Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Of Course I've Got A Podcast. Because It's 2021 And Who Doesn't?

Yes, I'm still alive. No, this blog isn't. I mean, it's alive in the sense that I keep posting new ads here (#GetMoney) but that's about it.

Anyways, if you want my irreverent take on today's hot topics, checkout my new podcast, The AverageBro Show, on your favorite podcasting platform. Yes, it's on Apple iTunes too, just search for it!

AB's Movie Reviews - Coming 2 America

What’s It About? - Picking up 31 years after the original film, Prince Akeem suddenly becomes king of Zamunda, but his lack of a male heir threatens his rule from the neighboring nation of Nextdooria (yeah, really). When Akeem gets word that he has an illegitimate son from a one night stand in Queens, he jets back to America to meet the potential heir to his throne.

Is It Any Good? - It’s damn near impossible to create a sequel to an original that’s so universally loved, but this movie somehow got it right. There are a million callbacks to the first movie and a ton of stunt casting. Seriously, everyone and their mama is in this one. While Murphy is the star, Jermaine Fowler gets lots of airtime as his son and acquits himself well in a fish out of water role. The supporting cast is good and everyone gets a chance to ham it up. As in the original, there are some very problematic African stereotypes and a few gaping plot holes. Unlike the original, there are actually African actors in this movie, which makes it feel more authentic. It’s hard not to like this movie.

Should I See It? - Yes. It’s a stroll down memory lane that pays homage to the original while thankfully updating some of its 80’s anachronisms. While I think the movie coulda been a little edgier, I understand the decision to make this a PG-13 affair which the entire family can enjoy. A multinational celebration of unabashed blackness, Coming 2 America is definitely worth your Prime subscription.

Random Factoid - The home shown in the opening credits is actually Rick Ross’ Atlanta-area estate, which may explain his totally random cameo. In fact, most of the interior scenes of the Zamundan palace were shot in Ross' house.

What’s The Rating? - 4 Stars out of 5

AB's Movie Reviews - Nomadland

What's It About? - A woman loses her job at a Sheetrock plant and instead of just finding another job (duh!) she gets in her van and drives around the country to random campsites while doing odd jobs. That's the entire plot. Period. 

Is It Any Good? - I've seen most of the movies that'll dominate awards season, and I've gotta say this movie simply wasn't that great. It was boring, pointless and depressing. Needless to say, it won a boatload of Golden Globes and will probably dominate the Oscars too. As much as I loved the unapologetic blackness of Judas & The Black Messiah and One Night In Miami, I totally understand why those who vote on such things would much rather reward a milquetoast profile on Middle America. I'm frankly shocked Hillbilly Elegy didn't get more nominations. I'm shocked I made it through this horribly boring and repetitive movie.

Should You See It? - So yeah, unless you wanna watch a clinically depressed woman in a white work van drive around the Dakotas for 2 hours, hard pass on this one. 

What's The Rating? - 3 stars out of 5

Monday, November 2, 2020

The Perfect Guest Room

Make your guest room feel like that getaway vacation retreat that every visitor of your house hopes for. You wouldn’t want an invited guest to feel unwanted and uncomfortable in your home, so spice it up any way that you can. I promise you won’t regret it. Think about how you would want to be treated as a guest. You would want to feel special and appreciated. Create a guest room that won’t make you have to give up your own room temporarily. When you are having a guest stay with you, you will want to eliminate any unnecessary awkwardness by letting them know the good and bad factors of the room. Point out the fun details, but do not forget to make them aware of any unusual faucets in the room.

How to Get Your Guest Room Ready

One of the most essential pieces of a cozy guest room is the bed. Ensure that your bed is not a squeaking mess for your welcomed guests. Think about the type of bed you would expect in a five-star hotel. Do not allow your guests to sleep on the most worn-out mattress in your home. Even if you have to obtain some kind of an air mattress so your visitor can sleep comfortably, do not let them sleep on something that you wouldn’t even let your dog sleep on.

An xl twin mattress is a perfect size for one guest. Ensure they are sleeping on a comfortable cloud full of decorative materials and vibrant colors. Here are some other factors that make a guest room livable:

• New Linens

• Cleared Deck Areas

• Relaxing Seating Area

• A Bright Space

• Clean Closet

• Empty Drawers

Family members and friends will rave about your home and the wonderful experience they had staying temporarily in your home, so take every step you can to create the perfect aura for this guest room.

It is very important that you leave plenty of room for your guest to place their things temporarily. Make sure that they have an area for their suitcases to go to. You could place a luggage rack or a small bench table in the room to accommodate this need, and if push comes to shove, you can use a chair.

Don’t forget about the basic necessities that come with staying somewhere new for a short period. Provide an alarm clock so that your guests can keep up with the time accurately. Everybody might not have a phone to look at the time on. It also would not be a bad idea to provide a hairdryer, robe, shampoo, snacks, and writing utensils.

Entertainment

It would be wise to leave your Wi-Fi passcode somewhere in the room for easy and consistent access to the internet. Your guest might have run out of data on their phone, or they might have some work to complete on their laptop, even though they might be on a short vacation at your house. Do not make this information hard to access. It would be a shame for your guest to need this information while you are asleep. You would not want to be disturbed, and I’m sure your visitor does not want to disturb you either.

Another way to provide some good entertainment options for your guests is to have a TV in the room with the remote nearby the bed. Nobody enjoys looking endlessly for a lost remote. Do not make watching television harder than it has to be. It also would not be a bad idea to keep some type of travel guides and good reads by the bedding area. Travel guides make guests aware of all of the places that they could visit in the city with or without you, and it is never a bad idea to keep an interesting book at the bedside.

Privacy

Protect your guests by ensuring that they are protected from outside eyes. Your windows should have curtains and proper shading to stop predators and nosey neighbors from looking at the parts of your home you do not want them to see. Blinds will work great to solve this privacy issue, and it also adds to an amazing ambiance and aura to your extra bedroom. You wouldn't want any harassment coming to your guest after leaving them exposed to your neighborhood.

Another important factor to consider is to not keep too much privacy. Your guests should know how to work your security systems in case of an emergency and any other guidelines that will help them navigate around the house better with minimal trouble.

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

How To Survive The Pandemic & Keep Your Sanity

Folks, believe it or not, but it's me again. Your favorite retired blogger's retired blogger. Yes, this site does still exist, and yes, on rare occasions I use it when I've got no place else to say what I need to say.

This yeah, obviously, has been like no other. Vacations are a thing of the past. The concept of "quality time" with your family doesn't really exist because you're literally spending all your time with them. Like everyone else (I hope) me and mine have simply adopted to the smaller world inside the confines of our residence. We only venture out for groceries and essential stuff. Recreation is a thing of the past. Zoom schooling is in, playgrounds are out. It's a harsh new reality and one highly unlikely to change anytime soon. The current abnormal will likely just become the new normal, until there's a vaccine. And even then, who the heck wants to be first to get said vaccine?

