A Guide to Choosing Sunglasses

Summer is quickly approaching and protecting yourself from the harmful suns rays becomes more important.  However, most people forget to protect their eyes.  Sunglasses are one of the best ways to protect yourself and they are the ultimate fashion accessories. They are great in helping you to create your own unique image. What exact style you choose really depends on your personal taste, age and the shape of your face. Yet, not matter what style of sunglasses you are thinking of buying, it is important that you end up choosing the best possible quality pair.

Some tips to choosing quality sunglasses are provided below. Being educated by what makes a quality pair of sunglasses is very important when you are searching for your next pair of sunglasses. Keep these tips in mind when you are browsing.

Protection from UV

One major contributor to eye disease is ultraviolet radiation. This is why it is important to choose a pair of sunglasses that protect you from the harmful effect of UV. Just because your glasses have a dark tint doesn’t mean that you are protect from UV. Make sure you check the sunglasses UV rating.

What the Sunglasses Are Made From

Generally speaking the heavier the sunglasses the higher quality they will be. You want to ensure that the material that they are made from will last a long time and be able to resist the constant knocks that sunglasses typically take.

Different Tints

Tints are the colors that are applied to sunglasses lenses to help reduce the light that makes contact with the eyes. The particular tint you choose is up to your personal taste. However, different tints will have a different effect on the perceived brightness and glare, and will distort color differently.

As an example, gray tints reduce glare and don’t distort the color. On the other hand, yellows lens will distort color but sharpen your perceived view.

To Polarize or Not to Polarize?

Sunglasses that are polarized will reduce the glare of the light which bounces off roads and water. They are typically preferred by people who drive a lot during the day or boat on the water. If you work or play near a lot of flat surfaces you may wish to investigate using polarized sunglasses.

All things considered don’t let price be the deciding factor for your eye protection.  Choose a good pair, solid frames and look for the uv protection you need.

Other interesting articles:

Sunglasses to suit your face shape | WhatSheWears.ie

Figuring out your face shape is key to choosing sunglasses. The old wives tale of looking in a mirror and drawing the shape of your face with lipstick is a bit misguided. Instead, we suggest you log onto Lenscrafters.com, upload a photo of yourself (file size of photo must be less than 200k) … You don’t have to stick to your local opticians either, there are more and more carrying nice brands which can be fitted to your needs so shop around….with this guide of course! …

Publish Date: 04/28/2010 3:31

http://www.whatshewears.ie/index.php/2010/04/sunglasses/

Sun-Damaged, No More: The Ultimate Sun Protection Know-it-All Guide

We now know that active ingredients are important to consider when choosing a sunscreen, but you might still have the nagging question of which SPF is right for you. Again, the suggested SPF to apply when going outdoors is 30, … Hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses are all great options. Dr. Salmon also mentions that clothes that protect against UV are available. These UV-blocking clothes are made “with an ‘Ultraviolet Protection Factor’ or UPF rating,” she says …

Publish Date: 05/10/2010 10:00

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/05/10/sun-damaged/

Oakley Sunglasses – How To Choose The Best For Your Face Shape …

If you do like to go for a celeb inspired style look, choose someone who has a similar face shape to yourself and use that as a guide to choose the correct pair. Oakley sunglasses are also of outstanding quality and experiment with …

Publish Date: 09/17/2009 20:00

http://wayfarer-sunglasses.net/oakley-sunglasses-how-to-choose-the-best-for-your-face-shape/

choosing sunglasses that suit you/face shapes

a guide to choosing sunglasses that suit your face shape and style as well as a list of the different types of sunglasses in fashion.

Other Boomer Related Links

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How to choose the right retirement community for your baby boomer years.

There are many retirement communities available everywhere in the country. There are retirement communities who may offer the world to you and those who would provide you with the best comfort you need.

But how do you choose which retirement community you want to spend the rest of your life in? What is the basis in finding the suitable communities in your neighborhood?

In considering retirement communities settlement, make sure you know these useful information:

1) The Basics of retirement communities.

* Retirement communities are occupied by active and healthy adults whose ages range from 50 and above. These communities offer you retirement and the chance to pursue your dreams and interests while living comfortably.

* The advantages of living in retirement communities consists of the services each location provides and the conveniences it brings to your life. Most of these communities offer a variety of services like medical care, house maintenance, sports activities and leisure.

* Retirement communities were originally made as apartments. But today, they range from fully furnished houses to a hospital-like facilities where you could mingle with other folks. The majority of these retirement houses have safety precautions on floors, walls, electricity and much more.

* The cost of purchasing a house in retirement communities may vary depending on the location of the neighborhood and its services.

2) Know your needs.

* Independent. If you?re planning to live alone, think of your daily meals. The majority of these retirement communities provide meals to their residents. The retirement communities like these, provide an atmosphere and surrounding for retirees who can deal with living on their own.

