Knowing the Truth About Air Conditioning Prices

Air conditioning prices are always guaranteed to become a major source of conflict and controversy within a household, for it would seem that every single consumer on this planet has an opinion as to what they perceive to be the grossly unfair and avaricious prices charged for air conditioning units.

The simple truth of the matter is this: air conditioning units is a fiercely competitive market with no shortage of providers or products and so this means that the consumer will be guaranteed to find an air conditioning product that matches their requirements and expectations. Of course, the trade off here is that the consumer will actually need to ensure that they compare the different products on offer so as to find the most suitable product for them.

With that in mind, it is worth noting that making a final decision based solely on the air conditioning prices is not a sensible approach and the reason for this is that the price tag will provide the consumer with a limited amount of information. It is

It is important to appreciate that the value of the prices extends beyond merely the numerical value specified on the price tag of the unit in question, and so the consumer will need to consider and factor in running costs and overheads as well. After all, any and all air conditioning units will by virtue of their design, require electricity to operate and function properly and so the consumer must factor this in the equation.

Related to this is the Energy Efficiency Rating of the unit and this particular value will be of particular interest to the consumer because it is the value that will determine how much the consumer is liable for in energy consumption. In essence then, the more energy efficient the unit is, then the less energy that will be wasted and therefore consumed. Therefore, you may find that paying a little extra for initial prices will net you far better results and savings than opting for a cheaper model.

Make sure that you get a clear and transparent breakdown of air conditioning prices. Specifically, particular interest should be given as to the services and extra features that are included (if indeed they are).Does the sales price as stated include a warranty and or installation, or will the consumer be required to pay extra for these?

If they are required to pay extra, then what will be the cost?

Again, the expense of installation and warranty is always a serious bone of contention for consumers, but these are essential things to have indeed. The last thing you want is for an incorrectly performed installation procedure performed by yourself then causing the delicate components of the unit to then become severely damaged.

Likewise, the warranty will cover you in the event that the work is shoddy, or the air conditioning unit suffers damage through no fault of your own negligence. Be smart with air conditioning prices, not stingy.

A Look At The Evolution Of The Air Conditioner

Today, we take it for granted that by flipping a switch; we can turn on our air conditioner and enjoy its cooling effects. In fact, there are even portable models available that have made it possible to take the AC from one room to another. What is more, these appliances are commonly used in buildings throughout our country and in the rest of the world as well. However, it does pay to understand a little bit more about the history of the air conditioner as then you will realize where it all began and where we are today. In the beginning, the rich and affluent people of Egypt were the first to enjoy the wonderful cooling of aqueduct water that was made to traverse the inside of a buildings walls. However, Egyptians had to pay a high cost for this water which was an expensive commodity in that country and in those days.

Persians also knew how to cool things down and in medieval Persia there were rich Persians that enjoyed the luxury of home air conditioning. However, they made use of wind rather that water.

Soon, their ideas were modified and use of liquefied ammonia which was made to evaporate was used to help to cool the air down. The person credited with this discovery was the British scientist Michael Faraday who made his discovery in 1820. About two decades later, an American called Dr. John Gorrie managed to make an ice maker which could be used to cool down the air and this he demonstrated in a Floridian hospital.

Industrial needs led to the invention of the first air conditioner and this was done by Willis Havilland Carrier whose invention in the year 1902 helped in cooling as well as humidifying the air inside a printers plants. It was a person called Stuart W. Cramer who actually first coined the term air conditioning and it referred to a method of adding moisture to the air in order to cool the atmosphere.

In the earliest air conditioners, toxic gases would be used but it was a person called Thomas Midgley Jr. Who created, in the year 1928 the first Freon refrigerant. Though this was a major discovery at the time, now we realize that Freon is bad for the Ozone layer.

An air conditioner is course used to cool our homes as well as offices. There are however other uses as well including being used to filter out harmful particles from the air and this kind of usage are is widely applied in operation theaters in hospitals.

Air conditioning can also be used to help people overcome allergies. This is because an air conditioner can also help in the removal of pollen and dander as well as dust which are the reasons why people suffer from allergies of different kinds.

There are a few air conditioner models that can also act as dehumidifiers and such models are able to remove the unwanted excessive moisture out of the air and this will make the room much more comfortable. We can certainly thank our lucky stars that some inventive geniuses found out how to air condition our homes and offices!

How To Prevent Cold-Weather Hair Flyaway

The worst part of winter is the static electricity that makes your mane stand on end. If you suffer from staticky strands every time the temperature takes a dip, you could use some quick tricks to keep those frizzes at bay. Whether you're at home, the office or painting the town red, here are plenty of ways to avoid looking electric-shock chic.

When You're Getting Ready...
The reason your hair stands on end in cold weather is because your locks lack moisture, and static electricity has more opportunity to build up. The best way to prevent flyaways is to nip these problems in the bud. Preventing static starts the second you step into the shower; with the proper prep, you won't have to throw your locks into a ponytail every day.

Use moisturizing hair shampoos and condition hair every day. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes; to avoid wasting water, wash and condition your hair first and let the moisturizers work their magic while you soap up with shower gel; rinse the product out afterward. Deep conditioning treatments or leave-in conditioner should be used at least once per week as well.

Before you exit the shower, turn the hot water off and let the cold water cascade over your locks for a few seconds - as long as you can stand! - to help flatten the cuticle and prevent static.

Don't even think about brushing out tangles; your hairbrush builds up static. Instead, towel-dry hair and use a wide-tooth comb. Then, apply your hair styling products to prevent damage as you blow-dry. Hairsprays and anti-frizz shine serums help prevent flyaways, and silicon-based hair styling products are best for stopping static.

Last but not least, use an ionic blow dryer, which neutralizes static particles. Use a low heat setting to dry hair, then set your style with a shot of cold air when your entire head is dry.

When You're Out and About...
If you're already away from home when the static strikes, don't despair - there are still options to keep the flyaways away.

Before you leave the house, pop a dryer sheet into your purse for emergencies. When you notice your hair feeling staticky, pull out the sheet and swipe it over your strands; just like dryer sheets keep the static cling out of your clothes, it also works on your mane!

If you notice your coif is more likely to be staticky in your office or home, the problem may simply be that the air is too dry. Pick up a humidifier to put a little moisture back in the air.

Finally, you can use the skin lotions you keep on your desk or in your purse as a hair moisturizer. Apply a small amount to your body or hands, and rub it in; when there is barely any left on your hands, run them through your hair. Make sure there isn't too much lotion on your hands, or your mane can turn into a greasy mess.

What Does HVAC Mean?

Some people just say, "H-V-A-C." Others use the term "H-Vac." It all means the same thing, "heating, ventilation and air conditioning." HVAC is a catchall term that covers regulating the interior environment - temperature, humidity and air exchange in buildings.

Technically speaking, HVAC design is a mechanical engineering discipline based on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Occasionally, you'll come across the term HVACR or HVAC&R, which stands for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. But for now, we'll just stick with HVAC.

HVAC came into its own beginning in the industrial revolution, so it has been around for a couple of hundred years. You could argue that it started much earlier than that, dating back to ancient Rome, where builders included cooling systems using water in the construction of some buildings.

Today, we talk about HVAC systems because the various HVAC functions tend to be integrated. For example, central heating and air conditioning are often not thought of as separate functions, although they are. They're frequently designed to work together to keep indoor temperatures comfortable and the air quality high.

Most homes in cooler climates have central heating. The system is made up of a boiler or furnace. The heat itself derives from water, steam or air that is warmed in one place and then distributed throughout the structure. Such a system requires ductwork, or piping and radiators, for heat distribution.

Water and steam heating systems are clearly separate from central air conditioning. Forced-air heating systems might not be. The reason is that a forced-air furnace and a central air conditioner can use the same ductwork for air distribution. The air conditioner will most likely run on electricity and the furnace on gas, but the shared ductwork makes them seem to be one system.

Ventilation refers to the process of exchanging air to help manage temperature, remove moisture and control contaminants, such as pathogens and particulates that might cause health problems. The air can be exchanged with air from the outside or from elsewhere in the structure.

There are two basic types of ventilation: mechanical/forced and natural. Mechanical/forced ventilation controls the air quality inside the building. It removes humidity, odors and contaminants by diluting them with outside air. This type of ventilation system requires a fan to move the air.

Natural ventilation uses outside air without a fan or other mechanical method to move the air. It can be achieved by an action as simple as opening a window or providing vents. Natural ventilation can be quite effective in moderate climates, but it might not do the job when the weather becomes too warm. Understanding the elements of HVAC systems helps owners discover ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Troubleshooting Gas Furnace Problems

Are you having a gas furnace problem this time of the year? It could be very difficult, not to mention expensive to have one repaired or replaced. But before you panic and spend thousands of dollars for repair or replacement bills, check first what's wrong with your equipment. If you find out, maybe you can still salvage it from being replaced and yourself from spending on unnecessary feels.

One of the most common furnace problems is that it doesn't release heat to your home. Sometimes even though it's turned out, you will still feel that you are getting colder by the minute. Don't panic just yet. Common causes of this is low gas pressure or a low voltage. Turning the power on and off and will reset the unit, and if the cause is as simple as the ones mentioned, it will be able to function normally again after you have switched it on and off a few times.

Another common problem that happens is the gas furnace emitting varying degrees of heat. It may still not be as serious as you think. Common causes of this is a dirty filter and a clogged blower. Making sure to keep those two clean will eliminate this problem immediately and prevent worse ones from happening for years. So if you think you are not cleaning your furnace enough, you better start now unless you want to spend more than just on cleaning materials.

One of the most hazardous furnace problems is carbon monoxide emission, which happens even when it's working properly. To avoid any potential danger, you need to have a carbon monoxide detector to prompt you when the carbon monoxide levels have already reached a dangerous level.

Social Stigma of Hair Loss in Women

Have you noticed a gradual and progressive increase in the number of hairs lost when combing or brushing? Perhaps after months or years of vain denial, you have realized that the mirror does not lie, visible thinning has occurred. You're not alone if you're experiencing breakage, increased hair shedding or significant hair loss.

Many women may cover it up with wigs, hair extensions, hats or scarves. Others choose one of the several approved medications or surgical procedures that are available to treat baldness.

