Trends For Today: 2012

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Tent Camping Tips and Advice

1	The early bird gets the best campsite. Arrive as early as possible, walk or drive around to check out all the options, find your perfect campsite (the one with the least compromises) and get things set up. Ideally, you can have dinner, clean up and relax before dark. Places to Avoid: Narrow canyons, which pose a risk of flash floods Open fields, where a lone tent can attract lightning Clay soils, which drain poorly and get messy in rain Cliffs and ledges, which can’t be seen at night Stagnant water, which is often home to biting insects
2	Pack items that have multiple uses. A light poncho, for example, packs easy and can be used as a rain jacket, a windbreaker, a ground cloth or a mosquito shield.
3	Save those little canisters your film comes in. They’re the perfect size for keeping essentials like aspirin and matches dry.

Tent Features

Tents can include several features in how it is assembled and finished. Many of these features affect how well you'll be protected from the elements. Other thoughtful features can add a little more civilization to your camping trip.

Water-resistant coating - Tent fabrics are generally a polyester material coated with a polyurethane coating (PU) to allow for water resistance while allowing breathability. You may see numbers on some tents such as 600mm PU coating or 800mm coating. Basically, the higher the number, the greater the water resistance and rain protection.
Taped seams - In theory, anywhere there is a seam or a stitch hole, there is the possibility for water to seep through. A taped seam is coated or "taped" with additional waterproof material to prevent water from leaking through the seams. For tents that do not have taped seams, you can purchase and apply a Seam Sealer to interior seams for extra protection.
Welded floors - A woven tarpaulin style floor (polyethylene) stitched to a tent faces the same challenge as other seams—where there is a seam or stitch holes, water could potentially leak in. Tents with welded floors have seams that have been "heat welded" together instead, eliminating stitch holes and possible leak points. Some premium tents may have nylon floors which are water resistant, softer to the touch, lightweight and easily compactable.

In any case, it's always a good idea to put a ground sheet under your tent and make sure your tent is setup on level higher ground. Ground sheets also keep your tent clean and protect your floor from twigs and stones, extending the life of your tent.

TIP: Ensure that your ground sheet is slightly smaller than the footprint of your tent. If it sticks out from under your tent, it could actually channel water under your tent in a rainstorm, defeating its purpose. Some premium tents come with their own custom-fitted ground sheet or "footprint".

Rainflies - Rainflies provide additional water protection in rainy weather. These roof coverings fit on the top of the tent and act as an umbrella while still allowing for airflow. Even though tents have waterproof walls, the larger the fly, the more rain protection it offers. Tents will sometimes be categorized as a "cap" or roof-only fly, 1/2 fly, 3/4 fly or full fly. This refers to how far the fly reaches down the side of the tent. Full fly tents offer the best protection and are great for spring, summer, fall and even winter camping.
Aluminized rainflies - Aluminized rainflies provide additional protection from the elements. They have a silver look on one side and help to reflect the sun's rays, providing UV protection and deflecting heat. This helps to keep the inside of the tent cooler during the day and keeps the heat in at night.
Temperature Regulation & Ventilation - For maximum comfort, look for tents with options for controlling temperature and airflow through windows and vents. The more mesh, the better your airflow but you also want to make sure you can zip up the windows and vents and roll down the fly on cooler nights.

TIP: Warm air rises. On humid nights, open both an upper vent or window and a lower vent to allow cooler air to flow in the tent at the bottom while allowing the warmer air to escape through the top.

Other Tent Features

Combo packages generally include a tent, 2 chairs and 2 sleeping bags. These are great value starter kits that simplify your purchase decision.
Mudmats provide a place to take off muddy footwear outside the tent.
Vestibules allow for additional storage for your gear. Tents with large vestibules can even provide a place for sitting in the shade.
Screenrooms provide an open-air sitting area with bug protection.
Lighting systems are convenient to provide area lighting or night lighting in your tent while freeing up valuable floor space.
Electrical cord ports allow for convenient, dry and bug-free access for an extension cord to run electrical appliances in your tent. Always use an outdoor rated electrical cord.
Integrated guy line stuff sacks with trip flags are featured on most Broadstone tents. These stuff sacks allow for neat and tidy storage of the guy lines when not in use and provide high-visibility flags to alert you of tripping hazards when the guy lines are extended.
Drink holders and organizer pockets are great for keeping your tent neat and organized.
Gear lofts provide additional storage space on the tent ceiling to keep the floor of your tent clear and uncluttered.
Storage closets also provide tidy tent organization.
Multiple room dividers come with some larger tents to allow you to divide the space up into multiple rooms for privacy.

