Sunday, September 30, 2012

Breast Feeding - Heavenly Nectar For Babies

Breast feeding is the greatest and the best gift any mother can give her child. Yet, the world over, there are millions of infants deprived of this benefit. This is because of many factors and circumstances force mothers use formula milk instead. These circumstances could be physical (such as the mother is incapable of producing milk, or the baby has a lactose digestion problem) or it could be due to the fact that both the parents need to work, and hence the mother cannot be at home to nurse the child at the same time. Promoting Breast Feeding Studies report that breast feeding helps the child cope better physically and mentally with the challenges that the world throws in his/her path. Side-by-side it has been found that the formula are not as good as was believed once upon a time, neither are these really sterile as the public was led to believe. There had been reports where very unusual things were found in the powder milk such as match sticks, foils, paper and so on indicating the quality control in the factories where these are produced supposedly with state-of-the-art-infrastructure is not actually that great for the baby. Women all over the world realized that by depriving their babies of breast milk, they were indeed doing them a great injustice. This is how breastfeeding made a huge come back and now babies all over the world enjoy breastfeeding longer and more often (per day). Not only that women tend to continue with breast feeding after the baby is well past two years of age - and the result is that both the mother and child are feeling great about it. Large corporates accepted and recognized the need for breast feeding and have offered new mothers nursing breaks and creches on their premises so the babies would not be deprived of their due. It is wonderful to see that babies have responded well to this change globally - by reporting less susceptibility to disease, good immune system, proper brain development among others. Formula Versus Breast Feeding There is no argument that can uphold that the formula can ever be better than mother's milk for the baby. You could say that the formula is extremely convenient - especially for working women - but it is definitely not better. Breast feeding was, is and will always be the best food you can give your infant. In case you can, try to be there at home and close your baby for at least the first three to four months.

About Author: Eddie Lamb provides an abundance of information on a range of family related issues. We believe better understanding your family's requirements makes for a happier environment. You'll find a host of useful articles about breast feeding on our site at Breast Feeding Awareness.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

D-Calcium Pantothenate for Acne Therapy - An Entirely New Category in Skin Care

Co-enzyme A is needed to break down fatty acids in the body. When, levels of co-enzyme A are low, the efficient breakdown of fatty acids is thus impaired which leads to excessive accumulation of fatty acids in the blood stream. The fatty acids are the deposited into the sebaceous glands (sweat glands) and secreted as oil, giving the skin an oily complexion. Co-enzyme A is also needed for sex hormone synthesis. When the levels of sex hormone are low, the body has to make use of what co-enzyme A is available for sex hormone synthesis (as hormone synthesis is given priority; without it, sex organs to do not develop) and hence this causes the build-up of fatty acids. This explains why teenagers are more prone to acne than adults; at that age, sex hormone synthesis is at its peak to allow development of sex organs and secondary characteristics such as pubic hair, muscle mass, voice change etc. The human body can obtain co-enzyme A from 3 sources; adenosine (naturally produced), cysteine (naturally produced) and d-calcium pantothenate, which needs to be obtained from dietary intake. Although the naturally produced adenosine and cysteine are able to cope with supplying the adequate levels of co-enzyme A, at time of high demand dietary intakes of d-calcium pantothenate are needed to quench this demand. Treatment Regime 1.For the first five days of treatment, 5 capsules are usually taken twice a day; this equates to 10 capsules per day. 2.After the first five days, 5 capsules are to be taken 4 times a day (equates to 20 capsules per day) for 3 months. 3.After three months, maintenance therapy can be started and this ranges from 4-15 capsules per day. Maintenance therapy can be titrated according to the appearance of your skin and how acne-free it is. Gradually reducing the dose from 20 a day down to 10 then eventually 4 capsules per day is quite a good method. If flare-ups are experienced, this means you have gone below your individual maintenance dosage; increase to the amount taken before the last reduction. One may ask why, the doses of d-calcium pantothenate, are so high. Well, the purpose of taking 20 capsules per day is to kick-start the body to produce co-enzyme A. After the levels of co-enzyme A are high, (after about three months), they can then be reduced to a maintenance therapy levels; as explained above. Efficacy The use of d-calcium pantothenate has been shown to be over 90% effective in a medical study. But one thing to note is that efficacy comes with compliance! In some people, improvements can be seen at 2 weeks of therapy whilst others this can take somewhat longer. During the first week of treatment, some customers have noticed that their acne has increased. Although the reason for this is not entirely known, this should not act as a deterrent; this usually disappears after 1-2 weeks. Safety Being an all-natural water soluble vitamin, d-calcium pantothenate is safe to take in high quantities. The body will just excrete the surplus amounts through the urine. The only contra-indication worthy of note is that d-calcium pantothenate should not be taken when pregnant/ breast feeding. Side Effects 1.Loosening of stool ( reported as the main side effect) The stool consistency is half way between normal and diarrhoea 2.Mild stomach irritation ( occasional) 3.Possible headaches. This may occur at the start of treatment and gradually subsides 4.Must not be taken when pregnant or when breast feeding! If side effects do occur, then please reduce the number of capsules being taken or discontinue and consult your local doctor for advice.

About Author: Asanka Samaranayake (BSc Hons Neuroscience) and Darren Patten (Bsc Hons Surgery & Anaesthesia)have a specialist interest in microdermabrasion and provide you with an indispensable resource at Microdermabrasion Info. Net

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Society and Teenage Pregnancy in Jamaica

Rates of teenage pregnancy in Jamaica are among the highest in the Caribbean, with the birth rate for 15-19 year olds at 108 births per 1,000 women. Forty-five percent of all Jamaican women who are 15 to 24 years old have been pregnant by 19 years of age, and 41% have given birth.


Females between the ages of 10 and 19 account for roughly 25% of all births in Jamaica and about 22% of births in 15-19 year-olds are second births.

There are a number of consequences to teenage pregnancy in Jamaica. First of all, the education of the adolescent mother is disrupted and often completely ended. Indeed, only 36% of teenage mothers complete more than four years of secondary school, compared to 50% of girls who never become pregnant. The mother, then, is severely limited in her job opportunities.

Furthermore, parents and society in general will not look kindly upon a young girl who has engaged in sexual activity at a young age, and often a girl is disowned and must support herself and her child alone. Teenage pregnancy in Jamaica also carries with it health risks to the mother and child, though doubts have been raised as to whether these risks may also be attributed to socio-economic factors. Statistics show that maternal mortality rate is 40% higher for mothers under 15 and 13% higher for mothers in their twenties.

