Skating – Then And Now

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It is altogether exhilarating and romantic to strap on a pair of skates and take off around the local skating rink. Skating offers a different experience when compared to its cousin, the skateboard. The first obvious difference is that skating resemble running more while skateboarding resembles surfing. While the difference may seem trivial, the obvious is lost in a battle between the supporters. However the cookie may crumble, one thing is for certain, skates require more skill, they require more grace and the certainly require more practice.

Dates On Skates

Growing up, there were countless dates on skates. The romantic side of skating certainly had its appeal. There were many opportunities to show gallantry by coming to the rescue of a damsel in skating distress. However, as skill levels increased so did the adventure; and, romantic interludes on skates made way to rough and tumble jaunts with the guys. Simple skates were traded in for more complex pairs. And in a seeming instant, pairs that once were tied on with laces gave way to snap-ons, with teflon braking systems and micro steering.

Technology Never Sleeps

It seems technology has even pervaded the realm of the simple pleasure. And that is a very good thing. The fun has escalated to the heavens with lighter, faster more high-tech skates. Along with the mounting speed, safety has also been significantly beefed up. Skates have even been streamlines to offer greater agility while improving its stability. By altering the tandem wheel base to an in-line format, the designers reduced the ground contact surface area and allowed for more manoeuvrability.

Skates have also upgraded the materials from which they are made. When first entering the market, the base was steel, the wheels were a hard resin and the ball bearings in were steel. That has mostly been altered where now, composite materials are used and the construction of these skates have tended toward sophisticated.

Advanced Protection

Every skater is aware that among the many possible injuries that can ensue from an incident is the sprain of the ankles. It’s hard not to do when one takes a tumble and the legs, below the knees, are going in one direction with the skates, while the center of mass is headed in another. The only way to control the severity of the damage is to use skates that lock in the ankles, just as it’s done when skiing.

It makes the most sense when embarking on a new hobby such as skiing to first consider the safety of the sport. It is one of the most important things to consider protecting the hot spots – the ankles, the knees, the elbows and the head. Today there are many more options to protect yourself while skating. The lightweight flexible pads are comfortable enough you will forget you are wearing them. All else – well, they'll make good war stories.

Your author Linda Evans enjoys writing on her favorite hobbies which include ice hockey skates and also roller skates.

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Scuba Diving - Nighttime on the Reef

I must admit I've not been much of a fan of night dives in the past. But with the proper light, enthusiastic night dive buddies, and some knowledge of what's going on out there, you can really see some amazing fish behavior and nocturnal critters.

The main difference between daytime and nocturnal migrations of schooling fish is their destination. Fish that feed during the day follow pathways over the reef or near the edge, never risking open water. Small plankton-feeding fish such as blue chromis usually stay within easy reach of coral, although they feed in the water column. Nighttime migrations are made up of fish that move out and away from the reef's protection, either to feed in the sand or grass flats or on plankton in the darkness of the open water. Some schools break up into small groups and forage a short distance from the reef. Others move as far away as a mile or so. Predators are not as great a threat to these exposed reef fish at night, although some of the smaller bottom-feeding fish sometimes fall prey to a lurking nocturnal scorpionfish or stingray.

The majority of night fish are carnivores, out for a meal. The available food is different at night - just as there is a nocturnal population of fish, there are nocturnal varieties of invertebrates. Even the plankton changes. Small shrimps and crabs that live in the sandy bottom during the day migrate upward at night to feed on plankton, becoming fair game for the night fish. Other crustaceans, together with worms, starfish, mollusks, and a host of other invertebrates emerge from their hiding places to scour the sea floor for food. The tiny ones are a meal for squirrelfish and cardinalfish; the larger ones fall prey to stingrays and larger predators. The squirrelfish family is well adapted for nocturnal living. Their reddish color makes them almost invisible in the darkness and their huge eyes give them excellent night vision.

Many species of the snapper family are primarily nocturnal, dispersing from the reef area at night to eat crustaceans and small fish. The yellowtail snapper, a boldly curious, opportunistic feeder seems to be active around the clock.

Eels are at home in the nocturnal world, and morays are often seen free-swimming along the reef during a night dive. Bright moonlight apparently affects fish behavior. A triggerfish scours a sandy bottom, excavating invertebrates from the sand while hovering head down and blowing streams of water downward. Dark nights find it asleep in a crevice, but if there is enough moonlight, it goes out to get a midnight snack.

Many corals feed at night and divers can lure light-sensitive plankton into the extended coral polyps with a dive light trained on one coralhead and watch the feeding process. In the water column your light will pick up the odd shapes of small jellyfish, microscopic plankton, and tiny self-propelled organisms twisting and pulsating in the light. Turn the light off and see the bioluminescent animals shining with their chemically generated light, trailing behind your sweeping arm movement.

