As someone who really likes to write about health, I was challenged recently when a friend asked me how I would pick a pair of golf shoes that were most beneficial to my health.
I hadn’t thought much about it but a little research shows that it is an issue worth investigating.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 43 million Americans per year suffer from foot-related health issues, costing $3.5 billion in treatment and lost workdays.
The average golfer will spend 4 – 6 hours on the golf course each time he or she plays, walking on typically hilly terrain. Adequate foot comfort during this time is a must as there is a lot of potential here for feet, ankles and back to become strained due to ill-fitting shoes, particularly in older players.
Ultimately, safe and protective footwear will reflect on your game too. Experts have stated that the game of golf begins from the feet. According to Jack Nicklaus: “All timing, distance, and direction comes out of the lower body with the feet leading the way”.
Choosing golf shoes has become harder over time. 15 years ago we were restricted mainly to “traditional” models (brogues or similar). Nowadays there are all sorts of variations, from boots to sandals.
How do you know which golf shoe will be right for you, and also best for you feet, your back as well as your swing?
Here are some tips for getting the healthiest golf shoes for you:
Take your time when trying potential new golf shoes on. Allow yourself time to walk around in the pro store. Don’t be embarrassed to spend 5 minutes or more feeling the fit of a pair of shoes.
Some people advise that you come to shop following a 20 minute walk when your feet are fully expanded. Certainly, it
is better to shop in the afternoon, than in the morning, for this reason.
When trying shoes, wear the same thickness of sock that you would on a golf course. Failure to do this could result in shoes that tighter or looser than normal, which could cause blisters or sore feet.
Try on both shoes, wearing golf socks. Lace fully and walk about to assess comfort.
If you’ve had ankle problems you might want to try one of the new high-top models that give more ankle support. However, bear in mind that you need to be able to swing out and around your shoes, at the ankle. So you need to ensure that such shoes won’t impede your movement.
Do you have one foot markedly larger than the other? You could investigate a range of shoes by High-Tec created to address this. With these models, you can adapt the fit of each shoe to suit the shape of each foot.
Do you wear orthoses in your regular shoes? Then remember to transfer them to your golf shoes if your podiatrist has recommended this.
Finally, if a round of golf leaves you with painful feet, first assess the fit of your shoes. Consider changing to more supportive, stable footwear. If the pain persists and does so for more than 3 consecutive rounds, consider visiting a podiatric sports physician.
The right golf shoe should let you stay comfortable through your round and help you concentrate on your game. If you can go through several rounds without noticing your feet, the shoes are doing their job.
Golf shoe tips are specially brought to you by http://www.ourgolfshoes.com and its partner site http://www.bfshoes.com. For more shoe tips, especially where to find the latest bargains online, be sure to check out either site.
Health Guide
Health questions and answers archive. Ask our experts your own question for free!
Our oceans are home to many marine mammals, fish, turtles, corals and others. The delicate balance between man and the ocean is constantly being challenged by the demands of our society. Most of our planet is covered by water, a necessary ingredient of human life. The state of our oceans should be uppermost in our minds in order for quality of life for all species to remain as it is.
Florida’s West Indiana Manatee-What is Killing Them? The top manatee story after the recent hurricanes was in Lee County where residents rescued a manatee that was the victim of Hurricane Charley’s storm surge. The stunned and tired manatee was splashed onto Pearl Street after the storm surge receded. This was one manatee that did not have to be included in the mortality numbers this year.
The manatees killed this year are divided into categories by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. 1/1/04 – 9/30/04 numbers: Watercraft-60, Flood Gates-1, Other human-4, Perinatal-65, Cold-36, Natural-20, Undetermined-43, Unrecovered-2 for a total of 231.
According to the February 2004 count of manatees in Florida by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission there were only 2568 manatees remaining in Florida.
If you see a dead or injured manatee or one that’s been harassed while in Florida, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s toll-free hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Lastly, as a visitor to our tropical paradise, do not approach, touch, feed or water manatees. It is against the law and carries a fine as well as a possible jail term. Use your camera to make memories, not a police experience.
Dolphins – Our favorite Marine Mammal. Dolphins are not endangered at this time, but the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 requires you to stay away from them. Do not encourage them into the path of danger by boats or other human interaction. Wild dolphins have been found injured by firecrackers placed down their blow hold, beer poured over them and into their blow hold and other horror stories. These beautiful creatures think man is their friend but the next person they meet may be their enemy instead.
