George Washington

George Washington

It is impossible to reflect on the truly great leadership that has been one of the real blessings of this nation without including the name of George Washington in that list.  In fact, in almost anyone’s “top ten” list of truly great presidents, Washington would almost certainly top the list.  His stature in American history is legendary and the respect Americans have for this their first president borders on adoration of myth.

In fact, there is a lot of myth and some humor about our first president that reflects the love people have for this great leader.  From the many quips about his supposed wooden teeth to the thousands of places around the nation that proclaim “George Washington slept here”, to the mythical story of how he threw a silver dollar across the Potomac as a child or his response when he was caught cutting down a cheery tree and responded to the accusation “I cannot tell a lie”, Washington’s myth is strong in the national memory of this great leader.

Washington never set out to become the greatest president of all time or even to be in a position of leadership in the new country he helped to start.  He was the one who originated the concept of a “citizen president” and he believed so strongly in that concept that he refused to run for a third term because his time as citizen leader was over.  This tradition was sustained with little exception until it was codified into part of our constitution in the form of the 22nd amendment.

But before Washington was a great political leader, he showed his tremendous leadership skills on the field of battle.  He learned the art of warfare serving honorably in the French and Indian war and his influence and the respect he had earned during that conflict netted him the title of commander and chief of the American Army when the continental congress created that role in 1775.  Small wonder when he ascended to the presidency some years later, he carried the responsibility of commander and chief with him to the presidency where it continues to reside today even though few of our modern presidents have the military credentials of Washington.

When commanding the troops during the revolutionary war, a famous incident that has been captured beautifully by artists was his decision to cross the Delaware in New Jersey to stage a surprise attack and win the battle against the British.  It was yet another brilliant maneuver that showed his firm grasp of military strategy and only served to add to his fame and reputation as an outstanding leader of men.

After the war, Washington again was interested in retiring from public life but he was never one to turn away when his nation needed him.  And needed him it did as he presided over the Continental Congress to assure the successful drafting of the US Constitution.  Of the many great accomplishments of his life, his ability to provide leadership and inspiration to that assembly to produce this masterpiece of American political ligature would certainly be ranked as perhaps his finest hour.

George Washington was rewarded for his superior leadership skills when he was given the awesome responsibility of serving as the nations first President of the United States.  His wisdom and insight into what the nation needed at east stage of its early development made him the man of the hour for a struggling republic.  Few recognize that one of his greatest contributions to the presidency was recognizing that the nation was torn and weary of war.  So using his considerable influence and negotiating skills, Washington signed a number of important treaties that resulted in years of peace that were needed to turn the country from thoughts of war to thoughts of building a great nation.

Washington never tired of providing leadership for two terms as the first American president and it was he who decided not to serve a third term and returned once again to private life.  But his impact on the nation and the world was profound and long lasting.  It was the kind of nation shaping influence that truly earned him the title associated to him to this day of “father of the nation.”

John F. Kennedy

In the life of this great nation, a few of its presidents have emerged from the pack as truly historic and memorable even more than others.  Of course, the presidents from the generation of the founding fathers certainly fit that bill including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  And presidents that served the country in times of great crisis also are deeply honored in memory.  But in recent memory, there probably no other president that brings up emotions of respect and admiration as much as that of John F. Kennedy.

Kennedy seemed to capture the hearts of the American people in a way that was unique in presidents before or since.  Part of it may have been the era in history that the country was in when he became the President of the United States.  The historic time between 1950 and 1970 was a time when the largest generation of youth, now known as the “baby boomers”, was coming of age.  With them a new youth movement brought a sense of optimism, a “can do” attitude and to some extent a sense of revolution.  They were looking for new ways of seeing things, a new vision of the future and new leadership and John F. Kennedy was the perfect man of the hour to provide that leadership.

So much about Kennedy’s presidency has an aura of romance and almost a fairy tale excitement of it.  From the naming of his family estates “Camelot” to the love affair that the public had with the strikingly beautiful presidential couple, Jack and Jacqueline Kennedy.  That touch of magic extended to everything he did and virtually everybody in his family including his younger brother Robert who was idolized as well and almost certainly would have served as president had he not been tragically assassinated during his early bid for that office.

But this was not to say that Kennedy was not a phenomenal leader.  He faced serious challenges.  The Cuban Missile Crisis may have been one of the most frightening show downs between a nuclear Russia and a nuclear America that has ever happened in history.  When it became clear that Russia was beginning to build bases in Cuba and arm them with those terrible weapons, this was no time for a weak president.  Had Russia been able to bully Kennedy or intimidate the young president and put those missiles in Cuba, it seems certain that the outcome of the cold war would have been one of failure rather than success.  But Kennedy was not bullied or intimidated and using the power of his office, Kennedy stood his ground and stood ground for all Americans and forced the Russians to remove those missiles.  

But this was not the only great accomplishment of Kennedy’s administration.  It took a leader who had great vision and ability to inspire a nation as nobody else than John F. Kennedy could to set the sights of the nation on landing on the moon.  But Kennedy put that desire and that high calling in the hearts of his people and the nation rallied to finally see that man step out on the moon and declare, “This is one step for man, a giant leap for mankind.”  That was one of the proudest days in American history and it was Kennedy who inspired us to that kind of greatness.

As much as the life and leadership of John F. Kennedy perfectly exemplified the optimism and youthful zeal of a generation, his tragic assignation changed the country forever as well.  On that sad day of November 22, 1963 when Lee Harvey Oswald gunned down America’s beloved president, the hearts of Americans changed forever.

This was one of those days that almost everybody who was alive at the time, from school children to grandfathers remembered where they were when they heard the news.  Since we laid to rest this great leader, the presidency itself has never been the same.  While Americans will always respect their presidents, that sense of adoration for the man in the White House disappeared forever.  But the thing that did not disappear was the ongoing adoration of the man, John F. Kennedy, who inspired a generation and a nation to look forward to greatness and in the famous words of his inaugural address in 1961…

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny

America is a vast country covering thousands of square miles of land that traverses tremendously diverse climate and landscape.  From high and majestic mountains, to wide deserts to vast fruitful plains that seem to go on forever, the sheer size of the physical landscape of America is breath taking.

Obviously, this was not always the case.  When those earliest settlers landed on the east coast and carved out their stark settlements, they had no idea of huge expanse of land that lay to the west.  It took the bold explorations of surveyors such and Lewis and Clark to report back how stunningly huge the amount of physical space that was available for America to inhabit.

At first, the very idea of becoming a nation was seemingly impossible for the early settlers to grasp.  They came here to escape persecution, tyranny or to make a new home for their families.  If they could have looked a few hundred years down the line into the future and seen the powerhouse of a nation that would grow up from their work in those early years, they would have been stunned that this country grew to be such a world force.  So the earliest challenges of settlers and early leaders of the citizens of the young America was to grasp the scope of what they were about to set about to achieve.

But grasp that scope they did.  It seemed that the physical majesty of what was to become the nation of America inspired a concept that was just as grand as the land itself and that was the concept of Manifest Destiny.  Manifest destiny was the force that drove those settlers and explorers to drive their wagon trains across sometimes impossible terrain through difficult weather conditions and facing many dangers from animals and Native Americans alike to build a nation that spanned form the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans.

This was the dream of the early settlers of this country.  They did not just see a new nation but one of importance, of an almost holy calling to become a virtual utopia of democracy and opportunity.  And part of that utopian vision was the idea of a nation that spanned ocean to ocean and from Mexico to the Canadian border as well.

When you think about it, its phenomenal that a people who did not have space photographs of a landscape or high speed travel such as is common today to get a vision of a unified nation of such vast size and scope.  But it was more than just physical size that spoke to the hearts and souls of those early Americans.  Manifest Destiny spoke to a vision of greatness for America that was birthed in the hearts of even these early citizens.

The size of the country was to be a reflection of the majesty of the human spirit and the magnificence of the American experiment to build a nation built on freedom, the will of the people and on democracy and opportunity.  Today such concepts seem ordinary and for that we can thank the early founders of this country for catching that dream together and making it a reality.

Many have criticized Manifest Destiny as greed or empire building.  And to be sure, mistakes were made and many people died or had their individual destinies hurt in the wholesale rush to the west that America experienced in its early decades.  But what is not diminished is that sense of calling and that sense that America was put here for something great.  That calling lives still in the hearts of all true Americans as we find out how we too can help our country fulfill its Manifest Destiny to be a voice for freedom and liberty in the world.  Let’s hope Americans never loose their sense of calling and destiny.  Because if that dies away, something holy and magnificent will die with it.

