Impact of Colonialism
January 25, 2012 | 
Author Colonialism is the extension of a nation’s sovereignty over territory beyond its borders by the establishment of either settler or exploitation colonies in which indigenous populations are directly ruled, displaced, or exterminated. So what impact can colonialism bring to a country?
One of the main impacts colonialism can bring to a country that is colonized is the ruling nation will start to dominate the resources such as oil, agriculture, gold and tin. An example can be taken from the colonialism of other countries such as Vietnam where the France colonized the country to get their hands on their rich land.
Countries in Africa have been stripped of their lands and resources such as diamonds and oil. This has not only caused dissatisfaction among the people but they have also been forced to be laborers for the ruling nation and have suffered in the process.
Besides that, colonialism also has caused a mix of culture in the country ruled. The ruling nation usually would bring in their own culture and practices into the daily life’s of the people. For instance when China was ruled by the Japanese, they opted to instill the Japanese culture among the people in China at that time, and those who did not follow would receive severe punishment.
The ruling nation have also opted in using foreigners to help boost their economy in the country in which they are ruling.
Many colonized countries have gained independence after years of struggle and persistence and now they are able to live a harmonious life. Due to this, we must always treasure what we have and protect our country without relating to religious and social backgrounds.
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Timex Wr50m
Timex is a world class well recognition brand with high quality, affordable price and long life span. Of all the watches manufactured by Timex, WR50M is one of the best selling in the market.
However, getting a Timex WR50M may give you a complicated feeling. It is undeniable that for a Timex fan, getting a WR50M as your latest watch collection is something cool, but at the same time that watch can drive you nuts if you do not know the right way to change the time. Sometimes, even the manual handbook will not help!
Before you start scratching your head, first get to know the four buttons found on the face of the watch. The four buttons are set beginning from left to right and top to bottom, each represents the “set” button, the “start/stop” button, the “mode” button and lastly the “indiglo” button.
To set the time, first you have to press on the “set” and “start/stop” buttons at the same time. The digits that representing “seconds” will then start to blink. This blinking sign actually indicates that you are now able to set your time. The next thing you should do is to press on the “mode” button. This button functions by increasing or decreasing the digits to adjust the date and time. The final step is to press on the “set button” to finalize the date and time. Not that difficult right?
However, not all Timex W450M works so smoothly. If the method above fails, you would probably need to seek from the internet, or look through the manual book again. The manual book may attach other methods to set the date and time.
Also, double check if you have got the buttons correctly. Lastly, for those who lost their manual book, you can always download it from Timex website.
At the end, although Timex WR450 frustrates you when you try to set your time, the quality of the watch is undeniable. Moreover, the affordable selling price and replaceable wrist bands available in different design will not stop Timex fans to stop in getting it into their collection.
How to Identify Seiko Watches
Seiko watches have reached to become generic for quality yet reasonably affordable timepiece. They have been producing so many of the world’s first watches, and their watch innovations are always a big hit in the market. With great reputation in the industry and expanding international market, Seiko watches are never safe from product and brand imitations. Thus, it is very important to be aware on how to identify Seiko watches.
Owning Seiko watches is proven to be life-long investment. As they say, you get what you paid for, and even more. The quality speaks for itself. These watches are very reliable and accurate in time keeping. Like the Seiko Spring Drive, the technology of its mainspring mechanism is to deliver accuracy in time regulation. More importantly, Seiko watches are well-known not only for their technology but also for their durability.
There is always the suitable Seiko watch for everyone. The Seiko Sportura and Seiko Dive are very appropriate on sporting events and outdoor activities. The Seiko Quartz are best during casual occasions. While the Seiko Kinetic Series, Seiko Chronograph and Seiko Titanium Watches are advisable for everyday wear. The internet offers great pictures of the different models and quality parts and are guaranteed by Seiko Watch Corporation. Each style is meticulously created to suit the passion of customers.