There are licensed facilities where you can interact safely with dolphins that have been raised in captivity or rescued.
Sea Turtles-Has the
2004 hurricane season hurt their recovery? South Florida is home to Loggerheads, Leatherbacks and Green sea turtles. Hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley have occasionally been found. These are the five species found in US waters in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The population of loggerheads nesting along the Atlantic coast of Florida is the second largest in the world. The nesting season runs from around May to September and within approximately 60 days of nesting, the hatchlings too are in danger.
It is too soon to have counts, but the yearly numbers will reveal the losses. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be reporting the 2004 figures early next year.
There are other dangers to our sea turtles. The turtle hospital in Marathon, Florida treats a variety of turtle ailments, such as flipper amputations caused by fishing line and trap rope entanglements, shell damage caused by boat collisions, and intestinal impactions caused by ingestion of foreign material such as plastic bags, balloons and fishing lines. Turtles love jellyfish and shrimp and ingest filters from cigarettes and plastic in error. Turtles that died from starvation were found with a stomach full of cigarette filters.
The most recent nesting totals for Florida’s turtles from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the year 2003 is:
Loggerheads: 63,446
Green Turtles: 2262
Leatherbacks: 842
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP THE SEA TURTLES?
1. Never throw litter on the beach or in the water.
2. If pets are allowed on the beach, keep them leashed at all times.
3. Obey all beach rules and stay away from turtle nesting sites.
4. Help spread the word about sea turtles. The more people know, the more they will want to help them.
5. Watch for turtles while boating.
6. During nesting seasons, turn lights facing the beach off or have proper filters.
7. Participate in local beach and reef cleanups.
8. Do not buy sea turtle products-jewelry, oil, leather, meat or eggs.
Kathy Runk has been a volunteer exhibit guide at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, volunteer for the Save the Manatee Club in Florida, attended Dolphinlab in Marathon, Florida and adopted Elsie the manatee, dolphins Merina and her baby Calusa. Kathy is the owner of http://www.myoceantreasures.com that sells ocean themed jewelry and gifts.
Cigarette Contents
He’s not eager to reveal his handicap;Around the truth he would often tap.They told him his game was taking a nap;That it never showed up; it needed a map!
Of his golf apparel he was Oh so proud!But people thought it was just too ‘loud’.Often suggesting it needed a shroud;This caused a fight; a rolling dust cloud!
To his heart, golf was the key.It was on the green his soul felt free.He could hardly await the time for ‘tee’;But club dues must be paid; this ride’s got a fee.
Once in a blue moon he made a birdey;Though he knew much about golf (a little nerdy).About to tee off- his feet stood sturdy;But only took up a divot–brown and verde.
It didn’t take long for his eyes to in-take;The path of the ball; the flight it must make.”Easy!”, he thought. “This is gonna be cake!”But the fish all braced for it’s entry into the lake.
In secret, the rules he would often bend;From his mind, a rationalization he would lend.To him, the means justified the end;Like the fiercest warrior, his handicap must
he defend.
Into his ‘golf life’, sand traps would rain;Bogeys rolled in like some ghastly train.Cancelling out any birdeys he’d gained;”Another golf game”, he sighed. “Oh, the pain!”
Shuffling into the house, his face fell. It tapered.His wife smirked, “You lost again, didn’t you?” And imagined the caper.With an outstretched hand that ‘said’, “Pay her!”;Into her purse his $20 went. It vanished like a vapor!
“No dinner for me, thanks. I’m heading in early.”"Awww, it’s just a game,” she said. “No need to be surley.”"I’m not”, he said. “I need to rise early.”"Suuurrre!”, she said. “You and the proverbial ‘birdy’.”
He took a shower to wash away the day;It didn’t help much. That golf game would ‘stay’.His spirits were lifted, though, when he thought, “But hey!”And danced around saying, “Tomorrow’s another ‘golf day’!”
Copyright 2005 by Kevin D. Rolle. All rights reserved.
My name is Kevin D. Rolle, and I have a website calledhttp://www.golf-humor-asylum.com which is dedicated to the humorous aspects of golf through a fresh, new golf comic strip called, “Divott and the Caddie Chronicles,” and my commentary.Thanks.
Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an element of fun and games. Traditionalists are usually only concerned with the discipline and structure of their training, but incorporating fun games involving proper techniques will add to the value of training and keep the kids interested.
Here are a few fun games and activities that utilize Martial Arts skills to keep the enthusiasm high and kids interested in their training.
Sensei Says
Sensei Says is a take off of the old “Simon Says Game”. In this version the instructor or parent would call out various martial arts techniques for the children to perform.
One instructor or parent is designated as “Sensei” or Leader. Children are instructed to follow and perform the commands of the “Sensei” only if the command is initiated by the words “Sensei Says”. The leader will call out various commands. If the child does not perform the task when initiated by the words “Sensei Says” they are out of the game. If the leader commands a task without using the prompt “Sensei Says” and the child performs the task, then the child is out of the game. Last child remaining wins.
Wild & Crazy Blocker
Requirements: 2 padded foam blockers.
The instructor or parent will attempt to strike the child with the padded foam blocker. The attempted strikes should vary from left side to right side, and to various body points, including Head, Chest, Stomach, and Legs.
The child will use their martial arts blocking skills to “block” those strikes.
Each time a “strike” connects without the child blocking or shielding they receive a point. Three points or three “strikes” and they are out.
Danger Alley
Requirements: 4 people, various Martial Arts Foam Blockers, Body Shields, Target Squares. A
diagram is available at http://www.aimusainc.com/files/PDF/dangeralley.pdf
Danger Alley is a simple and easy obstacle course in which the child goes from station to station. At each station the child must perform a “self-defense” or marital arts technique to stop an “Attack or Danger”.
A minimum of four stations with various situations is recommended.
Station One (The Escape)
An instructor or parent will subdue the child by grabbing and holding on to the child’s wrist. The child must then perform an escape maneuver. Once the child escapes they proceed to Station Two.
Station Two (The Block)
When the child proceeds to station two, they encounter a would be attacker, attempting a punch or strike. An instructor or parent using a padded foam blocker will attempt to strike the child. The child should attempt to block the strike using a martial arts technique and then proceed to station three.
Station Three (The Punch)
When the child proceeds to station three, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts punch technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded target square, which the child would punch. The child then proceeds to station four.
Station Four (The Kick)
When the child proceeds to station four, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts kick technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded Body Shield, which the child would kick. After completing the four stations the child has successfully conquered Danger Alley.
Martial Arts trainings can be fun for children just by incorporating the techniques and skills into activities and games.
Eric Gehler
http://www.blackbeltdomain.com
Eric has been involved in the Martial Arts Business for over 15 years. More information is available on the website!
There are four basic types of fishing reels: Spincast, Spinning, Casting, and Fly. All of them are used to achieve the same result, which is to hold enough line for casting and playing a fish. Here is a breakdown of the types:
Spincast
The spincast reel is completely enclosed with the exception of a small hole in the top where the line comes out. The line wraps around a spindle located inside the upper housing. The spindle sits parallel to the fishing rod so the line comes off in a coil. The line is wound back around the spindle by a collar that catches the line where it comes off of the spindle and rotates as the crank is turned. When the trigger is pushed, the collar moves out of the way and allows line to unspool from the spindle. This type of reel also has a drag that is either controlled by a wheel located on the housing or by a large spoke ring around the base of the crank handle. The drag provides tension on the line for fighting fish and is adjustable to prevent line breakage.
To cast a rod equipped with a spincast reel you start the casting motion and press the trigger on the forward motion of the cast at the point where you want the lure to start flying. When the lure hits the desired location you turn the crank to release the trigger and engage the collar with the line. You can now start retrieving your lure.
Spincast reels usually cast lures less distance than other types, but have fewer line loops or backlashes.
Spinning
Spinning reels have a visible line spool with a wire loop at the top that moves around the spool as the reel is cranked. The wire loop is called the bail and is designed to capture the line and
force it into the groove at the base of loop so it can be wound around the spindle when the reel is cranked. At the top of the spool or the base of the reel is the drag adjustment, the location varies by manufacturer and model. There will also be some type of switch to enable/disable the anti-reverse feature of the reel. Anti-reverse prevents the reel from spinning backwards if you remove your hand from the crank. The reel is designed to be hung below the rod.
