Scuba Lore

Archive for February, 2010

All over the internets everybodys like "diving with KILLER (extra emphasis on the ‘killer’ part) whales… Yeah that’s a bright idea…" And "how smart do you have to be…" Etc
There’s been like what… SIX reported orca attacks EVER?! (Anybody with real stats on this gets extra credit)
Meanwhile over 50,000 people a year die from dog attacks worldwide… I don’t hear anyone saying "you’ve got a dog in your house? Wow! Have a nice funeral!"

Why do people feel the need to sensationalise the rarest of accidents (for precident, see Steve Irwin’s death and all the "that’s what you get" responses to it)
What’s next? People are going to hire a grifty looking guy who likes saltines to go and catch the whale, incidentally needing a bigger boat while the local sheriff blows it up with a SCUBA tank?!?
@kaz… They aren’t going "oh that poor person (I used ‘guy’ colloquially) such a tragic death"
They’re saying "what the f**k were you thinking!? Serves you right"

@akbar… Yeah I suppose you’re right
@emu… In all fairness, when you hear "fatal dog attack" do you really think of chihuahuas?
I’m talking about chesapeake retrievers, american bull terriers, rots and shepards and all the other stereotypical ones

What else are the 24×7 news channels going to talk about? You can only talk politics for so long.

Badfish- sublime

Badfish lyrics

When you grab a hold of me
You tell me that I’ll never be set free
I’m a parasite,
creep and crawl I step into the night.
Two pints of booze
Tell me are you a badfish too? Are you a badfish too?
Ain’t got no money to spend
I know the night will never end
Lord knows I’m weak
Won’t somebody get me off of this reef

Baby your a big blue whale
Grab the reef when all duck diving fails
I swim but wish I never learned
The water’s too polluted with germs
I dive deep when it’s ten feet overhead
Grab the reef underneath my bed
Ain’t got no quarrels with god Ain’t got no time to grow old
Lord knows I’m weak
Won’t somebody get me off of this reef

Ain’t got no quarrels with God Ain’t got no time to grow old
Lord knows I’m weak
Won’t somebody get me off of this reef

This is the third question like this I have seen this morning.

Yes, you have several;

repetition (are you a badfish too? Are you a badfish too?)
alliteration (Baby your a big blue whale)
Motif (The whole this has a sea or ocean theme)
Rhyme (me and free, parasite and night, etc.)
Meter and rhythm are both literary devices (both are weak here, but present)
metaphor (I’m a parasite, bad fish, get me off of this reef) The whole piece is really a simple extended metaphor for a man being compared to a fish.

It is a well known fact that sports and exercise gives you that feel-good factor and there is no better time for uplifting your mood than the start of the New Year after an indulgent Christmas, news of recession and bank interest rates hitting an all time low. Nestled in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela, Isla Margarita offers the solution to your winter blues. An array of sports are on offer, including shopping, yes you have to be game to hit the shops, or land activities and of course water sports. And after a day of exertion, you have the opportunity to relax back in your very own beachside apartment; property in an up-coming market is also a good alternative to leaving cash in the banks with dwindling interest rates.

Golf lovers will be very impressed by the standard of facilities on offer at the par 70 Isla Bonita 18 hole golf course. The course commands breathtaking sea views and is open all year round. If you wish to play, you may hire clubs, caddies ad after an enjoyable round you can relax in the clubhouse bar where refreshments and food are readily available. Prices range from $40-80 a round depending on the season.

If hiking is more your style you will definitely want to explore Isla Margarita’s numerous parks. The diverse conditions on the island allow you to explore mountain rain forests one day and sand flats the next.

For a different kind of adventure you may wish to explore the ‘Peninsula of Macanao’ on horseback. If beaches are more appealing then you can trek along the shores of Paraguito and Ascunsion Beaches.

Isla Margarita is a duty-free zone offering a variety of shopping opportunities and exceptional value to Venezuelans and tourists alike. Prices are 15-20% lower than on mainland Venezuela, therefore considerably less expensive that Europe or the US. Isla Margarita is a haven for ceramics, textiles and handmade crafts. Everything from hats to handbags.

The chinchorro is a local term for hammock. These hammocks are an intricate weave of thin strands of rough natural fibres. An array of styles can be found all over the island, differing from town to town. You will also discover locally produced jewellery made using traditional materials.

The more discerning shopper will also be pleased at the extensive choice of designer clothes, jewellery and perfumes. Brands such as Cartier, BMW, Benetton, Tiffany’s, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, Quicksilver, Breitling and Tommy Hillfiger can be found at a fraction of the normal price. Among the best buys for tourists are liquor, Cuban cigars, rum and Venezuelan coffee.

