Gaudy Over Graceful - Tips For Business Women Fashion Sense

Gaudy Over Graceful - Tips For Business Women Fashion Sense

Business women may still be fashionable and professional looking as well without having to risk the whole outfit and become inappropriate in attending a business event. The negative thing today and with the generation is there is confusion amongst classy and trashy when talking about how a woman reflects her image and what she wants to project to represent her style. You can take a look at these guidelines to be able to eliminate the negative images and be able to project a good sense of fashion for women in the business industry.

Wearing heels in the business environment is not a bad choice for it creates a good effect for the slacks or pants and may add up some height. But remember to pay attention with the selection of inches for the heels. Stilettos have too high and thin heels which are great for parties and not for business functions because it doesn't reflect the formality of the whole outfit. Select comfortable shoes that have medium sized heel and thickness.

Another excellent method of enhancing the physical appearance is to choose customized or tailored clothes. Selecting clothes that will suit your body figure will reflect how comfortable they are when you wear it and it will show the confidence of wearing business attire. Tight clothes are not proper for business meetings.

Sheer blouses are great pieces of fabrics that can add style to the business attire. See through ones may appear to be unprofessional. The top used to hide the blouse should match the blouse underneath.


Under Armour - Gaudy Over Graceful - Tips For Business Women Fashion Sense

How Has Urban Clothing Evolved Over the Years?

How Has Urban Clothing Evolved Over the Years?

Nowadays, urban clothing is identified with hip hop and the culture. It is mostly worn by young people who are involved in things like extreme sports. This type of clothing is always bold and fresh and expresses the hip hop generations views. It is not enough to look urban the designs have to be bold and in your face. The fact is there is much concern that these images are reflecting badly and people are wearing them to project the wrong kind of image. Now newer companies like Vokal are stepping in and modifying urban wear and including fleece loungewear and velour's, denim and bright athletic jerseys. Baby Phat has a different approach. They create a blend of hip hop and uptown metro fashions.

It is a more refined urban look that trend setters like and in this way cashing in on the nature of consumers. Of course this urban wear is for people with money who want to make an impression. If on the other hand you don't have that kind of moolah lying around you can opt for wholesale urban clothing. Urban wear designs change quickly and manufacturers have to stay ahead to survive. They will sell large amounts of designs at very low prices. So clothing merchants could buy up the large and medium lots and sell them in bulk, on the internet. They can sell them at larger discounts then most urban clothing stores. The exact meaning of the urban look is hard to explain. It depends on the geographical location and musical styles of the individual.

So the term "urban", has no real specific meaning. In the U.S. urban culture is directly linked with rap and hip hop. The brands Akademiks, Rocawear and Ecko are urban labels that are known for designing with the culture and roots in mind. Many rappers have founded these labels on their own putting their lifestyles directly into their clothing and accessories. In the U.K. and Europe there is a stronger residence of the New York hip hop of the eighties. As the UK culture has evolved so has the urban look. Then there is Casual Street Fashion. There is a theme here that urban clothing is not dictated by catwalks and fashion experts. Urban can best be described as created by people reflecting their mood and attitude on those that wear it.

As we know at one time the baggy clothes were all the rage. However, that look has evolved and is now portraying more stylish versions with brighter colors and newer patterns. The fact is that if you want to dress hip hop you can use clothing from every genre and still meet the urban clothing directive. The baggy look is just one of the styles that are part of this evolution. Now it seems to have evolved into colourful, shiny and flashy items that are being produced by major urban manufacturers. The changes in urban clothing really have no limits so it opens up designers and stars to new and different possibilities. Many urban manufacturers are taking the tastes from society and adapting them to the many styles around the world.

This has led to the urban design industry. There is one rule to keep in mind when you are trying to imitate the urban style and that is that there are no rules. You can put in any piece of clothing from all the clothing styles into an outfit and make a new wardrobe that will match the criteria of the hip hop nation. Adaptations from other industries and the inception of baggy clothes are just the two of the integrations. There have also been new clothing concepts into the industry. One of the key concepts is using shiny, eye catching and flashy design patterns in outfits to enhance the traditional urban clothing styles. Hip Hop fashion has become trendy looking and somewhat controversial. There has been a slight decline in the urban clothing sales but that is due to the industry. However, it will never disappear. The difference between a few years ago and now is evolution. Glamour emerged and the male R&B hip hop icons took over and the ghetto fabulous looks. It is inevitable that more mixes will appear as the years go by.


Under Armour - How Has Urban Clothing Evolved Over the Years?

Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas That Are Free Or Under $15

Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas That Are Free Or Under

Nowadays, the real essence of Christmas is being overshadowed by materialism. It seems that many people are all too willing to be in knee-deep debt just so they can give expensive gifts and celebrate the season with a bang. Since the world is experiencing economic challenges right now, it is a good idea to make your holiday celebration more austere but more meaningful. Instead of giving luxurious presents, why not look for cheap Christmas gift ideas that are relevant and practical?

Do-it-yourself cards, crafts, frames and other stuff are cheap Christmas gift ideas that will surely touch anyone's heart. As mentioned earlier, you really do not have to spend a fortune just to tell someone that you care and remember them for the Holidays. Some set of homemade placemats and boxes of goodies are things that you can give your boss, officemates, friends and neighbors. If you are good with woodcraft, then probably a carved jewelry box or a well-decorated picture frame would be nice gifts too. Paper craft, homemade potpourri, scented oils, sparkling candles, and spice racks are also some of the inexpensive gifts you may want to make for your friends and colleagues.

Providing services are also cheap Christmas gift ideas that your parents, kids, and special someone would really appreciate. If you are still living with your mom or dad, you can probably clean the car for a month or make the Christmas dinner as a way of showing your appreciation for them.

Making Christmas cards or giving your grandparents a tour of the city can be cheap but meaningful gifts for the season. If you think your husband is working too hard in the office, you can probably offer him a massage or back rub every Friday for the entire month. You can also surprise your wife or girlfriend by preparing the whole meal during Christmas all by yourself. These may be just little things, but they can surely touch their hearts.

If you are the kind of person who does not know how to cook or does not like making crafts and arts, then the best you can do is to scour the department store or online shops for cheap Christmas gift ideas. One way you can show your appreciation for the people you love is by giving them presents that would pamper them and help banish their stress. Scented candles, sleep mists, bubble baths, and spa kits are just some of the things that both men and women would love.


Under Armour - Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas That Are Free Or Under

Why is China Flying Spy Satellites Over the US?

Why is China Flying Spy Satellites Over the US?

Most regular citizens of the United States do not realize all the spying which is going on with regards to China in the United States. The Chinese have been breaking into United States military and government computer systems, and they have over 6000 spies in our country that are gathering up industry intelligence, through corporate espionage tactics. They are interested in both our secret processes, innovations, military hardware, and are perhaps making future plans, which may or may not include military sanctioned attacks.

Now most citizens would say that that is nothing more than a conspiracy theory, but if it's just a conspiracy theory then why are there 6000 spies in our country from China, and why are there Chinese citizens attacking our computer systems? Likewise, why is China Flying spy satellites over the United States; what are they looking at, why do they want this information, and if we are supposed to be trading partners and friends with China, what on Earth are their future intentions?

The United States is a trading partner with China and if it weren't for our middle class they could not have experienced a 10% year-over-year growth in their GDP that which has brought them up to the third or fourth position of GDP for nations of the world. It has been the United States that has made this possible, and yet, it appears this is how they repay us?

Meanwhile, the Chinese are upgrading their military with better missiles, rockets, fighter aircraft, aircraft carriers, and now they have more warships than the United States military, but no real enemies that warrants such a large military; why? The President of China should be asked why China is flying spy satellites over the United States, and why they have so many spies in our country stealing our most valued secrets?

If you are not concerned, you should be; every American should be concerned about this. And if it doesn't stop every American should boycott all Chinese products; anything made in their country. There is no sense in helping the Chinese become a greater economic powerhouse, if all they do with the money is used to exploit us.

Indeed, I hope you will please consider this, and for the record, I think China is a great nation, and her people are valuable, and important to the world. But that doesn't remove the fact, that we have a problem that must be addressed, and we can't address it by avoiding the topic. Not long ago, I mentioned this to Guang Wu, the author of a new book; "China: Has the Last Opportunity Passed by!?" and he indicated that dialogue was healthy and the issues are much more complicated than this.


Under Armour - Why is China Flying Spy Satellites Over the US?

