A dog can be your best friend when it comes to home security.

Burglar alarms are not the be-all and end-all of home security. There are plenty of other things you can install in your home that will help to stop a burglar from gaining entry – and many of them are very simple and inexpensive.

The key is to secure the possible points of entry. This means that doors should be made of strong, solid material (definitely not plastic or glass), be properly secured to their hinges and have tamper-resistant locks. Ideally, you should have an extra deadbolt that you put on at night, made from very strong metal.

Windows should be made from toughened glass, preferably double-glazed, so that they are almost impossible to break. Although window locks are relatively uncommon, they help greatly with security, and you should consider installing them. If your house has windows in a position where they can be easily and discreetly accessed from the street, such as basement windows, you should consider putting metal bars on them.

It is also important for your garden to be secure, as far more burglars enter through the back of your house than the front. This means that your fences should be high and have some kind of anti-climbing measures (spikes or anti-climb paint can work well). If you don't like fences, get big hedges instead.

Another thing to consider is getting a dog – surprisingly effective against burglars, who don't generally want to mess with dogs if they can avoid it. For this strategy to be more effective, put up a 'beware of the dog' sign. Smaller dogs are not so great for this because they are not generally scary – something like a big German Shepherd works best, not only because of their size, but because of their strong guard instincts that cause them to be hostile to strangers. 

in Home Security

Use Valentine Decorations To Make Your House A Romantic Home

One of the best parts about Valentine's Day is all of the decorations that you can line the house with. There are many ways in which you can decorate for this holiday. Of course, the colors of the day include reds, pinks, white and other similar tones. You can even make a wide selection of these from the kid's construction box. Here are some ideas to help get you started.

The Bulletin Board

Need to decorate a bulletin board? Fill it with flowers and hearts in the color scheme mentioned. Make sure to put a fun border around it and possibly put hearts of all shapes and sizes throughout it. Include some pictures of family members of the students in a class for a great look. You can also ad a fun saying or slogan to it. Make it something quirky like "Be My Valentine" or make it religious such as "God Is Love." In the background do something unique. For the backing, go with a tablecloth in the color scheme, a pink piece of paper or otherwise interesting forms.

Candles

A great way to make a room or home look beautiful for the holiday is through the use of candles. Often, you may have some extra from Christmas to use. Get candle holders or use rings of silk flowers and greenery. Look for the right scent for the candles too if you would like. Make sure they are pink, white or red. 

Get Christmas Out

Did you just put away everything for Christmas? Think about using such things as pearl garlands, beautifully placed on a tabletop or the candle and floral displays too. In the center of the tablecloths, add a gathering of pillar candles, surround them with lace trim, pearls and rose petals. Perhaps you can even decorate them with glitter or other sparking elements. Use a red and pink potpourri to make the smell of the home wonderful.

Foods

There are a number of foods that you can make to celebrate the day too. Heart shaped cookies can be frosted in pinks and reds and then use other colors for sprinkles on them. Place on a heart shaped tray. Chocolate is a very appropriate option and can be purchased or made in heart shapes. Use crystal dishes or plain white china for your treats. For the kids, get out paper cups filled with candy hearts, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. For the grown ups, you can think about chocolate mousse and whipped cream.

All of these things can make an ordinary Valentine's Day much more enjoyable. You'll find wonderful ways to decorate for this holiday just by looking around your home. If you want, make some homemade decorations with the kids and enjoy the time together too.  

in Holidays

Organizing Family Discoveries

It's great when the family gets together, but you know that it'll be much greater if all family members can get to know each other and share the family history. Much interest had been given to genealogic researches in the past years, but still, the most common form of genealogic research remains to be the family tree and its branching out. A family tree is a cinch to make if you intend to include only members of your immediate family (parents, sibling, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins) but what if you aim to include the three generations before you? Or what if you intend to find out who your ancestors are? This entails a much larger scope and therefore a more thorough research. This also means more extensive notes, files, pictures, interview transcripts, and other documents. To save you from disorganization and make your research easier, Carolyn Billingsley and Desmond Allen have devised an efficient filing system specifically for genealogic research.

