4 Positive Benefits of Individual Sports

Usually, when sports parents, coaches and league administrators talk about “youth sports” they are referring to team sports like baseball, football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse and so forth. Obviously one of the biggest benefits of being involved in a team sport is that a youth...

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A canvas army bag is one of the most useful carryalls you will ever own. This is because of their easy care, strength and many uses. This article shares the 3 great reasons you will never regret buying a canvas army bag.
Canvas Army Bag
1. Durability. Canvas is a fabric known for being rugged...

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On a day when defending champion Karolina Pliskova won twice in one day for the third time this season...

5 Ways Commissioners Can Increase Fun and Focus in Fantasy Football Leagues

As the Commissioner of your fantasy football league, its your job to make sure people are playing the game fair and competitively, while having fun doing so. There are a couple scenarios that really get to me when doing fantasy and can leave me feeling sour at the end of the season. Firstly, I...

Garry Kasparov: Garry Kasparov shows flashes of past glory but comeback no dazzler

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The 15-time world champ temporarily came out of 12 years of retirement to take on...

Book Summary - Outwitting the Devil - The Secret to Freedom and Success - Written by Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill was 50 years before his time. Everything he wrote was based on research. Andrew Carnegie pushed him to a higher challenge to study success and failure. The world renowned book Think and Grow Rich was one of the results. Understanding true form, Napoleon also wrote Outwitting the...

What is a Circled Game Mean in a Sports Betting Event?

Visitors to Las Vegas or online sportsbooks may come across some games on the betting board that will have special rules attached in the betting. Such games will be circled on the betting board. A red box means that the line is “circled” and subject to reduced betting limits.
Often...

Sangram Singh: Sangram Singh aims to leverage celebrity status in promoting pro wrestling

NEW DELHI: In his career, wrestler Sangram Singh has had his share of highs and lows. Having spent eight years of his life on a wheelchair, he overcame several hurdles to become an international wrestler and a fairly successful one at that.
He won two professional wrestling championships...

Girls Lacrosse Transition Drill

What makes a lacrosse team into a real team is learning how to pass to each other quickly and effectively. The flow of the ball needs to change direction often in order to make the defense reset with each pass. This pass does not always have to be down field, it can be back or across. With this...

Experience in Holland will help Indian eves: Coach Sjoerd Marijne

BENGALURU: The Indian women’s hockey chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said the upcoming tour to the Netherlands would provide his team an invaluable experience and a chance to work under legendary Dutch coach Toon Seipman.
Apart from playing a four-match series in Holland, the Indian eves...

Stop! You're Both Right!

Cyberspace has certainly shrunk the margin of error …
Colloquialisms used to take quite a while to become embedded in a local vernacular. For example, the Americans expunged the British from the colonies in 1789, but based upon personal letters exchanged between the two countries which...

India v Australia: India are always tough in their backyard: Michael Clarke

MUMBAI: Former skipper Michael Clarke on Friday warned Australia ahead of their ODI series against India, saying it will be a difficult outing for the visitors as Virat Kohli‘s men will be tough to beat in their own backyard.
“One-day cricket is different from Test cricket, so...

Caribbean - Women & Sports!

Road to London 2012!
Antigua & Barbuda
Did you know- Toward the end of the 1990s, Heather Samuel was one of the country’s best athletes when she finished seventh in the women’s 200m (23.88 seconds) in the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. In the early 1980s, at the World...

FIFA: U-17 World Cup trophy experience kicks off on Saturday

NEW DELHI: Football fans, residents of the National Capital Region, children from Mission XI Million and tourists will have a chance to witness the FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner’s Trophy on Saturday.
The official trophy will be kept at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium where a...

Interesting Facts About Asia's Sports

Did you know…
Soccer is the national sport of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Khin Maung Lwin (Secretary General of the Myanmar Olympic Committee) said, “As in most of the countries all over the world, football is the most popular sport in Myanmar. When our national football team became...

Youth brigade upbeat post impressive Europe tour

NEW DELHI: Brimming with confidence after a successful European hockey tour, India’s youth brigade said the experience of playing under pressure at the highest level will help them in the long run.
Forwards Gurjant Singh, Armaan Qureshi, midfielder Nilkanta Sharma, full-back Tirkey,...

The Pros and Cons of School Fencing

There are many different opinions concerning school fencing and the materials that this item should be constructed of. Many taxpayers feel that school fencing is in violation of their rights as taxpaying citizens. Many people feel that without the presence of school fencing the children that...

Punish athletes who recommend multiple names for Dronacharya awards: Akhil Kumar

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The national sports awards — Arjuna, Dronacharya and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna — have been...

How To Refurbish A Foosball Table

A foosball table is a table-top game that is loosely based on soccer. The game, also known as table football, was invented by Harold Searles Thornton in 1922. Mr. Thornton’s inspiration for the toy was his avid support for British association football matches and he aimed to make a...

​India v Mauritius​: India gear up for tri-nation game against Mauritius

MUMBAI: It may not be of much help but the Indian football team will look to get some practice ahead of its AFC Asian Cup Qualifier game when it takes on lower-ranked Mauritius in the tri-nation series opener on Saturday.
Placed 97th in the FIFA rankings, India will take on St Kitts and...

Required Ice Hockey Gear - The 13 Pieces of Equipment You Can't Live Without

So, you want to play hockey (or your son or daughter does), but you’re not sure where to start. The first step is going to be purchasing ice hockey gear. This article goes over the basic ice hockey equipment requirements needed to get on the ice.


Hockey Skates: Skating is the...

With Rahul at No 4, Manish Pandey ready to wait for his chance

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“That’s where I bat, the middle-order,” said...

Role of Bat and Ball in Cricket

I hope all the cricket fans will be very interested in this topic. The topic may be simple and also a known concept, but I am going to tell the hidden facts behind this. The cricket bat was first used in 1624 and in olden days the wooden stick which is similar to a hockey stick was used. Now...

WWE: Samoa Joe talks highly of Brock Lesnar

The impact Samoa Joe has made ever since debuting in the WWE main roster has been huge and a big part of the ‘legend’ of Samoa Joe growing in the company and among the fans, was him standing toe-to-toe with the Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar himself.
A legitimate superstar before...

Helpful Tips When Attending an Autograph Signing

* Bring items to get signed
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What Happened In The UK In 1993?

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Britain’s longest recession since the 1930s was officially over as the economy grew during the first three months of the year. The Conservatives claimed credit for the upturn in fortunes but critics claimed it was...

Anand joint eighth after another bad day in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (USA): Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand had another bad outing, drawing seven and losing two games, to remain on joint 8th place after the end of nine rounds of blitz in the St. Louis Rapid and blitz chess tournament here.
Having garnered just seven points out of a...

How to Play Defense One-on-One

1) Stay Between the Forward and the Net.

When playing defense in Hockey, you can never go wrong with the basic principal of keeping yourself between the opposing player and the net. One-on-Ones are a perfect example.
Keep Him to the Outside
When a hockey player on the other team is heading...

England 484/5 in 127.0 Overs | England vs West Indies Live Score: Live Cricket Score of England vs West Indies, 1st Test, Day 2, Edgbaston

TIMESOFINDIA.COM |
Aug 18, 2017 | 18:22:01

Check Live Cricket Score, Live Commentary, Scorecard, Ball by Ball commentary of 1st Test match between England vs West Indies on Times of India




Live Scores
1st Test at

LIVE


England won the toss





09:45 PM (IST)

126.3 :...

Do Draft Status and Combine Results Really Matter

We often hear about young hockey players that perform really well at team tryout camps and combines in the summer months. In my opinion players and parents spend far too much time and money trying to attend these things. Most often people do these things in an attempt to get noticed or...

Vijay Kumar: Indian shooters will do well in 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Vijay Kumar

INDORE: Ace marksman Vijay Kumar on Thursday expressed the hope Indian shooters will put behind their dismal performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics and put up an improved show in the 2020 Games.
Indian shooters, who were among medal hopes, drew a blank at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. The...

Sports in Angola - Interesting Facts & Figures!

Road to London 2012!
Barcelona 1992
Did you know- Between July 25 and August 9, 1992, the Angolan Olympic Committee, sent 29 athletes to the Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain. The African nation competed in seven sports: basketball (11), boxing (1), roller hockey (11), judo (4), swimming (3),...

Bolt: Usain Bolt reveals injury details and rounds on doubters

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BENGALURU: The Indian contenders entered the World Dwarf Games as underdogs but ended up making history with a record haul of medals. Having endured personal problems and grave financial crisis, Indian athletes showed steely resolve to finish a creditable tenth among 24 nations in the...

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He started off as a simple dockworker, segued into bootlegging on a large scale, and was known and the “King of the Rum Runners.” Big Bill Dwyer made so much money, he was partners with known gangsters in several swanky New York City nightclubs. Dwyer also owned two professional...

