Plan Ahead with Beauty of a Book™ an Annual Marketing Guide

NOW AVAILABLE !! Beauty of a Book™ 12 Months of Beauty Business Marketing
Hello Beauties ! The year I launched BeautyMark Marketing I also began a weekly beauty business blog with tips to help beauty bosses grow their businesses. Over the past 6 years I have blogged seasonal promotion, merchandising, and event ideas. Beauty of a Book™ is a re assemblage of my weekly blog in a calendar-like format commencing with a Set The Stage section that includes a beauty-specific Marketing Guide, Ready-To-Use 12 Month Calendar, and Promotion Planner.
Now go rock your beauty business! - Kierna
TO LEARN MORE CLICK LINK  http://ift.tt/2ov8nof 

Permalink

from Beauty Business Blog http://ift.tt/2oNXa6D

Your First Technical Diving Course

So, you’ve decided to see what the world of technical diving is all about and enroll in a foundation class. Wise decision. But what’s covered during your first technical diving course? What will you gain from the experience, and what will you learn? Here’s a little insight into both what to expect, and what not to expect from your first technical diving course.

Why take a technical diving course?

There are many reasons to become a technical diver. You can dive deeper and stay down for longer, or both. You may wish to become a more skilled diver in general and increase your knowledge of dive theory, or decrease your reliance on a buddy. Perhaps you simply want to challenge yourself, or pursue cave or wreck-penetration diving. It’s entirely possible though that none of this appeals to you, and you simply want more fish-watching time on your favorite shallow reef. These are all great reasons for starting tec training. So where do you begin?

If we leave rebreather diving for another article and use Technical Diving International (TDI) as an example agency, there are two main options: you can enroll in either the technical sidemount class or intro to technical diving course. Both courses provide similar information, but with a different approach and emphasis to the equipment set up.

What you will learn?

In a sidemount course, you will learn to set up and dive with two cylinders at your side. For intro to tech, you will get to know how a twinset works (two cylinders on your back, joined together with an isolation manifold). There are numerous reasons for using either method, which each course will outline.

Common to both methods is a redundant gas supply and ensuring that you have a backup of almost everything — torches, cutting devices, bottom-timing devices, etc. Pretty much the only thing tech divers don’t carry two of is pairs of fins. But it’s not just a question of carrying backup gear; you must know when and where to use it. A knife, for example, is useful for many things, but what if your tank valve becomes entangled in some fishing line in bad visibility? Do you really want to use a knife near your hoses and behind your head, where you can’t see what you’re doing? Maybe a Z-knife is better for that job.

Good tech divers carry appropriate items stowed for easy accessibility, but — and this is key — without turning into an over-encumbered Christmas tree. You will learn to carry only what you need for a given dive. This is for reasons of simplicity, streamlining, and minimizing task-loading. Tech courses will cover all these topics.

Having a technical diving mindset

Having a technical diving mindset means two things. First, as you progress, you will begin to understand that you’ll be engaging in increasingly risky diving activities. There are consequences to diving deeper and longer, so you must approach such dives with the seriousness that they deserve. Second, since safety is the top priority, you must diligently manage those increased risks. This involves looking at potential hazards associated with, for example, entering a cave or going into decompression. You must either eliminate the risk or reduce it to an acceptable level.

This task is all-encompassing. It includes choosing the correct equipment for the dive at hand, maintaining it, and checking it before and after diving. You must become highly competent at diving fundamentals such as buoyancy, finning techniques, guideline use, and emergency procedures, practicing them regularly. Having a technical diving mindset also includes proper dive planning, and a thorough post-dive debrief. A foundation course will introduce all these concepts.

Dive planning and gas management

Comprehensive and effective dive planning begins long before you don your drysuit or wetsuit. It includes consideration of environmental factors, such as weather and tides, team roles and responsibilities, thermal considerations and logistics. You must also consider the potential side effects of different gases, such as narcosis, hypoxia, hypercapnia and oxygen toxicity. You’ll begin to use dive-planning software to map out dives, and learn about decompression stress and how to reduce it with an appropriate dive profile.

When it comes to gas management, you’ll obviously have more gas available in double tanks. But when you know you will be going into decompression, and therefore unable to ascend directly to the surface, you must figure out exactly how much gas you’ll go through during a dive. There are two ways to approach this:  planning the dive first and then and then determining how much gas you’ll need to execute it, or starting with a fixed amount of gas and planning a dive within those limits.

Either way, during the introductory course, you will learn to calculate how much you breathe per minute, and how much gas you will go through at each stage of the dive. In subsequent courses, you will learn to add various contingency gases in case something goes wrong, and track other limiting factors such as CNS exposure.

Diving procedures

Planning a dive is one thing, but completing it properly requires skill that can only come from lots of practice and quality training. Controlled descents, good trim, team positioning, awareness, communication, and varying ascent speeds are all keys to a successful technical dive. An introductory technical course will lay out these important foundations in detail.

Lots of supervised time in the water is also key. Although technical dives are commonly 90 minutes, they’ll fly by as you learn to communicate with one hand, practice alternate propulsion methods and back-finning, and learn to deploy a DSMB from depth and wind it up as you ascend.

In each course, you’ll learn how to manage your gas in either a twinset or in sidemount. You’ll learn how to shut down valves in case of a gas loss, and then how to end your dive safely and efficiently. Courses cover other emergency skills as well, such as out-of-gas using the long hose, switching to a back-up mask, a malfunctioning Low Pressure Inflator (LPI), and free-flowing regulators.

What you won’t learn

Reading all of this, it can be easy to feel a little intimidated by the scope of technical diving training. But you will find that everything is incremental. If you have good buoyancy and want to learn, you will be surprised by what you pick up over only a few days of supervised training. You should emerge from a course with a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills that you can build upon.

Things that you won’t take away from the course include any kind of decompression training, or any kind of penetration-dive training, such as entering caverns, caves or wrecks. Also, don’t expect reams and reams of theory. While you will learn some, the courses focus on becoming familiar with the equipment and procedures and logging plenty of in-water time to become competent with it all.

The post Your First Technical Diving Course appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2pupl7z

This is what Mobile Journalism looks like today

Mobile Journalism has come a long way in 30 years, writes Robb Montgomery.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2qlGlNB

Conservation Spotlight: Reef Check

In this series of articles, we’re profiling conservation organizations focused on ocean protection. We’ll also let readers know how they can get involved. Today we’re chatting with Jenny Mihaly, program manager at Reef Check.

What does Reef Check do?

Reef Check works to protect tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs through education, research and conservation. We take a grassroots approach to build independent teams of volunteer citizen-scientists. These people monitor and protect reefs through scientific data collection and conservation in their local communities. The concept of community empowerment, to protect reefs and the communities that depend on them, has proven very successful around the world. Reef Check continues to make big strides in global reef conservation and community development.

How did Reef Check start?