* Congregation facilities. These are the types of retirement communities, which usually look like condominiums. In these homes, each unit is provided with a cord or a buzzer to have communication with the management if problems occur. The meals, transportation and house maintenance are provided for. They provide assistance to the senior, but give daily tasks for each to accomplish. This is the most common and most sought after retirement community in the market because of the wide range of activities and services it provides.

* Assisted living. The food they provide could be specially balanced depending on your diet. If you need assistance in eating, there are services that can provide you with complete medical and caring assistant. There are also services offered such as bathing and financial management. The needs of the retiree are taken care of, but their freedom is maintained.

3) Specifying needed facilities.

Knowing what you need in retirement communities would give you choices on what community to find. There are some who offer chore services and home maintenance, but on the other hand, there are some that don?t. Choosing the most suitable retirement community you would buy will depend on whether your needs are provided for or not.

4) Expressing your lifestyle.

* Are you adventurous? Or did you always wanted to try fishing? Have you had enough of adventure and just wanted to learn new things? Is bible study an option for you?

* Education. Because it?s your time to just sit and enjoy life, search for retirement communities that provide access to your favorite sport, hobby, and interests. Check to see if the location has spaces for golfing, billiards, aerobics, badminton, or fishing. Although many of the retirement communities strive to enhance their services by adding sports features, you still need to inquire if they provide the sports you love.

* Sports. Many retirement communities offer learning facilities. Check their activity schedule and find out if they could provide you with knitting, painting, computer courses and many more. See if the community has a group forum for education.

* Culture. Events are important because living in a retirement community is like camp. Learn if the retirement communities offer fieldtrips to museums, concerts, picnics, and many more.

5) Choosing your retirement community.

With all of these selection listed, you will now be able to lessen your choices. Before choosing, decide on what state you?re going to live in. Location is very important. Know if there are hospitals in the vicinity. Then, start on finding which community would be perfect for your need.

Live the life you’ve always dreamed of. Retirement communities provide any kind of service you need. Purchase your own and share it with your loved ones.

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How to lose 10 pounds is not as difficult a question as many believe. The idea that losing weight is difficult and by and large just commercial hype that the huge weight loss and diet industry needs to justify its own existence. Once you understand the basic principles, you will find out that it is not that hard at all.

Here’s where you can find out how to lose 10 pounds.

1. Before you even try to think about losing weight, you need to understand the simple principles behind it. As you eat and drink, your body takes in calories, which are energy to be used by the body to fuel its daily activities. It is an easy concept to understand. When you take in more calories than your body needs, anything left over is stored as fat, usually in places where you don’t want it. When your calorie intake is inadequate, the body draws on reserves.

2. Sustainable loss of weight can only be achieved in two ways, either by taking in less calories by eating healthier food, and less of it, or by burning off excess calories through physical exercise. By far the best course of action is to do the two together. If you try to lose weight through dieting alone, not only will you be far less effective, and far slower, but you will also not keep your skin and muscle tone. This can lead to unsightly flaps of skin hanging from the body.

3. Try to get advice from your doctor before you start. A weight loss regime usually involves a dramatic change of lifestyle, and it is as well to make sure that you are not suffering from any undiscovered ailment which could impair your effort. Doctors have seen more than a few people attempting to lose weight, so they will be able to give some tips on how to stay safe and healthy while the pounds come off!

4. Losing 10 pounds is far from an impossible goal, so there is no need to make the regimen too extreme If you restrict yourself to eating bland food that you really don’t like, then you are more likely to fail. Virtually anything can be eaten in moderation, and mixing small portions with salad and vegetables, with fruit as a snack is a great way to eat a balanced diet. This also reduces or eliminates hunger pangs.

There you are – four easy steps to losing 10 pounds. Follow this sensible advice, take it slowly, and your weight loss could easily exceed the target. Good luck!

Click the links below for some more resources:

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How to get back in shape can be a more daunting thought than if you should prepare your own taxes.

We all lament that we should eat better and get more exercise… but as we think that thought the phone rings, the kids begin to yell and the dog makes a mess on the floor.  Where will you ever find the time, energy to get going and stay power to keep going with all the things you have to do now?  The decision is purely up to you but here are a couple little tips to get going:

1.  Before starting to work out make sure you get a full physical from your doctor and a letter stating it is ok for you to do physical activity. Many gym and aerobic centers will require this before letting you start.

2.  Depending on how long it has been since you last did regular exercise it is recommended that you start off slow and gradually build up your workout to harder levels.

3.  It is generally recommended to start off at the gym with just the treadmill and the lifecycle for the first week or 2. This is to wake the muscles up and to slowly get you prepared for a harder workout.

4.  You will generally want to find a speed on the treadmill that is a pace you can keep up with little discomfort and do it for 20 minutes. After this take a 5 minute break, stretch a little and have a drink of water, then go back and increase the speed just a bit then do another 20.