It is not only the teen mother who experiences health risks, but the child of the adolescent mother as well. Research points to the fact that the neo-natal death rate for babies born to adolescent girls is roughly three times higher than for babies born to adults.

Speaking of socio-economic factors, there are further health risks to the child due to the often precarious financial situation of the adolescent mother. Often, the mother passes long periods of time away from the child to try to find work or chooses to work extra hours to make enough money. This often leads to the mother stopping breast-feeding early and switching the child to foods which lack the essential nutrients found in breast milk; this leads to poor health and malnutrition among Jamaican children.

The socio-economic situation of the Jamaican mother also often leads to child shifting, where a child is sent to live with other family members or other families, away from the mother. Studies have shown that 1 out of 5 Jamaican children did not live with either their mother or father; very often the shifted child will be placed in a negative environment.

What Jamaican society is beginning to realize is that the negative effects of teenage pregnancy in Jamaica are not felt solely by the adolescent mother or her child. The Jamaican economy suffers because of a poor labor force due to so many young girls being uneducated and because the resources of the country must be funneled into welfare programs for teenage mothers.

Indeed, teenage pregnancy in Jamaica is obviously a complex and multi-faceted problem.

About Author: Azzam Sheikh Facilitator 'Strengthening families, strengthening communities' parent programme. pregnancy resource center

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Julia ward howe

spa gift certificate

In 1870 Julia Ward Howe called for a Mother's day proclamation in response to the Civil War. She saw this as a way to celebrate peace and motherhood. After her death her daughter Anna took up the cause to make Mother's day a recognized holiday. In 1908 she petitioned her church to celebrate the day and her request was honored so on May 10, 1908 the first official Mother's day celebration was held. She arranged for carnations to be given to each Mother in attendance as this was her mother's favorite flower. Interestingly enough this tradition is still upheld today by many businesses. Today we celebrate this holiday by giving our Mother's all sorts of gifts from flowers to jewelry. Here is a list of some of my favorite gifts to give my mother.

Live plants are a great way to show how much you care. Better then cut flower since with proper care they will live on forever. The blooming type of plant is much more desirable than the green leafy type since it will bring a bit of color into any room.

If your mom isn't the plant type then why not a spa gift certificate; a great way to show you love her with a little pampering. Besides she has taken care of you all your life and deserves a little time to herself. Choose a spa that is close to her house and maybe even join her for a special day. You can even make a day out of it and surprise her with a healthy lunch.

Personalized gifts are also a great way to show off your love. Personalized key chains that hold a picture are a great way for your mom to remember when you were little. Before giving this gift have it engraved with a special message and be sure to include a photograph of a special memory. Key chains aren't the only gift that can be personalized a personalized compact makes a great gift for a mom and a great reminder of how beautiful she is.

There are so many ways to show your mom that you love and appreciate all she does for you. A gift doesn't have to cost a fortune and it doesn't have to be made of gold. It can be something as simple as making dinner for her or making her a special card. Moms love that sort of thing.

Brenda Hopkins writes for Wholesale Favors about Personalized Mothers Gifts and Gift Ideas and gives advice on personalized gifts

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_L_Hopkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mothers-Day-Gift-Ideas&id=6923607

Step by step directions

memory boxes

Mother's day is a holiday celebrated all over the world in many different ways but the meaning still remains the same. It is a time to honor the woman who gave us life and threatened to take it away from us at any moment when we were bad.

Honoring a women that means so much to you is sometimes difficult. It is hard to but a gift for someone that means so much. What do you buy for a woman that has done so much for you flowers and cards may not be enough for you, you want something special.

You could spend hours making your mom a special craft there are many blog sites out there that have great step by step directions on making the most wonderful crafts. Some are very simple you can even consider going to the craft shop and buying craft kit for making thing like memory boxes or necklaces. But if time is an issue or you are just not the crafty type then what do you do?

Gift baskets make a great gift weather you design your own or you by one premade. Perfect for any type of mother, if your mom loves to relax in the tub or you think she needs a spa day to herself then design a great basket full of soaps, bath salts and lotions to make a spa day at home. If you mom is a coffee coinsure then you can design the perfect coffee break for her complete with cookies and a special mug engraved with her name on it.

Maybe you are looking for a gift with a little extra special touch then why not buy your mom a personalized photo album. You can fill it with all your favorite memories through the years. Then when you give it to your mom you can spend the day reminiscing about all the special times you have had. Putting a special message on the front of the album makes it all that much more special. A gift truly from the heart unlike any other. Consider taking her out to a special lunch and plan time to talk about all these special times you have has.

No matter what gift you give your mother make sure it is from the heart weather it is homemade or store bought as long as it is from you it will be perfect in her eyes.

Brenda Hopkins writes for Wholesale Favors about Personalized Mothers Gifts and Gift Ideas and gives advice on personalized gifts

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_L_Hopkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?Great-Mothers-Day-Gift-Ideas&id=6923611

Diamond earrings

diamond necklace

If you're struggling over what to get your mother for Mother's Day, stop stressing and entertain the thought of gifting your mother with jewelry for Mother's Day. You will find a large selection of beautiful jewelry that your mother would be so proud to receive. It's the perfect way to let her know how important and special she is to you.

Perhaps you could honor her with a beautiful gold and diamond necklace, she would love being able to wear this and show it off to all of her friends. You might also choose to present her with a necklace that has all of the birthstones of her children in it. You may decide to place her and your father's birthstone in the necklace as well to make it just a little bit more special. To have a piece of jewelry that represents the whole family is a really big deal to a mother.

You may know of a certain piece of jewelry that she has been wanting but would never buy for herself. It may be that gold ring with the ruby settings or it may be the silver ring with the sapphire settings. Whichever one that she has mentioned in the past or even shown to you while you were out shopping will make a great Mother's Day Gift for her.

Maybe you and your siblings have discussed a charm bracelet for her that is adorned with charms that will really be sentimental to her; Mother's Day is the perfect day to give her that beautiful charm bracelet. She may be more excited over a tennis bracelet that she can wear on those special occasions. You'll have no trouble finding the perfect tennis bracelet to bring tears of joy to her eyes.

You may decide that your mother would love a pair of diamond earrings. Give her those beautiful diamond earrings and watch a smile spread across her face. She may have mentioned pearl earrings so you may choose to go with those. Imagine how pleased she would be to receive a pair of pearl earrings from one child, a matching pearl necklace from another and a pearl bracelet from another. This would make the perfect jewelry ensemble for your mother.