Basket stars unfold and nocturnal crinoids, having crawled out from their daytime crevices, feed by extending their arms into the current. Sea urchins emerge from their holes and march about the reef borders, grazing on algae and creating bare pathways as they go. Brittle stars and small shrimp and crabs are often seen, as are bristleworms out eating coral polyps or munching on anemones. This is the time to look for active octopuses, lobster, giant crabs, and large annelid worms. Hermit crabs are usually everywhere, scavenging the reef in their clumsy, borrowed shells.

About an hour before dawn, a reversal of the evening transition begins. Schools of foraging goatfish, snappers, grunts, sweepers, squirrelfish, and drums reassemble from the sandy and rock bottom surrounding the reef and prepare to make their mass transit back to daytime resting valleys and crevices. Plankton eaters, some in groups and some one by one, scurry back to bed in coral recesses as the night sleepers awaken.

Samet Bilir writes about technology trends, digital camera reviews, and photography, such as DSLR camera bags 2012 and Nikon P7100. To read more articles from him visit his website at chi-photography.com.

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Bass Fishing Lake Buchanan – How to Have the Ultimate Experience

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The reigning champion of rendering incredible trophy bass amid the Highland Lakes is by far Lake Buchanan. Lovingly dubbed by locals as Big Buck, anglers that know the region and are familiar with the lake’s geographic layout have the best luck landing trophy bass. Locals also have the skinny on which lures and rigs reel in fish faster than competitors in a NASCAR event, and they know exactly when and where to hit the lake to have the best success. However, friendly locals who frequent this beautiful lake are always willing to provide visitors with some tips, and this compilation of their expert advice explores how to land some of the state’s most sought after bass species including largemouth, white, and stripers.

The Terrain

True to a highland-type lake, Big Buck boasts numerous rock piles, ledges, and rocky banks. Several creeks and rivers converge with this 22,000 plus acre, man-made dam, and cedar-tree fish attractions grace key spots that include humps, roadbeds, and drop offs. Because the water levels fluctuate heavily throughout the year, the outdoor enthusiasts employed by Texas Parks and Wildlife oversee these created covers and structures to foster angler’s success year round on the lake. Even during times of drought, many species can be landed from the shoreline or from a small canoe – however, fishing here is most fruitful when undertaken within a GPS equipped boat.

Showing Largemouth Bass Who’s Boss

Snaring this sought after species is easiest during the spring and fall, when the staining that occurs near the northern shores of the lake all the way from Beaver Creek to the Colorado River keeps largemouth running shallow regardless of water temperatures. This natural occurrence makes the lower regions of the reservoir a clear-water haven for anglers seeking bass. Use top water lures and leaf spinners in this area, or consider running medium crank bait shallow near the rocky banks. Flipping and pitching under boat docks can prove fruitful, and trial and error can be quite revealing. Having a boat when the waters are elevated can be an advantage, as many of the best local yarns recall days running a jig deep at a slow troll.

Outwitting White Bass and Striper

These species begin spawning in February during their annual run up the Colorado River. Keen anglers concentrate on the area where Beaver Creek meets the Colorado in the early season. However, as with the largemouth bass, the stripers and whites become plentiful and more feasible concerning top fishing catches each spring and fall. One of the most productive lures for stripers includes the Carolina rig set with live shad and run close to the lake’s floor near the drop-offs and humps. White bass often frequent these areas, too, but they respond best to twister tail jigs, small crank baits, minnows, small-hair jigs, and top water lures. Keep and eye out for any flocks of birds appearing to work schools of shad, which indicates that white bass and stripers may have them on the run just beneath the surface.

Surprisingly, one can have a successful bass fishing experience most any time of year here, as these fish can be targeting even during times of extreme heat using downriggers, especially when backed by white or yellow bucktail jigs set around 20-30 feet. Expect summertime expeditions to also lead to health catches of sunfish, crappie, and sizable catfish. As the largest freshwater body amid the Highland Lakes, count on Lake Buchannan to be a worthwhile venture that is a “must-do” for any avid angler planning to visit the region, regardless of the time of year.

Lynn is a novice fisherman whose first fishing excursion took place at the Highland Lakes, an area she enjoys writing about and promoting to visitors.

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5 Cool Gifts for the Young Martial Artist

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Finding the perfect gift for a young martial artist doesn't have to be a chore. Whether you are shopping for your own child or someone else's child, there are plenty of cool gifts you can buy that will make him or her smile with joy. Here are some top five suggestions with extra grin factor included.

Century Kid Kick Wavemaster Punching Bag

There is no better way to encourage a child's martial arts interest than by giving them something they can practice with at home. The Century Kid Kick Wavemaster Punching Bag is less than $100 and will provide the young martial artist with hours and hours of exercise and entertainment as well as practice. The bag comes in three adjustable sizes so that as the child grows, he or she can still continue to use the bag.