Isla Margarita is famous among windsurfers throughout the world. With its strong, consistent wind, warm water, and temperature, it’s not surprising that Isla Margarita hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year.

In there south of the island is El Yaque Beach. El Yaque is recognised as one of the world’s top 5 locations for windsurfing and is attracting more and more windsurfers annually. The shallow waters extend for 100m, providing the perfect conditions for beginners and those practicing their tricks and manoeuvres

Isla Margarita offers some excellent Caribbean scuba diving and snorkelling. The main attraction is without doubt the abundant and diverse underwater life such as Barracuda, Parrot Fish, Spanish Hog Fish, all kinds of Grunts, Groupers, huge Balloon Fish and if you have a keen eye and are very attentive, you may see lobsters and sea horses. The two most popular snorkelling and dive locations are Los Frailes and Isla Cubana. A snorkel trip costs on average between $40 and $60 per person for a full day with lunch. The scuba tours cost between %50 and $80 for a whole day trip.

Peter Richards
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/curb-the-calories-in-the-caribbean-736008.html

Tulum means wall in Mayan. It has easily-accessible, gorgeous beaches, so one can have a refreshing swim after exploring the site… Tulum Mexico is the combination of a beach coastline, archeological zone, and town. You could say that there are three distinct zones making up what people commonly refer to as Tulum. The “Tulum Archeological Zone” is the first distinct zone. The ruins are small and manageable. Downtown tulum with a great offer in reasonably priced hotels but with high quality standards and more services than the Tulum hotel zone hotels.

Tulum offers some of the best reef diving and snorkeling in the Mayan Riviera, together with exciting and cave diving. The world’s second longest coral reef protects the bay and offers endless opportunities for snorkeling, diving, swimming and exploring in our two sea kayaks. Certainly one will not be disappointed with their scuba diving experience in Tulum. Scuba diving is a great way to experience the underwater kingdom. It is believed that once you learn all about scuba diving, it will become a lifelong obsession.

The Mayan ruins of Tulum, only an hour from Playa del Carmen, undoubtedly has one of the most breathtaking settings of any city past or present. Tulum is one of the most visited of all Mayan ruins, and it’s also the only major Mayan ruin to be found along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline on the “Riviera Maya”. Today Tulum is one of the most visited of all. When visitors arrive at Tulum’s ancient pre-hispanic site they are able to see the buildings that in its time were the city’s main center ceremonial and political , monumentally encircled by the Mayan world’s best known wall. Around this wall, in an area that at the present time can’t be visited, there were a vast number of wooden and palm houses. El Castillo The Castle sits on a high point of the site, facing the ocean. His image appears all over the site, but his true name and meaning are not known. It’s quite tame in comparison to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, but it does have one overwhelming attraction: its location next to the sea. Templo del Dios Descendente – Temple of the Descending God depicts a diving figure, looks like a bee and is the same figure you can see depicted at other Mayan sites, including Cob. Tulum is without doubt the most exquisite ancient site in the Maya world and considered to be one of the most beautiful Mayan archaeological sites, Tulum is by no means the largest, but its location serves as a striking backdrop to its history. The only Mayan archaeological site to be in use at the time of the Spanish conquest, Tulum is the most important archeological site on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It is one of the most visited of all Mayan ruins, and it’s also the only major Mayan ruin to be found along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline on the “Riviera Maya.”

If you want the comforts of home while enjoying your Tulum vacation, a beach house is perfect for you, your family or friends .There are beach houses that have ceiling fans throughout the house to keep things cool. Also they are equipped with energy It has one king size bed, a dresser, built in closets, and bedside tables and lamps, and a private bathroom to the rear of the bedroom. Some are tucked among the palms right on Tulum’s unspoiled beach just a mile north of the remarkable, heritage protected Sian Kaan biosphere. If you are looking to trade the go-go-go of city life for a quiet beach vacation, Tulum is the ideal place for you and your family to unwind and get back in touch with each other, and with nature. You have nonstop frivolous opportunities including the Mayan ruins, eco parks, wildlife, fresh water snorkeling, golf, horseback riding and a must visit to the lively town of Playa Del Carmen for people watching and shopping. . Within a few minutes drive is the Mexican village of Tulum and the small beach community of Akumal with all its restaurants, dive shops, information, shopping and markets.