Excessive hair loss or balding is mistakenly perceived as a strictly something that happens to men although women actually make up to forty percent of American hair loss sufferers. In America, one in four, or over 30 million women will seek solutions and treatment for hair loss annually.

First of all, don't panic! Hair loss or hair shedding is consistent within the hair growth cycle and it is normal to lose some scalp hair each day. The average human scalp has roughly 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and the normal hair growth cycle results in the loosening or shedding of about 100 to 150 hairs on a daily basis. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at the average rate of about half an inch per month.

Hair is composed of two separate parts: the follicle and the hair shaft. The follicle lies below the scalp and produces the hair strands that we see growing out of our head. The follicle is alive, however the hair strand is simply composed of dead cells that have no regenerative ability.

For most people, 90% of our scalp hair is always in a to six year growth phase (anagen) while the remaining 10% is in a dormant period (telogen), which lasts about three months. When the dormant period ends the hair is shed; these are the worrisome hairs we obsess over in our comb, hairbrush, on our pillow or down the shower drain. Relax, some hair loss is perfectly normal.

Baldness or Alopecia happens when the normal pattern of hair growth is disrupted. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. If the growth pattern is out of balance, hair does not grow back as readily as it falls out. A family history of androgenetic alopecia increases your risk of balding. Heredity also affects the age at which you begin to lose hair and the development, pattern and extent of your baldness.

What concerns us is not these normally shed hairs, but the noticeable thinning we confront in the mirror. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, our vanity visible. A luxuriant full mane epitomizes the beauty of a woman and is integrally woven into our self image. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick, silky head of hair. Throughout recorded history, images of shining, full bodied hair are associated with female beauty, youth, desirability and good health. Society unfairly identifies dry, lack luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty.

A dramatic decrease in self esteem is evident in women when their hair begins to fall out. Hair shedding is not physically painful, however it often causes severe emotional distress. We obsess over our thin tresses as we battle depression and self loathing. Women frequently become introverted and withdraw from the world. We avoid intimate contact and make futile attempts to disguise the quality and quantity of our hair.

Hair loss is especially injurious to those who have professions or careers where physical appearance plays a significant role. A young woman is especially vulnerable to the stigma of balding. Not until we are confronted with the loss of our hair do we fully realize how essential hair is to our overall person.

A woman's hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once we pass 20, however, our hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than the normal 100-150 hairs a day. With aging, hair strands hold less pigment and become smaller so that what was once the luxuriant and thick hair of our youth becomes thin, fine and lighter in color. For even the elderly woman, significant hair loss can threaten self image. A woman's sense of sexuality and femininity as well as her establish place in family and society are often undermined by hair loss.

It is hardly surprising when a man starts balding. By the age of thirty-five about 25 percent of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss and about 75 percent are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60.

In men, hair loss is often perceived as a sign of virility, a demonstrable sign that his male hormones are functioning at maximum capacity. To project strength and masculinity, men often choose to shave their heads.

Although many men are quite dismayed by a receding hairline, research indicates that the psychological pain of hair loss does not affect men as adversely as it impacts women. What makes coping with hair loss so difficult is the frightening lack of control, the feeling of the inability to do anything to make our hair stop falling out.

Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

As we age, women face a multitude of changes and challenges: wrinkles, a widening waist, cellulite deposits and thickening ankles. It does not seem fair that for many of us hair loss is yet another blow to our self esteem.

Female pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. This type of female balding is caused by the chemical Dihydrotestosterone or DHT which builds up around the air follicle and over time destroys both the hair shaft and the hair follicle. Pregnancy or the onset of menopause may cause a fluctuation in the production of estrogen. Lacking sufficient estrogen to produce testosterone-blocking enzymes, testosterone is then converted to DHT on the scalp. The result is a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and excessive hair loss from shedding and breakage. Some women experience an increase in hair loss several months after delivering a baby.

Genetics aside, there are many other reasons why women lose hair. Surgery, extreme physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy and scalp infections are but a few. Female hair loss can also be triggered by birth control medications, certain prescription drugs or result from the use of harsh chemicals or aggressive styling that can cause permanent damage to the fragile hair follicle. Excessive hair shedding may also be symptomatic of rapid weight loss from dangerous fad-dieting or an eating disorder such as anorexia. The use of street drugs such as cocaine will also exhibit sudden and severe hair shedding.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Reacting intensely to the physical state of our thinning hair may seem like excessive vanity, but it is not. Baldness is not usually caused by disease, but is more commonly related to heredity, aging and hormone function. However, changes in hair appearance, texture and growth patterns may indicate serious health concerns. Hair is one of the first areas, along with skin and nails, to reflect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and illness. It is wise to pay attention.

Women's hair seems to be particularly sensitive to underlying medical conditions so it is important that women with undiagnosed hair loss be properly evaluated by a physician. If your thinning hair is a result of a medical condition, your doctor will treat these ailments and as a result you may experience significant growth of new hair.

Once you and your doctor have identified the cause of your hair loss you may be referred to a hair specialist or implant surgeon to learn about the treatment options available such as or hair transplant procedures to promote growth or hide loss. For some types of alopecia, hair may resume normal growth without any treatment.

A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximizing the potential of your hair growth cycle.

Although medical research is on going, the following have proved beneficial in growing and maintaining a healthy head of hair.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well being. Discuss with your health care provider your diet, all medications and any supplements you may be taking. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair may be indicators of a deficiency in essential fats in the diet, oily hair may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency.

Recent medical studies have found that a high percentage of women with thinning hair are deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. It is difficult to obtain sufficient lysine through diet alone. Lysine is important in the transport of iron and necessary to support hair growth. Lysine is found in eggs and red meat so vegetarians needs to be aware of this potential shortfall in their diets.

The amino acids L-Cysteine and L-Methionine are believed to improve hair texture, quality and growth.

Low-fat foods that rank high in protein, low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in sustaining healthy hair growth and aid in preventing hair loss. Important essential fatty acids for maintaining hair health are found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, sardines, spinach, soy and canola oil. Omega 3 and Omega 6 Oils protect the heart as well as your hair so include salmon in your diet on a regular basis.

Herbal Remedies Offer Hope For Hair Loss

Discuss with your nutritional advisor or medical professional the benefits of herbs. The following natural plant derivatives have properties to encourage a healthy head of hair.

Aloe
Arnica
Birch
Burdock
Catmint
Chamomile
Horsetail
Licorice
Marigold
Nettles
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Hair Care

Always choose organic natural products to avoid the chemicals and toxins found in many hair care products. Harsh chemicals may strip the natural oils from your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair shaft and follicle as well as the delicate sebum balance of the scalp.

Be gentle with your hair. Allow hair to dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer. A natural bristle brush is helpful in preventing damage. Do not style until completely dry. Wet hair is weak hair so handle with care. Avoid or break any bad habits you may have that pull or twist the hair. Try not to constantly run your fingers through your hair, tug at the hair and avoid hair clips or rubber bands that pull at and break off the hair. Minimize the usage of mousse, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh down the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair.

Avoid salt and chlorinated water when swimming. If exposed, always wash the hair with cool water and an organic gentle shampoo and apply a mild conditioner. Sun worshipers should make sure that hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the damaging affects of UV rays. Remember to wear a hat to prevent sunburn of the scalp.

Healthy Lifestyle

Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of who we are. I remind myself to keep my obsession with my hair loss in perspective and be happy with all the other areas of my life that are going right and in balance. Focus on the positive, eat well, rest well and be at peace with who you are. Remember, that for some, hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared.

Spring-Summer Traveling With Your Pet

With spring already here and summer rapidly approaching, many of us are in the process of making travel plans for our summer vacations. Is a trip to a new city in the works? Are you thinking about camping out in the wilderness in one of the country's many beautiful parks or recreation centers? Would it be more fun to visit with close friends or family who live nearby - or to stay at a friend's summer home in New England or a rustic cabin near a lake in the Rockies? Would it be a good idea to rent a beach home? It is an important decision as most of us have so little spare time to simply enjoy life and appreciate Nature and friends. When planning the vacation of our dreams, there are many factors to consider. Obviously, it is important to determine our time frame and budgetary parameters -as well as our accommodations and the mode of transportation that is most affordable especially in these harsh economic times. Careful forethought and planning are the keys to a delightful vacation for our favorite animal companion and us.

For many of us who are planning a getaway, there are many issues to be considered before we leave home. Those of us who have a family pet or pets consider the option of traveling with your furry family members or entrusting them to the care of a house or pet sitter. friend or neighbor or boarding facility- as we determine when and where to go for a fun time away from business as usual. Are we planning on traveling by car, bus or plane? Will we be staying at hotels/motels, the homes of friends or family, or perhaps camping out? Many of these decisions will depend on whether or not we decide to leave Fluffy and Fido at home or whether they share our vacation with us.

Once we have determined our travel destination and the duration of time we will be away from home, we can decide whether or not it is a good idea to take our pet with us. Is our pet accustomed to traveling with us? Has he been on an airplane or train or bus before? Is she accustomed to riding with us in our car? Will it be inconvenient, uncomfortable and/or awkward to take her with us? Will she be allowed and/or welcome at our vacation destination and at hotels/motels/lodging along the way to our destination and back? Do our anticipated accommodations accept/welcome pets? Will the friends/family members we are planning to visit welcome and feel comfortable around our pet? Will your pet feel at ease around them?

Will your pet travel easily and comfortably? If traveling by automobile, it is advisable to have a well-structured and secure travel carrier or crate in which to keep your pet in order to protect your pet from quick, sudden or abrupt stops, road hazards or accidents. The carrier/crate should be comfortable for our pet with plenty of room in which to move around. If we are driving, it is important to make frequent stops (at least every two hours) for an exercise and potty stop. Make sure you have plenty of cool water for your animal. If traveling in warm weather, make certain the heating and air-conditioning in your car are working well. Obviously, it is wise to have your car checked out by a mechanic you trust before undertaking a long trip to make certain it is functioning optimally. Make sure your animal is wearing a collar and license tag with his name and address, and phone number with area code on it. Having your animal microchipped is also a great idea should he ever be lost or stolen. Bring along a photo of your pet in case he is lost while vacationing. Bring along Fido's favorite and familiar toys, accessories and bowls, an extra leash, a blanket or quilt and any other of your pet's favorite possessions. Take along your pet's regular food, treats and medications.

