Friday, October 3, 2008

Right Surfboard For Beginning Surfers?

For beginners who want to surf all summer long, it would make sense to pick a surfboard that will last more than one season, one which you will not outgrow in a short time... but choose a cheap one to start with so you won't feel bad about the dings and dents it will get. A used one makes great sense. However.. do not buy a used one that has delamination or cuts where the foam is showing.. which of course is just common sense. You can get a custom made board.. one made to your specifications as opposed to a factory carbon output one, but that will cost more money. You can always go better after you learn the basics and are really ready to put on a show. You will by then be past the heavy dinging stage. Don't worry about how many fins the board you choose has. This is not a factor in learning to surf as the purpose of the fins is to help in turning. You won't be worrying about fancy turns while learning.
Whatever you do, do not fall into the "LOOK COOL" factor and decide to get a shortboard. They are not meant for beginners... as they are short and narrow and have thin sharp rails, or edges, that are designed for fancy turns and maneuvers by advanced surfers. Start with the longer, wider, more buoyant board and you will soon be looking for that cool shortboard and will be able to use it by then ... properly.

The World's Most Extreme Waves

The wave is named after rocks on the western edge of Towan Head and works when a low spring tide combines with a south-east wind within the Cribbar, a shallow reef off Fistral Beach. With 30-foot waves that are definitely not for the inexperienced, it is more similar to surf off Hawaii than North Cornwall. Surfers are towed by Jet Ski into the monster wave.

Only a few surfers actually dare ride the wave when it appears. According to local legend, three Australians first rode the highly dangerous wave in 1966. Looking more like a suicidal situation, only four surfers were brave enough to surf the Cribbar this year. Among them were three people from the UK and one South African.

The wave is a dream for surfers. Modern technology such as weather track systems and meteorological data allow surfers to make sure they do not miss the opportunity. "It's a big thing in a surfer's life. They make sure that they are fit and healthy for this moment so they can't miss it when it comes," says Tom Oliver, a spectator from the car park at Fistral Beach.

Innovation in Candles is the Scented Gel Candles

Scented Gel Candles also have essence oils added to the gel to enable them to provide a wide variety of scents. The scent you select can be one you simply like or one or more that can be used in the practice of Aroma Therapy. Aroma Therapy, as most of you know, is using various scents to change our mood or state of mind. Whether you use the Scented Gel Candles for an aroma therapy tool or just because you love the look and smell of them you will receive the benefit of a calming effect from their use.

When I was first introduced to the Scented Gel Candles I was a bit skeptical as to whether or not the scent would be strong enough and if the candles would burn for a time worth the price paid. Happily I have found that gel candles have a very nice burn rate to make them last as long and often longer than traditional paraffin or beeswax candles. I also found that the companies producing these candles take pride in using very good essence oils in a quantity that keeps the scent of the candle going until all the gel is used up. Having found this I now often recommend Scented Gel Candles more often than the more traditionally available ones.

Predictably Irrational

This was a fascinating introduction for me to Behavioral Economics. The author conducts several easy to understand experiments to explore some of the less explainable sides of Economic Theory. The author refers to his explanation of difficult to explain data as "irrational". His word usage has irritated subscribers of conventional Economic theory. The traditional explanation of Economic behavior suggests that all decisions are calculated rationally. The unpredictability of rational preferences has more to do with unstated beliefs than from being "irrational".

The argument that Ariely wants to make is that not all economic behavior is rational. Sometimes, he argues, that we humans are irrational. His conclusions are that our irrational behavior is systematic and predictable. Since, our irrational behavior is predictable, then we can take steps individually and as a society to curb our irrational decisions so that we get our rational desired outcome. This conclusion is optimistic and seems to be hiding an agenda one step removed from the Nanny State.

For Example: In one study of cheating he showed how contextualizing a morality made all the difference in whether participants cheated or remained honest. They showed this by having participants recall as many of the Ten Commandments prior to the test. (Later, they used an agreement that participants sign stating that they agreed to following the MIT Honor Code). When the ethical context was part of the participant's experience with the test, they, would not cheat. However, when they removed the test from any such reminders and made it easy to cheat, then, participants only cheated a little. Finally, when they removed the reward of cheating from an obvious reward (like a token that could be exchanged for the monetary reward) cheating became rampant.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Facial Implant Surgery Successful

Chin, cheek, and jaw angle implants are very commoni cosmetic plastic surgery procedures to effect a change in one's facial profile and appearance. Implants work well in the face because they are well tolerated. Let us not confuse that with them becoming part of the body. That they never do. Implants do not integrate and become a natural part of your body. The end stage healing response to all synthetic materials is that they are walled off and surrounded by scar, otherwise known as fibrous encapsulation. This serves to separate the body from the foreign material, saying you are not a part of me but I can live with you. (as long as we live in separate areas!) All synthetic materials implanted in the face will develop this surrounding scar tissue, regardless of the material's chemical composition or physical shape.
Another important principle of facial implant use is that antibiotics should be given during the surgery.The reason for antibiotic use is to prevent or eliminate any bacterial sticking to the implant during its insertion. And those few that might will then be killed. Most plastic surgeons will also wash or soak the implant in antibiotics prior to its insertion. They may be some patients, or surgeons for that matter, who may be concerned about the overusage of antibiotics. But the risk of developing an infection, and losing the whole reason the surgery is being performed, isn't worth it.

Nose Job Without a Knife

Cosmetic surgery can be a solution to this but you should think carefully before undergoing any surgical procedure to ensure this lasting solution is what you want. Recently one cosmetic surgeon in the news has developed a non surgical nose job which can last up to 2 years and help you make the decision to go for a more permanent solution. The procedure can be a great alternative to Rhinoplasty and as a short term solution using safe and effective products certainly worth considering.

During the non-surgical procedure a gel is injected into particular areas of the nose to enhance its appearance. The contours are altered, bumps or indentations disguised, the nose straightened and the overall appearance much improved.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Thinking About Sailboat To Look Forward

Another benefit of sailing is exercise - as much or as little as you like! Folks don't want to be exhausted on their sailing charter holidays, but a gentle glow is fine. With the help of technology it is possible to overcome many barriers previously associated with sailing. These days you can go about using the roller furler, drop the main at the end of the day and have it caught in the lazy jack. Or if your stopping for lunch then drop the anchor, safe in the knowledge that the winch will do the tough bit of pulling it up. One note of caution though - make sure the batteries are charged regularly! Sleeping soundly at night after a good meal, that's what it's all about. Not abilities or worrying about the physical aspect of the holiday