EllaV
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-peek-inside-tulum-715220.html

The next time you want to spend a relaxing vacation surrounded by pristine beaches and breathtaking views, make your way to the always entertaining Hawaiian Island of Maui. Maui is the perfect place to kick back and participate in a variety of recreational pursuits while soaking in the stunning natural features that abound along its shores. For your next trip the island, stay in a convenient vacation rental and enjoy everything you love about this jewel in the Pacific with all the amenities of home at your fingertips.

Since every vacation to the Hawaiian Islands is bound to include at least a few days at some of the spectacular beaches, consider staying just steps from the soft sandy shores of your favorite beach. Whether you prefer the snorkeling of Kannapali or the excellent swimming and sunbathing conditions of Kapalua Beach, you can find a vacation rental that is ideally situated directly on the ocean.

As a part of staying in a waterfront rental home, you will also be privy to the breathtaking views and relaxing sounds of the water. Wake up to the rush of the waves crashing ashore each morning then head out for an early morning stroll in the sand, where the refreshing breeze and cool brush of the water against your feet are the invigorating caffeine for your day. And at the end of day, you can sit back on your comfortable balcony or patio and watch one of the most memorable sunsets you have every witnessed.

Family vacations are also much simpler when you have convenient access to a majority of the activities you plan to pursue during your trip. With swimming, boogie boarding, sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving within sight, it is easy to accomplish everything on your agenda and keep your children continually appeased with the pace of your adventures. Also, if you happen to be visiting during the winter months, you can enjoy the acrobatic moves of the humpback whales from your vacation rental’s patio without ever stepping foot on a crowded tour boat.

While you will certainly be able to enjoy all of the unique features that make Maui such a popular tourist destination, there are bound to be times when you simply want to retreat into your accommodations for a short and restful break. In a vacation rental, you can enjoy the privacy of your bedroom or relax in a separate living room while the rest of the family laughs through a round of pool in the gameroom or watches a DVD in the family room. With an entire home at your disposal, the days of avoiding a cramped and loud hotel room are over as you kick back in the sanctuary of your home away from home.

In addition to all of the space your house or condo rental affords, you will also have access to all of the comforts of home you typically forget about during vacations. Wireless internet, a washer and dryer, a fully-stocked kitchen, numerous TVs and DVD players, and a private pool are just some of the extras you can expect from many of the cozy and comfortable rental homes Maui has to offer.

Maui vacation rentals are the ideal accommodations option for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable getaway vacation without losing out on all the luxuries of home. To realize the Hawaiian vacation you have always dreamed about but never quite experienced, stay in a Maui condo rental the next time you make your way to the Islands and let your convenient location coupled with an abundance of amenities dictate the pace of your trip.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/maui-vacation-rentals-76565.html

While most breaks might include fun experiences, beautiful beaches and interesting culture, few can claim to be truly unique. A family holiday in Mauritius is one of the few, with a high population of unique animals and plant life, some of which is on the verge of extinction; seeing something that is nowhere else and might not be anywhere on earth in the near future is a real and tangible thrill to the whole family.

Flora

A family holiday in Mauritius is the perfect opportunity to explore hidden and exotic habitats. The enchanting majesty of the remaining rainforest on the island is a must. Breathtaking buttress roots vie for space with alien plant life, both completely teaming with animal life. Native ebony and palms are locked in a war with introduced plants like Bougainvillea and Guava, creating the kaleidoscope of colour you would expect on an amazing family holiday. Mauritius is home to about six hundred and fifty different flowering plants, most which are extinct everywhere else on earth – the fact that Mauritius is a group of islands being the only thing stopping further destruction.

Fauna

Though the plant life is spectacular, the real jewels in the crown of nature in Mauritius are its array of wildlife. On any holiday to Mauritius you would be hard pressed to miss the plethora of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals that the islands offer. Paradoxically, some of the area’s most famous animal inhabitants are already extinct – most notably the Dodo and the Giant Tortoise. These two bizarre but enchanting animals were inhabitants of the islands until the seventeenth century and are now consigned to local museums. But there are still a vast amount of species to see with your family on holiday in Mauritius.

For the best and most in-depth experience of the variety of fauna available on the islands of Mauritius, spend family holiday time in Black River Gorges National Park. Kestrels, pigeons and parakeets only found in this one place on earth are a mercurial delight, as are the skinks, geckos and boa. The conservation park allows visitors and can provide guides to escort you around and point out areas of interest.

For those less keen on spending their holiday time in Mauritius on jungle exploration, you can also enjoy the wildlife at the beach. The Indian Ocean is the habitat for astonishing and unspoilt coral reef growths. Great riots of colour erupt from the depths every moment; it’s a real treat to see these tropical fish in their natural habitat, and something best shared with the whole family. Mauritius holidays also present you with some extremely rare opportunities; scuba diving further out from the islands can pay natural dividends like glimpsing barracudas or even hammerhead sharks.

