<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802</id><updated>2011-11-28T08:41:24.020+08:00</updated><category term='Communications Equipment'/><category term='Beginning Crochet'/><category term='Era Recreation'/><category term='Golf'/><category term='Backpacking'/><category term='Swimming'/><category term='Quality of Life'/><category term='Home Theater'/><category term='Go Karts'/><category term='Climbing Gifts'/><title type='text'>Era Recreation</title><subtitle type='html'>Era Recreation, your recreation Information and tips online gateway.</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>10</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-3420229652650249136</id><published>2008-07-15T12:26:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2008-07-15T12:27:56.461+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Swimming'/><title type='text'>Tips For More Swimming Pool Fun</title><content type='html'>5 Tips For More Swimming Pool Fun &lt;br /&gt;by: Bill McCourt &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Swimming is a wonderful exercise that can benefit anyone. If you're not fortunate enough to have your own pool, you can use your local public swimming pool, or even swim in the sea if you're reasonably close to the coast. Whatever way you do it, try to get wet often; it's good for you and lots of fun too! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Keep moderation in mind when you go in the pool. Begin with short period of 10 to 20 minutes. You can increase this when you gain in stamina. And don't try all the hardest strokes at first. Build up to it gently. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2. Use a quality filter for your pool. Trying to save here will only result in constant maintenance costs. It will also mean swimming in a pool that is always dirty. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3. Repair any tear in your swimming pool liner as soon as possible. If the tear is three inches or less it should repair easily. If it is larger you may have to replace the entire liner. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4. Don't allow children (or adults) to run near the pool. Running and diving into a pool is asking for trouble. Accidents can easily happen on slippery surfaces, so play safe always. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;5. If you find that all your pool toy, chemicals and cleaners are becoming unmanageable, find someplace to store them. A shed or pool house near the pool is ideal. However, be careful not to store chemicals that may react with each other close together. Also make sure the room is well ventilated. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hand mitts, paddles, swim fins, and kickboards are all ways to make your swimming more fun and challenging to provide better exercise. These days you can even swim to music by using a specially designed radio that fits into a waterproof bag. So don't just lounge around the pool all day. Use it as it is intended to be used - swim and enjoy life! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About the author:&lt;br /&gt;Bill McCourt is a fitness expert with a lifelong love of swimming. He lives in southern California with his young family where he works and maintains his website on pool supplies: &lt;a href="http://www.qualitypoolproducts.com/"&gt;http://www.qualitypoolproducts.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-3420229652650249136?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Tips For More Swimming Pool Fun'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/3420229652650249136/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=3420229652650249136' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/3420229652650249136'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/3420229652650249136'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/07/tips-for-more-swimming-pool-fun.html' title='Tips For More Swimming Pool Fun'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-468521798225779323</id><published>2008-06-14T09:09:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2008-06-14T09:10:15.146+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Beginning Crochet'/><title type='text'>Beginning crochet</title><content type='html'>Beginning crochet &lt;br /&gt;by: Kris Perry &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Many people enjoy crochet for its relaxing qualities and satisfying results. It appeals to a wide number of people, as most of the materials still remain inexpensive and easy to obtain. Young children are often taught crochet to increase their fine motor skills, to help in their learning to count and follow instructions and to bolster their self-confidence. Amongst older people crochet is popular as a social activity and to help keep arthritic symptoms in check. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Many people find that crochet can reduce stress levels. It’s an easily portable craft and can provide inexpensive and original gifts. Crochet can help with dexterity; help with eye-hand coordination; help develop concentration and can be incorporated as part of other crafts.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Crochet means hook in French and this is the name given to the craft amongst French, Italians and Spanish speakers. It’s known as haken in Holland, haekling in Denmark, hekling in Norway and virkning in Sweden. Although other forms of handwork can be dated far back in time, owing to archaeological finds no one is quite sure when and where crochet began. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Crochet is a series of interlocking loops of thread onto a chain using a thin rod with a hook at the end. A chain of loops is created, with each new loop catching the thread and pulling it through the previous loop. After the chain is completed, the thread is then turned to start a second chain. There are a large variety of patterns and stitches. Some of the more common stitches are chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, popcorn crochet, and cluster crochet.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the past it was very common to work directly from a picture of finished work or from a sample. This is why in early patterns many of the directions seem to be missing. Women in the nineteenth century were familiar with crochet and therefore instructions that we need today were unnecessary at that time. