Sports Memorabilia: A Good Investment? And Why?

Are Sports Autographs a Good Investment?
All purchases can be a great investments, when buying low and selling high. With sports memorabilia, it helps to pick the right player, at the right time. Then choose the players who will have long-term name recognition.
Potential Appreciation
If you have "the" player's autograph on their piece of equipment, then, sports memorabilia can be a great investment. For example, a rare, mint-condition tobacco card sold in 1992 for $451,000. It sold again in 2008 for $2.8 million, an increase of 521%, in approx. 13 years.
Memorabilia Vs. Collectibles
The difference between sports memorabilia, and sports collectibles: Sports memorabilia have been authenticated by a reputable dealer, who certifies that the autograph is legitimate. It is a $5 billion global market, in which millions of collectors participate, by buying and selling photos, cards, jerseys, balls, and other related sports items. Anything else containing a sports autograph is considered a collectible, that is wonderful to own for personal reasons, not for financial gain.
Keys to Success
According to U.S. News and World Report, to be a successful sports memorabilia investor you should have a talent for correctly predicting which of today's players will be in high demand in the future. You also need the ability to spot the difference between players, who will be temporarily popular, and those whose popularity will continue to make their memorabilia items appreciate well into the future.
The memorabilia market is vast, in what is considered collectible. The largest markets are sports and entertainment, and the most popular trading is done through auction houses, and specialty dealers. Because memorabilia are not traded on an organized, formal exchange, it is hard to pin down the exact size of the business, but it certainly is, a multi-billion-dollar one.
If you're considering bumping your collection up a notch, or adding memorabilia to your investment portfolio, here are some rules to keep in mind:
- The law of supply and demand is in effect.
If there is a limited number of a particular item, it will be worth a whole lot more.
- To get top dollar on an item. It has to be in "pristine" condition.
- No matter whom you deal with, make sure they are reputable. It is easy to have frauds, particularly when you have signatures which are easily replicable. It is vital to deal with an expert. They do the research for you, when they know what they are looking for.
- Prices fluctuate. For example, if a player wins a championship, a signed photo will go up in immensely in value. It is estimated that Michael Jackson's memorabilia went up about 40 percent in value, in the days following his death. Nelson Mandela's signature has gone up 558% in the past decade, and had a massive jump when he passed away.
In many cases, particularly with goods signed by the older legends - the item is bound to be an appreciating asset. Ali, Pele and Maradona. are some of the best there ever have been, and as they will not always be available to sign items. These kinds of goods are bound to be a fantastic investment! For example, a very rare gown signed by the great Muhammad Ali, just has to be an unbelievable investment. A signed glove was worth about $600 ten years ago, yet now he can't as easily sign any more goods, is worth $4500. if there is a limited number to a special signing, then this figure would triple.
Purchase because you admire the Sportsman, and look after it. It most certainly will appreciate in value over time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8998712

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Basic Playground Safety Guidelines and Maintenance Issues

The information stated below should be used as a guideline to minimize injuries associated with playground equipment. However, it is believed that these recommendations, along with the technical information in the ASTM Standards for Public Playgrounds will contribute to greater playground safety.
What is a Public Playground?
A public playground refers to one intended to be used by children ages 6 months through 12 years in commercial child care facilities, institutions, multiple family dwellings, parks, restaurants, resorts and schools.
Information in this Article:

• General playground safety considerations
• Playground materials and surfacing
• Identifying specific playground hazards and how to prevent them
• Proper steps needed to maintain a playground and its' equipment
• The use of platforms, guardrails and protective barriers to minimize accidental falls

There are 7 key factors you should keep in mind when laying out your playground:

• Accessibility: The surface material needs to allow access to the equipment for children with disabilities.


• Age Separation: Areas for different age groups should be separated by a buffer zone. This zone will reduce the chance of injury by children of varying activity levels running into each other.


• Age Group: Different playgrounds are structured for different age groups. The safety requirements differ with each age group. Be mindful of the age group that will be using the playground and purchase accordingly.


• Conflicting Activities: The playground should be organized into sections to prevent injury from overlapping activities. Be sure to place swings and merry-go-rounds toward a corner, side or edge of a play area. Slides should not be placed in a congested area.


• Sight Lines: Visual barriers should be minimized so that caregivers, parents or supervisors can keep track of children using the playground. Benches placed around the outside of the structure allow onlookers a place to sit while they watch the children.


• Signage and/or Labeling: Signs should be provided to give the users guidance as to the age appropriateness of the equipment, as well as how to properly use the equipment.


• Supervision: Make sure the supervisor is aware of the basic safety guidelines of the equipment.

When choosing a site for a playground, there are a few factors that are important to take into consideration:

• Travel patterns to and from the playground: Are there any hazards in the way? If so, clear the hazards.


• Nearby accessibility hazards (traffic, bodies of water, steep hills, etc.): Could a child inadvertently or intentionally run into a nearby hazard? If so, provide a method to contain children within the playground (fence, hedge). Be aware that the fence or hedge should still allow observation by supervisors.


• Sun exposure: Is the sun's heat sufficient enough to heat metal parts, slides, platforms, steps or surfacing enough to burn children? Will users be exposed to the sun during the most intense part of the day? If so, consider positioning it so the bare metal is shaded. Provide warnings that the equipment will be hot in the sunlight. Consider shading the playground with a shade structure.


• Slope and drainage: Will loose fill material wash away in the rain? If so, consider proper drainage to prevent wash outs.

When installing a playground, use equipment and hardware approved by the manufacturer. Follow the instructions EXTREMELY carefully or hire a playground installer. Remember to keep all materials from the manufacturer and start a meticulous record of all inspections and maintenance. Thoroughly inspect the equipment before the first use, including the hardware.
Wood:

• Creosote-treated wood (railroad ties, telephone poles, etc) and coatings that contain pesticides should not be used.
• Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) was an old chemical that was used to treat wood, including wooden playgrounds. Since 2001, this treatment is no longer safe it is known to corrode certain materials faster than others.

Metal:
Avoid using bare metal for platforms, slides or steps. In direct sunlight, bare metal can become extremely hot and cause contact burn injuries. Use plastic coated metal, plastic or wood. Covering the playground with a shelter is always the best option. When coating existing bare metal or using plastic coated metal, consider:

• Manufacturer should ensure that users cannot ingest, inhale or absorb potentially hazardous amounts of preservative chemicals as a result of contact.
• All paints should meet the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) regulation for lead paint.
• Painted surfaces should be maintained regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.

Hardware:
Things to check regarding hardware:

• All fasteners, connectors and coverings should not be removable without the use of tools.
• All exposed hardware should be smooth to the user to prevent lacerations, penetrations, or cloth entanglement hazards.
• Hardware in moving joints should be secured against unintentional or unauthorized loosening.
• All hardware should be corrosive resistant.
• Bearings or bushings used in moving joints should be self-lubricating or easy to lubricate.
• All S-hooks and C-hooks should be closed (no gap or space greater than 0.04").

A proper playground surface is one of the most important factors in reducing injuries that occur when kids fall from equipment. The surface under the playground equipment should be soft enough and thick enough to soften the impact of a child's fall. Grass and dirt are not recommended for surfacing material because of water and natural weathering which can occur at a drastic rate. There are two kinds of surfacing material: unitary and loose-fill.
Unitary materials are generally ASTM tested rubber mats or a pour-in-place energy absorbing material. These kinds of surfacing options are great for toddlers and handicap accessible playgrounds and are usually more expensive than loose-fill materials.
CCA treated wood mulch, gravel or dirt are not acceptable forms of loose-fill material.
Loose fill materials will compress at least 25% over time due to use and weathering so it is a good idea to fill the use zone with more than the recommended fill level. For example, if the playground will require 9 inches of wood chips then the initial fill level should be 12 inches.
Appropriate Surfacing:

• Any material tested to ASTM F1292, including unitary surfaces, engineered wood fiber, etc.
• Pea gravel
• Sand
• Shredded/recycled rubber mulch
• Wood mulch (not CCA-treated)
• Wood chips

Inappropriate Surfacing:

• Asphalt
• Carpet
• Concrete
• Dirt
• Grass
• CCA-treated wood

When choosing playground equipment, it is important that you keep in mind what the intended age group will be. Children of different ages and stages of development have different needs and abilities. Playgrounds are designed to encourage a child's imagination while developing new skills. If you are selecting a playground for a school or public park, you should check your state's guidelines on integrating handicap accessible play structures in the playground.
Some equipment is not recommended for public playgrounds including: trampolines, swinging gates, giant strides, climbing ropes that are not secured at both ends, rope swings or heavy metal swings. Equipment such as platforms, stepped platforms, guardrails and barriers, handrails, and means to access and egress from play equipment have different guidelines for the different age groups (toddlers, preschool, and school age). It is important to understand that guardrails are not intended for toddlers as it is easy for them to crawl through.
It is easier for a child to climb up than it is for them to climb down. Remember to provide various methods to access and egress from the play structure so different skill levels will feel comfortable using the equipment.
There are 6 main categories of playground hazards:

• Crush and Shear Points: Crush and shear points can be caused by parts moving relative to each other, or to a fixed part, during a normal use cycle, such as with a seesaw. To determine if there is a crush or shear point, consider: the likelihood a child could get a body part inside the point and the closing force around the point.


