The simple answer is this; The Ryder Cup is played every other year between teams of golfers representing the U.S. and Europe. With a reputation of being the greatest team event, today’s matches are played on a grand scale, with extensive media coverage plus a full dose of pomp and circumstance, but the Ryder Cup started humbly.

Samuel Ryder, the original sponsor donated the trophy. A businessman who’d made his fortune selling herbs and seeds, Ryder was born in Preston, in the north of England, in 1858. In the 1890s, he and his wife started their own mail-order seed business. The creation of the Ryder Cup was as much out of love for the game as it was an effort to sell product. In 1908, Ryder fell into poor health and, at the urging of a local church minister, decided to take up golf. He began with lessons from a professional who would visit his home.

The matches began in 1927, but a couple of transatlantic team matches came along before it. The first took place at Gleneagles, Scotland, in 1921, to increase the number of American professionals competing in the British Open. “The plan was to have the American team make its stand at Gleneagles while the American delegation is over for the British Open.

In the next contest Ryder and his brother James suggested that a team match be set up against American professionals who planned to travel to Britain and try to qualify for that year’s British Open. The Wentworth Club, just outside London, was chosen because it was close to Sunningdale, one of the qualifying sites. The British team won the matches by the score of 13 1/2 to 1 1/2, but the results did not make it into the record books because the American team included transplanted players born outside the United States. There were two Scots, two Englishmen, and one Australian. The PGA of America could not possibly have endorsed it.

When the actual cup appeared has been the main source of argument. The official story goes that Samuel Ryder was in the gallery at the matches at Wentworth and became enchanted with the whole concept. He later found himself in the company of several players in the clubhouse and commented, “We must do this again.” At the prodding of some players, Ryder agreed to donate a trophy. It was 19 inches high and fashioned from solid gold. Its hallmark read “1927,” and on the very top stood a tiny likeness of Abe Mitchell, one of the top British professionals of the day and the personal swing guru to Sam Ryder.

Beginning on Friday, September 19, this year’s matches will begin between these teams at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentuck. By now we all know that due to injury, Tiger Woods will not be playing. 
Team USA: Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink, Kenny Perry, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Justin Leonard, Ben Curtis, Boo Weekley. Captain’s picks: Steve Stricker, J.B. Holmes, Hunter Mahan, Chad Campbell.

Team Europe: Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, Soren Hansen, Oliver Wilson. Captain’s picks: Ian Poulter, Paul Casey

Past matches from the most recent to 1979 are entered below, with the final score, location, captains and a recap of each event.

2006
Europe 18 1/2, United States 9 1/2
Location: The K Club, Straffan, Co., Kildare, Ireland
Captains: Ian Woosnam (Eur.), Tom Lehman (U.S.)
The only thing that didn’t go according to plan for the Europeans at the K Club was having Darren Clarke make the winning putt. Clarke, who is from Northern Ireland and whose wife had died of cancer just weeks before the start of play, was the sentimental leader of the European team. Again, the Europeans dominated each session of the match, and their win marked the first time they had won three Ryder Cups in a row.

2004
Europe 18 1/2, United States 9 1/2
Location: Oakland Hills CC, Bloomfield Township, Mich.
Captains: Bernhard Langer (Eur.), Hal Sutton (U.S.)
From the start, everything went right for the Europeans and wrong for the Americans. Having built an impressive 11-5 lead going into the singles, the Europeans need just 3 1/2 points to retain the cup, but they won 7 1/2 to set a record for the largest margin of victory in Ryder Cup history.

2002
Europe 15 1/2, United States 12 1/2
Location: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England
Captains: Sam Torrence (Eur.), Curtis Strange (U.S.)
After being delayed a year due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Ryder Cup matches returned to the Belfry in 2002. Europe won the first four singles matches and halved the fifth to build momentum that the United States could not contain. When Paul McGinley halved his match against Jim Furyk, Europe’s convincing victory was clinched and the second-guessing of Curtis Strange, who put his best singles players at the bottom of his line-up, began.

