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Mexico As a Concept and Not As a Reality Part 1

Most, if not all, Americans who decide to move to Mexico to “get away from it all” seem to do so based on the merits of at least two books, a handful of websites, some seminars (in the Guadalajara area), and a host of chat rooms and forums whose themes are how wonderfully cheap, relaxing, easy, and convenient it will be living in Mexico. These sources also paint a picture of the Mexican people that is, for lack of better words, a picturesque, pastoral heaven-on-earth population of saints who have been sitting around all their lives just waiting for the opportunity to serve the first American who comes their way.

In addition, they move to Mexico based on an image or concept of Mexico of what it will be like for an American who expatriates to Mexico. The current available “expat guides,” websites, and chat forums present to the potential American wanting to move to Mexico, Mexico as a Concept and Not Mexico as a Reality.

The title of this article I found while reading a Blog called, The Gringa in San Miguel: Musings on U.S. Immigration Reform, immigrant communities in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, and my current research on international retirement migration to Mexico & Central America.[1] In this very astute academic folklorist and ethnographer’s Blog, she came up with this statement which so perfectly describes what I’ve been trying to say during the past four years of articles, columns, and books I’ve written trying to describe what it is I’ve seen in the so-called Gringo Expat Communities, Enclaves, Sectors, Exclusive Gated Communities, and so on.

It is Mexico as a Concept, an Image, an Idea that attracts Americans here. It certainly would not be Mexico as a Reality that would bring them in droves. And, in droves they are coming. More than 300,000 Americans have been vacating the premises in America each year since 2004 with a great deal of them ending up in Mexico. Some mostly unreliable sources estimate more than a million Americans live in Mexico. The densest populations of Americans are probably Mexico City, Guadalajara, Chapala, Ajijic, and San Miguel de Allende.

San Miguel de Allende has an Gringo population of about 12,000 in a city least capable of assimilating this many people who, by the way, stress the infrastructure of that little city by playing the tax dodging game[2]. This is but one of the foibles, the dark side, of expatriation to Mexico that you will never read in any of the expat guides floating around today’s book market.

They will tell you all the pluses with never any of the minuses. They will show you the light and somehow fail to tell you that any darkness exists. They will regale you with all the niceties in sugary prose peppered with generous second and third portions of anything you want to hear covered with sweet gooey promises and assurances. You would think that to expatriate to Mexico means there will be a city-sponsored parade waiting on you with humble but strong Mexican men ready to carry you on a pedestal to your new home; that Mexico is filled with nothing but goodness abounding; that you will have reached the promised land of milk and honey-heaven.

Mexico is not like that at all.

The two seemingly most popular books, which most Gringo expats I know have not only read but could quote chapter and verse, are, Choose Mexico for Retirement (Globe Pequot), by John Howells and Don Merwin. The second book is Living Abroad in Mexico (Avalon Travel Publishing), by Ken Luboff. Both of these books are fine books that should be read. They are a bit fluffy and well they should be. They tend to present only a part of the picture of expatriation and that is ok for someone who is trying to get a feel for the ABC’s of expatriating to Mexico. They are, in general, totally positive, easy to read, and present the expat picture in the most positive light. And, as I said, well they should. If someone is really considering moving to Mexico, for any reason at all, and will be staying for an extended period of time, they should read these books for a quick and lighthearted rendering of life in Mexico.

But, because of time, book length, and sheer commercial viability, these books do not cover the “other side of the coin.” They present life in Mexico as something fairly positive100% of the time. Really, only Luboff’s book goes into any substance regarding culture and I give him credit for that. In fact, in the chapter on Prime Living Locations, he has a “call out” in which he says,

“Because they have encountered generations of tourists and expatriates, these locales each have well- established infrastructures for foreign residents.” (Page 129)[3]

NEXT: Mexico As a Concept and Not As a Reality part 2

[1] The Gringa in San Miguel: Musings on U.S. Immigration Reform, immigrant communities in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, and my current research on international retirement migration to Mexico & Central America; http://livingethnography.blogspot.com/

[2] http://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/?article=723

[3] Living Abroad in Mexico by Ken Luboff (Author) Avalon Travel Publishing; 1 edition (August 31, 2005) ISBN-13: 978-1566919227

THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT LIVING IN MEXICO

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Small Business Grants For Women Owned Businesses

Women and minority Americans have an opportunity to obtain thousands of dollars in small business grants, which is free money that never has to be repaid. The media spent a lot of time discussing the mortgage and bailout grants that have been made available to the American people. What they haven’t discussed is the billions of dollars that are also available to small business owners, including women and minority entrepreneurs.