• Entanglement and Impalement: Drawstrings on hoods of jackets, sweatshirts, and other upper body clothing can become entangled in playground equipment, and can cause death by strangulation. To avoid this, remove any ropes, dog leashes, or similar objects attached to playground equipment and avoid equipment with ropes that are not secured at both ends. Projections on playground equipment should not be able to entangle children's clothing nor should they be large enough to impale.


• Entrapment: Head entrapment can occur feet first or head first. Openings can present an entrapment hazard if the distance between any interior opposing surfaces is greater than 3.5 inches and less than 9 inches. Children can become entrapped by partially bound openings, such as those formed by two or more playground parts. To minimize entrapment hazards of stepped platforms, infill should be used to reduce the space between stepped platforms.


• Sharp Points, Corners and Edges: Any sharp edge or point can cause serious lacerations. To avoid the risk of injury make sure that wood parts are smooth and not splintering, all corners are rounded and all metal edges are rolled or have rounded capping.


• Suspended Hazards: Suspended components should be placed away from high traffic areas, brightly colored and should not loop back on themselves.


• Tripping: Playgrounds should be free from any tripping hazards such as rapid changes in elevation, anchoring devices and containment walls for loose-fill surfacing.

All playground areas should be inspected for excessive wear, deterioration and any potential hazards. For each piece of equipment, the frequency of thorough inspections will depend on the type and age of the equipment, the amount of use and the local climate. To help ensure your loose-fill surfacing level stays sufficient and is not displaced, it should be checked frequently and raked back into its proper place if necessary. When inspecting loose-fill surfacing materials, pay particular attention to areas under swings and at slide exits, pooled water on mulch surfacing and areas of frozen surfacing.
Records of the following should always be retained:

1. Maintenance inspections
2. Repairs
3. Accidents or injuries

Platforms should be generally flat with openings that allow for drainage. A stepped platform must have an access component if the difference between platforms is 12" for toddlers or 18" for school-age users. Access to platforms over 6 feet high (except for free standing slides) should provide an intermediate standing surface so that the child can pause and make a decision to keep going or find another way down.
Guardrails and protective barriers are used to minimize the likelihood of accidental falls from elevated platforms, however; protective barriers provide greater protection for children. Guardrails should be tall enough to protect the tallest child from falling over the top and low enough that the smallest child cannot walk under it. Barriers are not needed if it will interfere with the intended use of the equipment, such as climbing equipment.
Guardrails or protective barriers should be provided on the following:

1. Elevated platforms
2. Walkways
3. Landings
4. Stairways
5. Transitional surfaces

There are several factors to consider when choosing the perfect playground for any outdoor area. The above information are the basic safety regulations to help children travel to and from the playground, to identify any potential hazards near your play area and what barriers on the unit will interrupt the line of sight of those supervising the children at play.

ParknPool Corp. is the leading online distributor of commercial site amenities such as playgrounds, bleachers, picnic tables, park benches, and trash receptacles. For additional information concerning the safety of specific playground equipment please contact ParknPool at 877.777.3700. We have made sure our units have what children want, and parents need. When it comes to kids, safety and fun have to play nice with each other!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9004751

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Why Try A Sumo Suit Hire?

Wrestling is indeed a fascinating sport to watch, be it theatrical wrestling (as we see on TV) or real wrestling (as we see in school meets). Throw in the idea of seemingly obese men in what look to be thongs grappling, about to overpower each other, and you just amp up the fascination. Not a lot of people get to experience being a sumo wrestler. You know you don't simply have a defeatist attitude when you tell yourself there's no way you're ever going to be one, and it doesn't even have anything to do about not being Japanese; there's the weight factor as well, of course. I doubt regular folks would be willing to gain all that weight just to pursue sumo wrestling as a career choice.
Unless you have a similar body type, you can't even experience trying it out for a day. This used to be all true until someone came up with the idea of doing a sumo suit hire. Parties, team building sessions, and other events can now be more happening with a sumo suit hire. You know you have an option of good, clean fun with a sumo wrestling hire.
Basically, this involves a wrestling mat and a pair of inflatable suits designed to make participants look like sumo wrestlers, from the body bulk to the hairdo. To set it up, you need to find a flat surface free of any sticks, sharp objects, protruding objects, or anything else that could poke holes into the suits. To allow for spectators, you need to choose a place that measures at least about eight square metres. Once you've found the right spot, unroll the mat in the middle and place the suits on it. To don the suit, you need to step into it a leg at a time with the Velcro side ending up on your back.
After this, you add the neck brace, helmet, and gloves to safeguard against possible injuries. Of course, pretend sumo wrestlers can't just go at it willy-nilly; there should be rules to prevent any untoward incidents. For starters, participants need to be a certain height (over 150 cms tall) and age (at least 13 years old) to be able to join. They have to remove all accessories before putting on the suits.
There must also be a spotter as they put on or get out of their suits as it's possible for them to fall over and be unable to get up. Besides sharp objects, sticky and wet substances should also be removed from the chosen area. Wrestling in inflatable sumo suits is definitely a very unique entertainment option. It's a barrel of laughs to do or even just to watch. If you want your next shindig to be extra memorable, try letting your guests experience sumo wrestling in this super fun way. Click here to know more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9013406

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The Sports and Hobbies of Mozambique

Mozambicans are quite passionate about their sports; with a firm focus on soccer and to a lesser extent other sports. There are lots of opportunities for hobbies and recreational activities, but as these can be quite costly at times you will find most Mozambican's aren't able to partake. As with most other facets of this beautiful country, the lack infrastructure combined with the poverty levels have had a profound effect on the development of sports and hobbies through the entire land.

As a result of this, many of the most popular sports are those that don't require much money to play.

Soccer
Soccer, sometimes known as football due to the Portuguese influence, is hugely popular in Mozambique as in other African nations. You will often come across both children and adults having an informal game whenever possible, especially on weekends. The structure for proper club soccer is not as good as in other countries due to infrastructure challenges, but there are still some professional clubs about. There is a lot of exchange between Portugal and Mozambique in soccer terms, with players and teams from each country regularly playing with and against each other.
Athletics
Athletics is a sport that is not a widely practiced as it should be, given the relative ease of getting involved. Mozambican does at times punch above its weight in this field of sport, having won a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics proving that they can compete at the highest level.
Basketball
Unlike most other southern African nations, Basketball is a very popular sport in Mozambique. While being internationally recognized since 1978, the Mozambican national team has yet to win any notable championships. This of course hasn't dampened the enthusiasm for the sport and it is still quite widespread.
Capoeira
The martial art sport of Capoeira is starting to take off in Mozambique, with the popularity growing at a rapid pace.
Stadiums
Stadiums and sporting facilities in Mozambique are in short supply, with some world class facilities recently being constructed with foreign investment. The outlying areas tend to have little to no facilities, while the soccer clubs seem to attract all the investment. The newest and best stadium is the Estadio do Zimpeto which was opened in 2011 and is able to seat up to 42,000 people. While being touted as a multi-use stadium, it is almost exclusively used for soccer matches.
Hobbies
The types of hobbies available in Mozambique are generally all of the physical, outdoor variety. The more popular hobbies include:

• Fishing: With a substantial coast line, Mozambique is well known for fishing. This takes the form of both subsistence and recreational fishing. The country is well known for game fishing and is largely unspoiled, making it a firm favorite with both local and international visitors.


• Watersports: Any sort of sport involving the water, whether it is sailing, diving or even just swimming, is quite popular due to the warm weather and water.


• Sand boarding: Being quite an easy sport to learn and not always needing lots of equipment, sand boarding is a relatively new hobby that is starting to become quite popular.

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Thinking of living, holidaying or buying in Mozambique?
Click here to read about living in or visiting Mozambique
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James Harrison has lived on four continents with his family and is now the founder of PropDom:
PropDom - the worldwide property domain for all things regarding holidaying, buying a second home, investing in property and retiring abroad.
Information for everyone and no advertising!
PropDom has covered the following countries so far: UK - France - Portugal - Spain - Mexico - Brazil - Australia - New Zealand - Kenya - Morocco - South Africa - Egypt - Mozambique - Singapore - Thailand - Pakistan
PropDom knowledge section covers: Investment - Financing - Construction - Design - Legal - Furniture - Valuation - Surveying - Terminology - Glossaries - and more

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9014222

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Factual or Moral Statistic?