The Martial Arts Training Diary for Kids

This book is a must have for every young martial artist. The book includes martial arts games, stories and activities as well as pages to log their accomplishments, favorite styles, personal best moves and more. The book is intended for children ages 7 and up. For around $10, you can give a young martial artist a gift he or she will love for years.

Foam Nunchakus

What young martial artist doesn't secretly dream of deftly twirling nunchakus around like an action movie star? You can find a nice pair online for $5 to $10 and the foam covering helps ensure that he or she won't get hurt while learning how to use them. For extra fun, add a beginners' level or kid-oriented training DVD to your gift so he or she can learn from the pros.

A Gift Certificate

Many martial arts schools have pro shops with training items, t-shirts and other school specific merchandise. Contact the young martial artist's school and see if they offer gift certificates. School gift certificates are great because the student can pick out exactly what he or she wants without having to ask Mom or Dad to pay for it.

Training DVDs

Turn tube time into activity time. There is a wide selection of training DVDs for kids that cover all the various forms of martial arts. Most martial arts DVDs are relatively inexpensive and you can buy them through large retailers like Amazon.com or specific martial arts websites. Another plus is that the videos often reinforce the same values students learn at the dojo, so the videos are educational as well as fun.

Martial Artists, especially young ones, thrive on encouragement and accomplishment. Any gift you can give them that helps support their interest will be greatly appreciated. The most important thing to consider is where the student is on his or her martial arts journey and pick gifts that you know he or she will personally enjoy.

About the Author: Buford Wadell loves studying the martial arts and works to foster that same love in his children. He recommends self defense classes to anyone who is worried about their personal safety.

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How to Be a Fashionable "Sporty Spice"

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Hut, hut, hike! Every Fall ushers in a brand new season one of America’s greatest spectator sports: football. Let the tailgates commence! So what does the female sports fan wear to the games this fall? A team jersey or tee is a given, but that’s not enough to keep you warm a cozy during those chilly night games. There are a variety of ways to spice up your sporty outfit.

1. VESTS! They are perfect for football tailgates and games, since they allow your team apparel to show through AND they keep you insulated when the sun goes down. This multi-purpose, practical garment can pull an entire outfit together. Check out the Juicy Couture “Quilted Nylon Thinsulate Puffer Vest” on zappos.com. Right now this incredibly well made and stylish vest is 43% off. For just $129 (down from $228) you can purchase this it in Angel or Black, both equally appealing. Don’t forget to look for a zappos coupon code on coupon sites, like CheapSally.com. You can save even more on this great find!
2. Boots. Now that your all vested up with your jersey proudly tucked underneath, you’ll need some killer boots. The key for tailgates and games is comfort, but you also want to look feminine and pretty. A fall 2011 favorite: the “Venus Riding Boot” from Banana Republic. This gorgeous, soft, black leather boot has a comfortable memory foam and cushioned insole that will keep your feet happy for hours. Your arches won’t be begging for mercy by halftime in these one-inch heeled Banana boots. If your feet are warm and comfy, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the event.
3. The Perfect Denim. You will need to tuck a form-fitting jean into your killer boots. Try on Paige Denim ‘Verdugo’ Stretch Denim Leggings. Paige Denim offers some of the world’s most comfortable, lasting pants that never go out of style. These jeans don’t stretch out after one wear, so they’re perfect for games and tailgates; you’ll constantly be on the move, sitting and standing, replenishing your drink, and of course, rushing to the restroom. The ‘Verdugo’ dark jean will fit perfectly in your boots and add a chic statement to your sporty spice outfit. Designer jeans are indeed an investment, but Paige is worth every penny.
4. Tote. Without a doubt, women have a reputation for carrying too much “stuff.” Well, that still applies at football games. In fact, that “stuff’ multiplies. Not only do you need your wallet and lip gloss, but you’ll want to stash a pair of mittens, perhaps a scarf, some binoculars, and some snacks (Don’t deny it…you sneak things in, too.) This fall, you’ll want to carry a good-sized tote with you to football festivities. Check out the ‘Large buckle tote’ from Gap. This chocolate brown purse measures 8 ¼ inches by 12 ½ inches by 15 ¼ inches, leaving plenty of space for all the goodies. With front pockets and darling zipper embellishments, this fall accessory will make you a tote-ally stylish sports fan.

Even sporty spice can look feminine and flirty. Be the sports fashionista at your next football game!

Erin Prickett is a fashion enthusiast and bargain hunter. She enjoys finding great deals on apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories and recommends using a Zappos coupon code to save on this fall’s hottest fashions.