The government provides free grant money for personal use for one reason. To stimulate the economy and keep American running properly. One way to do that is to help people facing foreclosure, debt and other financial hardships. But the other way is to help those who can change the current environment and push America forward. The small business owners have the ability to do this, and the government is very interested in these groups.

Unfortunately, with the credit markets tightening and banks being unable to lend, small business owners are not able to start new businesses or grow their existing ones. That’s why the government provides small business grants to people who would otherwise be able to build successful businesses, but are strapped for cash.

There is billions of dollars available, and as long as you are at least 18 years old, you can apply for these funds. All you need is access to the free grant applications and an idea for a business. There are grants for as much as $50,000 to help people fund home based businesses, buy real estate, pay employees, and even buy new office computers and furniture. The money is there but you have to ask for it.

Instantly access to the database to get your free grant money. See how much you can qualify to receive and obtain your check in as little as 7 days just by asking for your small business grants..

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Buying, Storing and Serving Gourmet Cheese

Gourmet cheese comes in a large variety with well over 400 varieties just from the French cheese alone. From the mild to the strong, the soft to the hard, cheese is a great way to compliment any meal or snack.

Whether you are having a fancy wine and cheese party, or just enjoying a slice of cheese with an apple for a snack, your gourmet cheese will taste a lot better if you learn how to purchase, store and serve it properly.

Buying Cheese

When buying gourmet cheese, you want to shop at a place that has a large selection and knows about cheese. That way you’ll be able to ask for recommendations if you want some special cheese to go with a certain type of wine or special meal. You can find a good selection of cheese in a specialty market or gourmet grocery store. Buy only what will be consumed with in a few days. Flavors and aroma of fine cheeses change over time in a home refrigerator.

When picking out your cheese make sure that it presents the characteristics of that particular style. The interior should not have cracks, mold or discoloration in any form. If you are buying a natural rind cheese make sure it has a rustic appearance. Note that it is normal for Blue and Roquefort style cheese to have some mold and cracks.

Storing Cheese

You should not store the cheese in the package that it comes in. This packaging is meant for transportation only. The best thing to store your cheese in is waxed paper as you must let air and moisture in. Air and moisture are integral to keeping the cheese in the best possible condition.

Serving Cheese

When you serve cheese at a party, limit yourself to 4 or 5 types of cheese. You should select cheeses that have a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and flavors. Mix some soft cheese with the hard cheeses. I think cheese looks nice served on a nice wooden tray. Don’t mash the cheese in together, make sure each one has enough room without having the tray look empty. If the cheeses served have strong distinctive flavors use separate trays and serving utensils. Mild flavors will pick up aromas and tastes from stronger flavored cheese.

We all know that cheese goes great with crackers, but you can also serve it with fruits like grapes, strawberries, apples and pears. Add some figs to the table for an interesting contrast in taste and visual appeal. Combining cheese with thin slices of onion can be an interesting eating experience.

As a desert, cheese can be very elegant, or as a light course after the entree and before desert. When serving as an appetizer cheese should be coupled with a light dinner due to the filling nature of most cheeses.

While some people believe that cheese must always be chilled, it really as more flavor when it is at room temperature. You do need to watch the cheese, however, especially if your party is going on for a long time. If the cheese gets too warm it will begin to sweat. Put your cheese out about 30 minutes before guests arrive and keep checking throughout the evening.

Lee Dobbins writes for Online Gourmet Foods where you can find out more about gourmet cheese and appetizers.

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Homily For Couples At Their Wedding

November 17, 1971

Number-One Daughter married her love last week by candle light in a little country church. Snow fell softly to frost the pines while an old pump-organ played bitter-sweet music.

Is it possible that my little princess has toddled from the cradle to a husband so quickly? Why, I hardly blinked an eye.

But it is so because it was my voice that answered, “Her mother and I” when The Reverend James Watt asked, “Who gives this woman in marriage?”