5.  Remember that pushing yourself too far is taking a gamble that you may not be able to live with. In a casino you can put everything you have on the roulette table and maybe you win and maybe you lose, but in the gym if you push too hard you can die, so take things slowly.

Many people make the mistake of getting back into an exercise program and going all gung ho an trying to get back in shape in just one hour, well let me tell you this will not work. The only thing this will do is make you very sore the next day and you will not be able to workout that day, and it will make you lose interest fast in the gym. Discomfort in ok pain is not.

Depending on how long it has been since you last worked out, it is recommended that you begin working out 3 or 4 days a week. This may seem like a lot but if you were trying to win a poker tournament you would go to a casino or an online casino and poker room to practice almost every day right? So you will have to do the same with the gym.

Working out 5 days a week does not necessarily mean you have to go to the gym every day. I recommend the gym 3 times a week and the other day or 2 you can just go for a long fast paced walk around your neighborhood. Try to vary the things you do so that you do not work out the same parts of your body 2 days in a row and most of all don’t get bored with the same routine day after day.

Most professionals will tell you that if you work out your arms and chest on a Monday do not exercise those muscles again for at least 48 hours. This is to give the muscles time to heal and grow. It is this straining and resting of the muscle that makes it grow not just the working it out. If all you did every day was work the same muscle group in a few days the muscle would be more likely to tear in a painful experience and the only thing you will be able to do for several months will be playing in an online casino from your laptop in bed.

Set your time to exercise and just do it… start slow and build up to a sweat making, heart beating program.

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Baby Boomers grew up at a time of dramatic social change in the country. In the United States, that social change marked the generation with a strong cultural expression, between the proponents of social change and the more conservative. Some analysts believe this class has played out politically since the time of the Vietnam War, to some extent defining the political landscape and developing division in the country.

In 1993, Time magazine reported on the religious affiliations of baby boomers, stating that about 42% of baby boomers were dropouts from formal religion, a third had never strayed from church, and one-fourth of boomers were returning to religious practice. The boomers returning to religion were “usually less tied to tradition and less dependable as church members than the loyalists. They are also more liberal, which deepens rifts over issues like abortion and homosexuality.”

Boomers across the world are said to have come of age at about the same time. Thus, Britain was undergoing Beatlemania while people in the United States were celebrating Woodstock, organizing against the Vietnam War, or fighting and dying in the same war; boomers in Italy were dressing in mod clothes and “buying the world a Coke“; American boomers in Canada had just found a new home and escaped the draft; Canadian Boomers were organizing support for Pierre Trudeau. It is precisely because of these experiences that many believe those born in the second half of the birth boom belong to another generation, as events that defined their coming of age have little in common with leading or core boomers.

The boomers found that their music, most notably rock and roll, was another expression of their generational identity. They continued to listen to music that was not the traditional sounds of their parents.  Transistor radios quickly became personal devices that allowed teenagers to listen to The Beatles and The Motown Sound when they wanted.

In the 1985 study of US generational statistics by Schuman and Scott, a broad sample of adults was asked, “What world events over the past 50 years were especially important to them?” For the Baby Boom Generation (this particular study used the years 1946–1955, although the exact baby boomer birth years are currently controversial and interpreted differently by differing organizations, the results for this study were:

• Memorable events: assassination of JFK, Robert Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr., political unrest, walk on the moon, risk of the draft into the Vietnam War, anti-war protests, social experimentation, sexual freedom, Roe V. Wade, Stonewall Riots, drug experimentation, civil rights movement, environmental movement, women’s movement, protests and riots, Woodstock and similar music festivals, mainstream rock from the Beatles to Jimi Hendrix experimentation with various intoxicating recreational substance.

Aging and end-of-life issues also leads to social change with Boomers

As of 1997, it was reported that, as a generation, Boomers had tended to avoid discussions and planning for their demise, and avoided much long-term planning. The theory behind this report is that Boomers had considered themselves invincible and death or the preparations for end of life were not viewed as important.  However, beginning at least as early as that year, there has been a growing dialogue on how to manage aging and end-of-life issues as the generation ages. In particular, a number of studies have shown that Baby Boomers are in a state of denial regarding their own aging and death, and are leaving an undue economic burden on their children for their retirement and care. Research on memory loss has indicated that the Baby Boom Generation has been confronted with increasing loss of memory due to the agitated life they lead, which requires that attention is put on many different things at a time. The current Baby Boomer Generation has had to keep up with all of the social change and to do this have been forced to juggle several things at the same time.  Since previous older generations were not faced with this rapid lifestyle, and the newer generations have lived with this society all their lives, it is said that the Baby Boom Generation was the most damaged one in terms of memory loss due to age.

The same Baby Boomer Generation that developed social change as a right are now faced with not being able to remember what the change was all about.  The need to be “with it” has increased as they have aged and now the memory loss is beginning to affect their lifestyles.  Thus showing them the need to handle the end of life issues and how to manage the multitude of senior related illnesses that they never thought would become an issue.