Football Training - First Touch

Football Training - First Touch

Football Training-First Touch

First touch is crucial. Watch all the world class players and you will see benefits of a true first touch. World class players have the skill to bring the ball under control quickly while moving the ball away from defender and into space. But what ever level you play, you cannot afford to waste extra time taking an extra touch to control the ball.

The side of the foot

The most simple and effective of controlling the ball. If done correctly the ball will be under your control on the ground. It's important to note that your first touch should move the ball away from the defender and onto space, secondly you should know where to take your your before you get the ball and keep the ball moving. all player should be able to control the ball with both feet.

Things to remember

1) Get in position early and try not to put all your weight through standing leg. If you stand lightly on the balls of your feet, this allows you react if the ball takes an award bounce.

2) Watch the ball onto your foot and cushion the impact by pulling your foot back slightly.

3) Try to guide into to your stride rather than get the ball stuck under your feet. If the ball is to close to your body it allows defenders to shut you down while you have an extra touch.

Sole of the foot

The with sole of the foot control is often used to control a bouncing ball. It takes great concentration to use the sole of the foot due to less surface area. It's important not to stab the ball, also not to have your foot to far off the ground. this for of control can be extremely effective in poor weather conditions or on a bouncy pitch. A enjoyable way to train this technique is to play futsal.

Dos and Don'ts

-practice both feet

-don't take your eye off the ball

-use the side foot control where ever possible

-keep the ball moving

-move the ball away from defenders

-know what to do with the ball before you get the ball


Under Armour - Football Training - First Touch

Armor Piercing Rounds and Missiles Need "W-BN" Wurtzite Boron Nitride Tips

Armor Piercing Rounds and Missiles Need "W-BN" Wurtzite Boron Nitride Tips

The World has determined that using depleted uranium tipped missiles and smart munitions bunker busters is polluting the battle space; and once the war is over that area is unsafe with radiation issues. Many nations are using such strategies on their weapons because those tips cut like butter through steel and re-enforced underground bunkers.

Thus, we need a solution and we need one quick. Why? Well, because many rogue nations that are now manufacturing nuclear weapons and they are doing it underground to prevent interference. Without specially tipped rounds, missile and smart bombs to deal with this, we'll have to use a greater explosion and that means more potential for collateral damage. No one wants that.

So, perhaps there is a solution, let me explain, first a quick background. According to an article in Physics dot org:

"wurtzite boron nitride (w-BN) has a greater indentation strength than diamond. The scientists also calculated that another material, lonsdaleite (also called hexagonal diamond, since it's made of carbon and is similar to diamond), is even stronger than w-BN and 58 percent stronger than diamond, setting a new record."

Cite: Pan, Zicheng; Sun, Hong; Zhang, Yi; and Chen, Changfeng. "Harder than Diamond: Superior Indentation Strength of Wurtzite BN and Lonsdaleite." Physical Review Letters 102, 055503 (2009).

By using w-BN something we can make here in the US as we have Boron Mines, we can solve this problem, make warfare safer, and reduce collateral damage thru surgical strikes on only the facilities which threaten the world. This is only one of several solutions proposed, but one I personally favor. Think on this.


Under Armour - Armor Piercing Rounds and Missiles Need "W-BN" Wurtzite Boron Nitride Tips

Soccer Tournaments in USA

Soccer Tournaments in USA

Soccer tournaments in USA are already widespread these days. These games are done in every part of the country. The United States has been enjoying this contact sport since it was introduced in the country through immigrants from Europe and South America. Although soccer is not as widely played in the United States as in Europe, it has a considerable history that deserves attention and appreciation. The game actually had weak start in the United States. While other countries were becoming crazy over this contact sport, America embraced its own popular game which is baseball. But the popularity of the sport in the US dramatically increased through the years mainly due to television and other forms of technology.

Soccer tournaments are fun filled activities that countries share. These leagues go beyond skin color, ethnicity and language. The game has become a universal language that's breaking barriers such as animosity and racial discrimination. Every single player and aficionado loves elevating every match to a different level. Americans came to know soccer and found themselves hooked to the most viewed and most played contact sport in the world.

Soccer tournaments in USA are very exciting because of the loud cheering and yelling of the fans for their respective teams. All throughout America there are various tournaments held in each state and key city. Professional and amateur games are held across the country. These tournaments are a leisure activity for Americans as well as a healthy way of competing with each other. Soccer indeed has become a part of the American lifestyle.


Under Armour - Soccer Tournaments in USA

What is an Airsoft War?

What is an Airsoft War?

Airsoft is an endeavor that is used for recreation or military training and is similar to paintball. Paintball as you may be aware fires pellets from a special paintball gun which paints or stains a color on the clothing of the individual who is struck while airsoft pellets do not color the attire of the one who is smacked.

Airsoft war can be seen as being really close to tactical videogames such as the popular Counter-Strike or Call of Duty where teams compete against each other in an assortment of settings including Capture the Flag and bombing scenes. As airsoft is designed to be practical the weapons used are just about the same as real weapons in overall sizes and even in the amount of bullets per clip if you so wish. Though you may be able to find some paintball guns that are somewhat real-looking in dimensions often the weight and number of rounds that are available for paintball is what made it more likable and realistic for people. Whereas airsoft, though done by people is additionally the choice of police and military personnel for simulations and training.

Due to the fact that it is an activity not restricted to military personnel the sole difference between military and civilian airsoft is that different terms have been used for the different sorts of activities done in the game.

For realistic simulated events where tactical maneuvers, military attire, real or restricted ammunition are used and military or police personnel train, the term used is MilSim which is short for Military Simulation. Another term used is "skirmish" or "open day" where realism is usually put aside and allowances are made for things like high-capacity magazines and the use of any kind of camouflage attire is permitted. Another modification to airsoft war is dubbed Live Action Role Playing or LARP for short where additional rules are put in to make the setting somewhat alike to the videogames where rules about the number of hits to eliminate an opponent, armor and even more unrealistic enhancements like supernatural powers are endowed upon players.

Since airsoft pellets do not paint the target, players must depend on an honor-based system where the person who is shot will say that he or she has been shot and then move from the battlefield back to the safe zone. In order to keep from being shot by other players, the one that is moving back to the safe zone will typically take a flag, flashlight or beacon to say that he or she is no longer a part of the game or hold his/her weapon up over their head.

Airsoft pellets unlike other pellets additionally have bio-degradable types that can be used if players so choose. These bio-degradable rounds are intended to have little impact on the environment as opposed to the traditional plastic rounds which may be troublesome to pick up after a few rounds are played.

As airsoft war is close to tactical first-person shooter videogames it is often played by players of these games who wish to test their skills in real life, and because a similar environment to the ones in the videogames is what they desire to take part in these players and their teams may opt to play with Live Action Role Playing rules.

First Person Shooter or FPS videogames typically have a melee weapon that can be used to stealthily kill an opponent from behind or whenever your opponent's life points may be low; it has a similar melee rule with knifing where rubber or toy knives are used.


Under Armour - What is an Airsoft War?
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How Much Are We Spending on the War in Iraq?

How Much Are We Spending on the War in Iraq?

With the presidential election a mere thirty days away, an economy in crisis, and personal finance woes, international engagement fades in the background. The Iraq war, still a huge portion of the U.S. budget, takes a backseat to financial woes and the economy in current polls. Still, inquiring minds wonder, how much are we spending on the war in Iraq?

Answering a question such as how much are we spending on the war in Iraq requires sifting through dozens of supplemental funding bills passed over the past five years. Most of the money used to fund the wary comes from U.S. taxpayers. U.S. citizens contributed approximately 0 billion to the war effort as of June 2008. This breaks down to billion dollars a month and a whopping ,000 per second.

Deployment of one U.S. soldier for one year costs taxpayers near 0,000. The average U.S. soldier earns a salary of ,000 per year. Although we are entering the sixth year of the Iraq war, costs continue to rise, with a .5 billion per month cost in 2008 as compared to a .4 billion per month cost in 2003. This gap may prove staggering, but the Washington continues to state a need for further spending, with President Bush requesting an additional 0 billion in supplemental funding to cover the war through the rest of this year.

Some may want further answers, such as how much are we spending on the war in Iraq for weapons, parts, and security? Much of the spending in Iraq, especially in 2008, is allocated to private security contractors. Once the U.S. removes its soldiers from the area, these contractors move in to support diplomats and agencies continuing the rebuilding effort. As the combat portion of the war drew to a close, the amount of funding to these organizations increased dramatically, to a total of billion from 2003 to 2007, with the majority funded by the State Department.