England 348/3 in 90.0 Overs | England vs West Indies Live Score: Live Cricket Score of England vs West Indies, 1st Test, Day 1, Edgbaston

TIMESOFINDIA.COM |
Aug 17, 2017 | 18:09:52

Check Live Cricket Score, Live Commentary, Scorecard, Ball by Ball commentary of 1st Test match between England vs West Indies on Times of India




Live Scores
1st Test at

Stumps


England won the toss





02:11 AM (IST)
With...

What You Need To Know About Air Hockey Tables

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Old stock...

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BCCI SGM: Cricket reforms: Some BCCI officials for age, tenure caps

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Cricket reforms: Some BCCI officials for age, tenure caps






Indranil Basu
It has emerged that only two men have been in office for more than nine years in the history of the Board – former presidents N Srinivasan and Ranbir Singh Mahendra....

Trophies For Sports and Other Events

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Ton-up Cook and Root give Windies hard day's night

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In-Season Training for Athletes

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Club Penguin Multiplayer Games

Club Penguin has a number of multiple player games for friends or rather penguins to play together besides just the single player ones.
These games are:
1. Mancala:
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2. Find Four:
This is one of the most...

Muguruza rallies to reach Cincinnati quarterfinals

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America's Top 200 Attributes

Technology and Industrialism
1. A phone system that works virtually all of the time
2. Electricity and running water
3. Toilets and toilet paper
4. Easy access to the Internet
5. Email
6. Instant messaging
7. Skype and video chat services for long-distance communication
8. Social networking...

AIFF: U-17 World Cup: Focus on football, not ceremonies, says Fifa

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Fifa is not in favour...

BCCI office bearers incur claims of over INR 4 crore in two years | Cricket

The board has spent INR 71,79,068 on Amitabh Choudhary since 2015 © ESPNcricinfo Ltd




Despite being honorary and thus unsalaried, the BCCI’s office bearers have cost the board over INR 4 crore in various allowances over the last two years....

BCCI office bearers incur claims of over INR 4 crore in two years | Cricket

The board has spent INR 71,79,068 on Amitabh Choudhary since 2015 © ESPNcricinfo Ltd




Despite being honorary and thus unsalaried, the BCCI’s office bearers have cost the board over INR 4 crore in various allowances over the last two years....

Interesting Facts About Europe's Sports

Did you know…
Stella Walsh -Olympic champion- was not a sportswoman. Five decades later, an autopsy confirmed that Stella was a hermaphrodite. Under the flag of Poland, Stella (or Stanislawa Walasiewicz) won a gold medal in the women’s 100m at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles...

How Cricket Has Paralyzed Other Sports in India

Over several past decades, India has witnessed numerous modes of mass entertainment arriving and passing like waves, but one particular element among these has refused to die away, however be the financial, political or social circumstances of the nation. Cricket has evolved in India from a...

Book Review - The American Dream: From Perth to Sacramento

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The American Dream: From Perth to Sacramento is the tale of a ballplayer who grew up surfing and playing cricket with his father who finds baseball. The player, Damian, turns out to be a fine player and signs on with an American team to play in the minor leagues.

It's an interesting story of an Australian traveling to the USA to play ball. The story shows a young boy struggling to find his way in the world of baseball. Seen as an outsider, he has to work hard to impress and move up the ranks to reach his goal of making the major leagues one day.

The story takes place in the early 1990's before the Australian Baseball League was formed. So Damian learns the ropes of the game through the tournaments around Australia. He rises fast in the ranks of the Australian players and is soon signed to a minor league deal with one of the fictitious Sacramento Sea Lions' minor league teams.

Damion travels around the US playing in small towns in Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, and others getting a good dose of small town America which is very different than what he is used to back home in Perth, Australia. You get to ride along with Damion as he learns a few new things in life like driving a stick shift.

The book focuses not only on the baseball side of life for Damion, but also the trials he has in his love life. He leaves a girl back home and the long distance relationship is too much to handle for the two of them.

There is humor in the book as well. Anytime you get a bunch of young guys together for long periods of time funny things are going to happen. Thrown in some alcohol and things can get out of hand for a few of the ballplayers. It's a lighter side of the life of a ballplayer that the author shows here. Letting loose is something every player has to learn to do at some point to help deal with the stress of the job. Thus hilarity ensues as each player deals with the stress in their own way.

The story doesn't stop with Damion in the minor leagues but follows his story to retirement and beyond. I don't want to give away just how far he gets or how long he plays because I think it would take away from the story. However, I will say that he is not a one year flame out.

This is a story for any baseball fan. You get to see the game from the perspective of another country. The language used to describe certain parts of the game are different than what an American might say which makes it that much more interesting. Even a casual sports fan would enjoy the journey of this young boy because it's about more than simply baseball. So go out and pick up a copy today.

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Source by Eric Bynum

Review: Piraten Kapern

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Do you like dice games? What about pirate adventures? Do you think you know when to press your luck and when to pass? If your answer was "yes" in at least 2 of the previous questions or you would be interested in a fun, quick, dice game then Piraten Kapern is an excellent option. Its dice are unique, its mechanics fresh and yo ho ho, it will carry you in hostile waters, searching for treasures and fighting other pirates in a most entertaining way. Let's analyze it in our review!

Game Overview

Piraten Kapern is the German name of the game published by AMIGO Spiel, as it has not yet seen a wider release in English-speaking countries. It has been designed by Haim Shafir, the well-known board game designer from Israel and was originally introduced with the name "Otsarot o Tsarot" by Shafir Games in Hebrew and English.

The game contains a set of pirate cards along with 8 dice. During setup the pirate cards are shuffled and placed at the center of the table in a face-down pile. Each turn, the active player draws a card from the pile of pirate cards, reveals it and places it in front of him. Then he starts throwing the dice, having in consideration the card he drew. The dice are not the ordinary ones, with sides numbered from 1 to 6, but depict swords, coins, diamonds, parrots, monkeys and skulls. The goal of the game is to gather the most points by rolling sets of as many identical objects as possible. In the first roll, all dice must be rolled. After that, the player decides how many dice he will keep and how many he will re-roll trying to improve his score. Later on, he can reroll the dice he kept from previous rolls. A player may throw all dice as many times as he likes, trying to make the best combinations, but here comes the catch: whenever a skull is rolled, that dice is put aside and cannot be re-rolled. If a player rolls cumulatively 3 skulls, then his turn is over and he scores no points for the round. This means that a player should seek balance between his desire to score more and the threat of not scoring at all. Also at each re-roll, at least 2 dice must be used.

After the active player chooses to end his turn (or is forced to do so, by having rolled 3 skulls), his points are written down on the special scoring booklet provided by the game, his card is discarded and play continues with the next player on the left. When a player reaches 8.000 points, all other players are entitled one more turn, in order to try to achieve a higher score.

There is a special case that allows players to hurt their opponents, by reducing their score and that is achieved by having rolled at least 4 skulls in the first roll. In that case, the active player goes to Skull Island. He keeps the dice with skulls he rolled aside and rerolls all other dice. His goal now is to roll as many skulls as he can. He may keep rerolling but he must roll at least one skull in each roll in order to go on, otherwise his turn ends. In this turn, the active player doesn't score any points but all other players deduct from their score 100 points for each skull he rolled.

Now let's see how the different pirate cards influence gameplay:

• Treasure chest. It allows you to protect your treasures. After each roll you may put on this card or take back from it any number of dice. Even if you run out of luck and roll 3 skulls, you will score for the dice kept on the treasure chest.


• The Sorceress allows to reroll a skull once during your turn.


• Monkey business! All monkeys and parrots you roll in this turn are grouped together and are considered as one element. For example, if you roll 3 parrots and 2 monkeys, you are considered to have "five of a kind".


• The Captain. Your score is doubled for this turn. If you go to Island of the Dead, opponents lose double points (200 points) for each skull.


• Skulls. You begin your turn having the number of skulls shown on the card. This counts toward the limit of 3 skulls for disqualification.


• Sea Battle. You are engaged in a sea battle. Your goal in this turn is to roll the number of swords depicted on the card in order to win the battle. If you succeed, you get the bonus points shown on the bottom of the card in addition to your normal score. Otherwise you lose the battle, your dice are ignored and you must deduct the indicated bonus points from your score.


• Diamonds. You start your turn having 1 diamond. It counts for its face value as well as for a set.


• Coins. You start your turn having 1 coin. It counts for its face value as well as for a set.

