Snowmobile History and Basics

Vintage Snowmobiles - Photo: Flickr

The snowmobiling industry has enjoyed a rich history that has made it possible to travel easily through the thick snow that often falls in Canada and the northern regions of the United States. For decades, snowmobiles have continually improved to meet the needs of residents who enjoy living in the colder climates and experiencing the winter months to their full potential. As with any major invention, however, the snowmobile industry was popularized by high-performance models and sports enthusiasts who have found ways to race the machines and compete against other snowmobilers in a variety of events. This industry has come a long way since the early purpose of the snowmobile as being merely a means of traveling through the snow with less difficulty.

The first patent for the snowmobile was issued in 1927 to Carl J. Eliason of Sayner, WI. His idea of a machine that traveled easily through the snow was simply called a “snow machine.” He used parts from a bicycle, a pair of skis, and some parts from an old Model-T Ford to create his first machine. It was a functional contraption, but it had its drawbacks and disadvantages. Eliason’s “snow machine” was more or less a great concept that was not perfected in a way to reach the full potential of the idea.

It was not until 1958 when Joseph-Armand Bombardier of Canada created and patented the machine that we know today as a snowmobile. Not only did Bombardier create and manufacture the first modern-day snowmobile, but he was also the first person to successfully market the machines to people throughout North America. His most popular model – the B7 Snowmobile – began being mass produced for sale in North America before introducing the more popular Ski-Doo model. The Ski-Doo was a more popular model of snowmobile because it was smaller and less expensive. Soon, the Ski-Doo replaced dog teams as a means to quickly travel across the snowy landscape. 

By the 1970s, less than 20 years after Bombardier received his patent for the first modern-day snowmobile, there were already 250 snowmobile races that were sanctioned across North America. The United States Snowmobile Association became the forerunner in snowmobile organizations. It began and continues to sponsor one of the more popular snowmobile races – a 650-mile marathon that begins in Winnipeg, Canada and ends in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was also one of the organizations that helped to get the Snocross snowmobiling event added to the Aspen X Games in 1998, which has created the largest increase in popularity for the snowmobile industry.

One of the reasons that snowmobiles have become so popular in North American society is because of their ease of use. Inexperienced users can learn how to ride a snowmobile in a very short time and begin experiencing the fun of speeding across the snowy trails. Many of the resorts in the snowy regions of the United States and Canada, including Utah, Michigan, and Alberta cater to the specific needs of vacationing snowmobilers. Winter vacation resorts commonly keep updated information on snowmobiling trails in the area along with lessons and clubs that snowmobilers of any experience level can take advantage of. 

Along with enjoying the fun that snowmobiles can provide is the responsibility of using the machines safely. When snowmobiling along trails or for long distances, it is a good idea to go with another rider and to let others know where you plan on riding to in case of emergency. Always bring extra food along with a first aid kit and the proper safety gear in the event that you get stranded. Before riding, inspect the equipment to make sure all of the parts are properly tightened and in proper working condition. Also, check the dangers of an avalanche occurring before leaving and try to avoid those areas. 

The snowmobile industry has made a huge deal of progress in the technology and popularity of the machines. Beginning as merely a means to travel across the snowy lands with less difficulty, the industry has enjoyed a surge of popularity due to the many recent racing events and competitions. Now, snowmobiles are popular among all age groups and they can be thoroughly enjoyed as recreational vehicles when proper safety precautions are followed.

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The Persian Chess Shatranj

Shatranj - Photo: Wikimedia

Shatranj is the direct descendant of Chaturanga and had become popular in the Middle East and Persia for almost 1000 years. More so, the modern chess is also

believed to have gradually developed from Shatranj.

The term Shatranj was derived from the Sanskrit Chaturanga, where chatu means four and anga means arm. The game also came to Persia from India during the early centuries of the Christian era. One of the earliest references to chess found in Persia is the book "Karnamak-i Artaxshir-i Papakan", which was written around the 3rd to 7th century.

The game Shatranj adapted much of the rules of Chaturanga, including the basic sixteen piece structure. However, in later variants of the game, the darker squares were eventually engraved. The Shatranj also spread westward and achieved popularity and body of literature on game strategy and tactics from the 8th century and onwards.

The Rules of Shatranj

Initially, the setup of the game is the same as modern chess, although the position of the king of white shah, on the left or right side, was not entirely established. Shatranj is played using pieces, such as:

the king or shah,
the rukh or rook,
the fers or counselor,
the pill or elephant,
the faras or horse
and the baidak or pawns.

Almost all the movements of the Shatranj pieces are similar to modern chess with the exception of the two square movements of the pawn during the first move. There are also other differences of Shatranj compared to modern chess, such as: the castling, which was not allowed but later invented. In the event of stalemating, the opposing king will result in a win.

