Archive for December, 2007

Diet - An Ugly 4-Letter Word

Monday, December 31st, 2007

By Lisa Irby I don’t like the word “diet”. Most of the time people use that word to reference a temporary period in which they plan to lose a certain amount of weight. During this period, they may lose some of the weight by starving themselves and/or depriving their bodies of the “bad” foods they usually overindulge in. Then, when they are satisfied with the weight loss and/or tired of not being able to eat their favorite foods, they go back to their old ways of eating and end up putting on more weight then they had before they started dieting. It’s Time to Change Your Thinking If you want to lose weight, let’s try dropping the word “diet”. It sounds too temporary and is often associated with so many fad diet plans like Atkins, South Beach etc. How about adopting a new phrase…. “New eating habits.” This sounds a lot more permanent and can also mean that you will still enjoy your favorite junk foods as long as you consume them in moderation. Now, your next question may be….”But what if I want to lose the weight quickly”? If you lose the weight too rapidly that may mean you’re starving yourself and/or not getting the necessary nutrition your body needs to be healthy anyway. Second, weight loss that happens too fast can harm your metabolism and cause you to gain weight faster than you did previously if you pick up your bad eating habits again. The key to a healthy and effective weight loss plan is one that cuts out the saturated fats, involves exercise at least 3-4 days per week and increases the amount of fiber and protein you consume on a regular basis. So ignore those fad diet plans that boast about how quickly you can lose weight when you eat 1-2 meals a day or completely cut out all carbs and fat. Believe it or not, we do need some carbs and some fat in our system. The problem comes in when we consume too much them. They aren’t as bad for you if you enjoy them in moderation. Your goal should not be to lose weight in a hurry. You want to lose weight in the most healthy way for your body so you can keep the weight off. When you drop pounds too fast, you run the risk of gaining it back at an even faster rate. Also remember to still treat yourself with the foods you love. Yep…I’m talking about cookies, ice cream cakes, candy etc. Again…eat them in moderation. If you completely deprive yourself of your favorite foods, you’ll get bored and run the risk of going back to your old, bad eating habits. Try Making Healthier Choices Having new eating habits simply means making better food choices. It sounds much better than dieting, and it doesn’t have to mean that you are hungry all the time. Here are some ideas for changes you can make little by little. Remember, this is not a diet plan, it’s a permanent lifestyle that you should stick to from now on. Your body will reward you. Here’s the best part…you will still lose weight! Accompany this new eating plan with cardio exercise and you’ll see even better results. Eat whole grain bread instead of white bread Eat popcorn (stove popped or hot air) instead microwaved Need a light snack? Eat almonds instead of potato chips. If you have to eat potato chips, choose the lower fat brands and eat fewer of them Eat whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta Eat brown rice instead of white rice Drink water instead of soda Eat turkey bacon instead of pork bacon Drink fruit juice with low/no sugar instead of sweetened juice Eat baked potato chips instead of regular chips When you go to a fast food restaurant, order grilled chicken or a salad. When you buy meats, choose the leaner varieties If you drink Starbucks, ask for 2% or soy milk This is my favorite tip. Pick one day a week where you can eat whatever you want! (This is very important and helps prevent burnout.) Just be sure to not overdo it. ;) Notice I’m not suggesting you starve yourself to death like some diets instruct. You’re just making healthier choices by cutting saturated fats while adding fiber and protein. What about counting calories, you ask? This is the beauty of it all. When you make healthier food choices like the ones above, you are going to naturally be cutting calories because the alternate foods I suggested have fewer of them. Now when the pounds start to come off and someone asks you if you’ve been dieting? Tell them “No”. You’ve just developed better eating habits…for life! :) Lisa Irby is the author of http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com, a site that encourages people to understand their bodies before they begin that ab workout. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Irby http://EzineArticles.com/?Diet—An–Ugly-4-Letter-Word&id=107187 buy phentermine online no rx best buy phentermine order phentermine online without prescription buy phentermine with no prescription

