Manufacturer Acceptance? Would manufacturers pay a private testing company to have their bags rated? Some, at first, because it would be a an advantage for those companies who are already conservative in their temperature ratings. They would have "proof" that the bags are even warmer than they were claiming. Then, eventually, all bag makers would feel some motivation to have their sleeping bags tested, because consumers would be wary about buying ones that weren't tested. I hope someone will take this idea and run with it. An existing consumer rating company, like Consumer Reports, could do this on their own and report the results. Even if they listed the bags without temperature ratings, but in absolute order by which held the heat in the best, it would be very useful. One could look at the list and if their current bag kept them warm to 25 degrees, ythey would know that any bag higher on the list would be warmer. Isn't it time for consistent sleeping bag ratings?

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Tea: Origins, Flavors and Health Benefits

How many times do we just want to drink tea after a heavy meal, but are then bombarded with all the various tea flavours that we get lost. This article answers that need.

What you should always remember is that there are only four types of tea.
1) Black tea
2) Green tea
3) White tea
4) Oolong tea

All these are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant. Other herbal infusions such as chamomile tea, ginger tea or red tea made of rooibos leaves are disqualified as types of tea since the tea plant is not involved in their making. The difference between the four tea variations lies in the process of making them. In addition, each type of tea has another flavor and various health benefits.

1) Black Tea
The strong flavored burnt Sienna colored hot beverage is the most popular type of tea in the West. Either served with a squeeze of lemon or added milk and a cube of sugar, the cup of black tea is part of daily tea ceremonies that take place worldwide. Black tea is made of heavily oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. When served plain, it contains no calories, carbohydrates, or fats. A cup of black tea contains more caffeine than any other types of tea but less than in any cup of coffee.

2) Green Tea
The lightly oxidized tea has been popular in China, Japan and Korea for centuries. Recently, rumors on its health benefits increased its popularity in the West as well. It has been proven that drinking green tea can lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, increase metabolic rates and be helpful in variety of other conditions and illnesses. The green tea is lightly oxidized, dried, but not fermented. It is usually served plain, without sugar or milk. Since some of the green tea variants taste a bit bitter, it should be brewed in lower temperature than the boiling point.

3) White Tea
White tea is rarer and more expensive than the other types of teas mentioned above. Originated in the Fujian province of china, the white tea is made of young Camellia sinensis leaves, which go through a long process of steaming or frying, inactivate fermenting and drying. Since the leaves are harvested while the buds are still covered by white hair, it is called white tea. White tea has the most delicate, sweet taste than the other types of tea. Moreover, it contains the smallest amount of caffeine and the largest amount of antioxidant that help prevent cancer.

4) Oolong Tea
The traditional Chinese tea is the common companion of Chinese foods such as dim sum and chop suey in American Chinese restaurants. The oolong tea, black dragon in Chinese, got its name after its long, dark distinguished leaves that look like wild black dragons when brewed. The unique taste of the oolong tea is achieved by a long process that includes sun drying of the Camellia sinensis leaves, light oxidization, cooling and drying processes. The result is a lighter flavor than the popular black tea and stronger than the delicate green tea.

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How To Choose The Right Flooring For Your House

 

Everyone dreams of living in a beautiful house. Once you have the house, you're often bewildered with different decorating ideas. It's a good idea to start at the basics. Good flooring forms the foundation of any decorating theme. So it's vital to get the flooring right. One aspect is selecting the right materials.

The various rooms in your house may need a different kind of flooring. You have to pick the flooring depending on the use for the room, your lifestyle and your finances. Before you get floored by the number of choices available in the market, it's a good idea to know what you’re looking for:

Your location

The location of your house is an important ingredient in your purchase decision. Do you live in a warm or cold climate? Do you have flooding or fires near your area? Studying these factors will help you make the right decision. Here's an example. Knowing that your house is situated in a moist area will give you a wide choice of flooring to choose from. You should probably pick material that will not rot away like stone, granite or marble. However, if you live in colder climes, then you can use a carpet or plain linoleum for the kitchen.

Your tastes

Your house should reflect your style and tastes. Do you like contemporary designs or a more traditional look? If your budget allows it, a hardwood flooring goes with almost any interior decorating idea. Bamboo floors or laminated floors are a cheaper option. You’ll find it easy to clean a laminated floor as a good wipe will take care of it. You don’t have to use oil or excessively scrub it.

Check the foundation

You need to check the foundation of the house before you buy the flooring. You will want your flooring to remain firm and stable and not cracked or chipped. Firstly, fix the foundation of any defects. Only then will the new flooring look good. If there is going to be quite a lot of family traffic you will want to ensure that it is resistant to wear and tear.

Garage flooring

This is one room in your house that is most neglected. The right flooring can change this room completely. If your concrete flooring is unprotected, you will end up doing repairs pretty often as it will crack. Moisture can be disastrous for your garage flooring. Well laid out flooring can be a pleasure to look at. Further, you will want your garage to be safe and clean.

Your budget

It's always best to stay within your budget but look for quality material. If you’re looking for a good discount go to a materials wholesaler. They usually sell in bulk so you get to save in the bargain. Remember, don't count the pennies as compromising on quality can cost you later when you need to spend on repairs. Do you homework prior to going to a hardware store as you need to know what you’re looking for.
You can take your pick amongst various materials for your flooring. Let's take a look at some popular flooring options:
a. Hardwood floors- These are ideal for most homes but these floors are sensitive to climatic conditions. Wood tends to contract and expand depending upon the weather. They are also prone to water damage and require maintenance.
b. Marmoleum- This is made from material that is organic. As an environmentally friendly option this is easy to take care of. Not only is it durable but it is warm and comfortable to walk on.
c. Bamboo flooring- This is one of the most durable in the market today. It looks good and comes in different designs. Your rooms will look elegant and beautiful. Bamboo flooring can be dyed to look like wood. This is environmentally friendly and is commonly found in nature.
d. Rubber flooring- If you are into sports or if you have a toddler at home who is just learning to walk, then rubber flooring is ideal for you. This reduces the pressure on your heels and knees. You will not get hurt if you fall on rubber flooring. Interlocking rubber tiles are easy to assemble on the floor.
Picking the right flooring is very important. You can use different kinds of flooring for different rooms. For example a children's room can have a rubber floor while you can pick wood for the main living room. By customizing the flooring, you get the right fit. Any room requires a good floor to act as a foundation to the rest of the decor. So keep your interior design in mind, while selecting the right flooring. The design should not clash with the floor. Keep your house beautiful and elegant and most importantly let it reflect your unique style and personality.