More so, if a player captures the entire opponent’s pieces apart from the king, that player will normally be declared the winner. However, if the opponent could

capture the last piece on the next move, the game will result in a draw.

The gameplay of Shatranj includes the openings. These were usually called tabbiyya or battle array when translated. However, due to the slow piece progress in the game, the precise sequence of moves was unimportant. Instead, the players aimed to reach a specific position, mostly ignoring the play of their opponent.

Additionally, the pieces used for Shatranj had values, which used a monetary system. Such values include: 

one dirhem for the rook,
two-third dirhem for the knight,
one-fourth dirhem for the alfil,
one-third to three-eighth dirhem for the fers,
one-fourth dirhem for the central pawn,
one-sixth to one-fifth dirhem for the alfil’s or knight’s pawn
and one-eighth dirhem for the rook’s pawn.

These values were established and estimated by as-Suli, who was the strongest Shantranj player during the reign of the al-Muktafi caliph, and al-Adli.

Early Beginnings of Shatranj

There are several works written about Shatranj during the Golden Age of Arabic. These recorded the analysis of opening games, knight’s tour, chess problems and

other subjects that are commonly found in modern chess books.

Shatranj players who have the highest class were also called grandees or aliyat. There were only a few players that fell under this category and the most well known are: Abun-Naam, Rabrab, and Jabir al-Kulfi, who were the three aliyat players during the al-Ma’mun caliph rule; Al-Lajlaj who was a great master of Shatranj; and Ar-Razi who won 847 games against powerful Shatranj opponents.

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Defining Fly Fishing

Photo: Pixabay

I’ll bet that you have any idea about fly fishing, aren’t you? So, what really is fly fishing? Why bother asking this question? Well, it is relevant to answer the question given that fly fishing has been a matter of public policy. Definitely, this is the most obvious in the implication of certain fishing waters or organisms as clear to the phrase “Fly Fishing Only”. Some can perhaps assume that this is a reasonable current phenomenon. Nevertheless, some waters of the United States have been ignored for “flies only” as recent as 1903.

Probably the Atlantic salmon is the most ancient case of aquatic species being chosen as a prey to be captured with flies only. In the North America region, the existing defacto regulation states that this game fish can be sought only with that is called an “unweighted fly”. This phrase means that the shedding is done by means of fly fishing line as well as leader wherein no extra weight was affixed. This was the definition and the basic idea of fly fishing s suggested by some states such as New Hampshire.

To understand a meaning of fly fishing in a discreet manner you should initially observe what can make fishing with the use of a flying rod, an experience distinct from, for instance, an aid of a lightweight in a weight circling outfit. This article, therefore, suggests the following distinctions:

1. A particular fluid elegance in casting, the fishing rod line unrolling plainly from either a tight or open loop.

2. The efficiency to false-cast, whether to dry the fly line which is fed out or not to make sure of proper placement.

3. A chance of sensitive delivery of a fly and the drift with a little drag.

The prerequisites remarked brought them no ethical and moral requirements. The usage of a flying rod does not assign one on a much higher ground compared to the bait fishermen who exercises usual courtesy to his quarry. All we can complain about fly fishing is the base technical aspects, given that various environments past diverse constraints aside from those mentioned. Nonetheless, if one acknowledges any fact to the first proposition, subsequently, someone running on to a fly from a vessel may not seem to fly fish like the “chuck-n-duck” in fast water is not considered as fly fishing. Finally, acknowledging proposition number 3 would suggest the use of slinkies, lead and some hazardous methods best left cautiously to the circling rod.

It is factual that most states include, during the past 20 years changing their fishing regulations to permit the use of leader as well as on line in “fly fishing only” regions and still refer it as fly fishing. This has been known for the reason that a sudden dramatic change in the character of the “sport” itself.

Several candid longstanding fishermen were also mumbling for the definition loosening comprising those fishermen that had been working fervidly few years prior to the announcement of “Fly Fishing only” places.

Finally, with your own definition, fly fishing is pretty much like the ancient “free verse versus sonnet” cliché. Do you compose a poetry masterpiece within the terms of a certain style for simply the pleasure and elegance it affords, or do decide to work without considerations and strive to convince yourself and other people that it is still pure poetry? Regarding your fly fishing definition, was it sufficient? Well, I suppose so.

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Discover The Benefits Of Home Brewing With Hydrogen Cells

Photo: Wikimedia

Visualize if George Jetson had his own microbrewery; what would it be like?  Would the look be lustrous and space-like?  How much superior and rapid could it would it operate? How about the formidable S.S. Enterprise?  Can you just comprehend Captain Kirk or Captain Picard enjoying a pint of their own galactic beverage? As well as what would provide power to the machine making such incredible homebrews?  Hydrogen cells are creating waves and news as well as the whole lot in between on a planet where shortages of energy are not about economical folklore.

