Altameroy Blog

The movie, “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” is a mythological story about World War I veteran Rannulph Junuh, played by Matt Damon, and his unlikely spiritual guide, Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. In 1916 Savannah, Georgia, Junuh has the world at his fingertips as a top young golfer, in love with the beautiful and wealthy Adele (played by Charlize Theron). But, seeking glory on the battlefields of World War I, Junuh interrupts his golf career and enlists in the army. However, the ravages of war sink him into a depression, and he spurns Adele and everyone else when he finally returns home.

Fast forward to 1931 ~ Savannah has been devastated by the Depression, and the golf resort Adele’s father built has no business. Faced with bankruptcy, she plans a golf tournament between the best golfers of the day ~ Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen ~ but the town cronies want someone to represent Savannah in the match.

At a town meeting, a ten-year-old boy who has idolized Junuh for years, suggests that his hero should play in the tournament. Only trouble is, the golden boy has lost his swing and doesn’t seem too interested in finding it. He spends his nights playing cards and drinking, and his days sleeping off the previous evening. Junuh has lost more than his swing ~ he has lost his way.

Enter Bagger Vance, who appears out of nowhere, volunteering to be Junuh’s caddy in the tournament. At the heart of the movie, Bagger tells Junuh, “Inside each and every one of us is our one true authentic swing. Something we was born with. Something that’s ours and ours alone. Something that can’t be learned. . . . Something that’s got to be remembered.”

I am struck by the notion of each of us having one true authentic swing, as Bagger puts it. Although I am not a golfer, the metaphor of a “swing” works for me in terms of finding our authentic self, our “calling,” our special place in the world that no one else can fill at a particular time and place.

Finding our authentic swing can have several meanings ~ it can be as expansive as finding our “niche” in the world, finding that one thing we are meant to do in terms of vocation, or in terms of a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. It can mean doing something we can’t help doing ~ the something that, no matter how much we might try to avoid, we absolutely HAVE to do. Or it may mean being true to oneself at a particular moment in time, and as such, we may not have only one authentic swing, but several to play through over a lifetime.

I am also compelled by the golf swing metaphor because, even in my limited experience with golf, it is obvious that those who have found theirs seem to execute it in a seemingly effortless manner. When a golfer is “in the groove,” their swing looks natural, unforced, loose, and easy. It feels right, and even before a golfer strikes the ball they know they’ve hit a winner just by the feel of the swing. And when a golfer hasn’t found his or swing, it feels and looks forced and awkward ~ and the golfer knows even before they’ve hit the ball that it will slice into the rough or the sand.

So how do we find our authentic swing, our true self? Well first of all I should clarify that I’m not sure we have only one authentic swing per lifetime. During our life journey we experience several incarnations of self as we travel, and thus may have an authentic swing for one time period that changes around the next bend in the road. So perhaps finding our authentic self is about maintaining our authenticity, and being true to ourselves at each particular moment in time.

But how do we know when we’ve “found it?” Well that probably depends on the person and the situation involved. In my experience, however, there are several key factors. One would be the “feel” of the swing - in other words, does it feel right, are we “in the groove,” and do we know before we even hit the ball that it will land just where we want it to?

Another clue in my experience has been the inherent affirmation within myself, or from others, that what I am doing is the right thing at the right time. And the final clue, and the one I continue to be least comfortable with, involves the basic fact that more times than not, being true to my authentic self involves, at the very least, change, and at the very most, risk to the status quo of my journey thus far.

A great Sufi seer once noted: ” What you must do for yourself ~ make sure you do it.” The aspiration to become our authentic self and all we are meant to be is often spurred onward by the support of others who believe in us, or by burning bushes ~ but ultimately we are spurred by our own soul. Sometimes it takes a long time to hear the great chiming within. And even longer to stir up the courage to pay attention to it once we’ve heard it. Because often, when we find and follow through with our authentic swing, there is risk involved. And still, even in the face of the possible risk, there is a sense within us that we MUST do this thing.

It is said that before the great Hassidic leader, Zusia, died, he came to his followers, eyes were red with tears, face was pale with fear. “Zusia, what’s the matter? You look frightened!”

