1 Be Optimistic

6 Smile

•Volunteer. You can register online in Louisiana or Florida or sign up on Oil Spill Volunteers to be matched with a group that needs volunteers. Any and all help is needed, including wildlife cleanup.

•Trigger a donation. Buy a bottle of Dawn dishwashing detergent, then visit the Dawn Web site to activate a $1 donation by Dawn to the Marine Mammal Center and the International Bird Rescue Research Center.

•Report animals in distress. If you’re in one of the affected areas and see an animal in trouble, don’t approach it — call the hotline for injured-animal sightings at 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message with the animal’s exact location.

•Give money. If you live outside the coastal region, you can still make a big difference for wildlife by supporting the groups on site. The National Wildlife Federation is one of many organizations accepting donations for coastal relief.

•Send hair (yours and your pet’s). Have you brushed your dog or cat recently? Matter of Trust is collecting donations of hair, fur and nylons that it uses to soak up the oil.

No, no, no and no. In fact, how you look isn’t even in the TOP FIVE things that women look for when choosing a potential partner!!! Demand, value, confidence, fun factor and how you carry yourself are all more important!

2. Women like it when a man throws himself at a women

This is one of the most common myths and it’s also the main reason you probably arn’t getting laid. Women HATE it when they get a date with a needy guy who does nothing but shower her with gifts, dinners, flowers on the first date and proclaiming he wants to spend the rest of his life with the women. On the first date!? Come on! This just shows to the women that you have absolutely no value, no demand, no choice. It shows you’ve scored a date and you don’t want to let her go. How can you decide on a life-partner on the FIRST DATE!? Think about it, but most of all, STOP DOING IT!!!

3. Women love to be showered with compliments

Oh for gods sakes. How many times do you think a girl has out-of-demand, low-on-value, non-confident guys showering her with compliments and telling her how beutiful she is? Tell her something she doesn’t know. You’ll recieve a big fat red tick in the “loser” column if you do this.

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By Brendan Tapley for Woman’s Day

What makes a man? The mythology surrounding this question still looms large. So much so that men often experience a hidden battle: whether their decisions should be self-determined or dictated by how masculine they will seem to others. Do I let my wife know how much something is bothering me or will that come across as not being in control? Do I speak my mind at work or does that risk being seen as too emotional? If I take a stand on a principle that bucks the boys’ club, will I lose status? Luckily, women can be strong advocates for change by encouraging men to evolve and expand beyond the stereotypes. Take a look at the 10 biggest falsehoods about men that, when debunked, can lead us to true masculinity.

Myth #1: Men Are Not Emotional

This may come as a surprise, but men are probably more emotional than women. How is this possible? Unlike femininity, masculinity doesn’t permit emoting on a regular basis, so men are like Victorian novels: placid on the outside, but concealing a deep emotional life within. Convincing a man that it is masculine to open up — in fact, it takes more cojones to do so — is a cause women should embrace. By encouraging men to reveal their true feelings, women are helping them release pent-up emotions, leading to a happier and healthier guy.

Myth #2: Sex Is What Matters the Most

Yes, sex is important to men. It’s one of the ways we access our imaginations. (At times, it might seem like the only way we do.) But one of the big secrets about men is how much they long for real solidarity with their partner. And sex, because it makes the imagination literal, is something we rely on to achieve that bonded feeling. Next time you see your mate’s desire for sex as chauvinistic, remember that he may be asking for proof that you and he are the team he fantasizes about.

Myth #3: A Man Is His Job

For most men, the pressures of work stem from two things: a desire to excel at something (a principle of manhood we were taught as boys) and a need to contribute to the well-being of our families. But duty is not the same as identity, and what one does is not the same as who one is. This is true for women, too; but, culturally, men are more defined by their professions, which can keep their passions — what really identifies them — invisible. Talking with men about their interests is a great way to get away from the conventional ways they are seen — even how they see themselves — which will help ensure a more unconventional (and improved) masculinity.

Myth #4: Males Are Limited Creatures

“Men are underdeveloped” is the most effective propaganda the male sex has created. Your belief in our limitations brings certain “rewards” (i.e. expectations are lowered; bad behavior is tolerated; apathy becomes a non-negotiable). Women, the usual victims of these limitations, most likely buy into the idea because it elevates them. The thing is, men are not limited; and if women decide to sacrifice a little superiority, they will gain better treatment by men. Just look at the vibrant imagination of any five-year-old boy or recall the way past boyfriends have courted you — we can be highly animated, curious, loving and devoted. Holding your guy to a higher standard may not get thanks right away, but it will actually liberate him to be a more expansive, and more real, man.

Myth #5: Men Hate to Commit

Masculinity is one of the most oppressive forces, as far as behavior goes, because it demands that men appear “tough” at all times — thereby avoiding any overt displays of love and affection, which can be detrimental to a relationship. How often have you witnessed a man shut down during a tender moment or make a joke to detour from it? The toll this eventually takes is enormous, depriving men of the riches of intimacy — one of which is completely giving over to a true and loving partnership. While men may appear to prize freedom and independence, in their heart of hearts they truly value loyalty. In standing by her man, a woman can fill a primal absence. And once he realizes you have his back, he will start to show his feelings in his own way — which may not be “traditional” romantic gestures, but they will be gestures nonetheless.

Myth #6: Guys Don’t Communicate

Men like to talk — have you ever tried asking us the best way to get somewhere? But we often censor ourselves based on how we think women might react to a deeper honesty. So, there are times we just don’t bother. This is unfortunate, because men’s internal lives are interesting and telling, and getting to know them by suspending judgment will encourage a man to be more open and more revealing to you.