Playing and Collecting Board Games

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

By Bill Dove I guess my interest in board games started during the World Cup draw in 1965. I had gone to stay with one of my Cousins back home in the east end of London, my parents having moved to Surrey 4 years before. It was early January and we were nearing the end of the school holidays. Id seen West Ham play once over the holiday period and all the presents had been stacked away in cupboards, most of which were never to see the light of day again. Boredom set in so we decided to tackle Monopoly (a Christmas present), we were twelve years old then. I guess twelve year olds nowadays have more alternatives for passing away winter afternoons during school holidays. Anyway we played loads of games of Monopoly; we were both competitive but good losers (comes with being a West Ham supporter). On my return home to Surrey I rushed out and bought a copy of Monopoly with vouchers I got for Christmas plus Spy Ring and Formula One. Games were not that popular in those days, apart from the annual airing at Christmas, I loved them dearly but nobody else was interested in my group of friends.Some years later I bought a copy of Diplomacy and soon entered the postal gaming hobby; this must have been in about 1973/4. The amateur magazines (zines) were excellent; although postal gaming is long winded it was sometimes the only way to experience the less well known games particularly if you lived in an area where there was a lack of opponents. In 1975 I developed a game called Cricketboss, this was a postal Cricket Management game very loosely based on Soccerboss (Commercial game) that was running by post at that time. The game ran for three seasons in a zine called Chimera and also spawned a number of versions of the game across the national postal gaming hobby (long after I finished running it). Even now its gets the occasional mention in dispatches some 25 years after its design. In 1978 I met a number of like-minded people and we all met regularly to play board games. At the same time I infiltrated a Dungeons & Dragons Club (not a great fan Im afraid) got myself elected secretary and then started to introduce fantasy board games into the meetings, soon I had them playing Sorcerers Cave, Mystic Wood etc. When I eventually left the group they played little D&D but a lot of board games. During the 80s the games collection grew, well past the 500 by 1988 when we moved to Hampshire. By the time we got to Cornwall in 1991 the collection exceeded 1,000. The house we purchased had to have enough room to store them all. 1980 - 1995 saw a number to the major games conventions. I remember the good old days at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London, when Games Day meant more than just D&D and painted figures. I remember meeting Major Pat Reid promoting Colditz, Alan Parr inventor of United and later Fireside Football, Andrew Neil the Inventor of Kingmaker and Maureen Hiron of Quadwrangle and Continuo fame. I attended Midcon, Manorcon and Baycon; organised by the postal gaming hobby, all still going strong and always well worth a visit. I continue to collect games, mostly but not exclusively German and play games and I play with a small group of gamers in Truro. We meet semi regularly but hopefully more regularly in the future to play board games. Personally its a great opportunity to blow the dust off many games previously retired to my loft. Hopefully we will inspire more people in Cornwall to sample the unique experience of playing competitive board games which stretch the mind and imagination far beyond my and most other peoples early experiences of Monopoly, Cluedo and Scrabble. I also run The Games Player Ltd selling new games through my web site http://www.thegamesplayer.co.uk/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Dove http://EzineArticles.com/?Playing-and-Collecting-Board-Games&id=518284 buy phentermine pills online pharmacy that sells phentermine phentermine online free shipping cheap phentermine no rx