1999
United States 14 1/2, Europe 13 1/2
Location: The Country Club, Brookline, Mass.
Captains: Ben Crenshaw (U.S.), Mark James (Eur.)
Known as the “Battle at Brookline,” this Ryder Cup will be remembered for the Sunday comeback by the United States. Although they had won eight of 11 singles matches, the overall competition came down to Justin Leonard and Jose Maria Olazabal’s singles match. Improbably, Leonard erased a four-hole deficit with seven holes to play, then drained a 45-foot putt on the 17th hole that came to be known as the “Putt Heard Round the World.” When Olazabal missed his 25-foot birdie putt, Leonard had the lead, and while the Spaniard made an 18-foot birdie to halve the match on 18, the United States won the cup.

1997
Europe 14 1/2, United States 13 1/2
Location: Valderrama Golf Club, Sotogrande, Spain
Captains: Seve Ballesteros (Eur.), Tom Kite (U.S.)
This Ryder Cup competition was the first staged on the continent of Europe, and the home team built a commanding 10 1/2 to 5 1/2 lead after two days of play. Although they won the singles 8-4, the United States was not able to overcome the deficit and Europe retained the cup. Amazingly, Tiger Woods (1997 Masters winner), Justin Leonard (1997 British Open winner) and Davis Love (1997 PGA Championship winner) went a combined 1-9-3.

1995
Europe 14 1/2, United States 13 1/2
Location: Oak Hill CC, Rochester, N.Y.
Captains: Bernard Gallacher (Eur.), Lanny Wadkins (U.S.)
Down two points after two days of play, the European team staged an inspired comeback behind little-known Philip Walton of Ireland and Howard Clark of England. Walton held off a late charge from Jay Haas and Clark defeated Peter Jacobson after hitting a hole-in-one on the par-3 11th. Ryde Cup rookie Phil Mickelson was a lone bright spot for the United States, going 3-0.

1993
United States 15, Europe 13
Location: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, Engand
Captains: Tom Watson (U.S.), Bernard Gallacher (Eur.)
Going into the final day’s singles, the United States trailed Europe by one point. However, the United States staged a comeback behind Ryder Cup rookie Davis Love, who edged Costantino Rocca, and Chip Beck, who came back from three hole deficit to defeat Barry Lane. Amazingly, Raymond Floyd, the oldest Ryder Cup player ever at age 51, defeated Jose Maria Olazabal 2-up.

1991
United States 14 1/2, Europe 13 1/2
Location: The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C.
Captains: Dave Stockton (U.S.), Bernard Gallacher (Eur.)
This contest, one of the most hotly contested in Ryder Cup history, came to be known as The War on the Shore. In the end, it all came down to Bernhard Langer and Hale Irwin’s singles match on Sunday. After conceding Irwin’s 1-foot bogey putt on the final hole, Langer raced a 45-foot birdie putt six feet past the hole. When he agonizingly missed the par putt, their match was halved and the United States reclaimed the cup for the first time since six years.

1989
Europe 14, United States 14
Location: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England
Captains: Tony Jacklin (Eur.), Raymond Floyd (U.S.)
Echoing Ben Hogan’s introduction of his team in 1967, Raymond Floyd introduced his team at a pre-event dinner as, “the 12 greatest players in the world.” However, after two days Europe led 9-7 behind the stellar play of Ballesteros and Olazabal. Eventually, the matched ended in the second tie in Ryder Cup history and Europe retained the cup.

1987
Europe 15, United States 13
Location: Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio
Captains: Tony Jacklin (Eur.), Jack Nicklaus (U.S.)
Europe built a 10 1/2 to 5 1/2 going into the weekend, led by in inspired play of Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. Europe’s win was their first-ever on American soil. Ben Crenshaw, one of the game’s best putters, grew so frustrated during his match again Ireland’s Eamonn Darcy that he snapped his putter after six holes. The Texan putted with his 1-iron and sand wedge the rest of the day before losing.