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The story of crochet continues. By referring to old books, magazines and brochures, people find techniques that have been forgotten. Often crocheters think they have invented new crochet stitches, when they are actually reinventing stitches that have been around for over a hundred and fifty years.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Copyright &lt;a href="http://www.officialguidetocrochet.com "&gt;http://www.officialguidetocrochet.com &lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Providing Tips and Help with Crochet for the beginner and more experienced.&lt;br /&gt;Left Handed Crochet &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This article is free for republishing&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-468521798225779323?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Beginning crochet'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/468521798225779323/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=468521798225779323' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/468521798225779323'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/468521798225779323'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/06/beginning-crochet.html' title='Beginning crochet'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-2356860766376844772</id><published>2008-05-09T17:42:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2008-05-09T17:44:16.214+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Communications Equipment'/><title type='text'>Communications Equipment in the Wilderness</title><content type='html'>Communications Equipment in the Wilderness&lt;br /&gt;For Hunting, fishing, hiking, boating or cycling&lt;br /&gt;By David Leonhardt&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Communication in the wilderness is a matter of survival, as well &lt;br /&gt;as convenience. Before even leaving home, communications must &lt;br /&gt;begin. In fact, our first two communications tip do not even &lt;br /&gt;require equipment or gadgets. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Make sure that somebody knows when you leave, when you expect to &lt;br /&gt;return (or get to your destination)," advises Chad Brown, owner &lt;br /&gt;of Farm And Field Outdoors Equipment Auctions ( &lt;br /&gt;http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com ). "Provide as much &lt;br /&gt;information about your route as possible.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Things can happen. Rocks can fall on your head while hiking. &lt;br /&gt;Boats can tip over. Firearms can malfunction. Somebody needs to &lt;br /&gt;know that you are late in arriving...and where to send search &lt;br /&gt;parties to find you. In fact, this is the same advice I used to &lt;br /&gt;give drivers in winter weather when I was spokesperson for CAA &lt;br /&gt;Ontario.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The second tip is to never head into the wilderness alone. Just &lt;br /&gt;as one should never go swimming without a swimming buddy, nor &lt;br /&gt;should one go long-distance cycling or hiking, nor hunting, &lt;br /&gt;camping or fishing in a remote area without a buddy. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My wife's uncle took the business end of large falling branch on &lt;br /&gt;his skull while out in the forest, knocking him unconscious and &lt;br /&gt;cracking his skull down the middle. Eventually his skull will &lt;br /&gt;heal, but only because he had companions to get him into town. &lt;br /&gt;Otherwise, he might still not be found.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Here is another report, this one from the New York State &lt;br /&gt;Department of Environmental Conservation about a fall from a tree &lt;br /&gt;stand: "The subject had no communications equipment with him. No &lt;br /&gt;phone or radio. If the subject had left word of where he would be &lt;br /&gt;and approximate hour of return, a response may have been quicker. &lt;br /&gt;Cause of Death: The subject suffered a broken shoulder, multiple &lt;br /&gt;broken ribs on one side, a punctured lung, and a punctured &lt;br /&gt;spleen." &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is hunting equipment?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Assuming you are still conscious, it helps to have some &lt;br /&gt;communications equipment while out hunting, fishing or camping. &lt;br /&gt;Of course, there is the ever popular cell phone, which brings &lt;br /&gt;instant communications to almost everywhere in the world. Except &lt;br /&gt;maybe your wilderness trek.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But there are many places where cell phone range covers your &lt;br /&gt;fishing lake or hunting woods. The best part about a cell phone &lt;br /&gt;is that, even in the wilderness, you can have utterly normal &lt;br /&gt;conversations with pretty well anybody.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"OK, darling. On my way back into town I'll pick up some milk &lt;br /&gt;and peanut butter and...wait! Was that a whitetail? Gotta go." &lt;br /&gt;Click. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Not only that, with a cell phone you can even catch up on your &lt;br /&gt;email while crouching in your tent or scaling a cliff, with an &lt;br /&gt;email to phone service, such as http://www.email2phone.net .&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A two-way radio is a much surer piece of equipment, because it &lt;br /&gt;does not depend on the cellular network to connect. The downside &lt;br /&gt;is that you get to speak to a much narrower range of people: &lt;br /&gt;other two-way radio owners.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Hi there, Big Bear, do you read me? Can you get a-hold of my &lt;br /&gt;wife to see if I have to pick up milk and peanut butter on my way &lt;br /&gt;back into town? Do you copy?"&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Before you leave on any outdoors trip, it is wise to check the &lt;br /&gt;weather forecast. But the weather forecast can change quickly, &lt;br /&gt;so a cell phone or radio serves another purpose.