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Oh My God A Girl!

E-NewsCast Team — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:30:56 +0000

Word Count: 810Oh My God A Girl!â€œOH MY GOD A GIRL!!â€ This was the cry I was met with when Iarrived to meet our group for a 5 day canoe trip down NewZealandâ€™s Wanganui River. â€œAre you sure you know what youâ€™redoing?!â€ a wary fellow in his 50â€™s exclaimed. I assured him thatsince I knew a heck of a lot more than he did it was in his bestinterest to stick with me. The rest of the group, a collectionof 10 men and women from New Zealand, looked on with someamusement and guarded concern. This fellow had voiced what manyof them had inwardly felt when they discovered that their guideswere â€˜girlsâ€™. Some had assumed that Sue, a nursing student inher mid twenties, and I, a â€˜Yankâ€™ only a bit older, were thegreeting committee. I suspect many hoped at best we were thecooks and at worst that we were driving the bus. Discoveringthat they were heading out for an adventure under the guidanceand protection of two young women was not what they had imaginedwhen signing on for the 80 kilometer paddle through one of NewZealandâ€™s newest river parks. This immediate shock upon discovering that they are trustingtheir lives and limbs to a â€˜girlâ€™ is something I have becomeused to when meeting groups of clients for the first time.Working as a white water raft guide in the United States I haveseen the covert glances as the names of guides are called outfor each group of paddlers: â€œThe Taylor party, your guide willbe Rich.â€ â€œThe McKenna party your guide will be Kevin.â€ â€œTheKelly party, your guide will be Debbie.â€ You can almost hear thecollective gulp. The men in the United States are rarely so blunt as to comeright out and ask me if I know what Iâ€™m doing, but they are notalone in their concern. The women often share their uncertaintyas to whether they can put their faith in a female guide. Itdoesnâ€™t take long before Iâ€™m asked, â€œSo… how long have youbeen doing this?â€ To which my standard response is to look at mywatch and reply â€œOh, since about 8 this morning,â€ hoping a bitof levity will calm peopleâ€™s nerves.Sometimes knowing that Iâ€™ve been guiding for 10 years helpsallay fears, in other cases itâ€™s not until we have made it downthe last rapid, loaded the boats and are safely ensconced backon the bus (which I may also drive, prompting someone to worryaloud about â€˜women driversâ€™) that my crew sighs with the reliefof having survived not only the river, but me.Leadership styles vary from person to person. It is difficultand perhaps dangerous to generalize the variations according togender, but the fact remains that men continue to be centralfigures of authority in most of our lives. While many of us havestrong female role models, the heroes of young Americans aretypically male sports figures and action film stars. There arefewer â€˜scriptsâ€™ for women assuming leadership positions commonlyheld by men. Fortunately my experience has been that it is not employers andco-workers who are resistant to seeing women in leadershiproles. Quality tour and guiding companies know that goodjudgment, experience and attitude play a greater role in hiringa leader then does gender. Instead it is the clients, the menand women who arrive nervous and excited to experience anadventure, whether itâ€™s on a rock, in the mountains or on ariver, who have envisioned a strong, fearless leader who doesnot have breasts.I led my first trip for a group of women 20 years ago. Today Iorganize and lead trips for women over 40. Along with beinggreat fun, these exclusive groups allow women the uniqueopportunity to see other women in positions of power andcontrol, to witness a group of women working out problems anddealing with the host of challenges encountered on a river tripor while traveling abroad.By supporting each other and being open to seeing women inleadership roles women help each other to succeed and achievemore than they thought possible. As more and more women becomevisible in outdoor recreation and leadership I suspect the dayisnâ€™t too far off when weâ€™re met with the exclamation â€œOH GREAT,A WOMAN!â€ As for the fellow on the canoe trip in New Zealand; Ihad to rescue him and his canoe after he flipped in the firstrapid, but it wasnâ€™t until I barbecued a perfect medium raresteak that he was truly impressed. Go figure.—————————————————————————– Debbie Jacobs, founder and president ofExplorations in Travel, http://www.exploretravel.com, organizesoutdoor and cultural adventures for women over 40 and arrangesindividual volunteer placements in Latin America, the SouthPacific and Nepal. She lives in southern Vermont with too manydogs. She can be contacted at explore@sover.net.—————————————————————————– Copyright 2000-by Debbie Jacobs This article may bereprinted as long as: 1.) It is reprinted in its entirety 2.)The byline remains intact

Exercise The Right Way – The Lying Triceps Extension

E-NewsCast Team — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:30:52 +0000

Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises,mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive musclebuilding program. Sometimes we take things for granted,especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises thatconstitute the core of most bodybuilders’ training regimes.It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processesinvolved in actually doing these exercises. This will helpbeginners to start out using the correct techniques beforemoving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If italso helps more experienced lifters to redress some of thelittle faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over theyears, all the better.In this article we’ll take a close look at the lying tricepsextension.MUSCLES TARGETED: triceps brachiiSTARTING POSITIONAssume a supine position on a bench. Grasp the bar with aclosed, pronated grip. Position the bar over the chest with theelbows fully extended and the arms parallel. Point the elbowsaway from the face. This is the starting point for allrepetitions.DOWNWARD MOVEMENTAllow the elbows to slowly flex to lower the bar toward theface. Make sure the wrists remain rigid and elbows point awayfrom face. Keep the upper arms parallel with each other. Lowerthe bar until it touches the head.UPWARD MOVEMENTPush the bar upward until the elbows are fully extended. Makesure the wrists remain rigid and elbows point away from face.Keep the upper arms parallel with each other. Repeat or finishset.

What in the World is a Crossover Food?

E-NewsCast Team — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:30:50 +0000

Looking for healthy, inexpensive and versatile ways to add more protein into your diet?

Why not consider dried beans?

Dried beans, also known as legumes and pulses, are not only a great source of protein, but are low in fat, packed with vitamins, minerals and both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Ask any vegetarian how they get enough protein in their diet and they probably will say â€œI eat a lot of beansâ€.

I decided to become a vegetarian as a small child and my parents (who were not vegetarians by the way) worried that I would be lacking in the protein necessary for growth. So, after consulting with my pediatrician and many books on raising vegetarian children, they added beans and lentils to the family table. Not only did I grow, but I am the tallest woman in my family, an enormous 5 feet 5 inches tall. Yea, well, my family is not famous for its tall women ?

Protein, Fiber, Vitamins and Minerals
Ok, ok, back to the beans. Beans are an excellent, non-fat source of protein. Just one cup of beans has about 16 grams, about the same as 3 ounces (audio cassette size) piece of chicken, fish or beef.

Because they are a plant, they contain fiber, vitamins and minerals like vegetables. Nutritionists refer to them as â€œcrossover foodsâ€ which means they can be used in a meal as a protein or vegetable item. Take a look at the cuisines of different countries and cultures. You will notice that most cultures include beans, prepared in many different ways. Such a versatile food!

Another unique quality of beans is the fiber. Beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Huh? What does this mean?

Insoluble fiber is the technical term for what my Mom always referred to as â€œroughageâ€. You know.. the stuff that makes food move through your body more easily. Insoluble fiber has received a lot of publicity in recent years because of the link to a high fiber diet and lowered risk of several types of cancer.

Soluble fiber forms a â€œgooeyâ€ substance in the digestive process that helps with processing of fats, cholesterol and slows the release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. The American Diabetic Association loves beans!

Beans are rich in antioxidants, folic acid, vitamin B-6 and magnesium. Folic Acid and B-6 are known for their ability to lower homocysteine levels in the blood.

Elevated blood levels of homocysteine in the blood are associated with risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. 20-40 percent of patients with heart disease have elevated homocysteine levels.

So, whatâ€™s the downside of this wonderful food? If you are not used to a high fiber dietâ€¦.flatulence. As with the introduction of any high fiber food, go easy with the amounts the first few days until your body adjusts. Then any uncomfortable feeling will probably pass.

How to Cook
You can use canned beans which are nutritionally similar to dried ones. Itâ€™s a good idea to rinse the beans before eating them to remove the salt and preservatives used in canning.

I tend to try and avoid processed foods where possible so I buy dried beans and cook them following the instructions on the package. Generally, beans are not complicated to cook, but require time. Most beans, except lentils, require an overnight soak in water to soften them up. Then they can be simmered until soft on the stove or in a slow cooker. Generally, the bigger the bean, the longer they take to cook. One thing to note: after soaking, rinse the beans and cook them in new water. This will help prevent flatulence!

Beans can be frozen after cooking and used in sauces, soups, salads or anywhere your imagination takes you. Where I live, red bean ice cream is popular. Delicious!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dov Oshri is the author of the revolutionary Anti-AgingFitness Program “Change Your Body and Be Admired”. He is the chiefeditor of Bodyfor Mind â€“ a Wellness Lifestyle for Successful People where hisebook “PerpetualWellbeing – 4 Steps to Ageless Sex-Appeal” can be downloadedfor FREE.

Dog Training – Does Your Puppy Do This?

