Well, I am in the ‘Red Zone’, an area that is literally at serious risk! As of November 3, 2020, the Italian government has imposed new ‘anti-Covid-19’ restrictions, such as curfews and closures, which are most vital in the Red Zone. These restrictions apply to citizens, tourists, and non-citizen permanent residents. It surprised most residents when they received the news abruptly on television a few days ago. Of course, I shared the information that we were in the Red Zone with my friends who would be affected by the event. We are in the same boat, which means that we cannot enter or leave the Red Zone without a self-certification stating that we left the area out of necessity. In addition, no one can travel outside their legal municipality without self-certified reasons for work, health and absolute necessity, which they must present to the police if they are detained.

For now, everything looks the same outdoors in the countryside, and I’ve had a few opportunities to take some serene photos of Italy! However, this time there will not be many people singing and dancing on the balconies. Most people are not positive about restrictions or confident that they are appropriate.

Instead, small businesses fear for their survival in these difficult times. I’ve heard some conspiracy theories, like the one that these closures exist to help the government have more control over its residents. A handful believe that God is doing things right with a deep reason behind ‘His’ doing it. Most Italians were hopeful during the first lockdown, thinking “everything would have been fine.” Having been disappointed, many have been proactive in the protests. Over the past two weeks, there have been several demonstrations from a wide variety of groups insisting that they should be free to go outdoors without masks and that the government need not require a strict lockdown.

There are three levels of urgency represented by three separate zones: yellow, orange and red, with red being the worst. Of course, I’m in red! At this point, gyms, theaters, cinemas, museums and swimming pools are closed. While middle and primary schools are open, all higher level schools will be required to hold online lessons until December 3, something most Italian schools are not prepared for. Restaurants and bars in the Red Zone can only serve food and drinks at home, and the curfew is every day from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Traders argue that these closures (in the Red Zone) endanger the survival of small businesses. Many small shops, already on the verge of bankruptcy before the second closure, have loans and expensive monthly rent to pay. They want to know how they can pay their bills if they are not making money while being ordered to lock their doors. Also, lower-tier Italian artists have complained that they can’t make enough money without producing live shows and concerts, one of the reasons why some top artists with excellent financial means have suggested making donations to help their less fortunate colleagues.

At this time, the Italian Health System (Sanitary system) is tense. On TV tonight, I saw reports of churches filled with many beds waiting for Covid-19 patients. Although Italian hospitals are looking for additional medical staff, they usually only offer temporary contracts (six months). This makes me wonder if medical staff are afraid to risk their lives without job security afterward. It seems that if the cases continue to increase, there will be no more room for patients in hospitals. For this reason, doctors are making more visits to the homes of elderly people in need. Fewer people with non-critical illnesses are being treated, and it is worrying that people with suspected cancers and heart attacks are often afraid to go to a hospital for fear of contracting the coronavirus or diverting care from critical patients.

Longevity in Italy is currently under attack from the evil coronavirus. Sick patients are being sent home early because there is no space or coronavirus security in some hospitals. This means that families have to provide services at home for their elderly relatives when, in regular times, more traveling nurses and doctors would have been accessible. (I asked about getting a flu shot only to find out you had to have a pre-existing condition to qualify for one if you were under 60.) This year, there is a shortage of flu shots, but it is believed that if residents wear more masks, they will be less likely to catch the common flu. Interestingly, before the pandemic hit, most Italians were opposed to flu shots, but lately, those anti-vaccine activists are quiet.

Covid-19 is onerous! He is a killer to be taken seriously. From what I can see, Italians over the age of 60 are generally a bit more conscientious about wearing masks correctly at all times when out and about. While younger Italians are more likely to go around without masks, there is a majority who wear masks to protect others, particularly when they have elderly grandparents at home. To tour Italy, one must wear a mask at all times and wash their hands regularly, avoiding touching their face! There are enough people who do not take the virus seriously, so tourists and retirees should take care. After all, masks have been proven to provide protection wherever you are.

Finding delicious food to prepare at home has not been a problem as the stores are well stocked. You can still have a good time in Italy, although I would recommend staying in a house with a patio or balcony in case the restrictions worsen. Someone can deliver food, or one might consider shopping (with protective masks) once a week at a nearby grocery store if there are no crowds. By refraining from buying too much in stores, people residing in Italy effectively protect themselves from exposure.

