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If you are looking for a break this summer there are lots of exciting events in and around West Sussex in the summer that you can enjoy. Explore the historic city and stay in friendly accommodation in Chichester. At the end of June, the Chichester Festivities start which promises to be an entertaining and enjoyable few weeks for all the family. Running from 27th June to 13th July, this is an event the entire family can enjoy with street carnivals, concerts, talks, music, exhibitions and other festivities including the Real Ale and Jazz Festival in Priory Park, which is a four day festival which over 2500 people attend. Different bands play each night and artists including Blondie, Status Quo and...

At Christmas time the small West Sussex city of Chichester transforms into a stunning, festively lit Winter wonderland, alive with the excitement of Christmas. When 'that time of the year' arrives, organisers are ready to prepare the city for, arguably, one of (if not THE) most joyful seasons of the year. The festivities, marked by the prestigious turning on of the lights in late November, signal that Christmas is on its way and you need to get your shopping done! On the day of the turning on of the lights (usually around the 24th), there are some fantastic activities in an around the city centre for all of the family. This includes some form of street entertainment, live reindeer and a community...

When it's time to go the anchor needs to be raised, and this is where the hard work is involved.. unless you have a motorized anchor winch. The anchor cable needs to be pulled in bit by bit hand over hand until the chain is straight up and down. Sounds simple but if you're pulling it in by hand it is anything but. When the wind catches the boat and it sheers from side to side you may find the chain ripped out your hand. It's then down to getting a round turn of the chain around a cleat or bollard. In all cases wear heavy gloves and WATCH YOUR FINGERS. The strain of it can end up putting your back out, and perhaps the most sensible way is to sit down on the deck and pull it hand over hand. If you...

What’s in a name? Decompression illness, commonly known as "the bends" is caused by gas bubbles absorbed into tissues whilst breathing under pressure, typically underwater. Construction workers working on large bridge building projects and the like at the turn of the century were breathing air under pressure for the duration of their work shifts, the modern equivalent would be diving to a similar pressure or depth for several hours. When the shifts were completed and the workers would emerge from the tunnels, many would be seen to be bent over double in considerable pain – hence the term "the bends." During every dive, the diver is breathing compressed breathing gases at the chosen depth for the...

Ask a mountaineer why he climbs Mount Everest. He will probably tell you because it is there. With a little probing, he will likely give you this answer. He loves the challenge and the adventure into the unknowns. Of course, he does not go in clueless. He trains hard and garners the right equipment to help him climb to the top of the mountain. So it is the same with these sailors. The very idea to circum-navigate the globe is an irresistible challenge. The obstacles are numerous. The elements of nature can be unforgivable and deadly. The storms are known to generate waves as high as five meters that can render the boat completely helpless. It has been known many sailors had perished when hit by such...

In most cases you will be able to plan your voyage to avoid extremes of weather but you still need to know how you, your crew and yacht will handle severe weather when it occurs. Also, the longer your voyage, the more likely you will be to experience heavy weather. Weather forecast Keep an eye on weather forecasts for several weeks before setting out. This will enable you to get a feel for how often and when changes in weather are happening. When at sea, getting the most detailed forecast you can will keep you updated on when the next front is expected to reach you. So communications are vital. Understand the terms used A weather forecast won't have much value if you think that a storm warning is...

In my search for interesting people I recently decided that I needed to focus on finding more women that have done interesting and unusual things. So off I went and searched on the Internet and sure enough, I stumbled across a website called and I figured that the owner would probably be a woman herself and might have an interesting story to tell. Bingo. Valma Brenton sure has a very interesting resume which includes international travel, managing businesses in Chile and Tazmania, working as a private investigator, divemaster, aquaculture specialist, writer and photographer, to mention just a few of her credentials. The common thread through all these diverse experiences is that Valma is a woman...

Today more and more people, especially in Europe and America, are adopting hiking and trekking as a major outdoor event. Not only in these countries, but the trend of hiking and trekking is also increasing in many other parts of the world. But have you ever thought, what are the health benefits of hiking and trekking? Are these outdoor events really beneficial for health? Is hiking or trekking for everyone or has some age bar? Does hiking only has health benefits or are there any psychological benefits too? These are some questions which quite often strike in our mind. If someone seeks answer to these questions, although most of them are subjective in nature as far as the degree of benefits is...

Imagine that you are 28 years old, full of vim and vigor, and so full of excitement and promise about life. But also try to think of how you will react when doctors tell you that your right knee must be amputated to prevent cancer from spreading throughout your body. Would you cry in sadness or scream in anger? Probably, most people would wail and ask the proverbial question, "Why me?" But one man named Terry Fox did exactly the opposite. Instead of thinking about the amputation as a disability, he saw it as an opportunity to rise to yet another challenge. While his cancer made him realize that death could come soon, he turned that grim reminder of human mortality into a lofty dream. Terry Fox...