Remember the Alamo

America remembers many great battles that represent a turning point in a conflict that helped shaped our history.  We think of D-Day in World War II that turned the tide of victory toward the allies despite horrific losses.  But it is a unique battle that is remembered with pride and patriotism but is also a battle that was lost and almost everybody on our side brutally killed.  But that was the case in the battle for the Alamo in 1863.

The battle for the Alamo was not a conventional battle in the sense of two equally matched armies fighting back and forth to retain property.  It was, to put it bluntly, a slaughter.  But the brave stand of those few hundred Texans against thousands of Mexican soldiers continues to inspire us today because it was a stand against impossible odds but it was a stand that reflected the American ethic of never giving up or surrendering when there is a principle to be defended.

The siege at the Alamo actually lasted thirteen days.  It began on February 23, 1863 and it was over by March 6th.  It is hard to imagine today, with Mexico to our south a trusted ally of the United States but this was a battle to stop that attempts by Mexico to invade the newly forming country of the United States which was an act of war to be sure.  The brave men who stood against that vast army have become American icons of bravery and the American spirit and the names listed among those killed in that fort included Davy Crocket, Jim Bowie, the commander of the unit Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis.  It was Travis that inspired his men to fight against insurmountable odds and his courage is what we celebrate whenever we say that famous rallying cry that come out of this battle which was “Remember the Alamo.”  Travis wrote in a letter how he defied the Mexican attackers on the eve of the final siege.

I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna.  I have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man.  The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken.  I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls.  I shall never surrender or retreat.  I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country.  Victory or Death.

It was this brave stand that actually turned the war against this invading army to the advantage of the Americans.  The outrage from the slaughter of these men inspired that famous rallying cry that we remember even now centuries later when we hear those words “Remember the Alamo”.  Their stand against Santa Anna gave Sam Houston the time to organize a much more potent army which went on to deliver to Santa Anna a stunning defeat at San Jacinto which was the turning point for Texas which went on from there to victory in this war.

The spirit of Texas was never the same and to this day, Texas prides itself as a people of particular courage, boldness and a unique independence that even sets them apart from the already fiercely independent American spirit.  Moreover, the entire nation looks to this battle as an example of how a few good men helped deliver a victory, even if it was at the cost of their own lives.  That indeed is the true spirit of patriotism.

Asteroids

Asteroids

There is a lot of exciting stuff going on in the stars above us that make astronomy so much fun.  The truth is the universe is a constantly changing, moving, some would say “living” thing because you just never know what you are going to see on any given night of stargazing.

But of the many celestial phenomenons, there is probably none as exciting as that time you see your first asteroid on the move in the heavens.  To call asteroids the “rock stars” of astronomy is simultaneously a bad joke but an accurate depiction of how astronomy fans view them.  Unlike suns, planets and moons, asteroids are on the move, ever changing and, if they appear in the night sky, exciting and dynamic.

Like rock stars, asteroids have been given their fair share of urban myth and lore.  Many have attributed the extinction of the dinosaurs to the impact of a huge asteroid on the earth.  This theory has some credibility and, if it is true, it evokes some pretty startling images and foreboding fears in the current reining species on earth, the human race.

The fact that asteroids are fast moving space debris only makes their movement and activity more interesting and exciting.  Unlike a moon, planet or star, the odds that an asteroid could hit the earth are entirely reasonable and in fact, there are many documented cases of small asteroids making it through our atmosphere and leaving some pretty impressive craters in the earth’s surface.

Popular culture has happily embraced the idea of an asteroid impact.  The idea has spawned many a science fiction story adding the idea that alien life forms may ride asteroids to our world and start a “war of the worlds” situation.  But by far, the most talked about concept that has captured the imagination and the fears of science fiction fans and the general public is of another asteroid hitting the earth that could wipe out life as allegedly happened to the dinosaurs.  In fact, the movie “Armageddon” was based on this idea and the concept that somehow mankind could avert that catastrophe with technology.

But probably the best way to calm our fears and replace science fiction with science is with understanding and knowledge.  The truth is, there has been a lot of study of asteroid activity and the serious scientific community has gained significant knowledge of these amazing celestial bodies.  A number of probes to asteroids have been conducted which have given us a wealth of information about their composition and how we might predict their behavior.

We now know that the majority of asteroids we get to witness come from an asteroid belt that exists between Mars and Jupiter.  It is from this community of asteroids that many of the notable asteroids emerged.  Scientists have gained significant knowledge about the composition of asteroids and separated them into classes including class S which comes of the part of the belt that is closest to Mars, classes C, D and V which are classified by composition and a class called “Centaurs” whose flight patterns take them closer to Jupiter and Uranus.

Some of the probes NASA has conducted on near flying asteroids have performed some pretty amazing studies of these eccentric celestial bodies.  In 1994 the Galileo probe got within 1000 miles of the asteroid Ida and discovered that Ida actually had its own moon.

Other probes have fired impactors into asteroids and even landed on an asteroid to produce some amazing scientific data for us.  There is much to learn about asteroids in our love of astronomy and that knowledge only makes our enjoyment of seeing them in the cosmos even more exciting.

Astronomy Binoculars – A Great Alternative 

It seems from the moment you begin to take your love of astronomy seriously, the thing that is on your mind is what kind of telescope will you get.  And there is no question, investing in a good telescope can really enhance your enjoyment of your new passion in astronomy.  But don’t be too hasty to keep up with the big wigs in the astronomy clubs that have advanced telescopes.  There is another alternative that can give you most of the advantages of a telescope and some extra flexibility and reduced cost to boot. 

That alternative is a good pair of astronomy binoculars.  Mostly we think of binoculars as the thing you use to see the football game when you have to sit in the cheap seats.  But if you do some homework and had a good grasp on what your stargazing objectives are, the advantages of astronomy binoculars over an entry level telescope can be pretty convincing.

* As a rule, they are cheaper.  So you can get a lot of good stargazing at much less of an investment.  You can always spend more money later but for now, this may be just the solution for you.

* There are not so many accessories.  To own and operate a telescope takes a lot of orientation to how to set up and use the device.  Beyond that, tuning it for optimum view and diagnosing it when you have problems can sometimes make the telescope more of the passion than stargazing itself.

* It is much easier to use.  If you have not bought a telescope yet, you may have seen telescope owners going through a laborious set up and break down discipline for each use.  This is time they are not looking at the stars.  The binocular users are happily stargazing as this goes on.

* Binoculars are lightweight and portable.  Unless you have the luxury to set up and operate an observatory from your deck, you are probably going to travel to perform your viewings.  Binoculars go with you much easier and they are more lightweight to carry to the country and use while you are there than a cumbersome telescope set up kit.

So give the binocular option some consideration.  To make the most effective choice, however, here are a few facts about astronomy binoculars that will help you evaluate which ones are best for you…

Binoculars have two lens sets, one at the end of the eyepiece and a set right next to your eyes.  The ones closest to the eye are called the ocular lenses which magnify the image (make it bigger).  The ones closest to the sky are called the objective lenses and the size of these lenses will determine how much sky you can see at once.  So anytime you are evaluating binoculars, there are two numbers associated with the set.  So if the binoculars have a rating of 15-40, that means that the ocular lenses magnify 15 times and the later number is a relative number to how much of the sky you can see.  The higher the second number, the more you can see.  The explanation is simple.  The bigger the lens, the more light it lets in.  But be aware that the bigger the second number, the larger, heavier and more cumbersome the binoculars will be.

You will have to balance these two numbers with both your budget and what you want the binoculars to do for you.  If you decide to go with a lower power binoculars, you could become frustrated with what you can see and you may have to take your eyes away from the view to get your orientation and consult the star map more often because your range of vision is so limited.

There will also be a temptation to buy a set of binoculars that have zoom functions and other features that will allow you to use it for other purposes such as hunting, whale watching or seeing the football game from the cheap seats.  While this is good economy, those functions will get in the way when you are using the binoculars for astronomy.  So if you are considering this purchase as your alternative to buying a telescope, our advice is buy binoculars made just for astronomy and don’t take them to the ball game.  

Astronomy or Astrology?

Astronomy or Astrology?

