The Japanese Chess Shogi

Shogi - Photo: Pxhere

In Japan, the most popular variant of chess is the Shogi. The game was transmitted from India to Korea and China before arriving in Japan. There are two distinguishing characteristics of Shogi, such as: the captured pieces can be utilized by the captor and played as the part of the captor’s forces and pawned can capture pieces normally, which is one square straight ahead.

History of the Game

It is believed that Shogi is derived from Chaturanga, which was played in Ancient India and eventually spread throughout Eurasia. It is still not clear when

Shogi was brought to Japan.

Several theories regarding the spread of Shogi showed that the game probably became popular during the 6th century. Back then, the pieces were not the current five-sided pieces but rather three-dimensional similar to the Chaturanga pieces.

One of the oldest documents specifying the existence of Shogi is the Kirinsho, which is a seven-volume work that contains descriptions of how to write characters for the pieces used in Shogi games. During the Heian period, the Shogi pieces used to consist of the king, silver general, gold general, lance, knight and pawn.

The Rules of Shogi

Technically, Shogi is won when the king is captured but there are also circumstances where the defeat is conceded when the mate becomes inevitable. As for the equipment of the game, the two players play on a board, which is composed of squares in a grid containing nine ranks by nine files. The squares are also not undifferentiated by color or marking.

The players have a set of twenty pieces, slightly different in sizes. The pieces include a rook, bishop, king, two pieces of gold generals, two silver generals, two lances, two knights and nine pieces of pawns.

The several names are chosen to correspond to their rough equivalents in international chess. Each of the pieces has its name written on its surface in the form of Japanese characters, called kanji. On the other side of the piece are one or two characters that when turned face up indicate promotion. The pieces controlled by the two players also do not differ in color; instead, they face forward, toward the opposing side.

For English-speaking players, the promoted bishops are referred to like horses, while promoted rooks as dragons. The characters on the other side of the pieces may also be in red ink, usually written in a cursive manner.

There are also rankings used in Shogi. These rankings are also used in karate, calligraphy and other arts in Japan.

For the placement of the pieces, the king is placed in the center file. The gold generals are adjacent to the king, while the silver ones are placed adjacent to the gold generals. The knights are located beside the two silver generals and the lances are situated in the corners. As for the second rank, the bishops are at the same file as the left knight, while the rook is in the same file as the knight located on the right.

Like other chess games, each player takes turns in moving pieces. The player who first captures the opponent’s king wins the game. However, this rarely happens in practice since most players will concede defeat when the loss is inevitable. More so, in amateur and professional games, any player who makes an illegal move loses automatically.

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What You Must Know about Electric RC Cars

Photo: Flickr

If you are an amateur in the RC racing world, you might complain that it is pretty hard to choose the most suitable electric powered RC car that can serve as a worthy rival to other cars of the same type. Truly, you need some vital information before you push your purchase button.

Electric RC cars run on electric batteries that are made into battery packs. They are sold in two options – the 'ready to run' (rtr) and the built it yourself. If you know nothing about RC cars, it is best for you to choose the former. With it, you just have to turn it on and off it will go.

RC cars, which are fueled by battery packs are easy to purchase and maintain compared to the popular nitro RC cars. They are specially designed for beginners. Nonetheless, there are experienced RC car fanatics that use said cars for comparison and variety purposes.

One advantage of an electric RC car other than its user-friendly character is that it is inexpensive. The difference in price between a gasoline powered and an electric powered RC car may amount to a hundred dollars. Hence, if you are after practicality, and easily-operated and maintained RC's, go for a fast electric RC car.

How to Choose an Electric RC Car?

In choosing electric RC cars, you have to consider a lot of things – budget, capability, maintenance and condition of the RC car. Electric RC cars come at different prices. Choose the one that will not be heavy on your finances. 

There are electric RC car kits for both on-road and off-road performance. They come in varying sizes, styles, and colors. Manufacturers offer different electric RC car features. Better choose a car that suits your budget, needs, capabilities and desires. 

Also, 'ready to run' kits are ideal for amateurs. They are built with everything in it. No need to worry about the assembly and other parts. Servo, receiver, radio, motor, and the electronic speed control – it's all there in the package – no worries.

However, if building RC cars are your thing, you can purchase the build it yourself kit. You can make sure that the parts are in your kit or you can buy them separately.

Where to purchase?

Beginners can bank on reputable RC car shops. Seek advice from expert RC racers. For sure, they know the right track. If you want to buy online, be sure that you are transacting with a trustworthy pro. Online prices are usually lower. In addition, in online purchasing, you can choose from a wide variety of cars and parts. 

In buying, you must compare price and quality. Aside from that, you can also take advantage of discounts to reduce your expenses.

Tuning and Racing

Tuning is essential to achieve more speed or power. Moreover, it should be coupled with a proper break in to yield the best performance. The proper way of a break-in produces less heat and reduces premature wear and tear. To break-in, just run the motor with the wheels off the ground. Then, draw the radio control by ¼ of the way. This should be done for about five minutes. If you change the brushes, you also need to do the break-in. It is also necessary to replace the motor after 5 or more substitutions of brushes.

