Is it wrong to feel selfish?

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John

My wife and I just had a baby 3 months ago. Before our baby (and the pregnancy), I did triathlons, hiked the Grand Canyon every spring break, ran, biked, and swam weekly, and mountain biked weekly or bi-weekly. That's all I did...I did/do not go out to the bars, I don't play video games, I didn't hang out with the boys (or if I did, we were swimming or mountain biking together).
Now that baby is here I can't do any of the above. I feel terrible physically. I'm getting fat. I'm feeling resentful. As I write this I am having the first feelings of depression of my life.
I feel obliged to get home from work asap every day and help out with the baby. I know it is super-hard for my wife and she is a sweetheart and is amazing with our baby. But I want to take my roadbike out and hit the road for a couple of hours. I want to swim a mile at the gym. I want to go out for a long jog/run. But I can't!!! Should I throw in the towel and forget about my pre-baby passions?
Thanks all who responded. All were helpful.

Answer
Dude, you need to get balance in your life quickly. First, welcome to fatherhood. It is only downhill from here. Kidding, relax. As stated previously, the key is balance. You shouldn't give up everything. Your body is rebelling agaist your inactivity. Chances are your wife would like for you to leave. She needs time with baby. However, this is a 50/50 arrangement. You need time with junior also and she needs time away from both of you. My personal expirence is that she will only been gone a 1/3 of the time you are gone. Good luck with getting her out of the house for the first year. Communicate, you are not that far away from balance. Both of you are making adjustments, give and take. Settle for 3-5 hours a week and 2x a month with a Saturday outing.

No, life will never be the same and trust me that is a good thing. Honestly the best time of my adult life has been when my children were mere babies. What I would give to have them in my arms again or just lying on my chest while watching TV. Now I can barely get a hug from my 13 yr old, 6' tall daughter, who by the way, has informed me that she is eligible to work at Hooters because her chest touches the wall before her nose.....why does she know these things. My 10 year son thinks it is uncool for guys to hug. Wait til he tells you they are too old to hug you....it will kill you, that was at 6 yrs old. Work in what you can, but don't miss a moment. I would do it again 12 times if I could afford it. You think this is difficult, wait till the other children come and there is soccer practice, baseball, dance, track, bass lessons, etc. Your priorties will change and opportunities will aline themselves with your childrens activity. You have not a clue, but so worth it.

i m a 21 yr old guy.how to ride a bike properly?please help me out.i m very much worried.?

juju

Answer
I had a fellow come in my bike shop that had never been able to learn to ride a bicycle.

If you learned to ride a bike at an early age it is hard to understand how complex this is but I have had some experience teaching adults to ride and it is not easy. The most graphic case I remember was a guy that wanted to learn to ride a bike because he wanted to go out with the ladies. Eventually they would talk to him about going out on a bike ride and he would have to lie and make up excuses about how he couldn't make it. The real truth was he never really learned when he was small and the few times he had tried he had only scared himself further. Because he was now almost 40 and it was hurting his social life, he wanted to try again to learn.

I asked him if he had balance issues in other areas in his life and he surprisingly was a private pilot and an accomplished person in many areas. So his lack of balance was not due to a medical issue with the inner ear - just lack of balance on a bicycle.

I took a small folding bike and a childrens bike I had in my bike shop and lowered the seats so he could put both feet on the ground easily. We tried them both and the kids bike seemed to work the best for him.

We went to a park out early to give him some privacy and made a few laps of the grassy field. You see he was just terribly embassased that he could not ride a bike. The grassy field was to reduce injury when he fell and also because the soft surface helps to slow down the bike's movements. I held him tightly like a little kid and walked him around. He struggled for balance. After a few times he was surprised to see that he was beginning to get the rudiments. He fell a few times but with a helmet and the grass it was no problem.

We did these lessons on several more occasions and on the third time we went out he went about 20 feet without putting his feet down or falling. He was screaming with excitement. Something went off in the guy's mind and he suddenly knew he could do this. It was only a short period of time before he came in the bike shop and bought a full size bike for himself followed by a short time later he came in and bought another bike for his fiance, beautiful young lady who loved to bike ride.

So I would suggest you get a big friend who will help you and repeat the procedure I outlined above.

Good luck. I know you can do it!!!

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Will XR dirt bike is good for my.?

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I am an average 13 year old i now its 70cc is abit small.If you thing that bike is wrong for me what bike would you recomend

Answer
If you currently own a 70 and don't have much money, stick with the 70. If you are going to get a new bike, your age, height, weight, and experience in riding determines what kind of bike to get. If you are not a big kid or if you don't have much experience a 4 stroke under 125cc is all you should have. Honda XR 100, Honda CRF 100, Kawasaki KLX 110, Suzuki DRZ 110, Yamaha RT 100, and Yamaha TTR 110. If you are a bigger kid, you can go with the 125cc-200cc range. Honda CRF 150, Honda XR 200, Kawasaki KLX 125, Kawasaki KE 100, Kawasaki KLX 140, Suzuki DRZ 125, and Yamaha TTR 125.

how can i convince my mom to let me buy a dirt bike?

gamer_ace

alright i want a to get a dirtbike ive already already rode a dirtbike like 4 to 5 times at mexico but i wanna buy my own like a 50cc or 70cc im 11 gonna turn 12 in 2 days but my mom doesnt want to buy me one or let me save up to buy my self one because shes scared that ill crash or get hurt and ive gone through way more dangerous stuff and i mean way more dangerous stuff so what are some ways i could convince her to let me save up and by one and shes not gonna buy it for my birthday because my present from her is were gonna go to a really far place and its gonna be so freaken cool

Answer
I believe kids who have parents that aren't into dirtbiking shouldn't have a bike. It is dangerous when the kid's parents aren't into riding. And those kids are the irresponsible riders who gives us dirtbikers a bad name. I have been riding for 34 years, since I was six years old. And my whole family rode. It's a different circumstance for you. Unless your mother gets into riding, you shouldn't be riding.

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Would you recommend Edmonton to new immigrants?

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Lady S

Trying to decide which province/city to settle in as "newcomers". Your help would be much appreciated.

Answer
Edmonton is very open to new immigrants. It is a very multicultural city with many nationalities represented. We have several centres where new immigrants can go for support. They help your set up health, education, housing, childcare and work. Almost anything a newcomer would need can be found there. One is located in Millwoods and another is located in Bonnie Doon - both communities are on the south side of the city and easily accessible. The Catholic society also has a new comers program where they will house you in one of their apartment buildings and then have volunteers who come and get you and show you where to shop, how to take our transit system and supply you with work permits, health cards,etc.

Edmonton has clubs for new comers where they can meet other new comers. There are also clubs and societies for almost every different culture and nationality. I have to say Edmonton is a very welcoming city when it comes to immigrants and everything from learning English to helping you find work is available to you.

As for the city itself - yes we have winter - some winters are colder than others but overall it's better than a lot of provinces. Our shopping is some of Canada's best - everything from discount dollar stores to high end products can be found here. Almost every community has it's own walk-in medi centre, shopping centre, banks, restaurants - almost everyone you need. Our education system is second to none - you have so many choices in regard to schools - public, separate, private, specialized. Your child can learn almost any language in school these days - it's your choice.

Alberta does some advantages - no provincial sales tax (only province that doesn't) there are lots of job openings in almost every profession and trade. Edmonton is fairly easy to get to know because most of our streets are on a numbered grid system so it's easy to find places. Our public transit is still quite reasonable compared to other big cities. Our property taxes compared to other big centres is still within reason.

Some of the things you may not like - housing is fairly expensive except if you compare it to Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, etc where housing is much higher than here. Unfortunately our rental rate is about 1 1/2% which could present difficulty finding suitable apartments. The average price of a single family home resale one is approx. $350.000 (a new home is approx $425,000) and the average rent is approx. $850 for a decent 1 bdrm.

