By Jon Rose
Compared with many other sports, mountaineering does not require huge spending on gear and equipment. When it comes to scuba diving, for instance, you are no-where without an aqualung, weight belt, buoyancy compensator, air tank and mask. Yet for basic hill walking you can get away with little more than a good pair of shoes or boots and a decent outer layer to protect you from the weather.
Obviously as you start to undertake more demanding expeditions or climbs you have to start spending a bit more. But because this is a sport in which you carry everything you use, less if often better than more. Now it is quite easy to end up spending a small fortune on gear, especially since the stores are so full of enticing offerings. But if you have a modest budget you can still get out quite easily. The important thing is to focus on the quality of your gear, not the quantity, and get equipment that can serve many purposes. The first thing to think about is whether to buy new or second hand. Quite a few bits of gear can safely be bought second hand. Clothing and jackets can often be found at a reasonable price when bought used. Also look for army surplus gear. It may not be the coolest-looking or the latest fashion but it will often be perfectly good and functional.
There are, however, some items of gear that you do not want to buy second hand unless you are really expert or know exactly what their history is and you are buying them from someone you trust. By this I mean things such as climbing ropes and harnesses. It is difficult when examining them to know what damage they may have incurred. A big fall on a rope or harness can weaken it internally while leaving few visible signs on the surface. Yet it may fail at a crucial moment. Just remember that these are the items that you are trusting with your life. Consider buying an investment in your own safety and in the many years of enjoyment you hope to have.
You can read more about mountaineering rope and other gear at http://mountaineering-gear.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mountain-Climbing-Gear---Invest-in-Quality,-Not-Quantity&id=3735529
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Annuities Gain in Popularity But Questions Remain For Many Who Have Bought Them
By Jon Rose
After two years of turmoil in stock markets many savers and retirees have lost their nerve and turned to life insurance firms to help reduce the risk of investing. Among the top products that they have bought in recent years are annuities. These come in various forms yet all are based on a similar idea, that for a premium (either one lump sum or investments over many years) a life insurance company promises to make payments to the client for a set period of time or for the rest of their lives. The most basic of these is what is known as an immediate annuity, in which a client pays a sum and buys a lifetime worth of payments. In recent years annuities have become ever more sophisticated and clients are now offered other varieties such as variable annuities. These make payments depending on the performance of underlying stock markets. They also generally have an element of insurance that protects against huge falls in stock prices and promise minimum payments for life to help reduce the risk of being invested in markets.
Yet annuities have been criticized for some time now for being products that pay large commissions to financial advisers, lock clients in for long periods and limit the potential gains that clients may make if stock markets do well. Commissions are often set at about 7% of the value of the sum invested, which creates a huge incentive for financial advisers to sell these investments even when they are not the best fit for their customers. In some cases elderly retirees have been locked into investments that can not be cashed in without penalties for 20 years or more. The high commission also creates a huge hurdle that needs to be overcome in terms of returns as clients are effectively giving away almost a year's growth before they have even started.
The commission structure also leads to high surrender charges since insurers wish to recover the sums they have paid to sales agents if policies are cashed in. Surrender charges may often be more than 10% of the value of the policy in early years, and although they diminish over time, they may still persist for many years. And although variable annuities offer some potential for investment gains, these are usually capped in exchange for the security of having a minimum payment guaranteed. Annual fees on these products are, unfortunately, also high at about 3.5% to 4% a year, which further reduce the investment return.
Among organisations that have highlighted some of the dangers is the consumer panel of Britain's Financial Services Authority, a financial regulator, which warned in 2009 that many consumers were not aware of the costs or risks or annuities linked to stock market indexes. In 2007 too several insurance regulators in the United States spoke out against some insurance firms which had been selling variable annuities to elderly clients who did not realize they were buying long-term investments.
Clients already holding annuities that are not suited to their circumstances face a dilemma. If they surrender them they may face steep surrender charges but holding them may also not be an appealing prospect. In recent years a nascent market in annuity securitization has begun to emerge. Companies buy annuities from their owners at a discount (though often for more than the insurance firm that sold it would be prepared to return) and then bundle them into packages. These are then turned into securities that can be sold on capital markets. This offers the potential for relief to some holders of annuities, although sound advice from a skilled adviser and quotes from several buyers should be sought before the decision is made to sell.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a financial journalist who has covered business and financial markets for 15 years and has an interest in personal finance. You can read other articles he has written about annuity selling and investing sensibly.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Annuities-Gain-in-Popularity-But-Questions-Remain-For-Many-Who-Have-Bought-Them&id=3487287
After two years of turmoil in stock markets many savers and retirees have lost their nerve and turned to life insurance firms to help reduce the risk of investing. Among the top products that they have bought in recent years are annuities. These come in various forms yet all are based on a similar idea, that for a premium (either one lump sum or investments over many years) a life insurance company promises to make payments to the client for a set period of time or for the rest of their lives. The most basic of these is what is known as an immediate annuity, in which a client pays a sum and buys a lifetime worth of payments. In recent years annuities have become ever more sophisticated and clients are now offered other varieties such as variable annuities. These make payments depending on the performance of underlying stock markets. They also generally have an element of insurance that protects against huge falls in stock prices and promise minimum payments for life to help reduce the risk of being invested in markets.
Yet annuities have been criticized for some time now for being products that pay large commissions to financial advisers, lock clients in for long periods and limit the potential gains that clients may make if stock markets do well. Commissions are often set at about 7% of the value of the sum invested, which creates a huge incentive for financial advisers to sell these investments even when they are not the best fit for their customers. In some cases elderly retirees have been locked into investments that can not be cashed in without penalties for 20 years or more. The high commission also creates a huge hurdle that needs to be overcome in terms of returns as clients are effectively giving away almost a year's growth before they have even started.
The commission structure also leads to high surrender charges since insurers wish to recover the sums they have paid to sales agents if policies are cashed in. Surrender charges may often be more than 10% of the value of the policy in early years, and although they diminish over time, they may still persist for many years. And although variable annuities offer some potential for investment gains, these are usually capped in exchange for the security of having a minimum payment guaranteed. Annual fees on these products are, unfortunately, also high at about 3.5% to 4% a year, which further reduce the investment return.
Among organisations that have highlighted some of the dangers is the consumer panel of Britain's Financial Services Authority, a financial regulator, which warned in 2009 that many consumers were not aware of the costs or risks or annuities linked to stock market indexes. In 2007 too several insurance regulators in the United States spoke out against some insurance firms which had been selling variable annuities to elderly clients who did not realize they were buying long-term investments.