I don't mean to get all Andy Rooney on ya'll, but keeping your sanity in the midst of all this containment can be a challenge. I'd love to go to Nats game, spend a day at the Bay, or maybe a weekend at the beach. All of those things have to wait, because they mean nothing if you're dead. So, we adjust, we adapt, we pivot. But that doesn't come without a price.

~

Assuming you're a longtime reader, you'll know this blog is nearly a teenager at this point. I kicked it off in 2007, because I loved reading other people's blogs and figured "how hard can that be?" Turns out, it was hard AF, especially in the first year or so when my daily readership consisted of my then-sister-in-law and me. Over time, I caught some fortunate breaks, some people told other people and before long, AB.com was a full fledged daily community with guest posters, several thousand daily unique viewers, and a comment section that felt like the neighborhood watering hole, assuming such a thing still exists. I made friends here that I still speak with daily.

Of course, social media changed the landscape of where people went to exchange opinions, and blogs quickly fell out of favor. This one is no different. I keep the lights on here because, well, there's financial incentive to, but my daily thoughts have migrated elsewhere along with the rest of the world.

~

People keep talking about how awful 2020 has been, and there's some truth to that. A lot of beloved people have died, the economy has cratered, people are protesting (and getting killed at protests) continuously, and of course, there's the elephant in the room that's taken many lives and altered others permananently. But the overarcing menace here is the same one that's been around since 2016. And I sincerly hope that part of this horrible year ends, come November 3rd.

Be good to yourself, and those around you.

-Jay

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Summer Drinks for Entertainment

Summer is almost upon us, and that means evenings of frivolity. Whether your backyard is large enough and inviting enough to entertain a group of your friends, or you prefer an intimate affair indoors, you will be sure to delight when you make one of these summery cocktails. We give you seven ideas that are just as fresh as what they are made from and taste delicious on a warm summer's day. These drinks can be made individually or in large batches out of a pitcher. They are perfect for a steamy summer garden party.

1. A Sweet Authentic Mojito

There are so many mixers available for this Cuban favorite, but nothing can quite compare to making one from scratch, just raw ingredients to make the perfect drink. A good rum will give it the sweetness it needs. When mixed with a bit of sugar and club soda, poured over ice, and garnished with some lime wedges and sprigs of fresh mint leaves, it is sure to please everyone. This is a great drink for a summer evening because it is fresh, it is light, and the mint works perfectly to make it a summer staple.

2. Use Blackberry Syrup in a Bramble

As almost anyone with even a passing interest in bartending lore can tell you, the bramble is a British cocktail that pairs a gin sour with the refreshing, tart bite of blackberries. For a more modest and time-sensitive host or hostess, a bramble can be made by preparing a gin sour and some blackberry syrup in a tall glass over ice. Add another dash of lime juice for an ultra summery twist on a modern classic.

3. Daiquiris to Use Up All the Fresh Strawberries

While it may seem like the ultimate in girly drinks, daiquiris are just plain delicious, no matter how they appear. This drink, as a cocktail packs quite a punch of rum, but the slush, when made with fresh strawberries, is delicious on its own. Simply mix a cup of strawberries (fresh is preferred) with 1/2 cups of sugar and lemon juice in the blender. Blend it to your preferred consistency and pour it in a glass over ice with half as much lemon-lime soda and a few ounces of rum if you like. To preserve the beach day vibe of this drink, use light rum.

4. Use Seasonal Fruit in a Sangria

Wine does not really have a season. A fresh bottle can be opened and enjoyed at any time in the year. However, summer calls for the fresh, light taste of fruit to be added in the form of a sangria. Adapted from the Latin for blood,  a "sangria" is meant to be made with red wine, staining the fruit it contains as blood can stain. With the advent of summer, you want to use the summer fruits that are now plentiful. Things like strawberries, watermelons, or orange slices are welcome and delicious additions. The fresh fruit in this drink just adds to its benefits. Sangria is an excellent addition to any gathering you throw for the relaunching of a sport or anything else you think is worth celebrating.

5. Mix Up a Frozen Summer Slush Treat

Sometimes when the weather is warm, nothing will refresh us and cool our bodies like a frozen slush treat. This is a sweet, flavorful slush that is very versatile, not being tied to just one type of drink. In fact, you can change up the drink with whatever you would like to have in it, but it is recommended that you have this with clear liquors. Simply mix some cans of frozen orange juice and lemonade concentrates with a few spoonfuls of sugar and some water in a blender, add your favorite drink (gin is recommended), and serve it in a glass with a straw. This is a drink that tastes like a dessert.

When you are entertaining your friends and family during the summer, you want to be able to serve them something that is light and refreshing and captures the taste of the season. Mix up a cocktail that is perfect for a warm day and uses all the fruits around you at this time. No matter what a person's drink of choice is, you can find something that delights them.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

5 Things To Remember Regarding Love, Career, and Money

My nephews asked me for advice about life the other day. They are in the middle of their teen years and still have a little ways to go before they are adults. I’ve had my share of ups and downs. I’ve had money and I’ve been broke. I have known complete love and felt utterly painful rejection. I’ve had an interesting life. Recently I suffered a knee injury and have been stuck in a wheelchair for a few months. Friends have commented, "You always seem to be positive and come up out on top. How do you do it?" Let me share with you some advice my parents told me when I was young.

Nobody cares about you as much as you do

Everyone in life has their own concerns and essentially focuses on their own circumstances. Be realistic. This is true. Family and very close friends love you and can often be counted on to come to your aid, but they are living their own lives with their own set of ups and downs. When you are young, your parents shelter you from many problems, As you get older and begin your life on your own, you cannot always depend on someone watching over you. You are independent and the only one that can ultimately choose your paths in life.

Show genuine interest in the welfare of others

Even though you are dealing with your own goals and issues, you should show genuine interest in what happens to those along your journey. These people affect your journey in one way or another, no matter how small their part. When you care for others besides yourself, you will find help in your time of need. Call it karma, paying it forward, or the golden rule. Whether it be helping a stranger on the street, helping a lost child, providing a ride, helping a friend or family in need, or just crying with someone who is crying and providing a shoulder of comfort, your heart will be lightened. Somehow when you find yourself needing assistance someday, someone will be there for you.

This includes how you treat others in your business dealings. You should be fair in all of your business deals and try to give more than you receive. An example would be a BiggerPockets review. BiggerPockets is dedicated to helping investors at any stage of investing experience. New investors will find lots of free materials. They are trying to provide a service intending to help others. Whatever you do as a career or vocation, even if for now it is a temporary job at a restaurant, seek to give far beyond expectations.