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Whaddaya mean thunderstorms and hail?!? I just got here, &lt;br /&gt;darling, I don't want to come home just yet. Oh...alright..."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Of course, you could just have someone email the weather forecast &lt;br /&gt;to you on your cell phone.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Chad Brown also advises keeping a very loud whistle hanging from &lt;br /&gt;your neck. If you are trapped under a tree, pinned down by a &lt;br /&gt;boulder, or wrestling a grizzly bear, you might not have reach or &lt;br /&gt;the attention span to dial a number. If anybody is within &lt;br /&gt;earshot, they will come running...if not to help you, at least to &lt;br /&gt;capture it for "America's Funniest Home Videos".&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Our final tip might seem obvious, but make sure you know where to &lt;br /&gt;call. Have the emergency number taped to the back of the cell &lt;br /&gt;phone (ignore your wife's idea of tattooing it to your forehead; &lt;br /&gt;where would you find a mirror in the middle of a ravine?) and &lt;br /&gt;make sure you know what frequency to call for help on the two-way &lt;br /&gt;radio.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There you have it. You are prepared to go out into the wild and &lt;br /&gt;communicate. And if the animals don't understand what you are &lt;br /&gt;trying to communicate to them, you might not be any worse off &lt;br /&gt;than in the city.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;ABOUT THE AUTHOR&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;David Leonhardt is a professional website marketing consultant: http://www.seo-writer.net Get your hunting equipment at: http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/hunting-supplies.html&lt;br /&gt;Get your fishing gear at: http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/fly-fishing-gear.html&lt;br /&gt;Get two-way radios: http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/listings/categories/index.cfm?category=7&lt;br /&gt;71984645 &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This article is free for republishing  &lt;br /&gt;David Leonhardt is a professional website marketing consultant: &lt;a href="http://www.seo-writer.net "&gt;http://www.seo-writer.net &lt;/a&gt;Get your hunting equipment at: &lt;a href="http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/hunting-supplies.html"&gt;http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/hunting-supplies.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Get your fishing gear at: &lt;a href="http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/fly-fishing-gear.html"&gt;http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/fly-fishing-gear.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Get two-way radios: &lt;a href="http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/listings/categories/index.cfm?category=7"&gt;http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com/listings/categories/index.cfm?category=7&lt;br /&gt;71984645&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Contact him at &lt;a href="http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com"&gt;http://www.farmandfieldauctions.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-2356860766376844772?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Communications Equipment in the Wilderness'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/2356860766376844772/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=2356860766376844772' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/2356860766376844772'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/2356860766376844772'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/05/communications-equipment-in-wilderness.html' title='Communications Equipment in the Wilderness'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-5768687904232784228</id><published>2008-03-15T22:22:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2008-03-15T22:22:51.555+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Home Theater'/><title type='text'>Home Theater</title><content type='html'>What is Home Theater? &lt;br /&gt;by: Mitchell Medford &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Home theater is the term used to describe the recent evolution of audio and video systems that offer exceptional quality and superior performance - in essence, it is like having a movie theater in your own living room. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The recreation obtained by the combination of audio and visual components creates the experience of a professional movie theater. The set-up may be as simple as a DVD player fed through a stereo system and a larger television set, or as elaborate as an entire room professionally wired with multiple speakers and a projection screen. A home theater system may even include theater-style chairs and an elevated floor for optimal viewing. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The knowledge of how a professional movie theater is designed is helpful to learn more about the working of a Home theater system. Amplifier units are located to the left, right and center of an expansive movie screen, there are also several satellite speakers embedded through the auditorium, including the back. Movie sound editors separate the audio track into as many as six different channels -- the audience may hear dialogue in the front left, center and right channels for instance. Other sounds may start from a rear channel and move towards the front. This creates a very realistic audio environment. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Professional movie theaters also project a high-definition film onto an oversized screen which is wider than it is tall. This allows for a more natural visual experience than a typical square television screen provides. The increased definition of a 35mm or 70mm film also gives the movie added realism. All of these aspects of movie-going are recreated in a good home theater system. The DVD player in a home theater system can separate the audio track into two, three or even five channels. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Everyone has different needs and desires about what their media center should be, and may be constrained by different environmental or budgetary limitations. Careful navigation through a detailed methodology ensures that the right choices about design, equipment selection, features, and style are made up front. A few of the questions listed below would be advisable to ponder before setting up a home theater. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;• Where is theater going to be located? &lt;br /&gt;• How large is the area? &lt;br /&gt;• How many people would normally be using the room at a time? &lt;br /&gt;• How much ambient noise is there? &lt;br /&gt;• How much ambient light is there? &lt;br /&gt;• What will the room be used for primarily? &lt;br /&gt;• What will the secondary uses be? &lt;br /&gt;• What kind of budget do you have? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Since new movies are always being released, the thrill of your theater is renewed each time you sit down in the comfort of your own home with your loved ones. Why not make the most of it? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About the author:&lt;br /&gt;Mitchell Medford is an author and product consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers. Visit his website for more information on home theater, LCD TVs, and plasma televisions: &lt;a href="http://www.newtechnologytv.com"&gt;http://www.newtechnologytv.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-5768687904232784228?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Home Theater'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/5768687904232784228/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=5768687904232784228' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/5768687904232784228'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/5768687904232784228'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/03/home-theater.html' title='Home Theater'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-7036466532254630537</id><published>2008-03-06T23:28:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2008-03-06T23:29:49.485+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Climbing Gifts'/><title type='text'>Mountain, Ice and Rock Climbing Gift Ideas</title><content type='html'>Mountain, Ice and Rock Climbing Gift Ideas &lt;br /&gt;by: Richard Chapo &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Some people just have the urge to climb up and up. If you’re giving gifts to a climber, here are a few mountain, ice and rock climbing gift ideas. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Climbing Gifts&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You can usually identify a climber at an early age. You come home from work and the energetic two year old is hanging from the top shelf of the bookcase. By the age of five, they’ve progressed to hanging off the edge of the roof and you’re on a first name basis with your doctor. Don’t even ask about the teenage years!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Since you can’t beat a climber, you might as well give in to their passion. Here are few climbing gift ideas. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Avalanche Beacon – A new climbing toy is an invitation to climb. Since yours will come in the form of a Christmas gift, the climber can be expected to immediately climb mountains, rock walls or iced over waterfalls. Don’t try to stop them. Just give them an avalanche beacon, an electronic device that sends out a signal if they happen to bring the mountain down on top of them. Backcountry is a good brand. You can expect to pay $100 to $300 to keep them alive. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2. Grip Strengthener – When it comes to hanging off the side of a cliff, the ability to grip the wall is literally the key to life. A grip strengthener is a device climbers can carry around with them to build up their grip by repetitively squeezing the resistance device. Grip Master is a good brand. You can expect to pay $15 to $20.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3. AvaLung – Back to our avalanche theme. Having an avalanche beacon is all well and good, but it doesn’t really help if you can’t breath while waiting for rescuers. The AvaLung is a very cool device that draws air directly from snow packs and lets climbers breath in the life giving air even if they’re under ten or twenty feet of snow. Black Diamond is the best brand and you can expect to pay $100 or so. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4. “Fifty Favorite Climbs” by Mark Kroese. – This is an excellent book for climbers. The book lays out 50 climbs in North America and can be used as a “to do” list by even the best climbers. The book comes with narratives, photographs and detailed route descriptions. An excellent gift that will set you back $30 or so at any major bookstore. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;5. Nomad Climbing Journals - A little self-promotion. Nomad Climbing Journals are great gifts for climbers. These writing journals allow climbers to keep track of their climbs, impressions, people the climbed with, routes, contact information and any additional information they feel necessary. Over time, the climbing journals become a history of climbs and a great keepsake. A great Christmas gift, you can see the journal by clicking the link in the byline of this article and expect to pay $25 for the journal with case.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As you know, there is simply no way to keep a climber from climbing. You might as well give in and give them a Christmas climbing gift. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of writing journals. Climbing Journals make great Christmas gifts for him or her.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This article is free for republishing  &lt;br /&gt;Rick Chapo is with Nomad Travel Journals - makers of writing journals and &lt;a href="http://www.BusinessTaxRecovery.com"&gt;BusinessTaxRecovery.com&lt;/a&gt; - recoverying overpaid business taxes for small businesses.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-7036466532254630537?