Ayurvedic Medicine - A Brief Introduction

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

By Michelle Ludick Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means knowledge of life. Broken down Ayus means life and vedas means knowledge. Ayurvedic Medicine is a form of Alternative medicine. It is Traditional Indian Medicine that scholars seem to be in a debate about over when it actually began. The general consensus is that it began roughly 4000 to 5000 years ago. Scholars have gone on to say that Ayurvedic Medicine is the oldest form of medicine around and that it was what influenced Greek medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Due to this claim, Ayurvedic Medicine has been labeled the Mother of all Healing. It is the art of balance and longevity. Ayurvedic Medicine in the beginning is not easy to understand due to all the strange terminologies but once you get used to it, it does become easier. Ayurveda has its roots in an ancient religion. That religion is Hinduism. To begin with and then for many years the practices of Ayurveda was passed down via word of mouth. When it was first written it was originally written on palm leaves and then it was later recorded into manuscripts. These medical manuals on Ayurveda are called Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. These books are rooted in early Vedic culture. This culture is inherently spiritual, focusing on love, philosophy and Universal Truths. Charaka Samhita is written in early Sanskrit and there seems to be great debate over where it originated from. Some say that it was started by a man named Charaka and added on by others during the course of time. Yet others have said that there is no particular author and more than one author that has contributed to it. Charaka is said to mean wandering physicians and Samhita means collected. Some have gone so far as to say that it was just written by Charaka and it was what he knew which had been passed down to him by the Hindu god Indra. Charaka writings look at the internal and external causes of illnesses. It is central to the practice of Ayuervic Medicine today. Sushruta was a surgeon who in his book described over 120 surgical instruments and 300 surgical procedures. He also went on to classify surgery into 8 different categories. Due to Sushrutas contribution to the science of surgery he is known as the Father of Surgery. He is also said to have laid the foundation of plastic surgery as he was apparently the first to conduct cosmetic surgery on the nose. Punishment of adulterers was that their nose would be cut off so surgical measures were needed to repair these disfigured faces. Some of these surgeries were successful as far back as 3000 years ago. His works go further than just surgery, it also discusses, burns, fractures, amputations, biology, midwifery, hygiene and it has included in it a complete discussion on the human anatomy. In Ayurveda a person is not just seen as a body and mind but rather an entity that is inclusive of a spiritual dimension. To live in harmony with the cosmic law is to live the Ayurvedic way of life. According to Ayurvedic Medicine we are all created by the cosmos as either male energy (Purusha) or female energy (Prakruti). Purusha is passive awareness and Prakuti is an active consciousness. It is rather holistic in its concept as a balance between the body, mind and spirit is tried to be maintained. This is done through having the right thoughts, diet and lifestyle. The body is said to be composed of five basic elements which is called Panchamahabhootas, this is divided into space (Akasha), air (Vayu), water (Apa), fire (Tejas) and earth (Prithvi). These five elements are encoded (in different combinations) into three biological forces which govern all life processes. These are the tridoshas (energetic forces) and they are what explain the functionality of the body. The tridoshas are what are responsible for all movement, transformations and sensory functions in the body. These Tridoshas are divided into three doshas which are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Space and air constitute Vata, it comes from a Sanskrit word which means that which moves things. Thus we see that it is what moves things in the body and mind. It controls the flow of blood, respiration, and the heartbeat plus it eliminates all waste. It also controls muscle movement and relays all sensory input from various organs to the brain and back again. It is said to be the most powerful of the doshas as it is the moving force between the other two. Without Vata, Pitta and Kapha might as well not exist. If it is out of balance then it can lead the other two doshas to follow suit. Fire and water make up Pitta, the Sanskrit word for Pitta is said to mean to shine. It is what controls heat and the bodies metabolism. Through this we are able to digest our food and turn it into whatever it is needed for. It maintains the bodys temperature and is what drives our appetite for food and water. It is also said to be what helps us determine what is right and what is wrong and gives us the courage we may need to handle a situation. Water and earth make up Kapha, the Sanskrit word means that which holds things together. It governs all structure and lubrication in the body. Cerebral Spinal fluid for example is what protects the brain and spinal column. It is a type of Kapha dosha that you get. Kapha also controls weight, growth and lubrication of the joints. It is what gives you your physical strength and provides your mass and body structure. It is also said to be what governs your ability to produce children. These doshas are said to exist in every cell, tissue and organ of the body. People are a mixture of dosha yet some dosha will be more prevelant in one person than in another. We are all a unique mixture of dosha as the quality, quantity and action differs in the physiology of one person to the next. Generally we are a combination of two doshas, in some instances we are dominated by one dosha while in rare cases there are those that are a good mixture of all three doshas. These doshas predetermine our constitution and our susceptibility to disease. Then you get Manasika Dosha which focuses more on the qualities of the mind. The focus through all of this is on bringing about a balance of these life energies within us. Not just on a physical level but on a emotional and mental level too. This is due to the strong connection that exists between the mind and the body. The body not only controls ones thoughts but it governs the things that we take for granted. Respiration and blood circulation is one of the things we are not consciously aware of. In Ayuervedic Medicine it becomes imperative that one understands what brings about the balance and what puts the balance into total disarray. Physically, mentally, socially and spiritually we have to be in harmony. An increase or decrease of the qualities that make up these doshas are what brings about the imbalance. A natural imbalance is due to time and age which do not cause too many problems, at least problems that can be easily rectified. In the case of an unnatural imbalance the problems may be more serious and so more attention will need to be applied. These imbalances may be due to inappropriate diet, lifestyle, a traumatic experience or viruses and parasites. Ayurveda consists of many different components which are to bring these doshas back into balance. Some of which include meditation, herbal preperation, diet, pulse diagnosis and yoga. Ayurvedic Medicine is made from herbs or a mixture of herbs. The mixture is a combination of one or more of the following; herbs, minerals, metals, animals. These go through a purification process before used for medicinal purposes. When it is used it is done so in precise measures for the best results. In Ayurvedic Medicine the diet it is dependant on many different things. The taste of the food (Sweet, Salty, Sour, Pungent, Bitter and Astringent) for example and how it will affect the body is taken into consideration. Cooling the body, heating the body and post digestive affects are all things that are needed to be considered when choosing the correct diet. Certain raw foods have cleansing and energizing affects. Some of the food eaten raw aids in digestion and destroys toxins. Certain cooked foods provide long term tissue building energy and certain Ayurvedic cooking uses herbs and spices to help stimulate the body into producing its own digestive enzymes and enzymes for best absorption. Even the mood and feelings you have need to be happy and blissful as it affects the outcome of what the person takes in when eating the meal. The food that is best for your body is what will provide for you not just the best in nourishment but it will provide the best for you in spiritual and mental spheres to. Even though Ayurvedic Medicine is under a lot of skeptism, when practiced in the West, it is also been said to be rather successful when dealing with digestive disorders, skin problems, gynecological problems and in alleviating congested sinuses and stress. All this being said success in Ayurvedic Medicine depends on four factors. 1) The physician. He needs to have a clear grasp of the Ayurvedic theory, a wide range of experience, skills and cleanliness. 2) Medicine or diet. It needs to be of good quality, in abundance and applicable in its treatment. 3) The nurse. The first nursing schools seemed to be started in ancient India due to Ayurvedic medicine. The nurses were originally men that were of good behavior and were skilled of every service that the patient may require. Cleanliness and efficiency were required attributes. Those services that were needed ranged from bathing the patient, cooking food (which is considered a sacred act), cleaning the beds, massaging the limbs and generally willing and able to do whatever was asked of him. And last but not least, the patient. The patient needs to be of good memory, be able to describe in detail their symptoms and be obedient in following the instructions of the doctor. Article By: Michelle Ludick http://www.bhealthy247.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Ludick http://EzineArticles.com/?Ayurvedic-Medicine—A-Brief-Introduction&id=330781 buy phentermine hydrochloride order phentermine 37.5 want to buy phentermine buy phentermine ship cod