I was raised in an athletic family. My dad went to college on a full ride soccer scholarship to UCLA and my mom received her blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do a few years ago. From a very young age my brother and I were taught that we both had different skill sets. My brother has impeccable balance and strength, so he chooses to surf, snowboard, and skateboard. I have good balance, but I also am able to keep a beat. I chose to dance and play soccer. Not once were my brother and I ever pitted against each other. I knew he would 'out-board' me in his sports and he knew I would crush him in any dance battle.
Every single human being on this planet has different attributes. A man can sprint 100 meters in so many seconds and so can a woman. Put these two athletes up against each other and what will the outcome be? This is where our society encounters destruction. ONE person or ONE team will always have to be the best. By no means am I against this system because I am, by nature, a very competitive person. I am, however, identifying where we need to inform our generation and the generations to come.
In sociology we are talking about sex based sports. The professor posed the question, "should we get rid of sex based sports? Do they warrant gender segregation?". I was a bit confused by this question because women and men embody very different physical characteristics. Before I could answer this question, a male behind me raised his hand and explicitly said "men are statistically better than women. If you put a man up against a woman in any sport, he will win every single time. It is statistically proven that they are stronger and better than female athletes". I am not sure that this is a fair depiction of our society because clearly this student is far more ignorant than our masses. However, to a certain extent, this mindset IS illustrated in our culture. Athletic corporations such as Adidas and Nike are constantly creating marketing campaigns that either 1) only show male athletes or 2) show female athletes overcoming gender adversity. In Adidas' campaign "All In' their commercials show males scoring goals and crossing the finish line. The females, on the other hand, include cheerleaders (who are quite literally cheering on the males) and women who want the male athletes' autographs. Of course this student is led to believe that he and his male peers are better! It is what the media is teaching us.
Perhaps 'teaching' is not the right word. Teaching warrants debate and freethinking. Instead, more often than not, the media 'forces' its beliefs upon us. Nike and Adidas signify male centric athletic corporations thus that is what their campaigns advocate. The result of this is exactly what that young sociology student demonstrated- a factual conviction that male athletes are better than female athletes. Maybe I am in the wrong for calling his ignorance "the statistical downfall of our society". I don't blame him or his character for his outlandish comment because we are all oblivious to our societies unpalatable media feast. It is the unending cultivation of identifiable gender differences that force us into the dark hole that is gender inequality. Maybe we should all feast in the delight of growing gender equality instead of ingesting distasteful superiority.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9011537

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How to Succeed in Your Sport of Choice

Training for any sporting event can be very difficult. This is true, whether it is training for a local event or the Olympics. Certainly, athletes must train for these events differently, as a local event is quite distant from the Olympics.
This is why it is necessary for athletes to recognize that every event requires a different mindset. If an athlete can recognize this, then they can reap the awards. Some athletes may even win prestigious awards like Olympic medals or the Boston Marathon medals.
Training for a difficult event like the Olympics or the Boston Marathon requires athletes to use the 3D approach: Determination, Diligence and Discipline. Each of these factors can help an athlete to excel in their field.
The athlete must have the determination to see their goal through to the end. It is important that no obstacles come in the way of training, no matter what it may be. It can be hard for many athletes to keep stay determined, because many have to balance a job and families. However, if they can focus on the goal of winning the event, the victory becomes a little closer.
Diligence occurs when the athlete strives towards their goals by trying to hone their skills to perfection. This will help the athlete to remain ready for the event. An athlete can stay determined by focusing on their skills.
The most integral component for an athlete to focus on is discipline. An athlete who is disciplined about their training and nutrition will find that it is easier for them to sharpen their skills.
Like the Matryoshka dolls, all of these traits are enmeshed within one another. If an athlete is disciplined, they will also inherently be diligent about training actively. In turn, this will help them to stay determined throughout the process of achieving his goal.
In addition to these qualities, there are also a few other ways through which the athlete can succeed.
A logbook is a fundamental tool for victory in any field, be it business, creativity, or athletics. A workout logbook can help an athlete to track their progress. When an athlete is using a logbook, they can measure their advancements for various periods of time. This way, they can understand how to further improve their skills.
The key element to any good training plan is consistent advancement. It can be difficult for an athlete to improve all by themselves. It is important for an athlete to have a coach who can design a training plan, preferably tailored to the athlete's requirements.
With all of these tips, it won't be long before your feet are the first ones to cross the finish line.

The author Daniel Ashworth has discussed about the significance of Boston marathon medals, and how they play a vital role in encouraging the participant to perform better and emerge victorious. Girls on the Run and plaques and their significance have been highlighted in this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9013670

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5 Things to Do If You Don't Have the Size to Play College Level Sports

You can't coach height! It helps if you are the tallest, widest or largest athlete on the court or the field. Only 1% of the athletes can make that claim. But, each and every team is filled with athletes who are not the biggest, but they are the best. These athletes showcased their personal strengths that made them better and earned them roster spots and playing time on college teams.
· Be strong, be very strong. Strength is a good personal advantage to have on any team. Strength keeps athletes healthy and free from many injuries. It also acts as an obstacle to opposing players. The opposing team must plan a strategy, including double and triple teaming a player to help off-set their individual strength.
· Be skilled. Athletes who learn the finer skills associated with their position and sport are an absolute attribute to their team. Having a skillset that is superior to the 'big man' creates playing opportunities and scoring opportunities.
· Be fast, 'greased lightning' fast. Athletes who have the speed to separate themselves from the defense or close quickly on the offense are weapons that every coach wants. Speed is coachable. Speed training won't turn everybody into an Olympic gold medalist but every athlete can be faster.
· Be smart, be a student of the game. High game IQ is something coaches look for in prospective student athletes. An athlete who understands the nuances of the game takes on a stronger leadership role. Also, coaches have the ability to run more sophisticated offenses and defenses when a team has a high game IQ.
· Be positive and be a dynamo. Athletes who act as a lightning rod are a valuable part of any team. Even if the team is behind on the scoreboard, they must maintain a positive, electric attitude to keep the team sharp and be ready to turn things around.
If you are the athlete who is 5 foot nothing tall and 100 nothing pounds, there are still opportunities to play. But, it requires extra work to highlight your positive attributes. It's done all of the time and every team is filled with 'not the biggest, but the best'. Don't miss playing opportunities because you are not the biggest, create them because you are the best! Don't use lack of size as reason not to pursue your dream. Remember, you only have one chance to be recruited, don't waste it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9016529

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Fun Water Activities to Add to Your Itinerary

Vacation time is once again upon you. If you have already picked your destination you may need to decide on the type of activities you want to enjoy while on holiday. If you choose to spend your vacation near the water there is numerous water activities you can enjoy. Each of the activities will afford you with a different experience while still allowing you the opportunity to get the most of your water-based activity.
Water skiing & Wakeboarding
If you are someone that loves a rush of adrenaline when partaking in any type of water activity then you may want to consider water skiing. The sport of water skiing is a simple one. You need a boat, water skis, a towrope, and two people to ride in the boat. The purpose for two people in the boat is to have one to do the driving and watching the surroundings while the other keeps an eye on you and anyone else that may be water skiing with you. Gliding across the water on your skis is a definite rush and is something everyone should try.
For individuals that prefer the feel or look of a surfboard, then instead of water skiing, they can enjoy wakeboarding. Wakeboarding is similar to waterskiing in that a boat pulls you along the water's surface. This sport is also a great alternative for those snowboarders, as the wakeboard is very similar to snowboards, the main differences is they are shorter and wider.
Surfing
Surfing is a water activity that people have been enjoying for decades. There is nothing quite like padding out on a surfboard, sitting out on the water on a surfboard, before standing up and catching the perfect wave. Even if you have never surfed before it is possible to get some lessons while on vacation so you can get a taste of what it is like to catch the ultimate wave. Be warned, wiping out is to be expected, even by the most experienced surfers.
Snorkeling
People with a preference for swimming but want to add a bit more fun to their swimming experience can try snorkeling. Snorkeling does not require any training, only a mask, snorkel, and swim fins if desired. Swimming along the surface of the water you can observe what is right below the water's surface.
No matter what your skill level, or personal preference, there are a number of activities to enjoy in and on the water.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9019546

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Fun Water Sports to Enjoy During Vacation