Suddenly I realized that I hadn’t yet told Christy all I felt I knew about the joys and responsibilities of marriage. Oh, if I only had one more day!

Then I heard Skipper Jim saying the last few things I wished I had said. It was kind, of old-fashioned and stressed the duties of marriage. He called it his “homily”, and it was so full of meaning that Christy asked for a copy to save and re-read. Good idea.

Skipper said I could give you a copy, too. Here it is:

We are gathered here to join you, Jim and Chris, in holy marriage. I hope you feel the solemnity of the moment, as well as the joy and gaiety of it.

The late Peter Marshall said: “Marriage is not a federation of two sovereign states. It is a union – domestic, social, spiritual, physical. It is a fusion of two hearts, the union of two lives, the coming together of two tributaries, which, after being joined in marriage, will flow in the same channel in the same direction … carrying the same burdens of responsibility and obligation.”

When you cast your lives together in this union, you become particular instruments of God’s love. You may honorably share with Him in the mystery and miracle of creation. Your children, born in His image, will work, play, love and worship – like you, according to your example. So your marriage is sacred in a very special way.

“Joined” is a strong word. You will be two no longer, but one. You will see your oneness in a new frame of mind, in redirected interests, and later, hopefully, in the faces of your children. You will hear someone say, “She has her mother’s eyes” or “He has his father’s height.”

But being “one” sometimes turns into a struggle of individuals to decide which one! It should be a blending of the best in each: the best talents, best tolerance, the most all-cherishing and freely-expressed love. We can all help this blending, by recognizing the best that’s in each.

In a moment you will be taking the most solemn vow that you have taken in your whole life. There is no way to be almost true. So any vow that is kept, is kept unviolated. It cannot be smudged even a little. To have the faithful, undivided love of a good husband or a good wife is to be rich, no matter what the bank statement may say.

No one is perfect, and you will fail each other in many ways. You will forgive and be forgiven. But willfully or irresponsibly failing each other is breaking faith.

Husbands and wives can be unfaithful in many ways: by nagging or belittling; by listening to gossip about the other; by withholding the self – failing to confide, to listen or to share.

A strange mystery is that these tender marriage-bonds can be the strongest bonds on earth. Yet they are most easily broken by interference. “Let no one put asunder” is an admonition for neighbors, friends, associates and even parents.

The wedding ring is an outward and visible symbol of an inward and spiritual bond. It is only a symbol, of course. Without inward and spiritual fidelity, all symbols are meaningless. The flag is just a piece of cloth; the cross is no more than a bit of wood or metal; the wedding ring, by itself, is merely a piece of jewelry.

But worn with sturdy, unqualified loyalty, and with love, the wedding ring may be the strongest thing of its size in the world. Our civilization, built on the family, would fall apart except for the bond that unites two hearts in endless love.

As you establish your home, if you seek in prayer the benediction of God in love, in patience, and in wisdom – then you will have begun a successful marriage.

When, as the years roll by, you learn to express appreciation of one another’s virtues and to overlook one another’s shortcomings and weaknesses; when you, the wife, cheerfully make the most of your opportunity to be a helpmate indeed; when you, the husband, constantly show that you love the wife as yourself and encourage her in her special interests; when together you guide and nurture your children in the Christian faith and regard them as a gift of and trust from the Lord – then indeed, have you gone a long way in the development of a successful marriage.

When through many years you have shared one another’s struggles and victories, sorrows and rejoicings; when you have become to one another ever more indispensable; when contentment and peace is at its height when you are together, whether in the home, in church, or in any other situation; when different points of view are accepted as normal and no longer ruffle; when the best in the years that lie ahead is looked for in being together and sharing the hope of continued fellowship in the life beyond – then in the deepest sense yours has been a successful marriage.

Lindsey Williams is a Sun columnist who can be contacted at:

LinWms@earthlink.net

LinWms@lindseywilliams.org

Website: http://www.lindseywilliams.org with several hundred of Lin’s Editorial & At Large articles written over 40 years.