Those that cite the Iraqi surplus now approaching billion question the amount that the U.S. is spending for rebuilding and security in the country, especially when Iraq allocates a fraction of its budget to redevelopment.

Not all of taxpayer money is actually accounted for in the results of the war. Many machine parts, weapons, and other equipment never find their way to battle, grossing to about billion in 2007. According to the Pentagon Inspector General, the majority of this loss is attributed to mismanagement of funds allocated to Iraqi security forces. Similarly, the Pentagon also reported that Haliburton overcharged the government approximately .4 billion during the same year, after receiving a total of billion.

Asking responsible questions like how much are we spending on the war in Iraq is essential during an election year. As the contest for the presidency draws to a close, we must remember to demand answers to the tough questions.


Under Armour - How Much Are We Spending on the War in Iraq?

Alpinestars Motocross Boots - Quality Over Price

Alpinestars Motocross Boots - Quality Over Price

Riding MX can be an extremely dangerous sport, so it is essential that riders wear the equipment offering the highest protection. Unfortunately, like most things in life, consumers really do get what they pay for. That being said, the likes of Alpinestars motocross boots really do offer great value for money.

Over the last few years, a range of smaller, lesser known brands have made an entry to the market. They offer products for £50-100, but lets face it, they really do not offer the protection that serious motocross riders really need.

On the other hand, Alpinestars Motocross boots over products from as little as £120 (for kids) right through to £400+. The development of their products over the years means they do not just offer products of excellent function, but they are also extremely fashionable as well.

So what boots do they offer?

Let us start with their most popular and newest creation, the Tech 10 boot. Retailing at over £400, they certainly do not come cheap, but they offer a range of excellent features. They have replaceable parts, places to insert graphics and they are strong, yet extremely flexible.

Before the Tech 10s were in production, the most popular boot was the Tech 8. These are built on a more substantial basis, so they do tend to last a lot longer. This being said they are not as flexible as the Tech 10s. Retailing at just over £300, they offer great value for money.

Some other popular boots include the likes of the Tech 7, Tech 3 and Tech 2 (mainly used for mini bikes). The likes of boots, helmets and body armour are the most important protective pieces of equipment, so it is advisable to allocate a fairly large budget. When looking at a boot, always compare them to the likes of Alpinestars Motocross Boots, as it is likely that they are of much inferior quality.


Under Armour - Alpinestars Motocross Boots - Quality Over Price

Hitlers Atlantic Wall

Hitlers Atlantic Wall

The Second World War is generally recognized as the mother of all wars. It lasted 6 years and covered most the Globe. In Europe the Nazi's held sway and the entire continent was under the boots of the German Army. The area under German control was referred to as occupied Europe and Hitler controlled this area with an iron fist.

Hitler soon over reached himself and mounted an offensive against Russia in 1941.The Russians at the receiving end of the German offensive repeatedly requested their Western allies to mount an invasion from the West. The aim was to divert the German armed forces, so that the pressure on the Eastern front was eased.

Hitler was alive to the possibility of a sea borne invasion by the allies. Hence he instructed his army commanders to build defenses all along the coast of France to thwart any invasion by the allies. These defenses became known as the Atlantic wall along the sea coast to repel any possible allied invasion. For this purpose he ordered Field Marshal Rommel to inspect the coast and formulate plans for the defense against a possible allied attack.

Rommel set about his task in earnest. He inspected the coast from Normandy to Calais and suggested measures to strengthen coastal defences.Thus laying of mines along the coast with barbed wire defenses as well as pill boxes housed in concrete were ordered to be built. But Rommel, the General Staff and Hitler overlooked one significant detail. They assumed that the allied invasion would be across the English Channel and they expected the invasion at Calais. Thus the defenses at other places including Normandy had second importance.

This was a fatal error and cost the Germans dearly. The so called Atlantic wall at Normandy was thus of second importance. In addition the reserve Panzer divisions were far from the coast at Normandy. They thus could not intervene in the initial days of combat. Moreover Hitler even after the allied landing at Normandy thought that the real thrust would still come at Calais.

The loss of precious days to launch the Panzers was fatal and the Allies under General Ike Eisenhower soon gained a foot hold and Hitler's Atlantic wall was breached. In retrospect the Atlantic wall was a misnomer and its defenses were not foolproof. In addition the Atlantic wall was manned by grade two soldiers as the elite were away fighting the Russians. Thus we can conclude that Hitler's Atlantic wall was more of a deterrent than a fool proof defense against invasion.


Under Armour - Hitlers Atlantic Wall

A History of the Gallowglass in Ireland

A History of the Gallowglass in Ireland

The Gallowglass derive their name from the Gaelic, Gall Gaeil meaning 'foreign Gaels'. They were a mercenary warrior elite that originated amongst Gaelic-Norse clans residing in the Western Isles and Highlands of Scotland. They served Irish lords from as early as 1259. By 1512 there were reported to be around sixty groups operating throughout the country under the control of the Irish nobility.

Initially they were mercenaries but over time they settled and their ranks were filled by the native Irish. Their preferred weapons were the two handed Sparth axe and the claymore broadsword. For amour, they wore chain mail shirts over padded jackets and iron helmets. A gallowglass was usually accompanied by two squires who carried his spears and provisions. They began to arrive in Ireland in considerable numbers to bolster the resistance of the Irish lordships against the Anglo-Norman invasion.

In Spring they would plough their fields, plant their seeds then gather their arms and armour and sail to Ireland to offer their services to the highest bidder. When the summer season of fighting was over, they would collect their earnings and return to Scotland to harvest their crops. In time, they began to secure lands for their services. During the escalation in military conflict of the sixteenth century, the gallowglass were joined by native Irish mercenaries known as Bunadha and a new breed of Scottish mercenary called Redshanks. In spite of the increase in the use of firearms, Gallowglasses remained in demand well into the seventeenth century. Their clan names endure to this day in Ireland, prominent ones include: Gallogly, MacCabe, MacDonnnell, McDonald, MacDowell, MacRory, Sheehy and MacSweeney.


Under Armour - A History of the Gallowglass in Ireland

Polymer Roofing Shingles - Advantages of Polymer Over Natural Materials

Polymer Roofing Shingles - Advantages of Polymer Over Natural Materials

If you are looking for a new roof for your home, polymer roofing shingles could provide the perfect construction material for you. These are roofing tiles that are made from special chemicals that allow for durable, long lasting, weather proof shingles for any home. These shingles are designed to look like a natural material, like cedar or slate. They are better to use than those natural material products though, based on the way they are designed and manufactured. Listed below are a couple of the many advantages that you may find from polymer roofing tiles.

If you live in an area with heavy sun exposure and high temperatures throughout the year, you may enjoy the heat resistant, fire proof nature of polymer roofing shingles.

These shingles are made to withstand just about anything that the environment could create, and they are capable of protecting a home from fire or heavy precipitation that other roofing materials may buckle under. The durability of the materials also helps in the event that hail or tree branches were to threaten the home. Your roof will be strong enough to hold up to almost anything with the right roof shingles on top.

Polymer roofing shingles are also great to use because they cost less money than natural materials.

You can get the same look for your roof at a fraction of the cost, and the materials will likely last longer on the roof. That means that you will save even more money in replacement roofing materials in the future. As long as you have them installed by a team of qualified roofers, you should have no issues at all with the roof for years in the future. The polymer materials are incredibly strong, and they will not break, crack, or crumble as time moves on.

If you can get the look of natural materials without having to pay for them, why wouldn't you invest in polymer roofing shingles?

These materials are readily available to purchase, and they could make the perfect accent for your home. You can get them in just about any color you can imagine, and they will easily lift the facade of your home to a whole new level. Whether you are looking for a face lift or you just want something to protect your home from rain and debris, polymer shingles could provide you with the best possible solution for your roofing needs.


Under Armour - Polymer Roofing Shingles - Advantages of Polymer Over Natural Materials

ASVAB TIPS - Test Taking and Study Techniques

ASVAB TIPS - Test Taking and Study Techniques

Follow these ASVAB Tips and Study Techniques to increase score and get the military job of your choice.

We wills start with ASVAB Study and Preparation tips and move on to some recommendations for the actual test. First and foremost, you should find and take an ASVAB practice test under conditions as close to actual as you can. If you cannot find a full test, find an AFQT test and take that. Taking a practice test under a time constraint will help you learn to work under pressure and show you where you need to focus your study time. This will also get you familiar with the format of the test questions so you can work out strategies and techniques to get you through the test in faster pace if necessary..