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A Quick Guide To The Greek Islands

Andros - Photo: Pixabay

Scattered between the coast of mainland Greece and the tip of Northern Africa, the Greek Islands have been popular holiday destinations for a wide range of holidaymakers.

Where are they?

The Greek Islands are dotted throughout the Aegean Sea, mainly off the south-east of mainland Greece. They come in many shapes, sizes and geographical varieties and the people that visit them are as varied as the islands themselves. Whilst you can move between the islands, most people choose to stay on just one for the duration of their holiday. The islands are traditionally divided into seven groups: Cyclades, Aegean, Dodecanese, Sporades, Ionian, Argosaronic Gulf and Crete which, as a single island, is the largest in the group.

Where can I stay?

Try a Greek Island holiday with a difference by choosing a boutique hotel. You can’t beat the individuality of these small, intimate hotels where detail is a primary consideration and the needs of the guest always come first. Try Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites on Crete, Katikies on Santorini and Ostraco Suites on Mykonos. These are all unique places to stay, offering the ultimate in quiet understated luxury.

What can I see?

For most people, the attraction of the Greek Islands is the beaches. The quality and size of the beaches vary from island to island, as does the level of development in the main resorts. The sheer number of islands means that you can usually find exactly what you’re looking for; whether it’s 24-hour entertainment or a quiet relaxing break. For those that want to explore the islands’ culture, there are plenty of historical buildings, traditional villages and museums to visit.

How do I get around?

You can get to some of the islands such as Mykonos and Santorini by air, but most of the other islands are reached by ferry from Athens. The ferries are regular and there are ticket operators at the harbors, so you can also use them to visit other islands during your stay. To get around an island, you can hire a car or a bike, or use the local bus system. There are no train services once you’re off the mainland. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, hire a sailing boat and navigate your own way around the islands.

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Build ARM MUSCLE Today

Bodybuilder and model Sagi Kalev
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Build arm muscle is one of the most common goals of aspiring bodybuilders. There is no shortage of advice, either in books or on the internet, telling you how to do this. Here in this article, we will show you how to genuinely build arm muscle.

Tip 1

Train sensibly. Many people who are trying to build arm muscle make the mistake of over training. It is easily done, as the arms are used in so many different bodybuilding disciplines. One good way of ensuring you don't over stress your arms is to leave them until the very end of your workout routine.

Tip 2

If you want to build arm muscle effectively, you will want every single rep you perform to be as effective as possible. The goal is to get as many  muscle fibers involved as you can. If you can bring as many muscle fibers as you can into play, you will not only develop stronger muscles, they will be more even and have a better tone.

Tip 3

The correct extension of the weight is critical, but control is equally important, throughout the whole of the lift. The strongest determining factor here is the weight itself, so don't defeat yourself by using a weight which is too heavy. In order to make your exercises as effective as you can, make sure the lift is executed as quickly as possible, while you still have the weight under control. As you release the weight, try to do so as slowly as comfortably possible. If you can make this downward phase take at least two seconds, you will be burning a lot more fat.

Tip 4

One point which is often overlooked by beginning arm muscle builders is that there is more than one group of muscles, and you need to work them in a balanced way to achieve optimum results. So many bodybuilders who have not taken enough time to learn the craft properly concentrate solely on biceps, which will lead to an unnatural and uneven development, and may even lead to injury. Make sure you learn how to develop your triceps in harmony with your biceps, for optimum results. Don't risk the pain of a torn ligament!

If you have been struggling to gain results from your arm muscle exercises, take the advice of this article on board, and start seeing some real benefits. Check out the links below to discover some more valuable resources.

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A Peaceful Retreat on Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island - Photo: Pixabay

When life’s stresses and strains get too much for you, head over to Catalina Island and you’ll find a peaceful retreat that’s bound to have you relaxed in no time.  The island is only approximately 22 physical miles from the mainland, but in terms of lifestyle and sheer population, it’s a lifetime away.  With only 2 ports on the island, one into the main town of Avalon, and the other into the more secluded side of the island at Two Harbors, and only two ways onto the island, via the water or helicopter, there’s very little noise from vehicles.  Relatively few cars exist on the island and most visitors either get around on foot or bicycle.  

Despite being such a small island, there are things to do here on the days when you feel like doing something a little more energetic than watching the sun move around, and when you first arrive on Catalina Island you should visit the local Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau which will give you all the information you need about what’s on, where to find it, and of course ideas of where to stay and eat if you haven’t already made reservations.  In the peak months, however, you should always at least reserve your room before venturing across to the island.  Although you may be lucky to arrive and find a room free, it’s not likely during high season because of the limited amount of accommodation available.  

Two of the most popular places to visit on Catalina Island are the Catalina Island Museum which charts the history of the island through its various stages from the more recent history through the Hollywood era (the island was one of the first main Hollywood film sets) right back to the Native Americans.   Just about 2 miles out of Avalon you’ll find the Wrigley Botanical Gardens which will delight anyone who has an interest in flora and fauna.  William Wrigley (as in the chewing gum empire) once owned the island and you could even stay in his mansion which is now converted into a bed and breakfast establishment.

Catalina Island may not sound very exciting when compared with the attractions of Los Angeles and San Francisco, but for anyone needing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s a perfect beach oasis. 