It is always good to be aware of the features of Seiko watches. Although some models comes in color tone combinations, colors of original Seiko watches never fade. The Seiko watch metallic parts need minimal cleaning and still retains their original appearance after some years of use.
See through back is an indication that Seiko watch is genuine but some old models still have stainless steel back. This is done by the company to combat against fake Seiko watches. Every detail of the watch is carefully examined and assembled to create a masterpiece.
Original Seiko watch comes with a nice packaging box, instruction manual and 1 year international warranty. Although the watch box and instruction manual can easily be imitated, the Seiko watch international warranty is unique. It contains an original serial number for a particular Seiko watch.
Finally, Seiko watches are sold in authorized dealers and retailer stores all over the world. The watch parts are also guaranteed original in these stores. These watch shops sell original Seiko watches and safeguard also the spread of fake ones.
Horsehair Jewelry
Horsehair jewelry is a unique kind of adornment that is elegant and at the same time holds a lot of meaning for the wearer. For those who love horses, jewelry made of horsehair is a mark of their fondness for the wonderful animals. At the same time, horsehair jewelry is a perfect accompaniment for Western wear. For horse owners, custom-made horsehair jewelry is a treasured souvenir that is made of the hair of their own beloved equine.
Horsehair jewelry is made from hair collected from a horse’s mane and tail. Horsehair has a smooth texture and a soft luster. It comes in a variety of colors – black, white and subtle shades of brown. Strands of horsehair are woven into braids to form bracelets, necklaces, earrings and barrettes. The art of horsehair weaving dates back to the Victorian era. Braiding is done by hand, creating the most intricate of patterns. The popular styles include three-strand, French, square, half-round and round braids.
Horsehair jewelry is made prettier and more valuable by interweaving the braids with pearls, gems or beads made of gold and silver. Finally, gold or silver clasps are woven at the two ends of the braid to make wonderful bracelets and necklaces. Suitable pendants can also be woven into the necklaces. Bracelets made of horsehair are quite elastic and fit perfectly on wrists. Barrettes made of horsehair perfectly complement a woman’s hair. They can be chosen to match or contrast with any hair color. Horsehair jewelry is quite strong and long-lasting.
A bracelet can be made using a hundred strands of horsehair around 15 inches long. A necklace can also be crafted using a hundred strands, but they should be at least 26 inches long. The horsehair can be clipped in bunches from the mane or tail, and it doesn’t hurt the horse a bit.
Horsehair jewelry is a beautiful and tasteful embellishment, and can be a meaningful present for horse-lovers.
Dangerous Shoulder Exercises
Have you ever suffered from shoulder discomfort after working out? I am referring to aching or sharp pain experienced in the front of the shoulder or lateral upper arm that is felt with overhead activities, reaching behind the back or even laying on the shoulder. These symptoms are often indicative of rotator cuff inflammation. This is a common problem for many people who perform resistance training on a regular basis. It is also a problem that can easily be prevented by modifying the following “dangerous shoulder exercises.”
Bench Press – This is a popular exercise chosen to build the chest, along with the anterior deltoid and triceps. Most teach taking the bar down until it lightly touches the chest. However, I believe this is unsafe because it exposes the anterior shoulder capsule to excessive load, in addition to compressing the soft tissue of the rotator cuff between the humerus and the acromion. Over time, with repeated bouts and heavy loads, the rotator cuff becomes inflamed.
Individuals with any anterior shoulder laxity (loose joints) or history of subluxation/dislocation are also at increase risk for rotator cuff injury or labral (shoulder cartilage) damage. Furthermore, you also have the potential to rupture the pectoralis tendon with full range pressing during heavy loads. The safe answer is to lower the bar until the upper arm is parallel to the floor (elbow bent to 90 degrees). This prevents the shoulder joint from moving into the unsafe range. The same advice applies to push-ups.