Allocate a regular part of your day for studying for the ASVAB exam. You may also consider joining group studies or reviewing with a peer. In studying for the exam, make sure that the environment is conducive for your study. Get rid of distractions that may disturb your concentration. Choose a quiet and peaceful place. Make sure that you are also in perfect health condition when you study. Studying while you are sick or while you are not feeling well will just be ineffective.   

Here are some tips for taking the test:

1.  During the actual date of your ASVAB exam, you should only take a light meal. Having a full stomach will not help you concentrate more on the questions. 
2.  Be prepared with all the supplies you need such as pencils and erasers. You can also bring your own watch so you can monitor the time on your own. 
3.  Make sure that you arrive at the testing center at least 10 minutes before the schedule.  
4.  If you are not in a favorable health condition, inform the proctor right away so you can request for a reschedule rather than continue taking the test and risking your chances of getting a good score. 
5.  Do not drink too many liquids since going to the restroom will eventually eat up the time allocated for the exam.  
6.  Stay calm. Panicking will not do you any good. 
7.  Read the instructions carefully and focus on the entire test. Set aside your other thoughts and worries. Understand the questions as to how they are presented. Do not give them your own interpretation. 

It sounds like a lot but most of it is just common sense. We want you to be prepared and not sabotage yourself with poor choices and preparation.  Good luck on the test and be sure to get some practice before you show up at the testing center.


Under Armour - ASVAB TIPS - Test Taking and Study Techniques

The Armor-Bearer - Practical Applications For the Armor-Bearer

The Armor-Bearer - Practical Applications For the Armor-Bearer

This article is dedicated to examining some of the practical applications that an armorbearer or one with the spirit of armorbearing should clearly have under his or her belt. These practices will make things run smoothly while serving your leaders and also they will help polish the ministry of your leaders when they travel outside of the domains of the local church setting.

Whether your leader is a local church leader only or they have a traveling ministry, these practices should be in place.

Inspection or Observation - You should make it a habit of inspecting and observing your leader. The inspection of their attire is necessary. Is their tie straight? Do they have their handkerchief or towel? Is there something to drink available? What temperature water do they drink? Is their zipper down? Is thread hanging off something? Is there lint on her skirt? These are minor things that your leader could have gotten distracted from and is your duty to pick up. These minor things could bring distraction later on.

Know Your Leader's Administration - The Bible speaks about different giftings and different administration. Your leader may be one of seven prophets in the room but his application is unique. You are required to study and know your leader's application. What music enhances his gifting? What movements throw him off? What is tolerable and what is distraction for him? What does he like to do before he ministers? These are all things that are unique to your leader. You better know these things.

Know Your Leader's Vision - You cannot successfully serve a leader without serving their vision. Know the vision God gave them. Be able to articulate it. Be able to explain it. People have a right to ask you about your leader's vision.

Know Your Leader's Products If your leader writes books or has teaching series, you must know them. Know teachings that your leader has that you can prescribe to those in need. Read your leader's books. Listen to their teachings. Not only will you sound like your leader, you will be imparted by their spirit this way. The worst thing is when everyone is gleaning on products produced by your leader and you don't have a clue what has been said. Get a hold of all your leader's products: books, magazines, videos, DVDs, CDs, etc. Also remember, your leader's vision can be discovered in their products.

Promote Your Leader's Health - Study the health of your leader. Know what foods are right for them and which foods are A forbidden apples." When you have the opportunity, buy your leader healthy foods. Promote nutritious foods that enhance great health. Demonstrate healthiness in your own body. Take care of yourself. Exercise. Take vitamins and nutrition. Understand the attacks against your leader's body and research natural remedies.

Know Your Leader's Communication Styles B Become acquainted with how your leader likes to hear their voice. This is critical when you travel. Help get the correct sound. Know appropriate equipment such as microphones and sound boards. A distorted voice could be an incredible distraction while your leader is ministering. Understand how a host church functions and help adjust your leader's voice to their likening. Know what sounds appropriate. Discern an incorrect atmosphere and try to stimulate proper adjustments.

Develop the Spirit of Anticipation

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

You must develop anticipation towards your leader. You should know their next move. Be able to anticipate what is needed next. This takes work in the Spirit. Know when your leader needs worship or praise. Anticipate when our leader is thirsty or if the perspiration on their face is a distraction or a fuel to go further. Leaders can't teach you these things. You have to learn from them as a student in the school of the Spirit.

Be a Faithful Intercessor of Your Leader - You must always stand in the gap for your leader and their family. Be willing to absorb some of the evil darts meant for their destruction.


Under Armour - The Armor-Bearer - Practical Applications For the Armor-Bearer

Ares - The Greek Deity

Ares - The Greek Deity

Throughout history, man has warred amongst himself over and over. In doing so, each side inevitably avails themselves of a deity. Ares, the Greek Deity, served the role in ancient Greece.

Among ancient polytheistic cultures, the deity of war has always been an important figure - believed to be the guardian of those in battle as well as the entire culture of war. In Rome, the deity of war in highest esteem was Mars; but along with this deity, inherited from the Etruscans, they, along with the residents of Greece, also worshiped Ares - the Greek deity of war.

Ares was said to be the son of Zeus (the king of deities) and Hera (the goddess queen). Ares was not seen as much of a deity, rather, he was often mistrusted among his kin. His birthplace and home were positioned in an area that was far-off (as not many would venture to see the birthplace of this deity) among the Thracians. Ares was found on a couch with Aphrodite, whom he had four children with, and retreated to his far away home after this episode.

Ares - the Greek deity - was not elevated to cult status in many areas of Greece. Spartans would invoke him before going into battle, and he was only featured in a few myths and stories, including the creation myth of Thebes. In the city of Sparta, there was a statue of Ares erected where he was shown to be in chains, which was to symbolize the fact that Ares was supposed to never leave the city. Occasionally, dogs and even humans were sacrificed to him.

The symbols of Ares were a quadriga, which was pulled by four immortal stallions, and very flashy armor and weaponry. His favorite animal was said to be the dog, and because of this, black puppies were often sacrificed to Ares in the area of Sparta. Ares also had a number of different birds that were seen to be symbolic of his power, they included the vulture, barn owl and woodpecker. Sculptures of him often depict this deity as naked, wearing only a crested helm and carrying a spear. His companions were his children by Aphrodite, Deimos (the spirit of terror) and Face (the spirit of fear).

Ares is by no means the most well-known of the Greek deities, and even during the ancient Greek time period he was not well loved or cared about. While the Roman deity of war Mars was revered and worshiped, Ares - the Greek deity - was seldom spoken of or given tributes. His female war counterpart, Athena, was far more popular and loved.


Under Armour - Ares - The Greek Deity

Polypropylene - The Non-Woven Fabric

Polypropylene - The Non-Woven Fabric

Polypropylene is a great eco friendly fabric that is being used today to replace other disposable plastic materials. For example, polypropylene has taken a great share of the disposable plastic bags used in grocery stores. There is still much work to be done to minimize the disposable plastic bags, but the polypropylene bags are working great.

What exactly is polypropylene? It is a plastic that is manufactured through a high heat source. It's molecular formula is (C3 H6)x. There are a few different names such as Polypropene, Polipropene 25, Propylene polymers, and more.

Properties
It is rough and resistant to other chemicals. Polypropylene is also tough, but also flexible. This makes the material to be used easily for chemical and plastic engineering experiments because it is so tough and flexible.

It is also economical because it can be reused. The fabric that is made is tough and durable so that it can be reused in different forms after being manufactured. Polypropylene fabric can be translucent, but because it does not fade very easily, most people use polypropylene as a colored fabric. So, the fabric can be dyed and will not fade easily.

Industry
Polypropylene's melting point is approximately 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the chemicals have been bonded, they are melted and pressed through tight rollers that will make a thin fabric. This process is called extrusion and molding. As opposed to cotton or other natural fibers, which are woven, polypropylene is not woven. Many people in the fabric industry refer to these types of materials as "non-wovens." Cotton's fibers are typically spun into threads and woven together, but polypropylene is pressed into a fabric.

There are other finishes that can be applied to the finished fabric. Different types of finishes will produce different results. Some finishes are applied that will help the fabric accept ink better, which is better for imprinting. Some finishes will help repel other chemicals and solutions.

Uses
The polypropylene is used in a number of different fabric styles. These non-woven fabrics can be used to produce non-woven bags. Shirts are also manufactured using the non-woven material, such as Under Armor. The polypropylene properties keep sweat off of the body. It can also be used in ropes and other packaging materials. Surgeons are even using the fabric in hernia operations. After fixing the hernia, the doctor places the fabric over the area to prevent future blow-outs.