If you are heading to a tropical destination for your vacation, or a destination on the water, then you definitely want to make the most of your vacation and that means picking some fun water sports. Picking the type of water sport to enjoy depends on what type of things you like to do. You also have to consider how brave you are and how adventurous you want to be while on the water. The following are some sport options that are great for enjoying when on vacation, regardless of your holiday destination.
Jet Skiing
One extremely fun water sport to enjoy when on vacation is the Jet Ski. Instead of swimming or having a boat pull you around, a jet ski gives you the opportunity to spend time on the cruising at high speeds. It is possible to do tricks on the Jet Ski as well. The best part about jet skis is most places you go have them for rent so access should not be a problem. Make sure you understand how a jet ski works before using one to prevent an accident.
Water skiing
Water skiing is a great sport to partake in when on vacation. It offers the opportunity to enjoy time out on the water on a boat, as well as time gliding across the water behind the boat. When water-skiing you will need someone to drive the boat and someone to watch the person or people water-skiing. Water-skiing is a fun activity that will give you a rush of adrenaline when gliding behind a speeding boat.
Parasailing
Parasailing is one water sport where you spend more time in the air than in the water. With parasailing, you are attached to something akin to a parachute and a boat tows you behind it. You ascend into the air and get to observe everyone, and everything in it. If love the water and like the idea of doing something different try parasailing. Like all sports, make sure you understand the safety precautions before trying this sport.
Make sure that you try as many sports as possible while on your vacation and remember to have fun.
The above are just a few suggested water sports to enjoy when on vacation. There are other sports where you can spend more time in the water, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and diving. Additional options include fishing or boating. When it comes to water sports, the options are endless.

If you love water sports and want to make the most of your vacation then you need to check out LOS in Hawaii for some great water sports options.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9019525

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Why You Should Consider Hammocks

Mesh netting in hammocks is a mistake. Mesh netting causes all kinds of torture. It can cause rope burns on your skin and a general uncomfortable feeling when trying to get comfortable. Hammocks should be made of sturdy material that is gentle and pleasant usually solid or tightly intertwined string. These kinds of hammocks are the conventional hammocks used in Central and South America. The people of Central and South America sleep in their hammocks every night just because they want to and not because it is cheaper.They consider the tightly intertwined hammocks most comfortable.
Most people don't know that sleeping in a hammock is actually good for you, This is because it relieves pressure point and puts you at that special sleeping spot. This special spot is what doctors recommend as the best sleep position and it goes something like this: lying on your back, with head elevated ten to thirty percent angle gives the brain the best position for circulation and relieves congestion for better breathing. Most native cultures sleep like this rather than sleep on something flat. Now research is proving the benefits of sleeping in hammocks. It is even been said to cure insomnia.
All around hammocks can be another great alternative to camping in tents. Hammocks are easy and fast to set up even more so than tents.. You sleep more comfortable in hammocks due to the great sleeping position you get. Choosing to sleep on the ground can be a rocky or wet experience. You avoid all of that in a hammock. The ground can be hard and unforgiving,
a hammock is gentle in comparison as it fits the curve of your spine..
Being in a hammock places you conveniently outside where you are experiencing the stars, nature, and fresh air. Some tents you can't stand up in and the air is stale and stuffy after a night's sleep. Even if your tent is waterproof you can run into a few puddles. Nowadays hammocks have all the equipment tents have. A hammock's mosquito net in the summer will keep out the bugs. A hammock gear loft will hold your belongings. A hammock rain fly is used to reflect heat back from your body to keep you warm and protect you from the rain or snow. Best of all when you set up your tarp around the hammock you not only have separation you also have privacy, a safe place where you can change clothes while standing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9017965

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Top 5 Family Parks in Orange County

Perfect for today's active families, Orange County Parks offer seemingly endless possibilities for fun, adventure and relaxation. These fully equipped, beautifully maintained parks let your and your family enjoy swimming, fishing, surfing, ball play, a BBQ and many other fun activities. There's no better way to enjoy the OC in a structured setting.
Great Park in Irvine
Nestled in the heart of Irvine, this large park hosts art exhibits, a variety of youth and adult sports activities, exciting rides and featured events. The iconic attraction continues to be the Great Park Balloon, which lifts 25 to 30 passengers 400 feet, affording riders a stunning 360° view of Irvine. Kids of all ages love the Great Park Carousel, which provides a two-minute ride for up to 36 passengers. Natural foodies will love Farmers Market, which provides an almost endless selection of fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, breads, flowers and plants, as well as many other items from local artisans. Designed to educate young visitors about conservation ecology and Earth's water cycle, Kids Rock includes such interesting attractions as misting shade structures, rock climbing, "underground tunnels," a seating area carved out of recycled runway concrete, and illustrated lakes and streams on recycled rubber flooring. Drawing young and old, Signature "Great Park" Events include concerts and dances, workshops, outdoor movies and many other exciting events. Visit their website for a current schedule of upcoming events.
Salt Creek Park
Situated about 10 miles south of Laguna Beach in Dana Point, this popular surfing location features a small, offshore reef that creates some of the best surfing swells along the entire coastline. The park includes a half-court basketball court, beach volleyball, and a seven-acre grassy Bluff Park. Salt Creek Park offers ample opportunities for surfing (body surfing too), swimming, fishing, sunbathing and exploring the wonder of nature's tidepools.
Mile Square Park
This 607-acre Fountain Valley Park features three regulation golf courses, three soccer fields, three baseball and three softball diamonds, an archery range (check the schedule) and a nature area. It also includes two fishing lakes, concession operated bike and paddleboat operations, a wide expanse of picnic areas and numerous picnic shelters. Perfect for weekend family outings. Additional facilities include a community center building, ball diamonds, basketball courts, outdoor play areas and a tennis court complex. Night lighting on many of the outdoor facilities means you can play after sunset. The 18-hole golf course comes complete with a driving range, club house and restaurant.
Modjeska Park
This scenic 23.5-acre park in Anaheim features a lighted softball field, barbecue facilities, open play area, children's play area, football/soccer area, basketball court, fire ring, and a fully equipped group picnic shelter. There are lots of wide-open spaces to play ball, the spots are inexpensive to rent and parking is easy. The park is clean, well manicured and a great place to bring your dog for a walk.
Eisenhower Park
With over 16 acres of beautiful green space accented by shaded trees and streams, this secluded park in Orange is a rare jewel. It features barbeques, a two structured tot-lot suitable for children ages 5-12, green space (reserved in advance) for birthday parties, family reunions, and company and family picnics. There are also first-come first-serve picnic tables, and a lake for fishing. A number of passive and open areas have been set aside for exercising and walking. The lake has a varied assortment of geese and ducks. And there are newly improved playgrounds that include slides and climbing gyms-one for small children, the other for larger kids. Some families take their remote powered boats on the mini lake inside the park. The mature trees, ample grassy knolls, easy paths and bridges, and a quaint pond fed by a little brook and waterfall make a visit to this park the perfect Sunday outing.
New "Smart Card" Parking Passes
OC Parks recently introduced new parking passes that allow visitors to use a single card to park at all County regional and wilderness parks and/or beaches. The new "smart cards" replace the entry cards and stickers that were fixed to a calendar year (January through December). The cards are valid for 12 months from issue date and can be renewed annually.
When planning your trip to these parks, consider staying in a vacation home. They offer all the amenities of a home, including a fully equipped kitchen that lets you cook special meals for your entire family, team or group.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9019591

