Saturday, December 12, 2009

MMA Workouts

By Tamara Chris

When learning about what you need to get involved with MMA, you first need to know exactly what it is. MMA is a short name for Mixed martial-arts. You may find that there are many resources online that can offer you info about this kind of fighting. In this type of fighting, the wrestlers are able to use many different sorts of fighting moves. It is a mixture of many different fighting styles including self-defense skills, boxing, and wrestling. A considerable time ago, this fighting failed to have many rules the wrestlers had to go along with.

It was fundamentally just fighting in any form till a winner was determined. However, in order to make the sport accepted by many more folk, rules came into play as well as better MMA training. This coaching is used in order to make sure wrestlers are in the correct physical condition. It also helps to increase the security of the competition. You will find that due to this coaching, this sport h increased in appreciation. You can view many matches on television as well as many pay-per-view events that are on wire and satellite T. V.

The MMA training has increased seriously for many rivals but there are plenty of different ways that you will find to coach. You may use the web as a great resource to find out all the ways that are being used. There are rivals that base their coaching on their nourishment and physical contentment while others base theirs on the strength that they have. All of the coaching that you are going to find has different moves that need to be mastered to be a top rival. There are submission holds and many different moves that a competitor has to learn.

Some of these moves that a competitor will learn in their MMA training include the arm bar and the bicep slicer. Circuit training is a truly well liked type of training that is being used today. This type of coaching permits the rival to work on their cardio and their strength all at the same time. You may use this type of coaching to lose some weight as it will help you to drop a major quantity of calories. This coaching involves completing a number of exercises within one coaching session without any breaks between exercises. This is what creates the circuit.

You may find on the web, that there are many internet sites you can visit for MMA training courses. Which one you decide to do for your training will all depend on the type of rival you need to be. Most of these coaching programs will come with a fee so you need to be sure that you select the best one for you and your training wants. You must definitely review all the present matches that are posted online to see precisely the way the fighting is done. You may also use these videos to get tricks and tips to win over your opponent and come out being the winning one.

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True Leaders Serve

By Yancy Dennis

Leadership is the inspire oneself and others. Great leadership involves understanding qualities that are innately human. Leadership must not be strict or stiff but must provide incentives for risk-taking. However, the risk-taking must not be reckless. Phenomenal leadership is definitely an act of service. The successful engages and involves his team so that they naturally push themselves by making them feel as though they are bonded together.

Effective leaders don't command; they ask or request a person to do something. They make recommendations to follow and they are willing to get their own hands dirty, if necessary. Effective leadership is contagious and is not limited to the "boss". Effective leadership is the cornerstone of successful organizations. It is the inspiration and motivation that allows people to take on heroic challenges.

A leader may be have strong analytic thinking skills, personal integrity and the ability to work with ambiguity. However, if he/she cannot learn how to connect these attributes seamlessly to achieve results, then they are meaningless. Effective leadership cannot always be popular. Sometimes the effective leader has to cut some of the team loose despite his/her personal feelings about these individuals.

Given the complexities of leadership, all leadership is not worthwhile. The market is rife with management fads and dubious program designs. Despite the fact that 3.7 million management training programs are conducted each year, less than 15% actually have an impact on a leaders approach to leadership. Much of what is offer tends to be disjointed and the newly trained leader has no model from which he/she can grow his own leadership style.

Therefore, what is an organization to do? They should follow some simple common sense steps: organize and execute around priorities, think win/win: See life as a cooperative, not a comprehensive arena where success is not achieved at the expense or exclusion of the success of others.

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Do Not Delay, Call Pittsburgh Garage Door Repair

By Walter Wilhelm

It's cold, it's raining, you turn into your driveway, you push the button to get your garage door open, and nothing happens! I wonder how many times that has happened across America. You want to fix it, but you do not have a clue where to start. Now is the time to do something about it. Fix it right with Pittsburgh Garage Door Repair.

Obviously, you want the most qualified expert to work on your garage door. It has to be a service that has a broad understanding of garage door repair. Pittsburgh Garage Door Repair does have all that you are seeking in quality, and reliability. The technicians are all very experienced, and qualified to get your needs met.

Do not try to fix it on your own because it could be dangerous for you. Those doors are very heavy. You would also have to deal with all the components, and tensioned springs that help your door function. Expert technicians will prevent you from getting hurt.

Your garage door has failed to open, or is not working properly. There are some matters that have to be looked at. The transmitter may be giving you problems. The battery may be depleted, or damaged. The current may be cut, or the transmitter could be damaged. In either of the cases you need a qualified technician to discover the problem.

If your door is not opening and closing fully, there could be a problem with the sensor lenses. There can be many things that could be blocking it, or it is faulty. The most common cases are things that have been placed in front of the sensor, and the lenses being dirty. Again the experts can find the answers for you.

Did you ever see your garage door have a mind of it's own, by going up and down? If it is doing that, someone in your vicinity probably has an access code that is similar to yours. Police vehicles, and planes can also affect your garage door too. You will have to change your access code. The experts at Pittsburgh Garage Door Repair can help you with this.

Now you can see how important it is to have a qualified technician take care of those garage door problems. They understand how necessary it is for you to have that door operating, for your vehicles, and a safe entry into your home. Do not hesitate, you need to fix it right with Pittsburgh Garage Door Repair!

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Friday, December 11, 2009

Why is there a need for tenant screening in every landlord?

By Sarah Parker

Tenant Screening has real advantages for landlords. From reducing your risk to and tenant turnover, to improving everything from cash flow, profits, and your chances of sleeping at night " tenant screening has become an integral component of smart landlords standard procedures.

Why Prescreen Tenants?

You are putting yourself in a great danger and even a financial risk if you would just lease your property to a complete stranger. There is a need to know your prospective tenants which includes their previous rental, credit and job history, thus this is essential in determining if there are good when you're taking a risk.

Landlord Risks

Your new tenant could pay rent late"or not at all. They might steal or damage your property. They could abandon your rental unit with no notice, owing you back rent. Weve all heard stories of bad tenants taking appliances and light fixtures when they move out"you dont want that to happen to you!

For the surrounding neighbors there are also risks to be taken. It is not a good idea when you are unaware of the person's criminal history before placing them in your rental property. You are not only putting your neighbors in a great risk both adult and children, but you will be held liable for your tenant's action. In a litigious society, mitigating your chances of being sued is absolutely necessary.

What Landlords Need to Know

Is the prospective tenant employed? If so, how long have they been with their employer? Job stability is a favorable sign. How strong is the tenants credit history? Are there liens and judgments against them? What about previous evictions and other legal problems? Has the prospective tenant been convicted of any crimes"and if so, what was the offense?

What a Tenant Screening Report will Reveal

Pre- screening your tenants will enable you to identify future problems that will arise, if they have a history of evictions or late payments.

Is the prospective tenant working? If so, how long have they been with the company? Being employed favorable sign. How strong is the tenant's credit history? Are there liens and judgments against them? What about earlier evictions and other legal problems? Has the prospective tenant been convicted of any crimes and if so, what was the offense?

To ensure that you have the prospective tenant's information you must have a criminal background check, thus, you will be able to know the precise name, Social Security Number and current address. It will also ponder you about his criminal record in state, country and national level (subject to state law)

You'll know whether the applicant has been convicted of a crime or not, along with the type of offense, date, and locality. Sex offenses are also reported, but information varies by state. Finally, tenant background checks reveal any aliases used incarcerations, and whether the potential tenant has been placed on federal terrorist watch lists or is listed as an international narcotics trafficker.

Things to Remember

You must obtain the applicants permission to conduct a tenant background check"which can be a standard part of your application procedure. The notification must be a separate document, however. Also, all information you learn from a credit report must be held in strictest confidence, and never shared with third parties. Your applicant may have a right to the report"check your states guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to be sure you are compliant. If you reject an applicant for credit reasons, you must advise them in writing. E-Renter can handle your background screening to ensure you are within the guidelines of the FCRA.

