Alert to Learning

Choosing A Golf Putter

2009-03-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

There is such a wide range of putters today that it can become very difficult to know which one to choose. And yet a golf putter is a very important part of a golfer's arsenal. In fact, in many ways the golf putter could possibly be the most important club in your bag. Most golfers will take two thirds of their total shots within 100 feet of the hole. And your putts take up a large part of those shots.

So what exactly should you be looking for in a golf putter? The first thing you'll notice is the number of different putter shapes that are available. The blade putter is the traditional style used for many many years on golf courses around the world. The blade putter is narrow from face to back and long from the heel to toe. Many people feel more comfortable using one of these standard, classically shaped putters. The more modern shape is the mallet putter. But even then these new putters can come in a variety of shapes although they are all typically just as deep from front to back as they are from heel to toe. You can find square shapes, triangular shapes and just about everything in between. Through the use of these different shapes, along with a variety of materials, a higher moment of inertia can be achieved when manufacturing the head. The moment of inertia is simply the ability of the putter head to resist twisting when you hit the ball. This twisting can send the ball off target.

There are also a variety of materials used for putter heads these days. You can get a putter that is forged, cast, milled or crafted from aluminum, copper, brass, titanium, nickel, beryllium, plastics and a number of other materials. You can get them with various face materials and various inserts, again crafted from various materials to give different feels, striking surfaces and moments of inertia.

When you think of all this variety, the smartest move is to go to a golf shop or sporting goods store and check out the various types of putters and see how they "feel" when you take a shot. That will help you determine what exactly will work for you in a putter shape and material. you'll also note that some putters include some type of alignment lines to assist in lining up your putts. some will have lines, some have notches, some will even have a system of lines and arrows to assist you in making the shot. Will these help pr hinder you?

Also keep in mind that you don't need to keep the grip that comes with the putter. You can always have a club fitter change it to a better grip for you if you find a putter that is perfect in every other aspect. Never settle for less than the best in your putter.

But the most important thing to remember when you're trying different golf putters is that one of the largest parts of a professional's putting stroke is confidence. If you have confidence that your golf putter will strike the ball firmly without twisting, that the face is milled properly to give you a consistent striking surface then you have won half the battle. You can concentrate completely on sinking the putt.

By: Lee Macrae

Who Are Golf Lessons For

2009-03-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

If you've been thinking about taking up golf, or if you're a golfer in search of a better game, you may have considered golf lessons. But are golf lessons really beneficial? And how do you find a pro who will offer good advice?

There are some who swear that lessons are vital and others who say that practice is the only thing that will improve your golf game. The truth seems to lie somewhere in the middle. But before you drop your coach or sign up for lessons, consider what it is that you hope golf lessons will accomplish. Outlining your goals may help you decide whether you truly need lessons or simply more time on the course.

If you play with others who play exceptionally well, you may want to find someone to give you some help with your game. Whether that’s a paid coach or merely a friend who plays well is strictly a personal choice. Getting some pointers and tips may be a good way to ensure that you don't totally embarrass yourself in front of other players.

If you're serious about the game, you've probably been involved long enough that you don't need advice on whether to get a coach. But if you’ve only recently discovered the joy of golfing, you may find yourself looking for a way to improve your game. Golf lessons could very well be the answer.

Some people say that lessons give them a set time to practice and an opportunity to completely focus on the game. You'll typically be less interrupted than if you were playing on your own, stopping to chat with friends along the way. But others say the simple fact of having someone scrutinizing every move and offering constant advice is more distracting than helpful. Decide whether you're one of those who accept direction and works well in that situation. That's a major clue as to whether golf lessons are a good idea.

Remember that a golf coach's job is to teach you to golf correctly. That means that there are some habits that he (or she) will be trying to ingrain and others they'll be trying to break. While golfing correctly is a terrific goal, many golfers have some bad habits that they tout as benefiting their game. Changing your grip, adjusting your stance or even using different equipment may be among the "must do" list from your coach. You may resist those changes. You have two options. You can do your best to follow the instructions, or you can explain that you aren't planning to change that particular habit. If you don't plan to change, you may need to reexamine your decision to take lessons. Without following directions, lessons may become a waste of time and effort on both parts, and money on yours.

Golf lessons are great for some people. It's a personal decision whether you are one of those who will benefit from a coach – formal or informal. But remember that the most important thing to improve your golf game is simply practice.

Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas To Surprise Any Sweetie

2009-02-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

Although little is known about the actual origins of Valentine’s Day, it has always been a day that celebrates love. The modern convention dictates that flowers, jewelry, or candy be given to honor a special someone, the more ancient traditions of Valentine’s Day involve an exchange of handwritten notes or cards between lovers. In order to hearken back to when Valentine’s Day was celebrated in a thoughtful and heartfelt way, show the special someone in your life how much they mean to you this Valentine’s Day with some simply wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts.