To cast a rod equipped with a spinning reel you first grasp the rod so that the reel hangs below the rod, and the mounting base shaft for the reel is between you middle and ring fingers. Now, using the index finger of the hand holding the rod, catch the line where it leaves the reel and hold it to the rod with you finger. Using your other hand flip the bail up so it points toward the rod tip. This will allow the line to come off the spool if you release the line held by your index finger. Start the casting motion and on the forward portion of the motion release the line held by your finger at the point where you want the lure to start flying. When the lure hits the water turn the crank and the bail will close. You can now start retrieving the lure.
Spinning reels cast farther than Spincast reels but can sometimes have problems with line loops if the line develops twists, there is slack in the line when it is reeled, there is a lot of line memory, or if there is too much line on the reel.
Part 2 will cover Casting reels and Fly Reels.
http://www.michfish.com Michigan fishing information, forums, online fishing diary, and interactive lake maps
Do not believe that practicing “by rote” 1-2-3,etc. type “responses” to street attacks is a viable or particularly useful training exercise. Example: He does this, I do that. For attack A I use Defense A.
Realize that in a street fight there are far too many variables, too many contingencies. Uncle Murphy rules the roost. Terrain, weather, injuries, any number of unforeseen deficits is one major concern.
The variety of assailants (size, number, weight, height, mental state, tolerance to pain, clothing) is another major stumbling block.
Train your “tools”, study your “targets” and master your “opening gambit”, anything “rehearsed” past that point, that initial sudden and explosive action is unrealistic.
ANYONE with real experience knows this. Whatever can go wrong…….WILL! So your training must emphasize instinctive and spontaneous “reactions” as opposed to attempted by rote “responses”. You “take” whatever the attacker gives you, or make whatever opening you need, but there is NO way to know this before hand!
Many so-called “combative” systems miss the most fundamental principle of training……..K.I.S.S.!
A padded syllabus may “look” impressive and “complete” but in light of the stark realities of survival, they are counter-productive.
Get your “tools” in the Old School Series. Those of you who practice with Video OS1, Fundamentals of Unarmed Combat know what I am talking about. Remember to Practice REACTIONS not RESPONSES! Practice to react a certain way. That’s
a few combinations of two or three techniques practiced over and over again.
HOMEWORK: Take the combination of a Short Axe Hand, Long Axe hand, Chin jab and a Knee (from Video OS1). on a SparPro or heavybag- what ever you can hit Practice this 300 times a day. After 5 days let me know what you find.
Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ©
Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.
Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
One of the most common and deadly mistakes I see with amateur players is they try to learn and improve while playing on the course. This is a mistake, and I can tell you right now: it’s not going to work. When you get out there to play, that’s the time to relax and enjoy yourself, but also try to score. It’s not the time to practice or perfect your skills.The time to do that is during what I call “bridge time.” This is the critical learning period between lesson and putting green/driving range practice time (when you are absorbing feedback and instruction) and when you actually go out to play a round. Many players neglect to incorporate bridge time into their golf routine, but it’s a crucial part of the learning process.
The ideal learning progession is this: first, you take a lesson; second, you spend a fair amount of time developing what you learned in the practice areas; third, you play a practice round by yourself, without the pressure of a round played with others, and then finally, you take whatever swing you have and use it when you play a real round. (At that point, the time for practicing and thinking through the fundamentals or remembering what your coach said during your last lesson is over).So what exactly is bridge time, you ask? Bridge time is when you play a practice round by yourself. Unlike a real round, the pressure is off; however, when you have the luxury of redoing and practicing shots that are giving you particular trouble, but in realistic course conditions – i.e., real conditions you are likely to
encounter during a round. While you’re out there, take a couple of extra drives, as well as approaches, chips, pitches and putts over the course of nine holes. During this time, you are rehearsing your game in a practice round setting before taking it out into live action play. This practice round is thus the link, or bridge, between learning time (the lesson) and application time (live play, when it’s time to score). Bridge time is an essential part of the overall learning process.
If you set yourself apart from most amateur players by using this knowledge to your advantage, you’ll see a vast improvement in your playing skills on the course, when it matters most: during a live round. You’ll not only improve your score, you’ll enjoy each round more by allowing yourself to simply go out, have fun, and appreciate golf as the relaxing, enjoyable game that it is.