This is a great time to enjoy healthy Italian foods that support the immune system. Italian visitors and residents will benefit from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as other fresh foods that are part of the traditional Mediterranean diet. The online aperitif (ie pre-programmed on Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) now replaces the world famous Italian aperitif that accompanied the evening’passeggiata‘. So no matter where you are in Italy, you can still communicate online with friends and colleagues, embrace ‘smart work’, and even enjoy opportunities to meditate at home with a glass of delicious Italian wine. (November 6, 2020)

Google has launched many services for its Android users. Google Play Games is one of the services that an Android user can use to save their game progress and compete with their friends using Google+ social networks. Since its inception, the platform has become a mature system and allows users to perform many activities that will be developed in the following paragraphs.

Features of Google Play Game Services that are interesting:

The basic functionality of Google Play Games is like that of Apple Game Center. This social gaming feature supports cloud saves, public leaderboards, multiplayer, anti-piracy, and achievements. These features are a great addition for game developers, according to reports from a mobile app development company., as they allow game developers to use the Play Games SDK with their game and do not have to develop the features themselves.

Some of the most outstanding functions of the service are:

·Achievements: The games we play contain many achievements that can be unlocked as we progress. These features make the game interesting, but many developers refrain from adding these features because they fear that the sheer size of the resulting game will discourage people from downloading it. With the Google Play Games Achievements feature, the developer can use the achievements to their advantage without having to add them to their original game, says a highlight.t Android application development company.

·Saved games: Cloud saves are another great feature of Google Play services. We often face software issues and other issues with our phone and there are times when we change phones. By doing so, we lose all our progress in the games we used to play and have to start from scratch. The cloud save feature makes sure that our game progress is linked to our Gmail ID and we can pick up the game from where we left off, every time.

·Missions and leaderboards: Another interesting feature is the availability of missions and leaderboards. Leaderboards tell us how we’re doing compared to our social circle on Google+. The missions are online competitions and challenges that allow us to play multiplayer from our device.

So, start using Google Play game services and enjoy these features as you venture into the digital world to prove yourself. This is how Google Play game services help users to bring their Android games to social networks by using Google+. the net.

The variety in the home business industry adds flavor to those intending to start a home business. The range of options available for a home business is vast due to the limitless ideas one has to choose from. There are many ideas that are easy to start and require very little initial investment.

Yoga helps a person relax. So if you know yoga why not share your experience in this to have a lucrative home business as a yoga instructor? You can also advertise your services as a yoga instructor at schools, the local YMCA and other places frequented by families.

Another feasible home business idea to start is tutoring. Just advertise extensively and you’ll soon start getting applications. Experts in financial consulting can share their expertise through business coaching or by starting a consulting business. You can also share your managerial skills and experiences by becoming a business coach.

Medical and legal transcriptions are the most sought after form of home business. If one has transcription skills and the necessary equipment, working from home or for different companies in transcription is indeed a lucrative home based business. If training is required, there are several medical transcription academies and online training courses available. Medical claims billing is another home based business idea that is very popular.

People with design skills can do web design and interior design at home as a home-based business. The high cost put into the software is offset by sales of the designs. If you consider photography to be your hobby, you can open your own home studio if you have space to take pictures and a darkroom if you plan to process film yourself.

Commercial cleaning products used to give our commercial and industrial properties the deep clean they need on a regular basis often contain harsh chemicals that can aggravate skin and rage allergies, but did you know there are a number of products to the home that can be used? on the commercial cleaning scene for results that are pleasing to the eye and to your health?

Ammonia is one such product, available for purchase in supermarkets and DIY stores, this rather smelly substance drastically removes dirt and grease, making it ideal for deep kitchen cleaning. In addition to stripping floors and cleaning windows to a gleam, ammonia can also be used to clean ovens. Simply place a small bowl of ammonia in a dirty oven overnight to melt the grime, finish by rinsing with warm water. But be careful, ammonia is very pungent and can often cause irritation, so take precautions when using this product by protecting your hands, nose, and mouth, and avoiding skin contact. Never mix ammonia with bleach.