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Creating An Ergonomic Office Space With The Right Furniture

Today's modern world requires most of us to spend most of our time sitting down in front of our computers, totally conflicting with the natural state in which the body is supposed to be.  Sitting down for hours at an end is a leading cause of office work-related injuries.  This is why it is important to observe ergonomics and to use ergonomic office furniture in the workplace.

Ergonomics is the application of scientific and technological principles where objects and systems are designed to be of optimum use to the human body, thereby lessening or even preventing the occurrence of pain and injury to the body in the continuous use of these objects and systems. In the workplace, ergonomics is best observed in the use of ergonomic office furniture, which can minimize injuries to the user's body in the course of a day’s work.

To create an ergonomic work space with the use of ergonomic office furniture, we should take into consideration four elements: the angle of the computer monitor, the lighting of the work space, the position of the keyboard and mouse, and the supports on the chair being used.

The Computer Monitor

When you position your computer monitor on your desk, you have to take note of the fact that you would be required to stare at it for long periods of time, sometimes for hours at an end.  So, you would need to protect your eyes from the glare that can result when the light reflects on your computer monitor.

The ergonomic way of doing it is to place your computer monitor as far away from you as possible when you are sitting at your desk, without hampering your capacity to read whatever is on your monitor.  Ideally, your monitor should be around 20 inches away from you, perhaps more.

To minimize eyestrain, the angle of your head should be at a 15-degree down angle from the center of the screen.  Also, your neck should be bent in such a way that your head is at a perpendicular angle to the floor.

The Lighting

Proper lighting is essential in creating an ergonomic workspace.  Too much light can create glare, and glare can hurt the eyes.
The lighting in an ergonomic workspace should only be moderately bright.  What we mean by this is that the brightness of the light inside the room should be just like what it would be outdoors on a clear day.

Also, the lighting in a room should be at a right angle with the monitor in order to reduce the glare to the eyes.  It would also help to mix fluorescent lights with incandescent lights to provide a warm color of light that is easy on the eyes.

The Keyboard and the Mouse

How you hold your wrists and arms as you type on your keyboard and as you click on your mouse is a significant factor in preventing injuries to your wrist, including the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.  If you are to follow the principles of ergonomics, you should keep your keyboard and mouse aligned to the angle of your monitor, at a negative angle away from you so that your wrists will remain straight as you hold them over your keyboard.

To accomplish this, use a desk with an adjustable tray for your keyboard and mouse.  The tray should be angled so that the keyboard is tilted away from you.  Never place your keyboard on the top of your desk; if you do this, you will strain your wrists by holding them at an angle towards your body.  Also, you can ignore the keyboard support at the back of your keyboard.  Using them is actually contrary to the principles of ergonomics, as they tilt the keyboard towards you, rather than away from you.  In addition to that, your mouse should be kept at the level where your keyboard is.

Moreover, when you are typing, lift your wrists instead of letting them rest on your wrist rest.  Use these wrist rests only when you are not typing.

The Chair

Your chair is probably the most important element that you should consider when you are creating your ergonomic office space.  The chair you should get for yourself should be an ergonomic chair.  An ergonomic chair will provide support for your arms, back, shoulders and neck as you spend your hours in front of your computer.

Your ergonomic chair should be something that is adjustable so that its height will allow your feet to rest flat on the floor.  The curve of the back of your ergonomic chair should also fit the curve of your back.  The edge of the seat should be at least one inch away from the back of your knees.  The seat of your ergonomic chair should also be wide enough to fit your hips and thighs without being squeezed or pinched in.  An ergonomic chair with a high back is also desirable to provide support for your shoulders and neck.

Following the principles of ergonomics and using ergonomic office furniture in your workspace will help a lot in minimizing workplace injuries to your body.  Be kind to your body and set your workplace up with ergonomic office furniture!

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HDTV - High Definition Television

Television, one of the greatest entertainment devices ever created.

Back in the day, people were outstanded by the capability of being able to watch broadcasts in black & white.

People were amazed by the technology of being able to watch live broadcasts from across the world, films and sports all whilst not having to leave their homes.

Then came along colour!

Obviously, we have come a long way since then, what with the capabilities of computers and the internet, video calling and other technological advances, having colour television all seems a bit primitive.

Since colour television there also have been some more advances for our viewing pleasure.

There was the VCR, giving people the choice of recording their programmes or buying video’s for their kids.

Then came along DVD. DVD produced improved quality in audio and visual a normal VCR cassette couldn’t compete with, as well as separating the films into scenes and sections, and adding extras.

Now with digital television widely becoming the standard, we have LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) & Plasma screens, again improving picture quality whilst saving space. But it doesn’t stop there.

The new technology that again, will improve the viewing pleasure is ‘High Definition TV’ or HDTV for short.

So, what is HDTV?

HDTV is the latest generation of digital TV, providing life-like picture quality, at least four times superior to current standards. It will provide extremely clear and fine picture detail with richer colours, improving the visual experience.

At launch, HDTV is thought to be available from BSkyB. In order to view programmes broadcast in 'High Definition', a soon to be released HDTV Sky Receiver with Sky+ technology will be required. In addition, the benefit of High Definition will only be apparent through a HDTV television (ideally plasma or LCD).

Please note, not all Plasma & LCD televisions currently available are HDTV compatible. It is expected to become available in the first quarter of 2006.

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HDTV Or LCD?

HDTV - The next generation of TV, or the next 8 track cartridge format. That's the important question for anyone looking to invest in a new HDTV television. There have been so many different video, tape and sound system formats that the consumer could be forgiven for cynicism and exercising more than a touch of caution.

The HDTV format has been put together by an industry wide group of US researchers and manufacturers, rather than any one manufacturer. It should not be subject to the inter-manufacturer squabbling that killed the 8-track cartridge or Beta format video recording.

HDTV offers a spectacular combination of color intensity and Dolby Digital surround sound that has impressed most reviewers. Giving cinema-like sound and picture quality.

Gas Plasma HDTV screens offer a higher degree of contrast than the competing LCD flat screen TVs. This means the TV has a visible and bright picture, even in a brightly lit room, no more closing the drapes to watch a football game in the afternoon. The Plasma screen also has a much wider viewing angle, so the whole family can watch from around the room. LCD screens have improved in this regard, but are still limited. The colors on an LCD screen change once you are not directly in front or within 10 degrees of a centre line.

