Black Bear Hunting - Sit and Wait or Run Through the Woods?

Black bear hunting is one of the most rewarding hunts available to the avid hunter amongst us. With healthy populations ranging from coast-to-coast and from Canada to Mexico, almost everyone has an opportunity to pursue these bruins. How you go about your black bear hunt is a totally different question. There are several different methods for hunting black bears including:

1. Hunting over bait:

Woods

This method is very popular in portions of Canada and the eastern United States. It requires a hunter to be patient and be familiar with the size of black bear that they are after as you are likely to see several black bears every day. Typically, there is a "king of the hill" at most bait sites if you are patient enough to wait for him. You will know he is close when the other bears at the site become anxious and may leave for no apparent reason. Get ready, your chance to harvest a monster bear may be just minutes away!

2. Spot and Stalk:

Like any spot and stalk method, the secret to success in bear hunting using this method is to find a high vantage point where you can glass a potential feeding area for black bears. Typical areas you want to glass are grassy meadows, open clear cuts or cut blocks, berry patches and south facing slopes in general. Early in the year, black bear will mostly be grazing on grassy meadows as they come out of hibernation and are looking to replenish their lost fat reserves. Concentrate in these areas early in the year for your best success.

3. Hound Hunting:

Black bear hunting behind a well trained pack of hounds is one of the most exciting, and physical, methods of hunting bruins. From the first bay of the hound, indicating they are on the scent, to the final treeing of the bear, this method of hunting black bear is an adrenaline filled rush. Unfortunately, due to the anti-hunting crowd, this method of hunting has been outlawed in some states. If you are interested in this type of hunting, remember you must be in top physical condition. Once the hounds are on the scent, there is very little time for breaks or resting. Try it and you will be hooked for life.

4. Still Hunting:

Like any still hunting, this can be a very challenging method of bear hunting, but can still produce success in those areas that are brushy and offer only small openings to glass. Use this method when you are hunting in timbered regions. This method can be effective during the spring seasons when bear are busy replenishing fat reserves and not quite as wary as other times of the year.

5. Calling:

Use predator calls in conjunction with either your spot and stalk hunt or your still hunting. During deer and elk calving season, black bear are especially susceptible to fawn calls. Calling is most effective once you have located a bear and are trying to get him in to range. There are several good electronic calls on the market. Or be brave and get a predator call from any sporting good shop and let'er rip! The best part of this type of bear hunting, is you may have an opportunity to harvest other predators including coyotes, fox, bobcats, and cougars. Keep an eye open, as most of these predators will sneak in on you and be closer than you expect when you first spot them.

If you have any other methods of bear hunting, please feel free to add them in the comment section. If you are interested in a black bear hunt, check out our top quality bear outfitters. You will never regret the decision to add a bruin to your trophy room.

Remember, time in the field is a gift... savor it!

Until next time, Happy Hunting.

Black Bear Hunting - Sit and Wait or Run Through the Woods?

Bob Russell - Bob came to hunting late in life, but has become an avid outdoorsman. Father to two sons, Bob is passing on the traditions of hunting to the next generation. Find out how he can help you find your next great hunting adventure at http://www.thehuntingbroker.com

Entertainment - Barnum And Bailey

There is actually no physical proof or evidence that shows P.T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute". What we do know for sure is that Barnum and Bailey's "Greatest Show On Earth" has been entertaining us for generations and has given us some of the greatest and sadly, most tragic moments in circus history.

Barnum and Bailey's circus goes back to the 19th century. P.T. Barnum was born in 1810 in Connecticut. He actually met Bailey while an owner of a retail fruit store in Bethel. Right from their first encounter, Barnum knew that this was a man he wanted to do business with. It turned out to be one of the greatest partnerships of all time.

Bethel

The first Barnum and Bailey circus was actually not called a circus at all but a museum, a traveling one. The first one was opened in 1841 in New York. People would be ushered through the museum in an orderly fashion and if they wanted to go back in they would have to pay another quarter to do so. It was during this time that Barnum introduced the Freak Show to the circus. He didn't do this because they were deformed, but because they were truly different from regular people and he believed that regular people would pay to see them. He was more right than even he could have imagined.

The actual golden age of the circus didn't hit until the 1850s. By this time, about 30 circuses were touring the United States. During this period the circus was the most popular form of entertainment in the United States. In many places, this was the only form of entertainment they had all year and waiting for the circus to come to town was an event in itself.

In 1869, the Ringling Brothers, who eventually bought out Barnum and Bailey, began touring the country with their circus trains. Barnum took credit for this but the idea was actually not his but the Ringling Brothers'. Because of the animals that had to be transported, special cars needed to be constructed in order to do this. This led to the eventual development of the "piggyback" system of rail freight handling.

Over the years, the Ringling Brothers circus, still using the Barnum and Bailey name as a selling point, grew to massive proportions. But this growth wasn't without its problems. The worst accident in circus history occurred on July 6, 1944. The regular flame retardant top of the circus tent was leaking from the rain, so they replaced it with a top that was far from fire proof. That day, with over 7000 people in attendance, the tent went up in flames. Eventually, the tent poles collapsed and the roof caved in. In the aftermath, 168 people were either burned or trampled to death. About 80 of them were kids. Almost 500 people in total were injured and the claims by insurance companies came to almost million.

But the circus survived and was reborn, giving us such great performers as the immortal Gunther Gabel-Williams, who is said to be the greatest lion tamer of all time.

Yes, the circus is alive and well and coming to YOUR town.

Entertainment - Barnum And Bailey

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Entertainment [http://entertainment-guided.com]

Hybrid Clubs or Fairway Woods?

Hybrid clubs keep growing in popularity. And the lofts on hybrids keep getting lower. This gives you more options but blurs the distinction between hybrid clubs and fairway woods.

Some hybrids come in lofts as low as 14*. That's lower than many 3 woods. When deciding on fairway woods or hybrids, how do you know you're making the right choice?

Woods

Hybrids come in two flavors...

Before comparing hybrid clubs and fairway woods, you need to look at the two types of hybrids and decide which suits your game. They're a little different and affect set makeup differently too.

Knowing how to make distinctions between these clubs can help you develop a short list of hybrids and fairway woods to field-test the next time out.

Hybrid irons. These hybrids replace irons, have the same lofts and weights as the irons they replace and come in the same finished lengths and swingweights. That means they'll feel the same as the irons in your current set.

The advantages?

That's simple. Hybrid irons simplify the replacement of corresponding long irons. It also keeps your set's progression consistent. This maintains a predictable 10 yard gap between clubs throughout your set. That makes club selection easier.

Another benefit?

Higher long iron trajectories. The lower center of gravity (CG) in hybrid irons produces a higher trajectory with the same effort. Players with lower swing speeds can take advantage of hybrids to get back the long iron yardages for longer approaches to the green.

If you never thought you'd be able to hit a two iron, hybrid irons deliver the out-and-out perfect solution.

Hybrid fairways. These mimic fairway woods to some extent. They're longer in length than hybrid irons and use different shafts. Hybrid fairways use wood shafts with a .335 tip diameter instead of the .370 tip found in irons.

Hybrid fairways are not as deep from front to back as fairway woods and that affects how they play. Hybrid fairways have the center of gravity (CG) closer to the clubface than traditional fairway woods. This tends to lower trajectory a bit.

How this works...

Fairway woods are a little larger in volume than hybrids, and are wider from front to back. This places the CG farther away from the clubface. During the swing, centrifugal force and gravity push the back of the clubhead down raising the dynamic loft of the club and elevating trajectory. The farter away from the clubface you position the CG the higher the dynamic loft.

Who benefits from hybrid fairways?

My theory is that high swing speed players looking to flatten trajectory do well with hybrid fairways in place of fairway woods. Most fairway woods tend to drift a little higher. Anyone looking to keep the ball under the wind can do that easier with a hybrid.

There are exceptions. An example? The KZG U-Series utility comes to mind. Its very low profile quickly gets the ball up the air. Make sure you know the design characteristics of a utility wood before diving in.

Another advantage? A hybrid fairway's smaller size makes it a better club from difficult or fluffy lies. They simply won't get hung up in the grass as easily as a fairway wood.

Fairway woods have their place too...