Have you ever finally just gave in to the temptation and read your horoscope in the newspaper on Sunday morning?  Sure, we all have. For most of us, it’s a curiosity, an amusement to see what they say our day will be like based on the sign of the zodiac that we were born under.  Sometimes we forget that this little diversion is actually part of an ancient science called astrology that has had a powerful effect on many cultures dating back to centuries before Christ.

That is not to say that astrology is a dead art today.  It is easy to find astrology advocates in every town, advertising in the newspaper and on television trying to convince us that they can tell our fortune, our future and help cure our ills by exploring the mysteries of astrology.

When you are a lover of astronomy, the confusion between astronomy and astrology by those who don’t really understand the differences can get pretty aggravating.  And in early civilizations, the two disciplines were not separate.  Astrology was just the religious side of the science of astronomy.  So what changed?

The most significant shift that set in motion the separation of the two lines of thought began in the first century when Ptolemy wrote the very first book on astronomy called the Tetrabiblos.  In it, he began to suggest that astronomy should be considered a separate science from astrology.  It was quite a revolutionary book because it also was the first scientific document to suggest that the earth was not the center of the universe and that astronomy should be focused strictly on the observation and recording of events in the cosmos.

Over the next 2000 years, we have come a long way.  Not only has science and religion completely gone their separate ways since Ptolemy but the science of astronomy makes tremendous strides every year that are so phenomenal, Ptolemy would be truly astounded.

Probably the biggest point of diversion between a student of astrology and astronomy is the belief that the position of the stars has meaning over the events on our lives.  Of course, we do know that the weather and tides and other important aspects of our lives are affected by the stars, planets and heavenly bodies, particularly the moon.  But these things are happening because of completely explainable scientific laws in motion, not because of mystical forces at work.

What can we, as devotees of astronomy conclude about the close relationship between astrology and astronomy?  Well, for sure we want to be able to explain to anyone who is confused by the similarity in the words what the differences are.  We do not want to see the two approaches to the stars and planets to become confused again.  But we should do all we can do keep that distinction clear without becoming skeptical or demeaning towards those who may still hold to the teachings of astrology.

It is important to remember that what is part of a person’s religious life has a level of sacred belief to the one holding it.  And it is not respectful to scoff at such things.  If for no other reason than out of respect for the ancient origins of astronomy, we should give courtesy who still are exploring whether astrology has any validity for them.

If we can treat each discipline with respect but maintain the separation that must exist between astrology and astronomy, there is no reason both approaches to our admiration of the galaxies cannot coexist in peace and harmony.  And for our purposes as astronomers, that harmony will allow us plenty of freedom to enjoy our quest for knowledge for many more centuries to come.  And who knows, you might still like to read the horoscope on Sunday morning every so often.

Beyond the Naked Eye

It’s hard to say when in our lives each of us become aware of this thing called “astronomy”.  But it is safe to say that at some point on our lives, each and every one of us has that moment when we are suddenly stunned when we come face to face with the enormity of the universe that we see in the night sky.  For many of us who are city dwellers, we don’t really notice that sky up there on a routine basis.  The lights of the city do a good job of disguising the amazing display that is above all of our heads all of the time.

So it might be that once a year vacation to a camping spot or a trip to a relative’s house out in the country that we find ourselves outside when the spender of the night sky suddenly decides to put on it’s spectacular show.  If you have had that kind of moment when you were literally struck breathless by the spender the night sky can show to us, you can probably remember that exact moment when you could say little else but “wow” at what you saw.

That “Wow” moment is what astrology is all about.  For some, that wow moment becomes a passion that leads to a career studying the stars.  For a lucky few, that wow moment because an all consuming obsession that leads to them traveling to the stars in the space shuttle or on one of our early space missions.  But for most of us astrology may become a pastime or a regular hobby.  But we carry that wow moment with us for the rest of our lives and begin looking for ways to look deeper and learn more about the spectacular universe we see in the millions of stars above us each night.

To get started in learning how to observe the stars much better, there are some basic things we might need to look deeper, beyond just what we can see with the naked eye and begin to study the stars as well as enjoy them.  The first thing you need isn’t equipment at all but literature.  A good star map will show you the major constellations, the location of the key stars we use to navigate the sky and the planets that will appear larger than stars.  And if you add to that map some well done introductory materials into the hobby of astronomy, you are well on your way.

The next thing we naturally want to get is a good telescope.  You may have seen a hobbyist who is well along in their study setting up those really cool looking telescopes on a hill somewhere.  That excites the amateur astronomer in you because that must be the logical next step in the growth of your hobby.  But how to buy a good telescope can be downright confusing and intimidating.

Before you go to that big expense, it might be a better next step from the naked eye to invest in a good set of binoculars.  There are even binoculars that are suited for star gazing that will do just as good a job at giving you that extra vision you want to see just a little better the wonders of the universe.  A well designed set of binoculars also gives you much more mobility and ability to keep your “enhanced vision” at your fingertips when that amazing view just presents itself to you.

None of this precludes you from moving forward with your plans to put together an awesome telescope system.  Just be sure you get quality advice and training on how to configure your telescope to meet your needs.  Using these guidelines, you will enjoy hours of enjoyment stargazing at the phenomenal sights in the night sky that are beyond the naked eye.

Bonding with the Universe.

Bonding with the Universe.

As parents, we often worry about what our children are getting excited about.  We hope we can guide them to “bond” with healthy things like a love of learning, of family and of healthy social activities.  But we also worry they will bond with the wrong people like internet stalkers or the wrong crowd at school.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could harness that tremendous energy and desire to latch onto something and bond with it and help our children “bond” with the universe through a love of astronomy?

Kids love to get excited about what you are excited about.  So there lots of ways you can “spring” the fun of astronomy on them that will jump start them on a long and happy exploration of the hobby of astronomy.  Here are a few to get your imagination going.

* Work it into an evening in the backyard.  If you know the night sky will be particularly exciting the night of a big family barbecue, plan to have some blankets out there.  Then as everybody else is playing Frisbee, just lay out a blanket, lay flat on your back and start staring up into the sky with a binoculars.  Like the old prank of staring at a far away spot to get people’s interest, your kids will see what you are doing and what to know what is going on.  As you let them take a peek, their curiosity will take off like a wild fire and they are hooked.

* A surprise visit to the country.  Sometimes it is hard to see the vast display of stars from within the city.  So if you announce that you are going to show them a surprise one night and have them pile into the car, their curiosity will be going wild as you leave the city.  When you find that quiet park, field or lake side spot, all you have to do is point up and say “just look” and the magnificence of the night sky will do the rest.

* A special Christmas gift.  You can buy your children an affordable and durable beginner’s telescope along with some easy star maps written just for kids.  Imagine when they open this exciting gift and want to know how to use it.  Don’t be surprised if you are setting up the new telescope in the snow to show them the great things they will see in the cosmos with the gift that Santa wanted them to have.  The gift of astronomy.

* Unleash the power of a meteor shower on them.  You can keep your eye on the events that are predicted for the sky watchers in your area.  When the next big meteor shower is about to explode over your area, watch the weather for a clear night and get your kids excited about what they are about to see.  As the lights begin to go off over head and you create fun and interesting narration to this dramatic display, the children will be addicts for life for the great experiences that can be had as students of astronomy.

* Plan a surprise event in with something you are already doing.  For example, on vacation, you can plan your route on a cross country trip to bring you within visiting distance of one of the great multimillion dollar telescopes in this country.  By contacting them ahead of time, you can be sure they are conducting a tour that coincides with your visit.  Just imagine if they can look up at a telescope that is bigger than their house and maybe look through the eyepiece as some amazing cosmic sight, it will be the hit of the vacation.

Astronomy is a great activity to introduce on a family camping trip.  As the family sits around the fire after a fun night of camping, all you have to do is just look up and go “Wow, look at that!” When those little heads look up, they will look back down changed children, children in love with the stars.

Astronomy is a healthy passion for your kids and one they can grow with their entire lives.  And there is probably no better gift you can give them than the love of the stars, of science and of nature that is all wrapped up together when your kids bond with the universe through astronomy.

Comets - Visitors From Beyond.

The one thing we love the most in the world of astronomy is a good mystery.  And if there was ever a mysterious and yet very powerful force of nature that we witness in the night skies, it is the coming of the mighty comet.

The arrival of a comet within view of Earth is an event of international importance.  Witness the huge media attention that the Haley or Hale-Bopp have had when they have come within view The sight of these amazing space objects is simultaneously frightening and awe inspiring.

