What Does it Do to Your Brain?

Cocaine is a very potent drug that affects the CNS or the central nervous system. Prepared from the leaves of a bush called Erythroxylon coca which is a native of Peru and Bolivia, it can be self administered in a number of ways. It is most commonly ingested by snorting it into the nasal passage. It can also be smoked in the form of crack cocaine which shows a faster affect on the person smoking it. This is commonly known as snow flake, pow, snow, coke, nose candy, Bulgarian marching powder, blow or just C among cocaine addicts. 

It is known to produce a wide spectrum of physiological and psychological effects in humans; the most noticeable of all, being stimulation of mood and emotions. People high on cocaine become highly active physically displaying tremors and tics, become more talkative and may have a feeling of alertness and strength. This euphoric feeling of high is usually succeeded by paranoia, restlessness, anxiety and depression the following day aka the ‘come down’.

The extent of damage caused to the brain depends upon the length of time for which the person had been taking cocaine.

Read More about What Does it Do to Your Brain?

The Worlds Highest Paid DJs

Most people think that being a DJ is not a particularly profitable venture. However, the fact that there is a lot of demand for entertainment in this day and age means that there are many people who are willing to pay top dollar for quality DJ entertainment. This means that as long as one invests in their skills and is dedicated, they are likely to end up earning as much as the CEOs and business moguls of this world. To get an idea of this, you only need to look at the profiles of some of the most successful DJs today. There are some who have made a lot of money in the industry, and are among some of the most well paid entertainers in the world. The best of them include:

Calvin Harris

In the entertainment world, Jay Z is usually used as the benchmark for wealth, being one of the richest artistes in the world. In 2013, Calvin Harris earned more than Jay Z (he made $42 Million in 2013), and even more than Katy Perry as well. This just goes to show how much popularity he has garnered in the DJing world over the past few years.

However, the fact that this is the most popular DJ in 2013 is not just a matter of luck. Calvin Harris is truly talented, and his achievements simply confirm this. For instance, he holds the record for having the highest number of UK top 10 hits from an album. He is also famous for writing songs for some of the big names in the entertainment industry including Rihanna.

DJ Tiesto

This Dutch DJ has had a long and illustrious career, and is considered to be one of the best DJs on the planet. In 2013, he made a total of $32 Million. He is the resident DJ in a Las Vegas club (Hakkasan) and is known to be one of the most hardworking DJs out there. He regularly plays over more than 100 shows a year, which averages one every three days. The fact that he has been doing it for over ten years just goes to show that he is indeed one of the best.

David Guetta

David Guetta has made around $30 Million in 2013, which makes him one of the most successful DJs this year. At 45, one would be forgiven to think that he is too old for the industry which is dominated by people in their mid and late 20s. However, he has managed to defy this, considering that this is one of his most successful years and there are no signs of him slowing down. David Guetta has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music including Usher, Pitbull and The Black Eyed Peas. Considering that he has had very humble beginnings, David Guetta is enough proof that hard work can get you anywhere.

Deadmau5

This DJ is one of the most expensive in the world, demanding a fee of $200,000 a night. However, the fact that he always has booked shows and has a very large following just goes to show that he is worth it. In addition to DJing, he has also invested in other businesses in the industry including his own music label.

Avicii

At 23, this is one of the youngest major DJs in the world. However, this has not stopped him from utilizing his potential as a DJ. In 2013 alone, he made a total of $20 Million as a DJ, which makes him one of the most well paid in the world. Unlike many professional DJs, however, Avicii did not go through formal training and instead taught himself how to do it using pirated software.

Armin van Burren

This is one of the world’s more recognizable DJs, and the fact that he has performed in over 120 shows all over the world in 2013 alone is proof of this. He specializes in Trance and electronic music, and has made over $17 Million in 2013.

All these DJs specialize in the EDM, and this is no coincidence. Electronic dance music is one of the most attractive types of music for DJing, and has attracted most of the talent in the field. The above DJs are currently the most wealthy DJs in the World and they have made this profession to attract many across the globe.