I think Edmonton is a great city for immigrants as they have helped build this city to what it is today - a multicultural mega. Don't forget we have opera, ballet, museums, art galleries, community halls, swimming pools, recreation centres, miles and miles of walking and biking trails - tons of parks. Every kind of sport is represented within our community.

Hopefully you'll seriously consider Edmonton as your new home has it has lots to offer.
Good Luck.

What is the behavioral adaptation of the mountain lion?

robert s

living along side man

Answer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puma

Attacks on humans are rare, but do occur â especially as humans encroach on wildlands and impact the availability of the puma's traditional prey. There were around 100 puma attacks on humans in the USA and Canada during the period from 1890 to January 2004, with 16 fatalities; figures for California were 14 attacks and 6 fatalities. Attacks by puma on humans and pets are associated with urban areas situated in the wildland urban intermix such as the Boulder, Colorado area which have encouraged the traditional prey of the puma, the mule deer, to habituate to urban areas and the presence of people and pets. Pumas in such circumstances may come to lose their fear of both people and dogs and come to see them as prey.

On January 8, 2004 a puma killed and partly ate a mountain biker in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Orange County, California; what is assumed to be the same animal attacked another mountain biker in the park the following day, but was fought off by other bikers. A young male puma was shot nearby by rangers later in the day.

Pumas cannot be hunted in California except under very specific circumstances. This, as well as the extinction in California of the wolf and brown bear, has allowed the puma to greatly increase its numbers. Adult black bears may be able to kill pumas and steal their kills but generally conflict between the two predators does not occur. California law requires that wild animals who have attacked a human must be killed if they can be located.
[edit]

Puma safety tips

* Carry a firearm and be prepared to use it if charged at by a puma. Although, the noise from firing a warning shot should in most cases be enough to scare off a puma.
* Do not hike alone; go in groups with adults supervising children.
* If confronted by a puma, do not run; that might stimulate its instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal, making eye contact.
* Pick up young children without bending or turning from the puma (if possible). (Comment: When under an attack by a dog, experts recommend NOT picking up a child; because that act may be interpreted as you attacking. And that would encourage the dog(s) to join in the supposed attack. Instead place yourself between the animal and the child. Whether or not this applies to cougars is open.)
* Do everything possible to appear larger or intimidating, including raising arms wildly, opening up jacket, and throwing stones and branches.
* Do not crouch down or bend over; this may create the appearance of an ordinary quadruped prey rather than a typically non-prey biped.
* Fight back if attacked. Pumas have been repelled with rocks, sticks, garden tools, kicks, and bare hands; a well placed kick to the face has been known to work.
* The best place to hit a puma is on the nose.
* Remove dense and low-lying vegetation that provide good hiding places for pumas.
* Install motion-sensitive outdoor lighting.
* Keep pets from roaming and never feed pets outside. Be wary when leaving pets outside, particularly at dawn and dusk.
* Do not climb a tree as pumas can climb just as well as (if not much better than) humans.

Jogging, running, and biking on wildland trails can be particularly hazardous since such runners are likely to be less attentive to the surroundings and the motion can trigger a "chase and kill" reflex in the animal. Talk to local authorities or park rangers to see if it is advisable before taking such a risk.








Puma populations of the United States and Canada

Hunted almost to extinction in the United States and eastern Canada, the puma has made a dramatic comeback, with an estimated 30,000 individuals in the western United States. In Canada, pumas are found west of the prairies, in Alberta, British Columbia and the southern Yukon. The densest concentration of pumas in North America is found on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

Pumas are gradually extending their range to the east, following creeks and riverbeds, and have reached Missouri, Michigan and throughout Kansas including the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Pumas have been seen along the northern shore of Lake Superior with an attack on a horse in Ely, Minnesota in 2004. It is anticipated that they will soon expand their range over the entire eastern and southern United States. There are continuing reports of the survival of a remnant population of the Eastern Cougar in New Brunswick, Ontario, and the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec.

Due to urbanization in the urban-wildland interface, pumas often come into contact with people, especially in areas with a large population of deer, their natural prey. They have also begun preying on pets, such as dogs and cats, and livestock, but have rarely turned to people as a source of food.

There are an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 pumas in California (est. circa 1990) and an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 in Colorado.

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Can you have a child's bike seat and a bicycle carriage on the same bike?

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Megan

I am babysitting and would like to take the kids to the park. The bicycle carriage holds 2 and there are 3. Can I put the baby in the child's bike seat an the other 2 in the carriage??

Answer
yes you can

How can I lower a dual purpose motorcycle?

DapperDan

I'm 41 years old and I'm 5'7" with a short 28" inseam. I like dual purpose dirt bikes, but I can't rest both feet on the ground. That's a problem at stop lights. How can I lower the bike for very minimal dollars? I don't want a kids bike either.

Answer
you can get a seat that is not as thick, or you can change shocks to a shorter shock, but that will mess up your suspension geometry. i suggest you get use to it or get a different bike.

P.S. you could also get a fat woman to set on back, but remember to wear a helmet so no one knows who you are.

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What is the difference between these types of oils?

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Q. My owners manual recommends SAE 10W30 type SH for my Yamaha 125cc, I would like to find out if I can use say 10W40 or 5W40 or 15W50 ect in my bike?

And also what does the type SH stand for?

Thanks for your help

Answer
Ok boys and girls....first off, oil thins out (looses viscosity) as it get hotter. More on that later. There are straight weight oils, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and multi viscosity oils, 10W30 15W50, etc. A straight weight oil is going to be stiff and thich when cold and thinner when hot. A 50 weight oil is going to have a higher viscosity (be thicker) when cold than will a 10 weight, regardless of the oil temperature.

In the good old days when there was nothing but straight weight oils, in zero temps a 50 weight was so stiff the starter couldn't turn the engine over but in 100 degree heat, a 10 weight was thin as water and wouldn't not properly lubricate bearings.

Along came multi-vicsosity oils. A 10W40 was as thin as a 10 weight when cold but as thick as a 40 weight when hot. I think this is where the fellow came up with the idea that oil thickens as it gets hot...well not exactly but close. Multi weight maintain their viscosity as temps increase.

The SH is a gasoline oil rating while diesel oils have a rating starting with C. If you look on the back of the oil jug, you'll see some oils are S only while others have both a S and a C rating and are adequate for either type of engine. The latest oils (SJ I think, too many to remember) are different from earlier ratings since the latest oils have very little zinc in the formulation, which isn't good for old engines with flat tappets as opposed to roller tappets. The zinc provides a strong barrier under high shrear loads...like tappets sliding across the cam lobe.

Normally the only oils you can find are the ones with the latest rating or something like a SA, the really cheap crap you find at discount stores for a buck a quart. DON'T use that stuff except maybe for your lawnmower.

A long time ago (for you guys, 1985) when Chrysler came out with their turbo engines, those engines had a higher oil rating requirement than the non-turboed jobs (SG for turboed vs SF for others I think??). This was necessary because the oil had a very hostile environment to work in when lubricating the super hot, ultra high speed turbo bearings.

You may have a hard time finding a SH oil anymore. I've switched to diesel oils since most of them still have the higher zinc levels (except for the very latest rating, can't remember it's number off hand). I'm using the conventional-synthetic mixes and like them. If you can find a farm store nearby, you shouldn't have any problem at finding an assortment of diesel oils, especially the preferred older rated oils.

What is a good starter dirt bike for a 16 year old boy?

Sing

I'm 16 and weigh around 170 pounds. I'm 5'9" and am looking for something that i can find used under $1500. Prob something not super powered like a 4-stroke, 125 cc. Something that's good to learn on but still fun to drive

Answer
lots of older 125cc bikes around in reasonable condition...

Honda have a range of 100/125/175cc 4 strokes..

