Make a Splash on a Water Towable Ski Tube

If water skiing is not your idea of fun, but using your boat just for fishing and tooling around the lake is getting a little dull, find aquatic thrills with a water towable ski tube. Ski tubes or water towables are colorful, inflatables that are fun for all ages. Ski tubes are available in various shapes and sizes, from round models that resemble donuts to hotdog-, kite-, and shoe-shaped tubes. Some even have wings that feeling as if you’re flying across the water! If you already have a water towable ski tube, another good time in the water can be had on a quality water trampoline.

Water towable ski tubes are attached to boats with a towrope, and carry one to four riders. Some are designed for one adult or child, and some are geared for two adults or one child and an adult. Some seat up to 6 people. It’s as easy as getting in the towable tube and holding on for a thrilling ride! Some models even shoot plumes of water into the air. As the boat zigzags across the water, the water towable makes its way across the wakes. Depending on the boat driver and how he maneuvers the boat, the towable tube can whip across the water or sail through the air.

Whether making a splash with a water towable or water trampoline, safety should always come first. A responsible and informed boat driver is a must. Be aware of the capabilities and the limitations of both the boating tube and its riders. Check and secure the towrope connection; check the rope for fraying. Never load a boating tube beyond age and weight capacity, and follow speed limits and requirements. Have a “spotter” in the boat to keep an eye on the towable tube riders in case someone falls off. And please, never ever play in or around water without life vests.

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Outdoor Barbecue Grills is an American Tradition!

Barbecuing is an American Tradition. Not only does the food that comes from barbecuing have a taste that is unmatched by other cooking methods, but barbecuing presents a reason for families and friends to gather together. No matter what day of the year or season, we Americans sure do enjoy cooking on our outdoor barbecue grills — especially men. When asked to help in the kitchen, guys who swear they can’t boil water turn into professional Grillmasters when the opportunity to use an outdoor barbecue grill presents itself!  I guess it’s one of life’s little mysteries that’s been happening since early cavemen figured out that food tastes great after being cooked on an open fire!  A word of warning to other wives… if you think it’s time to buy a new stove or cooktop, forget it. But suggest buying a new grill, and all of a sudden that particular expenditure is in the budget!

If your outdoor barbecue grill is somewhat protected from the weather, then it’s easy to use your grill any day of the year. Talk about really getting your money’s worth from a purchase! Even when there’s snow on the ground or the temperature has dropped, many grillmasters cook their Thanksgiving turkey on outdoor grills. And why not? Cooking the bird outdoors frees up the oven in your kitchen for side dishes and pies, and the result can be a juicier bird. In hotter weather, using outdoor cooking grills keeps the inside of your home cooler by not heating up your oven or cooktop. And since grills come in all sizes and price ranges, you can choose the perfect model to match your budget and the size of the group you normally would feed— from a family of four to a very large crowd.

Bon Appetit!

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Beading Jewelry Making

Do you have old costume jewelry at the bottom of their jewelry box that you probably wouldn’t be caught dead wearing anymore, but for sentimental reasons you just can’t seem to part with? Recycle your vintage costume jewelry and turn unused pieces into beautiful handmade, functional beading jewelry you will be proud to wear!

First, disassemble the pieces to be recycled. Separate beads, links, clasps, charms and other components to be reused. You will need some additional basic beading supplies like needle nose pliers, bead cord, jump rings, headpins, etc. and if desired add a few new beads to supplement your vintage ones. Now that you have disassembled the vintage piece, what can you recycle it into that is useful and beautiful to use today?  Below are just a few ideas for beading jewelry making; the possibilities are endless!