Baking soda is known to be a favorite among bakers, but in fact, this would also come in handy for completing a deep kitchen clean. Baking soda can be used as an all-purpose cleaner in both commercial and home settings and is known for cleaning, deodorizing, polishing, and scrubbing embedded dirt, as well as removing the toughest stains. Incredibly, tomato sauce can also be used to polish copper to make it look like new, while lemon juice works well on porcelain and aluminum, cutting through grease, removing stains, and creating a whiter, brighter appearance.

Dealing with damaged and dirty carpets as part of your commercial cleaning contract? Usually reserved for cooking, cornstarch might just be the remedy you’re looking for and is known for its grime-fighting properties and thickens a flavorful soup or sauce. Cornstarch is the perfect addition to carpets and rugs in need of deodorization and removes even the most pungent odors in no time! Cornstarch can also be used in your broader cleaning regimen to polish silver, remove stubborn grease stains (especially on leather and fabric), and clean unsightly residue left behind by regular furniture polishes.

conclusion

If you’re looking to add a little va va voom and less irritation to your commercial cleaning routine, then why not raid your kitchen cabinets for a product with hidden cleaning qualities?

Over the years, the Internet continually evolves and sparks endless creative ideas that take advantage of new online marketing strategies, such as social networking sites, to achieve greater participation in online business networks.

The rise of social networking sites has created a world without borders by reaching people all over the world regardless of race or nationality, profession, affiliation, education and aspirations.

The concept of “bringing the gap of technology, business and friendship…” is that of ConBuzz.

(http://www.conbuzz.com) primary goal to connect with the world, lead professionals who want to advance their career to a higher level of endless opportunities, as well as achieve the job satisfaction and stability they so desire .

ConBuzz, established in November 2006, is headquartered in Florida, USA. The company prides itself on its innovative and comprehensive knowledge and business needs. It keeps its millions of members on seven continents up to date on daily news, current events, and business events around the world. Its global network helps all of its members work to take advantage of unlimited possibilities to be connected with the whole world through its cutting-edge technology.

ConBuzz offers a variety of services covering the fields of law, finance, management, marketing, IT and Internet, architecture and construction, the arts, creativity, media and employment.

Its legal services team is made up of top-level lawyers who are experts in commercial and corporate law, intellectual property/patents, labor and employment law, mediation and arbitration, and real estate law.

Its finance group is a team whose expertise is built around accounting, financial planning, insurance, and real estate, while its management team excels in business processes/operations, change management, organizational development , outsourcing and strategic consulting.

If you are looking for comprehensive marketing advice, ConBuzz has a group of experts in the field of advertising, branding, direct marketing, events and trade shows, market research, public relations and communications, search and online marketing.

To keep up with global demands and competencies, it has a team of IT and Internet experts who are well-trained in interface design and usability, networking and security, technical support, translation and localization, web design and development, and technical writing. .

ConBuzz also provides assistance with employment related matters such as recruitment and placement,

executive search, technical recruiting, career and resume coaching, and executive coaching.

In the field of art and media, ConBuzz employs its cutting-edge technology in audio, video, multimedia production, graphic design, photography, printing, writing and publishing.

ConBuzz is designed to augment social networking for business networking to its highest level and create virtual communities of people on global proportions with the ultimate goal of using technology to reach everyone.

Tonsils are known as part of the immunity system present in the mouth. However, there are certain conditions that can lead to damage and infection. The state of inflammation of the tonsils is known as tonsillitis. The person suffering from tonsillitis often experiences a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, pain in the ear, weakness, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Before consulting a doctor for treatment, it is recommended to try some home treatments capable of treating this undesirable disorder.