What exactly is a hydrogen cell? What does home brewing have in common with energy conservation anyway?  Hydrogen cells are a class of fuel cell, which is, on the whole, an energy conservation device. Fuel cells deliver their own energy, almost always wit the service of a specific source of fuel and an oxidant. Hydrogen acts as the primary source of fuel and oxygen act as the oxidant.

Breweries want engine capacity to manufacture their ales and lagers, and in reality cannot be lacking power at any time. That is where hydrogen fuel cells play an important role; they keep the energy flowing.  And being able to "make" energy at home is pretty darn cool. It also helps you being both energy conscious and pretty cost conscious.  You might even grace the covers of some magazines.

What can hydrogen cells be used for? Currently, they can be looked at as especially useful support generators of sorts. Scores of companies, including several respected breweries are looking to fuel cells as a means to be extra self-sufficient as far as energy is concerned.  This could be excellent news for the future of making beer as a hobby; home breweries running on hydrogen cells.  There would be significant reductions in energy usage.

Can hydrogen cells help home breweries?  The hope for persons investigating fuel cells is that every individual will be able to exploit most of the advantages that this invention has to offer.  You would be able to provide electricity to so much, from your microbrewery to each electrical device in your home by reducing your energy consumption.  

There is a general shortage of information on the likely applications of hydrogen fuel cells. Even as some are using fuel cells, the level of what they have got to offer is still being studied.  The Sierra Nevada Brewery is using molten carbonate fuel cells and is projecting a reduction of more than $400,000 a year in energy expenditure.

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New York Wildlife

Central Park Zoo Area - Photo: Wikimedia

New York City might be a jungle according to many but the animals can be found in its many zoos. If you'd like to check out one or more of the many zoos in New York City I highly recommend purchasing a city pass that will allow you free admission to many of the area zoos. Keep in mind that some of the attractions inside the zoo will cost extra so you should expect to pay something for your day at the zoo(s) but every little bit you can save along the way helps and you will be surprised at how quickly you can recover the cost of your pass.

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the U. S. and is open 365 days a year. Those that have city passes can enjoy free admission to this zoo. Once you've had your fill of the award-winning exhibits the Bronx Zoo has to offer you should check out the New York Botanical Garden, which is located nearby and offers great fun and many activities for children to avoid (this experience is another that can be enjoyed for no additional charge with the New York pass). Also nearby are Wave Hill, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and Van Cortlandt House Museum. All of these activities are free with the New York pass and are all very much suited for family members of all ages.

Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo offers a view of animals in their natural habitat rather than in cages. While this is becoming more and more of the norm as far as American zoos are concerned the Central Park Zoo was a relative pioneer in this particular process. Today the Central Park Zoo boasts an indoor rainforest; a chilled penguin house along with a pool for the polar bears while also being home to breeding programs for certain endangered species. While you're there be sure to have lunch in the Leaping Frog Café, which offers kid-friendly fare that is surprisingly health oriented (such as trans-fat-free French fries). If you walk through this 6.5-acre zoo wasn't enough exercise for your day be sure to stop by the bike rental area of Central Park, which is located nearby. 

New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium while not exactly a zoo is another great place for the family to experience animal life. This happens to be one of the highlights of many trips to New York. Young and old alike will enjoy watching the marine animals play and frolic while learning important lessons about our marine friends. The aquarium is located at Coney Island and is near Astroland Amusement park if you want to make a day of it. The New York Aquarium offers free admission to holders of the New York Pass and Astroland offers discounts for these holders as well.

 Prospect Park Zoo

Prospect Park Zoo offers a unique experience for children to have interactive contact with more animals. This increased interaction makes the trip much more enjoyable for youngsters than many larger zoos which allow little interaction with animals or a very limited number of animals to interact with. The Prospect Park Zoo hosts more than 400 animals representing over 80 species. This zoo is located near the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum of Art-all of which allow free admission for The New York Pass holders.

Queens Zoo

The Queens Zoo offers a unique experience for visitors in that it is less like a zoo and more like a prairie home for the animals it houses. This 12-acre park is home to 70 animals that live in very authentic habitats. If you choose to visit this particular zoo, be sure that you take the time to visit the barnyard area so that your little ones can feed some of the friendlier creatures. This zoo is located fairly near the Queens Museum of Art, the New York Hall of Science, and the American Museum of the Moving Image. These attractions are all free with the New York Pass.