Yamaha have 2 & 4 strokes.. SR185 Yamaha .. ideal if you can find one..

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=SR185+Yamaha&num=10&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1920&bih=899&tbm=isch&tbnid=Cw6HWmcvslVYLM:&imgrefurl=http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_sr185.htm&imgurl=http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%252520%252520A/Yamaha%252520SR185%25252082.jpg&w=414&h=242&ei=xYs9UNywHqi5iQeamYDgAg&zoom=1

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Mountain bike races for 15 year old in frederick maryland?

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i need an

I am 15 years old and have loved biking as a kid, and i just got a trek 3500 mountain bike, the first quality bike i have ever gotten. I want to look into mountain bike/ trail racing near frederick maryland. If you have any good trails or races that happen please post them.

Answer
Contact these clubs for activities in your area:
Where to ride, http://frederickbicyclecoalition.com/
local races, http://www.potomacvelo.com/index.html

What is the name of the movie about bikers?

box

I watched it as a kid so it must have been recorded in the early 80's. A guy drives a bike and races but he just can't win this other guy. Eventually, he gets his hands on a really fast bike and wins the guy in a race. He is so happy he lets go of a steering wheel and spreads his arms, crashes and dies.

Answer
Silver Dream Racer - 1980
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081517

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How do stores measure bike / bicycle sizes? ie.16",20" etc. Is it the outside tire or the inner rim or what?

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Mom 2 ZM

I need to get a new bike for my soon to be 6 year old. He is on the bigger side of an almost 6 year old (not fat, just build) and I have no clue on how to measure his current bike to get the next size up for his birthday next week. Please help!

Answer
Kid's and adult's bikes are measured differently, btw. For kids, it's the wheel diameter, which may be printed on the side of the tire. If it's not, measure the outside of the tire from one side to the other - children's bikes are either 12", 16", 20" or 24", so there's enough variance that you'll be able to tell pretty easily which one his is.

Look at your son's inseam measurement to determine what size to get him.

And happy birthday to him!

How can I politely ask my neighbor to talk to her son about harassing my dogs?

Trixies Ma

I'm on a good basis with most of the neighbors closest to my house, it's just a 1 way street.

My neighbors that live down one, and across the street have 2 kids. One is a daughter about 9 years old, and a 5 or 6 year old son. They ride their bikes up and down the street a lot, and even though it some times upsets my dogs (and the neighbor's dogs right next to me), no one complains, because none of us are total jerks.

However, lately the son has been riding up on the grass that is right up next to my fence. I have no doubt that he is doing it to rowdy up my dogs and make them upset. Because I don't want to listen to them bark their brains out, I end up having to bring them in.

Is there a proper way to address this issue? Should I talk to his parents about it, or should I just talk to the kid?
(I know some people will say I should just train my dogs not to bark, but I believe that since they are inside a secure fence, they have just as much a right to bark as kids do to make noise in their yards.) But they don't deserve to be egged on to bark because this kid is bored (or for whatever reason).

Answer
I don't think you should say anything to the boy, just to his parents. At 5/6 yrs old, he's still a little young to realize what he is doing so even though he is doing it on purpose, I don't think it's to be mean. He thinks he is just playing with them. The reason I think it should be addressed immediately with his parents is because if he gets too close to your dogs, they might bite him. I'm sure they are not vicious dogs and you probably have them trained but they are still animals and if they view him as an intruder, they will protect their turf. If they bite him, his parents might decide to sue you even though you did nothing wrong.

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Do adult bicyclists have to obey grade school traffic monitors?

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civis toti

I was riding my bike through the streets of a college town. There was a girl about 10 who was directing traffic (mostly elementary kids). Am I required to obey her traffic instructions.

If if makes any difference, she was wearing a uniform.

Answer
yes you should for a couple of reasons
1) for the saftey of the kids
2) to set an example for the kids

How do you get rid of an annoying woman without being too rude?

Q. I like to walk me dogs every day. Each day this annoying neighbor comes and walks with us. She NEVER shuts up. You can't get 1 word in! NO ONE can stand her! My friend had to leave the other day while walking with me. He said he didn't want to be rude, but her just can't STAND her! I've tried being rude with her. She's come face to face with me 4 times, and I've turned around and gone the other way. She meets me next block. I've told her not to talk because I have a migraine. She doesn't hear me! She sends her kids out on bike to find me. They do..and go tell their mom where we are. I've tried going in the morning, afternoon, and late at night. I've gone different routes. Doesn't matter! Does anyone have any advice for me on how to get rid of her with out being too rude?


Thank You!!

Answer
I think this is one of those times when tact fails and you have to take a direct approach. When this woman next intercepts you and starts to walk with you, stop and in a polite tone of voice tell her that you prefer to walk your dogs unaccompanied (if you're alone), or that you were going to engage in private conversation (if you are with someone whose company you prefer), and could she please pardon you and not accompany you?

This is a perfectly polite thing to do. Unless she's mentally disturbed (possible) or so crass that she doesn't understand the concept of boundaries (also possible), the only thing she can do is leave you alone.

If for whatever reason she refuses to respect your wishes, then I think it's time to escalate things another level and tell her, as clearly as possible, that her company is not wanted and that if she does not understand that you wish her to leave you alone, you will report her to the police for stalking you.

Because if she persists in trying to insert herself into your life after you have asked her to leave you alone, that is what her behavior is: stalking.

Good luck to you.

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Will I need a double stroller for a 4year old and newborn?

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Mommy

We are planning on walking (45 min) to and from preschool and walking/jogging a lot on the beach, so it would be nice to have a seat in case his legs get tired. He will be 4 when the new baby is born. I do like the phil and teds, but I'm thinking that 4 is too old? What would you suggest?

Thank you!

Answer
I had a phil and teds and loved it, but my kids were closer together. If your son is small for his age, then it could be fine, but I find the legroom on it wasn't great for the older child. It's also great for manuvering through malls and urban areas, but not so much for off-trail (wheels are too small/no suspension) or running (the lower seat interferes with your stride).

For the walks to and from preschool, a sit-and-stand one is great. It really depends on how much your little guy is used to walking. When my son was three, he hiked Sentinal Dome in Yosemite with us and had no problem. At 4, he wouldn't have wanted a stroller to go to preschool. Is there a place he could chain a little bike at the preschool or does he like riding a scooter? At three, my daughter whines to be carried from the car to the mall door. If I were to have another child I can guarentee that she would want to ride in a stroller. So, part of it is just knowing your son and how much help he's going to need.

I have a double schwinn running stroller that I love and still use for my 3 and 5 year old when I'm out for a 4 mile run (any more than that and it's too much to push and any less and I usually have them ride their bike/trike along with me). If you can find a Bob on craigslist, then I'd recommend it, but I couldn't afford it personally. For whether you really need the huge double jogger, it depends on how much you really want to run on the beach for your own exercise and how much of it is that you plan to take your son for walks on the beach and don't mind stopping to look at shells, throw sticks, and build sandcastles. ;-)

How can I learn to ride a bicycle?

Q. I tried riding a bike as a kid but fell and was traumatized to the point that I never got back on a bike. Now I feel, as an adult ready to take on the challenges, but that little fear keeps encroaching back in. How can I make this a successful feat overcome, and finally learn how to ride a bike?

Answer
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.

Here are some tips:

Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".

Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.

To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.

To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.

When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.

It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.

Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.

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What is a good "starter" bicycle for an adult female?

giant kids bike seat image

killernano

I haven't owned a bike since I was a kid but I'd love to incorporate biking into my workout routine. Any suggests on a good make and model? I can't afford anything fancy-schmancy! ;)
Thanks for asking questions I didn't think of. :)

I'd like to start riding on the street and work my way to trails--but nothing crazy just yet.

I'd love to spend under $300 if that's doable.