Clients already holding annuities that are not suited to their circumstances face a dilemma. If they surrender them they may face steep surrender charges but holding them may also not be an appealing prospect. In recent years a nascent market in annuity securitization has begun to emerge. Companies buy annuities from their owners at a discount (though often for more than the insurance firm that sold it would be prepared to return) and then bundle them into packages. These are then turned into securities that can be sold on capital markets. This offers the potential for relief to some holders of annuities, although sound advice from a skilled adviser and quotes from several buyers should be sought before the decision is made to sell.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a financial journalist who has covered business and financial markets for 15 years and has an interest in personal finance. You can read other articles he has written about annuity selling and investing sensibly.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Annuities-Gain-in-Popularity-But-Questions-Remain-For-Many-Who-Have-Bought-Them&id=3487287
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wild and Primal Weight - Loss Tips That Shed Pounds Without Tears
By Jon Rose
Are you on the weight-loss yo-yo. You try a new diet and shed a few pounds but the moment your willpower slips you find that the pounds just sneak back on. Sometimes you even end up heavier than you were before. Many of us find ourselves in the same situation. That is because dieting is a shock to the system. When we cut our calorie intake our bodies go into starvation mode and start trying to conserve as much energy as possible. The moment we come off the diet our bodies quickly pack away as much fat as they can in preparation for the next cycle of starvation.
Do not despair. It is possible to break this cycle and keep the weight off. But to break it you have to change your whole mindset and attitude. You cannot think about this as depriving yourself or as starving yourself. In fact, this is best thought of as not going on diet at all because you are not trying to conquer hunger. Instead, what you are trying to do is eat the same way our ancestors did thousands of years ago. In going back to a more primal way of eating and living we are in fact getting our bodies back in tune with millions of years of evolution. Many of the foods we find in stores today such as bread and pasta are relatively recent innovations that have only been with us for a few thousand years so little wonder then that our metabolisms have yet to learn to cope with them properly.
So here are some tips to help you eat a primal diet that can help you shift weight and keep it shifted.
1. Eat the way your ancestors ate. That means dropping all refined and processed products from your meal plans and go for simple things. Instead of refined starch eat salad. For a snack choose a carrot or some nuts over a baked muffin. Instead of processed meats such as sausage and salami go for the more natural form. Try a good steak or some homemade meatballs.
2. Avoid grains wherever possible and only consumer them in moderation. Grains such as wheat, rice and corn have become staples over the past few thousand years. Yet this carbohydrate-packed foods may be one of the biggest causes of our obesity epidemic because our bodies still struggle to cope with the jolt of sugar they provide. That causes our insulin levels to shoot up, grabbing all that sugar in the blood and turning it to fat. Soon our blood sugar levels will have slumped again causing hunger and sugar cravings.
3. Keep stoking the fires by having many little meals rather than just one or two big ones. Think of your body as a fire. Instead of sticking on one big log that causes flames to flare up and die down, you want to keep adding little logs at regular intervals. That will keep your metabolism ticking over and burning calories.
4. Choose foods that satisfy. A lot of research has shown that some foods, especially those that are high in carbohydrates, leave us only temporarily satiated before leaving us with a raging appetite. Others, such as nuts, often leave us feeling satisfied for hours. A big bowl of salad for breakfast will help you through the morning far better than a bowl of high-fibre cereal. And a handful of nuts eaten half an hour before a meal will help stave off food cravings and leave you eating less when you actually sit down to lunch or supper.
5. Do not cut to much fat from your diet. Many people assume that if they are trying to reduce the fat in the bellies that they should also reduce the amount they eat. In fact that is one of the great weight-loss myths. Dietary fat is both satisfying, meaning we want to eat less if we have some fat in our meal, and it helps encourage the body to burn fat. In contrast many of the low-fat dietary products in stores replace fat with sugar, which may be more harmful over the longer run.
Shedding the extra padding that we may have around our middles is never easy. No matter what people promise you, know that doing it successfully requires some effort and willpower on your part. But by adopting a wild or primal strategy of eating the way our ancestors did will improve your chances of success and will help you keep the pounds off without tears.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a journalist based in Europe who has covered business and financial markets for 15 years and has an interest in personal finance and the outdoors, travel and health. Click on the following links to read other articles he has written about mountaineering and travel.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Wild-and-Primal-Weight---Loss-Tips-That-Shed-Pounds-Without-Tears&id=4390875
Are you on the weight-loss yo-yo. You try a new diet and shed a few pounds but the moment your willpower slips you find that the pounds just sneak back on. Sometimes you even end up heavier than you were before. Many of us find ourselves in the same situation. That is because dieting is a shock to the system. When we cut our calorie intake our bodies go into starvation mode and start trying to conserve as much energy as possible. The moment we come off the diet our bodies quickly pack away as much fat as they can in preparation for the next cycle of starvation.
Do not despair. It is possible to break this cycle and keep the weight off. But to break it you have to change your whole mindset and attitude. You cannot think about this as depriving yourself or as starving yourself. In fact, this is best thought of as not going on diet at all because you are not trying to conquer hunger. Instead, what you are trying to do is eat the same way our ancestors did thousands of years ago. In going back to a more primal way of eating and living we are in fact getting our bodies back in tune with millions of years of evolution. Many of the foods we find in stores today such as bread and pasta are relatively recent innovations that have only been with us for a few thousand years so little wonder then that our metabolisms have yet to learn to cope with them properly.
So here are some tips to help you eat a primal diet that can help you shift weight and keep it shifted.
1. Eat the way your ancestors ate. That means dropping all refined and processed products from your meal plans and go for simple things. Instead of refined starch eat salad. For a snack choose a carrot or some nuts over a baked muffin. Instead of processed meats such as sausage and salami go for the more natural form. Try a good steak or some homemade meatballs.
2. Avoid grains wherever possible and only consumer them in moderation. Grains such as wheat, rice and corn have become staples over the past few thousand years. Yet this carbohydrate-packed foods may be one of the biggest causes of our obesity epidemic because our bodies still struggle to cope with the jolt of sugar they provide. That causes our insulin levels to shoot up, grabbing all that sugar in the blood and turning it to fat. Soon our blood sugar levels will have slumped again causing hunger and sugar cravings.
3. Keep stoking the fires by having many little meals rather than just one or two big ones. Think of your body as a fire. Instead of sticking on one big log that causes flames to flare up and die down, you want to keep adding little logs at regular intervals. That will keep your metabolism ticking over and burning calories.
4. Choose foods that satisfy. A lot of research has shown that some foods, especially those that are high in carbohydrates, leave us only temporarily satiated before leaving us with a raging appetite. Others, such as nuts, often leave us feeling satisfied for hours. A big bowl of salad for breakfast will help you through the morning far better than a bowl of high-fibre cereal. And a handful of nuts eaten half an hour before a meal will help stave off food cravings and leave you eating less when you actually sit down to lunch or supper.