The materials they prescribed are easy enough to procure such as a filing cabinet (boxes will do), data records, pens with black ink, file folders, notebook (loose leaf), and notebook dividers. They recommend that you start by making nuclear family records. Printed forms are available to make it easier. Record information by family. Separate your own family record from that of your parents. Use marriages as guide, as each marriage requires a separate data sheet. Fill out forms backward, starting from the present and to the past. Make all information on each family uniform, leave spaces for unknown data and fill them out later when you got the missing links. It is also important to indicate sources of the information. Include birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates with the members' personal information but remember to use only photocopied records. Label sheets with family surnames and put them in file folders duly labeled. Collect and store these nuclear family sheets to larger family groups. To do these use bigger filing folders. Label these folders by the family patriarch's name, for example, your grandfather's name. Include in this folder all files of your uncles, aunts, parent, married siblings, married cousins, etc. An optional step is to add a contents page to give you a clue about what is inside the folders. These will make it easier for you to fill out your family tree and its branches. An organized research will save you the trouble of diving into heaps of paper searching for documents that you think are there but have no idea where to find. 

in Organizing

Luxury Holidays In The Maldives At The Angsana Resort At Ihuru

Angsana Ihuru is situated in the North Male Atoll, with only a short 25 minute transfer from the airport. Angsana has only 45 villas with thatched roofs, private gardens, and verandas with relaxing and dining areas. There is also an outdoor shower, airconditioning, a mini bar, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Internally the colours are vivid with lime green, tangerine, and yellows predominating.

If you are after totally luxury holidays in the Maldives, or a Maldives honeymoon, then this spa retreat surrounded by a shallow lagoon, an unspoilt reef, and a quite beautiful palm fringed picture postcard beach would be totally perfect.

When you arrive, and all through your stay at Angsana Ihuru you will realise why it is one of the most photographed of the Maldive Island resorts.

Angsana Resort is also very well known for the excellence of its cuisine, so if your idea of a perfect luxury holiday in the Maldives is to eat, then this may be for you.

So the main reasons why you may wish to stay at the Angsana Resort for either your holiday in the Maldives or your Maldives honeymoon could easily be summarised as follows.

Angsana is close to the airport at Male being only a 25 minute transfer by speedboat, which is good after a long flight.

Angsana is one of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives

It is a foodies paradise

It has one of the best house reefs in the Maldives

There is a host of things to do including beach volleyball, as well as snorkelling and scuba diving
Angsana has a top class spa which is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

A beautiful beach

It is small with 45 private villas

Angsana is totally luxurious and the perfect Maldives Honeymoon destination, and if it isn't a honeymoon you are after, it could be the perfect destination for you for the top luxury holiday in the Maldives that you always promised yourself. 

in Vacations

Retirement Communities Are Key to Living Well

Today, growing older doesn't necessarily mean slowing down your life. In fact, just the opposite is true, as thousands of seniors have already discovered how to enjoy their "golden years" with vigor and style.

Not content with sitting in front of the television, today's senior citizens are swimming with dolphins, learning a new art form and even plunging from a plane in their first skydive.

What is the key to their happiness and well-being? According to a recent study, it could be living in a retirement community.

According to a University of Michigan study, people who live in retirement communities are more satisfied with their daily lives and are more likely to be happy than their contemporaries who remain in their own homes.

Residents of these communities also are more likely to say their health is better today than it was two years ago, the study concluded.

Many retirement communities not only give seniors a place to share common interests, but also provide unique opportunities to try new hobbies and experiences.

For instance, the Fountains communities, located in 13 states at 19 locations, plan activities and excursions for their residents. On a recent excursion to Key Largo, Fountains residents age 78 to 98 swam in natural lagoons with six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Creative expression also is encouraged at the Fountains, home to hundreds of artists - both

professional and amateur. Each year, the company produces an annual calendar featuring the work of its resident artists.

Communities such as the Fountains also offer various styles of retirement living to meet different needs and desires.

For seniors who want to maintain or enhance their independent lifestyle, the Fountains' "Town Center" neighborhoods offer apartments, cottages, cabanas, casitas, bungalows, suites or condos. Amenities include dining venues, fitness centers, salons, lounges, movie theaters, bank branches, convenience stores and wellness clinics.

For seniors who want to live independently with some assistance and supervision, the Fountains provides ready access to services, gentle encouragement and motivation from the community's 24-hour staff. Medicare-certified nursing care for those recuperating or rehabilitating from illness is also available at many locations. 

in Elderly Care

Tramadol - 10 Things You Should Know

Tramadol, the generic version of Ultram, is a synthetic analgesic medication. The exact mode of action of tramadol is unknown but it is said to work like morphine. Tramadol binds to opioid receptors in the brain -- receptors that transmit the sensation of pain throughout the body. Here are 10 things you should know about tramadol to ensure its safe use.

1 - Tramadol is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.

Tramadol belongs to the class of drugs known as opiate agonists. Primarily, tramadol works by changing the way the body senses pain. Some people mistakenly believe that tramadol is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), but it is not.

2 - Tramadol is available in immediate release and extended release formulations.

Tramadol may be prescribed as an immediate release tablet (50 mg.) or as an extended release tablet (100, 200, or 300 mg.). The extended release tablets are usually reserved for patients with chronic pain who require continuous, long-term treatment. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage schedule for you.