Jewelry gifts that mothers receive are so special; it is something that they can hold onto for the rest of their lives. Each time that they wear it, they are always going to think back to that special Mother's Day when they received it. Mother's also love bragging about their children and the beautiful gifts that their children present them with especially on Mother's Day. This gives them the perfect opportunity to show others how special they are to their children and what good taste in gift buying their children have. Any gift a child gives their mother is a special gift and a keepsake for life, jewelry is one the best gifts for mom.

Since the early 1970s, The Bradford Exchange has been recognized as the premier source for a vast array of unique limited-edition collectibles and fine gifts. We specialize in unique items for people that are passionate about collectibles and our products make excellent gifts for all occasions. The Bradford Exchange has an amazing assortment of gifts for Mother's Day.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_P_Boulanger
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Best-Mothers-Day-Jewelry-Gift-Ideas&id=7023830

May Holidays

holiday in mexico

Most of us want our children to be well-rounded and aware of other people's traditions throughout the world. What better way to introduce your children to the variety of cultures than through Holidays and the food associated with them? Every culture in the world has their holidays and customs and food is almost always a part of them. A Holiday or Celebration occurs in almost every month of the year and May is no exception.

Let's start with the First of May which happens to be May Day. May Day stems back to Pagan and then Roman Times. May Day was a big holiday in England at certain times and depending on who was in power. Traditionally a Maypole was erected with streamers hanging from it and children dancing around it. The Romans introduced the idea of flowers to May Day as their observance was in relation to the worship of Flora, the Goddess of Flowers.

Next comes Cinco de Mayo which is the celebration in Mexico of the successful battle against the French in Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is a National Holiday in Mexico and is celebrated in many communities across the United States as well. In Mexican Communities there will be Fiestas complete with a Piñata filled with goodies for the children. Many restaurants will be offering Cinco de Mayo Menus also. Many people will have their own celebrations at home and it is certainly a good reason for a party. The atmosphere will be colorful and the food tasty!

In the United States the second Sunday in May is Mother's Day. This year, 2012, it falls on May 13th. This is one of the days that more flowers are sold than on any other. Restaurants will be busy serving Mother's Day Brunches, Lunches and Dinners and many families will be honoring Mother at home.

The final Holiday in May is Memorial Day which always falls on the last Monday in May, this year being the 28th. Memorial Day was originally intended to honor the memories of those people whose lives were lost fighting our wars. It seems in many areas that the original purpose has been lost and many people use the day to honor not only war heroes, but deceased family members and friends, which in my opinion is okay also.

However, it seems that in most areas the real purpose of the day has been totally lost in that many people think of Memorial Day as the start of our summer activities, mainly picnics and beach and BBQ Parties. Add in the papers will advertise food and other items for your Memorial Day Activities.

Whichever way you choose to celebrate it of course, is up to you. But it is nice to remember those people who have given their lives to make ours better.

May is also a month for early graduations and the beginning of summer vacation for school and college students. Summer and warm weather is right next door and the beginning of pool, beach and vacation time. Food, of course also plays a big part in our holiday observances and especially during the summer which is a time for BBQ's and picnics. Enjoy!

I have been a children's cooking teacher and educator for over 35 years. I teach monthly classes in Westlake Village, California for children, teens and their parents. I love to share my ideas to help kids be safe, learn and have fun in the kitchen. I hold a MS in Nutrition Education and Food Sciences from California State University.

Please check out my website at http://www.sylveeeskitchen.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Rieman
http://EzineArticles.com/?May-Holidays&id=7016622

Media hype

Media hype

As yet another Kentucky Derby looms on the horse racing horizon the media hype and frenzy is at an all time high. You can buy a lot of data and information about the horses and their connections. You can read countless articles that dissect the Derby as it has never been dissected and examined before. While at a local OTB lately they had one of the televisions tuned to a horse racing channel and a commentator there talked for hours discussing the big race and all his angles and thoughts.

After a while his words were nothing more than babble. One word kept popping out of his mouth above all others, "value." He seemed to think that his listeners wanted value from the race and that he knew how to get it for them. He picked the race apart so cleanly a vulture would have passed the carcass by and yet, he never seemed to come to a final conclusion that was simple and realistic enough for the casual horse player to grasp and play.

There's an old saying, "Over analysis leads to paralysis." Nothing sums up the media overload surrounding the Derby any better than that saying. Enough is enough and then some.

It's a horse race and it will run and play out like a horse race. At the beginning, no mortal knows who will win or what will happen. We handicap the race and make our best guess and then some of us brave souls plunk down some cash and try to come out ahead on the deal. Some will and some won't, that's how it works. You can talk things to death and when the dust settles what is going to happen won't be affected at all by what you've said. When the gate opens the race begins, not two weeks before the actual event.

Here's my advice for picking a winner in the Derby. First of all, it's a classic race. Handicap it like a classic, meaning look at the breeding of each horse and determine which ones are bred to go the distance. The ones who really are capable of easily going the distance will be your first picks. Let's keep it simple and limit that list to 5 horses.

Next, let's talk about form. Horses often peak before the Derby and put up a good race in one of the races leading up to the big event but then come up short or empty when the first Saturday in May rolls around. Look for a horse that closed well on a dirt track and finished in the money. Obviously, if the horse earned enough money to be in the Derby then it will have some experience and class or it wouldn't be able to enter the race. If it can go the distance and may be rounding into form, then it has a chance and you'll probably get some good value because these types of horses are often overlooked in favor of the horses who ran a big race in one of the prep races.

If you want to learn how a horse owner and insider handicaps just go to http://williewins.homestead.com/true.html and get the truth about betting on horses and winning. Bill Peterson is a former race horse owner and professional handicapper. To see all Bill's horse racing material go to Horse Racing Handicapping, Bill's handicapping store.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Peterson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Handicapping-the-Kentucky-Derby-and-Finding-a-Good-Bet&id=7016177