Lat Pull Downs – This is a good exercise to strengthen the back, but when done behind the head it can cause problems. Like the bench press, pulling the bar down behind the head positions the humerus in such a way that the rotator cuff can be pinched. This may depend on other factors, including the shape of a person’s acromion and degree of any present arthritis, but I still believe the risk outweighs any benefit. Not to mention that keeping the bar in front of the head still accomplishes the same movement for the target muscle, while eliminating the risk of shoulder injury. Remember not to sway during the movement, and position the body in a slightly reclined position, pulling the bar toward the sternum. Another unrelated reason not to do behind the neck pull downs is that it places undue stress on the cervical spine.
Military Press – This exercise when performed behind the neck with a bar, positions the shoulder in the aforementioned unfavorable position. Done repeatedly, the rotator cuff can become inflamed. Similar to behind the neck pull downs, you also expose your neck to unnecessary stress. It is safer to perform the exercise in front of the head or utilize dumbbells and work in the scapular plane. You must watch to avoid arching the low back and it is best to use a bench with back support to prevent this.
Dips/Upright Row – As before, the key mistake made with these exercises is allowing the shoulder to move beyond 90 degrees relative to a position parallel to the floor or perpendicular to the body. I always recommend stopping at 90 degrees to protect the shoulder capsule and the rotator cuff.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise – In my opinion, this exercise is often done incorrectly. The mistakes include lifting too much weight, keeping the arms straight, and raising the arms out away from the body in the plane of the body. The force on the rotator cuff reaches 90% of your body weight when the arms are raised to 90 degrees with the arms straight and in the plane of the body. That is a lot of force on four relatively small rotator cuff muscles. The target muscle is the lateral deltoid, but the rotator cuff is extremely active, and it functions to allow you to raise the arm by depressing the humerus so that it passes under the acromion during active elevation. When heavy loads are introduced in the wrong plane of motion, disaster usually occurs. I am fanatical about performing this exercise correctly.
The proper way to execute a lateral raise is to keep the elbows comfortably flexed (20-30 degrees) and raise the arm to no higher than parallel to the floor. The arm should be in the scapular plane of motion (approximately 30-45 degrees from being perpendicular to the body) and the weight should be relatively light. Once you feel you have to shrug or use momentum to raise the weight, you need to rest or lower the weight. In my opinion, this is one of the worst exercises for the shoulder if done incorrectly.
In summary, I want to emphasize that good intentions may spell bad results for the shoulder if proper form is lacking. The rotator cuff and shoulder joint is extremely vulnerable to heavy loads and repetitive bouts of exercise. Gradually, it may become inflamed and hinder or limit your workout altogether. Be sure to master form before increasing weight, and do not attempt to work through pain, as this often perpetuates the problem. Remember to assess risk and reward at all times, and rest assured that these modifications will not hinder your gains. Instead, they will prevent missed time in the gym and produce happier, healthier shoulders!
How To Get Shows For Your Band, Ten Tips To Get You Playing Live
The most common question I get asked by the bands that I advise, when I first meet them, is how do we get more shows? I have compiled a list of ten top tips below on how to get shows for your band.
Pick a local band in your genre that are playing shows and talk to them: this may seem obvious but its surprising how many bands don’t do this. A band that is doing what you want to do is always worth getting friendly with and may be looking for a support act.
Talk to venues that put on similar acts to your own: If you are a metal band then you’re not likely to get a gig at a country and western club. Talk to venues that give breaks to similar bands.
Look for a niche market: I know a band that just does weddings and parties and look to get their next gig from recommendations. People booking bands for these events don’t want to take chances, if you are good in this area you will get talked about and booked.
If you have experience contact an entertainment/talent agency: On the downside they generally take around 15 per cent of a booking fee but on the plus side can land you a lot of shows. A good one will be involved in showcases, this is where you do a slot at a venue and club managers looking for acts will be there deciding on who to book for future shows.A great tip is to talk to a band that is signed to an agency before you sign with that agency.
If you lack experience playing live: Offer to play for free at a charity gig, look for upcoming events. The expectation will be lower and you can only look good if things go okay.