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The Underrated Sport

Perfect for today's active families, Orange County Parks offer seemingly endless possibilities for fun, adventure and relaxation. These fully equipped, beautifully maintained parks let your and your family enjoy swimming, fishing, surfing, ball play, a BBQ and many other fun activities. There's no better way to enjoy the OC in a structured setting.
Great Park in Irvine
Nestled in the heart of Irvine, this large park hosts art exhibits, a variety of youth and adult sports activities, exciting rides and featured events. The iconic attraction continues to be the Great Park Balloon, which lifts 25 to 30 passengers 400 feet, affording riders a stunning 360° view of Irvine. Kids of all ages love the Great Park Carousel, which provides a two-minute ride for up to 36 passengers. Natural foodies will love Farmers Market, which provides an almost endless selection of fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, breads, flowers and plants, as well as many other items from local artisans. Designed to educate young visitors about conservation ecology and Earth's water cycle, Kids Rock includes such interesting attractions as misting shade structures, rock climbing, "underground tunnels," a seating area carved out of recycled runway concrete, and illustrated lakes and streams on recycled rubber flooring. Drawing young and old, Signature "Great Park" Events include concerts and dances, workshops, outdoor movies and many other exciting events. Visit their website for a current schedule of upcoming events.
Salt Creek Park
Situated about 10 miles south of Laguna Beach in Dana Point, this popular surfing location features a small, offshore reef that creates some of the best surfing swells along the entire coastline. The park includes a half-court basketball court, beach volleyball, and a seven-acre grassy Bluff Park. Salt Creek Park offers ample opportunities for surfing (body surfing too), swimming, fishing, sunbathing and exploring the wonder of nature's tidepools.
Mile Square Park
This 607-acre Fountain Valley Park features three regulation golf courses, three soccer fields, three baseball and three softball diamonds, an archery range (check the schedule) and a nature area. It also includes two fishing lakes, concession operated bike and paddleboat operations, a wide expanse of picnic areas and numerous picnic shelters. Perfect for weekend family outings. Additional facilities include a community center building, ball diamonds, basketball courts, outdoor play areas and a tennis court complex. Night lighting on many of the outdoor facilities means you can play after sunset. The 18-hole golf course comes complete with a driving range, club house and restaurant.
Modjeska Park
This scenic 23.5-acre park in Anaheim features a lighted softball field, barbecue facilities, open play area, children's play area, football/soccer area, basketball court, fire ring, and a fully equipped group picnic shelter. There are lots of wide-open spaces to play ball, the spots are inexpensive to rent and parking is easy. The park is clean, well manicured and a great place to bring your dog for a walk.
Eisenhower Park
With over 16 acres of beautiful green space accented by shaded trees and streams, this secluded park in Orange is a rare jewel. It features barbeques, a two structured tot-lot suitable for children ages 5-12, green space (reserved in advance) for birthday parties, family reunions, and company and family picnics. There are also first-come first-serve picnic tables, and a lake for fishing. A number of passive and open areas have been set aside for exercising and walking. The lake has a varied assortment of geese and ducks. And there are newly improved playgrounds that include slides and climbing gyms-one for small children, the other for larger kids. Some families take their remote powered boats on the mini lake inside the park. The mature trees, ample grassy knolls, easy paths and bridges, and a quaint pond fed by a little brook and waterfall make a visit to this park the perfect Sunday outing.
New "Smart Card" Parking Passes
OC Parks recently introduced new parking passes that allow visitors to use a single card to park at all County regional and wilderness parks and/or beaches. The new "smart cards" replace the entry cards and stickers that were fixed to a calendar year (January through December). The cards are valid for 12 months from issue date and can be renewed annually.
When planning your trip to these parks, consider staying in a vacation home. They offer all the amenities of a home, including a fully equipped kitchen that lets you cook special meals for your entire family, team or group.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9019591

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The Underrated Sport

The world contains a wide variety of sports that require physical and mental strength. We constantly hear the talks of Football being the toughest sport to play due to the constant injuries received from players being tackled to the ground. Some might even argue that Rugby is more challenging and physically demanding since they do the same that football does except without padding. With these sports enticing the audience with their constant violent behaviors they start to watch their games on TV. While they are very physically demanding sports, they do not compare to what it's like to battling other athletes in Water Polo.
The sport of swimming is a great way to test an athlete's endurance and stamina through simple laps in the pool. Now add two goals and a ball, the size of a volleyball, to the pool to have the most challenging sport to date. This underrated sport has many challenges that athletes practice days on end for in order to excel. The goal for the athletes is a simple one, but due to the nature of the sport, the water is what makes it extremely difficult to achieve that goal. Oh and by the way, the opponents have the ability to push you under the water until they steal the ball. Describing the game already frightens people of how violent the players can get towards one another.
While many of the fans in the stands pay attention to what happen outside of the water, they are completely oblivious to what is occurring underneath it. Since the referee does not have a clear view of what goes on in the water. The players are constantly moving their legs to get a set position to score, but some athletes tend to take the ability of movement away. They would use their legs to hold the opponent down by the speedos which would impede his progress. The dirty players would kick or knee the opponent in the back or push-off with their feet which helped them gain position.
The sport shows many violent sides to the game, but also shows the art in muscle strength and endurance. In the game, athletes must master the ability to elevate out of the pool in order to get a better position to pass or shoot the ball. In order to do this, they first must master the skill to "egg-beater" with their legs. This technique allows the player to elevate half of his body out of the water until he gets tired and retreats back down. There have been great instances where players have used this technique and propelled half their body along with on leg out of the water to score. These amazing feats can only be shown in a Water Polo match, but yet it does not air regularly like football.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9019702

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Why Watch The Big Game In A Sports Bar?

The big game is on. But where will you watch it? While viewing it from your own couch is one option, there are many reasons why you might consider venturing out to a sports bar instead.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
When you want to immerse yourself in the revelry of the event, a sports bar is second only to attending the game live. The excitement you'll experience by hanging out and socializing with friends at a pub can be contagious.
Big Screens
Seeing an event in person can be fun, but you don't always have the greatest view of the action. Even sitting at home might not afford you the same experience you would have if you watched the game on a big screen at a sports bar. Hanging out at a tavern, everyone has an excellent seat with a perfect view of the action.
Food and Drink
It's hard to beat the food and drink available at a tavern. You have your choice of virtually any alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage. If you bring your appetite, you can nosh on a variety of delicious appetizers, or you can even eat a full meal. Many establishments serve patrons special fare during games, especially when the games are high profile.
Great Service
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks! It's always a treat to have someone wait on you and bring you food and drink. When you stop by your neighborhood pub, you can enjoy having a server bring your drinks and snacks throughout the afternoon or evening. Of course, you'll have to leave a tip, but this is a small price to pay for this convenience.
People Watching
People watching in sports bars can be just as interesting and entertaining as people watching at a stadium. You never know what types of fans will be present and which teams they will support. Friendly rivalry between fans of opposing teams can spice up your evening with cheers, jeers, and good-natured heckling.
Leave the Mess
Hosting watch parties in your home can be fun, but the mess at the end of the evening is anything but entertaining. When you opt to watch from a bar, you can leave the mess behind and return home to a spotless house. You won't have any dishes to wash, and rowdy friends won't break anything of value.
Step out on the town to a sports bar for the next game on your schedule. The atmosphere may not be exactly the same as being at the venue in person, but it's a close second.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9030655

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Micron Gold - The True Mother Lode

Illusive Gold - The True Mother Load
Throughout the centuries man's quest for Gold and precious metals has been focused on the noticeable or visible material that can be extracted from the earth with minimal effort using gravity and water to harvest these metals from their surrounding gravels and soils.
I am going to speak primarily about Gold in this article. Most prospectors and miners realize that Gold has a specific gravity of 19.5 and that means it is much heavier than surrounding earth particles of its equivalent size. For example, a particle of gold that is 1/8" should easily out weigh a particle of granite, quartz, etc, by at least 4 to 5 times if that surrounding particle is the same size. This type of situation makes it very simple to pan the gold very quickly because of its weight by volume. The problem is this: Particles of gold 1/8" or larger, actually make up a small percentage of the known placer gold around the earth. The fact is: Over 80% - 90% of the liberated, particle, (placer), gold on the earth is smaller than the human eye can see. We are talking about massive amounts of micron sized gold that actually blows in the wind, runs down the muddy rivers in floods, and accumulates in small temporary layers during flood water rescission.
The vast majority of this micron gold cannot be panned or extracted in river or stream water because of the viscosity index of the water itself. The micron gold particles will go into suspension and drift right out of the pan during agitation. Therefore, the visible gold particles that you may capture when you are sampling an area, only represent a small fraction of the gold that you actually put right back into the river or stream. This is especially true in areas where the viscosity of the water is increased by seasonal changes in the water itself. Things like bacteria, algae, and other organic products that make the water less suitable for affective panning.
It is very important to take your known gold bearing concentrates to a controlled water environment for your careful extraction of the gold particles. Many of you already recognize the importance of careful screening, (classifying), the material to increase your odds of successful gold extraction, but there are several more very important things to know if you want to increase your odds even more. In the next paragraph I am going to list several very important steps that will increase your gold yield by possibly as much as 3 to 4 times if you are careful with your material and follow these steps.
- The water environment is important for all fine gold extraction methods including: Hand Panning, Spiral Wheel, Shaker Table, Blue Bowl, etc, etc...
- Clean, Warm water at a temperature above 90 degrees helps to decrease buoyancy and helps prevent the micro particles of Gold from floating away.
- Additives such as thinners and surfactants help control the water viscosity.
There are many other tricks that we will discuss at a later time. For now we will discuss the best way we have discovered for capturing the Micron Gold particles at a much higher percentage than other known methods. This captured material must be taken to a controlled process, not the river or stream. Material separation at the river or stream will absolutely result in measurable loss of Gold.
My wife, Sharon, and myself, have been prospecting for Gold since the early 1980's and we have certainly captured lots of Gold. The thing we were missing was the majority of the illusive micron Gold. In fact, we were losing the majority of the gold that we were sluicing for. We did not realize this until we began studying our tailings very carefully with microscope magnification.
One early spring day in April 2010, Sharon Eckley had an incredible idea about the natural water flow activities in our nearby mountain canyons. She began drawing sketches of the way rivers are cut into the landscape of the earth. She mentioned to me that the larger quantities gold we had captured in the past, had been extracted from the upper layers of the river bends after floods and storm deposits. She had the idea of creating a sluice system that could replicate this natural proven method of trapping and staging the tiny Gold particles in specific layers. I immediately realized she was absolutely right to think this way. It occurred to me that women are often times quite ingenious in their thoughts about relativity or process, specifically where scientific discoveries are concerned. I believe women are more in tune with Gold Prospecting than most men realize.
I quickly recognized a possibility of replicating natural river flow fluid dynamics and so we built a sluice box that induced a reverse spiraling vortex within the mainstream flow path. This first prototype performed so well that we immediately realized vast amounts of micron could be captured in layers. The larger particles of placer gold were trapped on the bottom just like all of the other sluices we had previously used, but now there was another action taking place.
The hidden Micron Gold was now in our grasp and we were taking it home! This often times yields upwards of 4 to 5 times as much gold by capture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9033541