Components

The main components of the game are the dice and the cards. They are all beautifully designed, with bright colors and attention to detail. The cards are made of thick paper, however sleeving is recommended due to card shuffling at the beginning of each game. The dice are of high quality, having the various symbols engraved on them. The scoring booklet provides an easy way to write down the scores whereas the scoring card is a significant aid in remembering the way points are scored. That leaves nothing to be desired, as components are concerned. 9/10

Gameplay

Piraten Kapern is a quick dice game that will provide entertainment for all ages and all kinds of gamers. The game could be compared with Yahtzee, the classic dice game but the only real comparison stems from the fact that in both games, players try to roll the best combinations of dice. Piraten Kapern extends this basic idea and enriches it with the random element of the pirate cards that either help you increase your score or make things more difficult for you or even hurt your opponents. Unlike other dice games, the outcome of each turn will not be completely governed by luck. Players will have some control of their fate (their score) through the most interesting mechanic of the game that poses a real challenge: the presence of skulls in the dice. Sometimes your turn will be practically ruined if you get 2 or 3 skulls in the first roll. Rolling 4 or more, of course is excellent because you go to Skull Island. However the most common situation is that you will be getting some nice rolls with 1-2 skulls and there is the big challenge. When having 2 skulls and a decent score will you be greedy and ask for more or will you be able to contain yourself and vote for safety? The line between a ridiculously high score and total failure is indeed thin! Mastering this mechanic, that is knowing when to stop rolling the dice, will take time but will also keep you wanting to play more and more of this game. Although Piraten Kapern is very simple, the designer has managed to include some player interaction in it through the function of the Skull Island, which gives you the opportunity to turn your bad luck against your opponents and lower their scores. Such an effort should always be accounted for as well as encouraged. 7/10

Learning Curve

The rules of the game are very easy and they are efficiently explained in the 2-page rule leaflet. Explaining them to a new player doesn't take more than 5 minutes. 9/10

Theme

The pirate theme is a perfect match for this game. It's easy to picture yourself being a pirate and playing this game during a hot, quiet night as you wait for your next big adventure at sea. The illustrations on the cards and the beautiful, engraved dice help a lot to create the right atmosphere. A big accomplishment for such a simple game. 8/10

Replayability

With easy rules and zero setup time, Piraten Kapern will often find a place on your gaming table. You can play it with friends, family, gamers and non gamers. Due to its small size, it's an excellent companion for trips or even for a fun day at the beach. Just put it in your bag, bring along your best friends and it will surely keep you from getting bored at any given time. A great filler as well, between heavier games. It will set your mind on far away places and times and you will have some really fun time. 8/10

Fun:

Did I mention the word fun? Seeing your opponents rolling that third skull and getting ruined for the turn will surely put a smile on your face. But when they go to Skull Island or it is your turn to roll the third skull someone else is going to have more fun than you. So, it seems that throughout the game there will definitely always be someone having fun which surely fulfills the purpose of the game. 7/10

Pros:

• Challenging and original mechanics


• Suitable for all ages and all kinds of gamers


• Simple rules


• Short duration


• Compact size, can be carried anywhere

Cons:

• Luck plays a big role in the game. If you want to have total control, then this game probably isn't for you.

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Source by Maria Panagou

What Valentine's Day is About

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The origin of Valentine's Day is somewhat obscure, but is a holiday dating back to the Middle Ages having its connections to early Catholic saints. Some of us have fond memories associated with this now very popular holiday, and others have memories that would like to forget. Regardless, it's a day set to demonstrate love and affection for the ones we adore. While the day is valuable and fun to celebrate for many, all of us could benefit by putting additional effort into the other 364 days of the year!

By focusing on loving your partner on a daily basis, your relationship has a much better chance of being healthy and vibrant. Below is a sampling of what you can do on Valentine's Day - and every day - to show your partner you care. Compliment one another. Take time to make note of the small - and big - things you appreciate about your partner. Too often, we focus on the negative. Take interest in your partner. This means asking about their day and what is important to your significant other even if it does not seem all that important to you! Your partner will feel more cared about and valued. Plan an outing.

This can be a fun and inexpensive way to introduce change and spontaneity into the relationship. A hike? Bicycle ride? Day at the river? A picnic? Skydiving? Give surprises. A great way to show your partner you care and help them feel loved and appreciated is through small but powerful gestures. A note in the lunchbox, notes on the 'fridge, a card for no special reason, flowers, a homemade dinner, a cleaned up house, a candle lit bath, a massage ... anything from the heart you think your partner will enjoy ! Dance with your partner. When is the last time you turned the lights down and danced in your own living room? Have a regular date night. Take turns planning a date and make it part of your weekly or bi-weekly routine. Do not let everything else in your schedule during the week take priority over your relationship. Leave with a kiss.

Remember to say "I love you". Having just suggested some proactive ways to positively influence your relationship, here are a few romance-busters to try and avoid at all costs. It's crucial to focus on the positive, but just as important to rid your relationship of the communication and behavioral dynamics that foster distance, resentment, and hurt. Here are a few. Do not blame, criticizeize, defend or shut down in response to your partner. For every one negative comment, it takes an average of ten positive statements to return to status quo. This can add up quickly and a lot of damage can take place in one reckless argument. Do not focus on what you feel your partner did wrong. Instead, verbalize what you feel and what you want from them. More often than not, an individual makes the issue about the other person (which will certainly start a debate or conflict) but a more effective approach is to focus on your feelings - they are much harder to argument with!

For example, instead of saying, "why are you late? You're always late! Now you've messed up the night!" Say something along the lines of, "I'm really frustrated and disappointed because you're late. Do not debate when angry. When you do not know your limits related to anger, you will often stay in a situation too long and say things you regret later and hurt your partner. Talk about what a time-out will look like for the two of you (removing yourself from the discussion and situation when you are getting too upset) and utilize it as you discussed. Using the above suggestions will not necessarily guard your relationship from all discord and conflict, but it can make a good relationship better and a struggling one stand a much better chance. So, greet your partner this Valentine's Day with a special surprise up your sleeve and try and take the time to treat them with the same loving care the whole year through!

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Source by Sylvia Flanagan

John Riggins Biography and Interesting Facts About His Career

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Biography

When it came to John Riggins everyone knew what to expect. He played by his own rules. He ran hard, and he ran his own way. He was just as likely to show up to team functions in army fatigues as he would in a tuxedo. However, when it was time to play football, he was a no nonsense running back whose strength and speed were only surpassed by his determination and toughness.

Riggins didn't tire down as the game wore on. The more times that he got the ball, the stronger he seemed to become. The same applied to his NFL career. When other backs would lose a step as they aged, John Riggins picked up momentum with each passing NFL season. He was 35 years old when he recorded his sixth 1000 yard rushing season. While nobody knew what to expect from Riggins off the football field, teammates and fans could always count on exceptional play when it was time to play football.

While still playing at a high level, Riggins shocked the world when he retired from football after posting back to back 1000 yard seasons. One day he just walked out of the Redskins training camp in 1980 and announced his retirement.

Riggins played by his own rules. He was not happy with his contract and with football in general, so decided to leave on his own rules. After spending the offseason on his Kansas farm, he returned to Washington in 1981 and said "I'm bored, I'm broke, and I'm back" Riggins decided he was ready to play football once again.

After Riggins humbling declaration to return to football, he launched his second career as an NFL player. His one year layoff showed during his first season back, but by the end of 1982 he completely regained his form. Entering the playoffs he approached the Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and told him that if he could be given the ball 20 times a game or more, the Redskins would win.

Coach Gibbs took Riggins advice. The next three games, Riggins averaged 148 yards and 33 carries and led the Washington Redskins to Super Bowl XVII.

In the Super Bowl against the Miami Dolphins, the Redskins relied on Riggins heavily. His biggest play came in the 4th quarter. Losing 17-3 and facing fourth and one, Riggins took the handoff, darted to his left and raced 43 yards to the end zone. Behind John Riggins' 166 yards on a record 38 carries the Washington Redskins won the Super Bowl 27-17.

The following season at the ripened age of 34, John Riggins had his best year as a pro. At the time he retired, he was ranked fourth on the all time rushing list. It was a career that nobody could have predicted. Nobody who didn't understand the will and determination of John Riggins, that is.

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Source by Jeff Sullivan

Christmas Gift Ideas For Men In 2015

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Christmas is all about sharing and the best part while giving the gifts is that we get something in return. You may expect certain type of gifts from anyone. However, this article talks about various kinds of gifts men would love to get from their near and dear ones. This list is about the things that they would secretly like. You may purchase these gifts online for your loved ones.

Let us look at the list of things you can give your male friends, husband, son or any other guy this Christmas.

• Beer Soaps and Shampoos: Men will be men and let them groom themselves with the basic toiletry assortment of soaps and shampoos with beer as the key ingredient. Beer has some great aspects that make the hair shine and the skin glow. This might be a possibility that they take bathing as a sport. Jokes apart, it surely brings out the love and appreciation for you.

• Speakers: One of men's favorite choices is a stylish branded set of speakers. Christmas might surely be the right time to gift it to your son or friends, speakers come in handy and are useful to the entire family as well. All the techno-savvy guys will adore you for a lifetime with such a fancy and useful gift.

• Canvas with Quotes: Some intellectual guys or men with a flair for art would be honored to get quotes on a canvas. A beautiful verse or some quotations on life would imprint a long time effect on the person's mind. Handicraft bought from somewhere or made by your hands, anything would be great to the person.