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Sense of belongingness


Christian pins are one of the ways that you can go ahead and showcase your faith. There are many kinds of pins available in the market. You have lapel pins and buttons as the most popular.
Lapel pins have had a rich history. These types of pins are used as decoration in a dress or jacket. It pretty much accents a wardrobe or piece of apparel.
<a href="http://www.linkedtube.com/Rk4qgQdp2UA3bd002a1f415299fbc8442468e26ac89.htm">LinkedTube</a> In business, you will find that office workers sometimes wear these lapel pins to symbolize that they belong to a brand or corporation. These can be made from different kinds of metal along with special stones.
Originally, lapel pins were originally used as a military ornament. It served as a sign of patriotism and even today these lapel pins are still quite popular among the military. They serve as a precious collectible and also serve as a great remembrance.
However, in modern days, there are more uses for the lapel pins. As mentioned, they can be used by business corporations as a sign make people know that they are a member of a particular corporation or brand. They serve as identifiers.
Companies often use their logo for the pins. However, if they don't have a logo, then it's usually the company name or the brand that's used. Today, it is also used as a tool to create social awareness.
Other times, it is also used by religious organizations whenever there are activities being held by the church and requires some identifying factors.
Looking for the right Christian pins is quite easy as long as you know where to look for them. Obviously, the Internet is one of the best sources that you can check out if you want to buy Christian pins in bulk.
These are perfect to give out to your youth group or other church members especially if you want to spread the word about your faith or if you are holding a special event. This will help people become more aware and at the same time give them a sense of belongingness.
You can simply conduct your search by using various search engines. Just type in the proper keywords into the search box and look through the various items for sale. There are some websites that will offer a pretty good discount if you buy in bulk or wholesale.
Just make sure that you go ahead and compare prices first before actually making the purchase. If possible you can ask for a sample product if they do give it out.
On the other hand, buying from a local store can be advantageous as well. This will allow you to get the item right away or at least check out the quality and make sure it's what you want.
If you are having one customized, you can also easily oversee the right design and not worry about whether it would come out right or not at all.
As you can see, getting Christian pins is relatively easy. Just look for the right store to get it from and you should be on your way.
You can get Christian Pins at 15% off at Christian Book Store.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Bradley
http://EzineArticles.com/?Christian-Pins---Showing-Your-Faith-Through-Pins&id=4060764

Signs and symptoms of bone cancer

Signs and symptoms of bone cancer

A bone cancer survival rate refers to the percentage of people who were reported still living after being diagnosed with the cancer about 5 yrs ago.

In reality, this type of cancer is very rare. In fact, it's so rare than it only consists of about 1% among all tumor cases. Bone tumors, unlike most other types of cancer tumors, are not all fatal or cancerous. Benign tumors are even more prevalent than malignant tumors, which may be a much more relieving news for many. Often times, cancer of the bone may also be a result of the metastasis of a cancer from another part of the body.

Primary bone cancer, which begins in the bone itself and not a result of other cancer's metastasis is quite rare and only constitutes less than one percent of all malignancies. This type of bone cancer is more common amongst men and even more in children or adolescents.

Cancer symptoms may depend upon different factors and the progression is not exactly as fast as some other cancers. Some of these factors are the location, the size and the type of tumor. Most common signs and symptoms of bone cancer are pain in bones and joints, problems with movement, inflammation of the bones and joints of affected part and easy susceptibility to developing fractures. Occasionally, the patient may also experience fever, fatigue, sweating and unexplained weight loss.

Remember this is very rare so if you have any of these symptoms, this is likely to be caused by another condition. It may work better if you always go to your doctor for proper diagnosis.

Prognosis
Since the development of modern chemotherapy, the patient prognosis has been improving quite significantly in many countries. However, the recovery period will always depend upon the real status of the cancer and the patient him/herself including whether the cancer has spread, the type of cancer, tumor size, location, general health of the individual and other individual factors.

If the tumor is very small and localized, the bone cancer survival rate at five years is about 90%. If the cancer has begun to spread, however, the rate of survival becomes poorer.

Overall, the bone cancer survival rate at five years is only 60 percent, and once the cancer reaches its metastasis stage, you can expect the prognosis to become worse.

The bone cancer survival rate listed below is based upon the type of bone cancers:
• Osteosarcoma - 84% at the early stages and 69% at the later stage.
• Ewing's Sarcoma - 3 year survival rate is around 65%.
• Chondrosarcoma - 5 year survival rate is around 30%.

There are still a lot of things you need to know about bone cancer survival rate. Know more by visiting Cancer Survival Rates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mert_Ozge
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bone-Cancer-Survival-Rate---Dare-To-Know-Your-Chances&id=6399159

Space shuttle discovery

LEGO Space Shuttle - A Terrific Part Of LEGO City

The LEGO Space Shuttle 3367 is a very fascinating element of LEGO City. In case you aren't familiar with LEGO City, it's a building collection design which initially came out in the late seventies. In that first launch, the very first minifigures were produced as well. In addition, at that time, it had been called LEGO Town.

LEGO City sets are based on city life, with the units depicting city and emergency situation providers, air terminals, construction as well as civilian services.

Ever since the late seventies, LEGO has introduced a few various city-based models using the names "LEGOLAND Town," "Town Junior" plus "World City" until the recent version was started in 2005.

In 2005 was in fact when the latest "LEGO City" was introduced with the release of the first set, Airport. This is essentially a reissue of the early 90's airport collection Century Skyway, with just a small number of variations.

Ever since its introduction, LEGO has launched unique subthemes under the "LEGO City" banner which were utilized to be able to link together related models, for example Police, Fire, Trains, Coast Guard, Farm, Vehicles and also Building.

LEGO City's newest style under this banner is called the Space Center. This particular set contains the LEGO space shuttle, space center, space station, space buggy, satellites and other space related models.

The LEGO Space Shuttle is modeled after the Space Shuttle Discovery and is also probably the most reasonably priced sets in the collection. What is very great about the set is it comes with one minifigure astronaut, features opening freight doors as well as a robotic arm which can release the included Hubble Telescope into orbit.

I built this set with my child, and it was a relatively simple set to make. He will be 6 years old and we had a great time building it with each other. The LEGO Space Shuttle set is made up of 231 pieces and it is excellent for kids aged 5-8.

Together with his LEGO Space Shuttle, he's got quite a bit of the LEGO City models. We have them set up in the basement using a large stand in order that he is able to have fun playing for hours at a time using his imagination.

Yet another great point about the LEGO Space Shuttle is it is very sturdy. I am finding with a great deal of the LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Harry Potter models that they can break fairly quickly. Not the LEGO Space Shuttle however. It has moved through the Earth's atmosphere a lot of times and it made it through re-entry without losing any pieces!

On the whole, the LEGO Space Shuttle is a wonderful accessory to our LEGO City collection. It has produced countless hours of adventure and creative imagination and our son (and me too!) really enjoy using it! The price is affordable and you also really feel as if you get your money's worth because it does not fall apart any time he plays with it.

For exclusive discounts and reviews on the LEGO Space Shuttle, come check us out at http://www.LegoSpaceShuttle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Sorceren
http://EzineArticles.com/?LEGO-Space-Shuttle---A-Terrific-Part-Of-LEGO-City&id=6503834

Monday, April 9, 2012

Persian gulf crisis

arab neighbors

Apparently, some folks are calling for a coalition and "no fly zone" in Syria to prevent the slaughter of civilians from the Assad government and military there. Yes, it has been nothing short of brutal and atrocious. There has been a case precedents here recently, namely Libya and thus, perhaps the cash-strapped nations of NATO in Europe might go for another foray. There is also a green-light coming from the Arab neighbors for intervention, aid to the people, or even weapons for the rebels there. The humanitarian crisis is big, and it's serious.