Have a MySpace/Facebook/webpage and a backdrop banner visible behind your drummer: I have lost count of the amount of times I have seen a band and not known who they are. Invest in a banner and include a web address clearly visible on the top of the banner. People can’t book you if they don’t know who you are.Tell your audience who you are, thank them for coming out and ask them to check out your web presence.
Always talk to people after a show: So many bands I know didn’t do this when I first met them. You can talk to each other at any time, talk to people who watch you at a show, add them to Facebook,email etc. get feedback. If people like you they may know someone who will book you, make them a contact and add them to a mailing list.
Talk to other bands that you play with or go to watch: Bands play shows with bands that they like, talk to other bands, be friendly, respectful and ask them what’s happening.
Get a press release: Approach your local newspaper, ask them to write a piece on you, make sure you get a reference to your web presence and look professional. It’s a great way to get known and if you coincide it to appear just before a show it may well add some numbers to the crowd.
Advertise on local music websites: Do this on a regular basis, it keeps your name about, is usually free and you can add some value to your ad such as willing to travel, available at short notice etc.
What Makes Designer Watches Different From Other Watch Brands
What makes the difference between designer watches and non-designer watches? Why are they treasured by a lot of people?
Those who prefer watches from known brands claim all the best advantages and benefits most known products have. This includes durability, classical and trendy style and everything that speaks about excellent performance.
What makes designer watches durable? The material make up of these kind of watches are precious metals and stones, first class plastics and high grade steels and glasses to mention a few. Platinum and titanium makes them not just durable but expensive too. Platinum is a heavy metal and highly scratch resistant and titanium on the other hand is a light weight metal but its harder than any kind of metal. These kinds of materials compose the casing and bands of designer watches. Other metals aside from gold also include sterling, coin, nickel silvers and nickel plated steels.
Along with long lasting durability is the style. Designer watches are designed with timeless looks and they never run out of current fashion. Most brands are producing both classical and trendy styles. Classical styles cater the needs of those costumers who would like to own a piece with the touch of being traditional, can keep pace with present fashion and can still withstand with other designs in the future. The stylishly chic ones will suit to buyers who would like to be updated with the fab.
These watches are classified into casual, diver, sports and elegant models. Unlike the mass produced watches, each model are produced limitedly making them unique. These kinds of watches definitely answer individual needs and tastes. Since they are highly expensive watches, buyers must experience owning a rare timepiece.
The aesthetic value of these remain through time. Evidently, some people include them as collector’s item. Thus, the high cost paid for the products is worth an investment since the value appreciates.
Superb and unbeatable performance best describe the quality set forth by designer watches. They guarantee accurate time keeping whether you go for mechanical, digital or quartz.
Designer watches also carry status symbol. This may not be important for some people but for some it is. How does it feel to wear a time piece that has comparably the same quality with that worn by famous celebrities and known personalities?
The added features of designer watches made them function to its fullest-not just a time keeping and fashion accessory but as an important partner too while the owner is on work out or busy doing some stuffs. These features include calendar which for some watches never needs setting, calculator, heartbeat monitor, stop watch and emergency locator.
Everything about designer watches is also attributed to skilled craftsmen who have mastered the skill to perfection. With their continuous efforts and persistence to satisfy the needs of the clientele, unbeatable quality is their ultimate goal in producing these kinds of products.
So, why try buying other watches’ brands if there are watches from renowned brands available?
Wedding Bands and Wedding Rings Buying. Care and Cleaning Guide
Nothing more personal than our response to color. Color is the new language of passion, and nothing captures it better than distinctively styled jewelry.
Leave her speechless with our brilliant colorless and fancy colored diamond or bold brilliant gemstone jewelry styles.
Choosing the wedding bands (or rings)
There are virtually hundreds of styles of wedding bands from which to choose, for both the bride and the groom. While the traditional band for both is a simple, round gold ring, today they can be simple or elaborate, wide or thin, gem studded or not. It is not unusual, even in the groom’s ring, to find gemstone accents.