1985
Europe 16 1/2, United States 11 1/2
Location: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England
Captains: Tony Jacklin (Eur.), Lee Trevino (U.S.)
When Craig Stadler, playing with Curtis Strange, missed a three-foot putt on the final hole to halve their match against Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle instead of win it, the tenor of the competition changed and Europe took a 9-7 lead going into Sunday’s singles matches. Scotland’s Sam Torrance holed an 18-foot putt on the 18th hole to defeat U.S. Open champion Andy North to secure Europe’s first Ryder Cup victory in 28 years.

1983
United States 14 1/2, Europe 13 1/2
Location: PGA National Golf Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Captains: Jack Nicklaus (U.S.), Tony Jacklin (Eur.)
Having never won a Ryder Cup in contested in the United States, the European team nearly claimed the prize. The two teams were tied 8-8 after two days of play. As Dan Jenkins wrote in Sports Illustrated, “What Nicklaus told his stalwarts before he sent them out on Sunday was more in the tradition of Knute Rockne than Harry Vardon . ‘I will not’ he said, ‘be the first captain to blow this thing. Now you guys show me some brass.’”

1981
United States 18 1/2, Europe 9 1/2
Location: Walton Health GC, Surrey, England
Captains: Dave Marr (U.S.), John Jacobs (Eur.)
This Ryder Cup competition was over almost before it started, with the United States jumping out to a 7-1 lead after the first day of competition. The powerful pairing of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson earned three points for the U.S. and Nicklaus finished a perfect 4-0 over three days.

1979
United States 17, Europe 11
Location: The Greenbrier, W. Va.
Captains: Billy Casper (U.S.), John Jacobs (Eur.)
This was the first Ryder Cup to include players from continental Europe alongside players from England and Ireland. Nick Faldo went 4-1, but he was overshadowed by the performance of the United States’ Larry Nelson, who was a perfect 5-0.

Here’s a list of captains prior to 1979:
1977 - Dow Finsterwald - Brian Huggett
1975 - Arnold Palmer - Bernard Hunt
1973 - Jack Burke Jr. - Bernard Hunt
1971 - Jay Hebert - Eric Brown
1969 - Sam Snead - Eric Brown
1967 - Ben Hogan - Dai Rees
1965 - Byron Nelson - Harry Weetman
1963 - Arnold Palmer - John Fallon
1961 - Jerry Barber - Dai Rees
1959 - Sam Snead - Dai Rees
1957 - Jack Burke Jr. - Dai Rees
1955 - Chick Harbert - Dai Rees
1953 - Lloyd Mangrum - Henry Cotton
1951 - Sam Snead - Arthur Lacey
1949 - Ben Hogan - Charles Whitcombe
1947 - Ben Hogan - Henry Cotton
1937 - Ben Hogan - Henry Cotton
1935 - Walter Hagen - Charles Whitcombe
1933 - Walter Hagen - J.H. Taylor
1931 - Walter Hagen - Charles Whitcombe
1929 - Walter Hagen - George Duncan
1927 - Walter Hagen - Ted Ray

Ryder Cup trivia question:
How many Ryder Cup matches did Greg Norman play in?
How many did he win?

MIAMI — Travelers crossing U.S. land and sea borders can now replace their passport book with a new passport card.

Federal passport officials started issuing the wallet-size cards on July 14.

Go to http://www.airportbook.com/bookstore.htm to purchase 369 tips!

More than 450,000 people have applied for the card, said Brenda Sprague, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services, at a news conference Monday at the Port of Miami.

“The U.S. passport card is a less expensive and more affordable alternative to the U.S. passport book,” Sprague said.

The brand new document — which looks similar to a drivers license — can be used for people returning to the United States from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The pros: It’s cheaper ($45 for first-time applicants, $20 if the applicant already has a passport and $35 for children), it’s valid for the same period as a passport book, and it’s faster for border officials to check.