Also featured in its entirety is Lin’s groundbreaking book “Boldly Onward,” that critically analyzes and develops theories about the original Spanish explorers of America. (fully indexed/searchable)

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Network Marketing Now – Sowing Seeds and Harvesting Success

There is no question that network marketing and MLM are powerful home business models. Many people have earned substantial residual incomes with this business. However, statistics say that many people starting a network marketing home business will quit within their first 90 days. Why is this?

How do you know what to look for? Consider this story about a gardener and a network marketer who both get off to a good start but give up too quickly. I know this may sound silly, but bear with me.

Our gardener rents a small, fertile plot of land from his neighbor. He plants his garden to provide food for his family. He has never raised a garden before, but has ideas about what it will take and does some reading on the subject. He tills the soil, plants his seeds, and makes sure everything is watered in. He takes care to check his garden daily for weeds and insect pests.

At the same time, our network marketer plants his own seeds by advertising his business in several different places. He is new to network marketing, but is following the training provided by his upline.

After one week, our gardener finds a few seedlings sprouting from the soil. He is delighted, and continues checking his garden daily and watering regularly. Our network marketer receives a few inquiries about his business and is diligently following up. Both are pleased and feel they are going in the right direction.

After two weeks, a lot more seeds are sprouting in our garden, and some weeds too. Our gardener diligenty pulls the weeds and keeps everything going. At this point his work is increasing, but he is more than happy to keep at it. Our network marketing business builder receives a few more inquiries, and places some more ads.

Now three weeks have passed, and our new garden is starting to take off and grow fast. The seeds that sprouted the first week are now big plants, but so far have not yielded a harvest. Our networker is feeling okay about his prospects, but still hasn’t sponsored his first associate.

After six weeks, our gardener finds that the seeds he planted so long ago have become pretty big plants, and many are nearing the stage where they will begin to produce a crop. Our network marketing guy has sponsored one new associate from all his efforts.

At this point our gardener has second thoughts. He has put in a lot of work for six weeks, but has no vegetables to show for it. Frustrated and tired, he quits tending his garden. He is saying to himself, “This just didn’t work. Look at the time and effort I put into this, money too, and I have nothing. Gardening doesn’t work!”

Just two weeks later, his neighbor gathers 15 pounds of potatoes, a dozen nice tomatoes, and a bushel of beans. This is only the initial harvest – there is much more to come. He is puzzled. It just doesn’t make sense that the gardener quit so close to the harvest he had worked so hard to enjoy.

At the same time, I’m afraid our network marketer has second thoughts too. He says “I have put in all this time and effort, spent $500 on advertising, and all I have to show for it is one new associate. Network marketing doesn’t work!”

When our networker quit, guess what happened? He lost everything he had worked toward. His sponsor and upline will now reap the rewards of his hard work and the seeds he planted.

I’m afraid that many people quit at a similar point in the growth of their business. It isn’t unusual to start out, and two months later only have one or two new distributors in your group. You were likely expecting many more new associates by now, but is this really the time to give up? Not at all!

Growing a business, just like growing a garden, takes time, effort, and money. Don’t let yourself get discouraged just at the point when things are primed to start happening. Make a one year minimum commitment to your business and do the right things. You will be rewarded!

Eldon Beard is a home business coach who helps opportunity seekers find success with network marketing and MLM. His popular blog Network Marketing Now shows you the secrets of making money and building a strong lasting business.

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Re-Discovering Who You Are After a Divorce

Want to know how I know that getting a divorce can rattle everything inside of you? I’ve got the experience to prove that! When I got married, I used my current abilities to make the best decision I could. I was totally unaware that my decision making skill had become more refined as I lived my life. But at the time I got my divorce, I felt terrible about life in general and myself in particular.

So when the howling monsters of divorce plopped into my lap one day, I thought I’d been wiped out. I knew my mistake was public, unintelligent and obvious – everyone could see what a mistake I’d made. There was no way to hide. And everyone had questions: why this and why that? It was so challenging to keep myself moving forward throughout the day and field these questions simultaneously. Everybody wanted an explanation: my friends, my family, my relatives and especially my mom and dad.

I had to keep my two daughters in the forefront of all my decisions. I didn’t want my nasty thoughts about their mother to infect them so that they could keep on loving her. I had their questions to answer. I had their welfare to consider. We three needed a new place to live and new furniture in that place. I was on overload and the feelings were so uncomfortable. I knew I wasn’t good enough.

