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Archive for the ‘Hobbies’ Category

From a young age we naturally explore new vistas, but quickly learn to be faithful to that with which we have become familiar.   One of those vistas for modern society is the electronics age, which has continued to evolve over the last century challenging the sensibilities of many people and for good reason. 

There has been a mixed human reaction to these new technologies based on fear of the unknown and fascination with the potential. It may remind one of snow skiing or another loved diversion.  Although one may love to ski, and enthusiastically take every opportunity to do so, the number of times they have had the opportunity to pursue that love have been limited.  Read the rest of this entry »

You may be one of the many people who have decided to purchase a digital camera and are now looking for information about how to better utilize this exciting medium.  You may also be one of the skeptics who avoided early adoption of digital technology because of concerns about using the camera and equipment properly.

Whether you are looking to improve your skills or to be assured that a transition to digital equipment is in your best interest before you pack up that old film-based camera, you are part of a growing crowd. Read the rest of this entry »

After years of pressure, you finally got rid of the clunky old Polaroid and converted to a nice 35mm camera for all of your photo needs.  The picture quality was crisp compared to the old model and the colors were far more vibrant.  It made sense to make the switch because 35mm prices were finally in reach of the “average Joe” and you had a strong desire to record life’s important moments in a way that assured quality.
It’s time to switch again.  The digital age of photography is upon us, and film-based cameras are rapidly becoming the 8-track tape of the photography world.  You may be reluctant to abandon your 35mm rig, but the time is right.  Digital camera prices have dropped and the digital photography offers some very strong advantages over film. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s a popular saying that maintains you can give a man a fish and he’ll have a meal, but if you teach him how to fish, he’ll always be well fed.  It’s a great sentiment and it contains more than a kernel of truth, but when you see the way many people prepare the fish they catch, you have to wonder whether or not the idea would hold under practical application!

Really, how many times would one be willing to suffer through the same burnt trout prepared with a little oil or butter on a trusty camp skillet?  It might be a fun snack when one is eating his or her very first trout, but it certainly wouldn’t be anyone’s idea of a great staple meal. Read the rest of this entry »

Fly fishing is a spectacular hobby.  Very few pastimes combine so many interesting features.  From physical dexterity to a knowledge of biology to a mastery of area entomology, fly fishers are able to explore so many exciting topics in their quest for those thrilling moments when a fish leaps and takes a fly in his mouth. 

As with some many worthwhile pursuits, however, it isn’t always easy.  In exchange for the fun, fulfillment and excitement offered by the hobby, one must put forth a genuine effort.  Fortunately, much of the work is fun.  Any angler would enjoy reading more about the hobby and the game he or she will be pursuing.  Anyone with the slightest interest in fly fishing won’t mind practicing his and her cast until the body’s muscles have memorized each element of the motion. Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to fly fishing, attitude is half of the battle.  You need to be able to access than calm mindset that allows for repetition of your technique without becoming frustrated.  You must be able to use the surrounding natural beauty as a means of tempering your impatience.  It requires forethought, dedication and commitment.
 

The other half of fly fishing is the equipment.  One wise commentator once noted that whoever said one could not buy happiness had never invested in a new fly fishing rod.  Although that sentiment is a bit exaggerated, there is no doubt that the proper equipment will go a long way toward creating fly fishing success. Read the rest of this entry »

What makes on stamp more valuable than the other?  Why are some stamps literally worth millions of dollars while other similar issues remain available for only a few dollars? 

The simple answer to those questions is, of course, supply and demand.  High demand and limited supply drive prices upward.  Surpluses or scant interest can make prices drop.  That simple economic answer, however, does not really shed a great deal of light on the particulars of stamp collecting.  Let us take a moment to look at the factors that determine the market value of stamps. Read the rest of this entry »

Some may have a perception of stamp collecting as a somewhat dull avocation practiced only by aging intellectuals in their dusty studies.  Although it is quite easy to imagine the prototypical stamp collector as an aging gray-haired professor in tweed examining a rare stamp with his trusty magnifying glass, the actual population of the stamp collecting hobby is much more diverse.  Young people enjoy collecting postage stamps as do older folks and people from all walks of life.  In fact, stamp collecting seems to be as popular today as it has been at any time in its over 200-year history.  Read the rest of this entry »

Collecting stamps does not necessarily require a substantial investment in terms of equipment.  The tools of the trade used by most collectors are relatively inexpensive and are quite easy to obtain.  Some hobbies require participants to spend a great deal for accessories and supporting devices and equipment, but the cost barrier to entry for stamp collecting is quite low by comparison.  Here is a look at some of the basic tools for stamp collectors. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the most recognizable Latin expressions is “caveat emptor.”  It translates to “buyer beware” and has been used in a variety of situations to express a simple idea–anyone making a purchase should be sure to be well-informed so that they suffer in a bad deal.

We often hear the expression used today to refer to situations where a great deal of money may be on the line with no real guarantee associated with it.  For instance, the purchase of a car or other expensive item on an “as is” basis may warrant a cry of “caveat emptor.”  Another area in which the old adage is well-suited is antique buying. Read the rest of this entry »