Warranty: most tent manufacturers require you to take your tent home and set it up within a period of time to inspect it for any defects prior to use. Once used, most tents have a repair-only warranty. Manufacturer's warranties will vary by brand and can be anywhere from 1 year to limited Lifetime warranties.

Tent Buying Guide Part 1 - Tent Buying Guide Part 2 - Tent Buying Guide Part 3

Sources :http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/ResearchCentre/TentGuide.jsp?locale=en

Tent Buying Guide Part 2

Tent Styles

There are two elements that can be used to describe a tent's style: its shape and how it is set up. While the two are related, don't expect one shape of tent to always set up the same way.

Cabin vs. Dome tents: Most tents are either of these two traditional styles.

Dome tents can often be easier to set up but are generally lower profile. While they have less headroom than Cabin tents, a low profile makes Dome tents sturdy and stronger in high winds.
Cabin tents generally have walls that are vertical rather than sloped, providing more headroom—often enough to stand up. This also makes them easier to get in and out of. Family cabin-style tents may also have built-in vestibules, screenrooms or storage space.

Setting up Your Tent

While most tents are pretty straightforward to set up, some may require more than one person. Always be sure to read the Owner's Manual before setting up the tent to ensure a smooth setup and to avoid damaging the tent.

It's a good idea to do a practice run at home before taking your tent out for the first time. Not only will this help familiarize you with the process, but it will allow you to inspect your tent for any issues or missing parts before your trip.

Look for these additional features that can make tent setup even easier:

Colour-coded poles and sleeves - This colour coding takes the guesswork out of tent assembly, helping you easily match which pole goes into which sleeve.
Hub and pole system - Some tents, such as the Broadstone Easy-Up system, use an integrated pole design which doesn't require any pole assembly. The poles are pre-assembled inside the sleeves with locking joints and use a central hub system. You just lay out the tent, pull up the frame and lock into place.
Pop-up tents - These tents set up in literally seconds. Pop-up tents are spring-loaded, and feature a tension-based fibreglass rod frame sewn into the tent. The tent is packed with the frame coiled into a hoop. Just take off the security band and toss the tent in the air. The tent will pop right open. Stake it down, and you're done.

TIP: Bring a small mallet with you camping to help tap tent pegs into hard ground

Tent Buying Guide Part 1 - Tent Buying Part 2 - Tent Buying Guide Part 3

Sources : http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/ResearchCentre/TentGuide.jsp?locale=en

TENT BUYING GUIDE Part 1

Whether you're going camping for a weekend with the family or on a month-long backwoods adventure, the right tent can make all the difference between fun and frustration.

The information on these pages will help you answer some basic questions you need to consider before you buy a tent. It also will help you understand the different tent styles, and includes information on tent features that can help you stay dry and comfortable.

Basic Questions

There are a few simple questions you need to consider before looking at tents. Knowing the answers will help you quickly narrow the field, so you can spend more time looking at the styles and features that will make a real difference in your camping adventure.

How Many Campers Will Sleep in the Tent?

As a general rule, it's wise to buy a tent rated for 2 people more than will actually sleep in it. A 2-person tent will sleep 2 adults, but it won't include much room to move around or store gear—a 4-person tent would be better suited to give you room for yourselves and your gear.

If you'll have a bigger group, you'll need more space, so look for tents with vestibules and screen houses. For extra privacy, look at 2-room tents that divide the sleeping area. Most tents will show the tent floor plan and maximum sleeping configuration right on the packaging.

How Will You Transport the Tent?

If you're driving right to your campsite, the bulk and weight of your tent may not be a concern. However, if you're backpacking, biking or canoeing, you'll want to travel light and should consider a smaller, compact tent with lightweight aluminium poles. Most tents state their weight on the packaging.

What is Your Budget?