Its technology — a radio frequency identity chip — allows it to be read from up to 30 feet away. “It will make a difference as far as processing times,” said Chief Jose Castellano, spokesman with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The cons: U.S. travelers cannot use the card to travel by air. And no passport stamps.

“The one you choose will depend on your future travel plans,” Sprague said.

Those who applied before production started can expect their passport card between late August and early September, according to the State Department Web site. Passport officials expect to issue between 800,000 and one million passports by the end of the year. So far, about 200,000 of the new documents have been issued.

Border and Customs Protection agents have seen about 2,000 of the new cards, primarily at land crossings.

The card is especially designed for people who live near the border. It can also be an option for cruise travelers, although they should check with their cruise line before departure, Sprague said.

In less than a year, starting in June 2009, travelers must present a document showing citizenship and identity when entering the United States at land and sea crossings. “The convenient and affordable U.S. passport card will do that,” Sprague said. “Don’t delay. Be sure you have the document you need so you can travel anywhere in the world you need to go,” she added.

Article by: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/5954336.html

In larger battery banks, where you have multiple series - parallel strings of batteries, you run the risk of some batteries getting more “used” than others, and this degrades your pack performance. A simple way to reduce this effect is to cross-tie your batteries. This is a rarely used but important method of getting extreme life out of your expensive batteries. Here is an example:

cross-tied-battery-bank

The dotted lines are the cross tie cables. It’s also important to make sure your cables are heavy enough, that you are not losing power as heat through resistance. If you have caps on your batteries, not maintenance free, check the water levels once a month and top them off during charging. Do not overflow. Next we will discuss pulse desulfators as another method of extending the life of your batteries. Stay tuned.

Happy September  and welcome to the unofficial end of summer. This is the time of the year when the golf season abruptly gives way to the football season for most, (tonight is opening night with the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants vs the Washington Redskins) but not for us diehard passionate golf nuts.

For those of you who have been following my progress, evangelizing, promoting and marketing the Thumbs Down method as a new brand in the world of golf, I’ve got exciting news to share with you. Thumbs Down, Golf Instruction Made Simple is now a published book, by Morgan James Publishing for $12.95, effective August 2008 (ISBN 978-1-60037-445-6). It’s listed on Amazon.com under books. Here’s a link that will get you there: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=thumbs+down+golf&x=13&y=22. It’s also at Borders.com and I know there’s more locations to be added soon.

This marks a significant event in the evolution of the method I invented in 1995 that originally cured my out-of-control slice. The published book is the same as the Front Nine edition , which means it’s an introduction to the Thumbs Down method, just like the current self-published eBook and pocket-size paperback. What’s different is the About the Author section, which was originally written in 2001 but never published before. It tells of my ten plus year journey so far, to make the Thumbs Down method the next big thing in golf.

Another major accomplishment recently materialized, when I connected with a sports agent. Blue Giraffe is a sports marketing company that represents many pro golfers. After my initial contact in late June, they have quickly taken a liking to my products and “turn golf into business” marketing plan. The attached link to my Press Release quotes their approval and intent to promote my efforts. See www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/PDFs/ThumbsDownPressRelease.pdf. More specific details to come after THE TOUR Championship and into the fall.

Speaking of THE TOUR Championship, the playoffs are underway. As of the completing of this newsletter the first two legs, the Barclays and Deutsche Bank tournaments have been completed. Tomorrow, the final 70 players tee it up at the BMW Championship in St. Louis. The top 30 in FedEx Cup points will play at East Lake in Atlanta Sept 25-18 after the previous week’s Ryder Cup, for the FedEx Cup. It’s the Super Bowl of golf with a $10 million prize to the winner.

I hope you enjoy this week’s story titled GOLF IS DEAD WITHOUT TIGER, 60 second golf tip and trivia question. Please visit my website at www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com and visit my blog at www.thumbsdownmethod.com. As always, Tell-a-Friend to do the same and to join the Thumbs Down method Fan Club!

