Title and Author: I Dare You! by William H. Danforth

Synopsis of Content:

In this mid 20th Century motivational classic the author, a successful businessman and crusader for youth programs in St. Louis, Missouri, William Danforth dares you and any other reader to do great things and to be great. Originally published in 1953 it has been republished by several sources in recent years.

Although the book is aimed at youth and young adults challenging them to become more than they might first believe possible it has motivational value for all ages. Danforth was a strong believer that we limit ourselves and that by seizing opportunity and believing in our virtually unlimited potential we could exceed all expectations, including our own, and dare to be great.

In addition to providing raw motivational material the book discusses seven primary areas, called “dares” where the author challenges the reader to go deeper and strive further in life. They include adventure, accomplishments, strength, creativity, magnetic personality, character, and the willingness to share what you have. These qualities will be recognized as common to most success books and materials published over the past two centuries. What distinguishes Danforth’s little book is his framing his challenge as a dare.

While the attributes which Danforth promotes are found in works by Marsden, Hill and others the daring approach used by this author is unique. It appealed to the young and youthful, whether it be the high school aged children who attended his summer camps or the young men entering the business world.

Readability/Writing Quality:

The Executive Books edition is only 144 pages. It is easy to read, having been aimed at young people. It may appear somewhat naïve and simplistic by today’s standards. However the motivational truths in this work are no less true today than they were over 60 years ago.

Notes on Author:

William Danforth was the founder and long time President of the Ralston Purina Company. He also served as President of the American Youth Foundation and was very active in the YMCA. During his summers he devoted his time to training and helping less fortunate young people at summer camps in Michigan and elsewhere. He died in 1956.

Three Great Ideas You Can Use:

1. “Wealth, notoriety, place, and power are no measure of success whatever. The only true measure of success is the ration between what we might have done and what we might have been on the one hand, and the thing we have made and the thing we have mad of ourselves on the other”.

2. Each of us has four hidden giants or resources which we must develop constantly to attain greatness. These include the physical, the mental, the social and the spiritual aspects. To attain a balanced and powerful life you must nourish each of these aspects fully.

3. Continuous learning and improvement are essential to achievement. The author recommends a program of reading not less than one book per month. It will pay you back many times.

Publication Information:

I Dare You! by William H. Danforth. Copyright 2009 by Executive Books in the form presented in their publication. Published by Executive Books, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Over-all Rating for Book: Fair

Ever since this diet was launched, the question “what is the paleo diet” never ceased to be asked. So if someone asked you “what is the paleo diet?” – the answer would be: paleo diet is short for Paleolithic diet which is also known as the caveman diet. A short introduction to the paleo diet is simply that it is a diet that is based on animal nutrition established during the time of the cavemen. It is a diet so appropriate in a biological sense that it is quite astounding.

The paleolithic diet is not merely a diet; it is a lifestyle that gives emphasis to how our cavemen of ancestors lived and ate. In the past, our ancestors ate foods that were easy to hunt or the foods they could find easily in their location. So, the next question would be: what exactly is paleo diet of today?

If you are not getting a clearer, total understanding of this so-called scavenger diet, then this article is perfect for you to read. Basically, it is about eating what you want – any food that you want – with the only restriction that it has to be in the Paleo food list. And what are the foods belonging in this paleo food list any way?

Meat, fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables belong in the paleo foods list, but those that do not belong are legumes, dairy, dairy products and grains. Salt and sugar are also not in this scavenger diet because our ancestors didn’t have the luxury of having seasonings then in their foods. Basically, they just ate whatever animal they could kill and partnered it with leafy greens.

The only liquids that are accepted in the paleolithic diet are water or coconut water. And in this diet, you are only required to drink water when you are thirsty the same way that you can only eat when you are hungry. Organic green tea is also acceptable since it is less processed and there’s less sugar in it. You are not required to eat at a set time because that’s not how our cavemen brothers lived in the past. They didn’t live to eat at all – they ate to live.

The next question to be asked is: who are the followers of this diet?

Those people who are allergic to dairy and athletes are among the many who are avid paleo dieters. And yes, those people who want to avoid “foreign proteins” at all cost. Those who are also trying to avoid cardiovascular diseases, asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes are following the diet.