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Mountain, Ice and Rock Climbing Gift Ideas'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/7036466532254630537/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=7036466532254630537' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/7036466532254630537'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/7036466532254630537'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/03/mountain-ice-and-rock-climbing-gift.html' title='Mountain, Ice and Rock Climbing Gift Ideas'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-6101755714408871616</id><published>2008-03-02T00:57:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2008-03-02T00:59:29.696+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Go Karts'/><title type='text'>Go Karts - Becoming a Racing Enthusiast</title><content type='html'>Go Karts - Becoming a Racing Enthusiast &lt;br /&gt;by: Michael Walker &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Free to Reprint&lt;br /&gt;Digital Reprint Rights:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;- You have permission to reprint this article in your website as &lt;br /&gt;long as the author's resource box remains intact, with the &lt;br /&gt;active links included.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;- You do not have permission to reprint this article in any way &lt;br /&gt;that suggests spamming behavior.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;- You may only reprint this article in opt-in publications.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;- You cannot change the article or author's resource box in any &lt;br /&gt;way, the article must be published as it is.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*************************Article Start*************************&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Go Karts - Becoming a Racing Enthusiast&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Imagine - ripping your torso as you hit a curve launching your &lt;br /&gt;sprint kart down the circuit. Pressing on the accelerator as you &lt;br /&gt;exercise dead-on hand-and-eye coordination determining the &lt;br /&gt;smartest way to turn the drift in the 21st minute of an hour- long enduro race. Or perhaps be a spectator - routing for the &lt;br /&gt;likes of Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher as they race &lt;br /&gt;neck-and-neck on the last lap. Guess what - you are breathing and &lt;br /&gt;witnessing (even smelling the distinctive aroma of clay dirt on &lt;br /&gt;the dirt track) the atmosphere that comes with go-kart racing.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Developed in the 1950´s by pilots with a zest for tinkering with &lt;br /&gt;motorcycle engines to propel simple frames, go-karting extended &lt;br /&gt;internationally after the construction of the first go-kart by &lt;br /&gt;Art Ingels in Pasadena. Before dwelling on it's mass European &lt;br /&gt;appeal and discussing the pinnacle of Formula 1 racing, let's &lt;br /&gt;backtrack for a second. Riding go-karts (or karting) is the best &lt;br /&gt;way to break into professional racing. It is the simplest means &lt;br /&gt;of exploding your chassis down the track before getting into the &lt;br /&gt;sophisticated arena of professional racing. Single cylinder &lt;br /&gt;engines, basic chassis models, and lack of speed producing &lt;br /&gt;components provide go-kart racing with the air of simplicity, &lt;br /&gt;geared towards beginners and novices.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The concept of sprint karting comes to our mind when we think of &lt;br /&gt;the prototypical kart &amp; track in amusement parks, recreational &lt;br /&gt;areas, and arcade palaces. Impeccable karts with sleek designs &lt;br /&gt;and sturdy frames rip through on short tracks, usually made from &lt;br /&gt;asphalt or concrete - ranging from half a mile to a mile in &lt;br /&gt;length. Sprint karting is divided into classes (think boxing &lt;br /&gt;middleweights and welterweights) that distinguish engine-types &lt;br /&gt;(two-and four-cycle), driver (classified according to age and &lt;br /&gt;weight), brand of kart (Yamaha and Honda are popular choices), &lt;br /&gt;and specifications. No carbon-fiber made frames and McLarens &lt;br /&gt;built with lightweight materials here! Sprint karting is a &lt;br /&gt;simplified, scaled-down form of professional go-kart racing with &lt;br /&gt;shorter tracks, downgraded technology, less experienced drivers, &lt;br /&gt;and downgraded components across the board.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Other forms of karting include enduro racing. Endurance racing, &lt;br /&gt;or "enduro" for short is a prolonged version of sprint. &lt;br /&gt;Propelled by aerodynamical butterfly steering, enduro karts are &lt;br /&gt;an upgrade over sprint karts - participating in races lasting an &lt;br /&gt;hour or more. Dirt, oval tracks is the staple of endurance &lt;br /&gt;racing and is more prevalent in the Midwest than anywhere else. &lt;br /&gt;Because of the long racing period, special emphasis is paid to &lt;br /&gt;durable karts and pit stop maintenance than focusing on just &lt;br /&gt;speed. In runner's terms, enduro is a marathon - not a sprint. &lt;br /&gt;If you sacrifice chassis and tire maintenance for speed &lt;br /&gt;throughout the course of a race, reaching the finish line is out &lt;br /&gt;of the question.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Behind every successful sprint car are its well-performing &lt;br /&gt;components, specifically its frame, engine, and tires. The &lt;br /&gt;dynamics of a go-kart is two-fold: to be built to withstand the &lt;br /&gt;rigors of racing and to serve as the backbone for speed. Usually &lt;br /&gt;made of steel, frames have the option of being flexible or not. &lt;br /&gt;Flexible frames mean easier maneuvering along the track, &lt;br /&gt;especially when turning as to maintain good "side bite" and &lt;br /&gt;control of the kart. Because non-professional go-karts have no &lt;br /&gt;sophisticated traction and suspension system to withstand bumps, &lt;br /&gt;frames are usually subject to more punishment. Sprint kart tires &lt;br /&gt;usually do not have indented grooves, as they are soft in nature &lt;br /&gt;and more suited to all-terrain.