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The word “frugality” has left a more negative connotation for most people than simply being a saver, a cheapskate or tightwad. There is a thin line difference to saving and too much frugality to the point of being awkward and ridiculous. This is where the negative connotation comes from.

But if you are guided with the right principles and reasons in deciding to live a frugal life, you would never go wrong.

If you have decided to live frugally, no need to be worried of insults. Keep your head up high. And keep your focus through these tips.

1. Eating Out – Having gimmicks with friends on a Friday night is fine if you do it once in a while. But this can be expensive if you add them up at the end of the month.

2. Clothing – Naturally, if you are the kind of person who adores signature and designer clothes, do not expect that there will be something left of your take home pay. Instead of being trendy, wear clothes that can easily be matched with your other clothes.

3. Own Home – If you are planning to move out and find a place to settle, do not be overwhelmed by the excitement, instead be practical. As a start, buy a smaller house or try other ways like rent-to-own, do-it-yourself arrangements, and owner financing.

4. Buying Your Own Car – Shy away from sports cars or SUVs. Just stick to your purpose of buying a car which is to transport you anywhere you need to go. Check out also program cars like a new car warranty. Maybe this is not just the best time to replace your car with a new one.

5. Shopping for Groceries – As much as possible do not go with items that are branded. Choose non-brands and try looking for items on the highest or lowest shelves for best prices. Grab the opportunity and shop during sales or use coupons.

6. Family Out – There are inexpensive ways to bond with your family and be entertained like going to libraries, local parks, malls, picnics, visit friends and local church.

7. Buying School Supplies – Stock school supplies at home and do not buy anything fancy.

8. Be contented with what you have and try to live within what you earn.

9. Plan your Child’s College Education – Teach them the ways to be independent and self-supporting by encouraging them to apply for scholarships and on campus jobs.

10. Be Aware of your Financial Limitations

11. Anticipate your Failures by Planning – Have always a budget plan so you would avoid impulsive buying.

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5 Great Reasons To Refinance Your Home

There are many great reasons to refinance. With lower cost, adjustable rate, and 0-down options, traditional loan programs like 30-year or 15-year fixed rate mortgages don’t always allow us to meet our financial goals. Today, even reducing your mortgage interest rate a little can save you big over the life of your home loan. Take a look below at 5 great reasons to refinance.

1. Lower Your Monthly Payment
If you plan to live in your home for a few years, it may make sense to pay a point or two to decrease your interest rate and overall payment. Over the long run, you will have paid for the cost of the mortgage refinance with the monthly savings. On the other hand, if you plan on moving in the near future, you may not be in your home long enough to recover the refinancing costs. Calculating the break-even point before you decide to refinance can help determine whether it makes sense.

2. Switch From an Adjustable Rate to a Fixed Rate Mortgage
Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) can provide lower initial monthly payments for those who are willing to risk upward market adjustments. They’re also ideal if you don’t plan to own your property for more than a few years. However, if you have made your house a permanent home, you may want to swap your adjustable rate for a 15-, 20- or 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Your interest may be higher than with an ARM, but you have the confidence of knowing what your payment will be every month for the rest of your loan term.

3. Escape Balloon Payment Programs
Like adjustable rate mortgage programs, balloon programs are great when you want lower rates and lower initial monthly payments. However, if you still own the property at the end of the fixed rate term (usually 5 or 7 years), the entire balance of your mortgage is due to the lender. If you are in a balloon program, you can easily switch over into a new adjustable rate mortgage or fixed rate mortgage.

4. Remove Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Zero or Low down payment options allow homeowners to purchase homes with less than 20% down. Unfortunately, they also usually require private mortgage insurance, which is designed to protect the lender from loan default. As the value of your home increases and the balance on your home decreases, you may be eligible to remove your PMI with a mortgage refinance loan.

5. Cash In on Your Home’s Equity
Your home is a great resource for extra cash. Like most homes, yours has probably increased in value, and that gives you the ability to take some of that cash and put it to good use. Pay off credit cards, make home improvements, pay tuition, replace your current car, or even take a long-overdue vacation. With a cash-out mortgage refinance transaction, it’s easy. And it’s even tax deductible.

One very important thing to be aware of before you decide to refinance your home is the current value less than you actually owe?  More and more homeowners are shelling out appraisal fees of $300 or more only to find out that they are actually under water on their mortgage.  At that point a refinance will not help them at all.

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Self Defense: Pepper Spray-Why It Is So Effective

When it comes to non lethal self defense weapons pepper spray is right up there at the top of popularity for two main reasons: ease of use and effectiveness.

How It Works

Pepper spray uses Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) which comes from cayenne pepper. Defensive pepper sprays are measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU’s) a common measure of a products’ “hotness”. A jalapeno pepper has an SHU of 5000, a habanero pepper 300,000 and a typical pepper spray will be in the 2 million SHU range.