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Underwater Diving and Scuba Diving

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Scuba diving is a type of underwater diving. In this form of diving, the diver carries his/her own compressed air apparatus to breathe when he/she is under water. This allows them to stay under water for a longer period of time.

Originally, SCUBA was used as an acronym for self contained under water breathing apparatus. Typically, a scuba set consists of air hose, mouth piece, regulator, harness, back plate, and the tank. People perform scuba diving for personal as well as professional reasons. People dive for recreational purposes and there a many different disciplines like cave diving, wreck diving, ice diving, and deep diving.

Professional scuba divers are employed by companies to perform certain underwater tasks. These tasks include oil exploration, underwater welding, repair and inspection of boats and ships, salvage of wrecks, spear fishing, etc. It is not enough if air is simply supplied to a scuba diver. As the diver goes down, water also exerts pressure on the chest and lungs apart from the normal atmospheric pressure. It is approximately 1 bar for every 33 feet of depth. As such, the pressure of the inhaled air should match with the ambient pressure so that the lungs remain inflated. The regulator, that is part of a scuba set, ensures that air is supplied at ambient pressure. This enables the diver to inhale and exhale naturally and effortlessly at any depth.

Visibility is a problem for people under water as the refractive index of water is higher than that of air, but same as that of the cornea of the eye. The diving masks and helmets are designed to resolve this problem. They create an air space in front of the diver’s eyes. The error in refraction created by water is corrected when light travels from water to air through a flat lens. However, the objects appear about 34% bigger and nearly 25% closer than they actually are. As the field of view gets reduced, adjustment of eye-hand coordination is essential. Generally, divers who use corrective glasses will need to use the same glasses when wearing the mask.

How safe is scuba diving? It is a sport with risks like any other. It is the fear associated with drowning and the nervousness of using the scuba set that makes it seem riskier. Scuba diving is not as dangerous as some other activities that we take up without hesitation. The truth is that the number of fatalities is coming down every year, despite the fact that the number of divers has increased by leaps and bounds.

Daniel Blinman is writing for Scubaskool, a diving company offering dive course and divemaster internship

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Skiing vs. Snowboarding: Which is For You?

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Whether you’re a newcomer to winter-sports or are a confident skier who is considering trying snowboarding for the first time, you might want to know which of the two sports has more to offer. For many years, since the 1960s, in fact, when American Sherman Poppen first thought of the idea of snowboarding after watching his little girl balancing on a ski, winter-sports fanatics have been fiercely divided into the ski vs snowboard camps. You will find very few people equally loyal to both.

Snowboarding increased in popularity in the late ’seventies, when it was finally covered under ski liability insurance policies and more ski resorts accepted it. Initially, at least, the skiers tended to be elite, wealthy people of a certain age, whereas snowboarders were normally in their teens from very different backgrounds.

Skiing and snowboarding both offer hours of fun, adrenaline-filled exercise and entertainment and will take you to some of the world’s most beautiful resorts and locations. So what are the differences?

This video shows some of the differences between Skiing and Snowboarding.

Snowboarders find that their knees ache less after a long day on the slopes and fewer receive knee injuries, though it’s often a physically more exerting sport, since the absence of ski poles means a lot more energy is needed to work your way across the flats and to stay balanced. Skis are better on ice and hard-packed snow, whereas snowboarders love deep, fluffy snow, atop which the snowboards ‘float’. Often, skiers find that they are unable to properly use the slopes after significant snowfall, whereas snowboarders are not so constrained. Skiing is a bit easier, on a practical basis, since snowboarders have to unstrap one of their legs to get on ski-lifts, and they have to walk up inclines that skiers could use their poles to push up. Skis are faster, but it’s easier to get up after falling off a snowboard…

If you’ve skied before, then the skills you already have will make it easier to learn how to snowboard, since you’ll already know how to edge and carve. However, lessons would not go amiss just to build your confidence. For speed, you can’t beat skiing; for fun and manoeuvrability on a variety of surfaces, snowboarding rules. Most packages and all-inclusive ski holidays will cater for both boards and skis, though check with the resort as to whether they have any restrictions in that regard: there are still some luxury ski resorts that only permit skis, catering for the die-hard band of skiers who think that snowboards are for hooligans!

This article was written by Sarah who loves winter-sports and enjoys going both skiing and snowboarding as often as she can.

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Could Team Sports Benefit Your Kids?

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Playing team sports has many benefits. However, soccer is one sport that has more benefits than other team sports. One such benefit that is often overlooked and more valuable than any other is health. This doesn’t just pertain to current health, but a healthy lifestyle as an adult. You might think this refers only to cardio-vascular endurance and maintaining a healthy heart. While that is certainly a factor, the health benefits and avoidance of risks go well beyond that.