A family holiday in Mauritius is educational, interesting, and, above all, fun. Nothing will open your family’s mind like the amazing contact with nature that the islands create. The wide array of indigenous wonder on display is so staggering it will stay with you and your family for the rest of your lives as a cherished memory.

Claire Bryant
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/amazing-wildlife-for-you-and-your-family-to-see-in-mauritius-677807.html

Scuba diving is a great way to experience the underwater kingdom. It gives you the chance to unveil the mysteries and the wonders of the environment which covers the majority of our planet. It is believed that once you learn all about scuba diving, it will become a lifelong obsession. After I had a private lesson, it is time to take an exam for an open water dive certificate. My exam took place in Boracay Island. Boracay is a famous tourist destination. With its white sandy beaches and blue clear water, it is considered a paradise island. Many wonderful and interesting marine lives can also be found in the dive sites. The marine life is very diversified that a diver will definitely enjoy and love diving in.

During my first dive experience I was really excited but a bit nervous. I really tried hard not panic as I and my instructor went deeper and deeper underwater. This is my chance to overcome my fear. It was not long I felt comfortable. It was really a great experience, seeing the beauty of sea wildlife because of the presence of many varieties of reef fish, with Lagoon Rays and moray eels. It was totally a different world. It is so quite. For me, it is a total relaxation.

Another diving experience that was unforgettable in my lifetime was when I scuba dive in Tulum, Mexico. Tulum offers some of the best reef diving and snorkeling in the Mayan Riviera, together with exciting and cave diving. Around Tulum you will have access to many freshwater caverns known as cenotes, part of an ancient underwater river system running from the deep jungle to the sea throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. A combination of various geological events and climate changes created an incredible and unique ecosystem in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. I am positive that you will not be disappointed with your scuba diving experience in Tulum.

Several things I appreciate about my visit in Tulum are the not so crowded beaches, its white, sugar-like sand and turquoise blue water, and their rustic cabanas. These cabanas are quite unique Tulum accommodations. This place is not for you if you’re looking for luxuries. But since we visited as a group we opted to rent a Tulum beach house.

I am really eager to experience more in scuba diving, to widen my knowledge and explore more.

EllaV
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/all-about-my-scuba-diving-experience-679976.html

When you grab a hold of me
You tell me that I’ll never be set free
But I’m a parasite
Creep and crawl I step into the night.
Two pints of booze
Tell me are you a badfish too? Are you a badfish too?

Ain’t got no money to spend
I know the night will never end
Lord knows I’m weak
Won’t somebody get me off of this reef?

Baby your a big blue whale
Grab the reef when all duck diving fails
I swim but wish I never learned
The water’s too polluted for these germs
I dive deep when it’s ten feet overhead
Grab the reef underneath my bed

Ain’t got no quarrels with God
Ain’t got no time to grow old
Lord knows I’m weak
Won’t somebody get me off of this reef?

Ain’t got no quarrels with God
Ain’t got no time to grow old
Lord knows I’m weak
Won’t somebody get me off of this reef?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI2INBQVpwk

I may not have a quarrel with God, but there are a few things I hope are explained to me someday…
Peace.

Are you looking to escape the cold winter weather? Taking a vacation might be the perfect way to do just that. Instead of choosing a destination for skiing or a location near your home, check out these hot vacation spots that should get your mind off the snow and ice back home:

Hawaii

If you want to stay in the United States, Hawaii is an excellent option to consider and many travel packages are available. Hawaii has beautiful warm weather throughout the entire year and you do not need a passport to get there. Some of the most popular destinations within Hawaii include Maui, Oahu, The Big Island, Haleakala, and Waikiki Beach. All of these can be great for everything from a family vacation to a romantic honeymoon or a party-filled spring break trip with your friends. While there, you can explore the volcanoes, enjoy the pristine beaches, and attend late-night luaus.

Bali

For a fun cultural experience in a warm climate, consider a vacation to Bali, an Indonesian island located between Java and Lombok. Bali is famous for its art, music and dance, many of which tie into the Hindu religious epics. For a unique experience, visit Bali during the Hindu New Year in the spring. They celebrate with a day of silence, where you are encouraged to stay in your hotel. The day before has many activities available such as parades all over the island. These include spectacular, brightly colored sculptures that are burned to drive away evil spirits.

The Bahamas

The islands of the Bahamas are technically not in the Caribbean, but they are not far from Florida and still have that tropical Caribbean feel. There are over 700 islands in this chain, which you can explore via boat tours. This island nation was once a part of Great Britain, and you can still see and feel the British influence there today.