A one second spray in the face with a 10 % solution of a pepper spray will get you 20-30 minutes away from an attacker. It will cause the attacker to have shortness of breathe, have temporary blindness due to excessive tearing and the eyes actually shutting down, coughing and choking. He will scream from the pain.

You will survive a potential attack and no permanent damage will be done to the attacker. A well aimed shot from a pepper spray has outstanding stopping power. That is why it has become one of the most effective women’s self defense items and crime prevention tools.

Most pepper sprays have an effective range of 6-12 feet. A new gel pepper spray works up to 18 feet. Most models use a fine grain stream. Foam and fogger products are available for those who are unsure of their aiming abilities.

I have seen pepper sprays that can be disguised as pens, pagers, lipstick, and even hand held walking weights. Almost all models are small enough for a purse or to attach on a key chain. Some have velcro straps to attach to just about anything or a clip to hook onto a belt.

Who Uses Pepper Sprays

If you think crime can only happen to the other guy you are wrong. The “other guy” is thinking the same thing and YOU are that “other guy”. There is a reason why they call it self defense. You have to protect yourself.

A violent crime occurs every 19 seconds and an assault every 29 seconds. For would be victims of a robbery, assault, theft, rape, murder, or kidnapping an investment of $15- $25 for a pepper spray is certainly worth the peace of mind and sense of security it provides. No one is safe from the crimes of today be it a personal assault or a home break in.

Women are particularly vulnerable, especially those who work late at night, those in sales positions, real estate agents, and those who live alone. They in particular need self defense products such as an effective OC pepper spray.

Please Note that even though pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, some states and cities have restrictions. Check with your local police department. Literally thousands of police departments carry and use pepper spray. Why wouldn’t you?

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The History Of The Green Berets

Special Forces Major Herbert Brucker was behind the beginning of the green beret designation in the year 1953. Brucker began the designation which would later be realized by First Lieutenant Roger Pezelle who adopted it for his highly operative A-Team called the Operational Detachment FA-32. Rapidly, this little green beret would be seen on the members of the special forces units whenever these soldiers went out into the field. However, the US Army was not keen on making the green beret an authorized entity at that time.

Fort Bragg and President Kennedy changed all of that when in 1961; The President of the United States encouraged the General at the time, General Yarborough to inform all of the special forces to wear their green berets to the event. At the event, President Kennedy delivered a speech whereby he made the green beret a mark of distinction in the trying times ahead. The Green Berets became a very real distinction of excellence among special forces at that very moment.

Every November 22nd, the date of the assassination of Kennedy, several of the green berets travel to his graveside and pay tribute to the man, the President that enabled this group of very special forces to earn the green beret distinction. The men honor President Kennedy by placing a wreath and a green beret on his tomb. If Kennedy were alive today, they would still honor him for making such a profound difference in the way the special forces are perceived by people all around the world.

Green Berets today are considered to be in a very elite group of special soldiers. They are highly skilled and trained in areas some soldiers would never be interested in pursuing. They are the cut above the rest in a group of like young soldiers who can endure the toughest of conditions and succeed. These soldiers are self-reliant in the most difficult of situations and they are highly regarded in the field.

President Kennedy enabled this group of soldiers the ability to stand out in a crowd of soldiers. And while doing so, the irony was ever-present. Kennedy allowed a group of young men to excel in doing what they were born to do which was lead in combat. And of course, President Kennedy was born to lead the United States. The history of the green berets holds a lot of irony in their historic beginning.

Organized into small 12 man teams with specialists in weapons, engineering, demolitions, medicine, communications, operations and intelligence, the Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha, SFODA, or A Team, was, and is, a compact, highly trained small unit capable of building, healing and destroying.

The Special Forces Operational Detachment Bravo, SFODB, or B Team, provided command and control for 6 A Teams and operated as the Company Headquarters. B Detachments in Vietnam would additionally run special projects or missions, often involving intelligence collection and reporting. SF soldiers were capable of operating independently behind enemy lines with little outside support and could train, organize and lead resistance forces against occupying powers. Unconventional warfare (UW), as a mission, would be the “bread and butter” for SF.

Defined as a broad spectrum of military and paramilitary operations, unconventional warfare are normally of long duration, predominately conducted through, with, or by indigenous or surrogate forces that are organized, trained, equipped, supported and directed by an external source. UW includes guerrilla warfare, subversion, sabotage, intelligence activities and unconventional assisted recovery.

The troops adopted the Trojan horse from classical history as their distinctive unit insignia and the Latin phrase De Oppresso Liber, “To Liberate from Oppression,” as their SF motto. President John F. Kennedy would visit the Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg for an orientation on Special Forces by then Brigadier General William P. Yarborough, wearing an unauthorized headgear, the Green Beret.

Much to the chagrin of the Army and Department of Defense, JFK would come away so impressed with Special Forces that he would shortly authorize the wear of the controversial beret and call it “a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom.”