In 1993, at the Global Health of Reefs Symposium in Miami, someone asked: “What is the health of the world’s coral reefs?” Surprisingly, scientists could not answer this question. About half the scientists believed reefs globally were in excellent condition. Others reported reefs in decline. There was no globally comparable data or standardized monitoring in place to answer this question. Hence the need for Reef Check.

In 1996, coral ecologist Dr. Gregor Hodgson designed a global survey method called Reef Check for the 1997 International Year of the Reef. Dr. Hodgson carried out the first survey in Kauai, Hawaii in 1997. Now there are over 10,000 surveys from around the world on Reef Check’s Global Reef Tracker.

How many people are involved?

Reef Check has built a global network of over 30,000 volunteers who monitor reefs worldwide. Reef Check trains citizen-scientist divers who survey the health of coral reefs in over 90 countries and territories, and rocky reef ecosystems along the entire coast of California. We use the results to improve management techniques of these critically important natural resources.

Headquarters is in Marina del Rey, California, with a small but dedicated staff of six. We also rely on the invaluable help of volunteers and interns. Its office is the perfect location to run Reef Check Eco-Tours, a highly interactive marine conservation program that gives guests the chance to become marine biologists for the day aboard one of the local boats.

What are the main actions and/or areas of focus?

Reef Check carries out its work through three major programs.

• EcoDiver Program is an education and certification program for kids and adults who want to learn more about the ocean and take part in protecting reef ecosystems.
• Coral Reef Management Program is a coral-reef monitoring and management system that focuses on establishing Marine Protected Areas to conserve coral reefs while encouraging local residents to sustainably use surrounding reefs.
• Reef Check California is a volunteer monitoring program for California rocky reefs, designed to provide data for managers and to build a conservation constituency among California divers.

Reef Check programs provide ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions to save reefs. They create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profit organizations.

How can people help?

Experienced divers and snorkelers can join our team of citizen-scientists by participating in our EcoDiver program. They can enroll in a three-day EcoDiver certification course that qualifies them to help our teams monitor reefs worldwide. Experienced divers can also sign up for one of our signature Reef Check EcoExpeditions, which include EcoDiver training. We always appreciate donations, and readers can make those on the website.

The post Conservation Spotlight: Reef Check appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2qpV2OH

Should You Wear a Snorkel When Scuba Diving?

The snorkel controversy seems to be never-ending. In our entry-level courses, most of us learned that you should wear a snorkel when scuba diving. Some of us stick to that rule, and some of carry one in our BCD pocket. But many more divers don’t wear a snorkel when scuba diving. If you open this debate to a table full of seasoned divers, prepare for some heated discussion. Here we’ll look at the pros and cons when it comes to the timeless question: should you wear a snorkel when scuba diving?

Pros

If you’re shore diving and have a long swim from your entry point, using a snorkel means you won’t waste air from the tank, and makes the swim far more comfortable.

When assessing conditions from the surface, perhaps before a boat dive, getting in the water with a mask and snorkel is the easiest way to check the current and/or the visibility.

If you must wait for a boat pickup, or swim to the boat when diving in rough conditions, a snorkel is useful. Without one, you could empty your tank just to stay comfortable at the surface. This is not great for the equipment, or your stress level.

In situations where you would have to tow a diver, whether a buddy or a student, a snorkel will also help during surface-swim positions. It might also help a stressed diver to breathe in choppy waters.

Cons

It is misleading to new divers. They often confuse their snorkel with the inflator when learning to use the equipment.

When learning how to dive, an attached snorkel can also make the mask-replacement skill considerably more difficult. The snorkel can get in the way or become entangled in the diver’s hair or the mask strap. It can even get tucked under the BCD shoulder strap.

A snorkel is inconvenient. It is difficult to grasp how no manufacturer has yet produced a snorkel clip that doesn’t get entangled in your hair. Many clips don’t hold the snorkel properly or break soon after purchase as well.

Snorkels create extra drag in the water. In a strong current, your mask can move. When entering the water from a boat, a snorkel also creates an extra drag, and can simply fall off if you don’t secure it properly.

A lot of divers will also argue that they never carry a snorkel simply because they never use one, never facing one of the situations mentioned above.

Although we never definitively solve the question of whether you should wear a snorkel when scuba diving, there are valid reasons for both arguments. Some manufacturers offer models that you can fold and store in your BCD pocket, like the Aqualung Nautilus travel snorkel, which is a good compromise when you want to carry a snorkel but not have it on your mask for the whole dive. The choice is ultimately personal; let us know on which side of this great debate you fall.

The post Should You Wear a Snorkel When Scuba Diving? appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2oEMebl

Alternative engagement rings at Fellows.

There’s something silly happening on the internet.

That’s not a rare occurrence. But this time, it’s something I take personally: there’s been an avalanche of random websites publishing articles about alternative engagement rings and giving truly idiotic, completely uninformed advice.

I love the alternative engagement ring trend, but when it’s practiced without understanding of the relevant gemological facts, it’s going to end in tears. And in a world with SO MANY beautiful rings that would work well as an alternative engagement ring, there’s no reason to give bad advice.

Continue reading Alternative engagement rings at Fellows. at Diamonds in the Library.

from Diamonds in the Library http://ift.tt/2pbBtM6

Tips to Make Mother's Day Business Amazing

In North America Mother’s Day is one of the biggest “gift giving” holidays of the year. Salons and spas are perfect businesses to benefit from a Mother’s Day promotion that translates services and retail products into great Mother’s Day salon or spa packages. Remind consumers that gift cards, service packages and pampering retail products make memorable gifts for moms, grandmothers, aunts, wives and daughters.

Marketing studies tell us that Mother's Day spending peaks in the week between the 5th and the 12th of May so make sure to implement your Mother's Day campaign as soon as possible. Make this year’s Mother’s Day the most successful one yet, attract the right consumers to your salon for their gift-giving needs.

tip #1 Cover All Budget Types
Divide up your service and product selections for all budgets, provide package options in different amounts to cover all budgets types.

tip # 2 Think MEN
Remember that men purchase a significant portion of Mother’s Day gifts overall, put your Mother’s Day campaign in the windows in the form of posters to get walk-by traffic to walk-in. Market directly to men with a “stressed to the max wife” Mother’s Day hair or spa package.

tip #3 Promote Everywhere
Promote your salon or spa Mother’s Day specials on all marketing channels including social media, website, and “in-store”.
1) Update website homepage slideshow to include image of Mother’s Day promotion
2) Post Mother’s Day promotion on all social media channels.
3) Create Mother’s Day promotional signage for windows and mirror talkers for individual stations.
4) Create scripts for staff to help them start the conversation about Mother’s Day behind the chair or at the point of purchase.

tip #4 Gift Cards
Did you know that the most popular time for Mother's Day gift card sales is Mother's Day “eve”? Make sure it’s easy to purchase gift certificates in person and from your website. You should have both print and email delivery options available. Gift cards can be a big money making opportunity for salons if panicked gift givers can access your salon’s website and purchase a thoughtful gift for their loved one. 

tip #5 Mother’s Day Email
Send out an e-mail campaign announcing your Mother’s Day gift options. Remember that most sales for Mother’s Day will be at the last minute. Promote your salon or spa’s Mother’s Day packages or gift cards as perfect “last minute” gift options.