If you think high school and college age adults don’t take legal and illegal supplements to advance their performance, you’re only lying to yourself. Many football and baseball players take steroids and creatine. Steroids are unsafe and illegal. Creatine can be healthy if you take less than 4 grams per day and drink a lot of fluids, but not many kids stick to that game plan. If you want your child to be safe while enjoying a fun and beneficial sport, lead him or her toward soccer. Dangerous supplements are a non-factor. You can find more benefits for soccer and team sports in general below.

Friends And Goals

Soccer is one of the best sports to play when it comes to social interaction. Let’s look at a couple of comparisons. In the game of football, everything is about strength, power and overall toughness. Bonding is a possibility, but it’s not what you would call the friendliest of atmospheres. In baseball, making new friends is likely. There’s nothing like sitting in the dugout, chewing seeds and discussing the game with your teammates. On the other hand, every player has an individual goal, which is to outperform their teammates when it comes to stats. Baseball is about winning, but it’s just as much about personal performance. In soccer, the relationships are friendly and everyone has one common goal – defeat the opponent.

Looking And Feeling Great

Did you know that people who exercise more have more energy? This might be obvious to those who are familiar with fitness, but others would be surprised to read it because they think exercise makes people tired. Exercise doesn’t only offer energy; it also improves your immune system. While this might not be as big of a factor for kids, if they play soccer at a young age, they’re more likely to play it as an adult. It’s a healthy hobby that can keep an adult healthy and even lead to important networking in soccer leagues as an adult.

As far as looks are concerned, anyone who runs several miles per day up and down the soccer field is going to look lean. The only danger when it comes to looks is burning too much muscle, which can lead to frailty. When your heart rate exceeds 180, you burn muscle. If you’re and adult and you’re used to running, you should be able to keep your heart rate below 180, but in order to ensure a nice physique, it’s recommended that you do some muscle training. Kids, on the other hand, are not likely to exceed a heart rate of 180 and are not concerned with their physique. Therefore, soccer has no downside. All it’s going to do is help burn calories, which will shed unwanted fat.

To sum it all up, here are the benefits for playing soccer:

- Health
- Social Interaction
- The Ultimate Team Atmosphere
- Energy
- Developing the Habit of a Healthy Lifestyle
- Improves Immune System
- Networking
- Staying Lean

Keith Barrett is a keen sports fan and takes part in a range of sports. He also does some coaching and uses football trophies as a prize to motivate some players.

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5 Essential Items of MMA Clothing

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While having a strong punch, lasting endurance and a killer kick are critical to succeeding in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, the following 5 essential items of mma clothing will help you excel in your training and performance. Having the right gloves, shirt, shorts, socks and shoes will ensure the best and most comfortable training experience.

The Right Gloves

An essential component for training, owning the right pair of gloves can make or break you in the cage. Gloves or hand wraps will provide a barrier that can prevent bruising or injuries such as broken hand bones. Shop for comfort and protection to ensure a proper level of safety. Leather gloves with a sheet of foam inside provide an effective barrier. Double stitching ensures a stronger, more durable product that can withstand punch after punch.

A Breathable Shirt

Wear a shirt that will wick away moisture as you break a sweat. Breathable shirts are available in a wide variety of styles and designs that will help keep you cool. Many also contain antimicrobial odor control to keep you fresh even after a tough workout or fight. Quick drying fabrics are also available that can give you long-lasting comfort. Look for a soft, durable fabric that won't cause chafing and a snug fit that still allows a full range of motion.

Shorts that Let you Move

Choosing the right pair of shorts will greatly improve your mobility both in training and in a fight. Your shorts are one of the most important pieces of mma clothing. Focus on fit and durability. Make sure you have a full range of motion and look for rip proof fabrics that can withstand multiple hits without splitting. Moisture-wicking fabrics will also keep you more comfortable when you are breaking a sweat.

Socks that Soak up the Sweat

Breathable socks are an essential piece of mma clothing that many fighters overlook. Make sure you train in a knit sock with moisture wicking properties for maximum comfort. Look for lightweight high performance athletic socks. Wearing socks in the gym will also help to prevent athlete's foot and other infections.

Supportive Shoes

Choose shoes that offer proper heel support, protect the ankle by holding it tight and have good breaking power. Proper air ventilation is essential for keeping your feet comfortable through a hard training session. It is worth investing in a well-constructed, durable pair of shoes that you can train in for years. Ultralight shoes will give you the most freedom of movement and mimic a barefoot feel.

Let your mma clothing be an asset to your training. By choosing pieces with durable, breathable construction that allow full freedom of movement, you will have a more comfortable and effective training session, leading to a more successful fight.

Paul Banbury has interests in many sports and enjoys, boxing, mma and other martial arts. He recommends Made4Fighters for the latest quality MMA clothing.