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;900 BHP horsepower engines are the norm for souped-up Honda &lt;br /&gt;Formula One karts. Capable of reaching speeds of 200+ mph, they &lt;br /&gt;represent the all-out nature of karting technology. For the &lt;br /&gt;novices, a simple 2-cycle engine will do! Running on gasoline &lt;br /&gt;and electricity instead of petrol (typically mixed with other &lt;br /&gt;fuels to suit environmental conditions for Formula One,) sprint &lt;br /&gt;karts run on either 2-cycle or 4-cycle engines. 4-cycle engines &lt;br /&gt;are the weakest engine around, with horsepower topping 20 HP. &lt;br /&gt;Think of the power needed to run a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner - &lt;br /&gt;that's how much power a 4-cycle engine exerts. 2-cycle engines &lt;br /&gt;are typically associated with the likes of Vespas (European &lt;br /&gt;motor scooters) and mopeds. These go up to 90 HP. Added cylinders &lt;br /&gt;(individual horsepower generators in go-karts) can boost &lt;br /&gt;horsepower, adding pure speed &amp; power to your machine. Perhaps &lt;br /&gt;10-cylinder Formula One kart engines and its incredible &lt;br /&gt;capabilities ring bells to you now!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Want pinpoint control over the speed of your go-kart? No problem &lt;br /&gt;here! Go-karts have basic transmission systems with gears that &lt;br /&gt;control speed to its desired amount. Coming with clutches, &lt;br /&gt;shifter karts (a popular type of sprint kart that allows you to &lt;br /&gt;move at a certain amount of speeds) make the best use of engine &lt;br /&gt;power when zipping along a straight path or maneuvering over the &lt;br /&gt;short or wide curve. Depending on the amount of cylinders and &lt;br /&gt;engine, shifter enthusiasts can lay opponents in their dust &lt;br /&gt;blazing trails up to 90 mph. Shifters usually run on larger road &lt;br /&gt;courses known as road racing. It is flush in structure with &lt;br /&gt;qualification criteria like class of kart, weight of driver, etc. Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha are popular suppliers of engines. &lt;br /&gt;These companies are at the forefront of karting technology, &lt;br /&gt;regularly tinkering with what's already available or creating &lt;br /&gt;new concepts of their own.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sprint karting opportunities are available to everyone. If you &lt;br /&gt;want to enjoy it as a form of recreation instead of competition, &lt;br /&gt;visit your local track and rent a kart! Make sure to sign any &lt;br /&gt;insurance waivers and become acquainted with the rules and &lt;br /&gt;regulations! If you like to compete, inquire from within. Sprint &lt;br /&gt;karting is one of the least expensive sports out there. People &lt;br /&gt;from all walks of life and all economic backgrounds can drive a &lt;br /&gt;kart, or even purchase their own with a powerful engine. There &lt;br /&gt;are many karting schools available all over the nation that will &lt;br /&gt;let you ride their karts for a nominal fee. In essence, karting &lt;br /&gt;is more than a pastime. It is a bonafide sport capable of &lt;br /&gt;preparing you for more advanced karting by helping you shape &lt;br /&gt;your judgment, hand-eye coordination abilities, and &lt;br /&gt;technological/dynamical know-how of the instruments you're using.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Michael Walker is a freelance author providing information about &lt;br /&gt;a variety of go-kart topics including http://www.go-kart-kits. com , http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-kart-frames.html and &lt;br /&gt;http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-karts-engines.html His articles &lt;br /&gt;prove to be both a useful and entertaining resource of valuable &lt;br /&gt;information for the karting enthusiast. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Michael Walker is a freelance author providing information about &lt;br /&gt;a variety of go-kart topics including &lt;a href="http://www.go-kart-kits. com"&gt;http://www.go-kart-kits. com&lt;/a&gt; , &lt;a href="http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-kart-frames.html "&gt;http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-kart-frames.html &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-karts-engines.html"&gt;http://www.go-kart-kits.com/go-karts-engines.html&lt;/a&gt; His articles &lt;br /&gt;prove to be both a useful and entertaining resource of valuable &lt;br /&gt;information for the karting enthusiast.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Contact him at &lt;a href="http://www.go-kart-kits.com "&gt;http://www.go-kart-kits.com &lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-6101755714408871616?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Go Karts - Becoming a Racing Enthusiast'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/6101755714408871616/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=6101755714408871616' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/6101755714408871616'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/6101755714408871616'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/03/go-karts-becoming-racing-enthusiast.html' title='Go Karts - Becoming a Racing Enthusiast'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-2972990131199646453</id><published>2008-02-25T22:55:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2008-02-25T22:56:13.529+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Golf'/><title type='text'>Effortless Power Golf Swing</title><content type='html'>Effortless Power Golf Swing &lt;br /&gt;by: Mike Pedersen &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A power golf swing is the dream of every golfer. How many times have you hit one just perfect and tried desperately to remember what you did that caused this to happen? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A power golf swing is not about swinging hard. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So many times a golfer will try to “put a little more into it” to get a few extra yards. If you’ve tried this…what happened? Did you get those extra yards or did it go shorter and even offline?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;That’s the point I’m trying to make!