5. Do not cut to much fat from your diet. Many people assume that if they are trying to reduce the fat in the bellies that they should also reduce the amount they eat. In fact that is one of the great weight-loss myths. Dietary fat is both satisfying, meaning we want to eat less if we have some fat in our meal, and it helps encourage the body to burn fat. In contrast many of the low-fat dietary products in stores replace fat with sugar, which may be more harmful over the longer run.
Shedding the extra padding that we may have around our middles is never easy. No matter what people promise you, know that doing it successfully requires some effort and willpower on your part. But by adopting a wild or primal strategy of eating the way our ancestors did will improve your chances of success and will help you keep the pounds off without tears.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a journalist based in Europe who has covered business and financial markets for 15 years and has an interest in personal finance and the outdoors, travel and health. Click on the following links to read other articles he has written about mountaineering and travel.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Wild-and-Primal-Weight---Loss-Tips-That-Shed-Pounds-Without-Tears&id=4390875
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Swiss Army Watches and Swiss Army Knives - Two of Switzerland's Finest Exports
By Jon Rose
Nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps are countless small villages and towns with a fine tradition of craftsmanship. For most of a century the area known as the Jura was famous for its artisanal watchmakers who carefully crafted beautiful timepieces by hand. And it its larger cities firms such as ABB and Oerlikon, which takes its name from a suburb of Zurich, have machined sophisticated products that range from high technology electrical transformers to accurate rifles and world-renowned anti-aircraft guns.
It is from this tradition that two famous products have emerged. The first is the world famous Swiss Army Knife, an item that is instantly recognizable. The second item is the Swiss Army Watch, which is produced by the same companies that make the renowned knives.
Swiss military watches are aimed at rugged individuals who care about function more than about style. It is not that these watches are not good looking. They are often very handsome indeed. It is just that they are first and foremost functional tools designed with reliability in mind. The watches and the knives share many other similarities. Both are designed for practical use. Both are built to fine tolerances and exacting specifications using high quality materials. And both are built to last.
Finding them in Switzerland is easy. Just about every second shop in Zurich sells army knives or timepieces. Even the main railway station has a big store that sells them. You can even get gift sets that consist of a watch and pocketknife in a lovely gift box. But getting them anywhere else is slightly trickier if you want to avoid counterfeits. Be wary of online advertisements offering very cheap replicas because they will not be made to the same standard as the real thing. Your best bet to ensure that you get the real thing is to try to find an authorised dealer and to also check for certificates and other marks of authenticity.
Click this link to find out more about Swiss Military Watches or about Swiss Army Watches
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Swiss-Army-Watches-and-Swiss-Army-Knives---Two-of-Switzerlands-Finest-Exports&id=4630833
Nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps are countless small villages and towns with a fine tradition of craftsmanship. For most of a century the area known as the Jura was famous for its artisanal watchmakers who carefully crafted beautiful timepieces by hand. And it its larger cities firms such as ABB and Oerlikon, which takes its name from a suburb of Zurich, have machined sophisticated products that range from high technology electrical transformers to accurate rifles and world-renowned anti-aircraft guns.
It is from this tradition that two famous products have emerged. The first is the world famous Swiss Army Knife, an item that is instantly recognizable. The second item is the Swiss Army Watch, which is produced by the same companies that make the renowned knives.
Swiss military watches are aimed at rugged individuals who care about function more than about style. It is not that these watches are not good looking. They are often very handsome indeed. It is just that they are first and foremost functional tools designed with reliability in mind. The watches and the knives share many other similarities. Both are designed for practical use. Both are built to fine tolerances and exacting specifications using high quality materials. And both are built to last.
Finding them in Switzerland is easy. Just about every second shop in Zurich sells army knives or timepieces. Even the main railway station has a big store that sells them. You can even get gift sets that consist of a watch and pocketknife in a lovely gift box. But getting them anywhere else is slightly trickier if you want to avoid counterfeits. Be wary of online advertisements offering very cheap replicas because they will not be made to the same standard as the real thing. Your best bet to ensure that you get the real thing is to try to find an authorised dealer and to also check for certificates and other marks of authenticity.
Click this link to find out more about Swiss Military Watches or about Swiss Army Watches
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Swiss-Army-Watches-and-Swiss-Army-Knives---Two-of-Switzerlands-Finest-Exports&id=4630833
Friday, August 20, 2010
Mountaineering Boots - A Revolution in Progress
By Jon Rose
A few decades ago frost-bitten toes were considered an unfortunate but unavoidable consequence of mountaineering. If you climbed enough you were bound to have a couple go numb or worse. This is no longer the case. A revolution in mountaineering boots has produced footwear that can stay dry even after days of trudging through snow and that can keep your feet warm even in the icy cold of high-altitude peaks. And the revolution is still continuing. New materials and insulation are leading to boots that are lighter, warmer and safer than ever.
A brief history of mountain footwear would have to go all the way back to 3,300 BC and Otzi, the iceman whose body was found in a glacier between Austria and Italy. Otzi's shoes were waterproof and insulated to allow him to walk across the snow. In more recent years leather boots came to dominate mountaineering. These were often made of double layers to help insulate toes and the leather would have been impregnated and treated to help keep water out. But even the best leather mountaineering boots will wet through after a few days on the snow. And wet boots means cold feet and the risk of frostbite.
The more recent innovations have been in plastic double mountaineering boots. One of the most famous of these was the Scarpa Vega (in America it is known as the Scarpa Inferno). This boot is made of thick waterproof plastic on the outside and it has a thick foam inner boot for insulation. The Scarpa Vega was revolutionary for its time and for years dominated the field. This Scarpa boot has probably been to the summit of more high peaks than any other boot in history. Yet even this has been surpassed and Scarpa now recommends this boot for low 8000m peaks with over-gaiters and suggests it only be used to temperatures of -30 C (with special high altitude inner booties). But this is a clumsy and uncomfortable boot to wear and is not loved much.
The boots that have surpassed it include the Scarpa Omega which is much more nimble and offers almost the same degree of insulation. Even warmer boots include Scarpa's Phantom 8000, which is light and warm and rated down to minus 40 C. Another is made by the rival firm La Sportiva. Its Olympus Mons Evo boot is also super warm and light. These advances in mountaineering boots mean that the risk of losing a toe or two while on high mountains is significantly reduced.
You can read more about mountaineering boots and specific boots such as the Scarpa Omega.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mountaineering-Boots---A-Revolution-in-Progress&id=3509388
A few decades ago frost-bitten toes were considered an unfortunate but unavoidable consequence of mountaineering. If you climbed enough you were bound to have a couple go numb or worse. This is no longer the case. A revolution in mountaineering boots has produced footwear that can stay dry even after days of trudging through snow and that can keep your feet warm even in the icy cold of high-altitude peaks. And the revolution is still continuing. New materials and insulation are leading to boots that are lighter, warmer and safer than ever.