Answer
Comfort bikes are simple to use, easy to ride, and inexpensive. They have very forgiving handling, a smooth ride, and a very upright seating position. That seating position makes it easy to see where you are going.

Hybrids are a little more aggressive. You lean forward more with more pressure on the handlebars. If you like leaning forward more and going a little faster, these are good choices.

Fit is the #1 criteria you should use. The bike will be more fun to ride if it fits you. Shocks are nice, but not necessary. A large volume (balloon) tire will absorb quite a bit. I do suggest smooth tread on the tires. Knobs are for mountain bikes.

Fuji, Cannondale, Giant, Bianchi, Specialized, Trek, and Gary Fisher are all reputable brands. You can usually find a model to fit you and your needs for between $250-400.

Whatever bike you choose, just remember the bike should put a big smile on your face. It's fun to ride!

What rides are a must when you go to Disney World Florida? What hotels are offer excellent service?

Moose

I dont care about any other Disney theme parks, just the one in Orlando.

Answer
If you can afford it, the "A" hotels are truly dreamy -- great service and great views. Savannah view rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge let you see wildlife while enjoying breakfast in bed. The Polynesian is within walking distance of Magic Kingdom and the nightly fireworks are visible from the lake shore behind the hotel.

The "C" hotels are the lowest price, and get you all the perks and privileges of being a WDW guest, but I think it's a better value to pay a little more for a "B" hotel and have more amenities (like water slides and hot tubs, bigger rooms with fridge and microwave) OR bring my tent to Fort Wilderness and enjoy really low prices AND be able to set up a camp kitchen. (Disney food can be VERY expensive.) If you are bringing kids, there is more for them to amuse themselves with at Fort Wilderness (especially if you bring or rent bikes) so they're not underfoot in your hotel room all the time. Choose a hotel in your price range by location, something adjacent to the park you visit most often.

Best rides:
Animal Kingdom. Take the safari ride http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=KilimanjaroSafarisAttractionPage first because the animals are most active in the early morning unless it's an unusually chilly day. Then do the time travel dinosaur ride (forget the name) and Everest Expidition coaster. Make some time to see some of animal shows too. The bird show is especially amazing, with trained birds interacting with audience members and an after show opportunity to see the birds up close and ask questions of the handlers. AK restaurants are nothing special, mostly snack bars with astronomically priced 'bronto burgers & T-rex fries,' but the Rain Forest Cafe is delighful, if pricey. If there is RFC near your home, it will be identical except for lower prices and no Disney theme items in the gift shops.

Epcot. A great mix and match of things. My favorite is Ellen's Energy Adventure, a must for fans of Ellen Degeneres, Jeopardy, or Dinosaur animatronics http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=EllensEnergyAdventureAttractionPage. There are quite a few hi-tech interactive playrooms for kids; some kids could spend hours at this and others get bored quickly. The Epcot World Village area is an assortment of complexes within the park, each with a national theme such as Japan, Norway, France, or Morroco. Most have a gift shop with authentic items from the host nation, a restaurant or two serving the national cuisine, and some also have a ride or presentation about the host nation. There are usually dance and music troops giving sidewalk entertainment at each pavillion. On my last visit, I was trying to imitate and Irish dance step, and dancer stepped out to give me an improptu private lesson!
The Norway ride is really exciting (compared with the other pavillion attractions, that is) and the French Bakery serves a reasonably priced, delicious sandwish and desert with a small bottle of wine or 'sidewalk' dining. If dining and shopping are important to you, Epcot is your place. Make sure to take advantage of 'will call' for your purchases; pick the up at guest services as you leave the park or have them delivered to your (on campus) room. If The Living Seas restaurant is still serving, invest in at least one day of Disney Dining Plan to have dolphins, giant rays, and huge sea turtles swimming past your table. Make reservations way in advance to get 'aquarium side' seating.

My MGM favorites are http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=IndianaJonesEpicStuntSpectacularAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheDisneyMGMStudiosBacklotTourAttractionPage, which includes Catastrophe Canyon, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheGreatMovieRideAttractionPage, where the Wicked Witch of the West plunges you into a movie magic dimension that includes Wild West Gun Fights, Scarlette O'Hara's Tara, and other classic film scenes. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=PrimeTimeCafeDiningPage is a Fifties Diner with the world's freshest, snarkiest waitersses; be prepared for a lecture on finishing your vegetables! Toy Story Pizza Planet is favorite with children. It's been many years since my last visit to MGM, and there are a lot of new rides and shows I'm not familiar with.

Magic Kingdom. The first and still the best. This is where you'll find the iconic Cinderella Castle, Mad Teaparty (ride a whirling tea cup), and Flying Dumbos. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=JungleCruiseAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheHauntedMansionAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=PiratesoftheCaribbeanAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=TheEnchantedTikiRoomUnderNewManagementAttractionPage, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=CountryBearJamboreeAttractionPage, and http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=BigThunderMountainRailroadAttractionPage sound like a lot to cram into one day, but you want to stay late to see the fireworks show anyways, right? MK has the best parades, real 'must see' shows with amazing special effects floats and "real live" Disney characters. It's an easy walk from MK to The Polynesian Resort, for relaxed poolside dining. (Visit the hotel convenience store for a box of crackers, pound of cheese, jug of a drink, and a few apples to create an picnic meal economy meal. You can also watch the MK fireworks from the lake shore behind The Polynesian.

Indulge in at least one Character Dining experience to get the best photo ops with Mickey. Since rides 'conveniently' disembark within gift shops, start training your family right now to don't touch, don't even look, just walk by. Those $8 Mickey shoe laces and $12 'ear' hats can add up in a hurry.

If you're spending more than 4-5 days at WDW, you might want to plan a relaxing afternoon at Typhoon Lagoon. Kids can slide and surf while adults veg in lounge chairs or float round and round the circular Lazy River. Last time I was there, we were permitted to bring in a small picnic with ice chest and igloo jug of screwdrivers. Relaxed parents indeed! Thank Goodness for the WDW transportation system.

Give WDW a call right now at Guest Information
(407) 939-6244. These agents are knowledgable and helpful, very active in suggesting you most economical option rather than (like some other major Orlando attaction that I won't name) constantly urgint you to upgrade and spend more. Skip the cost of Park Hopper, unless you want to visit another theme pard after Animal Kingdom, which closes early so the animals can sleep. Any one park has plenty to keep you amused all day long, and you want to spend in the park, not spending 60-90 minutes getting from one park to another. If someone in your party would enjoy (not need, just enjoy) a wheelchair, rent one off campus for a week for about the same price you'd by the day at WDW. It won't let you skip lines, but it will give you a cart to carry your stuff on and a handy place to give your feet a rest. Everyone should have a compact rain poncho and dry sox (quick drying synthetic, not cotton) as Florida rains are very sudden and very hard, but short.

Have fun and tell Pluto (my favorite) that I'll be seeing him in December.

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Do we need to start home schooling or sending our kids to private schools?

kids bike quality image

clhen37

Judging from all the grammatical errors I see on this site I think we should.Spelling errors,punctuation errors and improper word usage is rampant here.I sometimes think they are speaking a different language!!!
Our government schools are ruining our children's quality of education.

Answer
While I'm all for homeschooling (I homeschool my own son and teach homeschooled kids), I wouldn't say that government schools are to blame for poor communication skills. Rather, uninvolved parents and a societal shift toward pawning off the parenting of our kids to "experts" is more to blame.

When I was a kid, I wouldn't have even considered not doing my homework, or doing it to the best of my ability, as I would have disappointed my parents and lost every liberty I held dear. (You know, the ability to hang out at the mall or go bike riding.) My parents checked my assignments every night and kept in contact with my teachers. If I started slacking, privileges were pulled immediately and I didn't have a life outside of getting my grades up.