If your new television screen is intended for use as a video game screen as well, then the choice is more difficult. This is because gas plasma screens do suffer from "Burn in". Burn in is where an image that has been displayed for an extended period of time leaves an after-image on the screen even after it is removed. This can be a problem with video gamers because game on-screen control panels tend to be static and would cause "Burn in."

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What Size Of Bed Is Good For You?

Are you shopping for a new bed for your bedroom?  Are you confused with just what size of bed you should get?  Worry not because you are not alone in this.  Not everyone knows the difference between a single bed and a double bed, as well as the difference between a queen-sized bed and a king-sized bed.  Not even furniture store attendants are well aware of the differences.

The size of your bed, however, is crucial to the quality of sleep that you will be getting.  So, it is important for you to get the bed size that is just perfect for you as well as for your partner if you are not sleeping alone.

Here is a rough guide to bed sizes.

* Singles.  Single beds are also known as twin beds or bunk beds.  They are often placed for use in children's rooms, in multiple use guestrooms and in dorm rooms.  A typical single bed is 39 inches wide and 75 inches long; it is ideal for small bedrooms.

The great thing about single beds is that you will not find it difficult to find sheets for them, because sheets for single beds are the ones most available in furniture and department stores.  Single beds are also usually fitted with trundle beds that you can pull out if you have a guest sleeping over.

The problem with single beds, however, is that they are mostly too short to accommodate adults.  If you really want a single bed but you feel that it would be too short for you, you can opt to buy an extra long single bed, which is five more inches on the standard-sized single bed.  Buying the appropriate-sized sheets for this length of bed, on the other hand, can pose a different challenge.

* Doubles.  If you are sharing your bed with someone and he or she does not mind snuggling close to you every night, or if you are sleeping alone and you just want a big space to sleep in, then a double bed is a good option for you.  A double bed, also known as a full bed, is a perfect fit for guestrooms and smaller master bedrooms.  The size of a double bed is 54 inches by 75 inches.

But while size may make the double bed perfect for smaller master bedrooms, it can be a problem for people whose height requires them to sleep in a longer bed.  It may also be uncomfortable to be shared by two people who are not used to sleeping closely side-by-side with someone else.

* Queens.  With a size of 60 inches by 80 inches, a queen-sized bed is six inches wider and five inches longer than your standard double bed.  It is definitely big enough for a couple to sleep comfortably next to each other, and yet small enough to allow for some snuggling and cozy companionship.  Just like double beds, the queen-sized bed is a very nice fit in guestrooms and smaller master bedrooms.

Some people may still find the queen-sized bed too narrow or too short for their needs.  For people who do find the standard queen-sized bed still too small for them, there is the Olympic Queen size – a few inches wider and longer than your regular queen, but still smaller than the king-sized bed.

* Kings.  There are actually two kinds of king-sized beds.  One is called the eastern king or the standard king, while the other is referred to as the western king or the Californian king.  What is the difference between these two?

The eastern king is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long – 16 inches wider than a standard queen-sized bed but just as long.  It is actually the biggest and widest bed size available in department stores.  With a bed that big, you can definitely sleep in comfort even if you are sleeping beside another person.

A standard king-sized bed may be prized for its size, but it is also its size that can make it quite impractical to buy.  It is suited only to big bedrooms, naturally because of its size, and it would be quite hard to move a bed of this size around.  Also, the standard king-sized bed may be too short for tall adults.

If you want a king-sized bed but the length of the bed is your concern, go ahead and choose the California king-sized bed.  The western king may be a little narrower than the eastern king, but what it lacks for width it definitely makes up for length.  The western king comes in a size of 72 inches by 84 inches.  Again, just like its eastern counterpart, the California king can be a hassle to move around.

The size of the sleeping space matters a lot when it comes to having a good night’s sleep.  So, whenever you are in the lookout for a new bed, always pick the one that is the right size that you need.

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What To Look For In A Home Massage Chair

Massage chairs have the potential to be significant investment. Therefore, it is important for you to do some research beforehand. Your decision to buy a massage chair is typically influenced by your requirements and budget. Asking yourself some right questions to ascertain your needs before making the purchase can help you make the right choice.
   
A massage chair is specifically designed to stimulate the pressure points in your body and relax your muscles. A well-designed massage chair should provide you relief from pain as well as complete relaxation. The two most common types of massage chair are Shiatsu and Swedish massage chairs. Shiatsu massage chairs use a combination of movements to stimulate the body’s pressure points by the help of pressing, patting, sweeping, rolling, and rotation movements, while Swedish massage chairs use long and smooth strokes combined with kneading movement.

What Are Benefits Of Using A Massage Chair?
Knowing the benefits of a product like massage chair can emphasize the need for that product and educate you towards its important. The benefits of having a good massage chair are manifold specifically for your health. Here are some of the most common benefits:

* Totally freedom from stress and deep relaxation
* Relief from stiffness and tension in muscles
* Reduction in body tension and muscle spasm
* Better joint flexibility and wider range of motion
* Enhanced flexibility and efficient movement
* Reduced blood pressure levels
* Better blood circulation
   
Can Anyone Use A Massage Chair?   
Now that you know the benefits of massage chairs, you are probably interested in knowing who can use it. Well, massage chairs are typically designed for an average height of 5'10". So, if you are much taller or shorter than this height, we suggest you give the massage chair a try before buying it. Ask the massage chair salesperson to help you learn the controls so that you can adjust the position of the various nodes and rollers for maximum benefit. Certain brands, such as Panasonic offer massage chairs that automatically adjust to your height by sensing the top of your shoulders when seated. If you are over 6 feet tall or suffer from knee, hip, or lower back pain then don't buy a massage chair that is very low to the ground.

What features should the massage chair have?
Having too many features in your massage chair can mean paying a higher dollar. More often than not, most people use only some specific features on a regular basis. Choose a massage chair with features that match your needs. For ex: of you are prone to muscle tension and stiffness, then you should invest in a massage chair that offers excellent mechanical massage to your body or specific area of your body. A good example of this is the Isymphonic massage chair that has been designed to be especially effective in the neck and shoulder areas. Panasonic's Pro Elite comes with airbags in the chair’s arms that inflate and deflate to massage the neck and shoulder areas. Some other chairs have air bags that inflate and deflate in the legs and foot region, while others have them in the lower back, hip, and buttocks areas.

When testing the massage chair, also pay special attention to the pressure or intensity of the massage offered. Though the intensity of the massage can be adjusted according to individual preference, you must sit in the chair for at least 15 minutes to ascertain that the pressure and comfort are acceptable.