There are so many books and internet sites that are talking more and more about the paleo diet. When you have the chance to read up, definitely do, do not stop yourself from learning about the many wonderful benefits this diet can bring to you and your life.

The Paleo diet can improve your body and health in a big way — love the men and women who once walked on this earth, follow their diet!

If you’re lucky enough to find hardwood floors hiding under your tired carpeting, you might feel like covering the wood back up. That’s understandable because refinishing the floors yourself seems like an impossible task.Hardwood floors were a common feature in houses until the 1960s. Before that, having wall-to-wall carpet was considered a luxury upgrade. From the 1970s on, most homes had wall-to-wall carpet in nearly every room. However, tastes change, and over the last couple decades, hardwood floors have once again become fashionable and desirable. Oftentimes, when I’m talking with someone about fixing houses, they ask if refinishing hardwood floors is something they can do themselves. Unless the person has a physical reason why they can’t do it, I generally say yes. However, I also remind them that redoing hardwood floors takes a great deal of time, sweat, and elbow grease.

As a general rule, floors of fifty square feet or less can be sanded by hand, but for any floor larger than that, rent or buy a small orbital sander. Everything necessary for doing it yourself will be available at your local hardware store. You can buy a pretty good electric sander nowadays for less than $100, which can be a good investment, especially if you’re planning to work on your home on a regular basis.The first layer to be removed is often a thick wax coating, followed by a coat of either polyurethane or varnish. A heavy duty commercial wax stripper can remove the wax, and then a lacquer thinner or acetone can be wiped on to prepare the wood for the next step. If there are any carpet tacks or pieces of old nails in the wood, remove them first. The remnant of a nail can tear up sandpaper, damage a sanding pad, and do serious damage to the palm of your hand, so check carefully to make sure all remnants of tacks and nails are gone before you begin sanding. Fill all nail holes with a quality wood filler, matching the color as closely as you can, and let it dry. Then you’re ready to begin sanding the floor with 220-grit sandpaper, whether by hand or with a sander. When you’re done sanding, wipe the entire floor with a damp cloth to remove as much sanding dust as possible. Damp cloths work better than vacuum cleaners. Let the floor dry, and then wipe it again with a tack rag, which is a cloth impregnated with resin to pick up fine dust particles. Again, your local hardware store will have what you need.After the floor is as clean as you can get it, apply three coats of polyurethane with a paint pad, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly, lightly sanding with 220-grit paper, and wiping the floor with a damp cloth and a tack rag between coats. If you prefer an old-fashioned finish, you can use a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and mineral spirits and then wax the floors with beeswax or paste wax. Take caution with the chemical mixture and the rags because they can catch on fire.

You can refinish hardwood floors yourself. It just takes time and effort–and a good set of kneepads wouldn’t hurt, either! Once you finish, you’ll have a gorgeous floor to be proud of and ready for that next “do it yourself” project–perhaps the next room with hardwood floors.

There is a new breed of leopards known as the Diablo Blanco which is genetically a pattern-less gecko with a complete red-eye. This new red-eye leopard gecko or the Diablo Blanco may or may not be all completely red, some possess only with one or more eyes being 50% of the solid red and the other one acquires the solid red color in both eyes.

Actually this new morph called the Diablo Blanco has three eye variations and only two body variants. As of now there are only two categories of this kind: the Blanco’s and the Diablo Blanco.

The Blanco is also a genetically pattern-less gecko, only they have the normal colored eyes of an albino. The head, body, and tail color is white. Although some Blanco’s may possess a yellowish color in their body, it may be totally wiped out through selective breeding of the next generation.

The other category is called the Diablo Blanco, this variety possess the complete or partial red-eyed color leopard gecko. Just like the raptor morph, there can also be a snake-eyed Diablo Blanco. That would mean that there could be one or more eyes that will have only half of the solid red color and there could also be a gecko with the two eyes being solid red. The best quality of this morph may possess a complete white skin from head to tail with two vividly solid red eyes.

How did these breed came about?