Tom Patri is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and author of The Six-Spoke Approach to Golf (2005, The Lyons Press; foreword by Fred Couples; available at http://www.amazon.com). Tom currently heads his golf instructional school, TP Golf Schools, based in Naples, Florida. Prior to that, Tom served eleven years as the Director of Golf Instruction at the Westchester Country Club (home of the Barclay, formerly the Buick Classic PGA Tour event) in Rye, New York and four years as the Director of Golf Instruction at Naples Grande Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. In 2003, Tom was chosen as Southwest Florida PGA’s Teacher of the Year. For more information about Tom and his unique teaching approach, please visit his website, http://www.tompatri.com
The oldest golf course in the world…
If I asked you where the oldest golf course in the world was what would you say? Scotland – yes, good guess so far. But where in Scotland?
When pressed most golfers eventually say St Andrews, but they’re wrong. Golf was played at Musselburgh near Edinburgh at least ten years before any recorded games at St Andrews. Local records suggest that golf was played on the links land near the shore at Musselburgh from around the year 1567.
The “old course” in Musselburgh is still there today and retains much of its original layout. It has nine holes and the golf course can be played by all comers. Seven of the old course holes were laid out before 1830 (and probably much earlier) and the two “new holes” were added in the mid 1800’s.
The British Open golf tournament was held at Musselburgh on five occasions between 1874 and 1889 and the first ever golf competition for women was played on the old course in 1811. The club members still compete for the Old Club Cup, which dates back to 1774.
Even the holes in the greens are significant at Musselburgh. In 1829 the members decided to buy a mechanical device from a local blacksmith to cut the holes on the green. By chance he made it with a diameter of exactly four and a half inches. Golf holes at the time could be
any size that the members wanted – there was no rule about it. In 1893 the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews – who by this time wrote the rules of golf for the game worldwide – decided that all golf holes should be the same size as the ones at Musselburgh old course and the decision has remained unchanged to this day. Just measure the cup size on your local golf course if you don’t believe me.
For a golf course of such historical importance, access is remarkably easy. You can simply pay and play if you wish and there is a small shop selling special souvenirs. Memberships are available for both local and overseas members – the latter might make a particularly unusual golf gift. Each overseas member receives a welcome pack with a history of the club, a special bag tag, special golf balls and tees and is welcome to join in any competitions if they come for a holiday in Scotland.
This truly is golf at it’s most authentic and in its most historical setting. Come try it – you will really feel the history of the place.
Gary Hill lives and works in central Scotland.His website has lots of information on travel in Europe and about golf in Scotland or Ireland golf vacations
Gary also contributes to a medical website on the theme of whiplash injury
Did you know that there are five species of Pacific salmon and one species of Atlantic salmon? Further, did you know that all 5 species of Pacific salmon run wild in Alaska?
We’re proud of our wild salmon here in Alaska, and rightly so. On the one hand the wild salmon are great sport fish and we Alaskans love to spend gorgeous summer weekends challenging them.
On the other hand our commercial fisheries are healthy and self-sustaining. They are able to catch enough wild salmon to satisfy most of the world wide demand for fresh wild fillets in the restaurants and packaged wild salmon on grocery store shelves.
King Salmon
The Chinook salmon is nicknamed king salmon in Alaska. It is the official Alaska state fish.
Description
Of all the Pacific salmon the king is the largest. A 97-pound king was caught by a sport fisherman in 1986 on the Kenai River. In 1949 a 126 pound king was caught commercially near Petersburg, Alaska. Typically king salmon weigh 30 pounds and above.
The king is lightly and irregularly spotted on their blue-green back. They also have a black pigment along their gum line. Spawning kings in fresh water range in color from red to copper to almost black.
Life Cycle
All species of Pacific salmon hatch in fresh water, spend part of their life cycle in the ocean, then return to fresh water to spawn.
The king salmon generally live 5 to 7 years, though they can mature by their second to third year. As a result the kings in a spawning run can vary greatly in size. A mature 3-year old may only weigh 4 pounds while a mature 7-year old may exceed 50 pounds.
The young king salmon feed on plankton and insects during their fresh water period. During their second year they migrate to the ocean where they grow rapidly.