If you like to sit with your legs on a higher level, then check if the massage chair has an extendable leg rest or an ottoman.

Where Should You Put The Massage Chair?
Now that you have tested the massage chair and probably made up your mind about which chair to buy, it’s time to think about where you can keep the chair. Since massage chairs are bulky, they require more space. Usually, a bedroom or a home office is the most popular choice for putting a massage chair in. Discuss with people who will be using the massage chair to make sure that the place where you keep the chair works for them or not.

Reclining massage chairs can’t be kept with their back close to a wall. A better idea is to measure the space where you’d want to put the massage chair before making a selection. You can also seek the advice of a chair salesperson to find out the area required for your massage chair.

If you are not sure where you’ll put the chair, you may want to buy one with wheels like the Ijoy. Not only can you move it from one room to another but also keep it out of sight when not in use. But if you are facing a space crunch, then opt for a portable massage cushion. Though not as rich in features as a regular massage chair, the cushion can be placed on any chair and is easy to stow away.

What Should My Budget Be?
Budget! Perhaps, one of the main deciding factors when investing in a massage chair. The general range for massage chairs starts at around $700 and can go up to $6000 or more. A word of caution - price is not an indication of quality. High priced models are completely feature packed and you never use most of these feature in your lifetime!

Remember, a good massage chair can alleviate your daily stress and body tension in a matter of minutes. But never buy one without trying it out for yourself.

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Designer Handbags

With the urban rich adopting the attitude, “have money – will spend,” premium luxury brands are making a beeline for the high-end segment. Ladies are increasingly investing in fashion accessories, particularly designer handbags.

With an increase in disposable income, the potential is enormous. The biggest draw, though, is what the industry terms the image factor. Brand image has different connotations for different people. For young, it's being “in”; for the upper middle-class segment, it’s creating pockets of wealth in their lives; and for the affluent, it's an assertion of their class.

“When we establish a physical presence in any country, our target is long-term success, and not immediate returns; but we usually develop a strong customer base within a short time,” comments Prasanna Bhaskar, Retail Manager, Louis Vuitton. “About 300 Suhali Goat Leather Handbags priced at $2,893.96 were dispatched to a burgeoning market like India, but it turned out to be a gross underestimate of the demand; the entire collection sold out within two months.”  Bhaskar attributes this to the desire to associate with a well-known, high-end brand.

Another hot seller is a Marc Jacobs Quilted Venetia handbag in vintage-inspired quilted leather. Priced at $1,200.00,  the leather is complemented by brass hardware and luxe-suede interiors. The young at heart are snapping up Marc Jacobs Quilted Denim Large Hobo Banana priced at $875.00.  Everything about this Italian hobo, from the chunky brass straps to the slant zip pockets, makes it irresistible; the quilted denim is teamed with topstitched leather and signature hardware. Prada Lock Tote is in demand, too, and is characterized by antique leather trim, front flap, signature lock closure, and magnetic-snap front pockets.

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Armor, Ammo, and the Kitchen Sink: The Secret to Deployment Bags and how to pack them

"Survival of the fittest" is a term that is thrown around liberally, but what does it mean? The meat of the phrase means that those who are most prepared, equipped and alert will be the ones that will come out on top of the pack.  Going into a battle situation, it is to your benefit to give yourself every advantage you can think of which means to more than satisfy the criteria of the definition of being "fit."

The secret to being prepared and equipped is having with you everything you may need in any given situation. This can be challenging when you have to carry all of your gear. However, with the right TA-50 or deployment bag, you can have enough room for everything you need, and if you pack carefully, perhaps even a small kitchen sink!  The perfect deployment bag begins with essentials in an orderly arrangement.  Essentials will be different for everyone, but at the core should be your body armor, some ammunition and a small first-aid kit. Here are some tips for packing the perfect bag:

1. Combinations are KEY! Try combining articles such as putting gloves, a pair of socks and a couple extra rounds in the cavity of the body armor.  This will enable there to be more room in the bag as well as keeping things that you will need to use together also packed together so there is no time or energy lost in grabbing something you need.  Body armor is bulky and odd shaped for packing, and chances are that if you need one piece, that you will need the same things each time so put them together in a way that they all work together. For example, if you have an extra pair of shoes to pack, consider putting something else that you will be using at that same time in the shoe to save room in your bag.

2. Zip tight bags are awesome!  Water leakage inward to your bag (if it’s not waterproof or if it gets a hole in it somehow) or liquid/gel leakage outward of a container can prove to be a huge problem if you are traveling or on deployment. Zip tight baggies can save your day! Put shirts or outfits, socks, underwear into gallon size baggies if you are going to be deployed to a wet area with a lot of rain or will be trekking through water. If not, zip tight sandwich baggies around your toiletry items individually can prove extremely helpful. If one thing spills then it doesn’t get on each item turning it into a gooey mess. Also, with the use of zip bags, you will know that socks are always in one bag, underwear is always in another bag, and so on alleviating wasted time spent rearranging or hunting down items that you need NOW. Time spent hunting should be for your adversary instead of for your socks.

3. You can pack your kitchen sink and your bathroom medicine cabinet. Just because you are deployed or traveling does not mean that you have to go without necessities due to lack of space anymore. There are some deployment bags out there that are so ultra-roomy and sturdy that you can pack what you need; one of which is a safety/medical kit. Keep a few bandages, muscle pain patches, minor pain meds in travel packages, snap-light fishing glow sticks, all in one mini-tool, and snap-released hand warmers. Maybe put those in a round of duct tape or a funnel and put that in a zip baggy or just in a little toiletry case.

4. Why leave strategy to the battlefield?  To win the war on clutter and mess, you have to plan a method of attack. Strategize and think about putting together your bag right the first time. What will be easiest for you and save you time? What will be something that you will actually do and maintain? Will zip baggies be something that you can do? Will arranging socks with socks work better for you rather than arranging whole outfits together? Does it make sense to pilfer through your bag each time you need something? Plan what you are going to do and then keep it up so you know exactly where everything is! Arrange things considering shape and frequency of use. Does it make sense to put something you use three times daily on the bottom of the stack? Arranging in slices instead of stacks helps. Think bread slices in a bag. That way you don’t have stacks of stuff to look under but rather can see a small sliver sample of each thing you have. Planning your bag will make your time more efficient and lower your stress level because you are more prepared in a shorter amount of time.