Run your campaign like this:
Email 1: May 1: Mother's Day Campaign Launch
Email 2: May 6: Only 3 Days left!
Email 3: May 9: Last 24 Hours Last Minute Gifts = Gift Cards

tip #6 Pre-Made Mother's Day Campaigns
It's not too late to capitalize on Mother's Day in your salon with pre-made campaigns from BeautyMark Marketing. Learn more here http://ift.tt/2oB5rdZ

Permalink

from Beauty Business Blog http://ift.tt/2qjKbpF

Using a Compass Underwater

 Many people stop learning about underwater navigation as soon as their open-water course ends. It’s often far easier to follow a guide or divemaster on dives than to find your own way. Underwater navigation is nonetheless a vital skill. In a previous article, we addressed general ways to improve your underwater navigation techniques. Here, we’ll discuss specific techniques for using a compass underwater. 

Carrying and using a compass underwater

Often, a compass works best on a retractor or extender. This means you can clip the unit to your equipment wherever it suits you best. Divers commonly mount their compass on a retractor on the right chest D-ring. This placement means you can extend and read your compass with your right arm, leaving the left arm free to make buoyancy adjustments or check your pressure gauge. When you don’t need it anymore the compass will retract back to your chest or shoulder.

Once in the water, descend gently at the pace of the slowest member of the dive team. If possible, face in your intended direction of travel. In good visibility, you may get an overview of the site as you begin your descent. Beneath the surface, once you’ve checked in with your dive team, here are some tips for using a compass underwater.

1. Sort out your buoyancy first 

   Adjust your buoyancy before you redirect some of your valuable attention to the compass. Many novice divers can become so preoccupied with the compass that they unwittingly rise or sink in the water column, or drift away from the dive group. This is particularly dangerous on a wall dive with a sheer drop beneath you or, conversely, if you float back to the surface unknowingly. Before worrying about which direction you’re going, get yourself in a neutrally buoyant, horizontal position and check in with your buddies.

2. Give the compass time 

   The traditional analog compass floats in fluid, and it takes a few seconds to stabilize and give an accurate reading when you extend it. First, make sure the compass is level. Give it a little shake, and then a few seconds to settle into its natural Magnetic North position before setting your first bearing. Keep the compass level while on the move for an accurate reading. Don’t be afraid to give it a gentle shake from time to time to ensure it’s not “stuck” in a position.

3. Don’t obsess over the compass 

   Spend an appropriate amount of time checking the compass. Once on the move, remember that using a compass underwater is only one aspect of your dive. Glance at it periodically to check your course, just as you would the speedometer on a car. Keep an eye on your buddy, depth and buoyancy too, and don’t forget to enjoy your surroundings. However, you should trust the compass. Sometimes in mid-water your mind can play tricks on you, but the compass is rarely wrong.

4. Share responsibilities and stay together 

   If you’re new to navigating, as outlined earlier, agree pre-dive with your buddy on how you’ll share responsibilities in-water. Perhaps your buddy will track depth and time while you concentrate on compass directions. Work as a team.Also, be mindful to stay together. New navigators tend to swim at speed, leaving their buddies furiously finning to keep up. Slow down. Take it easy. Check in with your buddy regularly.

5. Beware shipwrecks 

   Beautiful, intriguing and awesome as shipwrecks are, they can play havoc with your compass. If the wreck is made significantly of metal, it can make your compass give you false readings. On wrecks, opt for feature reference and follow the ship’s layout where possible — your compass may not tell you the truth.

In our next and final installment on underwater navigation techniques, we’ll cover natural navigation underwater.

 

The post Using a Compass Underwater appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2qafGTE

Blowing up some myths about online news video

“What we're talking about today is opportunities for online video, but I'm also going to be brutally honest about some of the problems too, and I think that involves exploding a few of the myths around video,” Nic Newman told participants at WAN-IFRA's Digital Media Europe conference this week in Copenhagen.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2pp906m

Meet Apollo and Artemis, the world’s most expensive earrings.

This has been a busy week already, so I’m excited to relax, sit back, and look at something mind-blowingly gorgeous. Lucky for me, I saved a whopper for today.

I’d like you to meet Apollo and Artemis. They’re widely being called the most important pair of earrings ever to go to auction, and they’re likely to be the most expensive as well (current estimates reach $68 million for the pair).

Despite the fact that they pair perfectly, the two earrings are being offered as separate lots at Sotheby’s Geneva on May 16th.

Continue reading Meet Apollo and Artemis, the world’s most expensive earrings. at Diamonds in the Library.

from Diamonds in the Library http://ift.tt/2plqGzH

Virgin Start-Up Backed Company Creating Artificial Reef at Vobster Quay

A Virgin Start-Up-backed company, ARC Marine, is creating an artificial reef at premier U.K. dive site Vobster Quay in 2017. They aim to protect the globally endangered white-clawed crayfish, which faces extinction in the next 20 to 30 years.

Two commercial divers, Tom Birbeck and James Doddrell, founded ARC Marine in 2015 to design and create artificial reefs as habitat for vulnerable species. The artificial reef at Vobster Quay is a collaboration with Bristol Zoo to protect the white-clawed crayfish from extinction. Designers constructed the reef modules, which could last 500 years, of marine-friendly concrete.

Protecting the white-clawed crayfish

The white-clawed crayfish faces extinction due to habitat destruction and an aggressive, invasive U.S. breed, the signal crayfish. White-clawed crayfish are also sensitive to pollutants such as insecticides, which run off sprayed land and into watercourses during rainfalls.

Dr. Nicholas Higgs, the deputy director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth, tests structures built for the marine environment. He says that the ARC modules concentrate fish and nutrients around the reef, and so provide a whole ecosystem.

“The ARC modules provide increased habitat complexity,” says Higgs. “By providing living space, you should be able to increase the amount of crayfish that can live in habits like quarries and man-made bodies of water.”

Crowdfunding to encourage community involvement

Overfishing is rampant worldwide, with 53 percent of the world’s fisheries fully exploited. A further 32 percent are overexploited, depleted or recovering from depletion, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). At the current rate of exploitation, scientists predict that all species fished for food will collapse by 2048. Birbeck hopes that ARC Marine can be a leader in the U.K. when it comes to reversing this trend, both via its conservation efforts and through crowdfunding to encourage community involvement. Their modules prevent fishing, by interrupting trawling and towing efforts, and boost stocks of fishery species. They act as robust anchor points for cages and buoys and are also used in coastal areas to mitigate erosion.

“Oceans and waterways belong to everyone,” he says. “So, the responsibility of marine conservation, and the challenge of reversing ocean degradation, is one that we all must collectively tackle.”