1. salt and water – The most common home remedy for tonsillitis is to gargle with salt added to warm water.
2. vegetable juices – Vegetable juices such as carrot, cucumber and beetroot are, in fact, the most effective home remedy to treat tonsillitis. You can consume these juices separately or as a mix.
3. Mustard – It is often suggested to rinse the throat with a solution prepared by mixing mustard powder in hot water. This helps cleanse the germs that cause this throat problem.
4. lemon and honey – The mixture of lemon juice with honey prepared in hot water is another great remedy to relieve sore throat and infection. You can also add a pinch of salt in the mix.
5. Fenugreek seeds – Fenugreek seeds should be boiled with water and the resulting mixture should be used as a gargle to alleviate this problem. However, you should let the mixture cool down before using it.
6. Milk – Pure boiled milk is another recommended home remedy to treat tonsil infections. It is also recommended to add turmeric powder and pepper powder to milk before consuming it.
7. Banafsha Flowers – You can boil 12g of banafsha flowers with milk and filter it after boiling. Filtered milk should be drunk warm to relieve tonsil infections in the throat. Also, you can use the filtered flower extracts in the above process and gently massage it around your throat before going to bed.
8. Turmeric – Due to the antiviral and antibacterial properties that turmeric presents, it is recommended to prepare a paste of turmeric roots in hot water and apply it externally around the throat.
9. Dried figs – Boiled and dried figs are quite effective in reducing the pain and roughness caused by tonsillitis. You must crush these figs and consume them with a tablespoon of honey.
10. onion and ginger – Onion juice and ginger juice are considered to be the best home remedies for various problems and tonsillitis is one of them. You can use these juices as a gargle to reduce a sore throat.

dietary recommendations

It is necessary to follow a perfect diet plan to relieve tonsillitis. You must consume fresh fruits and vegetables to benefit your throat against this problem. Also, products such as yogurt, tea made from Echinacea, Goldenseal, nuts and cereals.

You should avoid alcohol, tobacco, spices, condiments, fried foods and carbonated drinks in case of tonsillitis.

In the world of endurance, it seems you can’t talk about fitness without talking about VO2 max. Ask any endurance athlete and you’ll hear epic stories from names like Indurain, LeMond and Armstrong. However, many of you may be wondering what exactly is VO2 max. and why it is so important. To better understand this concept, let’s take a little trip back to school, specifically physiology class. According to the textbook Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen in milliliters that can be used in one minute per kilogram of body weight (ml/kg/min). In other words, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) is the largest amount of oxygen that can be used at the cellular level for the entire body. It has been found that VO2 max. it correlates well with an individual’s fitness level and has been accepted as an index of total body fitness. Numerous studies show that you can increase your VO2 max by exercising at an intensity that raises your heart rate to 65-85% of your maximum, for at least 20 minutes, three to five times a week. The estimated mean value of VO2 max for male athletes is approximately 3.5 liters/minute and for female athletes it is approximately 2.7 liters/minute.

Now that we know what VO2 is, we can answer the question, “Why is it so important?” For the endurance athlete, VO2 has long been considered the holy grail of fitness. The common reason is that the better the oxygen can be utilized, the higher the level that can be performed in endurance events. However, is this really the case?

Although VO2 max is an important component of any endurance program, I have good news and bad news for those of us who may not have picked the right parents! The bad news is that, according to exercise physiologist Neal Henderson, Sports Science Coordinator at Boulder Sports Medicine Center in Colorado, VO2 is about 80% genetic. Other estimates place this number between 30 and 60%. Whatever the number, one thing is for sure; there is a genetic ceiling for VO2. The good news is that VO2 can be trained. Unfortunately, if Neal Henderson’s 80% estimate is correct and his VO2 is, say, 45 ml/kg-/min (average), his best level may only be 52 ml/kg-/min after a 20% gain (52 mL/kg-/min is considered good or just above average).

To put this in perspective, Lance Armstrong clocked in at around 84 ml/kg-/min, while cross-country skier Bjorn Daehlie clocked in at a staggering 96 ml/kg-/min. The highest VO2 max ever recorded in a lab was 300 ml/kg/min! This, of course, did not belong to a human, but to a pronghorn antelope. I’ll never know how they got the antelope to run on the treadmill, but I promise I’m not making this up. Thoroughbred horses have a VO2max of around 180 ml/kg/min, and Siberian dogs participating in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race have VO2 values ​​of up to 240 ml/kg/min. To add even more perspective, Olympic marathon winners and elite runners like Jeff Galloway, Alberto Salazar, and Frank Shorter are clocked in their 70s and 70s (see Table 2 for a list of athletes and their respective VO2s).

The good news is that, like the runners mentioned above, while it may be down to your genetic potential, there are many factors besides VO2 max. which may also influence his success in endurance performance. Improving efficiency and economy of movement, as well as raising your anaerobic threshold (LT), can lead to performance improvements in the absence of increases in VO2. All three of these components can be addressed through a functional strength training program. Now let’s take a closer look at each of these components.