Breitling Emergency Watch

Everything about a Breitling Emergency wrist watch is Avant garde. This watch series was first launched in 1995. Thereafter, several models have been released under this series such as mission, super-quartz, orbiter 3, etc. Many of these have been discontinued and new models have been released instead. Some of these such as the Orbiter 3 are limited editions, and therefore exclusive and expensive. Even the discontinued products and pre-owned watches have good resale values because Breitling Emergency watches last for a lifetime. Though primarily designed for outdoors and extreme sports such as mountaineering, hiking, trekking, diving, paragliding, etc… Breitling watches look equally stylish for indoor usage. Many of these watches are designed for men, but there are quite a few that are unisex.

Breitling is a Swiss watch making company renowned primarily for precision in its watches and chronometers. All its chronometers come with certification from the company for their quality. As the name suggests, Breitling Emergency watches are for emergencies. The emergencies in this context means people being stranded without any means of transport for returning home, and without any way to use their cell phones either because they do not have a device with them, or because there is no network around, or charge in the cell. Breitling Emergency watch can be used in such situations for sending a distress signal. This distress beacon is sent using radio waves bands at frequency of121.5 MHz, which is conventionally, reserved for emergencies under civil aviation protocols.

emergency watch

A special emergency location transmitter is integrated within these premium watches for such radio transmission. The distress signal from this transmitter is often captured and relayed through COSPAS SARSAT, which is an international organization engaged in searching, locating, and rescuing people with the help of satellites. However, the primary intention is to let any aeronautical, maritime, or other radio signal capturing device on land become aware of such stranded person’s location. Diameter of Breitling Emergency watch’s case is usually as large as 41mm and more both case back and crown may be screw down varieties. Bezel of the Breitling Emergency watch is impressive with series of numbers and compass points on it, giving it a sophisticated yet technical look. It may rotate in either direction. Usually, the case and bracelet of these watches is made from titanium, though in many models, user has the choice to opt for bracelets and / or cases made from other materials such as steel, crocodile skin, rubber, yellow gold, and white gold. The buckle material may accordingly be made from steel, gold, etc.

However, usually, fold clasps are provided in these watches. The case made from titanium is considerably light in weight, but its special design and molding process makes it extremely strong. A sapphire glass is affixed within this watch’s case frame. Sapphire glass is known to be very hard to break or scratch, apart from being very transparent. The main dial is larger when compared to most of the watches in the market. This makes it easier to read the numbers on this dial. There is choice in dial colors, and numerals as well Choices of dial colors include conventional black, charcoal gray, and white, apart from more modern colors such as bright yellow, and orange. These quartz watches usually have automatic movement. There are, however, Breitling Emergency watches including analog mechanism. Some of these watches also include digital display. Others may have chronometer, and smaller dial showing seconds.

The battery used in Breitling Emergency wrist watch is usually rechargeable. In addition, there may be a charger built in as well Functional capabilities of Breitling Emergency watches include traditional functions such as watch movements, chronographs, date, chiming clock, annual calendar, alarm, and perpetual calendar. Time zone of another city or place can also be known from these watches. Though most of the watches are water proof till 30 m, there are special Breitling Emergency watches which are exclusively made for diving, surfing, deep sea swimming, snorkeling, etc.

These watches are waterproof, even till depths of 100m. However, not all models of Breitling Emergency watches include all these features. The major attraction of Breitling Emergency watch is of course it’s ELT, i.e., emergency location transmission capability, which feature is common across all the models under Breitling Emergency watch series. Since Breitling Emergency watch is a high end watch, its price varies anywhere between 2,000 to 19,900 Euros, depending upon the material used to make the case, straps, and buckles as well as features and exclusivity. A more advanced version of the 1995 Breitling Emergency watch was recently introduced in the market. It marks the beginning of Emergency ll series. This watch has two sets of distress beacons, i.e., one similar to the previous Emergency watches, and one that is captured by satellites. For sending message to satellites, Emergency ll watch uses 406.04 MHz frequency.