A brief history of mountain footwear would have to go all the way back to 3,300 BC and Otzi, the iceman whose body was found in a glacier between Austria and Italy. Otzi's shoes were waterproof and insulated to allow him to walk across the snow. In more recent years leather boots came to dominate mountaineering. These were often made of double layers to help insulate toes and the leather would have been impregnated and treated to help keep water out. But even the best leather mountaineering boots will wet through after a few days on the snow. And wet boots means cold feet and the risk of frostbite.
The more recent innovations have been in plastic double mountaineering boots. One of the most famous of these was the Scarpa Vega (in America it is known as the Scarpa Inferno). This boot is made of thick waterproof plastic on the outside and it has a thick foam inner boot for insulation. The Scarpa Vega was revolutionary for its time and for years dominated the field. This Scarpa boot has probably been to the summit of more high peaks than any other boot in history. Yet even this has been surpassed and Scarpa now recommends this boot for low 8000m peaks with over-gaiters and suggests it only be used to temperatures of -30 C (with special high altitude inner booties). But this is a clumsy and uncomfortable boot to wear and is not loved much.
The boots that have surpassed it include the Scarpa Omega which is much more nimble and offers almost the same degree of insulation. Even warmer boots include Scarpa's Phantom 8000, which is light and warm and rated down to minus 40 C. Another is made by the rival firm La Sportiva. Its Olympus Mons Evo boot is also super warm and light. These advances in mountaineering boots mean that the risk of losing a toe or two while on high mountains is significantly reduced.
You can read more about mountaineering boots and specific boots such as the Scarpa Omega.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mountaineering-Boots---A-Revolution-in-Progress&id=3509388
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Staying Safe on a 125cc Scooter Or 50cc Moped
By Jon Rose
If you are looking for a cheap way to commute and get into work or school then it is hard to beat a small motorbike or scooter. Small bikes such as a 125cc scooter or 50cc moped do not cost very much to buy. They are cheap to insure and they use very little gasoline. Even better is that they are easy to park because they do not take up very much space. Often you can just squeeze them in to a small spot near home or in the city.
There are, however, a couple of things that you should keep in mind when considering using a scooter for your daily travelling.
The first thing you have to keep in mind is that motorcycles and mopeds do not provide nearly the same level of safety as cars do. This is for several obvious reasons. One is that you are only riding on two wheels instead of four. While it is very difficult to get a car to roll over, falling off a motorcycle is unfortunately rather easy to do if you hit a slippery patch of road while taking a corner.
The second reason is that you are not enclosed in a protective cage with airbags and safety belts. As a result, if you do have a collision you are far more likely to get badly hurt. Although motorbikes only make up a small proportion of traffic on the roads in most countries, they generally account for a disproportionate share of fatalities in accidents.
A third reason is that you are much smaller on the road so cars may not see you. In the vast majority of accidents in which motorcycles and cars collided, the driver of the car said that he did not see the bike coming.
There are steps you can take to mitigate these risks. The first is that you should be properly trained. Get some lessons and then take up an advanced course. This will help teach you essential skills for avoiding accidents.
The second step you should take is to make sure you are visible. White helmets and luminous vests or brightly coloured bikes may not look cool, but they can play a huge role in keeping you safe. Official studies have found there is a significant reduction in the risk of accident and injury in instances where bikers make themselves clearly visible to other traffic.
The third safety step you should take is to wear proper protective gear. A full face helmet, gloves and leather jacket can really provide a lot of protection in the event that you do come off your motorbike or scooter. Be sure these are all double stitched and from reputable companies. Normal stylish clothing or ski gloves will not be adequate. Many people simply wear some denim jeans, but these will not provide very much protection against abrasion to your legs from a rough road surface. Protective boots are also important as feet, legs and hands are the body parts that are most frequently injured in motorcycle accidents.
Click here to read more about using a 125cc scooter to commute or why a 50cc moped is an ideal beginners bike.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Staying-Safe-on-a-125cc-Scooter-Or-50cc-Moped&id=4634068
If you are looking for a cheap way to commute and get into work or school then it is hard to beat a small motorbike or scooter. Small bikes such as a 125cc scooter or 50cc moped do not cost very much to buy. They are cheap to insure and they use very little gasoline. Even better is that they are easy to park because they do not take up very much space. Often you can just squeeze them in to a small spot near home or in the city.
There are, however, a couple of things that you should keep in mind when considering using a scooter for your daily travelling.
The first thing you have to keep in mind is that motorcycles and mopeds do not provide nearly the same level of safety as cars do. This is for several obvious reasons. One is that you are only riding on two wheels instead of four. While it is very difficult to get a car to roll over, falling off a motorcycle is unfortunately rather easy to do if you hit a slippery patch of road while taking a corner.
The second reason is that you are not enclosed in a protective cage with airbags and safety belts. As a result, if you do have a collision you are far more likely to get badly hurt. Although motorbikes only make up a small proportion of traffic on the roads in most countries, they generally account for a disproportionate share of fatalities in accidents.
A third reason is that you are much smaller on the road so cars may not see you. In the vast majority of accidents in which motorcycles and cars collided, the driver of the car said that he did not see the bike coming.
There are steps you can take to mitigate these risks. The first is that you should be properly trained. Get some lessons and then take up an advanced course. This will help teach you essential skills for avoiding accidents.
The second step you should take is to make sure you are visible. White helmets and luminous vests or brightly coloured bikes may not look cool, but they can play a huge role in keeping you safe. Official studies have found there is a significant reduction in the risk of accident and injury in instances where bikers make themselves clearly visible to other traffic.
The third safety step you should take is to wear proper protective gear. A full face helmet, gloves and leather jacket can really provide a lot of protection in the event that you do come off your motorbike or scooter. Be sure these are all double stitched and from reputable companies. Normal stylish clothing or ski gloves will not be adequate. Many people simply wear some denim jeans, but these will not provide very much protection against abrasion to your legs from a rough road surface. Protective boots are also important as feet, legs and hands are the body parts that are most frequently injured in motorcycle accidents.
Click here to read more about using a 125cc scooter to commute or why a 50cc moped is an ideal beginners bike.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Staying-Safe-on-a-125cc-Scooter-Or-50cc-Moped&id=4634068
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Caring For Your Mountaineering Tent
By Jon Rose
When you take up camping or mountaineering one of your biggest outlays in terms of cost will be your tent. If you are placing serious demands on your tent you could well end up paying $500 or more for a quality make. And if you are climbing in the Himalayas or on Denali, which is sometimes known as Mt McKinley, you could be exposed to gale-force winds and heavy storms. Your tent will need to be able to shed enormous loads placed on it without breaking. Yet it also has to be light enough for you to pack and carry up a mountain. Tent designs may not seem it but they really are marvels of engineering comprising high-technology fabrics and fibers that include Kevlar, which is used to make bullet-proof vests, as well as some of the latest alloys for their poles. All of these come at a cost and explain why top quality mountaineering tents are priced at such a premium over cheaply-made ones that are best used only for back-yard camping by kids.