When I first got divorced, I certainly didn’t feel hugely successful with my life? I’m fairly confident you are feeling pretty much the same as I did way back then. Today, I am a successful attorney. I have found my soul-mate. I live in a wonderful home. My children have graduated from college and are well on their way to successful lives themselves. So how did I get from the pain of the early days to the great feelings of success that I have about myself today?

Questions. I asked myself tons of questions and I kept asking the question of myself under I came up with an answer that satisfied ME. And then there were those dad-blamed (pun intended) questions of my parents, family and relatives. As I look back on it, those questions (so hard to answer and handle at the time) actually became the source of great satisfaction as I worked to answer them.

Are you good at asking questions of yourself? Do you have a family who has lots of questions? Let me share some of my questions with you. I know that in the process of coming up with answers, you will once again feel good about yourself.

Why did this happen to me? How will I ever face (fill in the blank name) again? What will my parents say? How can I tell my kids this is going to happen to them too? Will my feelings of alienation from my ex ever disappear? Am I so bad he/she doesn’t want to be with me anymore? Is this my fault alone? How the heck did I bring this into my life? Why did I pick this louse for a spouse?

Where the heck am I going to live? How can I do all this work by myself? Have I taken the kids into enough consideration in my planning for the future? Do I have an attorney who is looking out for mine and the kids best interests? Why do I keep wanting to punish my ex? Is there a better way to channel my anger than (x whatever you’re doing now – obsessing, raging, etc.)?

Do I have a Parenting Plan in development? Can I find out information about it on the internet? Will I be able to earn plenty of money for supporting both me and the kids? If not, what can I do to improve that? Who do I trust enough to have my best interests at heart to be on my support team? Maybe I need therapy? What if my parents object to my decisions?

Okay. That’s enough to keep you busy for a long, long time. Once you figure out the answers to these questions, you will no longer think you’re some kind of loser. You’ll see your own true colors and they’ll be shining.

In his book “Getting Over It: Wisdom for Divorced Parents,” Len Stauffenger shares his simple wisdom gleaned from his divorce with his daughters and with you. Len is a Success Coach and an Attorney. You can purchase Len’s book and it’s accompanying workbook at http://www.wisdomfordivorcedparents.com

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Why Do We Need Detoxification More Than Ever?

Toxins are negative energy waiting to explode like a volcano in our body. They sit and find homes leaching to your internal organs. They wreak havoc on your immune system and in many cases can trigger disease. ALS, Cancer of all types to name a few. I have watched this process from my own experience with my son. He used the Kid’s Off Spray with DEET for 30 days, and during that time, his immune system weakened. Why you ask? Even though it is FDA approved, many products that are on the market are unsafe and have chemicals that cause adverse reactions. In this case, DEET, is a known carcinogen, but the manufacturers say that it is safe in certain levels. That can not really be tested, as the size of the person, and their physiology will determine how they respond to a certain drug. As you know, some people can die from a bee sting. We are all different.

Toxins come into the body through the food we eat ( pesticides and nitrites, both of which are carcinogens) and the personal care products that are absorbed into our skin each and every day. What can we do about it? We can avoid toxins to a certain degree, and this important especially for pregnant women. A new study group determined that yes, Autism is triggered by a pregnant mother’s exposure to toxins in food and products that have toxic chemicals as ingredients. Is this any surprise? No. But we need to start being proactive about all of our choices.The best thing to do is to find a way, or several ways to flush the toxins out.

Here are some easy home remedies that can help:

1) Make sure that you get 25-50 grams of fiber daily. This will act as a natural flushing system for whole body wellness.

2) Check the ingredients of the products that you are using on your skin currently. Then, look them up at Dr. Mercola.com or Natural News. They are great sites for awareness and information.

3) Look at the foods you are eating, and eliminate any chemical additives, especially those that are known carcinogens. You will be amazed at how prevalent these additives are. But the good news is the health food craze has helped to fuel the market of safe foods.

4) Drink 8 8 ounce glasses of water daily, preferably from a filter to eliminate chlorine from the water.

5) Look into an internal cleansing system that you can do monthly or quarterly. This will work to strengthen your immune system and clean out those leaching toxins.