Incorporating a few of these ideas or using them as a holistic system really can aide you in being more prepared, more equipped and more "fit" than your counterparts or competition. Saving time, energy and mental stress will aide you in keeping your performance at an optimum while still not compromising your personal comfort. Performance levels at their optimum will ensure you are among the most "fit" and will help to guarantee your success at your mission, both on the battlefield and beyond.

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Altria to Launch Marlboro Filter Kretek in Indonesia

 

PT H.M. Sampoerna, the Indonesian world's largest tobacco company, has begin launch clove flavored cigarettes or the Marlboro mix 9 brand name.

The subsidiary of Altria Group Inc. will start selling filtered Marlboro Mix 9 from July 9, its first new brand in 18 years, said the people, who declined to be identified before an announcement next week. Clove-flavored cigarettes, known as kretek, dominate sales in the Southeast Asian nation, the world's fifth-largest tobacco market.

The launch may help Indonesia's largest producer of tobacco products win a larger share of the estimated $10 billion market for kretek cigarettes by attracting customers of PT Gudang Garam, owned by the family of Indonesia's richest man, and the Djarum Group. Sampoerna's sales growth has been cut by tax increases.

"It's a fantastic and excellent strategy," said Rezza Zulkasi, an analyst with PT First State Investments Indonesia in Jakarta, which manages 1.5 trillion rupiah ($167 million) in assets. "People want to have the international brand, but also want the local taste."

Sampoerna will start selling the kretek Marlboro in Java and Bali, the people said. Leo Burnett, a unit of Publicis Groupe SA, the world's fourth-biggest advertising firm, will help market the product. The ad agency created the "Marlboro man" advertisement campaign in 1955.

Where To Buy
Salecheapcigarettes.com start selling on July 12, the most trusted website that sells clove cigarettes. With a long history in the clove cigarettes business and over 8 years of offline or online experience, Salecheapcigarettes.com not only offers the quality cigarettes with competitive prices they also guarantee full satisfaction that all of their products are freshly deliver to their customers.

For more information please kindly visit http://www.salecheapcigarettes.com or http://www.saleclovecigarettes.com.

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A Crack in the Teacup

The Crack in the Teacup, by C.M. Albrecht, is a mystery fiction novel with a slight seasoning of romance and suspense to spice things up. The story line is centered in a small Californian town where an 11-year-old boy, Jerry Beakey, goes missing on his way to a music lesson. Author C.M. Albrecht skillfully walks the reader through every aspect of the case and what happens in police departments, support centers and within the family of the missing person.

There are two main characters in The Crack in the Teacup. Detective Steve Music and his co-workers butt-heads with the FBI while working on the case. Lovely, and sympathetic, Shelly Lambert guards an awful secret and harbors a guilt that drives her to volunteer at the Missing and Exploited Children Coalition whenever she could get away from her job as a Notary.

Whenever Detective Music and Shelly meet during the investigation, something deeper between them happens. Neither of them seems to know what to do about it. Steve discovers Shelly’s secret when he looks into her past and creates a huge rift between them that could destroy their romance.

A classic who-dun-it written in the Agatha Christi style with a very unusual motive for child kidnapping. I suspected nearly everyone involved at some point in the book and I liked that the characters represented true society, with people of different races, ideals and backgrounds. The Crack in the Teacup has very little violence, but a lot of mystery and a happy ending.

ISBN#: 1-59466-037-9
Author: C. M. Albrecht
Publisher: Port Town Publishing

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A Journey To Happiness And Balance

 Why go through all the trouble of working hard and being successful if it won't make you a happier person? That is the question noted author and leadership expert David Fischman asks of readers in his new book "The Secret of the Seven Seeds" (Jossey-Bass, $22.95).

First published in Latin America, this engaging book tells of the successful entrepreneur and writer's personal struggle for happiness in his out-of-control life.

In it, Fischman reveals his personal story through the fictional character Ignacio Rodriguez, who, like many businesspeople from New York to New Delhi, is desperately trying to keep up with the speed of life.

The 40-something stressed-out entrepreneur is utterly overwhelmed, at risk for a heart attack, losing money at his business and has no time or energy for his family. His doctor recommends that he try meditation to regain balance in his demanding life.

A Spiritual Guide

Instead, Ignacio's journey leads him to a spiritual guide, who helps him heal by finding his path in the secret of the seven seeds, which represent self-knowledge, meditation, egolessness, service to others, goodness, balance and freedom.

"'The Secret of the Seven Seeds' begs the question: Why go through all the trouble of working hard and being successful if it won't make you a happier person?" said Fischman about writing a book mostly based on his life. "The old cliché says that money can't buy you love, but research is proving that it can't buy you happiness either." Being happy, he asserts, should be one of our primary goals in life and this book will take readers on a path to get there through seven simple steps. True happiness comes from learning to be, getting in contact with your inner self, helping others and living a balanced life. Ignacio was caught in the classic ego trap, but gradually becomes liberated and ultimately sated.

How To Define Happiness

The book redefines success, proposing that it is measured in happiness and not in assets. "I am certain," he states, "that when a person takes their last breath he/she will never repent how many cars they did not buy. They probably will regret not having been close enough to their family or not having helped other people."

But far from suggesting quick-fix prescriptions, this book, based on ancient Oriental wisdom and written as an easy-to-read novel, uses ancestral stories, anecdotes, analogies and humor. It is now available in bookstores.

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How To Make Sure The Toys You Buy Are Safe

Despite very strict toy safety regulations in the United States and the United Kingdom, some unsafe toys still do slip through the net. It is essential that all consumers are familiar with regulations and remain vigilant when buying toys for kids.

For the most part, toy safety regulations have  been very successful. Very few household accidents involve toys, and when accidents do involve toys it is very rare that the accident is caused by a defect in the toy itself. Accidents involving toys usually involve people tripping over them or using them inappropriately.

In addition, where defective or dangerous toys have made it onto the market they have been recalled quickly and publicly. However, this is no reason for parents to leave their guard down when buying toys.

Safety labels

First of all you need to check that the toy you are buying bears the appropriate safety labels. In the United States the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mark and in Europe the CE marking signifies that the toy meets the minimum required safety standards.

After these markings, probably the next most important labels for toy shoppers to watch out for are age labels. These are an essential part of toy safety and you should always follow their guidance.

The vast majority of toys bear age labels whether they are legally required or not. All toys that are not suitable for children under 36 months must bear a prominent label stating so.

