Ten Tips For Getting A Good Nights Sleep

Are you frustrated because you are not sleeping well at night? If so, you are among millions of other people who are in the same boat. Missing out on quality sleep can be the result of something more serious but more often it is just a result of stress or other life events.

Sleep deprivation can often be achieved by making a few minor changes.

1. Bed - For starters, make sure you have the right bed. Amazingly, many people are sleeping on a bed that is too small, too hard or too soft. By purchasing the right bed and mattress you can be completely blown away at how well you sleep. Without doubt the right bed will make a dramatic difference.

2. Schedule - Today, people work crazy schedules and lead busy lives. Try putting yourself on an sleep schedule so you are going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. This may take time to get used to but it will eventually help.

3. Environment - If you are reading in bed, watching television in bed, working on puzzles, or any other similar activity, you need to stop. The goal for a good night's sleep is to create a peaceful environment that is quiet, dark, cool, comfortable, and non-stimulating.

4. Meals - Interestingly, the time you eat could also affect the way in which you sleep. For instance, we strongly suggest you eat your last meal or snack between three and four hours prior to your scheduled bedtime.

5. Stimulants - In addition to noise and activities, you should also cut out nicotine, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and other such stimulants after 6:00 p.m.

6. Napping - Even if you struggle to stay awake during the day, you should do all you can to avoid napping. Even a 15-minute power nap could have a direct impact on you falling asleep at night.

7. Exercise - Although everyone should exercise daily to maintain good health, exercising within several hours before bed would likely make you more alert. Try exercising in the morning or afternoon, never in the late evening.

8. Iron - Sometimes, women will have problems with sleeping due to an iron deficiency. Many times, incorporating a supplement into the daily regimen will make a huge difference in how well you sleep.

9. Children - Okay, we know for some parents this one is tough but make sure your children are sleeping in their own bed. Even if you think you are sleeping soundly, you can be sure your brain is listening to your child's every breath and movement instead, meaning you are not getting proper sleep.

10. Snacks - While you want to avoid eating late at night, which can keep you awake, some snacks contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that actually causes sleepiness. For instance, peanuts, turkey, and milk are prime examples so a small snack of these foods could help you fall and stay asleep.

Just keep in mind that if you have other symptoms or find the problem continues you should see your doctor.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

International Mango Festival

International Mango Festival It is the fair that appeals to the intellect and aesthetics and the Delhi International Mango Festival interests the taste buds of the people. The festival marks the advent of mangoes and it is having as much as 500 variety of mangoes.

Fast Facts:

Occasion: International Mango Festival

Location: Northern India (Delhi, Pinjore and Chandigarh)

Festival Time: June- July

Famous Attraction: Approximately 500 variety of mangoes are on display along with the various cultural programs.

To find mangoes at its best and to celebrate the Mango fever, the best occasion is the Mango festival. There's no doubt that it is known as the 'king of fruits' and is also proved in the festival. In Delhi, the festival is celebrated in the Talkatora Stadium generally in the month of July. It is the most awaited festival of the capital. It is the fair that appeals to the intellect and aesthetics and the Delhi International Mango Festival interests the taste buds of the people. The festival marks the advent of mangoes and it is having as much as 500 variety of mangoes. As India is the country of Gautam Buddha therefore the country is full of Buddhist pilgrimage centers which attracts the visitors from all over the world. In ancient times, India was the center of Buddhist learning and the religious sites of those times have become the places of monumental importance today.

Mangoes from different states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana can be seen in the International Mango Festival. In the fair there are number of competition held in the festival. The extravaganza lasts for a period of two days at the venue and for the entire year, in the minds of its visitors. In the festival the mango folk songs, mango eating competition and children shows are also organized. Visitors get ample opportunity to taste the mangoes for free and it gives the delicious experience for the entire lifetime. There are also traditional dishes that are prepared wit the mangoes.

The time for celebrating the Mango Festival is around the month of July, during the time when the mangoes are found at their best.

The popular variety of mango that are presented in the Festival: Alphonso, Mallika, Amrapali, Himsagar, Malda, Balia, Chorasya, Dhaman, Dhoon, Fazia, Gelchia, Nigarin Kheria, Ruchika and Shamasi.