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Skateboards, Danger & Fashion – Where Style and Survival Collide

They say that nature always finds a way to balance things out. Every creature has its natural predators, and if you are at the top of the food chain, you better not eat all your prey before they get a chance to breed. Every time it looks like the human race is spiraling out of control, along comes a leveler, be it war, famine or the Black Death...

Well, from the look of the ever more crazy stunts kids are pulling on the streets & skate-parks of the world, it seems humanity has discovered a great way to thin its numbers and ensure that teenagers don’t upset the delicate ecological balance of our urban environments. Every cracked head is one less loud-mouth to feed, right?

Unfortunately for those who see teenagers, rebellious 20 & 30-somethings, and the odd middle-aged arthritic skate fanatic as a threat to life as we know it, the skater has evolved some remarkable survival strategies. Ok, this weird wheel-based human sub-species don’t yet have organic air-bag glands that inflate on impact. They don’t yet sport Beetle-style armoured exoskeletons. Skateboarders can’t utilise their inner gases to propel themselves to safety in the event of a wipe, yet.

(image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosimoes7/)

How to skate safe

So skate-boarders bodies haven’t evolved and adapted to their sport yet? After what, 50 years of natural selection? Pathetic – I thought us humans were meant to be adaptable! Actually the secret here is the same secret that has allowed homo-sapiens to adapt and survive the harshest conditions our planet has to offer – tools and technology!

Astronauts don’t go spacewalking without some serious hardware, and yes you guessed it – serious skaters don’t go sky-walking without the right gear. It’s not all about pads & helmets. Even the basic elements of skater style reveal that there is method behind the madness. Take skate shoes for example; that ‘big’ over-sized looking upper and the fat laces. It’s actually a very good idea to wear proper, fat padded skate shoes. Your feet are really vulnerable when skating, liable to be trapped under your board, stomped on, landed on wrong, and generally beaten about. Even the Converse shoes that have been popular with skaters since the 70’s are actually a cunning safety move. The high Converse ankle supports you well, and the rubberised sole sticks to your board - and whatever you are tricking off - like glue.

Skaters have been wearing jeans since the early days, and this tradition has barely slowed today. If you rewind back to the invention of denim in the days of the cowboys, it was made in response to the needs of working men in dangerous environments. Coming off your horse, chasing cattle, fighting pistol wielding villains... all this called for a hard-wearing cloth better than anything before it. Denim could withstand friction and protect your legs- and stuff!- better than the soft cotton and linen everyone wore before. Modern skaters wear jeans from cool modern designers for the same reasons.

Although you see many young, confident or just plain foolish skaters performing dangerous tricks with naked heads, a helmet is really the pro way to go. Pulling off a fakie-to-fakie 900 isn’t all that cool if you fall and end up a crippled vegetable on your next run. If you are serious about your skating and your future, Bern helmets offer some of the best protection, and do it with style.

Finally, we come to the pads. As a general rule, you need more of these the older you get, and you also need more of these the bigger your tricks get. Protec helmets also produce some incredible protective gear for most parts of your body, including some truly awesome bodyguards that look like they were designed for a sci-fi super soldier.

Trick big, trick safe, and trick with style!!

Trudy Biggs

Trudy is a writer, mad-for-it skater and fashion freak from Brighton UK. She loves writing about skating, fashion and culture through the ages, and has a serious Converse shoes problem. Her latest equipment dilemma involves the difficult decision of choosing between Bern helmets and Protec helmets - which looks cooler? Argh!

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Eyewear for Runners

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What's the difference between running glasses and other sunglasses?

While some brands offer sunglasses specifically marketed for running, there is a wide range of running-oriented features that are used in other athletic sunglasses.

You may come across some models offered in running and cycling versions: Normally the cycling glasses are identical, but they'll have straight temples to make it easy to put them on and take them off while wearing a helmet.

What features should I look for?

Impact-proof and scratchproof material - Makers may use any number of trademark names, but they're all going to use some form of polycarbonate for the lenses and frames.

Wrap-around lenses - This provides protection from both sunlight and wind. As an added bonus, this design also blocks UV rays more effectively than standard sunglasses.

Anti-reflective coating - This can be either a mirror or polarized coating. Some companies put a mirror coating on the inside of the lens as well, reducing glare coming from sunlight behind you. Polarized lenses work by blocking light, much like a venetian blind, removing glare while letting normal reflective light reach your eyes. However, this can make some monochrome LCD displays unreadable. Before buying, look through the lenses at any timers, digital watches, or other devices you may carry on your run to make sure the display is still visible.