Army Special Forces would forever be linked to JFK; members of SF served in the honor guard at his funeral in November of 1963, with one of the soldiers spontaneously placing his beret on the grave at the end of the ceremony as a mark of respect.

President Kennedy’s legacy would be further remembered when the Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, NC would be named the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

The Special Forces in the Sixties would go through a period where they captured the public’s imagination, beginning with the best selling book The Green Berets by Robin Moore in 1966. The paperback book became a best seller, followed by the surprise hit song Ballad of the Green Berets, by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler, an SF soldier who had served in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart for wounds, which would ultimately become the number 1 single record in the US for 1966.

GI Joes, bubble gum cards, comic books, and Mattel toys would all celebrate Army Special Forces during the craze. Finally, the ultimate honor would be accorded the force in 1968 when John Wayne would produce and star in the action film The Green Berets, with David Janssen and Jim Hutton.  The strongly anti-communist, and pro-South Vietnam film, was a labor of love by Mr. Wayne, a stanch supporter of the war, who was openly disgusted by the anti-war protest movement in the United States at the time. All of this would have a profound effect on many American youths coming of age, to include the author, who can remember receiving a miniature Green Beret one year as a Christmas present during that timeframe, a foretaste of things to come years later.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Special Forces were joined at the hip in Vietnam, both working and relying upon each other for better or worse. Both institutions were probably more similar than each wanted to admit as they represented the beau ideal of a Kennedy inspired muscular response to the Communist led challenge of the “Wars of National Liberation.” Roles and missions for the CIA and SF would overlap and conflict at times, causing friction inherent in war. Both were involved in various counterinsurgency programs to include collecting intelligence on the communist enemy and training and advising our South Vietnamese allies. For SF the war in Vietnam would include various highly classified programs to include cross border operations into Laos and Cambodia; in addition to gathering intelligence and running agent networks in support of operations.

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RV Resorts Remain Solid Investment Despite Economic Downturn

With news headlines sounding alarms like, “Joblessness on the Rise,” “Mortgage Crisis Unfolds,” “Record-Breaking Oil Prices,” and “Recession Looms,” one could easily assume that the U.S. economy is in for a dramatic downward spiral. Just as with other stories in the news, however, reality is much more subtle than the headlines. Although the short-term outlook for much of the economy is bleak, not every sector will suffer. “Even though we’ve seen some dramatic economic shifts, particularly in the real estate market, RV resorts and manufactured home communities continue to be sound investments,” says Leon D. Meekcoms, President of Parkbridge Capital Group, Inc., a privately held real estate investment, acquisition, and brokerage firm.

Meekcoms attributes the strength of the manufactured home and RV resort markets to two underlying factors: prosperous Baby Boomers on the verge of retiring are trending toward having affordable second residences, while vacationers are opting for seasonal recreation within driving distance of their homes. “Properties within two hours of major cities and those that are in the Sun Belt will continue to appreciate and provide the foundation for increasing returns over time,” says Meekcoms.

Pre-built resort cottages, commonly referred to as “park models,” are perfect for cost-conscious Boomers. Maxing out at around 400 square feet, these mini-homes may look like cottages or cabins, but are legally RVs. “Park models are the ultimate hybrid,” says Meekcoms. “They can be luxurious and have myriad amenities like a house, but without the tax implications of a permanent residence.” Because of the dramatic increase in the popularity of park homes, manufacturers are enjoying keeping up with consumer demand.

Similarly, traditional RV manufacturers are seeing strong demand, and industry insiders estimate that over 8 million families will own recreational vehicles by 2010. Although one might assume that record-breaking fuel prices would discourage RV travel, Meekcoms says that the opposite is true. “Research indicates that those who own RVs overwhelmingly feel that RV vacations are much less expensive than other travel options,” he says. “What we’re seeing is that RV owners are spending less time on the road and more time at their destinations.”

Trends in both park models and RV travel are strong indicators that RV resort properties are a wise investment, which is why Parkbridge Capital has focused on this market. “The number of upscale park model and RV resort communities is relatively small, so demand is sure to outstrip supply in coming years,” says Meekcoms. “We’re confident that buying, upgrading, and expanding existing properties will maximize investor return while providing Americans with an affordable, or even quite luxurious way to achieve the lifestyle that they desire.”

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One of America‘s Best Kept Dirty Secrets

It can happen to anyone!! Young, old, rich, poor, Protestant, Catholic, or Atheist.  It knows not the boundary of neighborhood good or bad, white, black, yellow, brown,  or green.  It knows not the difference of color although it prefers African Americans who are poor, male or female and it makes no difference although it prefers females between the age of 16-24. Eighty five to ninety percent of the victims are female who more than likely know their attacker.