People who are visiting the mango festival are often struck by sweet and the infinite range of the mangoes. Apart from getting the unparalleled taste of the mangoes, visitors can also get the high quality of mangoes from the fair.

The Mango Festival in India is also celebrated in Chandigarh in the grand way. It gives a special opportunity to the mango growers to display the variety of mangoes. The festival cum fair also gives the opportunity for the food industry to give away the processed food from Mango like Jams, Pickles, and canned fruit. This fair draws huge crowd every year.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Collect this Car, it's a Classic!

Collecting Cars for Fun and Profit

Antique and classic cars are being collected now more than ever. Classic car collectors learn their hobby over years and years of research and browsing, even attending a half dozen or more car shows each year. However, some basic information is available to help anyone begin the lifelong passion of collecting antique automobiles.

Definition of a Classic Car

A classic car is one that is more than 15-years old, while an antique car is more than 25-years old. A vintage car dates from the 1930's or older. As well, there are different car eras, such as the Vintage Car Era, Classic Car Era, Muscle Car Era, and so on, and this is also important to understand.

Display and Drivable Cars

Some antique car collectors drive their cars everywhere, while others have theirs for display purposes only. Display cars often have the benefit of needing less maintenance to keep their classic feel and pristine condition. If you want to drive your classic car, remember that it will require more money for such services as paint and wax jobs, engine work, and inspections. Not only do antique cars lack modern safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, but vintage cars may also lack modern conveniences like power steering, stereo systems, or even heat.

Expenses

Antique car collectors know that antique cars in general are very expensive investments, but there are several ways to cut these costs and make collecting cars an even more enjoyable experience. Many cars are simply left to rust away in lawns or in junkyards. These cars can often be bought at a real bargain for even a few dollars. However, the cheaper these cars are usually indicates what shape they come in. Therefore, several decisions must be made concerning the usability of the cars. Will they be driven? Do they need a new engine? What use will they have on a daily basis?

With some body work to remove rust and replace irreparable damage, these cars can even receive new interiors and engines. The most common work is a brand new paint job (the most noticeable and appreciable work), so a good deal can cost as little as $1000. With an interest in automobiles and a modest income, restoring antique cars can be the lifelong hobby of antique car collectors.

Ratings for Antique Car Appraisal

An antique car appraisal must be based on uniform standards to get a correct appraisal.

Parts Car, this means that the car is only to be used for individual car parts. The car itself has no value except for the individual parts that can be taken from it and used in other cars. The car might not be a candidate for restoration, and therefore appraisers will not waste other people's time and money by declaring it usable except for parts.

Restorable, means the car in question has potential to be restored. The car model and make must still be recognizable to warrant this antique car appraisal rating. It may also need a complete body, chassis and interior restoration if it is appraised in this condition. Most likely the engine will also need some attention as well as the exterior, but not to the point that you restore more than a third of the body, chassis or interior.

Good, this antique car appraisal means that the automobile may need just a little tweaking to make it functional. The quality of restoration of the automobile may also affect the antique car appraisal. If it is functional yet the quality of restoration is poor, then the price will still not go up despite its good condition. The antique car appraisal should always include the quality of the restoration.

A Very Good antique car appraisal could mean that the automobile is functional and the amateur restoration is passable. The restoration might be rated as older or worn out to some extent but not as bad as expected. A Very Good antique car appraisal might be considered presentable and serviceable in the interior and exterior.

Fine is the antique car appraisal that means the automobile is restored very well and its original parts are well maintained to the point that they are in good working order.

The Excellent antique car appraisal means that the car in question has been restored to excellent professional standards and could possibly be a show car that is not driven or worn out but maintained for aesthetic purposes.

Antique Car Pricing

Antique car pricing depends on many different factors, and antique car pricing can vary from year to year. The prices can also vary depending on the point of sale. Antique car pricing depends on the age of the car, the condition of the car and special features on a car.

An antique car that is very old might be much more expensive than a newer classic car. These car prices fluctuate like more modern cars depending upon the condition. An antique car that is in mint condition could cost ten thousand dollars more than the same model in poor condition. Antique car pricing can also vary depending on the mechanics of the car. One that is road-ready will cost much more than one that looks good but does not move on the streets.