Like many things, you get what you pay for in a tent. A more expensive tent will incorporate better materials, waterproofing, fly coverage and other features that can make camping comfortable and convenient.

Tent Buying Guide Part 1 - Tent Buying Guide Part 2 - Tent Buying Guide Part 3

Sources : http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/ResearchCentre/TentGuide.jsp?locale=en

iPhone 5G preview, invisible we’re serious [Video]

“iPhone 5 this is going to change everything all over again, again”. We already told you that iPhone’s next iteration –the iPhone 5G can showcase an 8MP camera with Sony providing the lens module and 4G network support.Accordingly, the iPhone 5′s preview video after the break is totally mind boggling, check it out.

iPhone 5G New Features:

It’s invisible
Float in mid-air
Can be small or larger as you wanted it to be
Very advance texting method (telepathy)
High resolution face-to-face picture
MSRP US$800

Sources : http://www.techgeeze.com/2010/10/iphone-5g-preview-invincible-were.html

Canon EOS-1D X review roundup

Canon has just unveiled “the one camera to rule them all” in the crowded market of digital photography, a revolutionary professional digital SLR namedEOS-1D X. The ‘X’ signifies the 10th generation of Canon’s Pro EOS SLRs and as one of the company’s top-of-the-line eXtreme camera on their EOS line up. As the EOS-1D X became available on retailers, we’ll update this post with all the recent reviews that comes up. For the meantime, don’t stay too much here we already have reviews line up just after the cut, and if you’re curious too on how powerful this new beast from Canon we layout some of its key features and images through a gallery, just do a virtual jump.

The Macbook Pro with Retina Display is a message from Apple that they are still at the top of their game in this industry. Apple has set the bar up high for other manufacturers by making a laptop with amazing features that will leave all tech fans wanting a laptop like this. It is a tough road ahead for Apple’s competitors looking at the thin 4.5 pounds MacBook Pro that is packed with amazing features.

Are you a fan of Sony’s smart phones? Well, if you are one of them then you surely have heard about Sony’s new Xperia P. This phone was announced in the month of February and since then people are excited about it. The reason is the new White magic technology. Sony Xperia P is the only phone in the market that has this technology and the good news is that it has been finally released. So you can run to the store and get your hands on this super slim smart phone.

Advantages of purchasing this smartphone

Sony Xperia P is a really attractive cell phone. It has a big touch screen with multi touch support. It has a thin design and a sleek body. In other words, one just cannot leave without catching a glimpse of this amazing cell phone. Moreover, the best part is that it is not that expensive if you compare it with other phones in the market with almost the same features.

Finally, coming to the most important feature of Xperia P, that makes it irresistible- the White magic technology. Some of you might not be aware of this new technology. So let me give you a brief introduction. You might have noticed that when you are outdoors, it becomes difficult for you to view pictures and videos clearly on your phone. This is quite annoying. Isn’t it? So Sony has solved this problem with this white magic! This means now you will be able to view pictures and videos clearly, even if you are outdoors in the sun. No doubt, this is a great new feature.

Sony Xperia P has a high-speed processor and runs the latest version of android. You will also get the chance to enjoy the innumerable applications available at the Google Play store. Moreover, the camera result is also great and it also has a secondary camera that you can use for video calls or online video chats.

Car camping with family or friends is a regular summer pastime for many of us. Whether the campground itself is the main attraction or it's simply your base camp for nearby activities, here's how to find the right home-away-from-home.

Types of Family Tents

At REI, tents that can sleep four or more campers comprise the "family" or "base camp" category. (Backpacking tents are discussed separately.) Here are the basic design options:

Cabin-style tents: These upright styles offer the easiest in/out access. Their near-vertical walls create much livable space, which is a nice advantage. Some models come with family-pleasing features such as room dividers and an awning (or a vestibule door that can be staked out as such).
Dome-style tents: The larger cousin of the classic backpacking domes, these offer superior strength and wind-shedding abilities, both of which you'll appreciate on a stormy night. They stand tall, but their walls have more of a slope which slightly reduces livable space.
Screen rooms and sun shelters: They usually cover the camp picnic table or are pitched for a day at the beach, though they can double as sleeping shelters if needed. With all-mesh walls, screen houses excel in warm conditions and keep occupants shielded from bugs, but not rain.

