First of all, some of you may be reading this wondering what weathering model railroad trains is, so I’ll start with an explanation. Weathering is basically the process of making something look old and used and is a technique applied to model railways to make them look more realistic. In the real world, nothing stays shiny and new for long. Trains will pick up dust and dirt as they travel around, paint will get scratched, metalwork rusts over time and so many model train builders will want to recreate these looks on their models.

Of course, this isn’t for everyone and there are those that wouldn’t dream of damaging or devaluing their prized locomotives in any way. For years, model railway trains have been collector’s items and some are incredibly valuable. However, other people look at value in a different way and ask what the value is on a personal level. Not in terms of money, but the value it will give you in satisfaction. Now that may sound like a massive cliche, but value does mean different things to different people.

For some people, creating a perfectly life like model railroad scene will hold far greater value than watching their shiny locomotives going round the track, so you have to ask yourself which group you fall into. The good thing is that now, it is possible to pick up model railroad trains fairly cheaply on eBay now, and you can use these for you weathered wagons and keep the … Continue Reading ...

It’s getting to be that time of the year where weather can have an impact on real life NFL games. As a fantasy football manager it is a concept that you simply cannot overlook. Yes I am going on the record and saying it. Checking the weather reports as a factor going into the process of setting your fantasy football lineup is required! This article will explore the impact of weather on fantasy football output.

It is necessary to realize that there are different categories of weather, all which need their own discussion. This article will focus on rain, snow, extreme cold, and wind. In the context of this article rain is defined as creating conditions where the field and ball are impacted, so a light drizzle would not count. Likewise for snow there has to be a significant accumulation on the ground that will impact the players footing. Extreme cold is defined as temperatures close to zero. Lastly, we will consider windy conditions defined as more than a light breeze, we are talking about those cold Sundays with wind gusts that have an impact on the quarterback’s ability to throw the ball.

Our first instinct would be to consider any bad weather condition to be a negative with regards to fantasy football output, however that is simply not the case. Rain and snow actually seem to have a negative effect on the defense more than the offense. Looking back at the 2008 season week 16 saw bad weather games … Continue Reading ...

For Midwestern folks like me no part of the local newscast is as anticipated as the weather forecast, but it usually ends up being the most unsatisfying segment as well. Even though they always greet us with smiling faces, seldom do the meteorologists offer us mild temperatures with clear skies.

Instead of the smiling weather experts, the forecast would be more palatable if the news stations chose music to represent the weather conditions. There are a multitude of songs that represent the different types of climates, such as “Mr. Blue Sky” by the Electric Light Orchestra for the beautiful days that are so rare in the Midwest.

Here are ten other popular songs that could be used to represent the weather forecasts.

Cloudy by Simon and Garfunkel

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme is the album that spawned this laid back classic, which leaves one with the feeling that Paul Simon wrote it while lying on his back in the middle of a big green field.

Stormy by the Classics IV

Its beautiful melody belies the adjective that serves as the title, undoubtedly the most recognizable in the pop band’s catalogue.

Sunny by Bobby Hebb

Back in 1966 this hit was ubiquitous, and amid that tumultuous time its message of gratitude and joy was likely most welcome.

Cold As Ice by Foreigner

One of many gems from the self-titled debut album, this monster hit describes a girl but could very well work for a January weather forecast.

Heat Wave by Martha … Continue Reading ...

There are countries that experience hot and dry weather conditions nearly all year round. Most of these countries can be found in Asia and in the Caribbean. In such places, you’ll feel that it’s summer even in the months when it’s supposed to be rainy or winter. You can enjoy some mild and cold days in such areas but they usually won’t last long and before you know it, you’re back to feeling hot and sweaty again.

Although living in such countries may be uncomfortable since you’re always sweltering and sweaty, there is a noteworthy advantage that comes with it – you can lose weight easier in such places.

There are various studies that have proven that people tend to lose weight easier in hot countries. If you live in a country that’s virtually summer all year round, below are the reasons why you will lose weight easier in such an area:

You tend to show more skin in a place that enjoys hot weather.

Women and men will be more comfortable and feel cooler when they go out while wearing something that shows off more skin. Of course, if they have to go to the beach or pool, they need to wear a swimsuit.

If you wear a swimsuit or an outfit that shows off more skin, of course, you want to be in your best shape while wearing them. Slipping into a bathing suit or any skimpy outfit can seriously motivate you to lose weight and get toned. … Continue Reading ...

One of the most sought for garden or outdoor adornment today is a weather-resistant outdoor wooden bench. They are not only classy they are also very useful especially when relaxing while enjoying the scenic views of your beautifully landscaped backyard.

Wooden benches are multi-functional it can be used in gardens, patio, as a decorative in your receiving area, in churches, in offices, or even in the crematorium or cemetery. As long as there is a need for something to sit on benches are without a doubt the answers to your concern.

It is therefore vital to have quality materials that can withstand various weather conditions. Since benches are most likely used frequently and with a number of people, hence, quality is the number one priority to consider. Ensure sturdy materials are used in making the furniture with a deliberate handcrafted design that are firmly built for longer usage. It may be higher in price but can save you more in the long run.

Heavy-duty benches are also great for public use such as hospitals, malls, and offices among other places. They are basically made for longer and frequent use compared to benches for residential gardens. What is important is that outdoor benches should be resistant to the constant change of weather condition. This will inhibit owners to worry too much especially when it rains and you are not in the house to bring it inside. Another is you do not have to carry the burden of bringing it in and … Continue Reading ...

Hot weather can be dangerous for your dog if you don’t protect him from it. A dog should never be left out in the heat without some sort of shade or shelter to cool off in. In fact when the temperatures go extremely high it is good to let your pooch into the basement at least if he is not a house dog. Below are some more hot weather tips for your dog.

Even though you always need to make sure your dog has water available for drinking, this goes double for hot weather. Always have plenty of water along if you are out and about with your dog in the heat. This way he can have a drink when needed. There are portable water units sold to day to make giving your dog a drink easily.

You should not leave your dog in a closed up camper with no ventilation while you go off for the day in the summer. Even if your camper has electricity hooked to it and an air conditioning running, it is still unwise to leave your pooch alone in it. The electricity could go off and then the camper becomes a very hot box! Your dog could actually die, it has happened.

As with the camper do not leave your dog alone in the hot car while you go shopping. Dogs can get heat strokes just as humans do. Just as children have died in hot cars dogs can too.

Do not overtire your … Continue Reading ...