Traditionally, the woman receives two rings; one upon consenting to marriage and the second at the wedding ceremony. Today, this tradition continues to be the most popular choice. However, couples sometimes opt for a more important wedding band that incorporates the gem of choice and eliminates the need for an engagement ring, as such. For example, rather than purchasing an engagement ring with a one carat diamond followed by a simple wedding band, one might purchase for the same price a diamond wedding band that contains four carats total weight of diamonds encircling the finger.
The diamond wedding band then becomes the single focal point and combines the symbolism of the simple round ring with the symbolism of the diamond or other gemstone of choice. It can create an important and classic look. Another example might involve the purchase of a single diamond that is then set within a very wide, gold wedding band, again combining the gem traditionally received at an earlier moment within the wedding band itself.
The choice as to whether to have one or two rings is largely personal, but keep in mind that the engagement may affect your decision. If the engagement period is going to be long, rather than waiting for the wedding day the bride to be may prefer to have an engagement ring to announce her commitment and, thus, the change in her status and the upcoming event.
Important considerations before you make a choice
To help you make the right choice for the wedding ring, here are some important factors to consider.
- How does the wedding band look with the engagement ring?
If an engagement ring is given, it is very important to consider how the wedding band will look with it on the hand. (We hope that before making the final decision on your engagement ring, you also give some thought to your wedding band.) It’s a good idea to try on different styles of wedding bands with the engagement ring to see how they look together. The width of the band can dramatically affect the way it works with the engagement ring. Remember also that certain details such as milgraining or a particular type of finish may look great when worn alone, but can detract from the overall appearance when worn together with the engagement ring.
- What width looks best?
The width of the wedding band is measured in millimeters. The standard ladies’ simple gold or platinum band ranges from 2 – 4 millimeters; the men’s ranges from 3-1/2 – 6 millimeters. Stock sizes can go as wide as 10 millimeters. It is important to try the same style band in different widths because you will be surprised to see how different the effect created by the width alone can be. Avoid very wide rings that feel uncomfortable when you try them on. You will not get used to them. While a very wide band may be beautiful from a design standpoint, keep in mind that it may be less comfortable in very hit climates.
- Do you prefer a “flat” band or a “half round” band?
A flat band is flatter on the finger, while a half round has somewhat curved or dome like shape to it. The decision is purely a matter of personal taste.
- Do you prefer matching bands?
Most wedding ring manufacturers today offer a wide selection of matching ladies’ and men’s wedding bands.
- Do you plan to wear the wedding band without the engagement ring?
If you think you may frequently wear your band without your engagement ring, you may prefer a different type of band. for example, some women prefer to wear only their wedding band at the office; some prefer to wear their engagement ring only in social situations. If you think this might be the case with you, you may prefer a large or more important looking band, one that will stand on its own.
For gem studded bands
- Should the gemstones completely encircle the ring?
This is a decision that depends on personal taste, budget, comfort, and fit. Many prefer that the gemstones continue around the entire finger, while others want the gemstones set only across the top of the ring. The primary benefit in having gemstone all around is that you never need to worry about the ring twisting on your finger. A significant disadvantage is that some of the gemstone (those on underside of the finger) are subjected strenuous wear, which can result in breakage and loss. The choice is really not an economic one; by juggling the size and quality of the gemstones and the width of the ring, you can get either look on any budget.
- Does the ring fit properly?
When selecting a gem studded style, be sure to try rings that actually fir your finger properly. Otherwise you may find that a ring feels very uncomfortable on your finger, when, in fact, it would be very comfortable if it fit properly. This is particularly true for rings with larger gemstones held by prongs. Also, for rings with gemstones going part way around, proper fit is critical to comfort because it affects the contour of the portion of the ring.