Today, there are still conscientious parents, but they are becoming fewer and farther between. There seems to be a general attitude that since teachers are the "experts", they should just be relied upon to parent the kids, too. (However, let a public school teacher try to discipline one of the little darlings, and wow...talk about fireworks. Parents become VERY involved at that point!)

Between uninvolved and ignorant parents (ignorant of their children's actual behavior, that is), ludicrous government restrictions and regs, and kids who just plain don't give a rat's behind about their education, teachers are doing everything they can...but they're people too, not miracle workers. If the kids don't want to learn, and the parents don't enforce their studies, there's not a lot that any school - public, private, or home - can do.

What areas are best to move to in Rapid City SD?

mudpuppie_

I am planning on moving my family with 4 children to the Rapid City area to attend the School of Mines. We are looking at rentals in the area and want to take into account the quality of the area we move to. Every place has its good and its bad sides, we are aware that there is a gang presence in the city and we are aren't interested in living anywhere where that activity is concentrated. Looking for a nice middle class area where the kids can ride their bikes down the street and make friends in the neighborhood any ideas? What schools are the best in the area? What areas would you recommend and which would you warn against?

Answer
Questions about Rapid City are always welcome! I try to keep an eye out for them. ;)

I answered a similar question awhile back so forgive me for copy/pasting my neighborhood information:

Here is a general breakdown of the parts of Rapid City. I left out downtown as it is mostly just very small apartments and not really suitable for family living. Also, anywhere outside of the city limits and into the country is going to provide you with a more "open" feeling, and there isn't a general "good and bad neighborhood" rule there. (Feel free to open Google Maps and follow along.)

West Side - The West Side is referred to as anything west of Mt Rushmore Rd (also called 8th street). This tends to be referred to as one of the nicer sides of town and usually holds middle class to upper middle class residents. There aren't really any areas here that I personally wouldn't feel comfortable raising a family in.

Along Sheridan Lake Rd are some of the newer houses. These are really nice/family friendly neighborhoods. The further along you drive down Sheridan Lake Rd, the more expensive the houses get. Red Rock Subdivision is located about 10 minutes out of city limits and contains some huge houses that are home to upper class residents. This area is beautiful.

South Rapid - Also known as "Robinsdale Area" to some. It is basically anything South of E St Patrick Street. This is usually home to middle class residents but there are some upper middle class that live here as well. My dad lived on this side of town, and when I was growing up I never felt unsafe here. The houses between E Fairmont Blvd and E Minnesota St are probably the nicest on this side. Between E Fairmont Blvd and E St Patrick St you will find that these houses tend to be smaller.

North Rapid - North Rapid is basically anything north of Omaha Street. I honestly do not recommend living the areas between Omaha and I-90 nor the areas directly west of Lowes and Best Buy. These places are usually home to the lower income residents of the area and there tends to be higher crime rates here. The houses are also very small and often poorly maintained. Now, N Haines Ave (North of Lowes and Best Buy), has some nice houses. This area is newly developed and are nice neighborhoods consisting of about middle class to upper middle class residents.

Rapid Valley - This area is hard to give a recommendation too, and I even live in this area. It's a mix of old and new houses and nice and not-so-nice neighborhoods. Basically all the "newer" areas around Reservoir Rd and Twilight Dr are nice neighborhoods. However there are some streets that look less than lovely. Thankfully, the good and bad areas can pretty much be determined by just driving down the street here.

As far as schools go, Stevens High School is generally the school that is regarded as higher class. The classroom sizes are smaller, allowing for more individual attention. Central High School is currently a bit over crowded, but is getting an extension. I went to Stevens and loved it, but also had friends who went to Central and had no complaints. Both schools have a lot of security for the safety of the students. (Also, a side note that the elementary and middle schools often are determined by where you ultimately decide to live.)

I wish you guys the best of luck in finding a good rental home! :)

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is it poss to run a bicycle or small motorcycle on 12 volts dc?

kids bike electric image

oldfarrrrt

i am trying to make an electric bike for my granddaughter. can anyone give me some suggestions on how to accomplish this? what size motor would i use? can the battery be recharged while in use? any info would be appreciated.

Answer
To answer your question, 24 to 36V would be more realistic. 12V will be a very slow e-bike (maybe that's what you want?)

That said, this is a classic make-vs-buy proposition. Let me hazard a guess that you want this by Christmas, and it needs to work, right?

I suggest buy.

The reason is, motors for e-bikes are much more robust than those you might find in a hand tool, kid's ride-on toy or a starter. A typical e-bike motor will be 500W or more sustained duty, and so will have the extra mass and cooling to handle it. A tool or starter motor just isn't built for that kind of duty and will fail in short order.

Plus, the kit will come with a speed control - and if done right the controller will do regenerative charging too.

Lucky for you, there's lots of e-bike kits, both the in-hub style and chain drive. Looks like they run about $400, with the bulk of the cost being the motor and battery.

First link below is to a site that sells both parts and complete kits. (Lots more if you google "electric bike kit" - second link is just an example).

BONUS: sub-8 second electric drag bike (last link.) Just because.

What are some good ways to mooch off my college?

tolkienfan

Since college is expensive, I need to find ways to use their facilities to my best advantage.

So far I have
-charging my stuff at school (phone, camera, batteries, &c)
-working out/showering at their gym
-studying more on campus to reduce my electric bill when studying at home

Anything else?

Answer
At the end of the school year, go to the dumpsters outside the residence halls. Kids toss out some great stuff as they move out, simply because they don't have room to take it home. You can get furniture, rugs, electronics, bikes, textbooks - seriously, go dumpster diving. You won't be the only one doing it.

Go to art openings and opening nights for performances on campus. There is often free food. We actually learned which galleries gave the best food on campus, and would make sure to hit them on opening night.

Attend free events at your school. There are often free plays, concerts, lectures, movies - take advantage of all of that.

Furnish your apartment with milk crates. Not that I'm telling you to steal milk crates. Not that I myself did that or anything.

Join the local library in town, and get your DVDs and CDs from them for free. Your uni library may also have this stuff, but often does not - so use the local library. Find out if your textbooks are held in reserve at the library (and if not, ask your prof if he can put a copy on reserve), then use it there instead of buying the book.

Kill cable, and either watch tv in a lounge at the school or else watch stuff off the internet.

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How to go about finding jobs at 14-15 years old?

kids bicycle games online image

coolio fo

Hi,
im 14 years old and my brothers 15 almost 16 years old and we where wondering how we would go about getting a job if either of us could if you could show us a site or somethign id be much appreciated

Answer
One of the most common questions on âYahoo Answersâ comes from young people looking for ways to make money. I totally understand the question and the various responses with the traditional answers of babysitting, online surveys, lemonade stands, paper routes, etc. While the traditional ways of making money may work for some people, they certainly wonât work for everyone so itâs time to think outside the box and dare to be different.

In most states itâs illegal to hire minors (under a certain age) for employment. For some states that is somewhere between 14 and 18 depending on the job, the duties and the products or services being sold. The best resource for your situation is a chat with your local schoolâs guidance officer or Board of Education. These resources will be able to help you get a work permit, explain the laws and rules, and sometimes help you find employers that are seeking part-time student help. Let's face it⦠it wonât hurt to ask.

Now for those who arenât able to legally work for an employer, donât give up! You can, at any age, work for yourself and/or your parents. There are limitations such as selling drugs, alcohol, body parts and other products but that leaves a lot of things that you CAN sell and/or services that you can provide.

Your local library is a great resource. Check out books like âFast Cash for Kidsâ by Bonnie & Noel Drew. Talk to the Librarian for other referrals. You might like âThe Richest Kids in Americaâ by Mark Vincent Hansen⦠what a great book!!!

Check out the services of Junior Achievements at http://www.ja.org. Junior Achievements is a legitimate organization that works with teen entrepreneurs. You just might âclickâ with their website.