Most importantly, the non-woven fabric can be recycled, which is great for the environment. The resin identification code is number 5, and most recycling centers will accept these bags to be recycled.


Under Armour - Polypropylene - The Non-Woven Fabric

Installing Roof Deck Protection - Shingle-Mate Or Deck Armor?

Installing Roof Deck Protection - Shingle-Mate Or Deck Armor?

Roofing experts agree that installing shingle roof deck underlayment is essential to a leak proof and long lasting roof system. Why install shingle roof protection? Here's why. Roof deck protection serves as a secondary water shedding protection in case of roofing leaks. Shingle protection, roof deck underlayment keeps wood resins away from the shingles. Some resins can damage the shingles, so be mindful of what touches the shingles. Deck leveler, shingle roof protection helps to create a flat and an even deck surface. Breathable layer which helps prevent inside moisture from becoming trapped within the roofing system itself. Finally, roof deck protection is needed to obtain a UL class A fire rating on shingles. The reason you need breathable underlayment protection on the roof which goes under the shingles is to make sure your roof breathes to reduce excess moisture and assure maximum protection against hard rains and heavy winds.

Today's modern houses are built weather-tight, so common moisture form cooking, bathing, cleaning, etc. has less of a chance to escape. Using non-breathable roof protection on the deck can create a barrier that traps harmful moisture inside your roofing system. Over a period of time, this can cause roof rot, mold, mildew, and very costly structural decay. Many homeowners do not know that moisture can travel turning into vapor, the moisture can travel through the ceilings, once airborne, and it will migrate through the ceilings using natural convection. Moisture stops at first waterproof barrier, in this case, the non-breathable roof deck protection. The moisture condenses between the roofing and deck, changes from vapor to water, and then can settle between the deck and the non-breathable roof deck underlayment.

When there is trapped moisture, your roof protection does not breathe, it may trap moisture between the top of the roof deck and the underside of the roof protection. The risks of trapped moisture can be that the plywood can delaminate and rot, OSB can expand and also rot, structural frames can warp and rot, shingle blow-off can happen, roofing nails can rust and lose their ability to hold the shingles in the correct place. There are some synthetic roofing deck protection that does not breathe. Their very makeup does not allow the moisture to pass through them. Manufactured from plastic/polymers, these products are not the asphalt roll roofing that many individuals may think of when they hear the term roof deck protection.

The reasons to use a roof deck underlayment are because of fewer buckles on the roof due to its fiberglass construction. It can straighten itself with sunlight, if it does not wrinkle. Acts like a breather so attic moisture can breathe through it.


Under Armour - Installing Roof Deck Protection - Shingle-Mate Or Deck Armor?

Why Choose Jujitsu Over Any Other Martial Art?

Why Choose Jujitsu Over Any Other Martial Art?

Judo was the first martial art I ever learned. I was a scrawny kid, with braces. Not quite a book worm, but rapidly on my way to being a teenaged couch potato. My Dad would tell me to run out and play, and I'd stay inside playing on my video game console.

One day I came home from school, and found that my Dad had replaced the video game console with a box, saying "Take a shower, and meet me in the garage at 4." The box had a martial arts suit (I later learned it was called a "gi") and my Dad took me to a martial arts class that afternoon, where we both went through the basics of learning judo. It was amazingly cool to do something like that with my Dad. I can still remember the first time I threw him on the mat - he still outweighed me by a good 40 pounds then! He looked so surprised to be laying on his back, then just grinned at me.

Fast forward more years than I like to admit, and I'm thankful that my Dad dragged my sorry butt off the couch. I went from judo to jujitsu, to a bunch of kung fu styles, and now work as a freelance journalist covering martial arts, as well as teaching those classes at the local dojo. Dad still does martial arts, but has moved on to softer styles like Wing Chun, because his joints aren't as limber as they used to be, and he doesn't think it's as fun to be thrown on the mat now that I outweigh him by 40 pounds!

And, well, as all the philosophy stuff says, things come full circle. I'm now teaching the introductory jujitsu classes at the school. In some ways, it's kind of challenging, I have to filter out the things I've learned from other styles, and focus on the basics. Jujitsu grew out of Japan, as opposed to the Chinese Kung Fu styles I learned later, and focuses on a stable stance, grapples, and throws. It doesn't focus so much on punches, because it was meant to be practiced by a man wearing armor, and punches against another person wearing armor are pretty futile, while putting him on his back makes him considerably more vulnerable.

It should be noted that I teach jujitsu, rather than its sporting form, 'judo', because I want to teach the full on martial art, and give someone a basis for learning more martial arts in the future, rather than a "recipe book" of throws, grapples, and such designed to win points in a tournament. I think jujitsu has a lot of practical use as a self defense martial art, mostly because it focuses on joint locks rather than throws. A joint lock is a very practical method of disarming someone; in its most basic sense, it's a means of applying force to a joint in the way that, mechanically, it's not meant to know. Anyone who's had their thumb turned 'round in a Hawaiian handcuff has had a joint lock done on them. The nice thing about joint locks is that they even out strength differentials quite well - originally, they were used to make an armed and armored foe drop a weapon, making him more vulnerable on a battle field, but they're quite useful for dealing with muggers, or bullies in a school yard.

Anyway, it's kind of neat, going back to my foundations, my first "real" martial art. I'm wondering if I'll see any father/son pairings at the school I teach at.


Under Armour - Why Choose Jujitsu Over Any Other Martial Art?

Under Armour Cold Gear Review

Under Armour Cold Gear Review

Under Armour has gone from being an obscure product for hardcore athletes to a power house brand in seemingly no time flat. The original Under Armour product was a compression shirt that was designed to wick away sweat and moisture from the body to let an athlete be cooler and more comfortable, but the line has rapidly expanded to include everything from jock straps to shoes.

This also includes expansion into the winter gear niche with the Under Armour Cold Gear line, which is supposed to keep you at the right temperature, neither too warm nor too cold, while keeping you dry. But whether it actually does that is what this Under Armour Cold Gear review is all about.

Of course, if we're going to do an Under Armour Cold Gear review, we should probably talk about what exactly the line is. Basically, it's a full line of clothing that encompasses everything from leggings and under shirts to heavy jackets, all of which are specifically designed for cold weather use. Under Armour also has the Heat Gear and All Seasons lines which are pretty much exactly what they sound like.

In this Under Armour Cold Gear review, we're going to rate the line, as a whole on three different criteria: fit, comfort and effectiveness. These are the qualities that we feel will give us the best picture of how close the line comes to hitting the mark.

Fit

This is actually a little more important than you might imagine which is why we're listing it in this Under Armour Cold Gear review. The reason for this is that the way the clothes fit is actually essential to them working the way that they're supposed to.

The base layer needs to be close enough to the skin so that it can wick away moisture, while the mid layer needs to loose enough to keep air in so that you're properly insulated. If either of these doesn't fit right, then you're going to lose effectiveness.

Fortunately, the Under Armour Cold Gear line fits really well. The only caveat is that while the clothing is generally meant to fit fairly snugly, it does run small, and so you should consider that when you're buying.

Comfort

This is a fairly subjective thing, but it should be a part of any comprehensive Under Armour Cold Gear review. Basically, the whole point of Cold Gear is to keep you comfortable while you're exercising. Despite the intentionally snug fit, we found that the whole line was almost stupidly comfortable. You could probably wear this stuff as pajamas and save on your heating bills in the winter.

Effectiveness

Ultimately, though, none of that matters if the gear doesn't actually keep you warm.


Under Armour - Under Armour Cold Gear Review

History of Corsets

History of Corsets

Corsets Before 1500

We can not be sure whether corsets existed before 1500, as information on them is unreliable. A lot of books say that Cretan women used the corset c. 2000 BC as they made idols in the shape of a corset. The idols were originally two round pots bottom to bottom with the handle on the top pot being the nose on the idols and the edge line of bottom to bottom being the waist. The shape was traditional for idols and not the shape of Cretan women. The detail of the idols tell us that the old Cretan idols wore big loincloths, and the later idols have a tunic of open lace and a loincloth. The corset-shaped figure of the idols was a primitive Cretan style.

Some virgins from 15th century wore a long tight lace outfit, but it was only a dress, not a corset.

Iron Corset Covers, about 1500

Iron corsets are Victorian Era corset covers that were made of metal. There are several that can be found in museum collections today.

