Ways To Beat The Rain

Scientific studies throughout the world have researched the ways weather can effect disposition. Yet one doesn't need to be a scientist to know that a string of grey and rainy days can take a toll on emotions. It's a sneaky thing that may start as general discontent and a feeling of ennui that then escalates into frustration and snappishness. Such behavioural changes may have adverse effects on personal and professional relationships, because even when conscious of the effect of weather on moods it's still hard to shake the blahs. Awareness is the first step to warding off weather-related emotional woes, yet here are some additional tips to help brighten your day no matter what the forecast.

Tech Tricks

Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD] is the official term for those feelings of depression and listlessness during less-than-stellar weather conditions. To help minimise the effects of SAD, sufferers may want to try a light box that mimics sunlight. Light boxes come in a variety of styles and price ranges, and not everyone is on board that they do actually help, whilst others swear by them.

Another way to keep spirits up is to make a few adjustments on your computer and mobile. If it's lousy weather outside don't compound the issue by having screensavers and desktop wallpaper showing winter scenes. No matter how incongruous it may seem, change everything to bright, sunny beach photos or puppies or kittens, whatever it is that will bring joy. Smartphone users should do the same and can even look for excessively cheerful screensavers to help make it through the down times.

Ritualise

When combating the blues it really is the little things that can help make a positive impact. Like rain gear—sure a standard pair of black wellies could suffice, but why not go bold and pick some that are irrepressibly joyful? Get the home in order, too, by switching to warmer bedding, and loading up with some good books and plenty of wood for the fire. The pantry should also be stocked with a few favourite comfort foods reserved specifically for those days when the weather turns ugly. And don't discount the benefit of nice snuggly pyjamas, scented candles, and some special tea to help celebrate the changing seasons. Pulling out all the stops will not only keep the mind and body occupied, it will help turn that feeling of powerlessness into one of deliberate participation.

Crazy For Squatch: Big Foot Shows Dominate TV

Bigfoot, Sasquatch, or Yeti: whatever name you choose to call him, this elusive creature has fascinated and terrified people around the world for centuries. Now, a new Bigfoot craze has gripped American television audiences, and the networks are eager to cash in. While some may dismiss Bigfoot as nothing more than fancy, others are taking the existence of this beast very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that not one, but two new shows have been dedicated to this half-man, half-beast that lurks somewhere in the shadows of the forest. Animal Planet was the first to capitalize on this fascination, with their hit show, ‘Finding Bigfoot,’ but then SpikeTV upped the ante with their ‘10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty.’ Whether you believe in the existence of Bigfoot or not, both shows are a lot of fun and provide hours of entertainment. We will look at both of them, highlighting some of the unique characteristics of each.

Finding Bigfoot

‘Finding Bigfoot’ has become a huge success for Animal Planet, which isn’t really used to producing television shows that draw in large audiences. But forget hunting lions and working ants, because Animal Planet has taken an unexpected turn towards cryptozoology with ‘Finding Bigfoot,’ and it is paying off for the network. ‘Finding Bigfoot’ follows professional Bigfoot hunters [yes, there is such a thing] Cliff Barackman, James “Bobo” Fay, Ranae Holland, and Matt Moneymaker on their hunt for the hidden beast. The team goes around not only America, but the entire world, gathering evidence for the existence of Bigfoot. While much of the evidence is fascinating, what really makes this show work is the dynamic between the cast. While Matt Moneymaker is president of the Bigfoot Field Research Organization [BFRO], and thus an avid believer in the creature’s existence, he is joined by Ranae Holland, a highly skeptical scientist who is always questioning whatever evidence the team can come up with. It creates a dynamic and entertaining relationship, and the show is worth watching just for its entertainment value alone.

Photo source:  IMDb.com

Five Classic North v South Rugby Internationals

The rugby autumn international season is with us again, as the northern and southern hemispheres once again face each down in a spirit of fierce rivalry.

The clashes between the hemispheres are often the most remarkable, most memorable and significant encounters for rugby fans, the games that live in the memory and are as thrilling to recall as they were to watch. Here we recall some of the most significant.

France v New Zealand Rugby World Cup 1999

The semi final was played at Twickenham, and almost everyone expected a hard, but straightforward progression of the All Blacks to the final in Cardiff.

In some ways the French had overachieved by even making the semis, they’d taken the Wooden Spoon in that year’s Five Nations, were dogged by infighting and were considered fortunate not to have met a top team in the tournament to that point.

However, on their day any French team can beat anybody, and on this day all the old flair, dynamic running, brute strength and utter brilliance to run out 43-31 victors - including 33 unanswered points when the All Blacks were up 24-10.

England v Australia Rugby World Cup 2003

The 2003 World Cup Final pitched a rampant England team against hosts Australia. The game was far tighter than anyone expected, with typical Australian pluck, nerves and some questionable referring making the contest extremely gripping.

However, as the two teams matched scores on 80 minutes, the clock ticked away the extra time as Australia equalised again. England drove. Penalty, kick to touch, drive again and the left boot of Wilkinson created history.

Diving And Snorkelling In The Exotic Maldives

When in the Maldives, the inclination to loll on a chaise lounge with a cold beverage in hand is all-powerful. The archipelago nation that looks, from satellite imagery, like a scatter of pebbles in the Laccadive Sea, is enviably paradisal.

Image Source

Start with the weather. Average conditions in the Maldives approximate what most tourists describe as idyllic: sunny, warm and breezy after sunset, balmy when you wake and, needless to indicate, some of the most gorgeous sunsets on Earth. Moreover, temperatures in this tropical xanadu stay blissfully constant. The result? No urgent need to pack much at all. Well, maybe some sunscreen …

And your snorkel kit. Because while we do love to plunge our feet in the alabaster sand of the Maldives’ atolls, it behooves every visitor to look below the surface of that postcard-perfect water.

Ripe Conditions

It just depends at what depth, of course. Happily, whether you snorkel or fancy the challenge of a dive, the Maldives offers some of the most extraordinary, marine life rich coral reefs in the world. And the country’s magnificent resorts are the platform to enjoy it all, with expert charter operators, instructors and equipment on hand.

For most divers, the Maldives is aces because of notable, photogenic hall of famers like whale sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, moray eels, manta rays and infinite specimens of brilliant fish.

Things To Consider When Buying Acrylic Brushes

Acrylic brushes come in varying lengths and bristle sizes. Thinner brushes are made with lighter hairs or bristles. These brushes include round, pointed round and detail round brushes. For broader strokes, shop around for flat, bright, angular flat, fan and filbert acrylic brushes. There are also egbert, extra long filbert, double thick filbert and dagger striper brushes.

If the handle on the brushes is made of wood, you may find it easier to get and keep a firm grip on the brushes. On the other hand, brushes that are developed with acrylic handles are easier to clean on the handle area.

Furthermore, brushes with thinner hairs are good to sketch with. To create delicate lines, go for brushes with pointed round tips. Filbert acrylic brushes are good for creating oval lines with. To smooth or feather lines or images, use fan brushes. Be patient when painting with brushes built with detail round tips, as the handles on these brushes are shorter than handles on other brushes.

As you can see, the most important factor to consider when buying acrylic brushes is the art project you're planning on working on. Before buying acrylic brushes at Plaza Art and other stores, spend several minutes thinking about the painting you want to create. If the painting is similar to an existing painting, it might be a good idea to take the painting to the art store you'll buy brushes and other art supplies from. The best art stores carry more than 600 different paint brushes, including acrylic and oil brushes.