6) Take a hard look at the ingredients in all of your personal care products. You may be surprised at what you find.

The benefits of taking these steps is that you will have more energy, feel better, look better, and live longer. Toxins are in the environment that we live in, but you do not have to give in and accept it. There are ways to feeling empowered and creating a healthier you. In the process, you are strenthening your immune system, and you are stimulating your organs to work efficiently and effectively. Doing a quarterly cleanse is like changing your furnace filter. It will make you function at your optimal capacity, and your organs won’t be working quite so hard to get the job done!

Blair Lele, a resides in Evanston, Illinois, with her family. She is a mother of a pediatric cancer survivor, as well as a learned activist and advocate in teaching ways to improve your whole body wellness, with rejuvenating techniques and rituals. She works with clients world-wide helping them focus on holistic remedies to their whole body wellness. Contact her at her home office for more information: 877-864-5436 CST 8:00am until 8:00pm or email her at: blele@mac.com.

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Salt Roasting Meats

If you are considering hosting a large dinner party or a big family gathering, why not think about salt roasting meats as a way to make a large meal and leave free hands to do other things. The salt roasting method of cooking meats is a great way for you to prepare fantastic meals that are delicious and mouthwatering, and it allows you to get other things done around your home. This is because you do not have to baby the meal while it is cooking; all you have to do is cover the meat in the salt and start roasting. A few hours later you take the roasting pan out of the oven, and crack the salt shell to reveal great pre-made meat that will please the masses.

What You Need

If you are going to try salt roasting meats, then you are going to need a few items to actually get things going. You will need a large roasting pan that will go in the oven; this pan should ideally be large enough for you to entertain many different meat options. This can include large whole fish, and or good-sized chickens or turkeys. You will want several pounds of fine kosher salt and the more the better, as you will be covering some larger cuts of meat cooking this way. This will basically cover your needs for this cooking method, yet you may find that you want to apply some herbs and spices to the meat prior to covering it with salt. This is because you do not have another opportunity to dress the meat, once it is covered with the kosher salt.

How It’s Done

When you are ready to try salt roasting meats in your roasting pan, you will only need to concern yourself with a few things. First you want to clean the meat if it is poultry, by running it under water. If it is beef, you will only want to dress it with whatever herbs and spices you want. You will take your roasting pan and line it with a 1″ thick lining of kosher salt, and this will be the base from which you are cooking. Then you will place the meat in the lining of salt within the roasting pan, this will cover the bottom end of the meat while it is cooking. From there you will want to place another layer of kosher salt on the meat, and this layer will cover the meat completely and become a crust once the roasting process is completed.

Pre-made Garnish

While experimenting with salt roasting meats, you will want to refer with common cookbooks on how long it generally takes to cook the type of meat you are dealing with. When the meat is ready to come out of the oven, you will notice that the kosher salt has produced a fine yet firm layer of salt crust over the meat. You will want to crack this salt layer open, as this is where the meat is harboring. When the meat is removed from this tomb like salt crust, it will be tender and absolutely divine. You can actually use the salt crust as a form of decoration or garnish on the side of the plate when serving, and this will make an almost professional appearance.

Anna Fiori writes food related articles for the Italian Traditional Food website at http://www.italiantraditionalfood.com.

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Sports Betting Strategies – Tips and Advice

Making money with sports betting is challenging, you must have a plan. The first part of forming a good plan is understanding sports betting strategies. So let’s take a look at some terminology to get started.

Betting Or Money Line

This is the book in bookmaking. The casino or organization is not trying to bet against you, they want to balance their book with bets from both sides so that whoever wins they don’t lose money. They do this by handicapping the favored bet and strengthening the week bet.

This betting line will vary before the start of the contest with the line rising and falling depending upon how the bets come in. They will manage the odds that are offered to avoid heavy action or steam on any particular side, and gain them a profit, whoever wins the game.

When you bet on the favorite you give odds, or lay them. So if you bet on the underdog then you take odds.

Point Spread Bet

The point spread is a way of handicapping the favorite. If you bet on the favorite this means that you will betting not just that they will win but that the win will be by more than the spread. If you are betting on the underdog then you can win if they do, or if they lose but the favorite doesn’t win by a big enough margin.