Antique car pricing depends on the year and the condition of the car, but the pricing can also depend on many of the various features in each car. Some of the classic cars have radios that actually still work while the older cars never do. Some of these cars have original mirrors while others have modern replicas. The fabric used in the interior could have a significant impact on the prices of antique cars; if the fabric in the interior is the original and in great condition, this is important in the price of the vehicle.

Many collectors of classic cars base their prices of the cars they have on a price guide. The antique car price guide gives approximations of how much a certain model of automobile may cost these days. The prices found in the antique car price guide are somewhat loosely approximated because not all cars of the same make and model are restored professionally or even restored properly. Popular price guides include MacRAE's Blue Book online, and Kelley Blue Book.

The hobby of collecting antique and classic cars can be fun and enjoyable, and it can also incredibly rewarding, especially financially. As long as you are informed and take the situation seriously, you should not have any problems, and not only will you have a great time but as well can make quite a bit of profit for yourself if you go about things in the right way.

Steve Dolan is an avid collector and loves classic cars. Find out more about car collecting at Classic Cars and Vintage Cars and if you have other collections take a look at Collections and Collectibles

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Wedding Hair Accessories - Q&A

Hair accessories are an important part of a perfect wedding hairdo. Yet, many brides are at a loss when it comes to understanding their choices and what will actually look good on them. Here, we answer some common questions related to bridal hair accessories.

Q: I don't quite get it. I have read a lot about veils and have an idea of what type of hairstyle I want. But what else should I do with my hair? Why would I even want more than a veil?

A: Headpieces and hair jewelry are ways to pull a look together if wearing only a veil leaves you wanting more, or if you plan to remove the veil at the reception. Tiaras, crowns, decorative combs, backpieces, barrettes, wreaths, bun wraps, headbands, caps or hats, and hair jewelry can each complete the bridal look in a different way. A bun ring or tiara, for example, can add a regal touch.

Q: I want an extra something, but don't want my hair to be the center of attention (I'm hoping my gown will "steal the show"). How can I accessorize my hair without distracting from my beautiful dress?

A: Think understated. Choose a subtle headpiece that complements the detailing in your gown, or works with the rest of your jewelry ensemble. Consider a headband wrapped in fabric to match your dress. Or choose a comb decorated with pearls or other subtle embellishments. You could also twist a strand of small crystals or pearls through your hair, to match a necklace or earrings.

Q: I've always adored hats and would love to wear one when I walk down the aisle. Is that okay?

A: Of course! It is your day and your personal style should shine through. For a sleek, close-to-the-head look you can wear a Juliet cap (which looks like a bridal skullcap) to anchor your veil. You could wear a birdcage veil under a hat, or go the Jackie Kennedy look with a pillbox. Bridal hats range from very small to floppy and large-rimmed. It's a matter of your personal taste and which will look best with your gown.

Q: This is my second wedding. Let's say I'm "getting up there" in years and would feel silly wearing a veil. I don't like hats, either. I feel like those are my only options, that I'm destined to be a boring hair bride. Any ideas?

A: Hair jewelry is a perfect option for you. Try corkscrew-like twists decorated with pearls, rhinestones, or crystals. Twist them into your hair to add interest to an otherwise ordinary hairstyle. The previously mentioned method of weaving a strand of pearls or gems through the hair would work for you as well. You could even get children and grandchildren involved by making the jewelry. Create the jewelry as a family (with supplies bought at an online or local jewelry supply store), and then pass it down to them as a keepsake after the wedding.

Hair accessories can add a finished look to your bridal ensemble. Remember to keep your own style in mind and choose hair accessories that create a balanced look. You will be gorgeous!

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Cycles, Trends and the Pause Formation

Yesterday I sent out to my free newsletter subscribers a lesson I had written a couple years ago dealing with what I call the PAUSE formation. The reason for this was that a market that I had been sharing future cycle turn dates on had formed the early warning sign for a PAUSE formation and may present an opportunity for a trade. At the very least, it should help those looking to learn more about cycle turns, swings, pivots and other associated phenomena to cycles. The more you understand a tool or indicator the better you can exploit it.