Valentine’s Day gifts do not have to be expensive or extravagant. A simple but luxurious way to please your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day is to draw a romantic bath for them. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year, a romantic bath can be a great way to relax your lover after a long work day and prepare them for an enchanting evening.

·Fill the bathtub with very warm water. Pour in a capful of scented bubble bath while the water is still running to get a tubful of bubbles. Take rose petals and scatter them in and around the bathtub. Light red candles around the bathtub and basin. Take more rose petals and make a path to the bathroom to lead your special someone to a romantic bath. For something different, add dry powdered milk and Epsom salts to the bath instead of bubble bath. Share the bath with your sweetheart or take the opportunity to bathe them instead.

After a romantic bubble or milk bath, or simply on its own, a sensual massage will show
any sweetheart your romantic side.

· Light pink, red, and white scented candles around the bedroom and scatter rose petals on and around the bed. Lead your lover into the bedroom, have them disrobe, and lie face down on the bed. Start the massage at their neck and work your way down using a lightly scented massage oil. Pay special attention to their back, hips, calves, and feet to really relax them. Soft music in the background will enhance the experience.

If you have the time to prepare for a more involved Valentine’s Day gift, there are a
number of wonderful things you can do to show your loved one just how much you care for them. Putting time into a super special Valentine’s Day gift is a beautiful way to express your love for your Valentine.

·Purchase or make your own Valentine’s Day themed diary. The diary could be decorated with hearts or a deep red color. Starting today, write daily diary entries addressed to your lover, detailing what you love about them and why. Sign each diary entry with a kiss. On Valentine’s Day, give your sweetheart the diary and let them read about all the ways you love them.

For Valentine’s Day this year, use creativity and thoughtfulness to show your love for a special someone. A coupon book for romantic things like candlelit dinners and romance movie nights, a serenade or CD of love songs, or a romantic scavenger hunt that ends in a quiet dinner together are excellent ways to show your love to a special someone. Your special someone is sure to appreciate the thought and energy that goes into your special Valentine’s Day gift.

Submitted By: Best Sexual Toys

A Valentine Gift For Her

2009-02-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Oh boy! Here comes another Valentine day disaster. If you are anything like me, this is how you feel for about 2 weeks prior to February 14th.At least that’s the way I felt until the internet came around.

Now, shopping on the internet can be as daunting as the mall, especially for the shopping challenged like me.Unless you have a specific idea what you want, roaming malls can actually be easier than browsing an online store. Even with high speed download clicking from page to page looking for gift ideas just doesn’t work.

So what do you do? You need to get a plan and stick to it…

Let’s face is. Our typical problem is the lack of thought and preparation when it comes to Valentines Day. Flowers, chocolate, dinner out at the usual restaurant just doesn’t cut it after the first couple of years. (I will say that jewelry usually does work, but that does get expensive?).

So, the plan… Here’s what I do. Typically, after the holidays my wife and I start talking about where we might be interested in going for our vacation in the summer.We will talk about cruises or getting a beach house, or taking the kids to Disney World. Sometimes, we might even consider a drive to __________ (wherever) to see the sights.The thing I’ve found is that no matter where you plan to visit, you can find hundreds of products and information online pertaining to your trip.

The first stop is Amazon.com.
Just search for your destination or your topic. If you are considering a cruise for the first time, there are several books outlining the do’s and don’ts when booking a cruise. The same is true for air travel, or travel outside the country. You will find paperbacks for under $15.

Second stop is BN.com
Try the same search as you did on Amazon. You’ll find many of the same books and products (like videos), but they may have some others that will work.

No matter where you plan to go, search for your destination in Google. You will find free information on travel to just about ANY state in the union, and travel agents will gladly send you more information on more exotic locations.

Now, bundle your new books, videos and brochures together with the traditional card along with flowers or chocolate and you have a gift that she’ll remember all year. Typically, you can do all this for as little as fifty dollars. It’s a winner.

Submitted By: Keith Jennison

Creative Valentine Ideas: Red Roses Vs. Valentine Flower Arrangements

2009-02-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Submitted By:Aurelia Fleur

As everyone knows Valentine’s Day falls on February 14th of every year. On this day, lovers and often friends give various gifts to express their feelings. The most well known gifts for Valentine’s Day includes chocolates and flowers. While roses are the usual standard for Valentine flowers, there are other bouquets and arrangements you should consider.

Other unique Valentine flowers include carnations, iris, tulips, lilies, daffodils and even daisies. Many people prefer to give carnations as Valentine flowers because of their rich, intoxicating, and spicy scent. The smell of cloves, the many dainty petals, and the carnation's similar appearance to roses make carnations an ideal flowers to symbolize love, friendship, or companionship.