We’re giving the crowd the power to rebuild and protect our delicate marine environment for generations to come with a 500-plus year project lifespan. There is no pledge like it in the history of crowdfunding.”

Depending on the size of their donation, contributors can have their own reef module built or become an ARC Marine Ambassador. They can also gain free entry to Vobster Quay to dive the lake and learn about crayfish conservation.

The campaign will also fund Birbeck and Doddrell’s research into creating a substantial artificial reef in Torquay, Devon.

Featured Image by David Gerke

Cover Photo by ARC Marine

The post Virgin Start-Up Backed Company Creating Artificial Reef at Vobster Quay appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2q5DGY4

The rise of VR, live video and new content formats

Publishers aroudn the world are launching new product formats to feed their audience’s growing demand for mobile, video and innovative ad solutions. Joon-Nie Lau followed the presentation of case studies from Malaysia, South Korean and the USA at the recent Digital Media Asia in Singapore.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2q6ZgOM

4 Types of Exterior Window Shutters

Shutters are window treatments that are attractive and functional. Most people prefer having them indoors but for people who seek extra privacy and shelter from storms, shutters can adorn exterior windows as well. Below is a list of the different types of shutters meant for exterior use.

Image Source: Flickr

Louvered
Louvered shutters have angled slats that allow air and light to pass through. These have a more defined look than the more low-key panel shutters, and work best on homes that are ornate, classical or casual in appearance:

• Victorian
  ·         Italianate
  ·         Federal and Colonial (operable louvers are common on second floors of these style homes)
  ·         Georgian
  ·         Cape Cod
  ·         Ranch
  ·         Greek Revival Source: DIYNetwork

Board-and-Batten
These slab-like window coverings hail from the American Old West. They are highly durable in temperate and tropical climates alike. They are side-mounted, and meet in the center of the window. Source: EstatemillWork

Combination
A combination shutter is simply a mix of two or more shutter styles—in this case, the shutters are a louvered, raised-panel, cut-out combo. This style is a great choice for homeowners who want a customized, one-of-a-kind look that reflects their style and personality. Source: BobVila

Raised and Solid Panel
Panel shutters utilize panels in its design, similar to the decorative panels seen on a front door or kitchen cabinet door. Some of the fancier styles may even contain cut-out shapes or designs for added visual appeal. Panel shutters are great for luxury and contemporary homes. Source: SpokaneExteriors

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

The post 4 Types of Exterior Window Shutters appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.

from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/2phA99c

When WOW’s and IT wall arms age: Best Practices and Effective Partnerships

 It’s hard to believe that workstations on wheels (WOWs) weren’t in active use in healthcare settings ten years ago. The digitization of medical records, coupled with better wireless capabilities has been a real game changer for health care and WOWs have been a notable part of that change.

While around longer, the same is true of wall arms as their roles have increased to include a way to incorporate various devices within the patient room and around the facility.

Technology is invigorating healthcare with a new efficiency and increasingly new possibilities of how to deliver it. As the uses evolve, how these devices are transported or positioned is evolving too.

from CME Insiders http://ift.tt/2osHghO

Best Dive Sites in Scapa Flow

 

In the Scottish Highlands, a remote, sheltered stretch of water in the Orkney Islands is home to Scapa Flow, one of Britain’s most historic settings. Used for centuries as a strategic trade route, these dark, chilly waters hide the remains of Germany’s World War I Naval fleet. At the end of the war, the German High Seas Fleet was at Scapa Flow under the terms of the Armistice. Fearing that the Allied Powers would seize the ships, German Admiral Ludwig von Reuter scuttled them all. Later, in 1939, a German U-boat sank the HMS Royal Oak, one of the Royal Navy’s most renowned battleships, in the waters of Scapa Flow. It still lies on the bottom with many of the 833 souls who died when it sank. Rightfully considered some of the world’s best wreck-diving sites, seven of the German wrecks and several smaller “blockships” are protected and now make up the best dive sites in Scapa Flow.

SMS Dresden

 

SMS Dresden

Dresden is one of two Cöln-class light cruisers that lie on the bottom of Scapa Flow. The badly damaged SMS Dresden arrived in Scapa Flow on December 6, 1918. The 350-foot (112 m) battleship lies on its port side at a maximum depth of 100 feet (38 m), stern down. One of Scapa’s best preserved wrecks, the SMS Dresden still contains many artifacts from the date of its scuttling. Look for schooling pollock in the summer, as well as the crabs and lobster that find refuge in the cracks of the ship’s hull.

 

SMS Cöln 

Sister ship to the SMS Dresden, the SMS Cöln lies at 120 feet (36 m) on its starboard side with its shallowest point at 70 feet (22 m). The 350-foot (115 m) ship is in good condition and usually offers minimal current. The wreck will be to your left as you move toward the bow and on your right as you move toward the stern. Keep an eye out for a raised deck hatch, anchor chains and skylights set into the deck. The wreck also often features lots of small shoaling fish, pollock, cod, lobsters, crabs and sea urchins.

 

SMS Karlsruhe

SMS Karlsruhe

Although it’s the most damaged cruiser in Scapa Flow, that’s not necessarily a bad thing when it comes to accessing the SMS Karlsruhe. Since there’s no need for intricate penetrations, divers can see quite a bit of the ship, including massive anchors near the bow, forward deck guns and the armored control tower. In 80 feet of water (25 m), divers can also log longer bottom times.

 

SMS Brummer

A mine-laying light cruiser, the SMS Brummer lies at 115 feet (36 m). Left largely intact by the salvage teams, the magnitude of Brummer’s weaponry makes for an impressive dive. Disintegrating more and more over recent years, divers who plan to penetrate the ship should have an experienced guide. A beautiful ship, the brass bridge is one of the highlights of the entire sunken fleet. 

 

SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm

SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm

With the hull lying at 39 feet (12 m) and the bow at 120 feet (38 m) on the seabed, this wreck is a good choice for both recreational and technical divers. At 450 feet (146 m) long, the SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm is impressive due to its magnitude. Take your time and dive the wreck more than once if possible to appreciate its sheer size. Highlights include the 12-inch guns on the deeper bow section. Seeing the main armament of a dreadnought class battleship makes this one of the world’s best wreck dives.  

 

SMS Markgraf 

Lying almost completely upturned at 130 feet (45 m), the SMS Markgraf is one of Scapa Flow’s most complex dives. Remaining in superb condition, this König class battleship is one of the largest wrecks in the world at 575 feet (175 m) long. A diver’s favorite due to its sheer size, this wreck’s most impressive features are the bow, stern and rudder sections. During the spring months look out for swarms of comb jellyfish that eat algae blooms, which are caused by the warming waters. 

SMS König

SMS König

The namesake of the König class battleships, the SMS König is different than its sister ships, the Markgraf and Kronprinz Wilhelm. Lying at 120 feet (38 m) on the sandy bottom, the wreck’s engine room is a highlight of the dive due to the number of compact components that remain. Due to extensive damage, the König is unfortunately one of the least visited ships in the German fleet, yet has a fascinating history. The König was a force of its time and the leading ship in the battle of Jutland in 1916. 