Do you remember the initial reactions after Tiger announced he’ll miss the rest of the 2008 golf season? On Tuesday June 19th, the day after the Monday US Open playoff battle between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate, I called a senior producer at Golf Channel I’ve known for a few years. He was noticeably worried about Tiger’s condition because without him their ratings could fall off the charts. In the world of TV, ratings are everything.

After the announcement that reconstructive surgery was required, the media immediately reported that all the drama has left the game of golf with Tiger on the sidelines. At that stage of the season, Tiger as player of the year was already a foregone conclusion, with two more majors and the FedEx cup still to be played.

The word circulating around the world of golf news going into the British Open was that golf is dead without Tiger and no one cares about the this major tournament in the middle of July. Just in case you fell into the trap and didn’t follow any of the action, you missed enough drama to fill a typical season, and it ain’t even over yet. Here’s a recap of the drama you missed, times three:

Playing out exactly according to the historic script, The British Open was played in cold and nasty weather with 30-50 mph winds throughout the tournament. A surprise name familiar to all also surfaced, as Greg Norman went back in time and challenged at the top. I’m sure the early morning ratings skyrocketed, as myself and millions of fans viewed, sentimentally pulling for the great white shark. The early predictions counted out Padraig Harrington the defending champion, due to an injured wrist that almost prevented him from playing. In the same fashion as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, Harrington hung in there, letting the field drop out of contention, before taking charge on the back nine of the final round to win.

Suddenly there was a back-to-back British Open champion and a European to boot, both rarities. Immediately the media counted out any chance of Harrington winning the PGA because Kenny Perry was the favorite and Phil Mickelson is always expected to win if Tiger isn’t there. Besides, Tiger is the only player in many a year to win this often, so we’re not used to picking the same guy to win too often. Ironically, Perry had to withdraw due to an eye problem.

In what started out as a ho-hum major tournament played on a monster of a course, the PGA at Oakland Hills in Michigan played out as a significant event in the history of golf. With a rainout on the Saturday third round, the players were forced to play 36-holes on Sunday. The leader board changed throughout the day and going into the final round Sergio Garcia, Ben Curtis and Padraig Harrington rose to the top and were tied after 16 holes. Once again Harrington took over with a birdie on 17 and a scrambling par on 18 to win back-to-back majors and three of the last six. Tiger who?

So much for the regular season, bring on the playoffs. For the second year golf has a second season. Like most other sports, golf has it’s version of the playoffs and it’s Super Bowl equivalent called the FedEx Cup, a $10 million prize to the winner. Also like other sports, the regular season standings only got you in or out of the playoff season, which consists of four events. Now you’d better perform or your season could end quickly.

The opening tournament, the Barclays was played at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey. After three days of many players jockeying for position at the top, tour rookie Kevin Streelman was the leader going into the final round. On the back nine, where most tournaments really begin, the cream rose to the top as Vijay Singh and Sergio Garcia battled with surprise co-leader Kevin Sutherland, forcing a 3-way playoff.

Garcia thought he had won it after he drained a 30-foot uphill birdie putt on the 18th hole, but Singh spoiled the celebration with a 25-foot gem of his own to extend the playoff between those two players. When Garcia found the trees off the tee on the par five 17th hole Singh took over, by bombing a perfect drive, then easily reaching in two and making a 2-putt birdie. The win vaulted Vijay into the FedEx Cup playoff lead.

Personally, I like watching good golf and think it’s very entertaining. Because the tournament was in New Jersey I attended round one and watched good golf up close and personal. The difference was that unlike other tournaments where I moved all around following different players, I followed one group primarily this time and one player in particular. What I noticed earlier in the season was how naturally he performed Thumbs Up on the back swing and Thumbs Down at impact.