How to Feel Satisfied in Your Career

Friday, December 28th, 2007

By Steve Brunkhorst Many people turn a beloved hobby into a vocation. They have a gift, a talent screaming for expression. It means doing something that they love. At last, they feel empowered. However, this newfound empowerment is inside the person, not in the changing of careers. How can you feel empowered if you are already successful in your work but feel discontent? You must recognize and feel the value within you and your work every day! A colleague and I were presenting a workshop on career satisfaction to a group of health-care staff members. His segment, “Feeling Empowered in Your Career”, and my following segment, “Empowerment in Words and Actions”, complimented each other splendidly. A majority of the participants had indicated before the workshop that they were happy with their career choice. Their need was to feel more contentment during the workday. Many felt isolated or emotionally distant from co-workers. They felt successful but not content. They all believed that their work was highly valuable. However, as one participant said, “I don’t feel connected to the people I work with or feel enough satisfaction in the value that I provide.” There is a big difference between believing in something and deeply experiencing the same thing. An old expression suggests, “It will not help to believe in ladders unless you climb one.” Many people are highly skilled, successful, and competent in their work. They are intellectually aware of their value. However, they do not experience the internal satisfaction and contentment that they want and deserve. How can we experience the most contentment and satisfaction in our careers? Here are several key ideas to remember. 1. First, check your motivations for being in your career. Success is the result of skills, actions, and choices. It is not a mandate to remain in one place. You can be successful in many different endeavors depending on your motivations, interests, and natural gifts. Use an assessment such as the complimentary MAPP found at http://www.achieveezine.com/resources/ to check your motivations. Your personalized MAPP reveals whether your true motivations match your work. It also uncovers unique talents and interests. 2. Start with your desired result. Notice how the participant’s words focused on not feeling connected. After that gap has been acknowledged, it is time to shift focus. We move toward the object of our primary attention. It may seem backwards, but begin at the end. Imagine and focus on what contentment would feel like for you as though you already have it. 3. Catch a partner or co-worker doing something great each day. Verbally acknowledge the dedication and value that they contribute. Use sincere words and actions to show colleagues that they are valuable. Share your goals with others, and express sincere appreciation for their participation. As children, we learned to communicate and relate to others by participating in a mutual action-speaking environment. We did not simply listen and respond. We built trust-worthy relationships by joining with adults and peers in cooperative activities that matched words and feelings with action. Showing appreciation for others will reflect back and enrich your experiences. 4. Seek constructive suggestions from both co-workers and clients. Dive right into the experience of value, and acknowledge constructive suggestions with gratitude. Focus on your value by challenging yourself to make improvements each day. 5. Put your value into positive-action words. Then catch yourself in the actions. Our words, actions, and focus of attention will pull us toward the contentment we seek. Journal your experiences of providing value. Review them frequently. 6. Nourish and maintain yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Discontentment may be a warning sign of burn out. Get regular medical checkups and follow a balanced lifestyle for maximum wellness. Daily periods of relaxation and meditation are important for renewal and wellbeing. Leo Buscaglia wrote, “The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor.” Yet we can be both successful and content with our lives and careers. We create the most meaningful monuments from the love and enthusiasm we have for our work. Create a monument everyday by doing what you love and focusing on the value you bring to others. Acknowledge also the value that others contribute to your life and career. These actions coupled with a healthy, balanced lifestyle can add contentment and improved relationships to your career beginning today. © Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Contact Steve by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Brunkhorst http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Feel-Satisfied-in-Your-Career&id=34506 phentermine no prescription overnight phentermine online fedex buy phentermine online with mastercard cheapest phentermine pharmacy

