A HEALTHY GAME OF CHESS?

Playing Chess May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia

If there was ever a good reason to play chess it’s this one, your brain’s health. Mental activities like playing chess have been linked to reducing the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease is degeneration of the brain and causes someone to forget every day things such as their name and even their own children. It’s no wonder why so many people, especially the elderly, are scared to death of getting Alzheimer’s.

Researchers say delay and prevention are possible and studies have shown that, “Doing crossword puzzles and playing mind-stretching games such as chess may increase the number of synapses in the brain decreasing the risk of AD (Alzheimer’s Disease) and other forms of dementia by as much as 75%” - (Women & Alzheimer’s Disease. National Women’s Health Report. National Women’s Health Resource Center. 2004;26(6):1-8).

Playing chess requires focus and concentration to determine your next move and keep your opponent from capturing your king. The first person to capture the other’s king wins. Chess is very easy to learn and a lot of fun to play. An inexperienced player can learn the moves in a few minutes and create a lifetime of enjoyment. Chess is a game for players of all ages and it is never too early to start taking care of your brain. It needs exercise just as much as our bodies do.

Tom Gosselin is a chess enthusiast who created http://www.unique-chess-sets.com as a place where chess is more than just a game.

If you are experienced at chess and want to add a new challenge to your game there are many variations to the standard game including 4 player chess, the ancient game of Byzantine Chess, also known as round board chess, and many more unique chess sets.

At Unique-Chess-Sets you will find a large selection of high quality chess sets to help stimulate your mind. Our chess sets range from the very affordable to the more affluent in price and a large variety of unique and themed chess sets.

Have you ever wondered how Einstein thought? Or how
Michaelangelo visualized his magnificent creations? Have you
ever pondered the thoughts of Socrates? Or wanted to explore
the mind of Plato?

These revolutionary minds tapped into their unbound
potential. They unlocked the capabilities held within their
3-pound brain.

By its very design, the human brain stores vast potential
for learning, memory, and creativity. However, the brain
does not give its power away freely. You must learn to tap
into your true potential.

God doesn’t give us formal instruction manuals for our
brain. Therefore, we must explore the power of thought on
our own. Let this article be your guide.

Listed below are four strategies that will enable you to
think like Einstein, to tap into your creativity, and look
at problems in new perspectives.

1. The first step is to expand your perspective.

The genius mind will look at a problem from many different
angles. Most people only rely on their own perspective, and
therefore always have a very narrow view of the world.

Leonardo da Vinci believed that, to gain knowledge about
the form of a problem, you must begin by learning how to
restructure it in many different ways. He believed that the
first way you look at a problem is entirely too biased. You
are only seeing the problem from one perspective: yours.

Einstein once said, “You cannot solve a problem with the
same type of thinking that is creating it.”

By looking at a problem from different points of view, the
problem is then restated and a solution can be discovered.

2. The second step to thinking like a genius is to
Visualize!

Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Walt Disney, Nikola
Tesla, and even Mozart all ascribed their creative genius
to their ability to visualize.

Einstein said that all of his most important and productive
thinking was done by “combinatory play” with “images” in
his mind. Einstein used images, visual patterns and
associations to discover more about the world around him.
He was often found using diagrams in order to restate the
problem and approach it in a number of different ways.

Einstein believed that the spirit of learning and creative
thought were lost in strict rote learning. Instead, he
turned to his own imagination and visualization.

Visualization is an incredibly powerful tool in solving
problems. Often times much more powerful that simply using
words or numbers.

3. The third key, and one of the most important elements to
genius thinking is that of curiosity and the courage to ask
questions.

As we grow older, however, we become passive to the world
around us. We stop asking questions, lose our much of our
curiosity, and the learning comes to a screeching halt.

Instead, we must embrace the imagination and curiosity of
our childhood. We must never stop questioning the world
around us.

Without questions, we cannot grow.