60 second golf tip:
What I’ve noticed as the main difference between amateurs and pros is how naturally pros load up the wrists on the back swing and strike down on the ball with active hands through the impact zone. Because it happens so fast, it takes the Biz Hub super slow motion cameras as shown on the telecasts, to actually see what their hands are doing as they make contact and continue into their follow-throughs. To get a better idea of what I call My Secret, checkout this page: www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/MySecret/MySecret.htm

Trivia:
Q: Where did Arnold Palmer play college golf?
Suggestions: Duke, Penn State, Penn, Wake Forest

Week #11
When you travel with your children, especially older children,
make sure you know what they are packing!

1) Your 12 year old might pack fireworks (cherry bombs,firecrackers, etc.) This could get you a big fine! $1500 to $10,000 depending on the gunpowder involved.

2) Your 5 year old could sneak his pet frog, snake or mouse into his cute little Spongebob backpack. Now you have a delay at the security checkpoint and what happens to the pet? And, how do you think your child will react to that?

3) Let’s think about your teen packing for a moment….maybe that’s a little scary! Just make sure you know what’s in their backpack. You are the parent and you will be held responsible.

So this simple tip of checking ALL your family’s bags could definitely save you a lot of stress at the airport.

Week #10
Do you have to be screened by Tracel Portal (Puffer) machines?
The Puffer machine that blows air on you. It then analyzes the air for trace amounts of explosives.
If the airport you’re traveling through has a puffer machine, but the machine is still in the pilot phase, then the answer is no. You are not required because it is on a voluntary basis only.
If the airport has a puffer machine and they have completed the pilot phase and they are using the machine as a primary security measure, then yes, you are require to be puffed. You may refuse, but know they will use a full-body pat-down instead.
My advice is to ask the screener if the puffer is in the pilot phase. If it is, TSA can only request you to go through the puffer as a volunteer.

Week #9
1) Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film, in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the x-ray machine numerous times, ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.

2) Pack shoes, boots, sneakers and other footwear on top of other contents in your baggage. This makes it easier to check your bags and may save you an extra bag check.

3) Don’t forget to place identification tags with your name and phone on all bags, including your laptop computer bag. Also, use tags that protect your personal information from prying eyes. (criminals and theives fly too)!

4) While at the airport, and anywhere else, keep your phone conversations private. Remember that you could be sharing personal information with anyone within ear-shot of you.

Week #8
The 3-1-1 Rule for carry-on baggage: 3 ounces of liquids, gel and creams- 1 quart size zip-top plastic baggy- 1 bag per person.

1. Pack all liquids, gels and creams over 3 oz. into your checked baggage! Liquid medications over 3oz are permitted. Pack them separate from other 3-1-1 items and declare them to a TSO (transportation security officer).
2. Remember that certain snacks are deemed liquids! If you like traveling with your favorite Jell-O, pudding or yogurt, don’t! They won’t pass through security.

3. Don’t bring beverages from home over 3oz. Only those purchased after security screening over 3oz. are permitted in the sterile area or on your plane.
4. Are you gellin’? Even gel shoe inserts won’t make it through security. However, bras filled with gel or saline are considered accepted cosmetic prosthesis.
5. Baby formula and breast milk are allowed, but remember to separate these from the rest of your liquids and declare them to security. Baby doesn’t need to be present.

Week #7
Most medication can be x-rayed without damage occuring to it.Double check with your dotor and ask how your medication should be screened. If the answer is a hand-check, then pack your medication in a separate zip-top plastic bag and ask for a hand check before the screening process starts.
Remember that there is no scientific evidence that X-rays damage medication.
Whether or not you get a hand-check is up to the discretion of the security screener. Everything from the appearance of the medicine to how the passenger behaves can influence the airport screener’s decision to grant a hand-check in lieu of an X-ray view.

Week #6
New embargo - Breed restrictionCheck with your airlines for breed restrictions for check baggage and carry-on. Below is an example of checked baggage restrictions for a specific time period.
For the safety of your animal, United Airlines does not accept the following short-nosed dog breeds, or mixed-breed dogs exhibiting the short-nosed characteristics of these breeds, as either checked baggage or cargo from June 1 - September 30 of each year. This restriction does not apply to animals traveling with you in the cabin.
Boston Terrier
Boxer
English or French Bulldog
King Charles Spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Pug
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu

Week #5
Traveling With Children and Teens!