Myth #7: A Woman’s Looks Are Everything

Non, nein, nope. A woman’s beauty is a thing to behold, and sometimes we can behold it at the wrong times (like when passing another woman on the sidewalk). But that’s just visual titillation. The stimulus that matters most reaches our hearts and minds. A woman with a laser-like intelligence, sharp sense of humor and a compassionate soul — now, that’s a centerfold.

Myth #8: Men Don’t Take Things Personally

This is certainly a myth we would like to believe about ourselves. Nothing fazes us: We’re breezy, easy, confident. Yeah, right. The fact is that men take many things personally — the light teasing about our paunch, the less-than-stellar bedroom performance, the snide colleague at work — but the principles of masculinity prevent our admitting them. The problem is, these things come out in ways that truly affect us. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men commit suicide four times as often as women, and suicide currently ranks as the seventh leading cause of death for men. Watching for when a guy might be repressing reactions for the sake of masculine pride, and asking him to forgo that habit, is one way women can literally save a man’s life.

Myth #9: Guys Don’t Listen to Criticism

It’s hard to argue that this one is a myth. But the reason men can be diva-like when it comes to criticism is because said criticism is rarely delivered in a way we understand. Women tend to talk around the problem, but it’s okay to get in our faces every now and then and just say what’s on your mind. Sometimes, the greatest act of love is taking someone seriously enough to risk offending them. In a weird way, those tough conversations get at the truth and, in calling attention to our blind spots, are about helping us. It’s when couples no longer think it’s worth the trouble that they have to worry. So, next time, try some tough love: We can take it.

Myth #10: Boys and Girls Are So Different

Okay, so your son prefers horseplay and trucks, and your daughter likes dolls and playing dress-up. Who cares! The things that matter in life — whether your kids are ethical; whether they are kind to others; how they achieve self-fulfillment — are as important to recognize in adults as they are in children. Just as you wouldn’t indulge your son’s overconfidence because that seems “male,” don’t allow your husband to get away with things that hurt your feelings because “that’s how guys are.” The fact is, when it comes to men and women, our mythologies are — and should be — about living more authentic lives

Have you ever taken the platter off your Technic 1200 turntable? If so, then you know that the turntables’ secret is not direct drive but magnetic drive. Our friends at Grow Room Energy have developed such a system that you build yourself for your home.

It’s called a PMG, or Permanent Magnetic Generator. A PMG generates alternating current (AC) that can ultimately be used by your home and help lower, even eliminate, your electric bill each month!

Although the technology has been around for quite some time, it has never been adapted for personal home use, until now!

Working at very low rotational speed, the PMG is capable of producing 180W of electricity at just 420 RPM! Modifications can be made so that the PMG produces even more power at higher speeds, putting even more money directly into your bank account each month!!

Here is a step by step guide to building your own PMG.

Step 1: Order the Magnet4Power Manual for Just $49! (About ½ of what You Pay For Just 1 Month of Electricity!)

Step 2: Follow The Step-By-Step Instructions To Build Your Own PMG For as Little As $100.

Step 3: Install and Wait For Your Next Electric Bill!

That’s it. Doesn’t get much easier, does it? From the moment you order the Magnet4Power manual, you will have instant access. You’ll be able to go out and buy the supplies you need to be generating electricity in your very own back yard within days – possibly hours depending on how excited you are to get it up and running!

Don’t worry. You don’t need to be a construction worker or have a garage filled with expensive tools and equipment to create your very own PMG system! Armed with the Magnet4Power easy-to-read manual, some simple hand tools, and the determination to free yourself from the power company once and for all, you have everything you need to build your very own professional quality PMG guaranteed!

Today’s Topic:: Electrical and Mechanical Systems
These points and tips are meant to be your check list. They should help you with some of your home renovations If your looking to start building your home from scratch or just making improvements.

Electrical Systems
* Selection of high efficiency light sources
* Installation of photovoltaic system to supplement electrical requirements and/or provide electricity credit to homeowner

Mechanical Systems
* HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning)
* With high insulation envelope and passive solar design, mechanical systems can be designed to be much smaller
* High efficiency geothermal systems use heat exchanged from earth rather than air
* Pressure testing sealed duct systems to minimize leakage, maximize efficiency
* Natural Ventilation

Thank you for taking the time to read these suggestions. Feel free to drop me a email if you have more questions. ////Millen

Today’s Topic:: Solar Orientation
These points and tips are meant to be your check list. They should help you with some of your home renovations If your looking to start building your home from scratch or just making improvements.

Solar Orientation
* Minimizing solar gain in summer
* Maximizing solar gain in winter
* Overhangs/Sun Screens
* Use of natural light for day-lighting
* Designed location of key plantings
* Thermo Mass

Up Next:: Electrical Systems

Today’s topic- Certified Materials. These points and tips are meant to be your check list. They should help you with some of your home renovations.

Certified Materials
* Use of high R-value (thermal resistance) insulating building materials
* Use of low U-value (reciprocal of R-value) windows
* Use of low-E glass (low=emittance) to reduce heat loss
* Use of engineered lumber
* Use of FSC certified lumber from sustainable forests
* Use of recycled building products
* Maximize use of local natural materials
* Low/no VOC paints and coatings

Up Next:: Solar Orientation

The Home Site
* Minimize disturbance of natural site
* Orienting home for maximum southern exposure
* Removing as few planting as possible
* Adding additional indigenous plantings
* Minimize lawn area
* Minimize imperious surfaces- gravel parking

Tomorrow we will “Rap” about Certified Materials