It is sometimes claimed that these corsets were the everyday wear of women and girls throughout Europe in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. However, they are more likely to be orthopedic instruments used by a very few women whose posture was not considered acceptable by the health and beauty standards of the time.

It seems likely that the Iron Corset was originally a type of armour worn only by men.

Later the "iron corset" was used by both men and women, but only on dress occasions. Both thee iron and the dress were heavy, and the iron was padded underneath like armour. The silk of that time was extremely expensive but of poor quality and it did not stretch well. It looked beautiful on the shining metal though. The iron corset also worked as a bulletproof waistcoat, as assassination by a knife in the heart was a common risk.

The padded "iron corset" and armour was known as a corset on women, and a waistcoat (vest) on men.

Corset Stays, 1550 to 1890

Stays are an old type of corset. A stay is worn over the dress or skirt and is laced to the waist, as opposed to a more conventional corset which extends below the hips. Typically stays were made by hand in 1860 or earlier in some countries. Over time, stays became shorter and shorter, eventually evolving into an early form of brassiere.

A set of stays has a shoulder strap opposed to a waist cincher.

Victorian Corsets, 1831 - 1901

When most people think of a corset they have an idea of a "Victorian corset"; however, the British Victorian era comprised of a long period of changes in culture and fashion from 1837 to 1901. During that time many styles of corsets were in use. The most ubiquitous feature was the "horizontal waist" which was common from about 1850 to 1899. The "Victorian corsets" for sale today are most likely New Look corsets.

The S-Curve Corset (1900) and the Straight-fronted Corset, 1903 - 1912
The straight-front corset (also known as the swan-bill corset and the s-curve corset) was a type of corset worn from the start of the nineteenth century until around 1907. Its name is derived from the very rigid, straight busk that was used down the center of the front.

It was the most complicated shape of corset ever made, with high-quality corsets consisting of up to 48 intricately curved and shaped pieces. The straight-front corset was intended to be less injurious to the wearers' health than other corsets; but, when worn too tight, these corsets were the most uncomfortable and harmful style of corset to ever have been widely popular. The silhouette given by the straight-front corset is familiar from the Gibson Girl of the period.

The straight-front corset was popularised by Inez Gaches-Sarraute who was a corsetiere with a degree in medicine. The style was probably the result of several like-minded corsetieres and medical professionals. It was intended to create fewer health problems and to be less constricting than previous types of corsets. The hourglass corset "suppressed the bust", and the spoon busk, which often curved inwards for part of its length, "forced the organs downwards" claimed Gaches-Sarraute in her 1900 study Le Corset: Etude Physiologique and Pratique (The Corset: A Physiological and Practical Study).

Gaches-Sarraute suggested a corset that: freed the bust by starting below the breasts; supported, rather than constricted, the abdomen with a very rigid, straight busk and inflexible boning.

The first element was not problematic, although in order to create the 'monobosom' effect that was fashionable women started wearing bust supporters, the design of which eventually lead to the brassiere.

The second feature created more problems, though. When the straight-front corset was worn laced moderately tight, very little pressure was placed on the abdomen and some of the compression was transferred to the sides of the waist, where boning was lighter. However, because of the extreme rigidity at the front of the corset, it was possible to achieve greater reductions on waist size than with the hourglass corset. When tightlaced, the straight-front corset put a great deal of pressure on the lower abdomen. This caused the S-curve silhouette: the wearer's hips were thrust back, giving a deep curve to her lower back, and her chest was thrust forward. In most cases, tightlacing in a straight-front corset caused lower back pain, breathing difficulties, and knee problems (through hyperextension).

The Pipe-Shape corsets, 1912 - 1928?

Pipe-shape was a name sometimes given to a type of corset in fashion from 1908 to 1920. It helped to give the slender, straight silhouette that was a reaction to the exaggerated curves of the S-shape corset.

The pipe-shape corset should not be confused with the pipe-stem waist, which is sometimes found on other corsets, particularly the hourglass corset.

Modern History

The corset fell from fashion in the 1920s in Europe and America, replaced by girdles and elastic brassieres, but survived as an article of costume. Originally an item of lingerie, the corset has become a popular item of outerwear in the fetish, BDSM and goth subcultures.

There was a brief revival of the corset in the late 1940s and early 1950s, in the form of the waist cincher. This was used to give the hourglass figure dictated by Christian Dior's 'New Look'. However, use of the waist cincher was restricted to haute couture, and most women continued to use girdles. This revival was brief, as the New Look gave way to a less dramatically-shaped silhouette.

Since the late 1980s, the corset has experienced periodic revivals, which have usually originated in haute couture and which have occasionally trickled through to mainstream fashion. These revivals focus on the corset as an item of outerwear rather than underwear. The strongest of these revivals was seen in the Autumn 2001 fashion collections and coincided with the release of the film Moulin Rouge!, the costumes for which featured many corsets. Even more recently Kylie Minogue has onece again raised peoples interest in corsets by wearing one for her 2005 tour.

The majority of garments sold as corsets during these recent revivals cannot really be counted as corsets at all. While they often feature lacing and boning, and generally mimic a historical style of corset, they have very little effect on the shape of the wearer's body. This is not the case with the Vollers corsets that we stock.


Under Armour - History of Corsets

Body Armour - Why?

Body Armour - Why?

In a world, dominated by a growing lack of respect, appropriate solutions are required. A lack of inadequate personal safety measures can put a lone worker or frontline operative at unnecessary risk, and cause unacceptable injury or harm. Body armour and stab vests have therefore regrettably become a necessity within a number of domestic frontline professions.

In 2003 the UK's Health and Safety Laboratory developed 18 case studies and approached over 400 organisations of various sizes and across a range of different occupations. Very detailed questionnaires were sent and interviews were conducted by the HSL with the selected organisations and the information which they provided formed the basis of these widely respected case studies.

The outcome is of great relevance to the question: 'Body Armour - Why?' The main risks areas highlighted by the HSL are as follows:

- Visiting people in their home or office to enforce laws and regulations, police the system or having to give bad news.
- Certain geographical areas or trouble spots are high risk, such as poor or run down council estates.
- Dealing with certain high risk individuals, such as potentially violent or aggressive members of the public, drug users or dealers, or mentally ill individuals.
- Dealing with frustrated and disappointed customers (e.g. customers unhappy with the service your organisation has provided)
- Working late at night.
- Evicting people from their home.
- Visiting clients in unfamiliar industrial and domestic premises.
- Visiting unoccupied buildings.

Several more reasons can be highlighted, making a decision not to issue potentially life saving body armour or stab vests even more controversial. Corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide laws as well as health & safety regulations have been rewritten in countries around the world, in order to protect those who serve and risk their lives for others. The high cost of facing potential legal action after a fatal or non-fatal incident and the cost of injured employees taking time off would outweigh the one-off cost of body armour. Assaults on personnel who are not wearing protective clothing also create bad publicity for the Authority concerned, not to mention the welfare of the person involved and operational problems resulting from the injured staff being unable to work.

Based on my professional experience, the most popular argument against body armour I have come across, is the concern about how it might be seen by the public when frontline employees start walking around in body armour. Yes, 'perception' is one of the most important issues within personal safety, and I very much agree with the fact that overt body armour can often be perceived as very confrontational, especially when dealing with intoxicated members of the public or those who seriously dislike authority, your organisation or presence to begin with. For me, lone workers dealing with the public should be doing their utmost to express themselves as peaceful ambassadors within their line of work. Only covert body armour allow them to do exactly that, whilst still being protected.

The fact of the matter is that there is always an 'unknown' level of risk due to unforeseen circumstances. Ordinary risk assessments might often conclude in the verdict of 'low risk', however these often very basic risk assessments are based on technical facts or 'on-hand information' only, and as much as I appreciate them, they often do not go beyond these facts. A risk assessment dealing with the activity of a lone worker having to enter someone else's property or deal with customers or clients on a one-to-one basis can in my opinion, never ever result in low risk. The moment a lone worker walks through someone's door or deals with often unfamiliar members of the public at another location, one can simply not know who else will be in the house, who else might enter the house at a later point, what activities have taken place prior to your colleagues visit or who else might be going to interfere or engage in their conversation or argument at a later point.