As advanced and robust as modern tents are, they are also uniquely vulnerable in some regards and an expensive tent can quickly be ruined through careless use. The first thing to worry about in a mountaineering tent is the groundsheet, especially when one is wearing crampons. Be sure to always remove your crampons, and ideally your icy or muddy boots outside the tent. After a long day climbing it is always tempting to seek the warmth and comfort of a tent before removing footwear, but no matter how careful you are you will end up poking holes in the groundsheet or sides of the tent if you are foolish enough not to remove your boots.
The second big killer of tents is damp. If you stow your tent without first drying it out properly then you will find just how quickly mould and mildew set in. Try to make a habit of always laying the outer layer, or fly sheet, of your tent in the sun before packing it away. Do this in the field on long trips and you will ensure that morning dew and the condensation from inside the tent has a chance to evaporate off. This can make a huge difference to keeping your tent smelling clean and fresh out on the trail. It is even more important to carefully clean and dry your tent when you return home. Do not use strong detergents but simply use water and gentle brushing to avoid causing damage and you will be able to wash out most dirt and mud. Then dry it carefully before packing it for storage. If you do not do that, the next time you take your tent out of storage you may find it ruined for good.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a journalist who has an interest in camping, climbing and mountaineering. You can read other articles he has written about mountain tents
http://mountaintentguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Caring-For-Your-Mountaineering-Tent&id=3937504
When you take up camping or mountaineering one of your biggest outlays in terms of cost will be your tent. If you are placing serious demands on your tent you could well end up paying $500 or more for a quality make. And if you are climbing in the Himalayas or on Denali, which is sometimes known as Mt McKinley, you could be exposed to gale-force winds and heavy storms. Your tent will need to be able to shed enormous loads placed on it without breaking. Yet it also has to be light enough for you to pack and carry up a mountain. Tent designs may not seem it but they really are marvels of engineering comprising high-technology fabrics and fibers that include Kevlar, which is used to make bullet-proof vests, as well as some of the latest alloys for their poles. All of these come at a cost and explain why top quality mountaineering tents are priced at such a premium over cheaply-made ones that are best used only for back-yard camping by kids.
As advanced and robust as modern tents are, they are also uniquely vulnerable in some regards and an expensive tent can quickly be ruined through careless use. The first thing to worry about in a mountaineering tent is the groundsheet, especially when one is wearing crampons. Be sure to always remove your crampons, and ideally your icy or muddy boots outside the tent. After a long day climbing it is always tempting to seek the warmth and comfort of a tent before removing footwear, but no matter how careful you are you will end up poking holes in the groundsheet or sides of the tent if you are foolish enough not to remove your boots.
The second big killer of tents is damp. If you stow your tent without first drying it out properly then you will find just how quickly mould and mildew set in. Try to make a habit of always laying the outer layer, or fly sheet, of your tent in the sun before packing it away. Do this in the field on long trips and you will ensure that morning dew and the condensation from inside the tent has a chance to evaporate off. This can make a huge difference to keeping your tent smelling clean and fresh out on the trail. It is even more important to carefully clean and dry your tent when you return home. Do not use strong detergents but simply use water and gentle brushing to avoid causing damage and you will be able to wash out most dirt and mud. Then dry it carefully before packing it for storage. If you do not do that, the next time you take your tent out of storage you may find it ruined for good.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a journalist who has an interest in camping, climbing and mountaineering. You can read other articles he has written about mountain tents
http://mountaintentguide.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Caring-For-Your-Mountaineering-Tent&id=3937504
Tea-Room Trekking in Nepal
By Jon Rose
The tiny mountainous country of Nepal is jumped up high against the Himalayan mountains and is wedged between India, China and Bhutan. It is remote and far off the beaten track but well worth visiting.
My first trip to Nepal took me through the capital city of Kathmandu where I spent a few days in the little markets, coffee shops and temples. Kathmandu is a beautiful old city of winding streets and friendly people. It has a number of important temples that give a glimpse of a spiritual life that has not changed for hundreds of years.
When visiting temples, however, you have to keep an eye out for the monkeys that run riot. They are protected in these religious sites and seem to know it, so misbehave outrageously.
The highlight of a trip to Nepal comes if you go on one of the many tea-room treks this little country offers. These involve hiking from one little lodge, or tea-room, to another. The accommodation in these is Spartan and the food is simple, often no more than some lentil soup or garlic soup for supper, but the people are warm and the scenery is spectacular.
One common trek involves heading up towards Everest base camp. You can do this on your own or you can hire guides and porters to carry your gear so you just walk with a light day pack. Even without a pack the walking can be relatively hard going though it should not be beyond the reach of any reasonably healthy and fit person. Much of it does take place at high altitude so you need to be sure to take enough time and progress slowly to give your body a chance to acclimate to the thin air. You should also learn the warning signs of altitude sickness and be prepared to seek medical help or descend to a lower altitude quickly should any of them develop. The first warning sign is usually a splitting headache. If that progresses to dizziness or confusion you should descend as quickly as possible or serious harm can follow within a matter of hours.
You do not need very much by way of special equipment to go tea-room trekking. Outerwear that is weatherproof and warm is essential as is a warm sleeping bag as the nights can get chilly. But since you will be staying in lodges you do not need to worry about carrying a tent or stove and you will generally buy prepared meals along the way.
Nepal is a poor country so the costs of most things are quite low. Your meals and lodging will not be very expensive at all. The main cost is an airline flight to Kathmandu but if you shop around you can usually find a good deal. I flew via Mumbai to get a cheaper ticket and also had the pleasure of spending a few days visiting this fascinating and crowded city.
As an adventure travel destination Nepal is hard to beat because it offers almost everything. Whether you just wish to relax in Kathmandu or pitch a mountaineering tent high up in the Himalayas, Nepal is the country for you. If you wish to read more about mountaineering gear you can read further articles on topics such as backpacking tents by clicking the links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tea-Room-Trekking-in-Nepal&id=4723930
The tiny mountainous country of Nepal is jumped up high against the Himalayan mountains and is wedged between India, China and Bhutan. It is remote and far off the beaten track but well worth visiting.
My first trip to Nepal took me through the capital city of Kathmandu where I spent a few days in the little markets, coffee shops and temples. Kathmandu is a beautiful old city of winding streets and friendly people. It has a number of important temples that give a glimpse of a spiritual life that has not changed for hundreds of years.