1. Ask for or look for child friendly lanes. At child friendly lanes the screeners will guide your children through with puppets, offer stickers and have them stand on matts with pictures of friendly animals.

2. Speak to your children about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised.

3. Don’t dress your children in overalls. They will always alarm and now the child will be sent to secondary screening.

4. Make sure they wear slip-on shoes (just like you should).

5. You can always ask for a private screening.

6. Remind your teenagers not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives

Week #4
In today’s world most of us travel with medications or supplements and since the TSA recently revised the rules for certain items it’s good to review them individually:Medications:1) All medication must have a manufacturers or pharmaceutical label for identification.
2) TSA prefers you to carry only enough medication to get you through your flight.
3) Pack all medication separate from your other carry-on 3-1-1 items. You have the right to handle and repack your own medication.

Week #3
If you had to categorize yourself as a particular traveler, would you be a “Black Diamond”, “Green Circle”, or a “Blue Square”?“Black Diamond” line is for the “Expert Traveler.”
“Green Circle” line is for families with small children and strollers, those new to flying and those needing special assistance.

“Blue Square” line is for the “Frequent Traveler.”
Knowing what lane to use save you tons of time!

Week #2
No one likes to wait in line at the airport, so I posted a wait time link to help ease your pain at http://divineislandbooks.com/blog/2008/02/22/security-checkpoint-wait-times/
where you can check your airport’s specific wait time. Just click on the above link.

Week #1
How can you tell if you’re going to be selected for secondary screening?
The exercise is simple. Check-in and print out your boarding pass the night before, no more than 24 hours in advance for most airlines. This alone will tell you a lot. If you are successful in printing out your boarding pass, you will not be selected for secondary screening by the airlines. If you cannot print it out, then it’s a high probability that you have been selected for secondary screening.
Remember it’s still a possibility to be randomly selected for secondary screening by TSA’s walk-through metal detector agent. My advice is not to wear loose clothing. You don’t want to look like you are carrying a weapon of mass destruction.

Certainly the effects of global climate changed have been thoroughly documented in recent years but there are several hazards of the fossil fuel industry that have not been as widely publicized. Among these is exposure to asbestos. While many believe asbestos to be a problem of the past, (it was banned for general use by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the late 1970’s) when in fact asbestos exposure is a real threat to human health, particularly within the procession of fossil fuels.

Asbestos is in fact, not a man-made creation, but a naturally occurring mineral that was included in insulation compounds because of its strong and flexible fibers. These attributes made asbestos ideal for inclusion in a myriad of insulation products including piping, electrical insulation, drywall, boilers, and various kinds of wall insulation. Asbestos was popular because its fibers we small and adaptable to a number of different compounds. This however, was before we knew what we knew today, that asbestos was slowly killing thousands of industrial workers.

Asbestos is not considered dangerous until it is rendered “friable.” When asbestos containing materials are rendered friable, they are considered to be extremely hazardous. Friable means simply that the materials are old or damaged. Asbestos containing materials become abraded by age or other
damage; they release the microscopic asbestos fibers into the air supply, leaving those in the vicinity at risk of a harmful exposure. When asbestos is inhaled, the fibers lodge in the pleural lining of the lungs, which over time can lay the groundwork for pleural mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer whose only cause is asbestos exposure.

Certainly the health effects of the fossil fuel industry do not begin and end with asbestos exposure (skin cancer rates are higher than anywhere in the world in South Africa and Australia where the ozone has been rapidly depleted), but recently researchers have seen an influx of asbestos related
health complications directly related to exposure at oil refineries and other processing centers. However, this is not simply a hazard to the long term vitality of our planet but a real danger to the current inhabitants of our green planet. For more information about not only mesothelioma, but the growing connections between industrial activity and the health of the planet’s inhabitants, please visit the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center.