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The Benefits Of HORSE Boarding

A horse inside a box stall, checking out his new digs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Looking after horses requires significant costs and management that must be performed daily for both boards and keeping animals in a home environment. Horse boarding delivers a number of benefits to ensure that care is offered on an ongoing basis in a clean and functional stable. It is important to look into the facilities that are available and to ensure that the best possible selection is made for the best outcome.

A board is an independent stable that has been created to provide horses with shelter and care through the day and night. The full board includes a stall for the animal where exercise will be provided for a number of hours during the day. Management must be contacted to determine the regularity of feeds and the supplements that will be made available for the specific health needs of equines.

The animals can remain within a rough board that will include a large field where horses are able to roam through the day. Horses can be placed in a secure pasture where there is access to protection and shelter from the harsh sunlight, rain, and wind through the different seasons of the year. Equines must be provided with the necessary protection and care that will provide comfort and prevent against harmful results.

The staff will discuss options for food including possible health requirements that will need to be met for specific equine needs. It is important to determine whether staff will be available on a regular basis to ensure that the health needs of animals are assessed and possible problems detected. Where an emergency should occur, it requires that individuals are equipped to alert one of such circumstances.

The benefits of a board include professional monitoring and shelter provided for horses on a 24-hour basis. The staff members will be able to feed equines a balanced diet including a mixture of grains and supplements to support healthy function and growth. If special diets are required, it must be discussed with the barn owner to ensure that your horse is receiving the nutrition that it needs.

The correct levels of supervision can be provided for horses that will prevent against improper care of equines. All equine owners are advised on the methods that should be put in place including consultation with a barn manager that will provide peace of mind that equines are properly taken care of. In the search for a suitable stable facility, all equine requirements can be tended to.

In cases of emergency, it is important that the board make staff available to address the particular needs of equines. The performance of a vet assessment can aid in ensuring that the appropriate equine exam is completed and that a professional is able to tend to the animal when owners cannot make an appointment. It is important that such services are delivered on an ongoing basis for the wellness of equines.

Having to clear stalls on a daily basis involves a significant amount of labour and is a time-consuming process. It is important that boards implement cleaning methods including water and feed daily. All equines can be well taken care of with a reputable and reliable boarding facility.

Author: Toni Vang

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Eyepieces for Telescopes

Okulare - Eyepieces - Photo: Wikipedia

Beginner astronomers need to be careful with these items as they tend to go way overboard.  There are various designs and different lenses for different viewings.  You need to figure out what you will be looking at and go from there.  You may need two to three different eyepieces, but no more than that.  Here is a simple guide to the different eyepieces and cost involved.

The most popular is the Plossl.  It uses four to five elements and has a wider field of view than Orthoscopic lenses.  It usually ranges from 50-52 degrees.  They run between $50-$150.

For general use, the Orthoscopic lenses were considered the best.  They use four elements and are good for planetary viewing.  They have a 45-degree field of view.  They run between $40-$100.

The Kellner is a general purpose lens.  It has a three element design and a 40-45 degree field of view.  They run between $30-$50.

The Ramsden and Huygenian are good solar lenses.  They have two element designs.  They are supplied with the least expensive telescopes and have very narrow fields of view.  They cost between $25-$40.

Barlow lenses are a great piece to have.  They can double or triple the magnification of your eyepiece.  They run between $60-$100.

Erfles are not as favorable today.  They use six elements and a 60-65 degree field of view.  They run between $75-$150.

Televue has come out with some designs for eyepieces.  The six element Panoptic has a 67-degree field of view.  It runs between $200-$400.  The other is a seven to eight element Naglers.  This lens has an 82-degree field of view and runs between $175-$425.

Pentax also makes a seven element lens, the SMC-XL, that runs around $250 each.  It is thought that these exceed what the Televues can do.

(Article around the year 2007)

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The Success of GENEALOGY Research Lies on DNA TESTINGS

The structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),
the picture shows the monomers being
put together.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are about 60,000 billion cells found in the human body. It includes muscle cells, cheek cells, and white blood cells. Each cell contains the whole genetic information which is the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The nucleus inside the cell holds the DNA or chromosomal DNA that consists of Y chromosomal DNA, X chromosomal DNA, and autosomal DNA. The external part of the nucleus holds mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The autosomal DNA comes from both the mother and the father, Y chromosomes are inherited by a son from his father, and mtDNA comes from the mother only.

There are advancements made in testing DNA to meet various areas of interests. For example, the most common uses of DNA are related to finding criminals and proving paternity. But today, genealogy research also uses DNA testing.

For so many years, genealogy has become an important element of society and a favorite hobby of some enthusiasts. Although this is more rewarding, somehow it brings frustrations even to expert genealogists. It can be very time consuming when doing paper research. More often, it can lead to illegible and damaged documents. But, DNA testing provides quick results without questioning its authenticity or quality. Moreover, the genetic genealogy results can endure the tests of time.

1. Mitochondrial testing is utilized for tracing the maternal heritage of a person. The mtDNA testing is very important since genealogists are mostly females. When they marry, maternal lines are often lost because of changing their surnames. In this manner, they can learn and trace their maternal ancestry.