Syria isn't exactly the same situation as in Libya, but it might be at least similar enough to have such an option on the table, and still look the international community in the eyes if something doesn't work out as planned, as in a much larger scale war erupting involving Russia and Iran for instance. There was a rather unfortunate story in the world media recently; "Libya's oil-rich east declares autonomy," which was reported on March 8, 2012, one of the more popular stories running through the internet stated;

"The declaration of an autonomous region in Cyrenaica in eastern Libya, which contains most of the country's oil, is the most serious threat to central authority in post-revolutionary Libya and could disrupt oil flows already threatened by the Persian Gulf crisis. The congressional declaration of 2,000 eastern political and tribal leaders in Benghazi, is a potentially serious blow to the shaky and fractious National Transitional Council, Libya's interim government based in Tripoli in the west."

Ah, a declaration of independence do we have now, well as you know those are generally considered fighting words, but with a now weakened central government in Libya, I ask; will we see some more re-drawing of maps on the African Continent in short order. It wasn't that long ago when Sudan divided itself in half, after a civil war, and with huge implications to oil flows.

If we are looking at Libya for the model here, well, it isn't exactly going too well, or over yet. If we are looking for Tunisia for the model of an Arab Spring or even Egypt for that matter, well, nothing is settled there either, including the dust. Therefore, if we do decide it is prudent to move on Syria, then we have to treat it as a totally separate case, unlike the others in many regards, and with even more far reaching implications for the region, some outcomes could be extremely fruitful, others, well, not so much.

Indeed, we should approach any potential solution with skepticism based on what we've learned, and yet not assume too many congruent similarities or potential eventualities the results of any action taken. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

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Nuclear weapons facilities

un security council resolutions

Most people see the challenges we have with Iranian nuclear weapons facilities as a separate situation from what is going on in Syria. After all, Syria is having a civil war, and much of the population is trying to overthrow the Assad government, so that sure sounds a lot different than the world coming down on Iran for building nuclear weapons to give to proxy terrorists, unbalancing the region and powerbase in the Middle East.

True enough, but Iran is intimately involved in what's going on in Syria right now, just as they have been involved in what's happening in Iraq. There was a scary article SpaceWar noting that; "US concerned about Iranian flights over Iraq to Syria," by Staff Writers Washington (AFP) March 16, 2012.

"The US is concerned about Iranian cargo flights over Iraq to Syria, saying it has warned Iraq they might contain arms that could be used by Damascus to crush protests. "Without getting into intelligence matters, we are concerned about the over flight of Iraq by Iranian cargo flights headed to Syria," and "We are consulting with Iraq about them and we are making the point that any export of arms or related materials from Iran, frankly, to any destination would be a violation of UN Security Council resolution 1747."

Well, I would submit to you that Iran doesn't give a rat's rear ends about UN Security Council resolutions, they've already broken more than a dozen that I'm aware of, and the UN sanctions, the IAEA, and all the rest of the enforcement against Iran's nuclear weapons program hasn't seemed to stop them or cause them to turn off their enrichment spinning machines and centrifuges. They are still enriching uranium to weapons grade. Everyone knows it, it's no secret, and we hardly need the CIA's assessments anymore.

Now Iran is flying over Iraqi airspace delivering Qod Forces, weapons, and advisors to the Assad regime, the same regime that is attacking its own citizens with its military. As the whole world watches, all we seem to get are statements that "this is troubling," and "we are appalled at," from the leaders at the United Nations, NATO, the United States government, and others. Yes, we should be appalled and troubled, but don't you think it's about time we did something and stopped talking about it - either the world is going to sit around and let those people die, which it is doing now, or we are going to step in and fix the problem.

Pussyfooting around, or appeasing these types of regimes goes against the basic tenets of those things we know as "human rights" and against what all Americans believe to be freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yes, those are just ideals and concepts, but I thought we wanted that for the rest of the world too? Apparently not, it appears we are all talk, and I think the Syrian government, and the Iranian regime know that. Either we shock them with a reality check, or we admit that our president was and still is bluffing.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

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Masters golf tournament

Masters golf tournament

The Masters is arguably the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. A timeless tradition initiated in 1934 by amateur golf legend Bobby Jones and New York investment banker Clifford Roberts, the Masters is held in Augusta, Georgia at the exquisite Augusta National Golf Club. Each year, in early April, golf enthusiasts are given the opportunity to watch the best golf champions in the world compete for the coveted green jacket. It goes without saying that any sports fan considers the Masters Tournament as one of the top sporting events to attend in their lifetime. What better time than now to buy 2012 Masters tickets and check it off of the list?

The exciting variety of talent competing this year makes the 2012 Masters Tournament an especially great year to attend. Of course there will be international golf champions in attendance, representing the best from countries all over the world. This notably includes last year's winner from South Africa, 27 year old Charl Schwartzel. Schwartzel is only one of many exciting new up and comers that will be competing. The antics of these aptly named "Young Guns" will ensure there is never a dull moment. There will also be golf superstars returning to compete. Phil Mickelson, three times Masters Winner, and Tiger Woods will both be ready to bring their A-games. Tiger took home a third place ranking last year but is more ready than ever to show the world he is still golf's golden boy.

One great way to experience this unforgettable event is to buy one the all-inclusive Masters Golf packages. These packages often include hotel, transportation, breakfasts, evening receptions, all taxes and gratuities and, of course, Masters Golf Tournament tickets. There are four rounds of the tournament and packages are available for each of them and in a variety of combinations, as well as for complete customization. Packages for just the practice round or weekend are a great way to go if something, like work for example, prevents you from attending for the entire week.

The tournament is also a great way to experience the beautiful great outdoors of Augusta. The weather in early April is perfect for a getaway. The highs are in the upper 70's and lows in the 50's, so spectators can enjoy the warm day, but also take in the cool Georgia evenings on the Riverwalk. The historic landmarks of the Augusta National Golf Club, like the Wisteria Vine, Magnolia Lane or the Nelson Bridge are also not to be missed. For anyone who has never been to the south, the lush greens and spectacular foliage are a must see.

2012 Masters are definitely a golf fan's dream come true. Enjoy the beautiful weather, scenery, and landmarks while watching the world's top golfers compete for one of golf's top honors. Buy a Masters golf package and add luxury and convenience to the overall experience. Anyway you choose to experience the Masters, it will definitely be unforgettable and is sure to create lifelong memories.

