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Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love has it. Many in San Francisco want it...

Wireless broadband Internet access (wifi) seems too good to be true. At relatively low cost, anyone can get on the Internet anywhere in a city. All the city needs to do is install wifi antennas.

An argument in favor of citywide wifi is that it will reduce the digital divide: the poorer you are, the more limited your access to the Internet and its information resources. Cities like Philadelphia and San Francisco are actively trying to close the digital divide. One option is wifi.

Yet in weighing the options, virtually nothing is heard about the potential health risks. Saturating an entire city with wifi adds to the existing burden of nonionizing radiation. That burden, called electrosmog by some, consists of long-term exposure to low-level concentrations of nonionizing radiation from familiar sources like radio and TV signals, electronic and electrical devices, and the ubiquitous cell phone.

Wireless Internet Access

Local area networks (LANs) link computers, printers, modems, and other devices. Traditional LANs make the links physically using wire cable. Messages between computers and the other devices on the network are managed by a device called a router.

A wireless LAN does away with the wire cable by using a router that transmits and receives radio signals. To use a wired LAN, you have to plug the computer or other device into a wall socket. A wire leads from the socket to the router, which manages signal traffic between the devices on the network.

With a wireless LAN, each device on the network is built so that it can send a signal to the router and receive signals back. Wireless routers typically have a range of a hundred to several hundred feet. The range can be increased by adding a booster that increases the signal strength.

As with all radio signals, the closer you are to the transmitter (the router) the stronger the signal. Cell phones work on the same principle. The difference is that cell phones work at a different frequency and put out a stronger signal than wireless LANs.

Radio Frequencies

Cell phones operate at frequencies in the 3 to 30 GHz range, similar to microwave ovens. Wireless LANs operate at one tenth of that range0.3 to 3 GHz, the range of UHF television broadcasts. GHz stands for gigaHertz, a standard measure of radio frequency radiation (RFR)electromagnetic radiation created by sending an alternating electrical current through an antenna. The higher the GHz, the faster the current alternates.

frequency by itself does not measure the potential effect of RFR. As you would guess, the strength of the signal also matters. The strength of a signal is measured in watts, a standard measure of electrical energy. For example, a 100 watt light bulb is brighter because it puts out more energy than a 60 watt bulb.

Think of the effect of waves at the beach: small waves far apart (low strength, low frequency) versus large wave close together (high strength, high frequency). The former is likely to have less of an effect than the latter.

The exposure to RFR is measured using SARspecific absorption rate. SAR is expressed either in milliwatts/kilogram (mW/kg) of body weight or milliwatts/cubic centimeter (mW/cm2) of exposed body area: the size of the wave and how much of your body it strikes.

Health Risks

wifi enthusiasts dismiss health risk concerns because the power output and SAR exposure is significantly below the minimum standard set for cell phones. But cell phone standards are set for the short term exposure of a cell phone in use pressed to your head. In addition, the standards are set based on the thermal (heating) effect of the radiation.

Nonthermal effects of cell phones are documented at exposures below the current US standards, including

- memory loss,
- sleep disruption,
- slowed motor skills and reaction time,
- decreased immune function,
- spatial disorientation and dizziness,
- headaches,
- lowered sperm count,
- increased blood pressure and pulse,
- DNA breakage and reduced DNA repair capacity, and
- cell proliferation.

A second problem is that cell phone exposure is intermittent, whereas wifi exposure is constant. A more accurate comparison is to the effect of cell phone broadcast antennas. These antennas send and receive radio frequency signals constantly.

The signal strength from an antenna is comparable to a cell phone only at very close range. The exposure is not a cell phones brief blast but a persistent bath of low- strength RFR. In addition to the health effects documented for cell phone use, exposure to cell phone antennas include

- increased blood pressure and pulse,
- sleep disruption,
- emotional effects such as increased depression and irritability,
- memory loss and mental fog,
- fatique and vertigo, and
- increased cancer risk.

Because of these effects, the International Association of Fire Fighters (AFL-CIO) decided in 2004 that they will not permit cell phone antennas on fire houses.

RFR Hypersensitivity

much of the discussion of RFR health effects is framed as a concern with people who are hypersensitive. Hypersensitivity is the technical term for allergies and similar immune system overreactions. But instead of pollen, RFR hypersensitivity is a reaction to nonionizing radiation. It seems that an unlucky few are affected while the rest of us are off the hook.