It is also very important that your pet has all required vaccinations and an accurate and current health certificate. It is advisable to bring along her medical records as well.

For so many of us, our pets are not only our best friends and companions, but also true, loyal and beloved family members for whom we are responsible. If we are planning on traveling with them, we owe it to them to make our trip as stress-free, happy and comfortable as possible. Do your homework - make certain that you and your pets will be welcome, healthy and at ease wherever you are planning to stay!

Puron (or R410A) - What the New Refrigerant Option Means For You

When installing a new Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the unit over its lifespan. It is likely that over the 20-year life of an HVAC system, the energy costs for running it will be the overriding factor for how much money is actually spent on the system. Costs for having it serviced are something else to add into this equation, and there is now a special consideration to take into account: HVAC refrigerant. For your heating and air conditioning needs, you should consider installing a newer heat pump that is both energy efficient and uses a newer, more sustainable refrigerant.

Because of the 1990 Clean Air Act, the type of refrigerant used in most HVAC systems in operation today has to be phased out by the year 2010. This means that if you purchase a system that uses the old type CFC or HCFC refrigerant, it could become very expensive to have it recharged. The type of refrigerant it needs won't be readily available after 2010.

To meet these needs, Carrier has developed a new type of refrigerant for HVAC systems, called Puron, that has not been banned by the Clean Air Act. Puron is incompatible with the old type of refrigerant, so you can not just fill up your old HVAC system with it. Any new system that uses Puron will continue to be serviceable after 2010, so you may wish to consider having one of these new systems installed. Other manufacturers have developed similar refrigerants. They all fall under the term R410A.

Fortunately, these are also among the most energy efficient systems available today. The measure of how energy efficient an air conditioner or heat pump is for cooling is the SEER, short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A measurement called HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is used to measure the heating efficiency for heat pumps. These new HVAC systems have a SEER of up to 19 and an HSPF as high as 9.5.

By having one of these new types of heat pumps installed, the overall cost will be potentially lower over the life of the system. It is energy efficient and it uses the more environmentally friendly Puron refrigerant, so it will continue to be serviceable. As a bonus, the new, Puron-using systems will easily quality for the tax incentive that is now offered by the U.S. government for installing energy efficient systems.

If you have an older system that is less energy efficient and still uses the discontinued refrigerant, it could actually be more expensive for you to keep it than to replace it. Installing a system that uses the new Carrier HVAC refrigerant is a good alternative to the expanding maintenance costs of older systems. A quality HVAC dealer near you will be able to help you determine if this is a good solution for your home, and they can also help you figure out if you can actually save money by having your old HVAC system replaced.

Pcm In Textiles

Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Textiles
In textile industry, protection from extreme environmental conditions is a very crucial requirement. Clothing that protects us from water, extreme cold, intensive heat, open fire, high voltage, propelled bullets, toxic chemicals, nuclear radiations, biological toxins, etc are some of the illustrations.

Such clothing is utilized as sportswear, defense wear, firefighting wear, bulletproof jackets and other professional wear. Textile products can be made more comfortable when the properties of the textile materials can adjust with all types of environments.

At present, for fulfilling the above requirement Phase Change Materials (PCM) is one such intelligent material. It absorbs, stores or discharges heat in accordance with the various changes in temperature and is more often applied to manufacture the smart textiles.

Phase Change Materials
'Phase Change' is the process of going from one stat to another, e.g. from solid to liquid. Any material that experiences the process of phase change is named as Phase Change Materials (PCM).

Such materials collect, discharge or absorb heat as they oscillate between solid and liquid form. They discharge heat as they transform to a solid state and absorb as they go back to a liquid state. There are three basic phases of matter solid, liquid and gas, but others like crystalline, colloid, glassy, amorphous and plasma phases are also considered to exist.

This fundamental phenomenon of science was initially developed and used for building space suits for astronauts for the US Space Program. These suits kept the astronauts warm in the black void of space and cool in the solar glare. Phase Change Materials are compounds, which melt and solidify at specific temperatures and correspondingly are able to retain or discharge large amounts of energy.

The storage of thermal energy by changing the phase of a material at a constant temperature is classified as 'latent heat', i.e., changing from a liquid state to a solid state. When a PCM experiences a phase change, a huge amount of energy is needed. The most significant characteristic of latent heat is that it involves the transfer of much larger amounts of energy than sensible heat transfer.

Quiet a few of these PCMs change phases within a temperature range just above and below human skin temperature. This characteristic of some substances is used for making protective all-season outfits, and for abruptly changing environment. Fibre, fabric and foam with built-in PCMs store the warmth of body and then release it back to the body, as the body requires it. Since the procedure of phase change is dynamic, the materials are continually shifting from solid to liquid and back according to the physical movement of the body and outside temperature. Furthermore, Phase Change Materials are used, but they never get used up.

Phase Change Materials are waxes that have the distinctive capacity to soak and emit heat energy without altering the temperature. These waxes include eicosane, octadecane, Nonadecane, heptadecane and hexadecane. They all possess different freezing and melting points and when mixed in a microcapsule it will accumulate heat energy and release heat energy and maintain their temperature range of 30-34°C, which is very comfortable for the body.

The amount of heat absorbed by a PCM in the actual phase change with the amount of heat absorbed in an ordinary heating procedure can be evaluated by taking water as a PCM. The melting of ice into water leads to the absorption of latent heat of nearly 335 J/g. If water is further boiled, a sensible heat of only 4 J/g is absorbed, while the temperature increases by one degree. Hence, the latent heat absorption in the phase change from ice into water is about 100 times greater than the sensible heat absorption.

How to assimilate PCMs in fabrics?
The micro encapsulated PCM can be combined with woven, non woven or knitted fabrics.

The capsules can be added to the fabric in various ways such as:

Microcapsules: Microcapsules of various shapes - round, square and triangular within fibres at the polymer stage. The PCM microcapsules are permanently fixed within the fibre structure during the wet spinning procedure of fibre manufacture. Micro encapsulation gives a softer hand, greater stretch, more breathability and air permeability to the fabrics.

Matrix coating during the finishing process: The PCM microcapsules are embedded in a coating compound like acrylic, polyurethane, etc, and are applied to the fabric. There are many coating methods available like knife-over-roll, knife-over-air, pad-dry-cure, gravure, dip coating and transfer coating.

Foam dispersion: Microcapsules are mixed into a water-blown polyurethane foam mix and these foams are applied to a fabric in a lamination procedure, where the water is removed from the system by the drying process.

Body and clothing systems
The needed thermal insulation of clothing systems mainly depends on the physical activity and on the surrounding conditions such as temperature and relative humidity. The amount of heat produced by humans depends a lot on the physical activity and can differ from 100W while resting to over 1000W during maximum physical performance.

Specially, during the cooler seasons (approx 0°C), the suggested thermal insulation is defined in order to make sure that the body is adequately warm when resting. At extreme activity, which is often a case with winter sports, the body temperature rises with enhanced heat production. To make this increase within a certain limit, the body perspires in order to withdraw energy from the body by evaporative cooling. If the thermal insulation of the clothing is decreased during physical activity, a part of the generated heat can be removed by convection, thus the body is not needed expected to perspire so much.

The quality of insulation in a garment in terms of heat and cold will be widely managed by the thickness and density of its component fabrics. High thickness and low density make insulation better. It is observed in many cases that thermal insulation is offered by air gaps between the garment layers.

However, the external temperature also influences the effectiveness of the insulation. The more extreme the temperature, be it very high or very low, the less effective the insulation becomes. Thus, a garment designed for its capability to protect against heat or cold is chosen by its wearer on the expectation of the climate in which the garment is to be worn.

Though, a garment produced from a thick fabric will have more weight, and the freedom of movement of the wearer will be restricted. Clearly then a garment designed from an intelligent fabric, whose nature can change according the external temperature, can offer superior protection. However, such a garment must be comfortable for the wearer.

Temperature change effect of PCMs
PCM microcapsules can create small, transitory heating and cooling effects in garment layers when the temperature of the layers reaches the PCM transition temperature. The effect of phase change materials on the thermal comfort of protective clothing systems is likely to be highest when the wearer is frequently going through temperature transients (ie, going back and forth between a warm and cold environment) or from time to time touching or handling cold objects. The temperature of the PCM garment layers must vary frequently for the buffering effect to continue.

The most obvious example is changing of water into ice at 0° and to steam at 100°. There are many products that change phase near body temperature and are now being integrated in fibres and laminates, or coating substrates, that will alter phase at or near body temperature and so support the equilibrium of the body temperature and keep it more constant. It is for athletes in extreme conditions and people who are involved in extreme sports such as mountaineering and trekking. It is going to be used in industrial applications where people are very mobile, for example, in and out of cool rooms.

Effects on fabrics

When the condensed PCM is heated to the melting point, it absorbs heat energy as it moves from a solid state to a liquid state. This phase change produces a short-term cooling effect in the clothing layers. The heat energy may come from the body or from a warm environment. Once the PCM has totally melted the storage of heat stops

If the PCM garment is worn in a cold environment where the temperature is below the PCM's freezing point and the fabric temperature drops below the transition temperature, the micro encapsulated liquid PCM will come back to a solid state, generating heat energy and a momentary warming effect. The developers assert that this heat exchange makes a buffering effect in clothing, minimize changes in skin temperature and continue the thermal comfort of the wearer.

The clothing layer(s) consisting PCMs must go through the transition temperature range before the PCMs change phase and either produce or absorb heat. Therefore, the wearer has to make some effort for the temperature of the PCM fabric to change. PCMs are transient phenomena. They have no effect in steady state thermal environment.

Active microclimate cooling systems need batteries, pumps, circulating fluids and latest control devices to give satisfactory body cooling, but their performance can be adjusted and made to continue for long period of time. They are, however, costly and complicated. Present passive microclimate devices use latent phase change; either by liquid to gas evaporation of water (Hydroweave), a solid to liquid phase shift by a cornstarch/water gel, or with a paraffin that is contained in plastic bladders.