Be consumed by love for the people in your life

We all like to have nice things, stylish clothes, and the latest gadgets or mobile phones. There is absolutely no reason not to if it is within your means. Physical items are fleeting. They come and go. Don’t let having things detract you from what is important like love, health, and career. Going into debt for that possession that can be lost, stolen, or may break isn’t necessary. The U.S. Government says we have trillions in personal debt because of our desire to have things. By controlling possessions instead of letting them possess you, you will find that you seem to always have money when you truly need it, even to the extent of helping others.

When you can love people around you more than the possessions you have, then you will find you will always have what you need. I don’t mean to sound preachy, but I’ve lived the experience. When I focused on the things that truly mattered, like the people who flowed in and out of my life, I always had more than enough.

Choose a career that you love doing

A career is your chosen profession. It should be something you enjoy. I can’t imagine dreading going into work day after day. If you choose a path with a career you enjoy, it can be a joy to work. I’ve tried many jobs in my life. The days flew by when I was employed at something I enjoyed. For me, that was starting out as a bookkeeper and eventually creating my own company. For others, it may be hairstyling, being a baker, a computer analyst, or any other activity.

Tons of resources are available to help you along the way. Thousands of articles and videos are available to help guide. Visit AverageBro.com for some interesting tips you may enjoy.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

If you live for today, you are able to enjoy the moment. I have planned for my future. Setting aside small investments along the way has enabled me to be prepared for unexpected problems or to afford that special trip. Remembering the experiences of yesterday has helped me avoid pitfalls and make better choices.

How to Find the Best Doctor for Yourself

Life is highly unpredictable. There are scads of possibilities of you harming your health or an accident taking place. The ancient philosophy of Stoicism claims that humans are prone to believe a small possibility based on their preference. For example, consider you roll a dice and you bet all your money on the result coming out to be six. In your mind, you start believing that the only possibility is the result coming out to be a six. However, if any other of the five possibilities comes out as a result, you will be devastated.

It may sound unintelligent to bet all your money on a single result, but this is what many of us do on a nearly daily basis. We have the best healthcare services that humanity ever had and they are continuously improving. Under these circumstances, it is of great importance for you to make sure that you get an excellent doctor for yourself. However, if you have no idea about how to find the right doctor, you are in the right place. In this article, we will tell you how you can get a good doctor for any unforeseen snafu.

What to look for in a doctor

The following are some factors you need to consider when trying to find a doctor:

• You must pay heed to the reviews of the potential candidates of suitable doctors. You can easily find reviews of doctors online. The reviews will help you get an idea of how the services and attitude of your potential doctor are beforehand. You want a doctor who is the best when using a scalpel and has a clean and sanitary office.

• One of the most important factors you need to look for in a doctor is the costs. Naturally, not all doctors charge the same fees. Under this scenario, you need to find one that you can afford. However, the element of costs is not the only factor that you need to consider. A miser approach will get you nowhere. You need moderation in this regard to get the best results.

• Another factor of monumental importance for you to consider is the availability of the doctor. The availability depends on the timings as well as the geographical distance from you. Ideally, your doctor must be easily accessible. It means that you must be able to get a hold of your doctor at short notices. Hence, it is recommended to get a doctor that is near you and is available within your time schedule.

• Another similar factor you need to pay attention to is word of mouth. If someone you know talks highly of a doctor you might be interested in, it may be a feasible option for you. There is considerable experience talking. By paying heed to it, you can make better decisions.

• Last but not the least, you must also consider the past record of your potential doctor. There are many doctors who are not up to par. You can easily spot such doctors by digging deeper into their past records. You can find these records online as well as directly from their past patients.

Now that you know about the different factors of consideration when it comes to the selection of a doctor, you can make better decisions in this regard. It is essential for you to realize that you need to get a doctor even if you are healthy. By doing so, you can reap a wide array of benefits. For example, you can significantly lower your healthcare costs. Also, you can detect any major health issues before they grow, and you can improve the overall level of your health.

These are only some of the many benefits of getting a doctor despite your good health. If you have a prevalent health condition, it is all the more important for you to get a good doctor. By following the guidelines explained in this article, you can make better choices in this regard. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a suitable doctor today and take the first step towards living a truly healthy life!

Thursday, May 7, 2020

7 Things a Man Can Do to Improve His Financial Life

Having a financially secure future for you and your family is always a dream that most people have. However, what most people lack is the know-how of where to begin and how to maintain their financial growth once obtained.

To help you with that, we’ve listed seven things a man can do to improve his financial life and the life of his family.

Create Financial Targets

Creating a financial target is a great way to boost your overall financial gain. Make sure that they are clearly set for amounts that are obtainable. You can easily use an earnings calendar to set a date for when you expect to be at your target.

Being able to set financial targets can be for short-term or long-term. It will depend heavily on the amount you will be able to set realistically.

Having realistic targets will allow a change to occur within your unconscious that will help you to reach your target. This change is how you are able to reach your target, as long as you are truly set on reaching it.

Include Milestones

Having milestones allow your financial path to be a smooth one. For the targets that you set, the milestones fill in the gaps in case of any unforeseen financial changes. Milestones will also keep you financially sound by being able to reach your target.

A milestone not only works for your long-term targets, but they also let you maintain smaller targets and track them.
Monitor Your Expenses

Knowing how to monitor your expenses is a great habit to get into, especially while building financial growth.
Having good financial habits like monitoring your expenses will let you maintain your spending as you monitor what amount is going where on a daily basis.

If you fail to monitor your expenses, then you will likely overspend. As you monitor it all, it will be harder to miss it. If monitoring finances seems too hard for you to accomplish, just know that your financial status will transform positively if you begin.

Review Bills Once Received

Reviewing your bills once you receive them will make a nice improvement to your finances because you’ll see exactly how much is going where. Make sure that your understanding of them is clear, and never think that they are unimportant. As soon as you start to forget to review your bills, you will begin to spend based on impulse and not need.

Set Aside a Financial Review


Before you start your day, take a minute to take a look at your financial accounts and review all of the prior transactions. This review will help you improve your financial planning strategy. The goal of this review is to ensure that you know that your money is being taken out and the reasons for it. Plus, it’s not a bad idea to double-check yourself even if you already monitor your expenses.

Make Debt Repayment a Priority

It is lucrative to make debt repayment a priority. The best way to start is by paying off a credit card that has high interest and paying more than the minimum. Once your high-interest cards are paid in full, move on to another, and continue the process. If you have set a target to be debt-free, then you need to make sure to have a solid repayment plan while also monitoring your habits.