You will need to do a little homework before just dashing into a business of your own. You will want to find out about local laws and licensing. You might want to learn a little about marketing, accounting, selling techniques, advertising, taxes, etc.

Here are some ideas for money making that you may or may not have thought about for yourself⦠washing windows, recycling, teaching, tutoring, writing, crafts, selling online, fixing and selling skateboards or bicycles, refinishing furniture, cooking or baking, washing cars, growing and selling flowers or spices or even goldfish, printing tshirts or calendars, selling bumper stickers, energy efficient lightbulbs or programmable thermostats, shampooing carpeting, making and selling non toxic cleaning products, selling books or music or video games, or performing as a clown or other character or ⦠as you can see the list goes on and on.

Itâs really important to DO something to get your business started. Itâs great to think about things and plan how youâll spend your money once you earn it but youâve got to start doing something in order to take action. Learn how to write a business plan and then concentrate on writing it. You canât reach success if you canât describe it.

I started working at 12 selling calendars door to door from fall to winter every year and I raked in a lot of money just fifty cents at a time. But I didnât sit back waiting for the money to find me and you shouldnât either. Itâs time to learn about yourself, your industry, your customers, your suppliers and your business.

Every journey begins with a single step.

What are your beliefs on violent video games affecting the mind of teens and kids?

mArLoN

wondering becuase group have started agianst video games

Answer
I have been an online gamer in many MMO's for since 1998. I started with Everquest and DAoC. And i still play with my children. Video games get a very bad rep because of a few individuals. People who blindly blame video games should experience what their children are playing before making judgements. Many parents blame WoW and other MMO's for problems and have never even seen the game or met the community behind the game. I think many parents would be shocked to learn that the majority of the players on these games are adults and parents. And that those adults and parents arent bad people looking to adversely effect your kids. We as gamers are usually a tight knit community who helps each other much like the people on YA. i think people judge before they think or research what they are judging. And btw anti gaming groups have been around since 2001 when the first MMO suicide occured. And i stand by the fact that less deaths have occured in 15 years of computer gaming then occured last year in bicycle accidents. thats a proven fact and the majority should NOT be punished for the few.

EDIT: now your making me feel my age lol. Its was NEWB way before N00b guys.

Yeah i realize in 1337 its n00b. But before that it was newb. 1337 wasnt used by most gamers until around 2003 or 2004 when all us old time gamers had to relearn the lingo. Its also when most vid cards went to 3D lighting and shading and all us old time gamers had to replace our cards to play SWG which was way ahead if its time in graffics versus standard technology. As i said im a LONG time gamer not an idiot.

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How do I install training wheels around a rear derailleur on a 20" bike?

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StanleyLiv

Just purchased Wald training wheels for kids bike (16" to 26"). The right side has a gear derailleur on it, which extends further than the axle. I can't put the training wheel bar on the axle since I don't have clearance.

Can this axle be extended out farther somehow?

Answer
There are better ways to learn how to ride a bike. Remove the pedals and lower the saddle so they can flat foot on the ground and push them self around and learn to steer. Then try coasting down a small slop with the feet down and then lifting the feet. Next replace the pedals and gradually raise the saddle.

http://www.wikihow.com/Ride-a-Bicycle

What are bike gears and what do they do?

neoslan

I only had one bike in life, which was a present. It was a kids bike so there was no gears I could use and stuff. But now that I have outgrown the bike, I am shopping around for a new one. I see the handlebars have this controller thing that appears to be gears or something, and I have no idea what they mean and how they work. Also, I see bikes advertised as "21-speed Bike" and etc, what does that mean?

Answer
You have led a sheltered life, haven't you.
The gears are used to make cycling easier. Higher gears are used downhill to gain speed without pedaling like mad, while the lower gears are for going uphill where you pedal faster but expend less effort.
A 21 speed bike has 21 speeds available. That one would have 7 speeds on the rear wheel and 3 on the pedal sprocket 3 x 7 =21. The 3 pedal sprocket gears are used for general speed range changing. The lowest for use in hilly country, the second for flat and the top speed range for downhill. The (7) rear wheel gears are used for uphill and downhill as I described before.

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What should I add to my "to do before 30" list?

kids bicycle buying guide image

Erika

I am 28...married 10 years w/ 4 kids. I am making a list of things to do before I turn 30 (May 2010). What should I add?

Answer
1. Set foot on each of the seven continents. Antarctica might be a tough one, but once youâve reached all seven you can truly call yourself a world traveler.

2. Cross a country on a bicycle. A bicycle tour takes some planning, but it beats being separated from a country though a passenger-side window.

3. Ride something bigger than a horse. Trekking through the jungle on the back of a two story tall elephant will surely be something you remember forever.

Photo by Ben Ditto

4. Live like a local for a month. The experience of visiting native peoples will give you way more insight into another way of life than two years hopping from one backpacker ghetto to the next.

5. Visit a ârealâ blues bar in Chicago. What better way to leave musicâs commercialism behind and find the soul of the blues?

6. Learn another language. This is definitely a weighty and time-consuming proposition, but there are plenty of resources out there to ease the process.

7. Go heli-skiing. The access to snow and terrain via heli is different (read: better) that anything else youâll ever experience.

8. Travel India by train. With its extensive rail network, this mode of transport is the best way to see one of the worldâs most colorful and diverse countries.

9. Climb one of the worldâs Seven Summits. Climbing mountains is not for the faint-hearted, but everyone has had a dream of standing atop one.

10. Dive with a whale shark. Swimming with these gentle giants is among the most powerful wilderness experiences in the world.

11. Participate in a Carnival parade in Brazil. You havenât had a good night out until youâve been to the biggest party in a nation of big parties.

12. Dance Tango in Argentina.

13. Surf. Itâs not about being a ripper but just catching waves.

14. SCUBA in the Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef in the world is a must for dive enthusiasts. It is the worldâs most unique aquatic environment.

15. Publish an article about your travels. Part of traveling is sharing your experiences with others. Plus, getting published might be easier than you think.

Photo by Creative Corners

16. Volunteer abroad for a month.

17. Follow in the footsteps of your favorite travel book. What better guide than a book that inspired you to travel in the first place?

18. Take a bush plane ride into Africaâs interior. These lightly visited regions are filled with unique cultures and diverse wildlife.

19. Cross a glacier on foot. Traversing these fast-disappearing natural wonders is an adventure that future generations might not be able to experience.

20. Visit the source of one of the worldâs great rivers. Great rivers, like the Nile, have humble beginnings.

21. Climb an active volcano.

22. Buy a boat and learn to sail. Before the Brothers Wright, everyone traveled by wind power. Itâs still the most sustainable way to travel there is.

23. Follow your food from field to table. Most people in the world still eat what they have picked with their own hands. Why not get back to these basics?

24. Bathe in the Ganges. What better way to experience the spiritual heart of India?

25. Travel around the world. Sure, you could do this without ever setting foot outside of planes and airports, but few people ever truly traverse the entire globe. Round the world tickets are great for budget-minded wanderers.

Photo by James Dorsey

26. Photograph an endangered species. Aside from an image you can keep for a lifetime, it will remind you, and others, how fragile life can be.

27. Participate in Burning Man . As they say: âTrying to explain Burning Man to someone who has never been is like trying to explain color to a blind person.â

28. Spend 24 hours alone in the jungle.

29. Learn how to make a national dish. What is the one and only thing that everyone has in common? Eating.

30. Teach English in a foreign country. Sure, itâs a way to fund your travels, but also the experience of a lifetime.

31. Attend a music festival in another country.

32. Cross a country using only public transportation. See a country the way most of its people do: from the window of a bus, train, or ferry.

33. Spend the night in a storied/historic hotel. You might not even have to leave town to experience a night of classic atmosphere.