Removable lenses - Some frames allow you to change lenses to better suit the conditions you're running in. Some brands include lenses with the glasses, while others sell them separately. In some cases not all of the lenses will offer UV protection, particularly clear lenses, which are intended for low-light conditions. Whether or not it’s bright outside, there is still a chance of eye damage due to long-term exposure. Any lenses labeled “cosmetic” will not have UV protection.

Rubberized temple covers - These will help the glasses grip your head, keeping them on while you run.

Adjustability - Flexible frames and nose pads will help absorb shock, keeping the glasses in place while running on rough terrain.

Anti-fogging features - Anti-fogging lenses help, but most people overlook ventilation. There should be some airspace between the lenses and your face to keep moisture from being trapped.

How much do I need to spend?

Basically, you get what you pay for: All things being equal, a pair of cheap glasses will protect your eyes from UV light just as well as something costing five times as much. However, the more expensive pair will be more scratch and impact resistant, have more features, and stay together longer under normal use.

The cheapest usable sunglasses will start around $20. These will have set lenses and no anti-reflective coating. High quality sunglasses start around $60, with most pairs around the $120-$160 range. Add an additional $30 for each set of additional lenses. Prescription frames run from $80-$200; lenses will cost about the same as the ones in your regular glasses.

Sara Roberts writes for Just Eyewear, a discount eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses online retailer.

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Getting Your Kids Involved in Water Sports

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Every parent wants their child to take up a hobby that they can turn into a skill and a passion, but finding them a hobby they enjoy can be more difficult than it at first appears.

If musical instruments, ballet classes and tennis lessons have all been exhausted, there may be another option that might be just the ticket – water sports.

Getting your children involved in any hobby is undeniably fantastic for their brain development, whilst also helping to mould them into happy, passionate and skilful adults. However outdoor pursuits, whether team sports, athletics or water sports offer another benefit – they’re getting kids to embrace the outdoors. This has been proven to benefit their health and happiness even further than hobbies carried out indoors.

In fact, children who spend a significant amount of time embracing the joys of the great outdoors have been shown to possess lower stress levels and fewer symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, they tend to do better in school. Time outdoors also increases the levels of vitamin D that the body produces. Vitamin D is not only vital for everyday health but current studies are concluding that it may contribute to a lowered risk of cancer.

But what choices are there for outdoor hobbies? While sports such as tennis, football and hiking are all obvious choices, many children want to do something a little bit different, and that little bit more exciting. Water sports are a fantastic idea, as long as there is a facility nearby.

For those living near the sea, surfing is a cost-effective and highly enjoyable pursuit. If there are any lakes or water sports centres within the region then kayaking, canoeing and yachting are all fantastic options. Even if there are none of these facilities within a reasonable distance, the local swimming pool may well offer scuba diving lessons – a great skill to have in place for any future holidays abroad.

Yet many parents are deterred from getting their kids involved in such pursuits due to concerns for the costs. The initial expenses may involve the purchase of childrens wetsuits. A pair of kids waterproof trousers might also come in handy for time spent around the water areas while they are not actively participating.

However, childrens wetsuits and kids waterproof trousers do not need to be expensive and if funds are really tight, buying second hand is always an option.

In regards to the activities themselves, the cost of this can vary widely. While private lessons will in most cases be very expensive, lessons performed in large groups will cost considerably less, and even less so if the classes are booked in monthly, termly or yearly slots.

It’s also worth seeing the money spent as an investment for the future. Some children who learn these skills may make a career out of teaching others. Even those that don’t will learn skills such as team-building, quick thinking and independence that they will carry into the future and will help them in the working world. Even money spent on the childrens wetsuits, or on kids waterproof trousers can still stand as an investment – the clothes may still be useful in the future should the first sport they try out turn out not to be the one for them - and they can always be sold on or passed onto younger members of the family.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Little Terra. James writes on a number of subjects including outdoor activities and sports.

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Tips to use when Training for Boxing Sports

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Generally sports are designed in ways to promote competition, entertainment, recreation to individuals taking part in them. However, these activities require a lot of commitment, strategies as well as fair play in order to get the winner chosen via objective means. If you have the interest of excelling in boxing, it is highly recommended for you to do intense preparation both physically and mentally by training well. The technique of trail and error makes you more effective when taking the sport into account. The following tips will help you when training for the boxing sports.