• Beer Bottle Holder: If your man is fond of these kinds of items; a beer bottle holder makes to be the perfect gift that he can adore as well as can be used often by him. He will surely remember you every time he reaches out to the holder and appreciate your idea.

• Men's Underwear: This is strictly for your partner- be it husband or boyfriend. In order to make the festive season merrier; men's underwear is one of the most exclusive and novelty gift items that you can gift to your man. It can either get the things working or at least give him a reason to appreciate your kind gesture of getting something that he needs every day. There are a plethora of styles available from the basic men's briefs to something kinky like men's thong underwear or g-string and even jockstraps. This will surely add spice to your intimate life.

• Portable Power Bank: With all the smart phones and crazy apps, every person worldwide is addicted to switch boards and chargers. Hence, it will be a wise decision to gift any male friend or even your son with a portable power bank that comes handy in keeping him connected to the others any time of the day. Christmas is the right occasion to share gifts that are useful and will make your loved ones appreciate your hard work in selecting them.

• Shoes: Some men are fetish about the kind of footwear they wear. This will be a great time to make them smile even more with a new pair of boots or their favorite style of shoes. There are a huge number of styles available in the market from loafers, boots, and formal shoes to sneakers and brogues. You can just buy the one that they like the most.

These are some of the many things that you can gift your near and dear ones (males) on the occasion of Christmas. Let the festivities begin by shopping online and saving more to spread the joy even more.

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Source by Michael Falcon A

Getting Ready For Baby - A Newborn Checklist

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Having everything you need for baby ready to go before you bring your newborn home is a wise thing for a new parent to do. But what to get for a newborn baby?

Keep in mind that you never really need as much as you think you will. Be realistic. Do you really need a bottle warmer? If you're a parent who can afford it and you want it even if you don't need it, then go for it. Just know that in a few months you're probably going to be reselling it because you've realized that some things are more trouble than they're worth.

I advise having the nursery set up, with supplies in place, clothes washed and ready to go, three to four weeks before your due date. That way, even if your baby comes early, you'll be prepared. It's so much easier to come home from the hospital when you know you've got everything you need on hand.

Below is a list of the essential must haves for your baby's comfort and safety.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

• Bassinet, Co-Sleeper/Crib or a Pack and Play for your bedroom.

For the first 12 weeks, you'll be feeding your baby every 2 to 4 hours so having him in your room will help keep you from having to shuffle back and forth to the nursery. It 's also nice for keeping your baby cuddled up and close by. Your newborn has just come from a compact space, so they like to feel snug. I recommend using the bassinet instead of the crib until your baby can turn over or there is no longer room for him to stretch. You'll only need it in the early months, but you'll be really happy to have it!

• Crib and Mattress

When your baby outgrows the bassinet it's time for a crib. Be sure to buy one that meets current safety standards and make sure that the mattress fits snugly against the sides so that baby can't wiggle or get wedged under.

• Baby sling

Every mom I know SWEARS by a sling or some type of carrier. It allows you to be mobile and still keep your baby physically connected to you. Be sure it provides proper neck and head support, and is made of a washable fabric. It should feel comfortable on you and permit you to carry your baby facing in or out. In the beginning, you'll want to have her facing in. As she gets older, she'll want to face out so she can see the world.

• Changing mat

This is a plastic pad that you put down in order to change your baby. You can put a towel on top or use a cover so your baby won't feel the cold plastic. If you have the budget, you an also purchase a changing table, although it's really not a necessity. The amount of time you will use it is very short.

• Infant Carrier/Car Seat/Stroller

I'm a big fan of the 'system'. It's a carrier that connects to the car and stroller attachments. They make it so much easier for you and the baby to go from home to car and to stroller. Be sure to get your car seat inspected or installed at the hospital where you will be delivering. You will not be able to leave the hospital with your newborn without a proper car seat so have this installed 1-week before your due date if you can.

• High Chair

You won't need a high chair until your baby is at least 5-6 months old so you might want to hold off on this purchase for awhile.

• Baby Bumbo Sitter

Once your baby is about 3 months old and has some neck control, this is great! They can sit it in it for everything.

• Baby Bath Tub

It's important to start off with a small bath tub because in a small space with just a little bit of water, you gain confidence in how to hold and handle your baby. I love those that have the sling because until about 3 or 4 months old they don't have any neck control. The sling helps you keep them in place.

• Bouncy/vibrating seat and/or swing

Having somewhere safe to put your infant while you cook or get dressed is vital and babies love the motion they provide.

OTHER EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER

• Large comfortable rocking chair

• Sound Machine - These are great for helping to soothe your baby. They play sounds from the mothers womb, water sounds, sounds from nature etc. They even come inside of soft stuffed animals.

• Baby Monitoring System - There are many options out there now including video monitoring systems so you can see the baby in his or her crib. Dual monitors or multiple monitors are a must if you have multiple levels in your home or your master bedroom is on a different level altogether. There are also remote pager systems so you can clip it on and listen as you go room to room.

• Breast Pump & Accessories

• Nursing Pillows - I like the Boppy. It can be used by the baby too, so it serves multiple purposes. The Brest Friend, however provides good support and leverage and has a strap you can tie around you if you need to be mobile. It also has a pouch that zips to put things in.

• CD Player with Head Phones and Audio Books - For you when you're up in the night with the baby

• Baby Car Mirror - Since kids are rear-facing until they are about a year old and/or 20+ lbs., I love this. It allows you to see your baby through your rearview mirror. Some of them will even entertain your baby with lights and songs.

• Activity Mat or Baby Gym/ crib mobile - If you get a mobile for the crib or pack n play, make sure it's colorful and musical. The same goes for activity mats. Be sure the toys include mirrors and sounds.

ESSENTIAL LINENS

I highly recommend all cotton. It's soft and can be washed in hot water to sterilize. Everything should be washed with a mild detergent, like Dreft, before coming in contact with your baby. During the first six months, wash babies clothes separately from the other laundry. The baby's bedding should keep your newborn comfortable and safe. Use only quality, breathable materials and avoid fluffy things until your baby is able to move items like blankets from his/her face.

• 3 stretch cotton-fitted sheets for the bassinet, and later for the crib

• 4 cotton blankets that can be used for swaddling

• 3 warmer blankets

• 2 mattress pads

• Lots of burp cloths (cloth diapers) that can be used for wiping up spit up and all kinds of messes

• 2 Hooded towels and washcloths

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING

When it comes to babies clothing, it's all about layers. One key thing to know is that babies can't regulate their temperature very well until they're about six moths old. It's very easy for them to get overheated or too cold. It's up to you to keep the temperature right through layering of clothes and the use of blankets.

Think about the practicality and ease of dressing. Make sure the crotch opens easily for diaper changing. Soft and easy to change outfits are recommended since you will probably be changing your baby several times a day.

• 4-6 sleepers

• 5-7 one piece garments

• 3-4 gowns/kimonos

• 5-7 comfortable day outfits

• 8-10 undershirts

• 3-4 bibs

• 4-5 pairs of socks or booties

• 3 cotton caps/hats

• 2 sweaters if it's winter

• 1 snowsuit or fleece if it's winter

Optional - A sleep sack. These are making their way over from Europe -- they're a brilliant way to keep baby warm at night without blankets, which baby can kick off. It's like a sleeping bag, but it has open arms for ventilation and a zippered bottom so diaper changes are still easy.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

• Diapers - Your baby will go through roughly five thousand diapers before he's potty trained! And in the early days you may be changing your baby up to 12 times a day. Whether you plan to use disposables, recycled, cloth or a diaper service, be sure to have plenty on hand.

• Diaper wipes - I like the unscented ones for the first several months

• Diaper Bag - Get a nice durable bag with large pockets and make sure that it always has:

• 4-5 Diapers

• Diaper wipes

• Cloth diaper/ burp cloths for cleaning up spit up and spills

• Diaper sacks for dirty diapers

• Diaper rash cream

• Antibacterial gel to clean your hands

• Changing pad

• One change of clothing from head to toe

• Spare pacifier

• 1 Bib

• A couple of soft toys and rattles

• 1 bottle of water that can be used for making a bottle

• 1 -2 bottles

• Formula

ESSENTIALS FOR BREAST FEEDING

• 2-4 nursing bras

• One box of disposable breast pads

• Nipple cream

• Either an electric breast pump or a hand pump

• Breast milk storage containers

• A kit or bag to put your milk bottles in and ice packs

• At least 2 bottles

• A Good Support Book - I like 'The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding' by The La Leche League

ESSENTIALS FOR BOTTLE FEEDING AND PUMPING

• 6-8 slow flow or bent-neck bottles with soft nipples

• Bottle Brush & Optional Sanitizing System- It's important to thoroughly wash bottles after every use and then sanitize bottles at least every 2-3 months. You'll also want to sterilize your breast pump parts if you are pumping.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

• Baby thermometer

• Baby soaps and lotions

• Tearless shampoo

• Bath toys

• Baby oil

• Diaper rash Ointment

• Vaseline

• Sterile cotton balls

• Baby nail scissors/clippers

• Baby brush/comb

• Rubbing alcohol

• Q-tips

• 3-4 pacifiers

• Nose Suction Bulb syringe - usually supplied by the hospital so be sure to take it

• Hypoallergenic (dye-free) laundry detergent which is mild.