Watch The Video »

The Tale Behind Customized Cotton Bags

As more people turn environmentally conscious, several green trends are catching up in today's society. Most of them include tiny and seemingly insignificant habits like saving water, reducing the use of plastic, and using degradable materials. And perhaps, as a result of this green movement, cotton bags have started to become increasingly popular. People have started to move from leather bags and plastic cases to cotton and jute bags.
Also, since this trend has begun to pick up in metropolitan cities as well as little towns, a number of startups and entrepreneurs have entered the field with a serried of creative ideas for cute, classy cotton bags. However, no matter what great designs may line the shelves, nothing beats the warmth of a customized, personalized cotton bag. And these bags can be personalized in more than one way. Let us see how.
• Colors - This is perhaps the most important aspect of customizing a product, because that is what gives it its characteristic. Over the course of time, the color becomes a part of the product's core identity. People will start to refer to it as 'that red bag,' or that 'purple purse.' Therefore, one of the most vital aspects of the personalization procedure deals with the color of the cotton bag.
• Texture - Although most of us believe that cotton is only of a certain kind, there are several types of the material. Some of them are rough, some are smooth, and some have large gaps in the yarn, while others are more closely knit. Each category has a different feel, and a different property. The cotton bag can be customized by picking the kind of texture that the customer wants.
• Design - There are several different kinds of bags. Some of these include the totes, the sling bags, the backpacks, and the good old shoulder bags. The good news is that cotton can be used to craft any of these kinds of bags. As a result, the bag can be customized and designed according to the customer's preference.
• Marking and more - The true test of personalization is the mark of love. And this depends on the client. It varies from one person to another. Some people may want their names on the bag, to add a more personal touch, while others may prefer a favorite quote or words from a song they love. Whatever the case, it can easily be incorporated on to the customized cotton bag.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9038615

Watch The Video »

Micron Gold - The True Mother Lode

1 1

Illusive Gold - The True Mother Load
Throughout the centuries man's quest for Gold and precious metals has been focused on the noticeable or visible material that can be extracted from the earth with minimal effort using gravity and water to harvest these metals from their surrounding gravels and soils.
I am going to speak primarily about Gold in this article. Most prospectors and miners realize that Gold has a specific gravity of 19.5 and that means it is much heavier than surrounding earth particles of its equivalent size. For example, a particle of gold that is 1/8" should easily out weigh a particle of granite, quartz, etc, by at least 4 to 5 times if that surrounding particle is the same size. This type of situation makes it very simple to pan the gold very quickly because of its weight by volume. The problem is this: Particles of gold 1/8" or larger, actually make up a small percentage of the known placer gold around the earth. The fact is: Over 80% - 90% of the liberated, particle, (placer), gold on the earth is smaller than the human eye can see. We are talking about massive amounts of micron sized gold that actually blows in the wind, runs down the muddy rivers in floods, and accumulates in small temporary layers during flood water rescission.
The vast majority of this micron gold cannot be panned or extracted in river or stream water because of the viscosity index of the water itself. The micron gold particles will go into suspension and drift right out of the pan during agitation. Therefore, the visible gold particles that you may capture when you are sampling an area, only represent a small fraction of the gold that you actually put right back into the river or stream. This is especially true in areas where the viscosity of the water is increased by seasonal changes in the water itself. Things like bacteria, algae, and other organic products that make the water less suitable for affective panning.
It is very important to take your known gold bearing concentrates to a controlled water environment for your careful extraction of the gold particles. Many of you already recognize the importance of careful screening, (classifying), the material to increase your odds of successful gold extraction, but there are several more very important things to know if you want to increase your odds even more. In the next paragraph I am going to list several very important steps that will increase your gold yield by possibly as much as 3 to 4 times if you are careful with your material and follow these steps.
- The water environment is important for all fine gold extraction methods including: Hand Panning, Spiral Wheel, Shaker Table, Blue Bowl, etc, etc...
- Clean, Warm water at a temperature above 90 degrees helps to decrease buoyancy and helps prevent the micro particles of Gold from floating away.
- Additives such as thinners and surfactants help control the water viscosity.
There are many other tricks that we will discuss at a later time. For now we will discuss the best way we have discovered for capturing the Micron Gold particles at a much higher percentage than other known methods. This captured material must be taken to a controlled process, not the river or stream. Material separation at the river or stream will absolutely result in measurable loss of Gold.
My wife, Sharon, and myself, have been prospecting for Gold since the early 1980's and we have certainly captured lots of Gold. The thing we were missing was the majority of the illusive micron Gold. In fact, we were losing the majority of the gold that we were sluicing for. We did not realize this until we began studying our tailings very carefully with microscope magnification.
One early spring day in April 2010, Sharon Eckley had an incredible idea about the natural water flow activities in our nearby mountain canyons. She began drawing sketches of the way rivers are cut into the landscape of the earth. She mentioned to me that the larger quantities gold we had captured in the past, had been extracted from the upper layers of the river bends after floods and storm deposits. She had the idea of creating a sluice system that could replicate this natural proven method of trapping and staging the tiny Gold particles in specific layers. I immediately realized she was absolutely right to think this way. It occurred to me that women are often times quite ingenious in their thoughts about relativity or process, specifically where scientific discoveries are concerned. I believe women are more in tune with Gold Prospecting than most men realize.
I quickly recognized a possibility of replicating natural river flow fluid dynamics and so we built a sluice box that induced a reverse spiraling vortex within the mainstream flow path. This first prototype performed so well that we immediately realized vast amounts of micron could be captured in layers. The larger particles of placer gold were trapped on the bottom just like all of the other sluices we had previously used, but now there was another action taking place.
The hidden Micron Gold was now in our grasp and we were taking it home! This often times yields upwards of 4 to 5 times as much gold by capture.

Watch The Video »

The Tale Behind Customized Cotton Bags

As more people turn environmentally conscious, several green trends are catching up in today's society. Most of them include tiny and seemingly insignificant habits like saving water, reducing the use of plastic, and using degradable materials. And perhaps, as a result of this green movement, cotton bags have started to become increasingly popular. People have started to move from leather bags and plastic cases to cotton and jute bags.
Also, since this trend has begun to pick up in metropolitan cities as well as little towns, a number of startups and entrepreneurs have entered the field with a serried of creative ideas for cute, classy cotton bags. However, no matter what great designs may line the shelves, nothing beats the warmth of a customized, personalized cotton bag. And these bags can be personalized in more than one way. Let us see how.
• Colors - This is perhaps the most important aspect of customizing a product, because that is what gives it its characteristic. Over the course of time, the color becomes a part of the product's core identity. People will start to refer to it as 'that red bag,' or that 'purple purse.' Therefore, one of the most vital aspects of the personalization procedure deals with the color of the cotton bag.
• Texture - Although most of us believe that cotton is only of a certain kind, there are several types of the material. Some of them are rough, some are smooth, and some have large gaps in the yarn, while others are more closely knit. Each category has a different feel, and a different property. The cotton bag can be customized by picking the kind of texture that the customer wants.
• Design - There are several different kinds of bags. Some of these include the totes, the sling bags, the backpacks, and the good old shoulder bags. The good news is that cotton can be used to craft any of these kinds of bags. As a result, the bag can be customized and designed according to the customer's preference.
• Marking and more - The true test of personalization is the mark of love. And this depends on the client. It varies from one person to another. Some people may want their names on the bag, to add a more personal touch, while others may prefer a favorite quote or words from a song they love. Whatever the case, it can easily be incorporated on to the customized cotton bag.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9038615