Above all, it is during these comet viewings that the astronomer comes out in all of us.  But what is a comet?  Where did it come from?  And how does it get that magnificent tail?

We should never confuse comets with asteroids.  Asteroids are small space rocks that come from an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.  While still quite stunning to see, they pale in comparison to the arrival of a comet.  Asteroids also have received considerable study by the scientific community.

Not as much is known about comets.  As a rule, comets are considerably larger than asteroids.  The composition of a comet is a mixture of nebulous, gasses, ice, dust and space debris.  One scientist called the composition of a comet as similar to a “dirty snowball” because the composition is so diverse and changeable.  The center or nucleus of a comet is usually quiet solid but the “snowball” materials often create a “cloud” around that nucleus that can become quite large and that extends at great lengths behind the comet as it moves through space.  That trailing plume is what makes up the comet’s magnificent tail that makes it so exciting to watch when a comet comes within view of Earth.

The origins of comets is similarly mysterious.  There are a number of theories about where they come from but it is clear that they originate from outside our solar system, somewhere in deep space.  Some have speculated they are fragments left over from the organization of planets that get loose from whatever gravitational pull and are sent flying across space to eventually get caught up in the gravity of our sun bringing them into our solar system.

Another theory is that they come from a gaseous cloud called the Oort cloud which is cooling out there after the organization of the sun.  As this space debris cools, it gets organized into one body which then gathers sufficient mass to be attracted into the gravity of our solar system turning into a fast moving comet plummeting toward our sun.  However, because of the strong gravitational orbits of the many planets in our solar system, the comet does not always immediately collide with the sun and often takes on an orbit of its own.

The life expectancy of comets varies widely.  Scientists refer to a comet that is expected to burn out or impact the sun within two hundred years as a short period comet whereas a long period comet has a life expectancy of over two hundred years.  That may seem long to us as earth dwellers but in terms of stars and planets, this is a very short life as a space object indeed.

Scientists across the globe have put together some pretty impressive probes to learn more about comets to aid our understanding of these visitors from beyond.  In 1985, for example, the United States put a probe into the path of the comet Giacobini-Zinner which passed through the comets tail gathering tremendous scientific knowledge about comets.  Then in 1986, an international collation of scientists were able to launch a probe that was able to fly close to Haley’s comet as it passed near Earth and continue the research.

While science fiction writers and tabloid newspapers like to alarm us with the possibility of a comet impacting the earth, scientists who understand the orbits of comets and what changes their paths tell us this is unlikely.  That is good because some comets reach sizes that are as big as a planet so that impact would be devastating.  For now, we can enjoy the fun of seeing comets make their rare visits to our night sky and marvel at the spectacular shows that these visitors from beyond put on when they are visible in the cosmos.

American Inventions

American Inventions

The history of how America emerged as the premier superpower in the world is about more than just a great military or a homeland so rich in natural resources that we were able to become the breadbasket of the world.  There are many forces that combined in the American experiment that has made this country so great.  One of those great forces is the phenomenal inventive minds that have graced America virtually since its inception.  Starting with the powerful mind of Benjamin Franklin, the history of inventions that started in America and transformed the world is lengthy indeed.

The computer has become so much a part of our lives that we forget that it was once invented.  The history of the development of this “futuristic” device is long and filled with genius.  The actual first prototypes of the computer were developed by the Defense Department, which is oddly the source of a lot of the great innovations in American history.  But it was the early PC developers including Steve Wozniac, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates that took the computer to the level of familiarity we know it to be now and made computers a part of our everyday lives.

Most world changing inventions have a profoundly positive influence on mankind’s quality of life.  But an invention that did not improve life but destroyed it is also an American invention that changed the world.  That invention, of course, is the Atomic Bomb.  Developed by the fabled “Manhattan Project”, this bomb changed everything about war, diplomacy and the way nations relate to one another.  And to find a positive amongst all the death the bombings in Japan brought about, that bomb may be one of the key elements that brought an end to a horrific war, World War II.  And in the long run, that is a conflict that the world breathed a sigh of relief when it came to an end.

There is a joke that makes its rounds frequently during political jesting that “Al Gore invented the internet.”  If he had invented it, he would be a world changing inventor for sure.  But it is not out of line to declare that America invented the internet.  Again, the original primitive retypes for what became our modern internet was the work of the American Defense Department as a measure to insure that America’s computer security was guarded by decentralizing the network.  From this simple goal, the vast World Wild Web has emerged that has transformed everything about how we look at communication, information and knowledge.  We have American ingenuity to thank for that.

But of the thousands of American inventions that have done so much in the fields of medicine, technology, research and communications, none can compare to an invention by a brilliant thinker by the name of Henry Ford.  That invention, obviously, is the automobile.  Just like with some of the other inventions we have talked about, we can hardly imagine a time where there was no such thing as an automobile.

Mr. Ford’s amazing invention literally transformed society not just in America but around the world.  From it came the freeway system and an overhaul to how cities and towns are organized and linked together.  And while there are downsides to the widespread use of automobiles, it has been a huge leap forward for America and civilization as a whole.  And Mr. Ford, like any of the inventors we have talked about and thousands we have not, would see the betterment of mankind as their greatest calling.  America has hosted this great calling for centuries and will continue to produce brilliant inventors such as these for a long time to come.

Benjamin Franklin

Sometimes when a country is just getting organized, its citizens are considered to be uneducated, out of touch or primitive.  But exactly opposite was the truth when the great American experiment began to take shape.  The world did not see America as provincial or simple and that is due to a large part to the work of the man many that many have called “The First American”.  That man was Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin stands out amongst those we would call “The Founding Fathers” because he was neither a military man nor a politician.  He was one of the few we think of a one of our nation’s fathers that never served as president.  But that does not mean that his contributions to the start of this great country were not profound and far reaching.

Benjamin Franklin could easily be described as what was popularly known in his day as a “renaissance man”.  He was truly proficient in many fields of discipline and he had a mind that was fascinated with all areas of study and knowledge.  As such he brought to the discussions with his fellow founding fathers a knowledge of political theory, an awareness of history and an ability to speculate on the perfect union that was crucial to the laying the conceptual foundation of what America would come to be when it blossomed into reality.

For many, we remember Benjamin Franklin as a great scientist and inventor.  And to be sure he qualified in that realm as well.  Every school boy or girl has that image of him flying that kite to capture electricity to test his theories that is so popular in our mythology of his accomplishments.  But these images are no myth for Franklin was truly a great inventor contributing to the world such important innovations as the lightning rod, swim fins, the catheter, the harmonica and bifocals.  In that way, Benjamin Franklin had as much in common with Michelangelo as he did with Thomas Jefferson and indeed he was in good company if listed with either.

But it was a political theorist and a philosopher that Franklin made huge contributions to the development of the American experiment in its early formations.  It was he who was able to envision the concept of a new American nation.  But his talents did not end at his ability to use his powerful mind to envision the future so well.  He was also a talented communicator, writer and teacher so he was able to use his eloquence and magnetic personality to promote the idea of an American nation both within the colonies and internationally.

Benjamin Franklin was truly a citizen of the world as he was as comfortable in the courtyards of France as he was in the pubs of Boston.  In fact, he was so popular on both sides of the Atlantic that he served as America’s first ambassador to France and therein lies one of his greatest contributions to the independence of the new country.  He was able to use his vast popularity and his trained powers of persuasion to cause the French to enter the battle on the side of the colonies against the British which was a major contributor to the success of the revolution to free America from English control and launch the independent American nation.

Franklin’s writings have become treasured documents among the archives of this important time in American history.  But just as much as his written work, his influence as a thinker, an intellectual and an international diplomat set the standard for others to follow after him and truly established America as a member of the international community of nations.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

We would like to think all of our presidents of the United States were truly great men and to be sure, just handling the awesome responsibility of the presidency takes a special kind of individual.  One of the unique and great things about the system of government in America is the concept of citizen leadership.  This is the idea of an ordinary citizen rising up and becoming president for a while and then returning to private life.

But of the handful of men who have held that office, a few have stood out for their great achievements and leadership in a time that changed the country for ever.  And one of these truly great presidents was Abraham Lincoln.  Probably more than any other president, Lincoln had to handle an internal civil war that was far more than shouting and name calling.  This was a dispute that could have torn the country in half and starting a rupturing that could have resulted in dozens of small weak independent states instead of the powerful nation we know as America today.