The liquid evaporation garment is cheaper, but will only give minimum or short-term cooling in the high humid environment found in protective clothing. They must also be re-wetted to revitalize the garments for re-application. The water/ starch gel-type cooling garment is presently preferred by the military, and can offer both satisfactory and long time cooling near 32°F (0 degree Celsius), but it can also feel very cold to the skin and needs a very cold freezer (5°F) to completely recharge or rejuvenate the garment. When completely charged, its gel-PCMs are somewhat rigid blocks, and the garment has limited breathability.

The other paraffin PCM garments are comparatively cheaper, but their plastic bladders can split, thus dripping their contents or leading to a serious fire hazard. In addition, their paraffin PCM melts about 65°F (18°C) and must be recharged at temperatures below 50°F (10°C) in a refrigerator or ice-chest. Their rate of cooling also reduces with time because paraffin blocks are thermal insulators and control the heat that can be transmitted into or out of them. The plastic bladders used to contain the PCM also strictly limit airflow and breathability of the garment, thus reducing their comfort.

Uses of PCM

Automotive textiles

The scientific theory of temperature control by PCMs has been deployed in various ways for the manufacturing of textiles. In summer, the temperature inside the passenger compartment of an automobile can increase significantly when the car is parked outside. In order to regulate the interior temperature while driving the car, many cars are equipped with air conditioning systems; though, providing adequate cooling capacity needs a lot of energy. Hence the application of Phase Change Material technology in various uses for the automotive interior could offer energy savings, as well as raising the thermal comfort of the car interior.

Apparel active wears

Active wear is expected to provide a thermal equilibrium between the heat produced by the body while performing a sport and the heat released into the environment. Normal active wear garments do not satisfy these needs always. The heat produced by the body in laborious activity is often not discharged into the environment in the required amount, thus resulting in thermal stress situation. On the other hand, in the periods of rest between activities, less heat is produced by the human body. Considering the same heat release, hypothermia is likely to occur. Application of PCM in clothing supports in regulating the thermal shocks, and thus, thermal stress to the wearer, and supports in increasing his/ her efficiency of work under high stress.

Lifestyle apparel - elegant fleece vests, men's and women's hats, gloves and rainwear.

Outdoor sports - apparel jackets and jacket linings, boots, golf shoes, running shoes, socks and ski and snowboard gloves.

From genuine uses in space suits and gloves, phase change materials are also used in consumer products.

Aerospace textiles

Phase Change Materials used in current consumer products primarily were made for application in space suits and gloves to protect astronauts from higher temperature fluctuations while performing extra-vehicular activities in space.

The usefulness of the insulation stems from micro encapsulated Phase Change Materials (micro-PCMs) primarily created to make warm the gloved hands of space-strolling astronauts. The materials were accepted ideal as a glove liner, to support during temperature extremes of the space environment.

Medical textiles

Textiles having Phase Change Materials (PCMs) could soon find uses in the medical sector. To raise the thermo-physical comfort of surgical clothing such as gowns, caps and gloves. In bedding products like mattress covers, sheers and blankets. A product, which helps the effort to stay the patient warm enough in an operation by giving insulation tailored to the body's temperature.

Other uses of PCM

Phase Change Materials are at the moment being used in textiles, which include the extremities: gloves, boots, hats, etc. Various PCMs can be selected for various uses. For example the temperature of the skin near the torso is about 33°C (91°F). Though, the skin temperature of the feet is nearly 30 -31 °c. These PCM materials can be useful down to 16°C, enough to ensure the comfort of someone wearing a ski boot in the snow. They are increasingly applied in body-core protection and it will shift into the areas of blankets, sleeping bags, mattresses and mattress pads.

PCM Types

Standard phase change materials are generally a polymer/carrier filled with thermally conductive filler, which changes from a solid to a high-viscosity liquid (or semi-solid) state at a certain transition temperature. These materials conform well to irregular surfaces and possess wetting properties like thermal greases, which considerably decrease the contact resistance at the distinctive interfaces. Because of this composite structure, phase change materials are capable of surviving against mechanical forces during shock and vibration, safeguarding the die or component from mechanical damage. Moreover, the semi-solid state of these materials at high temperature determines issues linked to "pump-out" under thermo-mechanical flexure.

When heated to a targeted transition temperature, the material considerably softens to a near liquid-like physical state in which the thermally conductive material slightly expands in volume. This volumetric growth makes the more thermally conductive material to flow into and replace the microscopic air gaps existed in between the heat sink and electronic component. With the air gaps filled between the thermal surfaces, a high degree of wetting of the two surfaces lessens the contact resistance.

In general, there are two types of phase changes materials:

. Thermally conductive and electrically insulating.
. Electrically conductive.

The main dissimilarity between the thermally and electrically conductive materials is the film or carrier that the phase change polymer is coated with. With the electrically insulating material, lowest amount of voltage isolation properties can be achieved.

Analysis of the thermal barrier function of Phase Change Materials in textiles

Producers can now use PCMs to give thermal comfort in a huge range of garments. But to know how much and what kind of PCM to apply, as well as modification of the textile, in order to make a garment fit for its purpose, it is essential to quantify the effect of the active thermal barrier offered by these materials.

The total thermal capacity of the PCM in many products depends on its specific thermal capacity and its quantity. The required quantity can be expected by considering the application conditions, the desired thermal effect and its duration and the thermal capacity of the specific PCM. The structure of the carrier system and the end-use product also affects the thermal efficiency of the PCM, which has to be measured with respect to the material selection and the product design.

Prospect of PCM

The main challenge in developing textile PCM structure is the method of their use. Encapsulation of PCMs in a polymeric shell is an evident selection, but it adds stiff weight to the active material. Efficient encapsulation, core-to-wall ratio, out put of encapsulation, stability during application and incorporation of capsules onto fabric structure are some of the technological aspects being measured.
Though PCMs are being promoted in various types of apparel and connected products, the applications in which they can really work are limited. As superior test methods are developed for PCMs, makers of PCM materials and garments will have to further cautiously target the markets in which their products do work well.

Conclusion

Since a huge amount has been invested in research and development in these areas in the developed counties, it is expected that very soon all-season outfits will be mass-produced. For example, in Britain, scientists have designed an acrylic fibre by integrating microcapsules covering Phase Change Materials. These fibres have been used for producing lightweight all-season blankets.

Many garment making companies in USA are now producing many of such garments, like thermal underwear and socks for inner layer, knit shirt or coated fleece for insulating layer; and a jacket with PCM interlines for outer layer, beside helmets, other head gears and gloves. Such clothing can maintain warm and comfortable temperatures in the extreme of both weathers. There is no doubt that textile which integrate PCMs will find their way into several uses in the near future.

How Coaches Assess Soccer Players

One of the difficulties that soccer players face is realizing how coaches are assessing their talent and potential as a student-athlete. How you perform under game conditions sets the yardstick on how you will be measured. The game demands infinite variety technically, tactically, physically, and psychologically. The game features the excitement and power of two teams trying to score goals on the attacking side and defying that goals will be scored on the defending side.

Coaches will see in this competitive environment which players are totally committed on maintaining or regaining possession of the ball. Under the pressurizing challenge of opponents who are restricting the space and time for players to read and to assess a situation and to adapt themselves successfully. Can they collect a ball safely; initiate a pass, a run, a turn, and a feint, carryout some surprising unpredictable moves, in order to help them or a teammate score a goal?

Good defenders will be able to read and anticipate attacking methods, pursuing and chasing the ball immediately, closing down the attacking space, smothering the attacker's reaction time, intercept passes, steal the ball back, and quickly initiate the attack. All successful coaches are looking for those players who have the skill and desire to attack and to defend.

Every good defender in possession knows how to switch from defending to attacking play. Their agility and skill allow them to run forward, dribble at opponents, play one-twos by using up front players, shield the ball, and to have the courage to shoot at goal and score.

Players are complete only when developed in all areas. Outstanding skill with a weakness in speed, strength, and power makes a player less desirable. The same holds true of players who are physical specimen only to have below average technique. And what of the player with good physical prowess and skill, yet who has no idea of the tactical elements of their team's play? Even less desirable are those players who fall apart psychologically under pressure, "hiding" or lashing out at opponents, teammates, referees, coaches, or parents during the big game.

These elements are developed by exposure to highly challenging daily training sessions and frequent highly combative matches. This will insure the development of the following vital components of the highly recruitable player.

Technical Ability

Ball Control:

You must be able to bring a ball played to you under control instantly and smoothly. This is the ability to collect and move in a different direction without stopping the ball completely, yet still maintaining it securely. Develop the technique of receiving a pass at top speed. This means not slowing down to collect a ball coming on the ground, bouncing, or in the air. You must be able to protect the ball by shielding it and developing deception in order to get rid of your opponent.

Passing:

You must be able to successfully complete short and long range passes. This incorporates all of your ball skills, including heading, bending, chipping, and the ability to drive the ball to a partner. You will find that at a high level, it is easier to control and make quick decisions with a ball that is driven to you, rather than weakly played. Develop the skill of one-touch passing.

Dribbling:

This is the ability to feint, burst past opponents, change directions and speed at will, and break through packed defensive lines. Can you exhibit quick feet, combined with a sense of comfort under pressure, to penetrate into space to open opportunities for yourself or a partner?

Heading:

The ability to head at goal after crosses, heading high, wide, and deep for defensive clearances, heading balls as a one-touch pass (both into space or to a partner's feet) in order to create shooting chances. Can you effectively demonstrate the ability to do this under the duress of the game?

Finishing:

Nothing makes more of an impression on people than the skill of goal scoring. This aspect takes in the correct technique of striking the ball in various ways; driving low balls, hitting volleys, half-volleys, half-chances, chipping, bending, heading, etc. Good goalscorers can also finish with their chest, heel, toe, and thigh. Coaches are looking for that player who can exhibit composed aggressiveness, swift and secure decision taking at the opportune times. The successful goalscorer has the mentality of a great used-car salesman, very aggressive and not afraid of failure.

Tactical Awareness

Tactical insight incorporates the anticipation, reading, and execution of certain clues that happen during possession and non-possession of the ball.

In Attack:

A. Player not in possession:

1. Makes himself available for the ball, perhaps by a diagonal run or a crossover run.
2. Realizes when it is crucial to offer close support and when to stay away.
3. Recognizes the proper time to execute "take-overs" and "overlaps".