• Ready to Bead Items: Many ready-to-bead items are available online or at your local bead store including fan pulls, lamp finials, channel charms, wine charm rings, bookmarks, pens, hatpins, stickpins and more.
• Beaded keychain: Simply string desired beads on a 2″ headpin (or other stringing material), loop the open end with needle nose pliers (trim excess wire if necessary), and then attach to key chain ring with a jump ring.Or, subbstitute an eyepin for the headpin and use a jump ring to attach a charm to the bottom loop.
• Jean Charms: Quick and easy fashion accessory to dress up your jeans. Simply string desired beads on a 2″ headpin (or other stringing material), loop the open end with needle nose pliers (trim excess wire if necessary), and then attach to a four inch link ball chain with a jump ring.  Now you’re set – this easy fastening chain is simple to attach to the belt loop of your favorite jeans.
• Multi-purpose Charms: Use jump rings to attach charms to lobster claw clasps – utilize recycled clasps where available. You can also use your choice of stringing material to create beaded dangles to use with or instead of charms to create fashion accessories for attaching to cell phone straps, charm bracelets, zipper pulls, bookbags, purses and more.

In addition to making items for your own personal use, did you know that beading can be a great source of extra income? It’s true. Imagine being able to do something fun like beading and actually get paid for it. And how would you like to buy beads for jewelry making (as well as jewelry findings, jewelry tools, wire, cords, etc.) as tax deductions? (A perk of having your own business). Get information on staring your own beading jewelry business, plus find European beads and beading supplies, and Italian charms, and more at  http://www.beadingjewelry.org

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Baseball Training Aids

While it is true that some players are born with genetic advantages over others, most run, hit, or pitch well below their genetic ceiling. Baseball hitting aids and other types of baseball training aids can help you to understand and overcome what you think are your obstacles, and get you on the fast track to college or the pros or just being the best baseball player you can be this season! Some of the best spring training needs to take place in a player’s head— and attitude.

Whether you are a pitcher, hitter, or fielder, look upon yourself as not having weaknesses. Instead, consider weaknesses as undeveloped skills. With every baseball batting practice and game, you begin to develop the skills that you are working on, and your attitude should also begin to say “I can” rather than “I can’t.”  Just keep in mind, you only have undeveloped skills and great possibilities— NOT weaknesses.

Also, when setting goals this season, the best goals to establish should relate to the job at hand. Think present tense goals. For example, “throw a good, low strike,” or “see the ball.” These are the goals that are within your immediate control during each game! With so many types of baseball training aids available, you’re sure to find the best ones to suit your specific needs— whether you want to work on speed, baseball hitting, or developing muscle memory to become a better pitcher.

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Golf Swing Trainers Help You Master Your Golf Swing

We’ve all heard that “practice makes perfect.” However, educators know that “practice does not make perfect – practice makes permanent” and you don’t want bad form to become permanent! So how does a golfer know when his or her golf swing motion is correct or incorrect?

Most golfers I know rely on their instructors or coaches, or read how-to magazine articles, and get golf tips from friends and other golfers. Lots of times this amounts to a bunch of conflicting information and leads to confusion, frustration and inconsistency.

What a golfer really needs is the ability to know and feel the correct swing, which results in long term positive results on the golf course. So what’s the secret to the perfect golf swing?

The “secret” is really not a secret at all. It’s Your Body. Your body dictates your golfing ability. There is no way around it. You have to think of yourself as an athlete. A golfing athlete. All athletes, regardless of their sport, work on their bodies to prepare for optimal performance. So, the secret to achieving the perfect golf swing is to condition your body and develop good habits by practicing with a golf swing trainer. There are many effective golf swing training aids on the market. Golf swing aids will condition your body to use proper form each and every time, and through practice, you will improve your golf swing power, distance, and speed.

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Alcohol Breathalyzer

In yet another effort to curb underage drinking and driving, various high schools are requiring students to take a breath test before allowing them to participate in prom night festivities. I’m kind of surprised, but kids at the local high schools here in town are OK with it.

The goal of adopting a breathalizer policy is to make sure that all school events are alcohol-free, so potentially the policy could be expanded beyond prom night to include sports and other school events. Most high schools are handling it this way: a  breathalyzer consent form is first sent home to all parents of teenagers eligible to attend prom (usually Juniors and Seniors). Students from other schools who attend would also be required to have a consent form signed by their parent. The students themselves also will have to sign a contract consenting to alcohol testing in order to attend the prom. Some schools have decided that instead of automatically testing everyone at the door, they will randomly test students based on a number printed on their prom ticket. In addition, students who show any signs of being intoxicated will be administered a breath test by school officials. If a student tests positive for alcohol, he or she will retested. If they fail the breathalyzer tester twice, they will either be taken home by a parent or placed into police protective custody, which is not the same as being arrested. In many school districts, the local Parent Teacher Student Association is paying for the cost of the breathalyzers, which is less than $200 each.