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Dangerous World, Budding Options

By Jeff Kamar

Safety, one of our most wanted and necessary achievements, is becoming more and more jeopardized. Children grow up too fast and too dangerous these days. Replacing the good ole days of slingshots and nerf guns with knives and real guns. Gangs recruit at earlier and earlier ages, swiping up the innocent quicker than the most crazed fad. Civilians falling on hard times now resort to violence first, not caring who gets caught in the crossfire, not caring who dies and who survives. And unfortunately through all of this, common men have little in the way of legal self-defense. Everyone is a target now, rich or poor, young or old, and we must strive to prepare ourselves for any outcome at any time.

Obviously, you'd look like a fool going about your day to day business sheathed in a wall of Kevlar, or wielding a riot shield. Beyond that, those actions would make you yourself look undoubtedly suspicious. But finally, we do have a new option in defending ourselves. Some fine folks in the weapons industry have turned to crafting defensive tools as well as destructive. One of my personal favorites is the introduction of Bulletproof Clothing. Yes, that's right, every day wear, and innocuous looking jackets that can stop gunfire!

One can now avoid suspicion from peers and local delinquents, all the while completely insulated against an attack! Armored clothing has seen completely new levels of progression, now capable of stopping even high powered rifle ammunition and AP rounds! Not to mention, some of this stuff just looks awesome! What's better than sporting your new favorite jacket, walking about all cool, and then stopping a bullet to the chest? Like what you already have, and don't want to reorganize your wardrobe? They also offer fine vests to fit under your button downs, looking like just another clothing accessory, but still offering top notch defense!

Garments are custom-fitted, assuring comfort and style and avoiding the "bulky" look that most armored gear boasts. And the armored plates are removable, and replaceable if you decide you need to upgrade the plates to a higher armor level. Armor levels vary from knife-proof, to AP ammo proof! That's some serious defense!

You could assume that this type of technology would be extremely expensive, however, this uses pre-existing technology that and is rather affordable even to the average citizen.Take the first step in becoming a safer and more confident individual by taking the time to look into this quickly growing phenomenon!

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The Best Pepper Spray Options

By James Edwards

In this day and age it is vital that people protect themselves from predators. You do not need to go out and buy a gun or carry around a knife on you. All you need is half an ounce of pepper spray. Over the years pepper spray has been made available to anyone. There are so many choices that have come out for pepper spray it can make a person wonder, "Where does the best pepper spray that money can buy exist?"

You need to ensure that you will be able to hide the pepper spraying mechanism in some manner. Do not walk around with it out in your hand being paranoid. Just keep it somewhere with within reach in case you find yourself in a situation where it is needed. Keep it safe and secure someplace like your purse pocketbook as long as you are comfortable.

I discovered a site on line, number one defense, which lives up to its name. They have every kind of pepper spray to purchase for your self defense needs. There is a pen that is actually pepper spray. It looks exactly like a pen. All you need to do is take off the cap and spray. This would be very easy to conceal. The site sells a product that appears to be lipstick. In reality, it is very much a mechanism that when used will bring a mugger to their knees.

One time my husband was out at night in a parking lot and someone came to his car door window. Luckily, he had the doors locked and the intruder went away, but I hate to think what could have happened. With pepper spray that clips to your car's visor with ease I do not have to worry anymore. I know that if someone approaches me or him, we can quickly reach the spray and use it.

There are many options available that you are able to place on your key ring. Some of them come with a formed holster. This type of holster works really well. The reason it is good is because in order to use the product you do not have to take it off. There are others that have a holster available for purchase.

My personal favorite product this number one defense site sells is known as a stunring. It looks like a ring that you would wear on your finger. Then someone messes with you and the access could not be easier. The ring is actually elegant looking in appearance. You can get it in silver or gold.

The most effective pepper spray is named, quite appropriately, as wildfire. They are accessible on this site in many amounts from half an ounce to one and a half ounces. They say that it represents the most virile spray density for sale. You need to see this for yourself.

I think I am going to be buying one of these for every member of my family as part of their Christmas present. No one likes to think about bad things happening to those they care about, but the reality is it happens. It can happen to anyone. You want to be prepared.

For any product that you want to possess like this you need to do your research. You want to ascertain if pepper spray is lawfully okay for you to own in your state of residence. Treat this as you would any other weapon. Take measures to keep it safe and out of the reach of children.

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Comparing Wired Home Surveillance Systems To Wireless

By Craig Baca

Things have changed thanks to the digital revolution -- whether this will improve or screw up things is another matter entirely. Hard wired home surveillance systems used to be the only ones available, but more and more of the wireless systems have been turning up, many nowadays operating with all those features wired systems offer at a fraction of the price.

What is the deal with wired and wireless systems? How do you know which one is better for your needs?

Home Surveillance Systems: Hard Wired

If your home surveillance system is using physical wires to transmit information and uses the electricity in your home for a power source, then you are using a hard wired system. The wiring is fairly easy to hide and doesn't require much in the way of upkeep, and of course since it runs off your electricity there's no chance other appliances will run interference.

Good to go? Actually, there is a negative side to the argument for hard wired systems. First, unless you are a technical wizard, you're better off leaving installation and any troubleshooting to the professionals. Trying to do this on your own could result in loads of wasted times with either nothing to show for it, or an unreliable system that you have no way of knowing if it works or not.

If you choose to install a hard wired system, you're going to have to tear into your house. The best thing to do is to get a home surveillance system installed while your house is in the process of being built. If your house is already standing, you'll have to deal with the fact that your home will have scars from this experience.

Is Wireless The Answer?

When you use a wireless system, cameras and sensors communicate with each other through radio transmission, which can produce excellent results. Wireless systems can also do anything your hard wired system can do, without any messy install or damage to your house. Installation is incredibly simple -- all you really need is a manual and someone with the tiniest bit of technical knowledge.

The biggest complaint regarding wireless home surveillance systems is the constant interference. If your system is within a certain distance to other electrical devices, you can bet on troublesome interference that could be crippling. Wireless systems also have a bad reputation for being extremely sensitive too: the vibrations of a passing car playing very loud music can be enough to set it off, and if it for some reason broke down you'd have no way of knowing it until you tested it out for yourself.

As if those weren't enough negative sides, technology is always moving forward at light speed so there is no real guarantee you'll be able to buy the replacement parts you need if yours does die.

Hard Wired Systems Still Good For Important Safety Concerns

Wireless home surveillance systems are so simple to install, and they do run nicely even without wires as long as you can stay out of the range of interference. Hard wired systems are still the only reliable ones for long term protection.

Wireless systems will do just fine for simple setups, but if you're looking for serious protection that you can feel good about, the only way you're going to achieve that level of security is by paying a professional to install a good hard wired system in your home.

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The Safe & Easy Way to Lose Ten Pounds

By Anna Cross

If you took a poll of folks anywhere, on the streets, on a school campus, in the supermarket, or even at church you are sure to find the bulk of Americans need to lose pounds. Some need to lose a large amount of weight, but many just wish to lose those last ten pounds.

If this sounds like you - don't worry! You CAN do it, with some simple tips and pointers, and taking action. There is no magic pill that is going to solve your problems overnight, so I recommend not wasting your time only to be let down. There are tried and true ways to lose that weight. But, you must reduce calories while increasing exercise. Stop overeating and get off your butt! It really is that simple.

Exercise helps burn the calories that you have already consumed. To shed the pounds quickly, join an intense cardiovascular fitness program. You will need to find some intensive cardio routines like running, cycling, swimming, rowing or hiking. Though walking each day will increase your exercise activity and assist you in losing weight, it will take much longer than the cardio aerobic activities. You want to get your heart pumping for no less than 40 minutes a day.