The PAUSE formation is very simple to identify. But what I want to discuss first is what to look for in order to determine a POTENTIAL PAUSE formation. Unless you have some advanced warning, who cares what the formation is after-the-fact?

Let's start from the basics. In dealing with market cycles, it has to be understood that market patterns are the result of the cumulative effect of several cycles. But to make it really simple, let's just call each time frame a single cycle that has its own frequency and magnitude. Yes, this is extremely simplified, but should help those new to cycles altogether.

If you look on a MONTHLY price chart, that being a price chart where each price bar represents a complete month of trading, you are looking at a LONG-TERM view of the market in question. We'll call the market GOLD.

If we look at the MONTHLY chart of GOLD, you can see that prices have just been moving higher each month. So you could say the LONG-TERM cycle is moving up right now. Simple to view, right?

If we look at the WEEKLY chart of GOLD, where each price bar represents a complete week of trading, we can see that each week is making new highs. So let's say the INTERMEDIATE-TERM cycle is moving up also.

On the DAILY chart, where each price bar represents a single day of trading, we can see that price has been pulling back (down) from the recent top high on 1/20/06. A very small pullback, mind you, but the direction is still down. So we could say that the SHORT-TERM cycle is going through a down swing.

Can you visualize this? It really helps if you can.

Now consider that the LONG-TERM cycle has more power than the INTERMEDIATE-TERM cycle. And the INTERMEDIATE-TERM cycle has more power than the SHORT-TERM cycle. And all of these are working and doing their thing at the SAME TIME.

If the LONG-TERM cycle happens to be moving up, and the INTERMEDIATE-TERM cycle is moving up, what chance do you think the SHORT-TERM cycle is going to have when it wants to start down again? Quick answer: Just take a look at your daily chart of Gold and look at the 12/29/05, 1/5/06, 1/18/06 price bars. Each of these made a new daily low and then were quickly overruled by the stronger upward moving cycles. Now we see 1/24/06 making a lower low than 1/23/06. What are the odds it can continue in this direction for several days? It has longer-term cycles working against it.

Now cycles are more complex than this. But hopefully you can get an idea as to what I'm trying to get across. Cycles can support or oppose each other. If you can visualize the monthly chart making new highs, but currently the weekly chart is making a new lower weekly price bar low, what you have is an intermediate-term cycle in its downward swing (cycles swing up and then down and start over again) while the longer-term cycle is still in its up swing. You have opposing powers that will tend to cancel each other out at various points in time. And riding on these is the short-term cycle that as far as the longer-term cycles are concern is just noise. Yet, when the larger cycles are canceling each other out, the 'noise' or short-term cycle will become more visible and you will see nice swings as the market is moving more sideways on the lower time-frame charts.

It is during strong trends either up or down that have a washout effect on short-term cycle turns. As you can see with the daily chart of Gold, the swings are there but start and conclude quickly in order to continue in the strong upward trending direction.

Now that you have a better understanding of cycles, we can now cover the PAUSE formation in a clearer light.

While long-term and intermediate-term cycles help those of us who analyze charts for such cycles to determine the longer-term direction of prices, it is the short-term daily chart and lower-time frames that are used to 'fine-tune' our trade entry. The idea is to keep risk low and catch a new move as early as possible.

With GOLD, for example, we can see the long-term and intermediate-term direction has been up. So the power behind higher prices on the lower time-frame daily prices is strong. This suggests that as we determine where the daily turns are likely to occur using daily cycle turn dates (based on short-term cycles), we are going to want to catch the swing bottoms they produce rather than try to short the swing tops that precede them. As the saying goes, TRADE WITH THE TREND! No wonder this has passed the test of time.

The PAUSE formation is when you have a short-term cycle that is due to oppose the strong longer-term cycles and makes an attempt, only to fail to complete the swing (confirm). A good example is the 1/9/06 price bar in Gold. Note how this price bar made a higher high and then is followed by a price bar that does not move above it. Although the next price bar did not make a higher high, it also did not make a lower low. This is called an INSIDE bar.