Traditional fairway woods are good choices when you want a club that works well from either the tee or fairway. Their slightly larger appearance instills confidence at address.

If your swing speed is about 90 mph or less, a good fairway wood with a low center of gravity helps keep your trajectory a little higher. The lower center of gravity also means you can use stronger lofts for a slight increase in distance.

Putting it all together...

If you struggle with long irons take a look at hybrid iron replacements. They work better for slower swing speeds and integrate easily into your current iron set. Stay with traditional fairway woods with a low center of gravity for an elevated trajectory, better hang time and more stopping power on the green.

Manufacturers are now creating iron sets that progress from traditional short irons to hybrid mid and long irons. The seamless progression from blade-like short irons to hybrid long irons makes more sense for players that have difficulty with long iron distances.

Faster swings and players with naturally high trajectories do well with hybrid fairways. Their higher center of gravity keeps trajectories in check.

Match the right hybrids, fairway woods, or a combination of the two to your swing and you'll have more options when facing long approach shots on par fives, long par fours or tee shots on tight driving holes.

Hybrid Clubs or Fairway Woods?

Ken Lopez writes articles for Pure Impact Custom Golf. If you have questions or want assistance in selecting custom golf clubs, you can contact him here: http://www.pureimpactgolf.com/golf/Default.asp

The Scenic Trail To The Bethel Ridge Road

The Bethel Ridge Road is a loop drive trail of 33 miles that has an elevation of over 5,000 feet on a volcanic ridge on the eastern section of the William O. Douglas Wilderness. Along this 2-hour adventure drive, the trail gives you the best views of the valleys and ridges of the east Cascades. Also expect to have an excellent sight of the Rattlesnake Creek's rock walls and canyons. The trail follows a gravel road and some asphalt driving road as it moves toward the Bethel Ridge. The trail is located between Service Road 410 and US Highway 12 which is northwest of the Yakima Wenatchee National Forest or near milepost 168.

The starting point of the trail is at US 12 where it then sets off to around 3 miles east of Rimrock Lake. Alternately at the same point, set to approximately 17 miles of SR 410 in a southwester direction. Then turn north on the Bethel Ridge Road (1500) that is west of Hause Creek Campground. Set your odometer to zero at the National Forest information kiosk. The rest stops on this trail are on the campground of US 12, the viewpoint on the south end of the trail, and the Timberwolf Mountain.

Bethel Woods

The road starts on a winding gravel road which steeply ascends to the Bethel Ridge Road. As you pass along the road, you will get to have a sight of the Tieton River's valley and the eastern high desert. Then turn right at 6.6 miles to the east and proceed to road 324. Make your through a zigzag road and across slopes where you will see fractured rocks until you approach a vista point barely over a mile. More stunning views of the forest and the river's rapids await you as you move along the trail.

From that point, make your way back to Bethel Ridge Road and then descend through a wooded forest on the north section of the ridge. At a junction with Road 324 which is about 3.5 miles, the road branches northwest on the left along the road to Timberwolf Mountain. You will then approach a vista point just a couple miles after where you will get an excellent view of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams from afar. Around 6.2 miles further on the road you will approach another junction but just proceed further on the paved Road 1500 until arriving at Service Road 410.

Continue towards a slope of shattered rock formation where the horizon offers you a vista of mountains, valleys, and canyons. As you move further along the trail, you will then reach Nile Road where the Nile Valley affords a more stunning landscape of natural forests and some rural settlements on Nile and SR 410. This then marks the end of the scenic driving trail.

The Scenic Trail To The Bethel Ridge Road

No matter whether hiking, boating or camping if we have learned anything from recent tragedies its that an emergency can strike at any time. A reliable radio is simply a safety must. We carry a variety of uhf, vhf, marine and CB radios for sale. You can choose from the versatile handheld cb radio models all the way to the more powerful 10 Meter Radios

The Holiness That Comes Through Fire

Have you been surprised by something strange recently? Peter says not to be surprised at the fiery ordeal among us, the fiery trials that come upon us to test us, as though some strange thing is happening to us (I Pet. 4:12). Yet we realize why he warned us not to be surprised because it seems that is always our tendency. "What's going on?" we cry. "Where did this come from?"

No one likes hard times. And life can sometimes be quite challenging, even for Christians. Peter goes on to say that we should rejoice to the degree that we share the sufferings of Christ, in other words, being reviled for the name of Jesus, persecuted for righteousness sake (I Pet. 4:13-16). And indeed, when we are walking in the perfect will of God, this is the only kind of suffering that we should endure. After all, Jesus' sacrifice of 33 and a half years included every kind of suffering that Satan brings upon us such as sickness, rejection, the result of curses, including the curse of poverty on the last day of His life. He was a substitutionary sacrifice for us. He suffered in our place so we don't have to suffer these attacks of Satan. The reality, however, is that we do not always walk in God's perfect will. Sometimes we suffer because of a lack of knowledge.

Bethel

One of our pastors in Africa just lost his daughter in death. This is one of the greatest trials parents can face. But God's promise is that no test will be too great for us to bear because He is always with us (I Cor. 10:13). Even when we find ourselves obliged to walk for a spell through the valley of the shadow of death, we can reach out for the hand of our Shepherd Jesus to lead us through that valley. His rod and His staff do indeed comfort us (Psalm 23). No matter what we go through, He promised that He would always be there as Yahovah Shammah. He would never leave us or forsake us, even when it seemed like He did (Heb. 13:5). It is in those times of fiery trials that we realize that our God who is Love is more concerned with our holy character that will last forever than with the ease we may experience in a trouble-free life. Not that He brings the fire upon us directly. Satan does that. But God is the overall orchestrator of the process of purification that results.

Even Jesus Learned Through Suffering

Here is where we come to the gist of this message - the concept of holiness by fire. And we must not say that fiery trials only come to the imperfect. Jesus never sinned. Yet He grew up as a young child who needed to grow in His Father's character of love. The Word says: "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 5:8-10). While the joy of Jesus was without a doubt in Jesus Himself, He was also called a man of suffering or a "man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 63:3).

He went through every type of trial we face in order to be a compassionate Intercessor or Go-between with our Father in heaven (Heb.4:14-15). He knows. He knows exactly what we're going through. He is interceding for us every step of the way. And the Holy Spirit is the One our "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (II Cor. 1:3) sent to go alongside us to comfort and encourage us (John 14:26). Jesus is the Word, and He has a part as well. He holds our hand and like a faithful Shepherd gives us a place to rest in green pastures even in the midst of the valley of trial. Jesus' Word is always there. There is a verse for every hurt, every trial, "so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." And as this verse continues in Romans 15:4-5, "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus."

Holiness: Being in Agreement with the God who is Love

That is the essence of holiness: being of the same mind as Jesus Christ. Agreeing in everything with God is the central meaning of holiness. Thinking, speaking, and doing exactly like our perfect Father Love - that is holiness. And a definite link exists with the concept of fire - the trial of fire we go through. Songs about revival fire notwithstanding, fire does not revive. Fire cleanses and purifies. Fire burns out bad habits. Fire destroys that which is not love in us. Our goal is be exactly like our Father Love. Praise and worship is important in that journey, but it is not the goal. The goal is be like Love. The goal is to be defined as Love as God is defined.

Love is the definition of God. God is Love (I John 4:8). He tells us to be holy like He is holy -- to be Love like He is Love. He is eternally defined as Love. Paul tells us to "imitators of God" and to "walk in love," abstaining from impurity "as is proper among saints" (Eph. 5:1-3). A saint is defined as a holy one. A holy one is one in whom the Holy One, God, dwells, but also one who allows God to work in them to make them more and more like their Father, who is Love. Love defines God, and love should define us. Because our souls and bodies, however, have not come in perfect agreement yet with our spirits, we need "re-fining" in order to be "de-fined" as love. We shall see shortly how those words are part of the root of the word holy.

Jesus also is eternally defined as Love. Jesus came down into this space we call time, however, to grow up from a young child and to bring the concept of holiness to a new level. In another sense, He came to bring holiness down to our level. It is in His journey on earth that we find the meaning of the word holy in a number of languages. The root ho has the meaning of refine and define. Jesus was refined by the fire of trial in His life so that He would show us the way in all things and in all trials to be refined from all that is not love to be finally defined like our Father - defined as Love. Because sin entered the world through Adam and because we are surrounded by a world of sin, it became an inevitable necessity for us to be refined by fiery trial. As metals are assayed or purged from impurities to become pure metals, so we are tested through fire to eliminate all impurities and be refined so that we can ultimately be defined as Love. Pure, unadulterated love. No fear, because there is no fear in love. There is no insecurity in love. There is no pride in love. There is no lust, no selfishness in love.

