Month: March 2022

Kung Fu Weapons

The weapons used by kung fu masters are used to fight at a distance as well as at close range. Eighteen Arms is the term used to describe kung fu weaponry. Saber, spear, sword, halberd, axe, battle axe, hook, fork, whip, mace, hammer, talon, trident-halberd, cudgel, long-handled spear, short cudgel, stick and meteor hammer are the eighteen weapons. Some of these weapons are overt, whereas others are covert in nature. Some of them can be used with soft styles, while others can be used in the hard styles. The usage of the Eighteen Arms made kung fu more proficient.

The cudgels, swords, sabers, spears are the basic weapons. Cudgels, which are mostly made of wood or metal, are known as the father of all kung fu weapons. This weapon is simple, but turns out to be lethal when used properly.

The sword is the basic weapon used for rigorous training. Hitting, piercing, pointing, lifting, jumping, leaping, hanging, chopping, floating, poking, sweeping, wrestling, blocking and wiping are the techniques in which kung fu masters gain expertise. A good swordsman required to not only be skillful in technique, but also agile in his body movements.

The saber, the marshal of all weapons, is a broad, curved sword. Saber users need constant practice and rigorous training, as stability of the saber and body is necessary. A saber user must consider the saber the part of his body. A saber is useful not only in attack but also in defense.

The spear is the major military weapon from ancient times, as it can be used in close as well as distance fights. A spearman needs to be agile, flexible, quick and steady.

But the greatest weapon of the kung fu master is his mind. The kung fu master needs to remain calm and use his skill properly. The mind plays an important role in such a scenario.

Famous Architects

Hundreds of thousands of architects specialize in the field of architecture—a field with roots that span centuries. However, only some architects leave their mark in the art and science of architecture. Such architects are famous; people who have achieved brilliance and excellence in their designing of buildings, structures, and monuments besides many others.

Famous architects have left their mark in the world in many ways. Today the most impressive buildings that we see are inventions of their creative mind. We admire their work, while students and other architects study them.

To honor such architects, several awards exist. The American Institute of Architects, Royal Institute of British Architects, and other organizations reward prizes to dedicated and excellent architects. The most prestigious award is known as the Nobel Prize of Architecture or the Pritzker Prize. Created in 1979, it is awarded each year to architects for their outstanding work.

Architects like Aldo Rossi, Rafael Moneo, Luis Barragan, Philip Johnson, Tadao Ando, Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, Albert Kahn, Antonio Gaudi, Carlo Scarpa and many others have created a place for themselves in the architecture field.

Each of the aforementioned architects is special; such architects have influenced the world by their ideas, thoughts, and beliefs, and created structures based upon their own beliefs. Belonging to different countries, they have studded the world with beautiful monuments.

Philip Johnson was the first architect to be honored with Pritzker Prize in 1979. An influential American architect, his most amazing structure remains the glass house in New Canaan. Tadao Ando, a Japanese architect, has won many prizes too, such as the Pritzker Prize and Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Among the most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright comes to mind immediately. His works have been held to be a brilliant and important contribution to our culture by the American Institute of Architects. Strongly individualized works belong to Antonio Gaudi, Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, and others.

Architect Luis Barragan’s house and study in Mexico City is held to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Alvar Aalto’s works were highly acclaimed too. They were in tune with the contours of the land and were made up of natural materials like wood, brick, stone, copper, and many more.

Right from the beginning, prominent architects have created stunning works of art. From Marcus Agrippa and Leonardo da Vinci to modern day architects, architecture has produced outstanding architects who have influenced the field by their unique ideas and created stupendous monuments for the world to admire.

Golf Games

Golf is a game that originated in Scotland, but is played throughout the world. Golf is an international game today and there are worldwide championships for professional golf like the Masters, the Open Championship, the US Open and the PGA Championship. Golf is generally considered to be an elite game, but there are many kinds of golf games that can be played by anyone.