Research by Olle Johansson and rjan Halberg of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm suggests otherwise. They looked at the incidence of cancer in Europe and the US and found a striking association between the increase in certain cancers during the 20th Century and exposure RFR as measured by radio and TV broadcasts.

What the hypersensitive really represent is one extreme in a complex landscape of effects and risks. Just like any other environmental stressor, RFR will affect some people more than others. And as with other environmental stressors, the greater the overall burden, the greater the risk of becoming one of the the unlucky few.

Wireless LANs add to the existing burden of RFR. Just as burning more fossil fuels adds more smog, adding more RFR adds more electrosmog. You dont have to expose your home or your city to the increased burden created by wifi. Theres a viable alternative: a wired LAN. The hype might make it seem less convenient and more expensive. But whats a good nights sleep worth? Or reducing your risk of cancer?

Resources

International Association of Fire Fighters. 2004. Position on the Health Effects from Radio Frequency/Microwave (RF/MW) Radiation in Fire Department facilities from base Stations for Antennas and Towers for the Conduction of Cell Phone Transmissions. Access at http://www.iaff.org/safe/content/celltower/ celltowerfinal.htm.

Johansson, Olle and Doug Loranger. 2005. Electrosmog. Your Own Health And Fitness. Broadcast November 29, 2005. http://yourownhealthandfitness.org/ radiation.html.

Sage, Cindy. 2005. Comment on San Francisco TechConnect Community Wireless broadband Initiative. Sage Associates: September 2005.

golf is a complicated game to those who play it. While many people don't think hitting a golf ball across a lawn is difficult, for those who play, it is more about gauging distance, dealing with wind, and hitting the ball hard enough to reach its destination. If you are new to the game of golf, you may have noticed that there are many decisions to make when trying to reach the green and eventually hit the ball into the hole. understanding the course, being prepared for ground conditions, and using the right clubs are all necessary if you want to play a good game.

one of the first things most golfers learn early how to swing the club in order to make the ball go where they want it to. Using an iron is different from using a wood or wedge, so pay attention when the instructor is telling you about each club. Because the clubs are shaped differently, they each hit the ball at different angles which cause the ball to move in certain directions. While you should concentrate on angling the club so it hits the ball correctly, you need to also practice your swing. Proper posture and follow-through will yield good results.

After learning how to use your golf clubs, you will begin to learn more about swinging your club and hitting the ball. driving ranges are the best places to learn these skills. Once you have learned how to make contact with the ball, you will develop your own style. This style may have to be challenged from time to time especially if you have a harsh slice, which means the ball cuts to the extreme right or the left. This can be corrected through your posture and by practicing to change your swing.

golf courses are you next destination once you have mastered beginning skills. Playing on a golf course is different from hitting balls on a driving range. At a golf course, you will be faced with sand traps, small bodies of water, hills, and rough terrain. You will also be faced with wind, wet or dry grass, and other conditions. In order to become more familiar with these conditions, you will have to play often in different types of weather. So get a car hire in Benidorm and Denia and prepare for the unexpected.

golf can be a lifelong hobby if you are willing to put a little work into it in the beginning. It is very rewarding and challenging in that no course is ever the same twice. If you enjoy playing at different golf courses, you will be able to see some of the most beautiful courses in the world.

Jack Blacksmith wrote mainly for http://www.alicante-spain.com, a web publication with information about Gandia, Denia and different topics. Working on his reports on car hire in benidorm and Denia he confirmed his skill in the field.

Today, it seems people spend a lot of time, energy and money trying to maintain a youthful look. The store shelves are lines with miracle products claiming they will keep you looking young and beautiful, despite your current condition or age. Do any of products actually deliver? No. There is no miracle product that will keep you looking young forever, however, taking good care of your skin will keep you looking and feeling fresh and healthy no matter your age.

Wrinkle Prevention

As you age, facial wrinkles will appear. Skin cells begin to die at a rate faster than your body can create new ones. Skin loses elasticity and fine lines appear. There are several factors that can increase the appearance of lines and wrinkles, including sun, diet and anxiety. These factors increase free radical damage which, in turn, causes premature aging. To prevent wrinkles, it is important that you understand what causes them.