The Iris is also a popular favorite as Valentine's flowers, in lieu of roses. Its elegant long stems open to show graceful and colorful flowers. You can place these flowers next to some fragrant baby’s breath greenery to frame the spectacular coloring of the iris flowers.

Valentine’s Day also marks the beginning of the tulip growing season and tulips are beloved by all. These graceful cup-shaped flowers come in many beautiful shades and symbolize spring, rebirth, and new beginnings. They are perfect for a blossoming relationship or one that needs a breath of fresh air. Some tulips mixed in with roses, daisies, or daffodils will create a wonderful bouquet that shows how you truly feel.

Of course, even with these other unique and various floral arrangements, most people still prefer sending red roses to their beloved Valentine. Red roses are still considered to be the symbol of true romantic love (and many women love the idea of being presented with a bouquet of 18-24 long stem red roses.)

But don't forget that red roses are not the only roses that you can choose. In fact, you could send a bouquet of white, blue, pastel, pink, or yellow roses as a Valentine flower gift. You can also mix and match your rose bouquet. Red and white roses, mixed pastel roses, and lavender designer roses all show your personality while spicing up the occasion.

Besides sending fresh-cut flowers for Valentine’s Day, you might also decide to send silk Valentine flowers instead. Silk flowers are perfect for those with flower allergies or like to do their own interior decorating.

If you want the flowers to last for a lifetime, silk flowers are the way to go, although they are often perceived as less romantic. So be sure to add some nice chocolate truffles, a cuddly teddy bear, or a memorable Valentine gift basket when sending silk flowers.

The next time that you are looking to buy Valentine flowers, keep in mind the many different flowers your special Valentine might appreciate. Golden daffodils, pink carnations, white iris, mixed tulips, sun-kissed daisies and bright lilies all express love and romance in their own special way. Get creative if you gave them roses last year, or send red roses if this is your first Valentine's Day together.

How To Avoid A Valentine’s Day Massacre Or… 5 Easy Steps To Keep Your Valentine Forever!

2009-02-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

Submitted By: Dr. John Curtis

Here are some little known facts about Valentine’s Day:

1. Nationwide, 6,000 couples will tie the knot on Valentine's Day 2008. Even when that date does not fall upon a Saturday, February 14 is consistently one of the most popular days of the year to wed.

2. 255,000 other couples will become engaged for Cupid’s favorite holiday. No wonder that date is beloved by greeting card shops, romantic restaurants and diamond jewelers.

3. Yet (and here’s the sobering part) based on current trends, 118,000 of this year’s Valentine-launched unions will be dissolved via divorce by Valentine's Day 2015!

Does all that mean the odds are stacked against lasting love and long-term marriage? That even the most romantic love-birds should anticipate break-up and disappointment in a few years? That there is little hope for the thousands of couples celebrating Valentine proposals and nuptials (or unions that begin on any other date) this year?

Not at all! You and your sweetheart CAN overcome the statistics, avoid break-ups, steer clear of divorce, and take simple steps that keep Valentine love flourishing forever--whether you’re newly dating, newly betrothed, newlywed or not-so-newly paired up. Use the following information to avoid a possible “Valentine’s Day Massacre!”

Start by recognizing that fewer people are getting married than ever. Our nation’s rate of marriage has dropped 50% in the last 40 years. In fact, for the first time in United States history, more of us are single than married! That can certainly affect our marriage numbers and success rate. But don’t despair.

Next, make sure that yours is a "Built-to-Last" relationship by treating your marriage like a business. Think about it... the top objective of any business is long-term success. You can apply the same proven business strategies that make for a successful business to create a successful marriage... Built-to-Last!

To keep love alive, you’ll want to:

1. Develop a “love logo” which becomes the distinctive “brand” for your one-of-a-kind relationship as you find and create an image that reminds you how great your marriage is--just like a corporate logo reminds you of what it stands for.

2. Write his and her job descriptions. Know what it expected of each party to make this marriage business WORK. Start by pinpointing each partner’s chores and responsibilities around the house. Don’t risk losing that loving feeling over simple things like who takes out the trash or who walks the dog.

3. Give each other timely “Performance Appraisals” based on how well each of you is doing with your job descriptions. Be prepared to make recommendations and garner praise. Love blossoms when you’re working in cooperation for success.

4. Expect an “emotional paycheck” in the marriage. Learn how and when to ask for the raise you deserve--like more hugs, compliments or flowers.

5. Meet frequently for couple’s strategy sessions, brainstorming, problem-solving and romantic retreats. These meetings represent ideal opportunities to define and re-evaluate the relationship, and to renew and refresh your bond.

Anyone can apply this business relationship model to strengthen a budding romance… to help get a new marriage off to a good start… OR to validate and fortify a relationship that has already lasted for decades. Love IS a business! A wonderful business you’ll want to reinforce and sustain for a lifetime!