Alfred Monsalvatge has followed professional golf for years and writes about players and tournaments worldwide. He will be covering the 2012 Masters golf packages sold and all the fanfare that comes with the tournament. If you're interested in Masters Tickets, Alfred offers tips for 2012 Masters Golf Tournament and recommends several sites for more information on this exciting golf tournament.

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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Taxes on lottery winnings

Taxes on lottery winnings

Winning a national lottery is something many people dream about. U.S. citizens spend billions of dollars each year buying lottery tickets in hope of striking it rich. Unfortunately, many lottery winners end up broke within a few years because they squander winnings instead of putting their newfound wealth to work.

In the U.S. the national lottery includes games like Mega Millions and Powerball. Payouts are determined by the number of tickets sold and the amount of accumulated funds from previous drawings that did not have winning tickets.

These jackpots often grow to staggering amounts that have, at times, exceeded $300 million. The largest Mega Million jackpot payout amounted to $380 million, while the largest Powerball jackpot payout was $340 million.

Few people would argue that winning lottery jackpots would forever change a person's life. Winning millions of dollars lets people live the life of their dreams and still have plenty of money to pass along as inherited wealth for future generations.

On the flip side, there can be many complications that arise with winning large sums of cash. One challenge many jackpot lottery winners face is dealing with fame and notoriety. A lot of people do not know they can keep their winnings private by hiring a lawyer, financial adviser, or personal representative to claim their lottery winnings and keep their name out of the paper.

While it can be intoxicating to fantasize about spending mountains of lottery cash, the truth is it is expensive to win jackpots. State and federal income taxes can amount to nearly half of winnings. The best strategy is to promptly hire a trustworthy financial consultant to learn ways to lessen taxes on lottery winnings.

Taking winnings as lump sum cash typically costs more than taking smaller annual payments. People that win millions are placed into a higher tax bracket and subjected to higher taxes.

Financial planners can help winners develop investment plans to lessen tax burdens. Strategies can include accepting annuity payments; establishing an irrevocable life insurance trust; or depositing funds into tax-sheltered retirement accounts like a Roth IRA.

It's also crucial to work with a tax accountant to ensure winnings are reported correctly on income tax returns. Regardless of whether a person wins the national lottery jackpot or cash or prizes from state games, all winnings have to be reported to the IRS. This also includes cash and prizes won from sweepstakes, contests, horse or dog racing, and casinos.

Taxpayers are allowed to report gambling losses on personal tax returns as long as adequate documentation is presented. People that engage in legal gambling on a regular basis need to setup recordkeeping systems and accounting methods to keep track of winnings and losses.

Lottery winners should also work with estate planning professionals to protect their newfound wealth for their family. Estate planners can help winners understand which methods will lessen inheritance and estate taxes and expand financial investment portfolios.

Sadly, many people spend money they don't have in their quest to win the national lottery. Gambling can turn into an addiction that requires professional help to overcome. Individuals that play the lottery should never spend more money than they can afford to lose and always bear in mind that the chances of winning mega jackpots is 1 in 18 million.

Those fortunate enough to win a national lottery owe it to their self to learn ways to make the most of newfound wealth. Financial expert, Simon Volkov shares personal investing strategies and estate planning methods to reduce lottery taxes at www.SimonVolkov.com.

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Powerball lotto

Powerball lotto

Have you ever wondered why people rush lotto games? Powerball, mega million, Euro millions and all other lotto games pay very good money. You can tear your pocket apart at the mention of such numbers if you are not in control of yourself. People are constantly looking for lottery numbers for mega millions. Don't blame them; if you get such numbers won't you play them?

Well don't answer that question. There are ways to forecast numbers that will pay. There is only slight variation between the lotto game and they depend on the numbers involved. All lottery games depend on numbers. The odd does not depend on the kind of lotto you are playing. Whether China Lotto, Powerball, Lotto Max, Taiwan Lotto or any other lotto anywhere, all are alike. Every thing here depends on numbers and if you are going to win mega millions, you must understand the rule of numbers following certain trends.

The Odds- The odd of winning anything substantial is 1 out of millions. Those slight chances are what have been giving people money, being hundreds of thousands, millions, etc. And that is the weakness of every lotto game - they are very hard to win. If you learn to work with the individual numbers, you will sure be pretty good at last.

Strategies To Winning Lotto Game- You must understand that the Powerball come from any of the ten numbers in the first row. If you are to go like this, you may have to get at least six numbers correct to win. On the other hand, picking from the column will give you a better chance of winning any lotto game consistently.

Just like every other game, lotto has a well defined/Un-defined system. The best forecasting you can do with lottery numbers for mega millions is only if you were able to follow the trend. You must also learn to map the numbers and make adjustments. If this system is clearly defined, it won't make sense anymore. Its hardness increases the fun and makes the game a great expectation to any player. The simple truth is that all lotto numbers must move in a certain trend until they are altered. The range of movement and the alteration period will sure not be easy to trace but you will only have to adjust to come back to the new trend.

Playing High And Low Numbers- Certain numbers within a range and in accordance with the current trend must show up until a certain period. They all move in rotation. Playing x numbers in a set within a period of draws will improve your chances too. Many people get confused when it comes to following lotto trends. Don't be like others that always go and throw in money without actually analyzing what the outcome seems like. Anything worth your investment is worth your time. Take time to follow and learn the trends. This will help you win consistently.

Are you looking for more information regarding Lottery Numbers ? Visit www.winningthepowerball.com today!

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Lottery software programs

Lottery software programs

Wow! Exciting news as the mega millions lottery has gone wild producing two winners out of millions of people who wanted a chance to become the next mega millions winner.

It looks like the lotto retailers really had their hands full as people lined up in droves to have a chance at winning the lottery. In these tough economic times folks just like you and I were willing to scrap up a couple of dollars to hundreds of dollars just to have a shot at the big jack pot.

Winning the lottery has changed thousands of lives all over the world. Some of the winners even have the fortune of winning several times by getting down a system of picking lucky lotto numbers or favorite numbers or even using past winning numbers.

Some people have really developed a system that hands down they believe in and use theses numbers in everything they do in life.

Also when you go to the Internet and type in how to win the lottery you will see millions of people searching for the keys to winning the lottery or getting that mega millions winning advantage. When searching the web you will find there are many lottery software programs also that claim to have the best secret winning formulas.

Do the research before choosing any system. If you can find a good lotto software program it will help you to pick winning random numbers, possible future winning numbers, overdue numbers, past lotto numbers,and even cold and or hot numbers.

