One of main issues is number of turns. Each turn takes time, albeit a very short time because these guys do there turns at a rate faster than 4 turns per second.

Imagine this (sounds like something from The Matrix), you get given a mixed up cube, you look at cube for 30 seconds, you then pick correct set of turns from your memorized list of over 40 sets and use that to complete cube. Being blindfolded makes no difference because you are “one with cube”. Reality is being altered.

Ok, come back to reality for a while and say to yourself, what do I want to achieve. Do you want to be able to complete cube in 3 minutes, or in 30 seconds.

To be able to solve cube in 3 minutes will probably take you about 4 hours to learn moves from a book or a web site, it will then take you a further 4 hours to complete cube a number of times, before you can remember it and do it without looking at book or website.

That is if you use a good book or a good web site, don’t waste your time trying to follow solution that comes with cube that you bought, that is maybe for Einstein, although I am sure even he would find it a challenge!

If someone can sit with you and show you moves, then it will take you about 1 hour to complete cube 1st time, and then about 4 hours to get all moves into your head.

However, to be able to solve cube in 30 seconds will probably require in excess of 1000 hours of practice, and you will have to remain “fit” by practicing for at least 4 hours a day, to keep your speed up.

So short way is actually long way and long way is actually short way. Decide for yourself!

Please email me at solution@chrisloanshome.8m.com if you want more information on a solution book or visit my solution web site at http://www.chrisloanshome.8m.com/rubics_cube/cube_complete.htm

Herbs grown outside also offer a lot of advantages to gardener. They mingle with your other plants adding to fragrance in air. Some herbs grow in shade, such as mint and chervil, while others enjoy full sunshine. Herbs make great garden success stories. They need very little tending, except for weeding. Your usual gardening practices of watering, cultivating, and fertilizing suits them just fine. They are even cold-hardy, such as rosemary and thyme, that can withstand very low temperatures.

Whatever spices you have been buying to add to your favorite dishes, try growing them yourself. You will always have a fresh supply, they can be dried which gives them even more potency, and they add eye appeal to your decor, not to mention room freshening scents they offer for free.

When you are making your gardening plans this year, try herbs. You won’t be sorry and you will find yourself discovering new places to tuck in a plant or two around your garden. There is one caution: They do become habit forming because they are such garden success stories. So, solution - share with family and friends. ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 Article Responder: rusticliving@sendfree.com