• Night lite

• Several Good Parenting Books - I like 'Secrets Of The Baby Whisperer' By Tami Hoag and 'The Happiest Baby On The Block' by Harvey Karp

Being prepared for your newborn will help eliminate as much as possible those worries you may have about being a parent so you can enjoy the process. It's so much easier to feel confident about coming home from the hospital when you know you've got everything you need on hand. Enjoy your new little baby!

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Source by Laurie J Cooper

Solutions to Fix My Credit Rating

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A lot of people are unaware of the fact that they can fix their credit rating themselves and the truth of matter is that that no one shares the information openly. The reason is that there are many people making money from the situation but I will show you how you can get your credit on track by doing it yourself.

The key to getting your credit rating on track is understanding the different negatives on your credit report and how to approach each one. You may have collection accounts on your report, which simply means that the original credit sold the account to a third party, this company now has the right to try and collect payment from you.

These third party collectors purchase the debt for a fraction of what you owe and try and collect as much as of the original amount as possible. By law, collection accounts can stay on your report for only seven years after which time they need to come off.

If you have collection accounts on your report and they have not reached the seven year mark, then you can try negotiating with the collection company a lesser amount in exchange for them deleting it from your report.

This is a great way to clean up collection accounts on your report. Another way to start improving your credit rating is to begin to rebuild new credit. The formula used to calculate good credit includes new accounts that are in good standing. You need a couple of these accounts on your report to show that you are a good credit risk.

The best way to do this even if you have bad credit is to start with a secure credit card as well as cards that are designed to help you rebuild your credit. There are a number of these cards out there and I can show you how to get approved for them.

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Source by Tony Banks

Pitches, not Kuldeep, reason for Gujarat move - Piyush Chawla | Cricket

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Piyush Chawla captained Uttar Pradesh 11 times across three seasons © BCCI

"The need for new challenges" has led legspinner Piyush Chawla to move from Uttar Pradesh to Gujarat for the upcoming Indian domestic season. Chawla and RP Singh, the former UP pacer who signed with the reigning Ranji Trophy champions last season, will be the two professional players for the side in 2017-18.

Chawla's paperwork has been completed, allowing him to join the Gujarat squad ahead of their pre-season camp next month, after his stint with Chemplast in Chennai's first-division league. Chawla was earlier in talks with Vidarbha, who eventually signed legspinner Karn Sharma.

"Up north, you either get flat wickets or seaming tracks. We've struggled to find a middle path, so as a spinner, opportunities to make inroads are very less. I wanted to play in an environment where the surfaces are little more responsive and allow you to make an impact," Chawla told ESPNcricinfo. "It was a hard decision to move from a state where you've played right from the start, but pure cricketing reasons merited a move."

Chawla brushed aside murmurs of competition for places with Kuldeep Yadav being the reason for his move. "Most teams field two spinners anyway, so that isn't the reason," he said. "We play together at the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders. I've been around for 12 years now, so there's no insecurity. I've read these things in the papers, but I can't explain the reason to everyone. He's come along very well, but for me, personally, at this stage of my career, I wanted a new perspective and I thought playing for a side that has come up tremendously would give me an opportunity to contribute in many ways."

Parthiv Patel, the Gujarat captain, felt Chawla's experience would be invaluable. "With India playing lot of limited-overs cricket at home, there's a possibility we may not have the services of Axar Patel throughout. We wanted to strengthen our spin department, and we're happy to have someone of Piyush's calibre," he said. "We will be playing our home games in Surat and Valsad, where it turns. Having a wristspinner, we thought, would add a lot of value.

"He's also very handy lower down the order as a batsman. That skill of his is underrated. So overall, he brings a lot to the table. We had a chat last year. He indicated his willingness to come over, which we thought about ahead of the season. When we assessed our balance as a squad, considering we will defend our title, we felt we were lacking in the spin department. With Piyush coming over, we feel we have most-boxes ticked."

Chawla, a Ranji Trophy winner with UP in 2005-06, the same season in which he debuted for India, led the side in 11 first-class games across three seasons. He featured in just two first-class matches in a disappointing campaign in 2016-17, when UP finished seventh in the nine-team pool, with one win, four losses and three draws.

Chawla has picked up 386 wickets over 117 first-class games, 80 of which have been for UP. An IPL regular with Kolkata Knight Riders, Chawla last played for India in 2012.

Other domestic transfers

Robin Uthappa from Karnataka to Saurashtra
KB Arun Karthik from Assam to Kerala
Karn Sharma from Railways to Vidarbha
Ambati Rayudu from Vidarbha to Hyderabad
Pragyan Ojha from Bengal to Hyderabad
Chadrakant Pandit, the former Mumbai coach, will head Vidarbha

Shashank Kishore is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo

©
ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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Top 10 Tips For Buying a Used Car

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Today when it comes to getting a used car has become much easier with the invention of the internet. No longer do you need to look just at those available close to where you live but if you are willing to travel then you can look further afield by using many of the online auction sites and used car sites as well. Below we provide the top ten tips for buying a used car which you should be keeping in mind when trying to get your ideal one.

Tip 1 - Before you go ahead and buy a used car it is important that you do as much research into your chosen vehicle first. As well as looking through various internet used car listings then spend time reading through as many professional road test reviews that have been written. Also read as many reviews written and posted by people who currently own or have owned the model of car that you are interested in.

Tip 2 - Next you need to determine just how much the car is going to cost once you get it. Along with comparing the mileage ratings for the car that you are interested in you need to take into consideration what it is going to cost to upkeep the vehicle as well. There are plenty of websites online including the likes of fueleconomy.gov which provides you with the EPA mileage figures for any vehicle that has been made from 1986 to 2008. Plus sites like this will also tell you what kinds of greenhouse gas emissions the vehicle produces each year as well.

Tip 3 - The next thing you need to do is look at the cost of insuring the car you are interested in. Unfortunately the insurance premiums you pay on a vehicle are dependent upon a number of different factors. Along with the age of the driver and how much no claims bonus they hold the car's sticker price will affect how much you pay in insurance for it, plus what it is going to cost to get it repaired, how safe the vehicle is and finally is it a vehicle which is likely to be stolen. What's the point of purchasing a vehicle if only you cannot afford to get the insurance for it?

Tip 4 - If you need to arrange financing in order to purchase a used car then it is best if you arrange this through your bank or credit union as the rates they charge are considerably lower. Plus this puts you in a position with the dealership or owner of the vehicle to be able to get a better deal on the vehicle that you are after. Also before you go and get your financing it is worth checking your credit rating first to ensure that you won't be hit by any unexpected problems that could affect what kind of financing deal you get. The three major credit reporting agencies are now by law required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report.

Tip 5 - If at all possible before making that final decision you should actually take the car you are thinking of buying for a test drive. Don't just take it for a quick drive around the block but arrange to spend time on a wide variety of different roads and spend time looking at how well the car accelerates or not. Also as you drive it listening for any sounds or noises which are unusual or if it vibrates or there are strange odours emanating from it.

Tip 6 - Go onto sites such as Experion.com, Carmax.com or Autobytel.com and arrange for a check to be carried out to see if there is anything untoward. These sites are able to tell you whether the vehicle has been involved in any accidents or if there are any payments outstanding.

Tip 7 - It is important that before you purchase a vehicle you check through all the documentation that the seller provides. Inspect it carefully and look at the details on the vehicle and make sure that they check with the vehicle being sold. It is important that you look carefully at the vehicles identification number and check that what is on the official document shows in the vehicle as there will be plates on the cars chassis and on the engine and the numbers on these should match exactly to the vehicle being sold, if they don't then immediately walk away from the sale.

Tip 8 - Arrange to get the vehicle checked over by a mechanic if you know one before you decide to make that purchase and hand over your hard earned cash. If you don't know a mechanic there are some companies such as the AA in the UK who offer a service where you can for a fee arrange for one of their inspectors to give a vehicle a check over before you make the decision to purchase it.

Tip 9 - If you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealership then look to check what warranties are provided with the car and also what inspections have been carried out by them prior to them selling it. Although you may need to pay more it is worth taking up the offer of an extended warranty on the car being sold just in case.

Tip 10 - If you intend to purchase from an online auction site it is a good idea to carry out some checks prior to making a bid. Along with doing the usual checks as mentioned in tips 6 and 7 you need to look closely at the seller as well, especially if they seem to be selling a lot of vehicles through these sites.

Above we have offered you the top ten tips for buying a used car today. If you keep these in mind then you are sure to get the vehicle of your dreams rather than a lemon which is going to end up costing you considerably more than you first imagined.