However, in general toys give guidance as to what age group they are intended for. These serve as a guide as to what age group will benefit from the toy the most, in terms of fun and development. Here is a brief guide of what kinds of toys suit different age groups:

Under three years - The biggest threat that toys pose to children of this age is choking hazard. Babies and toddlers tend to put almost everything they lay their hands on in their mouths. Because of this, very small toys or toys with small parts are particularly unsuitable. In addition, keep marbles and small balls out of their reach; be careful with inflatable toys and balloons; and avoid toys with sharp or pointy edges.

Three to five years - Children really come into their own at this age and are able for much more sophisticated toys. However, you should remain vigilant as certain toys could pose a risk to them. Avoid toys with thin plastic that might break and cause injury.

Ages six to twelve - By this age children will be able to safely play with almost any toy you give them. However, always read the instruction leaflets for maintenance guides and hazard warnings. For example, if you buy a skateboard or a bike for your child, you should also buy protective equipment. If you buy a trampoline, you will need to carry out maintenance on it regularly.

If you have children of different ages things can become a little complicated. When you have lots of different toys that are suitable for different ages you have to be super-vigilant. For a start, you should teach older children to keep their toys out of the reach of younger children.

Also, do not simply put all of the toys into one box. Have a separate toy box for each child and make sure they do not swap toys. Age labels on toys will help you to keep organized in this way.

In general, it is a good idea to be neat and tidy with toys. Having toys laying around the house is a common cause of accidents. Also, remember that children are intended to play with toys. All maintenance such as the changing of batteries should be carried out by an adult.

While toy safety labels offer a very important safeguard against dangerous toys reaching our children, it is also very important to use your own common sense. Before you buy a toy examine it yourself to make sure that it is sturdy and well constructed. Also check to see if it has any sharp edges or pointy corners. Be extra careful when buying toys for very young children. For example, if you are buying a cuddly toy make sure that all the stitching is secure and that small items such as eyes or the nose are not loose.

If your child has an accident with a toy or you suspect that a toy is dangerous, you should take immediate action. The first step is to take the toy out of the reach of all children. You should then report the toy to the relevant authorities. You will need to keep the toy for examination and you should also try to provide details of when and where you bought the toy.

The regulations go along way towards ensuring the toys in or shops are safe. However, consumer vigilance is also a vital part of the battle against dangerous toys.

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How to Find a Book Using Online Bookstores

Looking for improving your gaming skills by reading some of the best books on professional gaming that are around? That is a good idea, but, and as you may have already noticed, it is easier said than done. Once you go online to one of the many online bookstores such as Amazon and Barnes and Ruble and can type in a phrase  you get a long list (if you are lucky) of potential books.

What do you do then? How do you know which book suits you? And if you even could figure that out, how do you know the book is worth anything? Many of the authors are pros, but, then, you can also easily land up on amateur writers who are just trying to make a buck. Exactly for this, we have compiled a list of five practical suggestions to help you.

1) Reviews and Opinions Matter.
One of the most interesting methods of screening authors and books is by reading what other readers have to say about those literary objects. Look up one of the many forums online that focus on books and either ask a direct question or read what others have said. Another option is to look up the book at different online bookstores such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon but also others such as The Literary Guild and Pickabook. (Look them at this list compiled by the World Wide Web Virtual Library: http://archive.museophile.org/bookstores) The reasons for doing this is that for every book you can read reviews from different sites. Do this and you are reducing the chances of reading only promotional material. It goes without saying that opt for those books that receive good reviews. Generally, a book will receive some bad reviews, but look at the majority viewpoint. Note that if the book you wish to buy is new, you will not find reviews. In such a case, you will just have to take a risk.

2) Be Specific.
One of the methods of searching for a book that interests you is by narrowing down the search by typing a long search term and not just one name. For instance, type down how to play Texas holdem in an online tournament instead of just Texas holdem. Such a search will result in only a few book options. First, look up reviews and views on it and then look at its size and focus of interest.

3) Check the Experience of the Author.
Buying a book is just like buying a car. Would you be willing to pay more for a Mercedes? Likewise, check the author or editor. If the author is unknown, tread very carefully. The book might be useless. But remember that its not enough that the author is well known or has years of professional expertise, they must be experienced in the exact field of the subject of the book.

4) Check the Printing History of the Author.
After checking the authors personal biography and his scope of knowledge as pertains to the issue in question, you should, then, check his style of writing. You will not want to fall asleep on the second page, do you? If their style of writing pleases you, try reading parts of their work. Read articles or portions of other books they have read. Do this to get an idea of whether they can write and whether they are capable of handling complicated issues and putting them across in easy to understand language.

5) The Price Factor.
When looking at books, the first thing (or the second) we tend to look at is the price. Yes, you should know whether you can afford to buy it or not, but do not make you decision based on whether a book is cheap or expensive. First, check whether the book is what you are looking for. Then, decided whether you can afford it and not vice versa. Likewise, do not just buy a book because its on sale. Remember that if a book is on sale it means that no one is buying it!

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Wholesale Replica Sunglasses

As summer arrives, you will witness a vast increase on the number of sunglasses sold.  Some people may prefer the easy way out, and simply go buy the first pair of sunglasses that they can get their hands on; however, a wise customer will want to look deeper and consider Replica Sunglasses.

Good vs. Bad Replica Sunglasses
Some companies offer replica sunglasses with names and logos on the sunglasses.  This is considered illegal and we do not recommend this.  Stay away from companies offering these types of products.  Just because a sunglass is called a replica this does not mean it is illegal.  Sunglass companies that offer compare to styles that are not exact copies and have no logos, names on the sunglasses are ok to buy and also resale.  These are also known at Replicas.

The Best Selling Replica Sunglasses
If you do online and offline searches you will easily find what the typical best seller is.  The answer is quite simple, and most of you may have guessed it, but replicas of the sunglasses used in the Matrix trilogy have been best sellers for quite some time.  The price varies from place to place, but in all likelihood, you’ll find them around $25 dollars this is the retail price. The Matrix takes the lead, followed by Gucci’s, Gianni’s and Giorgio’s.
   
Quality?
There seems to be this idea, which was forged in our brain that price is directly proportional to quality, and albeit it may be true for select items, it is not a rule that we should be following.  The second point to take in consideration is that sunglasses may as well be classified as novelties. It is true that you want to buy sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sunrays, but if that is your only concern, you would be in a shop instead of looking at online catalogs and articles.  This may sound like the easiest answer for me to give, but you should look at how comfortable the sunglasses are as well as asking yourself if you are proud of them.  This explains why the sunglasses that replicate those seen in the Matrix are so popular these days.