During both WWI and WWII, the allies intentionally sank a number of “blockships,” which prevented enemy submarine access into the bay. Although smaller than the gigantic German cruisers and battleships, these block ships are shallower and are covered with sea life. 

Blockship Tabarka

Lying stern up, this 2,200-ton block ship from 1909 is one of Europe’s best dives. At depths between 55 and 65 feet (14 and 18 m), the Tabarka is covered with various species of flora and fauna, such as anemones, lobsters, starfish, wrasse and urchins. With various access points, it’s best to dive at slack tide due to the heavy currents in the mouth of the bay. Between December and April when the visibility is clearest, light pours into the wreck’s interior from the various entry points. 

The post Best Dive Sites in Scapa Flow appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2p0Kg3E

Attacks on the press: the new face of censorship

Many reports have been written about the deteriorating state of freedom of expression around the world, but very few capture the mind-boggling diversity of ways that journalists and news organisations have been attacked, harassed, intimidated or shut down quite the way CPJ's new report Attacks on the Press does, writes Javier Garza Ramos, safety advisor to the World Editors Forum.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2q2pyBu

How The Economist is attracting Millennials

“We're not expecting 16-year-olds to use their pocket money to take out an Economist subscription. That's not what we're going for. But it is about getting them into the ecosystem and showing them the depth and the breadth and the diversity of what we do,” James Waddell of The Economist told participants at WAN-IFRA's Digital Media Europe conference on Monday in Copenhagen.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2ph6fnf

Absent - Poetry

Absent - poetry by Rich H. Kenney, Jr., MSSW

from The New Social Worker Online — the professional social work careers magazine http://ift.tt/2oG2IvM

MARKETING TIPS TO GLEAN GRADUATES

Graduation 2017 is around the corner - start booking trials and Graduation Day appointments now. Graduation season begins in May and runs through the month of June. Providing special graduation day services provides an opportunity to introduce your salon to students of all ages - this is especially relevant to salons located in college-towns. This walk across the stage serves up a huge opportunity to offer ‘celebrate the graduate’ packages can bring extra business to your beauty business the last weeks of spring.

Junior high, high school, college and university graduates across the country are spending money on men's and women's hair, makeup, brow shaping, facials, sunless tanning, manicures and pedicures. Be sure to build the Graduation season into your marketing calendar every year. Here are a few ways:

1) Offer Special Graduation Promotion Packages.
Creating affordable packages geared toward students generates new business, use graduation season as a chance to connect with students directly. Put together packages at 3 different price points and secure appointments with a 50% deposit (non-refundable). 

2) Referrals Rock.
Talk up your graduation services and promotions to current clients starting several weeks in advance. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to market your business. Try a friend referral offer for graduation services. For example: Schedule graduation services for yourself and a friend, receive Lash Application for free.

3) Offer special splurges.
If there’s ever a time that a student to splurge for a fancy hair clip, earrings or lip gloss, it’s for graduation. Even if you don’t typically stock these kinds of items, investing in some beauty accessories and displaying attractively in key retail area/s boosts the bottom line every time.

4) Check the dates for local graduations.
Call your local junior highs, high schools, colleges and universities to ask graduation ceremony dates. These dates will change every year, so in order to plan and staff accordingly make sure these dates are highlighted in your calendar.

5) Socialize.
Target graduates by posting "graduate-related" content May - June. Share inspirational quotes, congratulations and graduation planning tips. Facebook ads are a great place to start advertising special graduate offers and services. 

6) Graduation Packages Email.
When the time comes to plan graduation day beauty services make sure your salon is “top of mind” of regional graduates. Send an e-mail campaign to promote your graduate packages. For easy booking offer simple price points with memorable package names such as "Top of the Class", "Follow Your Dreams", "Valedictorian", or "One Smart Cookie". Get creative!

7) Gift Cards for Grads.
Gifts for high school and college students should be highlighted at this time as well. Gift cards are the perfect gift, remind gift givers by displaying prominently with graduation cards.

Permalink

from Beauty Business Blog http://ift.tt/2ptmSNE

European Digital Media Awards winners honoured

The winners of this year's European Digital Media Awards were honoured during a ceremony this evening as part of the first day of WAN-IFRA's Digital Middle Europe Conference, which is taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2pYKv0q

Diving in Raja Ampat

Translated from Indonesian, Raja Ampat means “Four Kings,” and while those who named it were probably unaware of the majestic beauty of the dive sites below the surface, the name is still quite fitting. The region holds 1,400 documented fish species, with more discoveries ongoing, and 75 percent of all known coral species. Most experienced scuba divers have heard of the legendary diving in Raja Ampat, with its reputation of having the most pristine reef systems and mass biodiversity in the world. I recently discovered that this reputation is well deserved, along with another pleasant discovery — unlike most “bucket-list” dive destinations, visitors can dive Raja Ampat affordably without compromising the dive quality.

Diving in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is part of the Coral Triangle, where divers can find some of the world’s healthiest, most biodiverse reefs.  The diving here is mind-blowing — at times I felt as if someone had slipped a hallucinogen in my early morning coffee. It would be impossible to do justice to the diving in Raja Ampat in a short article or with the short video I shot below with my GoPro. Rather, I’ll emphasize the beauty and diversity of Raja and its surprising accessibility to most scuba divers in terms of travel and budgeting.

Getting to Raja Ampat from most locations in the world is no doubt expensive, but once you get there, it is possible to dive on a budget. To do the area justice, you must split the diving into two parts, north and south. Fly into the main airport, Domine Eduard Osok, in Sorong. From there you can either board a liveaboard or head to a land-based resort and dive north of Waigeo, or central/south Waigeo. 

Liveaboard dive boats commonly visit the area, and a typical budget for a trip on one would be around $6,000 a week. For a week stay at Raja Ampat Biodiversity Eco Resort, I accessed the same pristine sites for approximately $2,000. I dove mainly in central/north Waigeo, with the following dive sites making up the absolute must-dos for the area.

The Passage

This site offers fantastic muck diving. Ironically, while our group was busy looking at nudibranchs and other critters in the sand, the boat captain reported five mantas swimming past us in the channel, so you never know what you’ll get.

Melissa’s Garden

You’ll dive this site in conjunction with a Fam Islands trip, and you’ll find a seemingly  infinite coral garden of elkhorn and finger corals.

Blue Magic

After surfacing from this dive, I simply couldn’t help but sing the words “Oh, Oh, Oh it’s magic,” as indeed this site is pure magic. This offshore seamount offers hundreds of schooling jacks, wobbegong sharks, turtles and beautiful corals.

Cape Kri

Cape Kri is world famous for having the highest number of different fish species counted in one place, including reef species, schooling jacks and other blue-water fish.

Chicken Reef

Chicken Reef was probably one of my favorites, with a mind-blowing variety of corals, schooling fish and different marine species. 