When visiting temples, however, you have to keep an eye out for the monkeys that run riot. They are protected in these religious sites and seem to know it, so misbehave outrageously.
The highlight of a trip to Nepal comes if you go on one of the many tea-room treks this little country offers. These involve hiking from one little lodge, or tea-room, to another. The accommodation in these is Spartan and the food is simple, often no more than some lentil soup or garlic soup for supper, but the people are warm and the scenery is spectacular.
One common trek involves heading up towards Everest base camp. You can do this on your own or you can hire guides and porters to carry your gear so you just walk with a light day pack. Even without a pack the walking can be relatively hard going though it should not be beyond the reach of any reasonably healthy and fit person. Much of it does take place at high altitude so you need to be sure to take enough time and progress slowly to give your body a chance to acclimate to the thin air. You should also learn the warning signs of altitude sickness and be prepared to seek medical help or descend to a lower altitude quickly should any of them develop. The first warning sign is usually a splitting headache. If that progresses to dizziness or confusion you should descend as quickly as possible or serious harm can follow within a matter of hours.
You do not need very much by way of special equipment to go tea-room trekking. Outerwear that is weatherproof and warm is essential as is a warm sleeping bag as the nights can get chilly. But since you will be staying in lodges you do not need to worry about carrying a tent or stove and you will generally buy prepared meals along the way.
Nepal is a poor country so the costs of most things are quite low. Your meals and lodging will not be very expensive at all. The main cost is an airline flight to Kathmandu but if you shop around you can usually find a good deal. I flew via Mumbai to get a cheaper ticket and also had the pleasure of spending a few days visiting this fascinating and crowded city.
As an adventure travel destination Nepal is hard to beat because it offers almost everything. Whether you just wish to relax in Kathmandu or pitch a mountaineering tent high up in the Himalayas, Nepal is the country for you. If you wish to read more about mountaineering gear you can read further articles on topics such as backpacking tents by clicking the links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tea-Room-Trekking-in-Nepal&id=4723930
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Spanish Holidays Bear Consideration For People on Tight Budgets
By Jon Rose
With the world economy looking so shaky many people are concerned about trying to save money and pay down debt. One of the first luxuries that gets dropped is the annual family holiday. Yet if you choose the right place to holiday you will find that, in fact, it may be a lot cheaper than you think and a treat that you can still afford.
When you are looking for a cheap vacation you need to consider several factors.
The first is obviously the airfare. There is no point going to somewhere really cheap if you have to pay a fortune to get there. Obviously the price of tickets to Spain will depend largely on where you are as well as when you wish to travel. The middle of summer, school holidays and long weekends are times when prices rise considerably. If you have the flexibility to modify your travel times going just a week earlier or later can yield significant savings of up to half the price of the ticket. Many discount airlines fly to airports all across Spain so there are no excuses for you not finding a cheap ticket from most parts of Europe.
The second set of costs you want to consider of those of accommodation and food. In this regard Spain is attractive relative to many other destinations in Europe. As a regular visitor I have found that it is possible to rent a reasonably cheap beach house or apartment for my family with a bit of searching on the Internet. Word of mouth is usually a great source of information too. Once we have accommodation and tickets the vast bulk of our spending is already accounted for. This is because Spain is an incredibly cheap country when it comes to food and drink. I have found that on the coast it is possible to buy huge mounds of fresh prawns and calamari in the regular supermarket for just a few Euros. On my last trip I fed both my family and the friends we were staying with a huge meal of fresh seafood that we prepared on the barbeque at a cost of about 10 Euros. For that money you would struggle to get much more than a bottle of wine and a few snacks in Britain.
So when you are next planning a vacation you should give serious thought to taking a holiday Spain. One town worth considering is Altea though there are many others too. To read more articles please click on the link to visit Scoop Junkies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Spanish-Holidays-Bear-Consideration-For-People-on-Tight-Budgets&id=4733445
With the world economy looking so shaky many people are concerned about trying to save money and pay down debt. One of the first luxuries that gets dropped is the annual family holiday. Yet if you choose the right place to holiday you will find that, in fact, it may be a lot cheaper than you think and a treat that you can still afford.
When you are looking for a cheap vacation you need to consider several factors.
The first is obviously the airfare. There is no point going to somewhere really cheap if you have to pay a fortune to get there. Obviously the price of tickets to Spain will depend largely on where you are as well as when you wish to travel. The middle of summer, school holidays and long weekends are times when prices rise considerably. If you have the flexibility to modify your travel times going just a week earlier or later can yield significant savings of up to half the price of the ticket. Many discount airlines fly to airports all across Spain so there are no excuses for you not finding a cheap ticket from most parts of Europe.
The second set of costs you want to consider of those of accommodation and food. In this regard Spain is attractive relative to many other destinations in Europe. As a regular visitor I have found that it is possible to rent a reasonably cheap beach house or apartment for my family with a bit of searching on the Internet. Word of mouth is usually a great source of information too. Once we have accommodation and tickets the vast bulk of our spending is already accounted for. This is because Spain is an incredibly cheap country when it comes to food and drink. I have found that on the coast it is possible to buy huge mounds of fresh prawns and calamari in the regular supermarket for just a few Euros. On my last trip I fed both my family and the friends we were staying with a huge meal of fresh seafood that we prepared on the barbeque at a cost of about 10 Euros. For that money you would struggle to get much more than a bottle of wine and a few snacks in Britain.
So when you are next planning a vacation you should give serious thought to taking a holiday Spain. One town worth considering is Altea though there are many others too. To read more articles please click on the link to visit Scoop Junkies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Spanish-Holidays-Bear-Consideration-For-People-on-Tight-Budgets&id=4733445
Monday, August 16, 2010
Berlin Comes of Age 20 Years After the Fall of the Wall
By Jon Rose
Twenty years ago, before the fall of the wall, Berlin was a divided and forgotten city. The former government of East Germany had tried to make its half of the city a showcase, but it was a drab and sad place. As for West Berlin, it was a tiny island of democracy and capitalism in a sea of communism. The main visitors were those who were curious to see the wall and those who were rebellious. It also attracted more than its share of young dissidents, socialists and anarchists from the rest of West Germany, at least partly because people living there were exempted from military service. Even so, it was a city on life support, kept going only by huge infusions of cash and subsidies from the rest of Germany.
In 20 years Berlin is still broke. Its mayor describes it as "poor but sexy". Yet there is little that is drab about this city, which has become one of the liveliest and most creative in Europe.