A lot of times, people who obtain extra money from an inheritance immediately feel the urge to become debt-free and pay off their bills, only to see themselves accumulating more debt shortly after.

If debt-free is a lifestyle that you want to achieve, then you need to be able to track the expenses you accumulate and be able to understand where it all goes and how much.

Set Fifteen Percent of Income Aside and Invest It

Today, it might seem impossible to save an easy fifteen percent of income for investing purposes, but if you know how to modify your current lifestyle, then you’ll have no problem with making investing a reality. Over time, you’ll start to see how investing this amount can quickly grow and become strong over time.

So in the end, you must be able to make it a priority to invest if you want to stay ahead financially. If you are unable to manage this habit, then you are not pushing yourself hard enough. Being able to create a nice savings is not impossible. As your savings grows, you’ll want it to continue.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Ad Rate Sheet (Effective 2.1.2020)

Before you press the email link below, here's some helpful information to save us both time.

Rate Sheet (as of 2.1.2020)

Prices are for standard posts and ads. Exclusions may apply. Serious inquires only please. PayPal only. This is my only site, I don't have others. Do not email me about SEO optimization for my site.

Guest Post - You write it. I run it. Absolutely no adult sites or payday lending. Gambling ads are ok. - $30, non-negotiable

Sidebar Ad - Text only, 1 outgoing link. - $50

Sidebar Image Ads - Vary by size and nature - $60 is lowest rate.

If interested and ready to buy, email me now.

Monday, September 9, 2019

How Much Fun Can You Have Outside?

What can you do outside? There is a multitude of things that can be done outdoors. You can go for a hike in the woods, go mountain biking, go fishing, and take a camping trip. There are even some benefits to being outside. Not to mention that you’ll find something that interests you while you’re outside taking in some beautiful scenery. So find your inner desire to be outside and feel the wind blow through your hair.

Going for a hike in the woods can be a fun way to spend your day. You can take mile-long paths and look at the beautiful scenery away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets. You can take the time to enjoy the fresh air. Why not climb up a mountain and see the view from the top. You’ll find that when you hike, the scenery can take your breath away with its beauty.
Mountain biking can be fun for the whole family. You can take your fun family to Aventuron to get a new mountain bike. Take the family to the lake and grab the bikes from the back. Then go for a family bike ride down the mountain paths feeling the wind flowing through your hair. You can mountain bike solo too. Go for a bike ride and clear your head while taking in the amazing scenery. Now that’s what you call a fun day.

You may just find a new hobby while you’re outside. Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity to do when you’re in the wilderness. You can fish from a boat, standing in the water, or comfortably sitting in a chair by the stream. Either one of those options is a fun way to spend your day. The thrill of fishing is catching the fish. While fishing, you might meet other people and talk about fishing. Soon you’ll be outside fishing every weekend off. It’s a fun hobby that you can bring the whole family in on.

You can take your family away from the stress of city living and take them on a camping trip. Toasted marshmallows, swimming, fishing, hiking, tanning, spending time with your family, and don’t forget the fires you can make. Do you love sweets? You can try your hand at making some s'mores on an open fire you made yourself, or let the kids go swimming and hiking while you prepare the meals. Going camping is an exhilarating feeling that bonds you with your family.

You can even benefit from being outside in the fresh air. Going for a walk really clears your head. You think about nothing but the scenery around you and your problems seem to just melt away. Do you ever wonder why the words, "I’m going for a walk" became so popular? Well, it’s because many people like to walk into the woods or even stop and stare into the night sky. It’s scientifically proven to relieve stress and help you relax.

Going for a walk also gives you long term benefits as well. You can walk regularly to build up your endurance which is cardio. Even running outside can be fun. The fresh air is great for your lungs and beats running on a treadmill staring at your wall for a half hour or more. As everyone knows, walking or running outside can help you lose weight. It’s a fun enjoyable way to spend your time outdoors.

Has your desire been fueled to go outside and talk a walk? The benefits outweigh the time you’ll spend walking. Did you find a hobby yet? If not, fishing is a great way to spend your day. You can even get a tan while you’re waiting for your fish to take the bait. Maybe you enjoy hiking like many people do. It’s a great way to spend time away from people, and the destination far outweighs the journey itself. So, are you going to take a hike down a beautiful scenic mountain? It’s far better than staring at a television screen. Interested in riding a bike? You can go on an adventure and see the beautiful view while you ride down a mountain with the wind blowing in your hair. Want to take your family on a fun trip? Try your hand at making a fire while you take the family camping. You can have all the s'mores you want. Still not convinced, huh? Well, why don’t you go out there and try the outdoors for yourself before you go shooting the idea down? It can’t hurt to try it once.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

How Much Do You Need to Walk to Lose Weight?

One of the most comfortable and convenient forms of working out is walking. Walking could help you lose half a kilogram in seven days or more, depending on how often you do it. The practice of walking alone can help you lose up to 10kg in five months; this is without even changing your diet or going to the gym.However, for effective results, you will likely need to alter your diet and supplement your training. You can sculpt your muscles and boost your health while dropping the extra weight.

How much you have to walk to help shed the weight also depends on the duration and intensity of the walk.

To begin with, you can try combining a thirty-minute walk with a healthy meal every day. To feel the full burn of the workout, boost up your speed, and attempt steeper inclines.

Walking for Weight Loss

If your walking contributes to a calorie deficit, then it will help you lose weight. By being active and lowering the number of calories you consume, you will make your body use up the fat stored to keep itself functioning.

Walking Calorie Burn Rates

As said previously, how fast you lose weight depends on your speed, terrain, and distance.

If you are new to this kind of training, begin with ten to fifteen minutes daily. Make sure to increase your speed and time at your own pace. The good thing about walking is that it gives you the option of doing it outdoors or indoors.

Strategies for Weight Loss

If you do not want your training to be all for nothing, you should consider monitoring your diet too. Eat healthily and avoid junk food,and also watch your sugar intake.

You can also acquire supplements from SteroidsFax to help give you a boost in your walking routine. You can try to include two or three muscle-strengthening exercises per week. This will help sharpen your ability to perform daily tasks. It also helps slow the loss of muscle that occurs during weight loss and also aging.

You need to be aware that when you lose muscle, it becomes harder to lose weight, because your metabolism slows down. That is why including strength training is essential, and strength training is also beneficial to your posture.

Why Walking Works

Firstly, take note that any physical exercise that burns calories helps in losing weight. Walking is more valuable, though,as it's easy and accessible.
Regular workouts can also help get your blood pressure in check along with your cholesterol levels.

Walking has a lower injury risk than jogging. Being classified as a weight-bearing exercise, it helps in the improvement of bone strength.