Sun Protection

The sun is a major factor in premature aging. The best defense against aging is to protect your skin from the sun. Although a little sun exposure is good for us, it is best to apply a moisturizer with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher to reduce premature wrinkles. An SPF should be applied year-round since UVA/UVB rays are present during the winter months as well. If possible, avoid the sun during the middle of the day during the summer, and wear a hat when you are outside.

Diet

Certain foods are particularly beneficial in warding off premature wrinkles. These include omega 3 fatty acids (found in food such as salmon and flax seeds), vitamin C (found in blueberries, strawberries and citrus fruits), vitamin E (found in many seeds), and anything containing antioxidants (such as green tea).

stress and Anxiety

stress and anxiety have been shown to advance the aging process. Most of us arent in a situation where we could quit our stressful jobs, but there are ways to reduce your stress level. Try activities that you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, dance classes, karate, yoga, etc.

Natural Skin Care

Be wary of those that recommend treating skin conditions with medications with potentially irritating side effects, such as cortisone. Instead, first try natural alternatives when treating your skin for burns, eczema, acne, sunburn, or other conditions. Following are natural alternatives to use for treating skin conditions:

• Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is a natural plant used to heal skin conditions without side effects. In particular, it is used to treat skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Aloe Vera can found in a gel form or purchased as a plant where you can break a leaf off the plant as needed. It should be applied liberally for as long as needed.
• Emu oil. Emu oil is used topically to soften skin and is frequently found in ointments for dry cracked heels. Studies have shown it is effective in reducing scar formation in healed burned wounds. Since Emu oil contains traces of three of the essential fatty acids Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 the oil is used to treat many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles, rosacea, skin irritations and dry skin.
• Red clover. Red clover is effective in treating skin conditions caused by heat and dryness, such as allergic dermatitis and eczema.
• Neem. Neem is a plant that is similar to Aloe Vera and just as beneficial in treating various skin disorders. In particular, Neem oil is useful for skin care such as acne, and keeping skin elasticity.

Before investing money in so-called miracle products, try some natural alternatives for treating skin conditions.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At MyGuidesUSA.com (http://www.myguidesusa.com), you will find valuable tips and resources for handling lifes major events. Whether youre planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, youll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com. Find tips and resources on nutrition, childrens nutrition, diets and weight loss, weight management and more at http://www.myguidesusa.com/dietandnutrition

Every year, for a special family member, we try to find a special gift that represents our appreciation and that is something they will find useful. If that person plays golf you may have already purchased that special golf sweater, shoes or golf cap. Something that fits the bill, something they will use,something that they will show off proudly.

personalized golf balls may just be the ticket. The golfer's name, motivational sayings, a company's logo, or other individualized messaging can be inscribed, you decide how to make them unique for your special golfer.

Golfer's name

You can't go wrong when you give personalized golf balls to your golf fanatic! The smile that they get when they see what you have done to make this gift of golf balls personal for them is priceless.

Not only can you have initials graphically imprinted on personalized golf balls, but this can also be done in various ways. For an example you can choose the style of lettering to be used or the color that you prefer.You could even add a monogram if you like.

Sayings that Motivate

To make great progress in any endeavor,success in that endeavor starts with a positive thought.This motivation can be accomplished by repeating positive affirmations in ones mind to be successful. Positive affirmations that could possibly influence ones game could be "drive for success" or "putt with purpose."

These personalized golf balls not only make great gifts, but can be used to inspire the golfer.

company logo

A company's logo, slogan and other pertinent information can be displayed on personalized golf balls. This information could include the company's address and phone number.

These personalized golf balls, offered by companies or corporations could be an excellent way of advertising the company's product. In addition, these personalized golf balls could be excellent gifts that could be given to customers or prospective customers. This type of marketing will bring to the individual's mind your company when they are in need of your service.

One More idea

Another useful idea of personalized golf balls is for example special events.Having a wedding photo portrayed on a golf ball.Rather than use this golf ball out on the course it can be displayed on an individual's desk or other place of prominence.

One other special event that could be captured on a personalized golf ball could be a baby's photograph. This event could be reflected through the use of an actual photograph of a pair of baby booties.

Considering purchasing a training aid to help your game! see what golf enthusiast and writer bob Green says in an article titled golf swing training aids and golf lessons This and other unique content golf articles are available with free reprint rights.