The first thing to note about Berlin is that it is still partly empty. Most of the big derelict blocks of apartments and offices that once marked the city centre have been demolished and redeveloped. But just a little way out it is still possible to see row after row of empty buildings and crumbling factories. Yet it is this which partly explains Berlin's new-found energy. With some much empty space rents are cheap. Large parts of Berlin abound with small boutiques and specialist shops that would never survive in any other city because they' would never be able to pay the rent. Cheap accommodation has also attracted many of Europe's aspirant artists, singers and novelists who can survive on very little while pursuing their creative dreams.
With such bustling creativity it is easy to understand why Berlin has rapidly left behind its old self and become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In 2008 it was ranked fifth among European destinations after Paris, London, Vienna and Rome. In that year 4.7 million people came to the city on holiday or for work. The number of tourists visiting Berlin is still less than half the number visiting top-ranked European cities such as Paris and London (which each attracted more than 12 million tourists) but it is growing fast. According to the most recent statistics available the city attracted nearly 7 million visitors between January and October with many coming to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the event that started Berlin's transformation.
If you'd like to know more about planning a holiday in Berlin please see http://www.insidersberlin.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Berlin-Comes-of-Age-20-Years-After-the-Fall-of-the-Wall&id=3570050
Twenty years ago, before the fall of the wall, Berlin was a divided and forgotten city. The former government of East Germany had tried to make its half of the city a showcase, but it was a drab and sad place. As for West Berlin, it was a tiny island of democracy and capitalism in a sea of communism. The main visitors were those who were curious to see the wall and those who were rebellious. It also attracted more than its share of young dissidents, socialists and anarchists from the rest of West Germany, at least partly because people living there were exempted from military service. Even so, it was a city on life support, kept going only by huge infusions of cash and subsidies from the rest of Germany.
In 20 years Berlin is still broke. Its mayor describes it as "poor but sexy". Yet there is little that is drab about this city, which has become one of the liveliest and most creative in Europe.
The first thing to note about Berlin is that it is still partly empty. Most of the big derelict blocks of apartments and offices that once marked the city centre have been demolished and redeveloped. But just a little way out it is still possible to see row after row of empty buildings and crumbling factories. Yet it is this which partly explains Berlin's new-found energy. With some much empty space rents are cheap. Large parts of Berlin abound with small boutiques and specialist shops that would never survive in any other city because they' would never be able to pay the rent. Cheap accommodation has also attracted many of Europe's aspirant artists, singers and novelists who can survive on very little while pursuing their creative dreams.
With such bustling creativity it is easy to understand why Berlin has rapidly left behind its old self and become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In 2008 it was ranked fifth among European destinations after Paris, London, Vienna and Rome. In that year 4.7 million people came to the city on holiday or for work. The number of tourists visiting Berlin is still less than half the number visiting top-ranked European cities such as Paris and London (which each attracted more than 12 million tourists) but it is growing fast. According to the most recent statistics available the city attracted nearly 7 million visitors between January and October with many coming to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the event that started Berlin's transformation.
If you'd like to know more about planning a holiday in Berlin please see http://www.insidersberlin.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Berlin-Comes-of-Age-20-Years-After-the-Fall-of-the-Wall&id=3570050
Back to Basics in Mountaineering Clothing
By Jon Rose
Fifty years ago it would have been hard to find a mountaineer not wearing clothes and underwear made from wool. This was not particularly due to choice but because of necessity. There was nothing else that had the required characteristics of providing warmth with reasonable weight that was still good when wet. Other natural fabrics such as cotton were no good because they soak up water whereas materials such as silk, although fantastically light and warm, were just too expensive. The downside of wool, however, was that it was darn itchy and relatively bulky.
All that changed over the past few decades with the development of synthetic fibres and the widespread adoption of synthetic fleece which revolutionised outdoor sports and apparel. Here was a material that shrugged off water because it was non-absorbent, was light, soft and warm. Soon it found its way into everything from warm and toasty underwear (known as base-layers, by outdoor sports enthusiasts) to light insulating layers. In various forms it has even been incorporated into gloves and boots.
But over the past few years the pendulum has begun to swing the other way back in favour of more natural materials such as wool. There are two main reasons. The first is that outdoor enthusiasts discovered the synthetics can get quite stinky quite quickly. This is because bacteria just love the fibres and happily proliferate on them, soaking up perspiration and turning it into unpleasant smells. The second is that wool manufacturers in New Zealand revolutionised merino wool, breeding sheep specially and the shearing them carefully to get very fine, soft wool. This is softer than the old merino of yore yet still retains the advantages of natural fibres in that it is naturally antibacterial so that it does not provide a breeding place for the sorts of bugs that produce stinky smells. Moreover, natural products such as wool are less flammable than synthetic fleeces, which are largely produced from petroleum-derived chemicals. Best of all, they do not itch, which will make a new generation of mountaineers a lot happier than their grandparents were.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a journalist who has spent many years climbing mountains and enjoying the outdoors. You can read other articles he has written about merino wool and polartec or other subjects about mountaineering clothing such as Smartwool at my mountaineering gear blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Back-to-Basics-in-Mountaineering-Clothing&id=3725533
Fifty years ago it would have been hard to find a mountaineer not wearing clothes and underwear made from wool. This was not particularly due to choice but because of necessity. There was nothing else that had the required characteristics of providing warmth with reasonable weight that was still good when wet. Other natural fabrics such as cotton were no good because they soak up water whereas materials such as silk, although fantastically light and warm, were just too expensive. The downside of wool, however, was that it was darn itchy and relatively bulky.
All that changed over the past few decades with the development of synthetic fibres and the widespread adoption of synthetic fleece which revolutionised outdoor sports and apparel. Here was a material that shrugged off water because it was non-absorbent, was light, soft and warm. Soon it found its way into everything from warm and toasty underwear (known as base-layers, by outdoor sports enthusiasts) to light insulating layers. In various forms it has even been incorporated into gloves and boots.
But over the past few years the pendulum has begun to swing the other way back in favour of more natural materials such as wool. There are two main reasons. The first is that outdoor enthusiasts discovered the synthetics can get quite stinky quite quickly. This is because bacteria just love the fibres and happily proliferate on them, soaking up perspiration and turning it into unpleasant smells. The second is that wool manufacturers in New Zealand revolutionised merino wool, breeding sheep specially and the shearing them carefully to get very fine, soft wool. This is softer than the old merino of yore yet still retains the advantages of natural fibres in that it is naturally antibacterial so that it does not provide a breeding place for the sorts of bugs that produce stinky smells. Moreover, natural products such as wool are less flammable than synthetic fleeces, which are largely produced from petroleum-derived chemicals. Best of all, they do not itch, which will make a new generation of mountaineers a lot happier than their grandparents were.