There are advances made in understanding genetics and using laboratory techniques in helping a person to identify maternal lineage through mtDNA tracing services. The distinct mtDNA of person is analyzed and compared to the databases of other samples of mtDNA worldwide, revealing information about the lost ancestry.  

The mtDNA remains nearly unchanged even for so many years. You can share the same type of mtDNA with your mother, maternal grandmother, and maternal great-grandmother. The same exact mtDNA code can track your direct maternal lineage way back from the time where mtDNA code's natural mutation occurred.

Women who are living today can trace their origins 150 thousand years ago through natural mutations or mitochondrial eve.  In connection with matrilineal descent, eve is the common ancestor. But it doesn't necessarily imply that eve is the only woman who lived in that era. There were also other women alive but only the lineage of eve has survived.

2. Y chromosomal DNA testing is the most commonly used form of genetic genealogy testing. Some people can even trace if a deceased man is related to them by conducting this test.

Like mtDNA, Y chromosomes can be also traced back from one prehistoric father, Adam. The DNA mutation of the first Y chromosomes naturally occurs over many generations. Determining the present Y chromosomes can trace your paternal lineage through searching the Y database worldwide.

Moreover, genealogists can find out if two people are related because they have similar surnames through Y chromosomes testing. It is not impossible since, in most cultures, surnames or family names are inherited by children from their fathers like the Y chromosomal DNA.

A successful genealogy research lies on DNA testing because its usefulness is proven as time has passed by.

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Beginner's Guide to Basic Kayaking Equipment

Photo: Pxhere

There isn't a lot of equipment required for kayaking. A kayak and paddle, life jacket, helmet and spray skirt are the recommend basics.

Kayaks for surfing and doing tricks are called playboats. Kayaks for rocky rivers are called creek boats. Traditional river kayaks offer a quick ride and stability. Most kayaking beginners start with the traditional river kayak.

One kayak does not fit all. The size and shape of the kayak are based on the user's height, weight, and the type of water the kayak will be used in. Kayak dealers usually stock demo or demonstration kayaks available for test boating. This allows kayakers to try before they buy. 

Used kayaks cost considerably less than new. Good used kayaks can often be found in the classifieds, online auctions and similar venues.

Finding the right paddle involves getting the length, weight, material and blade shape into consideration, along with the user's height, torso size and paddling style. Tall people, those with long torsos and paddlers who like a slow ride will require longer paddles. Shorter people or those with short torsos and paddlers who like to paddle fast and get the job done will benefit from shorter paddles.

Kayaking paddle materials include wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber and aluminum shafts with plastic blades. The aluminum shaft paddles are a good choice for beginners. 

Many kayakers are already into other water sports and own a life jacket (also known as a personal flotation device). These can be purchased at many discount stores, sporting goods stores and boating equipment stores in addition to online stores and auctions.

Life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFD) are required by law. Choose a PFD rated for the type of kayaking involved. Type III PFD's tend to be the most comfortable for paddling. 

Kayaking helmets should be good quality and fit well. Like other sporting gear, helmets have evolved and now are as much about fashion as function. Users can shop for functional, protective headgear or for functional and fashionable helmets in a wide variety of designs, colors and styles.

Spray skirts are used to seal the cockpit during kayaking and keep water out of the inside of the kayak and keep the kayaker dry. Different types of kayaking require different skirt styles. Whitewater spray skirts are usually made of neoprene. Touring and recreational spray skirts are often made of nylon. Sea kayaking skirt styles may include both neoprene and nylon.

All kayaking spray skirts feature a grab loop. This loop allows the boater to break the seal quickly if necessary. Skirt 

designs include cords for boat attachment, pockets, and adjustable suspenders and waistbands.

Since the spray skirt fits around the wearer's waist, waist circumference is the general standard of sizing. Kayak cockpit size may also apply.

Optional kayaking gear includes a dry bag, a dry top and a spray jacket. The small dry bag is good for protecting and storing snacks and other small items. A dry top is a waterproof jacket good for cold water paddling. Spray jackets are waterproof and available in long or short sleeve styles.

Kayaking gives boaters an opportunity to explore waterways for fun and for relaxation. The size and light weight of kayaks make maneuvering them easy for individuals. Kayaking doesn't require a lot of equipment and doesn't have to be expensive. Most beginners can quickly master the basics but kayaking is a continual learning experience.

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The sunshine state of Australia

Sunshine Coast Queensland - Photo: Pixabay

Blessed with nature’s most remarkable gifts, Queensland is Australia's second largest state; inhabiting 25% of Australia's land mass. 

Queensland has fifteen exceptional regions, where people can travel, be with their families and spend a memorable holiday. Its capital, Brisbane is an excellent base for tours. One of the famous holiday destinations at Queensland is the Gold Coast. Famous of its attractive beaches, theme parks and resorts. Just a little farther north is the Sunshine Coast, undoubtedly, one of Queensland's most scenically beautiful regions. 