This is the result of cross breeding of the snowy white Tremper Albino “Blazing Blizzard” females with the best raptor male available as well as breeding those het offspring together. It is definitely not the cross breeding of two Blazing Blizzard’s with a pure Blizzard and miraculously came up with a new variety of a red-eye morph. Never yet in the history has that, two Blazing Blizzard geckos produced an all red-eyed leopards.

The Diablo Blanco variety, act as a recessive trait just like the other albino morph. When mixed together, they will produce the same characteristics, traits, and appearance of that of the parents.

The New Diablo Blanco red-eye leopard gecko is a new variety from trial breeding of hobbyist. With patience and painstaking observation of their pets they have finally produced a beautiful flawless white with the possibility of having two solid red eyes lizards. Producing your own new gecko variety greatly depends on your creativity. Study about these reptiles and try to cross-bred it yourself and be able to produce a unique and beautiful variety that can be called your own.

Find out more about this red-eyed leopard geckos; how to care for them and what to feed them. Are they the same with other leopard geckos?

Are you thinking of something   unique  that you and your children can do on your child’s special day? Well, here is something that you will surely enjoy. You heard it right! Children as well as adults will enjoy this one of a kind children’s toy. This is the Air Swimmers remote control flying clownfish. From the word itself, this radio control toy clownfish is a  unique  kind of toy that will sure increase the excitement in your children’s party as well as for teenagers and adults. You can also have this children’s toy as a part of your weekend leisure indoors or a fun day in your backyard.

The remote control flying clownfish is very durable when it comes to the materials used to create this toy. Here are some of the features that this radio control toy clownfish has and the things that you will surely enjoy when you purchased your own Air swimmers’ flying clownfish.

This remote control toy clownfish is made out of nylon which makes it bounce from wall to wall to decrease the chance of it to be broken. This is one of the best feature of this radio control toy clownfish as it will always be a good choice to buy a children’s toy that you are sure to be safe for children.

The Air swimmers remote control flying clownfish can also be inflated several times and you just need to have four triple A size batteries to keep it working. What is good about this radio control toy clownfish is that it can stay inflated for almost two weeks which means double the fun that you will get out of it. As it is also working with batteries, that means that you can save much from electricity unlike other children’s toy that requires electricity; it is also safer for your children.

Another feature of the radio control flying clownfish that will leave you amazed is that of its size. If you have not yet seen one then you might imagine this children’s toy to be about 15 inches wide and maybe 10-15 inches tall but you are wrong. this radio control toy clownfish is 36 inches tall and 57 inches in its width. Are you excited already for this? Can you now imagine how big this flying clownfish is?

This remote control toy clownfish can move 360 degrees up, down, side to side and can be controlled for almost 40 feet away from you. This is a great start of a fun party.

The remote control flying clownfish is not just for children as you can see even teenagers and adults can have fun with this  unique  toy. You can play with it indoors, even in the mall; play pranks with your friends and just have fun with this huge flying clownfish. Be ready for a fun-filled party with this remote control toy clownfish, so what are you waiting for? Get your own Air swimmers remote control flying clownfish now!

When it comes to satellite television programming, your choice usually comes down to Dish Network vs Direct TV. By comparing these two satellite television providers, you can find the one that works best for you and your television viewing, so that you make the most of the money that you spend. Where do you begin your comparison of Dish Network vs Direct TV?

You will first want to compare the number of channels and the type of channels that are offered from each satellite provider.

Here is the basic rundown of the offerings of each service. For around $40 per month, Dish Network offers a satellite package of 100 top channels with the local channels. For the same amount, Direct TV offers a package of 140 top channels and includes 50 XM Satellite radio channels as well. This price for the Direct TV includes local channels as well.

By comparing the offerings for each price that fits your budget, you can find the right satellite provider for you and your needs.

Another comparison that you will want to make is the price of the components that are needed to get the satellite programming.

For the most part, these components are offered free if you sign up for service for a particular length of time, but sometimes there is a rental fee that is associated with components, which can cause your monthly fee to be more than the programming cost.

Be sure that you read the fine print of your contract to be sure that you completely understand the terms, so that there will not be any surprises.