Body image is the sum of thoughts and feelings people have about their physical appearance.  Oftentimes, the media tend to promote a body image that can be unrealistic.  Featuring role models for beauty and weight who are unnaturally thin can affect the physiological and psychological well-being of young women, especially adolescents, who are just starting to become conscious of the changes in their physical structures. Women living in a culture focused on dieting and weight loss are more prone to develop eating disorders which are detrimental in one's health.  Dieting and the weight loss pill industry may lead young people to develop eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, as...

There are countless ways to save money on your next cruise. If you follow these easy tips you'll be sure to save a few bucks and still have a great time on your next cruise vacation. Look for your cruise tickets early and buy sooner than later. Sailing before Christmas and New Year's is a great idea. Most lines are not booked in full and you would be able to snag a good deal. Economy size saves a lot of money. There are so many things to do on a cruise that most of the time your cabin is only used for sleeping. With the money you're saving by not getting a room with a view, you can spend it on an excursion at your destination or even go shopping. Ask for a discount. There are many different types of...

For some sailors docking a sailboat may be a daunting task, however it is a vital chore that is inevitable and highly emphasized. The proper docking technicque safely secures a sailboat to a dock or other station. However, preparing a sailboat for safely casting off is a task equivalent in importance. Executing these chores is highly important and is necessary for all sailors. Learning to properly dock and cast off is highly valuable, however it is equally as important to carry the right equipment for these tasks. One of the most fundamental sailboat parts to have on board is an anchor. Sailboat anchors are utilized to fix a sailboat to the bottom of the ocean floor. Choosing the right anchor for...

So many more resources are opened up to sailors with the digital age. First and foremost every sailor should have a boat Global Positioning System unit, GPS. A GPS unit is able to work by receiving from GPS satellites in orbit around the earth, and at any given point, in the sky there are at least four satellites. The unit takes signals from three satellites and triangulates position. Today most GPS units are accurate to within 10-20 meters. A boat GPS unit is essential and best of all it is easy to use and straightforward. Today, sailors also have a wide variety of boat stereos and boat TVs to choose from. Getting a weatherproof TV would be most prudent. Clutter can be kept to a minimum by using...

Learning How to Sail - Safe Boating Tips Here are a few hot tips when learning to sail that will make your boating not only enjoyable but safe too. 1. Be Wise to Read the Weather You must be wise enough to check the local weather before you depart for boating. Radio, TV, and coast guard forecasts are sure source of information. If you notice, rough and volatile changing winds, darkening clouds, or sudden dip of temperature, it is an indication for you to play safe with the weather. Watch the barometer readings for sudden changes if you have one on board. 2. Adhere to the Pre-departure Checklist Being prepared for any eventuality in the water is a way of maintaining proper boating safety. From tips...

Anyone, whose spent anytime at all reading digital camera reviews, magazines, and camera manuals understands just how darn confusing these things can be. Separating fact from fiction and marketing hype is a full time job it seems. But, if you've never come across any of this technical speak, how do you know what to believe, and what to dismiss? The fact is, there are only a few key specifications and figures you need to concern yourself with. The biggest trick, is to spend some time thinking about how you take photographs, when you take photographs, where you take photographs, and what do you take photographs of. Once you can answer these questions, you will start to have a better idea of what...

If you want to buy a digital camera, you should know that the number of models available in the market can be overwhelming to many. If you don't know which one you should choose, read this article and you will find out what you should look for. Digital SLR cameras aren't the topic of this article. Here we're going to talk about point and shoot cameras. If you don't know what makes an expensive camera better than a $200 model, this article should clear things up. A processor that is faster: this comes into play when you want to start the camera fast and get the photo done. Those digital cameras that come at a higher price will have better processors that make the camera start faster. If you haven't...

It wasn't that long ago, that real photographers turned up their noses at the thought of using a digital camera. Well, fast forward a few years, and everyone is using digital cameras it seems. Even those few purists who still hold to traditional film 35mm cameras have softened. This is largely due to big technology advances in the digital world at large, and digital cameras specifically. These advances have really raised the bar in terms of what a digital camera is capable of. The bad news for digital photographers, is a increase in complexity. While it's amazing, that a tiny digital camera is capable of lots of tricks, it means consumers really need to do their homework, and understand what they're...

You can find digital cameras at almost any price these days. You can buy them retail, or you can buy them wholesale. You can buy one for $30, or one for $300. You can find one at any budget you might have. But, there will be differences in features and performances depending on the model you choose. You probably want the best possible camera, at the smallest possible price. Your best option would be to look for it online. There is no need to drive from one shop to another or to call sales people. Instead, sit at your desk and search for what you need. You can find digital cameras online that can be bought at wholesale prices. It's not that easy procuring them though. Sometimes you will need to buy a...

Manufacturers of digital cameras all over the world have one promise-they are the best. But amidst the promotions and marketing strategies, how will you find the best digital camera for the photographer in you? Simple. Just read this article and for sure, you will be on your way to finding the best digital camera in town. Identify your needs. Getting the best digital camera alone would not help you in your photography endeavor. Remember, different photographers need different cameras. If you are a point-and-shoot photographer, the camera for you would be one that would automate everything. Beginning amateur photographers, on the other hand, needs a camera that has user friendly interface for easy...