A couple of hours away from Sunshine Coast is Queensland’s whale watching capital, the Fraser Coast, having the world’s largest sand island. Immerse yourself with Whitsunday’s breathtaking views. See the beauty of different corals at Bundaberg. Experience bushwalking and bird watching at Toowoomba. Witness the superb touring region of the Western Downs and how about enjoying the delicious fruits of Southern Downs? 

Take a glimpse at the stunning beaches of Townsville. See the reefs, islands, and mountains of Tropical North. Spectacular rainforest and national parks can be seen at Mackay. Also, don’t forget Queensland’s home of hidden treasures, Capricorn.  Take a tour of historic towns and diverse landscape at Outback Queensland. Stopover at the Centre of the Southern Reef, Gladstone, it has a sub-tropical climate with islands, waterways, and beaches. 

Whether you are after beach adventures, walking through historical forest or theme parks, snorkeling under the sea or just having a great holiday of your life, there are definitely great treasured memories ahead of you at Queensland.

Take a tour to Australia. National Visas, can help you get a Visa for Australia. Visit the site for more details. http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/

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The Great War

Photo: Wikimedia

The history of America is decorated with some of the great conflicts that have ever been fought by civilizations and for great ideals.  This was never truer than in World War II which was sometimes called the Great War.  As is so often the case, it was not a war that America wanted to become part of.  So often, it is when aggressors bring the war to America that she is forced to respond.  But in all cases when America responds, it is with a fury that her enemies will seldom forget.

When you think about it, the very idea of a world war is terribly frightening.  And in every way, World War II was a world war because it caught up virtually every country and every continent in a global conflict that went on for years.  The enemies of America and her allies were well armed, intelligent, determined and powerful.  But America was up to the challenge and it will be up to the challenge again if the likes of Hitler dare to threaten civilization like this again.

World War II was also virtually a textbook case of flawless collaboration with our allies.  Working together with them almost like we were one country and one army we deployed our forces across multiple theaters of combat from Europe to Asia to Russia and across the globe.  We had to fight more than one enemy.  Hitler’s Germany alone was a frightening enemy as it spread its evil influence across Europe capturing country after country and threatening to swallow up the continent whole and then move on to capture lands in central Asia and even America.

But we also had powerful enemies in German’s allies, particularly Japan.  When this frightening enemy struck our forces at Pearle Harbor, it was a blow to America that could not be ignored.  For Japan, they had hoped to cripple the American military and remove all hope from the American heart to be able to strike back or become part of the conflict.  They got exactly the opposite as every man, woman and child in America rallied to build the kind of war machine that would bring the Axis powers to a crashing end, no matter what the cost.

But the most important thing that America said to the world when it took on Hitler’s armies and defeated them was that totalitarian rule of free peoples would never be tolerated.  Hitler had dreams of world domination like the great kings of ancient Rome of the early Germanic empires.  But America had thrown off dictators when we founded this country and declared that we would not become the pawn of kings or tyrants.  We were not going to turn over that hard fought freedom to a madman while there was a fighting will be left in this country.

It was not an easy battle or one without cost.  Thousands of America’s youth gave their lives to preserve the freedoms that had been won by our forefathers.  Our leaders had to show a resolve and a unity that they would not blink in the face of a challenge and they would not let down the brave American soldier or the civilian population that stood behind them until Hitler and his allies were in defeat.  

The world saw what America was made of in that great conflict.  It saw that a country that was gifted with great wealth and prosperity was also willing to turn those resources to defend its borders and defend its allies.  It was a stern lesson for our enemies to learn that America was not a country to be trifled with in combat.  But then we showed that we were not a vindictive country when, even in defeat, we reached out to Japan, Germany, and other defeated peoples and helped them rebuild from that awful war.  This too is a testimony to the American spirit and the American sense of fair play.  Let’s hope that an enemy never rises up again to test that will because they will find as Hitler did, that America would not fail to respond to the call to battle or the call to honor which is her legacy.

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What RC Car Accessory You Should Get for a Well-Maintained Car

Photo: Flickr

One of the hottest hobbies on the road today, RC cars and trucks will let you experience the real world of road race tracks and events but no red lights and speed limits for you. You simply drive that RC car or truck of yours and decide on yourself how fast you can go. 

You also got options to choose from. Just like the real automotive world, the radio controlled world of cars and trucks provide the same choices of futuristic concept cars, on-road and off-road cars, entry-level buggy, and monster trucks, and, nitro-powered cars, even mini-cars. 

There are endless options for everyone and RC cars and trucks are for all personalities and ages. The choice is yours; it solely depends on your preference. On the other hand, if you need more information you can get advice from different fellow enthusiasts. 

Again, just like with the “real” on-road and off-road vehicles, radio controlled ones require the same kind of maintenance and care from you. This is to ensure you keep your vehicle in top condition so to avoid failures. 

Maintaining them would include everything from keeping them powered, whether through electricity or nitromethane-based fuel, to replacing parts and accessory. You also must have a certain stock of standard RC car/truck equipment for the maintenance. 

In addition, there are a plethora of accessories that are available for you, which you can get for your RC car. If you want to keep your vehicle always aesthetically pleasing and aggressive or want a higher level of experience on the road, RC car accessories will allow you to attain these.