How to Keep It Interesting

You can make your walking experience a bit more fun by inviting a friend or two for the walk, and while at it, you can spice up your routine to make it more involving.

Do not let the weather stop you. You can purchase a treadmill and do the exercise in your home too.

Walking in the same location can be dull, and I'd advise you to switch things up and keep it interesting.


Wednesday, May 29, 2019

What is statement of claims and why should you care?

People looking for a job within a government should know what statement of claim is. This document is the basis for your application and without it, you don’t stand any chance of landing a job.

Statement of claims is used to answer key selection criteria. It is a set of answers meant to help recruiters understand what you did during your previous job. It is based on STAR model or Situation, Task, Action and Result.

But let’s not rush; let’s explain each one of these separately.

What are the basics of application?

When applying for a job within Australian Public Service, you always have to start with the job ad. Each job has a certain number of requirements based on the position you’re applying for. More complex jobs will have more requirements and vice versa. Applicant has to show merit and capability of performing well on a certain position.

These requirements are otherwise known as key selection criteria. They include things such as:

• Working within industry for a certain number of years
• Working on a certain position for a certain number of years
• Ability to work in a specific program or with certain tools
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Ability to work under pressure etc.

Perfect candidate will meet majority of these requirements. Of course, Australian government closely monitors the process making sure they choose the best professional for a particular position.

How do you use statement of claims?

As the name implies, statement of claims is a type of statement meant to corroborate your story. It is used to show your experience, professionalism and everything else. It has certain similarities to a cover letter as it allows you to create the first contact with a governing body. However, unlike a cover letter, statement of claims is much more actionable.

This document is used to answer the key selection criterion showing that you’re able to perform the job. So, how can you confirm this? By giving practical examples of how you behaved in various business situations.

With statement of claims, you are meant to answer all the questions and requirements that a body has. When you type the documents, you need to rely on STAR model. Keep in mind that selection criterion is an official document and you shouldn’t be lying on it. Everything you say is subject to scrutiny and legal action.

What is STAR model?

As previously mentioned, STAR model is used to better describe specific business situations.

It relies on 4 pillars:

• Situation – Explains what kind of a situation you’ve encountered
• Task – What was your task? How were you meant to counter the situation and achieve results?
• Action – What was your decision? Did you use a standard method for resolving a situation or did you use own approach?
• Results – Lastly, candidate explains what kind of results he or she managed to get

STAR model is ideal for practical, day-to-day situations. As most professions are not so simple, we encounter all sorts of unusual situations. While most people are used to dealing with the standard stuff, it is very interesting to see how people react to something out of the ordinary.

STAR model shows recruiters if you’re able to think outside of the box. Some business situations may be quite extreme and may require high level of resourcefulness and proficiency. Candidates that score well via STAR model are more likely to land a job. Furthermore, this model is a good way to prove your point; a good way to show that the job belongs to you!

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Evolving from the Industrial Revolution—5 Present Day Machine Tools

Today, all over the world, people are constructing all kinds of useful things that can be used in our homes, businesses and various other sectors of society. While these machines have changed over time, they can be traced back in history to the industrial revolution. Thankfully, these machines can be used for so many different reasons and purposes, all of which have been designed to make tasks and project easier and less time-consuming. Keeping these things in mind, here 5 machine tools that are still used in homes as well as factories in places across the globe.

1. Sewing Machine

In 1832, Walter Hunt was noted as the inventor of the sewing machine. This invention revolution and transformed how things are being made today. With the use of a needle being pushed through cloth, a seamstress can make virtually any design that they want. While this machine is a coveted a welcome item in homes and in manufacturing places, the earliest thoughts and receptions were not as embraced in the earliest years. This newer innovative technology was responsible for putting large numbers of people on the employment line. This is one of the primary reasons why its inventor delayed its patent due to these and related factors. Sewing machines are used in many different settings and environments to make clothing, table mats, purses, and a host of other items that need this kind of machine to speed up the sewing and mending process.

2. Telegraph Communications Became One of the Pillars of the Industrial Revolution

Though the telegraph was a monument machine that allowed for instant communications, its initial form has been changed through the years in many innovative and creative ways. Now, the communications that people receive are not only instantaneous but amazing in how quickly conversations can be sent from the originator to receiver back and forth. Through the use of telegraph type technology, long-distance communications are presently in the hands of the private system and not only governmental or large companies and corporations.

The telegraph communications technology makes it easy for people to communicate messages, ideas, and products online without having to wait for months and years to send out publications. For instance, when a site needs help with controlling their event distribution channel, they can obtain the aid that they need with real-time communication methods.

3. Lathe

In addition to the industrial revolution changing the way that the world communicates, there were other inventions, like the lathe, that caused major and permanent changes in the way we make things. For instance, the lathe can be described as a machine that is presently designed to rotate a workpiece about a rotation of an axis. A lathe is critical for a wide range of operations, including sanding, drilling, cutting, turning, facing, knurling and other activities. If you are looking for a lathe, check out www.overbeckmachine.com. Here you can find lathe machines and lathe tools. They offer the revolutionary Twister speed lathes and hardware parts.

Having said this, here is a brief list of things that can be made with the use of a lathe and its operations:
musical instruments (particularly the woodwind type instruments)
cue sticks
bowls
baseball bats
table legs
screws
gun barrels
crankshafts and a lot more
4. Typewriter

Again, inventors in the industrial revolution were responsible for developing the machines that could be used for all kinds of different reasons and purposes. This is where the original typewriters come in. Typewriters made it easy to produce text so that communications can also be relayed quickly and effectively. The typewriter technology is now used in producing data in a wide range of ways, including on computers, laptops, and mobile devices.

5. Milling machine

The milling machine can be described as a very powerful driven machine that is currently being utilized for a wide variety of complex tasks. For example, manufacturers have milling machines onsite to produce items by making use of its overall basic design. This machine can be used as a rotating cutter and endmill, to creating a part with the use of its routing, rebating and planing functions. The milling machines are also found in manufacturing facilities and factories all over the U.S. and abroad.

It is also important to note that a milling machine is not only used for large organizations but by midsized operations that design parts for vehicles and other essential items that people use to do various kinds of activities.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Why we need to take control of our event distribution channels

frocentric (yes with a small f) is a new online ticketing platform aims to connect black and African people within diaspora to events that are 'Afrocentric' in nature.

In the last 5 years, there has been a growing call from Africans in the diaspora for the need for self-determination. Particularly, in the USA and Britain, this call for change has been growing louder and has even lead to riots in both countries.

Ongoing human rights and extrajudicial killings by the police has spawned popular activist groups like ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Million Hoodies Movement for justice’ among others. All of the activist group created during this upheaval share a common theme which is to highlight abuses perpetrated by law enforcement and to end both overt and institutional racism.