It was Lincoln’s leadership, his commitment to values and his strong moral fiber that made it possible for America to find its way through that war and then to begin the healing process that would eventually lead the nation back to unity once again.  Lincoln’s term of service from 1860 until his death was one of considerable challenge.  If he only had the problem of dealing with the attempt by the south to succeed from the union and his ability to keep those states as part of the American national territory, he would be lauded as a great American indeed.

One of the little known leadership styles that Lincoln used to his advantage in the organization of his presidency was his appointment of talented national figures from opposing political parties to be part of his cabinet.  Lincoln felt that he needed to have close advisors from the opposing viewpoint to keep from having his presidency become insulated from the American people and one sided.  By gathering members of the “loyal opposition” into his trusted inner circle, Lincoln was always aware of both sides of every issue which made him a stronger leader.

But that is not even his greatest accomplishment or the one that we remember him for the most.  His bold and unchanging opposition to slavery is without any doubt his greatest contribution to the history of America and indeed to world history as well.  When he was willing to put everything on the line to stop this barbaric social sin, Lincoln made a stand, against the popular opinion of the time in many cases that he would be the figure to bring slavery to an end.

It was not a stand that came without cost.  The civil war was one of the bloodiest and costliest in the nation’s history if for no other reason than all casualties; on both sides were casualties of America.  It would take many decades for the ravages of that horrible war to be repaired.  The schism between north and south continued for decades and is still a part of our national personality in this country.

But the end result was what Lincoln wanted to be his legacy.  By issuing the Emancipation Proclamation to make the end of slavery permanent, Lincoln followed that up with the passing of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments which made permanent the freedoms that were hard fought and won in the Civil War.

The freedom that was won for so many black Americans in that war permanently enshrined the memory of Abraham Lincoln as one of our greatest presidents in the hearts and minds of all Americans.  Small wonder the monument honoring him on Washington’s national mall is one of the most revered spots in the nation and one that thousands flock to each year to give respect for this great president that made liberty and freedom a reality for all Americans, not just a few.  And his face on Mount Rushmore is well deserved so the very mountain itself shouts out, this is one of the greatest leaders in the history of this great country.

America Conquers the Air

If you ask any student even in elementary school why the town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina is significant to American history, they will know the answer immediately.  They will know that this was the place that Orville and Wilber Wright made the first working airplane and discovered that man could fly.  

Today, with thousands of airplanes taking to the sky at any given moment and the experience of flying high above the earth as common as riding a bicycle, it seems that a world where men did not fly is as far away as the ancient Romans.  But we have to travel in time back to the days before the Wright brothers made their phenomenal discovery and the invention of the first aircraft when there was a time when it was firmly believed that man would never fly like a bird and indeed, man was meant to never fly but always be a terrestrial being.  We can be grateful that the Wright brothers did not hold to that belief.

The date of that first successful flight was December 17, 1903.  It was on that fateful day that Orville and Wilber successfully flew the first controlled, powered, heavier than air airplane.  This break through ranks as one of the greatest inventions of American history and in truth, one of the great inventions of all time as man had been dreaming of being able to fly as far back as we have primitive drawings illustrating that dream.

The Wright brothers were well suited to go through the tedious research to finally create a machine that could accomplish this feat.  We all know that great inventions are often the results of hundreds or thousands of failures and tests by which the inventor refines his ideas and makes new discoveries that take him step by step toward that final break through.  That was certainly true of the Wright brothers.

Our reference to flight becoming as common as riding a bicycle is well chosen because it was the Wright brothers vocation as mechanics repairing printing presses, motors and bicycles that gave them the knowledge of the inner workings of such machines that was needed to create a machine that could sustain flight.  Their work to perfect the design of the common bicycle lead them to believe that conquering flight was not a question of providing sufficient power to the aircraft as it was providing mechanisms of control and balance to properly keep the aircraft steady with sufficient consistency that it could take to the air.

Long before that first successful flight, the Wright brothers conducted their research.  Using their bicycle shop as a makeshift laboratory, they first experimented with gliders and unmanned aircraft to refine their theories and their designs.  But finally on December 17, 1903, they achieved their dream of manned flight, even if only for a short time.  Orville Wright’s account of that first flight is scientific and understated.

"Wilbur started the fourth and last flight at just about 12 o'clock.  The first few hundred feet were up and down, as before, but by the time three hundred feet had been covered, the machine was under much better control.  The course for the next four or five hundred feet had but little undulation.  However, when out about eight hundred feet the machine began pitching again, and, in one of its darts downward, struck the ground.  The distance over the ground was measured to be 852 feet; the time of the flight was 59 seconds.”

Little did the Wright brothers know that an entire new industry would be built around these simple experiments.  Moreover, they had achieved a dream man had dreamed for centuries, to actually be able to fly above the ground and come back safely.  It is truly one of the great accomplishments of American history.

Pool Accessories: Where You Can Buy Them

Pool Accessories:  Where You Can Buy Them

Millions of Americans have a swimming pool in their backyard.  Are you one of those individuals?  Even if you are not, it is possible that you have considered getting a swimming pool.  Whether you already own a swimming pool or you are interested in purchasing one, you will have to consider a number of different factors.  One of those factors includes pool accessories.

When it comes to pool accessories, there are many individuals who are unsure exactly what they are.  The truth is that there are a wide variety of different types of pool accessories.  Pool accessories may include, but should not be limited to, toys, lifesaving devices, cleaning equipment, and traditional pool hardware.  Once you have made the decision to have a pool installed in your backyard, you will have to obtain a number of these accessories.

One of the most common questioned asked, concerning pool accessories, is where can they be purchased from.  You will find that pool accessories are available for sale at a number of different storefront retail locations and online.  The best way to find your needed pool accessories, but for a reasonable price, is to examine the specific accessory that you are looking to purchase. This may help to ensure that you are looking in all of the right places.

As previously mentioned, pool toys are often considered pool accessories.  These types of accessories can be purchased from a number of different locations.  Pool toys can be purchased from most traditional retail stores, including department stores, dollar stores, discount stores, and pool supply stores.  Many of the toys sold in traditional retail stores are considered generic items.  If you are looking for pool toys with a specific theme, such as a popular cartoon character, you may want to consider shopping online.  With a simple internet search, you can easily find a number of online retailers that offer a wide selection of pool toys.

Lifesaving devices are another must have pool accessory for many families.  These devices may include lifejackets, arm floaties, or other similar products.  As with most other pool accessories, life saving devices can be purchased online or from traditional retail stores. Due to their costs, many discount stores or dollar stores do not carry this type of merchandise. Therefore, if you are unable to shop online, you may have to examine the selection at your local department store or pool supply store.

Traditional pool hardware is often defined as items such as water pumps, steps, and filters.  Nowadays, many pools are being sold and installed with these accessories; however, you may still need to purchase them.  A small number of department stores carry these important hardware items, but not all do.  If your local department store does not have the pool items that you are looking for, you will want to examine your local pool supply store or consider shopping online.

While most of the hardware needed for your pool, such as pumps and filters, may be included in the original price of your pool, it is most likely that cleaning supplies will not be. Depending on the type of pool you have or how much you use it, you may be required to clean it on a regular basis.  Whether you are looking for manual cleaning supplies or automatic pool cleaners, you can easily find what you are looking for in a number of different locations.  A large number of department stores, pool supply stores, and online retailers will carry the cleaning supplies that you may need.

As you can see, it pretty much all depends on what type of pool accessory you are looking to purchase.  If you need to purchase a wide variety of different items, such as toys, lifesaving devices, cleaning supplies, or pool hardware, you may end up making purchases at multiple locations.  That is unless you make the decision to shop online.  Whether you make the decision to shop online or at one of your local retail stores, it is almost guaranteed that you will be able to find what you are looking for, at one place or another.

In-Ground Pools:  Your Cleaning Options

In-ground pools are one of the most popular pool styles in the United States.  If given the opportunity, many homeowners would prefer to have an in-ground pool, rather than an aboveground pool. One of the many reasons why in-ground pools are preferred over aboveground pools is because of their appearance. In-ground pools are more attractive than pools that stick out of the ground.  If the appearance of your pool is important, you will want to keep your pool cleaned. 

To keep your in-ground pool clean, you will have to obtain the proper cleaning supplies and equipment.  If you have yet to purchase cleaning supplies for your pool, you may be unsure as to which type of cleaning supplies are best for your pool. Instead of just guessing, you are advised to familiarize yourself with all of the in-ground pool cleaning supplies that are currently available for sale.