• Blocking: When training for the boxing sports, you should know when to block your challenger by dropping your weight. This way you will offer yourself time to attack from the ground as well as enabling you to take harder blows via a fortified body structure. In addition, you will be able to block punches from stronger boxers who might shove you roughly while trying to block them. To achieve this, use a weighty punching bag by standing on the front side of the bag and sliding your chest lightly in order to touch it. You can add more thrust to it so as to make swaying motions away from your body. Doing this in the correct way will force the bag to move back to where you are. You can plunge your weight on seeing it swinging towards your face at the same time blocking it then exhaling outwards.
• Breathing: When training for this sport, it is crucial for you to breathe always. You can achieve this training aspect by holding back your breath then exhale it using short and sharp breaths as you do the punching. Failing to breathe during the activity may lead to dire consequences of you becoming breathless causing a lot of vulnerability.
• Skipping rope: A boxer training for the boxing sports should use a skipping rope as it helps in the coordination of a boxer’s body. A fighter is advised to skip around one hundred times on both feet, ten repeats of backward skipping as well as double jumps by alternating the right foot with the left one.
• Proper stance: When training for the boxing sports, it is always wise to keep a close focus on your challenger. Doing this attests that a lot of attention is being paid which shows the challenger that you are not afraid at all. In addition, practice how to pop in the chin, how to make arrangement of your arms as a way of protecting the lower body. Learn how spacing of the feet is done by flexing your knees to make it easier for you to move against your challenger.
• Staying Fit: Fitness at all times is the most important factor when it comes to boxing sports. A boxer should cut on high carbohydrates as well as sweets intake. In addition fluids e.g. soda or any other sugary products should be avoided. The food taken should be in smaller portions followed by an intense workout.

Author bio: Samantha is a health expert during the weekends but also has few websites on tattoo supplies and used trailers as a hobby. She hopes to do well from these websites and hopefully one day wants to own chains the Gym around the areas she lives in.

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The 5 Coolest Motorbikes

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When you are choosing a motorbike to buy, you are faced with a decision that is based on all sorts of practicalities. You must consider the bike's construction, your build, your budget, day to day use, comfort, reliability and all manner of boring realities. However, when you are choosing a list of the 5 coolest motorbikes ever, you can let your inhibitions go and pick purely on sentiment, attitude, looks and lust. Based on these whimsical criteria, here is a list of the 5 coolest motorbikes ever to have graced the planet.

Triumph TR6 Trophy
Steve McQueen immortalized the Triumph TR6 in The Great Escape, ensuring it was destined to feature on every 'Motorbike Top 5' list for the rest of history. McQueen himself was an avid bike fan, who was indeed inducted into the Motorbike Hall of Fame. Sure, he may not have escaped the Germans during his high speed chase, the bike was disguised as a BMW during the film, and he did end up tangled in barb wire, but the Triumph TR6 made him look cool whilst he made arguably one of the most iconic motorbike jumps in cinematic history. Thanks to its Four-stroke Parallel-twin engine and gritty sex appeal, the 650cc TR6 Trophy will forever be one of the coolest motorbikes ever.

Captain America a.k.a Easy Rider
The iconic film Easy Rider brought choppers to a whole new generation. Epitomizing coolness and freedom, Peter Fonda's stars and stripes Captain America led the way for petrol head enthusiasts to turn their hand to customizations and the trend for choppers was born. The chopper in the film was a Harley Davidson, comprised of four ex police Panheads. Two 1951 models, a 1950 and a 1951 were used and customized to make the bikes that featured in the movie.

1991 Harley Davidson Fatboy
From what has to be one of the coolest films of all time, comes one of the coolest looking motorbikes. The 1991 Harley Davidson Fatboy featured in Terminator 2, and was ridden by a leather jacket clad Arnold Schwarzenegger as the movie protagonist, the T-800 Terminator. The big budget film needed a bike that really looked the part and the 1991 Harley Davidson Fatboy was that motorbike. Following the famous “I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle” quote, Arnie drove off on the 1991 Harley Davidson Fatboy to the soundtrack of 'Bad to the Bone'. The motorbike chase scene is one of the most watched of all time, and never has a cyborg, or motorbike, looked cooler. And Harley Davidson, based on Oxford Business Park, are popularly considered one of the coolest motorbike companies around.

Kawaski GPZ 900R
There are few bikes as memorable as the Kawaski GPZ 900R (or GPZ 750R in Europe), which featured heavily in the 1980s Hollywood blockbuster, Top Gun. Scenes of Tom Cruise zipping from one source of drama to the next on his GPZ 900R were eclipsed only by those featuring his F-14 Tomcat. Although not equipped with missiles, the GPZ 900R, with its 4-stroke, 4-cylinder 908 cc engine and top speed of 158mph, was about as cool as bikes could be in 80s and 90s.

Honda RC30
You cannot have a list of coolest motorbikes, without including a superbike. The RC30, also known as the Honda VFR750R, won the World Superbike Championship two years in a row. Released in 1990, the RC30 has a 748 cc V4 engine, 5-speed transmission and swingarm rear suspension. The Honda RC30 can also be credited with paving the way for the Honda RC51, which took Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden to victory in the World Superbike and AMA Superbike Championships.

Rachel is a freelance blogger on a variety of subjects, from motoring to healthy eating.

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