Do people actually buy cameras because they think it enhances their image? With a name like Coolpix, apparently the good folks at Nikon seem to think so. The million dollar question here though, is whether buying a Nikon Coolpix S51 Digital Camera will allow you to take cool pictures like the name suggests. I suspect not, but lets take a look anyway. One of the nice things about ultra compact cameras like the S51, is their portability. Being able to reach into a pocket quickly, grab your camera and snag a picture at a moments is a nice feature. If it works. Don't count on catching many of those candid moments with a Coolpix. It tends to take a few seconds to start up once you've powered it up...

I upgraded to SX10IS from the prior S5IS model, and I must say that it was definitely worth it. I should mention that I'm in no way a power user, a professional photographer. I don't make my living off this camera, but I am very fond of photography as a hobby. I need good quality photos without much hassle, and I am quite picky about this! This model comes with lots of nifty features, but there is still lots of room for improvement. I will start off by showing the pros, the reasons I fell in love with this camera. - Proper face recognition. The feature kicks in from the default settings, no need to adjust anything. Point to your friends, click the shutter button and the camera will figure out the...

There are a few recorded Samsung digital cameras problems such as the batteries. The battery life on some cameras seems to be very limited. On most cameras, you could use the rechargeable batteries to prolong the life of the batteries. If you are taking hundreds of pictures, you want to have batteries that can last for longer than fifty or so pictures. For Samsung, the only problems seem to be the batteries. That is exceptional for a digital camera manufacturer. If you read reviews of the cameras before buying, keep in mind that some of the following problems could possibly be user error more so than a camera flaw. Some Samsung digital camera problems have been poor picture quality in outdoor light...

There are certain undeniable truths about shopping for a digital camera, that every digital camera consumer would be foolish to ignore. While some of these may seem obvious, or could be applied to any consumer product, there are a few specific to digital cameras, and do warrant closer examination. Before discussing these in more detail, let me suggest that first give some thought to the how, when, where and what questions about your photography style. In other words, have some idea of what you want, so you don't end up with a sales clerk telling you what you need. First and foremost, never trust someone working on commission to make suggestions, or give advice that is in your best interest. They are...

Who says, you never want to buy the cheapest of anything? Your only going to get junk right? Wrong! Not if you educate yourself, and know what your shopping for. It doesn't matter if it's digital cameras or birch bark pencil holders. If you know what you want and are willing to educate yourself on the subject you can get some pretty good deals on just about anything. If you follow a few simple steps. Granted, digital cameras are a smidge more complicated then anything made of birch bark, there's still no reason to let them intimidate you. It's really just a question of understanding a little new tech speak, and reading between the lines of the marketing hype. It helps if you have a friend...

If I were to put together a short list of the best SLRs for the year, I'd have to include the Nikon D5000, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i, the Canon EOS rebel XSi, the Pentax K200D, the Pentax K2000, the Olympus E-620, the Canon Rebel XS, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A230, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. I know, it's a bit of a long short list, but it can be so hard to choose just a few. I love them all. Having so many good SLRs to start with is a good idea, since every photographer looks for something a little different. For years SLR cameras didn't allow photographers to shape their pictures with the display. You had to use the viewfinder. This has been a barrier for some beginner SLR users until recently.The first...

The Canon Rebel XSi is my first digital SLR, and I've been using it for around three months now. I must admit I was a bit wary about getting a brand new camera, but I've always liked Canon cameras since I used an ELAN II back in high school. Two years ago I also bought a Canon SD600 and I was happy with it. So far, this Canon Rebel SLR camera hasn't disappointed me yet. The Rebel XSi's IS lens works wonders on my shots. If you're planning on getting a Rebel XSi as well but you're having second thoughts, here are some pros and cons that can hopefully help you decide. Let's start with the battery life. The XSi's battery life is amazing. I could take more than 5000 pictures and the battery only went...

Living in the same place, and seeing the same scenery for years at a time can chip away at your soul. I know, I've had years of sitting in the same office cubicle on several occasions. Humans need to get a change of scenery through travel every once in a while, if they hope to thrive. There are of course travelers of all ages, but it seems two different age groups seem to comprise the gypsies of the world. They are of course retired folks, and kids still pursuing an education, but yet to land into the world of meaningful employment. And of course travel writers, who have nothing better to do then travel. As you may have guessed, neither of these two sets of individuals are flush in cash. Some may be...

I knew that i needed a new camera when I reached the point of couldn't getting more from the point-and-shoot Canon PowerShot devices that i have been using for six years now. I took a lot of pictures, because they're handy and portable and I always had my camera with me, but I started experiencing problems like poor performance at low-light settings and delay between shots. Even though I like my compact Canon, for a DSLR I narrowed my choices to the Nikon D60 or the Sony A300. I eventually chose the D60 and I ordered it from Amazon. Profiting of their 30-day price match policy, I got some of my money back. Because the price of the Nikon D60 has gone down a few times and they were fast to refund the...