Saturday, July 19, 2008

Is Global Warming Already Happening?

According to The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global warming already happening. The kinds of changes already already observed that create this consistent oicture include the following:

Examples of observed climatic changes
  • Increase in global average surface temperature of about 1 oF in the 20th century.
  • Decrease of snow cover and sea ice extent and the retreat of mountain glaciers in the latter half of the 20th century.
  • Rise in global average sea level and the increase in ocean water temperatures.
  • Likely increase in average precipitation over the middle and high latitudes of the Northen Hemisphere, and over tropical land areas.
  • Increase the frequency of extreme precipitation events in some regions of the world.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Where to Find Graphic Design Jobs

Whether you are just out of school or simply feeling ready for something new, good graphic design jobs abound. We are living in a visual society; most of us spend hours on the internet perusing site after site. Every one of these sites has visuals, and those visuals were designed by someone. That someone could be you. And even if you don't want to explore graphic design jobs centered around the web, there are so many other areas, packaging, print design, advertising, marketing and within all of these areas there are graphic design jobs that you may be able to fill.

Where do I start? Start looking on the internet. Enter "graphic design jobs" into your favorite search engine and start exploring. You'll find many different types of sites - almost all involve job searches by type of job and location. If you want to apply for any of these jobs you will need your resume and portfolio. So be ready. Some will be standard job search sites and others will be professional organizations. Spend some time just looking through the sites and saving sites that you will want to return to. I recommend making a "graphic design jobs search" folder in the "favorites" or "bookmarks" section of your browser. Use this when you save the links you want to return to.

If you are a member of a professional organization this is a great place to go first. As a student you can join reasonably. Often there are o associate memberships that are also economical. Being a member of a professional organization also looks good and adds credibility on your resume.

Preparing for your graphic design jobs search.

You know where you want to go. Now you need to get ready. Is your resume ready? You can find sites on the internet that show you how to write resumes and give you guidelines for assessing the one you currently have. If you think you need more experience to include in your resume, volunteer to do some jobs for non-profit organizations. Make sure you do an excellent job and ask them if they will be a reference you can include on your resume.

You will also need a portfolio in your search for graphic design jobs. There are several kinds of portfolios - paper, web and DVD/CD portfolios. Again, you can learn a lot about refining your portfolio by searching the internet for information about designing a portfolio. Many of the job search sites, especially professional organizations allow you to upload your portfolio to their site, along with your resume. With others you can post your resume, but not the portfolio.

It may be worth the time and money to have your own web site so that you can put a link to your portfolio in your resume. If your search for graphic design jobs includes web design, then make sure that your web site is a reflection of the work that you can do in this area. Take time with it. Keep refining and changing it. Ask people to view it and give you comments, especially past instructors or mentors. In fact, it's a good idea to have your present or past instructors or mentors review all your job search materials, resume, portfolio, DVD/CD, and web site.

Now, you are ready to find graphic design jobs that fit your skills and talent.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Kitesurfing

Flying kites is originally a child's past time. However that does no stop the adults from continuing to enjoy them. Kites have become a past time for people of all ages. It was a matter of time that adults find a way to diversify the activity. With our unending quest for thrills and extreme sports, people are finding more ways to create something exciting by combining different ideas. Combining the propulsive power of the kite and a surfboard, you have kitesurfing.

Kitesurfing is a fairly new sport but it is gaining interest from thrill seekers. Everyday people are always finding something new to give them a break out of the routine of everyday living. It involves the use of power kites to pull a rider on the water with a small surfboard or kiteboard.

Something radical out of something simple

Flying kites is a passive safe game. However if you use for other purposes it can be exciting. The use of kites for propulsion originated from the Chinese. In the 1800's kite was used to propel ships and carts with the use of a 4 line control system. The main purpose in that time was to substitute kitepower for horsepower due to the horse tax.

In the 70's Kevlar and Spectra flying kites were made, making them more controllable and efficient with more kite traction. In the 80's kites were combined with now snow skis, roller skates, canoes ice skates and water skis.

The development of kitesurfing continued as better designs emerged. In November of 1984 the first inflatable design was patented. Since then, it has used by many companies to make their own products. In 1997 the "Wipika" kite design was developed and sold.

It had preformed inflatable tubes and the simple bridle system that helped in re-launching in the water. In 1997 kiteboards were developed and replaced the skis. By 1999 kitesurfing turned into a mainstream sport. The first competition took place in Maui in September of 1998. Schools teaching kitesurfing has also emerged.

Kitesurfing can be learned through kitesurfing schools. These schools provide courses and lessons to teach students all the skill they need for kitesurfing. This includes, flying, kite launching, landing, how to use the bar, including lines and safety devices. Eager students should take lessons from certified kite surfing instructors because the equipments can easily be misunderstood.

It may look easy from the shore but there are a number of considerations to think of such as kite set up, size and type. Students should also learn the proper way of operating and maintaining the power kite.

After the students have learned the techniques in kite flying they must now learn bodydragging. The power kite is flown and the students are dragged through the water. The method is pretty much similar to body surfing but with an upward lift instead of a being pulled forward. Kitesurfing gear can cost from $1000 to $3000. Apart from the standard equipment you may need to buy a life vest, gloves, booties, hood, wetsuit and different kites for varying conditions.

Kitesurfing can be dangerous so it is restricted to some locations for safety reasons. Fortunately there are sites wherein you can go kitesurfing. Just make sure that before you get in the water you have proper equipment and be sure to follow safety regulations.

 
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