Accordingly, the following top RC accessories are amongst the components that your car should not go without:

1. Starter boxes. Starting your new vehicle will include break-in of its new engine, which could be a tough process at first. With the starter box, though, this is made easier by eliminating the need to pull-start the RC car. It gives the boost needed by the engine’s break-in; thus your car gets you going in no time. 

2. Fuel. Of course, without the fuel, you won’t go anywhere with this car. There are specially formulated fuel kinds for RC cars, and you can get one, which is recommended by the owner’s manual provided. 

And since you will probably do the refueling job, you might as well include in your purchase a fuel filler bottle, which will fit your car’s need. There are several sizes available, with long, angled tips to allow for a speedy process as well as to prevent spills. 

In addition, a fuel cleaner and rags will be handy accessories in cases there are spills and drips.    

3. Glow plugs. Instead of ending your fun in driving because of glow plug failures, with spare glow plugs, you can change bad plugs along the course. In addition, a small kit stashed in your box will be the best idea. This is usually included with the spare glow plugs, glow plug igniter, glow plug wrench, and charger. 

4. RC tools. These are the specialized tools to keep your vehicle going. A standard RC toolkit usually includes magnetic balancer, gear puller, temperature gauge, tool pouch, and glow plug wrench. 

5. Air Filter Oil. Replacement of the air filter at an interval is a must. In this case, it will always be better if you got special air filter oil with you to improve the function of an air filter and keep the life of the engine longer. 

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Preparing The GARDEN For Winter

A picture of compost soil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you like me?  Sad to see the summer end but at the same time relieved that there is one less task to tend to.  Weeding, watering, pruning, and more weeding is over for this year and with a few more chores the outdoor gardening year draws to a close.  Most of what needs to be completed is a matter of cleaning up and covering up.  Practical steps to preparing your outdoor garden for winter involve:

1.  Protecting plants.  There are different opinions concerning whether to cut down or leave plants standing through the winter.  Here on the prairies, most people leave their perennials standing for a variety of reasons.  In particular, trapping the snow cover is important for the protection of plants and retaining moisture.  Snow cover acts the same as good mulch by insulating the soil.  Many perennial stems and seed heads are also very attractive for winter interest and provide food for the birds.  After the ground freezes, mulch perennials and shrub beds with pine needles, compost, peat moss, or chopped leaves.  This protects the soil and plant roots and moderates the effects of extreme temperature changes during winter periods of freezes and thaws.

2.  Cleaning-up the garden.  Harvest warm-season crops such as tomatoes even though they are still green.  Lie out on windowsills; or layer in boxes with newspapers between the layers of tomatoes.  They will slowly ripen or you can use green tomatoes for fried green tomatoes or various green tomato recipes.  Pull out any remaining crops or spent annuals; clean up remaining debris and weeds to decrease the possibility of disease problems in the spring.

3.  Evaluating your garden design.  Before you start winterizing your garden, take a few minutes to review what worked and what didn’t and make note of any areas that you would like to change in the spring.

4.  Prepare the soil for early spring seeding.  Turn over the garden soil late in the season while amending with organic matter such as leaves, compost, or well-rotted manure.  In the spring, a light raking is all that is needed.

5.  Caring for trees and lawns.  Protect the tender bark of young trees from rabbits and gnawing critters by wrapping stems or trunks with chicken wire or commercial tree-guard products.  To prevent rodents from nesting near buildings and trees, trim tall grass, and remove weeds.  Deeply water trees and shrubs so that they go into winter well hydrated.  Don’t prune shrubs and trees as it may stimulate new growth just before the harsh weather.  Cut lawns and fertilize if you wish with a low nitrogen ‘winter’ blend.  Use grass clippings for mulch or compost.  Never send them to the landfill, as they are excellent fertilizer left on the lawn (if they are not too long) and/or make terrific compost/mulch dug straight into the garden or used for pathways.  Once rotted on garden pathways, dig into the garden and replace with new grass clippings.

6.  Planting before winter.  Now is the time to plant bulbs.  Garden centres carry many varieties suitable for the prairies.  Remember: buy good quality as cheap is not better – the larger the bulb – the larger the bloom.  Look for plumpness, firmness, clean skin, and surface.  Directions for planting are included with the package.

7.  Composting.  Compost dead plant debris including leaves.  Leaves are a valuable natural resource.  Rather than a nuisance, they are the best soil amendment as well as terrific mulches.  Leaves take very little effort to recycle into a wonderful soil conditioner – leaf mould – for the yard and garden.  You can make leaf mould by the same process nature does.  Pile up moist leaves and wait for them to decompose or shred the leaves into smaller pieces before piling them up.  If you wish, you can enclose the pile with chicken wire, snow fencing, or something similar.  In the spring, I rake up dry leaves and dig them straight into the vegetable garden.

8.  Cleaning your tools.  Clean the soil from all your gardening tools, oil any wooden handles and moving parts, sharpen any blades, and then store them in a dry place for the winter.
9.  Water Gardening.  Bring in pumps, drain, clean, refill (if necessary) and store tender water plants prior to freezing.