E-NewsCast Team — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:30:46 +0000

Unfortunately, eliminating problem behaviors is one thing that most dog owners eventually face. This article will focus on a few of the most commonly encountered behavior problems.

Problem #1 – Jumping up on people

One of the most frequently cited problems with dogs is that of jumping up on people. Unfortunately, this is one of those behaviors that is often inadvertently encouraged by well meaning owners. After all, it is cute and adorable when that little 10 pound puppy jumps up on you, your family members and your friends.

Many people reward this behavior on the part of a small puppy with kisses and treats. This is a huge mistake, however, since that cute little puppy may soon become a full grown dog who could weigh well in excess of 100 pounds. Suddenly that cute jumping behavior is no longer quite so cute.

In addition to being annoying, jumping up on people can be dangerous as well. A large, heavy dog, jumping enthusiastically, can easily knock over a child or an older or handicapped adult. In today’s litigious society, such an incident could easily make you, as the dog’s owner, the subject of an unwanted lawsuit.

The time to teach a dog that jumping up on people is unacceptable is when he is still young and easy to handle. Retraining a dog that has been allowed to jump up on people can be difficult for the owner, and confusing for the dog.

When the puppy tries to jump on you or another member of your family, gently but firmly place the puppy’s feet back on the floor. After the puppy is standing firmly on the floor, be sure to reward and praise him. It is important for every member of the family, as well as frequently visiting friends, to understand this rule and follow it religiously.

If one member of the family reprimands the dog for jumping and another praises him, the dog will be understandably confused. As with other dog training issues, consistency is the key to teaching the dog that jumping is always inappropriate.

When praising and rewarding the dog for staying down, it is important for the trainer to get down on the dog’s level. Giving affection and praise at eye level with the puppy is a great way to reinforce the lesson.

Problem #2 – Pulling and tugging at the leash

Pulling on the leash is another problem trait that many puppies pick up. Unfortunately, this behavior is also one that is sometimes encouraged by well meaning owners. Playing games like tug of war with the leash, or even with a rope (that can look like the leash to the dog) can unwittingly encourage a problem behavior.

The use of a quality body harness can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or retraining a dog that has picked up the habit of pulling on the leash. Try training the puppy to accept the body harness the same way it accepts the regular buckle collar.

When walking with your dog, try using a lure or toy to encourage the dog to remain at your side. A training collar, when properly used, can also be a good training tool for a problem dog. When using a training collar or choke chain, however, it is very important to fit it correctly, and to use a size that is neither too big nor too small for your dog.

When walking with your puppy, it is important to keep the leash loose at all times. If the puppy begins to pull ahead, the handler should quickly change directions so that the puppy fast finds itself falling behind. It is important to reverse directions before the puppy has reached the end of the leash. The leash should stay loose except for the split second it takes the handler to reverse direction. It is important to use a quick tug, followed by an immediate slackening of the leash.

When training a puppy, it is important to never let the puppy pull you around. Training the puppy to walk properly while he or she is still small enough to handle is absolutely vital, especially when dealing with a large breed of dog. If your 150 pound Great Dane hasn’t learned to walk properly while he or she is still a 20 pound puppy, chances are it never will.

It is important not to yank or pull on the puppy’s neck when correcting him. A gentle, steady pressure will work much better than a hard yank. The best strategy is to use the least amount of pressure possible to achieve the desired result.

Join me on the web at: http://dogsrule.hickorypublishing.com

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Cathy Perkins is a dog lover who is allowed to live with her two dogs, Tillie and Pierrot, in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina.

Try a Caribbean Carnival Cruise

E-NewsCast Team — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:10:45 +0000

Are we always complaining about not getting to see that perfectplace we have dreamt of? That too in a very short span of time.Herein lies the answer.What is a paradise? Well, beauty lies in the eyes of thebeholder. The inert twining of nature with the best she has tooffer – the mountains, the sea, the land and the rest. ACaribbean Carnival cruise offers all of these things to keep youup and going – a voyage straight into the hearts and minds ofpeople who experience it.The cruises to the Caribbean are typically split into one ofthree categories: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, orSouthern Caribbean. The trips to Southern Caribbean aretypically a short one and will typically depart from PuertoRico, Aruba, or Barbados; while longer journeys may depart fromthe mainland of the United States. Western Caribbean cruiseswill depart from the Gulf of Mexico for the most part: Florida,Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana. Finally, the Eastern Caribbeancruises may depart from the Gulf of Mexico, usually Florida, orNew York, for slightly longer journeys.Every region is elegance at its best .Shopping, snorkeling orsailing is best suited to the eastern Caribbean region .Thosedevoid of nature can head to the western region. The stronghearted can head to the south.The length of your trip decides where you want to head. Atypical two day adventure will leave you more at sea and a bitof port too. When you are at sea, you can enjoy all of theaccommodations of the cruise ship, including food, pampering,and fun. When you port at your destination, you may choose tostay aboard or go out and see the sights of your temporary newhome. The longer your trip gets, you may actually get to port atseveral different locations, which is especially nice as itgives you the freedom to explore more. You will then set coursefor home and travel a day or two back to where you departed from- a little more relaxed and ready to face the next year.This is how the Caribbean tour is lined up for you. You willhave no complaints in the land of Caribbean, an enchantingexperience designed to suit every bit of your needs