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Source by Martin Davis

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Main Types of Bike Racks in the Market

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There are three main types of bike carriers; hitch mounted, strap on and roof mounted. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Hitch-mounted racks

These attach to a hitch at the back of the vehicle. There are two types.

• Class I carriers are compatible with a large number of cars and small Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Depending on the design, they can hold up to three bikes.

• Class III carriers are designed for use with pickups and large SUVs. They can hold a larger number of bikes than Class I racks. Unfortunately, they cannot be used on smaller vehicles without expensive modifications.

These carriers are extremely easy to install, and there is generally less chance of accidentally scratching the paint off a vehicle while mounting bikes.

However, without proper installation, they can block rear windows, increasing the possibility of causing accidents while reversing, or cover license plates, which is considered illegal in many jurisdictions.

Strap-on trunk-mounted racks

These carriers are attached with straps to the trunk, rear bumper or hatchback, and carry up to three bicycles. They come with padded or plastic-coated frame supports to protect the bicycles from scratches and other damage.

Strap on racks are cheap and easy to store when not in use. They are also versatile, and can be used on virtually any model, which makes them particularly suitable for leased vehicles.

Unfortunately, like hitch-mounted racks, they can block the rear window if installed poorly. They are also less secure, as it is possible for thieves to untie or cut straps attaching bike racks to the vehicle.

Roof-mounted racks

These are attached to the vehicle's upper door frames or rain gutters, or where available, cross bars or roof racks, which is generally cheaper. Depending on the size of the vehicle, up to seven bicycles can be carried. A special case can be added if extra storage space for tools and other equipment is needed. When it is not being used for holding bikes, the rack can be also used for carrying canoes and skis.

While roof-mounted racks guarantee unobstructed view from the rear window, they are more difficult to install. Other disadvantages include increased air resistance, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and wind noise, and the increased likelihood of scratching paint as bikes are lifted onto the vehicle roof.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the main types of bike racks on the market can make it easier to figure out which one to pick.

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Source by Samuel Maina Kang'aru

Applied Presentation - Practice - Production (PPP) As an Approach in Teaching Grammar

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"I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn."

• Albert Einstein

There are several worldwide instructive approaches introduced by expert language proponents for language teaching. Presentation- Practice -Production (PPP) is one among the widely-used methods for grammar instructions. It is a traditional approach but its employment shouldn't be taken for granted; careful planning is needed for its expediency. Its rudiments direct teachers to enable learning by stimulating learners' ascending thinking levels through lessons' well- defined objectives while they are entrenched in its three stages.

In PPP, teaching can be effective when the target language is controlled. Therefore, limiting language expressions as subject matters such as "is, are, am; there is and there are; this, these, that and those; can and can't; can and could; may and might; proper nouns and common nouns, count and non-count nouns, active and passive modes, positive and negative statements, negative and positive questions with yes -no responses, zero conditional versus first conditionals," among numerous lessons based from the language program's sequenced outline being managed. At this juncture, learners need to be defined. Defining learners is teachers' awareness of students' comprehension levels, age, nationality and culture where the creation of tasks designs and examples to facilitate effective teaching are primarily based upon.

Teaching grammar structures through the PPP can be more operative when we associate instructive language expressions to students' real-world environment. By linking natural contexts, their interests are being drawn or stimulated by prior knowledge and experiences. Matters such as their hobbies, films they mostly watch, travels in other countries, favorite actors from around the world, favorite games, happiest and scariest dreams, historical events they are conscious about other countries, folk and country English songs that they listen to, and more can be suggested as thematic backgrounds for students tend to be responsive in class activities when situations they are closely connected to are manipulated. Also, providing these kinds of frameworks reduce students' learning passivity which is mainly due to lack of interest or absence of knowledge.

PPP's fundamentals are explicated here in two separate ways. (A) One is through using different language targets in each stage to explain its underlying rudiments, and (B) the other is by an intertwined single target language interconnected to its three stages.

A. PPP Application in different language targets

In the presentation stage, language target is stimulated by demonstration strategies adopted by a teacher's discretion. The students are expected to observe how new languages are generated from a teacher's varied way of presenting. It is a fact that it isn't suitable to feed students directly what their new lessons are. In here, it is favorable to hear teacher say, "We have a new grammar lesson today that connects to your favorite sports players around the world". "Can you tell me the names of your favorite players?" rather than saying, "We will learn about common nouns and proper nouns." "Your favorite sports players are actually proper nouns." Presentation should incorporate discovery method which may take place by the introduction of tasks associated by supporting materials such as pictures, timeline, real objects, cited situations, a film clip depending on teachers' discretion. At the end of this stage, the students will be aware of the target language, its initial rules and structures, which they themselves have inferred.

Secondly, practice stage is done after the students have discovered the language's features. Based from a teacher -prepared activities, they apply the rules and structures. Presuming that our lessons are on singular and plural nouns, we can review these to highlight what they have learned in the presentation by having them cite nouns that they see in the second picture and have them list all the words in two columns according to names of things and persons. The students may be tasked to identify each word which is singular and plural from the two original columns that they have constructed enabling them to produce two additional columns: singular and plural nouns for people, singular and plural nouns for places, as facilitated. Together, in each column, the class transforms the words into singular or plural forms. Depending upon the availability of time, the teacher can further introduce some exceptions to the general rules on the different pluralization of nouns. Probably, the teacher provides an activity that demonstrates some nouns whose plural forms aren't ending in '-s' or '-es.' For instance: child- children, cactus-cacti, radius-radii, memorandum-memoranda, woman-women, man-men, mouse-mice, goose-geese. Additionally, the teacher may feature some uncountable nouns such as: milk, sugar, cheese, salt, tea, coffee, bread and many other examples.

Production is a stage where students' prior grammar knowledge along with acquired knowledge from the two stages are incorporated under given tasks to display an over-all learning outcome. It is recommended that the production activities should relate to reality for communicative purposes. Assuming that the target language is the present continuous with future meanings, the teacher may ask the students on what they are going to do this afternoon to be answered in complete sentences. The expected responses will be an application of the language's earlier introduced formula, which is present be-verb + a verb in the -ing form + future time. At this point, the students are expected to produce an example by being specific about be- verbs. It is in this situation that the students are made to opt between 'is,' 'are,' and 'am' although generally, they were using 'is' or 'are' in the practice stage. Additionally, since the question is about them individually, they have to decide which subject they are going to employ. To add, they will also have to decide which part of speech they are going to use. And since, 'I' have been decided, they are aware that pronoun is going to be used specifically the subject pronouns, instead of picking up a subject from nouns. In conjunction to these stimulating activity, students' cognitive ability continuous to work importantly. Therefore, the expected outputs will be sentences that are introduced by "I am" As an example, "I am meeting my friend this afternoon," "I am traveling to Islamabad tonight." Similar to other language focuses, the students are encouraged to manipulate the language expressions for whatever purpose they may truly serve through the integration of the target language's forms and rules reinforced by their prior knowledge which maybe added with new related language to be processed when follow-up activities such as homework and other forms of enrichment exercises are provided.

B. PPP application in an intertwined single lesson

The most practical way to understand PPP is to perceive it in its three intertwined stages through an explicit lesson that showcases a single language focus along with its corresponding activities to be demonstrated in ascending manner. Below is an example of its application.

PPP will be elucidated through an interactive dialogue between a teacher and students with responses as upshots from the given tasks followed by commentaries that feature some practical learning processes' significance which conceivably recommend some supportive measures in attempting to achieve an operative employment of this method.

The lesson

The target language is "used to" and the teacher is mindful that the class has already learned some grammatical points such as subject pronouns, subject-verb agreement and past simple verb forms in support to the new lesson which means that in an institutional language course outline, the lessons are sequenced appropriately according to the learning needs of students.

Objectives:

At the end of a 50-minute session, the students are expected to:

1. determine the use of the expression "used to",

2. use 'used to' to transform sentences which are expressed in the simple past,

3. employ 'used to' in sharing their previous out-of-school activities,

4. write a paragraph regarding their experiences using the expression, and

5. enhance students'' grammatical ability and creativity through expressing ideas in the past differently.

Commentary

Objectives provide very substantial roles in every lesson. Though we cannot cover all the intended outcomes in one lesson, the objectives should cater to a specific type of lesson by involving the three domains of objectives- cognitive, psychomotor and affective. Specifically, "determine," 'use,' 'employ' are indicators of cognitive objectives. 'Write' represents psychomotor and cognitive while 'enhance' signify affective. All these stated objectives are expected to be attained in applying the approach involving, "used to" in a class' featured series of activities. These specific objectives become students' performance indicators at the end of the teaching process.

