Winter Olympic Games » Should

Should Some Of The Summer Games Be Moved To Winter Games To Add Sports?

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:08:16 +0000

Since there is a cap on the number of sports that can be in the Olympics, and the summer seems to have an abundance of events, couldn’t they move some summer sports to winter?
Moving some events would allow them to consider reinstating baseball and softball, but also adding other events, like American football, rugby, cricket, karate, reinstating tug-of-war, etc.
Many are indoor, so table tennis, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, judo, and taekwondo could be moved easily. Gymnastics could also be moved, but I think it’s a major part of the summer games, so I wouldn’t want that.
What do you think?

What Should I Do To Volunteer For The Special Olympics?

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:24:34 +0000

I want to volunteer over the summer with the Special Olympics. I would like to swim with them in competions. How can I do this? HELP!

Should You Feed Wild Birds In The Winter?

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:11:27 +0000

Winter weather will soon be here in many parts of the country, yet many of us enjoy our wild birds year-round. Should you continue feeding them in winter? What should you feed them, and how should you go about it?
The “conventional wisdom” has always been that you should feed wild birds in winter because their normal source of food ? small seeds and insects ? has dramatically diminished. But is the conventional wisdom correct? By attracting birds to our feeders, are we making them too dependent on a free source of food, and weakening their ability to find food on their own? Do we actually put birds at greater risk because of cats and flying into windows?
These are not easy questions to answer because there has been little research into the subject. However a three-year study of chickadees by the University of Wisconsin found that winter survival rates were highest among chickadee populations that were fed ? but only during the harshest winters. During more moderate winters (and lower latitudes) there were no significant differences in survival rates and spring hatching rates between chickadees that were fed and those that foraged for themselves.
What if the feeders are removed? Can chickadees “remember” how to find food on their own? In a similar study, feeders were suddenly removed after conditioning the birds to feeders for many years. The birds immediately resumed feeding on their own. Again, survival rates were the same as for chickadees that were not used to feeders. While more research needs to be done, these studies indicate that feeding chickadees ? and presumably, other wild birds ? does not result in feeder dependency.
Some argue that feeders put birds at risk because of the presumed greater risk of predation. However, birds that eat from feeders eat more in less time than if they forage in the wild, giving them more time to watch for predators. You can minimize the risk to birds at your feeder by placing feeders where they are inaccessible by cats, and by adding tape or decals to your windows so birds won’t fly into them.
That’s the research. Now, if you do want to feed wild birds this winter, here are some specific things you can do to keep your wild birds well fed.
Birdscape your yard. Both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs provide seeds and shelter. In the spring, they provide nesting places. Ornamental grasses also provide food and shelter for ground birds. Perennial flowers that have been allowed to go to seed can also provide food over the winter.
Provide a source of water. Wild birds need water, even in winter. Obviously, freezing is an issue, so a heater is a necessity. Also, birds like moving water, and water jigglers are available as well. Locate your bird bath where you can see it so you can enjoy watching the birds frolic in the water.
Selecting a Feeder. There is a huge variety of feeders on the market, but some are better than others. Steel, aluminum, plastic or glass feeders have an advantage over wood because they are easier to keep clean and will probably last longer. Look for feeders with metal components and feeding ports, as they will last longer than plastic.
The feeder should keep the food dry in wet weather. Feeders are available with domes or roofs that will help keep the food dry. If the feeder is a platform style (as opposed to a tube style) make sure there are drain holes in the bottom.
Squirrels and Raccoons are a constant problem, as they will empty a feeder, denying your wild birds their food. They will destroy a wood or plastic feeder by chewing though it, so the additional cost of a well-made feeder is money well spent. Some squirrel-proof feeders are quite effective, but proper installation is the real key to keeping moochers off your feeders.
Maintaining your feeder. The most important part of maintaining your feeder is ensuring that the food is fresh and clean. A huge feeder with a “ten pound capacity” is not necessary or even desirable because it is likely the food will spoil before it is eaten. Some very good tube feeders will hold a lot of food, but the purpose of the long tube is to prevent squirrels from hanging from the top, not for huge food capacity.
After a rain or period of damp weather, inspect your feeders and discard any food that has gotten wet. Wet food will coagulate in the feeder, blocking food from naturally dropping to the feeding ports. Also, wet food is a breeding ground for algae and mold that will discourage birds from eating and may make them sick.
Set up more than one feeder with different types of food ? perhaps sunflower seeds in one, and finch food in another.
Your feeders should be installed to minimize the chances of predation. The primary preditors are cats, so the feeder must be installed so that cats cannot climb or jump to the feeding area.
Bottom line ? don’t feel you are doing your birds harm by feeding them during the winter. Follow the above suggestions, and you can enjoy your wild birds all winter long.

Winter sports insurance: what your policy should cover

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

uying ski insurance for a holiday on the slopes is essential. Making sure that you are informed about ski insurance will help you to ensure that you are protected against every eventuality on your trip. As long as you carry out your holiday activities safely and do not put yourself in unnecessary danger where good warning has been given, your travel insurance should cover all eventualities. Everyone deserves a safe holiday, and winter sports enthusiasts are no exception. Looking online is often the simplest way to organise insurance and to research the various policies available. With so much choice around the sensible option would always be to look around. Most winter sports insurance policies will cover skiing and snowboarding, some policies may even cover other activities such as tobogganing, ice skating, snow mobiling, cross country skiing or mono skiing. Mountain rescue organisations, air ambulance or helicopter recovery should be included as standard if you are skiing on-piste and have an accident. For the more adventurous, you may wish too extend this cover to off-piste accidents. Protecting your health by making sure that your insurance provider will pay for the cost of treating you while abroad if necessary, is very important. Some insurers also offer a 24 hour advice line with a doctor which speaks English. Winter sports cover will also include damage to equipment or stolen equipment, the unfortunate case of the piste closing and avalanches or landslides. To compare the policies of three reputable insurers, visit the websites of AA Travel Insurance, Go Travel Insurance and 1Stop Travel Insurance. These companies offer comprehensive cover at an affordable price.

How Much Snow Should Be Required For A Snow Day At School?

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Education is very important for our children but, at the same time, we don’t want to risk them being injured in an accident. How many inches of snow is dangerous enough to call off school? What state are you from and what are the “snow day” policies where you live? If you don’t know the policies just give me your opinion.