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To hit a LONG drive or add yards to every club in your bag…you need to be able to generate more clubhead speed, but under control. That’s where most golfers lose it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If your body can’t physically make an optimum swing, from a mechanical standpoint, you have no business trying to swing any harder. The result will be a blown up score and drives that go significantly shorter…not longer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The beauty of getting your body in better ‘golf shape’ is that you can hit the ball with more force…but with much less effort. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Let me explain.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you’ve improved your core strength and flexibility for example, you will be able to make a FULL shoulder turn (backswing) with minimal tension. This backswing has now a ton of torque built up. With your newfound strength and flexibility…you will be able to ‘unleash’ that torque, powerfully into the golf ball.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Doesn’t that make sense?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now imagine if you improved your overall body specific to golf. Now you’ve got a power golf swing that is under control and killing it off the tee! Your playing partners won’t know what hit them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So the key to remember in an effortless power golf swing is improving your bodies ability to rotate and store energy…then ‘unleash it’ into the ball at impact.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you are lacking distance and feel like you’re trying to swing harder, this is the reason why. A fit golfer has a HUGE advantage over an out-of-shape one. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Follow this advice, and you’re on your way to an effortless power golf swing!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country. He's Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com; author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;The golf swing is a physically demanding movement. Until golfers realize this, their pursuit of the perfect swing will never be achieved. Mike Pedersen is President/CEO Perform Better Golf which offers golf training dvds, manual and equipment. Get Mike's free Fit To A Tee ebook by subscribing at &lt;a href="http://www.performbettergolf.com "&gt;http://www.performbettergolf.com &lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-2972990131199646453?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Effortless Power Golf Swing'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/2972990131199646453/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=2972990131199646453' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/2972990131199646453'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/2972990131199646453'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/02/effortless-power-golf-swing.html' title='Effortless Power Golf Swing'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-5931841441606799753</id><published>2008-02-18T20:25:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2008-02-18T20:27:36.518+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Backpacking'/><title type='text'>Backpacking Journals – Preserve Your Backpacking Experiences</title><content type='html'>Backpacking Journals – Preserve Your Backpacking Experiences &lt;br /&gt;by: Richard Chapo&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your backpacking experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a backpacking journal for your adventures.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Backpacking Journals&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent backpacking experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went backpacking. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular backpacking routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a backpacking journal, this won’t be the case.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your backpacking experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A good backpacking journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Who you went backpacking with,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2. Where you backpacked and if you enjoyed it,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3. Who you met and contact information for them,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4. The geographic and weather conditions,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;5. Routes you tried and how far you made it, and&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;6. Any unique things that occurred while backpacking.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Contact information for other backpackers and people you met,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you backpack the location a second time.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To get the most out of your backpacking journal, you should write in it during backpacking breaks or immediately after. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Backpacking is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Rick Chapo is with Nomad Writing Journals - makers of backpacking journals. Great gifts for him or gifts for her. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This article is free for republishing  &lt;br /&gt;Rick Chapo is with Nomad Travel Journals - makers of writing journals and &lt;a href="http://BusinessTaxRecovery.com"&gt;BusinessTaxRecovery.com&lt;/a&gt; - recoverying overpaid business taxes for small businesses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Era-Recreation&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-5931841441606799753?