$15,000

 

 

The Best Pots and Pans You Can Buy

Having a good collection of cookware is important for every household and professional chef. Good quality pots and pans help improve the overall result of your cooking. If you want your food to be cooked perfectly and presented neatly, quality cookware is what you need. This article presents 5 manufacturers of some of the best pots and pans all with top materials and why they are regarded so.

 

1. Mauviel for Copper Saucepans

Mauviel Pan

Copper pans and pots are traditionally made with copper exterior and a tin interior. The tin material prevents food from reacting with the copper. For added durability and convenience, copper cookware of today is lined with a stainless-steel. This type of material is also excellent in thermal conductivity and cooks food smoothly. Mauviel, a French family business establishment, is one of the leading manufacturers of copper pans and pots. Their CUPRINOX Style has two efficient materials: a 2mm copper exterior and a stainless steel interior. The copper comprises 90% of the materials so as to provide the best conductivity.

 

2. All-Clad for Stainless-Steel

all-clad-pan

Stainless-steel is the most popular cookware material. It is made of alloy metal, or a combination of chromium and nickel which creates a surface that is rust and corrosion-resistant. A great advantage of stainless-steels is that it is non-reactive, meaning you can cook just about any food in it. Other pros of this material are its weight, durability, scratch-resistance and relatively affordable price. And All-Clad produces only the high-end stainless-steel cookware available. In fact, it is a favorite among the Kitchen editors—and that says a lot. The stainless-steel construction of All-Clad pans features an interior layer of aluminum and an 18/10 stainless cooking surface. The exterior is made of an induction stainless which all in all add to its maximum performance. Each piece is hand checked before leaving their US based plant.

 

3. Bayou for Aluminum Stockpots

Bayou stockpot

Just like copper, aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity. Besides that, it is light in weight and affordable. Aluminum is commonly used when baking. Dutch ovens, for example, are made from cast aluminum. But unlike stainless steel, it is highly reactive to acidic foods. Anodized aluminum pots, however, are a better option. It is much more expensive than the average aluminum cookware but surpasses its abilities and stainless steels’ as well. But if you’re looking for a great manufacturer for aluminum, Bayou tops the list. Bayou’s aluminum stockpots are designed perfectly for indoor and outdoor cooking. Their pots feature a vented lid, heavy-duty handles, and a perforated aluminum basket used for deep frying or boiling. Some of the best feedback this manufacturer gets about their products, is that they last a lifetime. You know you’ve bought a good cookware if its lifespan lasts for many years.

 

4. Le Creuset for Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

le creuset

Cast Iron has been around for hundreds of years. This is due to its high durability, excellent conductivity and retention. What’s more is that it is usually inexpensive and adds iron to the food, which is a huge health benefit. And if properly cared for, it is believed that cast iron cookware can last forever. The only disadvantage of this is that it is also reactive to acidic foods and it’s quite heavy, which makes it harder to clean and maintain. But a better (yet more expensive) option is enameled cast iron. And Le Creuset leads the competition when it comes to this material. Le Creuset’s products specialize in versatility. The metal handles enable the enameled cast iron pots withstand the heat of ovens as well as the stovetop. Top that with its colorful and refined designs—it is among the best available.

 

5. Cuisinart for Green Pans

Green pan

Green Pans are coated with non-Teflon material which is a more environmental-friendly alternative for the popular cookware with nonstick surfaces. These Teflon nonstick surfaces are often coated with petroleum (PTFE/PFOA) a content that is potentially hazardous for the environment. However Cuisinart is the forefront when it comes to the production of these eco-friendly green pans. In their Green Gourmet Cookware, Cuisinart employed their Ceramica non stick technology you don’t need to add oil or butter when cooking just to prevent the food from sticking into the pan. Only add a small amount if you want to enhance its taste and presentation. Another benefit of their products is that they are energy-efficient. The flame must only touch the bottom of the pan and not extend up the sides. Otherwise, you will waste energy.

Knowing some of the best pots and pan manufacturers will help you in your cookware shopping. Look for these products and you will definitely find your investment is worth it. Most of these pots and pan manufacturers offer long guarantees.