The call for change also has a strong focus on economic empowerment within the black community. However, this cry is not new and was, in fact, one of the pillars of the Marcus Garvey movement. He asked Black and African people worldwide to forge a new future by taking back their spending power.

Since then, other leaders have raised the importance of supporting black businesses as it makes sense to do so. The longer money stays or is spent within a community the stronger that community will become. Great thinkers and influencers such as Louis Farrakhan, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Bobby Seale and Mohamed Ali etc, despite their differences, all understood the importance of economic empowerment.

To address this need for change, enter frocentric. frocentric is a new event platform that connects black and African people within diaspora to events that are 'Afrocentric' in nature. The is the slogan 'Find Events that Matter'.

The concept of frocentric is more than just an event marketplace, but a platform geared towards promoting events that further the black renaissance through activism, business, music, culture, and arts.

Similar to the uprisings mentioned above, frocentric was born from the ashes of uncertainty and exclusion. The aim is to take back and re-focus our creative energy towards a system that will create a larger ripple effect and affect change in a way that was not possible before.

Throughout time and space, it can be observed and proven that all things that are similar become stronger when they are together. Bonds becomes tighter, messages are louder and changes occur faster.

For example, larger event platforms cannot or would not effectively police racist listings and as a company, they have routinely made money by featuring groups such as, the ALT right which has a strong anti-black agenda. As a community, we cannot grow while investing in the same system that is built to tear us down. For change to occur quickly, we must all be aligned towards a common vision and we must also seek out platforms that allow our voices to be heard undivided. This is true whether the message is business, music, art social or networking.

For the black community, there is now an alternate vehicle to deliver our message and allow us to fully control our narrative. frocentric aim to empower the event organizers and their customers who all want something different. A platform that is also socially aware and through which they can also give back to the community.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Tips to Make Your Car Ride More Comfortable

As reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, American motorists spend around an hour driving their car every day. This is just under the limit of how much time we spend consuming food each day. Needless to say, this goes on to show just how important a car is to the average American.

It also points to the need of making your car as comfortable and easy to handle as possible. After all, who wouldn’t want the very car they spend a sufficient amount of time in to provide them with a sense of serenity?
Here are a few tips that would help you make your car a comfy and functional sanctuary during your travels on busy roads.

Start With Window Tinting

Ever sat in a car that feels like a toaster oven? Want to avoid that sensation? Try investing in tinted windows.

These windows do not only protect you from the heat, but they also help in protecting the car’s interiors. Harmful rays from the sun can cause upholstery to fade or other fixtures to heat up, but tinted windows act as a shield and keep those effects at bay.

In addition to that, they also bring some much-needed aesthetics to the table, so you can show off your off with pride wherever you go.

Look Into Paint Protection Film

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is an increasingly popular way to safeguard your car against minor scratches and spots. This transparent coating that goes over your car helps in protecting its exterior while also not affecting its looks. Having the PPF coating over your car means that your car’s actual body doesn’t get any direct contact with outside elements or exposure to the weather. The result? You get a car that remains good as new even with years of usage. Getting partial PPF or having it done over the whole car is a choice that you can make on your own, but discussing it with your mechanic or auto body expert would help. If you live in New York, Long Island PPF Installation is available for your vehicle at Top Edge Window Tinting. Contact them to answer all of the questions you have about PPF or Clear Bra.

Invest In Some Upholstery

High-quality car upholstery can make the difference between you being as comfortable as you are at home and feeling frustrated during your commute in a drab setting.

While most modern cars come with a variety of upholstery choices, even they might need some upgrades in that department. Whether you like high-quality cloth or leather seats, investing in this aspect of your car’s design can bring the much-needed color and luxury to your automobile without a superfluous expense.

Look Into Heated Seating

Apart from upholstery, another thing that can make your automobile experience more comfortable is heated seating.

Heated seating can be trickier to install than upholstery, but it is still widely available by experienced providers. The prices may vary depending upon the area you live in, but the overall expense is quite bearable especially when you compare it with the benefits.

Having this feature in your car is essential since it can help you feel more comfortable during colder weather. This also saves you from cranking up the heat every now and then.

Get Special Seating for Your Pets

If you have a dog, then you know their love for car rides is quite obvious. Unless it’s a trip to the vet, seeing them jump around at the mere mention of a car ride would be an everyday thing.

To provide your little bundle of joy with some comfort while also saving your car from their fur and nails, look into specially made pet seats (this also applies to your finicky cats).

Getting Your Car’s Interior Right Can Help You Feel Calmer

A car’s interior plays a big role in having the driver connect to the vehicle emotionally. Whereas, making sure the car remains sturdy gives you the peace of mind that you won’t have to go through repeated trips to the garage.

All of this translates into a more comfortable driving experience. After all, you would feel more comfortable driving a car that feels like it is yours than one which feels like it could be anyone’s ride, right?

That is why taking some time to make small changes to your car could go a long way. Look through the options that make you the most comfortable and make the required changes according to your budget. As such, you can make certain that you are keeping your car in the best condition possible, allowing you to have overall peace of mind.


Monday, February 18, 2019

5 Mistakes in Choosing a Research Paper Writing Service

It’s no secret or novelty that students use the help of special writing services. Such online platforms provide various academic services and conditions. They can satisfy merely every need of an ordinary client. This positively reflects on the progress of students. However, you ought to be cautious. You may likely make certain mistakes that will make you regret that you’ve turned to a writing service.

In order to avoid problems, you should understand the potential problems. There are 5 typical mistakes made by inexperienced users when they choose an academic research paper writing service for getting professional custom written papers. What are they?

Make allowances for the next mistakes:
  1. No preliminary research.
  2. Paying the whole sum beforehand.
  3. Not asking for proofs.
  4. Not discussing possible refunding.
  5. Not checking all the conditions.
These are the typical mistakes made by thousands of students from different corners of the world. You should memorize them and never repeat. We’ll cast some light on each case.

Mistake #1

Many users tend to choose the very first writing platform they meet on the web. It’s understood that most searching engines provide the most reliable and effective services on the first two pages of search results. Nonetheless, there are no 100% guarantees that you will get what you need.