Cut back on calorie consumption, too. This can easily be done by simple things like picking green tea (unsweetened) or water over sodas and vitamin waters. With many sodas racking in at around 200-250 calories, you can see how quickly this can add up if you drink a couple a day, or even a few a week.

To lose weight fast, you need to chop out the majority of your sugar, too. The calories you take in should be ones full of nutrients. Sweets such as cookies and cakes and candy bars do nothing but spike your blood sugar and add calories to your body.

Be aware of what you eat. Try cutting back on salad dressing, which is rich in calories. Attempt to drink less alcohol. If you want a glass of wine, add some seltzer to it. This will not only lesson the amount of calories per serving, but the bubbles will make you're feeling fuller. If you drink whole milk, trade the whole milk for skim milk.

Not only should you be aware of what you eat, but how much you eat. Yank portions are much bigger than needed. If you eat out at a restaurant, don't finish your whole plate. Common restaurant portions are much larger than required. If you fix your own food, fix smaller amounts. Put less food on your plate. Eat that amount. Then wait at least 20 minutes. If you're still hungry, you can eat more. However , most of the time, you will not be hungry after the 20 minute wait.

Additionally, try to eat slower. Studies show that folk who take their time when eating and are mindful about eating at a slower pace, consume less calories than otherwise.

Cut back on your calories, boost your aerobic activity, or do both, and you may lose those 10 pounds you need to lose. (Be sure to check out the links below for a great resource for recipes!)

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

How To Select A Professional Locksmith Service

By Ernest Griffin

Today's locksmiths do not engage just in their conventional role of making locks. Actually, the process of making locks has become quite mechanical and normally only big companies manufacture locks by using machines. Therefore, locksmiths now focus on other specialities like making duplicate keys and fixing.

Locksmith services have spread and diversified with the passage of time and there is stiff competition among various locksmiths willing to serve you to the best of their abilities. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the following factors that would help you in selecting an appropriate locksmith service.

Firstly, the locksmith should have a thorough knowledge of all the intricacies of his job. He must possess the essential technical knowledge, equipments, and capability to deal with difficult problems.

The service provider must provide different types of services like lock modification and installation. Additionally, they should be aware of the recent developments and technical innovations in the area of locking techniques.

Trustworthiness is a crucial requisite for any locksmith service provider because you are going to hand them your keys and locks that protect your house and valuables. Hence, you should ensure that the company you select is reputed in the industry.

When looking for a locksmith service, ensure that you verify the credentials and history of the prospective company. You could ask for information from your friends and family about the service providers in your neighbourhood. If you are trying to find a Singapore locksmith that suits your requirement then an effective way to come up with some good options is by doing a quick search for 'locksmith Singapore' on the internet.

There are a lot of good locksmith firms that also provide personal visits by a lock expert to your home to solve the problem on the spot. It is usually advisable to appoint such a service provider and save their phone number and address, as you might need to contact them in future.

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Key Concepts In Retail Design

By Helga Gonzales

The most important function of a retail space is to assist the buyers in purchasing the exhibited products without difficulty and to allow the retailer to draw buyers to the goods for effective selling. This is the reason why the design of retail areas and stores, that is the retail design, is comprised of aspects of graphic design, ergonomics and marketing, along with other customary features of interior designing and architecture.

While designing a retail space, it is crucial that the specific needs of that particular retail space are taken into account. Art galleries and supermarkets act as good illustrations of retail spaces that have completely distinct needs for their design. A number of factors need to be considered while developing the design, such as the kind of goods being sold, the level of involvement of shop attendants in the buying process, the number of goods that have to be displayed, and so on. Many a times it is also necessary for customers to be able to test the products, while several other retail environments may only require exhibiting the products. Therefore, the retail design changes based on particular requirements.

Apart from the utilitarian aspects of retail design, the attractiveness of the retail space to the consumer is also extremely important. It is important that the environment of the retail store appears friendly to the buyers so that they are motivated to purchase the items. The design of the retail environment has a large role to play in this and it must include in-store advertising to reinforce the brand so that the likelihood of a sale increases.

Further, the retail space environment should make a lasting impression on the buyers so that they come back to the store and buy more items. A good retail designer will thus pay special attention to the environment of the store and ensure that the customers have an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

To make sure that the retail design is a success, the designer should be aware of basics on optimal utilisation of space, promotion and psychology of the buyers. It is important that the owner of the store understands these concepts in order to communicate the designer about his particular requirements and the retail designer understands them to properly execute as per the needs.

Designing the store interior well is very critical, but there is one other thing that should be taken into consideration. The outside design and appearance of the store should also be appealing to draw buyers to the shop so that they enter and look at the goods.

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Staffing Of A Commercial Property Management Service

By Cody Scholberg

Today?s commercial property management goes beyond just the manager. There are so many jobs that entail a properly staffed CPM firm. A well oiled machine has all of these pieces of the puzzle in place with long-term relationships. Of course, you want to have all of your clients and tenants happy without needing to be on the same. A standard CPM service will have the following jobs:

? Landscaping ? Floor care specialist ? Pest control ? Plumbing ? Maintenance staff ? Marketing ? Handyman ? Receptionist ? Sales ? Painters

High Maintenance Services Mean Low Maintenance For You

Often, property owners do not own one piece of property. They could own one or more. Commercial property management is necessary if you own one of many properties within your corporation. The Board of Directors may not have time to personally tend to the properties. CPM firms are also helpful because they can coordinate current tenants and also future tenants. They can fulfill these duties even as a property is being developed. They only thing you will need to do is cash the checks.

Standards of Commercial Property Management Companies

Overall, you should expect a CPM firm to do everything you would do in your absence. It is not uncommon for CPM firms to hire independent professional groups within their organization. If you have a special task that needs to be performed, your CPM firm should welcome the opportunity to accommodate your request. You may also have specific standards behind the hiring practices of any independent professional group. For example, you would not want to have someone with a criminal background working around children. If your commercial property is rented out to a child based business, you may find this a conflict of interest. The expectation of every commercial property management company should be one that would honor any and all special requests such as these.

Sales and Marketing in a CPM Firm

Of course, you would not want to hire a commercial property management group that did not have and effective advertising and marketing component of their business. While their long-term project may be to make current tenants happy, they will still need to be affected in having someone move into a vacancy as soon as possible. Their ability to do this relies on sales and marketing. In addition to having proper advertising materials, they must be able to communicate with potential tenants in a way that makes them comfortable. They must also be able to effectively administer the lease and explain any complications with the tenants.

Good Safety Habits

By Pierre Levingston

Many burglaries can be avoided by using common sense security habits. Criminals look for home owner's lack of attention to security details when picking out targets. If you establish some good safety habits now it can really be beneficial to your home safety.

Establish the habit of keeping your yard shrubs and trees trimmed to an appropriate height. You should be able to see outside your windows without shrubs blocking it. Thieves can use shrubs to hide behind or climb on when trying to enter your home, so remembering to keep them trimmed is important.

Establish a habit of locking up your items in your garage or storage shed. Don't let them lay out in the yard. Ladders can be used by burglars to climb to an upper story, and other tools can be used to gain access inside your home.

Establish the habit of checking your alarm system constantly. Check it every time before you leave your home and before you go to bed at night. A lot of break-ins happen because the system is not properly checked or turned on.

Establish the habit of locking all of your doors and windows. Be sure to lock your upstairs windows because burglars can still gain access to your home through them. Remember to lock your doors while you are away as well as when you are at home.

Form a habit of using your door's peephole. Its important to know who is at the door before opening it. If you don't know who it is, use your door chain.

Establish a habit of updating your security system's software. Maintaining your alarm system allows it to run more smoothly. It can also improve its performance and help avoid component breakdowns.