He answered, “The other day, I had a vision. In it, I learned the question that the angels will one day ask me about my life.”

The followers were puzzled. “Zusia, you are pious. You are scholarly and humble. You have helped so many of us. What question about your life could be so terrifying that you would be frightened to answer it?”

Zusia turned his gaze to heaven. “I have learned that the angels will not ask me, ‘Why weren’t you a Moses, leading your people out of slavery? And I have learned,” Zusia sighed, “that the angels will not ask me, ‘Why weren’t you a Joshua, leading your people into the promised land?’”

One of his followers approached Zusia and placed his hands on Zusia’s shoulders. Looking him in the eyes, the follower demanded, “But what will they ask you?”

“They will say to me, ‘Zusia, why weren’t you Zusia?’”

Susan Ryder is not a golfer, but she’s working to find and improve her authentic swing. She’s also an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ - which is a site for Creative Writing.

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Hair loss (Androgenetic alopecia) refers to the reason of hair loss that is influenced by the androgen hormone, the genetic tendency for balding and aging. Because hair loss is caused by these hormones, treatment is available to immediately and dramatically prevent the loss of hair.

Androgenic Hormones

In general, normal men including women make male hormones. Testosterone, underestimation, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the most common that they produce. Androgens are manufactured by the men’s adrenals and testicles, and in women, by their adrenal glands and ovaries. In both sexes, these hormones are important but take place in different concentrations and amounts.

When hair follicles are exposed to DHT, a genetically prone individual, over time, leads to androgenetic alopecia, or female and male pattern baldness.

In particular cells of the hair follicle, as with in the sebaceous glands, there are enzymes called 5-alpha-reductase that are in high levels, converting testosterone which is then carried to these areas by the blood, and into DHT.

Hair loss myths:

Myth #1: Hair loss of an individual is inherited from the mother side.

Not true. Genetics is one factor of hair loss, it can be inherited from either the father’s or the mother’s side.

Myth #2. Frequent cutting of hair will make it grow thicker.

Not true. Although when the hair is cut, it would appear thicker at first, after three days or so, your hair would drop off and new hair would grow, having the same diameter as the pre cut hair.

Myth #3. Wearing a Hat Can Cause Hair Loss.

Not true. The hat can help by blocking off the sun’s harmful rays. Although wearing a hat for a very long period of time may cause sebum accumulation due to temperature changes and can react with cholesterol creating a hardened sebum plug that will cut off oxygen circulation causing the hair to fall out.

Myth #4. DHT is the reason for hair loss.

Not true. Although an over production of DHT is a significant reason for hair loss, it is not the only cause.

Myth #5. Frequent shampooing and blow drying lead to hair loss.

Not true. Heat can damage the hair, reason for brittle hair; it does not harm the roots of the hair.

Even worse, some perscription drugs are known to cause hair loss. Avoid if at all possible the following drugs:

- Cholesterol-lowering drugs:

- clofibrate (Atromis-S)

- gemfibrozil (Lopid)

- Antidepressants:

- tricyclics, amphetamines

- High blood pressure:

- atenolol (Tenormin)

- metoprolol (Lopressor)

- nadolol (Corgard)

- propranolol (Inderal)

- timolol (Blocadren)

- Antithyroid:

- carbimazole

- Iodine

- thiocyanate

- thiouracil

- Ulcer drugs:

- cimetidine (Tagamet)

- ranitidine (Zantac)

- famotidine (Pepcid)

- Anticoagulents:

- Coumarin

- Heparin

Actions you can take to prevent hair loss:

- Stop coloring or perming your hair very often for it can damage it
 - Limit exposure of your hair to chlorine
 - Avoid exaggerated brushing or combing wet hair
 - Use a conditioner every after shampoo to make grooming manageable and easier
 - Regulate heat exposure.  Blow-drying, hot-curling and exposure to straightening irons may damage your hair over time
 - Avoid medications that can lead hair loss such as Vitamin A, testosterone products, beta blockers, certain antidepressants and certain cholesterol-lowering agents
 - Too much alcohol should be avoided. Be careful in choosing your hair care products as some contain alcohol and can contribute to hair dryness, brittle and hair that is prone to breakage.
 - Tight ponytails and braids can lead to hair damage
 - Maintain a healthy diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking enough water
 - Birth control pills can contribute to hair loss
 - Consult your doctor if should you notice abnormal hair loss, as certain medical conditions such as lupus or having polycystic ovaries, or hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss

Vitamins you can take to prevent hair loss:

- Thiamin ( B1)

Containing the mineral sulfur, this is the essential element of the hair that gives gloss and shine.