Solar Powered Katabatic Tent

Ever heard of a solar powered tent? If not, then you will surely know something about it after reading this article. People looked to camping trips as a way to escape all of the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. A way to disconnect with everything, technology included. These days though, things have changed, and the solar powered Katabatic tent is a prime example of progress. A Solar Powered Katabatic Tent is a small triangular solar panel, called Goal Zero solar charger, which sits atop the tent, drawing in energy for powering devices.

Having a solare powered tent around can come in quite handy. You let the panel passively absorb light all day. The tent offers an outlet to plug in gadgets like iPhones, GPS units, and cameras. The panel is a monocrystalline type with output of 18 watts. Eddie Bauer built attachment points on the tent to connect the panel onto the top and keep it there no matter the wind or weather. Wires come from the panel inside the tent. There it’ll plug directly into the Goal Zero Sherpa 50 or the Yeti line of power packs. This is where the power is stored. You access it to charge phones, GPS units, and more from USB, a 12V port, and other interfaces on the power pack.

The tent, called the Power Katabatic, is a four-season build that’s 92 inches tall. It has 36 sq. feet of space inside and weighs about 8 pounds. The way we see it, your tent is just sitting there at your campsite all day. Why not put it to work, let it soak up some rays, and use it to power all of the cameras, boomboxes, and gps devices that make back country adventures that are enjoyable, and the best part is, you can be eco-friendly at the same time. So if you want a tent that’s worth your money, then better check this one out.

There are a lot of tents that are affordable but if you really want a tent that could make your life easier and more comfortable, then better try the solar powered kabtatic tent. For sure, your family will enjoy your outing. Having a great adventure with your loved ones is indeed very fun and exciting. There are a lot of people who don’t own solar powered tents and keep on complaining that they have to buy a lot of batteries, well, they don’t know that the solution to that is to purchase a Solar Powered Katabatic Tent.

If you’re looking for a wonderful outdoor winter experience equipped with top gear, then make the solar powered tent part of your daily adventures. Having a great adventure is always top priority, so if you have a budget, you really have to get a solar powered tent. It’s highly affordable so if you have the budget, it’s advisable that you should get one. Make yourself comfortable during your outings and experience a cozy sleep during the night. You won’t be complaining if you have this solar powered katabatic tent.

Explore Mountain Biking

If you love mountain trekking or hiking, it’s safe to say that you also love mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are typically ridden on single track trails, fire roads, logging roads, and other mountainous areas. Mountain biking is very popular nowadays and it’s also very good exercise too. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain. Mountain biking is also considered a sport, and this sport certainly tests one’s endurance, biking handling skills and self reliance. Mountain biking can be performed almost anywhere from a back yard to a gravel road, but the majority of mountain bikers ride off-road trails, whether country back roads, fire roads, or single track.

Mountain biking can be very dangerous at times depending on the area but it’s really a good way to get in shape. Riding bicycles off-road is when road racing cyclists used cyclo-cross as a means of keeping fit during the winter. Cyclo-cross eventually becoming a sport in its own right in the 1940s and is very well received by mountain bike lovers and health experts. Bikes have been very popular through the years but mountain bikes differ from other bikes because they incorporate features aimed at increasing durability and improving performance in rough terrain.

Most modern mountain bikes have some kind of suspension, 26, 27.5 or 29 inch diameter tires, usually between 1.7 to 2.5 inches in width, and a wider, flat or upwardly-rising handlebar that allows a more upright riding position, giving the rider more control. They have a smaller, reinforced frame, usually made of wide tubing. Tires usually have a pronounced tread, and are mounted on rims which are stronger than those used on most non-mountain bicycles. Compared to other bikes, mountain bikes also tend to more frequently use disc brakes. They also tend to have lower ratio gears to facilitate climbing steep hills and traversing obstacles. Pedals vary from simple platform pedals, where the rider simply places the shoes on top of the pedals, to “clipless” where the rider uses a specially equipped shoe with a sole that engages mechanically into the pedal.