When looking for the winning lottery formula you can while doing research get the special number bug and start winning smaller jack pots as you get better at picking the lucky numbers and learn how to win the lottery games.

Many people also purchase lotto tickets through lottery pools or clubs where everyone has the power of a large group of numbers and tickets and several people can become lotto millionaires all at once.

Also there is what is called lotto wheeling using a lottery wheel to help increase the odds of winning the lottery. Picking your numbers then grouping them and running different variations of the same numbers in a pattern etc.

The interesting thing about all of us who have the desire to win that next big lotto jackpot is that we truly believe we can win or that we have that special insight. Or that maybe it was meant to be for me. One thing for sure the common thread seems to be that people who play the lottery are definitely optimistic or have an open-minded approach to life.

So regardless of how you choose to play the lottery or what system you decide to use make sure that you don't overspend be wise and consult with some of the lotto pros and do the research before choosing a lotto software program.

The mega millions lottery is waiting for the next winner and that lucky winner may be one of us as we continue the journey to find or pick the lucky lotto numbers.

We hope the information provided here helps you on the journey and if you really want to increase the odds and learn how to win the mega millions lottery then with this free report we can show you how to start and Get instant access to discover the secret lotto strategies that really work! With How To Win The Lottery And The Secret Lotto Strategies.

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Yale series of younger poets

liberation movement

Entering the private world of a master poet
is indeed a gift from God.

In her lonely room ...

Nuance, alliteration,
heroism, mettle, valor
bravery
and heart;

Colon's, comma's, apostrophe's, periods
exclamation points, question marks
and words.

Red ink is on the ribbon plate

A small blister on her thumb.

During the twentieth century one of the most influential poets is no doubt, Adrienne Rich. As a writer of considerable breath and scope, Rich became a recognized poet at the tender age of twenty-two.

In her last year of college, her first collection of poetry, A Change of World was selected for the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award. Rich was selected by none other than W.H. Auden, the eminent poet who is often considered one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century.

Over the years Rich became noted for the exploration of topics related to gender roles and human sexuality. In 1976, Rich published Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution. This controversial collection of poetry which was hailed by some critics and harshly criticized by others was a declaration of her lesbian identity. A subsequent publication, Dream of a Common Language contained explicit references of sexual desire.

In addition to her poetry, Rich's work was combined with a spirited interest in the social and political issues of her day. She became actively involved in protesting the American War in Vietnam. And she was also a significant figure in the woman's liberation movement.

Rich was a contributing member of the Boston Woman's Fund, the National Writer's Union, Sisterhood in Support of Sister's in South Africa and the New Jewish Agenda.

Gerald Marchewka is an American freelance writer currently staying in Siem Reap, Cambodia. At the moment he is teaching language, literature, culture and social theory at the Cambodian University for the Specialties. He may be reached at geraldmarchewka@yahoo.com

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Anchorman the legend of ron burgandy


sacha baron cohen

Will Ferrell is a very funny man. He's been noted as being the Chevy Chase of our time. His movies have affected pop culture in ways he or his agent never thought possible. Below is some of his best work and most popular movies.

1) Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy (2004)

This movie was one of the first movies that a lot of people saw of Will Ferrell's. It revolves around his character, Ron Burgandy, who is the lead news anchor on a local television news station in San Diego, CA. Co-stars include The Office's Steve Carell, very funny actor Paul Rudd and of course David Koechner who also guest stars on The Office. This story really gets thick when Christina Applegate's character shows up on the scene and threatens Ron's position as lead anchor. All around funny movie everyone should check out.

Family Rating: Some language, some sexual content. Nothing absolutely terrible but some parental discretion is advised.

2) Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

If you've never seen this one, you definitely should check it out. Ferrell stars as the big-name (fictional) Nascar driver Ricky Bobby alongside John C. Reilly. Basically the two start off as best friends on the same Nascar pit crew and then Ricky becomes the driver of that team. John C. Reilly's character then gets his own car and pits against him. Although the two best friends have their differences at one point in the film, the main rival is a French driver named Jean Girad played by Borat's own Sacha Baron Cohen.

Family Rating: This film is a bit dirtier than the above mentioned Anchorman but is equally funny. Language, Partial Nudity, Mild Violence.

3) Step Brothers (2008)

This movie is not at all family friendly but it is VERY funny. The plot of the story revolves around two middle-aged guys who still live at home with their single parents. Their parents end up meeting and falling in love and rightfully so, end up moving in together, taking their two middle-aged children with them. After the initial hatred of one another, they end up getting along and getting into a great deal of mischief, including wrecking a boat, burying each other and also starting their own business that really has no background or purpose. This is a hilarious movie and great for a few adults to all get together and enjoy.

Family Rating: It has none. This movie is rated R and in this case means "REALLY bad for kids under 13." Language, Frontal Nudity and Comic Violence/Death.

Scott writes about everything from Movies to Gaming. If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out his most recent website here Fire Pit Designs where you can also find many ideas on Backyard Fire Pit Designs

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Shed Some Fat Easy with Raspberry Ketones!

Raspberries
Raspberries (Photo credit: hello pedestrian)

 Dr. Oz usually knows from which he speaks, and today he is speaking out on the fat-burning fruity-named Raspberry Ketones.  Take a read and see why!


Raspberry ketones – it’s the latest craze to hit town in the weight loss department. Its super-fast action as a fat burner brings noticeable results in as little as two weeks. So, if you’re getting ready for your prom or there’s a high school reunion coming up, or you just want to show off your body on the beach this summer, starting a raspberry ketones regimen is the way to go.

Raspberry ketones are extracted from the red raspberries. They are the compounds in the red raspberry fruits that provide the sweet fruity smell. You can also find the scent in cosmetics and perfumes where they are widely used. The downside is they are found in such small amounts that a kilo of red raspberries will yield only 1 – 4 mg. Much to the delight of overweight people, manufacturers have produced them in non-biological processes using chemical intermediate substances to increase their availability. Two tablets a day taken with a glass of water is enough to shed off the pounds. A sensible diet that is low in fats and carbs plus regular exercise cap off an effective weight reduction program.

Raspberry ketones have a similar formulaic structure to adrenaline and ephedrine, prompting some Japanese scientists to find out if they also had the same actions as the two other elements. Indeed, the experimental mice who were fed a high fat diet and the raspberry ketones did not gain as much weight as their counterparts who were not given the extract. In humans, taking raspberry ketones increased their production of adinopectin, a hormone that regulates the metabolic function and prevents obesity and weight-induced diseases.

