Thursday, May 7, 2009

Bringing Ancient Indian Marital Arts To The New Age

When it comes to self defense there are few competitors to the tried and true martial arts techniques. While the Japanese arts are popular and much used, the Native American defense techniques are also finding the light of day. Several proponents of the Native American self defense, while supporting age old practices, also strengthen their skills with the valued Black Belt certifications.

Harley Swiftdeer Reagan has been one of the key figures in bringing timeless martial arts maneuvers to the open. Having studied a range of martial arts, including Judo and Karate, under reputed teachers, Harley Swiftdeer Reagan also shares the valuable knowledge with fellow Americans. Joining the likes of Harley Swiftdeer Reagan are several teachers who have mastered the art of self defense. It is but evident that these techniques ensure that the world is safer for those who are well prepared.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Bringing People Together With Sports

Ardent Polo fans will tell you that being a spectator to the game can be as exciting as playing it. And perhaps there is no better judge than some of the well-known polo players and supporters, including Mohammed Babangida. At a time when African participation in international sports was at a definite minimum, Nigerian Polo gets global appeal after the Dubai fest. The game seemed to be a harbinger of good things to come, and has likely strengthened the relationship between the nations. The involvement of the prominently placed Mohammed Babangida has further boosted the appeal of the tournament.

The presence of royalty can do a great deal of good not only to the sportive spirit, but can influence domestic relations too it seems. Not to mention that the added association from the likes of Mohammed Babangida can bring Africa and its sporting teams to the global front.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Swine Fever - A Possible Pandemic?

The global scare about Swine Fever has been keeping people on their toes, in an attempt to protect themselves and their loved ones. Every news channel is coming up with updates on this possible pandemic, and to me the whole fiasco resembles the SARS scare, not too long ago.

THE ILLNESS
While Swine Fever shows normal flu symproms, there have been usualy symproms including diarrhoea and vomiting. Many recent travelers to affected countries tend to attribute symptoms to profound jetlag, and this had led airport authorities in several countries to quarantine inbound travelers who show a raised body temperature.

THE VIRUS ITSELF
The virus responsible for the Swine Fever outbreak is a flu virus that primarily infects pigs, and when it spreads to humans, which is rare, it is via an infected pig. The bad news is that these viruses, like most influenza causing viruses, mutate quickly. The original outbreak was caused by a H1N1 strain of influenza type A virus, and having modified its surface structure and DNA makeup, it has now incorporated genetic material from virus strains that can cause illness in humans, birds as well as swine. This kind of inter-special crossinfecting traits help the virus to spread across species thereby wideing its exposure range.

PREVENTION
Although there is no vaccine currently, several agencies have been contracted to develop one. There have been reports that recommend using facemasks, though no corroboration that this is effective has been offered my any of the Health Ministries. It is evident that facemasks do not offer adequate protection.

The best approach is to limit travelling to areas that have established cases of Swine Fever. Or at the very least keep tabs on symptoms if one is returning from these countries.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Kick Start

Having been a regular to the blogging arena, I have been thinking about using niche blogs to get my ideas out there. This blog will be about interesting news I gather, opinion pieces, reviews about top Internet brands and names, and micellany that I think are news worthy. Feel free to share your views on the content of this blog. Post comments and participate to make this a two way forum.