Moving on, in our physiology lesson, now would be a good time to talk about lactate threshold (LT) and its relationship to VO2. Dr. Stephen Seiler of Masters Athlete Physiology and Performance says, “For the endurance athlete, a high VO2 max is like getting an invitation to the big dance, but getting an invitation to the dance doesn’t guarantee you’ll be dancing with the prettiest girl.” “. If you want to dance with that girl, you’ll have to work on your LT! (And you thought it was the big guns and washboard abs that drew girls) LT, as noted in one of my previous articles (see Lactic Acid; The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly), is the point where the body produces more lactic acid than it can eliminate. LT training will result in a decrease in lactate production at any given exercise intensity. Untrained people typically reach LT at about 60% VO2max. This means that even if my VO2 is 70ml/kg/min, which is an elite level, I can only use 60%, or 42ml/kg/min (average), before my LT shuts me down. However, with training, LT can increase from 60% to over 70% or even higher. Elite endurance athletes typically have an LT equal to or greater than 80% VO2max. Although most endurance athletes typically train LT in the pool, on the bike, or during the run, we have several protocols in the gym specifically designed to improve LT. Additionally, because movement specificity is so important when training LT, these protocols address both the lower and upper body (see Table 1).

Last but not least, we can now address efficiency and economy of motion. The difference between efficiency and economy in an exercise environment is that, for a given energy consumption, economy is measured as speed of movement, while efficiency is measured as mechanical power. What does all that mean? It means that efficiency and economy can be just as important as VO2 or LT. To better understand this concept, just think about the last time you went out for a group ride. Was it easier to shoot forward or sit down? Sit down, of course! Why is that? Because sitting allows for more efficient movement and less effort, which in turn will allow you to be more economical. Think of each joint in a given movement as an opportunity to waste energy. The more joints involved in a movement, the more chance there is to lose energy; the more stable the union, the less power is lost; the less power that leaks, the greater the efficiency in a given activity.

So how do these concepts apply to strength training? I am often asked to watch someone run on the treadmill and look at their gait. Instead, I ask them to do 10 front reaches on one leg. If this is hard, that tells me your hips aren’t as stable as they should be and your gait may not be as good as it should be. The same goes for the shoulder joint. If you can’t handle a series of t-stabilizing pushups with good form, then your swimming stroke isn’t as efficient and economical as it could be.

Now for all you skeptics, all I ask is that you give it a try. Perhaps before the next time you go to test your VO2 (not fun by any means), you might first try taking a look at your previous reaches or pull-ups in t-stab or the protocol listed in Table 1. These alternatives don’t they are designed to point out your flaws or embarrassments, but to empower you. Instead of complaining about genetics (though trust me, I still do), test your limits in one of the ways mentioned above. I assure you that you will find what my most successful clients have found; that through a comprehensive functional strength training program, economy, efficiency, and lactate threshold can be improved, making VO2 max less important.

Figure 1
super legacy
Exercise Essay Notes
Speed ​​Squats 20 20 reps under 20 seconds parallel
Lunges 20 (10 per side) Alternate legs, knee off the ground
Box shuffle/Split jump 20 (10 per side) Use 9″ box
Squat jumps 10 Squats in parallel and without rest between jumps
Complete the entire circuit without resting in less than 1:30

Chart 2
VO2 Athlete Sport
92.5 Greg LeMond professional cyclist
92.0 Matt Carpenter Pikes Peak Marathon Race Record Holder
91.0 Harri Kirvesniem Finnish cross-country skier
88.0 Miguel Indurain Professional cyclist
87.4 Marius Bakken Norwegian 5k record holder
85.0 Dave Bedford 10k world record
84.4 Steve Prefontaine American running back
84.0 Lance Armstrong Professional Cyclist
82.0 Kip Keino 1500m Olympic Champion
81.1 Craig Virgin Cross Country World Champion x2
81.0 Jim Ryun US miler starting WR
80.1 Steve Scott US miler 3:47
78.6 Joan Benoit 1984 Olympic marathon champion
78.5 Bill Rodgers 2:09:27 marathon runner
77.4 Don Kardong 2:11:15 marathoner
77.0 Sebastian Coe 1500 miles WR
76.0 Alberto Salazar 2:08:51 marathon runner
74.4 Johnny Halberstadt 2:11:44 marathoner
73.3 Bruce Fordyce Ultramarathoner
73.0 Jeff Galloway Expert Runner
73.0 Buddy Edelen 2:14:28 marathon world record (1963)
72.3 Peter Snell Olympic Champion
71.3 Frank Shorter winner of the US Olympic Marathon
71.2 Ingrid Kristiansen Former marathon world record holder
70.3 Willie Mtolo 2:08:15 marathoner
67.2 Rosa Mota Marathon Runner

The colon is an important part of the digestive system that serves to extract water from stool. It is part of the large intestine and is located between the cecum and the rectum and consists of ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid. From the cecum to the transverse half is called the right portion, while the rest is known as the left portion.