B. Player in possession:

1. Has good peripheral vision, allowing him to recognize the correct time to switch the ball to the other side of the field.
2. Has good penetrating vision, allowing him to see and utilize players who are far down the field.
3. Recognizes the correct time to play directly, and when it is important to hold the ball (shielding or dribbling), or when to run at top speed past players opening up passing angles for his team.

4. Sees opportunities to play "one-twos".

In Defense:

During the immediate pursuit, and desire to regain possession of the ball, the player should recognize:

1. When to race forward to intercept the pass.
2. When to mark the opponent tight in order to discourage the ball from being passed to him (pressure).

3. When, where, and how (posture) to tackle.
4. When to jockey the ball carrier and force them away from the goal (patience).

5. The quickest avenue of attack upon regaining the ball.

Physical Aspects

Physical fitness for the soccer player must condition that person to play better soccer. Too many times fitness takes the form of running that has nothing to do with the modern demands of the game. Fitness must be designed to help a player's self-assertion when controlling the ball against tackling opposing players throughout the duration of the game. All physical elements must be balances in order to become a complete player. Fitness and ball control must grow together!

Endurance:
The ability of a player to commit himself diligently throughout the game in attack and defense with no sign of fatigue and impaired ball control. That player must constantly be running into open spaces demanding the ball or pulling and committing opposing players to create openings. Even though this is also a tactical commitment, it will only be successful if you have the endurance capabilities to run for ninety minutes. The coach will be examining your physical exertion as you are being exposed to tactical problems you are trying to solve in the game.

Speed:
The ability to accelerate quickly and maintain that acceleration of the various lengths the player's position demands. As an example, the forward needs acceleration with changes of speed over three to twenty yards. Elements include:

1. Pure straight ahead running speed

2. Lateral speed (changing direction).

3. Change of speed (slow to fast, fast to half speed).

4. Deceleration ("stopping on a dime").

After these basics are attained, speed must be practiced with the ball!

Agility:
The ability to change directions quickly. Twisting, turning while dribbling, readjusting your body to control an awkwardly bouncing ball, and getting up quickly after a tackle are a few examples. This area is enhanced by flexibility exercises such as stretching, ball gymnastics, and skill training with the ball. Conditioning training must be combined with skill and tactical training!

Strength:
The ability to effectively use your body to win physical confrontations. Strength is exhibited during tackling (1 vs. 1), winning the aerial duel (heading), and changing directions effectively (explosion). It is also important to learn how to effectively use that strength to your advantage as is demonstrated in using your arms to hold a player off while running at top speed with the ball or in shooting for power. Much of your strength and power training can be combined with technique training!

Attitude and Personal Traits

Regardless of a player's performance, their skill, tactical, and physical display, other factors heavily influence a coach's decision to recruit a given athlete. Coaches will look at their mental and psychological make-up, their mental ability to quickly and correctly read and assess situations, their motivational drive and will power, their self-confidence and emotional stability. Competition reveals character!

Each coach loves to identify key players with personalities and qualities that cause them to become team leaders. The following personality traits are the most recognizable:

1. Drive: Pure will power, eager to achieve goals, a burning desire to achieve success, strong self-motivation, commitment, dedication, determination.

2. Aggressiveness: "Go getter", strong self-assertions, takes risks, wants to dominate opponents, works hard and ruthless in attack and defense, Danger - bad losers that are inclined to retaliation and revenge fouls, loses self-control, general lack of discipline.

3. Determination: Seeks the direct way towards goal, no compromising, doesn't hesitate when making decisions, willingness, fully concentrated, success-oriented.

4. Responsibility: Intelligent, can read the game tactically (anticipation), conscientious, reliable, wants security, cooperative, ready for compromise, stable and skillful player.

5. Leadership: Intelligence, dedication, pride, bears responsibility for the team, influences the environment, anticipation, intuition, independent and spontaneous, convincing and dominating player, hard worker, and no surrender, composed, self-controlled, endurable, communicative, respected, and trustful.

6. Self-Control: Discipline, emotional stability, composure, discretion, defying conflicts.

7. Self-Confidence: Secure ball control and determined application of skills and tactics under pressure (both external and self-imposed). Danger - these players tend to underrate opposing players, show a lack of willingness to be coached, and can become easily complacent.

8. Mental Toughness: Persistency, consistency, commitment throughout the game, no surrender, tough self-assertion.

9. Coachability: Ready to learn and to achieve goals, self-motivated, attentive and receptive, willingness, interested, spontaneous, committing themselves, likes to discuss problems, hard worker, self-disciplined, creative, constructive, progressive.

10. Conscientiousness: Sensitive, nervous, pre-contest anxiety, diligent, always wants to give their best, modest, reserved, fearful, pondering, self-critical, depends on success, reliable player in solid environment.

11. Trustfulness: Reliable, self-confident, will be respected and attracts sympathy of teammates, untiring commitments, composed and self-controlled, determined influential and communicative, open-minded and approachable, good team spirit.

What US Navy Bootcamp Was Like for Me As an Enlisted Serviceman

Before I joined the Navy, in May of 1982, my friend Jerry, introduced me to his recruiter at a public park, where they were cooking out some hot dogs, and drinking some beer. I shook his hand, and ate a hot dog, and just kicked back.

We did not really even talk about the Navy. I told him I wanted to go in, because I knew I was ready, and that there were not that many doors open to me, at the moment. I was surprised when he said I would have to take some tests, and other things like that. I said, "Fine, just tell me what to do, and where to do it at."

After going down to Detroit, to take a bunch of tests, physical exams, and tons of paperwork, there was just one more test. One of the recruiters, who was straight as an arrow, and had a rule book in his pocket, probably, asked me, "When was the last time I smoked marijuana?" I asked him, "Why?" He said that I had checked it off on one of my forms, that I had smoked marijuana before. He said, "If you have smoked it within the last 6 months, you cannot enter the Navy."

I told him, "It was 6 months ago, since I had smoked marijuana." This guy brought out a calendar, and went back six months, and asked me, "Was this the date that you smoked it?" Like I could really remember anyway. As a kid growing up in Michigan, most all the kids I hung around in junior high, and high school, had all did the same things together. Almost every weekend, there was a party, and plenty of smoking and drinking. I'm sure it was just a day or so, when I went in there.

This guy was too much, when I picked the date on the calendar, he told me I was one day shy of the 6 months. He told me that I would have to get a waiver to enter the Navy. I told him, "Fine, let me apply for the waiver." He said, You will have to meet with a psychiatrist." I met with the psychiatrist that same day. I was asked a lot of questions by the psychiatrist, and he gave me a clean bill of health, and I was able to join the Navy.

I was taking a trip from Detroit to Orlando, where I would be attending boot camp. I was kinda surprised, because the Navy had a boot camp base, at Great Lakes, IL, and it was all guys, no girls, at that boot camp base. Why they spent more money, sending me farther away, I don't know, but I liked it. The nice thing about Orlando, was it was co-ed, at least there were girls going to be there. They tried to make sure, no one could get close to each other, but they could never keep the boys away from the girls, or even the girls away from the boys.

They put all of us that were going to Orlando, Florida, for boot camp, on one plane. I was seated next to a nice pretty girl close to my own age. She was on her way back home to visit her parents. The flight was terrible, it was only the 2nd time I had flown on an airplane, and this flight from Detroit to Orlando was turning into a carnival ride, and I hate carnival rides. Up and down it was going, it was jumping around fast, and making lots of shaking and bumping noises. It was terrible, just like you would see in a movie, everyone on board was in a panic state. The lights were blinking on and off, it would just drop out of the sky fast, and pull your stomach up into your throat.

When we finally landed, we were all in our seats still, waiting to leave the plane. The pretty girl that had been sitting next to me, and waiting to meet her parents again, could not handle it, and threw up all over herself. I was behind her, when she left the plane, and it was heart breaking, to see her be greeted by her mother and father like that. They had to take her immediately to the rest room, to clean her up. I felt so bad for her.

We were met at the airport, by Navy personnel, and several white Navy buses. Other planes had come in from different parts of the country, with other people on board, just like me, long hair, long side burns, just regular Joe's off the street. The first thing they did, was have us line up, and stand in line, with no talking.

We were taken to a building, and given all kinds of directions to follow, until late into the evening. This continued until the early morning hours. "This treatment must be part of our conditioning," I thought. We were all given our haircuts the next day. We got to see most of the guys, get all of their hair cut off. It was quick and to the point.

I learned early on, not to volunteer for anything, when one of the company commanders would ask for a volunteer. Whenever they would ask for 3 volunteers, for example, eventually all those 3 volunteers, would be doing push ups, or running in circles with a rifle, eventually. I also thought, to just keep my mouth shut, and not volunteer for anything, and just get threw boot camp as low under the radar as I can.

Back then, if someone was hiding from the law, I guess it was a good idea to ditch society, and join the military. One day, we were in the barracks, and the commander told us to line up, which all of us immediately did. He told us, to, "about face", which means to turn around, and then some military police officers came in, and took one of the new guys out, in hand cuffs. He was a big black guy, that had 2 gold front teeth. Later, one of the company commanders said, he was wanted on murder charges, and tried to hide out in the Navy.

We had two company commanders in charge of our unit. One of them was a little guy, who was pretty mean to everyone. The other one was a more nicer, cooler guy. He did not go around yelling, like a lot of them did during boot camp days. On one of the days, we were all taken out to a building, and told to stand in line. The cooler company commander said that each of us is allowed a 15 minute phone call, to call our loved ones. We would have to stand in line to use the phone. He said when you are done making your phone call, you can go over to this section and relax.

I did not see any reason to stand in line for 2 hours to use the phone, since I did not need to make a phone call. I asked him if I had to stand in line, because there was nobody that I needed to call at this time. He kinda just looked at me and said I could go sit down and relax.

We went threw many inspections in boot camp. Only one time did I ever lose my temper. It was called hell week, and we were all going threw an inspection of the worst kind. About 12 other company commanders came into our barracks, and just start raising the most hell you can have... Yelling... Screaming... Cussing... Calling everyone in the room, any name you could think of, and worse. They were ripping apart bunks, throwing clothes everywhere, it looked just like a frat party gone wild.