Stage 1: Presentation

Teacher: Every one of you must have enjoyed your childhood similar to Munawar's experiences when he was a schoolboy in Lahore. Listen, to some of his unforgettable activities that he used to do at the age of ten in Pakistan.

students' answers:

climbed apple trees

went hunting with his father

played cricket with friends

read storybooks at the library

picked fruits during harvest time

helped his parents in the farm

prayed together with his father at the mosque

Teacher: All your answers are displayed on the board. Do you observe something at the end of every response?

Student: There is no punctuation. I mean, there's no full stop.

Teacher: Yes, what else do you see? See all the beginning words of these answers.

Student: They are not capitalized.

Teacher: Right. Why aren't they capitalized and punctuated?

Student: We only capitalize and punctuate them when they are sentences.

Teacher: Am I made to understand that these responses are not sentences?

Student: Yes.

Commentary

Even if the lessons are not on punctuation and capitalization, these significant points that popped up have to be processed. It is also in this setting when students are given the chance to determine the differences between a phrase and a sentence. These add to their basic knowledge which may guide them in language acquisition skills. It is a teacher's responsibility to integrate these important points since these are natural teaching occurrences that surfaced currently in the middle of a teaching process. The teacher should never presume that the class knew about these relevant points for there could be more students waiting to absorb the right rudiments through a teacher's elaboration. One student's doubt which was never raised for some reasons could answer many students' hesitations under these circumstances.

Teacher: Let's get back again to what you have listened to about Munawar's childhood activities. What did he do? Let's change Munawar into another form. What should we use to represent Munawar? Go back to the subject pronouns and choose appropriately the word that we are going to use as a subject.

Student: "He" should be used.

Teacher: That's right. Why do you think it is "he?"

Students: Munawar is singular and he's a male.

Teacher: Exactly. This time, will I capitalize and punctuate using a full stop? Why should I capitalize and punctuate?

Students: Yes. We have made sentences. For this reason, we need to capitalize the beginning words and place a full stop at the end of every statement.

students' answers.

He climbed apple trees.

He went hunting with his father

He played cricket with friends.

He watched TV with his family before going to sleep.

He picked fruits during harvest time.

He helped his parents in the farm.

He prayed together with his father at the mosque.

Teacher: What do you notice in each verb from the sentences?

Students: They are all written in the past form?

Teacher: What made you say so?

Student: The verbs end in- ed.

Teacher Why should we place -ed at the end of every verb?

Students: They happened when he was a child. These action words were done in the past.

Teacher: Also, you will notice that one past simple verb is of different form.

What is this word? Recall your previous lesson about the types of verbs.

Students: It's an irregular verb.

Teacher: Can we accept this verb?

Student: Yes.

Teacher: Why?

Student: It also expresses past simple.

Teacher: Can you give more examples of these irregular verbs?

students' answers on irregular verbs

tell -told

break-broke

make-made

feel -felt

see-saw

become -became

say -said

come- came

tear- tore

fly-flew

flee-fled

write-wrote

Teacher: Okay. Can we possibly write these sentences in another way?

What about inserting 'used to' before the verb in every sentence that we have made?

Students: Yes, we can.

Teacher: You are correct. Write your new sentence beside each sentence. Add 'used to' before the verbs but the main verbs should be changed into the present simple.

Students' answers

He climbed apple trees. He used to climb apple trees

He went hunting with his father. He used to go hunting with his father.

He played cricket with friends. He used to play cricket with friends.

He watched TV with his family before going to sleep. He used to watch TV with his family before going to sleep.

He picked fruits during harvest time. He used to pick fruits during harvest time.

He helped his parents in the farm. He used to help his parents in the farm.

He prayed together with his father at the mosque. He used to pray together with his father at the mosque.

Teacher: Looking at your second group of answers, do you see how each sentence in every number differ from the first group according to verb forms?

Students: Yes, the first group made has past simple while the other was changed into present simple form.

Teacher: What made the changes of the past simple verbs in your second sentences?

Students: "Used to" made the changes in the verbs into present simple.

Teacher: We all know that the verbs in the first group of sentences are in the past form, and this means all of them were done in the past. When we made another group of sentences, we added 'used to' but we have written all the verbs into simple present form. Have we done these changes correctly?

Students: Yes, we have. When we placed 'used to', we are similarly rewriting the ideas in the past form in another way.

Teacher: Now, are they the same in terms of tense? Do the pairs have the same meanings?

Students: Yes, they do.

Teacher: Aside from using the simple past form to express completed actions in the past, what else can we use?

Students: We can write "used to + the base form of the verb."

Teacher: Yes, it is accurate to use 'used to + the base form of the verb' to express actions that happened in the past.

Commentary:

The salient points to be observed in here are the utilization of previous knowledge of the language, close linkage of objectives to target language, interconnections of objectives in all activities with the inclusion of motivation. The presentation should be inductive for the students to infer instead of utilizing the deductive method. In using the inductive method, students will have the opportunity to figure out what language is to be learned and how do their structures to suit a specific rule or a general rule which they will soon discover. Also, application of prior language could be relevant as demonstrated by the substitution of subjects. Prior knowledge utilization is a form of refreshing them regarding the importance of previously learned languages. In here, they were given the opportunity to identify the order of the expressions in language constructions. To add, this stage directed learners to form a formula of their own which will guide them to perform series of exercises by stages.

There are some exceptions to the formation of past tense for irregular verbs. If it comes out, it is best to process its salient points in preparation for the practice and production. This should be reinforced by adding additional activities in the presentation.

Stage 2: Practice

Teacher: Let's have more exercises to further understand the lesson. Here is a list of what a film director did when he filmed a movie in Quetta. Write them in complete sentences using the past simple form and changed each by adding 'Use to.'

booked his crew in a hotel

talked to the mayor of the town

hired some extra cameramen

gathered other citizens to act as bit players

organized the actors schedules

gave time for performers to read their scripts

threw a party before going back home

Students' answers

He booked his crew in a hotel. He used to book his crew in a hotel

He talked to the mayor of the town. He used to talk to the mayor of the town.

He hired some extra cameramen. He used to hire some extra cameramen.

He gathered other citizens to act as bit players. He used to gather other citizens to act as bit players.

He organized the actors' schedules. He used to organize the actors' schedules.

He gave time for performers to read their scripts. He used to give time for performers to read their scripts.

He threw a party before going back home. He used to throw a party before going back home.

Commentary

It is pertinent that the teacher stimulates the thinking of the students after the transformed examples as reinforcement of the presentation stage. Repetition is a form of reinforcement and a form of meaningful exercise since the students' are made to think while they perform. After the activities, elaboration of the rudiments of this language focus is of high importance.

When "used to" is used, the original verb form from as simple past has to be in a simple present. It is advisable to have the students discover the changes. Their inference will be a great aid in retaining knowledge. The teacher's role is only to trigger their ability to infer regarding the verb structure. At this juncture, a teacher is discouraged to feed thoughts directly to the students.

In real communication practices, these two expressions: past simple and 'used to' may be mixed up. It is best to emphasize that it is possible to occur. Every student should be aware that what they learned in the classroom are models and that they can be modified in a natural communication whether they are used orally or in written manner.

Stage 3: Production

Teacher: What about you, can you still recall your past activities years ago? Together with your seatmate, list what both of you used to do. Write them in a simple past verb and be able to transform these sentences using 'used to.' You will have three types of lists. Both students will deliver a talk about the tasks that they have completed. Help each other in forming the lists.

possible students' list one (1) no subject with simple past

watched our favorite TV show every day

played football in the field

visited my friends twice

had picnics at the family park

went to Dammam every week

toured Bahrain once a month

travelled to Riyadh City with our cousins.

possible students' list two (2) pluralized subject with simple past

We watched our favorite TV show every day.

We played football in the field.

We visited my friends twice.

We had picnics at the family park.

We went to Dammam every week.

We toured Bahrain once a month.

We travelled to Riyadh City with our cousins.

possible students' list three (3) - pluralized subject with expression 'used to' replacing simple past.

We used to watch our favorite TV show every day.

We used to play football in the field.

We used to visit my friends twice.

We used to have picnics at the family park.

We used to go to Dammam every week.

We used to tour Bahrain once a month.

We used to travel to Riyadh City with our cousins

Teacher: Get back to list number one and share your ideas.

Students: List number one is introduced by simple verbs.

Teacher: Yes, that's right. What have you noticed in list number two?

Students: There is a specified subject in each sentence.

Teacher: Correct. The phrases were completed as sentences. Are list number three and number two the same when it comes to tenses?

Students: Yes.

Teacher: Now, as a homework, make a timeline of five exciting things that you did last summer by using dates and past simple verbs or 'used to'. Write them in a paragraph form by following the parts of a paragraph that we have practiced a week ago.

Commentary

Students were able to form the simple pasts independently, decided the subject to be used and substituted the simple pasts into 'used to' by enumerating experienced actions. These imply that students learning in the cognitive way is manifested in the production. Their ability to manipulate the language's structures and rules through the tasks denote their expanding level of order thinking skills stemming from the presentation and practice stage. It is therefore encouraged that teachers can make the production stage operational by using series of interlinked activities in contexts even if this particular stage is similar to how they intertwined their lessons from the two previous stages. Provision of these activities allows them more opportunities to manipulate currently learned language targets and to apply formerly learned language contents.