There are other great habits that can help protect your home. Start with these ones and once these habits are well established branch out to incorporate other ones. Your efforts will help bring added security to your home.

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The Pros And Cons Of Ab Exercises

By Gerald Holt

I'm laid out here on the couch,very comfortably I might add; with a plate loaded with steaming angel hair pasta and gobs of yummy meat sauce cooked for hours with onions and green peppers and celery and beef----and the smell of it is soporific. I just love pasta, and when I have it with a homemade sauce like this that has simmered half the day, well; this is seventh heaven, bud---for sure. But, as I twirl my fork in the heavenly stuff, my conscience just won't leave me alone and it keeps jabbing me to tone it down with the pasta, and get back to doing my ab exercises. What a drag.

I've started doing some recommended ab exercises that my trainer suggested I try, because my midriff is getting flabby and I need to build up my core muscles and strengthen all the muscles that make up the core area so I have better support. Exercising is not much fun, and I'm having a tough time sticking with the program----hence the big plate of spaghetti now and then.

So, I have my medicine ball and all the other accoutrements that go with doing a good set of ab exercises; and I try to stick to a routine that stays pretty much the same every week, but I just can't get my head into it. For some reason, I am just not motivated enough to put a whole lot of effort into it and I'm beginning to think I am just plain lazy when it comes to exercising. I start off with a bang, but as the week wears on, I think of all kinds of other things I would rather be doing. Those exercises are a real drag for me, and I wish there was another way to get the same results without having to do all that work.

The fact that the ab exercises that I'm talking about have to be done without fail 3-5 times each week is a downer in and of itself because I have never been good with sticking to routines---to me, that's like living a regimented life, and I don't like that. I really need to have someone in my life that cares about me and how I look, and maybe then I would show a little more concern about my midriff and get down to brass tacks and start doing the exercises for real. But until that happens, my midsection is on its own.

So, I guess the secret to sticking to a regimen of ab exercises that work, is just to do it faithfully, without looking for a way out, or whining about how much work it is. I know all the psychological aspects of exercising in the fact that you have to do it for yourself and all that stuff, but if you want to look better, but not badly enough that you have no motivation to exercise, then what. I've never been very good with routines either, or sticking to them for that matter.

And where does it get you----I have several friends that don't do any trips to the gym or exercise much at all, and they are in relatively good shape----so I figure I can go the same route and maybe follow the same diet as they are on and try to work out a little, and then I can shelve these ab exercises once and for all.

Just had another newsflash mentally----I should find myself a true blue love interest that will find me attractive the way I am now, but would be supportive of my starting ab exercises and sticking to a routine to improve myself down the road. Now that sounds like a plan that would work----motivation is the key here, and a little loving now and then is a good gas pedal for motivation. Yessirree. Well, I just might do that, just as soon as I finish this plate of yummy spaghetti and sauce, and then slowly pull myself up off the couch. Yep, it's a done deal.

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91% of What You Learn From Martial Arts Schools Will Get You Hurt Badly During A Real Fight

By Vincent Grammar

Most Of What You've Learned From Your Local community Dojos, Or Strip Mall Martial Arts Classes, Will Get You Killed In A Real Street Fight.

Greetings, my name is Vincent Grammar, a former . I looked big and strong, however mentally I lacked the confidence and tough guy mindset. What I've mentioned up there is the absolute truth. All the fighting styles and techniques you have taken from these local martial arts schools are nothing more than just gym classes. You receive the needed exercise for increasing your health and their goal is to make profits from you. Most of them never show you how to defend yourself in a REAL fight with full speed and power. State regulations prohibit school instructors to cause harm to a student. How will you ever to know what it feels like to fight for REAL? Now I'm not suggesting every single schools are bad. Many places are real tough fighting schools, but I can't be telling you which ones are the real deal since I don't know your local area.

Most of the things you've learned from your schools are about peace above all else and running away from all brawls and conflicts because these only causes more problems. Teachers give you the "Violence is not the answer... " speech then maybe teach you about self-defense. That was my mindset before I discover the truth in fighting.

I recall from my first bloody violent fight at the club years ago... it won me a trip right to the hospital. I didn't even last more than 30 seconds during the brawl. My friends saw me getting hammered to the ground by a much smaller Asian guy. That was definitely the most pathetic moment in my entire life. Thinking about peace was the last thing in my head, while laying in my hospital bed. I had to train harder to become a better fighter to better defend myself and my love ones against violent encounters.

I must tell you though, If you never want to witness any bloody activities. Please never ever go to bars, clubs, and social places with people drink alcohol. Sooner or later you will encounter bloody violent scenes and you may be a victim if you are not prepare.

With the correct kind of fighter's mindset, you will have the ultimate confidence during any events and will never fear another fight again. Dominate your opponent in the ring or in the streets, no matter how big, strong, or highly skilled they are.

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Kicking, the Amazing Secret of a very Lost Art!

By Al Case

I don't care if I make enemies, I'm going to say it, the kicking I see on the UFC and MMA type of thing is not really kicking. Truth, it is leg swinging, without focus, and it doesn't work. This article is going to tell you why it doesn't work, and what to do about it.

I had a friend, name of Ted, some forty years ago when I was doing Chinese Kenpo. He dressed like a hippie and had long hair, and he happened to have the most amazing kicks. One day he was driving through the rush hour traffic when a fellow cut in front of him, so Ted hit the horn.

The fellow stopped his car and got out and walked back towards Ted, who got out of his car. The fellow was huge, a monster, and he dwarfed Ted, and he said some unpleasant things. Ted backed up, held up his hands palm out, and told the fellow he didn't want to fight.

The fellow swung a punch, and Ted rocked back and planted a beautiful roudhouse kick in the center of the monsters chest. The fellow sat down on the pavement, groaned, then stood up and rushed Ted again. Ted tried to back away, he held up his palms again, and told the fellow he didn't want to fight.

The brute swung, and that was when Ted called on the art. Ted sunk his weight, put his hips and weight into the kick, and roundhouse kicked the fellow on the chin. Bang and the fellow laid down for ten, and Ted went to his car and drove away.

So, putting your body into the kick, throwing the hips are important, even crucial, and some fellows don't it and some fellows do, but the ball of the foot, that was the heart of the matter. Look, when the MMA contestant bashes, he throws his leg like he is swinging a bat, and there is not enough weight behind it. When you use the ball of the foot, the energy goes back along the leg, through the hips, and down into the ground and there is lots of body behind the kick.

Yes, instep kicks are okay, but they spread the strike out over the ankle. The ball of the foot kick concentrates the mass into a smaller striking area. If you want to put a nice, precise hole in a plank of wood, are you going to bash it with a baseball bat, or use a balpeen hammer?

Kicking, like punching, is an art, and the UFC and MMA type of fighters are really doing boxing, not the science of pure martial arts. To understand pure martial arts, one has to study this western thing called physics, and apply it to eastern martial arts, and then the answers and ability will come, and then the art will be resurrected. Art will win over sport, and not just gladiatorial contests, but in life, that is the solution and the way of the true art.

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Acquiring The Most Efficient Protection For Your Family Through Wireless Alarm Systems

By Jason Williams

Household protection has always been a giant issue in the U. S. A., and it appears as if today it's a lot commoner. Folks would like to protect what they've attained, produced, or care for. There are numerous kinds of this type of security, but one selection amidst the existent intriguing and best-selling choices are wireless alarm systems.

Wireless devices have been growing in popularity as the years go by. None want to have to invest time in the procedure of hardwiring something to a base. The station can disperse signals to each offshoot at the same time, without all the hard wiring. That's partially why wireless warning devices are so often utilized; they are comparatively easily installed and used.