It is played by hitting a ball with a club from the ground into a hole. There are certain rules applicable for playing golf. It is played in a golf course that is designed as per certain standards. A typical golf course has 18 holes, although it can have 9 or 36 holes also. One round of golf implies playing all 18 holes in a particular order. A ball is hit with various strokes until it reaches the cup. The goal is to use a minimum number of strokes, regardless of various obstructions like water bodies or bunkers. There are different kinds of strokes or shots: tee shots, fairway shots, bunker shots and putts. There are also approach shots: pitch, flop and chip. The main equipment required for golf is golf balls, golf clubs, and special equipment like golf carts, bags, shoes, gloves and tees. The rules of golf are determined by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

There are also several other games that are similar to golf, or just share the name. They are: golf card games, golf solitaire, Kolven, farmers’ golf, miniature golf, golf trivia hangman and others. There are many online versions of golf that can be played on the computer. These games can be downloaded for free, through the Internet. Advanced versions, however, have to be purchased. These virtual games provide all the excitement of the real game. Furthermore, they have several options that allow the player to customize the game according to requirements. Mario Golf, ultra golf, hot shots golf, touch golf, kolf and SimGolf are some of the virtual golf games. The main providers of these games are Sony, Maxis, Camelot, Skyworks, Candystand and others. Most of these games can be played online with other players also.

Award Trophies

Trophies are souvenirs of victories. When they are given as awards they are called award trophies. Awards are often given to commemorate a certain level of excellence achieved by a person.

Award trophies include those given for cultural events, sporting events, corporate achievements, or heroic achievements, like those done by police and firemen. The Oscar is awarded to actors and actresses. Olympic trophies, Grand Slam trophies, World Cup trophies and PGA trophies are awarded for sporting excellence. Big companies award trophies of good service to employees, and heroic achievements are recognized publicly by awarding policemen and firemen for their meritorious service.

Award trophies for sporting excellence are popular. Olympic trophies are most coveted. Olympic games include horse riding, rowing and gymnastics. An Olympic award can enhance the career of any sportsman representing his country. Every four years the Olympic Games are hosted by different countries amidst great fanfare and celebration, to unite the world in the sporting spirit.

In tennis, there is a series of tournaments including Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open, and the Italian Open. Tennis awards given to champions are revered in sporting history.

In football, the World Cup captures the imagination of the whole world. The team that wins and the individual players that shone through the tournament are etched in public memory. Cricket also has a World Cup, though it is restricted to the British Commonwealth countries in its popularity.

Award trophies are made of different metals, materials and designs. The wealthier tournaments have gold and silver trophies studded with precious stones, like diamonds. The others have cups and plaques made of crystal, metal, pewter, acrylic, wood, or even plastic. Human figures, especially sporting figures like baseball players or golfers, are popular, as well as birds or even bobble head figures.

Awards are achievements, and award trophies are mementoes of achievement to be cherished forever.

China Great Wall Tours

The Great Wall of China, one of the most appealing attractions of China and one of the greatest wonders of the world, was constructed by the Vassal states under Zhou Dynasty for defense purposes. The construction began during 7th century B.C. and was completed between the 14th and 17th centuries. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the Great Wall of China as the World Heritage in 1987.

Once the state of Qin was unified with China, China joined all the walls to impede invaders from northern China and extended them to more than 10000 li, which is equal to 5000 kilometers. Like a Chinese holistic dragon with a zigzag shape, the Great Wall of China stretches across mountains, plateaus, deserts, rivers and grasslands with a length of almost 6,700 kilometers. It is over 2000 years old and runs from East China to West China. Unfortunately, portions of the wall are in ruins due to lack of interest on the part of the Chinese Government. This magnificent piece of Chinese history touches the provinces of Shanhaiguan Pass, Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu and finally ends in Jiayuguan Pass.

China tour operators like Beijingguide.com, Chinahiking.com, and Orientaltravel.com etc various tours to the Great Wall of China at discount prices and outstanding services. Tourists stay at the beautiful places near the wall like Jinshanling and Simatai, where there are restaurants, guest houses, shops and transportation agencies. The entire Great Wall of China can be broadly divided into four popular sites namely Badaling, Mutianya, Simatai and Shixiaguan. Of these, Simatai is the steeper portion of the Wall. Generally May and October are ideal months for touring.