The Price Range
There are no ups and downs for sunglasses, nor is there any time that you will actually find better deals on the same pair of sunglasses that you were eyeballing three months earlier.  One would think that sunglasses would be cheaper in the cold days of winter, but on a marketing side, the cold indicates that people will take vacation down south, or a sunny tropical island.
To give you an idea of price range, all of the best selling sunglasses that I could find information about ranged from $20 to $25.  I would have expected the range to be quite higher, but it appears that people are comfortable with this price range.  If you browse wholesale retailers, you will notice that a great portion of the sunglasses you’ll see are actually be in the above range sold by the dozen.

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Wholesale Sport Sunglasses

With the great popularity of sports, wholesale sports sunglasses have also become popular.  Every sports lover or player wants to have a good pair of sports sunglasses. Their popularity has grown with the popularity of outdoor sports. Whether you are a biker, rock climber, diver, cyclist or skier, these sports sunglasses are a must for you. They provide protection from harmful UV rays, and reduce the effects of glare.  Even race-car drivers wear sports sunglasses during the race, not only to provide glare protection but also to shield their eyes from high winds.

Sports sunglasses are generally made of light frames, so as not to weigh down the person wearing them. They are generally sleek and streamlined, and very flattering to the person wearing them.  Wraparound sunglasses are popular, since they are considered to have a futuristic appeal. They generally have polycarbonate lenses, which are safer than glass lenses. Sports sunglasses are now worn in most sports, be they biking, golfing, cricket or tennis. There are many sunglass manufacturers who have lines of superior eye gear equipped with an array of extra features and benefits.

Sport sunglasses are now made in keeping the sport in mind; a golfer will require different sunglasses than a biker. Every sport has different needs, so sunglasses should be made to cater to those needs. Their lenses should be able to handle changing levels of sunlight throughout the day, so that the person’s eyes are safe and his vision unimpeded. Even people who don’t play sports will buy sports sunglasses in order to make a fashion statement and stand out from the crowd.

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Batteryless Flashlights : Forever Flashlights

 Batteryless Flashlights, Or Sometimes Known As Forever Flashlights

As the name suggests a Batteryless Flashlight works without any requirement of batteries. One can also call it as the forever flashlight. These types of flashlights need to be shaken back and forth for few seconds and they will give light for many minutes, sometimes even hours. The main features of these Batteryless Flashlights are

1) Never needs any batteries or bulbs
2) Now with magnet and tether strap
3) Compact and water resistant.

Perhaps the biggest feature is that these flashlights are rechargeable at any time.

· Magnetic Batteryless Flashlights

The product Magnetic Batteryless Flashlight is the newest technology among the batteryless flashlights. One just has to shake the flashlights for 60 seconds and you will get up to 2 hours of light from this magnetic batteryless flashlight. These flashlights have three super bright LEDs which emit bluish white light that helps us in viewing clearly in the dark.

There is a high field strength magnet inside these flashlights, that slides back and forth inside a coil of copper wire, as we shake it to generate electric power. This power then gets stored in a small capacitor. The stored energy in the capacitor then powers the high brightness white-light LEDs.

It is prudent to turn the switch off at the time of shaking the flashlights for charging. If the switch is not turned off then pulse with the power spikes coming from the coil can be seen in the LEDs. The operating switch of these batteryless flashlights is durable and intrinsically safe. These flashlights lights are very light in weight and are completely designed to be waterproof. They are also fully portable.

· Dynamo type Batteryless Flashlights

Another type of batteryless flashlights is of dynamo type. These were the oldest technology among the batteryless flashlights. These types of flashlights have little fold-out cranks and we need to wind on for a while so that we can use the light again. In Dynamo type flashlights, by winding the cranks for a few minutes, a sector gear starts to move causing a tiny pinion gear to spin which drives a PM dynamo. The dynamo generates electrical energy which is used to light the LEDs in the batteryless flashlights. For years there have been dynamo types flashlights around that the world those work by squeezing a lever handle. Dynamo type battery free flashlights are quite reliable than the ordinary battery lights.

· Batteryless Flashlights review

The Batteryless flashlights are mainly used for emergency purpose. These flashlights sometimes come with built in FM radio. The main advantage of this Batteryless flashlight is that they are absolutely maintenance free. These flashlights can be stored for long periods of time without the worry of leaking batteries. In case of battery powered flashlights they often have their battery contacts loose & dbecome dysfunctional, but the batteryless flashlights don't go dead as you are miles away from home late at night.

The main disadvantage about these batteryless flashlights is that they are not as bright as most other battery powered flashlights, but that's a small price to pay as they are infinitely brighter than any other battery powered flashlights who's batteries are drained of energy or their bulbs are broken or burned out.

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Best Prom Dress

Prom night is the most exciting night of high school life-and the most looked forward to. It is the night for dressing up in your best attire and creating an impression that would last as long as your childhood memories. Dressing up for the prom night is every girl's dream.

Prom dresses are generally formal party gowns, long and delicately stunning. Prom dresses may be based on the theme of the party or they can just be traditional ball gowns. There is no conventional way to define the “best prom dress”. It is the one that would make you feel beautiful and convey the right image-sweet, innocent, sexy or simply stunning. The most popular prom dresses are satin, sequined, vintage fashions, the little black dress, the asymmetrical hem dress, the hanky hem and the classic Cinderella ball gown.

Prom dresses can be bought directly from retail stores or they can be painstakingly and lovingly designed for the best effect. Since it is the last formal occasion in school, most people would not hesitate to spend a bit more on the prom dress. Prom dresses can also be designed professionally to suit the exact body type and measurements. It is very important that the dress fits perfectly. For achieving this, get the exact measurements of your body, especially the bust, waist and hips. You don't have to be a perfect size 10 to look beautiful. There is a dress available for every body from A-type to hourglass.

Color plays a part in the big night, too. Find one that compliments your coloring choosing from slimming muted shades like deep gray, wine, forest green, burgundy, midnight blue and cocoa or choose neutral colors like silver, black, gray, beige, gold and taupe for a flattering look. Long straight cuts and vertical patterns also make the wearer look slim and sexy. The material should skim the body. Clingy material accentuates fuller figures. Also pay attention to accessories since they complete your look.

There are several online outlets that provide beautiful prom dresses. These websites also provide information about choosing the right kind of prom dress and also help to design one. These include dresses from popular designers like Jovani, Riva, Alyce, Mori Lee, Cassandra, Je Matadi, Tiffany and Celebrity.