For adults of legal drinking age, taking a breath test after you’ve consumed alcohol but before you get behind the wheel is a simple step that could help keep you out of trouble… and maybe even save your life. You may feel sober, but could still be over the legal .08 limit. Flashing lights in your rear view mirror is a nightmare no one needs! A personal alcohol breathalyzer, many priced WAY LESS THAN $100, provides peace of mind and also eliminates liability if someone leaves your home or party and gets stopped for drunk driving. It is easy to know for sure if you are over the legal limit — with a high-quality, 100% reliable breathalyzer such as AlcoHAWK. Get more information on AlcoMate breathalyzers, and BACtrack breathalyzers, and KNOW FOR SURE if you’re too drunk to drive!

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A generator can protect against frustrating disruptions. There are basically two types: standby generator and portable  backup generator. Sometimes “standby” and “portable” are used interchangeably, but there really are differences. Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or basement and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping household systems and appliances running even if you’re miles away. Consider the pros and cons of both before deciding which generator will best meet your family’s needs and provide adequate power in an emergency situation.

To help decide whether a standby generator or portable backup generator is best for your situation, first consider what you want your generator to power. Just appliances and lights? Computers and home electronics, too? Do you have in-home medical equipment that is a priority?  If you need a generator for recreational or job site usage, think about the tools or appliances you will want to use at the same time. Will you need to power work lights along with your tools? What about a radio? On camping or fishing trips, how many outdoor cooking, heating or entertainment appliances or accessories will you and your family or friends be using at once?

The next crucial step in choosing the best standby generator or portable generator is ensuring that you get a model that will supply enough power and meet your needs. For accuracy, use an online wattage calculator that provides an average wattage rating for most common electrical household appliances and devices. The figure generated by the Consumer Reports wattage calculator includes 20 percent more watts than the actual total. This addition compensates for differing wattage ratings among appliances and devices; it also accounts for the fact that the circuit breakers on a generator tend to shut off power before maximum load is reached, a move designed to protect the wiring. You might need to run the calculation two or three times before you arrive at a figure that accurately matches your essential requirements.

Comparison shop here for a Generac generator or a  Briggs & Stratton generator or a  Honeywell generator or a Yamaha generator, or other brand.

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If you’re looking for something to serve in addition to a Kegarator full of beer, have your guests meet the Green Fairy! Absinthe, also known as the Green Fairy, is an emerald colored liquor, very high in alcohol content. Not many people have tried it (it was banned in America until just a few years ago) but now it is perfectly legal and can be something a little different to make your St. Paddy’s party memorable.

TRIVIA GAME QUESTIONS

1.  As we all know, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17th to honor the patron saint of Ireland. But do you know why the 17th was chosen? March 17th is the anniversary of something important—do you think it was the saint’s  a. Birth      b. his Death c. date of Sainthood
Most scholars agree that St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the date of his death, which was believed to be in 461 AD. This is unusual to the American culture where historical figures are typically honored by their birth date instead. It is believed he was born in 385 AD.

2.  Besides bringing Christianity to Ireland, Saint Patrick is also credited with banishing snakes from the island. True or false that there are no wild snakes slithering around the Emerald Isle today? TRUE (except in zoos or as pets, Ireland has no snakes and NEVER did. Most islands do not have snakes)

3.  Which city in the U.S. is known for coloring their local river green each St. Patrick’s Day?          a. New York                      b. Chicago c. Pittsburgh
Using green vegetable-based dye, Chicago has been coloring the Chicago River each March 17th since 1962.