Jon Rose is the pen name of a journalist who has spent many years climbing mountains and enjoying the outdoors. You can read other articles he has written about merino wool and polartec or other subjects about mountaineering clothing such as Smartwool at my mountaineering gear blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?Back-to-Basics-in-Mountaineering-Clothing&id=3725533
The Pros and Cons of Driving a 50cc Moped
By Jon Rose
One of the most convenient, cheap and fun ways to get to work or school is by riding a small motorcycle such as a 50cc moped. These are just some of the reasons I think that they are so great for all sorts of people, whether you are getting to work or school.
The main pros of riding a moped:
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Driving-a-50cc-Moped&id=4782881
One of the most convenient, cheap and fun ways to get to work or school is by riding a small motorcycle such as a 50cc moped. These are just some of the reasons I think that they are so great for all sorts of people, whether you are getting to work or school.
The main pros of riding a moped:
- Mopeds are cheap to buy. These little bikes are really cheap to buy. Often times you can get a used one for just a couple of hundred bucks if you look around. If you prefer to get a new one because you want reliability and the certainty of a warranty then you can still get a new one for pretty close to $1000, depending on the make and model you choose. Be careful however when you buy not to get one that is too cheap because some of the imported ones from places such as China have not yet earned reputations for reliability. Spare parts for these may also be hard to find. So it is often best to go with a solid European or Japanese brand such as Piaggio or Honda.
- Mopeds are cheap to run: Mopeds generally seem to run on just the sniff of an oil rag. Their Little engines buzz along and burn very little fuel. I have found doing commuting every day to work that I spend just a few dollars filling up the tank once a week. That is party because the tank is so small. Mine holds just a few liters of gasoline (petrol for people from the UK) and goes all week between refills. They are also cheap to maintain. This is because their engines are really simple so it does not take a lot of work to open them up for maintenance or repairs. There is also not very much that can go wrong. And because they are so small you spend less on parts compared with a car or a big bike. They have only two wheels, so replacing tires does not cost too much. They have only one spark plug so that is also cheap an quick to change.
- Mopeds are easy to ride: The other great thing about them is that they are usually really light and easy to ride. Most are "twist-and-go" bikes, which means you just turn the throttle to go and you do not have to worry about changing gears. This makes them perfectly suited to beginners. In many places such as Europe you do not have to take a special test to ride one. If you are allowed to drive a car, then you are generally entitled to ride a moped too. In some places the only formality is that you have to do a one day course of compulsory basic training that is aimed at keeping you safe on the road.
- Safety: Motorcycles are not all fun and games. Mopeds are generally safe and fun to ride but you are still more exposed to danger on a bike than you would be in a car. In an automobile you have a seat belt, crash protection and airbags that all come into play if you have a collision. On a bike you generally will only have a helmet and some protective gear such as gloves and a jacket and pants.
- Weather: Driving in a car means you can turn the heat up when it gets cold or you can put the air conditioner on when it gets too warm. On a motorcycle you are exposed to the elements. That means in winter you will be cold, even if you have warm gloves and clothing. It is also hard to stay dry in heavy rain. And on a hot sunny day you will soon get quite warm, even with the cooling breeze that is generated as you zoom along.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Driving-a-50cc-Moped&id=4782881
British Immigration For European Citizens
By Jon Rose
Across Europe many governments are trying to turn away immigrants in the hope that they will save jobs for their own citizens. This is not just bad economics, because immigrants often help stimulate economic growth and create jobs, it is often illegal. In Britain the country is bound by regulations it has agreed to along with the rest of the European Union giving free movement to members of all countries in the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). It does not always apply these laws property so it pays to know your rights.
Your right to visit Britain for Three Months
Any person who is a citizen of a country in the EEA has the right to visit Britain for up to three months without any formalities. All they have to do is present themselves at the border with a valid passport or identification document. If border officials try to put additional obstacles in the way then they are breaking the law.
Your right to live and work in Britain
Citizens of all of the EEA countries also have the right to live in Britain for more than three months if they are doing what is known as exercising treaty rights. In effect this means they are working, in which case they can stay with no further formalities. They could also be studying or simply retiring but in that case they would have to show that they have sufficient money to support themselves. They could also be asked to prove that they have their own health insurance. So the easiest way to stay in the UK is to find a job.
Your family's right to visit Britain
If you have family members who are also citizens of EEA countries then you have nothing to worry about since they can just come in on their own passports. But if your spouse or children are citizens of another country then they get the right to visit and live in Britain from you. If you are visiting for less than three months you technically only have to show your passports and a marriage certificate. In fact Britain forces people to get a family visa before they leave. This is against European law but it is hard to argue the point at the immigration line in Heathrow airport so it is best to get the free visa before you leave.
Your family's right to live in Britain
As long as you have the right to be in Britain because you are working or exercising treaty rights in some other way then your spouse and other dependent family members have the right to live and work with you. They need to apply to the British government for a permit but by law this cannot be denied as long as you are exercising your rights correctly and are either working or have sufficient money to support them all.
Click here to learn more about British immigration rules because if you know your rights then you can use them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?British-Immigration-For-European-Citizens&id=4789062
Across Europe many governments are trying to turn away immigrants in the hope that they will save jobs for their own citizens. This is not just bad economics, because immigrants often help stimulate economic growth and create jobs, it is often illegal. In Britain the country is bound by regulations it has agreed to along with the rest of the European Union giving free movement to members of all countries in the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). It does not always apply these laws property so it pays to know your rights.
Your right to visit Britain for Three Months
Any person who is a citizen of a country in the EEA has the right to visit Britain for up to three months without any formalities. All they have to do is present themselves at the border with a valid passport or identification document. If border officials try to put additional obstacles in the way then they are breaking the law.
Your right to live and work in Britain
Citizens of all of the EEA countries also have the right to live in Britain for more than three months if they are doing what is known as exercising treaty rights. In effect this means they are working, in which case they can stay with no further formalities. They could also be studying or simply retiring but in that case they would have to show that they have sufficient money to support themselves. They could also be asked to prove that they have their own health insurance. So the easiest way to stay in the UK is to find a job.
Your family's right to visit Britain
If you have family members who are also citizens of EEA countries then you have nothing to worry about since they can just come in on their own passports. But if your spouse or children are citizens of another country then they get the right to visit and live in Britain from you. If you are visiting for less than three months you technically only have to show your passports and a marriage certificate. In fact Britain forces people to get a family visa before they leave. This is against European law but it is hard to argue the point at the immigration line in Heathrow airport so it is best to get the free visa before you leave.
Your family's right to live in Britain
As long as you have the right to be in Britain because you are working or exercising treaty rights in some other way then your spouse and other dependent family members have the right to live and work with you. They need to apply to the British government for a permit but by law this cannot be denied as long as you are exercising your rights correctly and are either working or have sufficient money to support them all.
Click here to learn more about British immigration rules because if you know your rights then you can use them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Rose
http://EzineArticles.com/?British-Immigration-For-European-Citizens&id=4789062
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)