It was crazy. Guys walking around with underwear on their heads. Other guys doing push ups, and then strange men, you never met before, just yelling right into your face. One of the guys that was getting yelled at, that was standing right next to me, could not take it anymore, and he fainted. That's when I lost it, and started yelling at the commander, "You fucking asshole," I yelled at him. "Look at what the fuck you did," I yelled at him. He just looked at me, and kinda worried about the guy next to me, that passed out. I just stood there, and did nothing else. He came to, a minute later, and that company commander just seemed to disappear from the rest of the torture.

I knew it was all a game, at least to the company commanders. To us, it seemed like hell week, and it was hell week, but we were still human, and a guy can only take so much.

At the end of boot camp, a lot of the people, have their moms and dads fly in, from all over the country, to see them graduate from boot camp. Myself, I still thought I was only gone for 2 months, and my dad would never fly to see me just only after 2 months. But some of these guys, must of been really close to their moms and dads. I would of been embarrassed to ask my dad to come watch me graduate from boot camp, to me, I was still waiting to join the Navy, and boot camp was just a test.

During boot camp, there were lots of times, for just sitting around, and shooting the shit with other guys. Some of the guys, had already been in the service before. Maybe the Army, or Air Force, and they said the service is nothing like boot camp, but they had to go threw boot camp again, because they got out for a short time, and wanted to come back in. I thought, "Wow, who would go threw boot camp twice? They must of really liked the service," I thought.

We did get to have one night, that we were all allowed to go out into town, with no one watching us, or going with us. It was pretty much all the guys from boot camp, that went out, and we had also just received our first pay checks, after spending two months in boot camp. Most all of the guys in the barracks, already knew which bars to go to. It was all strip bars, and nobody really wanted to go anywhere else.

Most of us went to this one bar, which had tons of sexy chicks dancing naked, and walking around in little sexy bikinis. We all got lots of lap dances, and it was a really rocking place. Me and three other guys, were able to go outside, and ask the cab driver, "Where do we get a chick that will do all of us?" He said he knew just the place we could go.

He drove us somewhere we did not know, and we ended up picking up this tall sexy girl with blond hair. She ended up doing each one of us, orally, right there in the cab we hired. We had only about 4 hours to be able to be away from the base, and we were able to get it all done. Most all the other guys, at the club, and around town, seemed to get lucky like that also, picking up chicks that were used to the guys getting out of boot camp after two months of no sex.

Some of the guys, were actually able, to hook up with some of the girls, from the girls side of the base. They did it by passing notes, and using sign language when we were out on the cement exercise fields they called grinders. They were able to hook up, during those 4 hours we were allowed out for our first liberty. For the rest of us, it was out to the bars, and try your luck at finding a girl for the night. I believe those girls were used to the base, and the guys getting their night off, because there were lots of girls, ready for action, in the town.

One thing for sure about the Navy, there were always girls, everywhere, it seemed. By that, I mean in other countries, there are just beautiful girls everywhere. It seems in some of these countries, they already know you are coming to town, and they have small towns set up, for when several hundred, to several thousand, guys show up on all kinds of ships, and head into town. Those are the funniest times for sure. Back when sex was practically safe, and it was in abundance, and all you wanted.

These days, a person would take their life in their hand with aids, and any other diseases out there. In the early 80's, it was a free for all, and the Navy seemed to be a big sponsor of some of the places. I was young, dumb, and horny as hell, and I thought it was a great idea, and I still do.

The Navy gave me more adventure, then I could ever get by myself, unless I was independently wealthy. In 1986, I was actually able to verify the world is round, since I was able to go around it by air, land, and sea.

It was so amazing to me, when I showed up at JFK international airport, and thought to myself, "Wow, the world really is round." I left the United States, from California, and I went all the way around it, and now I'm coming back threw the East Coast, and it's just amazing, when I thought about it at the airport when I was standing there.

At the end of boot camp, they tell you, "You will be leaving for school." That is where they train you to do your job for the Navy. Some people, were going to be welders, others would be gunners, or supply clerks. My job, was to be an office worker, who takes care of officer's paperwork. Personnel men take care of the enlisted paperwork of the enlisted people, and yeomen take care of the officers paper works for officers.

At first, when I joined the Navy, the person asked me what I wanted to do for my job in the Navy. I told him, "I never really thought about it." I thought for a moment, what might be an easy job in the Navy? I said, "Maybe I could cut hair." He said I would not want to do that, that it was mostly black guys that cut hair in the Navy, and I wouldn't fit in. I did not know what a Yeoman was, at the time, but he was a Yeoman, and he put me down for Yeoman Training. So off to Yeoman school I would go for my next duty station.

Critical: Make Sure Your Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems Are Clean for Your Health!

When I opened our restaurant I had to take a steep learning curve into all things air conditioning. In fact I had to co-design the system to fit into the building in what experienced air conditioning experts claimed was impossible!

We ended up installing a packaged unit. A (reasonably) small unit which fitted the condensers, air intake and out take, all within one unit (instead of the more traditional split system)

Being in a restaurant and a commercial situation which is visited by the public I quickly learned how much fresh air a building is required by law. Any forced air system (be it cooling, heating or pure ventilation) must provide the general public (and yourselves) with enough fresh air per square meter (minimum guidelines are set different per country)

Not only this but air conditioning systems are the number one carrier of virus infections and illness if left unmaintained. It is paramount that you make sure the system is clean at all times and delivering fresh healthy air.

If you've even been in a situation in which you feel more run down that usual, as if your immune system is lower than it should be or the air you are breathing is triggering asthma you may well find that its time to get that air conditioning system checked.

For piece of mind alone it is worth making sure that the system is not damp and carrying too much dust as the combination of the two in a forced air system can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This obviously is not good for your health what so ever.

Smart Organic Anti Hair-Loss Free Trial Kit Review - Does it Really Stop Hair Loss?

Smart Organic Anti Hair loss product claims to thicken and nourish your curls. It also promises to prevent hair loss. It's an organic product, which doesn't have any side effects. The trauma of losing hair in both men and women can be devastating. Long and thick curls in women symbolize beauty and femininity and no woman would like to loose their tresses. We should cleanse and moisturize our scalp with nature based products rather than using harsh shampoos and conditioners in order to prevent losing of hair

Various causes of Hair Loss:

* Menopause: The production of estrogen stops due to menopause, which may aggravate the process of balding. Other factors such as pregnancy, childbirth etc can also encourage thinning of curls.

* Air and water pollution: Regular exposure to air and water pollution can damage your curls and stimulate balding.

* Genetic: You can easily experience losing hair due to your family history, which can be prevented.

* Birth control pills: These pills can cause temporary loss of hair.

* Day-to-day factors: Stress, depression, acne, usage of harsh shampoo, illness etc can damage your locks.

Does It Really Stop Hair loss?

Smart Organic Anti Hair loss kit includes a shampoo, serum and conditioner. These products are made up of natural constituents such as Apple Polyphenols, Rooibos (Red Tea) and Green tea, which claims to rejuvenate your scalp by cleansing and moisturizing. It is a scientifically tested and proven product, which claims to provide you shiny, beautiful and thick curls. Apple Polyphenols prevents DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) and nourishes your scalp and hair follicles while Rooibos contains 37 antioxidants, which can easily flush out toxins from your body.

You can order its 14 days free trial kit with a minimal shipping and handling charges. It is always advisable to apply its trial version for understanding the product and its benefits.

When Was Air Conditioning Invented?

When people discuss air conditioning, they are referring to a device that cools a room by removing warm air from the indoors and sending it to the outside. The air conditioner balances the air temperature and humidity of the room or a building. The origination of air conditioning is a unique and remarkable story.

In 180 A.D. in China, inventor Ding Huan fashioned a manual-powered fan that drew cool air from a pool of cold water and circulated it throughout a home. This method was advanced during the Tang and Song Dynasties. At first, the fans were mechanically driven by people, and then later by the water that was used to produce the cooler air. The concept of air conditioning is also known to have been utilized in Ancient Rome, where aqueduct water was distributed through the walls of houses. The purpose was to provide a cooling effect. As well, ventilators were invented in Egypt during the Middle Ages and were used extensively in scores of houses throughout Cairo.

In 1820, British scientist Michael Faraday developed a compressor that utilized ammonia as an active chemical ingredient, however the fumes were toxic. In 1851, Florida doctor, John Gorrie used the process of compression to make ice, which could then be used to cool rooms and buildings. His design received a patent but he died before his plans were realized.

In 1902, the first commercial air-conditioning unit was assembled by Willis Haviland Carrier for the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in New York. The system was intended to be used to cool equipment used in the printing process.

In 1922, Carrier added the chemical 'dielene' to his invention. Dielene was a nontoxic coolant that could be used without poisoning people. The result was a rapid increase in demand by office building and store owners. During the 1940s and 1950s, the popularity of air conditioners with homeowners grew at an astounding rate. For instance, in 1953, more than 1 million air conditioner units were sold.

In 1928, Thomas Midgley Jr. created the first chlorofluorocarbon gas known as Freon. Freon is a trademark name of DuPont for any Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), Hydrogenated CFC (HCFC), or Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant. The refrigerant was much safer for people but was later discovered to be damaging to the environment by increasing the depletion of the ozone air. For example, "R-22 (also known as HCFC-22) has a global warming potential about 1,800 times higher than CO2." The result was decreased ocean plankton, severe destruction to flora, and an increased rate in skin cancer.

Honeywell and Carrier company brands developed ozone-friendly coolants during the late 1980s and early 1990s to replace Freon. Freon is on its way to being entirely phased out.

Innovations in air conditioning technologies have a long and fascinating history. Future developments will see a continued emphasis on energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and reducing the negative impact on the environment. The future for air conditioners looks bright as a viable form of cooling one's home.

How To Prevent or Treat Hair Loss

Who wants to be bald?

Nobody. Actually, some people do prefer it, but that's the thing: it's a choice for these people. For others, losing hair isn't a choice - it just happens. So how do you prevent hair loss?

THE EASY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PREVENTING HAIR LOSS

These steps work for both men and women!

1. Shampoo your hair - Sounds obvious right? Well it's not just about shampooing, it's about the brand of shampoo and how frequently you do it. Shampoo your hair no more than 4 times a week and no less than 3 times a week. Make sure you are using a trusted shampoo (either drug store or salon quality that's not old. Believe me, there are people who use shampoo that's 3 or sometimes even 4 years old! I recommend using Kerastase for salon quality, and Garnier for drug store.