Beach Tents

Available in a variety of colors, beach tents do not necessarily have to be owned and carried by the tourists to the vacation spots. Although most of these tents are extremely lightweight and transportable, they maybe hired on location.

Not much different from ordinary camping tents, beach tents are for revelers who prefer spending quality time on gorgeous beaches, watching turbulent sea waves dashing against the beige shores.

Enjoying vacations on the beach with a beach tent in tow is a comparatively recent phenomenon. However, tent manufacturers haven’t taken long to add to the original variety. Beach tents are thus available in a wide range of styles. Some are designed as beach cabanas, while others may resemble a bird’s wing. There are some known as beach huts, which are a wonderful mix of beach cabanas and beach umbrellas.

Beach tents are almost always made out of polyester. Some provide fiberglass waterproof floors, mesh windows, Velcro-fastened flaps and so on. Most have sand pockets for storing knick knacks, and sizes vary to suit the needs of buyers. However, since large families usually do not indulge in beach vacations within beach tents, most beach tents are either small or medium in size. They are mostly as expensive as camping tents but since they provide strong UV protection, the price tends to go up higher.

The most important thing that potential buyers should keep in mind is that maximum possible UV protection should be guaranteed. The sun-guards range between SPF-35 and SPF-50. However, the truth behind such claims should be properly judged and evaluated before an investment is made.

Beach tents are also known as sun tents and are extremely easy to install. Most are simple pop-ups and since they are usually very elementary all-in-one structures, there are no loose accessories that one might end up losing.

Manufacturers these days have further come up with junior beach tents which are pop-ups made out of colorful synthetic material. Meant for kids, these provide a perfect blend of shelter and fun. They have, in the recent years, proved to be perfect playrooms where children can actually have a gala time with their own sand castles et al, while staying away from the harmful rays of the sun.

What we may thus safely conclude is that beach tents give beach vacations a wild and adventurous twist. They are perhaps perfect for bohemians who want to have a good time with the sand and the sea, beyond the parameters of convention.

Basketball Sizes

The NBA has specified basketball sizes not just for official men’s, women’s, and junior league games, but also unofficial games for children and youth. These size specifications help you choose the right ball for yourself or your children, and it is recommended that they be followed strictly to avoid injury during play.

Basketball is a physically vigorous game, with moves that involve running, jumping, blocking, and shooting. The injuries during the game are categorized into upper body and lower body injuries. While lower body injuries can be prevented by proper shoes, training, and padding, upper body injuries are best prevented by using basketballs of proper size and weight.

According to a survey published by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), basketball ranks fourth among the major causes of injury in the US. A study quoted on iqHealth.com says that basketball causes 20% of all injuries in children aged 10 to 14. iqHealth.com goes on to suggest that proper basketball weight and size go a long way in preventing such injuries. The NBA recommended basketball size for children in this age group is 27.25”, with weight around 12 oz.

Injuries due to improper basketball size are also prevalent among children below the age of 7. NBA recommends that very young children be given foam or rubber basketballs with a 22” circumference and weight of 8 oz.

The CDC found that girls are more frequently and acutely injured than boys during basketball games. For adolescents girls between the ages of 14- 16, NBA recommends “junior” basketballs of circumference 27.75” (size 5), with a weight of around 18 oz. Also, the ball for women’s official games is 28.5” in circumference (size 6) and weigh 20 oz. The men’s official basketball, by comparison, is bigger (29.5” or size 7), weighing 22 oz.

Even training balls that are not used for official matches have certain size and weight criteria. For shot training, the men’s training basketball has 36” circumference (size 9). The women’s basketball is 33.5” or size 8. The men’s weighted ball used for muscle building exercises is 29.5” in circumference and the women’s ball is 28.5”, with weight a little more than the official balls.