Peter states the concept clearly. After stressing the importance of the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, He writes in I Peter 1:6-7, "In this [in Yashua's salvation] you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while [alas, sometimes that little while does not seem like a little while, but in view of eternity it is indeed a short time], if necessary [sometimes we can be refined simply by reading the Word of God, allowing ourselves to be chastened by the Word, as Psalm 94:12 shows], you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Spirits Perfect, Souls Not

Our spirits are perfect, but our souls, our hearts, minds, and wills need purifying. As Jeremiah said, "Yet, O [Eternal] of hosts, You who test [not tempt] the righteous, Who see the mind and the heart..." (Jer. 20:12). So it is the mind and heart that need the testing, not the spirit. And notice that God tests the righteous. Righteousness is a legal standing before God. We have a right to be seen as righteous and perfect in our spirits because of the precious blood of Jesus. God calls us, the perfect "us "in our spirits, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (II Cor. 5:21).

We need to understand the shade of difference between our standing in righteousness before a holy God and what it really means to be holy. As we grow to sin less and less, we are agreeing more and more with God's way of thinking. We are agreeing with Him. We are being refined by trials and by the Word of God becoming a part of us, and we are progressively being more and more defined as God is defined - defined as Love, perfect Love. This is not to discourage us, because even when we fall into sin, which God always foreknows, our need for Jesus is made more real. We recognize our total dependence on Him and our need for His blood to cleanse us. All things, yes, even the sins we stumble into, work for our good (Rom. 8:28; Gen. 50:20). We always learn lessons when we sin and get up and keep on going, declaring every day a new day with new mercies in it (II Cor. 4:16).

Increased opposition to the truth, including curses from major organizations and many wrong prayers have recently caused attacks on the physical bodies of the leadership of Freedom Church of God. These attacks have brought me understanding of the difference between godly suffering and suffering God does not desire for us. Persecution for righteousness and truth is in fact the only kind of suffering in which God tells us to rejoice (I Pet. 4:12-16). So I rejoice in being persecuted for the truth, since Jesus said that meant I was truly a son of God (Mat. 5:10-12, 44-45). On the other hand, I do hate the attack of persistent pain and continue to thank Jesus that this too will pass as greater revelation is received, and I thank Him for the freedom from pain and the ability to sleep. We must hate the things God hates, and He hates any attack on our bodies or souls that Jesus paid for, while He is pleased to see us rejoice in persecution for the sake of Jesus' name and walk in His forgiveness of our enemies.

Fire of the Word Not Enough

God compares His Word to a fire (Jer. 23:39). If we were perfect, that would be the only fire we need to purify us. We would be chastened only by God's Word (Ps. 94:12). It would be great if all of us allowed ourselves to be corrected and purified solely be reading and studying the Word of God. But God foreknew that such a scenario would simply not exist. That's why He sent Jesus to die for us, and to live a sacrificial life for over thirty years to show us the example of overcoming -- at times through suffering.

That is why the Father appointed Jesus to purify His fellow priests, which we are, by fire. Malachi prophesies a time of increased fire of purification that will exist at the beginning of the Millennium to purify the physical priests of Levi. But millennial prophecy has overlaps. It includes the last days just before the coming back of Jesus. We know that these times of tribulation and Great Tribulation are times of severe trial, even for believers. Malachi 3:2-3 says, "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire [remember that the root of the word holy includes the meaning of "refine"] and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the [Eternal] offerings in righteousness."

The Smelting Analogy Applies to End-time Preparation for the Rapture

Smelting was an important process in the ancient world. Fire separated precious metals from ore and inferior metals. This process became the analogy of divine testing. Gold and silver became symbols of God's work of perfection of character in our lives, while by products such as lead and copper became symbols of dead works. Fire assaying in which the quality of a metal was proven and impurities called dross were removed became a symbol showing how God allows fiery trials to prove our worth and make us pure or completely holy, dedicated fully to God.

Proverbs 17:3 states the process succinctly: "The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the [Eternal] tests [bachan, perform a qualification test, acceptance test; validate; proof test; assay] hearts." God calls His ministers a flame of fire (Heb. 1:7) as they speak out God's fiery Word. God told young Jeremiah, using the same word, bachan, "I have made you an assayer and a tester among My people, That you may know and assay their way" (Jer. 6:27). Once again, the millennial prophecy of holiness by fire will have its precursor in these last days: "It will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy - everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem. When the [Eternal] has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purged the bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning [ba`ar or testing by fire]" (Isa. 4:3-4). We see in this last verse that those who stand the test by fire are called holy - an accurate reflection of the root ho - refined and thus defined, tested and found true to the definition of God, which is love.

God showed Daniel what would happen in "the end time" (Dan. 12:9-10): "Many will be purged, purified and refined [made holy or in greater and greater agreement with God and His character of love]...." That refining process has already begun, and the process will get hotter and hotter as Jesus' return approaches. Those who allow the process of holiness by fire to have its perfect work in their lives now will be the ones who persevere and escape the Great Tribulation by the first and best rapture (Mat. 24:12-13; Luke 21:36; Isa.26:20-21). The days of the rapture are here. That's the title of a future book we are planning that we hope comes out before the rapture. Being ready for the rapture will require some fire. In Paul's letter that spoke much about the rapture, he gives the key to being ready: "Now may the God of peace [shalom or wholeness] sanctify [make you holy, set apart totally for Him to be like Him in every way] you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our [Divine Master] Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass" (I Thes. 5:23-24).

More Definitions of Holiness

At this point we need to more fully understand the concept of holiness, of which a number of definitions exist. The ground Moses stood on in Exodus 3 was called holy ground. Why? Because God's presence was in it. We are holy and the Sabbath is holy for the same reason. Furthermore, if God is in us and in the Sabbath, we and God's day are set apart or sanctified, set aside for a special, holy use. We and God's day are devoted or dedicated to God. Not all of us have a name like my daughter Lisa. Lisa comes from Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew and means "consecrated to God." Bethel was a place name that meant, "house of God." Whatever our name may be, when Jesus comes to live in us, we become holy, set apart for God.

The concept of purity is included, since God cannot live in an impure vessel. The day into which Jesus pours Himself becomes pure and holy. The day is purely dedicated to Jesus and to no other temporal use. We are also called to be set apart for the pure purposes of God. Our souls must begin to reflect the purity and perfect dedication of our spirits. The nation of Israel (as are the believers today) were called to be "holy unto God" - devoted only to Him. We are to be true to Him and have no competing loyalties. God calls Himself holy because He is true to Himself. He is faithful and perfectly true to His Word. He does not lie to others or to Himself. He is faithful and consistent in His words, character, and actions. In a word, He has integrity. The three members of the Godhead are perfectly integrated, perfectly united in themselves and true to themselves and each other.

We are also to be true to God and ourselves - One with ourselves and God as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One, in perfect unity and faithfulness. Like God, we are to do what we say, to fulfill our promises, to be the same in private as in public. I'm sure we could give many reasons why David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). One of them is revealed in one of his psalms: "I will give heed to the blameless way [margin: way of integrity]...I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes [even when no one is looking]..." (Ps. 101:3-4). Someone once said that integrity is what you are and do in the dark. And God will bring to light all that is in the dark. God will bring into judgment "everything which is hidden" (Eccl. 12:14) unless it is confessed and erased by the blood of Jesus.

A Lesson from Midian

Jesus commanded Israel to execute His vengeance on the Midianites. They made war with them and killed many of them, burning their cities and camps in order to purify the land from their uncleanness (Numb. 31:11). The warriors had to purify themselves from the uncleanness, including the touching of any dead bodies (31:19). All the metal that had been used in battle, "everything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean..." (31:23). The uncleanness was burned out of the metals by fire, just as our uncleanness is burned out by fiery trials. Jesus speaks of the "fire of His jealousy" (Zeph. 1:18).