10.  Bringing in your indoor plants.  Before bringing in any houseplants that have spent the summer outdoors, examine them for critters, wash them, and spray with soapy water or insecticidal soap.  Use sterilized potting soil purchased from garden centres or shopping malls if re-potting your plants.  Don’t use garden soil as it may harbour insects, weed seeds, disease, and fungi.

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Yamaha Motorcycles

Yamaha Häcksler - Photo: Pixabay

The development of Yamaha motorcycles is one that took place quite by accident. In 1953 the company was already developing a variety of other products. They were looking for a use for idle pieces of equipment that had once been used to make propellers for airplanes. The ideas for this equipment included sewing machines, auto parts, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles. The decision was made to focus on manufacturing motorcycles because of the market demand for them. 

The first Yamaha motorcycle was introduced in August of 1954, called the Yamaha YA-1. This bike featured a two-stroke single-cylinder engine. By July of 1955, Yamaha was creating 200 quality motorcycles each month with a staff of 274 people. The YD-1 was introduced in 1957 as a racing bike. The bike quickly became popular and was featured in the United States Catalina Grand Prix in 1958. 

This gave Yamaha the invitation to start selling its motorcycles in the United States with a private dealer in California. To further attract sales in the United States, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA was established in 1977. In 1959 Yamaha introduced the idea of offering a converter kit to consumers. This allowed the motorcycle to be used for both street riding and motocross racing. 

By 1960 Yamaha was producing 135,000 bikes per year. 1965 saw the advancement of no longer having to mix oil with gas due to the automatic oiling system. By 1973 Yamaha was selling more than 1 million motorcycles each year worldwide. 

During the 1970’s they began working on developing four-stroke models to compete with other manufacturers. The results were faster motorcycles that met emissions regulations and were even more economical than the two-stroke models. However, they also realized the potential to continue selling two-stroke models to consumers as well. Many other manufacturers focused only on four strokes, so Yamaha was able to meet the needs of that target market. 

1974 brought the introduction of the YZ250. This model quickly became the largest selling motocross bike because it featured a single horizontal rear suspension system. Yamaha built a racing track right next to the plant, allowing them to continually observe the quality and capabilities of their products. 

Yamaha created one of the fastest racing bike models in 1985 with the introduction of the V-Max. This was classified as a muscle bike, with power that was not for the beginning rider. They continue to produce some of the fastest bikes on the market both for street riding and for racing. 

Yamaha has never been satisfied to simply stop when they had a good thing going. They always had a vision of achieving more and to strive to further customer satisfaction. The visions and philosophies of the company have proven to be effective in every aspect of motorcycle production. The fact that they offer so many different models means the consumer has the opportunity to find the exact motorcycle they are looking for from a brand name they know they can trust to offer them a quality product. 

While some of their models of motorcycles haven’t sold well, many of them have. Yamaha has always focused on the future of motorcycles while keeping in mind what consumers are wanting. They have been able to diversify their developments, and it has paid off by allowing them to reach a large portion of the motorcycle market without compromising their vision. 

Today (2007), Yamaha is the second largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world behind Harley-Davidson. They continue to make fast, reliable motorcycles that customers around the world are proud to own. They also manufacture motorcycles that have won more races than any other brand on the market. Their diversity and dedication to making quality motorcycles that meet the needs of the consumer have kept them a top seller in this growing industry. Yamaha dealerships can be found around the world, offering a full range of motorcycle models to suit your tastes. 

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A Greek Retreat

Zakynthos - Photo: Pixabay

Historically Modern

The Cradle of Civilization, Greece has long played a part in the history of the world. It is located in the southeastern part of Europe between Albania, Turkey, and Italy. Greece is one of the smallest countries in Europe. However, despite its size, it holds an astoundingly rich history and culture. Thus, Europe especially Greece, became a haven for over 16 million tourists each year making it the 15th most visited countries in the world to date. (Information from 2007)

Cosmopolitan Living

Life in Greece is peaceful and serene. The locales are calm and charming people that think of the future optimistically. Theft and violence are kept down to the lowest level. Thereby, tourists consider this a safe place to travel in. People live simply. These amicably hospitable people welcome guests with open arms.

Activities in Greece vary from place to place. However, despite its difference, they all satisfy the different needs and likes of the guests. Mealtime in Greece is best enjoyed at late nights. Party starts at 10 pm and people, both the locales and guest, frequent the clubs, bars, restaurants, and taverns.

Joining the Greeks during mealtime will not be an awkward experience. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation. You will surely find yourself sharing quite interesting, not to mention, memorable conversations with them.

And now we move on to places that placed Greece on the map and tourists in the country.

Santorini - Photo: Pixabay

Santorini

The volcano which has the greatest eruption mankind has ever known - that is Santorini. It is located in the most well-known islands in the Cyclades. Superstitions say that if engaged young couples stay and last for a week on Santorini, they will be blessed a lifetime marriage.

Crete

Crete island is located between the Libyan Sea and the Cretan Sea. Crete’s long and rich history, amazing features, charming villages, breathtaking natural areas, scrumptious cuisine, fabulous beaches, century-old traditions, and hospitable inhabitants makes it one of the most visited places in Greece. Visitors can spend leisure time exploring the ancient sites, swimming in crystal-clear waters, participating in a wide array of outdoor sports, and having fun at the nightlife venues. Truly, Greece is a versatile vacation spot that is worth visiting.