Mike’s Point

 At Mike’s Point, we saw bumphead parrotfish at depth, amazing topography from where a WWII bomb hit the site, beautiful corals, hundreds of different reef fish and schooling baitfish in the shallows.

Even the house reef at the resort had octopus, eels, blacktip reef sharks, and recently discovered walking sharks, which you could see on night dives or snorkels. There is also a coral nursery harvested on the house reef to educate visitors, interns and locals.

Logistics

Indonesia’s international airports include Bali, Jakarta, Manado and Makassar. You’ll fly on to Sorong from there.

Electricity is 220/110 volts. Bring international outlet adaptors

Internet access is available in main towns, but almost non-existent on liveaboards and at remote resorts. It is possible to get some connectivity with a local SIM card/data pack.

The weather and water temperatures are tropical, between 79 and 88 F (26 to 31 C). Raja offers year-round diving, with busier periods from October to May. The southeast monsoon, between May and September, delivers most of Raja Ampat’s annual rainfall, but you can still dive during that time as it typically doesn’t rain all day.

The post Diving in Raja Ampat appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2oDJXZ3

How I make money blogging: peek behind the scenes.

When I go to events, there’s one question I am asked more frequently than any other…and it has nothing to do with jewelry.

“But…how do you make money blogging?”

The delivery varies. Some people ask aggressively because they’re uncomfortable in the face of something they don’t understand, or they can’t accept the changing times that my business represents. Others ask the question with awe or hope, and I wonder if they’re holding a blogging dream in their own hearts.

Continue reading How I make money blogging: peek behind the scenes. at Diamonds in the Library.

from Diamonds in the Library http://ift.tt/2oY2zGy

Journalists on Trump: "We’re not at war. We’re at work"

There can be few festivals on the planet quite like the Perugia International Journalism Festival. It’s one of those rare industry events that successfully crosses over into being something, somehow, for everybody. It’s a real festival of the mind, full of fascinating insights that seem as though they’d be edifying to anyone with even a passing interest in how we communicate.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2p8FT4O

Surface Signaling for Scuba Divers

 

Most divers know the importance of good buddy skills. Staying close to your buddy and being able to get his or her attention are both important parts of staying safe underwater. But what if you need to attract someone’s attention after you surface? It might be a buddy who has popped up far away from you, your dive boat crew, or someone on land if you need help. Here we’ll go over some of the most important surface signaling for scuba divers. Choose what to use based on your needs and means, but make sure you’re prepared with at least one of these tactics.

Whistling

This method of surface signaling for scuba divers is by far the cheapest and requires no gear. All you need is your mouth and a bit of training. A powerful, sharp whistle travels far. Because it is a high-pitched sound, it can penetrate quite a bit of dive-boat engine rumble or the sound of crashing waves on shore, both of which are low-pitched sounds. So, if you don’t know how to whistle, you may want to pick up the skill. Ideally, learn to whistle both with fingers and without.

There are a few good video guides on YouTube; here’s one for whistling with your fingers, and here’s one for without your fingers.

Whistle

Maybe you’ve tried, and you just can’t whistle, or you want backup. One step up the gear- and cost-ladder is a small whistle that you can put in your pocket or attach to your BCD. These have the same advantages as whistling, and work even if you don’t know how to whistle. So, if your teeth are chattering too hard from cold or you’re out of breath, a whistle will work.

Signaling mirror

Another small, inexpensive item that can do wonders is a shatterproof signaling mirror. These can be great for attracting people’s attention and weigh next to nothing. Keep in mind that signaling mirrors only work in the sunlight, though. On overcast days or at night, a powerful dive torch can serve the same purpose, with a bit of added bulk.

Air horn

An air horn that attaches to your low-pressure inflator hose is an effective means of signaling. It can produce a loud and easily discernable sound. The drawback is, of course, cost. These devices are a bit pricy, and they add some bulk to your setup. They also won’t work well if you surface with a near-empty tank.

VHF radios

Today, you can buy small, portable, waterproof VHF radios with built-in GPS. These will allow you to radio any VHF unit within a few nautical miles, and not only talk to them, but also transmit your exact position via the GPS. By far the costliest option, this one is the go-to solution for those diving in difficult and remote locations, or any diver with a fear of being stranded at sea.

The post Surface Signaling for Scuba Divers appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2pTAHEV

Decompression Diving 101

As sidemount diving has gained popularity, many divers are becoming interested in technical diving overall. An introductory tec class can lead to more advanced training, which offers not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to become a more competent and safer diver in general. Tec training makes possible diving that’s off-limits to recreational divers. Following is an overview of one such type of technical diving, decompression diving.

What is decompression diving?

Decompression diving, or deco diving, means intentionally going beyond No Decompression Limits (NDLs) to achieve a longer bottom time at a given depth. This could mean spending an hour at 100 feet (30 m) or 20 minutes at 164 feet (50 m), depending on your dive’s objectives. There are, of course, limits to both depth and bottom time for tec diving. You won’t spend two hours at 330 feet (100 m) for physiological and logistical reasons, and even though you could probably spend three hours at 65 feet (20 m), you’d probably get cold, tired, or bored.

Going beyond your dive computer’s NDLs gives you freedom to do more on a dive. Perhaps you want to take your time exploring the engine room of a Japanese freighter at 88 feet (27 m). Maybe you want to do a wall dive to 164 feet (50 m) in Malapascua in the Philippines to hang out with the elusive thresher shark. Whatever the case, decompression diving can help you achieve both the bottom times and depths you seek.

Physiological aspects

Occasionally you’ll hear people say that “every dive is a decompression dive.” When you descend, you compress, and you decompress on the way up. Although that’s true, on a recreational no-stop dive, you directly ascend to the surface (save the safety stop). When decompression diving, you must periodically pause on the way up. If you don’t, you are at a much greater risk of decompression sickness (DCS). To explain, let’s investigate what’s happening to our bodies when we dive.

As you descend during a dive, the nitrogen you’re inhaling dissolves into your body tissues like sugar into a cup of tea. This is called on-gassing. When you spend time at depth, gas enters the bloodstream via the lungs. Here it dissolves and then diffuses into different tissues. When you ascend, nitrogen diffuses back from the tissues into the blood, where it is perfused back to the lungs and breathed out. This is known as off-gassing. How much and how fast you on- and off-gas depends on multiple factors. These include the percentage of nitrogen you breathe, how deep you go, how long you spend at depth, which type of body tissue, how hydrated, fit, and warm you are, how fast you descend and ascend, and more.

On-gassing nitrogen

It’s difficult to pinpoint how much nitrogen we have on-gassed, so we split the body into numerous theoretical tissues. Each tissue will on-gas and off-gas at a different rate. Modern dive computers use algorithms to keep track of up to 16 tissue “compartments.” Each compartment can contain a theoretical limit of gas at varying depths. NDLs are accordingly set to prevent you from staying too long at a given depth. Recreational diving aims to prevent your body from taking on so much gas that it cannot off-gas enough during a direct ascent to the surface.

