Combine…“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be” by Grandma Moses and

from the movie Forest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get!”… and it sounds like:

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“Life is a box of chocolates, even when you don’t know what you are going to get, you can always make the best of it!”

We all have the power to decide how we react in life, no matter what it is filled with! Yes, “life” happens to everyone. It is the attitude of appreciation (of self), allowing (of love), gratitude (for abundance) and forgiveness (to all healing), that enhances our own best creation of life.

The law of attraction states, what you think about, you bring about. Like a magnet draws its energy towards it, we create what we have and where we are going either consciously or subconsciously. It is through our thoughts, feelings and how we treat others in life that brings us to a higher place of good. The power of gratitude is one of the strongest forms of guidance for attracting what you want, by appreciating what you have. This is an article of gratitude, in so many ways!

There is something in my life (a product) that I started using when I was around 12 years old that I still use to this day. I am grateful for this and wanted to share it. When you read the “About Randy” page, you’ll know that at that time I was playing competitive racquetball. My Dad, who introduced me to the game, has always been an advocate for using the right tools in any sport you play. (That’s probably where I picked up the line I’ve said to my students, “you’re only as good as your equipment will allow you to be”).

My Dad introduced me to my first pair of Thorlos! If you have never heard of them, keep reading. This is a sock to be grateful for and I feel the need share with the world why I still wear them. It’s funny, anyone I have met over the years that wear Thorlos, swear by them. You’ll see why!

Back in the 70’s, “tube socks” were hot! Yes, I had every color tube sock Thorlo made (white with a color stripe at the top). They were beautiful and rode all the way up to just below my knees! (Can’t imagine wearing a tube sock now, but it was in then… and I looked cool!). The bottom line, in racquetball my feet took a serious beating, and I never got blisters! When other competitors were complained that their feet hurt, mine were always happy. So I thought it was time I spread the word in the hopes of saving agony of your feet.

Fast forward to the present, thirty plus years later, this is the one constant I still have around in my life. That’s pretty amazing! I have my thick one’s for the gym, medium ankle socks for golf, and love the hiking crew for playing golf with pants when it gets colder out. I really think my lack of back pain is due to taking care of my feet. I know of many back sufferers that do not take care of their feet. The correct fitting shoes are really important, but I also found when I wore a sock (other than Thorlo), my feet hurt at the end of the day. Teaching golf all day requires standing most of the time. Thorlos made such a difference in my energy level by how my feet felt.

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What really hooked me was reading about Thorlos support in the cure for breast cancer! “Now this is a company that cares about people” … they are giving their socks away (along with funding) so “people can help people” to make a difference. THAT’S POWERFUL! That’s what it’s all about!

Here are some inspirational quotes from the 3-Day walk:

“Being a Survivor myself, it is so great to see Thorlo get involved with the 3-Day Susan G. Komen events. For walking & working out, Thorlo is the sock to wear.” A. Aiken. Huntersville, NC

“I have been wearing my THORLO socks while training for the breast cancer 3-Day walk. I LOVE THEM!! They are by far the most comfortable socks I have ever worn.” S. Sutliff. Eagan, MN

“I LOVE these socks… This is my 3rd 3-Day and I have struggled with blisters each time, this time….no blisters…Thank you!”. Christensen. Kirkland, WA

“…after walking 10 miles in them. I didn’t suffer fatigue, or blisters, or hot spots. I LOVE THEM and have already ordered my 6pk.” D. Schwichtenberg. Palm Harbor, FL

“Nice height, pink is fun and they work exactly like they should. These socks wick the moisture so I don’t even feel sweaty. They also have superior cushioning…these are my new favorites and I have been wearing Thorlos for about 8 yrs” P. Billman. Keller, TX

“Thank you Thorlo! I am so appreciative and grateful for your incredible product that has lasted over 30 years! It is my pleasure to pass it on.” Randy Friedman

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

“Women need lighter and more flexible clubs than men”…

… ok I know, tell us something we didn’t know! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize most women are not as strong as men, nor do we try to be. As a women and one who has studied anatomy and physiology in depth, women are not “made” to be as physically strong as men. That being said, women need clubs that suit their physique. Cobra was one of the the first to realize this years ago, and they made the industry jump on board.

One of the big issues I witnessed teaching women, is that if it wasn’t fun for them right from the start, they weren’t coming back! Although disheartening, I understood. For women (or men) to improve their golf mind power, they must believe their clubs are going to work for them.

If the equipment does not match up to the persons physical body type and strength, it’s almost impossible for them to improve. You’ve got to get the ball in the air. It’s just not fun to hit “worm burners” all day.

Key issues in golf clubs for women:

• Light overall weight (with a feel of head weight)
• Correct Flexible shaft based on the swing speed
  
• Pretty works! Don’t laugh, this is important for us gals!
  

Army green is just not what most women golfers want to to show up to the course with. Pink, lavender, a nice sky blue… now were talking! And don’t forget the shoes to match!

Cobra has done a nice job for the women’s golf market for many years. They make all the clubs a female golfer needs, all designed with the specifications to suit women golfers. It’s a beautiful thing, (pretty too)! Plus, they have captured a market that doesn’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money on themselves… well shoes are another story in itself!