4.  The first year St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in America was 1737. What city was that in?          a. Boston b. Chicago              c. New York

5.  The first official St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in 1766 in what city?
a. New York b. Boston                c. Chicago

6.  The shamrock has become the national symbol of Ireland. It is actually an herb and resembles a three-leafed clover. Why is the shamrock traditionally associated with St. Patrick’s Day?
a. the 3 leaves represent the 3 colors of the Irish flag (orange, green, white)
b. the 3 leaves signify the concept of the Holy Trinity (father, son, & holy spirit)
c. it doesn’t mean anything special, it just happens to grow in the springtime and so it’s readily available

7.  What is the capital city of Ireland?
a. Belfast         b. Dublin c. West Cork

8.  What is a Shillelagh (shi-lay-lee)?
a. musical instrument    b.  type of hat    c. walking stick (the word is Irish for stout oak club)

9.  What is the occupation of a Leprechaun?
a. he mends shoes b. he’s a clown    c. he studies rainbows

Click here for more Irish Trivia

Before guests leave your St. Patrick’s Day party, have them use a personal breath alyzer to be sure they are safe and legal to drive. Breath alyzers are inexpensive and accurate and great to have on hand (and in your car) for all occasions when alcohol is served. After all, you want to keep all those Irish eyes smilin’ and avoid flashing lights in the rearview mirror, or worse!

Absinthe

Over a glass of wine at a small birthday party this weekend, the subject of Absinthe came up in conversation— specifically had anyone tried it or would they. For those unfamiliar with absinthe, also known as the Green Fairy, it is an emerald colored aperitif made from alcohol and distilled herbs, including wormwood, green anise, fennel, and hyssop. Absynthe is very high in alcohol content, usually in the 55% to 72% range (110 to 144 proof).

While the high alcohol content is quite different than the wine we usually enjoy at parties, the most interesting thing about absinthe is its history and its supposed “secondary effects.” Many drinkers liken these “secondary effects” to a hallucinogenic drug that lasts 20-30 minutes. Others described it as a kind of heightened clarity of mind and vision, warmed by the effect of the alcohol. It has also been compared to the stimulant effect you get from caffeine. The chemical responsible for the extra buzz is called thujone (pronounced “thoo-jone” with a soft ‘J’) which naturally occurs in the beverage’s principle active ingredient, wormwood.

Come to find out, absinthe was a wildly popular drink in the late 1800s during the Belle Epoque of Paris (French for “Beautiful Era”). It was also featured in the movie Moulin Rouge. Some of the more famous descriptions of absinthe’s mind-altering effects have come from artists and writers such as Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway.  In fact, it is said that when Vincent van Gogh sliced off his ear he was  under the influence of absinthe. The beverage became so well known back then for causing wide-spread alcoholism and for making “men  go mad” that it was eventually banned in most countries. In fact, it wasn’t until 2007 that it became legal again in the United States. Authentic absinthe is hard to find in local liquor stores, but you can  buy absinthe from Europe legally and with guaranteed delivery to the USA.

I can’t think of any other beverage that has such an interesting and rich history as does absinthe. Even the drink absinthe rituals, which involve a special absinthe spoon, sugar cubes, and iced water, only add to its mystique. Yes, I think the next party will call for a taste of  “La Fée Verte” or “The Green Fairy.”  The name and the stories are just too much fun!

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Since Federal law allows you to obtain one free copy per year from each of the three main credit reporting agencies, take advantage of it. You can also subscribe to a credit monitoring service and let the pros catch identity theft before it makes a negative impact on your credit.

Errors on your credit report can be as simple as a misspelled name or an outdated address. Or they can be more serious such as another person’s debt or a late payment appearing under your name. An error might be the result of identity theft, or a true mistake by a creditor. Big or little, intentional or not, errors on your credit report may end up costing you, so act quickly to correct any you find.

Because errors may appear on more than one report, you may need to contact all three agencies— Equifax and Experian and Trans Union— to make corrections. You might also need to contact the Federal Trade Commission.

While you’re trying to straighten everything out, document all the steps you take to fix credit report errors. Keep copies of letters (consider sending by certified mail) and make notes of when and to whom you speak on the phone. And be persistent! Credit reporting agencies are required to look into your dispute, but the process takes 30-45 days. You also may need to work directly with creditors to address the inaccurate information.

Identifying and correcting credit report errors as soon as you realize them can protect both your financial reputation and your wallet. Good luck!