He wants to burn out of us anything that competes with our wholehearted, holy devotion to Him. As the metals of battle were purified by fire and also by water, the psalmist says, "We went through fire and water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance" (Ps. 66:12). The fiery trials God allows us sometimes to go through are for our ultimate good. Satan and people may mean it for evil, but Jesus always has a plan of redemption (Gen. 50:20). It surely feels good when the pain is over and the trial has passed, and we enter our large place of green pastures, our place of abundance. The eternal good that the trial produced, however, could not have been obtained without the fire.

In these last days it is the intensity of the fire that will be the question. Those who persist in the lackadaisical, nonchalant attitude of the Laodicean era will have to buy "gold refined by fire" (Rev. 3:18) in the Great Tribulation. On the other hand, those who are obedient to Jesus and who persevere through their fiery trials will be spared from the "hour of testing ... to test those who dwell on the earth" (Rev. 3:10). The day is coming, and in some cases is already here, when "each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work" (I Cor. 3:14).

What will be our final fire? The fire of the Word that corrects us and the fiery trials that test our metal as we persevere faithfully to be counted worthy to escape all these things and stand before the Son of Man in heaven after we are raptured ? Or will it be the fire of the Great Tribulation that will make or break us and force us to lose our lives to gain the reward? What will be our choice? We pray that we will all persevere in trial as did Job, and that His words in Job 23:10 will become ours: "But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

The Holiness That Comes Through Fire

Robert B. Scott is an author, pastor, and healing and teaching evangelist. He pastors Freedom Church of God in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where he is a regular speaker on the popular radio Internet station, http://www.freedomtruthseekers.com His author web site is http://www.robertbscott.net, He has published "Why Doesn't God Heal Me?" as well as "Peace or Rejection -- You Choose." His latest book is, "Bible Code Broken -- The Truth about the Christian Sabbath. Soon to be completed is the manuscript of "Have the Tormentors Got You," an insightful book on forgiveness he co-authors with Youth Pastor Scott Bishop. Robert is priviileged to work with Gerald Budzinski, who is one of the foremost authorities today on curses and demonic strongholds.

Woods Cove Photography Preparation

A number of Newport Beach Photographers shoot at Woods Cove because it is free is a beautiful location for family and engagement shoots. This article offers some practical information to those who are being photographed there for the first time.

Directions

Woods

To get to Woods Cove go down PCH and then turn South onto Diamond Street. You will see the entrance onto the Beach between two residential houses.

Parking

There is very little parking at Woods Cove the best place to find parking is on Ocean Street. When entering this street to look for parking, be aware that this is one way parking only. Keep in mind that this area is residential so act as you'd want others to act if you lived there.

Beach Access

To get to the beach you need to go down a long flight of stairs. Keep an eye out for the last step. Sometime much of the sand has been washed away leaving a deep drop. If you leave anything on the beach it might get swept away during high tide.

Facilities

Make sure you take your little (and older) ones to the restroom before arriving at the beach as there are no such facilities at this beach. There is however a telephone at the top of the beach.

Photographic Appeal

You will enjoy having your pictures taken at Woods Cove for a number of reasons. First, there are a variety of rocks in which a photographer can pose groups of varying size. Second there is a stone retaining wall which is perfect for sitting subjects on for a beach rustic look. Lastly, there is normally some beautiful vegetation growing on the hill side. This vegetation, diverse in nature, adds variety to the numerous available backgrounds.

There are a number of terrific photography locations in Orange County and near Laguna Beach - Shaws Cove, Crystal Cove and Victoria Beach to name just a few, however, Wood's Cove is one of the best because it is free, beautiful and the available backdrops are diverse.

Woods Cove Photography Preparation

Vanessa frequently shoots Woods Cove Portraits.

She is a Laguna Beach Photographer who specializes in family, pet, and engagement photography.

Western Maine Master Planned Communities - Great Brook Preserve

Great Brook Preserve is a private community in Western Maine that is nestled in the majestic Mahoosuc Mountains. With amenities like the Sunday River Golf Club and the Sunday River Ski Resort, it's no wonder Great Brook Preserve is the choice of many seeking a quiet getaway. If you are seeking a secondary home surrounded by tall timbers and panoramic mountain views, then Great Brook Preserve at Sunday River may be for you.

Skiers and snowboarders enjoy the slopes at the Sunday River Ski Resort because of the wide array of options available. There are over 131 different trails that meander through eight interconnected mountain peaks.

Bethel

Created by award-winning designer Robert Trent Jones Jr, the Sunday River Golf Club was named the number one course in Maine by Golfweek Magazine and was named one of the top 10 best new golf courses in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

If you have a love for the environment and want to see natural woodlands protected you'll find the deep rooted compassion for the environment shown by Great Brook Preserve refreshing. Tall timbers dominate the mountain landscapes inside the community, with hundreds of acres donated to the Conservation Land Trust. The donated land has been set aside to remain undeveloped to preserve the communities environment and natural beauty.

Sites vary from 3 to 566 acres of preserved mountain land with touring trees, steams and brooks, waterfalls, and panoramic mountains views. Homeowners can hike over 180 mile hut and trail system located adjacent to the community located next to the community or the Grafton Loop Trail which has 40 miles of hiking other natural features in Grafton Notch. Not into hiking? Why not they the cross country skiing or snowmobile down the many trails and paths in the Mahoosuc Mountains.

SKI Magazine pronounced Bethel as "The greatest ski town in the universe". Residents folk to Bethel for it's dining, shopping, and year round activities that are seasonal based. No matter what time of year it is, Bethel can provide you an outdoor adventure to remember.

In Closing

If peace and serenity is what you are searching for in your seasonal or secondary home purchase in Maine, then Great Brook Preserve would be a great choice. See for yourself today.

Western Maine Master Planned Communities - Great Brook Preserve

Hubert Miles is the founder of Gated Communities USA which features the best Gated Communities in the USA and Internationally. Find information on Maine Gated Communities.

Best Indoor Prep Track and Field Marks For High School Athletes Since 1999 - The Last 11 Years

Having the best indoor prep track and field performance during the 2010 season is a huge accomplishment considering our population (the current U. S. Census Bureau estimate is 309+ million).

Having the best indoor prep track and field performance during the past 11+ years is an even greater accomplishment.

Bethel Woods

Among the 28 marks (14 each for boys and girls), the one name that jumps out is Alan Webb. Webb holds the best marks in 4 events-the 1500, Mile, 3000 and 2 Mile. Polytechnic Relay has 3 best marks-in the boys 4 x200, and the girls 4 x 200 and 4 x 400.

Alan Webb broke Jim Ryun's 4:07.8 prep record as a sophomore by running 4:06.94, ran 3:53.43 to shatter Ryun's 36-year-old national high school record of 3:55.3, and ran 3:38.26 to break Ryun's 37-year-old, 1500-meter high school record of 3:39.0 set in 1964.

Webb also became the first American high schooler ever to run a sub-four minute mile indoors with his 3:59.86 effort. He currently holds the American record for the mile in 3:46.91.

Seven other athletes show up twice-Casey Combest in the 55 and 60, Robby Andrews in the 800 and 1000, Michael Coe in the 1600 and 3200, Wayne Davis in the 55 and 60 hurdles, Francena McCorory in the girls' 300 and 400, Chanelle Price in the 500 and 800, and Jacquelyn Coward in the 55 and 60 hurdles.

The biggest name among the rest is Jordan Hasay in the 3200, who set the national 1500 record of 4:14.50 in a Semi-Final Heat while competing in the 2008 U. S. Olympic Trials as a high school junior.

Six of the 28 marks have also been set this year by Nick Vena in the shot put, Alec Faldermeyer in the weight throw, Emily Lipari in the Mile, Emily Sisson in the 3200, Megan Goethals in the 2 Mile, and Shelby Ashe in the weight throw.

Here is the best of the best for the past 11+ years:

High School Boys:

55 - 6:19 by Casey Combest from Owensboro HS in Kentucky at Bloomington (IN) in 1999.

60 - 6:57 by Casey Combest from Ownesboro HS in Kentucky at the Nike Indoor Classic in 1999.

200 - 20.69 by Xavier Carter from Palm Bay HS in Florida at the National Scholastic Meet in 2004.