The ascending part is 12.5 cm long, retroperitoneal in structure, and located on the right side of the abdomen. The transverse part rises from the hepatic flexure to the splenic flexure and tends to hang from the stomach. It is here attached to a broad band of tissue, the one with the greatest momentum. The transverse colon is the only movable part of the large intestine as it is enclosed in the peritoneum.

The splenic flexure to the beginning of the sigmoid intestine is called the descending colon. It is retroperitoneal in most humans, while in some it has a short mesentery. The part of the large intestine before the rectum and after the descending portion is called the sigmoid colon, which is also due to its S-shape. Its walls are muscular and tend to contract to increase pressure in the large intestine. This in turn pushes stool into the rectum.

Sometimes intermittent high pressure within the intestine develops pockets called diverticula in its walls. The presence of safe and harmful diverticula is called diverticulosis and its infection called diverticulitis. The best way to examine the sigmoid portion is with a diagnostic technique called sigmoidoscopy.

The large intestine comes after the small intestine and is responsible for storing waste, maintaining water balance in the body, replenishing water, and absorbing vitamins such as vitamin K. When the chemo reaches this tube, most of the nutrients in the food and 90% of the water is absorbed by the body. It is at this point that electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, chloride and indigestible carbohydrates such as dietary fiber remain.

Once the chyme moves through the large intestine, most of the water present in the chyme is removed. When this chyme mixes with mucus and bacteria, intestinal flora is found which in turn becomes feces. It is the work of bacteria that breaks down fiber for nutrition, where waste products such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate are created. These waste products are in turn used by the cell lining of the colon for nutrition.

So it can be seen that the colon is in charge of three important functions in the body. It is responsible for the concentration of fecal effluents with water and electrolyte absorption, aids in the storage and evacuation of fecal matter, and aids in the digestion and absorption of undigested food. The colon is generally not necessary for survival; it’s just that their functions contribute to the well-being of humans. The right portion (ascending and cecum) is responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes and the fermentation of undigested sugars, while the left portion (descending, sigmoid, and rectum) aids in the storage and evacuation of feces.

Before embarking on any detoxification of your colon, please read more about our recommended colon cleansing program.

The towering surf surges through the 12-mile pass between Rincón, Puerto Rico and an uninhabited island. Our dive boat rides the top of the waves time and time again, reaching the summit of the Indigo Hills with ease. We plan to dive off the coast of Desecheo Island, a National Wildlife Refuge that was once home to smugglers and pirates, but is now home to a chunk of brown boobies, three species of lizard found nowhere else. of the world and a healthy population of introduced. rhesus monkeys.

Unfortunately, the island itself is off limits. During World War II, the United States used it as a firing range, and unexploded ordnance now poses a security threat to visitors.

As we close the gap, Desecheo emerges from the notoriously shifting tides and strong currents of the Mona Passage. When his rough shoulders suddenly come into view, we drop anchor at forty feet. I watch the shoreline where the white water funnels through the jagged rocks and crashes against the land. There is something tantalizing about the mystery of a secluded place. I want to investigate the wild hills. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to explore the bay, but even as I put on my gear and take a giant step off the dive platform, I’m focused on the small beach just a short swim away.

The water closes over my head and for a moment I am suspended at fisheye level, suspended between heaven and earth in a world free of gravity. Visibility is over 80 feet and this is an overcast day. Queen triggerfish float near the boat, perhaps hoping to share our sandwiches. They wiggle their thin ends like little girls tossing their hair. After cleaning my snorkel, I dive facedown into the water, watch a tropical fish dance, and allow the warmth of the sun to seep into my body like Puerto Rican rum. Pink and blue parrotfish tango on the sand and striped sergeant major cha-cha on limestone ledges. A pair of butterfly fish jump in a cascading spiral to greet me.