Albert Einstein once said,

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity
has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in
awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of
life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough
if one tries merely to comprehend a little of the mystery
every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.”

4. The last and final step in thinking like a genius is to
Have Fun!

No person has achieved massive success by doing what they
hate. Pablo Picasso once said, “When I work I relax; doing
nothing or entertaining visitors makes me tired.”

In addition, Dale Carnegie said, “People rarely succeed
unless they have fun in what they are doing.”

The most successful people in life find work that inspires
and excites them.

I’ll leave you with a fitting poem Christain D. Larson:

When you work simply for yourself or for your own personal
gain your mind will seldom rise above the limitations of
the undeveloped personal life;

but when you are inspired by some great purpose, some
extraordinary project, all your thoughts break bounds; your
mind transcends limitations; your consciousness expands in
every direction;

and you find yourself in a new world, a great world, a
wonderful world; dormant powers, faculties and talents
become alive,

and you discover yourself to be a larger man by far than you
ever dreamed yourself to be.”

– Christian D. Larson, Business Psychology, 1912

Kim Roach is helping others to live a life of purpose and passion at http://www.theoptimizedlife.com.
To read more of her thoughts on self improvement and personal growth, then head on over to The Optimized Life, where you can follow along on her journey.

In general, I am a fan of buying stuff that is built to last. I have some beautiful living room furniture that I spent years acquiring. I have an Italian leather sofa and a coffee table made out of solid oak that catches the eye of almost every single person who comes into the room. With kids furniture, however, I take a different attitude altogether. Kids grow up so fast that there is no point in paying an arm and a leg for something that they will not be able to use in another 9 months. That is why I have always been a fan of discount kids furniture.

One of the great things about buying discount kids bedroom furniture is that you do not have to sacrifice appearance to get it. Most kids like things that are bright, colorful, and whimsical. You can find inexpensive discount kids furniture made out of plastic or pressed board in lots of bright colors as easily as you can find solid wood stuff that costs a lot more. The kids will never know the difference, but you will when you get the bill! Discount kid furniture often only costs a fraction of what the more expensive stuff costs.

Of course, if you are willing to keep an eye out all the time, you can find some very high quality discount kids furniture. There are furniture stores in my town that regularly have closeout sales where they sell cheap childrens furniture. Basically, there are a few times a year that are ideal for finding discount kids furniture. The best time is after the holidays are over. Not only has the Christmas buying season passed, but the year has ended as well. This means that the discount kids furniture stores will be getting rid of all of their old inventory to get new stuff in. If you go shopping for discount kids furniture in January and February, it will be easier to get a deal than at any other time during the whole entire year.

One of the great things about buying discount kids furniture is that it makes you feel more at ease about letting your kids pick how to put their rooms together. The discount furniture kids pick does not have to fit your tastes. It costs you very little, so it does not have to be a long term investment in bedroom set furniture.

Kerry Gibbs is an interior decorater in Phoenix, Arizona.
check out these great Cheap Furniture resources or this Home Interior Design site.
http://www.homes-interiors-and-gardens.com

Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) Essential Oil - PROPERTIES & ACTIONS INCLUDE:

Antibacterial - destroying or stopping growth of bacteria

Analgesic - pain reliever

Antiseptic - prevents, halts infection

Antispasmodic - calms nervous and muscular spasms, for colic, pain and indigestion

Aprhrodisiac - increases capacity for sexual arousal

Astringent - causes contraction of organic tissues

Carminative/Stomachic - settles digestive system, relieves intestinal gas

Restorative - an agent that helps to strengthen and revive the body systems.

Stimulant - an agent that quickens the physiological functions of the body, temporarily increases body or organ function, good for convalescence, poor circulation, listlessness, physical fatigue

Tonic - strengthens and enlivens the whole or specific parts of the body

Warm and spicy, dry and hot Ginger Root’s stimulating properties are well documented.

Warms and strengthens!