When it comes to familiarizing yourself with in-ground pool cleaning supplies and equipment, you will have a number of different options.  Perhaps, one of the easiest ways to learn about well performing cleaning equipment and supplies is to speak to those that you know.  If you live in a warm area, it is likely that one of your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives has a pool. If so, you may want to ask them about the cleaning supplies or equipment that they use. If you receive positive feedback or product recommendations, you may want to consider further examining those products.

In addition to speaking to your friends, relatives, coworkers, or neighbors, you can also use the internet to familiarize yourself with in-ground pool cleaning supplies. In addition to visiting the online websites of multiple product manufacturers and pool supply stores, you may also want to look for online resources guides. There are a large number of online websites and resource guides that are aimed at assisting those with in-ground pools.  On these websites, you should be able to learn more about the cleaning supplies that are currently on the market. You may also be able to read product recommendations or warning from other pool owners.

Whichever search method you select, it is likely that you will hear of automatic pool cleaners and manual pool cleaners.  If you are looking to save time, you may want to examine automatic pool cleaners.  If you are looking for low-cost cleaning supplies or equipment, you may want to examine manual cleaners.  Before making a final decision, as to which type of pool cleaner you would like to purchase, you are advised to examine the advantages and disadvantages of each product.

As mentioned above, automatic pool cleaners are popular because they save time.  In most cases, automatic pool cleaners work without your assistance.  For instance, if you are using chemicals to clean your pool, automatic cleaners would require that you just pour the chemicals into your pool. If you were looking for cleaning equipment, such as a pool vacuum, many vacuums only require that you turn them on and then the vacuum will do the rest.  However, it is important to be on the lookout for automatic pool vacuums that may require your assistance to operate.

As previously mentioned, manual pool cleaners and cleaning supplies are ideal for those who are looking to save money. In most on and offline retail stores, you will find that manual cleaners and cleaning supplies cost less than those that are automatic. While it may take time to manually clean your in-ground pool, you can also make sure that it is done right, the first time.  

In addition to either purchasing manual cleaning supplies or automatic ones, you may want to consider purchasing both. In the event that your automatic cleaner does not work, you will have an extra alternative and visa versa.  Having a backup plan, when it comes to cleaning your in-ground pool, is the best way to ensure that you can swim anytime you want.

Pool Alarms: More than Just a Pool Accessory

Pool Alarms:  More than Just a Pool Accessory

Throughout the United States, there are a large number of storefront retail locations and online retail stores that sell pool accessories.  Many of these pool accessories can be considered fun, but others can literally be lifesaving.  If you are a pool owner, regardless of whether or not you have children, you may want to consider purchasing a pool alarm.

One common misconception, when it comes to pool alarms, is who should have them. There are many individuals who mistakenly believe that pool alarms are only necessary for households with small children. While, families with small children may benefit the most from a pool alarm, they are not the only ones who may.  Even if you do not have children, you may want to at least consider purchasing yourself a pool alarm. Not only could that alarm help to protect guests, but it could also protect children that just wander into your yard.

As with most other pool accessories, you will find that pool alarms come in a wide variety of different styles. Despite the different styles, all pool alarms have the same goal. That goal is to keep young, unattended children away from a swimming pool.  In the event that they do make it near a pool, the pool alarm will alert you, and other adults, right away. This is why pool alarms are not just a pool accessory, but a lifesaving device.

If you are interested in purchasing an alarm for your pool, you will have to decide on an alarm style. By visiting your local pool supply store or by reviewing the available merchandise online, you should be able to familiarize yourself with the pool alarms that are currently on the market.  In your search, it is likely that you will find underwater pool alarms, above water pool alarms, or gate alarms.

In a way, gate alarms are the most popular of all pool alarms. While the alarms are not actually installed in or around your pool, they are still considered pool alarms.  This is because the alarm is positioned on the gate of your pool fence. Depending on the model you purchase, most gate alarms will sound when someone passes through the gate unnoticed or if the gate door was accidentally left open.  In a way, gate alarms are the most effective pool alarms on the market.  By properly installing and using a pool gate alarm, your child may never even make it to the pool.

As popular as pool gate alarms are, not everyone can use them.  If you do not have a fence installed along the exterior of your pool, you will want to examine other alarm types. One of these types may include a surface alarm, otherwise known as an above water alarm.  An above water pool alarm is designed to sound when someone comes too close to the pool.  Many of these alarms come with a preset barrier. That barrier may only be a foot, but it may also be up to four.  Above water alarms, or surface alarms, are ideal because they can alert you before your child actually makes it into the water.

The only problem that you may find with above water alarms, or surface alarms, is that they tend to be easily setoff, especially if your pool area is not gated in. Whether the wind blows debris past the alarm or an animal enters the area, it is likely that the alarm will sound.  If you are looking for pool alarm that is less likely to produce error, you may want to consider purchasing an underwater pool alarm.

Underwater pool alarms are similar to surface alarms.  Instead of detecting motion on the exterior of the pool, they detect motion in the interior. This means that if your pool alarm is set, you will be notified whenever something enters the water. Therefore, if your child happens to fall into the pool, your pool alarm will automatically sound; thus allowing you to rescue them.

As much as we would like to be able to keep an eye on our children all the time, that is something that is just not possible. In a single instant, your child could be out of the house and underwater, unable to swim. For a reasonable price, a pool alarm could prevent you from having to make that horrible discovery.  

Pool Accessory Buying Guide:  What to Consider and Where to Shop

If you are interested in purchasing a pool, you are not alone. Each year, thousands of homeowners make the decision to purchase a swimming pool. Many of these swimming pools are in-ground pools, while others are aboveground pools. Regardless of which type of pool you are interested in purchasing, there is one thing that you should keep in mind. It is often difficult or impossible to purchase just a pool. In addition to a pool, you may need to purchase additional pool accessories or supplies. 

When it comes to purchasing pool accessories and pool supplies, there are many individuals who are unsure exactly what they are, let alone where to buy them.  If you are about to buy a swimming pool, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most popular and most needed pool accessories and supplies. Even if you do not plan on purchasing anything right away, you are still advised to consider what is available for your pool. Familiarizing yourself with all of your available options is a great way to not only find quality pool supplies, but find affordable ones.

Perhaps, one of the first things that you should think about purchasing for your new pool is cleaning supplies. In most cases, cleaning supplies will not be included in the cost of your pool. This means that you will need to purchase your own. Whether you purchase your swimming pool from an online retailer or a local pool supply store, you may what to consider purchasing your cleaning supplies and equipment at the same time. This will help to ensure that you do not forget these important items.  

When purchasing a swimming pool, it is important that you examine all of the fixtures that are included in your package. Most swimming pool packages will include steps, for in-ground pools, or ladders, for both types of pools. Despite the fact that these fixtures are often included; it is still advised that you check before making your final purchase. In the event that these items are not included, you will want to consider purchasing them right away. Depending on the type of pool you have, you may be unable to go swimming without a way to get in or out of your pool. 

Pool fixtures and cleaning supplies are the pool accessories that you should be the most concerned with. Once you have those items covered, you can begin to think about other accessories. These accessories, may include, but should not be limited to, pool toys, pool furniture, and other fixtures.  When purchasing these items, it is important to remember that they are optional. While you may enjoy having floatable furniture or fun pool toys, they are not required.

If you are interested in purchasing pool toys, you will find that you have an unlimited number of different options.  Pool toys come in a wide variety of different sizes, shapes, styles, and designs. By shopping online or by visiting your local retail store, you should be able to find a large selection of pool toys. These toys may include, but should not be limited to, arm floaties, swim rings, baby floats, beach balls, dive rings, and other floatable toys. 

While shopping for swim toys, you may also want to examine pool furniture.  This furniture may include, but should not be limited to, traditional floating chairs, floating lounge chairs, or floating rafts.  While pool furniture may be a little bit more expensive than most traditional pool toys, you should be able to purchase them from the same locations. Many retailers, both online and offline, will carry a selection of floatable pool furniture.  By purchasing your pool toys and pool furniture together you may not only be able to save time, but money as well.

The above mentioned pool supplies and accessories are just a few of the many items that can you can purchase for your in-ground or aboveground pool. For additional products ideas, you may want to visit your local pool supply store or visit the online website of a well-known retailer.