It is estimated that it causes 25% of workplace problems like absenteeism, lower productivity, and excessive medical benefits use to the tune of more than $5.8 billion annually. Seventy eight percent of all Human Resource Directors recognize it as a substantial employee problem. It costs corporate America $1.8 billion in lost productivity. Eight million man days of paid work and 5.6 million man days of household work are lost annually.

It is the largest cause of injury to middle aged women but it happens to men as well. It is estimated that between 3.3 million and 10 million children see it annually. Twenty two percent of middle class divorces are caused by it.

It affects every fabric of our society-it knows no limits. It is also estimated that nearly 50 percent of all suspected cases go unreported.

But domestic violence in America is really not that important or cost enough in economic or social terms or you would hear more about it.  After all is said and done ninety percent of family violence defendants are never prosecuted.

One out of three women report some form of physical or sexual abuse in their lives most often a member of her own family. Maybe that’s not enough to solicit more help.  Every year four to six million cases of physical violence occur in intimate relationships. Maybe that’s not enough either. And remember only fifty percent of cases are reported.

Police respond differently to domestic violence calls than to other calls. Women in jail for a killing in a domestic disturbance get sentenced an average of 15 years while men get an average of 2-6 years. In 1990 there were 3800 animal shelters and 1500 shelters for battered women.  By the end of 1999 the number of shelters for women had jumped to 2000, while animal shelters more than doubled.

Why is there such a double standard or no standard? Indeed it is a very complicated issue that we are not going to solve today. But the laws on domestic violence need to change, society’s view of the problem has to change, and until that happens domestic violence as we know it will continue to flourish and grow.

In the meantime women would be well advised to be prepared and consider what to do in an emergency. There are a multitude of resources on the local, state and federal level available, but in the end it is going to fall on your shoulders to arm yourself with the tools for self defense or survival.

Those tools might include developing some knowledge of warning signs, learning some techniques on self defense, carrying some non-lethal self defense weapons, developing a workplace and personal safety plan. Don’t rely on someone else.  More times than not the decision, follow through and implementation of abuse defenses will be left up to you to shoulder the burden of.

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Are your days dragging on? Are you looking for a way to contribute to your local community? Do you want to get involved in a project bigger than yourself? Do you need some hours to fulfill a community service requirement? If so, I have got the thing for you: serve. It sounds elusive and ambiguous, but it does not have to.

To serve others is a wonderful thing. There are a few compelling reasons to spend your time in this valuable way. First, taking time to serve gets you outside of your own life, your own cares, and your own needs and forces you to focus on the needs and cares of others. Most of the people in the world and even in your hometown have different issues, problems, and concerns than you do. And this is a great thing. By taking the time to serve people different than yourself, your life cannot remain focused only on you for very long. You will find that you begin to think of others’ needs along with your own.

Taking the time to serve others can also be fun. Are you interested in sewing? Why not start a sewing group at a local nursing home. Spend a couple of hours each week teaching or reteaching elderly women a skill that will help them connect with one another and pass lonely days with fun. Or perhaps you love kids. Take a few hours each week to serve as a recess monitor at a local elementary school. The teachers will love the break and you will love getting to know the young children. Maybe you are great at fixing cars. Consider taking that rare skill and using it to serve single mothers or elderly people who are not able to fix their own vehicles. What a blessing you can be and what a fun time you can have when you serve others.

Serving is great because it is so easy. You do not have to commit forty hours each week to serve in many organizations. Instead, set aside just a couple of hours each week to serve in an area that you love. You can even start to serve by doing something as easy as raking your neighbor’s lawn or by offering to pick up your neighbor’s groceries when you pick up your own. What could be easier than that? Or serve your friends by offering to cook them a meal or pick up their children from school. Are you passionate about women having healthy pregnancies? Volunteer to serve one morning a week at a local pregnancy care center.

A final reason to serve is because it is important to the health and life of all communities. Every community would benefit greatly if all of its people were generous with their time and energies. Think of all the great things that could happen in your town. Amazing things can happen when people put their passions and their skills together. Needs are met and problems are solved when people begin to serve one another.

Take some time right now to consider an area or two that you can serve in. Think of ways to include the cares of others in your day. Make sure that you choose to serve in an area that is fun for you. You will be much more likely to do something well if you are having fun at it. Serving others can easily be incorporated into even the busiest of schedules, and your community will thank you for it.

Remember, people helping people is a win – win for all.

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Fashion For Cruises doesn’t have to be a bad thing.  It just needs a little pre-thought to get it right.

No, I am not going to discuss Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes‘ fashion sense. Going on cruises — you know, aboard a ship — is more than just a vacation. This is a time when dressing up is a must especially in the main dining hall and night socials. Though many cruise ships have loosened their dress code policies, there are still premier lines that keep the old “dressing up” traditions. It is a good thing, too, because most people who go on cruises are people who want to break the monotony of their lives. Dressing up gives them an opportunity to break from their routine and lets them get the most from their cruise vacation. Dressing up is not really a problem, it is the packing that frustrates many. By many, I mean us, women.