Weight is far less of a concern for a family camping tent than it is for a backpacking tent, as most family tents are carried only from car to campsite.

Ready to shop? Use our Tent Product Finder for an easy way to choose the right tent or browse our family camping gear.

Guild Wars 2 doesn't launch until next week, but the exchanging of currency for goods and services heeds no human schedule. ArenaNet's resident economist has been analyzing beta data, twisting it with his arcane magics into an infographic that any self-respecting Charr would sooner set aflame than read.

An economist is a person that takes all of the fun out of money, for instead of just happily accepting that he has some and there's more on the way, he has to analyze where it came from, what it's buying, what kind of people are buying it, and look for future trends based on all of that. He can't just run up to the ice cream man and buy a Bomb Pop. He has slowly walk towards it with a determined grimace, brain filled with numbers and statistics. I imagine it's like being a telepath — you have to learn control.

ArenaNet's new guy is a particularly powerful money diviner. So powerful that he cannot even give us his real name.

Hello, all! I'm John Smith, and I've recently had the unbelievable opportunity to join the ArenaNet team and work on Guild Wars 2 as the resident economist. Guild Wars 2 has an incredible virtual economy-one of the largest ever created.

Oh course it does, Mr. Smith. That's what every economist says about their particular area of study. There's an economist in Uganda right now telling someone, "Oh it may not be Europe or the U.S., but Uganda has the most fascinating economy I've ever come across". And then they'll pull out the infographic.

It's actually a rather interesting chart. Seeing what professions in the game sparked interest in beta players is a great way for players that prefer the profession less traveled to plan ahead. And letting me know I can make a ton of money just by being rewarded money is... rewarding?

And look, the Guild Wars 2 economy is more equally distributed than the U.S.'s was in 2007! We kicked 2007's economic ass. If John Smith were here and using his real name I'd give him a high five.

Sources : http://kotaku.com/5937545/the-guild-wars-2-economy-as-seen-by-its-dark-and-mysterious-money-wizard

Empire State Building shooting victim says NYPD fired 'randomly' into street

Questions have been raised over the New York police department's handling of a shooting near the Empire State Building after armed officers injured nine passers-by as they pursued a gunman who had just shot dead his former boss.

One of those injured by police told the Guardian that officers appeared to fire "randomly" as they confronted Jeffrey Johnson, 58, minutes after a workplace dispute escalated into a chaotic shootout in one of the busiest parts of Manhattan.

Reports suggest that while Johnson drew his gun when he was confronted by officers, he did not fire; all those injured appear to have been shot by police. The New York police commissioner, Raymond Kelly, said officers had no choice but to act as they did: police discharged 14 rounds and the gunman died at the scene.

The incident began just after 9am on Friday when Johnson, described as a "disgruntled former employee", walked up to Steve Ercolino, 41, his former manager at Hazan Imports, a business that operates from premises in Midtown, near the Empire State Building. Johnson shot him three times before calmly walking away.

A construction worker alterted two police officers stationed at the landmark. They appear to have attempted to stop Johnson, who dropped a bag and pulled out his gun, according to witnesses. In the ensuing shootout, Johnson died.

Panic soon ensued in the tourist-heavy streets around the Empire State Building, with fears that another mass shooting was under way. However, it became clear that it was not a random attack when police revealed the victim was targeted. Johnson had previously been fired from the business.

Robert Asika was among those wounded, shot in the elbow from a distance of around eight feet by one of the two police officers who confronted Johnson. He accused police of "shooting randomly", and said he saw at least two others hit by police bullets.

"If you're gonna aim try and aim perfectly. If you wanna aim at the target, you got to know what you're doing because it's the street," Asika said. "I could have been dead right now. I could have been dead."

Asika was working on 5th Avenue on Friday morning, selling tickets for tour buses and the building's observation deck. He had only been in the job a week, after having been unemployed for over a year. "I was just standing there and I saw people running. I didn't want to run because I wanted to know why people were running so I turned around and I saw this guy," he said.

"He was suited up, he had like a tie and a briefcase. If you see him, you'd probably think he was like a doctor, or maybe a lawyer, a business guy. He just looked like a normal guy."

Trends For Today