Customer service is much the same for both companies. They each offer a 24 hour a day, seven days a week customer service line, which will allow you to get in touch with them any time that you need it.

Dish Network is ranked #1 in customer service for cable and satellite providers, but Direct TV is right behind them at #2. This shows you how much they value their customers and work to keep them happy versus cable providers.

One thing that Direct TV offers you that Dish Network doesn’t is some really cool sports viewing ability. This does cost extra, but the bird’s eye view and extra features that you get from these packages may be well worth the additional cost.

The sports that offer you these amazing views are NASCAR, NBA basketball, major league baseball, NFL football, hockey, and more. If you are a sports fanatic, then you will want to consider Direct TV for this programming.

When comparing Dish Network vs Direct TV, you will want to include those parts of television viewing or features that are important to you. If price is your main consideration, then use this as the main comparison. If sports are your thing, then use sports as your main comparison.

By customizing your comparisons to your viewing and needs, you will find the right satellite programming option for you and your needs.

Papo Dilophosaurus Dinosaur Model Reviewed

Papo, the France based manufacturer of figures and replicas have added a Dilophosaurus dinosaur model to their prehistoric animal model range and very good it is too. A member of the coelophysid group of Theropods, this lithe, agile hunter was probably the apex predator in Early Jurassic environments. Scientists have estimated that this carnivore could have reached lengths in excess of six metres. It may have weighed over five hundred kilogrammes, that’s twice as heavy as an African lion (Panthero leo).

Almost a Quadrupedal Pose

Although most definitely a biped, Dilophosaurus did have relatively long arms. The arms were much longer than those of later Theropods. The Papo figure has been balanced on its hind legs but as the body is bent forwards the right hand with its three-fingered claws is also touching the ground. This is a more than acceptable stance for a dinosaur model and it permits the design team to keep the hind feet of their replica in proportion to the rest of the animal whilst still permitting it to balance.

Lots of Detail and Beautiful Painting

Papo have made sure that they include lots of fine detail. Individual scales can be picked out along the flanks and the patterning continues onto the belly, which is not found in cheaper dinosaur models. There is a row of triangular scales running from the top of the head down the slender neck and there is even a tiny, white-painted row of scales running down under the jaw. The famous double head crest of this dinosaur has been painted a vivid crimson colour. Obviously, the artists at Papo believe that this thin crest served no defensive or aggressive role, but that it was probably used for visual communication amongst Dilophosaurs. The rest of the model is painted a dark tan colour with flashes of blue set out in a stripe pattern across the legs, the flank and along the back.

To Scale with Other Replicas

The model measures around 14cm in length, but as the tail curls around the body, it is actually much bigger than that, measuring around 18 to 19 centimetres in length. As Dilophosaurus (D. wetherilli) is estimated to have reached lengths around six and a half metres, we estimate that this figure is in approximately 1:34 scale. Size wise it fits very well alongside two other Papo Jurassic dinosaur figures, the Allosaurus and the plant-eating Stegosaurus.

Details Around the Mouth

Unlike other predatory dinosaur models made by Papo, the jaw is not articulated, it does not open. However, this is more than made up for by the superb details that can be seen around the mouth. The distinctive curve in the premaxilla of this dinosaur is present and individual teeth have been skilfully painted – all credit to the production team.

This is an excellent dinosaur model, one that will prove popular with collectors and young dinosaur fans – highly recommended.

You need to own a hand crank short wave radio. While these shortwave radios may seem to some like novelties, they can save your life in an emergency. A shortwave radio isn’t just some AM/FM radio, it picks up a variety of shortwave radio signals. These can include but aren’t limited to weather stations, news broad casts, and even signals from other parts of the country and the world. While you may not think of these as important, in an emergency, these radios and stations can be your only link to the outside world.

A hand crank short wave radio has many different power options today. What the hand crank does is every time you turn the crank, the mechanical energy is instantly turned into electrical energy, enough to power the radio itself, and even to charge up the rechargeable batteries. Because the cranking technology has improved so much over the last few decades, turning the crank just a few minutes can power the radio continuously for more than two hours without interruption. They can also use batteries, and when there is power, plugged into the wall outlets.