- Riboflavin (B2)

This vitamin is vital for body cell breathing, ensuring efficient oxygen utilization for cell repair and production.

- Niacin (B3)

Helps to widen capillaries and vessels thereby increasing the blood circulation to the scalp to help stimulate hair growth. It also may reduce the cholesterol build up which is essential since cholesterol on the scalp will convert to the enzyme 5 alpha reductase.

- Pahtothenic Acid (B5)

This vitamin helps in restoring hair color and brightness. It works with the amino acid Tyrosine Folic Acid, PABA and Copper in the deterrence white and gray hair.

- Biotin (B7)

Biotin is a widely used ingredient in hair products due to its hair promoting properties. Biotin increases hair cortex elasticity , prevents breakage, and thickens hair cuticle.

- Cobalamin (B12)

Regenerates red blood cells for healthy hair.

- Pyridoxine (B6).

Responsible for protein intake balance, it helps in transporting amino acids to the proper tissues. This is also essential in the conversion of one amino acid to another like the conversion of Methionine to Cysteine. With Inositol, they regulate oil flow to the scalp and the skin.

For more great hair loss related articles and resources check out http://hairloss.haircarehaven.com

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The way to a girl’s heart is through dressing well. True or false? Can’t say! Some like the rugged, unshaven, unkempt looks, while others go for smart, well-polished skin. The way to a girl’s heart is still a mystery. What would catch her fancy, make an impression, go to her heart and make you look desirable, it’s all in her mind.

Outer looks do however play an important role when it comes to attracting attention. A well-dressed man is somehow more likable. It shows his class. His wealth. After all, clothes are a part of our material wealth, and the clothing industry has kept well-maintained distinctions between rich dresses and the not so rich ones. A poorly dressed, shabby man may have more in terms of real warmth and friendship, but his exterior only serves to maintain a distance, whereas relations with the opposite sex are more about removing distances.

Another positive attribute of dressing well, with a necktie included, is the confidence is instills in the wearer. A feeling of superiority, of class, of being secure makes us stand tall, walk straight, and approach others without feeling even a bit lower than others around. Our clothes show where we stand in society.

True, the rich have their weird ways, and they do not always dress well. This exception only proves the rule. Their causal dressing serves to set them apart. The norm is broken, and that itself shows the strength of the party.

A well-worn dress covers the body and the soul alike. It keeps us warm and secure. Protects the skin from cold air and dust. Makes us agreeable to others around us. Keeps us going ahead in life. Nothing could be more valuable to us than this convention of being well dressed.

The girls, of course, are damn impressed with the show. They think a well-dressed man must also be good at heart, and a decent chap to go with. How true this is, is another subject for another article.

The author is a freelance writer. He can be contact at:

sharma_ameet@hotmail.com
amitontheweb@gmail.com

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The right foundation can do wonders for your face. Even with minimal eye makeup and blush, the right foundation sets the base for a fantastic glow to help let your natural glow shine through.

When buying foundation, you must first consider the type of skin you have. If you have dry skin, you will need a foundation with a creamy formulation or with additional moisturizers. If your skin is oily, an oil-free foundation will minimize shine and will keep you looking fresher for longer.

Second, remember that different looks will need different kinds and consistencies of foundation so you may have to purchase two kinds. These foundations work to give you the look you want to achieve, from a light tinted sheen to a more matte party look. There are also satiny finishes and heavier shades, so decide what you need the foundation for.