The short-term cycle was actually topping and trying to correct (down) at this time. Yet the longer-term cycles were just too strong to allow the lower time-frame cycle to complete its swing with a full confirmation. Confirmation requires that a following price bar make a lower low in comparison to the prior price bar (for swing tops. Bottoms are the opposite). So in the case of the 1/9 new high, had any price bar formed later with a lower low than the price bar prior to it, then the 1/9 high would have confirmed as a swing top (assuming this lower low occurs prior to price eventually exceeding the 1/9 high).

The 1/9 price high turned out to be a PAUSE formation top. As stated earlier, it is an attempt to form a swing that is cut short of confirmation.

At the beginning of this article I stated that such a situation can be anticipated in advance. Can you see how based on what you have learned so far? You start off first expecting the swing based on a cycle turn date (when a cycle is due to turn). In the case of rising prices, you see a new high occur when the cycle is due to turn. The next trading day does not make a higher high, yet it does not make a lower low either (inside bar). This is called a POTENTIAL PAUSE formation. In a strong up trend market, this potential becomes very strong and likely. Since you have resolved not to oppose the longer-term cycles that are moving up, you do not attempt to sell suspected swing tops on the daily chart. And with the potential for a PAUSE top situation, you are even more resolved not to sell. However, the PAUSE now gives you an opportunity to go with the trend on the buy side. How? When price decides not to confirm the swing top but rather 'breakout' above the high (of the pause high bar) that preceded the inside bar, you can use that as an entry signal.

It has been my experience that these breakouts, when a counter-swing was originally expected due to a cycle date calculated, provides excellent trading opportunities. Many times these breakout moves are strong ones. When you consider the fact that the market was strong enough to resist the short-term cycle from completing a confirmed counter-trend swing, these are clues to hop on board the train.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Osama Bin Laden's Winter Home

For those of you who have been isolated from the rest of the world, Usama Bin Laden is a terrorist.

He is Dr. Death, International.

He sits on a rock at the top of a high mountain and thinks and thinks and thinks. What he is thinking about is this: How can I kill all the bad Moslems and every Non-Moslem in the world so that we can fulfill the will of the Koran that the World has a big sign that even can be seen from space (to preclude Non-Moslem astronauts) that reads: MOSLEMS ONLY!

When asked if Osama worked for the CIA or if the CIA had ever contacted Osama Bin Laden, the CIA said, “No. Numerous comments in the media recently have reiterated a widely circulated but incorrect notion that the CIA once had a relationship with Usama Bin Laden. For the record, you should know that the CIA never employed, paid, or maintained any relationship whatsoever with Bin Laden.” See: [http://www.odci.gov/terrorism/faqs.html].

I though you would like to know that. The speaker didn't say what was off the record.

The FBI and the CIA spell Osama, “Usama.” They have to be precise in such things.

Call him what you want.

I call him a cowardly pig that kills defenseless men, women, and children, including his own people, and also small animal critters that may or may not occupy embassies and office buildings.

The FBI and the CIA are out to get Osama.

The reward for his capture is FIVE MILLION DOLLARS.

I intend to collect that reward by telling everyone exactly where he is.

The CIA can hire criminals and other unsavory characters in the search for Bin Laden.

Here is what they said, “CIA officers may now establish a relationship with such individuals without seeking prior CIA Headquarters approval, where there is a reasonable likelihood that those individuals have access to threat information of importance to the United States or its allies. Authority to approve the establishment of such relationships has been delegated to CIA field managers, but provisions to keep CIA Headquarters informed of such decisions remain in effect.” Ibid

“Ibid” means go to [http://www.odci.gov/terrorism/faqs.html] again unless you already read the CIA statement.

The above is given as a public service to those hardcore individuals that just can’t get hired because of their criminal and unsavory nature. The CIA may have a job for you!

So that we are all on the same ground, let’s look at the CIA definition of terrorism found at the same reference: “The Intelligence Community is guided by the definition of terrorism contained in Title 22 of the US Code, Section 2656f(d):

“—The term “terrorism” means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.

“—The term “international terrorism” means terrorism involving the territory or the citizens of more than one country.

“—The term “terrorist group” means any group that practices, or has significant subgroups that practice, international terrorism.”