History of Standing Liberty Quarter

Friday, December 28th, 2007

By Keith Scott The radical change in our coinage that was taking place in the early 20th century was not quite done by 1916. With the new Lincoln cent and Buffalo nickel now in circulation, and changes to gold coinage, it was now time for a change in silver, specifically, the dime, quarter and half dollar to undergo a facelift and eliminate the uninteresting Barber designs. In late 1915 a design competition was announced to replace the designs on the dime, quarter and half dollar. In 1916, Mint Director Robert Woolley told Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber that Hermon Atkins MacNeil’s design had been accepted for the quarter and that MacNeil would be visiting the Mint to obtain information about preparing the needed relief models. As Walter Breen writes in his book entitled Complete Encyclopedia of U.S and Colonial Coins, Barber was as usual, completely uncooperative. Assistant engraver George Morgan, who would later become chief engraver upon Barber’s death, was apparently more helpful. In late May of 1916, with Morgan’s help, MacNeil’s models that could be used for fie preparation were approved. The first Standing Liberty Quarter coins came of the Philadelphia presses on December 16, 1916 and the series continued through 1930. A mere 52,000 pieces were minted in those last two weeks of 1916 and were released to the public along with 1917 dated coins in early 1917. Legend has it that shortly after the release there was a public outcry over the exposed right breast of Lady Liberty. Others complained that the small eagle looked like a pigeon. Whether this led to the design change is not well documented as there were also stacking issues with the Type I coins. In any event, the design was changed in 1917 to cover the right breast with chain-mail as well as minor changes to the back of the coin which moved three stars beneath the eagle, thereby raising and centering the eagle. Thus was born the Type II Standing Liberty Quarter. After a few years in circulation it became apparent that the date was wearing off way to fast. Unlike the Buffalo Nickel, someone at the mint did make changes and in 1925, the date area was lowered as to be protected by the rim of the coin resulting longer wear on the date field. Thus was born Type III which many consider a subtype. In production for only fifteen years, the Standing Liberty quarter suffered an early demise. 1932 marked the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth was introduced as a circulating commemorative which is still in circulation today. Collectibility General As one of our most beautiful coins, Standing Liberty quarters garner quite a following. A complete set in circulated condition, except for the 1916, can be had with only a few coins going for over $100 in circulated condition. Many of the later dates (1925 and after) in decent condition can be had for under $5.00. When grading this series for higher end coins, look to the right knee and center of the shield on the obverse and the eagle’s breast and left wing on the reverse as these will show wear before other areas. Additionally, very well struck coins will be graded as Full Head (FH). Coins graded as FH are much scarcer and will demand a substantial premium over non FH in the same grade. In order to be graded FH the coin must show three leaves in Liberty’s hair, the hairline along Liberty’s brow must be complete and the ear indentation must be evident. Key/Semi Key Dates Without a doubt, the key for the series for the common collector is the 1916 coin. With a mintage of only 52,000 it would seem that this coin should be quite rare. And while it is, it is not has hard to obtain, for a price, as it would seem. As with most new series, collectors and the general public hoarded the first coins of new issues. A G4 coin still retails for about $3500, so it is not cheap. In terms of scarcity in high grades, the 1916 date has more FH MS-67 coins graded by PCGS than any other date expect the 1930-P and 1930-S. Still, the 1916 will cost you more due to its popularity. A MS67 FH lists for over $90,000.00 The year 1917 consisted of Type I and Type II coins. Although the 1917-D Type II had a higher mintage (6.2 million vs. 1.5 million), the 1917-D type II in good (G4) condition retails for $40.00 vs. the 1917D Type I which goes for around $28. Since there were so very few 1916 coins, and they were produced in Philadelphia only, the folks out west probably thought 1917 was the first year and hoarded the first coins, that being Type I and ignored Type II coins of the same year. This price differential is also apparent in the 1917-S Types. Philadelphia minted far more coins in both Types in 1917 than the other two mints so there is not a big difference in price for this mint/date. For the common collector, filling the earlier dates, those before 1925 can become costly. Coins in G4 grades are usually not that eye appealing and can still cost you well over $100 such as the 1919 D & S, 1921 and 1923-S. Obtaining these in higher grades will reach near $1000 and well over $1000 for the 1923-S. For most other dates prior to 1925, consider spending $50-100 per coin. As we get into coins dated 1925 and after, prices drop considerably. This primarily due to the change to the date that enabled to withstand more wear. As previously mentioned coins dated 1924 and before wore the date out quickly. Coins dated 1925 and after were better preserved. It was not uncommon to find dated Standing Liberty quarters in circulation as late as the 1950’s. There one exception though to those 1925 and later quarters. The 1927-S was the 2nd lowest produced coin of the series with a mintage of only 396,000. Although this is a very low mintage, you can still obtain a F-12 coin for less than $100. Coins above that grade jump in price considerably. It is interesting to note that the famed 1932 D and S Washington quarters had higher mintages than the 1927-S yet you can get a G4 1927-S for less than $35.00 yet the 1932 D or 1932 S will cost you around $150. This anomaly changes though for higher grades as the 1927 S skyrockets in price while the 1932 quarters go up in price gradually until you reach mint state coins. As with many series of the day, Philadelphia was the main producer of coins while the Denver mints and San Francisco mints had lower production totals making mint-marked coins generally more difficult to find and more expensive. Errors The only highly recognized error in the series is the 1918/17 overdate. This coin in FH Mint State condition exceeds the prices of the 1916 coin. (in MS-65 FH the 1916 lists for $35,000 while the 1918/17 lists for $300,000). PCGS has not yet certified a FH ms-65 FH 1918/17 overdate and has certified only 34 FH coins. In G4 condition the coins lists for $1,700. There have been other reported errors/varieties such as small/large mint marks for the 1928-s. If you are into collecting errors and varieties for the Standing Liberty quarters then the book for you is Standing Liberty Quarters: Varieties and Errors, written by Robert Knauss. Proofs There were no official proofs produced for the Standing Liberty quarter although several satin-finish proofs of 1916 and 1917 are reported to exist. Vital Statistics Summary Key Coin Info Designed by: Hermon A. MacNeil Issue dates: 1916-1917 Composition: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper Diameter: 23.4 mm Weight: 96.45 grains Edge: Reeded Business strike mintage: 12,253,200 Proof mintage: None Designed by: Hermon A. MacNeil Issue dates: 1917-1930 Composition: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper Diameter: 23.4 mm Weight: 96.45 grains Edge: Reeded Business strike mintage: 214,516,400 Proof mintage: None Keith Scott has been a collector for over 30 years and owns a small internet-based coin store at http://www.mountainviewcoins.com Visit his website, http://www.mountainviewcoins.com/standing-liberty-quarters.php for a history of US coins, metal market updates and news about your favorite coins. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Scott http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-Standing-Liberty-Quarter&id=225707 buy phentermine 37.5 mg phentermine on line without a prescription pharmacy that sells phentermine canadian pharmacy phentermine