300 - 33.21 by Sean Holston from Lee HS in Virginia at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2007.

400 - 45.92 by Elzie Coleman from Newburgh Free Academy in New York at the Simplot Games in 2004.

500 - 1:02.80 by Karjuan Williams from New Bern HS in North Carolina at the Virginia Tech Invitational in 2006.

600 - 1:17.90 by Shaquan Brown from John F. Kennedy HS in New Jersey at the Varsity Classic in 2005.

800 - 1:49.21 by Robby Andrews from Manalapan HS in New Jersey at the National Scholastic Meet in 2009.

1000 - 2:22.28 by Robby Andrews from Manalapan HS in New Jersey at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2009.

1500 - 3:43.27 by Alan Webb from South Lakes HS in Virginia at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2001.

1600 - 4:05.80 by Michael Coe from Cabrillo HS in California at the Boston Indoor Meet in 2006.

Mile - 3:59.86 by Alan Webb from South Lakes HS in Virginia at the New Balance Collegiate Games in 2001.

3000 - 8:10.98 by Alan Webb from South Lakes HS in Virginia at the Nike Indoor Championships in 2001.

3200 - 8:53.47 by Michael Coe from Cabrillo HS in California at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2006.

2 Mile - 8:45.19 by Alan Webb from South Lakes HS in Virginia at the Nike Indoor Championships in 2001.

55 Hurdles - 7.05 by Wayne Davis from Southeast Raleigh HS in North Carolina at the 4A State Meet in 2009.

60 Hurdles - 7.60 by Wayne Davis from Southeast Raleigh HS in North Carolina at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2009.

4 x 200 - 1:26.09 by Polytechnic Relay from Polytechnic HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2005. (That's 4 prep runners averaging 21.73 in the 200).

4 x400 - 3:13.06 by the New Bern Relay from New Bern HS in North Carolina at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2009. (That's 4 prep runners averaging 48.4 in the 400.)

4 x 800 - 7:36.99 by Albemarle Relay from Albemarle HS in Virginia at the Nike Indoor National Meet in 2009. (That's 4 prep runners averaging 1:54.25 in the 800.)

Sprint Medley - 3:25.51 by East New York Transit Technical Relay from East NY Transit Technical HS in New York at the National Scholastic Meet in 2003.

Distance Medley - 9:59.94 by Gloucester Relay from Gloucester HS in Massachusetts at the National Scholastic Meet in 2000.

High Jump - 7'5.25" Scott Sellers from Cinco Ranch HS in Texas at the Nike Indoor Championships in 2004.

Long Jump - 25'6.75" by Christian Taylor from Sandy Creek HS in Georgia at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2008.

Triple Jump - 52'08.00" by Leevan Sands from Florida Air Academy HS in Florida at the National Scholastic Meet in 2000.

Pole Vault - 17'05.00" by Maston Wallace from Clear Brook HS in Texas at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2007.

Shot Put - 71'05.00" by Nick Vena from Morristown HS in New Jersey at the Randolph Shot Put Invitational in 2010.

Weight Throw - 82'10.50" by Alec Faldermeyer from Minisink Valley HS in New York at the New Balance Collegiate Meet in 2010.

High School Girls:

55 - 6.73 by Kya Brookins from Seneca HS in South Carolina at the University of Florida Diet Pepsi Invitational in 2007.

60 - 7.19 by Ashley Owens from Liberty HS in Colorado at the Simplot Games in 2004.

200 - 22.97 by Bianca Knight from Ridgeland HS in Mississippi at the Simplot Games in 2007.

300 - 36.96 by Francena McCorory from Bethel HS in Virginia at the Virginia Tech Invitational in 2006.

400 - 51.93 by Francena McCorory from Bethel HS in Virginia at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 1006.

500 - 1:10.30 by Chanelle Price from Easton Area HS in Pennsylvania at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2008.

600 - 1:29.27 by Janine Davis from Queen of Peace HS in New Jersey at the MAC Record Assault Meet in 2005.

800 - 2:04.96 by Chanelle Price from Easton Area HS in Pennsylvania at the State Meet in 2007.

1000 - 2:43.40 by Sarah Bowman from Fauquier HS in Virginia at the AA State Meet in 2005.

1500 - 4:22.10 by Molly Huddle from Elmira Notre Dame in New York at the Finger Lakes Runners Club Meet in 2002.

1600 - 4:45.02 by Nicole Blood from Saratoga Springs in New York at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2006.

Mile - 4:42.64 by Emily Lipari from Roslyn HS in New York at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2010.

3000 - 9:25.70 by Emily Sisson from Parkway Central HS in Missouri at the Jayhawk Classic in 2010.

3200 - 10:06.74 by Jordan Hasay from Mission Prep HS in California at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2009.

2 Mile - 10:10.14 by Megan Goethals from Rochester HS in Michigan at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2010.

55 Hurdles - 7.67 by Jacquelyn Coward from Knoxville West HS in Tennessee at the AAU Southern Invitational in 2007.

60 Hurdles - 8.16 by Jacquelyn Coward from Knoxville West HS in Tennessee at the Simplot Games in 2008.

4 x 200 - 1:35.86 by the Polytechnic Relay from Polytechnic HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2003.

4 x 400 - 3:38.91 by the Polytechnic Relay from Polytechnic HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2004.

4 x 800 - 8:53.67 by the Boys & Girls Relay from Boys & Girls HS in New York at the USA Nationals in 2002.

Sprint Medley - 3:53.17 by Wilson Relay from Wilson HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2001.

Distance Medley - 11:35.43 by Mountain View Relay from Mountain View HS in Utah at the National Scholastic Meet in 2004.

High Jump - 6'00.25" by Hannah Willms from Dike-New Hartford HS in Iowa at the Dickinson Relays in 2009.

Long Jump - 20'10.00" by Shana Woods from Polytechnic HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2005.

Triple Jump - 44'06.75" by Ke'Niy Richardson from Holy Names HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2007.

Pole Vault - 14'02.50" by Tori Anthony from Castilleja HS in California at the Husky Classic Invitational in Seattle (WA) in 2007.

Shot Put - 54'09.50" by Michelle Carter from Red Oak HS in Texas at the Nike Indoor Championships in 2003.

Weight Throw - 65'04.25" by Shelby Ashe from St. Pius X HS in Georgia at the National Scholastic Meet in 2010.

The primary source of these statistics are from dyestat.com, the most visible and authoritative source on the Internet.

Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

Best Indoor Prep Track and Field Marks For High School Athletes Since 1999 - The Last 11 Years

Ed Bagley's Articles is Writer, Author and Editor Ed Bagley's personal web site with hundreds of original articles on 47 different subjects. Ed Bagley's Articles is a treasure trove of feel good stories, satire, insight, and frank commentary on our life and times in America. Find Ed Bagley's Articles at:

http://www.edbagleyblog.com

[http://www.edbagleyblog.com/Sports.html]

Survival in the Woods - Ten Essentials For Dayhikes Gone Wrong

For dayhikes on an urban path or on a heavily traveled and nicely groomed trail, your only concern may be having a bottle of water with you. But when you head out into the backcountry for an extended dayhike, you'll want to be prepared with a few extra items. What has become known within the hiking community as the "Ten Essentials" was first popularized in the 1930s by a climbing and adventuring group called The Mountaineers. Recently The Mountaineers have updated the classic list from one based on individual items to one based on "systems." For instance, instead of listing map and compass separately, those items are now included in the "navigation" system.

You may think you don't need to carry anything special if you're only going to be out hiking for a day, but the fact is anything can happen out there. Simply tripping over a rock could turn your happy-go-lucky dayhike into an overnight emergency. The point behind the ten essentials is to make sure you have the ability to deal with unexpected situations. Sure, you may not need some of the items, but in the case where you do, you'll be glad you were prepared.

Woods

Navigation. Tops on the list are a map and compass so you can find your way back if you lose the trail. Simple line-drawn maps showing only the trail won't help you if you somehow stray off the path. Carry a topographic map, waterproof or protected from dampness, that shows route-finding details. It will show elevations, maybe roads, and other topographic features, and in conjunction with a compass will help you locate yourself.

An altimeter uses barometric pressure to give an estimate of your elevation. Used with the elevation markings on the topographic map, it can help you determine where you are. You can also carry a GPS if you want, but don't forget that batteries can and do go dead.