Decompression diving involves on-gassing more nitrogen, which means a diver must make a series of stops during his ascent. Each stop allows time for gas to move out of the tissues and back to the lungs. The diver then continues to move closer to the surface between each decompression stop. The crude analogy would be the difference between opening a carbonated drink quickly and creating lots of bubbles, or opening it gradually and allowing gas to escape in a controlled way. 

Risk management and planning

So we are going deeper, and staying there longer. This means we need more gas to breathe. The deeper you go, the more atoms of gas you breathe per breath. This means you’ll go through your air faster. In addition to calculating how much gas we’ll need during a given dive, we must also consider what could go wrong. If going into decompression means that you cannot directly ascend to the surface, it also means that if you have any issues underwater, you’ll need to solve them underwater.

Tec divers think about probable risks, and all the different ways to manage those risks as safely as possible. What if your buddy is out of gas or you have a free-flow? What if you lose your buoyancy? Thusly, we don’t just carry the gas we need. We calculate a reserve for ourselves or our buddy and have contingency procedures should something go wrong. Divers may carry a back-up buoyancy device, or learn to “feather” a free-flowing regulator by turning it on and off to take a breath. Tec divers also practice emergency procedures until we can undertake them to a very high standard. We decide on our dive’s objective and then decide on a dive leader. Tasks are split between team members so that no one is overloaded.

Environmental conditions

We must also consider the environmental conditions. Choppy water can affect how easy it will be to do the shallow decompression stops and maintain buoyancy. Rough conditions also make it harder to get back on board at the end of the dive, and more difficult to spot a lost diver. Proper exposure protection is important too. Getting cold during the later stages of the dive can increase the risk of DCS. Strong currents likely mean we will breathe more, so we must account for that in our gas calculations as well. We use software to help calculate our decompression obligation and overall dive profile, gas requirements, contingency gas requirements, and exposure to narcosis and elevated oxygen levels.

We also need to think about using other gases than air. Air is quite inefficient as a decompression gas. We would need to carry way too much of it, and using it would mean very long decompression stops. When decompression diving, we use mixtures containing higher percentages of oxygen during deco stops to accelerate the off-gassing process. This means mixing, filling, analyzing, labeling, and carrying extra cylinders, which we switch to during the deco stops. There are very strict procedures for this, as oxygen can be poisonous if breathed at too great a depth. 

Showtime

Without incremental training and practice, these considerations can seem a little overwhelming. But once you’re qualified and have had plenty of practice, the rewards can be amazing. Longer bottom times mean you never know what you might see or find. Popular dive spots can be a treasure trove of lost dive gear. You may enjoy spending a long time inside a wreck or cave. Or, you may get great satisfaction from undertaking a series of small, chronological tasks during the dive to achieve a safe outcome. Either way, decompression diving introduces a whole new world underwater.

For more information on decompression diving, visit the Technical Diving International website.

The post Decompression Diving 101 appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2p6GK8h

JUST LAUNCHED! Beauty of a Book™

JUST LAUNCHED!! Beauty of a Book™ 12 Months of Beauty Business Marketing
Hello Beauties ! The year I launched BeautyMark Marketing I also began a weekly beauty business blog with tips to help beauty bosses grow their businesses. Over the past 6 years I have blogged seasonal promotion, merchandising, and event ideas. Beauty of a Book™ is a reassemblage of my weekly blog in a calendar-like format commencing with a Set The Stage section that includes a beauty-specific Marketing Guide, Ready-To-Use 12 month Calendar, and Promotion Planner. Now go rock your beauty business! - Kierna
TO LEARN MORE CLICK LINK  http://ift.tt/2ov8nof 

from Beauty Business Blog http://ift.tt/2p4MzmH

Top Spots for Altitude Diving

High altitude diving begins when a body of water’s surface is above 1,000 feet (300 m). To dive in this environment, divers must take special precautions because depths and decompression limits are different than those at sea level.

Due to a lower atmospheric pressure at altitude, the comparative difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure underwater is increased. Therefore, the effect of diving to any given depth at altitude is greater than it would be at sea level. Because of this, altitude dives have shorter no-decompression times, and divers are at greater risk of getting the bends.

A good knowledge of the effects of altitude diving and safe practices make altitude diving well within reach, however. Before considering some of the dives below, it’s a good idea to enroll in an altitude-certification class. Once you certify, the below dives are just a few of the most famous when it comes to altitude diving.

Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia 

Lake Titicaca straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia at 12,000 feet (3810 m). The high Andes border this spectacular lake on the north side. Exploring beneath the surface of this, the world’s highest navigable lake, can yield pre-Incan treasures. Divers have found ruins of an ancient temple measuring 660 feet by 160 feet (200 m by 50 m), as well as a terrace, road, and wall. Lake Titicaca is also home to endemic fish and crustacean species, the latter constituting to 90 percent of the lake’s total 530 aquatic species.

With temperatures fluctuating between 50 and 57 F (10 to 14 C), Lake Titicaca diving can be chilly. Nevertheless, with visibility of up to 50 feet (15 m) during winter, it is best to dive in the colder season. The lake has a maximum depth of 922 feet (281 m). Most recreational divers do not descend past 100 feet (30 m).

Mountain lakes, Austria 

Unfortunately, the world-famous Grüner See in Austria has been closed to divers since January 2016. But there are plenty of superb diving alternatives in the picturesque Austrian mountains.

Apart from spectacular scenery reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords, Weissensee Lake is famous among both local divers and foreigners for its gin-clear waters and its resident fish, such as pike and catfish, which grow to enormous sizes. In winter, the lake freezes over. It becomes Europe’s largest natural ice surface, and a fantastic place to try or practice ice diving.

In the 2.5-square-mile lake (6.5 square km), divers can expect visibility up to 70 feet (20 m). The lake reaches a depth 318 feet (97 m), and in the summer months, water temperatures can reach 75 F (24 C).

Yellowstone National Park, United States 

Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. is one of the world’s most famous national parks. Much like the volcanic features above the water, there are many fissures and geothermal hotspots underwater, in the lakes of Wyoming’s most famous attraction. Diving at 7,600 feet (2500 m), there are a few small wrecks to see. But the most surreal experience is diving at West Thumb Geyser Basin, where divers hover close to underwater geysers and bizarre, lava-like vertical spires. At Mary Bay, huge volumes of pressurized hot water escape underwater vents, giving the sensation of swimming through champagne bubbles.

It’s best to dive Yellowstone between July and August. During this time, visibility can reach 30 feet (10 m) and water temperatures peak at 50 degrees F (10 C). At 390 feet (120 m) deep and 125 square miles, Yellowstone Lake has a vast area to explore. Be warned however, that geothermic activity at sites like West Thumb Geyser Basin means that temperatures can range from bitterly cold to scalding hot within just a few inches, so keep your distance from underwater vents.