Some kings make immense spawning migrations. For example, many of the Yukon River kings will migrate over 2,000 miles during a 60 day period to reach the streams and headwaters in Yukon Territory, Canada.
Taste
The king salmon has a rich flavor, firm flesh, and a pleasing red color. Kings caught at the mouth of the Yukon River have a huge store of oil in their flesh for their long upriver migration. The result is an extra-rich flavor, much prized among those who love salmon.
Sockeye Salmon
The Sockeye salmon is also called the red salmon due to the bright red color of its flesh, and it is the second most abundant salmon species in Alaska.
Description
Sockeye salmon are the slimmest and most streamlined of the 5 species of Pacific salmon. They differ from kings, silvers, and pink salmon by the lack of large black spots, and they differ from chum salmon by having more gill rakers on the first gill.
Sockeye are generally a greenish-blue color with silver sides and a white or silver belly.
During the spawning season the Sockeye males develop a humped back and a hooked jaw. Both male and female Sockeye turn brilliant to dark red as they head upriver to their spawning grounds.
Life Cycle
After hatching during the winter and spending a few months in the river gravels, the juvenile Sockeye spend 1 to 3 years in freshwater before migrating to the ocean.
The Sockeye spend 1 to 4 years in the ocean, ranging thousands of miles while feeding and then returning to the same freshwater system where they were born. They reach an average size of 4 to 8 pounds, sometimes reaching in excess of 15 pounds.
Bristol Bay, in southwestern Alaska, annually harvests the largest number of Sockeye salmon in the world. About 10 million to 30 million Sockeye are caught during a short season that lasts only a few weeks.
Taste
The Sockeye salmon has an exquisitely rich flavor due to the high concentration of oils. It is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The rich red flesh color is maintained throughout cooking which results in a beautiful presentation. Some people consider the Sockeye to be the most flavorful of all the salmon species.
Silver Salmon
Coho salmon are known as silver salmon in Alaska and are an excellent game fish.
Description
Coho salmon have bright silver sides and have small black spots on their back.
Spawning salmon of both sexes develop red to maroon colored sides. The males develop a hooked snout with large teeth.
Life History
Juvenile silvers live in ponds and lakes formed by rivers and streams. They generally spend one to three years in the streams and may spend as many as 5 winters in lakes before migrating to the ocean.
Silvers stay in the ocean, where they grow quickly, for about 18 months before returning to their home streams. They weigh from 8 to 12 pounds, but can range up to 31 pounds. Their length ranges from
25 to 35 inches.
Taste
The flesh color of silver salmon is orange-red and is retained during cooking. The texture is firm and the fat content is high. The taste is a pleasing full salmon flavor, slightly milder than that of the Sockeye. The size of a fillet is larger than that of the Sockeye, and it is a prized fish for cooking.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon are also known as the humpback in Alaska. Prior to spawning the pink salmon develops a pronounced hump on its back.
Description
The color of the pink salmon is generally a bright steely blue on top and silver on the sides. It has many large black spots on its back and over the entire tail fin. It has small scales and its flesh is pink, befitting its name.
The spawning pink salmon develops an olive green to black color on its back with a light-colored to white belly. It develops a very pronounced hump and hooked jaws.
Life Cycle
The young pink salmon hatch during the winter and spend a few months in the river gravels. During the spring they migrate downstream to the ocean. They feed along the beaches before moving out further into the ocean.
Like all salmon, the pinks grow rapidly in the ocean but they are the smallest of the Pacific salmon species. The pinks reach a size of about 3 to 5 pounds and about 20 to 24 inches in length.
The pink salmon spends only two years in the ocean. This two year pattern causes distinct odd-year and even-year cycles which are unrelated to each other.
When the pinks return to freshwater, they are the most abundant of the Pacific salmon species. They do not migrate far upriver, but generally spawn within a few miles of the mouth of the river. As with the other Pacific species both male and female pinks will die within a couple of weeks of spawning.
Taste
The pink salmon has a delicate, mild flavor and a light flesh color. About 80% of harvested pinks are canned and are the most common salmon species found on grocery store shelves.
Chum Salmon
Sometimes called “dog salmon” in Alaska, the chum salmon is a traditional source of dried fish for winter use.