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece, not to mention, one of the most magnificent cities in the world. It is the birthplace of principles and values that our society bases today and the cradle of the western civilization. Athens’ excellent infrastructure, spectacular historical and ancient sites, the Athens Acropolis Hill, the Parthenon, the Herod Atticus Odeon, and the Erechtheion make it one of the most visited cities in the world to date.

A stroll through the charming downtown commercial areas of Athens, the Monastiraki Bazaar, and the Plaka Quarters is a must. Observe how the modern changes and characteristics compliment the ancient features as well as how the east and west are fused to create Athens, a unique holiday spot.

Holiday Getaway

Planning your vacation in Greece will surely be difficult because of the many choices it offers. From an active hobbies, leisure interests, or relaxing pastimes, one can surely get confused. Be spontaneous! Discover the country by yourself. Don’t forget to check out the mentioned places to complete your stay in Greece.

So, if you’re planning for a vacation but you have no idea where, need not worry just think Greece!

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The Past of Ancient Egypt In a Nutshell

Photo: Pixabay

The long past Egyptian civilization is a great one, and you will be hard pressed to find someone to who will think otherwise. Ancient Egypt in modern terminology is situated in Africa, in the northwest area. 

The Nile River, in most cases just called the 'Nile', passed through the center of the civilization. The northern part was known as Lower Egypt, and the southern part as Upper Egypt - a fact which has lead to some misunderstanding among tourists. The Nile is understood as the longest river in the world, but recent scientists find that there is a possibility that the Amazon River situated in South America may be a short distance longer. 

Specifically, there are three separate sections or periods of time that Egyptian history can be divided up into. These are known as the Old Kingdom, the Central Kingdom, and the Modern Kingdom. Each period has specific facts which are unique to it, and are best learned and studied independently.

The kingdoms of ancient Egypt were under the leadership of the Pharaoh at the time, and in fact, the ancient Egyptian individuals themselves held the strong expectation that somehow their gods were responsible for choosing each Pharaoh, thus the inhabitants could rest soundly at night, knowing that all was under control. In fact, the government of ancient Egypt can be described as the first national government in the world, and people referred to as viziers, who were officials assigned to the Pharaoh, also helped to rule.

The Egyptian culture, like the Sumerian culture, had a language and writing system of their own. A Papyrus plant was used to make paper - thus defining the origin of the word, paper!

A lot of people find the ancient cultures, Egyptian significantly, to be profoundly mysterious as a result of the incredible massive monuments, most significantly the Great Pyramid at Giza, very close to Cairo, that remains to this day.

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DeWalt Power Tools

DeWalt Power Tools 2014 - Photo: Flickr

The DeWalt power tool collection offers you anything and everything you will ever need in the way of a power tool. They also offer any accessory for these power tools that you can imagine. DeWalt is considered to be a manufacturer of high-quality power tools. You can purchase them online or from any home improvement store. The DeWalt power tool line consists of 200 power tools and 800 accessories. 

DeWalt takes pride in offering power tools that are efficient and long-lasting. The entire business is focused on customer satisfaction. They also put a great deal of time into researching the best operating practices for their tools. Safety is something they take very seriously. You can find safety information for all of their power tools on their website or with any DeWalt power tool. For your safety, read this information before you operate any power tool you purchase from them.

Consumers are very happy with DeWalt power tools because of the selection. You won’t have any trouble finding what you are looking for. They are also reasonably priced and come with a great warranty. They will professionally repair any power tool for you. If the damage is due to a defect they will repair it at their own expense. They may also choose to replace it will a new one. You can also order DeWalt replacement parts for your power tools from the internet. Not sure what part you need? Their website has a complete listing of every power tool. Click on the power tool you have and it will list every part it has. 

All new DeWalt power tools come with a full three-year warranty. The warranty doesn’t cover abuse or normal wear of the power tool. Accessories don’t have any warranty on them. However, DeWalt will gladly exchange them if there appears to be a damaged accessory. Contact them directly or return the accessory to the location you purchased it from. DeWalt extends a 90-day money back guarantee on all their power tools. You can return it even after using it without any questions being asked. I think this says a great deal about the integrity of the DeWalt company and the power tools they sell. 

(This is an older article from the year 2007. Please check the new warranty conditions when buying a new device)

DeWalt understands the customer is the ultimate user of every power tool and accessory. They encourage the consumer to submit information on these products. They want to know about the reliability, concerns, comments, suggestions; anything that can help them make their power tools operate better and easier for the customer. You can submit your comments online or mail them to the DeWalt company. They promise to respond to your submission within six weeks. In addition, DeWalt encourages you to submit ideas you have for additional power tool products. 

In the business of tools since 1927, DeWalt is a leader in the power tool industry. They have proven themselves to be a manufacturer or quality products that are very durable. They also offer excellent customer service for all DeWalt products. You won’t be left alone to figure out anything with a product you purchase from this company. In addition, DeWalt power tools are inexpensive and safe to use as long as you use them according to the operating instructions. Their dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and their unbelievable warranty ensure DeWalt power tools will continue to be hot selling items.

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