2. Condition your hair - Condition your hair no more than 3 times a week. If you have severe hair fall out, you might want to skip out on the conditioner completely, or only apply it to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots.

3. Use an antifungal - I highly recommend using a product with Ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Nizoral works great. The reason it's important to use an antifungal is that normal hair fallout is caused by normal fungi residing at our roots. So to lessen even your normal fallout, use an antifungal regularly depending on your hair. For some, Nizoral can dry out their hair. For me, however, Nizoral makes my hair silkier, so I use it before every time I shampoo.

4. Air dry your hair - You can dry off your hair with a towel, but be careful not to keep your hair wrapped in a towel as they can snag off.

5. Avoid hot tools - This includes the hair dryer. It's better not to use hot rollers, curling irons, and straighteners as well. For some people who love styling their hair, this may be difficult, so avoid hot tools near the scalp as much as possible.

6. Be gentle with your hair - A huge reason for hair fallout that many people don't realize is from brushing your hair vigorously. Use a gentle hair brush, or a wide-toothed comb.

7. Medical checkup - If your hair fallout is severe and worrisome, it's worth getting a doctor's consultation. At times, a hormonal imbalance may be the cause. For example, if your thyroid hormone levels are low, taking thyroxine can decrease fallout drastically.

8. Supplements and diet - Often, when I see patients who are dieting, they complain of severe hair fallout. Make sure you are eating healthy, and taking supplements including multivitamins. In addition, take a high dose within the recommended range of Biotin - this should greatly increase your hair growth.

9. Don't touch your scalp with dirty hands - You didn't expect to see this step did you? The reality is that our hands our very dirty and touching our scalp adds microbials including fungi around our hair follicles. So wash your hands before scratching your head!

10. Regular hair cuts - Another huge reason for a medically normal person to experience hair fallout is because of not getting regular hair cuts. When a person has poor condition of hair, like split ends, that hair follicle becomes very fragile and more prone to tangles. Tangles in turn snag when being touched by fingers or by the hair brush, and so your hair will be forced to pluck out.

HOW TO TREAT HAIR LOSS

Your hair has already fallen out, and now you have a big bald patch on your head or a receding hairline. Here's how your hair can magically reappear.

1. Rogaine - There are different strengths and formulations for this product, so get the one that suits you. Apply this product day and night and be consistent with it. It should work wonderfully, but be patient. Some women without drastic hair loss even use this product just to thicken their hair!

2. Hair transplant - I don't recommend this method unless Rogaine fails to work after a year or 2 of consistent use. So make sure to follow the steps above on preventing hair loss in addition to using Rogaine in order to prevent going for hair transplant.

Be sure to read more of my articles!

5 Ways To Extend Your Wig Life!

You want to look good; you've bought a new wig and are all ready for the grand makeover. In all the joy of trying out the new look you forget to enquire how to keep your good wig looking great. Well, here's how you can keep your lace wig in perfect condition.

Lace wigs are lightweight, comfortable and give you the perfect look.

When you first receive the lace wig put your hands inside the wig and give it a gentle shake. This will loosen and open out hair. If the hair is straight use a wig brush to gently comb it through. If it is a curly wig, simply run your fingers through the hair.

Washing

You can wear your lace wigs for up to 30 wearing or 6 weeks depending on the adhesive used. If you use the wig in harsher environments like strong direct sunlight or smoky conditions you must wash the wig more often. The best way to know when your wig needs a wash is if it gets sticky, tangled and seems lifeless. It's just like your own hair so you will know when it is time.

Gently brush the wig at the bottom to untangle any knots. Soak the wig for a few minutes and then wash with a wig shampoo in the washbasin. Never out it in the washing machine. End with a rinse. Be gentle at all times.

Drying

To dry, pat the wig with a towel. Remember, never wring the hair or else it will loose shape. Don't air dry it or comb when dripping wet as well. Hang the wig on a wig stand to dry. You can spray a wig conditioner and then gently use your fingers to smoothen it out.

Use Proper Products

Your lace wigs have been treated with care. You must use only dedicated and specially formulated wig care products like shampoos, conditioners and brushes.

Often you may come across certain products, which are advertised as being mild and delicate like baby care products for example. These are definitely not suitable for your wigs. They may actually make your wig dull and loose their colour.

Do not use hairbrushes with nylon bristles especially on curly wigs. The curls will open out. Avoid hairspray, mousse and permanent hair colors as well. Also remember to use the products correctly and in right quantities.

Avoid Damaging Agents

Excessive heat and cold can play havoc with your wig. Avoid direct heat from ovens, blow dryers and clothes dryers, hot boiling water, barbeques and such objects. You can wear a cloth on your head to minimize any effect. If you are caught in the rain, snow or steam like conditions just wait for your wig to dry before you do anything.

Avoid Friction

It is preferred that you remove your wig when sleeping. Friction with the pillow or high furniture, car headrests etc can cause wear and tear and cut short the life of your wig. Just bear these points in mind and you can have great looking lace wigs that last for a long time.

AC Evaporator Coil Corrosion - Think a Freon Leak Is the Cause?

Corroded coil, huh? Freon itself wouldn't do that. It would quickly evaporate in your air and be gone. When corrosion's the problem, it can be a couple different situations. If air flow is for some reason very high, even for a short time, condensation gets blown everywhere in a spray instead of dripping into the drip pan and safely disposing outside through a pipe. On the other hand, sometimes the manufacturer of a coil is not very reputable, or accidentally produces a model in which the copper tubing and fins are in contact without any layer of protection between them, so dissimilar metals are in contact, which causes bad rust. Sometimes the screws can be a third different metal, and it compounds the problem.

I visited Johnson Controls, in Wichita, KS, and they told and showed my tour group that figuring out the best alloys to use on all the parts of evaporators and condensers is a pretty competitive thing. Carrier, Trane, HEIL, all of 'em are buying units from each other and trying to reverse-engineer what each other are doing so they can get an edge in producing coils that don't erode. It's important stuff.

TXV problems do sometimes happen, and they are expensive. Each one has to exactly match the size of your lineset, size of your coils, air flow (which should be 900 CFM for residential regardless according to Manual J, but maybe not), and pounds of refrigerant, and type of refrigerant.

And because of the way furnaces, fan blowers, and evaporators are set up to work, it really is a big pain in the butt to get up in there and change it out. Just physically getting to it, can be frustratingly cramped. Before your technician can even do that, he has to evacuate and recycle the refrigerant in your system. If your evaporator is leaking and corroding, then air and moisture have gotten in. Now that water has mixed with your oil, and created acid. If it's a 410A system, the acid can be literally 100x more corrosive than in most other systems. So here's what all they're going to be doing if that's a big issue:

Most people do not know at all that oil is indeed flowing with your refrigerant. Refrigerant passes through the compressor shell, over the gears (whether pistons or a scroll), and over the electrical windings, to cool down the compressor. The refrigerant and oil do mix, and both must cycle through the system within a flexible range of velocities to make sure the oil level inside the compressor is consistent.

Hook up gauges and extra tubes to your condensing unit outside, with a recovery cylinder, a good evacuation machine with hopefully a filter drier in good condition, and a vacuum pump. You've got acid, so just removing moisture from the system is not enough. Your refrigerant's contaminated and it's going to have to be sent back to its manufacturer for disposal, which is pricey. This is a big chunk of the $1,300, because now he has to sell you new freon, too. Oil doesn't come out of the system during this process because it does not evaporate at the pressure and temperature that the freon does.

Once the system is in a vacuum, they'll disconnect that stuff and set it aside. They'll use an acetylene torch to unsweat (undo the soldering) the connections holding your evaporator to the lineset. They'll be able to inspect how bad the acid situation from there. If your linesets need to be replaced, that's another thing. Right now I don't think they actually know. The acid problem may not be bad at all if you haven't lost too much refrigerant. The pressure of the system may still be enough to keep most moisture out.

If acid is a significant problem, they'll have to inspect the compressor, which means cutting the linesets from it, too. Because of oil, they will not use a torch their, just this little cutting tool, so that's not expensive or dangerous. It's basically just a clamp, a roller, and a blade wheel. I am guessing since they didn't mention compressor replacement, they do not think it will need replacing, but hopefully they look at it anyways, it can't hurt.

They have to recycle your freon and then put it back in regardless of whether or not acid is an issue. You can't vent it into the atmosphere because all the fluorine in it destroys a helluva lot of ozone, it's very flammable and many refrigerants produce nerve gas when it's burned, and it's an oxygen displacer. Even if it doesn't poison you, all the oxygen will just be pushed away in a room until just the freon is left, then you can't breathe.

What may be a really giant pain about your system is that the worse the leak, the longer it takes to pull a vacuum. They even have to use a bigger, more powerful pump. Hopefully while that pump is running, your technician(s) have something else to do to occupy their hands. If you catch 'em just sittin on their butts, call their boss. If they need to let the pump run for like 2 hours or something, they can take off and work on a simpler problem somewhere else in the neighborhood while it's doing its thing.

While they're soldering the new evaporator in, they should also be running some nitrogen into the system. They do this because it keeps oxygen, air and water out of the system while it's open, and therefore out of the solder and torch flame. It ensures a strong joint, and when they remove the nitrogen, it will go quick b/c there's no moisture to remove.

When it comes time to put freon back into your system, they'll need the cylinder of new refrigerant, a scale, their gauges, and temperature probes. Your compressor will be running as they put it back in. They should charge it to exactly what your condensing unit says, then making sure the pressures and temperatures are also correct while it runs for at least 10 minutes.

Can You Handle Life Without Air Conditioning?

Can you survive the freezing winter days and nights without your heater on? Can you imagine the hot summer months without your air cooling system running all day long? If you can't, you might want to thank the person who invented the air conditioning system. He made our lives easier and more comfortable.

Air conditioning is the technique of regulating the condition of air for a more comfortable environment for man or industrial products. Four physical properties of air are controlled in air conditioning. These are air temperature, relative humidity, air motion or circulation and the dust particles in air. A control of these four properties is necessary in air conditioning for the consideration of human comfort. Even more precise control over these properties is required in the operation of some industrial air conditioning units. Other properties like odor and air pressure are further controlled in some specific industries.