St. Lucia

One of the most natural scenic locations in the Caribbean is St. Lucia. This island is known for its rainforest, complete with a zip line through the canopy and a volcano that is also a road. During July, you can attend Carnival, complete with parades, costumes, and parties. At one time, the waters around St Lucia were filled with pirates, and there are still sunken ships to explore while diving, coves with pirate themes, and historic shipping locations that you can visit to learn more about pirates in this area.

Bermuda

Like the Bahamas, Bermuda is technically not a part of the Caribbean Islands, but it is often lumped in with them because it has similarly warm, sunny weather. Located off the coast of the Carolinas, this site is a bit colder in the winter, but because of that, it is also a more affordable in the off-season. Bermuda is known for its scuba diving and snorkeling, and while there, pick up a Heritage Passport, which gives you access to all of the island chain’s cultural sites.

Mexico

Cancun and Cabo are just two of the popular vacation destinations in Mexico. Most people equate Mexico with Tijuana and other sites around the border, but locations on the Yucatan Peninsula are actually high-class resort areas with Caribbean weather. In Mexico, you can also explore Mayan ruins, and if you travel farther inland, away from the Caribbean coast or golf, you can find other cultural sites to visit as well.

Tahiti

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is an often-overlooked vacation destination. This French Polynesian island chain has beautiful black sand beaches, and while there, you can visit a number of different islands, including Bora Bora, Moorea, and Taha’a. While staying in Tahiti, you can choose an over-water bungalow room instead of a traditional hotel room for a unique experience. Other popular things to do while in Tahiti include snorkeling, shark feeding, touring a pearl farm, and spending the day at one of Tahiti’s world-renowned spas.

Buenos Aires

If you love the nightlife, the warm weather of Buenos Aires might be perfect for you. This tourist destination is the capital of Argentina. Here, you can see a tango show, shop at the Antique Fairs in Dorrego Square, or go to one of the many music festivals that takes place throughout the year. Of course, for the most fun tourist experience in this location, visit Buenos Aires during Carnival.

If you do not want to leave the United States, visiting one of the southern states is a great option (beside Hawaii) that you can choose for a warm and sunny vacation. Some of the most popular destinations include Orlando, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. If you have the winter blues, plan a trip to a sunny location and leave the ice, snow, and cold weather behind.

Stephanie Larkin
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/hot-destinations-for-escaping-the-winter-chill-722827.html

The Navy’s elite SEAL or Sea, Air, and Land Forces squad is made up of the best of the best. In order to provide the public with an insight as to what the Navy SEALs is all about, the U.S. Navy had agreed to serve as technical advisors for several of Hollywood’s films. This opportunity can also increase recruitment from the general public. Several former Navy SEALs had mentioned in their biographies that these movies inspired them to join the SEAL teams.

The following are some of the films in Hollywood that best describe the U.S. Navy SEALs’ intense training and how of they operate in some of the missions.

The top Hollywood film to depict the U.S. Navy SEALs in action is the movie, “The Frogmen.” The movie shows how a special ops team had done their part during World War II through reconnaissance duties, clearing the enemy’s underwater obstacles, offensive underwater attacks on enemy ships, and advance landings on enemy territory. This is the first such movie about scuba diving. The Underwater Demolition Teams or UDT then became what is now the U.S. Navy SEALs. The title is taken from the nickname of the Underwater Demolition Teams, “frogmen.”

“Tears of the Sun” is second on our list. This movie was set in a fictional Nigerian civil war where a team of Navy SEALs is forced to make a decision whether to ignore the conflict around and stick with the plan or follow what they believe is right and protect the innocent lives.

Another movie called “G.I. Jane” shows the intense training of the U.S. Navy Combined Reconnaissance Team or CRT. The training is very similar to the U.S. Navy SEAL BUD/S training course. The female protagonist hand picked by a female senator as part of a series of tests to determine whether women will be integrated into the U.S. Navy is thrown into the grueling training course of the CRT. She gets the same treatment as the men and proves that she has what it takes to be a member of the CRT in the training course and in live combat where she excelled in her leadership and strategic skills and gained the team’s trust.

Fourth on our list is the movie “The Rock.” This film shows how the U.S. Navy SEALs operates in a covert ops mission, in this case, breaking into Alcatraz Island where a group of tourists are held hostage.

The fifth movie on our list is the “Navy SEALs.” This one shows the camaraderie of the members of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs and their unique abilities that make them the best of the best.

James Kara Murat