The post Top Spots for Altitude Diving appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2pKVTd4

VGTV – another Schibsted spinout setting the trends

Scandinavian powerhouse Schibsted has never shied away from spinning out one of its disruptive digital operations from its own legacy brands to actually compete with them. Its Norwegian tabloid daily Verdens Gang (VG) first did this with its website (VG.no) and then with mobile. Since 2014, VG has been doing the same with its video division, VGTV.

Read more ...

from World News Publishing Focus by WAN-IFRA - World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers http://ift.tt/2plojhb

Ethereal chic with Ruta Reifen.

Usually when I meet a designer, it’s because I’ve seen their jewelry and then sought them out: I see the designs first, and then the person. With Ruta Reifen, everything happened at once.

I was walking a trade show when a woman in a super cute white sundress stopped me because she recognized me from Instagram.  She introduced herself as Ruta, and we immediately hit it off: I didn’t know who she was or why she was there, but her bright energy and warm, open friendliness drew me in right away.

Continue reading Ethereal chic with Ruta Reifen. at Diamonds in the Library.

from Diamonds in the Library http://ift.tt/2pGGAm2

Marine Species: Whale Shark

The whale shark is one of the most iconic animals in the ocean. Easily recognizable, they’re on most divers’ bucket lists but mentioning them begs the question: are they whales or sharks?

What is a whale shark?

Let’s answer this one straight away: it is a shark. Not just any shark, but the biggest fish in the ocean. As mammals, whales are not considered as fish. Like other sharks, whale sharks have been around for millions of years. Their size is one of their most outstanding characteristics; they can reach over 40 feet (12 m). They average about 33 feet (10 m) long and weigh 15 to 18 tons for adults.

Unlike most sharks, however, whale sharks feed on plankton, just like some whales — hence the confusion. Out of over 500 shark species, the only other sharks that feed this way are the basking shark and the mega-mouth shark. They are called filter feeders, meaning that they have gills that filter the water for plankton. Swimming with their large mouth open, whale sharks spend time in plankton-rich waters to get the sheer volume they need each day. Some whale sharks, like the ones at Oslob, have also discovered a free source of food in fishermen’s nets.

Are they endangered?

It is difficult to obtain data, but scientific research shows that whale sharks most likely live up to about 70 years and reach sexual maturity at around age 30. Therefore, they have a very slow reproductive cycle. Even though their adult size protects them from many predators, the IUCN lists them as endangered. There is no solid estimate on the world population, but with impacts from fisheries, boat traffic and human activity, the whale shark population is declining.

Whale sharks are ovoviviparous. Scientists think they give birth to several pups at the time and probably over a long period of time. Research on reproduction process is still very limited; no one has seen or recorded whale sharks mating or giving birth.

Where are whale sharks?

You can find whale sharks in most tropical and warm oceans. They mainly reside in the open seas like other pelagic species. They cluster periodically for feeding purposes, sometimes up to a few hundred individuals, such as in the annual aggregation in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. These events usually happen during the same time each year, so this is what you want to aim for to increase your chances of seeing this huge fish.

How can you increase your chances of seeing a whale shark?

As said above, there are seasons when it comes to spotting whale sharks in many places. No matter where you are, you’ve got a chance to see them all over the world. Some of the most popular areas include La Paz and Isla Mujeres in Mexico; Donsol in the Philippines; the Similan Islands in Thailand; Ningaloo in Australia; the Bay Islands in Honduras; and Tofo in Mozambique.

 

The post Marine Species: Whale Shark appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2oq78a5

New Sea Dragon 2300 Auto Photo-Video-Dive Light

 

Lighting is everything in underwater photography, and SeaLife continues to up its game in that realm. The company recently introduced the new Sea Dragon 2300 Auto Photo-Video-Dive light, featuring 2300 true lumens of brightness and an ideal color temperature ranging between 5000k and 6000k. The light also features a wide 100-degree beam angle. The new Sea Dragon 2300 Auto also offers two unique features — Auto-Bright mode and Auto-Flash Detect mode, which work to enhance your imaging experience.

Auto Bright and Auto-Flash Detect Modes

With the 2300 Auto’s built-in photocell sensor, the Auto-Bright mode automatically dims the light from 100 percent to 10 percent depending on distance. This will preserve your eyes’ natural low-light vision as well as the battery life. If you point it at close range like a gauge or a computer, the light will dim to 10 percent brightness. And when you direct it long distance, the light will automatically adjust the light to full power. You can easily override this feature by selecting a different brightness option of 100 percent, 50 percent, or 25 percent.   

The Sea Dragon 2300 Auto also includes Auto-Flash Detect mode for underwater still-image photographers. In this mode, the light turns off for two seconds when an external flash is detected to eliminate undesirable shadows, color shifts and backscatter.

Powered by a rechargeable 7.4 lithium-ion battery, the light burns for a full hour at constant brightness and full power with its new 6x CREE XP-L LEDs. Users can quickly adjust between four brightness options: 100 percent, 50 percent, 25 percent, and Auto, all with a single button.

The Sea Dragon 2300 Auto is depth rated to 330 feet (100 m). The dual O-ring battery compartment is completely sealed and independent from the Sea Dragon’s electronics, so the light will not be compromised if there is accidental water intrusion.

As with all Sea Dragon photo/video/dive lights and flash, users can easily expand the 2300 Auto with Flex-Connect arms, grips, and trays. Sea Dragon lights are universal, and photographers can easily mount them to any camera or arm system using an optional Flex-Connect Ball Joint Adapter. SeaLife offers a Flex-Connect Cold Shoe Mount for the Sea Dragon and a Flex-Connect Handle for handheld use.

Pick up the Sea Dragon 2300 Auto at the online SeaLife Factory Superstore or at select authorized SeaLife dealers.

The Sea Dragon 2300 Auto photo/video/dive light kit includes a Flex-Connect grip and single tray, and retails for $399.95. The Sea Dragon 2300 Auto Light Head retails for $349.95, and the Sea Dragon Duo 2300 Flash Set, which includes the Sea Dragon 2300 Auto, Sea Dragon Flash, 2 Flex-Connect Grips, and Dual Tray, retails for $699.95.

SeaLife Underwater Cameras are made by Pioneer Research in Moorestown, NJ and first appeared in 1993. In 2000, SeaLife developed the world’s first digital underwater camera. In 2007, SeaLife developed the first non-housed digital underwater camera, and in 2013 SeaLife introduced the powerful Sea Dragon Lighting system and its innovative Flex-Connect tray, grip, arm, and accessory system. By 2014, SeaLife introduced the Micro HD, the world’s first permanently sealed underwater camera, followed by the Micro 2.0 in 2015. In 2017, SeaLife launched the new DC2000 camera which features manual aperture and shutter priority and RAW imaging format. SeaLife cameras, lighting and accessories are sold and serviced in over 60 countries around the world.   

The post New Sea Dragon 2300 Auto Photo-Video-Dive Light appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2pBJE2y