The heirloom ring
Rings passed from one generation to another carry the history and tradition of a family, and add a romantic element; and emotional value, difficult to match with a new ring. In addition to the true “heirloom,” which has passed down through the family, young couples today enjoy the unique and distinctive character and workmanship found in antique rings and rings from earlier by-gone days. Antique as well as antique reproduction rings have also become very popular and offer a distinctive look with a nostalgic element. Some of the most popular periods include the Art Nouveau period (1895 – 1915) with its graceful, curving lines, floral motifs, and other images form the nature; the Edwardian period (1901 – 1914) with its lacy character and romantic themes such as garland of flowers; and the Art Deco period (1920 – 1930) with its clean, geometric feeling and use of interesting shapes such as trapezoids, triangles, and half-moons, often combined with tiny colored gemstone accents. Simple pieces from the 1950s and 1960s are also gaining in popularity.
If you are thinking of giving an heirloom or estate piece as an engagement or wedding ring, or are considering taking gemstones out of an heirloom piece, you must remember that the gemstones may not be what they appear to be, especially if purchased from a source other than a reputable jewelry firm, or they may have been chipped or damaged in some way that might pose a problem if you are remounting them.
The first step is to have the piece appraised by a qualified gemologist appraiser. The appraisal will verify that the ring is what you believe it to be, will fully describe its quality, and identify whether or not there are any problems; that is, if the stone is chipped or cracked in such a way that it may be vulnerable to breakage. With full knowledge of the gemstone, you can take any necessary precautions when wearing or setting it.
Today, there are many styles of rings that can accommodate almost any gemstone, but keep in mind one point when updating or resetting an heirloom: Some require custom made settings that are more expensive than already made settings, especially if the shape of the gemstone is unusual.
It is much easier and less expensive to find a desirable setting if you are using a round gemstone. A gemstone other than a round one may require custom setting or a skilled jeweler who can customize part of another setting to suit the shape of your gemstone.
It is a good idea to closely examine any antique platinum piece minute cracks that may have formed around work or bridge work. A platinum piece that has begun to crack as a result of sulfuric acid can not be restored and is unstable. Be sure to check for signs of deterioration in the prong areas and in other thin places. Note: Should this be the case with an heirloom ring that has been in the family for many years, a skilled jeweler may be able to remake the ring, retaining the original appearance and workmanship.
Caring for your engagement and wedding rings
You will most likely wear your engagement and wedding rings more than any other piece of jewelry, so it is important to know how to care for and protect them. The following tips should help you in properly caring for your rings.
- Try not to touch the gemstones in your rings when putting hem on or taking them off. Instead, take rings on and off by grasping the shank or metal portion that encircles the finger. Slipping rings on and off by grasping the metal shank rather than the gemstone will prevent a greasy buildup on the gemstone’s surface, which greatly reduces the brilliance and sparkle of a gemstone.
- To keep rings sparkling, get into habit of “buffing” them. This is a little trick we use to remove the dirt and oily film on the gemstone’s surface (which occurs from incorrectly putting rings on and taking them off, or from occasionally “fingering” them; which most of us do without even realizing). Each time the gemstone are touched, a layer of oily film is applied to the top and the gemstone’s beauty is diminished. To restore its sparkle, just “huff” it. Simply hold the ring close to your mouth, “huff” on it with your breath; you’ll see the gemstone fog up, and wipe it off with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a handkerchief, scarf, or coat/blouse sleeve. You’ll be amazed at how much better your rings can look simply by removing even the lightest oil film from the surface!
- Don’t take off rings and lay them on the side of the sink unless you are sure the drain is closed. Also, never remove your rings to wash your hands when away from home; all too many rings have been forgotten an/or lost.
- Don’t wear your ring while doing any type of rough work, such as house cleaning or gardening, or sports. even diamonds can be chipped or broken by a hard blow in certain direction
- Avoid contact with chlorine, the principal ingredient in may bleaches, household cleaners, and swimming pool disinfectants. Chlorine can cause pitting and discoloration to the mounting of your ring and to your gold or platinum wedding band.