If you are a true animal lover, then New York City has you covered for opportunities to get your fill. Who would have thought that a city this full of skyscrapers and commerce was also the home to some of the most beautiful and exotic wildlife in the world?  (2007)

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Achromatic versus Apochromatic Lenses in Telescopes

Achromatic telescope made by Dollond with handle by Hooke - Photo: Wikimedia

In 1733, an Englishman, Chester Moore Hall, created the Achromatic refracting lens.  His design limited the color aberrations by using two pieces of glass that were both ground and polished.  These lenses usually were employed to see red and blue light.  However, the design does not block out all of the rainbow of color around the images.

Achromatic lenses are made from a convex and a concave lens.  The concave lens is usually made out of Flint glass, and the convex from Crown glass.  They form a weak lens together and can bring two wavelengths of light into a single focus.

Apochromatic refracting lenses are made to view red, green, and blue light wavelengths. The first ones were designed by the German physicist, Abbe.  

Some type of fluorite or extra-low dispersion glass is also used and the ending result is a crisp clear image free of the rainbow of color around it.  These types of refracting lenses are more expensive than achromatic lenses.

Apochromatic lenses require lenses that can handle three color crossings.  They are usually made from expensive fluoro-crown glass, abnormal flint glass, or transparent liquids that are used in the space between the glass.  These newer designs allowed for the objects to be free of color around the edges, and they produced way fewer aberrations than achromatic lenses.

Prices on these types of refracting lenses can run high depending on the size aperture you need.  Two to three-inch apertures for Achromatic refractors can run between $250 to $1000.  Three to five-inch apertures for Apochromatic refractors can run between $2000 to $10,000.  Decide which kind you will be using before you buy one.  You may just want to look at the night sky or you may want to gaze into the next galaxy.

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USA - Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain - Photo: Pixabay

Copper Mountain was referred to as the best ski slope in “North America” by the US Forestry Service, for its amazing resources and ability to cater for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers. Based only 120 KM from Denver airport and with 160 metres of pure skiing fun, Copper Mountain is the only place to go skiing in America.  

With a 3 Kilometre base and a summit of nearly 4 kilometres, it is no wonder the slope is big enough to handle over 30,000 visitors on a monthly basis. With twenty-two lifts, the Copper Mountain is renowned for its 6 men high-speed lift, 5 doubles, 5 triples, surface chairs, quad lifts, tubing zone and even quad lifts that can travel in excess of 40 kilometres per hour. 

The upper lifts close at 1500 every evening, meaning you get 30 minutes to complete your last run before your day's skiing is over. Opening at 9am in the morning Monday to Friday there is no excuse for not getting an early start. At the weekends the lifts open around a half an hour earlier, making it much easier to fit more skiing into your day.

In total Copper Mountain covers two and a half thousand acres, and stands nearly 800 metres tall. With 125 trails in total, 18% cater for expert skiers, 36% for advanced skiers, 21% for beginners and 25% for intermediates.  The snowfall in Cooper Mountain is also something to be reckoned with; the total snowfall from November to April of 2005/2006 (!) was 283.58, with March appearing to be the best month for snow. Although April to November provides the best snow, Copper Mountain also has an avalanche machine keeping the slop active for around 12 months in the year. This machine works by releasing a gas that turns water into snow. The machine provides genuine powdery snow that can even be altered to be icier, or softer to meet the needs of the skiers. 

The Copper Mountain is set to be active for 12 months of the year, as of some point in the next two years, whilst plans are also unveiled for an indoor facility. The massive success of Copper Mountain is said to be partially attributable to hosting world snowboarding events, and also offering other activities such as snow tubing which is becoming increasingly popular, as well as snowshoeing, hiking, biking and snowmobile vehicles.

When I last visited Copper Mountain major regeneration work had just begun. They had started re-building the lift, there were hotel and lodging developments, and they have even started investing in real estate. From what I understand you will be able to buy a property overlooking the amazing slopes in a small amount of time. They had also seen the importance and the market that exists for training skiing. When a facility has the best training facility, new skiers are more likely to come along, learn how to ski at Copper Mountain and then come back year after year. They have built a complex that will house and support their training team, and they intend to offer lessons for a great price to encourage people to learn how to ski at Copper Mountain. 

Copper Mountain is also home to freestyle snowboarding facilities which are becoming increasingly with teenagers looking to get started in winter sports. The snowboarding facilities include ramps, half-pipes, jumps and runs, whilst also being flood light, allowing the facility to operate much later than when the lifts stop functioning. 

If you have never been to Copper Mountain then you will soon realise why it is rated as the best Skiing facility in America. Did you know that many film scenes have been completed on this mountain? It may also surprise you to know that this is usually completed when there is no snow on the mountains, and an avalanche machine generates snow in the absence of any skiers or tourists.

(Article from 2007)

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