Choosing the right ball is important for your health and safety, and these guidelines should be adhered to while purchasing basketballs for official or unofficial games.

A Guide to Batting Cages

Batting cages are enclosed or partially enclosed pieces of sporting equipment that act as a “catcher,” in effect, for batters practicing hitting baseballs or softballs. Batting cages help to keep balls in a contained space so that the batter can continue hitting without having to continually retrieve them. Different types of batting cages can be located outdoors or in a gym or activity center.

Batting cages are both in professional, school-sponsored, and recreational baseball and softball. They can be used to help improve a batter’s speed or to improve his or her accuracy in hitting a ball. A batter’s agility and stance, as well as his overall performance, can be enhanced by using a batting cage. While aiding a batter in improving his or her skill, batting cages also keep the ball in an enclosed area to prevent the injury of bystanders and onlookers.

Batting cages consist of a configuration of netting over a frame. They can differ in material, size, and cost, as well as structure and workmanship. Whether batting cages are used indoors or outdoors can be a deciding factor in what the best choice of material should be. Cages that are used outside will need to be tougher than those used indoors.

The netting in batting cages can be constructed of various materials and degrees of sturdiness. Framing in a batting cage should be constructed with a pipe that will withstand temperatures and weather in the area in which it is used. For that reason, a batting cage used by the Boston Red Sox will probably be made differently than one used by the Los Angeles Angels.

With less time spent retrieving baseballs, batters can spend more time advancing their technique. For decades, batting cages have played a central role in improving the swings of professional and amateur batters.

Golf Ball Reviews

Just as all new products that come on the market have their individual reviews, so do golf balls. There are numerous golf balls being manufactured everyday, with new models and types being introduced every once in a while. The variations in the golf balls usually lie in the number of dimples there are in the balls, the construction of the ball, and the distance it can travel at a single shot.

The golf ball review describes the launching of a new brand of golf balls, placing importance on the different models of the individual brands. For example, Nike had first introduced the original One ball one year, to be followed by a line of balls for every type of golfer. All this information is furnished in the golf ball review.

The next thing that may be described in the golf ball review is the construction of the golf ball. Some of the golf balls are three-piece balls and others may have a four-piece construction. The writer of the golf ball review may then write his comments on the distance the golf ball may cover and compare this distance with other golf balls.

Of course, the golf ball review not only describes the positive points of the golf balls, but also the negative points of the golf ball. Some balls may not have a good feel to the user of the ball; while some balls are good for putting, others are good for chipping. This is all mentioned in the golf ball review.

The last point that is usually found in the golf ball reviews is the opinion of the writer on which ball is better for golf matches. The answer may be provided with the reasons. Then of course, a mention of the price of the golf ball is provided. There is also a mention of whether or not that golf ball is recommended for use in tournaments So when buying a golf ball, it is always advisable to read some golf ball reviews first.

US Passport

When you are traveling outside the USA, you must have your passport with you. A passport issued by the US Department of State certifies you as a citizen of your country, when requesting permission to enter other countries.

If you have never been a possessor of a US passport or your last US passport has been expired for more than 12 years, or your recent US passport has been stolen, lost or damaged, then you must apply for a new US passport. If a person is applying for the first time, then he needs to do so in person.

International travel is considered a right that cannot be denied to any citizen. Even so, not very long ago, people who held views associated with communism, like Paul Robeson and W.E.B. Dubois, were denied a US passport. However, the U.S. Department of State cogently maintained that they have the right to screen people and revoke their passports if necessary. For the same reasons, US passports to Libya, Lebanon and Iraq are still denied.

In order to strengthen US security goals, biometric technology has been extended to US passports. This is done by including certain physical characteristics of the applicant, for example fingerprints or retina scans, and analyzing their distinguishing traits.

A contemporary US ‘e-passport’ has been proposed which will be a unique combination of both tighter security features and a novel design. It will have a computer chip attached to it, containing important data. This design will capture the essence of hope and success for the citizens of the USA.