- Do not carelessly toss jewelry in a case. Diamond can scratch other gemstones very easily, and can also scratch each other. To prevent scratching, diamond jewelry should be placed in a case with dividers or separate compartments, or each piece place in a soft pouch or individually wrapped in tissues or a soft cloth.
- Have a reliable jeweler check your ring every eighteen months to make sure the setting is secure, especially the prongs. If you ever feel (or hear) the gemstone moving in the setting, it’s a warning that the prongs or bezel need tightening. Failure to repair this may result in loss or damage to the diamond or gemstone.
How to clean your jewelry
Keeping your ring is essential if you want it to sparkle to its fullest. Film from lotions, powders, and your own skin oils will dull diamond and/or gemstones and reduce their brilliance and affect its color.
- It is easy to keep it clean. To clean your rings, wash with warm, sudsy water. This is perhaps the simplest and easiest way to clean any kind of jewelry. Prepare a small bowel of hot, sudsy water, using any kind of mild liquid detergent. Soak your ring for a few minutes and then brush gently with an eyebrow brush of soft toothbrush, keeping the piece submerged in a sudsy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water; make sure the drain is closed (some prefer to place jewelry in a wire strainer before placing under the running water) and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel.
- To clean your diamonds only, make a solution of hot water and ammonia (half water and half ammonia) and soak your diamond in this solution for about 15 minutes. Lift it out and tap it gently from the sides and back and then brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. This technique is especially effective for a diamond rings with a heavy build up of oily dirt. It may take several “soaks” if the ring has not been cleaned in a long time. rinse and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- To clean your wedding band or any other gold jewelry without gemstones, rubbing with a soft chamois cloth will restore much of the luster. Tarnish can be removed with a solution of soap and water, to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Using a soft toothbrush, brush the rings with this solution, rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth. grease can be removed by dipping in plain rubbing alcohol.
While more convenient, commercial jewelry cleaners are not necessarily more effective than the methods suggested above. Never let colored gemstone jewelry soak in commercial cleaners for more than a few minutes. Leaving stones such as emerald or amethyst in some commercial cleaners for any length of time can cause etching of the surface, which reduces the gemstone’s luster.
It is not recommended to use ultrasonic cleaning for most gems and it should be restricted to the cleaning of diamonds and gold jewelry only. Washing with hot, sudsy water is simple, effective, and safe for all jewelry.
Store jewelry carefully
- It is important to store your rings carefully, in a dry place. Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity.
- Keep gemstone jewelry, pearls, gold, and silver pieces separated from each other to prevent scratching. Keep fine jewelry in soft pouches or wrapped in a soft cloth (or, except for pearls, in a plastic Ziploc type bag) to help protect it.
- Do not overcrowd your jewelry box. This can result in misplacing or losing pieces that might fall unnoticed from the case. Forcing jewelry into the box can cause damage, such as bending a fragile piece, or chipping a fragile gemstone.
Wedding Vendors Watch Out For This Scam!
You work hard and long hours. Every little bit of cash you receive is critical to you and your business. But their are always somebody out there that plainly just does not care and they will try to suck every dime out of you. You have to be aware of this if you sell services or products. Below I have listed a great example of how this scam could work and to let you know how to be aware of this.
This scam targets photographers, bakers, Disc Jockeys and lots of other wedding vendors. Here is how the scam might go. The criminal will pose as someone planning a wedding. The person involved in the scam will contact a professional wedding vendor such as a Disc Jockey. The scammer will send the vendor a large cashiers check or personal check that is larger than the amount due.
The vendor is asked to cash the check and then wire the money to a third party, supposedly a wedding planner or close friend. Then the check turns out to be fake and the victim wires their own money and falls for the scam.
Here is an example of a few emails sent to a photographer
Hello, my name is Van Kennedy. I reside in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The reason am contacting you is that my daughter will be getting
married soon in the state, on the 7th of May 2005 and I would like
you to take care of the Photographs. I came across your advert on
the Internet and am impressed with your services.