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Back in Time with Vintage T-shirts

Are you one of those people that never throw anything away?  If you are then you may be one of the smart ones.  There is a new market that has emerged here of late and that market is demanding to have vintage clothing.  Actually more to the point they want vintage T-shirts.  This is something that has started to boom in recent years as the old style of clothing is starting to make a major come back for the youth of this country. So that means that all of the people in the world that have saved all those old clothes and successfully fought their mothers from throwing them in the donation box may be sitting on a gold mine.  Who would have ever thought that some of the horrible things that we used to wear would ever come back into style.  It may seem like a nightmare to some but it is a dream come true for many.

The dealers of vintage T-shirts are having a ball with this market.  They know that there is a lot of stuff out there that can be sold and that there is even more people that want it.  The demand for these items has tripled in the past six months making them one of the most sought after clothing items in the market today. The problem is that there is not a lot of places where one can find such items to resell.  In the very beginning of the boom there was more than enough of these vintage T-shirts laying around resale shops the world over, but since the surge there is a shortage as most of the shops now know the value and they are taking advantage of the boom like the rest of the population.

If you are lucky enough to have one of these items then you have paid the price that somebody would want for it.  The price range is rather high right now because the demand is so high and the supply so low.  There is some hope though that you may be able to pick something like this up without having to pay too high a price.  That is if you do not mind wearing something that is not technically vintage but it has all the right looks and such.  This is how many of the people are getting around the supply problem and they are making the best of it.  This stands to reason because not everyone can afford the price that the vintage T-shirts are commanding right now.

For most the vintage T-shirt is a dream.  The most popular styles are the concert T-shirts from the seventies and eighties.  The most well known bands are commanding prices of nearly one thousand dollars or more.  A record was set recently when an original Rolling Stones concert T-shirt sold for almost ten thousand dollars.  This is something that was bound to happen eventually but those of us who were there for these shirts when they were new are no less amazed.  This is taking into consideration that some of these clothes were less than ten dollars when they were brand new.

Right now the vintage T-shirts market is very hot.  If you are looking for the best deals then you need to get going.  These items are flying off the shelves and people are hungry for more.  If you happen to find one at a tag sale or what have you then you should certainly pick it up as it may very well be worth it’s weight in gold.  This is only the beginning and you should hold on to see what the next big thing is.

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Cool Dolls for Cool Girls

As many doll collectors (and little girls, of course) know, 2005 has been the "year of the Bratz." Bratz dolls have replaced Barbie dolls in many countries as the top selling dolls, bringing an end to Barbie’s control of the doll market and giving birth to what may be called "the age of the Bratz dolls."

But what's the main reason behind little girls preferring Bratz dolls over their formidable competition? The answer is simple: coolness. While a lot of moms out there seem to avoid buying Bratz because of their diva looks, the excess of makeup on the dolls' faces, their bad attitude expressions and the "trashy" clothes they wear; these precise features are what make little girls (and not-so-little too) go crazy for Bratz dolls. Let's face it: reality shows us that more and more young women every day tend to adopt the latest fashions and trends, so it is rather logical for a little girl to prefer stylistic Bratz dolls over the more conservative and outdated Barbie dolls.

It seems to me that MGA Entertainment (the creator of Bratz dolls) made the right choice when they started producing these cool fashion dolls back in the summer of 2001 since these chunky, ten-inch vinyl dolls are the number one choice among girls between 8 and 12 years of age.

Maybe the reason for the popularity of the Bratz dolls is the large number of accessories available: from clothing for different seasons to mini-malls, from a sushi restaurant to a cool disco, these Bratz seem to know how to have fun! The different Bratz available include: Bratz Angelz (yes, they are rock stars!), and of course the Angelz tour bus and party plane (every rock star should have one…), the cool Wild West Bratz (I just love those little cowboy hats and the horse), the plain Step Out Bratz dolls, and (my favorites) the Bratz Campfire Girlz. There is also a couple of little Bratz (the Bratz Babiez, Phoebe and Roxxi) to choose from. I specially recommend the Bratz Holiday Doll, a nice lovely doll with a beautiful long evening dress.

There is also a huge number of cool playsets for the Bratz, including the CampFire tent, the limousine, a sushi – karaoke bar, the Bratz shopping mall, the retro cafe, and a vast selection of different places where your Bratz dolls can hang out.

MGA Entertainment has, as has many other doll-producing companies, introduced a line of makeup and many other lifestyle products for girls to complement the "Bratz dolls experience." Maybe the biggest news in this area is the brand new line of Bratz electronics. A portable DVD player, a digital video recorder (yes, a Bratz camcorder!) and a TV/DVD combo are just some of the Bratz dolls electronic products available. Bratz dolls DVD's, a video game and even a movie to be released this year complete the magical Bratz dolls world.

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Big Boy Toys

Are you getting older, but still have a fun side that you like to show?  If this sounds like you, you are not alone.  Remember, just because you are getting older does not mean that all the fun has to stop.  In fact, there are hundreds of toys that you can buy to satisfy your inner joker.  With these toys you will be enjoying yourself just like you used to when you were younger.

Listed below are a few “big boy toys” that you may want to consider.

1. The brick is one of the funniest toys that you can buy.  This is nothing more than a brick that looks 100% authentic, but it is actually made of foam.  So the next time that you get upset, all you have to do is act like you are going crazy.  Throw the brick at a window and watch all of your friends faces!

2. If you miss your old squirt gun, you should look into buying the space rifle.  It is the ultimate soft disc weapon that will supply you with hours of fun.  It comes with two cartridges for quick loading, as well as the ability to shoot down targets that are up to 20 meters away.  This is great fun either indoors or outdoors.

3. The cosmic thruster is designed for people that like guns and shooting things; mainly your friends!  This device loads up with foam balls so that you can shoot your friends time and time again without thinking twice.

4. For people that are really bored, the 10-in-1 game table is a great option.  This product is exactly what it sounds like, 10 games wrapped into 1.  The following games are included: table football, air hockey, backgammon, skittles, shuffleboard, play cards, pool, table tennis, chess, and checkers.  If you have this game table you will never be bored again!

5. Paintball is increasing in popularity all over the world, and if you want to get involved you will want to pick up the patriot pump action paintball gun.  This gun has real pump action, as well as the ability to fire paint balls with more power than the average gun.  

These toys are great for anybody that is looking to have some fun.  But the great thing is that these are only five of the options to choose from.  If you keep your eyes open and search the internet, you should be able to find hundreds more.  This will allow you to build up a toy chest that rivals the one that you had when you were just a youngster!

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