A liquid foundation would be the ideal choice for most women because they have a versatility and blendability that easily suits most skin types. They are also easier to use and last for at least two years. These bottles foundations come in oil and water bases. If your skin is oily, you may opt for a water-based foundation that blends easily and gives skin a subtle glow. They contain a slight amount of silicon oil and emollient and offer breathable coverage for daywear. These are also the best foundation choices for most women of color. Oil based foundations, on the other hand, work well for mature and wrinkled skin. Though they are greasier and thicker than the water-based kind, they work very well for women who want to make their skin appear moist and dewy.

When you go out to buy a liquid foundation, it is always important to test the color. Swipe a small amount on the base of your jaw (this is the most accurate facial color). Don’t be fooled by the way it looks - most foundations look darker while still in the bottle.

Gently pat the foundation into the jawline and then blend it outward with your finger or a sponge. The right foundation will dissolve into your skin and should not stand out too dramatically from your face or your shoulders. It’s sometimes difficult to find the “perfect” shade, so you might have to ask assistance in blending two shades together. Or check out other brands until you find the right shade for you. Don’t buy the bottle immediately, rather, go out for a walk around the store to give the foundation a “road test”. Check the foundation when you get to a place with natural light. Also try to feel its consistency after half an hour, so you can see how your skin reacts to the product.

If you are Asian or Caucasian, the best foundations for you would be those with yellow undertones. Asians also respond well to tinted moisturizers because it works well in Asian climates. Hispanics need foundations with dark yellow or orangey undertones. African-American skin is enhanced by using a combination of medium and dark shaded. The general rule is that darker skin will need darker shades of yellow.

Foundations today have a lot of extra benefits, like built-in sunscreen or ingredients that fill in fine lines and wrinkles. Look for the many extras some foundation formulas offer, such as sunscreen or ingredients that hide fine lines.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Cosmetics

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Staying young and beautiful is an important factor in many of our lives. The thought of getting old, wrinkly and losing our faculties is rather daunting to say the least.

Scientists who have studied aging are now saying that your genes only have 40 percent of the deciding factor to how old you look and feel, the rest is due to what you eat, drink and your state of mind. According to these studies, this means you can delay aging symptoms by years, simply by taking small steps to improve your diet, fitness and by trying to cut down the levels of stress and negativity in your life.

Cutting down on stress is one of the most important things you need to think about, prolonged stress can be hazardous to your health. Studies have shown there is evidence that chronic stress weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Try to be positive about your life, if you are not one of life’s natural optimists it will be worth learning to become one by practicing positive thinking, such as; If you find yourself reacting to an event in a destructive way, stop for a moment and focus on positive areas of your life or think of a good time in your life and reflect on the best features about yourself, once you have managed to get into a better state of mind take another look at your problem or event, is it actually as important as you first thought?

Is there an easier way to go about your problem? Or perhaps there is someone who you can ask for help to lighten the load. By believing in yourself, thinking that things can only get better and that this situation is temporary, you will be surprised how much happier and calm you can become.

Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and a minimum of one portion of oily fish a week, this will boost your immune system and help give you more energy to go about your busy lifestyle. By eating your recommended portion of fruit and vegetables, scientists also say you cut your overall cancer risk by twenty percent. Eating oily fish at least once a week can cut your risk of heart attack by forty percent. Fish also helps to reduce risk of several forms of cancers and can ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Drink eight glasses of water each day to keep your body fully hydrated. Water can help build up your bodies immune system and is also known to increase the elasticity of the skin, which keeps your face and body wrinkle free for longer.

When dieting if you drink a large glass of water before each meal your stomach will be fuller to start with so you will not need to eat as much food to fill you up thus making dieting much easier.

Keep on the move, staying physically fit is an important factor in achieving a healthy lifestyle, by doing as little as twenty minutes of exercise a day will do you the world of good, especially if you stick to a routine, it will build up your strength, balance and flexibility.

Always wear sun lotion, by wearing sun lotion with a high sun protection factor you can protect your skin from exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB. Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin damage such as wrinkles, lowered immunity against infections, aging skin disorders and cancer.

There are many more things you can do to improve your health and fitness, but if you follow these few steps it will be a good start and will make a huge difference to your life and future.

Cheryl White is the author of http://www.money-4-work.com and http://www.work-n-earn.com

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