All expenses would be taken care off; perhaps you can give me the
total/Quotes charges,plus the Flight cost for you to down to Amsterdam,
Netherlands. Hotel accommodation would also be gladly attended to.
Please I want the best services from you, because this is my only
daughter so I want the best for her. So your best is needed at
this occasion.
I will like to know where you are currently residing as at now, so
that I could start the preparation on how you would be coming down.
I look forward to your response.
Best Regards
Email sent back by photographer
Firstname Lastname ,
thanks for the mail the date you are needed is 7th of
may 2005 at Till mouth park country house hotel Cornhill-on-Tweed,Scottish
Borders, Northumberl. i will like to know the actual price it will cost
you to come over there, payment will be made via certified cashiers
check .i need this details for payment.
Name on check
postal address and zip code
phone number for further arrangement.
Next mail
thanks for the mail, hotel reservation will be made by us ,
we are will willing to pay you the sum of 2500 pounds for the wedding
photographs , well i need all the details to make out payment.
Thanks
Here is the scam
Firstname Lastname ,
Thanks for the mail , i just contacted my wife about the payment details ,
she told me that my father in-law has already issued a check of 6000
pounds before traveling for his business trip of the photographer arrangement
and the wedding planner based in U.S since we need to be booked for our
photo album, the check will be sent to you immediately after sending
this mail to you , the balance will be sent to wedding planner as instructed
by my father in-law , sorry for the inconveniences.
Thanks and await your response
S.Collins
That is the scam. They want your money and do not care how they get it. So just beware and think twice about anything you do when it involves money.
My Lap Band Journey From a High BMI – How to Reward Interim Goals Achieved After Lap Band Surgery
When I started on this journey my weight was 424 pounds. I had a very long way to go to get to a normal healthy weight. While getting healthy was my ultimate goal I wondered how I would keep motivated along the way. I knew that with my choice of a lap band the process would be slow and steady. There would be no remarkable transformation in 6 weeks as presented on any number of TV shows or magazine ads. I expected it would take me two years to get to my goal. So for me, who had been a victim of having food used as a reward and punishment system all of my life, what would help keep me going in the right direction for two years? How could I keep my thoughts positive and work so incredibly hard without giving in to old, learned, easy to fall back into habits? In 2004 I didn’t plan my rewards but here are a few examples of what worked for me after setting small yet attainable goals in increments of twenty five pounds:
· Get a facial
· Get a massage
· Get a manicure and pedicure
· Get your hair styled
· Get your makeup done
· Buy a new outfit even though it would get too big quickly
· Take the day off from work of any kind (or a half day) and just sit outside and read – under a tree, at the beach, on your porch, on a park bench
· Watch a movie
· Take a bubble bath (with candles and music)
· Buy something new without breaking the bank
· Plan a vacation or weekend getaway (studies show that the planning and anticipation are as healthy as the getaway)
These treats just started happening naturally as the weight came off. What had to change was my inner voice. The one that seemed to say, “you don’t really need that”. I learned to give myself permission to have things that I didn’t need, but that I wanted, which were good for my morale. I had to have a conversation with myself that went like this:
” OK, now breathe and think about this. Yes, you deserve to boost your own morale. You can be your own cheerleader.”
I found that as I started believing in myself, everyone around me started believing in me too. The compliments came, my morale was boosted some more, and instead of downward spirals and eating binges to soothe “the savage beast” I found myself setting my next goal, with my next reward, and planning how to get there. This could work for you. Have your conversation with yourself, give yourself permission to reward yourself,make your plan.
Ok you guys out there- I know these are mostly things that us “girls” like. Feel free to share your ideas of what will also work for guys.
What’s important is not what you choose for your reward, but actually choosing a reward, setting a goal and having a plan. Just one more idea of how to optimize your weight loss after lap band surgery.