Sun Protection. This is something you should be using anyway. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you're going to be hiking on snow or ice, use glacier glasses with wraparound lenses to prevent prolonged glare from causing snow blindness.

Carry and use sunscreen and lip balm with at least SPF 15. And don't be sparing. A thick covering provides the most protection, and it should be reapplied every two hours.

The best sun protection is clothing. There are lightweight synthetics that provide ultraviolet protection.

Insulation. Weather can change rapidly, and if an accident keeps you out unexpectedly overnight, a whole new weather system could move in. Don't be caught unprepared. If you get wet, hypothermia can set in at much warmer temperatures than you might think, especially if you're tired, hungry, and stressed. Carry an extra layer of clothing in a synthetic fabric. Do not wear cotton, as it does not have any insulation value when wet. It's important to have a hat, too, because so much body heat is lost through the head.

Illumination. If you get stuck in the backcountry overnight, or misjudge your return time, you'll be glad to have a flashlight. LEDs are rugged and long-lasting, so they are good for outdoor activities. Headlamps are excellent because they are light and compact, have a long battery life, and free your hands for other things. Always carry spare batteries for your light.

First-aid. You can obtain a ready-made first-aid kit or assemble your own. At the least, it should contain a variety of adhesive bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, blister treatment, and pain medication.

Fire. In a cold, wet emergency situation, it's good to be able to build a fire for warmth. Carry waterproof matches and some firestarter. Firestarter will light easily and stay lit long enough for your other fire materials to ignite. Some options are chunks of candles, dryer lint soaked in petroleum jelly, or just some dry tinder kept dry in a plastic bag. If all the wood you can find is too wet to light, look under logs for dry duff or use tiny twigs from resinous pine or fir trees to get things going.

Repair Kit and Tools. If whatever gear you're carrying has a field repair kit, bring it along. And certainly carry a multi-function knife. A multi-tool is a versatile piece of equipment that you can use in a variety of ways in a pinch. A common repair item is duct tape; wrap some around your water bottle or hiking poles to keep it handy. A whistle is a handy tool if you become lost or injured. The sound will travel much farther than your voice will. Three blasts on the whistle is a universal signal for help.

Nutrition. Carry extra food that doesn't need cooking. Jerky, nuts, energy bars, or trail mix travel well. In addition to providing calories, digestion itself helps keep you warm, so nibble a little every now and then, with an extra snack before bed.

Hydration. Hopefully you started out with at least two liters of water per person. In case of an emergency situation when you don't get out of the woods as soon as you expected, you should carry a method for treating water. If you don't want the bulk of a filter, there are chemical treatments that take up very little space. Use your topographic map to scout out possible water sources, and remember that chemical treatments require some time to work.

Shelter. If you're out for a dayhike, you won't be carrying a tent. But you should carry some kind of emergency shelter in case something causes you to spend the night in the wilderness. This could be a lightweight tarp or a space blanket. These provide protection from the elements and can keep you much more comfortable while you wait for daylight.

Having these ten essentials in your daypack can make the difference between an inconvenience and a real emergency. The most important ingredient, though, is something you can't put in the pack. You must have the knowledge to use your survival essentials. Just having the map and compass won't get you unlost. Take the time to learn how to interpret the readings on the compass and the markings on the map. Knowledge is the ultimate lightweight hiking gear.

Survival in the Woods - Ten Essentials For Dayhikes Gone Wrong

Once you've assembled your ten essentials, you'll need a way to carry them. JanSport makes the most popular day packs. See these and other backpacks at Best Backpacks For Sale.

(bestbackpacksforsale.blogspot.com)

Baldness: A Walk Through a Circus of Treatments and History

As P.T. Barnum said: "There is a sucker born every minute." Perhaps nothing speaks better to the validity of this than the multibillion-dollar industry for hair loss.

We are all suckers for our hair. It defines us. We groom and style it to communicate different messages to others. We color, twist, braid, clip and even spike it. It is a sign of virility, youth and strength. Human beings love their hair. The fear of losing our hair and going bald ranks right up there with death and dismemberment for most people.

Bethel Woods

I'm bald. For some men to say those words is like admitting alcoholism for the first time. Men will play around with ridiculous comb-overs, toupees, and scalp spray paint before looking at themselves in the mirror and saying "I'm bald."

Sometimes it is easier for a man to digest he has cancer than he is losing his hair. Along his journey he has probably hemorrhaged money on magic hair growth potions and pills, laser combs and herbal shampoos. Men will part with thousands of dollars just for the hope of hanging on to a few follicles.

Infomercials have largely replaced the greasy mustached man from the back of the wagon, pulling into town with hair tonic to peddle to the local rubes. Hair loss treatments are hocked everywhere by otherwise reputable companies and con artists alike. They are all bunk. If doctors really did discover a cure for hair loss (as I've seen advertised), I suspect you'd see no bald doctors.

One could fill a museum with contraptions that have been sold to desperate men for their balding scalps. Vacuum helmets to suck new hair to the surface, vibrating bands to stimulate blood flow, scalp massagers and shampoos to detoxify the scalp hurt nothing but men's wallets.

Some of the more sinister treatments contained arsenic, mercury, and who knows what else. But perhaps no greater hoax was pulled on mankind than convincing men that powdered wigs could be fashionable. Something tells me there was a group of profiting balding men somewhere behind this.

Even as far back as 1500 BC, people were concerned with hair loss and tried to persuade their gods to help regrow their hair. Egyptian and Greek literature are full of references to this.

Julius Caesar reportedly wore a victory wreath to hide his bald spot. And everyone is familiar with the physical and psychological destruction wrought upon the great Samson after losing his locks. Hippocrates the Father of Medicine prescribed a potion of pigeon feces, cumin, horseradish and nettles to cure hair loss. Needless to say he as well as his patients remained absolutely bald. Of course if this foul concoction were marketed online today, I think men would be typing in their credit card numbers right now to get some.

If you are balding, let me save you some time and money here. There are only two FDA-approved medications to treat male pattern hair loss: Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).

There are a few other prescription medicines that can be tweaked here and there, but minoxidil and finasteride represent where you should put your money. Don't spring for that elixir on the pop-up ad or infomercial.

Finasteride is a prescription so you'd want to talk to your dermatologist about potential side affects. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a blood pressure medication that happened to have a side affect of growing hair, so its manufacturer formulated it for OTC topical use. It's also one of the few accepted treatments for female pattern baldness.

I usually put people on a biotin vitamin as well for good measure in addition to prescription medication. Hair transplantation and grafting have come light years from the "doll plug" and "corn row" look of a decade ago. It is expensive but permanent and actually the most natural solution in my opinion. Donor hair from the back of the scalp is transplanted into the bald areas. The donor hair follicles are hair from the horseshoe like area of the head, where men don't typically lose their hair. Since these types of follicles biologically respond differently to your hormones, they should not fall out once transplanted. Luckily we have a local doctor here in the area that does excellent work

You may have heard that baldness is caused from an overabundance of testosterone in the body and that bald men have higher levels of testosterone. Neither of these statements is true. A form of testosterone called DHT is to blame, however. It is a powerful sex hormone that promotes facial and body hair growth while leading to hair loss on the scalp. In genetically prone individuals, DHT starts the process of shrinking the hair follicle. Each time it sheds, it grows back smaller and smaller. Eventually the scalp is left with "peach fuzz" or just barren. Way back when, Aristotle noticed that neither eunuchs nor women grew hair on their chests and he correctly surmised this was due to the lack of testes. DHT also affects prostate tissue and leads to noncancerous prostate enlargement.

You may also have heard that baldness comes from your mother's side of the family. If only it were that simple. This myth can be traced back to a paper published in 1916 and has been propagated throughout the medical and lay literature since. There is no single way to get hair loss from your parents, as it is a complex genetic trait most likely coming from both sides.

Balding is not unique to humans. Gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans all show some different degrees of baldness. Some psychologists have even proposed that a gorilla's high forehead (simulating baldness) creates a larger show for the face, and hence a more powerful social standing.