How many times have you tried to shut and zip up an overflowing suitcase only to be denied at the port or airport because your luggage is at least 20 pounds overweight? Dressing up on cruise does not mean that you have to pack your whole wardrobe. Cruise fashion means smart and practical packing. Being stressed out because of too much luggage makes us look haggard even in our best evening dress. Before you pack, it is important to be familiar about your cruise’s itinerary. This gives you a general idea what clothes, accessories, and shoes to pack. Since the itinerary and dress code of the cruise is usually printed with the brochure, you should have no problem with this. If you like to be sure, call the travel agency that promotes the cruise. In general, cruises often require that you attend three kinds of activities: a formal social, smart casual affair, and a casual/sporty activity.

Since you won’t be spending the day locked up in your cabin, remember to pack good day wear aside from your stilettos. Day wear can mean anything from swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, and jeans depending on wear you are going. Bahamas cruises certainly merit good swimsuits, sarongs, and other breezy wear. If you are thinking of a Scandinavian tour, hiking boots, jackets, hiking clothes, and gloves are must-haves. Bring sweatshirts, wraps, or lightweight windbreakers for sudden changes in temperatures.

Nighttime aboard on the ship usually involves socials that require dressing up. If your itinerary specifies several strictly formal events, just bring a formal dress or two and key pieces of jewelry. There are dresses that are designed to function in multiple ways: asymmetrical, tube, halter, or with straps. You could buy and pack one of these and save on luggage space. Your staple black dress is fine as long as you change the accessories that go with it. Wraps, shawls, earrings, and necklaces are good additions to your outfit. If you prefer pantsuits, bring a pair of versatile dress slacks and several tops to go with it. Cruise Diva editor Linda Coffman actually advises concentrating on the waist up. People hardly notice what pants or shoes you wear as long as they notice change on your tops and accessories.

Just remember to think about combining a couple outfits to simplify the packing and everything will be great on the cruise.

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Beading is popular, rewarding, fun, interesting and enjoyable hand craft.

Beaded items are very popular nowadays. In shopping malls, department stores or designers’ stores, we always find lots of beautiful beaded items for sale such as bags, purses, bracelets, necklaces, wall hangings, cushion covers, etc. A lot of people find beads not only attractive but irresistible. Making the craft of beading very popular all through the year.

Beads come in many different shapes, sizes, textures, colors and designs. Designers of accessories, jewelry, and interiors make use of the richness of their colors and the diversity of their shapes to create astounding pieces. Items made with beads are indeed captivating and useful. People use completed beading items such as bracelets and necklaces as accessories to enhance their appearance, while beading items like wall hangings and cushion covers are used to decorate their homes. Fabrics with beads could help to add to the decor of homes as well as splash to your apparel.

Beads have been valued for centuries. Since early times, people have been acquainted with beads, primarily in the form of berries, seeds, stones and shells. Later, beads came to be manufactured from clay, glass, metal and crystals and, more recently, acrylics and plastics. People have been involved in beading for a very long time. They enjoy selecting beads and combining them to form an attractive piece of work. It is a very popular form of craft work for both old and young. Some do it for work, others do it for hobby. People enjoy beading because they find it extremely rewarding. It offers them an opportunity to unleash their creativity and helps to enhance their lives. There are those who believe that beads can become an obsession. Some say that it could be addictive. Nonetheless, it is indeed satisfying to use beads to make beautiful masterpieces for yourself, for your home, or even as gifts for your friends.

The beauty of beadwork is its versatility. There is a wide range of beads you can choose from the market. An extensive range of beading supply is available. You can select the types, shapes, sizes, colors and textures of the beads to create the pattern you want. Besides, there is a wide spectrum of beading techniques that can be applied to beads – wiring, threading, weaving, sticking and embroidering. You can choose to use the method you like. Beading techniques could be either threadless or threaded. Although there are relatively few ways of uniting beads without thread, such as with glue or tile grout, however, there are hundreds of ways involving the use of thread. As each completed item would be a result of your own selection, creativity and skill, you will certainly derive great satisfaction from your work.

Beading is considered an economical craft work. You do not need a special workshop. You only require a table, good lighting, some beading equipment and selected beads. With these, you can design and make really exciting pieces of beaded items. You can even create a piece of jewelry that will become a family heirloom!

The basics of beading are easy to learn. There are many resources available with step-by-step beading instructions to enable a starter to learn doing beading projects. When you have learned the basic techniques, you can go ahead to create even more pieces using a multitude of your own ideas. This could be as simple as changing the colors on one of the beading patterns you have learned or using beads of a different size. You will be surprised at how much these small changes can alter the look of the original piece. The possibilities of creating new designs are endless. You can attempt to test your design after creating it. If you find that your idea doesn’t work, you can take it apart and try a new one. Beading is fun and interesting.

Be adventurous, always experiment and you’’ll enjoy it.

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