10 Things to Consider if You Have an Impossible Manager

E-NewsCast Team — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:55:45 +0000

When you have an impossible manager, quit? Sometimes thatâ€™simpossible. If you find yourself And a solution that simple ishardly a solution. There are several things to consider weâ€™regoing to take a look at:1.Get a coach.In order to problem-solve effectively, itâ€™s crucial to view thesituation objectively, which you arenâ€™t in a position to do. Noone is. Working with a coach can help you clarify whatâ€™s goingon, and come up with strategies for dealing with it. Youâ€™lllearn more about yourself, and how to deal with others. Thatâ€™s awin-win. Donâ€™t leave the situation without learning from it.2.The company culture.This isnâ€™t whatâ€™s in the P&P manual (which is about legal) itâ€™sabout how the place really runs. If the norm is hostility andcompetence, you wonâ€™t be changing it, and you can count on itgetting worse. Should your particular manager leave, another onesimilar will be hired. 3.Everything else is excellent.This I usually hear from people new to a job, because you cancount on things getting worse with time, not better. If thereâ€™ssomething important or meaningful youâ€™re getting out of the job,stay, but donâ€™t get lulled in to staying forever. It willnegatively impact your ability to function at top-formeventually.4.Your outlookYour attitude can always improve a situation. Just donâ€™t thinkyou can change the personality or skills of the manager, or theculture of the company that allows this. Work with your coach,and surround yourself with positive people. Jobs and managerscome and go. The only disastrous outcome would be for you tobecome cynical and pessimistic about yourself, life, or peoplein general. 5.Are you in the loop?Sometimes your colleagues can make up for a bad manager. Afterall, thereâ€™s power in numbers. If you have a core group that canwork around the situation, youâ€™ll have support. However, expectthe behavior of the manager to get worse as he or she tries tocompensate for perceived loss of power.6.Age and career potential of the manager.Use your gut instincts to evaluate every new situation you moveinto. Quick and accurate reality-testing is an EQ competency.Common sense dictates if theyâ€™re new and young, they may notmake it. Actually these days anyone â€œnewâ€ may not make it. Ifthey have some experience under their belt and seem interestedin promoting themselves, theyâ€™ll probably be moving on and up.If they are middle-aged, have been there a while, and are dug inlike a tick, consider theyâ€™ll endure and you will not. Your gut feelings can tell you who is on-the-move and who hasmoved in to stay. You can also tell how important thisparticular manager is to those above him and her. If theyâ€™reliked by superiors, should there be a confrontation, theyâ€™ll bestaying, youâ€™ll be leaving.Pay attention to things like this. It will make a difference inyour career. 7.Know your strengths and remind yourself of them.This is not referring to emotional, or to knowing yourlimitations (those itâ€™s necessary to know these as well), butrather to the innate talents and skills you bring to bear to anysituation. The personality traits and competencies that you usefor problem-solving, and how you look at things. take one of themany assessments available and review them with a coach. 8.Life skills.Always be working on your personal and professional development.Just as you acquire degrees, skills and expertise in your field,you should be developing your emotional intelligence. Suchcompetencies as stress management, leadership, interpersonalskills, quick and accurate reality-testing, communicationskills, resilience and flexibility will help you in thissituation, as well as any other you face. Learning EQ haslong-term positive results. Most clients recognize positiveoutcomes immediately in their lives.9.Get out of it the good things there to be gotten. An â€œimpossibleâ€ manager can range from impossible, to difficult,to challenging, to possible. You have some leverage there inyour own attitude and EQ. If there are things making the jobworth keeping, focus on those. Work on getting along with themanager well enough. Donâ€™t exaggerate their effect on you. Someemotional strain is probably more to be tolerated than a mangerwho is impacting your ability to function, learn and increasethe skills you need to advance your own career.10.Be mindful if this is a pattern.If this is the last in a long series of impossible managers,itâ€™s probably you. If you transfer to another department or job,and have another impossible manager, itâ€™s probably you. Getcoaching!