Homework is a kind of production resulting to outputs that reinforce or enrich what they have learned. It is also recommended that language a newly learned focus must be integrated with the introduction of a new focus such as giving dates as time expressions. Date can indicate past actions and these are additional language expressions which they can work on in natural communication setting. Moreover, encouraging production's favorable effects may proliferate among learners when they apply languages that are anchored to their real-life experiences.

There are no easy approaches to use in language teaching even if they seem to be. Teachers have to define their learners and apply some adjustments. Approaches are not done mechanically but rather flexibly based from students' level and from the readiness of resources. Lessons' objectives should be realized in the teaching process. Teaching experiences reveal that within a method, a strategy arises. It is also relevant to do some reflections regrading objectives that lead to learning directions. Do your activities relate with the objectives? Are they introduced by the input material? Are they confined in your desired setting? Are these manifested under teacher and students' roles? Do they connect to the target language? Are they implied in the outputs? If they do, then PPP could be a viable method in your classrooms.

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Source by Marvin Wacnag Lidawan

6 Tips for Buying a New Baby Pram

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Babies love strollers. If you are a parent, you can't skip buying this great equipment for your lovely baby. Since there are lots of baby prams or strollers out there, finding the best one can be a bit challenging for you. However, with a little research, you can find the best baby prams. With the 6 tips given below, the buying process will become easier for you.

Overall Budget

Prams are available for any budget. For instance, umbrella strollers are for you if you can afford to spend a good deal of money. However, if you buy second-hand, you won't have to spend as much. So, you have to have a clear idea of how much you can shell out for the product before you set out to buy one.

The Ease of Use

Often, you have to buy strollers that can be folded without any problem. After folding them, you can put them in the back of your car. Therefore, you should look for a pram that you can slide into your car with ease. As a matter of fact, convenience is the number one factor that you should consider when investing in a baby stroller.

Match Stroller to Local Terrain

Ideally, you need a pram that can be used on crowded streets as well as on streets. However, if you reside in a rural area or if you love hiking with your baby, you should get a stroller that can work well on gravel and dirt roads. Buying the best stroller based on your environment is a great idea. On the other hand, if you live in an urban area, we suggest that you look for an umbrella stroller.

Look for a Pram That Can be Folded

Some baby prams feature a one-hand fold. This feature is great. It allows you to fold and unfold the product in the blink of an eye. So, you can put in or take out the pram out of your car without any problem.

Consider a Double Stroller

Most strollers are inexpensive. Some are sturdy and spacious enough to accommodate 5-year-olds as well. If you have more kids, we suggest that you look for a double stroller. The additional seat may keep your shopping bags or backpacks.

The Language of Strollers

Before you buy the best stroller, make sure you understand the language of different strollers. For a start, you can visit a local store and take a look at strollers in the aisles. However, if you understand the difference between different types of baby prams, you can easily find out which one may work for you based on your needs.

Conclusion

Although you may get overwhelmed by the tons of baby prams in a store, you can find the best one with a bit of research. Once you have considered all your options and determined the best pram type based on your budget, lifestyle and family size, you can find the best one in your price range. Just make sure you don't make the price your only deciding factor.

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Source by Shalini Madhav

Rangoli Designs - What Is Their Significance?

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Rangoli designs are made on the floor and the only way to do it is to squat, bend over or sit on the floor. Early in the morning, the women of the home bathe and then indulge in the rangoli ritual. This provides an excellent exercise to the abdominal muscles and arms. More importantly, the process of joining dots and lines is pretty complicated. So, when you make a design, you cannot help but concentrate on the art. This provides a kind of meditative effect early in the morning and purifies the entire body and mind.

Secondly, art is a therapy. It is a great way of reviving dull spirits and spreading cheer in the body and mind. Performing an art form, be it of any kind including music, dance, painting or rangoli, is a deeply satisfying. Happy hormones are triggered in the brain which spread a feeling of wellbeing in a person. Also, this art form enhances creativity in a person. When a woman begins her day by making a rangoli, her creative juices are triggered and they help her manage her household more efficiently. There can be no better way to begin your than indulging in an artistic form and Indian culture has naturally created a way to make this happen. So, these designs are not just for making your house look welcome; they are also meant to purify and energize your body, mind and soul.

Thirdly, the mythological importance of rangoli designs cannot be subjugated. It is believed that these designs welcome deities who bring luck, wealth and prosperity to a household. In a way, this concept can be proved scientifically as well. If you relate luck, prosperity and wealth to positive energy forms, the mystery unravels. This art form uses bright colors which are instantly captivating. When a person visits your home and sees the design at your doorstep, he feels good about the art and so, the negative energies in him are subdued. Also, the use of antiseptic natural materials such as turmeric in the designs spread positivity in the air and keeps negative energies at bay. Finally, there is no ill will because of this art form even from little creatures such as ants because they are happy and satisfied with the rice flour used in making rangoli. Universal coexistence is promoted.

The symmetric shapes, the beauty and the uniqueness of these designs bring only goodness into the home. It does help that making rangoli designs is great fun as well. You are cheered and you feel good every time you see your artwork. It really helps to keep your home happy and positive in its own way. The profundity of Indian culture and deep rooted traditions is astounding. Practicing the rituals definitely leads to better health and a happier life.

For more visit Rangoli

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Source by Jennie Kakkad

The Power of Planning

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I am surprised how few sales professionals, independent consultants, and small business owners take the time to plan the strategy for their business. Most people spend more time writing out a grocery list or planning a vacation than they do planning the direction or exit of their business. Many will determine a vague or general idea of ​​what they want to accomplish but very few actually identify the specific action steps that they will need to take in order to achieve their goals. I'm not suggesting you create a 25-30 page business plan like a good friend of mine writes every year, but I do recommend that you start outlining the goals you want to accomplish and how you plan to get there.

It is one thing to set a target for yourself, it is quite another to actually plan how you will achieve it. When I establish my annual goals (which get more challenging every year), I ask myself, "How will I accomplish these goals?" This forces me to plan the tactics, strategies, and actions I need to undertake in order to achieve my targets. For example, if your business relates primarily on referrals, identify what you can do to increase the number of referrals you receive.

In her book, Get Clients Now !, author CJ Hayden suggests using a monthly tracking sheet. This means setting specific monthly goals, planning what action you will take to generate new business, and tracking your progress. She suggests that you engage in a minimum of ten different marketing activities each week. This can include; Networking, prospecting, cold calling, sending mailers, speaking, etc. A speaker I know spends most of his Monday planning and strategizing his week, determining exactly what activities he will execute in the upcoming few days.

How should you plan your business? It all depends on what you want to accomplish and what is important to you. I know I could probably increase my revenue significantly in the next 12 months, but it would require spending less time with my family. Only you can determine what is important. And this will change depending on what stage of life you are in. What is important to you now may be completely insignificant six months from now. Here are five key areas to plan.

Revenue. If you are like most businesses, you probably have more than one product or service. Therefore, breaking down your sales into specific categories makes sense. This allows you to track your progress in each area and see where you can improve year over year. Plus, I can also determine the products or services I should stop selling because they do not generate very good sales.

Profit. Obviously, determining your gross sales is important. More importantly, though, is the amount of money you have left over at the end of the day. In other words, what profit are you going to generate? A professional speaker I know plans his business by deciding what profit he wants to earn by each year. He then creates his plan backwards to determine how he will achieve this. Remember, you can incredible sales but still go out of business.

Expenses. Controlling expenses is a critical aspect of running a profitable and successful business regardless of the size. All large organizations budget expenses but most independent business owners "wing it" and pay the bills as they come in. If you want to increase your revenues, you need to know how much it will cost you to generate your targeted sales. I remember talking to another trainer a few years ago who had learned this lesson. She began analyzing all of her expenses and found several areas she could trim. This freed up cash which she used to market her business. The result was more revenue with no additional out-of-pocket expense.

Vacation or Personal Time. How much free time do you want for yourself in the next year? I have learned that it is very easy to get sucked into the vortex of running a business and forget to take a vacation or personal time to recharge my batteries. Block those days in your calendar early in the year. This signifies a commitment and allows you to plan your business around these personal days. A friend of mine spends most of his summer scuba diving so he plans the rest of year accordingly. He works extremely hard but this frees up almost 3 months for him to partake in his favorite past-time.

Personal Development. I have found that the people who invest in themselves consistently outperform those who do not. Identify the skills that will help you become more successful. Determine what books, programs, courses, or people can help you learn these skills and take action.

Planning does take time. However, it is time well invested. Make the time in your hectic life to create a plan for next year's business. Review it regularly and make the necessary changes as you progress forward. You'll be glad you did.

Copyright 2004 Kelley Robertson. All rights reserved

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Source by Kelley Robertson