Just one inquiry is: are they equally competent likened to their competitor in cabled arrangements? The answer is a resounding yes. Wireless technology in general has vastly improved from its whimsicality just some years past. Today, wireless connections represent strong and secure communication, much as actual lines and wires have. These are efficient arrangements with confirming critiques, and sanction additional looking into.

How do these warning devices even function? First, you have got to decide which of two common types you'd care to put in. There are professionally installed systems and there are personally installed systems. They are both circulated almost equally and therefore, you can not accomplish a informed decision on anything more than the income that you care to drop or the grade of protection you determine that your home needs. That's the main difference of the two types: features that bring the protection up a notch.

They both have their benefits, however commonly the professional model pulls ahead over the alternative. The personally installed model permits you to put in the system yourself, but lacks the overall monitoring and alerting of the proper authorities that professionally installed arrangements allow.

The complete arrangement operates from assigning warning device triggers upon your windows, doorways and additional entryways. This means that when active, if somebody endeavors to open up any of these entrances, your warning device will alert you. Personal models are configured with an alarm to frighten away criminals, while the professional will likewise have blasting alarm that's paired with a phone call to the proper offices.

Wireless alarm systems might be something that everybody should to utilize their home. This assures the security of your possessions and home, above all though, it assures the security of your family. Nothing is more beta than this.

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Acquiring The Most Efficient Protection Through Wireless Alarm Systems

By Jason Williams

Protecting our homes been a prominent matter in America, and it seems as if now it's more popular than ever. People prefer to see to it that the things they have made, gained, or hold dear are adequately protected. There are a flock of configurations of this type of protective covering, but a prominent individual alternative amidst the present options wireless alarm systems.

Wireless engineering at large has been rising up steadily in popularity. None would like to have to commit in the process to hardwire something to a base. The base can broadcast to all branches simultaneously, and without lines to boot. That's partly how come wireless alarm systems are so frequently employed, it's relatively easy to install and use.

But the wonder is: are they as competent to their competition in wired models? The response is incredibly so. Wireless engineering has improved dramatically from its unpredictability just a couple of years ago. Today, wireless connectivity represents strong and reliable connections, as much as actual electric cords and cables can be. These are effective systems with stellar critiques, and are worthy of a second look.

How do these alarms even operate? Firstly, you've got to determine which of 2 primary types you would like to install. There are professionally set up models and there are personally set up models. They're both distributed about evenly and consequently, you can't reach an knowledgeable conclusion upon anything more than the money that you wish to expend or the degree of security you find that your house requires. That is the chief difference of the 2 types: characteristics that take the security to the next level.

They both have their points to consider; all the same the professional model wins against the alternate option. The personally put in model lets you set up the system yourself, only misses the overall supervising and alarming of the suitable agencies that professionally set up systems allow for.

The complete arrangement operates from assigning warning device triggers upon your windows, doorways and additional entryways. This means that when active, if somebody endeavors to open up any of these entrances, your warning device will alert you. Personal models are configured with an alarm to frighten away criminals, while the professional will likewise have blasting alarm that's paired with a phone call to the proper offices.

Wireless alarm systems may represent something that everyone ought to use their household. This ensures the protection of your possessions and household, most especially though, it ensures the protection of your family. Nothing is more life-and-death than them.

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Acquiring The Best Protection Using Wireless Alarm Systems

By Jason Williams

Home security has always been a large subject in the United States, and it looks as though nowadays it is more common. Families want to protect what they've gained, acquired, or cherish. There are a lot of forms of this type of protection, but a single choice among the existing provocative and popular options are wireless alarm systems.

Wireless engineering at large has been rising up steadily in popularity. None would like to have to commit in the process to hardwire something to a base. The base can broadcast to all branches simultaneously, and without lines to boot. That's partly how come wireless alarm systems are so frequently employed, it's relatively easy to install and use.

Just one inquiry is: are they equally competent likened to their competitor in cabled arrangements? The answer is a resounding yes. Wireless technology in general has vastly improved from its whimsicality just some years past. Today, wireless connections represent strong and secure communication, much as actual lines and wires have. These are efficient arrangements with confirming critiques, and sanction additional looking into.

How do these alarm systems even work? First of all, you've got to select which of 2 more common types you would wish to install. There are professionally put in arrangements and there are personally put in arrangements. Since they both are quite popular, you have to make the decision based on the amount of money you want to spend and the protection you actually require. That's the considerable difference of the 2 types: characteristics that increase your level of security over all.

They both have their benefits, however commonly the professional model pulls ahead over the alternative. The personally installed model permits you to put in the system yourself, but lacks the overall monitoring and alerting of the proper authorities that professionally installed arrangements allow.

The whole system works by putting alarm triggers on your windows, doors and other entranceways. This means that once activated, whenever someone attempts to open any of these entranceways, your alarm will sound. Personal models are designed with an alert to scare away intruders, while the professional will also have blaring warning signal that's coupled with a telephone call to the appropriate authorities.

Wireless alarm systems may represent something that everyone ought to use their household. This ensures the protection of your possessions and household, most especially though, it ensures the protection of your family. Nothing is more life-and-death than them.

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

What's Up Doc? Why Your Medication Could Be Making You Tired?

By Keith Woolley

This is exactly one of the questions you need to ask when you find out that your prescription medication you are taking to control cholesterol is causing nutritional imbalances in the body, which in turn may result in you feeling fatigued, forgetful and pretty shitty, without knowing why?

If you've been feeling like this for a while and have no other known health complaints that could have an affect on your well-being, there's a good possibility that your cholesterol medication has pulled the plug on a critical nutrient your body needs to maintain vitality and keep that important spring in your step!

CoQ10 has been described as the biochemical spark plug and is also one of the most protective anti-ageing antioxidants to be uncovered. It's a naturally occurring substance that our body needs for our 'get up and go'. Every second, energy factories called mitochondria are working within each one of the cells of our body, turning oxygen into pure energy, and CoQ10 has a mighty big role to play in this.

The bad reports is, when you take certain medicines to lower cholesterol, for example statin drugs, these block your body's production of CoQ10 and the more you take these for, the older you are feeling and more beat you become. There you are going to the gymnasium, eating a sensible healthy diet, doing all you can do to keep healthy and fit, without knowing that absolutely something has pulled out your spark plug.

The center of the matter.. Clearly the reason why we wish to lower cholesterol is to guard our heart, yes naturally this helps reduce cholesterol, however if our capability to supply CoQ10 is blocked, then this could have a negative effect on the heart. medical research have shown that individuals with cardiovascular aliments, for example angina, heart failure and coronary artery illness had a higher deficiency of CoQ10. Low CoQ10 means that your heart does not have sufficient energy or oxygen which leads to lowered cellular energy and therefore a weakly heart.

The Medical news World previously reported on a study that showed patients with congestive cardiac arrest that took 100mg of CoQ10 every day for six weeks had improved cardiac function. diet gurus believe that CoQ10 is one of the most vital nutriments to help the heart function optimally.

If you are on statin medication then you can take a CoQ10 supplement to support your fitness. Practitioners counsel supplementing the diet with around 100m of CoQ10 each day. This can be taken once ( 50mg ) in the morning and again ( 50mg ) with lunch, split dose if regularly far more effective. Solgar Nutri-Nano CoQ10 is highly absorbable and gets working quickly. They use patented producing that's unique and provides superior delivery of the nutrient. As it's so easily absorbed it can be more effective than other forms.

What's more ...

Co-Q10 is one of the most well analyzed nutrient elements for protecting the body from age-related illness. Thru its extreme energising ability, Co-Q10 can protect from diabetes and gum sicknesses as well as improving fitness by accelerating our exercise endurance. Find it tough to keep off those extra pounds? Co-Q10 is vital to help the body burn fat far more efficiently. As levels decline as we age, so do our energy levels and our ability to burn excess fat. Co-Q10 is significant for our energy generation and necessary for carbohydrate metabolism. Co-Q10 helps breakdown fat better as it releases energy by consuming fat off, rather than storing it, especially around the middle of the body. One study of people on a low fat diet who took CoQ10 doubled their weight loss when compared to those who did not use it.