The control of air temperature in air conditioning includes both heating and cooling processes. Air conditioning provides many applications. Air-conditioned business establishments such as stores, restaurants and theaters attract customers especially during the hot and humid summer season. Modern transportation requires ample air conditioning to provide people with much-needed comfort. Most modern buses, trains, aircraft and passenger cars are equipped with state of the art air conditioning systems that provide total comfort to the traveling public. Huge industrial plants require precise air temperature control to maintain their high level of product quality. Even industrial workers need a more favorable working environment and are usually provided with industrial air conditioning units, in order to function more effectively and efficiently in their operation.

Who must have started with the concept of air conditioning that we are benefiting from today? The cavemen, during pre-historic times, may have started the idea. The extreme chill inside the caves may have prompted them to come up with something that will make their lives more comfortable. They discovered the first fire and used this to warm their caves. Moving fast forward, the subsequent development of temperature control of environment can be traced through the advancement in hearths, open fireplaces and ceramic stoves, but the birth of modern air conditioning has been attributed to Willis H. Carrier. Carrier described the energy relationships that existed in an air and water vapor mixture. In order to enable engineering designers to predict performance of the component parts, Carrier proposed some simplifying steps.

The development of both winter and summer air conditioning was largely attributed to the Americans and along with this, were improvements made in boilers, automatic controls, automatically fired furnaces and thermal insulation.

Although the research work in home cooling was done in the 1930s, it wasn't until the late 1940s that the demands for home cooling systems became high. The Great Depression caused a delay in the public acceptance of the home cooling system because of the added burden of expenses the new system brought with it. Many homes were already equipped with air conditioning by 1950s and 1960s.

Clearly, the development of the air conditioning system has brought so much comfort to everyday lives and favorable environments to our ever-growing industries.

What Is Was Like to Be Aboard an Aircraft Carrier

When I was at the squadron, my commanding officer, asked me if I would like to be his Yeoman, and fly up the Bremerton, Washington, to sail back on the carrier. I had never been on an aircraft carrier before, and my skipper knew that I had ship board experience, as most of the other Yeoman, did not have any. He told me to pick another Yeoman that wanted to go with me, so I asked Debbie if she wanted to go too, and she said, "Yes."

We all had our stuff ready, and on the airplane. We took off the ground, in an airplane that was headed for Bremerton, Washington. When we were getting closer to the airport, we were told, over the loud speaker, that this was going to be, the first time an airplane of this size, had ever landed at the small private airport, we were going to land at. All of a sudden, it seemed like everyone on the plane started to wonder, if we were going to crash, when we landed, or run out of runway, and hit stuff.

As the plane came down, it immediately came to a screeching sound, as they had tried to lock up the brakes. We slid down the whole runway, and came to the very end of it. We were lucky I guess. There were already fire engines, and ambulances, there waiting, just in case something happened.

My commanding officer, told me that the admiral was not on board the carrier, and the chief of staff was not there either. Only the CO and XO of the aircraft carriers, and my skipper, were the highest guys on board right now.

When we got on board the aircraft carrier, it was the first time I had ever been on one, and I always wondered what they were like. The ship was just so huge when you walked up the gangway, and across the deck, and into the airplane hangar section, of the ship. Inside, it is so gigantic looking, that it just looks like you are in a super sized warehouse, and you are not on a boat. The hangar bays, inside the belly of the ship, was enormous, in size. It seemed to take forever to go from one place, to another, on the ship. It was like the size of a 10 story shopping mall.

The first time we were out to sea, I heard the loudest sound, go threw out the ship, and I could even feel the aircraft carrier move a bit, it seemed. I thought, "What the hell was that?" We must of just hit another ship, or rock or something, I thought. It turns out, it was the catapult, which is a long wire cable, that is just like a rubber band, that they pull back, and it shoots the airplane right off the carriers flight deck, at a super fast speed, to get it airborne quickly and fast.

It is the loudest thing you will hear, and it goes on almost constantly, while you are aboard the ship. The guys that get carrier duty, they are some tough sailors, if you ask me. Give me a destroyer any day of the week. You can know all the guys pretty much, from department to department, on a destroyer, but an aircraft carrier, with over 5,000 people on it, it is just too big, if you ask me, but it is very amazing, to watch things in operation.

It seemed like each time you had to do something, it was always on the other end of the ship. When you walk around on the ship, you are always walking, and every 20 feet or so, you have to raise your feet, to get threw water tight compartment doors, even if it is a long hallway, there will be a lot of doors you go threw, and each time you lift your legs up, you have to lower your head each time also, so you don't hit your forehead on the water tight doors. That is what makes sinking a ship, so hard to sink.

It might have 1,000 rooms, or compartments as they are called, and each door has a rubber seal, and metal handles, they call dogs, that you physically tighten down, when you want to make the room air and water tight. Now if you closed all the water tight doors on the ship, and most of them just stay open during regular working hours, and nothing else is going on, it would be very hard to make it go underwater, even if part of the ship got blown up.

It would be very hard to sink a ball, for example, if it was filled with hundreds of tiny little air bubbles. So many air bubbles, that it would just keep it afloat, even if you tore out the sides, or bottoms of the ship. Well that is what we all hoped anyway.

Since my commanding officer was the highest ranking officer on board, he was also in charge of the other squadrons while he was on board. Me and Debbie, had a job, to set up a message center, and just keep the skipper informed, of all the confidential and secret messages that came in, and keep the messages organized. Really, there was not much work to do at all, while we were out to sea.

I did a lot of reading, because waiting for a message to come in from radio, might come only once every 30 minutes. And to take the message, when they came in, and organize it into a binder, was not that hard. The skipper was not that busy either.

Me and Debbie decided to split the work load, she could work in the day time, and I would work in the night time. I did not want to work in the day time, because it would be more full of officers in the day time, and the evening would be less hectic, and besides, since Debbie was a pretty yeoman, no one was going to give her, very much work to do. They did not have any regular sleeping quarters for her, so they set her up in the captain's inboard cabin, with some other girls, that were on board. At that time, the carriers were not set up for ladies on board, so they would not really make her do anything hard, but I'm sure she was getting a lot of looks, with over 5,000 guys on board, and maybe 10 girls.

While one of the evenings the skipper was in the room, we were working out of, I told him about how I had given my truck to this car lot, that said they take over your payments, and your vehicle will be paid off. Well, right before I left for this trip, the bank had called me, and said I had missed my truck payment. I told them I sold the truck to a car lot, that makes the payments. They said they never got it, and I was still responsible.

I drove down to where I thought my truck had been put up for sale again, in San Diego, and the business was totally gone. I could not believe it, I immediately had that bad feeling in my stomach. I walked around, and found a person at the building. I asked them, "What happened to the car lot?" He said they were 3 months behind on their rent, and moved out in the middle of the night.

My skipper told me, "When we get back to San Diego, you take some time off, and take care of your truck." He told me when he was first starting out, he had gotten taken on the first house he had ever bought, and he could understand what I was going threw. He was a really nice captain, and a super guy.

I finally did find my truck, and the company I had given it to, had sold it to another man, that was retired from the Navy. Lucky enough for me, the Navy guy was an honest guy. The car lot, had charged him $1,500 for a down payment, and then he was supposed to send them the truck payments, but after I told him what had happened, and that it was still my truck, we worked it out, where he sent me the payments each month, until the end of the payments, and then I gave him the title to it. I got lucky he was an honest guy.

In the office we were working in, we took two other officers with us. A woman lieutenant legal officer, and another lieutenant commander, that was a male, and also presumed to be gay, from all the guys back at the squadron anyway. This guy was a weasel. The skinniest officer I had ever seen, and he just talked so lady like.

Back then, you could smoke a cigarette, just about anywhere you wanted to on the ship, and I was the only one that smoked in the office. The lady legal officer, we brought with us, was not to well at all, the majority of the whole trip back to San Diego, so she was not around much. She had the worst case of sea sickness, so I would guess she had never been to sea before, on a ship.

The aircraft carrier has about 5,000 guys on it, it was Hugh. I don't think I would ever want to be stationed on a ship with that many people. I had spent a lot of time on a ship with 1,300 people, and that seemed like a lot, you could not know most of those people. On the destroyer, that had around 300 people on it, that was nice, they called that the Cadillac of ships, because it was designed with the enlisted guys in mind. It was even named after an enlisted medical corpsman.

On the aircraft carrier, the ship was designated into three areas. There was the regular area of the ship, where all your shops, offices, storage rooms, and just about everything else, and was open to everyone, to come and go as they pleased. Up above, a few more levels, was called, "Officer Country". This is where all the officers have their wardroom, staterooms and pretty much work out of that area, if they are not down in their departments, below.

Enlisted were not supposed to go up there, unless you were on business. Above Officer's Country, was a place called, "Flag Country", this was a part of the ship, just for the admiral, CO, XO, the admirals Chief of Staff, and any other officers, the admiral wanted to have stay there, while out to sea.

Both of my first two ships, had Officer's Country, but I never heard of Flag Country before, and even the officers were not supposed to go into Flag Country.

When I was sitting in the message room we had set up one night, the skipper from my squadron was in the office, and we were talking. He asked me if I wanted to see how the admiral lives, since he was not on board, and my skipper, who was a full bird captain, was using the chief of staff's quarters.

He took me up there, and it is really cool and comfortable, from the air conditioning. He showed me around their staterooms, offices, bathrooms, lounge, kitchen and eating areas. Boy, if the guys down in engineering, or flight deck operations, could see how the admiral, and all these other big brass boys live, they would not wonder any longer, why they like to go out to sea all the time.

It is just like something Donald Trump would set up for himself or something. The admiral's dining table, was about 25 feet long. He had a couple of nice long brown leather couches, big screen TV, full size bed, full size bathroom, complete kitchen with private chef, all compliments of the Navy. Sure you could watch a war training film on that big screen TV, but you could also watch any other kind of movie, and I'm sure they did.

The admiral also had a nice helicopter he had made up for himself. It was more of a personal looking helicopter, on the inside, to me anyway. He had it all redone, with different fabrics, and it looked expensive looking. It would be used by him, to fly around from ship to ship, when the battle group was out in the ocean, and he would also let the chaplain and others use it. I was told, that it was made, so that it could be put back together quickly, in time of war. It looked like a limo helicopter to me, but I'm sure the admiral earned it.