It’s necessary to make preliminary research. It provides you with more information concerning the main abilities, qualities, and conditions of a concrete platform. Thus, you can define the next essentials:
  • Level of quality. You should learn how good the team of writers is. It is expected to meet the highest standards.
  • The speed of execution. Find out how quick the writers are. You ought to be totally sure that you won’t be late if you place an order on the website.
  • The uniqueness of the papers. Learn the rating of unique papers. Professional agencies compose texts that are commonly not less than 98% unique.
  • Customers’ support. You ought to be sure that if something is unclear, competent technicians will clarify every issue. It’s also important to have an access 24 hours round the clock.
  • Protection of private data. The matter of confidentially is utterly important in such cases. You should be sure that your writing agency will never spread your personal data on the Internet.
  • Writing services. It’s needed to define whether your writing platform is able to provide different services, such as writing citing, outlining, etc. Besides, its writers are supposed to manage any piece of writing.
If you don’t clarify these points in your preliminary research, you risk of being let down and the fault would all yours.

In the case, you wish to find out these facts use the Internet. Find informative websites, which give an objective and honest evaluation of the most dependable writing platforms. Learn their major advantages and drawbacks. Read customers’ testimonials to learn from the experience of real people. Perhaps you also have some friends who used a good writing agency and they can prove that you can trust it.

Mistake #2
One of the worst nightmares of every online user is to pay a big sum of money in vain. You can really waste your earnings if you place an order and pay for it beforehand. It’s needed to be 100% confident that your website won’t simply take your money and disappear as snow under the sunlight. This is a matter of trust.

No matter how great recommendations and reviews are, give it a try. Order a small order. If the quality is satisfactory you may count on trustworthy and lengthy collaboration.

Mistake #3
Don’t forget to get some proofs that this or that agency is able to satisfy all your needs. As it has been already mentioned, you can read reviews of the customers and descriptions of independent informative websites. In the meanwhile, you should take advantage of ordering free samples. If a writing platform is highly reputed and trustworthy, it is not afraid to provide you with real evidence.

This will be at least separate parts of an assignment, such as introduction, outline, a bibliography, conclusion, and something of the kind. Some resources provide full papers, which are, however, copyrighted. This is your chance to learn how good the anticipated helper is.

Mistake #4
Many users forget about one crucial condition. It is monetary compensation. You have the full right to demand your money back if your helper fails you. No one is perfect and sometimes, even approved experts make some mistakes or deliver orders when the deadline is over. Many users forget to define this condition. As the result, they cannot return their investments because a concrete writer or writing agency simply does not provide this essential condition. Do not forget about it!

Mistake #5
The final mistake is the absence of some crucial conditions. For example, a writing platform does not provide monetary compensation, is not available 24/7 or has no team of support. Another example is the lack of certain writing services.

For example, you have ordered to write an essay and you received qualified and timely assistance. Within time, you need to edit another essay. However, it turns out that this platform doesn’t provide this sort of services. This may lead to a catastrophe because you were confident that you’ll get timely help and now have to complete it on your own. However, the time is out.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Literature Review Writing: The Professional Guides to Consult

All students are obligated to complete different types of academic writings. It’s not always possible to properly compose all those tasks. The reasons are different. Some students lack time. The others have health or personal problems. Nevertheless, the most popular reason is a poorly developed learning competence. They need some help. Possibly, some guides and books may be helpful.

Here again, we should divide learning abilities. Some folks struggle with reading comprehension. The others are bad with making speeches and presentations. However, if we discuss the issue of assignments that should be written, it’s needed to mention poor writing skills.

How to solve this problem? One should practice more, attend all lessons, use the feedback from professors, visit special webinars and so on. We welcome all these measures. Nevertheless, you wish to make a stress on reading. Every student should read books. This is good for any person. However, students with badly developed writing abilities should read specific literature, which teaches how to improve writing competence. This will help to compose a literature review paper of the outstanding quality.

For example, one can find a useful guide, which focuses on such academic assignments as project and report writings, and all kinds of essays. The level of the chosen guide is supposed to match university standards. Try to find such guides, which contain a section “practice”. Most books and guides contain only theoretical recommendations. Seek those, which allow practicing theories.

Therefore, if this is your weak side read our guide provided by a professional literature review writing service which offers assistance in academic writing of any complexity. The following guide provides a brief review of different effective and recognized academic books and guides. They’ll be helpful.

A List of Great Academic Helping Literature
It would be a mistake to concentrate on a certain direction, which teaches the same writing skills and techniques. Consequently, we have prepared a selection of literature in different directions and methodologies. Let’s begin our overview:
  • Bailey. S. “Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students”. This particular piece will be useful for all students who came to study from abroad. It focuses on the main methodologies of learning English. This is an outstanding self-learning tool. It uses simple but effective explanations and examples. They can be easily understood. Accordingly, students don’t have to possess an advanced command of English.
  • Craswell, G. “Writing for Academic Success”. This book should be a great tool for all students who experience troubles with time management. It teaches effective techniques, which allow organizing an effective working schedule to beat the most urgent deadlines. It also provides great hints and prompts to compose impressive theses and helps to answer all sorts of examination questions.
  • Creme, P. and M. Lea. “Writing at University: A guide for students”. This is another helpful book, which helps to cope with tasks of university level. It concentrates on the main aspects of critical thinking. It explains what does it mean, how to practice and improve it.
    Jordan, R.R. “Academic Writing Course”. This is a relatively old, but still useful book. It focuses on details, which are commonly forgotten by students. It can be used for out-of-class study when you have some spare time. It teaches how to improve such points as spelling, the use of irregular verbs, punctuation, and so on. Reading this book, you will learn how to make smooth connections and use appropriate words.
  • Hamp-Lyons, L. and Heasley, B. “Study Writing”. This is another nice example, which contains a practical section. It deals with key points related to academic writing and offers to do exercises to practice those points.
  • Oshima, A. & Hogue, A. “Writing Academic English”. This textbook may be used by teachers. Nonetheless, students also find helpful points in it. The main focus of the book is given to the proper structure of essays and long texts both partial and as the whole writings. If you experience difficulties with your style, read this piece. Besides, it’s good for students who try to cope with research papers.
  • Lamott, A. Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life. This is an interesting guide. It teaches students the elegance. In other words, it focuses on the best ways of selection lexicon. You will learn how to select adequate language and in what situations.
  • Pinker, S. “The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing”. This book is created by an approved professor who uses the mistakes of his students as the best example. He doesn’t consider general possible mistakes. He compiles common and frequent mistakes made by the students while they write their assignments and explains how to overcome them.
Take these variants into your consideration. They are targeted at different aspects of writing. Accordingly, you will definitely find a special piece, which can show how to resolve your complications.

Some Helpful Prompts for Self-Development

We have likewise prepared a short list of useful prompts. They will help you to reach a higher level of writing mastery.

Consider the following recommendations:
  • Initiate a blog;
  • Put down all thoughts associated with your academic skills and techniques;
  • Read different texts to gain experience;
  • Practice every day;
  • Get used to making quick drafts;
  • Write different papers out of your main discipline;
  • Show your papers to experienced people and ask for critics;
  • Read different genres of literature;
  • Constantly renew your library.
Follow our guidelines. They will bring your capabilities to a new level. Read the suggested books and look for some new options to sharpen your skills.


Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Tips On How To Get the Most Out of an Auto Salvage Yard

Contrary to popular belief, salvage yards are a paradise for automobile enthusiasts. With old gems, it would be false to ignore its significance in the automobile industry. To put matters into perspective, Fortune.com states that roughly 86% of the material components of U.S. cars are recycled or reused after those cars are off the road. This places it as the most recycled product in America. It is further estimated that the industry raises an annual sale of over 32 billion dollars. However, as a consumer, how do you get the most out of a salvage yard? Well, these seven tips should guide you when salvaging for parts at a junkyard.

Consider the part’s age

Even though a junkyard is home to overly-aged vehicles, there is a significant difference regarding the age difference for the various car parts. Depending on the number of miles covered, some car parts are built to outlast others. For instance, belts can serve for up to four years and more depending on how you use your car. Consequently, in case you are at a junkyard and you are spoiled by choices, start by picking a part that will serve you for a more extended period.

Pick a part that is useful

You might be spoiled for choices, but most salvage yards have more scrap than valuable parts. Therefore, it is only prudent if you picked a piece that will be useful. It is noteworthy that if you are picking a part that has a different color than your car, then you need to consider the extra cost required to repaint it. Nevertheless, if the spare you pick is to be used in a hidden area, then repainting it is not an option.

Identify which part you need

According to Tear-A-Part, identifying which part you need is the toughest step in a salvage yard. Many car parts may look similar, but they function differently. Nonetheless, with a vehicle identification number, you can check which parts have been used to build the specific model. However, not only does VIN mention the make and model of the car, but it also states the date that the vehicle was put out on a junkyard.

Consider the yard’s warranty

It is not a secret that used parts don’t come with a warranty; however, renowned companies offer their clients a limited warranty. Henceforth, in case you pick the wrong part, you can always return it for a new one. Furthermore, the warranty also guarantees you a refund if the spare you bought doesn’t function.

Consider a part’s wear and tear

While sorting out the different parts in a car, it is convenient to separate your inventory from usable and non-usable. Consider the state of your parts and the various action needed to make them work. Does the belt work? Is there a part that is cracked and can it be fixed? These are all the scenarios that you need to look out for. Lastly, while salvaging for different parts, be on the lookout for any gems. Though you might not need them, you can always resell them on social media for a reasonable amount.

Never forget to carry the screws and nuts that come with it

One thing that most car enthusiasts are guilty of is the fact that they forget to take the bolts and screws that come along with the spares. In most instances, this makes the spare useless. It is also prudent to always carry a penetrating fluid. Since junkyards are set out in the open, most parts rust while screwed inside making it hard to unscrew them. Therefore, it is essential to carry a penetrating fluid. In case you forgot it at home, you could always use brake fluid. It works perfectly well on stuck nuts and screws.

Finding a car that fits your personality, needs, and budget
can be a real hassle. Howbeit, a salvage yard can be an ideal place to start when you need to find that particular part. If you ever find yourself in a junkyard, why don't you try the above tricks and tell us your experience?


Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Help For Male Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (“UI”) is almost considered normal, both in women and men. Even though it is associated with the aging process, young men aged 15 can be diagnosed with UI. Older men have a higher percentage of this disease who are over 50. Urinary incontinence is the sudden urgency to urinate but when person troes, only a trickle may emerge.

Before we get more in-depth with its causes, let's immediately share that there are treatments like the ones on Men's Liberty, including a device that is similar to an external catheter that directs urine away from the skin if it slips out. Wearing this comfortable, discrete, innovative device eliminates the use for pads, condom catheters, or diapers.

Now let's introduce Bill, who is like so many other older adults with UI. Bill works every day to help his child, who he is trying to raise by himself. He attends all the activities that his child is involved in, but he states that there have been times when he has missed a key achievement that his child accomplished because he had to run to the restroom, which ended in total disappointment.

Bill finally went to see a urologist to see what help was available and to find out if there is anything that he is doing wrong that could cause his UI. His doctor asked him a number of questions that are commonly associated with urinary incontinence. At the top of the list, the doctor asked if Bill was under unnecessary stress.

Granted, there is a certain amount of stress at his office, but nothing that he brings home. His urologist said that while mental stress can have an affect, physical stress, like lifting heavy things or playing strenuous sports, can also cause UI.

Urologists understand the common causes of UI, which includes the following:

*nerve damage from various illnesses and diseases
*prostate issues that cause changes, both as we age or changes from a surgery
*urinary tract birth defects
*lack of activity and weight gain are factors of UI. This means that as you gain weight, without some type of exercise, it affects the urinary tract system
*aging causes the body to change, including the bladder, urethra, and pelvic muscles, which can get weaker and enlarged
*coughing or deep laughter places stress on the bladder causing UI trickles

Male incontinence has a variety of causes, but the first exam by a urologist will usually perform is a prostate check. The prostate has proven to be the most likely cause of UI in older men. Then after taking the patient's history, a urologist will determine what type of UI he has:

a. Stress incontinence: As previously discussed, stress incontinence occurs when you are sneezing, running, walking fast, lifting heavy objects, or coughing. All of these actions place stress on the bladder and as we age, the bladder cannot hold urine very well.

b. Urge incontinence: Just like its name, urge incontinence is the result of having a sudden need to urinate. Urge incontinence can be the result of an infection, diabetes, or a neurological disorder.

c. Overflow incontinence: Unfortunately and often embarrassingly, the bladder cannot hold its urine. If there is a medical blockage, then urine dribbles down without your ability to control it. Overflow incontinence is a daily experience accompanied with the urgency to urinate.

d. Functional incontinence: If you have arthritis or a condition that will not allow you to move quickly enough to make it to the restroom, causing you urinate on the way, then you might have functional incontinence.

e. Mixed incontinence: Mixed incontinence means that a man even as young as 50 can have more than one type of UI.

Men and women will receiving treatment depending on the type of UI they have. Since UI is the blockage of the bladder, surgery usually the last treatment option a urologist will perform. Non-surgical treatment options include the following:

*Lifestyle: changes in diet and lifestyle is proving to be a positive treatment in many cases

*Medication: new medications are available to treat UI, to control its frequency, and to control spasms within the bladder muscle walls

*Biofeedback: the pelvis muscles are given biofeedback treatments to strengthen them which helps to control urinary frequency.

*Nerve stimulation: The tibial nerve communicates with the spinal cord. When the tibialis stimulated with acupuncture it sends a signal to the bladder to stop sending urgent messages to urinate.