Popular Pool Accessories for Toddlers

Popular Pool Accessories for Toddlers

Swimming pools are a great way to cool off.  During hot weather, individuals of all ages go for a swim, including toddlers.  While pool safety is always a concern, it is even more important when toddlers are involved.  This is because most toddlers do not know how to swim. Just because a toddler does not know how to swim, it does not mean that they can’t enjoy the pool, like everyone else. However, extra precautions should be taken to ensure their safety. Those extra precautions may involve the use of pool accessories.

If you are a pool owner, it is likely that you know that pool accessories include a wide variety of different items. These items may include, but should not be limited to, pool fixtures, cleaning supplies, pool toys, and lifesaving devices.  If you are the parent of a toddler, or if a toddler is planning on using your swimming pool, you may want to equip yourself with some of the most popular pool accessories, especially those that are designed with toddlers in mind.

Since pool safety is a major concern, when it comes to toddlers and other small children, you may want to consider purchasing some accessories that are also known as lifesaving devices. These items may include arm floaties and lifejackets.  Arm floaties are safety devices that go on a child’s arm.  Many young children use them.  In fact, they enable a child, who would otherwise not know how to swim, to stay afloat.  Lifejackets have a similar purpose, expect they attach on to a child like a piece of clothing.

In addition to lifesaving devices, such as arm floaties or lifejackets, you may also want to consider purchasing pool toys. As with most pool accessories, pool toys include a wide variety of different items. These items may include, but should not be limited to kickboards, swim rings, baby floats, and beach balls. If you are looking for entertaining toys, you may want to consider purchasing a beach ball or smaller toys that float on the water, such as fishes.  Many small children, including toddlers, find these toys to be entertaining.

As previously mentioned, swim toys may also include kickboards, baby floats, and swim rings.  While these popular pool accessories are considered toys, they may also assist those that are unable to swim on their own. Swim rings are ideal for toddlers who may have some swimming knowledge. They can also be used in conjunction with arm floaties or a small life jacket. For smaller children, such as small toddlers or infants, a baby float may be ideal. Baby floats, unlike traditional swim rings, often have leg holes and they are specially shaped for stability.

While pool toys and lifesaving devices are the most popular pool accessories for toddlers, they are not the only ones. Whether you are looking for additional pool hardware, fixtures, or something else, that is safe for toddlers, there is likely something on the market that will meet your needs. By examining these products, you may even find a new toy or lifesaving device that you were previously unaware of.

If the above mentioned pool accessories, for toddlers, seem like something you would like to have on hand, you will need to start shopping.  Pool accessories can be purchased form a wide variety of different locations. These locations may include storefront retail locations or online retailers.  Most stores, whether they are on or offline retailers, are likely to have a fairly large selection of these popular pool toys and accessories.

The cost of all swim accessories, including those for toddlers, will depend on what accessories you are purchasing and where you are purchasing them from.  For low-cost swim accessories, such as arm floaties, floating toys, or beach balls, you may be able to shop at your local discount store or dollar store. For more expensive items, such as a lifejackets, kickboards, or baby floats, you may need to shop online or visit your local pool supply store.

When it comes to entertaining toddlers and keeping them safe, you do not always have to purchase items that are considered top of the line, although you may want to. Regardless of which of the above mentioned swim accessories you purchase, it is likely that your young swimmer will be pleased with their new water toys.

Popular Pool Accessories for In-Ground Pools

When it comes to purchasing a swimming pool, many individuals must decide whether they would like an in-ground pool or an aboveground pool. While both types of pools are popular, many individuals would prefer to have an in-ground pool. The only problem with in-ground pools is that they are often expensive to afford.  That means that if you are the owner of an in-ground pool, it is likely that you would want to get the most out of your investment. This can be done by equipping your pool with popular pool accessories.  

When it comes to pool accessories, there are a wide variety of different items that are considered accessories. These items earn the name accessory because they are not included with the purchase of a pool; therefore, they must be purchased separately.  Despite the fact that pool accessories require spending extra money, it is likely that you will enjoy having them. This is because there are literally an unlimited number of accessories to choose from. With a selection so wide, you are likely to find exactly what you want or need.

When many individuals think of pool accessories, pool toys often come to mind.  Currently, there are a large number of pool toys that are available for sale.  Many times, these toys are classified into two different categories. These categories are often low-cost pool toys and expensive ones. If you are looking for low-cost pool toys, you are not alone. Many pool owners enjoying having pool toys, but many do not want to spend a large amount of money on them. If this is the case, you may want to look into purchasing beach balls, swim rings, dive sticks, and other similar toys. Most of these items can be purchased for fewer than five dollars.

If price is not a problem, you may want to look into more expensive pool toys. These types of toys may include a basketball hoop or a volleyball net. While these popular pool toys are more expensive than most traditional toys, they are usually worth the money. Water basketball can be played with one or more swimmers.  For extra fun with extra swimmers, a volleyball net may be a better idea. What is nice about most volleyball nets and basketball hoops is that many of them can easily be taken down and stored.

Aside from the above mentioned swim toys, there are other swim toys that are available for use with an in-ground pool.  In addition to being known as swim toys, these items are also sometimes referred to as pool fixtures.  These items include deep end diving boards and pool slides.  Deep end diving boards and pool slides add extra excitement to most in-ground pools. The only downside to purchasing a pool slide or a diving board is that these items tend to be extremely expensive.  In fact, they can cost thousands of dollars. 

Another popular in-ground pool fixture, that many individuals are largely unaware of, is a swimming pool bar.  Pool bars are similar to counters or small bar tables. They offer swimmers a safe place to set or store their food or drinks, while going for a swim.  Pool bars are a fairly new concept to residential pools, but they are rapidly increasing in popularity.  These popular items can be installed along the side of your pool or directly in it, the choices is yours to make.

While it is nice to purchase fun pool accessories, you will also want to purchase important ones. Those accessories are known as cleaning supplies.  Due to the fact that most in-ground pools are even with the ground, it is easier for debris to enter the pool. This means that you may have to clean your pool on a regular basis. When cleaning your pool, you can either use an automatic pool cleaner, a manual one, or both.  Regardless of which type of pool cleaner you use, it is important that you at least use something.  An improperly cleaned pool may result dangerous swimming water.

As you should be able to see, there are a large number of pool accessories, fixtures, and supplies that can be used with your in-ground pool. Whether you make the decision to only purchase one of the above mentioned items or all of them, it is likely that you will be pleased with your purchase.  Not only will your pool be safe for swimming, but it may also be more fun to use.

Golf Accessories In The Form Of Eyewear

Golf Accessories In The Form Of Eyewear

If you’re going to be hitting the golf course and enjoying yourself out in nature, you will probably be loaded up with quite a few pieces of golf equipment and accessories. Having useful golf accessories will always be a very helpful part of the sport, as long as you don’t overlook any of the necessary components. Out there in the sun for so long, many people find themselves wishing they had brought their sunglasses along. If you bring good sunglasses along, you will be glad that you included this invaluable golf accessory. There are many benefits to having sunglasses with you at all time, from game benefits to health benefits. Read on to find out about some of the reasons why pro golfers never leave home without sunglasses. You might change your ways and keep your glasses with you at all time from now on.

“The sun was in my eyes” might sound like nothing more than a lame excuse for a poor shot, but sometimes it rings quite true. The direct glare of the sun can completely ruin your shot, and sunglasses are able to cure this problem fairly effectively. A strong pair of glasses will render the sun ineffective on your eyes, and won’t allow it to attack your weak point for massive damage. On brighter days, the sun doesn’t even need to be shining directly into your eyes. The sheer brightness can cause you to squint and completely misjudge a shot before you make it. The sunglasses will make all of this better, and improve your accuracy overall.

The good thing about sunglasses is that despite being incredibly useful, they also have a certain amount of fashion appeal. Many think of sunglasses as a very fashionable accessory to any outfit, and they have been popularized by so many movies and characters that they have quite a large fan base. If you want to use your glasses to these ends as well, you may have to look for a special brand. Almost all glasses are useful in blocking the sun from hitting your eyes, but far fewer are useful in looking hip. If you ask an employee at the store of your choice, you will be able to get advice as to which sunglasses makers are the most hip in today’s culture.

Picking out the glasses is fairly easy. Just go to your local clothing or sporting goods store, or any other store that sells glasses like the ones you want. When picking out the specific glasses, you will want to look at the rating of what level of protection they offer to you. Since you are trying to protect your eyes from the sun as well as shade them from it, you will want a fairly high nanometer rating. The higher the nanometer rating in a pair of glasses, the more protection you will receive from UVB and UVA rays. You also want to pick glasses that are made of a high quality that will not fall apart or break easily. The material of the glasses is very important. While you want something strong, you also want something light that will make you forget you are wearing them. You may have to spend a surprising amount of money for your sunglasses, but you will find that it is worth it when you realize what a different it makes in your golf game.