Description
Chum salmon have a metallic greenish-blue back surface with fine black spots. They resemble sockeye and silver salmon so closely that one needs to examine their gills and fins closely to make a positive identification.
When nearing fresh water the chum salmon develops noticeable vertical bars of green and purple, which gives them another nickname, calico salmon.
The spawning chums develop the typical hooked jaws like other Pacific salmon and large teeth, which partially accounts for their other nickname, dog salmon.
Life Cycle
As with pink salmon, the young chum do not spend much time in fresh water before migrating out into the ocean. They feed near the mouths of their streams for a period before forming schools and moving further out into the ocean.
The chums spend 3 to 5 years in salt water, growing rapidly after entering the ocean. They generally range in size from 7 to 18 pounds, sometimes reaching 30 pounds in weight.
When the chums return to fresh water they often spawn in the same areas as the pinks, not migrating far up river. One major exception to this pattern is the chum salmon population of the Yukon River. Some of these chums migrate 2000 miles upriver to spawn in Yukon Territory of Canada. These chums have a very high fat content in preparation for their long migration.
Taste
Chum salmon have a mild, delicate flavor with a medium red flesh color. However, Yukon River chums, with their higher fat content, have a rich, full flavor similar to Kings and Sockeye.
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon are not native to the Pacific coast but are raised in large numbers in pens. They run wild on the Atlantic coast only. The Atlantic salmon found in markets are farm-raised, generally originating in salmon farms off Chile or British Columbia, Canada.
Description
Atlantic salmon in the wild have silvery sides and belly with greenish-blue coloration on its back.
Spawning Atlantic salmon develop blackish fins and purplish coloration and reddish spots. Surviving adults are dark in color.
Life Cycle
In the wild young salmon spend one to three years in fresh water before migrating to the ocean. In the ocean the Atlantic salmon ranges for thousands of miles.
They generally return to freshwater by the age of five. Unlike the five Pacific species of salmon, the Atlantic salmon does not die after spawning. The surviving adults repeat the migration and spawning cycle.
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Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com.
I received a returned video from a well meaning, but severely misguided, former customer. This is a rarity since over the past 2 plus years and hundreds upon hundreds of videos shipped; I can only count 3 returns. One was unopened, one included a note that the recipient thought the videos would be something else, but he intended to buy the rest of the videos we offered, hmmm smells a little fishy (incidentally, this person has been banned from buying anything from us again). And lastly, this well-meaning person. The note inside prompted me to write this article. He identified himself that he was an orange belt in Krav Maga and that he has been instructed to “relax” and be loose during a life or death struggle. Now, I have not trained in Krav Maga nor do I know anything about the modern version of it. My focus is on the “relaxing” strategy; which I have heard from a variety of different “experts” during my 30 plus on the mat.
For efficiency of movement and economy of energy, there is NO DOUBT, that being relaxed is better. In combative sport it is essential that you conserve your energy and use it when an opportunity presents its self. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works when your neck is on the line. There are two instances that “relaxing” in a real fight can happen. The first is you have had hundreds of life and death confrontations. This allows you to be inoculated against the stress (some times). In that case, I want to meet you. Now it is IMPOSSIBLE to replicate fighting for your life in training. You can get intense, but it’s not even close. Because deep down, you know you’re not going to die, no matter how intense you train.
The second is you’re a sociopath. In that case you should be arrested. Let’s look at a non-fighting example:
Most of us drive, some better than others. When you’re driving and you get cut off, what happens? A shot of adrenalin and your moving before you can even think about it. Your hear rate increases, you start to breathe rapidly and you spit out the nearest obscenity. Are you “Relaxed?” Most of us drive EVERYDAY. If it’s something as mundane as driving (unless you’re driving with Clint, in that case it IS a life or death situation) why aren’t you able to RELAX when you are about to crash? Simple, because you realize that your life is at risk and your body prepares for the worst. And there’s NOTHING you can do about it. Now don’t start telling me about some Grand Dragon Wizard Master. I’m talking about you.