Another big health problem in the UK is diabetes type 2. Co-Q10 is shown to govern blood sugar so helping to lower glucose and insulin. In a double-blind trial patients with hypertension who were taking medicines were given Co-Q10, which led to lower glucose and insulin as well as decreased blood pressure and triglycerides and HDL ( good cholesterol ) went up.

Up the Anti!

As well as using Co- Q10 daily- one of the strongest, effective and protective antioxidants for good health. If you want to stop the ageing process and keep the body in tip top condition, manage levels of stress, be positive and invest in a healthy controlled diet with plenty of fresh air, moderate exercise, fresh fruit and veg. Ensure you get a good intake of necessary greasy acids ( omega 3-6-9 ) from nuts, seeds and oily fish. Daily juicing is a great way of getting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into the diet. To keep the heart healthy and you satisfied, try springing back 15 mins per day to get the body moving if you are not a fan of the gym. This is much better to keep you going, than any doctor's prescription!

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Discover the Quickest Way to Lose Fat

By Taw Jensun

Is there a quick way to reduce weight successfully? Well the answer is YES. How can you achieve this? It's all about exercise. many people focus on diet and not sufficiently on exercises. When you exercise, you burn calories. Excess calories are what have made you fat. When you exercise, your body starts to use these calories.

Your body starts to become more efficient at burning calories. This means that you don't need to reduce a lot of calories from your diet. Your body would need them to provide itself with energy to manage with the exercise which it is doing.

Then there is the question of what exercise you should be practising. See warp speed fat loss which will guide you in this aspect. There is absolutely no need to spend hours and hours doing long boring cardio sessions. Cardio is a traditional method associated with weight, but it is not the best method or the only one. You need a form of exercise that is going to drive your body to secrete chemicals and hormones that will increase its abilities to burn calories very quickly.

Appending weight training to your exercise routines is the answer. Now there is no need to panic at this. Fat training demands your body that force it to crank up your metabolic rate. This means a more efficient calorie burning machine.

Moreover, it will help tone your body far better than doing cardio will. You may continue down the same road of hit and miss weight loss methods, or if you actually wish to know the quickest means to reduce fat, then educate yourself about fat training methods.

Do not try out to starve yourself, as it won't work. Eat the proper food at the right time and you would lose fat. Finally there will come a time when you follow a fat loss routine not to lose weight but to be healthy and in shape. Motivate yourself to reduce weight and you will be fine; you won't be telling yourself "I need to lose fat"!

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4 Answers to When You Should Run a Criminal Background Check

By Anna Crane

There are many scenarios in life when conducting a criminal background search is necessary to maintain your safety and the safety of your children. It's the only way to convert an emotional decision to a decision based completely in reality. The following are the four best reasons to conduct a criminal background check.

1. Child Care is the first most obvious reason. Our children mean more to us than anything, and it's not worth putting your child in jeopardy for even a second. A criminal background check should be run on anyone who will be left alone with your child. Make sure your child is safe when you cant be there because it's easier than ever to do. Give yourself peace of mind while you are away from your child.

2. Dating is very good reason to do a criminal background check. When our parents and grandparents were going to drive in movies, dating was a lot different. With the advancement of online dating becoming so popular, some people are finding the love of their lives. On the other hand, there have also been many horror stories of people who met a complete nightmare online. You must do a check on anyone you are considering dating if you havent known them very long, especially if you met them in cyberspace. If you are still getting to know someone, no one wants to be paranoid. But, there are things you should know before you go on that first date. Knowing these things protect your safety and finances.

3. The third answer to when you should perform a criminal background check is when you plan to hire someone. With unemployment souring people, they are desperate to find work. The small business owner must be extremely careful who they hire, particularly in this economic climate. Don't wait till it's too late to find out the truth about potential employees.

4. Has your neighborhood's tenants begun to fluctuate because of the economy? People being laid-off means more people have to change locations. You have the right to know what the people living near you are about. Investigate anyone's behavior that is suspicious.

Whatever your need for criminal background searches are, you can easily obtain this data by finding a reputable online database of public records. In the past, you would have to request this kind of information in person at a courthouse. Government agencies are not usually open past 5PM, so it has been difficult to obtain information during a regular work week. This was before the advent of the internet. You can now get access to criminal records online legally and confidentially.

Our daily lives require so much of us and it's nice to have peace of mind when you can. Make sure you have the most information that will help you make the best decision when it comes to people who will can impact your life. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Since criminal background checks are so easy to obtain, there is no excuse not to put your suspicion to rest.

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Monday, December 7, 2009

Home Security Systems - Video And Audio Are A Must

By Joanne Powell

Home security systems were made to make us feel safe and comfortable in our homes - whether we are there, or on the road. There's nothing quite as comforting as being able to snuggle into your bed at night feeling completely safe and secure. If anything goes "bump in the night" you know you're OK.

Years ago, simple loud alarms were the norm. Anyone who didn't know the right code when he opened your front door would immediately be greeted with ear splitting alarms that all the neighbors could hear. Nowadays, with or without these loud alarms, video is the way to go. It could be the only way the police will have any clue as to what has happened!

Professional thieves know that it takes at least five minutes for police to respond to a home invasion. Within that time frame, even with a loud alarm going off, they can quickly find your jewels, money, and high electronic gear - and be gone - before help arrives.

Many alarm companies sell silent alarms and convince homeowners this is the way to go. Unfortunately, these are anything but helpful. Considering that burglars already know they have five or ten minutes with an alarm sounding, without the alarm they won't have any way of knowing. If the cops are taking their time, these bad guys will have all that extra time to do even more damage.

Video is what the police need! Anyone who has ever watched reality TV can attest to how many times some stupid burglar has been caught simply because there was a video of his face and his actions, and sometimes, even his car.

As long as you are adding video cameras, make sure you have cameras that include motion sensors - these cameras follow movements. There's little sense in installing video cameras and then finding out that all the action was out of camera range! Make sure you have at least a camera at the front door, and then put alarms on each window. A super effective system will have cameras and alarms at each entrance, and cameras and audio that cover the entire property.

Additional cameras come in handy when additional crimes are committed over and above theft. If a home invasion includes an assault or other crime, the police will need to rely on these tapes in order to collect evidence. Usually these systems only include video, and not audio. Many times video is enough to find and convict someone, but in some cases, audio is even more important - especially in situations where certain actions aren't caught on tape, but accompanying audio is just as or even more incriminating. A bare bones beginner set up should at least have a camera at all entrances (front, back, garage, etc.), one in the kitchen, family room, and entranceway to the bedrooms (hallway, pathway, stairs, etc.).

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The Martial Art of Aikido

By Rhys Jones

The realm of Martial Arts is one of the foremost gifts of Asia to the world. Who will not remember Bruce Lee and the reality that he was first and foremost a martial arts athlete before being a movie star? Martial arts films are a huge hit with the escalating popularity of Asian movies like 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' and more recently 'The House of the Flying Daggers'.

The Chinese are the first nation that come to mind when it you think of these things, but the Japanese are equally as sporty with a rich heritage of body contact sports in their past. Modern Japan still gives honor to the martial arts by holding tournaments and promoting their sports abroad,

One of these is Aikido. It is important to note the fact that the word comes from three Japanese characters from which one derives the meaning of the one word. Ai signifies 'joining', Ki signifies 'spirit' and Do means 'way'. From this we can understand why Aikido lies beyond only the physical skills of it students, especially since its first proponent, Ueshiba, focused on the spiritual and philosophical improvement of his students.

