Wunderlich

Getting into any triathlon transition program may require buying a triathlon bike, or for those bargain shoppers, a used triathlon bike, or bikes.

Used triathlon bikes, like most other fitness training equipment, can probably be found at huge discounts, up to 50 percent off the original suggested retail price, at used bike stores who offer used triathlon bikes.

First off, it is important to defining a triathlon bike. A triathlon bike is not unlike any other road bike in that it is suitable for all long distance riding.

A triathlon bike is all about comfort and efficiency, and even looks like many ten-speed road bikes found in bike shops.

The key to finding the best in used triathlon bikes is research.

There are a number of outfits on the Internet that sell used triathlon bikes. But it may be helpful for you to try out a few at your local bike shop first.

Getting a handle on the best used triathlon bikes for you first, before buying one on the Internet at a good price is a good way to go.

Knowing what you want and what you can afford are the keys to shopping for used triathlon bikes.

Used triathlon bikes can be completely refurbished and become a great tool for anyone making their triathlon transition.

On the other hand, there are some used triathlon bikes that may not be refurbished and could cause serious problems for the triathlon trainer.

Do your homework.

Talk to some who have purchased used triathlon bikes, try them out and look on line as well.

Find more at Used Triathlon Bikes. Do you have what you need to improve your workouts and your races?

When buying a home in a planned community or new subdivision, you may be buying into a homeowners association. The association of homeowners (the collective owners of all the units in the subdivision or development) will likely have significant control over what a homeowner can and cannot do with certain aspects of their home.

Homeowners associations (or HOAs) usually place their restrictions in the deeds of all of the units. These restrictions indicate that the property is subject to the rules and regulations of the homeowners association. Everyone buying into the development becomes subject to the rules of the association.

Protecting Home Values
The vast majority of the rules for an association are created to protect the value of all the homes in the community. These rules may include limiting the colors you can paint the exterior of your house, or limiting what shingles can and cannot be used on your home.

Some homeowners find these kinds of rules invasive, so it's important to know in advance what the rules are in a particular association -- prior to signing a contract. When questioning the rules of a particular HOA, ask yourself if the rule is in place to keep property values at their highest levels, or if it's just a silly rule. More often than not, you'll find the rules have some bearing in protecting property values.

Paying Your HOA Dues
Homeowners associations generally have maintenance fees (commonly known as HOA dues) which are paid monthly. These fees are used to maintain certain aspects of the subdivision. You will want to know in advance how much these fees are. You should also find out how often they've been raised or how often there have been assessments (assessments are increases in fees owed for particular reasons, which may include unanticipated major repairs or upgrades to the development).

Commonly Covered Items
Here is a more complete list of the things homeowners associations may regulate: There may be rules about landscaping, exterior signage, exterior lighting, and anything else visible from the street.

* Color of the exterior of your home (paint or shingles)
* Height and style of fences and/or bushes/hedges
* Look and maintenance of landscaping (lawns, flowers, trees, etc.)
* Pools, swing sets, basketball hoops, etc.
* Garages, gazebos, sheds
* Mailboxes
* Garbage cans, recycle cans, clotheslines
* Outdoor lighting, TV antennas, satellite dishes
* Window coverings and exterior ornamentation
* Exterior signage
* Home businesses
* Pets
* Noise pollution and view obstruction

If one or more of these factors concern you, it's important that you find out the rules and regulations of the homeowners association early on in the buying process.

* Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett. You may republish this article if you keep the byline and author's note, and also leave the hyperlinks active.

About the Author
Brandon Cornett is publisher of Home Buying Institute, the Internet's largest library of home buying advice. You can learn more about the home buying process at http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com

Try a neti pot! It is used to irrigate the sinus passages. The neti pot is filled with a gentle salt water solution and then poured into one nostril and then drained out the other nostril. The water goes through the nasal passages, gently washing and clearing out debris like old mucus, dust, pollen and other irritants that we breathe in-- and that tend to cause allergies.

Using it is a yogic technique of cleansing and its very common practice for people in India who use neti pots as part of their daily routine, like brushing their teeth. Where can you purchase a neti pot? Just about any health food store, or online, for around $20. For first time users I recommend a ready made saline solution, as too high a salt concentration can irritate the nose.

Six Feet Under fans might remember George getting Nate a neti pot as a wedding gift.

Also address the reason why you may be congested the first place!

When you've got a cold and you're blowing your nose until its raw you may remember your mom telling you to avoid dairy products because dairy makes mucous. Well, Mom's right! Even if you don't have a cold you may find yourself blowing your nose a lot-- and it could be related to what you are eating.

In Chinese Medicine, dairy produces dampness, one form of which is excess mucous. Although its not just dairy products that cause dampness. The "big five" as I like to call them are dairy, wheat, eggs, sugar and bananas. Try an experiment, cut out the big five for a couple of weeks and see if you notice any change in your mucous production--or anything else of note. Those with allergies or asthma may notice a difference as well.

Meaghan Massella, M.Ac, L.Ac is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Maryland. You can read more articles by signing up for her monthly newsletter at http://www.cca-health.com