Mountain bikes need to be sturdy indeed if they are going to be used for a more harsh terrain. Bikers know the risks involved, so they improve on their bike handling skills plus they have protective gear that’s solely for biking. It’s indeed really fun once you have passed all these “precautions”. Once you’re ready, then it’s going to be an enjoyable adventure. Most people do biking not only because it gives them good exercise but they will also be able to see nature and its beauty, well, to those who are into mountain biking forests that is. Exploring nature with your mountain bike is indeed very fun and soothing to one’s self. It gives you a good vibe deep within.

Mountain biking will be forever popular not only because of its health benefits but also for the joy it brings. If you want to explore the city or bike through nature with your metal detector for gold, you will certainly love biking. Mountain bikes are the best when it comes to those things because of their durability. Regardless, there’s no denying that mountain biking is indeed fun and relaxing at the same time and it always keeps one’s lifestyle, healthy.

Gin Lane

The 18th century happened to be a tumultuous period for the greater part of the civilized world, and this easily attested itself by the widespread debauchery and moral ills that predominantly characterized this era. As expected liquor consumption was the order of the day, and those that couldn’t afford the milder forms of alcohol, opted for the then cheap liquor such as gin.

The effects of the Gin Act 1736

Taking a case study of Britain, the beverage industry of this kingdom was then largely left unregulated, and there was little or no quality checks on the drinks that were in the market, which led to the rise of illicit brews that often caused a great deal of social problems. Naturally, the government began to take a much more serious stance, and in a short time the Gin act of 1736 was put in place. This legislation not only placed steep taxes for the sale of gin, but also kept a limit on the quantity of spirits that retailers could sell.

In a massive show of support for the government’s tough measures to curb this menace, the famous English artist William Hogarth made two prints; Gin lane and Beer Street. These prints greatly contrasted from each other with the former depicting the evils that were brought about by the consumption of gin, while the latter portraying the social and even economical benefits of drinking beer. Hogarth vividly depicts the havoc that wrecks the lives of the inhabitants of Gin lane such as lawlessness, moral decay, madness, starvation and other deplorable conditions that then characterized gin consumption.

Fortunately, with the passage of time, the various measures taken by the government, and the widespread anguish among the nation’s poor, brought this trade into control. And went a step further, later on, to heighten the popularity of gin, which eventually became a component of every day living.

The Resurgence of the gin craze

By the mid 19th century gin’s badly tainted reputation had began to undergo a subtle rehabilitation, which quickly effaced the darker aspects of gin consumption in the 17th century. Giving precedence to a fresh and distinctive style of gin labeled dry gin. Dry gin went on to become extremely popular with a large cross-section of the society. From middle class ladies who relished taking this drink while going about their regular domestic routines, to working class men that enjoy taking gin after successful closure of their daily endeavours.

The military was also particularly hit in the gin craze, more so its officer corps, where the mastery of making gin-based drinks was regarded to be an indispensable component of a young officer’s training. As the years have sped by, gin drinking has begun to be taken in a newer light, and its allure has facilitated for a lot of individuals taking a liking to this drink. And now more than ever gin is considered as one of the finest alcoholic drink in the market, which can clearly be seen by the plethora of trendy gin-based drinks.

The Martini

The martini is arguably one of the most popular gin-based drinks, and its distinct taste has made it a favorite with many consumers of alcohol. As would be expected, the origins of this drink are still for the most part, controversial, or unknown, but some of the leading experts in the trade believe that the martini evolved from the popular 19th century Martinez cocktail. Others place its origin at around early 20th century, in the bar of the New York hotel Knickerbocker.

Despite all these contentions, this drink has over the years come to identified with drinkers that boast of impeccable and refined tastes. It is, thus, hardly surprising that the martini has become a vital component of utmost relaxation, and many of its enthusiasts derive a lot of satisfaction from drinking it.

Whichever way you might enjoy your gin mixed drink, this amazing liquor, still provides for an unmatched versatility, when it comes to the diverse alcoholic blends that it gives rise to. It has been a long journey from the days of Gin lane, and this drink has gone on to accrue a rich and colourful heritage and tradition, which will most definitely remain strong to the end of time. The quality of this drink remains unmatched.