If you were driving a car and your petrol light comes on, indicating you only have a small amount of petrol left. What would you do? Would you start thinking: Will I make it home or not? Some people would be willing to take the risk in this situation. In the workplace though, in my view, it is the duty of the employer to not allow their employees to take unknown risks of their own accord without the provision of equipment and training to protect them should they make a mistake in their own judgement. 'Better safe than sorry' and 'Prevention is better than cure' are two great sayings, making more sense within corporate health & safety than anywhere else. I hope you would stop and get some fuel, because you want to be on the safe side. You might have made it, but you didn't want to take that risk. The bottom line is you cannot afford to break down. The fact that a lone workers activity involves a rather 'unknown risk' must urge key decision makers to remain at least open minded when it comes to body armour or additional lone worker safety training that can be made available.

Recommending body armour does not mean we suggest you are in danger, we simply say that you will have a higher chance of remaining unharmed in the unlikely, but possible, case of something going wrong. Wearing personal protective equipment can be compared to wearing a seat belt when driving a car. We do not put the seat belt on because we believe we are going to have an accident today. We are simply acknowledging the fact that there is an exceptionally small chance that we might crash. Yet, if this chance becomes reality, you have increased the chance of survival by wearing a seat belt.


Under Armour - Body Armour - Why?

Spectra and Kevlar - Not a Fashion Statement

Spectra and Kevlar - Not a Fashion Statement

Over the years, many improvements have been made in military and police garments to increase safety and create bullet proof body armor that is both comfortable and protective. However, in the past, being safe has meant a certain amount of bulk and discomfort, as well as added weight and mass for soldiers and officers facing combat on the battle fields and in urban wars. The use of Kevlar, a registered trademark of DuPont, has made body armor lighter and easier to work with, but flexibility has still been a problem. Today, there is a new substance in use called Spectra, a composite material that is stronger, lighter, and more flexible than Kevlar, which is changing the face of bullet proof wear for our troops and police forces. What are the major differences between Kevlar and Spectra, and what are the big advantages of the latter?

Let's first examine the structure of each of the two materials. Kevlar is a high strength, high performance fiber that, despite its many years of use in bullet proof clothing, is still not entirely understood. The best description of how it is believed to function is that the molecules form into sheets that then stack themselves around the center of a fiber like spokes. The idea behind using this as a bullet proof material was to stack several layers of the material together in a weave pattern. The weaving would then "catch" the bullet by allowing the fibers to break apart layer by layer and absorb the velocity, slowing the bullet to a stop as it also dulled and flattened from striking the material. However, this was mostly effective when bullets were slower and had less total velocity, making them easier to stop. Now, our troops and law enforcement officials face much more technically advanced weaponry with bullets flying at higher speeds and constructed from harder metals. This means that Kevlar vests are stretched to capacity and sometimes even penetrated completely by these forceful weapons. The only answer with this material is to thicken the layers of weave, which make the material even bulkier, heavier, and less flexible.

Spectra is a completely different technology. The material is about 40% lighter than Kevlar, making it more comfortable from the start. On top of that, it is not a woven structure, meaning that several layers are not necessary, further reducing weight and bulk. At the same time, Spectra is ten times stronger than steel. So, what is this substance actually made out of that makes it compete with Superman for the title of strongest bullet proof material? The definition states that Spectra is a "thin, flexible ballistic composite made from layers of unidirectional fibers held in place by flexible resins". These layers are then sealed between two thin sheets of polyethylene film (think plastic wrap on your leftovers). Therefore, all materials used are light weight and extremely flexible, making movement and wearability more realistic for users. At the same time, it disperses the energy of a bullet much faster across a wider area and with greater efficiency, providing much more reliable protection against the higher velocity bullets used in combat and street crimes today. So far in testing, the performance of Spectra seems to be unaffected by chemicals and moisture.

What you may not realize is that these materials are also used in everyday materials that civilians work with constantly. For instance, many tires today employ Kevlar in their structural makeup to add a modicum of indestructibility to the material. Spectra has been used to a lesser degree in items such as "carry-all" shopping bags.

While Spectra is a fairly new material, and most ballistic body armor still employs the use of Kevlar, both substances are important to the safety of officers of law enforcement and soldiers. As time goes on, the classic use of Kevlar will most likely be replaced by the lighter weight Spectra material that is also stronger, especially as the technology improves and allows for the creation of full body armor. The important thing is that both materials are used properly as necessary so that the safety of troops and police forces are not compromised, and if that means sticking with proven materials, then that should be the solution. Kevlar has worked for over twenty years in all forms of combat and can be counted on to do the same in the future with minor changes to the structure of tactical vests.


Under Armour - Spectra and Kevlar - Not a Fashion Statement

H.264 Armor Dome MegaPixel IP Security Cameras For Home and Business

H.264 Armor Dome MegaPixel IP Security Cameras For Home and Business

Many home and business owners frequently ask about installing high definition security cameras, because they want to be able to cover more area with fewer cameras. Until recently, there was not a good solution for megapixel IP security cameras for smaller installations like homes or businesses, because of the fact that the cameras required large outdoor camera enclosures. Luckily, the newest release from Arecont Vision has provided a new solution for home or business owners who need high quality video recording. These new H.264 MegaDome high definition IP security cameras have now bridged this gap.

The MegaDome series of IP security cameras from Arecont vision provide the same great quality high definition video (from 1.3 MegaPixel to 5.0 MegaPixel) but have a built-in 4-10mm varifocal lens and a weatherproof 4" armor dome outdoor enclosure. This makes these cameras as easy to install as standard analog video cameras, with low impact to the appearance of the home or business while still providing video quality up to 22 times the resolution of analog video.

IP66 rated outdoor armor dome weatherproof enclosures allow you to mount these MegaDome IP security cameras directly outside, and simply run a single CAT-5 network cable to each camera from your PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch. The weatherproof camera enclosures provide protection from the elements in a small sized 4" polycarbonate dome. These cameras permit the installation of MegaPixel IP cameras virtually anywhere, providing the ability to capture license plates, facial images or more. These Arecont Vision MegaPixel IP security cameras let you further the quality and resolution of a home or business security camera system.


Under Armour - H.264 Armor Dome MegaPixel IP Security Cameras For Home and Business

Robert Burns Love Poem: "A Red, Red Rose"

Robert Burns Love Poem: "A Red, Red Rose"

Robert Burns, a poor man, an educated man, and a ladies' man, is representative of Scotland, much like whisky, haggis, bagpipes, and kilts. He lived a life shortened by rheumatic heart disease, 1759-1796, but his life journey through poverty, informal education, disappointed love, nationalism, and literary and financial success can be identified by all Scots and common men the world over. He has become almost a national symbol of all things Scottish. His life is like a love story with a happy ending.

The Poet, Robert Burns

Robert Burns's family raised seven children on sparse, rented farmland on the west coast of Scotland. The family cottage still stands as a proud tourist attraction. The family farm was not successful and the family moved from farm to farm. Life on the farm in western Scotland was harsh and Robert worked long hours with his father.

Burn's father recognized the value of education and he managed to hire a local teacher to tutor Robert. He was an extremely bright student, mastering Shakespeare, current poets, French, Latin, philosophy, politics, geography, theology, and mathematics. His father read the Bible during the evenings around the cottage fireplace and Robert became an expert on the Bible and a devout Church member.

Robert Burns wrote his first poem at age 15. The poem was called "Handsome Nell" and was about his first love for a girl named Nellie Blair. Throughout his life, Burns was a charming and witty man, attracting the attention of numerous women. A dozen or more women can be identified as the inspiration for various poems. Burns wrote many famous love poems, including "A Red, Red Rose" and "One Fond Kiss."

Here's an excerpt from "Handsome Nell."

"O once I loved a bonnie lass,

Aye, and I love her still;

And whilst that virtue warms my breast,

I'll love my handsome Nell."

Burns, in a later comment on this poem, stated that he had "never had the least thought or inclination of turning poet till I got once heartily in love, and then rhyme and song were, in a manner, the spontaneous language of my heart."

The Turning Point

In 1786, at age 27, Robert Burns went through a major turning point in his life. He suffered a disappointing love affair with Jean Armour, who was pregnant with his twin sons. The local community and Armour's father were outraged by the affair and her father rejected Burns's offer of marriage.

Dejected and depressed, Burns made plans to leave Scotland and sail to Jamaica in the West Indies. To finance the trip, Burns submitted a volume of his poetry for publication.

The publication of 612 copies in a simple, unbound volume was called "Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect," also sometimes known as "The Kilmarnock Edition." The poems were well received in Edinburgh by socialites who were enchanted by the poems and amazed that a poor farmer could write so well.

So, instead of planning his escape to a new world, Burns planned a trip to Edinburgh. His confident manner, ingratiating style, and his obvious wit and intelligence brought Burns popularity and admiration. Soon, a second publication of his work was executed in Edinburgh.