In order to get a tie, then the favorite will win but meet the spread exactly.

Total Bet

This is where you are betting that both teams combined will score a total number of points. You can either bet over the point that the board offers or under.

Big Sports Board

This board will give you betting information and explain the bets offered.

Strategies For Sports Betting

The best way to get started in sports betting is to choose a single event, do some homework to decide which team will win, and then make a simple line bet. This is the best way to get your feet wet in the betting world and a much better approach to diving in head first.

The main rookie mistake is to bet on your home team simply because they are your home team. When placing a bet you need to make decisions with your head and not with your heart. Do your research, look at the sports section in your newspaper. Check out sports magazines, online forums, good sports sites and good sports programs on television.

Do you really want to bet on more than two games playing at the same time? Are they all good bets? Can you afford to lose the money you are wagering?.

When you have mastered the basics and you are happy with placing bets and selecting which team will win you can look at the more complicated ways of betting which can bring in a good returns.

There is no reason to be embarrassed about your lack of knowledge regarding sports betting. Get a free copy of Sports Betting Bankroll to get the information you need to properly manage your sports betting bankroll. If you’re ready to start making real money at sports betting then visit our site Sports Betting Online and make your start learning about successful sports betting and winning big money today.

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Guide to Running in Cold Weather

I love running in cold weather. The air is brisk and invigorating. There’s beautiful fall and winter scenery. It’s simply a beautiful time that is soothing to the soul. As wonderful as it is, however, it poses its own unique inherent risks: poor traction, poor visibility, bronchial difficulties, frostbite, and hypothermia just to name a few. Just as in warmer weather, one must take certain precautions and measures to make running in cold weather more enjoyable and safe.

Equipping yourself with the proper gear will largely determine how successful you are during the cold running season. Wear bright colored clothing with reflective accents so people can see you better. A headlamp or clip-on lamp will aid your vision so you can avoid any hazards that may lie ahead. For mildly cold temperatures (50-60 degrees), sometimes all you need is a single long sleeve shirt. Pants are helpful but shorts are just fine because the lower body can generate lots of heat by itself. Moderately cold temperatures (40-50 degrees) will require you to wear a little more. A snug base layer, with a second layer long sleeve will suffice. Running pants or tights may be required, but still a large number of people can get away with just shorts with maybe some short tights underneath. For more extreme cold weather (40 degrees and below) wear two top layers and running pants or long tights. Sometimes you’ll have to wear the tights underneath the pants. A jacket, hat, gloves, and thick socks are required when the temperature nosedives towards zero degrees. A balaclava will cover your head and face and will also warm up the air before you breath it in. Make sure all of your clothing is made of some type of moisture wicking material (i.e. polypropylene, coolmax, thermax, smartwool, lycra) to prevent that damp chill from forming when you sweat. If it is windy, rainy, or snowy, Element proof materials such as Gore-Tex is recommended. Trail shoes are highly recommended because they provide better traction and protection than regular street shoes. If you run where it snows often, a pair of polarized sunglasses will cut down on the glare from the reflected sunlight. Lastly, bring along a cell phone in case of an emergency.

When running in cold weather seasons, it is extremely important to get a proper warm up. It is best to warm up and stretch indoors before you start your workout. This will make it much easier to get started, but most importantly prevent the cold weather from making your muscles stiff. While you’re at it, apply moisturizer and sun block to help prevent blistering and redness. Alternatively, Vaseline will help insulate you and prevent frostbite. Also, it will help bead off any rain or snow that may hit your skin. Drink plenty of water and eat a high carb meal because your body needs fuel to regulate its core temperature. As you start out, run against the wind so you can finish with the wind against your back. This will make the home stretch easier and prevent damp chill.

After your run, it is best that you go straight home and out of the cold immediately. If this is not possible, bring along an extra pair of socks. Damp feet mixed with cold weather can increase your risk for frostbite. I highly recommend thick Smartwool or Thorlo socks. Take a warm shower for 10-15 minutes and get into some dry, warm clothing. Stretch a little, drink plenty of water, and get some carbs into your system to restore glucose levels. A protein drink with a multi-vitamin will keep your immune system strong.

Ark Agpalza is a long time runner and at the time of publication of this article was working as a product expert in the running industry.

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