34. Attend the Olympics. Whatever you say about the commercialism of the Olympic Games, they are one of the biggest events on the planet.

35. Meet your favorite (living) travel writer. Theyâve inspired you; now thank them for it.

36. Travel to Germany to experience Love Parade. Itâs one of the biggest festivals, attendance-wise, on the planet.

Photo by astropixie

37. Partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony. This timeless tradition is at the heart of Japanese culture.

38. Join a caravan in the Sahara. See how people can thrive in one of the worldâs harshest environments.

39. Go to Oktoberfest. The meeting of over 6 million beer afficionados and drink

Single Sea Kayak or Single Kayak..Which one do you recommend for someone who never kayaked before?

Hello

Answer
Emily: you are coming close to abusing your privileges on Yahoo Answers by hustling boats that you sell. Keep it up and we'll report you. It's OK to suggest the boats, but not to keep posting links to your own store.

To the original poster. YOur question is a little confusing. Did you mean to ask whether you should use a solo sea kayak or a solo recreational style kayak? The commonly seen short wide, open cockpit boats are called recreational style. They are intended only for small ponds and slow streams. They are not safe or competent for large windy lakes, waves, fast moving or deep rivers or open water in coastal areas. You also can't use them for whitewater.

It would be better if you posted what you would like to do with a kayak, what sort of waters you would like to paddle, where you live, what your height and weight are (kayaks need to be sized to the user) and what your budget is. There is a huge range of styles in kayaks -- not ALL sea kayaks are skinny and unstable. With proper instruction, touring or sea kayaks are actually very easy to paddle and much more versatile and safe than recreational style kayaks. Short wide boats may feel "safe" on flat water but they are more liable to get blown around by wind and capsized by waves and powerboat wakes. More people get in trouble or even die in accidents in them than in sea or touring kayaks.

And there is not such a thing as a "beginner" kayak any more than there are "beginner cars" or "Beginner bicycles". You need to get the model that is best suited to what you want to use it for. In fact, the cheap bulky short plastic kayaks that you find in discount stores don't really paddle like a real kayak so you can't learn very much from using them. It's like you will never learn to ride a mountain bike by riding a kids tricycle.

If you have not kayaked before you should take some lessons or go on a few guided trips with an outfitter. Nobody should buy a kayak without getting some instruction in technique and safety instructions. Find a good outfitter in your area, one who offers on the water demos and lessons, and talk to them about what you want to do. They'll be able to help guide you to the right boat and equipment.

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What were those little plastic bikes we had as kids in the 80s?

kids bike 16 inch image

Summer Day

They had 3 wheels like a tricycle and were low to the ground.
What were the called?

Answer
You are definitely thinking of Big Wheels. Here's an example of a Classic Big Wheel: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Wheels-16-inch-Original/dp/B0001A866O My grandmother saved up toothpaste upc's and sent for a Crest Big Wheel for me when I was a young child in the 1980s. I loved it!

Do these make good work-outs as an alternative option for lifting weights or jogging?

The_Irish_

As an exercise, I invented my own work-out routine. Several times a week, I go next to the wall, and take my arms and begin to exert my strength against the wall which tires out my body, I keep my strength exerted for a certain amount of time. Another thing instead of doing squats, I bend my legs in squat position and hold my body there until I get tired. Along with that during my day, I consume two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with two glasses of milk. At times, I go to the park and work on my pull-ups, I made it to at least eleven. I think I am doing pretty good not to mention I am going to the ninth grade so I figure I have to be strong.
Brian, you do realize peanut butter is filled with protein, correct? You may be telling the truth about running a mile under 5 minutes but I think you are only bluffing about the other stuff. Since it takes protein to build muscle, all the other body-builders would know that, the only person who doesn't seem to know is you. So in other words, if you were that strong, you'd seriously need to know peanut butter is a step. Another thing, I said nothing about losing weight, I am skinny so I am trying to build muscle and a bit of fat. (If needed.)

Answer
Anaerobics, weather you call it âlifting weightsâ, âweight liftingâ, âstrength trainingâ, âcalisthenicsâ, âusing small free weightsâ are all different ways to improve your muscle mass.

Calisthenics (using your own body as weight, doing pushups, squats, lunges, crunches or calves raises) are not an âalternative option" for jogging or any other aerobics activities (biking, swimming...) aimed to improve cardiovascular health. You will improve your aerobics if you strengthen your muscle with anaerobics.
You should do both aerobics and anaerobics, the latter to improve the former.


You did not invent wall push-upsâ¦you do those when you cannot handle floor pushups (if youâre an average woman/girl or a teenage boy).
You should still progress by a couple of reps each session if you eat the right high carbs meals 2 hours prior and a high protein diet, making sure you get enough rest days and enough sleep.
Each time you go back one inch from the wall, itâs another challenge and you go back down to 8 reps (use a ruler).
Then when the reps are time consuming, you go down in incline.
You can get down to 45 degree angle (desk/drawer pushups), even if youâre a teen lacking adult male hormones.

I donât get what you mean by âfor a certain amount of timeââ¦just go to muscle failure.

Donât hold your squats as youâre not engaging your quads, hamstrings and gluteus the right way. Maybe review your form if you get joints issues (knees, hips) as squats are VERY hard to perform with good form, especially if you follow YouTube videos made by nincompoops.
In fact, squats are the most unnatural body position ever when doing calisthenics, so you need counterbalance to not hurt your knees (never, ever, ever get you knee ahead of your toes, your lower leg should always be perpendicular to the floor).
You can hold on to someone or do door squats and hold on to a thin towel wrapped around each side of the door knobs (use a sturdy door) and still make sure that if you let go, youâll safely fall without bumping your head on anything (I advise beginners to put a baby mattress on the floor behind them and practice falling backward on it to make sure their head is secure).

The PB&J sandwich are greatâ¦legumes (peanuts, which are from the pea family, not true nuts but they contain healthy dietary fats) + grains (bread, make it whole-wheat) = complete protein + jelly (carbs) = a complete food sandwich with complete protein, carbs and dietary fats. Two glasses of milk (make sure itâs whole milk for kids and teens who are still growing and need the dietary fats) = 16 more grams of protein + calciumâ¦

If youâre 15yo, you can drink 4 glasses of whole milk or get some of you calcium some other ways like with other dairies (yogurts, cheeseâ¦) and from fish (sardines and salmon with bones), greens, peas, beans (kidney beans, black beans...), almonds and veggies (especially the cabbage family like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radishes, turnip greens, collard greens). Just one serving of collard greens has 100mg of calcium (growing teenagers and pregnant women need the most calcium, like 1,300mg/day).



Good high protein food are dairies (milk, cheese, yogurts...Greek yogurts have 14 to 16 grams of protein), eggs (whites and no more than one yolk a day), meat, fish and poultry (do not eat the skin), legumes (beans, peas, lentils, including soy milk and tofu that comes from soybeans which are legumes), grains (rice, maize...called corn in the US, whole-wheat pasta and bread, rye, buckwheat, oats, millet...) and nuts/seeds (peanut butter included, even if peanuts are not nuts but are from the pea family, so theyâre legumes).
Combine legumes and grains and youâll get complete protein. Like eating a slice of bread with beans, or adding rice to lentils, or peas to pasta, or eating peanut butter with breadâ¦add jelly/jam and you get a PB&J sandwich.
Food with both calcium (for the bones) and protein (for the muscle) is the best like legumes and grains.


All the healthy teens I know are involved in sports, like playing soccer, basketball, running (track team), swimming (swimming team), playing Ultimate, learning martial arts, climbing rock and going up mountains, skiing in winter, going down rivers in kayaks, jumping on trampoline just for fun. They go to the gym to train for strength so they can improve in their sports.