Barbie Doll - The Perfect Figure?

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

By Terry Edwards While no one will argue with the popularity of Mattel’s Barbie Doll, one area that has raised its fair share of controversy over the years is her figure. Many parents from around the world have argued that Barbie’s ultra-slim figure represents a ridiculous standard for a body shape. They say that many girls grow up thinking that they must have the same figure as Barbie or there is something wrong with them. While I don’t take that radical of a stance, I will say that it would be quite difficult to measure up to Barbie’s standards. If you take the measurements of Barbie, she would be over 7 feet tall, weigh around 125 pounds, and have a shape of 32-20-42. Of course, no woman could maintain a figure like that, but this is where the controversy stems. In addition, Barbie has a very long neck. In fact, her neck is nearly twice the size of the average woman. Her feet are also another source of criticism with many saying that Barbie’s feet are only half the size of a normal womans due to foot binding. That is the practice of preventing your feet from growing by constricting them. Some have went as far as saying that the Barbie doll has caused their children to become anorexic from trying to maintain Barbie’s figure. I think that may be a little extreme, but I can see both sides. In recent years, Mattel has given in a little bit on this issue and widened Barbie’s waist a bit. This took place around the year 2000. Barbie now has a more proportioned waist. Regardless of what Barbie’s figure looks like, or who is right or wrong on this issue, the real winner in this debate is Mattel. The added controversy and publicity only helps to fuel sales. I wonder why no one talks about Ken’s figure? You can find out much more about Barbie-The Perfect Figure as well as more information on everything to do with Barbie on our website at http://www.Barbie.InfoFromA-z.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards http://EzineArticles.com/?Barbie-Doll—The-Perfect-Figure?&id=359295 buy phentermine online prescription discount pharmacy phentermine i want to buy phentermine buy adipex phentermine

Injury At Work? Workplace Injury Lawyer Will Help!

Monday, December 24th, 2007

By Anna Henningsgaard Since the days of Upton Sinclaires The Jungle, workplace injury law has improved to protect workers and repay them for injuries incurred at work. Departments like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have been developed to monitor working conditions and maintain a benchmark level of safety for workers. Not only is your employer responsible for providing a safe workplace, they must support you when you suffer injuries on the job site. OSHA penalizes companies for dangerous working conditions. These are some very strict regulations, and it is a good idea to contact a lawyer if you mean to hold your company responsible for injuries youve suffered. Since its inception in 1971, OSHA has helped to cut workplace fatalities by more than 60 percent and occupational injury and illness rates by 40 percent. In the past, workers had to fend for themselves. People working in dangerous industries were not paid when they had to take time off for injuries, even when the injuries happened at work! These employees who took on extra risk by working difficult and dangerous jobs were not necessarily paid more, so it was often the marginalized members of society such as recent immigrants who were forced to risk their lives daily just to get by. Modern standards, such as those established by OSHA, seek to make this abuse a thing of the past. Workplace injury and abuses still occur, however, especially if you dont know your rights. If you have been injured at work because your employer has not provided appropriate safety measures or you have suffered a workplace injury and were subsequently laid off or not paid for your recovery time, contact a lawyer right away. To find out more about workplace injury lawyers and read about workplace injury lawsuits, visit our website at hugesettlements.com. If you have any questions or concerns about workplace injury laws, please contact a professional workplace injury lawyer right away! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Henningsgaard http://EzineArticles.com/?Injury-At-Work?-Workplace-Injury-Lawyer-Will-Help!&id=46534 tramadol prescription no prescription saturday delivery tramadol buy ultram on line buy tramadol now

Crafting for Profit and Pleasure - is it Possible?