That’s when I notice a barracuda staring at me. Barracuda tend to swim close to the surface and if you are too focused on the distant sea floor, you are likely to miss their menacing presence. Mr. Flashy Teeth is beyond arm’s reach. We stare at each other for a long moment and then it wags its tail and disappears into the blue.

I allow myself to drift towards the beach. Submerged rocks rise below me and the swell breaks over them, reducing visibility to a bubbly two or three feet. Even if it was safe to set foot on the island, reaching it would be treacherous. I was hoping to at least get close, but not today.

Resigned, I kicked against the current and returned to the safety of deeper water. Our guide is calling everyone back to the boat anyway. Maybe one day I’ll set foot on Desecheo Island. In the meantime, I must admit that the snorkeling off the coast is impressive. And I’m glad that in my longing to explore the reaches of something unattainable, I didn’t miss out on the wild encounter at hand.

Information please

CONVENIENCE

A passport is not required for US citizens.

Puerto Rico uses US dollars.

English is widely spoken, although Spanish is the traditional local language.

Puerto Rico phone numbers can be dialed without an international code from US phones.

Cell phone coverage in the US is pretty good, especially along the coast. We didn’t need to do anything extra to use our cell phone and since we have a nationwide plan, we weren’t even roaming!

GET THERE

Fly into the (BQN) Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, on the western side of Puerto Rico.

Desecheo is 13 miles offshore from Rincón, a small surf town on the western tip of the island, 20 minutes from the airport.

Taino Divers is the only officially licensed dive shop in the waters around Desecheo. You can snorkel, dive, or try a dive discovery class and dive with an instructor.

WHERE TO STAY

Rincón offers everything from luxurious resorts to budget hotels and private homes that you can rent.

WHERE TO EAT

You’ll find everything from a Spanish-style tapas bar to the famous Lazy Parrot Rum Shack, where there’s reggae night every Wednesday. We enjoyed having lunch and watching the surfers at Tamboo Seaside Grill

THINGS TO DO

Visit an art gallery.

Check out Rincón’s 8 miles of beaches, most of which are famous for surfing, especially in the winter months.

Take surf lessons.

Learn to navigate.

Go deep sea fishing. Marlin, sailfish, swordfish, tuna, dorado, wahoo and shark all wait to tangle with you in the blue waters off the Caribbean coast of Rincón.

You are buying a house. Picture this… you’re sitting at a loan officer’s desk and they tell you if you want to buy a home your LTV has to be 96.50% and your D/P has to be 3.5%, your rate is of 5.00% and its APR is 5.752% with PT of 1.00% and a Loan origination fee of 1.00%. With all that, your PITIMI (piti-me) payment will be 1,100.00 per month.

Do you understand anything that was just said? Maybe some of you do, but for most of us who don’t lend, this can be a big jumble of acronyms and abbreviations that don’t make any sense. So here it is… the summary of the 5 most used loan terms.

1. PITIMI Payment (piti-me): This is the total combined payment of your mortgage. Pmajor, meinterest, Taxes, mesure, & METERhotel mesure

2. MI – Mortgage Insurance – Contrary to popular belief, this is not your Homeowners Insurance. Mortgage insurance is an insurance payment that you pay for your lender. It allows banks to make loans to people with a lower down payment amount and the customer pays insurance to cover their risk for the loan. If someone defaults on their loan and the lender has to sell the property, the insurance will cover any gap in the amount it collects.

3. H/O – Homeowner’s Insurance. This is your insurance policy. The insurance you chose to cover your home against disaster, fire and theft so you can get your money back if something happens to your property or your possessions inside.

4. LTV – Loan to Value. This is the percentage that is calculated from the amount of your loan to the value of the home. If your home is worth $100,000 and your loan is $80,000, then your LTV is 80%

5. APR – Annual Percentage Rate – This is not the rate on which your payment is calculated. Your mortgage payment will always be calculated based on the interest rate. Your APR is what banks use to represent the true cost of your loan. If you have a lot of fees associated with your loan, your APR will generally be much higher than the interest rate, if you don’t have a lot of fees to pay, then your APR will be closer to the interest rate on your loan. When comparing loan products, it’s best to compare their APR rather than the interest rate.