In Aikido, one is not taught violence as a substitute, one is taught to be in concord with the adversary so that you are able to defeat him more easily. This might seem odd but it actually works. In approaching an opponent, the aim of the Aikido practitioner is to be one with the adversary so as to be able to tackle him where he is weakest and in so doing, deflect or immobilize him, but never to kill him.

This is where Aikido becomes an art form. Art is something delightful to look at and something constructive and Aikido is all that. At least one of the contestants involved in the combat is searching for concord and concord can only be achieved if there is grace in the actions. The moves may be premeditated, but there is an air of finesse in carrying out these movements. Not a feminine grace, but a grace that emanates peace. The 'art of peace' is what they call it in Aikido and it is one of the most affirmative influences of Aikido on its students and to everyone else who decides to find out about this Japanese martial art.

Some of the techniques in Aikido embrace the following.

Ikkyo is the first technique. Using this technique, you manipulate an adversary by using one hand to hold his elbow and one to hold near the wrist. This action is supposed to allow you to pin your opponent down to the ground.

Nikyo, the second technique, is when you perform a wrist lock which enables you to twist the arm of your opponent which will in turn cause nerve pressure.

Sankyo, the third technique, is a technique that creates upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. There are many other techniques but the first three are enough to give you a basic insight.

When you are studying Aikido, it is important to keep in mind that, along with building physical strength, you will need to improve your mind to be able to overpower your adversary. Just like in any art form, it takes a lot of training and discipline to perfect the art of Aikido. The chief thing to remember is, that anyone who wants to get into the art, must have the determination to give honour to the art by performing it in the best way they can.

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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Keep Your Home Safe During Your Holiday Travels

By Pierre Levingston

The holiday season is anticipated all year round. It's never fun to think of crime happening during the holidays, but unfortunately crimes do happen more during this time than other times of the year. Here are some helpful tips to remember during the holidays.

Be careful whom you share your holiday traveling plans with. Although it may be tempting to share your upcoming visit with your son's family in Alaska when your cashier asks you about your holiday plans at the checkout counter, its best to leave traveling plans out of it. You never know who will overhear you and use it against you.

Don't place spare keys in well-known places. If you have placed it under the welcome rug or a hide-a-rock on the front step then you should re-think your hiding place. If you can easily find it then so would a perfect stranger.

Be careful of your answering machine messages. You don't want to leave a message saying you will be away for the holidays. If you would like to leave a festive message wishing the caller a happy holiday you can do so, just leave the traveling plans off of it.

Alert your alarm company of your holiday plans. Let them know how long you will be gone and your expected day of return. Give them emergency contact information and a way to get a hold of you in case of an emergency.

Stay away from advertising for a house sitter publicly. Classifieds are easy targets for crooks. If you can't find a family member or friend to house sit for you, contact a house sitting company.

When your house sitter is chosen keep them up to date with all information they may need. Let them know your travel arrangements and who may be stopping by during their stay. Give them pictures so they can get familiar with family members, gardening crews, or neighbors that were asked to come by.

It's also important to not forget to do the small details with keeping your home look lived in. Make arrangements for your papers and mail to be picked up, and your lawn mowed. Keep your Christmas lights on a timer so they continue to go off while you are gone.

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A Wonderful Holiday Gift to Yourself and Loved Ones is Crime Prevention

By Teresa Bernard

The Christmas season is a very busy time of year for everyone, especially for criminals. With the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Many shoppers are out and about running errands, carrying more money and packages than during other times of the year. Unfortunately criminals view the holiday season as a time of opportunity. This is not a time to forget that criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets to make a big score. Nothing can ruin your Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.

The FBI reports that criminal activity increases during December. Crimes such as burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams, etc. Remember to be vigilantly follow all the safety measures you normal do when it's not the holiday season. Criminals will be on the look out for someone they can catch off guard.

The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the shopping season for the holidays. As you begin that holiday shopping, you might want some advice on how to avoid becoming an easy mark for criminals. Remember this advice is helpful year round as well.

SAFETY IN THE PARKING LOT

Staying safe while shopping for the holiday can be a bit trying at times. This is because there are fewer daylight hours in the daytime. Shoppers often arrive at that mall while it is yet day only to find it has gotten dark outside when they leave. Often they don't think about that and aren't very picky about where they park.

Parking lots fill up quickly this time of year which makes it harder to find a decent spot. Try to find one that is in a well-lit area with lots of foot traffic. Don't park in secluded areas if you can help it. When you leave your car be sure to lock it. Look around to familiarize yourself with the area. Note what row you parked in and the spot number too. This will make it easier to find your car when you return.

Try to shop with a buddy whenever you can. Doing so will reduce your chances of being attacked or mugged. If you have to shop alone, try walking near other pedestrians in the parking lot. Be sure to stay in well-lit areas as you walk and be alert to your surroundings at all time. It's best to steer clear of areas where you notice people are loitering. Walk quickly to the mall and don't meander.

SAFETY IN THE MALL

While shopping inside it is a good idea to avoid dark hallways and stockrooms, especially at closing time. Be sure to only use bathrooms that are located in high traffic areas of the mall such as the food court.

Be careful and on guard when walking in crowds. Look out for people you do not know who deliberately bumps, jostles or gets too close as these may be diversions for pickpockets who try to steal your wallet. While you are at it, you might want to keep a close eye on your shipping bags and other personal property too. Keep your purse close to your body and never leave it unwatched in the shopping cart. It's not a good idea to keep your wallet, credit cards, or cash in your back pocket or a backpack. Pickpockets can swiftly with easy get at these items without being caught. As an alternative, carry them in your front pockets.

It's not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash around. Whenever you can, try to pay for your purchases with checks, credit cards, or debit cards. When you do have to pay with cash only pull out what is needed. Keep the rest of your money hidden from view. Make your most expensive purchases last so you can head straight home afterwards.

Try not to overload yourself with packages when it is time to return to your car. Combine smaller ones with one or two larger packages, or make several trips to your car. If you are overburdened, you won't be able to see who may be approaching and it could prevent you from quickly responding to a threat.

It's best to have your car keys ready and in hand when you reach your vehicle to prevent having to search for them. You may also want to check if you are being followed to your car too. When you approach your car wait until you get closer to use your remote to unlock it. Unlocking your car from a distance could alert a would-be attacker which vehicle is yours. He could then race ahead and be waiting for you arrive. Before you get into your car scan the back seat and other areas where an attacker might hide to make sure it is safe to do so.

Place your packages in the trunk out of sight. Do this when you first get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop. Gifts and other valuables should never be left in clear view this would provide thieves a reason to break into your vehicle while you are shopping.

When you get inside your car, lock your doors without delay and then drive away. Don't sit there to check off your list or write purchases into your checkbook ledger. Do that later when you are at home. Waiting around creates the ideal opportunity for an attacker to get inside your car, particularly if you didn't lock your doors.

As one more added precaution you may want to consider carrying a personal alarm. A personal alarm is the perfect self-defense device for drawing attention to you. These small, inexpensive items are easily carried and emit such a loud and obnoxious noise, that should you encounter an attacker, he would most likely search for a quieter victim.

Following these safety tips will help make your holiday a happy and joyous occasion.

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Will You Adults Stop Your Whining and Just Manage Children's Behaviour Properly!

By Liz Marsden

I'm really having a major rant today... I've got a little lad who's just started in my group. Ok, he's appalling - well, his behaviour is... It's been that way for years and he's only just 8 years old. Unbelievable! Well, no it's not really, because I meet kids like this all the time. It's what I do... manage the behaviour of those who behave so badly they're on the point of being kicked out of school for good.

So, this 8 year old's behaviour is truly awful...

But that's not what the rant's about. He's fine - well, not just yet, but he will be...

My rant is about the adults in his school, and in so many other schools, who've allowed this situation to arise in the first place. Adults are useless, hopeless, awful...