This amazing made-from-nature product does not only hasten metabolism and burn fat faster, it also contains potent antioxidants that shield the body from damage and diseases at the cellular layer. Adinopectin is at work here again. By triggering its release, raspberry ketones help combat type 2 diabetes. It aids in normalizing cholesterol levels and prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions that may lead to liver cancer.

Raspberry ketones work well alone. They have been classified as safe by no less than the US Food and Drug Administration. Combined with other natural thermogenic substances, its fat-fighting actions are multiplied tenfold. This accounts for raspberry ketone supplements also containing African mango, green tea or acai berry. Best of all, there are no reported negative effects from taking raspberry ketones supplements.

In short, raspberry ketones have two unique features that make it stand out above the rest. Firstly, it acts fast to produce immediate weight loss in about two weeks. And secondly, it works even if you can’t resist a high fat meal by inhibiting the growth of fat tissues. So jump on the bandwagon and harness the power of raspberry ketones before the stores run out of stock.
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Monday, March 19, 2012

Rex grossman

Now that the Super Bowl has commenced, the off-season has officially started for NFL teams, which means it is time for my team, the Washington Redskins to shine. I just read a report on ESPN recently where Adam Schefter said this: "If Peyton Manning is released, Redskins are anticipated to pursue him. Redskins also willing to pursue free agents Matt Flynn and Kyle Orton." Which begs the high dollar question for Redskins fans: When the Redskins pursue Peyton Manning?

It's a tough question to answer because nobody knows for sure yet if he is going to come back fully healthy or just a shell of his former self. But for this post, I am just going to assume that in the next couple months he proves that he is healthy and back to where he was pre neck surgery. With that in mind he is still about to turn 36 in a month and a half so you think he might have 3 more elite to good years in him. A lot of people forget how good this guy actually was when he was healthy, but I think the showing of this years' Colts team tells you everything you need to know. So on the Peyton side of things what I am saying is that if he is healthy (big if) than I think he is a top 3 QB in the league and I am going to say he has 3 good years left in him.

Which leads us to the Redskins side of things. Now to advocate the Skins going after Peyton Manning, I would have to believe that if we got him we would turn into a contender. While I understand the Redskins were 5-11 last year, I think that he would. I said all last year that I thought we were one good QB and WR away from being a playoff team and once you get into the playoffs anything can happen (see Giants). I am sure I come off as a delusional Redskins fan, but if you can win 5 games as a team with Rex Grossman to Santana Moss as your best option, I could definitely see us winning 9 or 10 games with Peyton Manning throwing to Justin Blackmon? (but that's for another post) I say all this because if I did not believe he would turn us into a contender I would not go after him, because in professional sports to be successful, a team must be doing one of things: 1. Rebuilding and getting younger for the future. 2. Doing what they can to add the piece(s) that will get them over the top and be a contender. There is no point in being average in the NFL or any professional sports franchise because you still don't make the playoffs and you get a worse draft pick. For the last 2 years under Mike Shanahan we have been rebuilding and getting younger, getting rid of a lot of the old Redskin standbys, and bringing in new blood. But in the NFL the shelf life of these players are very small and 2 years is enough time to rebuild and even though they have not been very successful these last 2 years (like most rebuilding teams), I think they set themselves up pretty well to be contenders by just adding a few pieces this offseason.

Before I totally commit to Manning (you see where I am going with this post), I wanted to go through some of the other Redskins options first. As you can see above they said they are going to for other veteran QB's as well including Matt Flynn and Kyle Orton. These are two very interesting options as they both are still in the prime of their playing careers, ages 26 and 32 respectively, and both are thought fairly highly of. Nobody is saying these guys are All-Pro or anything but Kyle Orton has a track record of at least being decent in Denver and Matt Flynn while not getting a lot of time behind Rodgers in Greenbay has gained a decent reputation over there for being pretty good as well. The last major option is through the draft and getting Robert Griffin III (probably by trading up, but he could potentially fall to 6). Each of these guys has their pros and cons. Orton is the oldest of the 3 and has the longest track record, he is kind of the guy you know what you are going to get from, not a high ceiling, but not a low floor either. With Flynn he is the middle man in this group, you really haven't seen much of him (other than his record-breaking performance against Detroit this year), but you still have seen more of him at the NFL level than Griffin. He has more potential than Orton but less than Griffin, but much like Griffin you don't have much to go off of. And that brings me to the last candidate Robert Griffin III, the Heisman winner. He definitely has the highest potential of any of these 3 guys but also as a rookie you will have to expect him to go through his bumps and bruises and really can't expect him to be at his best for another 5 years. To get Griffin you would also probably have to trade up to number 2 to get ahead of the Browns and probably lost your number 1 pick this year and next year for it.

So it all brings us back to the point of where the Redskins are as an organization now. Are they good enough to go for a guy who will turn them into a title contender or are they in rebuilding mode. I said above that I think the Redskins are one QB and WR away from being a contender. Saying that, I think the Redskins should go after Manning as he is easily the best QB of that group if healthy as presumed in this post. If you really think you are one or two good players away from being a contender, there is no point in going halfway and placing Orton or Flynn as your QB when you can have one of if not the best in the game in Peyton Manning. Even if it is only for 3 years, windows for Super Bowl titles are small in the NFL and I think you need to go for it when you can. Here are how I would rank my priorities in terms of potential Redskins Quarterbacks this off-season:

1. Peyton Manning- If healthy, ultimate win now guy. Top 3 QB in league. I believe with a good WR as well will turn Redskins into contender for next 3 years.

2. Matt Flynn- 26 years old, would be Redskins QB of the future but would be able to produce now as well, not as good as Manning but I believe he is the 2nd best QB on this list and could be our QB for the next 10 years as well.

3. Kyle Orton- 32 years old, not as old as Manning or as young as Flynn, consistent average QB, know what you will be getting with him. Probably would be our QB for next 5 years but, don't think he would be as good as Flynn or Manning for those years.

4. Robert Griffin III- I think he our last priority because he is the ultimate rebuilding guy. This year (and the next couple as well) he is going to through some bumps and bruises as all rookies do and wont be at his most productive for another 5 years. He could very well be a great QB someday but as of next season, I think he will be the worst QB on this list.

I am sure as a Redskin fan advocating Peyton Manning I will come off as the typical Redskin fan who wants Daniel Snyder to throw all his money at an aging big name guy just like he did with Haynesworth, Mcnabb, Deion, etc.. And that is fine and fair, but what I am saying with all of this is that I think the Redskins are ready to win now and Peyton Manning if healthy is a top 3 QB in this league and would be the best option to put them over the top. Now whether Manning wants to come to the Redskins is for a whole nother post... (probably tomorrow).

Come check the rest out at http://www.beltwaysportsblog.com

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