Watch The Video »

How To Help Your Child Perform His Or Her Best At Sports: One Simple Tip

Today, parents spend a lot of time, money and energy on their childrens' athletic development. They also derive a great deal of pleasure from watching their children learn the mechanics of a sport and then apply those skills during a game regardless of the age of the child.
Honing those athletic skills and forming relationships with other kids and with coaches can be a marvelous experience for a youngster as they building self-esteem, develop social skills, learn to win and to lose with grace. Yet, every day, as a therapist, I receive calls from parents who want their children to perform better at sports.
Today, excelling at sports can lead to athletic scholarships worth thousands of dollars. Some elite young athletes will get free rides to the college of their choice and so in addition to playing on many sports teams and travel teams, buying the very best equipment and working out on their own, many young athletes will also have personal coaches and personal trainers. Some have their own nutritionists, flexibility coaches and strength coaches. Many attend camps, clinics and tournaments on a regular basis. And some work with mental toughness coaches and with sport psychologists.
Often, the friendly nature of early childhood sports can turn quickly into a time of great stress and anxiety for young athletes who feel the pressure to excel on the field or suffer the mental anguish of disappointed parents, teammates and coaches. Some of this pressure comes from themselves. Some of it comes from teammates. Some of it comes from coaches. Some of it comes from the competition. But and a great deal of the stress and pressure may emanate from parents who want their kids to perform their best not only because it makes them feel a sense of pride and accomplishment but because they are hoping for that 'free ride.'
Understandably, many youngsters enjoy doing well as they want to earn the praise and attention of their parents, their peers and their coaches. Over the years, however, I have counseled many kids who are overwhelmed by this kind of sports expectation and the related pressure. Some can develop significant symptoms of anxiety and depression when they perform poorly or simply aren't 'the best' at their sport of choice or despite trying their hardest, aren't living up to mom or dad's goals for them.
Frequently, they feel terrible about letting others down. They strive for perfection and when they fall short, they beat themselves up with a significant amount of self-criticism and doubt that can bleed over into other areas of their lives including school work and relationships.
Some will simply give up, feeling as though they will never measure up so why try? They may also give up on all physical activity if they can not learn to manage these kinds of stressors in a healthy and positive manner.
However, there is a simple tip that I have communicated to many moms and dads who have brought their stressed-out youngsters to me for counseling regarding sports. And while it may sound simple, very often it is over looked or simply assumed and not verbalized.
No matter what sport your child participates in, and regardless of whether you have a very young child just starting out or you are nearly done raising that senior heading off to college in the fall, he or she must know, on a very deep level, that they are loved by you whether they perform well or perform poorly.
This exercise may be uncomfortable for some parents who have spent the better part of the last few years or seasons coaching from the sidelines, reviewing tapes and talking all the way to the next personal training appointment, but try it. Take your child aside in a quiet moment, look them in the eyes and reassure him or her that your love for them is deep and unconditional. Emphasize that no matter what happens during any athletic event, regular season play or championship final game -- they are loved deeply by you for who they are.
So, if your youngster plays baseball, tell him that he is adored whether he bats a thousand or a hundred. Likewise, if your child plays golf, remind him or her that the score is merely a number and that his or her value as a person is based on many things which are totally apart from the game of golf. Tell the young tennis player that on your scorecard, he is a champ for being out there and trying and that you love him whether he wins or loses.
Communicating to your kids in this manner is invaluable no matter what sport your child participates in. I have had many parents reaffirm their unconditional love for their child in my office, prior to a game or after a game. This kind of simple but effective communication often takes pressure off the child immediately and is frequently helpful for the parents as well.
Once a youngster hears this heart-felt sentiment from his mom and or his dad, he or she is often freed up to play and to enjoy their activity. And in many instances, this simple reassurance can help your child to perform to his or her potential.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9045946

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Gold Prospecting Is the Ultimate Game of Hide and Seek

Gold Prospecting
The Ultimate Game of Hide and Seek
Many books and articles have been written about gold prospecting and gold recovery. They offer a general idea of the most likely places to find and collect gold flakes and small nuggets. Most rivers and streams that are mentioned, are the ones that flow through known gold bearing regions. The gold flakes are liberated from there host rock by many types of natural occurrences such as: Erosion, Freezing and Thawing, Glacial slides, etc. These gold flakes and small nuggets are discovered in the creeks and rivers by test panning and visibly looking at the material for noticeable gold particles. This is called: Looking for color. When gold particles are seen in the test panning, then it is obvious that the area is a good place to collect many more gold flakes and possibly small nuggets if the prospector digs enough sand and dirt.
The biggest problem with all of this known information and the articles and books and discussions, etc, Is this: No one ever mentions the vast majority of the well hidden gold that is usually much more abundant and yields much more reward for the effort. There are literally thousands of prospectors out there searching for gold and finding limited amounts simply because they have no idea how much gold they missed or actually put back in its environment because they did not see the color. Looking for color is very important but it cannot be the final determining factor of whether or not gold is actually present in the region. Not seeing any color, Usually causes prospectors to assume the area is not worthwhile and so they go somewhere else and look for color.
I am going to mention several facts in this paragraph that will clarify many misunderstandings about liberated, placer gold. This information will be very helpful to all of you that are serious about prospecting and collecting more gold. Fact number one: Gold that actually looks like gold, has been moving around in the river sands within the last decade or so. Gold particles that are staged in the river bank gravels are layered there based on the flood stage, high water flow that brought them there. The reason the gold particles have a bright golden color is because of the abrasion during storm movement. This is the case in all waterways that contain placer gold. Fact number two: Ancient river bed material has the potential of hiding much larger quantities of placer gold. These deposits are known as benches. These deposits are located at various levels above the present water flow level. Often times these layers can be identified by studying the eroded river banks and taking note of the sedimentary layers particularly the rusty looking layers that obviously contained large quantities of iron. As the river was cutting its pathway down through the earth, various old layers from centuries back can be observed. Fact number three: Digging and sampling the ancient gravels and sands will very seldom show bright, shiny gold particles. The gold from these layers will be hidden within rust and mineralization. Imagine a gold coin buried for centuries in a soil that contains iron and lime and many other minerals. If you were to dig it up and take a close look, would you expect it to look like gold? It would actually be coated with rust or mineralization based on the surrounding soil structure and the minerals within this matrix. Liberated gold particles and nuggets from centuries ago were traveling in a slurry of mud and various minerals until they became settled and trapped in specific layers based on particle weight and size. These gold particles blend in with their surrounding earth mineral colors, especially rust color.
Samples of material should be extracted from river banks by digging into and slightly below the rusty colored layers. These samples should be panned very carefully and the heaviest material should be closely inspected with a strong magnifying glass or scope. If gold is spotted hiding within this material then certain quantities should be excavated and placed into buckets and taken to a place where it can be carefully panned or sluiced for maximum recovery of this hidden gold. When you begin finding areas that have certain quantities of this hidden gold, you should excavate sections of this material in a horizontal pattern in line with the estimated sedimentary layer. This material can be placed in plastic buckets and taken home for processing.
The well hidden gold that you extract from these ancient benches is basically locked up in mineralization and the rusty, chunky pieces need to be thoroughly cleaned up and broken apart by a gentle chemical process. There are several safe chemicals that can be used for this. One of my favorites is: C.L.R., (stands for: Calcium, Lime, Rust), It is available at most hardware stores and large retail stores in the shower cleaning and detergents area. Another simple mixture of Sodium and White Vinegar, (Rock Salt and White Vinegar), Works very well. You simply stir in approx two cups full of this type of mild acid along with water to slurry all of the dry dirt that you have in the bucket. Now you put the bucket away for two or three days and let it soak and gently dissolve the minerals that are hiding the gold particles. After a few days you will need to add plenty of fresh water and stir vigorously to scrub the material and liberate the gold so that it can be extracted by panning or whatever method you prefer. Now the Hidden Gold will be visible and you have just won this game of Hide and Seek.