The Growing Popularity

During his stay in Edinburgh, Robert Burns met printer James Johnson, who planned a project to print all of the folk songs in Scotland. This project enthralled Burns and embarked upon a journey throughout Scotland to collect as many folk songs as possible. Burns collected over 300 songs and wrote a few himself, including "A Red, Red Rose."

One of the results of his travels throughout Scotland was that Robert Burns ingratiated himself to everyone he met and he rose to national prominence and popularity.

The collected songs were published by Johnson in six volumes and by George Thomson in a five volume set.

Another happy outcome of this turning point in Robert Burns's life is that he was able to return home and marry his beloved Jean Armour, now with the blessing of her family.

Robert Burns continued to collect and write songs for The Scots Musical Museum, an anthology of traditional Scottish lyrical poems, until his untimely death from rheumatic heart disease in 1796.

Within a few years of his death groups of Robert Burns's friends and fans gathered to promote his memory and to celebrate his life. By 1801, five years after his death, groups met on the anniversary of his death, but later they began to meet on the anniversary of his birth, January 25. Now there are many Burns clubs and societies who celebrate his memory with dinners, including haggis, and readings of his works.

The Poem, "A Red, Red Rose"

One of the most famous songs that Robert Burns wrote for this project and first published in 1794 was "A Red, Red Rose." Burns wrote it as a traditional ballad, four verses of four lines each.

"A Red, Red Rose" begins with a quatrain containing two similes. Burns compares his love with a springtime blooming rose and then with a sweet melody. These are popular poetic images and this is the stanza most commonly quoted from the poem.

The second and third stanzas become increasingly complex, ending with the metaphor of the "sands of life," or hourglass. One the one hand we are given the image of his love lasting until the seas run dry and the rocks melt with the sun, wonderfully poetic images. On the other hand Burns reminds us of the passage of time and the changes that result. That recalls the first stanza and its image of a red rose, newly sprung in June, which we know from experience will change and decay with time. These are complex and competing images, typical of the more mature Robert Burns.

The final stanza wraps up the poem's complexity with a farewell and a promise of return.

"A Red, Red Rose" is written as a ballad with four stanzas of four lines each. Each stanza has alternating lines of four beats, or iambs, and three beats. The first and third lines have four iambs, consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, as in da-dah, da-dah, da-dah, da-dah. The second and fourth lines consist of three iambs. This form of verse is well adapted for singing or recitation and originated in the days when poetry existed in verbal rather than written form.

A Red, Red Rose

by Robert Burns

O my luve's like a red, red rose.

That's newly sprung in June;

O my luve's like a melodie

That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,

So deep in luve am I;

And I will love thee still, my Dear,

Till a'the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear,

And the rocks melt wi' the sun:

I will luve thee still, my Dear,

While the sands o'life shall run.

And fare thee weel my only Luve!

And fare thee weel a while!

And I will come again, my Luve,

Tho' it were ten thousand mile!


Under Armour - Robert Burns Love Poem: "A Red, Red Rose"

COLOURS and SYMBOLS in the EMPEROR Card in the Rider Waite Smith Deck of Tarot Cards

COLOURS and SYMBOLS in the EMPEROR Card in the Rider Waite Smith Deck of Tarot Cards

The Emperor card in the Rider Waite Smith deck of Tarot Cards is rich in colour and symbolism. They are important because they can add extra depth and meaning to your readings.

Colours in the Emperor Card

The dominant colours of the Emperor card are Red and Orange.

Red is colour of the base chakra, represents energy, fire, making things happen, material and financial power and strength. Red is also the colour of Aries, a fire sign.

The Emperor wears rich red clothes over his suit of armour, indicating his power and status in the material world

The Orange of the mountains or the desert behind gives a very harsh, barren atmosphere to the card.

The armour is silver, a metal which adds to the harshness and starkness of the whole card.

The white/grey stone of the throne also adds to the austere feeling of the card. He has a white /grey beard which is traditionally associated with old age and wisdom. Grey has been associated with the planet Saturn, who was the Lord of Time in the Greek-Roman mythologies.

Symbols in the Emperor Card

The Emperor card has a lot of very important details in it.

The Rams' heads on the throne are a symbol of the zodiac sign Aries, which is ruled by Mars, the God of War. We'll talk more about that shortly in the Astrology section.

There is also the symbol for Aries on top of the jewelled crown, although it is not particularly clear and looks a bit like a propeller.

The water flowing behind throne, which flowed so freely in the Empress card, is down to a little trickle in the Emperor card. The water is barely able to penetrate the rigid rocks and lifeless scenery. This points towards the effects of passions and spontaneity in life having an overlay of rigid rules and convention.

He is holding an Orb and Sceptre, which indicate someone or something with power and authority, often a monarch or a ruler.

The Orb or Golden Globe was first carried by Roman Emperors to indicate their dominion of the world.

The Sceptre is an Egyptian ankh. This was one of the symbols of the Pharaohs and it brings life, health, happiness and good fortune to the person who holds it. It is also a symbol of life and immortality.

The ankh is made up of a male vertical line, rising through the female horizontal and being transformed into the immortal rising sun, which indicated the Sun God Horus.

Traditionally the holder of the ankh has the total power of life and death over the people and hopefully he will use that power well and wisely.

Armour can be a symbol of what is noble and excellent about a soldier, i.e. fighting for justice and what they believe to be right, for their principles and traditions. Armour is also a form of defence and that can be physical or psychological.

With the armour underneath there is a need to be strong in the outer world. Armour can be worn out of a fear of exposing oneself and of vulnerability, so we always have to ask whether the armour is a sign of strength or of weakness?

The details are all very important. This is especially significant if your eye suddenly falls on a detail in the card that you maybe have not noticed before or jumps out at you. That detail may have a vital message for you.

Amanda Goldston

Tarot Author and Coach

©2009 Amanda Goldston


Under Armour - COLOURS and SYMBOLS in the EMPEROR Card in the Rider Waite Smith Deck of Tarot Cards

Hypothyroidism - An Under-Active Thyroid

Hypothyroidism - An Under-Active Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that is located just below the Adams Apple (in males); more specifically it is located in the vicinity of the larynx. Iodine is the key reason the Thyroid has a place in the human body. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate and control the metabolism of iodine within human bodies. The human body requires the proper ratios of the thyroid hormones Thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

These hormones are found in healthy individuals in ratios that allow for regular cell metabolism and function. When an individual is not producing these hormones in the correct ratio for any reason, this can lead to a number to maladies. Common problems associated with the underproduction of these hormones can lead to Depression, Weight Gain, Weakness, Brittle Fingernails and Hair, Fatigue, and Sensitivity to cold.

At later stages of the conditions development, there can be a diminishing of the olfactory senses, a noted hoarseness of the voice, puffiness of the extremities and a difficulty perspiring. More notably, speech vocalization can be found to be suffering significant impediment.

The chief concern with the condition is that it can affect development, and may cause a loss of quality of life for the sufferer. Ensuring that proper treatment is provided after correct diagnosis can alleviate the symptoms and minimize the conditions negative effects. Luckily the development of the disorder is slow, allowing for early diagnosis.

Many women experience hypothyroidism after pregnancy, though men can also suffer from the disorder. The lead cause for the disorder is a failure of all, or part of, the thyroid gland, due to inflammation of the gland and damage or death of the thyroid tissue. This leads to a reduction in the production capacity of the thyroid gland, and its ability to produce the required levels of Thyroxine and triodothyronine.

Another major cause for the disorder is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis which is the inflammation of thyroid leading to damage to its tissue, as a result of the sufferers own immune system malfunctioning.

If there are not enough thyroid cells to supply the body's needs for thyroid hormones, then the condition will arise. Many surgeries that aim to fix and improve the health of a patient can inadvertently lead to the development of this condition, as the surgeries often call for partial or entire removal of the thyroid gland. Conditions which may necessitate the removal of thyroid can include thyroid cancer.

If the body is unable to satisfy its own thyroid hormone requirements then external sources of these hormones must be supplied, if the patient is to lead a normal life without major physical disorder. With an understanding of the possible causes of hypothyroidism, the ability to detect its symptoms and alleviate them can be developed. In understanding the effects of the disorder and the ways it can affect the sufferer, people afflicted with it and their families can learn to cope with the disorder in a well adapted manner. Being able to watch for its development in offspring from an early age can ensure that if it does manifest, it is treated early.


Under Armour - Hypothyroidism - An Under-Active Thyroid

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