Here’s another example:
First responders, people who deal with life and death regularly, Fire Fighters, EMT’s, Police and Soldiers all get that gut-churning feeling when they know SOMEONE’S life is at stake. No matter how many times they go to a call, they get the same feeling. That’s why training is simple, routine and repeated thousands of times. You need to perform common tasks during uncommon circumstances. And this is the ONLY way to do it. It’s only your training that prepares you. And it’s the repetition of high percentage techniques that will save you at that critical moment. It has to be instinct. During these times, your body is only going to allow you to perform certain functions. Relaxing is not one of them, pissing your self is. On the site I talk about the effects of your body’s mobilization for battle (www.how2fight.com). These are biological functions you can not over ride. IT IS AUTOMATIC.
This is where combat sport and real combat part ways. No matter what is “allowed” in competition, you know the other guy is not going to kill you. It doesn’t matter if it’s the UFC or the Olympics, you may get beat up, but you won’t get dead. You will be nervous, tense, and even scared. But deep down you know that if you get into trouble, the fight will be stopped. This is ALL the difference. Men like Carl Cestari, Charlie Nelson, W.E. Fairbairn, EA Sykes, Biddle, Applegate and others all experienced this first hand. Even Bruce Lee talked about using the “straight blast” when really pressed. Why not
use the straight blast EVERY time?
This is the value of the videos @ www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com are why they are so successful with military, police and seasoned martial artists. They know the difference.
When you fight for your life your body operates in a way that is beyond your control. You need to train in such a way that allows you to operate in this “zone”. Did you know that a typical adrenaline blast lasts only 30 seconds? Then you need about 3 minute to “reboot”. That is a lifetime when you are fighting the unknown. Weapons, multiple assailants, broken bottles on the ground, snow, sleet- all must be factored in. Standing toe to toe and practicing your contrived techniques….where does this happen. Even trying to practice your breathing is ludicrous (not the rapper, that’s ludakris). How many first hand accounts start with “He came out of no where” or “he suddenly appeared”. If you see him or “mark” him, chances are he will pick another victim. He will come out of no where!The other element that should be mentioned is your assailant. Personally, I train for the meanest, toughest SOB I can imagine. I picture him appearing at my door. I think about him coming into the door of my dojo and only one of us is going home. And I guarantee you, if some one is standing between me and my family- there’s no question of the outcome. Incidentally, you should feel the same way too. It’s easy to practice to beat your training partner; it’s easy to do something on your friends or even the local blow-hard down at the pub. That’s 70% of the world. You should worry about that psycho 1% and let the other 99% take care of its self. If you think that you ARE trained you will be surprised what happens when you are in this situation. You never think you are going to act the way you think you are.
True story: Famous Okinawan Karate man, was serving as a Marine in Viet Nam. This person had trained in Okinawa under Choki Mobotu for several years prior to his deployment in Vietnam. During his training with Mobotu he endured endless hours of makiwara training and bogu fighting. During a firefight in Viet Nam the conflict degraded in to hand to hand. As I am hearing the story, I was waiting to hear how he decimated a V.C. Platoon with a reverse punch, I mean real “One shot- one kill”. Since grenades was all he had left and they were too close to throw them, he proceeded to bash people in the head with the grenades. After that, did he start knocking dead with a front kick, no he proceeded to use his helmet as a club and smash guys the enemy in the face. Was his training a waste of time? Definitely not, in fact, it was probably his training that gave him the stones to do what he did. Did he ever imagine his reaction, no. But it worked. The point is even if you think you’re “trained, you won’t know what will happen when your life is on the line. When your gross motor skills kick in and you CAN’T EVEN SPEAK, do you think you will be able to “RELAX”.
©2005 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com
Damian Ross is the owner of Zenshin and instructor of Tekkenryu jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. He started competing in the combative sport of wrestling in 1975 at the age of 7 and began his study of Asian martial arts with Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 in 1984. In 1989, Shinan Cestari gave a seminar at Sensei Ross’s dojo. Sensei Ross has trained under Shinan Cestari’s direction ever since. In addition to Tekkenryu Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, Sensei Ross has also studied Bando. Sensei Ross continues his study of Judo under the direction of 8th degree black belt Yoshisada Yonezuka and Tekkenryu Jujutsu under it’s founder, Carl Cestari. Below are is a list of some of his title ranks
Yodan (fourth degree black belt) Tekkenryu Jujutsu under Carl CestariShodan (First degree black belt) Kodokan Judo under Yoshisada YonezukaVarsity Wrestling Lehigh University under Thad Turner2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Dohttp://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com
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