10 Best Trail Running Shoes

Altra-Lone-Peak-1.5-Gear-Patrol

1.  Altra Lone Peak 1.5

Best All day Shoes: Altra’s founder, Golden Harper, had a new product earlier this year and we are able to get a sneak peak at some of their award-winning trail line. The updated Lone Peak 1.5 were designed around the storied Wasatch 100 endurance race. With beefy soles, excellent “breathability”, and a weight of under 10 ounces, this is the trail shoe for all day adventures. You will feel the lightness in your soles and feet.

La-Sportiva-Helios-Gear-Patrol

2. La Sportiva Helios

Best Short-Distance Shoe: These shoes are absolutely amazing and insanely light. However, don’t mistake the Helios for a lightweight, even if it does come in at just over 8.1 ounces. This hard charger is perfect for everything from short tempo runs to full blown trail half marathons. The toe and heel caps protect you on the rough trails, and the over-lugged sole sticks to everything. Go ahead and turn the speed up to eleven.

Solomon-Slab-Sense-Ultra-Gear-Patrol

 

3. Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra

Best Race-Day Shoe: Brace yourself for this wonderful and astonishing shoes. Designed in collaboration with world champion ultra runner Kilian Jornet, this update to Salomon’s popular Sense shoe features additional cushioning and deeper lugs. While these changes add an ounce of weight, the Sense Ultra still only comes in at 7.4 ounces, even with a durable 13-millimeter heel. At $180, they’re a little pricier than other options, but come race day, these sturdy, nimble shoes will leave your opponents seeing red and that’s a good thing.

Brooks-Cascadia-8-Gear-Patrol

 

 4. Brooks Cascadia 8

Best Shoe For Heel Strikers: Cascadia is back for another brilliant and durable shoes. The eighth edition of the Cascadia holds up Brooks’s strong trail tradition. A beefed-up BioMoGo DNA foam protects your feet from even the sharpest boulder hopping trails. The upper design is easy on the eyes, but more importantly, it keeps your feet locked in place, especially important on slick Pacific Coast or New England Trails. This is the comfort shoe your feet have been asking for.

Merrell-Run-Ascend-Glove-Gear-Patrol

5. Merrell Barefoot Trail Run Ascend Glove

Best Minimalist Trail Shoe: Mountain Hiking can never be so fun with Merrell shoes. If you’re looking for more connection to the trail, the Ascend Glove from Merrell provides the perfect minimalist platform with zero drop and only 6mm of cushioning. Ventilated and Gore-Tex-lined options are ready for any conditions. With a Vibram outsole and Merrell’s “Trail Protect” padding at critical points, the Ascend will be ready to go long after your feet are screaming for a break.

MENS-SINGLE-TRACK-HAYASA-Gear-Patrol

6. The North Face Single-Track Hayasa

Best Ultralight Shoe: The North Face collaborated with renowned Japanese runner Tsuyoshi Kaburaki to design the fastest trail shoes on the planet.  Hayasa also means “speed” in Japanese. These shoes live up to its name because of the ultralight touches it brings and a neutral platform, minimal foot bed and lightweight toe and heel protection. These shoes are not for the faint of heart or beginners. However, if you’re looking for a new set of tools to push you further, maybe a little then  Hayasa is what you need.

Newton-Terra-Momentum-Gear-Patrol

 

7. Newton Terra Momentum

Best Everyday Trainer: The new Newton Terra Momentum has become popular nowadays. People use them to handle everything from urban gravel paths to tricky ridge-line traverses. The flexibility of the shoes’ Action-Reaction technology makes them suitable for any runner’s style. If you don’t have the cash to spring for a few pairs of shoes , these Newton trainers are easily versatile enough to take on any terrain.