Monday, December 24th, 2007

By Louise Longworth Spending your time doing what you love and getting paid for it seems like the ultimate dream job, but as you start crafting for profit, the pleasure can so easily wither away. Once you’re a professional crafter, your focus is on your business and making money, and your creativity and enjoyment usually suffers first. When you first start selling your crafts you get such a buzz from it! But what happens when you are making that same item again and again (and again!) You started crafting because you enjoy the creative process, but now you feel like a factory worker, just churning stuff out. And then there are those customers who want something different. ‘Great!’ you think, ‘a chance to create something unique again.’ But it’s the customer who ends up ‘designing’, while you just follow orders and assemble it. Again, you’re back in the factory! Finally, you hit a quiet period and have a chance to create some new designs and ‘do your own thing’ again. And what happens? Your muse deserts you and you go completely blank. You can’t for the life of you think of anything new to do, and don’t even know where to start. Does any of this sound familiar? I’ve been through each of these stages and they’re no fun - you end up wondering why you ever wanted to sell your crafts in the first place! But it doesn’t have to be this way. Over the years I’ve developed some tricks to pull me out of these slumps and back into creative heaven. Firstly, to avoid the boredom that often comes with crafting for profit, see whether any of these ideas will work for you: Reward yourself with creative sessions. For every day spent doing the more repetitive jobs, give yourself a few hours of fun crafting. This way you’ll be motivated to finish the boring stuff quickly. Also alternate custom orders with time spent letting your creativity go wild. As custom orders aren’t particularly time efficient anyway, you don’t necessarily need to do all of them together in one session. Perhaps reward yourself for every custom order finished with a block of time to do your own thing. Make sure you account for the extra time custom orders take in your pricing (including time spent sourcing materials) in order to make it worth the hassle. You’re much less likely to become dissatisfied if you’re being richly rewarded! You could consider limiting yourself to doing one-offs or limited editions. That way the customer gets extra value for their purchase and you don’t get fed up doing the same thing over and over. Or if this isn’t practical for you in terms of earning a good income, consider doing this for just a selection of your crafts. When you have to make lots of the same item, get a production line going. Once you know an item sells well, rather than having to replace it every other day, put in one really good session and make loads. OK, so it will be even more tedious while you’re doing it, but you’ll get them finished much quicker this way, and then won’t have to make any more for ages! Outsource the production of popular items. That way you can pay someone to replicate your popular designs while you concentrate on creating new ones. And if you’ve run out of inspiration, here are some ideas for getting it back: As a preventative measure, set aside a block of time (daily or weekly) that is purely creative time. Don’t worry about whether what you’re making will sell or not, and don’t think about the other things you need to do, just throw yourself into doing whatever feels good. I find that once I start I get carried away with all sorts of new ideas! Read books and magazines about your crafts. This feels wonderfully indulgent, and you may think time spent reading is wasted, but it’s so important in order to generate new ideas and to keep abreast of new techniques and trends. So when you’re feeling a bit jaded, grab a cup of coffee and settle down with your favourite (craft related) glossy. Invest in some new and different materials or supplies. I always get excited when a parcel full of new beads arrives, and can’t wait to try them out! Have a clear out. You’ll find things you’d forgotten you had, and seeing your materials arranged differently can often inspire you to try new combinations or techniques that you haven’t thought of before. Take a course. Learning a new technique, or brushing up on old ones can help you rediscover your inspiration. And you’ll find it refreshing to mix with others who are excited about the same craft as you. When you’re crafting for profit, you do need to resign yourself to some of the less exciting tasks, but do everything you can to keep yourself at your creative best. If you don’t love what you’re doing, it will show in your work. Don’t feel guilty about treating yourself to a craft magazine subscription, a day off, or whatever else you need to keep those creative juices flowing, because as a professional crafter you are the number one asset in your business! Louise Longworthhttp://www.craft-selling-parties.com Louise Longworth is a work at home mother who sells her handmade jewelry at home parties and has published a website to help others sell their crafts the same way. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Longworth http://EzineArticles.com/?Crafting-for-Profit-and-Pleasure—is-it-Possible?&id=218849 buy tramadol without a prescription best online pharmacy ultram buy cheap tramadol online tramadol pharmacy