Good heavens, what crime have they commited? Well, rather than accept any responsibility themselves they've got together and written whining letters to those in a higher position, complaining about this little boy...

What do they want to happen as a result? I don't know really but I imagine they want him to be taken away and not to darken their doors again...

Come on Liz, surely that's reasonable and they'd want him to go to another school? No, it is not reasonable - in fact it's totally unreasonable... Why? Well, as I've said so many times, children's behaviour is an adult problem. Ok, kids are behaving badly, but why? Because the adults are getting it so wrong, that's why...

Adults have to accept that they are responsible for children's behaviour - and those in this boy's school have allowed him to deteriorate to this point. Whingeing and whining about a situation that adults in general have allowed to get worse and worse, isn't going to have any beneficial impact, is it?

So, why do children behave so badly? Easy... simply because they can and they also know nobody is going to do very much about it - apart from a fair amount of whining, that is! And that doesn't do any good, does it?

The only way children's behaviour will change is if adults evaluate their own behaviour and make some changes to themselves. They won't see any alterations in children's behaviour unless this happens.

So, get a grip. If you don't know what to do then learn what to do. It's not difficult. Put your money where your mouth is and start doing what adults should do. Manage kids!!

Ok, my ranting's done for now!

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Learning To Better Your Street Fighting Techniques And Skills

By Vincent Grammar

What would happen when you are involved in a street fight and there is no one around to help you? It is essential to realize the fact that you must be able to defend yourself and not depend on outside factors to help you. You should learn street fighting techniques. When you learn street fighting techniques you will come to know that they are the most capable forms of self defense and do not need any lethal weapons. They can be learned by almost any individual of any size and gender. The street fighting strategies can be the most fierce and intelligent ways to defend your self from tough attacks and enemy.

You don't need to attend martial arts school in order to learn street fighting tactics. There are also plenty of information available on the Internet to learn. Some tips will mention things like you must have control of your environment and to concentrate at all times and not let your mind wander. This will make your enemy know that you are aware of their intentions and that you are ready for what's to come. You must always keep away from open areas and take routes to avoid being surrounded where there is more number of people.

When you study street fighting moves you will come to know that the element of fear will impede your thinking and you will become confused. So when you are under any attack it is important that you gain self control and do not panic which sounds easier than it can be achieved. Panic and fear are a peoples' worst enemies. They obscure the vision and ability to think rationally. The main point is that you must have a rational direction before it occurs so you know what to prepare for.

In the martial arts training, they tell you about the importance of kicks. Kicks are an essential technique in any type of martial art. Many of the kicking moves may not work as well when it comes to street fighting though. If you try to kick the assaulter in the mid-section or the head, then most probably the foe will catch hold of your leg and throw you on the ground. Therefore when you learn street fighting skills, you should know to try and kick a person on their knee joint. A kick directly on the front side of the knee will make your enemy twist in pain. Yu will be damaging his or her knee by either breaking the cartilage or the knee cap. Another strong move is to kick the person in the inside of the knee with full power. This will be enough for the attacker to fall on the ground and you can then freely run away from the ugly scene.

Domestic fighting occurs anywhere in the streets and it doesn't matter where you live. We can be the next victim of the criminals. Our relatives can get assaulted anytime whether we are with them or not. Acts of violence can happen for motives to get money, due to jealously, or by any unfair means. Therefore it is important we have to learn street fighting skills in order to have a better future.

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Home Security Progression

By Pierre Levingston

An alarm salesman stopped by my home the other day. He introduced himself and asked if I had looked into home security before. I had, in fact, been thinking about investing in some home security for my home in the form of an alarm of some sort since I had started traveling more. The increased time away from my home equaled a greater personal need to start looking at home protection.

Take that large living room for example. The open space, the large or numerous windows and perhaps even multiple entryways used to be a nightmare for the home security professional. There simply was no adequate way to cover all that space with an alarm. Security professionals simply had to make due with the alarm equipment they had available.

What I learned about alarms that day is that they've become so customizable. Medical problems? They have a medical pendant you can wear and activate for help. Concerned about a fire? Now smoke detectors come in the monitored variety. These will actually call the fire department if there's ever a house fire while you're away. The salesman even offered me a keyfob-like a garage door opener for your alarm that turns it on an off remotely.

Glass break sensors, motion detectors, monitored heat and smoke detectors-these components are just the tip of the home security iceberg. Alarm companies are constantly developing products that can make your home safer while being more convenient at the same time.

Home security professionals readily admit that their companies are ready and willing to keep providing home security equipment that pushes the technology envelop. Like other industries, they want the public to view their products as cutting edge and worthwhile, but more importantly, these professionals want their security systems to work well and work conveniently when and where their customers need them to.

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Which Alarm Companies Are Best?

By Todd Cavanaugh

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the number of alarm companies in phone book or internet listings for many cities. The reason is that home security is a rapidly growing business enterprise. More and more people are installing security systems for both home and business. But with so many companies, it can be difficult to choose the right alarm company for your needs.

Following a logical process of investigation will get you the answers you need to the questions you want to ask. The following outline will help you follow a very popular set of steps to decision-making.

Think About What You Want and Need

Some alarm companies offer more services and more devices than others. Thinking about your needs will help you rule out a few of the companies on the list. What kind of alarms do you need? Do you want a lot of noise, or immediate notification of the authorities, or both? Are you more concerned about particular parts of your property?

Who are you trying to protect, and from what? Who makes up your household? Are there children, infants, teens, someone with a disability, or elderly parents or grandparents? Do you have a lot of valuable items in your home?

What do you want the alarm companies to do when an intruder is detected? Do you want to immediately notify emergency services (police, fire)? Do you want to have alarms sound or remain silent? Do you want the alarms to trigger an alert to you or your neighbors?

Decide Which Alarm Companies to Interview

Ask friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors who have alarm systems which alarm companies they used. Find out how satisfied they are with the service. Check with your insurance company to get recommendations and to confirm how an alarm system installation will affect the cost of your insurance. Get in touch with the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and ask for a list of member companies in your area. Compare this information and begin to narrow down the list to those you like best.

Check out each company you are considering by checking with the Better Business Bureau, police department, state licensing bureau and other consumer information and protection agencies in your area. If you discover that a complaint has been filed against one of the alarm companies, take the time to see how the issue was resolved. Sometimes you can learn a great deal about a company by analyzing how they handle problems and complaints.

Do you want to focus on local and locally monitored alarm companies or national businesses? Do the companies offer equivalent equipment and equivalent monitoring and notification?

Interview the Three to Five Alarm Companies

This interview is critical. It is your opportunity to ask all of the questions you want. You can also evaluate the kind of company that would hire the representative sitting in your living room. It will be easier to compare later if you try to ask the same questions, worded the same way, of each person. Use this time to determine how each of the alarm companies would or could meet your specific needs. Ask when installation can be completed. Also compare the monitoring available through each company.

Next determine which of the specialized equipment (medicine cabinet alarms, for example) and services (when the kids come home from school) are available from each of the alarm companies. Compare the costs for these services.

Ask to see proof of licensing, certification, insurance and bonding for each company. Find out how employees are screened. Ask if all installers are appropriately trained, certified and bonded.

Choose the Best of the Alarm Companies for Your Needs

Review all of the information you have gathered and compare it with your needs. Narrow down your list of companies.

Compare pricing and pricing for each of the services you need. Remove from your list any alarm companies you cannot afford. Keep in mind the rule of thumb that similar services and devices should carry similar prices. If any company has extremely high or extremely low pricing, ask why. Compare warranties. Finally, think about your impression of the company and your level of comfort with having company employees in your home.

By following these steps, the process should lead you to a clear choice between the various alarm companies. Then schedule installation, read the contract carefully, and have the system installed. The last step in any security installation is to immediately change all codes and passwords when the installer leaves your home.

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