New-Balance-Leadville-1210-Gear-Patrol

8. New Balance Leadville 1210

Best Long-Distance Shoe: Being filthy during “fun runs” are inevitable. Dirty, grimy feet are a constant in ultra-distance running, the inevitable result of grueling miles hoofed through the worst dust and mud imaginable. Clean feet mean fewer blisters and more time spent smiling during your run, and the breathable uppers of New Balance’s Leadville 1210s are tightly stretch woven to ensure that trail debris stays on the trail. A combined Vibram outsole and an N2/Revlite (New Balance’s proprietary cushioning foam) mid sole make for a plush slog through long miles.

Hoka-One-One-Rapua-Nue-2-Gear-Patrol

9. Hoka One One Rapa Nui Comp

Best Cushioned Ride: People always love a more “comfortable feel” shoes. Hoka One One spurned the minimal debate and instead built a line of shoes with as much cushioning as possible. The result is a “running on air” feel. The oversized midsoles, with almost double the EVA cushioning foam of many other brands, function as foot-sized shock absorbers to provide superior flexibility and far more comfort than than competitors’ stiff rock plates.

Pearl-Izumi-EM-Trail-2-Gear-Patrol

 10. Pear Izumi EM Trail 2

Most Stable Shoe: Great comfortable shoes are always number one priority. Pearl Izumi took their proven E:MOTION carbon rubber sole system and paired it with a new, completely seamless upper. The result is an EM Trail 2 that’s the most stable shoe on the market. If you’re prone to rolled ankles, the bio mechanically designed E:MOTION mid soles help keep you on track to good mid foot form, even when you’re tired and would otherwise get sloppy. The water shedding and wicking uppers round out a great feature set. Trust us, you won’t want to take them off.

 

 

Casio G-Shock

Casio G-Shock was introduced many years ago and consumers definitely loved this durable watch. It’s definitely one of Casio’s durable watches. Many people say that it’s a watch that never breaks, the Casio G-Shock is revered by many as “the toughest watch on the planet”. The G-Shock is universally respected, avidly collected, and loved by everyone from Navy SEALS to tree-hugging tech nerds, a watch that gives new meaning to the word “durable”. The G-Shock began in 1981, Casio’s head of watch design was engineer Kikuo Ibe. Ibe pulled together a project team of just three members and called them “Team Tough”. There were really only three design criteria, the so-called triple ten for the watch he had in mind: withstand a 10 meter drop, withstand 10 atmospheres of water pressure, and have a battery life of ten years. It would take over two years to release the first G-Shock, the DW-5000C. Ibe and his team had to work through some serious difficulties on the way.

As prototypes reached 200, team Tough was still far from the design solution they sought. It was then, on a chance visit to a playground, that Ibe got his stroke of inspiration, and that inspiration was a bouncing rubber ball. It was here that Ibe finally visualized the shock-resisting system that forms the basis of all G-Shock watches. He reasoned that the center of the ball doesn’t suffer the shock that the exterior does. He and his team set out to design a watch to resist shocks in a similar way.

The case of the G-shock is hollow and the timekeeping module is supported with soft gel cushioning material at only a few key points within. In addition, vital parts of the module itself are protected from impact with additional cushioning material. Protruding points on the case and bezel are made of urethane and protect the buttons and glass from impacts from any direction; even the strap is specially designed to aid in isolating the watch from impacts. All of these features help protect the G-Shock from concussions, high G-forces (such from as auto or air racing), and heavy vibrations. Casio’s watches boasts of quality and longevity, that’s the reason why it stood the test of time.

As for the name of the watch, Ibe said the “G” referred to the shock of a fall. A human being might be subjected to many shocks from many different situations (sports, fights, etc.), but Ibe thought a fall would be the toughest thing a person might endure and still live. The watch wasn’t meant to be unbreakable regardless of how far it fell. Rather, the intent was that the watch would remain working after any fall the wearer could survive. Its peculiar aesthetic and stubborn toughness, launched an immensely popular line with a unique blend of utilitarian focused (military members, adventurers, extreme sports athletes) and street cred-centric (hip hop artists, street style aficionados) followers. And there have been numerous milestones over the three decades of the G-Shock’s history. The first analogue/digital model appeared in 1989.