Now we know that Lin Laden is just trying to get an audience!

We even know where we must go to BE SAFE from Osama:

HOLLYWOOD!

Following are a few comments out of Bin Laden’s mouth as given to ABC reporter John Miller in May 1998 His hour-long interview with Osama Bin Laden was at his mountaintop camp in southern Afghanistan. The interview took place a little more than two months before Al Qaeda's truck bombings of the two U.S. embassies in East Africa. The reference URL is: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/who/miller.html.

"The American imposes himself on everyone. Americans accuse our children in Palestine of being terrorists--those children, who have no weapons and have not even reached maturity. At the same time, Americans defend a country, the state of the Jews that has a policy to destroy the future of these children.

"We are sure of our victory against the Americans and the Jews as promised by the Prophet: Judgment day shall not come until the Muslim fights the Jew, where the Jew will hide behind trees and stones, and the tree and the stone will speak and say, 'Muslim, behind me is a Jew. Come and kill him.'"

If you are a Jew, DON’T HIDE BEHIND TREES OR STONES!

Osama, or Usama for FBI and CIA enthusiast, was born to a rich and humble family who contracted with the Saudi Arabian Government to build roads and structures. They had major construction projects in Mecca.

That’s where Osama is now:

Mecca!

I’ve said this over the last couple of years on my web sites but nobody believes me.

Osama tiptoed along the Afghanistan / Pakistan border until he reached Iran. Then he hopped a fishing boat to Saudi Arabia.

From there to get to Mecca was a snap. He rode in a Rolls Royce and was served sis kabob and lemonade.

I was there as a tourist (disguised as a Moslem, of course) when he sprightly hopped out of the Rolls.

He said, “Man, am I glad to be back! In the winter in those Pakistan mountains, it’s colder then a well digger’s butt in the Klondike!”

Now I know that the FBI and CIA are not allowed in Mecca.

You must be a Moslem.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Bread Machines - Deciphering the Features

The machine is used to mix the dough and then removed from the machine for preparation and baking. Read your machine's instruction book carefully.

Again, as mentioned previously, these doughs are very heavy and your machine may need help during the mixing cycle.

GLUTEN FREE Bread Setting

Most flours contain gluten, making them unsuitable for gluten free diets.

The adjustments needed to produce a gluten free product result in a yeast bread, however, the dough itself ends up much wetter and more like a batter than a traditional bread dough.

You need to be careful not to over mix or over knead the dough / batter. The cycle has only one rise and an increased baking time. These are needed to adjust for the higher moisture content.

Some manufacturers specify one particular brand and type of yeast, so be sure to read and follow the instructions for your machine.

LOW CARB Bread Setting

Low carb cycles will generally have an adjusted baking time, due to the low sugar content. Be careful not to over mix or over knead. Read your machine's instructions and follow them carefully.

JAM Setting

This cycle is used to produce Jams and, sometimes, Chutney. (Chutney is a sweet and sour condiment. It is made from fruit and sugar, along with vinegar and sometimes onions. It can also be seasoned with hot, spicy ingredients. It originated in India)

Read your machine's instruction manual carefully before preparing jams. It is important to avoid having the ingredients boil over. If this happens, stop the machine immediately and follow the clean up instructions for your machine.

CAKE Setting

This setting, available on only a few models, is used for making and baking cakes in the bread machine. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

SANDWICH Bread Setting

Available on only a few models, this setting lets you prepare bread with a texture suitable for sandwiches.

BAKE Setting

This is one of those settings that is available on quite a few models but the actual mechanics of the cycle may differ from company to company. Read the instructions for your machine to understand when and how to use this setting.

In general terms, this setting is for baking dough that you may have prepared without using any of the machine's previous settings. It may also be used if the crust is too light or can be used to bake pre-made dough.

Making Your Decision

As you can see, the myriad of different options available will greatly increase the scope of opportunities for any bread machine. As mentioned earlier, it can be difficult to compare two different machines, especially if the options offered are different.

My recommendation is to review the available options, prioritize according to your needs and then base your decision on those decisions.

Best of luck and happy bread baking!

Article Source:EzineArticles.com