Ginger’s tonic action helps restore us when we’re feeling physically and emotionally burnt out or exhausted.

According to Chinese Medicine Ginger is strongly Yang and regulates moisture and raises body temperature. Useful for treating illnesses caused by cold and dampness - cold and flu, rheumatism, headache.

Its antiseptic properties make it effective as a preventative for infectious disease.

A stimulant Ginger improves blood circulation is excellent for relieving muscle and joint aches and stiffness.

Elevates body temperature, relieves chills and fever.

Helpful treatment for nausea and motion sickness.

A popular digestive aid. Use for relief of heartburn, stomach ache and flatulence.

Add a drop to a cup of warm water, sip slowly and relax for a bit.

An aphrodisiac Ginger may be helpful for male impotence.

CAUTION: Exercise care and respect when using Ginger essential oil as is a known skin irritant. For skin applications use in a weak dilution of less than 1%.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts, as well as for individual clients. She is a MindBody Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and the founder & director of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products.

Click to order http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/ginger.htm GINGER PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

Click to find out about KG’s other fine aromatherapy products http://www.kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials.html PUREPLANT ESSENTIALS

Click to learn about http://www.kgstiles.com/presentations.htm KG’s Presentations and Workshops

More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

There are numerous types of home equity loan options available to borrowers today. Figuring out which option is best for you can be a rather daunting task. The process does not have to be bewildering if you follow some general rules of thumb. The first step is to decide what specifically you need the money for. Do you need money in one lump sum or smaller incremental withdrawals? Lump sum loans are ideal for home improvement projects or other short-term needs; whereas small, incremental withdrawals are ideal for college tuition. Regardless, the first step is to figure out what you need the loan for and decide how you want the loan distributed.

Cash-Out Refinance

If you are looking for a lump sum of money, then a cash-out refinancing lump sum may be your best option. This option is when you refinance your first mortgage and cash out a lump sum of equity. Although closing costs on this type of loan may be higher, if the rates are lower than on your first mortgage you will have a lower monthly payment and long-term interest savings.

Home Equity Line of Credit

The home equity line of credit, or HELOC, can be distributed through incremental withdrawals. A HELOC has a higher interest rate than the first mortgage. With a home equity line of credit, you have a pre-set credit limit, which you can draw upon whenever, you need it. HELOCs only charge you interest on the amount that you withdraw, and the rate is usually tied into the prime lending rate. This is a popular choice if you are looking to tap into your equity over time.

Home Equity Loan

The home equity loan is another option that has a fixed rate and term. The home equity loan is also considered a second mortgage, and is subject to a slightly higher interest rate. If your mortgage is at a low rate, then the home equity loan would be a good option if you need a lump sum payment.

Once you decide on what you need the equity for and the manner of delivery, lump sum or incremental payments, it is easier to discern which loan is right for you.

Recommended Online Home Equity Lenders - We maintain a list of recommended mortgage companies online and update the list regularly.

25 Things To Be Aware of Before Getting a Home Equity Loan- Read this article to learn 25 things you should know before getting a home equity loan.

You may be used to regular eyeglasses, or contacts, with one special lens prescription, but a bifocal has two in one - and a bifocal contact lens is also a dual lens, so it is sort of like wearing two sets of glasses at the same time.

The way a bifocal contact lens works is that it, like a normal bifocal eyeglass lens, has two ranges of vision, or prescriptions. For example, if you need one kind of lens to help correct your vision up close, then obviously it will make looking at a distant object more difficult and blurred, perhaps to the point that it will give you symptoms like headache and vertigo without a matter of moments.

To alleviate the need for two sets of eyeglasses, doctors long ago engineered the bifocal, so that one set of lenses did the job of two, and recently they figured out how to do the same thing in a bifocal contact lens. The lens sometimes is divided into an upper half and a lower half; and at other times it may be designed in concentric circles, with one lens on the interior and the other on the outside of that first one.