In 1993 the first true diver’s watch, the Frogman DW-6300, with 20 atmosphere water resistance, was released. The first titanium model, the Frogman DW-8200 came along in 1995. In 2000 the GW-100, the first radio-controlled G-Shock, appeared, able to receive calibration signals from one of six worldwide locations for more accurate timekeeping. Other features have appeared over the years: resistance to low temperatures and dirt and mud, built-in temperature and pressure sensors. The G-Shock has indeed improved through the years.

 The watch wasn’t meant to be unbreakable regardless of how far it fell. It was built to remain working after any fall the wearer could survive. -Kikuo Ibe

 

 

The MSG Myth

Monosodium glutamate, abbreviated as MSG, is one of the most extensively researched food ingredients. The extensive research may have arisen from a number of factors; however, controversies surrounding the food additive may be the major cause. At this point, it is important to note that MSG has been used as a flavor enhancer for a long time. For a long time it has been added in Chinese foods, canned vegetables, and processed meats. Despite the controversies revolving around the flavor enhancer, several food safety institutions, including the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have categorized the product as one that is “generally safe to use”.

MSG is manufactured through a process called fermentation. It is made using a procedure that other product like beer, vinegar, and yoghurt follow. Carbohydrates from food crops like corn, cassava, and cane are fermented to produce glutamate which is then purified and crystallized before drying. The resulting product is a pure white crystal which dissolves and blends well in many recipes.

Because MSG is often added to foods in form of MSG seasoning, it means that the amount of agent that an average person can consume per meal is very small. In that case, an average person can only consume 10 grams of bound MSG and up to 1 gram of free glutamate daily. Most of the consumed glutamate follows the digestive system and is digested, together with foods, to produce energy. This means that it rarely reaches the blood stream.

Since 1908, MSG has been used safely as food ingredient and a seasoning agent. Numerous studies have been undertaken by stakeholders in the food industry to establish the product’s role in the diet and its safety. Unsurprisingly, results from most of these studies have consistently shown that the product is safe for human use. Better still, the results show that MSG can be used by everyone, including young children and expectant mothers. Thanks to the myths associated with MSG, authorities, including FDA, require food manufacturers using MSG as a seasoning agent or ingredient to add a label on the package to that effect.

There are a few people who complain that their bodies are sensitive to both glutamate and glutamate seasoning. However, their claim may not necessarily be authentic. Most of the processed foods we consume on a daily basis, including canned vegetables, fish, and meat contain MSG. Where necessary, manufacturers include a label on the food’s packet declaring that the product contains MSG. Decades of painstaking research; however, have shown that there is no evidence to link MSG to any form of food sensitivity. Those who purport to experience the sensitivity symptoms rarely exhibit the symptoms when they are carefully studied and observed in controlled experiments. This only suggests that their alleged sensitivity is caused by a belief that MSG causes sensitivity or their sensitivity is caused by something else.

As to whether pregnant and lactating mothers can use MSG, studies have confirmed that the product can safely be used by these categories of people. Studies have consistently established that human milk contains high levels of glutamate than the MSG that can average person can consume daily. As mentioned earlier, an average person can only consume 1 gram of free glutamate. Lactating babies, conversely, consume up to 200 grams of free glutamate from their mothers’ milk.

There are still a host of other reactions associated with MSG. The reactions are better known as “MSG symptoms complex”. Top on the list of the reactions associated with MSG is headaches. Some believe that headaches that may be experienced after visiting a Chinese restaurant are caused by MSG. There is, however, no solid evidence to back these claims. Other reactions thought to be caused by MSG include overall body weaknesses, flushing, chest pains, nausea, vomiting, numbness, and facial tightness. Still, there is nothing credible that links MSG to these reactions.

So far, there is nothing that should prevent consumers from consuming monosodium glutamate. Several extensive scientific and health evaluations seem to have exonerated it from any form of wrong doing on human beings.
Surprisingly, the food additive has been cleared for use by the most sensitive categories of people- expectant mothers and young babies. The additive, used as a flavor enhancer, can reduce the amount of sodium used in foods by up to 40 percent. MSG, thus, deserves a clean bill of health.