There you have it. Now you should have all of the information that you need to go out and buy a pair of sunglasses that will really make things better for you. Getting the right pair will improve so much in your personal health and in your game that it is almost (but not quite) scary. So get out there today and start finding out what all the fuss is about sunglasses, and how you can get involved in the rising wave.

Golf Accessories To Help You Travel

If you are a die-hard golfer, you no doubt enjoy traveling to golf courses all around the world to practice your skills in places that are a little less familiar than the golf courses you usually spend your time at. When you travel to other parts of the country (or even other parts of the world) to play golf, you may have a hard time getting everything there easily and intact, and keeping everything sane for the whole time you are there. If you buy a few golf accessories beforehand, you can make things a lot less stressful on yourself. Here I will outline some of the things that will make your trip much easier.

First, you should purchase some sort of carrying case for your golf clubs. Having your expensive clubs smashed is never pleasant, and it is even worse when you planned your entire week around them. If you are flying to your destination then this tip will be particularly true. Buy a carrying case that will be strong enough and stiff enough to resist any crushing power that might attempt to smash your golf clubs. You can buy these strong bags at some golf stores, or online. Make sure that the one you buy is reinforced with some sort of metal material that will prevent it from caving in. You should put the case to the test before you rely on it to protect your clubs.

Another great way to keep your clubs safe is to purchase an ID tag to keep with your clubs. Include all of your contact information on it, as well as your cell phone number or the number of the hotel you are staying at. If you somehow lose your clubs in transit, it is a good idea to have them marked in a way that someone could return them to you if they were so inclined. There are still quite a few good Samaritans out there, so don’t give up all hope if something gets lost. You can make this tag yourself out of an index card, or you can buy an official one from a store. Fill it out with the most current information possible.

You should also include a few of the accessories that you usually take for granted. Include extra tees and golf balls, just in case you lose your main ones for some reason, or you can’t find the kinds you like at your destination. Small items like that have a particular tendency to get lost in luggage, so having extra will ensure that you have some once you get there. Spread them across a few different bags so that you always have a backup. It may seem extreme to do this, but you would be surprised at how frustrating it can be to have no golf balls or tees when you get to a new area.

If you are worried about losing your bag along the way, there is an option you might not have considered. There are many overnight shipping services created particularly for golfers that do not trust the airlines. One of the most popular ones, “ShipGolf”, will deliver your clubs to your hotel the very next morning. Of course they come with insurance so that if even the shipping service loses them you will be compensated. These can be a good choice if you have particularly expensive clubs.

Golf trips are a lot like the actual game that is played. The whole thing might be going according to plan, but then right near the end a really horrible shot ends up disrupting your mental flow. After that, it is almost impossible to get back in to line. This same thing applies to a golf trip overall Therefore it is good to be prepared for anything that might occur. As long as you are prepared, an undesirable event won’t cause the rest of your trip to be ruined.

Getting The Top Golf Accessories

Getting The Top Golf Accessories

When buying golf accessories, you will have a huge number of choices. What you end up choosing will depend entirely on your goal in getting an accessory to begin with. Do you want to impress your fellow golfers? Do you just want something novel to entertain you while you wait your turn? Or do you want something that will really help you improve your game? All of these things are possible, and usually a given accessory will fulfill at least two of them. So if you choose your accessories right, you can really pick some awesome things that will be an all-around blessing to you. Read on to find out about some of the things that you can take with you onto the golf course that will help you to enjoy your game of golf better or increase your skill.

When you have everything somewhere that you can easily find it, you will be able to play much more efficiently. If you paid a lot for a good set of clubs, it is crazy to have them all laying around as if they were garbage. Invest in a nice club holder or club bag that will keep everything organized and easy to select. If you spent a good amount of money on your clubs, you should treat them with respect and have them organized in a way that they are of the utmost usefulness to you during your game. These bags are available from any golf club shop, or you can go for more interesting bags online. There are many different types of bags and holders available, so search around until you find one that you like.

When people think of golf accessories, they rarely think of clothing items. If you can find a nice pair of sunglasses to wear as you golf, you may find that they help your accuracy more than anything else. By blocking the sun from coming into contact with your eyes, sunglasses will increase your concentration and allow you to make better shots all around. Sunglasses are fairly inexpensive compared to the other equipment required by golf, and can be bought in many different stores. If you want the highest quality of sunglasses that you can find, look for something with a high protection rating. These will keep all of the most harmful rays out of your eyes, which is another helpful aspect.

If you’re interested in saving money on golf balls by finding those that have been abandoned by previous golfers, you can accomplish this with just a few tools that will help you look around in the usual spots for these balls. A flashlight will help you look under shrubs and bushes. A small net will help you scoop up literally dozens of golf balls from the bottom of water hazards. Keep some sort of bag with you to dump all of your newfound golf balls into, so that you can wash them off later and add them to your collection. With the high price of new golf balls, you will find that finding the old used ones will save you plenty of money with just a little bit of effort.

It is every golfer’s dream to own a golf cart. This is usually only accomplished by veteran golfers or retirees who golf all day every day. It is simply impractical, unless you have some sort of mobility issue. Either way, having a golf cart is a very luxurious thing, and if you can afford it then you will most likely enjoy it quite a bit. There are many different places where you can buy golf carts, from certain sporting good stores to online vendors. There is a huge demand among golfers, so as long as you look in the right place you will definitely be able to find one. Just keep looking for your top golf accessories, and you will surely find what you need.

Giving A Golf Accessory Gift To An Avid Golfer

No golfer is complete without an odd and eccentric arrangement of strange accessories to help him get through the day. Golfers certainly have a lot to choose from, since it is one of the most accessorized sports out there. If you are looking for some nice golfing accessories, either for yourself or as a gift for a golfing loved one, you will have no problem finding something that will tickle your fancy. Here I will discuss some of the most practical golf accessories. There are many more than the ones that will be discussed here, but most of them are hardly able to be classified as useful. If you are looking for more of a gag gift, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if your needs include a useful golf accessory, read on.

Motorized golf caddies are devices that will carry the golfer’s clubs alongside him as he walks. Rather than straining himself by carrying the clubs manually, he can simply enjoy a stroll through the scenic golf course while the motorized caddy does most of the hard work. Before you buy one of these, you should be sure that the recipient will have a need for it. Some golfers prefer to leave their clubs in their golf cart, or to simply hire a human caddy. Find out about the golfer’s habits, and decide for yourself whether you think he would find a motorized caddy useful or not. The prices can run fairly high, so you want to make sure that the enjoyment is worth the money.

Home training equipment is also very popular in the golfing community. There are many different devices that are meant to teach golfers to swing with better technique in the comfort of their own homes. These are known as golf swing trainers, and are generally more on the expensive side than any other golf gift. There are quite a few different choices, from the basic home putting green to more advanced accelerometer-enhanced clubs that will detect your swinging angles and speed. Again, this is not the kind of gift that you should buy out of nowhere. Discuss it with the person you would like to give it to, and make sure that it would be put to good use.

Overall, you should know that golfers are a fairly easy crowd to please. Anyone who is happy just hitting balls with sticks all day will have no problem entertaining themselves with any of the gimmicky or novelty gifts that you can come up with. Therefore if you are trying to find one of the top golf accessories for yourself or a golfing friends or family member, you shouldn’t worry too much about finding the perfect thing. As long as they have decent clubs, they should be set. Golf clubs are by far the most expensive part of a golfer’s arsenal of items, and the most important part as well. If you want to buy golf clubs for someone, you would probably do better to give them a gift certificate or coupon so that they can choose them on their own.

Another gift that is great for golfers is some sort of trip to a golf course that they would really enjoy going to. Sometimes an avid golfer doesn’t have the time (or doesn’t give himself enough of a break) to visit some of the nicer or more exotic golfing locations. If you really want to surprise and delight a golfer, you should plan a golfing vacation to one of the nicer locations in the world. Maybe a place where you can golf for most of the day, then swim in the ocean for a few hours before heading to your deluxe hotel. Usually if you plan it right you can keep the cost from being too insanely high, but most of the time it is better to indulge yourself and spend what it takes to have a great time.