3 - Tramadol extended release tablets must be taken whole, not split, chewed or crushed.

It is important to take tramadol properly and to follow prescribing instructions. If taken improperly or in a way that is not recommended, serious side effects and even death can result.

4 - Tramadol can be habit-forming for some people.

Do not take more tramadol than has been prescribed for you. Taking more tramadol or taking it more often can cause dependency on it. You should also not stop taking tramadol without first consulting your doctor. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stopped it suddenly. You doctor will likely decrease your dose of tramadol gradually.

5 - Drug interactions are possible with tramadol.

Be aware of the following possible drug interactions:

• Carbamazepine reduces the effect of tramadol
• Quinidine increases the concentration of tramadol by 50% to 60%
• Combining tramadol with an MAO (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) inhibitor or SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can lead to seizures or other serious side effects.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

6 - Tramadol, when combined with certain other substances, can increase central nervous system and respiratory depression.

In other words, breathing may be affected or even stop if tramadol is combined with alcohol, narcotic drugs, anesthetics, tranquilizers, or sedatives.

7 - The use of tramadol during pregnancy should be avoided.

Because the safety of tramadol use during pregnancy has not been established, the medication should not be used during pregnancy. The safe use of tramadol in nursing mothers has also not been established.

8 - Tramadol is usually well-tolerated. Any side effects are usually temporary.

Some of the common side effects associated with tramadol include:

• nausea
• constipation
• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• vomiting

Less common side effects include: itching, sweating, diarrhea, rash, dry mouth, and vertigo. There have been patients who developed seizures after taking tramadol.

9 - A Cochrane Review of tramadol to treat osteoarthritis revealed some small benefit.

The Cochrane Review stated that when tramadol is taken for up to 3 months, there may be decreased pain, improvements in function and stiffness and overall well-being. However, tramadol can cause side effects that are significant enough to require that the patient must stop taking the medication. Risks outweigh benefits for many people who have tried tramadol.

10 - If an overdose of tramadol has occurred, call your local poison control center, or call 911 if it appears to be an emergency situation.

Symptoms of an overdose include decreased pupil size, difficulty breathing or staying awake, unconscious, coma, heart attack, or seizure. Call for help, even if you are unsure about what to do.

_Sources:

_{Tramadol. MedlinePlus. 7/1/2007.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a695011.html>}

Are Robotic Lawn Mowers Safe?

You're standing in your front yard minding your own business when a robot with three razor sharp blades spinning at 5,800 rpm starts racing toward you. What do you do?

Is this some kind of nightmare? No, you're awake and this is really happening, so once again, what do you do?

The answer is nothing. It will just bounce off you and go another direction. Rather anti-climatic ending wasn't it? That is just the way the robotic lawn mower companies want it to be.

The greatest concern most people have about robotic lawn mowers is safety. 'Bots with Blades' just can't be safe. According to Ames Tiedeman, National Sales Manager for Systems Trading Corp., the US distributor for the Friendly Robotics Robomower, over 72,000 emergency room visits involved lawn mowers in 2005. ZERO involved robotic lawn mowers.

These mowers have so many safety features and shut-off triggers that it is amazing that they are actually functional.

The Friendly Robotics Robomower turns the blades off at 16 degrees, not even high enough to get a hand under. Even if a small hand could get under, the blades are far back and recessed into a chamber in the body. It would take creativity, not stupidity, to get to the blades while they are still turning.

Unlike push and riding lawn mower safety devices, robotic lawn mower features are not easily disabled. The tilt detection devices are soldered on to the main boards. Even the resistance against the blades and the ability of the software to stop them is measured in thousandths of seconds 

Since these robotic lawn mowers are designed to mulch there is no easy outlet for flying debris. Pebbles and pine cones do not get tossed very far and at low velocity.

Some robotic lawn mowers have sonar detection systems that if any moving objects get close they'll slow down and at another point stop the blade before even being touched. All have some sort of touch sensors that when they lightly bump into a stationary object that they change direction. So actually getting run over is unlikely.

Another big concern is pets getting chopped to bits, again, no reported accidents involving robotic lawn mowers. Dogs have a tendency to chase and bark, but not attack. A dog actually chewing up a robotic lawn mower is more feasible than a robotic lawn mower chewing up a dog.

Robotic lawn mowers move relatively slow, people and animals can easily move out of the way. Although it takes a lot longer to mow, if everyone used them there would be 72,000 fewer hospital visits this year.

This article was written to educate people that robotic mowers under intended circumstances are safe. There has been a great deal of thought and engineering involved to make robotic lawn mowers safe for public use.
  

in Landscaping