When you use a set of bifocal contact lens contacts, your eye gradually adjusts to finding the different portions of the lens that do different things, and once your eye muscles are trained and coordinated, they automatically shift to and from the corrective lens that is needed at a particular time, for a specific task. For example, if you are reading and your eye needs to look through the lens that corrects your vision for close up viewing, the pupil of your eye will direct the attention there, and the light will be refracted into your retina at an angle which will assist you in reading small print close to your face. Then, if you shift and start to look off in the distance - for instance if you are reading a map or a compass and up close and then look up to see a mountain in the distance that you are trying to hike toward - the eye’s focus will slide over to look through the other lens, and you will have a crisp image of the mountain in the distance, thanks to a different prescription lens in the other part of the contacts, that refracts the light at a slightly different angle to correct your vision for another kind of viewing.

Which is right for you, a bifocal contact lens, or a bifocal lens in traditional eyeglasses? This will depend on your preferences, mostly. Some people have trouble with contact lenses, and find them difficult to put in and take out, which is a routine that people who wear contacts have to adapt into their daily life, unless they buy the special kind that you can leave in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a week or more at a time. Even those types of lenses, however, have to be changed eventually, so some people find it problematic to wear contacts. However, for those people, the innovations in design and manufacture of contacts may provide some hope, because there are now contacts that are much simpler to manage and much easier to maintain. If you work in some particular kinds of hazardous environments or are a sports enthusiast who likes to wear goggles or other kinds of equipment, you may find that contacts eliminate the need for trying to fit everything over a pair of bulky traditional eyeglasses. On the other hand, some environments, for example around certain types of toxic gaseous chemicals, are not suitable for contact lens wearing, so you have to check with your eye vision specialist for this and all other topics related to contacts and eyeglasses, that you might need consultation and advice about, to help you make the wisest and most practical decision regarding the health and welfare of your precious eyes.

For lots of information on

bifocal contact lenses and other contact lenses related topics, visit
Nr1 Contact Lenses at
http://www.nr1-contact-lenses.com

Getting cheap automobile insurance rate quotes can be a time consuming task to say the least. Here’s how to get cheap rate quotes with a reputable insurance company quickly and easily.

Cheap Automobile Insurance Rate Quote Lesson

Yesterday I decided to check out one of those insurance sites the advertises “Cheap rates! Save up to 50% on your insurance!.” This company is rated number one on some top insurance review sites. I wanted to see if they could beat the rate I’d gotten a few years back from another insurance company.

I called their “800″ number, answered all the questions the agent asked me, then, anticipating that I would be saving hundreds of dollars a year on my insurance, anxiously waited for my quote. I was sorely disappointed.

The quote I received was $812 more than what I’m currently paying for my automobile insurance.

The lesson: Don’t believe everything you hear or read. Check it out for yourself. The only way to know you’re getting a cheap insurance rate is to get quotes from a number of different insurance companies and compare them.

Cheap Automobile Insurance Rate Quotes Online

The quickest way to get automobile rate quotes from different companies is to go to an insurance comparison website. Once there you’ll spend a few minutes filling out a simple questionnaire to get multiple quotes.

Some of the better insurance comparison websites have a chat feature where you can get answers to your questions online from an insurance expert, and an “Articles” section where you can get tips and advice. (See link below.)

If you’re currently insured, make sure you have your insurance policy handy so you can compare apples to apples.

Check Out the Company

After you choose an automobile insurance company you’ll want to check them out to see if they’re reputable and will give you good service. I recommend going to your state’s department of insurance website to see how many complaints have been filed against them compared to other insurance companies.

If your state doesn’t list those complaints, go to California’s website - http://www.insurance.ca.gov/ - click on “Consumers,” “Studies and Reports,” then “Consumer Complaint Study” to see the number of complaints consumers have filed against a company. Every company will have some complaints filed against them. You want to find out if a particular company has an unusually large number of complaints filed against them compared to other companies.