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Tock, tock, tock; everyone who has been to or is living in Burma knows this hollow clicking sound characteristic for a small ball when kicked in what is arguably Burma's most popular ball game and played here since 1.500 years: Chinlone. It is played with a ball that has a diameter of roughly 6 inches/14 centimetres and 12 pentagonal holes.
Wein-kat is the team version of chinlone and the solo version played by women only is called tapandaing. Chinlone, which means cane ball in Burmese, is played with just that: a woven cane/rattan ball, and has its roots in tzu chu also called cuju an ancient Chinese game.
A team of six players passes the light wicker ball back and forth between them with their feet, knees, shoulders and heads as they move around a circle. One player goes into the centre to take the solo part, creating a dance of various moves strung seamless together. The soloist is supported by the other players who try to pass the ball back to him with one kick. There also has to be a high level of harmony amongst the player in order to avoid that they obstruct each other. When the ball drops to the ground it is dead and the game has to start again.
It is a football game played throughout the world varying only slightly. In Singapore and Indonesia similar games are called sipa, in Thailand takraw, in Malaysia sepak raga, in Vietnam da cau, in Laos kator and in Japan kemari; South American stylistic relatives are batey and pok-ta-pok, just to give you a few examples.
It is played by young and old, predominantly men but also women at virtually any time and everywhere in the country. It is a sport of harmony and unity and integral part of all pagoda festivals. Every year in Tabodwe (February) when the Mahamuni Pagoda Festival in Mandalay is celebrated hundreds of chinlone teams from all over the country meet here at their largest festival to perform chinlone at its finest.
Basically any surface that is dry and flat is suitable for chinlone but the most ideal one is a circle with 22 feet/6.7 metres diameter made of dry and highly compressed earth. This gives a hard yet elastic and soft chinlone court.
At the pagoda festival in Mandalay traditional Burmese Orchestras' live music is 'setting the tone' for both the players style and rhythm while moderators entertain the onlookers with funny comments and call out the names of the chinlone players' moves. These moves and ways of kicking the rattan ball - some 200 of these moves have developed over time - are a mixture of movements of Burmese dance and martial art; quite a large number of them being downright artistic. The most difficult of them are executed behind the player's back where he cannot see the ball he has to kick. To master these kicks requires numerous hours of hard training.
Precise performance of chinlone kicks and correct body postures are all-important. To every move is a clearly defined correct way to position the upper body, head, hands, arms and legs and correct play allows six points of contact of the body with the ball, namely the 'chay pya' (tip of the toes), the 'chay myet' and 'chay pha myet' (outer and inner sides of the feet), the 'chay pha naunt' (heels), the 'chay phawa' (soles) and the 'du' (knees). However, to stop the high-flying ball and place it on the foot also the 'pakon' (shoulders), the 'mai ci' (chin) and the 'yin bat' (chest) are used.
Chinlone being a basically non-competitive ball game is played within one team, is highly demanding and requires fullest concentration on part of each of the players. They must with and without playing the ball stay extremely focused throughout the game; a state of mind called jhana. Here it is not about winning over or losing to a competing team but about grace and aesthetics. The objective of the game is to keep the cane ball in the air by passing it with one elegant kick from one player to the other within a team of six players that is positioned in a ring. Thus, a chinlone game is judged by the style and grace in which a team is performing.
There is also a competitive relative of chinlone that is played by two opposing teams over a net. This game is called sepak takraw and it originated in Malaysia where it was developed in the 1940s. But in Burma this game of direct competition in which one team wins and the other loses is not as popular as chinlone.
Chinlone or similar games are played in many countries but I think it is no exaggeration to say that there is hardly any country in which a level of extraordinary playing skills like that in Burma is reached.

I am German by birth but am living since 25 years in Burma/Myanmar and know the country, its people, its culture and its history very well. This has made me an authority on Burma. After retiring in 2012 I turned writer. Please do also see my Professional Photos.

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Buying Youth League Sporting Goods for Your Area

When children get involved in sports, they rarely just participate in one activity. Instead, they typically work to develop their athletic abilities through a variety of sports. Whether it's swimming, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, tennis, cross-country, or football, you'll need the right gear! This makes finding a good distributor of youth league sporting goods important for the active parent. If you want your child to have the best chance of success, you need to give him or her all of the essential gear to get the job done.
Sporting goods go beyond simply buying the right balls or gloves for the individual sports - you'll also need to find the right clothing. A basketball player needs more than just a good basketball to practice. He needs shorts, shoes, and a comfortable shirt to practice in as well. If you want your child to have the best chance, you need to find a place that can supply for all of these needs.
Baseball is another great example. Not only does your kid need a glove, a bat, and balls, but he will also need to have all of the support gear. For starters, an athletic cup is needed, and depending on his position, perhaps a mask or padding. Batting gloves might be necessary as well. When your child plays multiple sports, you will want a place where you can find youth league sporting goods for every one of his activities.
These are just some examples of the different sports that your kid might participate in. Regardless of what athletic activities he or she enjoys, it is your job to find all of the right gear. Beyond simply getting the appropriate pieces of equipment, you need to make sure that the equipment adheres to league guidelines. If your son is going to need a certain sized aluminum bat in the field, you don't want him practicing with a wooden one at home. This will throw off his progress and prevent him from playing his best.
When you are looking to find your youth league sporting goods, make sure to keep all of this in mind. Look at the specific rules for the league your son or daughter is playing in and make sure to shop accordingly. Once you find what you need, remember that you will likely have to go back for more in the future. If your child continues to succeed, you will always want to have the right gear available.

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A coach is the single most important person in a team. they are responsible for their team's successes and failures. I believe a coach is good when they master the techniques and strategies of their sport. But they become great when they have a coaching philosophy. This is a coherent ideology about what the coach recognizes as important. It contains what they strive for, why they strive for it and how they believe to achieve it. It also may contain what they want to avoid. This philosophy is usually turned into a statement with all important elements. For example:
"My coaching philosophy is: I am a firm believer "If you have knowledge pass it on to those who do not". I also believe that playing sports as a child, not only builds character and confidence but also gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also prepares them for life. Working as a team or as a team player. Not as an individual. I also feel it can bring a child out of his/her shell or shyness." - George Hornung, Soccer Coach.
George Hornung emphasizes the personal development and sense of achievement of his players. By having a coherent ideology this coach can effectively do his job. It gives him a blueprint from which to educate his decisions and coaching style. His response to a child who makes too many mistakes will differ from a coaching with a philosophy which emphasizes results. In this way a coach can build on this ideology to make decisions that conform to what he thinks is important. Likewise the players will have a better understanding of what they are training for and what is expected of them. Formulating a coaching philosophy will thus not only strengthen your play but it will also create a stronger bond and a sense of what is important. It will teach you as a coach what you find important in sports and life and help you convey these ideals to your players. In turn they will grow from it.
Having knowledge in the field of philosophy can be helpful toward your developing your own coaching philosophy but it is not necessary. It is more important to know yourself and have knowledge what you find important in life and sports and what you want to get out of it. Philosophy is just one way of learning more about these aspects of yourself

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Time Is Not the Friend of High School Student Athletes Who Want to Play Sports in College

With the recruiting clock starting as early as middle school, why do parents think they have plenty of time if their eleventh grade son or daughter has zero activity going on? What do they have to gain by waiting for the high school coach who waits until the student's senior season is over before getting started? Why do parents think they can wait until next season to start taking video? If the student athlete is not noticed after attending 2 or 3 summer showcases, why do parents think that attending 5 or 6 more showcases will magically get them noticed?
Any family who takes this path will have limited opportunities, limited offers, pay too much for college and, in the worst case scenario, not play ball in college and be forced to pay full boat list price for college. Time could be the difference between paying $50,000 per year for a $50,000 per year education; $20,000 per year for a $50,000 per year education or being forced to walk away from a $50,000 per education due to cost.
In each NCAA sport there are a limited number of roster spots available and a finite amount of financial aid available to student athletes. When they are gone; they are gone. College coaches can't create more roster spots than the NCAA allows. College financial aid officers can't mystically create more money out of thin air.
Roster spots and financial aid are available and awarded to athletes and their families who take the initiative, understand what college coaches want and act early. Is it better to be one of the first 2 or 3 athletes in line trying to get one of 10 possible roster spots or wait and be one of 50 or 100 athletes trying to get the last available roster spot. Also, the last spot is usually associated with no money because there is never enough money to go around.
Any family that chooses to wait, should also factor in the possibility of the student athlete living at home and commuting to college. They should also factor in the possibility of a community college option. There will be a need to borrow several thousand dollars of additional student loans to cover the cost of education and additional monies required to cover the cost of a car and insurance for the commute.
As one can see the cost of waiting snowballs quickly and is not cost-effective.

Since 1986, College Prospects of America (http://www.cpoa.com) has helped tens of thousands of high school athletes collectively receive millions of dollars in financial aid. We can successfully assist qualified student athletes achieve their goal of playing sports in college and receive a favorable financial aid package. But, we cannot change the clock, when the rosters are full and the till is empty, the party is over. For more information visit us at http://www.collegeprospectsofct.com or contact us directly at steve@collegeprospectsofct.com or 860-664-0424.
Remember, you only have one chance to be recruited, don't waste it.

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