The real purpose of a hand crank shortwave radio is for if you are stranded, whether on land or at sea, or if you are in the middle of some kind of natural or man made disaster. No matter what the situation, chances are there isn’t going to be any electrical power, and any kind of regular electronic device isn’t going to work. This is where the hand crank action comes into play. In many cases, evacuation procedures are going to be announced over short wave radios from emergency services. They may tell you that help is on the way, where to go, and even what to do until help arrives. In the case of flooding, storms, or tornadoes there can be more important information given on how long the storm is going to last, or how much more inclement weather is on the way. Without this vital information, you could be headed for an even more dangerous situation, or even stranded for longer, because you didn’t know where to go or what to do.

It is important that you keep a hand crank shortwave radio in many different places. You should have shortwave radios in your home, vehicle, and if you own an RV or a boat, you should have one in these as well. You just never know where an emergency will strike, and having one at home while you are stranded in the middle of nowhere doesn’t do you any good.

Just as a hand crank shortwave radio can save your life, you also have to buy the right shortwave radios as well. There are many different brands and models of these radios, and they come in a varying prices. While there many different models, not all of them are the same. The first thing you need to think about when choosing one of these radios is what your needs are. If you just want one to listen to music on the go without having to lug around a bunch of batteries, then cheaper models are a decent choice. One of these is the Eton FR 150. This radio is small and compact, and has very minimal options. Because of this, the cost is quite low.

For hand crank shortwave radio options, where you need access to multiples channels, and emergency bands, more expensive shortwave radios are a better option. This is because they have a better quality sound, and are able to pull in more channels and stations. They have better batteries, and their cranking mechanisms last far longer than cheaper models. Even so, a good radio shouldn’t cost you more than fifty to a hundred dollars.

Fifteen-year-old Rosa is one of those rare people gifted with the ability to hear the dead speaking to her. Usually, however, the dead are pesky people who want to talk to her while she’s busy doing things like taking math tests; in one such instance, when she tries to get rid of the dead person so she can concentrate, she finds herself in a shouting match and is soon after sent to the principal’s office.

Of course, no one believes Rosa can really speak to the dead, so her life isn’t easy, but it’s about to get a lot more interesting. Rosa is already obsessed with Ancient Egypt, but she can hardly believe it when King Tut not only starts speaking to her, but he appears before her eyes. Once she gets past noticing what a hunk he is, she realizes he’s trying to enlist her on a time travel mission that not only seems impossible but downright dangerous.

Hunk or not, Tut has his heart set on his ancient love, his wife, Ankhesenpaaten. They have been separated for centuries, but now she is trying to communicate with Tut through Rosa, and Tut needs Rosa’s help to lead him to his love’s final resting place.

Time travel does indeed happen, and before Rosa knows it, she’s witnessing Tut’s life story as well as facing the fierce General Horemheb, who succeeded Tut’s family as pharaoh and wants to wipe out all traces of Tut’s family history in Ancient Egypt. Before the story is over, Rosa will find herself channeling the dead, being locked up in a tomb, and discovering that all the gold in King Tut’s tomb is of little value compared to true love.

Cheryl Carpinello’s new novel Sons of the Sphinx is a riveting madcap ride through a fascinating time in Ancient Egypt’s history. Readers meet not only King Tut but his controversial father, King Akenhaten, and his famous stepmother, Queen Nefertiti. Insights are given into ancient life, and Egyptian mythology is explored. Best of all, the story is both fun and educational, which led to its designation as a “Literary Classics Award Winning Book.” The book also has a glossary in the back of Egyptian gods, people, places, and terms.

Cheryl Carpinello, as a longtime educator and the author of several other young adult books, including Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend and The King’s Ransom, knows how to entertain young readers in a way that makes them want to learn more. And as an adult reader, I learned a lot about King Tut and his time that I didn’t know, and I now want to learn more, so if I feel that enthusiastic about this book, I can just imagine how excited I would have been as a child reading this book. I’m certain it’s destined to be a favorite among young readers.

A companion volume to the book, titled Tutankhamen Speaks, is also available; it tells King Tut’s full life story in his own words.