It was the late 1990s when I started to lose my hair and the only famous bald man I knew was George Costanza from "Seinfeld" - not too inspiring. Being bald used to mean you were either seriously ill, a religious freak, a slave or maybe the loser of a bet. Then suddenly Michael Jordan and Andre Agassi made it acceptable for men to shave their heads.They unlocked a new world for bald guys. No longer would we be compared to Tele Savalas or Mr. Clean.

So one day I woke up at 2 a.m. and shaved my head for the first time. I then climbed back in bed with my wife. I should mention here that I didn't discuss it with her beforehand, so one can imagine her surprise waking up next to a Hare Krishna. Fifteen years later, I'm still shaving it (only there is less and less to shave each year). An interesting psychological point is that it took about three years of being bald in the real world to see myself as a bald person when I dreamed. I think it took that long for my ingrained self-image to adjust.

In conclusion, I'd like to share an amusing Biblical reference I came upon in preparing this article: Kings 2: 23 From there Elisha went to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said "go on up, you baldhead!" He turned round, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the youths. I guess even holy man can be sensitive about their hair loss! And God obviously loves bald men.

Baldness: A Walk Through a Circus of Treatments and History

Dr. Derrick Adams is a board certified dermatologist and the medical director of Vita Dermatology and Laser Institute, a division of Lassen Medical Group in Red Bluff. He is also the inventor of Sasquatch Itch Cream. http://www.sasquatchcream.com. His office can be reached at 528-VITA

2012 Holland America World Cruise

Each year, avid cruisers from across the country eagerly anticipate the day in January when their Holland America world cruise adventure begins in Ft. Lauderdale. Many of the travelers are experiencing the thrill of spending several months cruising and visiting intriguing destinations for the first time, while others return year after year to the Holland America world cruise to embark on a classic and treasured trip that is part of their annual traditions. While many senior "snowbirds" in the country venture to warmer climates for the winter such as Florida or Arizona, these savvy cruisers opt to spend their 112 day winter break exploring new cities, embracing different cultures and enjoying ship life.

Cruise Specialists provides their guests with a magical send-off to their journey by hosting a glamorous Bon Voyage gala and hotel overnight in Ft. Lauderdale the night before the elegant flagship ms Amsterdam sets sail. The gala is a special evening of celebration and reunion as first time world cruisers are welcomed into the group by the Cruise Specialists team, while veteran cruisers are giddy with excitement as they meet up with old friends and travel companions.

Bethel

Throughout the 2012 Holland America world cruise, Cruise Specialists guests will enjoy the company and guidance of the company's two venerable world cruise escorts, Tom Mullen and Ellen Bethel. Tom has been escorting the Holland America world cruise for 15 years with over 31 total years at sea, and Ellen for 9 years, and both bring an insider's knowledge and perspective on traveling the world by sea. In addition to Cruise Specialists' extras on this sailing such as onboard escorts and commemorative gifts, guests are invited to attend Cruise Specialists hosted cocktail parties, chat times and several complimentary group shore excursions during their voyage.

The 2012 Holland America world cruise itinerary covers major ports in South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and Europe before returning to Ft. Lauderdale where it all began. Travelers will visit iconic cities like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong, China; Bombay, India; Naples, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain, as well as venture into more exotic lesser-known places such as the Falkland Islands; the Antarctic Sound; the Chilean Fjords; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Komodo Island, Indonesia; and Colombo, Sri Lanka. When a cruiser's feet hits the land, they'll want to take advantage of some of the special shore excursion options available only through Cruise Specialists.

As the ship sails between each of these remarkable ports, vacationers will have plenty of time to enjoy a combination of active and relaxing days on the ms Amsterdam. The ship boasts a culinary art center, Greenhouse spa and salon, Queen's show lounge, a fitness center, and a number of formal and casual restaurants and bars. Whether a person wants to take a yoga class, watch a cooking demonstration, listen to a renowned guest lecturer, or simply read a good book in the library or check their email in the café, they'll have plenty to do before they arrive at their next destination.

All-in-all the 2012 Holland America grand world voyage will be a journey of a lifetime for both seasoned travelers, and those new to a seasonal circumnavigation.

2012 Holland America World Cruise

Top Fall Destinations - Where to Go This Fall Season?

Enjoy the exuberance of the fall season and treat yourself to the visual delight of the golden-yellow hues and the brilliance of the abundant foliage. With the summers on their way out and the romantic chill in the air before the full fledged advent of Jack Frost, you can enjoy unlimited vacationing opportunities in United States. A superb alternative to an expensive hotel or resort would be renting a vacation rental home where you can experience a fulfilling break this fall. Imagine long leisurely countryside walks near your quaint vacation rental cottage which are strewn with leaves and the sunlight filters through the yellow, orange and green trees to create a divine setting for exploration and introspection. It doesn't get better than this.

The outdoors are superb, the splendid sun warms the vibrant mood and in a picturesque setting you can enjoy the stillness, the peace and tranquility as well as numerous sporting and leisure activities. Avail some good discounts on numerous vacation rental properties and take a break to view this amazing kaleidoscope of colors and nature at its best.

Bethel Woods

Tennessee

The stillness and tranquility of the Great Smokies beckons you to indulge in its amazing scenery and pristine environs, great outdoor sports and numerous other recreational activities. Drive, ride, bike, hitch-hike through Natchez Trace Parkway and numerous other scenic byways to experience freedom from your usual pace of life. Abounding in countless camping opportunities, the pleasant fall climate allows everyone to enjoy great outdoors. Also available are numerous vacation rental homes where you can make your base to explore these scenic surroundings and participate in many special events. Answer that 'Call of the Wild" and set out to indulge in some breathtaking vistas, exhilarating sports, vibrant festivals and the rich cultural and historical heritage of this amazing state. Be a witness to the long-awaited Biscuits and Bluegrass Fall Festival and learn about local music, food, and culture of Nashville. Fall for Tennessee this fall!

Pennsylvania

Book a vacation rental in Pennsylvania this fall and be an active spectator to the glorious natural hues of colors as you move along the country roads, highways, and the coastline. Winding rivers, still lakes bearing the reflections of yellow and red colored trees, the brilliance of fall foliage rearing high against the splendid blue sky and the romanticism of the autumn breeze - you'll surely think aloud that "Life is Beautiful". Pack your bags and book yourself a charming vacation rental retreat in Pennsylvania to revel in the glory of nature's colors and vivacity. The scenic views of the Endless Mountains and Susquehanna River, Delaware Water Gap, Elk Scenic Drive, Great Allegheny Passage in the Laurel Highlands, Bucks County and the Brandywine Valley, King's Gap State Park are simply not to be missed; the blazing red, orange and golden hues are sure to enliven your spirits and the shades of scarlet and subtle yellows will be a soothing treat to your eyes. Watch the red maples flame up with gorgeous scarlet and oak leaves changing into purple in the forests of Philadelphia. Elysburg welcomes you warmly at its gala 'Covered Bridge and Arts Festival' this autumn. Pennsylvania has a so much to offer! So hurry!

Maine

Experience a quintessential fall season in Maine this autumn! Numerous scenic byways and trails, many state parks, lakes brimming with picture perfect reflections, vibrant yellows, reds and oranges and the greatest of outdoors, you will be simply mesmerized by the sheer beauty of nature in its pristine form and are sure cherish these memories for years to come. Avoid expensive accommodation options in Maine and retreat to the homely comforts of your vacation rental home or cabin and enjoy some quality times with your loved ones. Right from lakeside golf courses to picturesque coastal villages to spectacular mountain passes, Maine offers one of the most brilliant settings for a splendid holiday. Watch the awesome mountain peaks of Bethel dressed up in exotic autumn hues. Hike, bike or drive and the gorgeous colors of fall will enthrall you during your expedition. Wind your way from Maine Coast to Maine Inland; the rainbow of colors in every twists and turns will simply amaze you.

Vermont

Open your eyes to a panorama of the magnificent blend of yellow and golden this fall on a vacation in Vermont. Enjoy numerous outdoor activities, spectacular views of stupendous lakes, beautiful creeks and forests, cultural and culinary explorations from the comforts of your vacation rental hideout. The tree carpeted peaks of Green Mountain forest, the summit of craggy Haystack Mountain, and the splendid beauty of Groton State Forest are some of the not-to-be-missed this autumn. Fall in love with an extremely charming atmosphere backed by a brilliant glossy setting comprising of rolling hills and meadows, charming countryside and the clear blue skies. Enjoy the band of colors brushing the superb gorge in Quechee. See how blankets of color drape it beautifully from all sides. Enjoy the exotic species of fish and other marine life at Lake Champlain. Make your autumn exceptional colorful and lively!