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com' title='Backpacking Journals – Preserve Your Backpacking Experiences'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/5931841441606799753/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=5931841441606799753' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/5931841441606799753'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/5931841441606799753'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/02/backpacking-journals-preserve-your.html' title='Backpacking Journals – Preserve Your Backpacking Experiences'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-6416457619467322758</id><published>2008-02-17T21:54:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2008-02-17T21:55:49.411+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Quality of Life'/><title type='text'>Quality of Life</title><content type='html'>Quality of Life &lt;br /&gt;by: Peter Jay &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A new hobby can improve your quality of life. Think of it. A hobby is a recreational or leisure activity outside of you career or work place. It is something YOU are interested in, some YOU want to pursue. Would it not improve your quality of life to do the things that you enjoy? You should not be selfish in pursuing what you want, what you want can actually benefit others around you as well. You can think of activities to which you can invite others to come along. You can find activities and hobbies that not only improve your own quality of life, but others as well.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;People need a purpose in life, a reason to do things. I am not saying that hobbies are the ultimate purpose for living, but I think that people should be happy and if they pursue hobbies that they enjoy, it can improve their lives and the lives of others. I think wholesome leisurely and recreational activities with family and friends are very important to having a good quality of life. It improves relationships, by providing good experiences together, it also just gives people the opportunity to get out and do something that they enjoy. It gives them the opportunity to feel like they have accomplished something and done something constructive.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I heard once that happiness is the culmination of small successes. Is the quality of life not improved by small success, whether it be success in your career, success raising your family, success improving your life in some, or success in mastering some hobby or other interest that you have? A hobby or new interest can be something that you can quickly and easily master, or at least just enjoy learning to do it. It can give you a feeling of accomplishment, which will inspire and encourage you or others.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One specific hobby that can increase your quality of life is music. Music is relaxing. Different music can stimulate different reactions of thought processes. They even have university undergraduate, masters, and doctorate degrees in music therapy. Learning to play a musical instrument or just listening and getting to know good music can be a way for you to improve your quality of life. It can be a hobby that is leisurely, relaxing, and can be a means for you or others to feel like they have accomplished something that makes a difference. If you can play a musical instrument, think of the good you can have in others’ lives. Musicians are often the life of the party. It seems everywhere I go, if someone can play the guitar, by the end of the night they will be entertaining everyone with their musical talent. The same goes for the piano or many other musical instruments. I myself played the trumpet for seven years, I also taught myself to play the guitar. I taught myself to play the piano a little bit, but I am not as good at it yet as I am at the guitar and the trumpet.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Many hobbies can improve your physical health and stamina as well. Would it not be great to have a hobby, something you enjoy, that also keeps you physically fit? Many people play sports or participate in athletic events as hobbies to keep in shape. One of my favorites is to play tennis. I actually have never taken a class or learned to play tennis, I just taught myself and as I began playing I gradually got better. Now it is something I can do as leisure activity outside of work that will keep me in shape as well. Another hobby I just started is running. I ran the marathon over the weekend, I still cannot walk well, my feet and legs hurt, but I am sure I will get better. The pain will go away, but now I will be a marathoner forever. Find your hobby at the online hobby store and more.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Peter Jay is the Owner/President and CEO of Variety Access – Your online hobby store and more. For more information about hobbies, hobby products, or Variety Access, go to &lt;a href="http://www.VarietyAccess.com."&gt;www.VarietyAccess.com.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-6416457619467322758?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/6416457619467322758/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=6416457619467322758' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/6416457619467322758'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/6416457619467322758'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/02/quality-of-life.html' title='Quality of Life'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317102293224648802.post-5280881881497892362</id><published>2008-02-17T21:51:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2008-02-17T21:53:02.886+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Era Recreation'/><title type='text'>Era Recreation</title><content type='html'>Welcome to Era Recreation information and tips online gateway.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6317102293224648802-5280881881497892362?l=era-recreation.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/feeds/5280881881497892362/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6317102293224648802&amp;postID=5280881881497892362' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/5280881881497892362'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6317102293224648802/posts/default/5280881881497892362'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://era-recreation.blogspot.com/2008/02/era-recreation.html' title='Era Recreation'/><author><name>Beebee</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17535155040201589021</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='22' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mIU5nus57QE/SXPSX55pvDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2SvL7idFB_4/S220/mawar.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