Once you take the above steps you’ll know you have a cheap automobile insurance rate with a good company.

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get cheap automobile insurance rate quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section, and get answers to your insurance questions from an insurance expert by using their online chat service.

The author, Brian Stevens, is a former insurance agent and financial consultant who has written extensively on cheap automobile insurance rate quotes.

John F. Kennedy once said, “Nothing compares with the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” I agree. Bicycling combines exercise, transportation and fun into a single activity for people of all ages. What other activity can claim all that?

One of the biggest appeals to bicycling is the simplicity. You get on, pedal and go. So my question is: why are today’s advancements in bicycling designed to make them more complicated? New advancements such as exotic frame materials and increasingly complex gearing don’t make bikes simpler to operate or easier to maintain. Instead, they do the opposite:

Complex Gearing and Shifting: Today’s typical adult chain bike has multiple shifting controls on each hand needed to manipulate chain derailleurs across eleven sprockets to manage 24 gears. How many gears do recreational riders really need? Or use? Plus with all this gearing equipment, it takes practice to figure out what gear you are in, and when you’re away from the bike for a while, you have to learn it all over again.

Specialty Parts = Specialty Maintenance: With new, advanced components comes a new degree of specialization required to maintain them. According to bike shops surveyed, the only service that should be done on a bike by a non-certified shop mechanic is a tire change. You shouldn’t need specialized tools and a degree in bikeology to perform routine maintenance on a bike. It seems today’s bikes were designed by people who like to tinker with bikes for people who like to tinker with bikes.

These “advancements” have created a void for those who want simple, reliable transportation; not a complex and technical piece of machinery. I think it’s time bicycles got back to their roots of simplicity and fun.

Technologies That Simplify

Fortunately, not all new technologies for bikes add complexity. Some actually make bikes more user friendly - easier to operate and easier to maintain. One such technology is shaft drive technology which eliminates the chain, and replaces it with a fully enclosed shaft drive (or direct drive). Shaft drives have actually been around for over 100 years on bikes, using small gears and a spinning shaft rod to transfer power from the pedals to the rear wheel. Shaft drive technology has few moving parts, is simple to understand, and is very proven - which is why it is now standard on many motorcycles, including all of BMW’s motorcycles. Shaft drives are also smoother than chains, last longer, don’t have any external grease to get on hands or clothes, don’t have any sharp moving parts, and don’t require adjustments and cleanings like chains.

Another advancement that simplifies bikes is internal gear hubs, which replace the external sprockets and derailleurs. Internal gear hubs reduce the number of gears by 50-80%, which dramatically simplifies shifting, yet still offer a comfortably wide gear range and more intuitive shifting. Internal hubs are also sealed and protected from the elements and don’t have the maintenance or repair costs of sprockets and derailleurs.

Used together, the shaft drive and internal hub create a new breed of bikes - called chainless bicycles - that offer a unique combination of performance, simplicity and low maintenance. For most recreational riders and commuters, chainless bicycles can dramatically simplify bike operation and ownership. And in turn, get more people on bikes more often. After all, isn’t that the point?

As the founder of Dynamic Bicycles, Patrick Perugini advocates bicycling as the healthiest and most enjoyable form of recreation and transportation for people of all ages. For more information visit http://www.dynamicbicycles.com

I live where there are always very cold winters. This means that any attempt to stay warm in the winter has a fifty-fifty chance of being successful. It is sad that my heating bill for the month can be over 500 dollars, and yet, my home still feels cold. There is not much I can do about this, but buying area rugs has helped somewhat. I have beautiful hardwoods in my apartment, and even if I was allowed to cover them up, I would never do it. Instead, I place smaller rugs in some places so that we can keep our feet a little warmer when the weather turns cold.