Colorado

Make the best of your vacation this autumn in Colorado, home to the beautiful Aspen. The forests with quaking Aspen trees rendered fiery yellow and red in the fall and with mountains and crags in the backdrop is a popular tourist attraction. This splendorous beauty amazes and offers a welcome break to the vacationers who make this location their holiday destination during fall. Rejoice the crisp autumn breeze on a hiking trip to the beautiful Rocky Mountain. Take the pleasure of watching the golden leaves kissing your path when you bike or walk along the craggy byways of Crested Butte. Enjoy the vibrant shade of gold everywhere in Colorado. Choose from a great selection of Colorado vacation rentals now and capture some beautiful photographs and memories to carry for a lifetime.

Top Fall Destinations - Where to Go This Fall Season?

Ajay Chaturvedi is a published author with a travel book to his name. He loves to travel and write about the vacation rental industry.

Continuing Education For Architects and Engineers in Wood Preservation

Untreated wood left exposed to outdoor conditions becomes susceptible to decay and degradation by natural forces. While some species of trees have some degree of natural resistance to decay most of the commonly used species do not. Therefore wood left exposed to the elements should be protected against decay and destructive insects by applying chemical preservatives. Several factors influence the degree of protection that can be achieved with chemical preservatives, including the species of wood being treated, the type of chemical being applied, the method of application, the degree of penetration of the preservative into the wood and the length of time the chemical is retained in the wood.

Wood preservatives are a type of pesticide, and as such their use is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Certain preservatives are available for use by the general public while others, referred to as "restricted use" preservatives, are only available for use by certified applicators. Wood products treated with restricted use preservatives are not considered toxic by the EPA and their purchase and use is not regulated by the EPA. Consumers may obtain EPA approved Consumer Information Sheets from retailers for more information about different preservatives and the proper disposal of treated products.

Bethel Woods

There are three general types of exposure categories for wood preservatives, including ground contact, above-ground contact and marine exposure. Products exposed to ground contact conditions are highly susceptible to decay and require a heavy-duty preservative, usually applied through pressure-treatment. Products exposed to above-ground conditions are less susceptible to decay and are usually treated with non-pressure-treatment methods. Wood products exposed to under-water or marine environments are extremely susceptible to decay and require heavy-duty preservative treatments.

There are two general types of wood preservatives, including oilborne preservatives and waterborne preservatives.

Oilborne preservatives include, among others, coal-tar creosote, pentachlorophenol solutions, copper naphthenate, chlorothalonil, chlorothalonil/chlorpyrifos, oxine copper, zinc naphthenate, alkyl ammonium compound, propiconazole and tebuconazole. These chemicals are use in pressure-treatment methods and each has different uses, restrictions, benefits and hazards associated with them. Oilborne preservatives can also have an effect on the color, odor, paintability and fire protection attributes of the treated wood. While some of the volatile solvents may be removed after treatment doing so may adversely affect the degree of protection.

Waterborne preservatives have less of an objectionable effect on wood surfaces in terms of cleanliness, odors and paintability than oilborne preservatives. There are numerous variations of waterborne preservatives, including acid copper chromate, ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate, chromated copper arsenate, ammoniacal copper quat, ammoniacal copper citrate, copper azole and inorganic boron. As with oilborne preservatives the different waterborne preservatives each have different uses, restrictions, benefits and hazards associated with them.

The effectiveness of a preservative is dependent upon several factors, including the protective value of the chemical used, the method of application, the penetration and retention of the preservative, the proportion of heartwood to sapwood of the product and the moisture content at the time of application. The effectiveness of treatment is also very dependent upon the species of wood as the level of penetration into heartwood varies greatly by species. In general, the penetration into heartwood is greater with softwood species as opposed to hardwood species. Timbers should be properly prepared before treatment. This includes proper peeling, seasoning or conditioning and machined.

Preservatives are applied using either a pressure process or a non-pressure process. In pressure processes the wood is impregnated with the preservative chemical in closed vessels under very high pressure. In non-pressure processes the preservative is generally applied to the surface of the product in one of several different ways.

Pressure processes include the full-cell, or Bethel, process, the modified full-cell process and the empty-cell process. The full-cell process entails sealing the product in a treatment cylinder, inducing a vacuum, introducing the preservative and then applying pressure for a period of time until the desired penetration is achieved. The modified full-cell process is the same as the full-cell process with the exception that a final vacuum may be induced at the end of the process. The empty-cell process is one in which pressurized air is first forced into the treatment cylinder, followed by the introduction of the preservative. As the preservative is forced in the pressurized air is allowed to escape, keeping the pressure in the cylinder constant. After the cylinder is completely filled with preservative the pressure is increased until the wood will not absorb additional preservative. At this point the remaining preservative is drained from the cylinder and a vacuum applied.

Non-pressure processes generally consist of surface applications, soaking and steeping, diffusion, and vacuum processes. Surface applications, through brushing or dipping, are the simplest methods of applying preservatives. Soaking wood products for hours or days in preservative oils or steeping in waterborne preservatives is also widely used. Diffusion is a process in which the product is first steeped in one preservative chemical and then in another, allowing the two chemicals to react. In the vacuum process the product is placed in a treatment cylinder, an initial vacuum is induced, the preservative is introduce under vacuum, the vacuum is released and the product is allowed to soak for a period of time, after which another vacuum is induced to remove excess preservative.

Architects, engineers and construction contractors should be well versed in the types of wood preservatives, their uses and application methods. The study of wood preservatives is an excellent topic for the continuing education requirements of these professionals. More information is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.

References: Wood Handbook - Wood as an engineering material, Forest Products Laboratory, 1999.

Continuing Education For Architects and Engineers in Wood Preservation

Will Guidry is a registered architect, Java program developer and author of continuing education courses for architects, engineers, interior designers and landscape architects. You can find his courses at CEU-HQ.com.

Home Intercom - Make Sure It's Working Properly to Keep Your Family Safe!

Once an intercom is installed in a home, years go by and sometimes people just don't realize the importance of making sure it is running properly. Sometimes obvious problems may occur and they need repaired. Some systems are as old as 20 years and should be replaced just for safety.

Simply go down this list and make sure you are safe:

Bethel

No Sound or No Power Scratchy Sound While Listening To Room Static From Control Panel Speaker Unit Keeps Beeping All By Itself Intercom Squeals During All-Call Intercom Is Making A "Whistling" Sound These Symptoms Happen When It Rains Touching Room Switch sounds Scratchy Unit Is Making A "Whistling" Sound Sometimes Unit Calls-In All By Itself Some Switch bank LED Call Lights Are Dim Bell "Time Tone" Is Not Working The Bell "Time Tone" Isn't Ringing They Can Hear Me But I Can't Hear Them I Can Talk "Out" But I Can't Hear The Room Room Speaker Sounds Distorted Room Calls In During Announcements Room Call In When Bell "Time Tone" Rings Master Intercom Speaker Sounds "Boomy" Everybody Can Hear The Office Sounds All Call Is Not Working Properly All Call Volume Sounds Distorted Or Low Unit Is Blowing Fuses Or "Tripping" Breaker Room Call-In Switch Doesn't Work Room Speaker Is Not Working, it's Low or High In Volume, it's Intermittent, it Goes In & Out, it Keeps Cutting Out, or it Keeps Calling In All By Itself Intercom Sometimes "Hums" All By Itself. If you realize your home intercom system is experiencing some or many of the above, it's definitely time to get it repaired or replaced for you and your family's safety. Look online for a reputable company you can trust who are fully licensed and insured.

Home Intercom - Make Sure It's Working Properly to Keep Your Family Safe!

If I needed intercom repair or installation, I'd consider Peter's Electric, located in Pittsburgh / Bethel Park, PA with over 40 years electrician experience. In fact, they are a recognized leader in the electrical industry, fully licensed and insured. As a factory authorized service center in Western PA, Peters Electric received the NuTon Award of Excellence. Google: nutone intercom or visit: https://peters-electric.com.