Fresh Water Fishing: The Basics You Need To Know

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007

By Niall Kennedy Have you had the opportunity to fish in freshwater? While some find it to be a distant relation to other types of fishing, it is still one of the best ways to spend your time. There are hundreds of lakes out there that you can be enjoying virtually any time that you would like to. To learn more about it, take a look at your options here. Fresh water fishing is done in lakes, rivers and streams that have minute quantities of dissolved salts. Freshwater sources are precipitation or melting ice and snow. There are many fresh water fish species, but some of the most important ones are bass, catfish, pickerel, pike sunfish, trout, salmon, muskellunge, sturgeon and walleye. Equipment for Freshwater Fishing What youll need for basic freshwater fishing equipment includes a fishing rod and reel, fishing line between 4 and 10 pound-test, a variety of sinkers, a variety of hooks (sizes 6 to 10), floats, bait and in most locations, a fishing permit or license. There are a variety of both live and artificial baits that work well for fresh water fishing. Bait Youll Need Live bait works well for fresh water fishing. Freshwater fish feed on a variety of prey, including earthworms, insects, insect larvae, frogs, minnows, chub, shad, crayfish and small fish species such as smelt. Freshwater fishing bait such as earthworms, crayfish, frogs, minnows, chubs and shads can be caught in its natural habitat. Look around piers and in shallow water. Freshwater bait can also be purchased from your local bait and tackle shop. Artificial bait is manmade bait that attracts fish to bite or strike. It includes plastic worms, insects, flies, small jigs, lures, spoons, streamers, flies, spinners and more. Artificial bait can be purchased at fishing tackle and bait shops or online. Some anglers prefer to buy the supplies for these types of baits and make their own. There are a wide variety of prepared baits that you can use for freshwater fishing. These include kernel corn, bread balls, cheese balls, egg bags, liver, cereal balls, chicken entrails. Here is just a short list of some freshwater fish and the bait that attracts them. Catfish earthworms, liver, chicken entrails, hotdogs, frogs, tadpoles, crayfish and most lures. At times you can even catch them on shiny hooks that have no bait. Pike earthworms, frogs, minnows, shad, all types of small fish species, crayfish, chub, spinners, spoons and egg sacs. Bass earthworms, insects, insect larvae, frogs, minnows, crayfish, spoons, Mepps, spinners, artificial worms, jigs, streamers and spinners. Salmon flies, spinners, spoons, egg sacs, shrimp and large plugs. Sunfish earthworms, bread balls, kernel corn, insects and insect larvae, as well as small, shiny lures. Pickerel earthworms, insects, insect larvae, frogs, minnows, crayfish, spoons and Mepps, spinners, artificial worms, jigs, spinners and streamers. Walleye shad, frogs, real or artificial minnows, worms, maggots, spinners, spoons, jigs, plugs and small fish species. Trout earthworms, flies, insects, insect larvae, kernel corn, egg sacs, crayfish and minnows. Muskellunge small fish species, frogs, Mepps, spinners, jigs, minnows, plastic trailers and rapalas. Sturgeon frogs, freshwater clams, lamprey, eels, smelt, salmon eggs, shad, shrimp, egg sacs, yarn flies, brilliantly colored and silver lures. Go ahead and give it a try. If you would like to learn more about this type of fishing, you need to talk to someone that is a professional that can show you just what you need to do, where to go and what to use to be successful at freshwater fishing. Niall is a keen fisherman who is always looking at new tools to help him catch more fish. Visit Fish Finder Review for more information and great deals to help a Fish Finder and other GPS and Sonar marine navigation systems. http://www.fish-finder-review.com This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Fish-Finder-Review.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Kennedy http://EzineArticles.com/?Fresh-Water-Fishing:-The-Basics-You-Need-To-Know&id=180091 buy dreampharmaceuticals from online tramadol buy tramadol 120 drug information prescription ultram ultram 0 59 order phentermine

Motorola KRZR K3 - Right Choice For The Right Speed

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Herrick]Samuel Herrick Amidst mind-boggling competition, Motorola has always emerged as one of the best handset manufacturers. Credit goes to its enticing range of handsets, which is very well complemented by cutting-edge technology and worthwhile functionalities. Although, Motorola has been brutally criticised for designing below par handsets or handsets without sufficient battery back up. But, that was once and now, Motorola’s new handsets are not only compatible in features, but also come with substantial battery life. The latest in this elite league is the Motorola KRZR K3 handset, which is a true emblem of sincere designing and better technology. Blended with a consummate use of colour, desired materials and innovation, the Motorola KRZR K3 lets you get access to all the desired content with HSDPA connectivity which optimises downloading speed and lets you enjoy things as quickly as possible. Getting along nicely with the latest trends, the Motorola KRZR K3 is endowed with two in-built digital cameras, which automatically enhance your mobile experience. Its VGA camera enables you to participate in video calling, while another 2.0 mega pixels camera allows you to capture all those larger than life moments with much required ease. Furthermore, this camera is supported by 8x digital zoom and duly complemented by high-resolution. You can easily share all these pictures with your friends or near ones via Bluetooth. While doing other important things, you can connect wirelessly with your Motorola KRZR K3 via stereo Bluetooth wireless technology to keep your hands free for other important things. As such the Motorola KRZR K3 comes with 64 MB of inbuilt memory, but you can get all the desired space with a swappable mircoSD memory card to hoard all your favourite stuff. Leaving no stone unturned to finish up the Motorola KRZR K3, it is also acclaimed as one of the most desired of celebrated mobile designs among others. You can take the full advantage of 3G via superb HSDPA connectivity get instant access to all the news, sports, music and favourite videos. Presently, the Motorola KRZR K3 is available in Pearl Gray or Stone gray colours. So, grab your favourite one and feel the difference by having a Motorola KRZR K3. Samuel Herrick writes about [http://www.mobilejazz.co.uk/simfreephone.asp]Sim Free Mobile Phone of latest mobile phones. Get [http://www.mobilejazz.co.uk/]mobile phone offers with [http://www.mobilejazz.co.uk/12-months-free-line-rental.asp]12 Months Free Line Rental. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Herrick http://EzineArticles.com/?Motorola-KRZR-K3—Right-Choice-For-The-Right-Speed&id=557405 tramadol oxycodone andnot buy fedex buy tramadol online from dreampharmaceuticals tramadol florida pharmacy drug information prescription ultram