Around the age or 15, they spend more time at the gym during the summer, using gym weight machines to gain 15 pounds of muscle mass (with a high protein diet) so they look big and ripped to face the beginning of the new school year with confidence. Then they lose it during the school year as they have to study to get good grades (and not spend too much time at the gym) but theyâll regain the muscle mass next summer for the next school year.

Get involved in sports. There are lots of opportunities when youâre a teen (before you become an adult with a job, responsibilities and kids).

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How much is the average price for dog agility classes?

children bikes price image

fashion mo

I want to take my puppy to agility classes but I would like to know the average price. Also, what excercises would you suggest I do with my australina shepherd?

Thanks,

Answer
Hey there! OK, first thing is to make sure whatever class you take, it's a class for puppies. The reason is that puppies should not be jumping or doing anything that puts stress on their bones\joints until they're done growing and your Vet OKs it. They can get permanent damage if you're not careful.

I belong to 2 different dog clubs. Classes at one are $50 for 8 weeks. At the other, it's $60. If you are willing to volunteer most clubs have ways to earn coupons towards classes. Once you take a couple classes, you might be able to assist and earn enough coupons to pay a good part of your class fees.

To start your puppy off (great breed for agility, by the way!) here are some ideas for things you can do using everyday items as obstacles:

1) Jump: Get a roll from the inside of christmas paper and just let your puppy walk over it as an itty bitty jump. Say YES! when he does and give him a tiny treat. Pretty soon, he'll be doing it on his own. What you're trying to do is get the puppy to figure out what gets the prize without your even telling him. This is called "shaping" a behavior and it makes a dog more of a thinker! (There's a lot more to it, but you'll learn that in class!)

2) Tunnel: Same thing with a cardboard box. Just wait to see what the puppy does. As soon as he shows interest, "YES!" and a treat. Then wait for him to go in a little way, then a little further, until he's going all the way through.

3) Chute: Now repeat #2, but drape a piece of cloth over one end of the box. Leave a few inches of light at the bottom so he can see his way out of the box. Let him go through it, and work on gradually lowering the cloth until he's going through it even though he can't see his way out.

4) Teach your puppy to: 1) come 2) sit 3) down 4) stay 5) chase you really fast. Practice these every day!

5) Tire: Get a hula hoop or a bike tire from the toy store. Teach your dog to go through it nice and low.

6) Dogwalk: Put a ladder on the ground and teach your dog to walk through it. This is a fun way to get them ready to walk a dogwalk, because it teaches them where their back legs are.

7) Dogwalk: Get a long board (the extender piece from a dining room table is what I used). Cover it with a nice thick towel so your dog won't slip and let them practice walking across it.

8) Roll up a small towel and put it under the middle of the board so it tips and let your pup play on it. Make it a game.

9) Teach your dog to push a skateboard. It's great for teaching them that to be confident.

10) Socialization, socialization, socialization. Your puppy needs to experience all sorts of people, people with hats, men, women, children of all ages and learn to be confident meeting them. He also needs to experience a wide variety of smells, noises, other (nice) dogs so that he won't be afraid of them later. This is probably the MOST important thing you can do with a puppy to prepare them for agility.

11) Look up agility trials in your area and go to one. Ask if you can volunteer to set jump bars. It's a great way to get a ringside seat and learn by watching. You can find shows at the links below.

Always keep training sessions very short. 5-10 minutes. End on a happy note. Never let your puppy know if you're frustrated, you want him to LOVE learning. For him, this is about having the best time ever with his Mom. For you, it should be about having the best time ever with your best friend. :-)

Good luck to you, and many happy agility moments!

Best place for family with 2 young children from UK to Australia?

KW

My husband and I are thinking of moving to Australia.We have 2 children 5 and 2. Which is the best area for family life, good schools and with lots of out door activities? My husband and I both work in I.T.

Answer
Hi... Of course you are going to get everyone's favourite Aussie city, generally though all the Cities are very habitable and so are most of the Country Towns. It is probably best to opt for a City at first mainly due to ease of access and availabilty of services you would initialy require. As for the choice, it will very much depend on your finances and ability to secure a job and heat tolerance! Darwin is the 'hottest and most humid city', Perth is experiencing a very hot summer this year but not so humid. Sydney is the most expensive city to live in (especially housing) and the traffic is a nightmare (mind you probably better than UK after my trip last year!) Melbourne is also expensive but famous for its 'culture' and very mixed weather.
With very young children I would personally highly recommend Brisbane. It is a city with everything and close to wonderful family entertainment e.g. The Gold Coast theme parks, Steve Irwins Australia Zoo and beautiful areas of nature in the South East of Queensland. The City has excellent bike paths, aside the river and others, for family activity and I find it very resonable to live there when I visit from further North compared to the other cities. The Brisbanites are friendly people and very easy going. The house prices are a lot cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne. Road and air trips to highly prized areas such as Fraser Island and of course The Great Barrier Reef etc are easily found from Brisbane.
Schools are excellent both state and private. Health services as one would expect to find in a city. Public transport very very good with city travel on trains, buses and The River Cats all interchangeable on the same ticket for a much cheaper price than Sydney and Melbourne.
Try these sites: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/
http://education.qld.gov.au/marketing/eqi/programs/edu_system.html

http://www.aisq.qld.edu.au/Home.aspx?element=1&category=1

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/01-09/living-upside-down-immigrating-to-australia-and-the-first-tweleve-months-brisbane-queensland-australia.html

Good luck with your plans ... Go for Brisbane!!

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How to do outdoor activities when you have kids?

kids bike seats and trailers image

Neyo

I have 2 kids and they are toddlers.I miss doing trekking, hiking and rafting activities..We do not have a nearby family but are willing to have babysitters.How much do baby sitters usually cost for a whole day?

Also, any tips to still have fun in life despite kids is appreciated.

Answer
If they're toddlers, they're still little enough to strap to your backs and go for a hike. Let them walk as much as possible, and you'll be amazed at how much they'll enjoy nature and how much they'll discover. I know plenty of people who hike and camp with small children. You might not be able to go as far as you used to, and you'll have to stop more often for snacks and/or diaper changes, but you can still have a good time.

My youngest is 4, and we have recently tried kayaking/canoeing, and he loved it, so it may not be long until you can do those things, too.

And if you like biking, just get a couple of child bike seats or a child trailer, and they'll probably love to ride along.

Actually, the more you gradually introduce them to these activities when they're young, the more interested they'll be in doing them as they get older.

Can I use a rear mounted bike seat (for baby) with a 3 wheel bike?

girlsun69

I want to use a 3 wheel bike when riding with my baby, but I can't find any info on using an adult trike with either a baby trailer or a rear mounted seat. Having the third wheel seems like it would provide the extra stability to make a bike mounted seat safer, but I'm not sure if it's possible to properly and safely attach one to the frame of a three wheel bike? Or if I decide to use a trailer, would that attach to the frame of my bike successfully? Any info or experiences with this are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
There are a range of different bike mounted kids seats. There are also a heap of different styles of trailers. There will be some that will fit easy and ones that will need to be modified. The style of trike will determine which will fit best.

Most upright adult trikes have a large wire basket mounted between the back wheels. If this is removed it leaves plenty of potential mounting points. to securely mount one or more child seats. Of course caution needs to be observed to make sure that all moving parts are well shielded from little fingers and feet. I've seen three mounted across the back of a trike. (fitted with a custom made frame). I've also seen infant car seats mounted.

The best trailer option I can think of of the top of my head would be this style. They usually mount on a bike's rear axle, but there will be plenty of options at the back of a trike to securely mount these.
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=7572
http://www.actionbent.com/twtrailer.html

There are others that mount off the seat post that should work also. The most common trailers clamp onto the left chain stay, they won't be any good on a trike.(with out major rework)

Yeah; there are plenty of options. You should be able to get something pretty much "off the shelf". An extra dollar or two on different mounting clamps might be necessary. Or you could go to town and do something totally original.

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