Most people have area rugs for the very same reason, and many have them for looks as well. These are always great when there is a large unbroken expanse of floor that seems a little too bare, and many times, using area rugs can greatly enhance the look of a room that might very well have need help in the color department. These can be a splash of color when change is needed the most. They are very common in homes that have hardwood floors, though some put them over other materials as well.

Of course, there are some area rugs that cost more than others. Some are so large that they take up most of the room, but they are not in any way attached to the floor. Instead of using nails to place this type of area rugs, a special backing is laid down first that stops the rug from moving when someone walks on it. This is the best way to protect the integrity of the hard wood floor. People change their mind about décor all the time, and it is never a good idea to make area type rugs permanent.

Because I don’t own my own home, I tend to buy rather inexpensive area rugs to place though my home. My cats scratch them, and they get worn out rather quickly. Instead of spending a lot on something that might get ruined, I just replace them each year, and I can do that rather cheaply. When I own my own home, I might have a different view on the situation. Until then, the cheap ones work rather well, and I don’t have to worry about what happens to them. I can get a new color each year if I choose, and I can get a new size if desired. It works out well for me.

Kerry Gibbs is an interior decorater in Phoenix, Arizona.
check out these great Quality Carpets resources or this Home Interiors site.
http://www.homes-interiors-and-gardens.com

On the day of your flight, you’re likely to be a little anxious about traveling with your pet. If you followed the guidelines from Part 1 of this article series, you’re well prepared and ready to go.

Here are the things you’ll want to do the day of your flight:

1. Follow any instructions that were given to you by your pet’s veterinarian.

   You’ll want to give your pet their sedative (if you chose this option). It’s easiest to give it to them mashed up in their canned food that morning. Watch your pet eat and make sure that they ingested the correct dosage.

2. Catch your pet and carefully place them in their carrier.

   The sedative generally takes a while to take effect. You’ll know when your pet is fully under the drug when the pupils of their eyes dilate very wide. They may look a little wild, but it’s just a side effect from the drug.

3. Double-check that you have all of their supplies for the trip.

   If your pet is boarding the plane and flying in the cabin with you, bring a light blanket to place over the carrier to dim the lights for them. Pack everything into your car and make your way to the airport. You’ll want to leave a little earlier than you normally would to ensure enough time to get your pet safely onboard.

4. Take your pet through airport security.

   All bags and animals must go through security. Your pet will need to go through the metal detector with you. Fortunately, the airport security guards have gotten very sophisticated at this process. Sometimes they’ll use a metal detection wand and check your pet’s carrier without them having to get out of it. If they need to do a more thorough check of your carrier, you can ask to go to another room where they can close the door and ensure that your pet will not escape while they scan the carrier.

5. Check in at the boarding desk.

   Once you’ve gotten through security, check in at your airline’s boarding desk. Let them know that you and your pet are there and show them the health verification certificate. At that point, they’ll make the final determination of whether your pet can travel that day.

   If your pet will be traveling in the cabin with you, the airline might let you board early.

6. Board the plane and tuck your pet under the seat in front of you.

   If the temperature in the cabin is cool, drape the light blanket you brought over your pet’s carrier. This will help simulate night time which might help them sleep on the plane.

   It might relax your pet to hear your voice every now and then. Check on them occasionally to make sure they’re alright.

7. Feed your pet once you’re at your destination.

   Your pet has been through a lot and will likely be hungry and tired after all of the day’s activities. Give your pet a safe place to rest and eat. Keep an eye on them for the first few days to make sure they’re recovering well from the stress of flying.

There’s a lot involved with flying with your pets. You can make it easier on yourself and your pet by planning ahead and knowing what to expect. Take the necessary precautions and make the preparations in advance so you and your dog or cat can enjoy the flight.

Sheri Keyser is the Founder and CEO of GoSightsee.com, a travel website that will save you time and money on your next vacation. Get insider travel tips and recommendations on sightseeing destinations, vacation planning resources, and travel deals.

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