Cobra was founded in 1974 and in the early 90s began making specialized Lady Cobra Golf Clubs. Located in Carlsbad, California, Cobra (as well as Titleist) is part of the Acushnet Company, that is owned by Fortune Brands, (NYSE:FO).

GET FIT!
It is important to have a proper fitting when choosing new clubs. You wouldn’t go to the shoe store and say, “that’s a pretty color, I’ll take that one”, without trying them on. Golf Clubs are no different. There are many variables that come into play in buying a new set of clubs. A fitting professional can help you with what you need.

Steel vs. Graphite
Steel shafts are great for those with a powerful swing and a low handicap. Graphite is lighter and gives your swing an easier feel. In all the years I’ve fit women with golf clubs, I only fit one with steel, Me. Most amateur women don’t swing the club fast enough to generate the club head speed needed to warrant steel shafts. If you are just starting out, go with graphite shafts rather than steel. Although more expensive, they are much easier for the beginner, high handicapper or women that prefer the lightness of graphite.

Some ladies choose the more expensive but low weight yet hard titanium. Stainless steel is cheaper, but it is also heavier. An alternative is an alloy head which is made from a combination. There are many combinations using different metals.

Beginner Ladies Sets
I can’t tell you how many starter sets I sold to women! Yes, you are allowed 14 clubs in your bag, but you don’t need them all when you are just starting out. You have enough to think about when you just starting the game, that fewer clubs choices makes the decision easier and faster when you are on the course. (Trust me playing faster is a good thing in the beginning.) I started many women with a 5, 7, 9 iron, and sand wedge plus a 3, 7 wood and putter. Seven clubs is more than enough to get you started. What’s great about Cobra and many other companies is you can always fill in your set with the missing clubs later, when you are ready. At some point you may want to add a driver and some other clubs depending on your how you are progressing and if you have some gaps in yardages.

Sets for Better Players
Believe it or not, most people that play golf, don’t break 100! Here’s the good news, if you shoot a score less than a 100 you can be considered a mid handicapper! Golfers who play close to 10 over par or less would be considered to have a low handicap. When choosing a new set of clubs at this stage there are many things to consider such as what clubs you feel you need, would you prefer a used set of expensive clubs rather than new cheaper sets?

This is where you really want to take the time with a Golf Professional to get fit properly. A pro can explain about the different materials and take things like loft and lie of each club into consideration when buying a complete set. Most pro shops will also carry a variety. The major club companies are: Cobra, Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, Ping and Nike.

Do it right the first time!
Whether you are a complete beginner or a low handicapper, buying golf clubs are part of the business. Get the clubs you need that will work for you, whether its a few or the complete set. When you start out with the right “tools” you can pour your foundation and build a strong game that will last a lifetime!

Let me know thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

(See Randy’s comments below)

CARLSBAD, California October 2007 – Cobra Golf announces the release of its most technologically advanced driver, the King Cobra L4V. The name stands for Limit 4 Variables because this revolutionary new driver is designed up to the limit of four USGA defined performance variables:

Maximum COR (.830),

Maximum Size - head dimensions (5″by <5″),

Maximum Volume (460cc), and

Maximum MOI (Inertia)

“The L4V driver line is a direct result of Cobra’s commitment to

developing the industry’s highest performing drivers via innovative,

advanced design and technology,” said Jeff Harmet, President, Cobra Golf and Titleist Clubs.

L4V drivers will begin shipping on November 1, 2007, with a suggested

retail price of $480.

WHAT ARE THE LIMIT 4 VARIABLES?

1. Maximum MOI: The ultra-lightweight carbon composite crown and sole section, along with high-density tungsten back weighting, work together to shift weight low and back, generating a Moment of Inertia up to 5900. The result is that the L4V has the highest MOI of any driver Cobra has ever built well as the highest allowed by the USGA.

This means less clubhead twisting at impact, promoting more power and forgiveness on off-center hits.

2. Maximum size: Clubhead dimensions have a strict limit of 5″ by <5″. By taking the dimension variable to the limit, Cobra engineers pushed the weight low and back, resulting in higher launch and longer drives.

3 .Maximum COR: Cobra’s patented Dual Rhombus Face insert technology, combined with the largest face area in golf, optimizes face flex to provide maximum COR across the clubface for the ultimate in ball speed and distance.

4. Maximum volume: Cobra has also taken clubhead volume to the limit. At 460 cubic centimeters, the L4V offers maximum power and forgiveness.

To view the complete press release:

http://www.cobragolf.com/corporate/pressRelease.asp?id=50

To learn more about the King Cobra L4V drivers, visit on-line at: http://www.cobragolf.com/

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Randy’s comments: I have been with Cobra Golf company for years, using their equipment as well as on staff. I have never used equipment I don’t believe in (golf or otherwise). Because I believe in their company completely, I do endorse their products. They have a commitment to growing the game of golf for Men, Women and Kids that speaks from the heart of everyone involved. When I visited the corporate headquarters in Carlsbad, CA and toured the club making facility, I saw men and women putting their hearts into every club they were making. That sold me even more than I already was. Cobra is a quality company that puts out quality products for the game you and I love so much. (And no, they don’t pay me to say that, that comes from my heart!)

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

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